Patent Publication Number: US-2018028006-A1

Title: Article manipulation apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present concerns article manipulation, and more particularly cooking, serving and eating utensils, and even more particularly to utensils for picking up food pieces and sauces. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In Western cultures, forks are the most commonly used eating utensil for picking up pieces of food. The forks are typically used to align, balance, or stab the food before moving the food into the mouth. Forks normally have four inflexible tines for location under or skewering the food. Forks are also difficult to clean by hand because their deep, closely spaced tines can trap bits of food residue. Forks usually have an ergonomic bend to enable the food to be more easily lifted and to provide an angled downward thrust. Forks are also used with knives, in which the knife is used to pile food onto the fork before moving the food into the mouth. In a low gravity situation, such as in space, forks can only stab food; not align or balance it. Moreover, unlike spoons forks cannot lift sauces. 
     East Asian foods such as Chinese, Japanese and Thai, are best and traditionally experienced using chopsticks. However, chopsticks cannot lift sauces, and, for Westerners who are accustomed to using forks to pick up pieces of food, using chopsticks can be a challenge. The handling of two separate elements in one hand can be a very difficult task, and requires considerable dexterity. If this task is not mastered quickly, it can be frustrating, especially for children, and the elderly who might have arthritis in the hand joints. 
     Spoons are routinely used in both Western and Asian cultures to lift soups and sauces. Spoons work best with bowls. They do not lend themselves well to lifting sauces off plates. 
     A variety of hybrid spoon/fork/chopstick inventions have been developed to meet the need for a polyvalent eating utensil. Several of these appear below: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,254 to Marshall, describes a self-supporting chopsticks utensil. The utensil includes a base with two bodies, each with a bottom surface. One of the bodies is rotatably coupled to the other body. The bottom surfaces define a support plane. An elongated rod extends from one body and ends in a first distal portion. Another elongated rod extends from the other body and ends in a second distal portion; and wherein the utensil is weighted to be self-standing so that when the support plane is positioned atop a substantially horizontal support surface, each of the first and second distal portions of the first and second rods are maintained a distance above the substantially horizontal support surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,377 to Ina describes an eating utensil which has two elongated stick members extending parallel to each other and a U-shaped connector attaching the stick members together. Each of the stick members has a base portion extending in a first plane, a intermediate portion extending in a second plane, and an end portion extending in a third plane. The connector is located in the first plane and attaches together the base portion of the first stick member with the base portion of the second stick member. Both of the stick members are thus curved to facilitate handling and use of the utensil. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,563 to Beckham describes a combination chopstick utensil. A base is coupled to each of the first and second chopstick members in which the base includes a first transition member. The base also includes a second transition member, in which the second transition member is coupled to the first transition member along an interior edge. The two transition members are selectably coupleable. The base also further includes a separation facilitation structure between the transition members and is configured to facilitate separation of the transition members. The separation facilitation structure includes a groove between the first and second transition members. The combination chopstick utensil also includes a utensil coupled to the base and extending therefrom substantially opposite of the first and second chopstick members. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,216, 910 to Frauscher describes tongs which include two arms consisting of wooden material that can be elastically bent in relation to one another. The arms are rigidly inserted into a head piece at an angle to one another. Each arm is inserted into a respective V-shaped groove of the wooden head piece. The V-shaped grooves are angled towards one another and both arms are permanently connected to the head piece. 
     Disadvantageously, many of these designs are clumsy to handle, and subject to failure. They are expensive to manufacture due to their complexity. None of the designs provides a simple, aesthetically pleasing eating utensil which is easy to handle. In addition, none of the designs are ergonomically favorable for the user. Also, forks and chopsticks, generally speaking, do not possess a good mouthfeel, i.e. they are prone to interfering with or piercing the food or even causing cuts. If used incorrectly, forks and chopsticks can stab the soft, inner mouth tissues causing bleeding and possibly infection. Conventional chopsticks are also subject to contamination if they are placed on a table that has not been properly cleaned. Since the chopsticks are often laid flat on the table as part of the table setting prior to their use, it is easy to see that the tip which is used to pick up food pieces and deliver them to the mouth can become contaminated, which poses a risk of gastrointestinal infections or even hepatitis. Finally, most East Asian food includes sauces, which are often discarded because the chopsticks are not designed to ladle up the sauce from the plate or bowl in which the food is served. 
     Thus, there is clearly a need for an improved article manipulation apparatus and particularly an improved eating utensil. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     We have designed a balanced food manipulation apparatus, which significantly reduces, or essentially eliminates, the problems described above. The design is in the form of a one-piece tong-like apparatus, which echoes the beak designs found in some species of bird in that each of the arms of the tong is curved to allow for precise food manipulation, from large chunks of food to a single grain of rice. Small food items such as a single piece of spaghetti or a single peppercorn, which would typically be difficult to pick up, can easily be picked up using the apparatus. This demonstrates that our apparatus can be used to manipulate food items not only on a large scale, but on a small scale too. The apparatus is made of material that is sufficiently resilient to cause, once actuating forces are applied to a “sweet spot”, the formation of a bowl-like structure near the tip of the tongs to pinch up up sauces or liquids. The apparatus is curved in such a way that it is ergonomically favorable when balanced atop the thumb and forefinger or held in the palm of a user&#39;s hand. The split-spoon like tip at the end of joined, extended digits behaves like an elongated, streamlined human thumb and forefinger that can not only pinch, but twist into an ideal shape, allowing more efficient interaction with the food on the plate. Also, the apparatus can be flipped over and used as a serving or cooking tool with the same ergonomic advantages as when the apparatus is used as an eating utensil. When flipped over, the downwardly curved tip aids the movement of individual food pieces in a frying pan, wok and the like. In addition to the apparatus being used as a cooking aid, it can also hold down food items, such as a piece of meat, to permit cutting; in this sense the apparatus acts like a fork. Furthermore, when flipped over onto its side, the apparatus can also be used as a whisk or blending tool, for example, for eggs. The apparatus can also be used to pick up relatively heavy articles such as, for example, a whole chicken. This is achieved by inserting the finger members into the chicken&#39;s body cavity with the tips orientated upwardly. Furthermore, if the apparatus is flipped over so that the finger tips are orientated downwardly, the forefinger of a user&#39;s hand can press down on the area just behind the finger tips so as to permit fine manipulation of the apparatus. Also, the resilience of the materials used in the manufacture of the apparatus allow the user to open up the fingers to accommodate large articles therebetween. Also, the apparatus has a very good mouth feel because of the curved tips as well as the smooth surfaces. Furthermore, when the digits are maximally spaced apart, they are approximately the same width as that of an average human mouth. The apparatus can be manufactured inexpensively, it can be reused, and it can be made from environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. Depending on the material used, it can be pressed together, 3-D printed, grown in a laboratory, or made using simple die casting. An additional advantage of our apparatus is that it can be used by people who lack one or more fingers. Also, the apparatus can be used in environments of zero or near zero gravity such as in space or underwater. 
     Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided an article manipulation apparatus comprising: 
     a) a connecting portion; 
     b) first and second elongated finger members extending from the connecting portion, each of the finger members having 
     i) a holding portion disposed in a first plane, the holding portion being sized and shaped to be located in a user&#39;s hand; 
     ii) an intermediate portion disposed in a second plane away from the holding portion; 
     iii) an article holding end portion disposed in a third plane, the food holding end portions having a concave holding sidewall; 
     the connecting portion and the elongate fingers being sufficiently resilient so that an actuating force applied to each of the intermediate portions causes the article handling portions to move together so that each of the concave holding sidewalls combine to form a spoon-like end portion. 
     In one example, the article holding end portion further includes a serrated inner surface. 
     In one example, the article holding end portion further includes a smooth inner surface. 
     In one example, the article holding end portion includes a flat anti-slip lower end portion located away from the finger tip. 
     In one example, the connecting portion is U-shaped. 
     In one example, the connecting portion and the two finger members when viewed from above are V-shaped. 
     In another example, the finger members each have an outer sidewall, the outer sidewall being curved outwardly away from the inner sidewall. At the article holding end portion, the outer sidewall is wider than the outer sidewall of the intermediate portion and the outer sidewall of the holding portion. 
     In yet another example, each of the finger members includes a tip, the tip having a flat non-slip surface, the tip being curved away from a flat surface when the apparatus is placed thereupon. 
     In one example, the intermediate portion includes first and second twistable portions. The first twistable portion permits twisting of the finger members downwardly towards a flat surface. The second twistable portion permits twisting of the finger members upwardly away from a flat surface. 
     In one example, the finger members each includes two lower resting areas to permit placement of the apparatus on a flat surface such that the article holding portions are disposed away from the flat surface. 
     In still another example, the apparatus is nestable, 
     In another example, the outer sidewall of the intermediate portion has a non-slip surface. 
     In one example, the concave holding sidewalls combine to form the spoon-like end portion to capture and hold liquid therein. 
     In another example, each of the finger members has a cross sectional volume which varies along substantially the entire length of each finger member. 
     In one example, the article is a piece of food. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a food manipulation apparatus comprising: 
     a) a connecting portion; 
     b) first and second elongated finger members extending from the connecting portion, each of the finger members having 
     i) a holding portion disposed in a first plane, the holding portion being sized and shaped to be located in a user&#39;s hand; 
     ii) an intermediate portion disposed in a second plane away from the holding portion; 
     iii) a food holding end portion disposed in a third plane, the food holding end portions having a concave food holding sidewall; 
     the connecting portion and the elongate fingers being sufficiently resilient so that an actuating force applied to each of the intermediate portions causes the food handling portions to move together so that each of the concave food holding sidewalls combines to form a spoon-like end portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS I 
       These and other features of that described herein will become more drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a food manipulating apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a finger member; 
         FIG. 4  is longitudinal side cut through view of an alternative finger member showing one half of a serrated portion located near the finger member tip; 
         FIG. 5  is longitudinal side cut through view of an alternative finger member showing one half of a serrated located near the finger member tip; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic side view of a finger member showing the varying cross-sectional profiles taken along the lines shown; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing cross-sectional views taken along lines A-A, B-B, C-C, and D-D; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the food manipulating apparatus showing the position of a hand in an overhand side grip configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the food manipulating apparatus showing the position of a hand in a side grip configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the food manipulating apparatus showing the position of a hand in an open, underhand configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the food manipulating apparatus showing the position of a hand in an overhand, upfacing open configuration; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the food manipulating apparatus showing the position of a hand in an underhand, wide open configuration; and 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the food manipulation apparatus showing the position of a hand in a tip press configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Definitions 
     Unless otherwise specified, the following definitions apply: 
     The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     As used herein, the term “comprising” is intended to mean that the list of elements following the word “comprising” are required or mandatory but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present. 
     As used herein, the term “consisting of” is intended to mean including and limited to whatever follows the phrase “consisting of”. Thus, the phrase “consisting of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory and that no other elements may be present. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , there is illustrated generally at  10  an article manipulation apparatus. In the examples illustrated, the article manipulation apparatus  10  is a food manipulation apparatus, which is also referred to as a cooking, serving and eating tool. In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is also illustrated the dimensions of the various structural features of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  functions like a bird&#39;s beak to select, manipulate and gather solid food. It behaves like a pair of chopsticks for picking up solid food and moving it towards and into the mouth. It has a spoon-like function for picking up semi-solid food and sauces. It also functions as a cooking utensil for use with a frying pan, a wok and the like. Turning the apparatus  10  over achieves either of these two functions. The curved shape of the apparatus  10  allows a plurality of them to be nested. This is a desirable feature for both transport and for storage where, for example, storage space is limited. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , broadly speaking the apparatus  10  includes a connecting portion  12 , and first and second elongate finger members  14 ,  16 . The connecting portion  12  is generally U-shaped. Although the connecting portion  12  is shown as being one-piece, a person skilled in the art will recognize that it can also be a two-piece member connected using a hinge (not shown). If the apparatus uses a hinged connecting portion  12 , it can permit improved storage and shipping because the finger members  14 ,  16  will be arranged in a single elongate manner. Furthermore, an extension or a hood (not shown), may be located at the connecting portion  12 . This can be used to enhance the torque and balance the apparatus  10 , and depends on the property of the material(s) used in the manufacture of the apparatus  10 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the first and second elongate finger member  14 ,  16  are connected to the connecting portion  12  and extend away from it. In the default position, the elongate finger member and the connecting portion assume a V-shaped configuration. It is to be understood that the term “connected” means that the elongate finger members  14 ,  16  are in fact extensions of the connecting portion  12  because in the examples shown, the apparatus  10  is a unitary piece. The apparatus  10  is made from a material that is sufficiently resilient so that a user can easily move the finger members  14 ,  16 . If the apparatus  10  is manufactured from a single piece of wood, for example, a suitably dense and stiff hard wood, like maple, an initially rough cut of the apparatus  10  is produced, which is then smoothed down to the desired shaped by sanding. A lengthy procedure in wood that makes it economically unfeasible. The apparatus  10  can also could better be manufactured from polymeric material, either a single polymer or a composite of polymers such as polycarbonate or copolyester. The apparatus  10  can also be manufactured in stainless steel, bone, porcelain, or bio-organic fibres. In one example, to enhance the torquing effect of the two finger members  14 ,  16 , a hard material, such as steel, can be embedded in the two finger members  14 ,  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the elongate fingers  14 ,  16  has a holding portion  18  that is disposed in a first plane  20 . The holding portion  18  and the connecting portion  12 , because they are located in a proximal position are sized and shaped to be located in the palm of a user&#39;s hand or atop the thumb and forefinger. During operation of the apparatus  10 , the user typically keeps the holding portion  18  and the connecting portion  12  in the palm of the hand. The first plane  20  is disposed such that the holding portion  18  and the connecting portion  12  are curved to echo the inward curvature of the hand of the user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each of the elongate finger  14 ,  16  has an intermediate portion  22  disposed in a second plane  24  and located away from the holding portion  18 . The intermediate portion  22  includes a centrally located area  26  which is an actuating area  28  against which the forefinger and the thumb of the user&#39;s hand apply an actuating force to cause the elongate fingers  14 , 16  to move towards each other. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , when viewed directly above the intermediate portion  22 , the top portion of each elongate finger member  14 ,  16  includes a first twistable portion  30  and a second twistable portion  32  The first twistable portion  30  permits the finger members  14 ,  16  to twist upwardly, whereas the second twistable portion  32  permits the finger members  14 ,  16  to twist downwardly. The twistable nature of the twistable portions  30 ,  32  is a property of the resilient material used to construct the apparatus  10 . Located at a distal end of the finger members  12 ,  14  is a food holding end portion  34  disposed in a third plane  36 . The first twistable portion  30  permits twisting of the finger members  14 ,  16  downwardly towards a flat surface and the second twistable portion  32  permits twisting of the finger members  14 ,  16  upwardly away from the flat surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , one feature that the inventors have incorporated into their design is that of a concave food holding sidewall  38  located near the tips of the fingers  14 ,  16 . The concave food holding sidewall  38  creates a food bowl portion  40  when the food holding end portions  34  of each finger member  14 ,  16  are closed together. Therefore, not only does the apparatus  10  provide a food picking up capability, but also allows the user to scoop up sauces and other food liquids using a bowl-like feature. This advantageously improves the dining experience because the apparatus  10  is now able to capture sauces or liquids which because they are difficult to scoop up from a bowl or plate, are now easily accessed. Thus, with a simple inwardly directed actuating force applied against the intermediate portion  22  on either of the finger members  14 ,  16 , the “chopstick function” of the apparatus  10  is converted into a spoon-like shape. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the food bowl portion  40  extends from near the distal end of the intermediate portion  22  towards a finger member tip  42 . The underside of the food bowl portion  40  includes a flat, anti-slip surface  44 . Once loaded with liquid, the food bowl portion  40 , provided sufficient force is maintained against the intermediate portions  22 , is held therein because the finger bowl portion  40  curves sufficiently upwardly towards the finger member tip  42  in a balanced manner so that the sauce is held in the food bowl portion  40  and does not spill out. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , each of the finger members  12 ,  14  includes a smooth inner sidewall  46 . The smooth inner sidewall  46  of each finger member is wider than the concave food holding sidewall  38  and tapers towards the finger member tips  42 . The food holding end portion  34  further includes a serrated inner surface  50  and a smooth inner surface  52  away from the serrated inner surface  50 . The food holding end portion  34  also has a flat anti-slip lower end portion  54  located away from the finger member tip  42 . The finger tip  42  is curved sufficiently upwards and away from a flat surface when the apparatus  10  is on it. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the finger members  14 ,  16  each has an outer sidewall  56 , which curves outwardly away from the inner sidewall  46 . Furthermore, based on the similarities we found between our design and that of a number of beak designs found in several species of bird, we designed our finger members  14 ,  16  to have the outer sidewall near the holding portion  18  that is is wider than the outer sidewall of the intermediate portion  22 , which in turn is wider than the outer sidewall of the food holding end portion  34 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the finger members  14 ,  16  each includes two lower resting areas  56 ,  58  to permit placement of the apparatus  10  on a flat surface such that the food holding end portions  34  are disposed upwardly away from the flat surface. This allows the apparatus  10  to be placed down on a table when not in use during a meal without contaminating the eating ends of the apparatus  10 . This advantageously removes the need for chopstick rests to be used on the table which may be troublesome for some diners who must set down the chopsticks on the rests every time. When the apparatus  10  is placed down in this manner, the upturned free ends of the finger members  14 ,  16  do not contact the table surface. 
     In addition, when the apparatus  10  is located down on the edge of a bowl or plate with the free ends pointing downwardly, the free ends hook over the edge of the bowl or plate preventing the utensils from easily disengaging and falling to the surface of the table. Thus, the apparatus  10  provides a further advantage in assuring the eating ends of the utensil are not inadvertently contaminated during the meal. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is illustrated two alternative designs of food manipulation apparatuses  100  and  200 . In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the food manipulation apparatus  100  is essentially identical to the apparatus  10  except that the food bowl portion is missing and is replaced by only the serrated inner surface  50  and a smooth inner surface  52  away from the finger member tip  42 . This alternative design  100  is for picking up and holding solid food only. 
     The contoured profile of apparatus finger members  14 ,  16  permits grasping the apparatuses  10 ,  100   200  by the user when the user is picking the apparatus off the table surface. Unlike chopsticks which may be difficult to pick up since they lie flat on the table surface, the apparatuses described herein include portions which rise above the table surface, making them easier to pick up. When viewed from the side, as best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the contoured profile of the apparatus  10  also provides the user with a significantly better ergonomic response and control when performing a scooping and a picking action through the two sided ergonomic and functional engagement of the finger members  12 ,  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , as one takes cross sectional views along each of the finger members  14 ,  16 , the volume of the cross section changes in relation to the mean cord in order to achieve the desired flexibility of the finger members  14 ,  16 . Specifically, the variation in cross sectional volume along substantially the entire length of the finger members  14 ,  16  permits the finger members  14 ,  16  to spring together and to permit torquing towards each of the finger member tips. The example illustrated in  FIG. 6  is ergonomically favorable. It should be noted that the apparatus if it is manufactured by pressing out of a sheet metal, only the thickness, the cord, and the mean cord would be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , various cross sectional views of the two finger members  14 ,  16  taken from near the two finger tips  42 , viewed from arrows D-D, through to arrows A-A near the connecting portion  12 , clearly indicate the changes in cross sectional volume 
     The apparatus adds an all-round efficiency to eating, allowing the user to more accurately select and manipulate a portion of food, either small or large. The apparatus described herein has a unique curved yet balanced design which is permits its use in different orientations and improves the ergonomic properties. The apparatus can be held in one position so that the food holding ends permit picking up food pieces from the plate, either one piece at a time or a small bundle of food, and moving it to the mouth. By applying inward, actuating forces, the food bowl portion  40  converts the “chopstick” function into a small spoon-like apparatus capable of ladling up sauce or liquids. Furthermore, if desired, the apparatus  10  can be turned over so as to use the apparatus as a cooking utensil which allows the food pieces to be moved around a wok or frying pan. 
     In addition to its use as a food manipulator, the apparatuses  10 ,  100  and  200  can also be used in other applications. For example, if the apparatus is made from sterilizable materials and with manipulation of the various measurements shown in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus could be used in surgical or dental applications which require dextrous use of an instrument using one hand. The apparatus can also be used by people lacking dexterity or in rehabilitation or occupational therapy. For example, a person who has had a stroke may use the apparatus either as an eating utensil or as a tool to allow them to pick up small household items. 
     In summary, we have solved the problem of how to bring the beak together to close the spoon. This has to happen incrementally from the tip along the bottom, to the back of the spoon shape. To ensure the design is ergonomically favorable, we had to maintain the S-shape. We had to correct the amount of tork at any given point along the digits by tilting the aspect ratios, and correcting for stiffness. Thus we constructed an ergonomic, mechanically-advantaged, interactive, cooking, serving and eating utensil with appropriate gripping action, hand-feel and mouth-feel. 
     Alternative Uses 
     The design of the food manipulation apparatus  10  permits multiple uses such as, for example, in surgical or dental procedures. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the apparatus  10  can be used in certain surgical or dental procedures, such as biopsies, which require remote access to tissue or organs to remove a sample therefrom. In other procedures, the tissue or organ may need to be held or clamped. In another example, the apparatus  10  can be used to remove obstructions of the oesophagus or trachea. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will also recognize that the apparatus  10  can be used in engineering fields to manipulate or pick up small pieces of machinery, bolts, screws and the like, without the need for direct contact of human fingers. 
     Grip Configurations 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 through 13 , the food manipulation apparatus  10  can be used in a variety of different hand grip configurations depending on the intended use. Specifically,  FIG. 8  shows the food manipulating apparatus in which the hand is located in an overhand side grip configuration.  FIG. 9  shows the apparatus in which the hand is located in a side grip configuration.  FIG. 10  shows the apparatus in which the position of a hand is in an open, underhand configuration.  FIG. 11  shows the apparatus in which the hand in an overhand, upfacing open configuration.  FIG. 12  shows the apparatus in which the position of a hand is in an underhand, wide open configuration.  FIG. 13  shows the apparatus in which the position of a hand is in a tip press configuration. 
     Other Embodiments 
     From the foregoing description, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein to adapt it to various usages and conditions.