CHILDREN'S EATING UTENSIL

Abstract

An eating utensil is provided for children, especially young children learning to eat. In one embodiment, an eating utensil includes a handle including a spherically shaped element and a head portion including at least three tines. The handle may include a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body. The head portion can be fixed to the second end of the elongated body and the base of each tine is arranged in a triangle arrangement relative to a surface of the head portion, such that the tines extend from the head portion. In certain embodiments, the head portion is configured to be coupled to and removable from the second end of the elongated body.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a utensil and more particularly to eating utensils for children.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Forks are well known eating utensils usually including a handle and a plurality of tines. Forks are typically made of metal, while some varieties, such as disposable forks, are made of plastic. The tines of the conventional forks are typically curved and have pointed ends. Forks come in many shapes and sizes. However, conventional forks are difficult for children to use and not suitable for many children, such as toddlers and children learning to eat.

[0003] Many children typically find forks hard to properly grasp and difficult to control. As a result, many children end up using their hands to eat. In addition, the typical fork is not suitable to allow for children to eat particular types of food, such as spaghetti and or pastas. Often times, young children using a conventional fork will attempt to insert the fork (with food) into their mouth with the fork positioned so that the width of the tines is perpendicular to their mouth opening. Unless the fork is introduced at the proper horizontal position, the width of the tines in a side-by-side formation is typically too large to fit into a child's mouth. Thus, the arrangement of tines on a conventional fork and conventional children's forks is often difficult for children to use.

[0004] Another drawback is that conventional forks do not hold food well for young children. Conventional approaches for children's utensils include using a conventional utensil with a reduced size, such as a width that can fit in a child's mouth. These approaches typically employ the standard arrangement of a conventional fork. Like conventional fork, these products require the proper position of the fork, or food will generally fall off. As such, it is difficult for children to eat particular foods. In addition, conventional forks often include sharp tines or are made of material that can scratch or irritate a child's mouth.

[0005] What is desired is a children's utensil that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0006] Disclosed and claimed herein is an eating utensil for children. In one embodiment, a utensil includes a handle including a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body. The utensil further includes a head portion including at least three tines, wherein the head portion is fixed to the second end of the elongated body and wherein the base of each tine is arranged in a triangle arrangement relative to a surface of the head portion, the tines extending from the head portion.

[0007] In another embodiment, a utensil includes a handle including a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body. The utensil further includes a head portion including at least three tines, wherein the head portion is configured to be coupled to and removable from the second end of the elongated body and wherein the base of each tine is arranged in a triangle arrangement relative to a surface of the head portion, the tines extending from the head portion.

[0008] In another embodiment, a utensil includes a handle including a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body. The utensil further includes a head portion including a disc element and a plurality of tines, wherein the head portion is fixed to a second end of the elongated body, the plurality of tines are fixedly mounted to the disc element, the disc element having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end of the elongated body and wherein the base of each tine is arranged relative to a surface of the disc portion, the tines extending from the head portion, and wherein each of the plurality of tines are cone shaped, the base of each tine thicker that the tip of each tine, and wherein each tine includes a rounded tip.

[0009] Other aspects, features, and techniques will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art in view of the following detailed description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:

[0011] FIGS. 1A-1C depict a utensil according to one or more embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 1D depicts a utensil according to another embodiments;

[0013] FIGS. 2A-2B depict a utensil according to one or more embodiments;

[0014] FIGS. 3A-3B depict utensil elements according to one or more embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 4A depicts a utensil according to one embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 4B depicts a utensil according to one embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 4C depicts a utensil according to one embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 5A depicts a utensil according to one or more embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 5B depicts a utensil according to one or more embodiments; and

[0020] FIGS. 6A-6D depict utensils according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Overview and Terminology

[0021] One aspect of the disclosure is to provide for an eating utensil that helps young children successfully deliver food to their mouths easier than a traditional fork. In one embodiment, an eating utensil includes a handle and a head portion having a plurality of tines, the tines configured to fit into a child's mouth. According to one or more embodiments, the handle includes a spherically shaped element and an elongated body. One or more of the spherically shaped element and elongated body of the handle can enable a child to easily grip utensil for lifting, holding, mixing, holding or spearing food. The utensil can also include a head portion including multiple tines. The head portion can be to the elongated body of the handle and the base of each tine can be arranged relative to a surface of the head portion such that the tines extend from the head portion. For example, in one embodiment the utensil includes three tines configured in a triangle or pyramid arrangement such that each tine is associated with a corner of the triangle. In another exemplary embodiment, the utensil may include four tines, the base of the four tines arrange in a square arrangement, wherein each tine is associated with a corner of the square. In yet another embodiment, a utensil may be provided having a unibody design.

[0022] According to another embodiment, an eating utensil is provided with a removable head portion. The eating utensil includes a handle including a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body. The eating utensil further includes a head portion including at least three tines, wherein the head portion can be coupled to and removable from the second end of the elongated body. The base of each tine can be arranged in a triangle arrangement relative to a surface of the head portion and the tines extend from the head portion. By providing an eating utensil for children with a removable head portion, the utensil may be configured to receive more than one type of attachment. For example, in one embodiment, the utensil may be configured to receive one or more of a fork attachment with tines arranged to fit within a child's mouth and a spoon attachment. According to another embodiment, the utensil with removable head portion may allow for receiving fork attachments with a differing number of tines and/or tine arrangements.

[0023] According to another embodiment, an eating utensil is providing including a handle and a head portion including a disc element and a plurality of tines. The handle can include a spherically shaped element and an elongated body. The spherically shaped element may be fixed to a first end of the elongated body and the head portion may be fixed to a second end of the elongated body. The utensil may further include a plurality of tines fixedly mounted to the disc element, the disc element having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end of the elongated body. In addition, the base of each tine may be arranged relative to a surface of the disc portion such that the tines extend from the head portion. Additionally, each of the plurality of tine may be cone shaped such that the base of each tine is thicker that the tip of each tine, and wherein each tine includes a rounded tip.

[0024] According to another aspect, a children's eating utensil is provided with one or more features to be beneficial for children. In one embodiment, a utensil is provided with tines in a formation so that the fork can be easily inserted in a child's regardless of the fork orientation. According to another embodiment, tines of the utensil may be rounded for safety and the round handle with ball-shaped end enables the child to easily grip the utensil for spearing. According to one or more embodiments, the utensil may be constructed of a BPA-free material, and may be dishwasher and microwave-safe plastic.

[0025] According to another aspect, a children's eating utensil is provided with one or more configurations depicting representations of animals, a sport and other engaging concepts to promote willing usage by children. In one embodiment, a handle of the eating utensil can include one or more features to provide the appearance of an animal. Similarly, one or more portions of the utensil may be colored, multi-colored, or include colored elements, the features selected to engage children in using the utensil.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" shall mean one or more than one. The term "plurality" shall mean two or more than two. The term "another" is defined as a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having" are open ended (e.g., comprising). The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[0027] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "an embodiment," or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation.

Exemplary Embodiments

[0028] Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1C depict a utensil according to one or more embodiments. The utensil of FIGS. 1A-1C relates to an eating utensil for children. As shown in FIG. 1A, utensil 100 includes handle 105 and head portion 110. According to one embodiment, handle 105 of utensil 100 includes spherically shaped element 115 and elongated body 125. Head portion 110 of utensil 100 includes a plurality of tines. In one embodiment, head portion 110 includes three tines, shown as tines 140, 141 and 142 in FIG. 1A. However, it should be appreciated that utensil 100 may be configured with a two tine arrangement, and/or four or more tines. In one embodiment, head portion 110 is fixed to the elongated body 125. The tine arrangement of head portion 110 can allow for young children to successfully deliver food to their mouths easier than a traditional fork.

[0029] Utensil 100 may include one or more elements to facilitate use by a child. According to one embodiment, utensil 100 includes spherically shaped element 115 fixed to a first end of elongated body 125. As shown in FIG. 1A, spherically shaped element 115 may be ball-shaped. Spherically shaped element 115 and elongated body 125 can enable a child to easily grip utensil 100 for lifting, holding, mixing or spearing food. In certain embodiments, spherical element 115 can have an increased density relative to other portions of utensil 100. In that fashion, spherical element 115 can act as a counterweight for utensil 110 to allow for improved use by a child. Similarly, spherical element 115 can act as a hand hold or to position a child hand on elongated body 125. Although utensils are described as being used by children, it should be appreciated that the utensils described herein could be used for persons of any age for eating.

[0030] According to one embodiment, elongated body 125 of handle 105 may be substantially cylindrical. In other embodiments, elongated body 125 of handle 105 may include tapered such that diameter 119 of the first end of elongated body 125 of handle 105 may be greater than a diameter of the second end 130 of elongated body 125. In certain embodiments, the outer surface of elongated body 125 may be curved. For example, elongated body 125 may have a substantially uniform width near the first end and begin to taper at or near the mid-point, shown as 117, of elongated body 125. According to another embodiment, the width/diameter of spherically shaped element 115, which is shown as 118, may be greater than the width of elongated body 125, including diameter 129 of the first end of elongated body 125.

[0031] In one embodiment, handle 105 of utensil 100 can include one or more features to provide the appearance of an animal, such as raised portions 120 and 121 of spherically shaped element 115. Raised portions 120 and 121 may relate to one or more eyes of an animal to provide an engaging appearance of utensil 100 for children. In certain embodiments, raised portions 120 and 121 may be optional. Moreover, the position of raised portions 120 and 121 may be positioned in a different location on handle 105 or spherically shaped element 115.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1A, and as will be described in FIG. 1C below, utensil 100 includes three tines arranged or positioned in a triangle or pyramid formation. As such, the utensil 100 can be inserted easily into a child's mouth regardless of the utensils orientation. Head portion 110 includes three tines 140, 141 and 142 according to one or more embodiments. Head portion 110 is proximate the second end of elongated body 125, the tines extending from the head portion.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1A, tines 140, 141 and 142 are each cone shaped, the base of each tine thicker that the tip of each tine. Accordingly to another embodiment and as shown in FIG. 3B, the tines of head portion 110 may be cylindrically shaped, such that each tine has a uniform thickness. The tips of tines 140, 141 and 142 are rounded for safety, as shown by 144 in FIG. 1A. In certain embodiments, tines 140, 141 and 142 may be flexible. In other embodiments, tines 140, 141 and 142 may be rigid.

[0034] According to one embodiment, head portion 110 includes disc element 135. Disc element 135 may be the location of the head portion 110 proximate to second end 130 of elongated body 125. Disc element 135 may have a larger diameter than elongated body portion 125 to allow for food to remain held and/or close to the tines of the utensil in order to facilitate eating. In certain embodiments, disc element 135 may be the same diameter as elongated body portion 125 at second end 130. As shown in FIG. 1A, disc element includes a flat surface 136 to which tines 140, 141 and 142 are fixedly attached. The top surface 137 of disc element 137 may be curved according to one or more embodiments. In certain embodiments disc element 135 may be configured to stop a child's hand from sliding off of handle 105 or getting too close to the head portion of the utensil. Utensil 100 may be held by the child the elongated body 125 of handle 205 and/or spherically shaped element 115.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, handle 105 and head portion 110 of utensil 100 may be a unibody design. In certain embodiments, utensil 100 is a single molded unit. For example, the handle 105 and head portion 110 of utensil 100 may be at least one of a molded rubber, molded plastic, and molded product in general. According to one embodiment, utensil 100 may be dimensioned for children, and in particular children learning to eat. As such, one or more dimensions of utensil 100, such as length, width, and thickness may be based on a particular age associated with children learning to eat (e.g., 8 months to 3 years of age). Utensil 100 may have a length of 3.5 to 6.5 inches. In exemplary embodiments, Utensil 100 may have a length of 4 inches. However, it should be appreciated that utensil 100 may be configured for one or more different lengths, widths, etc.

[0036] According to one embodiment, utensil 100 may have a uniform density. In other embodiments, portions of the utensil may be more or less dense. For example, as discussed above, spherically shaped element 115 may have an increased density to act as a counter weight in some embodiments. Similarly, tines may be more or less flexible than the portions of handle 105 or other portions of head portion 110.

[0037] According to one or more other embodiments, the utensil of FIG. 1A may include one or more designs depicting animals, sports and other fun and engaging concepts to promote willing usage by children. In addition, utensil 100 may be manufactured to comply with one or more requirements for use with children, such as to being constructed of BPA-free, dishwasher and microwave-safe plastic.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 1B, the utensil of FIG. 1A is depicted from the side. As shown in FIG. 1B, the width/diameter of spherically shaped element 115 from the side is shown as 119, may be greater than the width of elongated body 125, including diameter 129 of the first end of elongated body 125. As further shown in FIG. 1B, only tines 141 and 142 are visible. According to one or more embodiments, utensil 100 includes three tines arranged or positioned in a triangle or pyramid formation. As such, only two tines are visible when view from the side as shown in FIG. 1B.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1C, the utensil of FIG. 1A is depicted from the bottom. As shown, tines 140, 141 and 142 are arranged in a triangle arrangement relative to surface 136 of the head portion of utensil 100. According to one embodiment, the triangle arrangement of tines 140, 141 and 142 may be relative to the central axis, shown as 143, of utensil 100.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1D, the utensil of FIG. 1C is depicted according to another embodiment. Utensil 150 is shown from the bottom and includes many elements similar to utensil 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C, such as spherically shaped element 115, elongated body 125 and raised portions 120 and 121. Utensil 150 may additionally include a plurality of tines. As shown in FIG. 1D, utensil 150 includes four tines. Tines 155, 156, 157 and 158 are arranged in a square configuration, the base of each tine arranged in a square configuration relative to a surface of the head portion 136.

[0041] According to another embodiment, an eating utensil may be provided with a removable head. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, utensil 200 includes handle 205 and removable head portion 210. Utensil 200 may include elements similar to those described above in FIGS. 1A-1D, wherein like elements have similar characteristics. Elements of utensil 200, such as handle 205 and head portion 210 may be at least one of a molded rubber, molded plastic, and molded product in general.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a utensil 200 is shown including handle 205, spherically shaped element 215, raised element 220 and elongated body 225. According to another embodiment, handle 205 includes a recess 231. Head portion 210 of utensil 200 includes mounting portion 235, tines 240 and disc element 245. Tines, as shown by 240, are fixedly mounted to disc element 245, the disc element having a diameter larger than the diameter of a second end 230 of the elongated body 225.

[0043] According to one embodiment, head portion 210 is configured to be removable from handle 205. In an exemplary embodiment, mounting portion 235 of head portion 210 may protrude from the top of the head portion and be configured to engage with recess 231. Recess 231 may be configured to fixedly receive mounting portion 235 of the head portion and to prevent the head portion from rotating when inserted. In certain embodiments, recess 231 may be configured to receive a spoon attachment.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2B, the utensil of FIG. 2A is shown from the bottom including recess 231, the recess configured to fixedly receive mounting portion 235 and to prevent head portion 210 from rotating when inserted.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, utensil elements are depicted according to one or more embodiments. In FIG. 3A, an enlarged view is presented of the tines of a head portion 300 of a utensil, such as the utensil of FIGS. 1A-1C or FIG. 2A.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3A, head portion 300 includes a plurality of tines, such as tine 305. Each tine of FIG. 3A is a cone shape tine having a rounded tip, such as rounded tip 310. According to another embodiment the base of each tine, as shown by 315, is fixedly attached to surface 320 of a disc element. According to one embodiment, each tine is equidistant relative to each other tine, and the tip of each tine is separated equidistant to each other tine. As shown in FIG. 3A, the tine separation distance is shown as 325, and tine length is shown as 330. According to one embodiment, each of the tines of head portion 300 have equal lengths 330. Length of the tines may be from 0.5 inches to 1 inch, with an exemplary length of 0.75 and 0.6 inches according to some embodiments. Separation distance 325 of the base of tines may be within the range of 0.25 to 0.6 inches, with an exemplary distance of 0.3 inches. It should be appreciated however, that other distances may be employed.

[0047] FIG. 3B depicts head portion 335 including a plurality of cylindrical tines, such as tine 340. Each tine of FIG. 3B is a cylindrical shaped tine having a uniform width and a rounded tip, such as rounded tip 345. According to another embodiment the base of each tine, as shown by 350, is fixedly attached to surface 320 of a disc element. According to one embodiment, each tine is equidistant relative to each other tine, and the tip of each tine is separated equidistant relative to each other tine. As shown in FIG. 3A, the tine separation distance is shown as 355, and tine length is shown as 360. According to one embodiment, each of the tines of head portion 335 have equal lengths 360. Length of the tines may be from 0.5 inches to 1 inch, with an exemplary length of 0.75 and 0.6 inches according to some embodiments. Separation distance 355 of the base of tines may be within the range of 0.25 to 0.6 inches, with an exemplary distance of 0.3 inches. It should be appreciated however, that other distances may be employed.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, graphical representations of utensils are provided according to one aspect. As shown, the utensils in FIGS. 4A-4C include one or more design elements to promote willing usage by children. In addition, the utensils shown in FIGS. 4A-4C are all depicted as unibody designs, however, it should be appreciated that one or more of the utensils could include a removable and insertable head portion. According to one embodiment, a handle of the eating utensil can include one or more features to provide the appearance of an animal.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a utensil is depicting according to one embodiment. Utensil 400 includes handle 405 and head portion 410. Handle 405 may include elongated body 415 and spherically shaped element 425. In addition, utensil 400 may include one or more elements, such as alternating stripes 420 and 421 on elongated body 415 and raised portion 430 to represent an eye and smile 435 on spherically shaped element 425. Each of the aforementioned elements may be provided as raised elements, such as a raised portion on the body of the utensil, or may be provided flush with the surface of the utensil. For example, stripes 420 and 421 may not be raised from the surface and will appear as smooth on the exterior surface such as to not create disturbances across the surface of the utensil.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4B, a utensil is depicted according to one embodiment. Utensil 440 includes handle 405 and head portion 411. Handle 405 may include elongated body 445 and spherically shaped element 425. In addition, utensil 400 may include one or more elements, such raised elements 447 and 446 on elongated body 415 and raised portion 430 to represent an eye and smile 435 on spherically shaped element 425. Raised elements 446 and 447 may be differently sized, or in some cases associated with a uniform dimensions, and may be positioned evenly across the outer surface of elongated body 445. Tines 411 of FIG. 4B are shown as having a shorter length relative to tines of head portion 410 of FIG. 4A.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 4C, a utensil is depicted according to one embodiment. Utensil 450 includes handle 405 and head portion 411. Handle 405 may include elongated body 455 and spherically shaped element 460. In addition, utensil 400 may include one or more elements, such raised element 465 on spherically shaped element 460. Raised elements 466 is a semi-spherical raised element that is painted one or more colors. According to one embodiment, the raised portions of the utensil may be painted. In other embodiments, design elements of the utensils may be provided by molding different colors. Although utensils in FIGS. 4A-4C are shown with particular design elements, it should be appreciated that a utensil as described herein may be provided with one or more configurations depicting representations of animals, a sport and other engaging concepts to promote willing usage by children. Similarly, one or more portions of the utensil may be colored, multi-colored, or include colored elements, the features selected to engage children in using the utensil.

[0052] According to another embodiment, an eating utensil may be provided with a spoon or spoon like head. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, utensils are shown with a head portion including a spoon type utensil. Referring first to FIG. 5A, utensil 500 includes handle 505 and head portion 510. Handle 505 may include spherically shaped element 515 and head portion 510 may include a spoon element 525. According to one embodiment, spoon element 525 may be configured to fit in a young child's mouth. According to one embodiment, utensil 500 is a unibody element. Elements of utensil 500, such as handle 505 and head portion 510 may be at least one of a molded rubber, molded plastic, and molded product in general. According to another embodiment, spoon element 525 may be metal.

[0053] According to another embodiment, eating utensil 500 may be provided with a removable head. As shown in FIG. 5B, utensil 500 includes handle 505 and removable head portion 510 for a removable spoon element 526. According to one embodiment, handle 505 includes a recess 521 in end 520. Head portion 510 of utensil 500 includes mounting portion 530. According to another embodiment, spoon element 526 may be metal.

[0054] According to one embodiment, head portion 510 is configured to be removable from handle 505. In an exemplary embodiment, mounting portion 530 of head portion 510 may protrude from the top of the head portion and be configured to engage with recess 521. Recess 521 may be configured to fixedly receive mounting portion 530 of the head portion and to prevent the head portion from rotating when inserted. In certain embodiments, recess 521 may be configured to receive a fork attachment as described herein.

[0055] According to another embodiment, an eating utensil is provided that may be configured to allow for head portions with utensil elements of different sizes and lengths. For example, as described above, handles having a recess may be configured to receive a fork attachment of different lengths as a child becomes more proficient with the utensil. Similarly, the same handle may be used to allow for spoon elements of different sizes as a child becomes more proficient with the tool. In addition, head portions of the utensil may be switched based on the type of food the child is eating.

[0056] According to one or more embodiments, molded handle.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D, graphical representations are depicted of a utensil according to one or more embodiments. Referring first to FIG. 6A, a front view is shown of utensil 600 including handle 605 and head portion 610 (e.g., head portion 110). A side view of utensil 600 is shown in FIG. 6B. According to one embodiment, handle 605 is ergonomically shaped for use by children. As shown in FIG. 6A, the frontal profile of handle 605 is shown as having a substantially similar width along the length of the handle. In FIG. 6B, the handle width increases from a width near the head portion 610 to the terminal end of the handle as shown by 615. Handle portion 605 may additionally include one or more curves, as shown by 620 in FIG. 6B to allow for the handle to be held and manipulated for eating. In certain embodiments, head portion 610 may be configured similar to the head portions discussed herein, to include multiple tines. According to another embodiment, head portion 610 may be removable from utensil 600.

[0058] FIG. 6C depicts the utensil of FIGS. 6A-6B according to another embodiment. As shown, utensil 625 includes handle portion 635 with one or more design features, such as design feature 635. Design feature 635 is one or more areas (e.g., spots) which may be raised or flush with the surface of the handle portion. In certain embodiments, design feature 635 relates to the same material of the handle of utensil 625. As such, design feature 635 may allow for enhanced interest in the utensil. In other embodiments, design feature 635 relates to a different material from that of the handle of utensil 625. For example, design feature 635 may be a material having one or more different qualities that the rest of the handle, such as a softer, smoother, and/or textured surface. As such, design feature 635 may allow for enhanced grip or handling of the utensil.

[0059] FIG. 6D depicts the utensil of FIGS. 6A-6B according to another embodiment. As shown, utensil 640 includes handle portion with one or more design features, such as design feature 645. Design feature 645 is bottom portion of the handle which may be raised or flush with the surface of the handle portion. In certain embodiments, design feature 645 relates to the same material of the handle of utensil 645, however, the design feature providing a one or more design elements (e.g., different color, pattern, etc.). As such, design feature 645 may allow for enhanced interest in the utensil. In other embodiments, design feature 645 relates to a different material from that of the handle of utensil 640. For example, design feature 645 may be a material having one or more different qualities that the rest of the handle, such as a softer, smoother, and/or textured surface. As such, design feature 645 may allow for enhanced grip or handling of the utensil.

[0060] While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described with references to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An eating utensil comprising: a handle including a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body; and a head portion including at least three tines, wherein the head portion is fixed to the second end of the elongated body and wherein the base of each tine is arranged in a triangle arrangement relative to a surface of the head portion, the tines extending from the head portion.

2. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first end of the elongated body is greater than a diameter of the second end of the elongated body.

3. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the spherically shaped element is greater than a diameter of the first end of the elongated body.

4. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein each of the tines are cone shaped, the base of each tine thicker that the tip of each tine.

5. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein each of the tines are cylindrically shaped, each tine having a uniform thickness.

6. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein each tine has a rounded tip.

7. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein each of the tines are flexible.

8. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein the base of each tine is equidistant relative to each other tine, and the tip of each tine is separated equidistant to each other tine.

9. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein the tines are fixedly mounted to a disc element of the head portion, the disc element having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end of the elongated body.

10. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein the handle and head portion are a unibody design.

11. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein the head portion is configured to be removable from the handle.

12. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a recess and the head portion includes a mounting portion, the recess configured to fixedly receive the mounting portion of the head portion and to prevent the head portion from rotating when inserted.

13. The eating utensil of claim 10, wherein the recess is further configured to receive a spoon attachment.

14. The eating utensil of claim 1, further comprising one or more raised portions on the handle.

15. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein the head portion includes four tines, the base of each tine arranged in a square configuration relative to a surface of the head portion.

16. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein the handle and head portion are at least one of a molded rubber, molded plastic, and molded product in general.

17. An eating utensil comprising: a handle including a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body; and a head portion including at least three tines, wherein the head portion is configured to be coupled to and removable from the second end of the elongated body and wherein the base of each tine is arranged in a triangle arrangement relative to a surface of the head portion, the tines extending from the head portion.

18. The eating utensil of claim 17, wherein the tines are fixedly mounted to a disc element of the head portion, the disc element having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end of the elongated body.

19. The eating utensil of claim 17, wherein the handle includes a recess and the head portion includes a mounting portion, the recess configured to fixedly receive the mounting portion of the head portion and to prevent the head portion from rotating when inserted.

20. The eating utensil of claim 19, wherein the recess is further configured to receive a spoon attachment.

21. An eating utensil comprising: a handle including a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body; and a head portion including a disc element and a plurality of tines, wherein the head portion is fixed to a second end of the elongated body, the plurality of tines are fixedly mounted to the disc element, the disc element having a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end of the elongated body and wherein the base of each tine is arranged relative to a surface of the disc portion, the tines extending from the head portion, and wherein each of the plurality of tines are cone shaped, the base of each tine thicker that the tip of each tine, and wherein each tine includes a rounded tip.

22. The eating utensil of claim 22, wherein the head portion is configured to be removable from the handle.

23. The eating utensil of claim 22, further comprising one or more raised portions on the handle.

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