U.S. patent application number 15/482316 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-12 for utensil stabilization device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apogee Designs, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Robert W. Flesher.
Application Number | 20170290451 15/482316 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59999656 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170290451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flesher; Robert W. |
October 12, 2017 |
Utensil Stabilization Device
Abstract
A utensil stabilization device can include an elongate member
having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom edge.
The proximal end can have a concave interior surface and the distal
end can have a receptacle and a hook. The distal end can be axially
offset with respect to the proximal end. A height between the top
edge and the bottom edge can be greater at the proximal end than
the distal end. The utensil stabilization device can include an
attachment band coupled to a proximal end of the elongate member
and releasably securable about the wrist region.
Inventors: |
Flesher; Robert W.; (Towson,
MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apogee Designs, Ltd. |
Baltimore |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59999656 |
Appl. No.: |
15/482316 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62320727 |
Apr 11, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 21/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 21/14 20060101
A47G021/14 |
Claims
1. A utensil stabilization device comprising: an elongate member
having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom edge,
wherein the proximal end comprises a concave interior surface and
the distal end comprises a receptacle, wherein the distal end is
axially offset with respect to the proximal end, and wherein a
height between the top edge and the bottom edge is greater at the
proximal end than the distal end; and an attachment element
comprising a band having a first end, wherein the first end of the
band is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member, and
wherein a free end of the band is configured to releasably attach
to the band.
2. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the
proximal end of the elongate member is configured to be secured
against a lateral side of a forearm region of a user.
3. The utensil stabilization device of claim 2, wherein the distal
end of the elongate member is axially offset relative to the
proximal end in a lateral direction away from the lateral side of
the forearm.
4. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the
receptacle is configured to receive a utensil.
5. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising
a hook disposed at the distal end of the elongate member, wherein a
tip of the hook is disposed lower than the top edge of the distal
end of the elongate member, and wherein a bottom of the receptacle
is disposed lower than the tip.
6. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the height
between the top edge and the bottom edge at the distal end of the
elongate member is less than half the height between the top edge
and the bottom edge at the proximal end of the elongate member.
7. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the
elongate member comprises plastic.
8. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the
attachment element comprises a hook and loop fastener, and wherein
the free end of the band comprises the hook portion.
9. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the
attachment element further comprises a ring disposed at the first
end of the band, and wherein the free end of the band is configured
to pass through the ring before attaching to the band.
10. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the first
end of the band is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate
member by an adhesive.
11. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the distal
end of the elongate member is more flexible than the proximal
end.
12. A utensil stabilization device comprising: an elongate member
having a distal end comprising a receptacle configured to receive a
distal portion of a utensil being held at a proximal end by a user;
and an attachment band coupled to a proximal end of the elongate
member, wherein the attachment band is configured to wrap around a
wrist region of the user to secure the utensil stabilization device
about the wrist region.
13. The utensil stabilization device of claim 12, wherein the
distal end is axially offset with respect to the proximal end.
14. The utensil stabilization device of claim 12, wherein a height
between a top edge and a bottom edge of the elongate member is
greater at the proximal end than the distal end.
15. The utensil stabilization device of claim 12, wherein the
proximal end comprises a concave interior surface configured to
engage a contour of a lateral side of the wrist.
16. The utensil stabilization device of claim 12, wherein
attachment band comprises a hook and loop fastener releasably
securable about the wrist.
17. A system for reducing the effect of hand tremors while eating,
comprising: a utensil having a distal portion, a shaft, and a
proximal portion; and a utensil stabilization device comprising: an
elongate member having a distal end comprising a receptacle
configured to receive the utensil; and an attachment band disposed
at a proximal end of the elongate member configured to releasably
secure the elongate member, wherein disposing the utensil in the
receptacle and holding the proximal end of the utensil forms a
three-point stabilizing configuration comprising a first point
where the distal portion of the utensil engages the receptacle, a
second point where the proximal end of the utensil is held in a
user's hand, and a third point where the proximal end of the
elongate member is secured by the attachment band.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the receptacle is configured to
receive the utensil where the shaft meets the distal portion of the
utensil.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the distal end of the elongate
member is axially offset with respect to the proximal end, and
wherein a height between a top edge and a bottom edge of the
elongate member is greater at the proximal end than the distal
end.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the proximal end of the
elongate member is secured to a wrist region of a user by the
attachment band.
21. The system of claim 17, wherein the first point remains fixed
relative to the third point when the utensil is disposed in the
receptacle.
Description
CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/320,727, filed Apr. 11, 2016, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to utensil stabilization
devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to
eating utensil stabilization devices for people with hand
tremors.
Background
[0003] Many people experience shaky hands, which are commonly
referred to as hand tremors. While hand tremors are often
associated with neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's, a more
common cause of hand tremors is "essential tremor." Essential
tremor is a common neurological disorder, primarily in adults, that
generally worsens with age. Symptoms most often include shaking
when an affected muscle group is used. Little is known about the
cause of essential tremor and there are few treatment options.
Certain medications may be prescribed or an electrical stimulation
procedure known as deep brain stimulation may be performed to
reduce the severity of symptoms.
[0004] Everyday tasks, such as eating, can be difficult for people
with hand tremors. Some people may be embarrassed by having hand
tremors or by wearing bulky devices to reduce the impact of the
tremors. Electronic device solutions, for example, those employing
motors and gyroscopes to steady utensils, are also large in size.
They are also battery-operated and so have the additional drawback
of needing to be regularly charged. Cleaning and utensil
interchangeability are also problematic for these devices. For
example, because only certain utensils are designed to be inserted
into the device, various utensil attachments (e.g., a spoon and a
fork) must be kept with the user at all times. And if the user is
not in their home, those utensils must then be stored for later
cleaning. Therefore, there is a need for a less conspicuous device
that is easy to transport and maintain, which reduces the effect of
hand tremors.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] A utensil stabilization device can include an elongate
member having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom
edge. The proximal end can have a concave interior surface and the
distal end can have a receptacle and/or a hook. The distal end can
be axially offset with respect to the proximal end. A height
between the top edge and the bottom edge can be greater at the
proximal end than the distal end. The height between the top edge
and the bottom edge at the distal end of the elongate member can be
less than half the height between the top edge and the bottom edge
at the proximal end of the elongate member.
[0006] The utensil stabilization device can include an attachment
element. The attachment element can have a band and a ring disposed
at a first end of the band. The first end of the band can be
coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member and a free end
of the band can be configured to pass through the ring and
releasably attach to the band. The attachment element can be a hook
and loop fastener. The free end of the band can include the hook
portion. The first end of the band can be coupled to the proximal
end of the elongate member by an adhesive.
[0007] The proximal end of the elongate member can be configured to
be secured against a lateral side of a wrist and/or forearm of a
user. The distal end of the elongate member can be axially offset
away from the lateral side of the wrist and/or forearm.
[0008] The receptacle at the distal end of the elongate member can
be configured to receive a utensil (e.g., an eating utensil such as
a spoon or fork). The receptacle can be configured in shape and
size to receive a shaft portion of a utensil near where the shaft
meets the head (i.e., the food engaging portion) at the distal
portion of the utensil. A tip of the hook at the distal end of the
elongate member can be disposed lower than the top edge of the
distal end of the elongate member. A bottom of the receptacle can
be disposed lower than the tip.
[0009] The elongate member can be made from a variety of materials
including plastic or metal. The distal end of the elongate member
can be more flexible than the proximal end.
[0010] A system for reducing the effect of hand tremors while
eating can include a utensil having a distal portion (i.e., a food
engaging portion), a shaft, and a proximal end (i.e., a handle),
and a utensil stabilization device, for example, as described
above. The stabilization device can be configured to be attached to
the wrist and/or forearm region of a user's arm. A proximal portion
of an eating utensil, such as a spoon, can be held in the user's
hand while the distal end of the utensil rests in the receptacle at
the distal end of the stabilization device. This arrangement forms
a three-point stabilizing configuration having a first point where
the distal portion of the utensil engages the receptacle, a second
point where the proximal end of the utensil is held in the user's
hand, and a third point where the proximal end of the elongate
member is secured to the user's wrist and/or forearm by the
attachment band. The first point can remain fixed relative to the
third point when the utensil is disposed in the receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein,
form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the
present disclosure. Together with the description, the figures
further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person
skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosed
embodiments. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Although the disclosure is generally described in the
context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is
not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to these
particular embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numbers
indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a utensil stabilization device, according
to an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an elongate member of a utensil
stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed
herein.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a utensil stabilization device, according
to an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an interior side view of an elongate
member of a utensil stabilization device, according to an
embodiment disclosed herein.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a top edge perspective view of an
elongate member of a utensil stabilization device, according to an
embodiment disclosed herein.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of an elongate
member of a utensil stabilization device, according to an
embodiment disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a utensil
stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed
herein.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates an attachment device for a utensil
stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed
herein.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a utensil stabilization device being used
in a first position, according to an embodiment disclosed
herein.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a utensil stabilization device being
used in a second position, according to an embodiment disclosed
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described
in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are
used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some
embodiments," "in certain embodiments," etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,
such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0023] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting,
of the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and
adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally
encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those
skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the
disclosure.
[0024] FIGS. 1, 3, and 7 illustrate utensil stabilization device
10, according to embodiments. In certain embodiments, utensil
stabilization device 10 can have an elongate member 100 and an
attachment element 200. Elongate member 100 can have a proximal end
110 that can be disposed against and secured to a wrist and/or
forearm region (used interchangeably herein) of the user. A distal
end 120 of elongate member 100 can have a receptacle 124 configured
to receive a utensil. In certain embodiments, receptacle 124 can be
a notch in distal end 120 of elongate member 100, for example, a
notch along top edge 106. In certain embodiments, distal end 120
can have a hook 122 that retains the utensil within the receptacle
124. Attachment element 200 can be used to secure utensil
stabilization device 10 about the wrist and/or forearm of the
user.
[0025] FIGS. 2 and 4-6 illustrate elongate member 100, according to
embodiments. In certain embodiments, elongate member 100 can be
curved or contoured to fit against the wrist and/or forearm of the
user. For example, elongate member 100 can be disposed against a
lateral or underside portion of a user's wrist and/or forearm
(e.g., against the radius bone along the thumb side). Contouring
elongate member 100 with a curve similar to that of the lateral
side of the wrist can provide a secure fit and make utensil
stabilization device 10 less conspicuous when worn.
[0026] Elongate member 100 can include interior surface 102,
exterior surface 104, top edge 106, bottom edge 107, and rear edge
108. Interior surface 102 can be configured to face and/or contact
the user's hand, wrist, and/or forearm when in use. Top edge 106
can be disposed closer to the radius bone and bottom edge 107 can
be disposed closer to the ulna bone when in use. Rear edge 108 can
be the edge further from the hand (closest to the elbow) when in
use.
[0027] Elongate member 100 can have a proximal end 110 and a distal
end 120. Proximal end 110 can be disposed closer to the fingers and
distal end 120 can be disposed closer to the wrist/forearm when in
use. As shown, for example, in FIG. 2, in certain embodiments,
proximal end 110 can include one or more holes 112. In certain
embodiments, proximal end 110 can be curved or contoured, while
distal end 120 can be generally flat or straight. In certain
embodiments, distal end 120 can also be curved or contoured.
[0028] In certain embodiments, distal end 120 can include
receptacle 124. In certain embodiments, distal end 120 can include
hook 122. Receptacle 124 and hook 122 can be configured to receive
and retain a utensil. In certain embodiments, hook 122 can be
rounded, which can facilitate sliding the utensil into receptacle
124. In certain embodiments, receptacle 124 can be curved so that
the utensil settles to a bottom of receptacle 124, providing
sufficient support and stability to the utensil. In certain
embodiments, hook 122 and receptacle 124 can for a "J" shape. Other
shapes, sizes, depths, and curvatures for hook 122 and receptacle
124 are contemplated.
[0029] Any suitable material can be used for elongate member 100,
for example, but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, or composite
materials. In certain embodiments, elongate member can be made of a
translucent plastic, such as LEXAN. Using translucent plastic for
elongate member 100 can make it less visually conspicuous, more
durable, and easier to clean. Elongate member 100 can be formed,
for example, by casting, injection molding, thermoforming,
stamping, and/or milling. The elongate member 100 can be
inexpensive to manufacture from, for example, a plastic sheet by
thermoforming, injection molding, or stamping. In certain
embodiments, the stiffness/flexibility of elongate member 100 can
vary along its length. For example, the distal end 120 can be more
flexible than the proximal end 110. In certain embodiments,
different thicknesses of the material (i.e., the thickness between
interior surface 102 and exterior surface 104) can result in
different flexibilities of the proximal end 110 and distal end 120.
For example, a thinner distal end 120 can be more flexible than a
thicker proximal end 110. Elongate member 100 can be less than 5 mm
thick. In certain embodiments, elongate member 100 can be
approximately 1 mm thick.
[0030] Elongate member 100 can be manufactured to substantially
follow natural contours of a user's hand, wrist, and/or forearm to
provide a comfortable fit and ergonomic design. For example, an
interior surface 102 (see FIGS. 4-6) of elongate member 100 can
have a concave shape, such that interior surface 102 generally
conforms to the curvature of the lateral side and/or underside of
the wrist and forearm of the user. The radius of curvature can be
constant, or upper and lower portions can have a different radius
of curvature. Similarly, exterior surface 104 of elongate member
100 can also be curved to follow the same contour. Thus, elongate
member 100 can fit closely to the wrist of the user and be
disposed, for example, under a shirt sleeve.
[0031] In certain embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and
bottom edge 107 (i.e. the shortest linear distance between the
edges or the length along the curvature between the edges) can be
greater at proximal end 110 than a height between top edge 106 and
bottom edge 107 at distal end 120. As shown, for example, in FIGS.
2 and 4, top edge 106 can slope downward from proximal end 110
toward distal end 120. This slope can be gradual, sharp (e.g., a
"step"), or constant. In certain embodiments, a height between top
edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at proximal end 110 can be less than
60 mm. In certain embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and
bottom edge 107 at proximal end 110 can be approximately 45 mm. In
certain embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge
107 at distal end 120 can be less than 40 mm. In certain
embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at
distal end 120 can be approximately 22 mm.
[0032] FIGS. 5 and 6 further illustrate the curved and contoured
nature of elongate member 100. FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective
view of elongate member 100, according to an embodiment. As shown
in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, distal end 120 of elongate
member 100 can be axially offset with respect to proximal end 110
by an angle 0. This complex curvature can facilitate securing
proximal end 110 about the user's wrist and/or forearm, while
having distal end 120 axially offset away from the user's wrist and
hand to better receive the distal portion of a utensil within
receptacle 124. If distal end 120 is too close the user's hand, it
may be difficult for the user to manipulate the utensil to place it
within receptacle 124. By offsetting distal end 120 away from the
hand and wrist, it facilitates disposing the utensil into the
receptacle 124. The degree of offset (.theta.) can be varied. For
example, in certain embodiments the distal end 120 can be offset
more than 5 degrees with respect to the proximal end 110. In
certain embodiments, the distal end 120 can be offset more than 10
degrees with respect to the proximal end 110. Both the curved
nature of proximal end 110 and the offset of distal end 120 can
improve the comfort and functionality of the utensil stabilization
device's ergonomic design.
[0033] By way of further example, FIG. 6 illustrates a rear
perspective view of elongate member 100, according to an
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, proximal end 110 of elongate member
100 can have a curved shape. As also shown in FIG. 6, elongate
member 100 can be tapered from the proximal end 110 to the distal
end 120. In certain embodiments, the taper can be gradual and/or
constant. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 6, a
"step" can be formed along the length of top edge 106, such that a
height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 is greater at the
proximal end 110 than at the distal end 120. In certain
embodiments, the "step" can be disposed approximately halfway
between proximal end 110 and distal end 120. In certain
embodiments, the height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at
the distal end 120 can be less than half the height between the top
edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at proximal end 110.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates utensil stabilization device 10,
according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in certain
embodiments, attachment element 200 can be wrapped around in a
generally circular manner to secure utensil stabilization device 10
to a user's wrist and/or forearm. FIG. 8 illustrates attachment
element 200, according to an embodiment. In certain embodiments,
attachment element 200 can be a cuff or a band. In certain
embodiments, attachment element 200 can be a VELCRO band.
Attachment element 200 can have a first end 202 and a second end or
free end 204. In certain embodiments, a ring 220 having a slot 222
can be coupled to first end 202. Attachment element 200 can have a
first surface 206 and a second surface 208 opposite the first
surface 206. In certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be
a hook and loop type fastening mechanism, having a hook portion on
second surface 208 and a loop portion on first surface 206. In
certain embodiments, the hook portion and the loop portion can both
be disposed on the same surface.
[0035] Attachment element 200 can secure utensil stabilization
device 10 about a user's wrist and/or forearm. In certain
embodiments, free end 204 of attachment element 200 can be wrapped
around, for example, the wrist or forearm of a user and then fed
through slot 222 of ring 220. If the hook portion and the loop
portion are on the same surface, the hook portion can be attached
to the loop portion, for example, by doubling the free end 204
around the outside of ring 220, to secure the hook portion to the
loop portion along attachment element 200. Looping the attachment
element 200 through ring 220 can provide leverage when pulling free
end 204 to tightly secure utensil stabilization device 10 about the
user's wrist and/or forearm.
[0036] In another embodiment, attachment element 200 can be simply
be wrapped around the user's wrist and/or forearm and secured, for
example, to itself or the elongate member 100. For example, the
hook portion and the loop portion can be disposed on opposite
surfaces and attachment element 200 can be wrapped around the
user's wrist and/or forearm so that the hook portion can be
attached to the loop portion. In such an embodiment, ring 220 may
not be included. In either embodiment, the attachment element 200
can releasably attach about the user's wrist and/or forearm and can
be adjusted to fit about different wrist and/or forearm sizes. The
attachment element 200 can fit under the user's sleeve, making it
inconspicuous, with only a portion of elongate member 100 extending
out from under the sleeve.
[0037] In certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be
attached to elongate member 100 at attachment portion 214. In
certain embodiments, attachment portion 214 can be an adhesive. In
certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be removable from
elongate member 100 and then able to be reattached. Other
attachment mechanisms are also contemplated. For example, buttons
(not shown) can extend from a surface of attachment element 200 and
can be pressed into holes 112 in elongate member 100 to provide a
friction-fit.
[0038] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate use of utensil stabilization
device 10, according to embodiments. Utensil stabilization device
10 can be secured about a user's wrist and/or forearm 400 by
attachment element 200, as described above. FIG. 9 illustrates a
first position 20 and FIG. 10 illustrates a second position 30. In
certain embodiments, in the first position 20 of FIG. 9, a user can
hold utensil 300 at a proximal portion or handle 302 and manipulate
utensil 300 to pick up or scoop up food. Utensil 300 can be, for
example, but not limited to, a spoon or a fork, having a shaft 306
and a distal or food engaging portion 304.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 10, once the user has disposed food at the
distal portion 304 of utensil 300, the utensil stabilization device
10 can be used to stabilize utensil 300 to reduce shaking from hand
tremors as the user moves distal portion 304 of utensil 300 toward
his or her mouth. For example, the user can move the utensil 300
such that a portion of shaft 306 near distal portion 304 of utensil
300 rests within receptacle 124 of the distal end 120 of elongate
member 100. Other portions of utensil 300 can rest within
receptacle 124. The hook 122 at distal end 120 of elongate member
100 can prevent utensil 300 from slipping out of receptacle 124. In
certain embodiments, the user can rest utensil 300 within
receptacle 124 (i.e., in second position 30) prior scooping up
food.
[0040] The second position 30, shown in FIG. 10, can reduce
vibrations and shaking of the distal portion 304 of utensil 300 by
referencing distal portion 304 of the utensil 300 to a more stable,
slower moving part of the body, for example, the wrist or forearm
400. This can be achieved, for example, by a three point
stabilization system referenced by points A, B, and C in FIG.
10.
[0041] At point A, the shaft 306 or distal portion 304 of utensil
300 can rest within receptacle 124 of elongate member 100. This
cradles and provides support to distal portion 304 of utensil 300,
which otherwise is free to move in any direction. At point B, the
proximal portion 302 of utensil 300 can be held by the user's hand
402, for example, by the thumb, index finger, and/or middle finger.
Although people with hand tremors have unsteady hands, they often
maintain sufficient grip strength to hold utensil 300. At point C,
the proximal end 110 of elongate member 100 can be secured about
the user's wrist and/or forearm 400 by attachment element 200.
[0042] This configuration references distal portion 304 of utensil
300 to the user's wrist/forearm 400, rather than allowing free
movement of distal portion 304. The user's wrist 400 tends to move
less than the extremities of the hand 402, so by referencing the
distal portion 304 of the utensil 300 to the wrist 400 (rather than
the fingers) by way of distal end 120 of elongate member 100, the
distal portion 304 of the utensil 300 is stabilized, reducing
shaking of the distal portion 304 of utensil 300. The user is
therefore able to move distal portion 304 (and the food disposed
thereon) of utensil 300 toward his or her mouth with reduced
shaking effects of distal portion 304 as compared to simply holding
utensil 300 with his or her hand.
[0043] In an embodiment, the user may also grip distal end 120 of
elongate member 100 to further stabilize utensil 300. For example,
the user may hold hook 122 with one or more fingers, or wrap one or
more fingers around distal end 120 to contact exterior surface 104
of elongate member 100. The user may pull distal end 120 toward the
palm of their hand, thereby providing additional stability for
utensil 300.
[0044] While various embodiments have been described herein, they
have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It
should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended
to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed
embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein.
It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that
various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments
disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented
herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but may be
interchanged to meet various needs as would be appreciated by one
of skill in the art.
[0045] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology
used herein is for the purpose of description and not of
limitation. The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should
not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments,
but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *