MXPA99011379A - Handle accessory for bowl of food for b - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handle attachment for baby feeding bowls having a central depression that is surrounded by an edge, the accessory comprises: a mounting edge formed as an arch and having a shape corresponding substantially to less a part of one edge shape and having a shorter length than the edge of the bowl, the mounting edge includes a lower edge, the inner and outer flanges extending downward from the lower edge of the mounting edge, inner and outer flanges are in parallel parallel relationship to define between them a receiving groove, the receiving groove has a predetermined width to supply a friction splice on the bowl in proximity to the edge of the bowl when the edge of the bowl is received into the groove receiver, and a thumb rest that extends outwardly from an exterior face of the outer flange, and an upper flange that extends rises up from the rim of the mountain

Description

ASA ACCESSORY FOR BABY FOOD BOWL REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to the Serial No. (Attorney Case Number 130436-D200), which is incorporated by reference herein and forms part thereof, which includes but is not limited to those portions thereof. which appear specifically later. DECLARATION REGARDING THE FEDERALLY SPONSORED SEARCH. Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally describes articles for baby feeding. In particular, the present invention describes a handle which is attached to a baby feeding bowl. In infant feeding, food, typically a purée, is typically kept in a bowl or deep dish. In an attempt to prevent a baby from "playing" with food, parents will typically hold the bowl in one hand, away from the baby, while feeding the baby with the other hand. This is usually achieved by holding the bottom of the bowl with the fingers while the thumb engages with and over the edge of the bowl, from time to time the thumb slides into the food. Sometimes, there is also a problem with the stability that arises when lifting at the only point of contact between the thumb and the edge of the bowl.

Another problem frequently encountered in feeding the baby is the tendency to load the spoon with too much food. While the baby's spoon is usually adjusted to the size for admission into the baby's mouth, if the spoon is overloaded or overflows with food, the food usually ends up smeared on the baby's face and quickly spreads around the baby, by the baby's hands and his normal curiosity so it will be on his or her face. Then, parents should be very practical in carefully loading the spoon for a clean introduction of at least a larger portion of food in the baby's mouth. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention discloses a multi-purpose accessory which, in a simple and efficient manner, freely mounts to a feeding bowl and, when assembled, provides an elongated grip area along a significant portion of the edge, the thumb rests conveniently separated from the outside of the bowl and protected from it. and an upper flange conveniently placed to act as a splash shield. This upper rim can be tilted inward to form a leveling rim to allow a leveling of the contents of the spoon before the attempt to insert it into the baby's mouth.

The handle attachment is preferably a unitary article of a synthetic resinous material compatible and suitable for food which snaps over the edge of the bowl to provide an interlaced engagement with itself sufficient to supply a stable foot rest for the thumb and a leveling edge of the bowl. the food, while at the same time, allows the attachment to be quickly released from the bowl for cleaning purposes. Basically, the attachment includes an elongated rim mouth defined by the parallel spaced tabs forming a receiving groove directed downward which is adapted to engage and receive over the rim of the bowl. The actual engagement with the bowl edge can be enhanced by internal trimmings on either or both edges as it is considered best to accommodate the current bowl edge configuration, which is lightly embellished, enlarged, or the like. The outer rim preferably extends slightly below the inner rim. Both flanges, for assembly convenience, may have the inner and lower faces flared slightly outward. The thumb rest is formed integrally with the outer rim along the lower portion of its edge and centered therefrom. This rest projects laterally outwardly from the outer flange and has an outwardly curved outer end portion which tends to help retain the thumb on the rest and prevent any accidental slippage thereof. While the thumb hooks the rest in basically a point along the length of the edge, it will be appreciated that the retaining force thereof is transferred along a substantial portion of the length of the edge by the mounting edge. This tends substantially to improve the stability of the bowl grip. The upper flange, which is preferably coextensive with the mounting edge length, tapered upward and inward relative thereto, providing a leveling edge against which the filled spoon can be easily slid to level the food, preferably no greater than the upper edge of the spoon. It will also be recognized that this upper flange is like an effective splash shield for the externally located thumb. As a variant, the handle accessory can also incorporate an elongated projection support integral with the outer flange and extends from the lower edge thereof, in alignment with the thumb rest. This projection of the support arches downwardly and internally beyond the inner rim as well as the side and bottom of the bowl, for a substantial transverse portion thereof. In this way, the projection of the support itself provides a direct support of the bowl with or without a current placement of the hand below the bowl. Just as the projection of the support can also allow a direct support of the bowl only by the rest of the thumb. However, this can not be a preferred way of handling the bowl or using the handle accessory. The mounting of the accessory with the extension of the support can easily be effected by swinging the support extension down around the bowl and engaging the mounting edge groove with the edge of the bowl, basically, in a single movement. The removal will be just as simple. The fitting itself, even if substantially rigid, will include a sufficiently elastic flexibility, such as to allow a quick assembly and removal of the attachment, a slight flexion of the mounting edge to accommodate the bowls of the slightly variable bows, and an effective and releasable secure snap-on edge mounting bowl. Other features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the additional details of the invention as specifically set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objectives and features of the invention mentioned above are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which the reference numbers denote similar elements, and in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the handle attachment in the mounting position on a bowl as shown in phantom lines; FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 2-2 in Figure 1; FIG. 3 is a front view or the side of the bowl thereof; FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view thereof; FIG. 5 is a side elevation view thereof; FIG. 6 is a top view thereof; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the handle assembly; and FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 8-8 in Figure 7; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now more specifically to the drawings, a handle accessory according to the present invention is generally designated by reference to the number 10. The handle accessory 10 can be produced from a variety of materials, using a variety of methods. It is preferred, however, that it be manufactured as a monolithic member of a suitable synthetic resinous material compatible with food and substantially rigid produced by injection molding. The handle attachment 10 is intended for use with a baby feeding bowl generally identified by reference to number 12, such as a baby feeding bowl 12 will include a central depression 14 for receiving food, and a surrounding edge 16 the central depression 14 and extends upwards thereof, as is well known. The handle accessory 10 includes an edge for mounting 18 in the form of an elongated member having a profile which forms the edge 16 of the baby feeding bowl 12. For a baby feeding bowl 12 having a circular edge 16, as shown, this results in the mounting edge 18 having the shape of a section of an arc forming the diameter of the mounting edge 18. The mounting edge 18 has an outer and an inner flange 20 and 22 which they extend from a lower edge 24 of the mounting edge 18. The flanges 20 and 22 are in parallel relation, and spaced outwardly from each other, as well as radially. As shown radially outwardly for the arched mounting of the edge 18, flanges 20 and 22 define a receiving groove 26 therebetween. The flanges 20 and 22 define a receiving groove 26 therebetween.

While not required, in the preferred manner shown the outer rim 22 is of a greater height than the inner rim 20 and thus extends below the inner rim 20 at a predetermined distance. The reason for this arrangement will be clarified later. The opposite inner faces of both edges 20 and 22, adjacent to the free ends thereof can be slightly beveled externally to facilitate the introduction of the edge 16. The spacing between the inner flange 20 and the outer flange 22 is fixed such as the edge 16 will be firmly received within the receiving groove 26. As the baby feeding bowl 10 will have a limited variation of thickness of the edge 16 with which it will operate, depending on the width of the receiving groove 26 chosen, in practice, the The lower limit of the thickness of the edge 16 can be more quickly determined, when the upper limit on the thickness of the edge 16 can be extended due to the inherent flexibility of most plastics. In this regard, it is noted that this flexibility will also allow the handle attachment 10 to be used with the baby feeding bowls 12 having a shape which varies to some degree from the same handle attachment 10, such as by a diameter slightly different for the circular mode that is shown. It is desirable that the handle attachment 10 has a firm frictional engagement with the edge 16 to secure the handle attachment 10 thereto. To help in this, the inner faces of the inner flange 20 and the outer flange 22 can form the particular transverse profile of the edge 16. In the example shown, the edge 16 includes a ridge directed externally on its outer face. The inner face of the outer flange 22 then includes a coupling opening 28 where it is placed and adjusted to the size to engage with the flange on the edge 16 when the handle attachment 10 is mounted in the baby feeding bowl 12. As many have provided, such a coupling relationship greatly reduces the possibility that the handle accessory 10 may be inadvertently removed from the edge 16. The length of the mounting edge 18 will in effect also be affected in the safety of the connection. In the embodiment shown, the arcuate mounting edge 18 extends by more than 90 degrees, but less than 180 degrees. The particular length chosen may vary based on the adjustment of the receiving slot 26, and other factors quickly perceived by those skilled in the art. The handle attachment 10 also includes a thumb rest 30 extending outwardly from the mounting edge 18. In the embodiment shown the thumb rest 30 extends from the free edge of the outer rim 22, and way as a monolithic extension of it. Alternatively, the thumb rest 30 can be mounted in a position separate from the free edge, and / or formed as a separate element secured thereto. Depending on the length chosen for the mounting edge 18, the thumb rest 30 may have a dimension next to the length of the thumb assembly 18 which is substantially smaller than the mounting edge itself, as shown. In addition, the edge rest 30 can, and preferably does, include a bell-shaped portion 32 on its outer end which serves to act as a step for the user's thumb against movement out of the baby feeding bowl 12 In use, the user will assemble the handle accessory 10 for the baby feeding bowl 12 by the first alignment for the receiving groove 26 with the edge 16, and then manually press down to produce the edge 16 to be received within the receiving slot 26. The user can then place the thumb of one hand on the upper surface of the thumb rest 30, and the fingers of that same hand placed under the central depression 14 of the baby feeding bowl 12. As, The user can support the baby feeding bowl 12 with one hand. The pressure of the thumb on the thumb rest 30 serves to stabilize the baby feeding bowl 12 against tilting. This pressure is transmitted through the thumb rest 30 to the outer rim 22. As may be anticipated, the lower portion of the outer rim 22 presses on the outer face of the baby feed bowl 12, while the upper portion of the upper rim 20 it presses against the inner face of the baby feeding bowl 12. It is for this reason that the outer rim 22 can be formed with a greater height than the inner rim 20, if desired. The above arrangement provides several benefits. For example, the fingers can be placed adjacent the edge of the central depression 14 (or on the side of the baby feeding bowl 12), and the thumb pressure on the thumb rest 30 will prevent the baby feeding bowl 12 lean. As well as, the user can place his hand in a comfortable position to hold the baby feeding bowl 12, even if the hand is relatively small compared to the baby feeding bowl 12. In addition, the handle accessory 10 serves to supplying the downward thumb pressure for the baby feeding bowl 12 without the user's thumb currently contacting the baby feeding bowl 12. This avoids the possibility of the user's thumb accidentally slipping inside the bowl interior, as often happens without the use of the handle attachment 10. This serves to reduce contact, and contamination of the food within the baby feeding bowl 12. To increase utility, it is preferred that the thumb rest 30 be relatively narrow with respect to the mounting edge 18, and placed centrally therein, as best seen in Fig. 6. This allows the handle accessory 10 to be quickly employed by users of both right and left hands. While the above arrangement provides utility, an additional modification may be added to perform additional functions. Specifically, the handle attachment 10 may include an upper flange 34 which serves as both a squeegee to adjust the amount of food placed in the feeding spoon, and as a hand splash shield, and particularly the thumb, to any trend of the food to, or that the baby's craving in particular, is pulled from the bowl. Therefore, the upper flange 34 extends upwardly of the mounting edge 18, preferably of the complete, or substantially complete, length thereof. The upper flange 34 has a height which allows it to act as a shield against unintentional exit of the baby feeding bowl 12, and ends in a leveling edge 36 at its upper end. While the upper flange 34 can be substantially formed to act as a vertical shield, it is preferred that it be, or includes a portion which is, angled towards the interior of the central depression 14 of the baby feeding bowl 12. This will serve to separate the internal leveling edge 36 with respect to the remaining upper flange 34. Such as, the user can place the feeding spoon (not shown) in place, and externally of, the leveling edge 36 and then move the spoon inward while maintaining a desired distance from the leveling edge 36. In many cases, this distance will be zero, with the user moving the upper edge of the bowl spoon along the leveling edge 36. As may be anticipated, this will cause the leveling edge 36 to remove the excess of spoon food. It is well known that this will allow the combination of food and spoon to fit more easily into the baby's mouth, reducing disgust and food waste. The accessibility of such means directly on the edge of the bowl and in the area of the hook of the hand support with the bowl, provides a convenient operation of the task which must be repeatedly executed with each spoonful. With reference to Figs. 7 and 8, a second embodiment of a handle accessory according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference numerals 38. As with the first embodiment the handle accessory 38 includes a mounting edge 18, an inner flange 20, an outer rim 22, a receiving groove 26 and a thumb rest 30. In this arrangement, however, the baby feeding bowl 12 does not include an outer edge adjacent this edge 16, nor does the receiving groove 26 include the opening coupling 28 to receive this projection.

To ensure that the handle attachment 38 is securely retained in the baby feeding bowl 12, the handle attachment 38 may include an extension of the holder 40 extending from the outer rim 22. This extension of the holder 40 may include a curvature such as it will contact the outer face of the central depression 40 of the baby feeding bowl 12, at least adjacent to the free end of the extension of the holder 40. It is of course most preferred to have the extension of the holder 40 closely conforming to the curvature of the bowl Baby feeding 12, as shown. The extension of the support 40 is brought into contact with the baby feeding bowl 12, and thus serves to assist in the support of the baby feeding bowl 12, against tilting. This may be more desirable when, as shown, the bowl and the handle attachment 38 have no elements to secure the receiving groove 26 to the edge 16. It is not limited to those instances, however, for example, the extension of the support 40. It can act as an extension of the user's fingers, and in this way provide greater stability for users with small hands. Additionally, the extension of the holder 40 can act as an insulator, separator from the bowl user's hand which can be unpleasantly hot. Such as, the extension of the support 40 can also serve numerous purposes. It is further noted that the handle accessory 38 may also include the upper flange 34 if it wishes to increase its usefulness as noted above. From the above it has been observed that this invention is well adapted to obtain all the ends and objectives established together with the other advantages that are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain characteristics and subcombinations are useful and can be used without reference to other characteristics and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments can be produced from the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it will be understood that the entire subject set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be construed as illustrative, and not in a limited sense. .

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS 1. A handle attachment for baby feeding bowls having a central depression that is surrounded by an edge, the fitting consists of: a mounting edge having a shape substantially corresponding to at least a portion of a shape of the edge of the bowl, and having a length less than that of the edge of the bowl, the mounting edge includes a lower edge; the inner and outer flanges extending downward from the lower edge of the mounting edge, the inner and outer flanges are in parallel parallel relation to define a receiving slot, between them the receiving slot has a predetermined width to supply a splice of friction on the bowl in proximity to the edge of the bowl when the edge of the bowl is received into the slot; and A thumb rest extends outward from the outer face of the outer flange. A handle accessory as in claim 1, wherein the thumb rest additionally includes an upwardly flared portion adjacent to a free end of the thumb rest, the upwardly flared portion providing a thumb support for the user. A handle accessory as in claim 1, wherein the receiving groove further includes a coupling opening formed within one of the inner and outer flanges and constructed and arranged to receive a protrusion extending to the outside of the edge of the bowl . 4. A handle accessory as in claim 1 further includes an upper flange extending upward from the mounting edge. A handle accessory as in claim 5, wherein the top flange includes a portion extending internally with respect to the mounting edge