Finger puppet eating utensil
US5848928A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47G21/10
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A simple and inexpensive combination grasping tool and puppet is disclosed in the form of a sheet with distal ends. The tool comprises a single sheet of pliable material with finger-lock `x` slits that provide a custom locked fit around a user's fingers that have been pushed through the slits, thus freeing the user from the requirement of holding onto the tool. After the user has inserted and locked his index finger and thumb into the `x` slits, the device then takes advantage of the user's own dexterous use of his finger and hand muscles and joints to open and close the device while picking up small food items. The distal ends of the device that fold around the inserted fingers serve to: 1) provide an outwardly facing printable display area, and 2) provide a continuous protective barrier for the fingers being used from the small food items being grasped. Many materials with surface textures are envisioned for use in making the tool for two reasons: 1) to provide enhanced grip ability of small objects with the puppet, and 2) to enhance the tactile information against the user's finger tips areas as they are locked inside the folded, distal ends. As the tool is worn and manipulated …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.