Patent Publication Number: US-6698065-B2

Title: Self-standing hand held marking implements

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/596,095, filed Jun. 16, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,760, and also claims the benefit of provisional application Serial No. 60/298,473 filed Jun. 15, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to hand held implements such as a tools, instruments or utensils. The invention particularly relates to eating utensils, toothbrushes, paintbrushes, or other hand held implements. 
     Many hand held implements are comprised of elongated bodies which must be set down in a horizontal orientation on a supporting surface, absent a separate holder or rack for supporting the implement in a vertical orientation. In such a horizontal orientation, the working end of the implement can come into contact with the surface. Such contact can result in an unsanitary condition on the working end, such as in the case of a toothbrush or a spoon, or in a contamination or soiling of the surface by the working end, such as in the case of a paintbrush. 
     The present invention recognizes that it would be desirable to provide an implement which overcame these drawbacks. 
     As most parents know, teaching young children to feed themselves with an eating utensil, typically a spoon, can be a difficult and frustrating challenge. This is particularly true of children less than two years old, who are in the process of developing eye-hand coordination. Picking up a spoon in a conventional way adds to this difficulty. 
     As in the case of eating utensils, it is also difficult for young children to pick up horizontally positioned art implements, such as paintbrushes, markers and other art related implements. 
     The present invention recognizes that these difficulties in picking up elongated implements, although typically experienced by young children, may also be experienced by the elderly or handicapped persons, or by persons working in demanding, hostile or close quarters environments or by persons otherwise preoccupied with other tasks. The present invention recognizes the desirability of providing an implement that helped to overcome these difficulties. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a self-standing, hand held implement that, when set down on a supporting surface, automatically assumes a vertical, standing orientation, holding a working end portion of the implement above and clear of the supporting surface. The hand held implement of the invention includes a rounded and weighted base end which assists in rotatably righting the implement if it is set down or knocked toward a horizontal orientation. 
     The present invention is adaptable to many types of hand held implements such as eating or serving utensils; kitchen gadgets such as potato peelers and lemon zesters; tools; hand tools such as screwdrivers; flashlights; toothbrushes; paintbrushes; fine work tools such as for jewelry, electronics, assembly, and model making work; writing instruments; markers; art implements; medical and dental instruments; beauty implements such as makeup brushes, makeup applicators, and grooming tools; shaving razors and other hand held implements. 
     The implement of the invention automatically assumes a vertical orientation on a support surface which helps to prevent the working end portion from contaminating, or being contaminated by, the support surface. As examples, this could be an important advantage for a paintbrush to prevent dabbing paint from the brush head onto the support surface, or for a toothbrush or a medical or dental instrument to prevent contamination of the brush head or the instrument head by contact with the support surface. The implement assumes a vertical orientation which is more readily found and gripped by a user. This is important where the user is a small child, elderly or handicapped person, or the user is working under hostile, close quarters or demanding conditions, such as a mechanic working beneath an automobile, or a medical or dental practitioner who is otherwise preoccupied with other tasks during a medical or dental operation, or by a person wearing gloves. 
     The present invention is particularly useful for implements used by young children. For example, in a first illustrated embodiment of the present invention, an eating utensil is provided which assists young children in learning to feed themselves. 
     The eating utensil is capable of automatic re-orientation into an upright orientation when placed upon a horizontal surface. The eating utensil includes a weighted base having a substantially rounded and convex exterior, and which is adapted to support the eating utensil from the horizontal surface. The eating utensil includes a working end portion in the form of a head for holding food. The eating utensil includes a handle extending between the base and the head. The handle can be fixedly connected to, or formed integrally with, the base and the head. The handle can have an exterior with a maximum diameter adjacent to the base and a minimum diameter adjacent to the head. The exterior of the handle is preferably shaped to taper from the maximum diameter to the minimum diameter. 
     Since the eating utensil of the invention will automatically orient itself in an upright position because of its shape and weighted base, regardless of its original position, a child can simply reach out with one hand and grasp the handle without having to twist or bend his or her wrist. The present invention utensil makes use of the eating utensil very easy to thereby assist the child in self-feeding, particularly as a first stage in learning this task. Moreover, in orientating itself into the upright position from some other original position, the eating utensil will inherently tend to “wobble” back and forth. This movement attracts the attention of the young child and further assists in motivating the child to use the eating utensil in feeding himself or herself. 
     In a second illustrated embodiment of the invention configured as a toothbrush, the toothbrush includes a brush head, as the working end portion, an elongated handle and a weighted base. The weighted base, as in the case of the eating utensil, is substantially rounded and convex. After a child or adult has used a toothbrush, merely placing the toothbrush down onto a supporting surface, such as a bathroom countertop, will cause the toothbrush to automatically right itself to a vertical position. This minimizes countertop space otherwise occupied by a horizontally oriented toothbrush, and also furthers a sanitary need to maintain the brush head away from the sink countertop where some standing water or other undesirable condition can contaminate the brush head. 
     In a third illustrated embodiment of the invention configured as a paintbrush, the paintbrush includes a brush head, as the working end portion, connected by an elongated handle to a weighted base. As with the prior two embodiments, the weighted base is substantially rounded and convex. In use, after a paintbrush has been dipped into paint, that is, a supply of paint is applied to the brush head, the brush can be set down without fear that the brush head will contaminate the supporting surface. The weighted base acts to automatically right the paintbrush into a vertical orientation. 
     In a fourth illustrated embodiment, a shaving razor includes a weighted base having a substantially rounded and convex exterior. As with the other embodiments, the weighted base is of a mass and dimension to automatically orient the shaving razor in a vertical orientation when the base is placed upon a horizontal surface. A razor blade is spaced from the base, the razor including a cutting edge for shaving. A handle extends between the base and the razor blade. 
     Although a limited number of embodiments are described, it is clear that the principle of the invention applied to implements of various types renders those implements more useful, more sanitary, and less likely to contaminate or soil surrounding surfaces. 
     It is also foreseen that the overall shape of the implement, especially the relatively large rounded base, and weight distribution of the implement of the invention achieve an improved handling of the implement during use, especially when fit into the small hand of a child. 
     Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hand held implement of the invention, as embodied in an eating utensil, shown supported upon a horizontal surface; 
     FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the eating utensil of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the eating utensil taken generally along line  3 — 3  in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is an elevational view shown partially in cross-section of the hand held implement of the invention, embodied as a toothbrush; 
     FIG. 4A is a fragmentary, perspective view of an alternate embodiment toothbrush head; 
     FIG. 5 is an elevational view shown partially in cross-section of the hand held implement of the invention, embodied as a paintbrush; 
     FIG. 6 is an elevational, partially schematic, view shown partially in cross-section of the hand held implement of the invention, embodied as a shaving razor; and 
     FIG. 7 is an elevational view shown partially in corss-section of the hand held implement of the invention, embodied as a marker. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a self-standing hand held implement  8 , such as an eating utensil, includes a weighted (as described further below) base  10  having a substantially rounded and convex exterior. The base  10  is adapted to support the implement upon a horizontal surface  12 . The implement includes a working end portion such as a head  14  for performing the desired task of the implement. The implement of the illustrated embodiment is a spoon having a bowl-shaped head as the working end portion, although the head could have any form suitable for holding or manipulating food. For example, the eating utensil could be a fork having a head with tines, or a utensil having a short flat surface. 
     A handle  16  extends between the base  10  and the head  14 , and has an exterior with a maximum diameter adjacent to the base  10  from which the handle tapers to a minimum diameter adjacent to the head  14 . Preferably, the maximum diameter is about 2 to 4 times the minimum diameter. The handle  16  has a lower end thereof, of the maximum diameter, fixedly connected to the upper end of the base  10 , so as to form an outer seam  18 , which is shown as being generally scalloped in shape for ornamental purposes. The base  10  could be of a different color or texture than the handle  16  to optimize the visual appeal to the user. This is particularly advantageous in the case of use by a child. The upper portion of the handle  16  is preferably integral with the head  14 , as shown. 
     The eating utensil as shown in solid lines is in its upright position, with the common longitudinal axis  28  (indicated in FIG. 2) of the base  10  and the handle  16  substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface  12 . As noted previously, because of its shape and weighted base, the eating utensil will automatically orient itself into the upright position regardless of its original position. The “wobbling” action that naturally occurs before assuming the upright position is schematically indicated in phantom. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, this cross-sectional view shows the base  10  and the handle  16  as being hollow, and illustrates the manner in which the wall of the handle  16  is integral with the head  14 . The upper end of the base  10  has an inner lip  20  and adjacent recess which mate with an outer lip  22  and adjacent recess of the lower end of the handle  16 , thereby forming outer seam  18 . Three equidistantly spaced, internal ribs  24  (only two of which are visible in FIG. 2) are integral with a lower portion of the handle  16 . The ribs  24  extend downwardly to lower most tips immediately adjacent to the upper surface of a weight  26  contained within, but not affixed to, the base  10 . Accordingly, the ribs  24  function to hold the weight  26  in its desired position. Although in the illustrated embodiment ribs are used to retain the weight within the base, the weight could be retained within, or fixed to, the base in many alternate ways as well, including by an internal collar or wall, by an adhesive, by molding plastic to surround the weight, etc., all encompassed by the present invention. 
     The above-mentioned longitudinal axis of base  10  and the handle  16  is indicated at  28 . The exteriors of base  10  and handle  16  are substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis  28 . More specifically with regard to the illustrated embodiment, the exterior of the base  10  is substantially hemispherical in shape and the exterior of handle  16  is substantially and peripherally circular in shape in so far as any peripheral boundary thereof in a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis  28  is substantially circular. 
     With regard to FIG. 2, although the exterior of the base  10  is substantially rounded (i.e., hemispherical) in shape, such exterior can have a very small flat area  30  at the bottom thereof to assist in stabilizing the eating utensil when resting upon a horizontal surface in the upright position. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, this cross-sectional view shows circular lips  20  and  22  in cross section, portions of all three ribs  24  in cross section, and the circular upper surface of the weight  26 . 
     With respect to materials of construction, the base  10  is preferably composed of a plastic material, and the integrally formed head  14  and the handle  16  are also preferably composed of a plastic material. Of course, other suitably sturdy materials that are non toxic to a child would also be within the scope of the invention. For example, the materials for the base, and/or the head and/or the handle could be rubber, metal, wood or plastic or a combination of any of these materials. The weight  26  is typically composed of a metallic material. Steel is particularly suitable as having a desirable density for the volume that weight  26  occupies within the base  10 . Steel is also desirably non toxic to the child in the unlikely event that the base  10  and the handle  16  accidentally break open, thereby allowing weight  26  to fall out of the base. 
     The eating utensil described above is easily assembled from only three pieces: the base  10 , the integrally formed head  14  and the handle  16 , and the weight  26 . The weight  26  is placed within the base  10 , and then the upper end of the base  10  and the lower end of the handle  16  are mated with one another and fixedly connected by any suitable means, such as by ultrasonic welding along outer seam  18 . 
     Suitable parameters for the illustrated and described eating utensil for use by a young child are as follows: height of about 4½ to 5 inches in the upright position; larger handle diameter of about 1 to 1½ inches; small handle diameter of about ⅜ to ½ inch; and a mass for the weight of about 35 to 40 grams. Such specific parameters are given only as an illustrative example, and should not be construed to limit the invention in any manner. 
     The eating utensil could be scaled up in size for use by a physically handicapped adult who has a limited range of motion in his or her wrist, thus making it difficult to pick up and use a conventional eating utensil. 
     Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Some possible variations include, for example: forming the base and weight at a single, integral piece from a material suitable for an appropriately weighted base; constructing the eating utensil, or at least the base and handle thereof, as an assembly of two identical halves to be secured together along longitudinal seams; and providing a handle with exterior ribs, ridges, finger grips or an otherwise uneven exterior to make it easier to grasp. It may be preferred that the handle member be solid rather than hollow. In the spoon embodiment, the head could include a small weep hole through a center thereof to assist in holding food onto the spoon. It is therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise then as specifically described. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a second illustrated embodiment of the hand held implement of the present invention. In this illustrated embodiment, the implement is embodied as a toothbrush  100  having: a brush head  104 , as the working end portion, a handle member  106 , and a weighted base  108 . As previously described, the weighted base is substantially rounded and convex, preferably hemispherical. 
     FIG. 4A illustrates an alternate toothbrush  150  having an alternate brush head  154 . The handle  106  and the base (not shown) can be identical to that shown and described in FIG.  4 . According to the alternate embodiment, the brush head  154  includes a plurality of radially extending bristles  158  forming an all-around (360°) brush having a length  162 . The all-around brush head  154  is more easily used by a child, for example, to clean all areas of his or her teeth. Unlike a conventional toothbrush head, there is no need for precise angular insertion and control inside the child&#39;s mouth. Additionally, since the brush head  154  can be supported on the automatic-righting handle and base of the invention, the problem of resting the brush head directly on a support surface, and resultant contamination of the support surface, or the contamination of the brush head is avoided. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a third illustrated embodiment of the hand held implement of the present invention, embodied as a paintbrush  200  having: a brush head  204 , as the working end portion, a handle member  206 , and a weighted base  208 . As previously described, the weighted base is substantially rounded and convex, preferably hemispherical. 
     In the case of FIGS. 4,  4 A and  5 , the weighted base causes the implements  100 ,  200  to be automatically righted to their vertical position when supported on a horizontal surface. In all respects, except for the different heads at the working ends, the embodiments of FIGS. 4,  4 A and  5  can be configured similarly to the eating utensil described above with regard to FIGS. 1 through 3. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 5, a drip shield or drip ring  240  can be provided beneath the brush head  204  to catch drips while the implement is vertically oriented. The drip ring  240  can be incorporated into any of the implements described in the present application. 
     As an alternative, FIG. 6 illustrates a shaving razor substantially incorporating the handle  106 , and base  108  of FIG. 4 but including a razor head  304  instead of a brush head. The razor head  304  is configured, as is known, to hold shaving razor blades. The blades can be replaceable or non-replaceable. The razor head can be configured as a replaceable cartridge  306 . The cartridge  306  is illustrated (schematically) carrying twin blades  307 . A known mechanism, shown schematically as  309 , can be used to releasably hold the cartridge  306 , fixedly or with some freedom to pivot, to the handle  106 . Further alternatively, the entire shaving razor of FIG. 6 could be configured with the razor head  304 , the handle member  106 , and the weighted base  108  being formed or assembled together to be disposable as a unit. In this regard, the razor head  304 , the handle member  106 , and the weighted base  108  could be composed of a unitary plastic part, with an added weight as necessary, or assembled parts. 
     Although FIG. 6 illustrates a manually operated shaving razor, an electric or battery powered shaving razor could also incorporate the self-righting concept of the invention, such as by use of the handle  106  and the base  108  shown in FIG.  6 . Electrical or electronic circuitry and/or a battery could be housed at least in part within the handle and base. The embodiment may be particularly suited for mustache and nose hair trimmers. 
     Although a few types of implements are illustrated in the Figures, other implements are encompassed by the invention. Such implements include, but are not limited to: other eating or serving utensils; tools; tools such as screwdrivers; flashlights; fine work tools such as for jewelry, electronics, assembly and model making work; writing instruments; markers; art implements; medical and dental instruments; beauty implements such as makeup brushes, makeup applicators and grooming tools; and other hand held implements. In each case, the implement includes a rounded weighted base, a handle, and a working end portion. For example, in the case of a flashlight, the working end portion would be a light bulb and the batteries could be held within a hollow handle. In the case of a marker, as shown in FIG. 7, the working end portion would be the felt tip applicator  402 , and an ink supply or cartridge  404  could be held within the hollow handle  406 . 
     Although the illustrated embodiments describe the working end portion or head as being integrally formed with the handle, the working end portion could be releasably attached to the handle. The releasable attachment could be configured as a plug-and-socket, snap fit arrangement such as used in socket wrench tools, for example. The working end portion can be replaced when worn out, or a number of different working end portions could be interchangeably attachable to a universal, or common, handle and weighted base assembly. For example, a number of different tools can be provided in a set with a single handle and base. 
     From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.