TODDLER NATURAL GRIP FLATWARE

A toddler flatware using the natural finger grip for consuming food is disclosed. The flatware has an eating utensil, such as a spoon bowl, fork, or knife and a handle attached perpendicular to the eating utensil. The handle is flat with rounded edges and corners for a comfortable grip. The handle is secured between the thumb and the tips of the fingers, mimicking the natural act of eating with one's hands. The natural motion afforded by the flatware design facilitates the act of self-feeding, either by toddlers or by adults with impaired motor-function. It also facilitates the transition to traditional adult flatware.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention uses the natural finger grip for consuming the food. As shown inFIG. 2, in a natural finger grip200, the fingertips come together against the tip of the thumb to pinch and scoop food into the mouth. This grip is the same used for millennia by the many cultures which, even to this day, eat their foods using their hands. Thus this is a very natural motion since it mimics the motion of picking up food with the fingers and putting it in the mouth.

The present invention discloses a spoon or any other flatware whose handle is designed to be gripped using a “natural finger grip”.FIGS. 3A-3Cillustrate perspective views of a toddler flatware for example a spoon250, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The spoon250has a small shallow bowl204and a handle202. The handle202is designed to be gripped using the natural finger grip200.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of the toddler flatware250depicted inFIGS. 3A-3Cheld using natural finger grip200, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments for consuming food. This mimics the motion of picking up food with the fingers and putting it in the mouth using natural finger grip200.

Several conceptual models300,310,320,330,340,350and360of natural grip flatware are shown inFIGS. 5A-5B,6A-6B and7A-7C respectively, but it should be understood that the particulars of the design can vary. The embodiments can be in different combinations of stainless steel with over-molded plastic handles or all-plastic constructions. They were designed with a relatively large flat handle202which is oriented perpendicularly to the spoon bowl204. All edges and corners on the flat handle202have been rounded for comfort. The intent is for the flat shape to be secured between the thumb and the tips of the fingers; for this purpose any number of features may be designed into the handle204to improve grip. The handle204may also be designed to be large enough so that its back edge rests against the crease of the palm of the folded hand for a more secure grip.

In addition to the toddler market, other applications are anticipated for flatware with these design characteristics. For example, adults suffering from debilitating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may find it easier to use natural grip flatware (adult-sized versions would be designed). Likewise, senior citizens or any person with decreased dexterity would benefit from this ergonomic design.

The main aspect of this innovation is the design of flatware which encourages and facilitates the use of a natural finger grip. A natural finger grip closely mimics the body mechanics of eating with one's hands, and can facilitate the use of flatware, especially to those with developing or diminished motor skills. Note that theFIGS. 5A-5Band7A-7C depict the toddler spoon bowl204andFIGS. 6A-6Bdepict the toddler fork206for the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that a natural finger grip may also be achieved through a multitude of handle shapes and sizes, e.g. ring-shaped handles, ball-shaped handles, half-moon-shaped handles, etc. It should be understood that any and all such alternative embodiments still fall within the spirit of this claim.