TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION:

The disclosed invention generally relates to handheld devices for use by a person with restricted hand movement. In particular, the disclosed invention relates to handheld devices for use by a person with very restricted or negligible movement of one or more of fingers, arm, wrist, elbow and shoulders.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:

Millions of people in the world suffer from minor or major physical disabilities that hamper their day-to-day functioning and routines. In particular, disabilities in shoulders, elbows, wrist and hands makes it difficult for such people to carry out simple functions of everyday life, such as, self-grooming, eating, working, etc.

For instance, feeding oneself with conventional eating utensils presents a challenge to such individuals, more so in cases where the wrist movement is limited due to conditions, such as, arthritis. With regard to conventional handheld eating aids and utensils, a non-disabled individual must possess a certain degree of fine motor skills in order to pick up and hold the utensils. In addition, a non-disabled individual using conventional eating utensil must use different combinations of muscular movements that involve manipulations of multiple muscles of the hands, shoulders, wrists and arms. Furthermore, such muscular movements may also be accompanied by movements of multiple joints in the fingers, hands, wrists elbows and shoulders. Such manipulations require a high degree of coordinated movement of the fingers, hands, wrists, shoulders, and elbow to successfully feed oneself without dropping or spilling the food.

However, people with minor or major disabilities, more particularly joint disabilities such as limited wrist movement or lifting the shoulder, can find it painful to pick up and use conventional handheld utensils. In extreme cases, such people would have to expend tremendous amount of time and effort in undertaking routine activities.

Conventional eating utensils include, but not restricted to, forks, knives and spoons which are generally laid out along a single axis and possess thin, small handles of about one-half inch to one inch wide. Typically, such conventional eating utensils are held using a three finger grip that may pose a challenge for a disabled person. Modifications have been made to conventional eating utensils to provide better hand held utensils that require lesser effort and time to use. From the document US 4523781 is known a palm-shaped body that expands the diameter of an object by utilizing a hinged, semi-flexible clamshell which can be clamshelled around the handle of an object such as a knife, fork, spoon or pen so that an arthritic can grasp the larger body and manipulate it. Further such modifications include: enlarging the handles of the conventional eating utensils to provide an easier grip; using different materials over the handle for different users depending on the associated age group, look and feel of the utensil, ease of placing the utensil on a table top, and ease of cleaning. Most of the improvements still provide for a horizontal orientation of the back of the hand while holding the utensil.

Holding and lifting a utensil with the back of the hand in a horizontal position involves greater effort and movement of muscles and joints as compared to holding and lifting a utensil with the back of the hand in a vertical position. Hence, it is not ergonomically optimal to hold and lift cutlery and other hand held utensils with the hand in a horizontal position. A more modern handheld utensil addresses this drawback with a vertical handle, a shaft connected at one end to the handle of the handheld utensil and connected at the other end to an eating utensil head. The handle includes a cylindrically shaped handle with a cross-sectional diameter from about ¾ inch to about 2¼ inches. The shaft of the eating utensil is attached on top of the cylindrically shaped handle. Such a handheld utensil does not solve the ergonomic needs of many people with minor or major disabilities. In particular, the possible number of ways to hold such a utensil is limited and hence a user has limited degree of freedom to choose from while using it. Moreover, such a design requires a user to grip the handle using at least one finger and hence cannot be used by a person who has restricted movements in fingers.

In certain cases, the disabled person may have restricted movement in selected fingers only leaving one or more other fingers that can be used to grip the handle. In such cases, the user will experience discomfort when using the handheld utensil mentioned above. Also, it is desirable that the visual look and feel of the handheld utensil is appealing to the disabled person and to the people around to prevent stigmatization and emotional embarrassment to the disabled person. Moreover, the angle formed between the eating utensil (e.g. spoon) and the vertical handle is significant with regard to the ease of use and amount of stress experienced by the user. In view of the above, there is well felt need for an improved design for a handheld device that addresses at least the above identified shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary handheld devices are disclosed that obviate at least the above mentioned drawbacks. In an embodiment, a handheld device to be used by a disabled person having one or more of restricted movements in hand, wrist, fingers, elbow and shoulder is disclosed. Accordingly, the handheld device includes a handheld utensil mechanically fixed onto a lateral surface of a holding body vertically disposed with a top end and a bottom end. In another embodiment, the handheld device includes a supporting member fastened to the holding body at the top and bottom end respectively. In a further implementation, the handheld device includes a guiding member. A first end of the guiding member is connected with one of the ends of the holding body and a second end of the guiding member is disposed freely to enable a rotational motion about a vertical axis of the holding body. In another embodiment, the handheld device may include a training object to simulate and practice the movement of lifting the utensil to user's mouth, with or without the guiding member. Such features will allow for a step by step training process for a disabled user and for people under a rehabilitation program.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates examples, in perspective views, of handheld device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Fig. la illustrates in more detail one of the handheld devices in Fig. 1, seen in a side view;

Fig. 2 illustrates embodiments of a holding body for handheld device according to an implementation of the invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates a handheld device according to yet another embodiment;

Fig. 4a and 4b illustrate yet another implementation of handheld device according to the invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the handheld device according to the invention. Fig. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the handheld device according to the invention.

Fig. 7 shows multiple views of yet another embodiment of a handheld device according to the invention.

Fig. 8a-8e illustrates further embodiments of handheld devices according to the invention,

Fig. 8f illustrates another embodiment of a handheld device according to the invention, in a cross sectional view,

Fig. 9a-b illustrates still another embodiment of a handheld device according to the invention, and

Fig. 9c illustrates one support member in a close up view, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of handheld devices, especially intended for (but of course not restricted to) use by a person with one or more of restricted movements in shoulders, elbows, hand and wrist, are disclosed. Such disabilities may pose challenges to the disabled in performing activities where dexterity in hands is required to perform activities such as eating, grooming, working with hands etc. It may be appreciated that the fundamental principle behind the invention can be extended to several related areas, including training of a disabled person in using handheld utensils. In particular, reference is drawn to handheld utensils that include, but not limited to, spoon, fork, knife, tooth brush, pen, pencil, and other handheld appliances that a person may require to use in the daily chores of life. Since the motor skills of a disabled person are impaired to varying degrees, it is desirable to provide a handheld device that can be used with ease and would exert little or negligible stress on the person's hands, fingers, elbow, shoulders, etc. Existing handheld devices and utensils for disabled person mostly involve horizontal orientation of the hand and grip. Such devices/utensils have to be gripped by the person horizontally. However, vertical orientation of hand is ergonomically better than the horizontal orientation if the device is to be lifted horizontally.

To this end, the following description discloses embodiments of handheld devices 100 that address one or more limitations in the existing designs and devices. According to an embodiment, the disclosed handheld device includes a vertically disposed holding body 102 with an ergonomic grip. In another embodiment, the handheld device 100 includes a supporting member fastened to the holding body 102 at the top and bottom end respectively. In a further implementation, the handheld device 100 includes a guiding member. A first end of the guiding member is connected with one of the ends of the holding body 102 and a second end of the guiding member is disposed freely to enable a rotational motion about a vertical axis V of the holding body.

Fig. 1 illustrates a handheld device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The handheld device includes a holding body 102 disposed vertically with a top end and a bottom end and a handheld utensil 104 mounted on the lateral surface of the holding body. In an implementation, the holding body 102 can be a cylinder having a slot 106 on its lateral surface 102a to receive an end of the handheld utensil 104, preferably in the form of a slot 106 adapted to receive a flat shaped end 104c of a utensil 104. The handheld utensil 104 can be permanently or removably mounted onto the lateral surface 102a of the holding body 102 near one of the ends 102b, 102c of the holding body 102. Although the location of the slot 106 has been shown near to the top end 102b of the holding body 102, it may be appreciated that the location of the slot 106 can be predetermined based on the type of disability of an intended user. In a case where the handheld utensil 104 is removably mounted, the handheld utensil 104 can be snapped apart and removed for cleaning or replacing with another handheld utensil 104. Further, more than one slot 106 (not shown) may be arranged on one and the same holding body 102, to enable switching and optimized positioning in relation to different shaft configurations of the utensil 104.

Under normal circumstances, the handheld utensil 104, for example, a table spoon, has to be held using a three finger grip (using the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, (see Fig. la) to accurately use the utensil for an intended purpose. In a case of disability where the user has restricted movements in the thumb, the slot 106 can be located on the lateral surface proximate to the top end of the holding body 102 to provide a firm grip. Similarly, other cases of disabilities can be addressed by having the slot 106 near the bottom end or at various other locations on the lateral surface of the holding body 102. The handheld utensil 104 can include, but not limited to, spoon, fork, knife, tooth brush, pen, pencil, handheld appliances that a person may require to use in the daily chores of life. Some of the handheld utensils have been illustrated in Fig.l, for example, a fork (104a, 104b, 104c) and a spoon 104d. The handheld utensil can be made up of a material selected from a group comprising metal and plastic.

The handheld utensil 104 includes a shaft 104a that is the part of the handheld utensil between the mounted end and the other end that has a head 104b. The head 104b can be, for example, a flat surface of a spoon, a pronged projection of a fork. The shaft 104a projects a predetermined manner in relation to the vertical axis V of the holding body 102. The predetermined projection is so chosen that the user has to make minimum efforts in using the handheld device 100 with minimum stress on the muscles, joints, elbow, and shoulders. In an implementation, the shaft 104a of the handheld utensil 104 and the handle 102 define an arc extending from the slot 106 on the lateral surface of the holding body 102, to the head 104b, preferably in such a manner that the device 100 may be relatively stably positioned, on its own, on a flat surface with the handle 102 extending vertically. Preferably the lower end 102c of the handle is provided with a flat surface arranged to assist in keeping the device 100 stable in this position, since in this position it will be easiest to grip for most people. Further, also the head 104b may preferably be positioned to assist in keeping it stable, e.g. by positioning the lower portion 104b' of the head 104b at the same level as the lower end 102c of the handle 102. A tangent drawn at the arc may correspond to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Such an arc between the handheld utensil 104 and the handle 102 can be chosen carefully to embody an anatomical fit that is ergonomically optimal. In a preferred embodiment, see Fig. 1 a, the beginning of the arc at the slot 106, starts off with its tangent upwardly in relation to the horizontal plane H and thereafter successively turns downwardly. The point 104a" where the target is horizontal, is preferably positioned relatively close to the handle 102, e.g. at about 1/10 - 1/3 of the length of the shaft seen from the slot 106. The exact positioning is arranged in order to arrange for extra comfort and stability, since test has shown that most people find it optimal to use a shaft 104 presenting an arc wherein the "inflection point" 104a" will be positioned in contact with (or slightly outside of that contact region) the finger that is positioned in the cavity 107 formed under the shaft 104, adjacent the handle 102. The handheld device 100 is so designed that the holding body 102 lies in the palm of the user, thereby providing a vertical grip that facilitates many different possibilities for holding the handheld device 100. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates example embodiments of the holding body 102. It may be appreciated that the shape, dimension, and the material of the holding body can be selected based on factors that include age group of intended users, visual appeal, resting position of the handheld device 100, and most importantly the type of disability. For example, the holding body 102 can have the shape generally presenting a cylinder (see 202) with a diameter "d" and a height/length "1", wherein preferably the diameter is d about 0,3 - 0,7 x 1, more preferred about 0,4 - 0,6 x 1.

In yet another embodiment (see 204, 206, 208), the holding body 102 corresponds to a curved cylindrical member disposed in a vertical orientation. The diameter of the cylindrical member varies along the length "1" with a maximum diameter "d ₂ " occurring between the top end and the bottom end and a minimum diameter "di" occurring at the top end and/or the bottom end, arranged to provide an economically adapted grip. Preferably d ₂ is about 1,2 - 2 x di (or d ₃ , if d ₃ > di). With reference to Fig. 2, the cylindrical members 204 and 206 have a maximum diameter "d ₂ " occurring at the middle of the length "1" and a minimum diameter "di" occurring at both the ends. In an exemplary embodiment, the holding member 102 can correspond to a cylindrical member 208 with a maximum diameter "d ₂ " occurring between the top end and the bottom end and a minimum diameter "di" occurring at the top end 102b. The diameter at the bottom end 102c of the holding member 102 can be suitably chosen to realize a stable resting position when the handheld device 100 is placed on an even surface such as a table top.

In an embodiment, the length "1" is suitably chosen such that the holding body 102 is covered by the palm to prevent a stigmatization and embarrassment for the disabled person. The holding body 102 can be made of a material selected from a group comprising glass, rubber, plastic, metal and wood. Such embodiments of the holding body 102 has advantages that include an easy and firm grip for disabled person and less effort to use, hold and twist the handheld device. Fig. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of the handheld device 100. Accordingly, the handheld device 100 includes a holding member 102 and a handheld utensil 104 as described earlier. Further, the handheld device includes a supporting member 306 fastened to the holding body 102 at a top end 102b and a bottom end 102c respectively by fastening means 310. As shown in the figure, the supporting member 306 along with the holding body 102 forms a closed loop. While using such a handheld device 100, user just needs to insert his hand into the loop and may optionally grip the holding body 102. The supporting member 306 rests against the back of the user's hand and provides for additional stability and ease of use of the handheld device 100. In an implementation, the supporting member can correspond to a flexible strip or a band. The supporting member 306 can be made of a material selected from, for example, plastic, rubber, and elastic polymer. The fastening means 310 can include conventional fastening devices, such as nuts and rivets.

In yet another implementation, the handheld device 100 further includes a guiding member 312. A first end of the guiding member 312 connects with one of the ends of the holding body 102. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the first end of the guiding member 312 is connected with the bottom end 102c of the holding body 102. A second end of the guiding member 312 is disposed freely to enable a rotational motion about a vertical axis of the holding body 302. The guiding member is made of a material selected from a group including plastic, wood, metal, glass and rubber. In application, the guiding member 312 can be used by a user's personal assistant to lift and guide the holding body 302 in order to bring the handheld utensil 304 close to the face of the user.

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a handheld device 100 in accordance to further embodiments. The handheld device 100 includes a holding body 102 having a slot 106 that receives a handheld utensil 104. The handheld device 100 also includes a supporting member 306 connected at a top end 102b and a bottom end 102c of the holding body 102 by means of one or more fastening means 310. The handheld device 100 further includes a guiding member 312.

Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shows the handheld device 100 in two different positions. Fig. 4 b shows a possible position where a personal assistant of the user uses the guiding member 312 to bring the handheld utensil 104 close to the user. In the illustrated example, the guiding member 312 rotates in an anti-clockwise direction about the vertical axis of the holding body. Such a guiding member 312 offers an advantage of providing an easy way to use the handheld device 100 without any additional stress on the user's finger, joints, shoulders and the elbow. In yet another embodiment, the disclosed handheld devices can be used as a training device for disabled people. With reference to Fig. 5, a handheld device 100 is illustrated that is used as a training device. Active Daily Learning (ADL) devices are very commonly employed in training users of different age groups and disabilities. The principles of the disclosed handheld devices can be extended to such training devices. Accordingly, the handheld device 100 includes a holding body 102 attached to a handheld utensil 104 at the lateral surface of the holding body 102. The handheld utensil 104 can be a longitudinal shaft with a training object 506, such as a non sharp attachment fixed at its head. Such a handheld device 100 can be used to train a user to exercise muscles and joints of his hand, wrist, finger, shoulder and elbow. For instance, the user can be motivated to touch the training object 506 with his lips using the handheld device 100. It may be appreciated that a supporting member and a guiding member may also be used by a personal attendant to train the user. The training object 506 corresponds to a dummy object of a desired shape and size without any sharp edges. For example, it may be a small duck or a soft member like a pillow made of harmless materials like rubber or plastic. Such a training device 100 can be used to train a person to move the arm, shoulder, wrist etc. In various other embodiments, the handheld device 100 can be modified to provide a complete training kit in general, or a specific training device to address specific cases of restricted movements.

Fig. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the handheld device. Accordingly, the handheld device 600 includes a handle 102 disposed in a vertical orientation and a slot 106 on the top end 102b of the handle as shown in the figure. Such an embodiment of the handheld device can be used to hold an ice cream candy (pin-ice) 606. The stick 608 of the ice cream candy can be fixed into the slot 106 and the handle 102 can be held by a person with restricted movements in hand, wrist, finger, shoulder, etc. without having to use the conventional three finger grip, providing the advantage that the handle 102, presenting the same shape as a holding body 102 of a handheld device 100, will be well known to the user, and therefore easy and comfortable to use.

Fig. 7 shows a multiple use handheld device 100 wherein the handheld utensil 104 corresponding to a spork (a spoon and a fork). It may be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the location of the slot 106 can be close to the top end of the holding body 102. In such embodiments, the handheld utensil 104 can be attached to the holding body 102 at the slot in such a manner that the handheld utensil 104 and the holding body 102 form an arc that fits well into the hand of a user. The curvature of the handheld utensil 104 immediately outside the slot can be varied to define arcs of different chord lengths. In such embodiments, the arc between the handheld utensil and the holding body enables an especially adapted ergonomic grip of the handheld device 100. The user has different options to exercise and can hold the handheld device in such a manner that the handheld utensil emerges out from the top of the hand with the grip beneath the arc.

Figs. 8a - 8d illustrate a handheld device 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The handheld device 100 includes a handheld utensil 104 that can be permanently or removably mounted onto a holding body 102, which holding body for instance can be in the form of a supporting member 306 as seen in Figs. 8b - 8d. The handheld utensil 104, for example a spoon with a head 104b, has a slot 106 (see fig. 8a- 8b) on the outer part of the shaft 104a in the form of a punched slot with formed edges, forming valleys 326 and peaks 324. The supporting member 306 is detachably fastened into the slot 106 by fastening means 320, 322 e.g. snap-in members, to support the hand in a stable and comfortable position, e.g. when using a three finger grip. The supporting member 306 comprises a vertical support band forming a loop, adapted to fit the hand. Thanks to the valleys 326 and the peaks 324 in the slot 106 the support member 306 can be moved along the shaft 104 to acquire optimal angle and length on the shaft 104 adapted to the user. In a preferred embodiment the shaft 104a is slightly triangular at the lower part near the head 104b of the utensil 104 yielding a comfortable resting for the fingers. An alternative way is to detachable mount an element (not shown) e.g. a rubber element that is pressed around the shaft, at the lower part of the shaft 104a to give the function as a stopper or resting point for the fingers.

Another possibility instead of the supporting member 306 is to detachably mount a wavy or flat rubber element (not shown) into the slot 106 (or alternatively detachably mounted by pressing some parts of the rubber element around the shaft ) to give economically adaption between the fingers and anti slip protection. A wavy rubber element that extends along an upper side 104e of the shaft 104a or along an under side 104f of the shaft 104a makes it possible for persons that cannot make a grip around things to weave the shaft 104 with the rubber element between the fingers and be able to e.g. eat by themselves. The rubber element may extend beyond the end of the shaft and take the form of a long curved stick which gets the same function as the guiding member 312 described earlier. In figure 8e there is illustrated a further embodiment of a handheld device 100, comprising a handheld utensil 104 and a holding body 102. The handheld utensil 104 has a slot 106 with valleys 326 and peaks 324 on its shaft 104a as described above. The holding body 102 is built up by rings 102' placed on top of each other. The rings 102' have a slightly three-cornered shape and different diameter to correspond with the fingers and give an ergonomically fit in the palm. The holding body 102 is detachable fastened into the slot 106 by fastening means 320, 322 e.g. snap-in means, and can be moved along the slot 106 to give an optimal angle and length on the shaft 104a for the user. The rings 102' consists of stainless steel but may of course consist of some other material to enable different weights on the rings 102' e.g. heavier rings 102' for patients with Parkinson to stabilize shakings and lighter rings 102' for the patient that suffers of muscle weakness. The shape, colour and the size of the rings 102' may be tailored to the patient/customers need. Alternative ways to detachably fasten a holding body 102 or a supporting member 306 is through magnets or the slot 106 may be covered by a piece of rigid plastic that is pressed down into the slot 106 and has screw members on its underside intended to interact with screw members on the holding body 102 or supporting member 306. Alternative embodiments of the holding body 102, built up by rings 102', is (not shown) e.g. that some rings 102' are placed on top of the shaft 104a and detachably fastened with the rings 102' placed on the underside of the shaft 104a through the slot 106 by fastening means 320,322 e.g. screw members.

Still an alternative embodiment (not shown) is that some separate rings 102' are attached on the underside of the shaft 104a, working as a weight to attain balance.

It is also understood that the holding body 102 and the supporting member 306 may have other shapes and positions than those described above e.g. the holding body may have the shape of a round/oval ball that makes it possible for user groups with extreme posture (like with the back of the hand against the chest, the elbow out and with cupped hand) to hold around the ball and eat by themselves. According to a preferred embodiment there is provided a variety of holding bodies 102, providing adaptation to numerous individual needs, desires, wherein the attached device 322, 320 is according a kind of standard interfit, and the slot is also adapted to that standard interfit, whereby easy interchange is enabled. Fig. 8f illustrates another embodiment of a handheld device 100 (here a spoon) in a cross sectional view according to the invention. The handheld utensil 104 comprises a shaft 104a, a slot 106 and a head 104b. In the area where the shaft 104a and the head 104b are met there is a flexing function member 323 inside the shaft 104a, enabling to bend the head 104b up or down to obtain an optimal angle of the head 104b. The shaft 104a has a shape/angle that makes it possible to hold the spoon 104 inside the hand and a vertical grip is simulated without the need of fine motor skills in the fingers.

Still another embodiment of the handheld utensil 104 (not shown) is that the head 104b is detachably mounted onto the shaft 104a via e.g. male/female snap-in members, preferably placed below the flex function 323. A detachably mounted head 104b enables an easy exchange between e.g. fork, spoon or a training object. Another advantage is that with an exchange between different heads 104b, it is possible to adapt the size on the head 104b, e.g. the size on the spoon or the depth of the spoon, after need.

Fig. 9 a-b illustrates a modification of the handheld device 100 according to the invention. The handheld utensil 104 is the same as described in figure 8a-d but here the supporting member 306 comprises a horizontal support band forming a loop adapted to fit the hand and give support to the back of the hand when the utensil 104 being hold in a horizontal way. This embodiment gives a more stable holding for e.g. elderly demented people. The supporting member 306 is removably attached to the utensil 104 through the slot 106. The supporting member 306 and an attachment means 306' (see figure 9 c) is pressed together from each side (104 e, 104f) of the utensil 104. The attachment means 306' here as a plate fastened from the underside 104f of the shaft 104a and the supporting member 306 may be pressed together with the attachment means 306' at suitable place in the slot 106. In this embodiment the supporting member 306 is placed on the upper side of the shaft 104a. It is foreseen that separate protection may at a later stage be applied for the modification described in Figs. 9a - c, e.g. by means of divisional application.

The disclosed embodiments of handheld devices with or without the accessories (such as the supporting member, guiding member and training object) provide for an ergonomically improved utensil that can be used by a disabled person alone or with assistance. The disclosed embodiments also provide for a positive psychological effect due to visually and socially appealing design that prevents stigmatization of the user. The described handheld devices when used will visually project an ordinary grip, and will not appear as equipment especially designed for handicapped, which might be emotionally important. This is particularly important when the user has problems using regular cutlery but does not want to accept being stigmatized as handicapped or dysfunctional.

For most disabled people being able to eat without assistance, the disclosed embodiments will, in general, contribute to the well being of the user. Very dysfunctional and/or elderly people with chewing and swallowing problems can benefit from the use of the guiding member held by a personal assistant. The pedagogic and psychological effect of self dependence will stimulate the brain to chew and swallow.

Another aspect of the disclosed handheld device is general hygiene of the user. The disclosed handheld device supports the use of dental care handheld utensils, such as toothbrush and dental floss. Also, the handheld device supports the use of pen, pencil, paintbrush and other general self-grooming devices, such as, a hairbrush, make-up brush etc.

In the case of handheld utensil such as, a fork, the choice of the angle between the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the vertical axis of the holding body can be significant for a comfortable position of the arm and the wrist. It makes it comfortable to hold, provides good balance and grip between the fingers and on top of fingers/thumb/back of the hand. The grip design, the good balance and the user's unique ability to hold in a way that feels natural makes the disclosed handheld device preferable over the existing handheld devices. The multi-ergonomically designed grip is anatomically correct for the hand and looks visually appealing when placed on a table top or an even surface or when in use.

The disclosed handheld devices can be made in different weights and sizes for adults and children. Different materials can also be used for various target groups such as children, elderly people, and institutions and also take into consideration various design interests. Amongst other advantages, the disclosed handheld device provides for easier training on motor skills (or dining skills) because the handheld device can be held closer to the body while using without lifting arms and shoulders to the same extent. It is to be appreciated that the subject matter of the claims are not limited to the various examples or language used to recite the principle of the invention, and variants can be contemplated for implementing the claims without deviating from the scope. Rather, the embodiments of the invention encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.

While certain present preferred embodiments of the invention and certain present preferred methods of practicing the same have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

It is also understood that a plurality of different holdings (holding bodies and supporting members) may be individualized and be attached to the same utensil thanks to a standard slot on the utensil. Some holdings may have attachment means that enables movement of the holding and some holdings may have attachment means that fills the slot. It is also understood that all combinations of all the different parts described (as holding bodies, utensils, supporting members, fastening means, guiding members, flexing function member, detachable mounted heads and training objects) may be combined in all possible combinations. The different fastening/attachment means described may also be combined after wish or need, with a standard slot it is possible to change rubber element, holdings, supporting members in an easy way. A great advantage with this combination of different parts is that physiotherapists and ergotherapists may put together an "ergo kit" (a training/rehab kit with all variations of holding bodies, supporting members, training objects etc.) adapted for the specific patient.