Abstract: An apparatus for removing a dental appliance can include a body having a perimeter and a pry lip extending from the perimeter of the body. The pry lip includes a terminal ridge surface and an inclined surface disposed between the terminal ridge surface and the perimeter of the body. The apparatus for removing a dental appliance can be incorporated in a dental system which includes a dental appliance and the apparatus for removing a dental appliance. The apparatus for removing a dental appliance can be configured such that it fits within an area defined by an outer edge of the dental appliance. Thus, the dental appliance and the apparatus for removing the dental appliance can be stored within a dental appliance container with an internal cavity that closely conforms to the shape and size of the dental appliance.

Abstract: According to one example, a system includes a hollow container and a ladle. The hollow container has a first opening at a proximal end, a second opening at an opposing distal end, and a sidewall that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The first opening is wider than the second opening. The ladle comprises a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, and further comprises a cup coupled to the distal end of the handle. The cup has an inner surface configured to hold a food item. The cup further has an outer surface configured to substantially seal the second opening of the hollow container from within the hollow container.

Abstract: Improvements in a spoon that reduces the dripping of liquids is disclosed. The spoon is used for the preparing, serving and eating food. The spoon has a structure that reduces or prevents dripping from a bottom surface of the spoon. The spoon has a bowl with an interior and a back surface. A neck is attached to the bowl. A handle extends from the neck. The bowl has a divot that extends from the back surface of the bowl inward into the interior of the bowl. The divot provides an annular or elliptical enlarged surface to eliminate the radius bottom of a spoon to reduce the potential for drops forming and dropping from the bottom of the bowl.

Abstract: A device is transformable between a toy, such as a vehicle, and an eating utensil, such as a spoon or fork. The device has a movable handle part and a movable head part, both mounted on a toy body for movement between a toy position in which the handle and the head parts both are juxtaposed with the toy body when the device is transformed to the toy, and a utensil position in which the handle and the head parts both extend away from the toy body in opposite directions along a longitudinal axis when the device is transformed to the eating utensil.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an arm support device including a coupler adapted to be coupled to a handle, an arm support positioned above the coupler, and a pivot pin that connects the arm support to the coupler. In certain examples, the coupler has different types of size adjustment mechanisms. For example, the coupler can include a first size adjustment mechanism for providing larger adjustments in size, and a second adjustment mechanism for providing smaller adjustments in size.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking unintentional muscle movements of a user and stabilizing a handheld tool while it is being used by the user are described. The method may include detecting motion of a handle of the handheld tool manipulated by a user while the user is performing a task with a user-assistive device attached to an attachment arm of the handheld tool. Furthermore, the method may include storing the detected motion in a memory of the handheld tool as motion data. The method may also include controlling, based on the motion data, a motion-generating mechanism of the handheld tool that moves the attachment arm relative to the handle in a single degree of freedom in a direction of the detected motion of the handle.

Abstract: A cooling and sterilizing spoon that generates a flow of cool air that cools a food contained within. The spoon sterilizes the flow of cool air with ultraviolet radiation prior to the air engaging the food. In this manner, contaminants that reside in the air are inactivated. This has the effect of cooling the food with a sterile source of air. The spoon integrates a fan and an ultraviolet radiation source proximally to the food to effect the cooling and sterilizing process. A concave portion contains the food. The fan and the ultraviolet radiation source are oriented towards the concave portion. A lever cover overlays the fan and the ultraviolet radiation source on the lever, and includes at least one ventilation opening for enabling air to move to and from the fan. A motor actuates the fan. A power source and a power outlet enable powering of the motor.

Abstract: A module of cutlery may include a plurality of utensils that include a formable material, wherein at least two of the utensils are separably coupled to one another via at least one of an adhesive and a common portion of the formable material.

Abstract: A food utensil having a handle portion and a food engagement portion, the food engagement portion includes one or more member(s) disposed about the periphery of the food engagement portion, whereby the one or more member(s) define a food engagement region. The utensil is suitable for use by young children.

Abstract: A foldable spoon being a flat blank in the initial state, and having two adjacent sections with fold lines carved so as to form a shank and a cup-shaped part in a folded state, wherein between the adjacent sections with fold lines there is a perforated boundary which contacts the fold lines of adjacent sections, the fold lines have elongated holes in the form of slits for fasten purpose arranged in such a way that one section has one hole and the other has two such holes; what is more, the fold line on one of the sections forms a retainer.

Abstract: A snap-fit fruit scoop set includes a first, second, and third fruit scoop, each of the first, second, and third fruit scoops having a corresponding cutting hoop and a handle secured to the cutting hoop. Each of the first, second, and third fruit scoops also includes a locking feature formed on the applicable cutting hoop to enable the first, second, and third fruit scoops to be attached to one another via the locking features.

Abstract: A consumable insert for welding a first component to a second component is provided. The first component is positioned with respect to the second component in such a manner that a gap is defined between adjacent surfaces thereof. The consumable insert includes a body having a profile. The profile of the body matches a scan of a profile of the gap between the adjacent surfaces. The consumable insert also includes a dam portion having a profile. The profile of the dam portion matches, at least in part, a scan of corresponding surfaces of the first component and the second component respectively. The dam portion is provided in contact with at least one end of the body. The dam portion is configured to control an overflow of a weld puddle therefrom. The body and the dam portion are formed using three dimensional printing.

Abstract: A spoon for administering a carrier medium includes a bowl and a handle. Various configurations of the bowl or handle can allow a carrier medium or medication to be more easily dispensed.

Abstract: A process for making a jeweled article of manufacture comprising providing a void and placing a jeweled decoration in the void. The jeweled decoration includes a housing having serrations and an upper lip, wherein the upper lip secured the jewel to the housing, and the serrations secure the housing within the void in the article. In an alternative embodiment, a bottom ring is placed at a bottom end of the jewel and is secured to the inner surface of the housing so that the jewel is secured within the housing.

Abstract: Provided is an implement that has a handle adapted to be positioned on a user's hand such that the user's hand goes through the handle. The handle has an aperture that is adapted to accept a user's hand. The implement of the present invention may have a wide variety of implements as described herein. Particular implements include, for example, personal care implements such as, eating utensils, a toothbrush or a hair care implement, such as, a hairbrush or comb.

Abstract: A training spoon for training an individual not to bite down on a spoon includes a longitudinally extending handle and a spoon shaped head portion integral with or attached to the handle. The head portion defines a relatively shallow concave bowl with a plurality of generally parallel alternating transverse ridges and adjacent grooves extending across a majority of the width of the head portion of the spoon.

Abstract: A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon, Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.

Abstract: A spoon for feeding an infant or an invalid has an elastic bladder that is compressed to distend a pliable bowl from a food conveying position to a food transfer position to positively transfer food into the mouth of the infant or invalid being fed.

Abstract: A foldable spoon. A spoon handle includes apex folds and valley folds that are used to create a strong spoon handle. A spoon cup section is connected to the spoon handle. The spoon apex folds, spoon valley folds and spoon cup section are preferably formed from a single sheet of foldable material.

Abstract: The invention involves the incorporation and enablement of multiple interactive elements into high-volume consumables products to increase utility, function and features of the consumable product at minimal incremental cost and adjustment to production and manufacturing processes. The invention further reports processes and compositions that enable consumable products with differentiating features which product would otherwise be deficient for their intended use and application.

Abstract: A toddler flatware using the natural finger grip for consuming food is disclosed. The flatware has an eating utensil, such as a spoon bowl, fork, or knife and a handle attached perpendicular to the eating utensil. The handle is flat with rounded edges and corners for a comfortable grip. The handle is secured between the thumb and the tips of the fingers, mimicking the natural act of eating with one's hands. The natural motion afforded by the flatware design facilitates the act of self-feeding, either by toddlers or by adults with impaired motor-function. It also facilitates the transition to traditional adult flatware.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scoop (1) used in cooking and/or portioning food, comprising a plate-like, elongated handle (10) and a plate-like scoop blade (20) as its extension. The handle (10) is provided with at least one weakening line (11) in the longitudinal direction of the handle (10), which allows the handle (10) to be bent into a chute by pressing the handle (10). The scoop blade (20) is provided with two or more weakening lines (21, 22), which join the longitudinal weakening line (11) or weakening lines of the handle (10) in such a way that the scoop blade (20) bends into a chute, cup, spoon or dish forced by the bending of the handle (10) into a chute. The weakening lines (11, 21) are formed of elastic material (13), which is more elastic than the scoop material. At the weakening lines there are slots (14) in the scoop material, which are filled up with the said elastic material (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to eating utensils including a support configuration adapted for elevating the utensil above a horizontal surface to prevent the contamination of germs or bacteria that may linger on the surface. The eating utensils are also adapted for use by children or adults having limited motor skills or dexterity. In one embodiment, a utensil such as a fork, knife or spoon is attached to an egg-shaped member having a weighted base and designed for preventing the utensils from coming into contact with horizontal surfaces such as a table.

Abstract: A thermal exchange food processing device is comprised of a thermal conductive body, thermal insulation layer and phase change material. The thermal conductive body consists of an acting region and an inner thermal conductive region disposed in accordance to and in thermal connection to the acting region. The thermal insulation layer has a lower thermal conductivity coefficient compared with the thermal conductive body and encapsulates at least in part the thermal conductive body, so that the acting region of the thermal conductive body is exposed while remaining regions of the thermal conductive body other than the acting region are thermally insulated from ambient temperature; wherein the thermal conductive body alone or together with the thermal insulation layer defines an accommodation space and the inner thermal conductive region is disposed to face the accommodation space; and the phase change material disposed within the accommodation space.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for actively releasing food additives to deliver aromatic compounds to consumers during food or drink consumption. The food additives may be contained within an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may be configured to release the food additives in response to being exposed to energy provided by an activation source proximate to the food additives. The activation source may be incorporated into, or connected with, an eating utensil or an oral implant. The activation source can be manually controlled by a consumer, can be controlled based on conditions near the food additives, or can be programmed with a release schedule that defines how and when food additives are to be released.

Abstract: A personal food delivery apparatus and method includes a utensil with a handle end and a food end where the food end is a flat surface. A food retaining device is connected with the food end where the food retaining device retains food on the food retaining device.

Abstract: A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon, Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.

Abstract: A dosing spoon is provided with two bowl portions, each with a front end for oral insertion, a back end, and a top edge along the circumference of the bowl. The spoon also has a handle portion that extends between each bowl. The first and second bowl portions are sized and shaped to contain a 2.5 mL and a 5.0 mL dose, respectively, of a substance with a specific gravity in the range of about 1.1300-1.1700. A rib may be present on the bottom surface of the handle portion to provide both additional stiffening to the handle, as well as a de-nesting feature.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A utensil apparatus for dispensing a quantity of condiment. The condiment dispensing utensil is constructed such that it contains an internal reservoir of a condiment, such as a salad dressing. The condiment dispensing utensil assembly can then be used to dispense a bite-sized portion of the condiment to the food on the utensil as it is consumed. The utensil allows the user to control the amount of condiment that is consumed at a single meal. Said utensil can later be cleaned for reuse or disposed of if constructed for only a single serving use. The utensil also comprises a pump mechanism for controlling the amount of condiment that is dispensed with each bite or scoop of food.

Abstract: A serving utensil comprises a handle having a gripping portion that is gripped by the user. A serving receptacle is operatively connected to the handle. There is mounted to the serving utensil a serving scraper having a resilient arm with a bowed shape. The resilient arm has a scraping end and a mounting end. A mounting means at the mounting end is for mounting the resilient arm to the serving utensil forwardly of the gripping portion of the utensil used to grip the utensil and rearwardly of the serving receptacle. A scraper-remover is disposed at the scraper end of the resilient arm so that food can be scraped off of the food receptacle of the utensil when the serving scraper is actuated by the user.

Abstract: A frangible container having a body, a lid, and a cover together defining a cavity for storing dispensable contents so that the body and lid are openable by breaking a frangible connection which joins the lid and body about a hinge formed by the cover, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed.

Abstract: Biodegradable disposable flatware and utensils manufactured from wood-based or plant-based raw materials, including materials that may be traditionally discarded such as sawdust, plant stalks, seed or grain hulls or the like. The process includes the use of a resin made from the discarded materials to form disposable utensils and flatware.

Abstract: A convenient and functional spoon-like utensil, easily transformed from the integrated composite of a thin piece of plastic adhered to a typical foil-type lid material used currently in the food industry. When the composite is rolled or folded, it forms a strong, ridged utensil with which to consume the food contents while “on-the-go.

Abstract: A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon, Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.

Abstract: A utensil in the form of a spoon having a spill resistant bowl. The bowl may have an angled tip at the front portion of the bowl and a secondary reservoir at or near the rear portion of the bowl. In some embodiments, portions of the inner surface of the bowl may be textured near the perimeter edge along the sides of the bowl. The utensil may also have an ergonomic handle having a depression on the top and concavity on the bottom with a flattened portion at the rear end. The flattened portion allows the utensil to stand upright.

Abstract: A spoon has a bowled area having a base and a surrounding edge extending around the base, and an elongated handle attached to the bowled area, with the handle having a base. A plurality of holes are provided in the base of the handle adjacent the bowled area.

Abstract: A training spoon for training an individual not to bite down on a spoon includes a longitudinally extending handle and a spoon shaped head portion integral with or attached to the handle. The head portion defines a relatively shallow concave bowl with a plurality of generally parallel alternating transverse ridges and adjacent grooves extending across a majority of the width of the head portion of the spoon.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tasting utensil comprises a handle, a bowl and a covering. The bowl is connected with a handle at its proximal extremity, and the covering extends at least partially over the bowl from the bowl's distal extremity toward its proximal extremity such as to form a protected pocket area for retention of food and/or drinks. In an alternate embodiment, the bowl has a secured part at its proximal extremity, and different handles of various lengths which can be connected to the bowl through the secured parts. In one embodiment, the method for fabricating the utensil comprises the steps of forming a bowl with a covering at its distal extremity, such that the covering extends at least partially over the bowl to form a protected pocket area for retention of food and/or drinks; and securing the bowl to a handle at the proximal extremity opposite of the partial covering.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a serving utensil for selectively engaging a serving pan for removal from a steam table. The utensil is of the type used in buffet-style service settings. The utensil includes a serving element on one end and a handle on the other end. The serving element may comprise a bowl, tines, prongs, tongs and the like. The handle includes a flange extending from a face thereof for selectively engaging the serving pan of the steam table such that the flange is selectively insertable between the pan and the steam table such that the user may lift the serving pan from the steam table for removal of the serving pan for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: An ambidextrous spill-resistant spoon includes a handle portion carrying a spoon bowl portion. The spoon bowl is rotational relative to the handle portion and depends below the handle portion to self-level rather as a pendulum seeks the vertical. But, the spoon bowl is clutched non-rotationally to the handle portion during a scooping motion to load the spoon with food. As soon as the scooping motion is completed by clearing of the spoon bowl from the food, the bowl portion is un-clutched from the handle portion and becomes freely pivotal so as to remain level as a user moves the loaded spoon toward the user's mouth.

Abstract: A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon. Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material such as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of a utensil, such as a spoon, having an integrated heat transfer reservoir that can facilitate transfer of heat from or to an external environment, such as a liquid (e.g., soup, hot cocoa), to cool or warm the temperature of that external environment. The utensil can include a handle and a head. The head can be coupled to the handle. The head comprises a heat transfer reservoir. A top piece of the head and a bottom piece of the head can be configured to mate together to define a void within the head. The void has a volume and at least a portion of the volume of the void can be filled with a heat transfer material configured to absorb and store heat.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A dosing spoon is provided with two bowl portions, each with a front end for oral insertion, a back end, and a top edge along the circumference of the bowl. The spoon also has a handle portion that extends between each bowl. The first and second bowl portions are sized and shaped to contain a 2.5 mL and a 5.0 mL dose, respectively, of a substance with a specific gravity in the range of about 1.1300-1.1700. A rib may be present on the bottom surface of the handle portion to provide both additional stiffening to the handle, as well as a de-nesting feature.

Abstract: A daily meal planning system may include plates, cups, bowls, measuring scoops, lunch boxes, trays, mats, and other eating utensils that are sized in proportion to the nutritional needs of a user, based upon a user's age, height, and/or weight. Additionally the daily meal planning system may include a plurality of food wells or segregated areas, each food well or segregated area may include an indicium that indicates a color of food to be placed in the given food well or segregated area. By varying the colors of food within a food group throughout the day, the daily meal planning system ensures that a user receives at least a recommended amount of nutrition for the user's age, height, and/or weight.

Abstract: A dispensing utensil 10 comprising: a handle portion 11 having a first end portion and a second end portion and a frangible connection intermediate the first and second end portions; an implement portion 12; a cavity 15 for storing dispensable contents, the cavity 15 defined by a first wall means 13, 14 and a second wall means 19 closing the cavity 15; characterized in that a first portion 20 of the first wall means 13, 14 is openable about a hinge formed by the second wall means 19, thereby allowing the contents to be dispensed.

Abstract: A spoon having: a handle portion; and a head portion connected to the handle portion, the head portion being at least partially fabricated from a shape memory material, the head having a first shape to hold a liquid when the temperature of the liquid is less then a predetermined threshold temperature and a second shape so as to not hold the liquid when the temperature of the liquid is greater than the predetermined threshold. The first shape is preferably a concave shape and the second shape is a substantially flat shape. Alternatively, the first shape is a concave shape and the second shape is a concave shape having at least one opening in the concave shape. A fork is also disclosed having times that change shape when the temperature of food held thereon is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An article including a writing surface includes a surface, a recess on the surface of the article, and a writing surface formed of a waterproof material disposed in the recess. A method of making an article with a writing surface includes providing an article with a recess in a surface of the article, and attaching a writing surface formed of a waterproof material in the recess.