A handheld apparatus with orientation guiding grip

Abstract

A handheld apparatus such as a spoon, fork or knife that is easy to hold and is less likely to be dropped by a small, weak or handicapped hand is enabled by various embodiments. Some embodiments of the apparatus include: a utensil element having a distal end and a handle end; a handle element having a distal end and a utensil end, the utensil end connected to the handle end of the utensil element;and a guard element encasing the handle element.

Description

Background technique [0001] In many cases, the use of utensils to handle or manipulate objects is necessary. For example, during eating, spoons, forks and knives are commonly used to cut, scoop or pick up food. However, in many cases, this seemingly simple action can be very difficult for people such as young children, the elderly, stroke patients or patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. [0002] Various shapes and designs have been proposed in the prior art for handheld devices in order to make such devices easier to hold. However, even such specially designed utensils are often dropped and not easily picked up in proper orientation by infants whose motor skills are still lacking. Also, young children often have difficulty using utensils such as spoons and forks effectively because they often cannot always grasp them correctly. [0003] The use of such devices and other essential activities are often referred to as Activities of Daily Living...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Holding the spoon in this way prevents the child from getting most of the spoon into their mouth, causing confusion and frustration

[0006] In addition, those with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or motor neuron disease often lose their motor skills and may forget how to use utensils properly

Also, people with arthritis may find it difficult to hold utensils for extended periods of time

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