The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 15, 2005
Filed:
Oct. 21, 1996
Steven B. Dunn, Beverly Hills, CA (US);
Tor Petterson, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (US);
Steven B. Dunn, Beverly Hills, CA (US);
Tor Petterson, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (US);
Munchkin, Inc., Van Nuys, CA (US);
Abstract
An improved utensil for feeding a small child includes a coating of a relatively soft plastic material provided over a rigid base portion that has a relatively high capacity for heat conduction and storage. The relatively soft plastic material is formulated to change color when exposed to a substance, such as food, that is above a predetermined temperature. During use, the presence of the base portion acts as a heat storage reservoir in order to lengthen and delocalize the color change response of the soft plastic material, thereby making the color change response more continuous and more noticeable to the caregiver. Also disclosed is a kit of different utensils that start out as different colors, but that change to a uniform warning color when overheated. The concept of the uniform warning color makes it easier for children and caregivers alike to identify the warning when it occurs.