Toddler natural grip flatware

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flatware apparatus, comprising
 a utensil for maintaining a food to be consumed; and   a handle attached perpendicular to said utensils for picking up said food with and putting said food into a mouth of a user using a natural finger grip, said handle secured between a thumb and tips of fingers of said user.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said utensil comprises a spoon bowl. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said utensil comprises a fork. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said handle comprises a flat handle with rounded edges and corners. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said handle comprises a back edge that is large enough so that said back edge rests against a crease of a palm of a folded hand for a secure grip thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said handle comprises a flat handle with rounded edges and corner and wherein said handle comprises a back edge that is large enough so that said back edge rests against a crease of a palm of a folded hand for a secure grip thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said handle comprises a flat handle with rounded edges and corners. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said handle comprises a back edge that is large enough so that said back edge rests against a crease of a palm of a folded hand for a secure grip thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said handle comprises a flat handle with rounded edges and corners. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said handle comprises a back edge that is large enough so that said back edge rests against a crease of a palm of a folded hand for a secure grip thereof.