Utensil Stabilization Device

Abstract

A utensil stabilization device can include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom edge. The proximal end can have a concave interior surface and the distal end can have a receptacle and a hook. The distal end can be axially offset with respect to the proximal end. A height between the top edge and the bottom edge can be greater at the proximal end than the distal end. The utensil stabilization device can include an attachment band coupled to a proximal end of the elongate member and releasably securable about the wrist region.

Description

CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/320,727, filed Apr. 11, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to utensil stabilization devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to eating utensil stabilization devices for people with hand tremors.

Background

Many people experience shaky hands, which are commonly referred to as hand tremors. While hand tremors are often associated with neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's, a more common cause of hand tremors is “essential tremor.” Essential tremor is a common neurological disorder, primarily in adults, that generally worsens with age. Symptoms most often include shaking when an affected muscle group is used. Little is known about the cause of essential tremor and there are few treatment options. Certain medications may be prescribed or an electrical stimulation procedure known as deep brain stimulation may be performed to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Everyday tasks, such as eating, can be difficult for people with hand tremors. Some people may be embarrassed by having hand tremors or by wearing bulky devices to reduce the impact of the tremors. Electronic device solutions, for example, those employing motors and gyroscopes to steady utensils, are also large in size. They are also battery-operated and so have the additional drawback of needing to be regularly charged. Cleaning and utensil interchangeability are also problematic for these devices. For example, because only certain utensils are designed to be inserted into the device, various utensil attachments (e.g., a spoon and a fork) must be kept with the user at all times. And if the user is not in their home, those utensils must then be stored for later cleaning. Therefore, there is a need for a less conspicuous device that is easy to transport and maintain, which reduces the effect of hand tremors.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A utensil stabilization device can include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom edge. The proximal end can have a concave interior surface and the distal end can have a receptacle and/or a hook. The distal end can be axially offset with respect to the proximal end. A height between the top edge and the bottom edge can be greater at the proximal end than the distal end. The height between the top edge and the bottom edge at the distal end of the elongate member can be less than half the height between the top edge and the bottom edge at the proximal end of the elongate member.

The utensil stabilization device can include an attachment element. The attachment element can have a band and a ring disposed at a first end of the band. The first end of the band can be coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member and a free end of the band can be configured to pass through the ring and releasably attach to the band. The attachment element can be a hook and loop fastener. The free end of the band can include the hook portion. The first end of the band can be coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member by an adhesive.

The proximal end of the elongate member can be configured to be secured against a lateral side of a wrist and/or forearm of a user. The distal end of the elongate member can be axially offset away from the lateral side of the wrist and/or forearm.

The receptacle at the distal end of the elongate member can be configured to receive a utensil (e.g., an eating utensil such as a spoon or fork). The receptacle can be configured in shape and size to receive a shaft portion of a utensil near where the shaft meets the head (i.e., the food engaging portion) at the distal portion of the utensil. A tip of the hook at the distal end of the elongate member can be disposed lower than the top edge of the distal end of the elongate member. A bottom of the receptacle can be disposed lower than the tip.

The elongate member can be made from a variety of materials including plastic or metal. The distal end of the elongate member can be more flexible than the proximal end.

A system for reducing the effect of hand tremors while eating can include a utensil having a distal portion (i.e., a food engaging portion), a shaft, and a proximal end (i.e., a handle), and a utensil stabilization device, for example, as described above. The stabilization device can be configured to be attached to the wrist and/or forearm region of a user's arm. A proximal portion of an eating utensil, such as a spoon, can be held in the user's hand while the distal end of the utensil rests in the receptacle at the distal end of the stabilization device. This arrangement forms a three-point stabilizing configuration having a first point where the distal portion of the utensil engages the receptacle, a second point where the proximal end of the utensil is held in the user's hand, and a third point where the proximal end of the elongate member is secured to the user's wrist and/or forearm by the attachment band. The first point can remain fixed relative to the third point when the utensil is disposed in the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosed embodiments. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the disclosure is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to these particular embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a utensil stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an elongate member of a utensil stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a utensil stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an interior side view of an elongate member of a utensil stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top edge perspective view of an elongate member of a utensil stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of an elongate member of a utensil stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a utensil stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an attachment device for a utensil stabilization device, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a utensil stabilization device being used in a first position, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a utensil stabilization device being used in a second position, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “in certain embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1, 3, and 7 illustrate utensil stabilization device 10, according to embodiments. In certain embodiments, utensil stabilization device 10 can have an elongate member 100 and an attachment element 200. Elongate member 100 can have a proximal end 110 that can be disposed against and secured to a wrist and/or forearm region (used interchangeably herein) of the user. A distal end 120 of elongate member 100 can have a receptacle 124 configured to receive a utensil. In certain embodiments, receptacle 124 can be a notch in distal end 120 of elongate member 100, for example, a notch along top edge 106. In certain embodiments, distal end 120 can have a hook 122 that retains the utensil within the receptacle 124. Attachment element 200 can be used to secure utensil stabilization device 10 about the wrist and/or forearm of the user.

FIGS. 2 and 4-6 illustrate elongate member 100, according to embodiments. In certain embodiments, elongate member 100 can be curved or contoured to fit against the wrist and/or forearm of the user. For example, elongate member 100 can be disposed against a lateral or underside portion of a user's wrist and/or forearm (e.g., against the radius bone along the thumb side). Contouring elongate member 100 with a curve similar to that of the lateral side of the wrist can provide a secure fit and make utensil stabilization device 10 less conspicuous when worn.

Elongate member 100 can include interior surface 102, exterior surface 104, top edge 106, bottom edge 107, and rear edge 108. Interior surface 102 can be configured to face and/or contact the user's hand, wrist, and/or forearm when in use. Top edge 106 can be disposed closer to the radius bone and bottom edge 107 can be disposed closer to the ulna bone when in use. Rear edge 108 can be the edge further from the hand (closest to the elbow) when in use.

Elongate member 100 can have a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120. Proximal end 110 can be disposed closer to the fingers and distal end 120 can be disposed closer to the wrist/forearm when in use. As shown, for example, in FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, proximal end 110 can include one or more holes 112. In certain embodiments, proximal end 110 can be curved or contoured, while distal end 120 can be generally flat or straight. In certain embodiments, distal end 120 can also be curved or contoured.

In certain embodiments, distal end 120 can include receptacle 124. In certain embodiments, distal end 120 can include hook 122. Receptacle 124 and hook 122 can be configured to receive and retain a utensil. In certain embodiments, hook 122 can be rounded, which can facilitate sliding the utensil into receptacle 124. In certain embodiments, receptacle 124 can be curved so that the utensil settles to a bottom of receptacle 124, providing sufficient support and stability to the utensil. In certain embodiments, hook 122 and receptacle 124 can for a “J” shape. Other shapes, sizes, depths, and curvatures for hook 122 and receptacle 124 are contemplated.

Any suitable material can be used for elongate member 100, for example, but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, or composite materials. In certain embodiments, elongate member can be made of a translucent plastic, such as LEXAN. Using translucent plastic for elongate member 100 can make it less visually conspicuous, more durable, and easier to clean. Elongate member 100 can be formed, for example, by casting, injection molding, thermoforming, stamping, and/or milling. The elongate member 100 can be inexpensive to manufacture from, for example, a plastic sheet by thermoforming, injection molding, or stamping. In certain embodiments, the stiffness/flexibility of elongate member 100 can vary along its length. For example, the distal end 120 can be more flexible than the proximal end 110. In certain embodiments, different thicknesses of the material (i.e., the thickness between interior surface 102 and exterior surface 104) can result in different flexibilities of the proximal end 110 and distal end 120. For example, a thinner distal end 120 can be more flexible than a thicker proximal end 110. Elongate member 100 can be less than 5 mm thick. In certain embodiments, elongate member 100 can be approximately 1 mm thick.

Elongate member 100 can be manufactured to substantially follow natural contours of a user's hand, wrist, and/or forearm to provide a comfortable fit and ergonomic design. For example, an interior surface 102 (see FIGS. 4-6) of elongate member 100 can have a concave shape, such that interior surface 102 generally conforms to the curvature of the lateral side and/or underside of the wrist and forearm of the user. The radius of curvature can be constant, or upper and lower portions can have a different radius of curvature. Similarly, exterior surface 104 of elongate member 100 can also be curved to follow the same contour. Thus, elongate member 100 can fit closely to the wrist of the user and be disposed, for example, under a shirt sleeve.

In certain embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 (i.e. the shortest linear distance between the edges or the length along the curvature between the edges) can be greater at proximal end 110 than a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at distal end 120. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 4, top edge 106 can slope downward from proximal end 110 toward distal end 120. This slope can be gradual, sharp (e.g., a “step”), or constant. In certain embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at proximal end 110 can be less than 60 mm. In certain embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at proximal end 110 can be approximately 45 mm. In certain embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at distal end 120 can be less than 40 mm. In certain embodiments, a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at distal end 120 can be approximately 22 mm.

FIGS. 5 and 6 further illustrate the curved and contoured nature of elongate member 100. FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of elongate member 100, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, distal end 120 of elongate member 100 can be axially offset with respect to proximal end 110 by an angle 0. This complex curvature can facilitate securing proximal end 110 about the user's wrist and/or forearm, while having distal end 120 axially offset away from the user's wrist and hand to better receive the distal portion of a utensil within receptacle 124. If distal end 120 is too close the user's hand, it may be difficult for the user to manipulate the utensil to place it within receptacle 124. By offsetting distal end 120 away from the hand and wrist, it facilitates disposing the utensil into the receptacle 124. The degree of offset (θ) can be varied. For example, in certain embodiments the distal end 120 can be offset more than 5 degrees with respect to the proximal end 110. In certain embodiments, the distal end 120 can be offset more than 10 degrees with respect to the proximal end 110. Both the curved nature of proximal end 110 and the offset of distal end 120 can improve the comfort and functionality of the utensil stabilization device's ergonomic design.

By way of further example, FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of elongate member 100, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, proximal end 110 of elongate member 100 can have a curved shape. As also shown in FIG. 6, elongate member 100 can be tapered from the proximal end 110 to the distal end 120. In certain embodiments, the taper can be gradual and/or constant. In certain embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 6, a “step” can be formed along the length of top edge 106, such that a height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 is greater at the proximal end 110 than at the distal end 120. In certain embodiments, the “step” can be disposed approximately halfway between proximal end 110 and distal end 120. In certain embodiments, the height between top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at the distal end 120 can be less than half the height between the top edge 106 and bottom edge 107 at proximal end 110.

FIG. 7 illustrates utensil stabilization device 10, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be wrapped around in a generally circular manner to secure utensil stabilization device 10 to a user's wrist and/or forearm. FIG. 8 illustrates attachment element 200, according to an embodiment. In certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be a cuff or a band. In certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be a VELCRO band. Attachment element 200 can have a first end 202 and a second end or free end 204. In certain embodiments, a ring 220 having a slot 222 can be coupled to first end 202. Attachment element 200 can have a first surface 206 and a second surface 208 opposite the first surface 206. In certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be a hook and loop type fastening mechanism, having a hook portion on second surface 208 and a loop portion on first surface 206. In certain embodiments, the hook portion and the loop portion can both be disposed on the same surface.

Attachment element 200 can secure utensil stabilization device 10 about a user's wrist and/or forearm. In certain embodiments, free end 204 of attachment element 200 can be wrapped around, for example, the wrist or forearm of a user and then fed through slot 222 of ring 220. If the hook portion and the loop portion are on the same surface, the hook portion can be attached to the loop portion, for example, by doubling the free end 204 around the outside of ring 220, to secure the hook portion to the loop portion along attachment element 200. Looping the attachment element 200 through ring 220 can provide leverage when pulling free end 204 to tightly secure utensil stabilization device 10 about the user's wrist and/or forearm.

In another embodiment, attachment element 200 can be simply be wrapped around the user's wrist and/or forearm and secured, for example, to itself or the elongate member 100. For example, the hook portion and the loop portion can be disposed on opposite surfaces and attachment element 200 can be wrapped around the user's wrist and/or forearm so that the hook portion can be attached to the loop portion. In such an embodiment, ring 220 may not be included. In either embodiment, the attachment element 200 can releasably attach about the user's wrist and/or forearm and can be adjusted to fit about different wrist and/or forearm sizes. The attachment element 200 can fit under the user's sleeve, making it inconspicuous, with only a portion of elongate member 100 extending out from under the sleeve.

In certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be attached to elongate member 100 at attachment portion 214. In certain embodiments, attachment portion 214 can be an adhesive. In certain embodiments, attachment element 200 can be removable from elongate member 100 and then able to be reattached. Other attachment mechanisms are also contemplated. For example, buttons (not shown) can extend from a surface of attachment element 200 and can be pressed into holes 112 in elongate member 100 to provide a friction-fit.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate use of utensil stabilization device 10, according to embodiments. Utensil stabilization device 10 can be secured about a user's wrist and/or forearm 400 by attachment element 200, as described above. FIG. 9 illustrates a first position 20 and FIG. 10 illustrates a second position 30. In certain embodiments, in the first position 20 of FIG. 9, a user can hold utensil 300 at a proximal portion or handle 302 and manipulate utensil 300 to pick up or scoop up food. Utensil 300 can be, for example, but not limited to, a spoon or a fork, having a shaft 306 and a distal or food engaging portion 304.

As shown in FIG. 10, once the user has disposed food at the distal portion 304 of utensil 300, the utensil stabilization device 10 can be used to stabilize utensil 300 to reduce shaking from hand tremors as the user moves distal portion 304 of utensil 300 toward his or her mouth. For example, the user can move the utensil 300 such that a portion of shaft 306 near distal portion 304 of utensil 300 rests within receptacle 124 of the distal end 120 of elongate member 100. Other portions of utensil 300 can rest within receptacle 124. The hook 122 at distal end 120 of elongate member 100 can prevent utensil 300 from slipping out of receptacle 124. In certain embodiments, the user can rest utensil 300 within receptacle 124 (i.e., in second position 30) prior scooping up food.

The second position 30, shown in FIG. 10, can reduce vibrations and shaking of the distal portion 304 of utensil 300 by referencing distal portion 304 of the utensil 300 to a more stable, slower moving part of the body, for example, the wrist or forearm 400. This can be achieved, for example, by a three point stabilization system referenced by points A, B, and C in FIG. 10.

At point A, the shaft 306 or distal portion 304 of utensil 300 can rest within receptacle 124 of elongate member 100. This cradles and provides support to distal portion 304 of utensil 300, which otherwise is free to move in any direction. At point B, the proximal portion 302 of utensil 300 can be held by the user's hand 402, for example, by the thumb, index finger, and/or middle finger. Although people with hand tremors have unsteady hands, they often maintain sufficient grip strength to hold utensil 300. At point C, the proximal end 110 of elongate member 100 can be secured about the user's wrist and/or forearm 400 by attachment element 200.

This configuration references distal portion 304 of utensil 300 to the user's wrist/forearm 400, rather than allowing free movement of distal portion 304. The user's wrist 400 tends to move less than the extremities of the hand 402, so by referencing the distal portion 304 of the utensil 300 to the wrist 400 (rather than the fingers) by way of distal end 120 of elongate member 100, the distal portion 304 of the utensil 300 is stabilized, reducing shaking of the distal portion 304 of utensil 300. The user is therefore able to move distal portion 304 (and the food disposed thereon) of utensil 300 toward his or her mouth with reduced shaking effects of distal portion 304 as compared to simply holding utensil 300 with his or her hand.

In an embodiment, the user may also grip distal end 120 of elongate member 100 to further stabilize utensil 300. For example, the user may hold hook 122 with one or more fingers, or wrap one or more fingers around distal end 120 to contact exterior surface 104 of elongate member 100. The user may pull distal end 120 toward the palm of their hand, thereby providing additional stability for utensil 300.

While various embodiments have been described herein, they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but may be interchanged to meet various needs as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A utensil stabilization device comprising:

an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom edge,

wherein the proximal end comprises a concave interior surface and the distal end comprises a receptacle,

wherein the distal end is axially offset with respect to the proximal end, and

wherein a height between the top edge and the bottom edge is greater at the proximal end than the distal end; and

an attachment element comprising a band having a first end,

wherein the first end of the band is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member, and

wherein a free end of the band is configured to releasably attach to the band.

2. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the elongate member is configured to be secured against a lateral side of a forearm region of a user.

3. The utensil stabilization device of claim 2, wherein the distal end of the elongate member is axially offset relative to the proximal end in a lateral direction away from the lateral side of the forearm.

4. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive a utensil.

5. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising a hook disposed at the distal end of the elongate member, wherein a tip of the hook is disposed lower than the top edge of the distal end of the elongate member, and wherein a bottom of the receptacle is disposed lower than the tip.

6. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the height between the top edge and the bottom edge at the distal end of the elongate member is less than half the height between the top edge and the bottom edge at the proximal end of the elongate member.

7. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises plastic.

8. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the attachment element comprises a hook and loop fastener, and wherein the free end of the band comprises the hook portion.

9. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the attachment element further comprises a ring disposed at the first end of the band, and wherein the free end of the band is configured to pass through the ring before attaching to the band.

10. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the band is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member by an adhesive.

11. The utensil stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the elongate member is more flexible than the proximal end.

12. A utensil stabilization device comprising:

an elongate member having a distal end comprising a receptacle configured to receive a distal portion of a utensil being held at a proximal end by a user; and

an attachment band coupled to a proximal end of the elongate member, wherein the attachment band is configured to wrap around a wrist region of the user to secure the utensil stabilization device about the wrist region.

13. The utensil stabilization device of claim 12, wherein the distal end is axially offset with respect to the proximal end.

14. The utensil stabilization device of claim 12, wherein a height between a top edge and a bottom edge of the elongate member is greater at the proximal end than the distal end.

15. The utensil stabilization device of claim 12, wherein the proximal end comprises a concave interior surface configured to engage a contour of a lateral side of the wrist.

16. The utensil stabilization device of claim 12, wherein attachment band comprises a hook and loop fastener releasably securable about the wrist.

17. A system for reducing the effect of hand tremors while eating, comprising:

a utensil having a distal portion, a shaft, and a proximal portion; and

a utensil stabilization device comprising: an elongate member having a distal end comprising a receptacle configured to receive the utensil; and an attachment band disposed at a proximal end of the elongate member configured to releasably secure the elongate member,

wherein disposing the utensil in the receptacle and holding the proximal end of the utensil forms a three-point stabilizing configuration comprising a first point where the distal portion of the utensil engages the receptacle, a second point where the proximal end of the utensil is held in a user's hand, and a third point where the proximal end of the elongate member is secured by the attachment band.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive the utensil where the shaft meets the distal portion of the utensil.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the distal end of the elongate member is axially offset with respect to the proximal end, and wherein a height between a top edge and a bottom edge of the elongate member is greater at the proximal end than the distal end.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the proximal end of the elongate member is secured to a wrist region of a user by the attachment band.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein the first point remains fixed relative to the third point when the utensil is disposed in the receptacle.