System and method for providing eating assistance to those with physical limitations

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system and method for method to facilitate self-feeding for those with physical limitations that can easily loaded with food and is usable anywhere. The system includes a specially designed utensil called a ploon, which is a hybrid of a spoon and a plate. The ploon is coupled to an actuation device for loading the ploon with food and for lifting the ploon to the person's mouth. A switch-based interface allows the user to control the movement of the ploon, the ploon loader, and the ploon lifter, and the switch-based interface is facilitated with a microcontroller. The system can be mounted to a wheelchair of the user or is easily packable, such that the system is with the user and ready to go, whenever the user may need it.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for eating comprising:
 a base having a first end and a second end, wherein the base tapers from the first end to the second end, such that the first end is wider than the second end;   a food cup defining a concave area for holding food positioned on the base such that the food cup is positioned in proximity to the first end of the base;   a chin rest positioned in proximity to the second end of the base, such that a user can actuate the device for eating using a chin.   
     
     
         2 . The device for eating of  claim 1  wherein the food cup is formed integrally with the base. 
     
     
         3 . The device for eating of  claim 1  wherein the chin rest is formed integrally with the base. 
     
     
         4 . A system for eating comprising:
 a device for eating having a base wherein the base tapers from a first end to a second end, such that the first end is wider than the second end, having a food cup defining a concave area for holding food positioned on the base such that the food cup is positioned in proximity to the first end of the base, and having a chin rest positioned in proximity to the second end of the base, such that a user can actuate the device for eating using a chin;   a device for loading food onto the device for eating;   a device for lifting the device for eating to a mouth of the user; and   an interface for controlling the device for loading and the device for lifting.   
     
     
         5 . The system for eating of  claim 4  further comprising a microprocessor for controlling the device for loading and the device for lifting and further being coupled to the interface to allow user input for control. 
     
     
         6 . The system for eating of  claim 4  wherein the device for loading further comprises a plow that pushes food onto the device for eating. 
     
     
         7 . The system for eating of  claim 4  wherein the device for lifting further comprises one of a four-bar linkage or an energy chain to which the device for eating is directly or indirectly coupled. 
     
     
         8 . The system for eating of  claim 4  wherein the interface further comprises a switch-based interface. 
     
     
         9 . The system for eating of  claim 8  wherein the switch-based interface includes a switch for changing mode, a switch for moving forward/up, and a switch for moving backward/down. 
     
     
         10 . The system for eating of  claim 4  wherein the device for loading food onto the device for eating is also configured to rotate a plate of food from which the user is eating.