Abstract:
A stomach model visual dieting aid includes a generally flexible three-dimensional model of the human stomach having at least length and width dimensions approximately equal to the dimensions of an actual average-sized human stomach and a stomach model storage container including an outer cover and a generally liquid-impervious inner liner mounted on the inner wall of the outer cover. The stomach model storage container is operative to receive and releasably retain the three-dimensional model of the human stomach therein with at least one of said three-dimensional model of the human stomach and the stomach model storage container being at least one of foldable, bendable and rollable to substantially decrease the size of the three-dimensional model of the human stomach when mounted within the stomach model storage container to facilitate transport thereof.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PROVISIONAL PATENT  
       [0001]     This application claims priority based on a provisional patent, specifically on the Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/697,631 filed Jul. 29, 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Technical Field  
         [0003]     The present invention is directed to visual dieting aids and, more particularly, to a three-dimensional latex rubber model of a human stomach which is releasably mounted within a foldable fabric purse which is plastic-lined, the stomach model being approximately life-size and usable to provide a visual aid regarding the amount of food which should be ingested by the user of the invention.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     One of the biggest problems confronting a dieter is to determine the amount of food he or she may ingest at a given meal without resorting to the weighing of each individual portion. In many of the most popular diets today, great emphasis is placed on what the individual is eating and not specifically on how much the individual is eating, but it should be clear to even the most untutored dieter that the ingestion of large quantities of selected foods will certainly not assist the person in losing the desired amount of weight. It has further been found that while it is easy to generally determine the types of foods one is ingesting in connection with a particular diet, the specific amount of each of the foods which is to be ingested is not as easy to determine. There is therefore a need for an easy-to-use visual determination method by which a dieter can determine the approximate correct amount of food he or she should be ingesting.  
         [0006]     The human stomach is a remarkable organ in that it is designed to accept large quantities of food and drink, begin the digestive process, and release discreet amounts of processed ingested foodstuffs into the intestines for further processing thereof. When a person overindulges, however, the stomach can not function with the same amount of efficiency as it ordinarily would due to the overabundance of food stuffs which have been forced in the stomach. It is difficult, however, for most people to visualize how big the human stomach is and how much food or drink will fill the human stomach without it becoming distended. There is therefore a need for a visual dieting aid which will provide a dieter with a visual representation of the approximate size of his or her stomach.  
         [0007]     Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a stomach model visual dieting aid and method of use of the same.  
         [0008]     Another object is to provide a stomach model visual dieting aid which is a three-dimensional latex rubber model of the human stomach which is approximately life-sized and therefore usable to provide a visual aid regarding the comparative quantity of food which should be ingested by the user of the present invention.  
         [0009]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a stomach model visual dieting aid which is releasably mounted within a foldable fabric carrying case or purse which is plastic-lined thereby providing an easily carried and generally spill-proof container for carrying the human stomach model.  
         [0010]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of use of the stomach model visual dieting aid which includes the steps of removing the stomach model from the carrying case, placing the model generally adjacent the food which is to be eaten by the user and comparing the size of the stomach model to the amount of food to be ingested to determine if the quantity of food exceeds the proper amount which should be ingested, the exceeding of which can result in expansion of the stomach, thereby assisting the dieter in choosing appropriate portion sizes.  
         [0011]     Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a stomach model visual dieting aid and method of use which is relatively simple to manufacture and is safe, efficient, and effective in use.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The present invention provides a stomach model visual dieting aid including a generally flexible three-dimensional model of the human stomach having at least length and width dimensions approximately equal to the dimensions of an actual average-sized human stomach and a stomach model storage container including an outer cover and a generally liquid-impervious inner liner mounted on the inner wall of the outer cover. The stomach model storage container is operative to receive and releasably retain the three-dimensional model of the human stomach therein with at least one of said three-dimensional model of the human stomach and the stomach model storage container being at least one of foldable, bendable and rollable to substantially decrease the size of the three-dimensional model of the human stomach when mounted within the stomach model storage container to facilitate transport thereof.  
         [0013]     The present invention also provides a method of using a stomach model visual dieting aid to assist a dieter in controlling portion size of an amount of food which includes the steps of providing a generally flexible three-dimensional model of the human stomach having at least length and width dimensions approximately equal to the dimensions of an actual average-sized human stomach and providing a stomach model storage container including an outer cover and a generally liquid-impervious inner liner mounted on the inner wall of the outer cover with the three-dimensional model of the human stomach being releasably retained therewithin. The three-dimensional model of the human stomach would then be removed from the stomach model storage container and placed generally adjacent an amount of food such that the three-dimensional model of the human stomach and the amount of food are in generally close proximity. The amount of food would then be visually compared to the size of the three-dimensional model of the human stomach and a determination would be made as to the amount of food which is generally no greater than the size of the three-dimensional model of the human stomach based on that visual comparison. Finally, the correctly portioned amount of food would be selected based on the visual comparison and the determining steps thereby enabling a user of the method to quickly and accurately choose correct food portion sizes.  
         [0014]     As thus described, the stomach model visual dieting aid of the present invention provides numerous advantages for persons using the present invention in connection with a program of dieting. For example, one of the significant problems encountered in dieting is to determine what constitutes appropriate portion size, and by merely placing the stomach model of the present invention adjacent the food to be ingested, the user of the present invention may quickly and easily ascertain whether the portion of food chosen is acceptable or clearly exceeds the preferred portion size. Furthermore, because the stomach model of the present invention may be quickly and easily folded into its carrying pouch, it is possible to take the stomach model visual dieting aid out to restaurants and other places away from home and obtain the same benefits of portion size control available at home in the remote location. Also, because the method of use of the stomach model visual dieting aid is relatively simple, virtually anyone can use the present invention as a dieting aid, as opposed to the calorie counting and carbohydrate counting methods commonly used by dieters the world over. This makes the present invention far easier and more effective to use than many dieting aids found in the prior art. Finally, the generally 3-dimensional nature of the stomach model visual dieting aid provides a quick and handy reference for the dieter as to the actual volume of the human stomach, and therefore more appropriate choices may be made as to portion size and food variety than is available when dieting aids found in the prior art are used. It is therefore clear that the present invention provides a substantial improvement over those devices and methods found in the prior art.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the stomach model of the present invention adjacent an amount of food to provide a visual dietary aid;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the stomach model mounted within the stomach purse;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the stomach purse of the present invention being folded; and  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the stomach purse in storage configuration.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0019]     The stomach purse  10  of the present invention is shown best in  FIGS. 1-4  as including a generally flat sheet of fabric material  12  which is lined on the upper surface thereof by a plastic sheet  14 . It is preferred that the fabric sheet  12  have a height of approximately 6 to 12 inches, a width of approximately 6 to 12 inches and be generally rectangular in shape, although the exact size, shape and dimensions of the fabric sheet  12  are not critical to the present invention. It is further preferred that plastic sheet  14  have dimensions slightly less than the dimensions of fabric sheet  12  to provide a lining for the upper surface of the fabric sheet  12  as shown best in  FIG. 2 . Although the exact natures of the construction materials used in connection with fabric sheet  12  and plastic sheet  14  are not critical to the present invention, it is preferred that plastic sheet  14  be constructed of a generally liquid-impervious flexible plastic sheet material and further that fabric sheet  12  be constructed of an aesthetically pleasing flexible fabric which may include various shapes and designs thereon according to the desires of the manufacturer and purchaser of the stomach purse  10  of the present invention.  
         [0020]     The stomach model  30  of the present invention is shown best in  FIGS. 1-3  as including first and second latex sheets  32   a  and  32   b  which are connected to one another along the outer edges thereof to form a generally fluid-impervious container which may be inflated to form the three-dimensional model of the human stomach as shown best in  FIG. 1 . It is an important feature of the present invention that the latex sheets  32   a  and  32   b  of stomach model  30  provide a very close approximation of the shape of the human stomach, and not only the shape of the human stomach but also the approximate size and dimensions of the human stomach for a person of average size. Of course, size variations in the human stomach are quite common, and clearly a person who is 5′2″ and 100 pounds will have a much smaller stomach than a person who is 6′2″ and 270 pounds, but it is expected that the present invention will use the median size and shape of the human stomach as the formational dimensions for the stomach model  30 .  
         [0021]     When the stomach model  30  is placed within stomach purse  10 , it is retained on plastic sheet  14  by a plurality of tabs  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  which, in the preferred embodiment, would consist of cutout sections of plastic sheet  14  which may be pivoted out of parallel alignment with the remainder of plastic sheet  14  to slide the edge of stomach model  30  there underneath, as shown best in  FIG. 2 . Once the edge of stomach model  30  is slid underneath each of the tabs  16   a - c , the tabs  16   a - c  are released and the stomach model  30  is frictionally retained within the tab  16   a - c  on plastic sheet  14 . Of course, numerous other methods of retaining stomach model  30  on plastic sheet  14  may be used with the present invention so long as the securement devices do not materially interfere with the use of the stomach model  30  and the ability of the stomach purse  10  to be folded into a relatively small and easily accessed unit.  
         [0022]     Once the stomach model  30  has been placed on plastic sheet  14  underneath tabs  16   a - c , the stomach purse  10  may be folded from its open configuration shown in  FIG. 2  to its storage configuration shown best in  FIG. 4 . It is expected that several longitudinal and transverse folds will be made in the fabric sheet  12  and hence plastic sheet  14  to fold the stomach purse  10  into its storage position, as shown in  FIG. 3 , but it should be understood that the exact location and number of longitudinal and transverse folds is not critical to the present invention so long as the stomach purse  10  may be folded into a relatively compact and easily transportable storage configuration. It is further expected that a hook and loop closure device such as a velcro fastener  18  will be used to secure the stomach purse  10  in its storage configuration, although the exact nature of any such fastening device is not critical to the present invention so long as the stomach purse  10  is retained in its storage configuration.  
         [0023]     The stomach purse  10  and stomach model  30  of the present invention would be used as a dietary aid in the following manner. Immediately prior to eating, a user of the stomach purse  10  would remove the stomach purse  10  from his or her carrying location and unfold the stomach purse  10  from its storage configuration to the open configuration of  FIG. 2  thus exposing the stomach model  30 . The stomach purse  10  may then be laid beside the food  50  to be ingested or, alternatively, the stomach model  30  may be removed from the stomach purse  10  and held adjacent to or over the food  50  which is to be ingested, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In this manner, the user of the stomach purse  10  of the present invention may instantaneously visualize the actual amount of food he or she is about to ingest as compared to the exact size of his or her stomach, and thus the individual may quickly and easily determine whether the amount of food they are about to ingest is excessive or whether the amount of food they are about to ingest is acceptable. Once the visual determination of the amount of food to be ingested has been made, the stomach model  30  may be returned to the stomach purse  10  and retained therein by the tabs  16   a - c  and the stomach purse  10  may be refolded to return the stomach purse  10  to its storage configuration.  
         [0024]     It should also be noted that it may not be necessary for the individual using the present invention to remove and view the stomach model  30  each time he or she prepares to eat. In fact, once a person has achieved the initial and basic understanding of the approximate size of the stomach model versus the amount of food to be ingested, the stomach purse  10  can be kept in the person&#39;s carrying location and briefly viewed as a reminder for the individual. Thus, it may only be occasionally necessary to remove and view the actual model to refresh one&#39;s understanding of the size of the stomach versus the amount of food to be ingested, therefore making use of the present invention even easier for the individual using it.  
         [0025]     The present invention thus provides a substantial improvement over those dietary aids found in the prior art. For example, because the majority of people cannot visualize the exact size and shape of their stomach, constant overeating is often the result, and the present invention provides an easy to use and socially acceptable means by which an individual can obtain a visual determination of the amount of food he or she is about to ingest. Furthermore, because the stomach purse  10  of the present invention is attractive in appearance and is relatively compact in its storage configuration, it may be easily transported to various locations which permits the stomach purse  10  to be used even when one is in restaurants or the like. Also, because the stomach model  30  is constructed of a liquid-resistant latex material, it will not easily be degraded or destroyed by contact with foodstuffs and/or liquids as would a simple paper model of a stomach, hence the use of latex rubber material. Finally, the inclusion of plastic sheet  14  as an overlay to fabric sheet  12  is designed to permit the quick storage of the stomach model  30  even if the stomach model  30  has been in contact with foodstuffs and/or liquids, and because the plastic sheet  14  is generally impervious to liquids, the fabric sheet  12  is generally protected from contact with residual foodstuffs and/or liquids. It is thus seen that the present invention provides a substantial improvement over those visual aid devices found in the prior art.  
         [0026]     It is to be understood that numerous additions, modifications and substitutions may be made to the stomach purse  10  and stomach model  30  of the present invention which fall within the intended broad scope of the above description. For example, the stomach purse  10 , although described as being constructed of a fabric material, may be constructed of many different types of flexible materials so long as the aesthetic and functional features of the present invention are maintained. Likewise, the stomach model  30  may be constructed of many different types of materials, but it should be noted that the size and shape of the stomach model  30  are critical to the present invention as it is the generally accurate depiction of the size and shape of the human stomach which renders the present invention a valuable visual aid for a dieter. Finally, it is preferred that the designs used in connection with the fabric material of the stomach purse  10  be aesthetically pleasing, and may include such designs as butterflies and other symbolic representations of change, new life, freedom and beauty to assist the dieter in making smart and appropriate choices in the amount of food which he or she may be eating.  
         [0027]     There has therefore been shown and described a stomach purse  10  which accomplishes at least all of its intended objectives.