| CLAIMS: 1. A cutlery implement comprising a work portion for contacting food during use of the implement and a handle portion having a first surface and a second surface, the handle 5 portion for facilitating gripping of the implement by a person having reduced or limited hand movement, wherein at least one of the first surface or second surface of the handle portion is substantially curved to provide a gripping portion enabling one or more fingers of the hand of the person with limited hand movement using the implement to be received on or within the gripping portion of the curved surface in order to assist the person in controlling gripping i o and/or use of the implement. 2. A handle for a cutlery implement for use by a person having reduced or limited hand movement comprising a substantially elongate stem or body portion having an first surface and a second surface, said stem portion being substantially arcuate in the lengthwise extending direction or axis of the stem portion, said stem portion being at least partially 15 curved in cross-section transverse to the lengthwise extending axis of the stem portion , so that the one or other of the first or second surfaces of the stem portion defines a gripping portion in the form of a substantially curved space having a dimension which varies over the length of the stem portion wherein at least one finger of the hand of the person using the handle or implement to which the handle is connected is receivable within the space at a 20 selected position over the length of the space forming the gripping portion, which position is conducive in assisting the person in being able to control gripping and/or use of the implement thereby providing ease of use of the implement. 3. A method of using a handle for connection to an implement or an implement having a handle, comprising the steps of gripping a part of the handle, contacting food with the work 25 portion of the implement and transferring the food to the mouth of the person wherein the handle portion is a substantially elongate stem or body portion having an first surface and a second surface, said stem portion being substantially arcuate in the lengthwise extending direction or axis of the stem portion, said stem portion being at least partially curved in cross-section transverse to the lengthwise extending axis of the stem portion, so that the 30 one or other of the first or second surfaces of the stem portion defines a substantially curved gripping portion in the form of a space having a dimension which varies over the length of the stem portion wherein at least one finger of the hand of a person using the handle or implement to which the handle is connected is receivable within the space defining the gripping portion at a selected position over the length of the space, which position is 35 conducive in assisting the person in being able to control gripping and/or use of the implement thereby providing ease of use of the implement. 4. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the implement has a handle portion fixedly connected to a work portion or the implement is a handle capable of being connected or attached to or mounted on the implement. 5. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the handle portion and the work portion are integral to the implement which is a one piece implement. 6. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the handle is demountable from the implement. 7. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the handle portion is hingedly connected to the work portion so that the handle portion and work portion are hingedly movable about a coupling allowing the implement to be folded to adopt a small size configuration for ready transportation, preferably in a concealed or unobtrusive manner such as for example, in a handbag, pocket or similar. 8. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the coupling is located intermediate the length of the handle portion or is located at the junction of the work portion and handle portion. 9. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the implement is an item of cutlery such as a flatware item which includes utensils such as a fork, spoon, table knife, splade, or similar eating or dining implement. 10. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the work portion is located at or towards one end of the implement and is in the form of a bowl, prongs or tines, a blade or similar. 1 1 . An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the work portion is a holding or supporting portion located at or towards one end of the implement. 12. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the holding and supporting portion is an open framework configuration having two or more framework elements arranged in generally spaced apart relationship to one another. 13. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the open framework comprises a multitude of outwardly extending elements in the form of a basket or carrier for supporting food during dining and/or eating. 14. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the basket is in the form of a multitude of prongs arranged in a substantially radially extending spaced apart relationship to each other. 15. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the prongs define a depression or similar shallow concavity in which the outer or external prongs at either side are located above the level of the inner prongs located more centrally of the outer prongs to form an open cradle arrangement for receiving, supporting, retaining food pieces therein. 16. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the handle portion is substantially curved, arcuate or similar curved in the lengthwise extending direction of the handle. 17. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the curvature of the handle portion is a simple curve or a compound curve in which the handle portion is curved in the lengthwise extending direction and in the transverse direction. 18. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the handle portion is substantially curved in cross-section having an outer curved wall and an inner curved wall. 19. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the inner surface of the handle portion defines a gripping portion in the form of a concavity, void, space, gap or similar for receiving therein one or more fingers or parts of the fingers of a person using the implement to assist the person to grip and/or control movement of the implement, particularly when dining or eating. 20. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the space or concavity is in the form of a groove, trench, concavity, void, cavity, rebate, trough, channel, recess or similar. 21 . An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the concavity provided in the inner surface of the handle portion extends part way along the handle portion or entirely along the entire length of the handle portion. 22. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the size and/or shape, and/or dimensions of the space, void, concavity is variable over the length of the space. 23. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the space is tapered from a relatively wider size at or towards the free end of the handle in a direction towards the work end of the implement so as to have a relatively narrow end where the handle merges or transits to the work end of the implement, particularly at the neck portion of the implement adjoining the handle to the work portion. 24. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the size or depth of the space or channel on the inner surface of the implement changes over the length of the handle from a relatively greater depth at the free end of the handle to a relatively shallower depth near to the position of the work portion. 25. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the profile of the space or channel on the inner surface of the implement changes over the length of the handle from a relatively greater depth at the free end of the handle to a relatively shallower depth near to the position of the work portion. 26. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the space, concavity or channel is continuous over the length of the handle portion of the implement. 27. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the gripping portion is segmented over the length of the handle portion comprising an array of connected sections, sectors, segments, chambers, cavities or the like of larger sizes for receiving the tips of fingers to assist a person gripping the handle or implement by forming fingertip grip segments or contact segments to facilitate grasping of the implement using the segments for lifting of the implement using the fingertips to contact the segments. 28. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the handle has a substantially curved U-shaped cross-section in which the side walls forming the cavity are angularly inclined to one another. 29. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the sides of the U-shaped cross-section wall are oppositely angularly inclined to one another to define an opening to the cavity in which the profile of the U-shape and width of the U-shape is variable over the lengthwise extending direction of the handle portion. 30. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the handle is arcuately curved in lengthwise extending direction so as to form a clearance between the undersurface of the handle and a flat substrate upon which the implement is located to allow a person proposing to use the implement to grasp and/or pick up the implement from the surface of the table by locating part of the finger in the clearance space between the substrate surface and the undersurface of the handle. 31 . An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the work portion is provided with outwardly extending tines in a generally W-shaped arrangement. 32. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the tines are arranged symmetrically about a central axis of the work portion of the implement. 33. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the tines are arranged in a double W-shaped configuration in which one W-shape is located to one side of the centre line of the work portion and the other W-shape is located on the other side of the centre line of the work portion of the implement. 34. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the tines are arranged to form an open bowl or basket forming a depression. 35. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the implement further includes grip enhancing elements to assist in comfortable gripping of the implement and/or ease of movement of the implement. 36. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the grip enhancing elements include grip dots, grip buttons, grip depressions, grip projections, grip ridges, grip ribs, grip indents or similar. 37. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the cross-section of the handle or stem portion is crescent shaped. 38. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the balance point and/or centre of gravity of the implement is altered by adjusting the weight distribution of the handle or stem including changing the thickness of the wall of the handle or stem in accordance with the individual requirements of the person using the implement to satisfy their needs of comfort, manoeuvrability and control as well as effort of using the implement. 39. An implement, handle or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the grip enhancing elements are used to effect changes in weight distribution of the implement, particularly, to lessen or reduce the weight of the implement. 40. A cutlery implement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 41 . A handle for a cutlery implement for use by a person having reduced or limited hand movement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 42. A method of using a handle for connection to an implement or an implement having a handle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to assistive hand held implements.
5 In one form, the present invention relates to assistive devices in the form of
modified hand held implements for use by persons having reduced or restricted hand movement which limits the range of movement of the person when using their hands and associated body parts.
In one form, the present invention relates to an implement having a handle or to a i o handle for attaching to an implement for use by a person having reduced or restricted hand movement, such as for example caused by age or disability, in which the implement itself or handle for the implement, facilitates use of the implement by the person having impaired movement of the hand or similar by providing ease of use of the implement and/or increased control and/or gripping of the handle when connected to the implement when using the 15 implement to perform work operations such as for example, work operations associated with food, particularly when eating or consuming food.
The present invention finds particular application as one or more items of cutlery or cutlery accessories for use by persons having impaired movement or mobility of their hands to assist a person in using the cutlery items at the dinner table and/or when preparing and/or 20 eating food or meals so that the person can use the implement in a more controlled manner or in a less self conscious manner.
Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to forms of the implement and to forms of the handle for connection with one or more implements, and to various forms of the implements, it is to be noted that the scope of the invention is not 25 restricted to the described embodiments of either the handle or the implement but that the scope of the invention is more extensive so as to include other forms and arrangements of the handle and of the implements and to the use of the various forms and arrangements of handle and implement for a variety of different purposes and functions.
Background of the Invention
30 Cutlery or flatware are ordinarily designed for able bodied persons having no
impairment to the movement of their arms, hands, wrists, fingers or similar. In many instances, existing cutlery is not suitable for use by persons having impairment of movement, particularly of their hands, such as for example, limited hand movement since the design of such cutlery is based upon the premise that a person using the cutlery has full movement of their hand. Thus, the design of the implement is not always appropriate for a person having impaired hand movement. In the past, attempts have been made to address the unsuitability of such cutlery items, primarily designed for able bodied persons, by providing modified cutlery in which the modified cutlery has been modified for use by a person having impaired movement.
Normal eating activities require a comprehensive range of movement by the arm to accomplish conveying food from the plate to the mouth, including using the dominant hand to control movement of a fork or spoon. As an example, in an able bodied person, the movement of the hand requires 5° to 45° of shoulder flexion/abduction, 70 to 130° elbow flexion, from 40° forearm pronation to 60° supination and 25° wrist extension of movement to satisfactorily use cutlery for eating. These complex, finely tuned, coordinated movements encompass actions such as cutting and spearing food, loading food on to the cutlery and transferring food on the working end of the cutlery, such as for example, the bowl at the end of a spoon, to the mouth without spillage. Such degrees of different movements are readily accomplished by able bodied persons. However, many people having impaired movement of the hand and associated parts of the body are unable to perform such movements or are only able to approximate such movements with extreme difficulty, such as for example, elderly people suffering from a number of medical conditions experience limited movement which hinders their independence in eating and accordingly, in living generally. Other degenerative conditions suffered by a range of people, are responsible for similar impairment of movement, irrespective of the age of the person. Such medical conditions include spastic or flaccid paralysis of the arm resulting from stroke, cerebral trauma or tumours; muscle tremor, rigidity, and lack of arm coordination in persons suffering from Parkinson's disease and related medical conditions; joint pain and impaired range of motion and deformity caused by acute or chronic arthritic conditions, and the like.
In the past, a number of aids have been provided by relevant health professionals, such as for example, occupational health therapists, in attempts to compensate for limited arm movement in patients. Such attempts have included providing modified cutlery, such as cutlery with built-up handles, cuffs for attaching the cutlery to the hands, non-slip plate mats, plate guards, lightweight cups, reusable straws and similar.
However, such previous attempts to provide modified cutlery implements have not been entirely successful for one reason or another, by suffering from one or other problem, shortcoming or disadvantage which has limited the acceptability of such modified cutlery. The reasons for the low acceptance of previously available modified cutlery are many and varied, including issues such as aesthetics, poor design both visually and functionally, perceptions of appearance, emotional effects, psychological effects, feelings of isolation and the like.
Existing cutlery items designed for use by persons having impaired movement are generally unsuitable because of their shape, style, weight or the like and their use is unappealing owing to the characteristics of the design of the implement such as for example, implements being too heavy to be used satisfactorily by persons having impaired or restricted hand movement, the design and/or appearance of the cutlery implements being "orthopaedic" in the sense of resembling a medical device or therapeutic device for treating people with deformities, rather than being perceived as an elegant implement for eating, or the design being at best primitive or 'agricultural' in the sense of being 'ugly' or unattractive by having oversize and/or unsightly grips which are unattractive too person having impaired movements. One reason for the less than attractive appearance of the modified cutlery is the use of solid handles in the mistaken belief that solid handles having a large mass, particularly solid handles of a large diameter or size, make it easier for a person with limited hand movement to grip the solid oversized handles. Accordingly, there is a low take up of use of existing designed implements for a variety of reasons.
Additionally, such modified implements are generally significantly more expensive than similar items for use by able bodied persons so that in addition to the modified implements having an unattractive appearance, there is a further disincentive to use the modified implements owing to the significant increased cost.
Other implements having a less orthopaedic or agricultural appearance, such as for example, having less of an oversized handle, are generally regarded as being unsuitable by a section of movement impaired people or as being unusable because of their poor functional performance, for example the use of such implements requires food to be cut into small morsels before such implements can be used to transfer food to the mouth of the person which often contributes to the movement impaired person being more self conscious of their disability by having to rely on others to cut their food into bite-sized portions before the food can be ingested.
Therefore, in the past, there have been a number of aspects of existing modified implements which contributed to low adoption of the use of such implements, particularly by females through reluctance to admit to having an impairment or a reluctance to admit having a health issue for fear of embarrassment which led to further pain and suffering by not using such implements and thus having feelings of social isolation, because of the perception that there was a social stigma associated with the use of such modified implements with the attendant result that such persons withdrew further from society and became more isolated. Studies carried out in a number of countries have demonstrated that modified aids, such as implements for use by persons having impaired movement of the hands, are under utilised by sufferers of degenerative illnesses, such as for example, muscular skeletal ailments including arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and the like, because of the perceived social stigma. It has been suggested that up to about 20% of the population of a developed country suffers, or will suffer, from arthritis for a significant period of time during the life of the person. The likelihood of suffering from a degenerative disease or debilitating condition increases with age such that the number of person aged over 65 years likely to suffer some form of impairment of movement is about 50%. Therefore, as the population ages, there is a greater need for implements that enhance and enrich the lives of persons suffering from arthritis or other similar impairments or likely to suffer from some form of impairment of movement.
Degenerative physical illnesses are a prevalent part of society. Growing old and the pains associated therewith is an accepted part of life. Inflammatory arthritis (I A) is one of the most prominent physical illnesses, yet methods to treat this condition remain under utilised. Additionally, there is a lack of implements designed for use by persons suffering this condition to assist them in carrying out everyday functions, such as for example, eating, dining and the like. Arthritis in its many different forms, is the leading cause of physical disability in many developed countries.
Therefore, there is a need for the development of cutlery implements for use by persons suffering impairment, such as for example, IA, RA, OA or similar conditions which are more acceptable to use in social situations such as for example, when eating, dining or the like.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide ergonomic cutlery implements which are easier to use by persons suffering from hand impairment by facilitating greater gripping and control of the implement and/or greater ease of use of the implement.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide an ergonomic implement having a more pleasing appearance for use by persons having impaired movement of the hand so that there is less disincentive to use such implements when eating, particularly in social situations, such as eating in company.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a modified or ergonomic eating implement which is of such an appearance and/or style that a person suffering from restricted hand movement will want to use the implement in a social situation, such as a restaurant or similar by bringing the implement to the restaurant themselves for their own personal use and retaining the implement when departing the restaurant.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a stylish and light weight eating implement for use as a personal eating implement by a person suffering from hand movement impairment.
Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide an assistive cutlery implement that is easier to grip and to control by a hand movement impaired person when eating or dining.
Summary of the Invention
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutlery implement comprising a work portion for contacting food during use of the implement and a handle portion having a first surface and a second surface, the handle portion for facilitating gripping of the implement by a person having reduced or limited hand movement, wherein at least one of the first surface or second surface of the handle portion is substantially curved to provide a gripping portion enabling one or more fingers of the hand of the person with limited hand movement using the implement to be received on or within the gripping portion of the curved surface in order to assist the person in controlling gripping and/or use of the implement.
According to the present invention, there is provided a handle for a cutlery implement for use by a person having reduced or limited hand movement comprising a substantially elongate stem or body portion having an first surface and a second surface, said stem portion being substantially arcuate in the lengthwise extending direction or axis of the stem portion, said stem portion being at least partially curved in cross-section transverse to the lengthwise extending axis of the stem portion , so that the one or other of the first or second surfaces of the stem portion defines a gripping portion in the form of a substantially curved space having a dimension which varies over the length of the stem portion wherein at least one finger of the hand of the person using the handle or implement to which the handle is connected is receivable within the space at a selected position over the length of the space forming the gripping portion, which position is conducive in assisting the person in being able to control gripping and/or use of the implement thereby providing ease of use of the implement.
A method of using a handle for connection to an implement or an implement having a handle, comprising the steps of gripping a part of the handle, contacting food with the work portion of the implement and transferring the food to the mouth of the person wherein the handle portion is a substantially elongate stem or body portion having an first surface and a second surface, said stem portion being substantially arcuate in the lengthwise extending direction or axis of the stem portion, said stem portion being at least partially curved in cross-section transverse to the lengthwise extending axis of the stem portion, so that the one or other of the first or second surfaces of the stem portion defines a substantially curved gripping portion in the form of a space having a dimension which varies over the length of the stem portion wherein at least one finger of the hand of a person using the handle or implement to which the handle is connected, is receivable within the space defining the gripping portion at a selected position over the length of the space, which position is conducive in assisting the person in being able to control gripping and/or use of the implement thereby providing ease of use of the implement.
Brief Description of Aspects of the Invention
It is to be noted that the use of the expression "limited", "impaired" or "reduced hand movement" in the present specification includes within its scope reduced or limited movement associated with the hand, such as for example, reduced or limited movement of the arm, hand, wrist, finger, thumb, elbow, shoulder or any part thereof resulting in impaired movement or diminished mobility which contributes to difficulty in performing hand movements generally and in particular work operations such as for example, eating using conventionally designed eating implements or cutlery. The use of the word "hand" to describe such impairment is merely for ease of description and is not meant to be limiting to the hand alone, but rather includes any disability resulting in lack of movement or mobility of any part of the arm and associated parts of the body.
In one form, the cutlery implement is an implement having a handle portion whereas in another form, the cutlery implement is a handle which is capable of being connected or attached to or mounted on the implement, such as for example, a handle which can be fitted over an existing handle, stem, body part, tang or similar of an implement, including a demountable handle.
In one form, the handle portion and work portion are part of the same implement, typically, located at or towards opposite ends of the implement. In one form, the handle portion is fitted to an existing implement to allow the implement to be used by a person having impaired hand movement, and/or to extend the length of the implement. In one form, the handle portion is separate to the work portion and is mounted on the work portion prior to use and removed from the work portion after use. In one form, the handle portion is integral with the work portion such as for example, a one piece cutlery item or implement. In one form, the handle portion and work portion are separate but connectable to one another. In one form, the handle portion is movably connected to the work portion, including being hingedly connected to the work portion such as for example, hingedly movable about a coupling allowing the implement to adopt a folded configuration occupying a small size for ready transport in a suitable carrier, such as for example, a handbag, pocket, purse, container or the like. Typically, the coupling or hinge is located at a convenient location along the lengthwise extending axis of the implement, such as for example, about the mid point of the stem of the implement or at the junction of the stem and work portion of the implement allowing the implement to be folded over to occupy a smaller size for unobtrusive concealment. In one form, the handle is mountable to the implement when in an unfolded configuration.
In one form, the implement is an item of cutlery which includes items for eating and dining, such as eating utensils including a fork, spoon, table knife, splade or the like.
Additionally, it is to be noted that the implement can be referred to as being flatware, which is a general term to refer to the type of products to which the present invention is applicable in general.
In one form, the work portion is located at or towards one end of the implement. In one form, the work portion is the bowl of a spoon, the prongs or tines of a fork, the blade of a knife or the like. In one form, the work portion is a holding or supporting portion located at or towards one end of the implement for retaining food when located on the implement. In one form, the holding or supporting portion is of an open framework construction. In one form, the open framework construction is a basket, cradle or similar arrangement. Typically, the basket is in the form of a multitude of prongs arranged in substantially radially extending spaced apart relationship to each other, preferably in radially outwardly extending diverging spaced apart relationship. Alternatively, the prongs are arranged to extend in substantially parallel relationship to one another. In one form, the prongs are coplanar. In one form, the prongs extend in different planes to one another. In one form, the prongs are symmetrical about a centre line containing the handle or handle portion.
In one form, the prongs define a depression, typically an open depression or similar arrangement of shallow depth or similar in which the outer prongs at either side are located out of the plane of the inner prongs, preferably the outer prongs are located at a raised level with respect to the inner prongs so as to form an open cradle arrangement for receiving and/or supporting and/or retaining food pieces therein on the prongs. In one form, the cutlery implement is made from metal including combinations of different metals such as alloys including stainless steel, aluminium, or similar corrosion or rust resistant metals. Any suitable material or combination of suitable materials may be used.
5 In one form, the cutlery implement is plain being free of decoration, whereas in another form, the implement is decorated. The decoration, if provided, can be purely decorative or may be part decorative/part functional or be substantially functional. In one form, the decoration, including decoration that is part functional, is grip enhancing, such as for example, the implement has grip enhancing elements. In one form, the grip enhancing i o elements are in the form of projections or depressions. Typically, the grip enhancing
elements are in the form of grip dots, grip buttons, grip depressions, grip indents, grip projections, grip ridges, grip ribs, or the like. In one form, the grip enhancing elements are also used to alter the balance or weight distribution of the implement and/or handle. In one form, the decoration includes a luxury look and/or luxurious feel as part of the design or as
15 part of the decoration.
In one form, the cutlery implement can be made from plastics materials or other similar materials including combinations of materials in either undecorated or decorated form. In one form, the cutlery implement is provided with a strengthening element. In one form, the strengthening element is a rib, brace, strut, gusset, flange or the like. In one form,
20 the strengthening element is incorporated into the design, preferably the elegant design of the implement, such as for example, a lengthwise extending rib extending along the longitudinal axis of the stem of the implement such as for example, on the outer side of the stem, or one or more transverse ribs extending transversely to the lengthwise extending axis of the stem, typically, on the outer or upper surface of the stem or handle portion. Typically,
25 there are two or more transverse ribs located in spaced apart location.
In one form, the implement is straight or coplanar in which the handle portion and the work portion are substantially collinear, being aligned along the common centre line. In one form, the implement is angular or bent in which the handle portion and the work portion are angularly inclined to one another so that they each extend in a respective axis or centre 30 line which are angularly inclined to each other. In one form, the handle portion or stem is straight.
In one form, the handle portion is substantially curved, typically arcuately curved, and more typically arcuately curved in the lengthwise extending direction or longitudinal direction of the handle. In one form, the curvature of the handle portion is a simple curve, 35 whereas in another form, the curvature of the handle portion is a complex or compound curve, such as comprising two or more curves in different directions. In one form, one part of the stem or handle has one curvature and a second part of the stem or handle has a different curvature. In one form, the handle is crescent shaped in which the curvatures of the outer and inner surfaces of the handle are different to each other. In one form, the handle is substantially curved in cross-section. In one form, the inner surface of the handle portion is curved and in one form defines a gripping portion. In one form, the gripping portion is for receiving one or more fingers of the person using the implement to assist in gripping and/or controlling movement of the implement.
In one form, the gripping portion or gripping space is in the form of a groove, trench, concavity, void, cavity, rebate, trough, channel, recess, tunnel, valley or the like.
In one form, the space provided in the inner surface extends along the entire length of the handle. In one form, the space extends partially along the length of the handle. In one form, the size and/or dimensions of the space is variable, such as for example, the width of the space or concavity varies over the length of the handle. Preferably, the space is tapered from a relatively wider size at or towards the free end of the handle in a direction towards the work end of the implement so as to have a relatively narrower end which end is the end at which the handle merges or transitions into the work end of the implement such as for example, at the neck portion of the implement where the work portion is joined to the handle portion. The tapering size of the gripping portion formed by the inner walls of the channel etc., allows the fingertips of a person to be located within the channel at a position that is suitable for or comfortable for the person using the implement because of the condition suffered by the person.
In one form, the size, width or depth of the space changes over the length of the handle from a relatively greater depth at the free end of the handle to a relatively shallower depth near to the position of the work portion of the implement, i.e. at or towards the neck portion of the implement.
The variable width and depth of the space or channel in the underside of the stem or handle portion over the length of the handle enables a person to locate a position where one or more fingers are able to be received within the space or channel that corresponds to the size of the individual fingers of the person and/or is comfortable for the person to grip the implement for ease of use of the implement when dining or eating. The space at which a person grips the handle is the gripping portion. This will enable the person to feel less self conscious when using the implement as the feel of the implement at the gripping portion will be more like the feel experienced by able bodied persons when using conventional implements. Additionally, as the medical condition develops or as the person ages, the change in impairment of movement, usually greater impairment, can be accommodated by the person moving the location where they grip the handle along the space or concavity to a new position which is comfortable to use i.e. the actual location of the gripping portion can be altered in accordance with the progress of the condition from which the person suffers thereby avoiding the necessity of discarding the implement and replacing it with a new implement which unnecessarily incurs extra cost.
In one form, the gripping portion in the form of the space or concavity is continuous over the length of the stem of the implement. In one form, the gripping portion in the form of the space or concavity is segmented comprising an array of connected sections, sectors, segments, chambers, cavities or similar of larger size for receiving the tips of fingers or to assist a person in gripping the handle or implement, such as for example, by forming finger tip grip segments or contact segments to facilitate grasping of the implement using the segments or lifting up the implement using the finger tips to contact the segments.
In one form, the handle has a substantially curved U-shaped cross-section in which the side walls forming the cavity are angularly inclined, typically, oppositely angularly inclined to one another to define an opening to the concavity at the respective free ends of the side walls. The profile of the U-shape can be more narrow by the sides sloping less, i.e. the sides being more upright forming a steep sides valley with a narrow floor, or the profile can be wider by the sides sloping away from the centre, i.e. having a more shallow valley, groove, channel or the like in which the stem is wider forming a valley having less steep sides and a wider floor.
In one form, the handle or handle portion of the cutlery item is curved in the lengthwise extending direction of the elongate handle. Typically, the handle is arcuately curved so that when the implement is placed on a flat surface, such as for example, the flat surface of a dining table or the like, the handle forms an arc in which the intermediate portion or mid portion of the arc is spaced apart from the surface of the table to define a clearance gap or space between the table surface and the handle which enables a person proposing to use the implement to grasp and/or pick up the implement from the surface of the table more easily or more readily, by, such as for example, facilitating gripping of the handle and/or locating one or more fingers or finger tips under the high spot of the arc to enable the implement to be lifted, grasped or similar.
In one form, the handle portion of the cutlery is curved, typically arcuately curved in the form of an arc or similar to enable two or more individual implements to be stacked one upon the other in stacked or nested relationship by the handles being nested within one another such as for example, two or three implements forming a set of implements that are portable can be nested together to define a smaller size so that they can be carried about by a person when travelling, such as for example, to a restaurant, out to dinner or the like. The degree of curvature of the elongate curved handles facilitates stacking, nesting or the like, making the implements easier to carry unobtrusively.
5 It is to be noted that the elongate space or void in the inner or underside of the handle portion in the form of the open channel, groove, rebate etc., allows the weight of the handle portion and hence the implement to be reduced by the handle portion having less mass. As the implement is lighter in weight than cutlery having solid handles, the implement is easier to hold and control, including manoeuvring during eating since it requires less effort i o to use, particularly by a person having a condition in low grip strength. Thus, the open
channel formed on the undersurface of the handle or stem not only allows the person to grip the implement for increased control, but also reduces the weight of the implement.
In one form, the balance point or centre of gravity of the implement can be altered by changing the distribution of weight of the implement over the length of the implement, 15 particularly over the length of the handle or stem portion of the implement to assist the
movement impaired person in determining the appropriate weight and balance of the implement for that person.
The weight distribution of the implement can be achieved by adding weight at selected locations or removing weight at selected locations. In one form, weight can be
20 added in the form of individual weights, ballast or the like, including the weight being
incorporated into the gripping elements or adding weight into the channel along the undersurface of the handle. Additionally, the thickness of the wall of the handle portion can be increased or more dense materials used to make the handle portion. The increased weight of the handle or implement would assist persons suffering from hand tremors by
25 improving the stability of holding the implement.
The weight distribution of the implement can be achieved by reducing the weight of the handle portion, such as for example, by reducing the thickness of the wall of the handle or stem portion to make the implement lighter. Also sections of the wall could be removed to adjust the balance position and/or weight of the implement in accordance with the 30 requirements of an individual.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a hand gripping one embodiment of the implement of the present invention in the form of a fork. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a hand holding another embodiment of the implement of the present invention in the form of a spoon.
Figure 3 is a schematic side elevational view of a hand grasping another embodiment of the implement of the present invention in the form of a knife having an arcuate handle portion.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of one form of the cutlery item of the present invention in the form of a fork.
Figure 5 is a transverse cross-section along the line A-A of Figure 4 showing the profile and relative positions of the tines of the fork.
Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are perspective, side, plan and end views respectively, of the form of implement shown in Figures 4 and 5.
Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are perspective, side, top, end views respectively of another embodiment of the implement of the present invention in the form of a knife.
Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are perspective, side, top and end views respectively of another embodiment of the implement of the present invention in the form of a spoon.
Figures 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e are top, side, underneath longitudinal cross-sections and transverse cross-sectional views respectively, of one form of a handle suitable for use with an implement made in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed Description of One Specific Example
One or other form of the implements made in accordance with the present invention will now be described. Examples of the implement include cutlery utensils, such as for example, knives, forks, spoons or the like. One such cutlery implement is in the form of a one piece spoon, as shown more particularly in Figures 2 and Figures 8, generally denoted as 10. Spoon 10 has a generally curved handle 12, integrally connected to a work portion or work end of the spoon in the form of a generally curved bowl 14 for receiving liquids, particularly liquid food therein for conveying to the mouth of a person using the spoon, such as for example, when dining. Handle 12 is connected to bowl 14 about a reduced dimensioned neck portion 16 located intermediate handle 12 and bowl 14. The length of handle 12 and the size of bowl 14 are made to suit requirements such as the specific use to which spoon 10 is to be put, including a spoon for soup, a tea spoon or similar, and to achieve a satisfactory balance within spoon 10 to allow for ease of use, gripping, manoeuvrability or the like, such as for example, to have a spoon balanced about a mid point or a location along the handle where the spoon is to be gripped or held. Handle 12 will now be described in more detail, particularly with reference to Figures 9 showing a handle having a compound curve of a longitudinal curve and a transverse curve. Handle 12 is provided with a generally curved upper or outer surface 18 which in one form, is generally convexly curved, and with a generally curved inner or lower surface 20, which in one form is generally concavely curved as can be seen in Figures 9. Curving of both outer surface 18 and inner surface 20 extends in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of spoon 10. Inner surface 20, as shown more particularly in Figures 9, is of a smaller radius of curvature than is the curvature of outer surface 18 which is a relatively larger curvature. Inner surface 20 is in the form of an open channel or similar groove, rebate, trough or the like and is provided with two side walls 22a, b on either side of handle 12. In one form, outer surface 18 is of a greater radius than the radius of inner surface 20. In one form, the curvature of the outer surface is different to the curvature of the inner surface so that the thickness of the wall section varies whereas in other forms, the thickness of the wall section is the same or constant over the length of the stem or handle portion. In one form, the shape or profile of the outer surface or outer wall is independent of the shape or profile of the inner surface or inner wall of the handle. A gripping portion in the form of a generally lengthwise extending space or gap is formed on or in the inner surface or underneath surface of the stem or handle portion between the inner walls 22a, 22b. In one form, the space or gap is in the form of a substantially curved groove, channel or similar, 24 defined between the two side walls 22a, 22b of inner surface 20. Groove 24 is curved in both the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 9b, 9d and in the transverse direction, as shown in Figures 9d, 9e. Additionally, handle 12 tapers from having a relatively larger curvature at or towards the free end of the handle in a direction to or towards neck 16 so that radius of curvature of groove 24 at the free end is greater than the radius of curvature of groove 24 at or towards neck portion 16 as shown more particularly in Figure 8a. It is to be noted that the dimension of curved groove 24 is such so as to accommodate therein fingers of different sizes so that a person can grip handle 12 using the tips 2 of their fingers 4 at a convenient location along the length of handle 12 depending upon the size of their fingers 4 and the extent of impairment of movement of their hand 6, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 to some extent. In some forms, the size of the groove can accommodate the sides of the fingers and finger tips for persons suffering from conditions that forces the fingers to curl or be distorted, preventing the fingers from being straightened or similar making it difficult to locate the fingertips within the groove.
It is to be noted that the handle or stem portion of the implement is common to a variety of implements of different types or forms having different work portions. In one form, the implements form a set. Within the set of implements, handle 12 is common to all implements made in accordance with one form of the present invention. However, the work end or work portion of the implement can change depending upon requirements such as the type of food being consumed. One example of the work end of the implement is bowl 14 when the implement is spoon 10 as described previously. When the implement is a knife 40, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the work end of the implement is a blade 44 for cutting or slicing food or the like using sharpened edge 46 or similar. Edge 46 can take any suitable form or be of any suitable type, such as serrated, or the like. When the implement is a fork 60, as shown in Figures 1 , 4, 5 and 6, the work end is a set of tines or prongs 64 extending outwardly from web 66 of fork 60 in spaced apart relationship to one another as illustrated more particularly in Figures 5 and 6. It is to be noted that the work portion can take any suitable, convenient or useful form.
One embodiment of the work end of fork 60 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 4 to 6. The work end of fork 60 is provided with five individual tines 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e of varying lengths, profiles, shapes or similar extending from one end or side of web 66 in one or more orientations. The other end of web 66 is connected to neck 16 of fork 60. In one form, there are five tines. However, in other forms, there may be any suitable number of tines, such as for example, from two tines to 7 tines or more. In one form, the five tines are arranged to extend outwardly in diverging relationship to one another as shown in Figure 6c. However, the tines can be arranged in other relationships.
In one form, tines 64 are arranged symmetrically or as a mirror image, about a central axis in essentially a double W-shaped configuration as shown in Figures 6c and 6d in which one W-shape is located on one side of the centre line and the other W-shape is located on the other side of the centre line. Tines 64 are arranged in the form of an open bowl or basket arrangement forming a depression or similar in which the outermost tines are located above the level of the inner tines in the normal in use orientation to assist in retaining food on the fork, particularly in conjunction with web 66 when additionally supported by tines 64.
Profiles of individual tines including the cross-sectional shape and the relationship between individual tines, are selected in accordance with the overall design of fork 60 and to a lesser degree with the other implements of the set. One such profile is shown in Figure 5 where the spatial relationship and the cross-sectional profile of each of the five individual tines are shown. Collectively the individual tines form a concavity or shallow depression in which food can be supported when conveying food from the plate to the mouth when dining, eating or similar. Other spatial arrangements of individual tines are possible. Advantages of the Invention
Some of the cutlery implements in accordance with forms of the invention can have one or more of the following advantages:
The cutlery items are appreciably lightweight and afford a comfortable grip.
The cutlery items have a pleasing appearance and are made from a material which is durable.
The variation in the size of the groove along the length of the handle enables a person to find a location at which the fingers can be comfortably received within the groove to promote ease of use of the implement.
The balance point and/or centre of gravity can be altered by changing the weight distribution of the handle or stem portion, such as by changing the wall thickness of the handle to both allow comfortable grip and ease of movement of the implement.
The curvature of the handle portion of the cutlery allows the cutlery, when placed on a flat surface, such as on the surface of a dining table, to be easily picked up and gripped owing to the handle forming an arc and spacing the intermediate portion of the handle above the table surface so that part of the finger or hand can be located between the dining table top and the cutlery implement.
The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every novel feature and novel combination of features herein disclosed.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope.
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