U.S. patent application number 13/012035 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for baby spoon.
Invention is credited to Bilal M. Matari.
Application Number | 20110214300 13/012035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44530065 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110214300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matari; Bilal M. |
September 8, 2011 |
Baby Spoon
Abstract
The present invention discloses an eating utensil composed of an
elongated element having a first end and a second end. The first
end having at least one scooping element. The second end of the
elongated element contains a handle. The scooping element may be a
flange that is mounted perpendicularly to the elongated element.
The retaining surface of the scooping element may be inclined or
declined toward the elongated element. A flange guard may separate
the handle from the scooping element.
Inventors: |
Matari; Bilal M.; (Pine
Brook, NJ) |
Family ID: |
44530065 |
Appl. No.: |
13/012035 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61309967 |
Mar 3, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
30/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 17/00 20130101;
A47G 21/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
30/324 |
International
Class: |
A47G 21/04 20060101
A47G021/04 |
Claims
1. An article of manufacture comprising: an elongated element
having a first end and a second end; said first end having at least
one scooping element; a handle, said handle disposed on said second
end; said scooping element is a flange about said first end, said
flange mounted perpendicularly to said elongated element; and said
retaining surface of said scooping element is inclined toward said
elongated element.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein said flange is an elliptical
flange.
3. The article of claim 1, further comprising at least three
scooping elements, said scooping elements disposed in a stacked
orientation along said elongated element, and a retaining space
disposed between said scooping elements.
4. The article of claim 3, wherein a width of each said scooping
element along said elongated element varying at with each
successive scooping element.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein said scooping element is made of
a flexible non abrasive material.
6. The article of claim 1, wherein said elongated element is
between 1 and 3 inches in length, and wherein the maximum width of
said scooping element is between 1/4 of an inch and one inch.
7. The article of claim 1, wherein said elongated element is
further comprised of a conical portion, a base of said conical
portion forming a handle.
8. The article of claim 1, wherein said scooping element is
disposed on one side of said first end.
9. The article of claim 1, further comprising a flange guard, said
flange guard separating said handle from said first end, and said
flange guard disposed in a perpendicular orientation with said
elongated element.
10. The article of claim 1, wherein the handle is spherical.
11. The article of claim 1, wherein said retaining surface is in a
declining orientation.
12. The article of claim 1, wherein said flange is a downward
sloping flange.
13. The article of claim 1, wherein said flange is a spiral
flange.
14. The article of claim 1, wherein said flange is a flat
flange.
15. An article of manufacture comprising: an elongated element
having a first end and a second end; said first end having at least
two scooping elements, said scooping elements disposed in a stacked
orientation along said elongated element; a retaining space
disposed between said scooping elements; each said scooping element
forming an elliptical flange, said elliptical flange disposed in a
perpendicular orientation with said elongated element; and a
handle, said handle disposed on said second end.
16. The article of claim 15, further comprising at least three
scooping elements.
17. The article of claim 15, wherein said width of each said
scooping element along said elongated element varies at with each
successive scooping element.
18. The article of claim 15, wherein a retaining surface of each
said scooping element is inclined toward said elongated
element.
19. The article of claim 18, further comprising said scooping
element declining in the direction of an inclining scooping
element.
20. The article of claim 19, further comprising a perpendicular
flange, said perpendicular flange disposed between said declining
and said inclining scooping element.
21. The article of claim 15, further comprising a flange guard,
said flange guard separating said handle from said first end, and
said flange guard disposed in a perpendicular orientation with said
elongated element.
22. The article of claim 15, wherein said handle is spherical.
23. The article of claim 15, wherein said elongated element is
between 1 and 3 inches in length and wherein the maximum width of
said scooping element is between 1/4 of an inch and one inch.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/309,967
filed on Mar. 3, 2010, the contents of which are fully incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an eating utensil for small
children.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to a utensil that may be used for
feeding infants and small children. Babies graduate from receiving
nutrition from breast feeding or bottles to solid food. Solids or
viscous liquids, such as yogurts or purees require the use of more
conventional eating utensils such as spoons. However, typical
spoons are not suitable for young toddlers.
[0004] The present invention presents a utensil that is closer to a
bottle or breast feeding, yet can hold the same solid foods as a
conventional spoon. Solid foods typically eaten with a spoon may be
scooped up and served by the flange-like surfaces of the present
invention. The present invention may also help teach a toddler how
to hold and use a utensil. The present invention resembles a
pacifier or nipple in shape and texture and so has a familiar feel
in the infant's mouth. It is therefore softer and gentler than a
traditional spoon. This familiarity makes it easier for the infant
to accept solid foods and aides in the infant's transition from a
bottle or breast feeding to solid foods.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0005] US Patent Application No. 2007/0203450 discloses a device
for feeding a young child without the threat of choking, this
device comprising a handle member in combination with an elongate
food-receiving mesh container having an aperture in one end
thereof. A ring component too large to swallow is mounted in the
aperture. One end of the handle member has a circularly disposed
sealing surface, and having a securing member around its adjacent
exterior surface. A closure ring having a securing member around
its interior surface is able to interfit with the securing member
of the handle end. The closure ring has a central aperture of a
size to closely receive the container, but not permitting the
passage of the ring component. When the closure ring has been
tightened upon the handle end, the ring component will tightly
engage the circularly disposed sealing surface on the handle,
holding the container in an operative position.
[0006] US Patent Application No. 2004/0194322 discloses a feeding
implement that can be used for self-feeding by a child, such as a
toddler, or an individual having a disability. The feeding
implement consists of a handle and a transport portion which is
shaped and suitable for dipping into solid foods, such as purees
and infant cereal. The transport portion has on its surface
multiple protrusions and/or grooves to increase its surface
area.
[0007] Various implements are known in the art, but fail to address
all of the problems solved by the invention described herein. One
embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying
drawings and will be described in more detail herein below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention discloses an eating utensil composed
of an elongated element having a first end and a second end. The
first end has at least one scooping element. The second end of the
elongated element contains a handle. The scooping element may be a
flange mounted perpendicularly to the elongated element. The
retaining surface of the scooping element may be inclined or
declined toward the elongated element. A flange guard may separate
the handle from the scooping element.
[0009] Therefore, the present invention succeeds in conferring the
following desirable and useful benefits and objectives, as well as
others not mentioned.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel
feeding utensil.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
spoon trainer device.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an eating utensil that may be easily used by toddlers and
small children.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
spoon utensil that may be used as a pacifier.
[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a device for use with feeding yogurt and purees.
[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a device where the handle allows for comfortable grip and easy
maneuvering within a food container or a child's mouth.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
eating utensil that is whimsical and fun to use.
[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an eating utensil that enables introduction of solid foods in a
gentle and stress free way.
[0018] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an eating utensil that may also be utilized as a pacifier or a
teether.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 is a perspective side view of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of the scooping
element.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention,
demonstrating angles and inclines.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front view.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a back view.
[0024] FIG. 5A is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 6 and 7 are usage demonstrations.
[0026] FIG. 8 is an illustration of another, alternative embodiment
of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is an illustration of yet another, alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 10 is an illustration of further, alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in
the various figures are identified with the same reference
numerals.
[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the
present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of
explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be
limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may
appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the
present drawings that various modifications and variations can be
made thereto.
[0031] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective view of the present
invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective side view as viewed from the
front of the article 10, while FIG. 2 is a perspective side view as
viewed from the back of the article 10. Shown also in FIGS. 1 and 2
is an article 10, an elongated element 20, a first end 30, a second
end 40, a scooping element 50, a handle 60, a flange 70, a
retaining surface 90, a retaining space 120, a width of the
scooping element 130, a length of the elongated element 140, a
conical portion 150, a base of said conical 160, a side of the
first end 170, and a flange guard 180.
[0032] The present invention preferably functions as a cross
between a spoon and a pacifier for feeding semi-solid and solid
foods to a child. The scooping element 50 is disposed on the first
end 30. There may be at least one scooping element 50. However,
preferably, there are two or three scooping elements in a row.
[0033] The preferred embodiment of a scooping element is a flange
70. The flange 70 is preferably elliptical or circular, but may be
embodied in any other shape such as, a square, an oval, a triangle,
an octagon, a tetrahedron, or star-shaped. The flange 70 may
preferably be made of not-toxic and soft materials such as,
plastic, rubber, polymer or silicone. The scooping element 50 is
preferably firm enough to scoop and carry food, yet flexible enough
for the rings to bend and flex when it's being pulled from the
child's mouth. Since the article 10 is intended to come in contact
with food items, it is highly preferable that the materials used
are heat resistant and will not melt or distort when the article 10
is exposed to hot food solids or subject to high temperatures such
as sterilization or dishwashing.
[0034] The scooping element 50 is disposed on the elongated element
20, and preferably is integrally manufactured with the elongated
element 20, meaning the scooping element should be an extension of
the elongated element 20. Even if the scooping element is added
later in the manufacturing process, it should be fused so it
creates a rounded base area 94. The preferred length of the
elongated element 20 is preferably between 1 and 3 inches, with the
width 130 or the diameter of the scooping element preferably
between 1/4 and 1 inch. The article 10 preferably contains at least
3 flanges 70. The first elliptical flange 70 is preferably flush
with the first end 30, or is structurally derived from the first
end 30. Flanges 70 disposed further along the elongated element 20,
may be spaced between 1/16 and 1/2 of inch apart. This space may be
referred to as the retaining space 120. The purpose of the
retaining space 120 is to permit a quantity of a food item to
accumulate between the retaining surface 90 and converse surface
92.
[0035] It is preferable that the flange 70 encircles the elongated
element 20 on all sides. However, in an alternative embodiment the
flange may cover just one side 170, or it may be just one or
several facets of the elongated element 20. In another alternative
(not shown), the scooping element may contain perpendicular
protrusions on alternative sides or facets 170 of the elongated
element 20, or on opposite sides 170. In other versions for older
children, one or more of the flanges 70 may contain jagged edge
(not shown) for easier severing of a food item.
[0036] The elongated element 20 is shown having a straight portion
152 and a conical portion 150. The straight portion 150 may also be
referred to as a forward portion. Alternatively, the elongated
element 20 may be entirely straight or entirely conical. The
conical portion 150 forms a handle 60 at the base 160. The
elongated element 20 may be preferably cylindrical, or have a round
sidewall 153. Alternatively, the elongated element 20 may be flat,
polygonal or polyhedral, ball shaped, or oblong such as a football
shape. A conical or otherwise shaped elongated element 20 may be
preferable to a cylindrical or rod-like embodiment, since it may
prevent the article 10 from going too deep into a child's
mouth.
[0037] The second end 40 of the elongated element 20 forms a handle
60. The handle 60 may be separated from the base 160 of the conical
section 150 by a flange guard 180. As will be explained in FIG. 3,
both the flange guard 180 and the elliptical flange 70 may
preferably be oriented perpendicularly 80 to the elongated element
20. Preferably, the flange guard 180 does not abruptly jut out of
the elongated element 20, but forms a rounded base area 162.
[0038] The handle 60 may preferably be elliptical or spherical.
Such a handle may have many advantages to a more traditional
elongated handle. On a functional level, an elliptical handle 60
can be easily moved from side to side and rotated around. This may
be very desirable when aggregating food inside a food container,
such as a yogurt container, or when trying to feed a distracted or
uncooperative child. The small profile of the article 10 and the
convenient handle 60 also make the device suitable for use by
children, since it is easily grasped and manipulated, especially
when held by a toddler. The handle 60 easily orients the article 10
to point the scooping element 50 directly into the baby's mouth.
Unlike a normal spoon which must be maintained with the scooping
part in a horizontal position, the present invention can be
oriented or twisted in any direction and it will still be capable
of scooping solid or semi-solid food. Additionally, broad and
elliptical surfaces are more comfortable, especially to those
suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. On an aesthetic
level, an elliptical handle 60 is similar to the appearance of a
typical pacifier, and may be more readily recognized by a child
than an elongated alternative. However, a handle 60 may take on any
other shape such as an elongated shape, a figurine shape, or any
other shape. The handle 60 may also contain soft or frictional
elements to prevent slippage, or may have a fun design. In another
alternative, the handle 60 or the elongated element 20 may be
hollow, or function as a noise maker. The handle 60 may also be
embodied in a large ring or a head of a children's cartoon
character.
[0039] Separating the handle 60 from the rest of the elongated
element 20 is flange guard 180. The width or diameter of the flange
guard 180 may be between 1 and 2.5 inches. Preferably, the rim 184
of the flange guard 180 contains corner protrusions 182. The corner
protrusions 182 prevent the article from rolling sideways on a
slightly tilted surface. With corner protrusions 182, the flange
guard 180 may appear octagonal, with vertices forming the corner
protrusions 182. However, a greater or a lesser number of vertices
may be used. The corner protrusions 182 may preferably be made of a
soft, or even jell like material such as, soft rubber or silicone.
Alternatively, the flange guard 180 may be completely elliptical or
shaped like a cross guard. In other alternatives the corner
protrusions 182 may be protuberances that jut out along the rim
184. The flange guard may also be omitted entirely. The flange
guard 180 may serve functional and aesthetic roles. The flange
guard 180 helps keep the users hands clean from food when inserting
the article 10 into a container or a child's mouth. If used by a
child, it may prevent a child from soiling his or her hands or
cuffs when using the article 10 to eat. It may also shield the
mouth of a child from any bacteria that may be present on the hands
or fingertips of the person using the article 10. The width 62 of
the handle 60 may preferably be between 0.8 and 1.8 of an inch and
be substantially spherical or elliptical as shown. These dimensions
and shape make the handle 60 ideal for handling by babies and small
children.
[0040] The various parts of the present invention may be made from
any material, including but not limited to: plastics and resins
including but not limited to plastic, rubber, foam, silicone, ABS,
Polycarbonate, Noryl.TM., PVC, Polystryrene, ABS/PVC, PVC/Acrylic,
Polysulfone, Acrylic, Polyethylene, Kydex.TM., PETG; ate, or
quartz; wood; metals, including but not limited to iron, tin,
aluminum, copper; rubber including but not limited to natural
rubber, SBR, Isoprene rubber, Butadiene rubber, and Chloroprene
rubber; or an edible material such as a flexible candy or any
combinations or composites of these materials or other materials
and new materials that may be manufactured in the future. The
materials should be non-toxic and approved for use with food. The
parts of the article 10 may be manufactured using identical or
different materials. Preferably, the forward portion 150 and the
scooping elements 50 are made of soft, flexible, and significantly
tear resistant materials that are not toxic, or which will not
dissolve or leach toxins if exposed to hot or cold food, liquids,
edible acids, food items, or saliva.
[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross sectional view of the forward
portion 152. Shown is the straight or forward portion 152 of the
elongated element 20, scooping elements 50, a first end 30, a
retaining surface 90, a converse surface 92, a base area 94, an
incline toward the elongated element 100, and a retaining space
120. The scooping elements 50 may preferably be flanges 70. FIG. 2A
illustrates the concept that the scooping element should preferably
be fashioned as an extension of the elongated element 20. This
would likely ensure that the scooping elements 20 may not easily
tear away from the elongated element 20. The scooping elements 50
may contain a base area 94 that may be shaped as a half pipe. The
base area 94 represents a transition from the sidewall 153 of the
elongated element 20 to the retaining surface 90. The half pipe
shaped base area 94 is also desirable to ease the cleaning process
of the scooping element 50 and to make food within the retaining
surface 90 more accessible. It may also be highly preferable that
the scooping element 50 inclines 100 toward the elongated element
20. This creates a flange 70 that contains a concave retaining
surface 90 for holding food, and a convex converse surface 92 for
forcing scooped up food into the retaining surface 90.
Alternatively, the scooping elements 50 may be completely
perpendicular to the elongated element 20 and not contain a base
area 94.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, shown is an article 10, an elongated
element 20, a first end 30, a second end 40, a scooping element 50,
a handle 60, an elliptical flange 70, a perpendicular mounting 80,
a retaining surface 90, an incline toward said elongated element
100, a retaining space 120, a width of the scooping element 130, a
length of the elongated element 140, a conical portion 150, a
straight portion 152, a sidewall 153, a base of said conical 160, a
side of the first end 170, and a flange guard 180. Also
demonstrated in FIG. 3 is a stacked orientation 110 of each
scooping element 50, which is also herein referred to as a row of
scooping elements 50. In such orientation, the width of each flange
70 varies between one flange and the next 190. For example, the
flange 70 that forms that first end 30 may preferably be the widest
scooping element. The scooping element 50 that follows may be
slightly narrower, yet wider than a subsequent scooping element 50.
It follows that the scooping element 50 that is closest to the
handle 60 may be the narrowest, while the scooping element 50
closest to the first end 30 may preferably be the widest. This
allows the scooping elements 50 closest to the first end 30 to also
fill up with food. Otherwise, the scooping element that is furthest
away from the first end 30 may fill up with food, leaving empty the
scooping elements that are closer to the first end 30. This may
also be desirable since it may yield a utensil that is somewhat
resistant to spillovers and dripping while the first end 30 is
pointing downward. Since the food run-off from the scooping element
closest to the handle 60 may be caught by the retaining surface of
the wider scooping element beneath it. Alternatively, the variable
width pattern 190 may be reversed, namely the scooping element 50
that is closest to the handle 60 may be the widest, while the
scooping element closest to the first end 30 may be the narrowest.
Any other variations of width may also be possible.
[0043] Both the flange guard 180 and the scooping elements 70 are
mounted or attached perpendicularly 80 with respect to the
elongated element 170. The rim 184 may be slightly pitched in the
direction of the first end 30, but may also be perfectly
perpendicular, or pitched in the direction of the second end
40.
[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the front and back view of the
present invention. Note the back view is a view facing the handle
60, while the front view is a view facing the first end 30. Also
shown are the flange guard 180, the flange guard rim 184, and the
corner protrusions 182. The flange guard 180 in FIG. 3 bears the
preferred octagonal shape. Alternatively, the flange guard may be
in any shape.
[0045] FIG. 5A is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention. Shown is an article 10, an elongated element
20, a first end 30, a second end 40, a scooping element 50, a
handle 60, an elliptical flange 70, a declining scooping element
75, a perpendicular flange 77, a retaining surface 90, a retaining
space 120, and a flange guard 180. In an alternative embodiment
shown one of the scooping elements 50 is inclined towards the
elongated element 20 in the direction of the flange guard 180. A
declining scooping element 75 is inclined towards the inclining
scooping element 50. There may also be a perpendicular flange 77
disposed between the inclining and declining scooping elements 70
and 75. The perpendicular flange 77 is preferably flat and narrower
than the inclining and declining flanges 70 and 75, respectively.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the article 10 is capable of
holding food firmly in place whether the scooping elements 50 are
pointing up or down. Additionally, this embodiment may be more
suitable for scraping sidewalls of a food container, like the one
shown in FIG. 6, in the direction of incline and decline. The
perpendicular flange 77 may assist in retaining captured food items
inside the retaining space 120.
[0046] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of utilization of the
present invention. Shown are an article 10, an elongated element
20, a first end 30, a second end 40, a scooping element 50, a
handle 60, a flange guard 180, a food container 200, a food
container opening 210, and a child 220. The article 10 is used by
dipping the scooping element 50 into a food container 200 or a
plate, or any other food bearing container. The narrow,
utensil-like profile of the article 10 permits easy access into any
size container, especially ones with narrow openings 210. For
optimal performance the article 10 may be used with viscous liquids
or semi-viscous solids, such as yogurts, purees, apple souses and
equivalent sauces, mash potatoes, oatmeal, and similar food
types.
[0047] The article 10 is first dipped into the container 200 to
saturate the scooping elements 50 with a quantity of food. The
article 10 is then transferred towards a child's, or human mouth,
as shown. Once the scooping element 50 enters the oral cavity, the
food item may be suctioned off and released by the flexible
scooping elements 50. One skilled in the art would appreciate that
dimensions of the article 10 permit it to be easily handled and
used by a toddler or a young child 220. A child, especially a
toddler has a natural tendency to shake items and in general to
move items up and down. Furthermore, children of this age still
have a strong desire to ingest food through suction. The present
invention can capitalize on these tendencies. The aim is for a
child 220 to become accustomed to using the present invention to
eat without assistance, and to eventually replace the article 10
with a typical spoon or fork. The article 10 may help with this
transition and may also be used as a pacifier or a teether toy.
[0048] FIG. 8 is an illustration of another, alternative embodiment
of the present invention. The downward baby spoon 300 has a flange
guard 180 attached to a spherical handle 60 on one side, and an
elongated element 20 on the other side. At the distal end of the
elongated element 20, there are a plurality of downward sloping
flanges 310, each pair of the downward sloping flanges 310 being
separated by a retaining space 120. The downward sloping flanges
310 each have a convex retaining surface 320.
[0049] FIG. 9 is an illustration of yet another, alternative
embodiment of the present invention. The spiral baby spoon 400 has
a flange guard 180 attached to a spherical handle 60 on one side,
and an elongated element 20 on the other side. At the distal end of
the elongated element 20, there is a spiral flange 410, with the
groove in the spiral forming the retaining space 120.
[0050] FIG. 10 is an illustration of further, alternative
embodiment of the present invention. The flat baby spoon 500 has a
flange guard 180 attached to a spherical handle 60 on one side, and
an elongated element 20 on the other side. At the distal end of the
elongated element 20, there are a plurality of flat flanges 510,
each pair of the flat flanges 510 being separated by a retaining
space 120. The flat flanges 510 each have a flat retaining surface
520.
[0051] Although this invention has been described with a certain
degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present
disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that
numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of
parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *