초록 ▼

A utensil for a manually impaired user includes a utensil insert, such as a fork, spoon, knife, tool or other object, and a handle for receiving the utensil insert so that a portion of the utensil insert extends outwardly from the handle. The handle has first and second handle sections that are remo

A utensil for a manually impaired user includes a utensil insert, such as a fork, spoon, knife, tool or other object, and a handle for receiving the utensil insert so that a portion of the utensil insert extends outwardly from the handle. The handle has first and second handle sections that are removably connected together. The first handle section includes a first receptacle and a first projection spaced from the first receptacle while the second handle section includes a second receptacle and a second projection spaced from the second receptacle. The first receptacle is adapted to receive the second projection and the second receptacle is adapted to receive the first projection when the first and second handle sections are connected together.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A utensil for a manually impaired user, the utensil comprising: at least one utensil insert; a handle for receiving said at least one utensil insert so that a portion of the utensil insert extends outwardly from the handle, the handle including first and second handle section

What is claimed is: 1. A utensil for a manually impaired user, the utensil comprising: at least one utensil insert; a handle for receiving said at least one utensil insert so that a portion of the utensil insert extends outwardly from the handle, the handle including first and second handle sections removably connected together; said at least one utensil insert including a first utensil insert having a first stem and a second utensil insert having a second stem the first handle section having a first receptacle and a first projection spaced from the first receptacle; and the second handle section having a second receptacle and a second projection spaced from the second receptacle; wherein the first receptacle is adapted to receive the second projection and the second receptacle is adapted to receive the first projection when the first and second handle sections are connected together in formation of the handle, wherein the first receptacle comprises a channel for receiving a first stem and a first holding mechanism comprises spaced from each other longitudinally extending ribs within the first handle section, each rib having teeth for engaging corresponding notches formed on the first stem; and wherein the second handle section having a second receptacle and a second projection spaced from the second receptacle; wherein the first receptacle is adapted to receive the second projection and the second receptacle is adapted to receive the first projection when the first and second handle sections are connected together in formation of the handle, wherein the first receptacle comprises a channel for receiving the first stem, and the first handle section comprises a first holding mechanism, the first holding mechanism comprises two spaced from each other longitudinally extending ribs within the first handle section, each rib having teeth for engaging corresponding notches formed on the first stem; and wherein the second receptacle comprises a channel for receiving the second stem, and the second handle section comprises a second holding mechanism, the second holding mechanism comprises at least one pair of spaced from each other cross ribs extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the second handle section, the second utensil insert further comprises a hook segment associated with the second stem, the hook segment extends into a space between said at least one pair of cross ribs. 2. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein the first stem is adjustable within the first holding mechanism with respect to the first handle section to thereby adjust an extended length of the first utensil insert portion with respect to the handle. 3. The utensil according to claim 2, wherein the first stem extends through the first receptacle of the first handle section. 4. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein the first utensil insert comprises at least one of a fork, spoon and knife insert. 5. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein the second stem is adjustable with respect to the second handle section to thereby adjust an extended length of the second insert portion with respect to the handle. 6. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein the second stem extends through the second receptacle of the second handle section. 7. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein the second insert comprises at least one of a fork, spoon and knife insert. 8. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second handle sections comprise front and rear walls and an arcuate side wall extending between the front and rear walls. 9. The utensil according to claim 8, wherein the first receptacle and first projection are formed in the front and rear walls, respectively, of the first handle section. 10. The utensil according to claim 9, wherein the second receptacle and second projection are formed in the rear and front walls, respectively, of the second handle section. 11. The utensil according to claim 10, wherein each receptacle comprises an opening and each projection comprises an elongated boss adapted for locking engagement with the respective opening. 12. The utensil according to claim 11, wherein in an assembled condition of the utensil the elongated bosses are received within the respective openings to thereby temporarily secure the respective utensil inserts within the handle portion and to secure the first and second handle sections together. 13. The utensil according to claim 12, and further comprising a pair of spaced dimples extending from the side wall of one of the first and second handle sections and a pair of corresponding depressions formed on the side wall of the other of the first and second handle sections, the dimples being received in the depressions minimizing longitudinal motion of the handle sections relative each other in the assembled condition of the utensil. 14. The utensil according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary insert including a cross member located at one end of a stem and a ring member located at an opposite end of the stem, the cross member is positioned within interior of the handle, whereas the ring member extends outwardly from the handle. 15. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein the first stem is further secured within the first holding mechanism and the channel of the first receptacle when the respective receptacles and projections are engaged upon formation of the handle. 16. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein the second stem is further secured within the second holding mechanism and the channel of the second receptacle when the respective receptacles and projections are engaged upon formation of the handle.