EARLY CHILDHOOD EATING UTENSILS

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein are generally related to eating utensils, and more particularly to eating utensils for use by infants, toddlers, and others in early childhood development.

BACKGROUND

As children (e.g., infants and toddlers) age and progress, they transition from eating baby food to eating solid and semi-solid foods. During this time of transition, these children will also begin to learn how to feed themselves. The progression of learning to feed one's self can be different for each child as the speed and progress of this development is often dependent on the particular child's fine motor skills and the corresponding development of those skills.

Development of eating skills begins with parent-led feeding of pureed, soft foods, while the child learns to grasp and direct objects toward their mouth. One observation of note in early childhood eating is the desire for the child to “help” hold the utensil at the same time as the parent. Conventional early childhood eating utensils do not allow for this because of their handle design being too short, too long, or without an additional handle for the child to hold on to. In addition, while standard adult eating utensils have a longer handle length, the dimensions of the head of the utensil are typically too large for use by the child due to the size of the child's mouth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and certain features thereof, reference is now made to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying figures briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1A presents a front elevation view of a dipper utensil, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the dipper utensil of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a partial perspective view of the dipper utensil of FIG. 1A highlighting the head of the dipper utensil, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partial-perspective view of another dipper utensil having a different head design, in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a partial-perspective view of another dipper utensil having another different head design, in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another dipper utensil having still another different head design, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a fork utensil, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a front elevation view of the fork utensil of FIG. 5A, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the fork utensil of FIG. 1A with a modified fork tine design and layout, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a multi-handle utensil, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the multi-handle utensil of FIG. 6A presenting a removable secondary handle system, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of another multi-handle utensil, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a representation of the use of the multi-handle utensil of FIGS. 6A-7, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a side elevation view of a utensil with rotating element, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the utensil with rotating element of FIG. 9A, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9C is a representation of the use of the utensil with rotating element, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of the early childhood eating utensils now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The concepts claimed and described herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the claimed invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like, but not necessarily the same, elements throughout.

Certain dimensions and features of the example early childhood eating utensils are described herein using the term “approximately.” As used herein, the term “approximately” indicates that each of the described dimensions is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “approximately” in connection with a numerical parameter indicates that the numerical parameter includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

In addition, certain relationships of the early childhood eating utensils are described herein using the term “substantially.” As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantially equal” indicates that the relationship or equal relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “substantially” or “substantially equal” in connection with two or more described dimensions or elements indicates that the equal relationship between the dimensions or elements includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit of the dimensions or elements. As used herein, the term “substantially constant” indicates that the constant relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” indicates that the parallel relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. As used herein, the terms “substantially perpendicular” and “substantially orthogonal” indicate that the perpendicular relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Further, the term “top” can be used interchangeably with “upper”, and the term “bottom” can be used interchangeably with “lower”.

FIGS. 1A-1C present front elevation and perspective views of an early childhood dipper eating utensil 100, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, the dipper utensil 100 can include a handle 102 and a dipper head 104 coupled to the handle. In certain example embodiments, the handle 102 and the dipper head 104 are a unitary design constructed from a single piece of material. In other example embodiments, the handle 102 and dipper head 104 are separately constructed and then coupled to one another. In certain example embodiments, the dipper utensil 100 can be constructed of any material including, but not limited to, a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), a soft or pliable material (e.g., soft or pliable plastic), metal, or any combination thereof. In certain example embodiments, the dipper utensil can include a softer or more pliable plastic material that is overmolded onto a rigid plastic material. In other examples, the overmolding may only occur for the dipper head 104 to make the dipper head softer when in contact with the child's mouth.

The handle 102 can be an elongated member that extends along the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 100 and can include a first free end 106 and a distal second end 108. In one example, the first free end 106 of the handle 102 has a width transverse to the longitudinal axis A that is greater than the width of the second end 108 transverse to the longitudinal axis A. In certain example embodiments, the handle 102 can taper from a greater width at the first end 106 to a lesser width at the second end 108.

The dipper head 104 can include a first end 112 and a second free end 114 that extends along the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 100. The second end 108 of the handle 102 can be positioned adjacent to and/or directly coupled to the first end 112 of the dipper head 104. In one example, the dipper head 104 can have an oval or generally oval shape.

The dipper utensil 100 can also include a choke guard 110. The choke guard 110 can include a front surface 116 facing the dipper head 104, a rear surface 118 facing the handle 102, and an outer perimeter wall 120. The front surface 116 can be configured to make contact with a child's mouth and prevent the child from further inserting the dipper utensil 100 into their mouth, in order to prevent a choking hazard to the child. The choke guard 110 can be positioned at or near the junction of the handle 102 and the dipper head 104. In one example the choke guard 110 can be positioned between the handle 102 and the dipper head 104. In this embodiment, the first end 112 of the dipper head 104 can be coupled to the front surface 116 of the choke guard 110 and the second end 108 of the handle 102 can be coupled to the rear surface 118 of the choke guard 110. In certain example embodiments, the handle 102, choke guard 110, and dipper head 104 can be integrally formed from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the handle 102, choke guard 110, and dipper head 104 can be individually formed and then coupled together as described above.

The choke guard 110 can extend generally radially outward from the handle 102 along a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 100. The outer perimeter wall 120 of the choke guard 110 can define a generally oval or rectangular oval shape for the choke guard 110. The choke guard 110 can have a width W that is greater than the width of the of the handle 102 adjacent to the choke guard 110. In one example embodiment, the width W of the choke guard 110 at its widest is greater than 30 millimeters (mm), and preferably greater than 40 mm, and more preferably, greater than 50 mm. The choke guard 110 can also have a height H that is greater than the height of the handle 102 adjacent to the choke guard 110. In one example, the height H of the choke guard 110 at its greatest height is greater than 20 mm, and preferably greater than 30 mm. The choke guard 110 can be curved such that the front surface 116 is curved in a concave manner with respect to the dipper head 104 and the rear surface 118 is curved in a convex manner with respect to the handle 102. The curvature of the choke guard 110 can be configured to be complementary to the curvature of a child's mouth area.

The dipper head 104 includes a top side 122 and an opposing bottom side 124. The outer perimeter of the dipper head 104 can have an oval or substantially oval shape with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 100 being greater than the axis transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The top 122 and/or bottom side 124 can also include a multitude of raised and recessed surfaces. The combination of raised and recessed surfaces is configured to receive and hold viscous or semi-viscous foods until they reach the child's mouth. In one example embodiment, the top 122 and/or bottom 124 sides can include a first raised surface 126, a first recessed surface 128, a second raised surface 130, a second recessed surface 132, and a third raised surface 134. In one example, the first recessed surface 128 surrounds the outer perimeter of the first raised surface 126, the second raised surface 130 surrounds the outer perimeter of the first recessed surface 128, the second recessed surface 132 surrounds the outer perimeter of the second raised surface 130, and the third raised surface 134 surrounds the outer perimeter of the second recessed surface 132. The maximum height of each of the first raised surface 126, second raised surface 130, and third raised surface 132 is above the maximum depth of the first recessed surface 128 and second recessed surface 132. Further, the maximum height of the second raised surface 130 can be greater than the maximum height of the first raised surface 126 and the third raised surface 134. The transition from each of the raised surfaces 126, 130, 134 to each of the recessed surfaces 128, 132 can be a curved, beveled, or otherwise angled wall.

In one example, the first recessed surface 128, second raised surface 130, second recessed surface 132, and third raised surface 134 are concentric with the first raised surface 126. In other examples, they are not concentric. In certain examples, each of the first raised surface 126, first recessed surface 128, second raised surface 130, second recessed surface 132, and third raised surface 134 have an oval shape. In other examples, the raised surfaces and recessed surfaces can have any other shape. Further, while the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C presents three raised surfaces 126, 130, 134 and two recessed surfaces, this is for example purposes only as any number of raised and recessed surfaces may be provided on other example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a partial-perspective view of another dipper utensil 200 with a different dipper head design, in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to FIGS. 1A-2, the dipper utensil 200 includes a handle 102, dipper head 104, and a choke guard 110. The handle 102 and choke guard 110 and the general description of the dipper head 104 (except as set forth below) is the same as that set forth in the description of FIGS. 1A-1C above and is incorporated herein by reference for the sake of brevity.

Instead of raised portions and recessed portions, as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the dipper head 104 of the dipper utensil 200 can include a multitude of elongated apertures or cavities 202, 204. In one example, the each of the elongated apertures or cavities 202, 204 can have a longitudinal axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 200. In one example, two sets of apertures or cavities 202, 204 can be provided on the dipper head 104. In other example embodiments, one or more than two sets of apertures or cavities can be provided on the dipper head 104.

In one example, the dipper head 104 can include a forward set of apertures or cavities 202 and a rear set of apertures 204, wherein the rear set of apertures or cavities 204 are closer to the choke guard 110 than the forward set of apertures or cavities 202. The forward set of apertures or cavities 202 can include a first forward aperture 202a, a second forward aperture 202b, and a third forward aperture 202c. In one example, each of the forward apertures 202a-202c extends from the front side 122 to the rear side 124 of the dipper head 104 to provide a passageway therethrough. Each of the forward apertures 202a-202c includes at least one side wall extending from the front side 122 to the rear side 124. Each of the side walls for each of the forward apertures 202a-202c can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the front side 122 and rear side 124.

In other example embodiments, each of the forward apertures 202a-202c can be replaced with forward cavities (not shown) that do not extend all the way through the dipper head 104 but that each include a cavity floor (not shown) such that each forward cavity extends from the front side 122 toward the rear side 124 to the cavity floor and/or from the rear side 124 towards the front side 122 to the cavity floor. In embodiments where the forward apertures 202a-202c are replaced with forward cavities, each of the forward cavities includes at least one side wall extending from the front side 122 or rear side 124 to the cavity floor. Each of the side walls for each of the forward cavities can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the respective front side 122 or rear side 124.

The rear set of apertures or cavities 204 can include a first rear aperture 204a, a second rear aperture 204b, and a third rear aperture 204c. In one example, each of the rear apertures 204a-204c extends from the front side 122 to the rear side 124 of the dipper head 104 to provide a passageway therethrough. Each of the rear apertures 204a-204c includes at least one side wall extending from the front side 122 to the rear side 124. Each of the side walls for each of the rear apertures 204a-204c can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the front side 122 and rear side 124.

In other example embodiments, each of the rear apertures 204a-204c can be replaced with rear cavities (not shown) that do not extend all the way through the dipper head 104 but that each include a cavity floor (not shown) such that each rear cavity extends from the front side 122 toward the rear side 124 to the cavity floor and/or from the rear side 124 towards the front side 122 to the cavity floor. In embodiments where the rear apertures 204a-204c are replaced with rear cavities, each of the rear cavities includes at least one side wall extending from the front side 122 or rear side 124 to the cavity floor. Each of the side walls for each of the rear cavities can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the respective front side 122 or rear side 124.

In one example, at least a portion of the front apertures or cavities 202 can be axially aligned with a portion of the rear apertures or cavities 204 along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 200. In one example, the first forward aperture 202a (or cavity) is axially aligned with the first rear aperture 204a (or cavity), the second forward aperture 202b (or cavity) is axially aligned with the second rear aperture 204b (or cavity), and the third forward aperture 202c (or cavity) is axially aligned with the third rear aperture (or cavity).

FIG. 3 is a partial-perspective view of another dipper utensil 300 with a different dipper head design than that of FIGS. 1A-1C and 2, in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and 3, the dipper utensil 300 includes a handle 102, dipper head 104, and a choke guard 110. The handle 102 and choke guard 110 and the general description of the dipper head 104 (except as set forth below) is the same as that set forth in the description of FIGS. 1A-1C above and is incorporated herein by reference for the sake of brevity.

Instead of raised portions and recessed portions, as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the dipper head 104 of the dipper utensil 300 can include a multitude of apertures or cavities 302, 304. In one example, two sets of apertures or cavities 302, 304 can be provided on the dipper head 104. The first set can be large apertures or cavities 302 and the second set can be small apertures or cavities that have a smaller surface area and volume than the large apertures or cavities 302. In other example embodiments, one or more than two sets of apertures or cavities can be provided on the dipper head 104.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 3, the dipper head 104 can include a single large aperture or cavity 302. However, in other embodiments, more than one large aperture or cavity can be provided. The large aperture or cavity 302 can be generally positioned at the center of the dipper head 104 and can have an oval or substantially oval shape defined by one or more side walls 306. The dipper head 104 can also include multiple small apertures or cavities 304a-304n. The example of FIG. 3 presents ten small apertures or cavities 304a-304n but that is for example purposes only as the number of small apertures or cavities 304a-304n can be fewer or greater than ten and can be dependent on the desired size of small apertures or cavities 304a-304n. In one example, the small apertures or cavities 304a-304n can be positioned around the perimeter of the large aperture or cavity 302 with a portion of the dipper head 104 provided between the large aperture or cavity 302 and each of the small apertures or cavities 304a-304n. For example, the small apertures or cavities 304a-304n can be positioned in an oval or substantially oval pattern along the surface of the dipper head 104.

In one example, the large aperture 302 extends from the front side 122 to the rear side 124 of the dipper head 104 to provide a passageway therethrough. The at least one side wall 306 can extend from the front side 122 to the rear side 124. Each of the side walls 306 can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the front side 122 and rear side 124.

In other example embodiments, the large aperture 302 can be replaced with a large cavity (not shown) that does not extend all the way through the dipper head 104 but that includes a cavity floor (not shown) such that the large cavity extends from the front side 122 toward the rear side 124 to the cavity floor and/or from the rear side 124 towards the front side 122 to the cavity floor. In embodiments where the large aperture 302 is replaced with a large cavity, the large cavity includes at least one side wall 306 extending from the front side 122 or rear side 124 to the cavity floor. Each of the side walls 306 for the large cavity can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the respective front side 122 or rear side 124.

The small set of apertures 304a-304n can each extend from the front side 122 to the rear side 124 of the dipper head 104 to provide a passageway therethrough. Each of the small apertures 304a-304n includes at least one side wall extending from the front side 122 to the rear side 124. Each of the side walls for each of the small apertures 304a-304n can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the front side 122 and rear side 124.

In other example embodiments, each of the small apertures 304a-304n can be replaced with small cavities (not shown) that do not extend all the way through the dipper head 104 but that each include a cavity floor (not shown) such that each small cavity extends from the front side 122 toward the rear side 124 to the cavity floor and/or from the rear side 124 towards the front side 122 to the cavity floor. In embodiments where the small apertures 304a-304n are replaced with small cavities, each of the small cavities includes at least one side wall extending from the front side 122 or rear side 124 to the cavity floor. Each of the side walls for each of the small cavities can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the respective front side 122 or rear side 124.

FIG. 4 is a partial-perspective view of another dipper utensil 400 with a different dipper head design than that of FIGS. 1A-3, in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and 4, the dipper utensil 400 includes a handle 102, dipper head 104, and a choke guard 110. The handle 102 and choke guard 110 and the general description of the dipper head 104 (except as set forth below) is the same as that set forth in the description of FIGS. 1A-1C above and is incorporated herein by reference for the sake of brevity.

Instead of raised portions and recessed portions, as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the dipper head 104 of the dipper utensil 400 can include a multitude of elongated apertures or cavities 402-406. In one example, the each of the elongated apertures or cavities 402-406 can have a longitudinal axis that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 400. The apertures or cavities 402-406 can be aligned along the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 400 in certain embodiments. The apertures or cavities 402-406 can have an oval or substantially oval shape defined by at least one side wall 410 for each of the aperture 402-406.

In one example, the dipper head 104 can include a first aperture or cavity 402, a second aperture or cavity 404, and a third aperture or cavity 406, wherein the first aperture or cavity 402 is positioned closer to the choke guard 110 than the second aperture or cavity 404 and the third aperture or cavity 406 and wherein the second aperture or cavity 404 is positioned closer to the choke guard 110 than the third aperture or cavity 406. In one example, each of the apertures 402-406 extends from the front side 122 to the rear side 124 of the dipper head 104 to provide a passageway therethrough. Each of the apertures 402-406 includes at least one side wall 410 extending from the front side 122 to the rear side 124. Each of the side walls 410 for each of the apertures 402-406 can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the front side 122 and rear side 124.

In other example embodiments, each of the apertures 402-406 can be replaced with cavities (not shown) that do not extend all the way through the dipper head 104 but that each include a cavity floor (not shown) such that each cavity extends from the front side 122 toward the rear side 124 to the cavity floor and/or from the rear side 124 towards the front side 122 to the cavity floor. In embodiments where the apertures 402-406 are replaced with cavities, each of the cavities includes at least one side wall extending from the front side 122 or rear side 124 to the cavity floor. Each of the side walls for each of the cavities can be vertical, beveled, curved, or angled with respect to the respective front side 122 or rear side 124.

FIGS. 5A-5C present front elevation and perspective views of an early childhood fork eating utensil 500, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, the fork utensil 500 can include a handle 502 and a fork head 504 coupled to the handle 502. In certain example embodiments, the handle 502 and the fork head 504 are integrally formed from a single piece of material. In other example embodiments, the handle 502 and fork head 504 are separately constructed and then coupled to one another. In certain example embodiments, the fork utensil 500 can be constructed of any material including, but not limited to, a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), a soft or pliable material (e.g., soft or pliable plastic), metal, or any combination thereof. In certain example embodiments, the fork utensil 500 can include a softer or more pliable plastic material that is overmolded onto a rigid plastic material. In other examples, the overmolding may only occur for the fork head 504 to make the fork head softer when in contact with the child's mouth. In another example, the handle 502 may be made from a different material than all or a portion of the fork head 504.

The handle 502 can be an elongated member that extends along the longitudinal axis A of the fork utensil 500 and can include a first free end 506 and a distal second end 508. In one example, the first free end 506 of the handle 502 has a width transverse to the longitudinal axis A that is greater than the width of the second end 508 transverse to the longitudinal axis A. In certain example embodiments, the handle 502 can taper from a greater width at the first end 506 to a lesser width at the second end 508.

The fork head 504 can include a first end 512 and a second free end or ends 514 that extends along a line or lines parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the dipper utensil 500. The second end 508 of the handle 502 can be positioned adjacent to and/or directly coupled to the first end 512 of the fork head 504. The fork head 504 can include a top side 516 and a bottom side 518. In certain examples, each of the top side 516 and the bottom side 518 include a tine wall 519a-519b. In one example, the tine walls 519a-519b are a single tine wall for both the top side 516 and the bottom side 518. The tine wall(s) 519a-519b can be separated by a distance to provide a cavity 523 between the tines extending up along the top side 516 and the tines extending up along the bottom side 518.

The top side 516 of the fork head 504 can include multiple fork tines 520a-520d. In one example, four fork tines 520a-520d are provided, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B. However, the number of tines is just for example purposes as more or less than four tines can be provided along top side 516. For example, FIG. 5C presents three tines 520a-520c along the top side 516. Each of the fork tines 520a-520d can extend from the wall 519a towards the second end 514 of the fork head 504. In certain examples, each of the fork tines 520a-520d extends along a line parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the fork utensil 500. The fork tines 520a-520d can be made of any material including, but not limited to, a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), a pliable or flexible material (e.g., a pliable or flexible plastic), metal or any combination thereof. In one example, the fork tines 520a-520d are made of pliable plastic.

The bottom side 518 of the fork head 504 can include multiple fork tines 522a-522d. In one example, four fork tines 522a-522d are provided, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B. However, the number of tines is just for example purposes as more or less than four tines can be provided along bottom side 518. For example, FIG. 5C presents three tines 522a-522c along the bottom side 518. Each of the fork tines 522a-522d can extend from the wall 519b towards the second end 514 of the fork head 504. In certain examples, each of the fork tines 522a-522d extends along a line parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the fork utensil 500. The fork tines 522a-522d can be made of any material including, but not limited to, a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), a pliable or flexible material (e.g., a pliable or flexible plastic), metal or any combination thereof. In one example, the fork tines 520a-520d are made of pliable plastic.

The fork head 504 can also include a cavity 523 disposed between the top side 516 and the bottom side 518. The cavity 523 can be recessed within the fork head 504 such that the floor (not shown) of the cavity 523 is positioned below the top end of each of the walls 519a-519b. One or more fork tines 524a-524c can extend from the floor of the cavity out of the cavity 523 and generally between the fork tines 520a-520d and the fork tines 522a-522d. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, three fork tines 524a-524c can be provided in the cavity 523. However, this is for example purposes only, as greater or lesser than three fork tines 524a-524c may extend out from the cavity 523. For example, two fork tines 524a-524b extend out from the cavity 523 between fork tines 520a-520c and fork tines 522a-522c in FIG. 5C.

The fork tines 524a-524c can extend out from the cavity to a first tine height 530 and one or more of the fork tines 520a-520d and 522a-522d can extend out a second tine height 528 along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the fork utensil 500. In certain examples, the first tine height 530 is less than the second tine height 528. In other example embodiments, the first tine height 530 is equal to the second tine height 528. The fork tines 524a-524c can be made of any material including, but not limited to, a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), a pliable or flexible material (e.g., a pliable or flexible plastic), metal or any combination thereof. In one example, the fork tines 524a-524c are made of a material that is more rigid than the material used for the fork tines 520a-520d and 522a-522d and are less flexible, such as a rigid plastic. In other examples, the tines 524a-524c can be made from the same material as the tines 520a-520d and 522a-522d and can have the same flexibility as the tines 520a-520d and 522a-522d.

FIGS. 6A-6B present front elevation and disassembled views of an early childhood multi-handle eating utensil 600, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, the multi-handle utensil 600 can include a primary handle 602 and a utensil head 604 coupled to the primary handle 602. In certain example embodiments, the primary handle 602 and the utensil head 604 are integrally formed from a single piece of material. In other example embodiments, the primary handle 602 and utensil head 604 are separately constructed and then coupled to one another. In certain example embodiments, the multi-handle utensil 600 can be constructed of any material including, but not limited to, a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), a pliable or flexible material (e.g., a pliable or flexible plastic), metal, or any combination thereof. In certain example embodiments, the multi-handle utensil 600 can include a softer or more pliable plastic material that is overmolded onto a rigid plastic material. In other examples, the overmolding may only occur for the utensil head 604 or the primary handle 602.

The primary handle 602 can be an elongated member that extends along the longitudinal axis A of the multi-handle utensil 600 and can include a first free end 606 and a distal second end 608. In one example, the first free end 606 of the primary handle 602 has a width transverse to the longitudinal axis A that is greater than the width of the second end 608 transverse to the longitudinal axis A. In certain example embodiments, the primary handle 602 can taper along a portion of the primary handle 602 from a greater width to a lesser width at the second end 608.

The utensil head 604 can include a first end 612 and a second free end 614 that extends along the longitudinal axis A of the multi-handle utensil 600. The second end 608 of the primary handle 602 can be positioned adjacent to and/or directly coupled to the first end 612 of the utensil head 604. In one example, the utensil head 604 can be a spoon. In other example embodiments, the utensil head 604 can be a fork having multiple fork tines. In such an example, the utensil head 604 can be substantially the same as that shown and described above with reference to the fork head 504 in FIGS. 5A-5C. In other example embodiments, the utensil head 604 can be a dipper head, such as any one of the dipper heads shown and described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-4. In other example embodiments, the utensil head 604 can include a knife blade.

The utensil head 604 includes a top side and an opposing bottom side. The outer perimeter of the utensil head 604 can have an oval or substantially oval shape, when the utensil 600 is a spoon or dipper, with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the multi-handle utensil 600 being greater than the axis transverse to the longitudinal axis A. When the utensil 600 is a spoon, the top side of the utensil head 604 can include a concave surface 616 and the bottom side can include a convex surface to hold food within the top side of the utensil head 604. When the utensil 600 is a fork, the utensil head 604 can include multiple tines that extend along a line parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the multi-handle utensil 600.

The multi-handle utensil 600 can also include a secondary handle 618. In one example, the secondary handle 618 is removably coupled to, and capable of being manually removed by a user without tools from the primary handle 602. In other example embodiments, the secondary handle 618 can be fixedly coupled to the primary handle 602.

The secondary handle 618 can include a center section 620 that abuts the primary handle 602. The secondary handle can also include a first handle arm 622 extending from a first lateral side of the central section 620 and a second handle arm 624 extending from a second lateral side of the central section 620 opposite the first lateral side. The first handle arm 622 can have a first end coupled to the first lateral side of the central section 620 and a distal, second free end 626. The second handle arm 624 can have a first end coupled to the second lateral side of the central section 620 and a distal, second free end 628. In one example, the central section 620, first handle arm 622, and second handle arm 624 can be integrally formed from a single piece of material. In other examples, the central section 620, first handle arm 622, and second handle arm 624 can be separately constructed and coupled together. In certain embodiments, the secondary handle 618 can be C-shaped or U-shaped.

The first handle arm 622 can extend generally out from a first lateral side of the primary handle 602 and can extend from the central section 620 in a direction generally towards the first end 606 of the primary handle 606. The second handle arm 624 can extend generally out from a second lateral side of the primary handle 602 opposite the first lateral side and can extend from the central section 620 in a direction generally towards the first end 606 of the primary handle 606. Each of the first handle arm 622 and the second handle arm 624 can be sized and shaped to be gripped by an adult human hand.

As shown in FIG. 6B, in certain embodiments, the secondary handle 618 can be configured to be removable and re-attachable to the primary handle 602. In one example, the secondary handle 618 can include a first protrusion 628 and a second protrusion 630 extending down from a bottom side of the central section 620. A gap 632 can be provided between the first protrusion 628 and the second protrusion 630. The width of the gap 632 can correspond to a width of the primary handle 602 where the secondary handle 618 is supposed to be attached. The first protrusion 628 and second protrusion 630 can be made of a flexible material in order that the secondary handle 618 can “snap-fit” onto the primary handle 602 by the protrusions 628, 630 flexing away from the longitudinal axis A when the central section 620 is pressed onto the primary handle. The flexibility of the first protrusion 628 and the second protrusion can then maintain pressure along the opposing lateral sides of the primary handle 602 to hold the secondary handle 618 in place along a top side of the primary handle 602. In certain example embodiments, the secondary handle 618 can be made from the same material as the primary handle 602. In other embodiments, the secondary handle 618 is made from a harder or stiffer material than the primary handle 602.

In certain embodiments, the primary handle 602 can also include a handle cover with a first stop end 634 and a second stop end 636. The first stop end 634 and second stop end 636 can be positioned along the axis A of the primary handle 602 to abut the second protrusion 630 and first protrusion 628 respectively to prevent the secondary handle 620 from sliding towards the first end 606 of the primary handle 602.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of an early childhood multi-handle eating utensil 700, in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring now to FIGS. 6A-7, the multi-handle utensil 700 can include a primary handle 702 and a utensil head 704 coupled to the primary handle 702. In certain example embodiments, the primary handle 702 and the utensil head 704 are integrally formed from a single piece of material. In other example embodiments, the primary handle 702 and utensil head 704 are separately constructed and then coupled to one another. In certain example embodiments, the multi-handle utensil 700 can be constructed of any material including, but not limited to, a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), a pliable or flexible material (e.g., a pliable or flexible plastic), metal, or any combination thereof. In certain example embodiments, the multi-handle utensil 700 can include a softer or more pliable plastic material that is overmolded onto a rigid plastic material. In other examples, the overmolding may only occur for the utensil head 704 or the primary handle 702.

The primary handle 702 can include a first free end 606, a distal second end 608, a first handle arm 718, and a second handle arm 720. In one example, the first free end 606 of the primary handle 602 has a width transverse to a longitudinal axis A that is greater than the width of the second end 608 transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The first handle arm 718 can extend generally from or adjacent the first end 706 to or adjacent the second end 708. The second handle arm 720 can extend generally from or adjacent the first end 706 to or adjacent the second end 708. A gap 719 can be provided between the first handle arm 718 and the second handle arm 720. The gap 719 can be defined by the first handle arm 718 and the second handle arm 720. In certain example embodiments, the gap 719 can have an oval shape. Each of the first handle arm 718 and second handle arm 720 can have a curved shape in one example embodiment. In other examples, the first handle arm 718 and second handle arm 720 can be made up of multiple linear sections or a combination of linear and curved sections.

The utensil head 704 can include a first end 712 and a second free end 714 that extends along the longitudinal axis A of the multi-handle utensil 700. The second end 708 of the primary handle 702 can be positioned adjacent to and/or directly coupled to the first end 712 of the utensil head 704. In one example, the utensil head 704 can be a spoon. In other example embodiments, the utensil head 704 can be a fork having multiple fork tines. In such an example, the utensil head 704 can be substantially the same as that shown and described above with reference to the fork head 504 in FIGS. 5A-5C. In other example embodiments, the utensil head 704 can be a dipper head, such as any one of the dipper heads shown and described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-4. In other example embodiments, the utensil head 704 can include a knife blade.

The utensil head 704 includes a top side and an opposing bottom side. The outer perimeter of the utensil head 704 can have an oval or substantially oval shape, when the utensil 700 is a spoon or dipper, with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the multi-handle utensil 700 being greater than the axis transverse to the longitudinal axis A. When the utensil 700 is a spoon, the top side of the utensil head 704 can include a concave surface 716 and the bottom side can include a convex surface to hold food within the top side of the utensil head 704. When the utensil 700 is a fork, the utensil head 704 can include multiple fork tines that extend along a line parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the multi-handle utensil 700. Each of the first handle arm 718 and the second handle arm 720 can be sized and shaped to be gripped by a human hand.

FIG. 8 is a representation 800 of the use of the multi-handle utensil 600, 700 of FIGS. 6A-7, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to FIGS. 6A-8, a child 806 can grip the multi-handle utensil 600, 700 with the child's hand 808 and a parent/caregiver 802 can also grip the multi-handle utensil 600, 700 with the parent/caregiver's hand 804 to assist the child with learning how to use eating utensils.

FIGS. 9A-9C present side elevation and perspective views of an early childhood utensil with rotating element 900, in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, the utensil 900 can include a handle 902 and a rotating element 910 movably coupled to the handle 902. In certain example embodiments, the handle 902 and rotating element 910 are separately constructed and then coupled to one another. In certain example embodiments, the utensil 900 can be constructed of any material including, but not limited to, a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), a pliable or flexible material (e.g., a pliable or flexible plastic), metal, or any combination thereof. In certain example embodiments, the utensil 900 can include a softer or more pliable plastic material that is overmolded onto a rigid plastic material. In other examples, the overmolding may only occur for the rotating element 910 to make the rotating element 910 softer when in contact with the child's mouth. In one example embodiment, the handle 902 is made of a first material and the rotating element 910 is made of a second material that is softer than the first material. In certain example embodiments, the second material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

The handle 902 can be an elongated member that extends along the longitudinal axis A of the utensil 900 and can include a first end 906 and a distal second end 908. In one example, the first end 906 of the handle 902 has a width transverse to the longitudinal axis A that is greater than the width of the second end 908 transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The handle 902 can also include a mounting member 904. The mounting member 904 can extend out from a top surface 912 of the handle 902. The mounting member 904 can be position at or adjacent to the second end 908 of the handle 902. In one example, the mounting member 904 extends out from the handle in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A of the utensil 900. In certain examples, the mounting member 904 is a mounting post. The mounting member 904 can define a rotational axis B about which the rotating element 910 can rotate.

The rotating element 910 can be movably coupled to the mounting member 904, such that the rotating element 910 can rotate in the direction R and/or opposite the direction R about the rotational axis B. In one example embodiment, the rotating element 910 has an outer surface with a spherical or substantially spherical shape. In other example embodiments, the rotating element 910 can have an outer surface having another shape, such as cylindrical, tubular, or capsule shaped. In one example, the size of the rotating element 910 should be large enough such that, should it become detached from the mounting member 904, the rotating element 910 would not choke a child.

The rotating element 910 can include a cavity 911. The cavity 911 can be positioned along the bottom side of the rotating element 910. The cavity 911 can be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the mounting member 904 therein. In one example, the rotating element 910 can be made for two pieces that are coupled together. Each of the two pieces can include a portion of the cavity 911, such that the two pieces can be coupled together about a portion of the mounting member 904 to trap a portion of the mounting member 904 within an internal portion of the rotating element 910.

The rotating element 910 can also include multiple dimples 914 or protrusions disposed along the outer surface of the rotating element 910. The dimples 914 or protrusions can be disposed along all or just a portion of the surface area of the outer surface of the rotating element 914. In one example, the dimples 914 or protrusions can be provided in multiple rows that each extend around the circumference of the outer surface of the rotating element. The dimples 914 or protrusions can be configured to help pick up an hold food items onto the outer surface of the rotating element 910.

As shown in FIG. 9C, a child can place the utensil 900 into a dish containing food. The child can then make a back and forth motion with the utensil 900 that causes the rotating element 910 to roll in the food along the dish surface to pick up a portion of the food along the outer surface of the rotating element 910. The child can then raise the utensil 900 to their mouth and place the rotating element 910 within their mouth to obtain the food.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the disclosure can provide an eating utensil comprising: a handle; a utensil head comprising a top side and a bottom side; and a choke guard disposed between the handle and the utensil head; wherein the top side of the utensil head comprises: a first raised surface; and a first recessed surface.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first recessed surface is disposed about an outer perimeter of the first raised surface.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include further comprising: a second raised surface; a second recessed surface; and a third raised surface.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first recessed surface, the second raised surface, the second recessed surface, and the third raised surface are concentric with the first raised surface.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first raised surface has an oval shape.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first raised surface has a first height and the second raised surface has a second height, wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head is coupled to a front surface of the choke guard and the handle is coupled to a rear surface of the choke guard.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the handle, utensil head, and choke guard are integrally formed from a single piece of material.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the disclosure can provide an eating utensil comprising: a handle; a utensil head comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of cavities, each cavity comprising a cavity floor, wherein each of a first portion of the plurality of cavities extends from a top side towards the bottom side to the cavity floor; and a choke guard disposed between the handle and the utensil head.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein each of a second portion of the plurality of cavities extends from a bottom side towards the top side to the cavity floor.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the plurality of cavities comprises: a forward set of cavities; and a rear set of cavities, wherein the rear set of cavities are disposed closer to the choke guard than the forward set of cavities.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the forward set of cavities comprises a first elongated cavity having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the rear set of cavities comprises a second elongated cavity having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the handle has a third longitudinal axis and wherein the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are parallel to the third longitudinal axis

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the plurality of cavities comprises: a large cavity; and a plurality of small cavities, wherein a volume of the large cavity is greater than a volume of each of the small cavities.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the plurality of small cavities are disposed about the large cavities.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the large cavity has a substantially oval shape.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the plurality of cavities comprises: a first cavity; a second cavity; and a third cavity.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the handle.

In another embodiment, the disclosure can provide an eating utensil comprising: a handle; a utensil head comprising: a top side comprising a first set of fork tines; and a bottom side comprising a second set of fork tines.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head further comprises a cavity disposed between the top side and the bottom side.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head further comprises a cavity floor, wherein a third set of fork tines extends from the cavity floor.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first set of fork tines and the second set of fork tines are flexible and wherein the third set of fork tines are rigid.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first set of fork tines and the second set of fork tines are more flexible than the third set of fork tines.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first set of fork tines and the second set of fork tines extend a first length, wherein the third set of fork tines extend a second length, and wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first set of fork tines has a first number of fork tines, wherein the second set of fork tines has a second number of fork tines, wherein the third set of fork tines has a third number of fork tines, and wherein the third number is less than the first number and the second number.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first number and the second number are equal.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first number and the second number are four and wherein the third number is three.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first number and the second number are three and wherein the third number is two.

In another embodiment, the disclosure can provide an eating utensil comprising: a primary handle; a utensil head coupled to the primary handle; and a secondary handle coupled to the primary handle.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the secondary handle is removably coupled to the primary handle.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the secondary handle comprises: a central section; and a first handle arm extending from the central section.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the primary handle comprises a first lateral side and a second lateral side and wherein the first handle arm extends along the first lateral side of the primary handle.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the secondary handle further comprises a second handle arm extending from the central section.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the primary handle comprises a first lateral side and a second lateral side, wherein the first handle arm extends along the first lateral side of the primary handle, and wherein the second handle arm extends along the second lateral side of the primary handle.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head comprises a spoon.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head comprises a fork.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head comprises a knife.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the secondary handle is substantially C-shaped.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the secondary handle further comprises: a top side; an opposing bottom side; a first protrusion extending from the bottom side; and a second protrusion extending from the bottom side.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include further comprising a gap disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are flexible.

In another embodiment, the disclosure can provide an eating utensil comprising: a handle comprising: a first end; a distal second end; a first handle arm extending between the first end and the second end; and a second handle arm extending between the first end and the second end; a utensil head coupled to the second end of the handle.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the handle and utensil head are integrally formed.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the wherein the first handle arm has a first curved shape and the second handle arm has a second curved shape.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the first handle arm and the second handle arm define an oval shape.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head comprises a spoon.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head comprises a fork.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the utensil head comprises a knife.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include further comprising a gap disposed between the first handle arm and the second handle arm.

In another embodiment, the disclosure can provide an eating utensil comprising: a handle; a mounting member; and a rotating element movably coupled to the mounting member.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the handle comprises a first end and a distal second end, wherein the mounting member is disposed adjacent to the second end.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the rotating element rotates about an axis defined by the mounting member.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the rotating element is substantially spherical-shaped.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the rotating element comprises: an outer surface; and a plurality of dimples disposed in the outer surface.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the rotating element comprises: an outer surface; and a plurality of protrusions extending out from the outer surface.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the handle extends along a first longitudinal axis and wherein the rotating element rotates about a second axis.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the eating utensil can include wherein the second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis.

Though the disclosed examples include a particular arrangements of a number of parts, components, features, and aspects, the disclosure is not limited to only those examples or arrangements. Any one or more of the parts, components, features, and aspects of the disclosure can be employed alone or in other arrangements of any two or more of the same.

Although certain utensil features, functions, components, and parts have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain implementations could include, while other implementations do not include, certain features, elements, and/or operations. Thus, such conditional language generally is not intended to imply that features, elements, and/or operations are in any way required for one or more implementations or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or operations are included or are to be performed in any particular implementation.

Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will be apparent having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EATING UTENSILS

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