Abstract:
An assisted eating aid for use with an eating utensil constructed to carry food portions is disclosed as a serving vessel body having a bottom surface and an opposing upper surface with a centrally disposed food receiving region, an outermost perimeter, and a plurality of flanges projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the serving vessel body to divide the centrally disposed food receiving region from an outermost food receiving region where at least two of the flanges are spaced apart with each flange having an interior facing scoop surface and exterior facing scoop surface constructed to shove food portions pushed thereagainst onto the eating utensil.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/885,194, filed on Oct. 1, 2013, entitled Assisted Eating Aid, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to food serving vessels such as plates, dishes, bowls, trays, and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to food serving vessels for providing a self-assisted dining experience for individuals such as those with physical disabilities, the elderly in need of feeding assistance, or toddlers requiring an educational aid during mealtime. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    For many various reasons assisted eating aids are commonly provided in the form of an eating vessel that incorporates an obstacle against which food may be captured between the eating utensil and the opposing obstacle in an effort to scoop food onto the eating utensil. Such eating aids provide not only an obstacle for the loading of food onto utensils but also serve as a barrier in the form of sidewalls, baffles or retention rings that are intended to prevent food from falling over the edge of a eating vessel onto the table or floor. 
         [0006]    Over the years assisted eating aids have proven to be ineffective, cumbersome, impractical, difficult to clean, and/or difficult to manufacture. Most assisted eating aids available today are commonly referred to as dishes, a term generally used to describe vessels that are intended for the purpose of holding or serving food. As used herein, the general term dish includes serving vessels such as plates, saucers, bowls, mugs, glasses, platters, and even cups. 
         [0007]    At times, users find themselves being forced to eat from an assisted eating aid that is more akin to a bowl with tall upwardly and sometimes inwardly extending sidewalls. Because of the opaque, high sidewalls, individuals find themselves impeded from accurately observing the utensil movement within the bowl/dish. Under these circumstances, not only do the individuals have to lean forward and look over the top rim of the sidewall, additionally they must exhibit enough physical dexterity to observe the obscured areas along the interior surface of the closest sidewalls of the bowl in an attempt to view the interior sidewall interaction with the utensil and the food to ensure food is being loaded properly onto the utensil. This unintended consequence when using a high rim, opaque wall limits observation within the bowl and makes it far more difficult to load the eating utensil properly thus adding to unnecessary false withdrawals of food or smaller portions requiring additional work. 
         [0008]    Even greater objectionable disadvantages are present when the bowl/dish is used as an assisted eating aid for physically impaired individuals. Many physically impaired individuals, while able to move their limbs, are nonetheless unable to use their core or maneuver their upper torso forward in such a manner that could afford them an unobstructed view into the interior of the bowl/dish. Thus, what is meant as a potential aid actually winds up inhibiting the individual. 
         [0009]    The impediment of tall bowl-like sidewalls also injects further difficulty as a learning aid for toddlers. Toddlers, while having the dexterity in most instances to move their upper body core forward in an effort view over the rim of the bowl and thereby observe the action between the eating utensil and the food, are nonetheless prevented from completing such a task simply as a result of their upper body core length. They are just too short in most instances. 
         [0010]    In addition to the foregoing, other physical drawbacks exist for individuals with shorter arm reach, including, but not just limited to, those individuals with restricted shoulder or elbow extension ability. Extra physical effort must be exerted when an individual is using a bowl that forces upon them an expanded upward and outward movement required to successfully remove the food over the top perimeter of such tall sidewalls. This repeated increased physical effort, for those with physical impairments, will over the course of a meal induce a tiring effect, especially for those with limited energy, creating an environment that will certainly result in increased accidental bumping from the added movements causing the food to be imparted from the utensil either back into the bowl, or even worse, landing on the table or floor. The effort demanded from this repeated movement further exponentially diminishes the goal of a useful, effective or functional assisted eating aid that promotes dining independence, individual dignity, self-reliance, pride, and the autonomy desired by individuals seeking in a near normal dining experience. 
         [0011]    Additional shortcomings arise with a bowl/dish devised with internal partitions or division walls that rise to the height found in a bowl/dish as they present similar problems to the sidewalls. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, unless the bowl/dish is disproportionately larger in size to a normal eating bowl, the area given to the internal compartment is far and away out of scale to the most common sized eating utensils. Adding food into the bowl/dish compartments and the area diminishes even more. These internal division walls or partitions add further impediments to the observation and function within the bowl, causing additional physical and visual voids at the intersection of the division walls and the base of the bowl/dish. For physically impaired individuals and toddlers alike, the internal division walls placed at right angles with the intersections of the bottom of the bowl make it impossible for an individual to view the food and utensil interaction and thus difficult to negotiate the eating utensil. Other disadvantages found in tall right angular internal division walls of such character become apparent when realizing that the user is prohibited from employing the aid as asserted. Simply put, the internal divisions do not exhibit the attributes provided by the peripheral sides, rendering them useless as an assisted eating aid. Removing food from an eating vessel by reaching over the top of tall internal division walls set at right angles is an obstacle that is difficult to overcome and burdensome for the user. 
         [0012]    Also, it will be readily apparent that other apparent deficiencies exist when analyzing sidewalls having a single consistent angular alignment to the bottom of the vessel. It is known that food groups are comprised of different weight, sizes, textures, consistency, and density. Mash potatoes will interact within the assisted eating aid sidewall in a very different manner than that of small peas or even steak. Such differences in the qualities of the food types may require diverse obstacle angles of various shapes and different heights to enhance the successful loading of different foods onto the eating utensil that are not likely to be provided by a uniform sidewall. 
         [0013]    Also, it will be readily apparent that, when washed in mechanical dishwashers, conventional bowl type eating aids with the sidewall characteristics described above are difficult to properly clean, rinse and sterilize unless they are placed flat and face down to prevent trapping food particles where the inwardly turned sidewalls adjoin the bottom of the bowl/dish. This type of odd placement dramatically reduces the usable area within the mechanical dishwasher, adding to the disadvantages of such construction. 
         [0014]    Similar sidewall impediments found in the bowl/dishes eating aids are common in food-retaining devices adapted for mounting to an ordinary food plate. These retaining devices replicate the tall wall system of retention common in the bowl environment. As a result, the drawbacks for these devices, while removable, are the same as the bowl/dish with high sidewalls, that is, obstructed view, inefficient interaction with eating utensils, deficient biotechnology, and dysfunctional integration between the eating utensil, the retention ring and various food groups. 
         [0015]    Other significant drawbacks found in conventional serving devices relate to the absence of any secondary system to catch or collect food that may be exported over the top of the sidewall, retention ring, or baffle, regardless of whether the export action was caused by a jerking motion, a learning experience, or just an overloaded utensil. 
         [0016]    In addition to serving as an eating aid, some conventional devices are used as an educational aid for toddlers to develop proper feeding skills. An example of one approach to a child&#39;s self-feed training dish may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,757,525 to Marsala. Generally, this patent describes a dish for children with a conventional flat bottom and with an in-turned upper lip so that when a child tries to “scoop” a spoonful of food the excess food will fall into the dish instead of on the table adjacent such dish. 
         [0017]    Another example of an educational-focused child&#39;s feeding dish may be found U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,212 to Sekuler. Sekuler teaches a feeding dish for training children how to scoop food onto an eating utensil, such as a spoon. In this approach, the feeding dish includes a flat bottom with an integrally formed acute or bow-like upwardly and inwardly extending sidewall that terminates in an edge having essentially the same shape as the outer edge of the bottom. Such a feeding dish purports to train children and toddlers to easily scoop food from the dish while generally minimizing the possibility of food accidentally dropping outwardly of the dish and onto the adjacent table or floor. 
         [0018]    Another example of an assisted eating aid may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,278 to Vann Jr. Vann Jr. teaches a split ring shaped singular piece of flexible material having a substantially V-shaped cross section, adapted to receive and be mounted upon a food plate which is equal to or slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the device itself. Mounting of the retainer device upon a plate is accomplished via a twisting and/or prying action exerted upon the ends of the split ring and thereupon inserting of the plate. The upper section of the retainer is disposed such that it slants upwardly and inwardly toward the center of the plate so that the inner surface thereof acts as a barrier to the food which is urged against it, and thus prevents spilling of the food over the edge of the plate or the retainer device itself. 
         [0019]    Yet another example of an assisted eating aid may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,940,634 to Wild. Wild teaches a removable clip-on baffle for attaching to a plate, saucer, or dish for providing a baffle against which food on the plate may be pushed to facilitate placing the food upon a fork or spoon. 
         [0020]    Yet another example of an assisted eating aid may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,422,986 to Tilseth. Tilseth teaches a device, attachable to a rim of the dish for the purpose of forming an abutment against which a fork may be pushed so as to scoop up food in a dish. The device includes a groove for receiving the rim of the plate and having an upstanding wall serving as the abutment. 
         [0021]    Still another example of an assisted eating aid may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,816 to Boyd. Boyd teaches a dining plate helper in the form of an upstanding angular shaped abutment located on the food containing surface of the plate and angled inwardly with respect to the plate&#39;s peripheral edge. On the opposite side of the plate is contained one or more for protruding members to serve as legs enabling a series of plates to be stored one on top of the other in the stacking arrangement. In an alternative embodiment described in Boyd, additional food retaining members are located on the surface of the plate and are radially aligned in a circumferentially spaced manner. In yet another alternative embodiment disclosed in Boyd, the plate includes a utensil retaining rim and the protruding member on the opposite side thereof permitting stacking of a plurality of similar plates for defining a shallow bowl for retaining liquids such a soup. 
         [0022]    Still another example of an assisted eating aid may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,551 to Morrow et al. Morrow teaches an eating aid comprised of a one-piece, integral, elastically deformed member having a top wall and a continuous side wall with a bottom edge surrounding a depression. The deformed member cooperates with a substantially smooth planar surface to form a closed chamber where the bottom edge is disposed thereupon and adheres to the surface by suction in response to a downward deformation of the top wall. The sidewall extends upwardly from the surface where the member is adhered thereto to form an inwardly arcuate abutment surface by and eating utensil onto the utensil when a user is eating food off of the planar surface. 
         [0023]    In reviewing the approaches in the patents discussed above, it is clear that such approaches have additional disadvantages. For example, the Wild patent discussed above discloses a light, small removable baffle attached by means of resilient pressure formed by a upper and lower strip connected together by an intermediate portion which has the same or a greater degree of resilient consistency such that the intermediate portion will tend to hold the upper and lower strip portions resiliently together. The very object of this configuration creates a situation where the upper and lower strips intersect the attachment to the plate at a single point along its surface, thus creating a pivot point in the attached device. Any food point pushed against the baffle outside of this pivot will have a tendency to cause the baffle to pivot and inducing the loss the desired function. The pivoting action from this movement will add further frustration to an already difficult dining experience. Also, the very fact that there are many plate designs, from round, to square, too oval suggests that the removable baffle, with a hollow vertical depression (a curved face) would have difficulty meeting the conformity and connecting requirements for these other shapes dishes. Furthermore, plates have many various outer edge designs. Some curve up, some are S-shaped, and yet others may present a straight sloping edge with no curve at all. Consequently the upper and lower lip strip portions of the resilient clip disclosed in Wild will not commonly form a secure connection to various styles of plate edges further complicating the ability to maintain a useful baffle as an eating aid. 
         [0024]    Additionally, the process of eating from a dish with a small removable baffle, or abutment as found in Wild (U.S. Pat. No. 2,940,634) and Tilseth (U.S. Pat. No. 3,422,986) presents many other disadvantages. The baffle and abutment both occupy only a small portion of the perimeter of the plate requiring the individual to either move aside a current food group so they can move yet another food group to the baffle/abutment area along the plate edge, or attaching multiple baffles/abutments along the outside perimeter to maximize the functional eating area. Even more complicated would be the requirement of moving baffle/abutment around the perimeter edge of the serving dish. Simply rotating the plate to another food group will cause even more problems, since the attached baffle/abutment will be rotated to an opposing position where it is rendered useless. 
         [0025]    Again it will be readily apparent that the feeding dishes disclosed in Boyd (U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,816) and Morrow et. al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,551) actually force a physical movement that is unnatural or ergonomically incompatible with the movement of arm or shoulder in individuals with physical impairments. The natural placement of the hand with the fingers at the farthest end of the extremity creates a secure pulling motion with the most leverage applied to the utensil extremity. This natural leverage is not to be found when pushing the eating utensil away from the torso toward the center of the dish by relying only the thumb to apply all the leverage to the utensil extremity. Pushing food in a direction away from the body torso toward a center abutment, regardless of the abutment shape is a cumbersome maneuver for those with physical impairments. Toddlers too would be at a disadvantage since in many cases they would run out of arm reach before any food would actually load onto a utensil. Additionally, in Boyd and Morrow et. al., food would have a tendency to build and damn in the small area located at the center of the plate causing congestion making it more difficult to separate and access a particular food item. 
         [0026]    It is understandable that current devices and methods of eating from a serving vessel are inadequate at times when users are subject to experiences of obstructed view, increased physical effort, ineffective operation, substandard unconventional dining experience, and the absence of a secondary collection system for food that may somehow breach the sidewall, baffle or retention ring intended to prevent it from landing on the table or floor. Additionally, the current devices and methods used are feeble at providing a reasonable appearing replica of a conventional plate that de-emphasize embarrassment endured by those individuals who might find it necessary and desirable to use an assisted eating aid at mealtime. It is also understandable why the methods found in the prior art are inadequate when they fail to consider the numerous unanswered obstacles. 
         [0027]    Finally, when analyzing conventional devices it will be readily apparent that the use of a baffle or abutment may be useful in overcoming some of the obstacles associated with loading food onto a utensil. However, other drawbacks become apparent in viewing these conventional devices given their employment of a single standard shape obstacle attempting to serve so many needs arising from variations in shape, height, performance, or functional biotechnology of the individual users. In addition, the absence of a backup catch system to prevent food that will likely reach the top of the abutment, sidewall, or baffle, virtually insuring the exportation of food onto the table or even worse onto the floor, leaves such conventional devices falling well short of serving consumer needs. 
         [0028]    Thus, there remains a need for an assisted eating aid that overcomes the drawbacks of conventional serving vessels by improving the interaction between the user, utensil, and food placed thereon to improve the overall dining experience, especially for those of limited mobility or learning eating techniques at an early age. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0029]    In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of an assisted eating aid for use with an eating utensil constructed to carry food portions may be provided by a serving vessel body having an upper surface, including a centrally disposed food receiving region and defining an outermost perimeter, and a bottom surface and a plurality of flanges projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the serving vessel body and dividing the centrally disposed food receiving region from an outermost food receiving region, at least two of the flanges being spaced apart with each flange having an interior facing scoop surface and exterior facing scoop surface constructed to shove food portions pushed thereagainst onto the eating utensil. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, the assisted eating aid includes at least one partition dividing the centrally disposed food receiving region into a plurality of food receiving compartments with at least one flange disposed in each food receiving compartments. 
         [0031]    Other features of the embodiments constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention involve the incorporation of transparent flanges or scoop obstacles, spaced apart flanges of varying heights and widths, and fixed or integrally formed flanges. 
         [0032]    An assisted eating aid constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention overcomes the problems associated with prior art by providing an individual with a decidedly advantageous near-normal, self-assisted dining experience by using an easy to use serving vessel that is supportive, handy, effective, functional and visually appealing to, among others, the elderly and those with physical impairments, as well as providing an assisted educational aid for toddlers during mealtime. 
         [0033]    The embodiments described herein in accordance with the principles of the present invention may be constructed or formed through modem means by incorporating integral flanges protruding upwardly and, in some cases, inwardly, and including but not just limited to incorporating an arcuate outward and upward bend all having various heights and various flange angles encompassing fully or partially the eating vessel perimeter with sectional or non-sectional flanges having a measurement along the flange base that is less than the outer measurement of that of the eating vessel perimeter, thus providing flanges of different shapes, angles, and heights where food can be pressed against in an effort to assist in the proper and successful loading food onto an eating utensil. 
         [0034]    As one feature of the present invention, a secondary back up catch system may also be provided in the form of an area extending outside the flange base yet within the eating vessel perimeter as a catch ledge further preventing food that breaches the top of the flange from exporting onto the table or floor. 
         [0035]    Further, the present invention provides for a detachable movement resistant component, or for the incorporation of an added attachable movement resistant component affixed by various means necessary to secure it to the bottom of the eating vessel and being shaped in the form of, but not just limited to, one or more integrally formed concentric rings either encircling the entire vessel bottom or sectioned apart by the underside void of the internal partitions or by having multiple continuous concentric rings circumventing the entire vessel bottom, or by providing multiple smaller concentric formed rings placed in numerous areas along the bottom of the vessel, each type having a vacant parcel between the concentric rings where a movement resistant material could be molded with, inserted in, or attached to either temporally or permanently by various means thus providing a movement resistant system between the eating vessel and the surface where it sits. 
         [0036]    Further, removable coverlids of various similar shapes of the underlying vessel and having internal heights necessary to accommodate the elevation of the flange components within the coverlid interior could be a beneficial addition for maintaining food temperatures while the loaded vessel is in transit or while the vacant vessel is in storage. 
         [0037]    Additional benefits to the present invention are to provide an eating vessel that is visually authentic, of sufficient size, inexpensive to manufacture, environmentally safe, easy to clean, sanitary and simple to use by everyone from toddlers to the elderly, including those individuals stricken by minor disabilities and even those that may be afflicted with major physical impairments as a result of accident or war. 
         [0038]    The current invention would be of greatest significance for certain individuals and caretakers that provide for the elderly, and it would be especially cost effective for businesses that care for individuals living with physical impairments brought by disease or injury. Additionally, the current invention would provide a functional assisted eating aid that physically impaired individuals could use without eating assistance from others during a rehabilitation process, freeing up the highly trained professionals to better assist and serve those individuals that have much greater needs. Additional significance applies when the considering high cost of non-ambulatory care today. The basic tenet of the highest and most efficient allocation of human recourses will result in more efficient increased productive allocation of available man hours that inevitably leads to improved services, provided at a lower cost, to the institutions and to the individuals they care for. 
         [0039]    The objectives of the present invention are to: 
         [0040]    1) Provide an assisted eating aid that is inconspicuous for the independent user during its application; 
         [0041]    2) Provide an assisted eating aid that is that is supportive, handy, effective, functional, and appealing; 
         [0042]    3) Provide an assisted eating aid that promotes self-reliance, dignity, and pride for the end user; 
         [0043]    4) Provide an authentic near-normal dining vessel, authentic in appearance and incorporating the advantages of a self-assisted eating aid; 
         [0044]    5) Provide an assisted eating aid that promotes the successful recurrent muscle memory during a physical rehabilitation process through the reparative success of the individual&#39;s operative interaction with the device; 
         [0045]    6) Provide a new and improved eating aid that promotes independent use for an adaptable dining experience at mealtime; 
         [0046]    7) Provide an eating aid with an unobstructed view into the device; 
         [0047]    8) Provide functional near-normal, assisted eating aid for the independent education of toddlers during mealtime; 
         [0048]    9) Provide an assisted eating aid that is easy to use with minimal effort; 
         [0049]    10) Promote a conventional dining experience for those requiring various assistive needs; 
         [0050]    11) Provide an assisted eating aid that advances freedom from embarrassment while dining with an assistive device; 
         [0051]    12) Provide an assisted eating aid that complements successful ergonomic body movements during use; 
         [0052]    13) Provide an assisted eating aid that promotes operative interaction with various types of foods comprised of different textures, size, consistency, density, and weight; 
         [0053]    14) Provide a modern means of manufacture for such assisted eating aid; 
         [0054]    15) Provide an assisted eating aid that is comprised of a composition of materials that allows the device to withstand the rigors of mechanical dishwashers, sterilizers and microwave ovens; 
         [0055]    16) Provide a singular multi-functional assisted eating aid for toddlers and the elderly alike; 
         [0056]    17) Provide an assisted eating aid that is durable; 
         [0057]    18) Provide an assisted eating aid that is unique in its operation, yet easily understood by individual user; 
         [0058]    19) Provide an assisted eating aid that functions with the use of only one limb; 
         [0059]    20) Provide an assisted eating aid that is stable during use yet versatile enough for the individual to move during use; 
         [0060]    21) Provide an assisted eating aid that can adapt to multiple ergonomic movement resistant applications; 
         [0061]    22) Provide an assisted eating aid that incorporates both a primary and a secondary means of preventing the accidental discharge of food onto the table or floor; 
         [0062]    23) Provide an assisted eating aid that is operative with the interaction between the dish, the food, and the eating utensil; 
         [0063]    24) Provide an assisted eating aid that is interactive and adaptive to various assisted dining requirements; 
         [0064]    25) Provide an assisted eating aid that is inexpensive to produce; 
         [0065]    26) Provide an assisted eating aid integrally formed with no moving parts; 
         [0066]    27) Provide an assisted eating aid that is easy to clean by either mechanical means or hand washing; and/or 
         [0067]    28) Provide an assisted eating aid that is sturdy and unbreakable. 
         [0068]    It will be appreciated that all of the exemplary objectives listed herein are not required to be met by the present invention or any embodiments described herein and that a smaller subset of such objectives may be met by any such embodiments described herein. Furthermore, it is an object of this application to illustrate the preferred embodiments and broadly state the methodologies that may be used in order to provide an individual&#39;s accompanying needs with a decidedly advantageous, authentic replica of a normal dining vessel that incorporates the advantages of a fully functional self-assisted eating or educational aid. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0069]      FIG. 1  is an upper, right perspective view of an exemplary assisted eating aid constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 2  is an upper, right perspective view of the bottom surface of the assisted eating aid of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0071]      FIG. 3  is an upper, right perspective view showing how the exemplary assisted eating aid of  FIG. 1  in may be used; 
           [0072]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an exemplary second embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a third exemplary embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0075]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0076]      FIG. 8  is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of an assisted eating aid constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0077]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0078]      FIG. 10  is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of an assisted eating aid constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0079]      FIG. 11  is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of an assisted eating aid constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0080]      FIG. 12  is a bottom view of a fourth exemplary embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken alone lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0082]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of a fifth exemplary embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0083]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view taken along lines  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0084]      FIG. 16  is a bottom view of another alternative embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention illustrating a detachable base component; 
           [0085]      FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along lines  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0086]      FIG. 18  is a partial sectional view depicting an exemplary variation to that shown in  FIG. 16  and in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0087]      FIG. 19  is a partial sectional view depicting an exemplary variation of to that shown in  FIG. 1  and in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0088]      FIG. 20  is a partial sectional view depicting another exemplary variation to that shown in  FIG. 1  and in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0089]      FIG. 21  is a partial sectional view depicting another exemplary variation to that shown in  FIG. 1  and in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0090]      FIG. 22  is a partial sectional view depicting another exemplary variation to that shown in  FIG. 1  and in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0091]      FIG. 23  is a partial sectional view depicting another exemplary variation to that shown in  FIG. 1  and in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
           [0092]      FIG. 24  is a top view of an exemplary lid covering or coverlid that may be used with the round assisted eating aids disclosed herein; 
           [0093]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view taken along lines  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24 ; and 
           [0094]      FIG. 26  is a side view showing an exemplary stacking arrangement of multiple assisted eating aids constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0095]    In the description below, it will be appreciated that like components in different embodiments may be numbered alike. 
         [0096]    Turning now to  FIG. 1  an exemplary assisted eating aid, generally designated  10 , is depicted as a serving vessel incorporating a number of integrally formed flange components (or scoop obstacles or scoop abutments) generally designated  20  (single elongated),  30  (set of two spaced apart flanges more closer to right angle projection), and  40  (set of four spaced apart flanges with a more acute angle projection), some of which protrude upward vertically while others protrude upwardly and inwardly relative to the center of the vessel. These flange components  20 ,  30 , and  40  may have various heights and be attached at various angles generally intersecting an arcuate upward flexure integrally formed outer ring  64  commencing from the intersecting bottom outer measurement  66  that intersects a flat surface  68  having integrally formed upward protruding internal partition components  90 , useful for separating food into groups. A gap  36  is used to separate the two flanges of flange group  30  while a set of gaps  46  is used to separate the flanges of flange group  40 . 
         [0097]    The flat surface  68  provides the main food placement surface of the assisted eating aid  10 . The partitions and flat surface generally cooperate to form separate food compartments, three in this example. In this first exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1 , the flange components  20 ,  30 , and  40  typically have a height range of 0.82 inches to 1.0 inches measured from the adjacent top surface of assisted eating aid  10 . The flange components  30  and  40  have a width of 2.32 inches while an elongated flange component  20  has a width of 11.0 inches. Neither of these height or width dimensions is meant to be limiting and the flange component heights and widths may vary around the circumference of the assisted eating aid  10 . Moreover, the angle of projection of the flange components may generally range from a 90 degree angle relative to the adjacent serving surface to a more acute angle relative to the upwardly curving outer ring  60 . A range of angles from 45 degrees to 90 degrees has been found suitable for purposes of satisfying one or more of the objectives of the assisted eating aid  10  but is not meant to me limiting. 
         [0098]    In most instances, it is preferred to angle the flange components  20 ,  30 , and  40  at least slightly inwardly generally toward the center of the flat surface  68 . The flange components may be transparent so as to allow the user to easily see through the flange to the food beyond eliminating much of the obstruction issues in the prior art. As the flange components are preferably integrally formed, they are also fixed in place and avoid the pivoting problems with some of the prior art baffle components. 
         [0099]    It will be easy to see that with little modification any vessel  10  shape, such as, but not just limited to, ovals, squares, or even triangle shapes, may be used. Moreover, the vessel may incorporate, but not be limited to, flat bottom surfaces or those with added arcuate sides or flexure components, and can easily incorporate any upward protruding internal partitions  90  consisting of various shapes and heights and also incorporating any of the various flange component  20 ,  30 , and  40  configurations. 
         [0100]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , a secondary back up catch system in the form of an extended ledge  60  laying outside the flange base  22  includes an outer diameter measurement greater than the flange base  22  (or  42  for flange  40 ) and less than the outer measurement of the perimeter  62  to provide the secondary catch ledge  60  necessary to further prevent food that breaches the summit  24  of flange  20 , summit  34  of flange  30 , or summit  44  of flange  40  from exporting on the table or floor. This ledge  60  forms a food spill region or spillover region. This ledge may project horizontally or angle upwardly to inhibit food from sliding off.  FIGS. 19-23  show various alternative catch system and ledges and will be discussed further below. 
         [0101]    In addition, the assisted eating aid  10  may include integrally formed internal partition components  90  consisting of upward and inward sides  94  and commencing at the intersection  92  with the bottom  68  and terminating at their summit  98 . Such partitions extend from the center of the assisted eating aid into the secondary food receiving area  64  and assist in separating out food groups within the primary food receiving area  68  and secondary food receiving area  64 . 
         [0102]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the bottom central underside  68  of the assisted eating aid  10  includes an arcuate downwardly formed outer ring  64  projecting from the intersecting outer measurement  66  of the flat bottom  68 . Recesses  45  to lighten the overall weight of the assisted eating aid are present in the undersurface of the plate  10  where the partitions  90  reside above ( FIG. 1 ). In this embodiment, it will be appreciated that the bottom surface  68  of the assisted eating aid  10  is not an essential feature of the present invention and may take many forms, including those that facilitate stacking. 
       Exemplary Method of Use 
       [0103]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the assisted eating aid  10  may be used to educate toddlers as well as accommodate the elderly in need of feeding assistance and those with physical impairments requiring assistance. For example, the assisted eating aid depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  may be used for placing food into the three separate compartments or tray sections divided by the partitions  90 . A user may then grasp a utensil such as a spoon or fork by scooping underneath the selected food item within a compartment and moving the utensil with a portion of the food toward an adjacent flange component  20 ,  30 , or  40  so that the food encounters the upwardly projecting flange component, the food will be driven onto the utensil to reside thereon. The user may then raise the utensil up to his or her mouth to complete the feeding step. 
         [0104]    It will be appreciated that different flange  20 ,  30 , or  40  heights may be used to accommodate different types of food and that the flanges provide interior and exterior food loading surfaces for use in cooperating with an eating utensil used for loading and carrying food. For example, creamier foods that generally lay flat on the plate may not need a flange with much height or inward angle while pieces of meat or cut vegetables may need a higher flange. However, whatever the height of the flange, it is preferred to construct or form them as transparent fins so that they do not obstruct or hide the view behind them. This allows the user to accurately gauge the movement of the utensil and interaction of the food with the flange to reduce the likelihood of scooping too little a quantity. The transparency also assists in making the assisted eating aid resemble a more conventional plate as well. 
         [0105]    For food that falls over the summits  24 ,  34 ,  44  and outside the respective flange components  20 ,  30 , or  40  perimeter and onto the secondary catch all area  60  it will be appreciated that the user may simply reverse the motion of the utensil by pushing away toward the flange component and along the catch all ledge  60  to reintroduce the catch all food back onto the utensil or up and over the flange component and back into an interior section  68  of the assisted eating aid  10 . 
       Exemplary Method of Manufacture 
       [0106]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the assisted eating aid  10  may be constructed with integrally formed flange components  20 ,  30 , and  40 , (See  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 19  through  FIG. 24 ) shown in various forms protruding upward to their summit and in some cases inward, incorporating various shapes including but not just limited to forms that are arcuate outward or inward, vertical, angular, or upward flexures (See  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 19  through  FIG. 24 ). Flange components  20 ,  30 , and  40 , comprised of various heights  24 ,  34 ,  44 , respectively, in some cases having flange partitions  26 ,  36 , and  46 , respectively, integrally formed either fully or partially encompassing the inner perimeter  22 ,  32 , and  42 , respectively, (See  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 11 ) of the vessel  10  forming an integral integration with a measurement along the flange base  22 ,  32 , or  42 , respectively, that is less than the outer measurement of the of the perimeter  62  (See  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 19  through  FIG. 24 ). 
         [0107]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the assisted eating aid  10  is additionally constructed to provide a secondary back up catch system in the form a ledge  60  (See  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 19  through  FIG. 24 ) lying outside the flange component base  22 . The catch ledge  60  comprised of various shapes (See  FIG. 19  through  FIG. 24 ) formed within the perimeter measurement between the flange base  22  and the outer measurement of the perimeter  62  providing an additional backup system further preventing food from exporting on the table or floor. Additionally, the present invention  10  is made by incorporating integrally formed internal partition components  90  of various heights and various shapes protruding upward from the bottom  68 , terminating vertically at their summit  98  and terminating laterally intersecting  96  with the arcuate side  64  (See  FIG. 1 ), or intersecting  396  the flange component  20  and  40  (See  FIG. 8 , and  FIG. 9 ). Removable cover lids  900  (See  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25 ) of various perimeter shapes formed to correspond to the various shaped eating vessel (see  FIG. 1 through 11 ) and having internal heights necessary to accommodate the elevation of the flange components  20 ,  30 , and  40  and yet rest comfortably outside the measurement along the flange base  22 ,  32 , and  42 , respectively, resting on the ledge  60  and inside the outer perimeter  62  could be added. 
         [0108]    Furthermore, movement resistant systems may be integrated into the underside bottom  68  ( FIG. 2 ) by incorporating including but not just limited to, movement resistant component  600 ,  700 , or  800  ( FIGS. 5 ,  7 ,  9 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 , and  19 - 23 ) each comprised of various forms of concentric rings attached to the vessel in various fashions producing a movement resistant component that provides a means to confine a movement resistant material  640  inserted within the vacant parcels  630 ,  730 ,  830  (See  FIG. 12  through  FIG. 17 ), or molded through various means to the vessel (See  FIG. 18 ). A detachable movement resistant component  800  (See  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 ) could also be used. Additionally the present invention, or any of the related integrally formed movement resistant systems  600 ,  700 , or the related detachable movement resistant system  800  or any related coverlid components  900  are constructed to allow for production in any color or graphic design, in combinations by and of various thickness, sizes and shapes employing any number of various molding technologies such as by but not just limited to ceramic molds, sand casting, pressed molds and even injection molding processes using materials of various types such as but not just limited to clay, porcelain, fused dissolved silica and silicates products, metals, melamine, thermoplastic vulcanizates, and other plastics or even various fibrous products. 
       Alternative Embodiments 
       [0109]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5 , one set of flange components  120  of assisted eating aid  100  on the right half of the figure project vertically upwardly while the flange components  130  and  140  on the left half of the figure slope upwardly and inwardly. The flange components are integrally formed along the arcuate side  160  that commences at the outer measurement  166  of the bottom  168 . In this exemplary embodiment, the upward protruding internal partition components  90  as shown in  FIG. 1  have been eliminated leaving the bottom  168  flat within the measurement of the area encompassed by circumferential dividing line  166 . The underside of the bottom  168  may be the integrally formed with a movement resistant component  600  ( FIG. 5 ) incorporating a movement resistant material  640  such as those sold under the Santoprene™ brand name set into the provided vacant parcel  630  as shown in but not just limited to  FIG. 4 through 9 , and  FIG. 18  through  FIG. 24 . 
         [0110]    Turning now to  FIGS. 6-7 , another exemplary embodiment of the assisted eating aid, generally designated  200 , is depicted with flange components  220 ,  230 , and  240  and further illustrating a variation in the bottom surface  268  by also eliminating the upward protruding internal partition components  90  and the arcuate side  60  (from  FIG. 1 ) leaving an uninterrupted flat bottom  268  within the area encompassed by the measurement of the outer perimeter  262 . In addition, the flange components  20 ,  230 , and  240  are shown projecting both vertically and in an inwardly sloping direction. The fully detailed flat bottom  268 , the secondary ledge  260 , and the movement resistant component  700  ( FIG. 7 ) integrally formed on the underside of the bottom  268  incorporating the movement resistant material  740  set into the provided vacant parcel  730  as described in but not just limited to  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 9  and  FIGS. 14-15  and  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 18  may also be incorporated into this embodiment. 
         [0111]    Referring now to another alternative embodiment of an assisted eating aid, generally designated  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , the integrally formed eating vessel incorporates a variation, from earlier versions of the assisted eating aid  10 ,  100 , and  200  described above, in the overall outer shape and incorporating various integrally formed flange components  320 ,  330 , and  340  illustrating a variation in the bottom surface  68  of  FIG. 1  and eliminating the arcuate side  64  of  FIG. 1  leaving an uninterrupted flat bottom  368  within the area encompassed by the measurement of the outer perimeter  372  and having internal partition components  390  of various heights and various shapes consisting of but not just limited to those protruding upward having a rounded top  398  and inward protruding sides  394  commencing at the intersection  342  with the bottom  368  and traversing laterally terminating at an interior intersection  396  with any of the various flange components  320 ,  330 , and  340  as described in but not just limited to the flange component embodiments described in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 19  through  FIG. 24 . 
         [0112]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another exemplary embodiment of an integrally formed eating vessel, generally designated  400  is shown with an overall square profile when viewed from above. The upper surface incorporates in but not just limited to the embodiments described in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 . 
         [0113]    Turning now to  FIG. 11 , another exemplary embodiment of an integrally formed eating vessel, generally designated  500 , illustrates a variation in the overall outer shape of the eating vessel with flange components  520 ,  530 , and  540  comprised of various heights  534  of flange  530  for example in some cases having flange partitions  536  and  546  for example, integrally formed in this case partially encompassing the vessel perimeter creating an integral integration with a measurement along the flange base  532  for example that is less than the outer measurement of the of the perimeter  562 . 
         [0114]    As shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , yet another alternative embodiment of the assisted eating aid, generally designated  10 , is presented with an underside of the bottom  68  having an integrally formed movement resistant component  600  positioned in numerous locations between the internal partition components  90  within the outer measurement of the underside of the bottom  68  and being comprised of protruding multiple concentric rings  610  housing a recessed vacant parcel  630  for the insertion of a movement resistant material  640  attached either temporarily or permanently by various means and being of various cross sectional shapes including but not just limited to square, or rounded and having a height greater than the protruding concentric rings  610  as a means of providing a movement resistant barrier between the eating vessel  10  and the surface where it sits. 
         [0115]    Referring now to  FIGS. 14-15 , an alternative assisted eating aid, generally designated  10 , depicts a variation of the underside of the bottom  68  having a movement resistant system  700  comprised of two or more integrally formed protruding concentric rings  710  and  720 , each having a different radius and closed ends  740  providing a recessed vacant parcel  730  ( FIGS. 12 and 18 ) within the bounds the concentric rings  710  and  720  and the ends  740  providing for the insertion of a movement resistant material  640 . The movement resistant material may be attached either temporarily or permanently by various means and being of various cross sectional shapes including but not just limited to square, or rounded and having a height greater than the protruding concentric rings  710  and  720  as a means of providing a variation of the movement resistant system between the eating vessel  10  and the surface upon where it sits. 
         [0116]    Referring to  FIGS. 16-17 , yet another exemplary embodiment of an assisted eating aid, generally designed  10  is shown as a detachable movement resistant system  800  having an integrally formed disk  840  with a set of integrally formed internal upward partition components  860  of various heights and various shapes consisting of but not just limited to protruding upward and inward sides  864  commencing at the intersection  842  with the disk  840  and matching the underside of the internal partition components  860  shape and size as described in but not just limited to  FIG. 1 , also illustrating two or more downward protruding integrally formed concentric rings  810  and  820  each having a different radius producing a recessed vacant parcel  850  within the bounds the concentric rings  810  and  820  for the insertion of a movement resistant material  830 . The movement resistant material may be attached either temporarily or permanently by various means and being of various cross sectional shapes including but not just limited to square, or rounded and having a height greater than the protruding concentric rings  810  and  820  as a means of providing a variation of the movement resistant system laying between the eating vessel  10  and the surface upon where it sits. 
         [0117]    Turning now to  FIG. 18 , yet another exemplary embodiment of an assisted eating aid, generally designed  10  is shown an attached movement resistant system  800  ( FIG. 17 ) made from movement resistant material such as but not limited to Santoprene and attached or molded directly to the underside of the bottom  68  attached by various means illustrating a movement resistant barrier between the eating vessel  10  and the surface where it sits. 
         [0118]    Turning now to  FIGS. 19-24 , several close-ups of the outer perimeter of a number of alternative assisted eating aids are shown with variations of the flange components, outer shelf, and movement resistant systems. In  FIG. 19 , the integral flange components  20  protrude vertically upwardly to a summit  24 . Further illustrated is the secondary catch ledge  60  (See  FIG. 3 ) the outer measurement perimeter  62  and the movement resistant system  600  (See  FIGS. 3 and 5 ). 
         [0119]    In  FIG. 20 , the integral flange components  30  protrude upwardly and inwardly to a summit  34  being of various heights and various angles described in but not just limited to  FIG. 3 . Further illustrated is the secondary catch ledge  60  (See  FIG. 3 ) the outer measurement perimeter  62  and the movement resistant system  700 . 
         [0120]    In  FIG. 21 , the integral flange components  40  protrude upwardly and inwardly to a summit  44  being of various heights and a greater angle described in but not just limited to  FIG. 3 . Further illustrated is the secondary catch ledge  60  (See  FIG. 3 ) the outer measurement perimeter  62  and the movement resistant system  700 . In this exemplary embodiment, the secondary catch ledge curves upwardly from the base of the flange to incorporate gravity to force food back toward the exterior surface of the flange. The arcuate flanges are generally concave facing outwards to provide an exterior scooping surface that prevents food from spilling back into the central food receiving area due to the tilt of the secondary catch ledge. It will be appreciated that the arcuate exterior surface of the flanges facilitates scooping food back onto the eating utensil from the secondary catch ledge. 
         [0121]    In  FIG. 22  the integral flange components  50  protrude upwardly to a summit  54  incorporating an internally positioned arcuate upward base  56  transitioning to an angular plane of the flange component  50  being of various heights  54 , and various angles described in but not just limited to  FIG. 3 . Further illustrated are the secondary catch ledge  60 , and the movement resistant system  600 . (See  FIG. 3 ). Similar to the flange components  40  in  FIG. 21 , the flange components  50  in  FIG. 22  also incorporate an arcuate exterior scooping surface. 
         [0122]    As shown in  FIG. 23 , the integral flange components  50  are similar in construction to those illustrated in  FIG. 22 . However, a variation of the secondary back up catch system  80  is illustrated in the form of but not just limited to a ledge commencing at the intersection of the flange component  52  and the arcuate side  64  extending horizontally outwardly to a perimeter measurement greater than the flange base  52  and less than the outer perimeter measurement  62  thus creating an additional intersection  82  where the catch ledge  80  now forms an upward plane of various angles, in this case an angular upward outward plane terminating at the outer perimeter  84 . Further illustrated is the movement resistant system  700  (See  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 ). 
         [0123]    Turning now to  FIGS. 24-25  a removable coverlid component, generally designated  900 , includes an integrally formed assembly of components being of various heights and various shapes corresponding to the shape of the underlying eating vessel  10  illustrated in this case as a saucer with outer perimeter measurement  912  being smaller than the outer perimeter measurement  62  of the underlying vessel  10  and having an internal outer perimeter measurement  914  greater than the outer perimeter measurement of the flange component  20 ,  30  or  40  thus producing side walls  910  resting on the secondary catch ledge  60  between the flange component  22 ,  32  and  42  base measurements and the outer perimeter measurement  62  thus extending upward at various angles, illustrated in this case vertically intersecting  908  with the arcuate upward component  906  forming an intersection  904  with the top surface component  902  in this case being a flat surface having a perimeter measurement of sufficient size to allow for the integration of lid handle components of various sizes, shapes, heights or depths, in this case comprised of numerous circular depressions of similar size and depth configured to allow the placement of terminal members of the hand used in combination with the thumb being inserted into the circular depressions  916  providing a gripping component necessary for the removal of the coverlid from the resting base vessel. 
         [0124]    The coverlid  900  may be placed over the underlying vessel  10  as shown in  FIG. 25  with the outermost downwardly extending flanges  912  spaced exterior to the upwardly projecting flange components  914  of the vessel  10  and resting atop the exterior catch all shelf or ledge near the outermost extent  62  of the vessel. 
         [0125]      FIG. 26  is a side view showing an exemplary stacking arrangement of multiple assisted eating aids constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
         [0126]    It will be appreciated that the size of the assisted eating aid may be larger than conventional serving dishes with high sidewalls allowing for a greater amount of food to be placed thereon. For example, many of the conventional circular serving vessels are limited to a seven and a quarter inch diameter, much less than a typical flat dinner plate. However, as an example, the assisted eating aid described herein may easily be constructed the same size as a conventional dinner plate, around nine inches in diameter to the interior perimeter of the catch all ledge. This example is not meant to be limiting and other suitable assisted eating dimensions will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0127]    It will further be appreciated that features on each of the embodiments described (such as, but not limited to, flange location, height, and spacing) may be interchangeable or useful with other embodiments as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Overall, the problem of providing a serving vessel or assisted eating aid that accomplishes one or more of the objectives described herein may be provided by a serving vessel having one or more food receiving sections at least partially surrounded by a set of one or more upwardly projecting flanges or fins which are in turn at least partially surrounded by a catch all ledge to inhibit food spilled over a flange from falling completely off the serving vessel. Food that reaches the catch-all ledge may be recaptured with a utensil by scooping the food along the outermost surface of the flange. The flanges may be of various heights and angles to accommodate different food groups and may be continuous around the entire food section or spaced apart to provide gaps to accommodate washing and disposal of food particles left on the assisted eating aid after use. Such flanges may also be transparent so as not to obscure the food location or utensil location on the assisted eating aid. Internal partitions may be introduced to further assist in segregating food groups while the bottom surface of the assisted eating aid may be fitted with movement resistance materials to inhibit undesired rotation of the assisted eating aid during use. 
         [0128]    The spirit of the present invention provides a breadth of scope that includes all methods of making and using it. Any variation on the theme and methodology of accomplishing the same that are not described herein would be considered under the scope of the present invention.