Utensil Stabilization Device

Abstract

A utensil stabilization device can include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom edge. The proximal end can have a concave interior surface and the distal end can have a receptacle and a hook. The distal end can be axially offset with respect to the proximal end. A height between the top edge and the bottom edge can be greater at the proximal end than the distal end. The utensil stabilization device can include an attachment band coupled to a proximal end of the elongate member and releasably securable about the wrist region.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A utensil stabilization device comprising:
 an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, a top edge and a bottom edge,   wherein the proximal end comprises a concave interior surface and the distal end comprises a receptacle,   wherein the distal end is axially offset with respect to the proximal end, and   wherein a height between the top edge and the bottom edge is greater at the proximal end than the distal end; and   an attachment element comprising a band having a first end,   wherein the first end of the band is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member, and   wherein a free end of the band is configured to releasably attach to the band.   
     
     
         2 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the elongate member is configured to be secured against a lateral side of a forearm region of a user. 
     
     
         3 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 2 , wherein the distal end of the elongate member is axially offset relative to the proximal end in a lateral direction away from the lateral side of the forearm. 
     
     
         4 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is configured to receive a utensil. 
     
     
         5 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , further comprising a hook disposed at the distal end of the elongate member, wherein a tip of the hook is disposed lower than the top edge of the distal end of the elongate member, and wherein a bottom of the receptacle is disposed lower than the tip. 
     
     
         6 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , wherein the height between the top edge and the bottom edge at the distal end of the elongate member is less than half the height between the top edge and the bottom edge at the proximal end of the elongate member. 
     
     
         7 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member comprises plastic. 
     
     
         8 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element comprises a hook and loop fastener, and wherein the free end of the band comprises the hook portion. 
     
     
         9 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element further comprises a ring disposed at the first end of the band, and wherein the free end of the band is configured to pass through the ring before attaching to the band. 
     
     
         10 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the band is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member by an adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the elongate member is more flexible than the proximal end. 
     
     
         12 . A utensil stabilization device comprising:
 an elongate member having a distal end comprising a receptacle configured to receive a distal portion of a utensil being held at a proximal end by a user; and   an attachment band coupled to a proximal end of the elongate member, wherein the attachment band is configured to wrap around a wrist region of the user to secure the utensil stabilization device about the wrist region.   
     
     
         13 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 12 , wherein the distal end is axially offset with respect to the proximal end. 
     
     
         14 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 12 , wherein a height between a top edge and a bottom edge of the elongate member is greater at the proximal end than the distal end. 
     
     
         15 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 12 , wherein the proximal end comprises a concave interior surface configured to engage a contour of a lateral side of the wrist. 
     
     
         16 . The utensil stabilization device of  claim 12 , wherein attachment band comprises a hook and loop fastener releasably securable about the wrist. 
     
     
         17 . A system for reducing the effect of hand tremors while eating, comprising:
 a utensil having a distal portion, a shaft, and a proximal portion; and   a utensil stabilization device comprising:
 an elongate member having a distal end comprising a receptacle configured to receive the utensil; and 
 an attachment band disposed at a proximal end of the elongate member configured to releasably secure the elongate member, 
   wherein disposing the utensil in the receptacle and holding the proximal end of the utensil forms a three-point stabilizing configuration comprising a first point where the distal portion of the utensil engages the receptacle, a second point where the proximal end of the utensil is held in a user's hand, and a third point where the proximal end of the elongate member is secured by the attachment band.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the receptacle is configured to receive the utensil where the shaft meets the distal portion of the utensil. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the distal end of the elongate member is axially offset with respect to the proximal end, and wherein a height between a top edge and a bottom edge of the elongate member is greater at the proximal end than the distal end. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the proximal end of the elongate member is secured to a wrist region of a user by the attachment band. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the first point remains fixed relative to the third point when the utensil is disposed in the receptacle.