Finger puppet eating utensil

Abstract

A simple and inexpensive combination grasping tool and puppet is disclosed in the form of a sheet with distal ends. The tool comprises a single sheet of pliable material with finger-lock `x` slits that provide a custom locked fit around a user's fingers that have been pushed through the slits, thus freeing the user from the requirement of holding onto the tool. After the user has inserted and locked his index finger and thumb into the `x` slits, the device then takes advantage of the user's own dexterous use of his finger and hand muscles and joints to open and close the device while picking up small food items. The distal ends of the device that fold around the inserted fingers serve to: 1) provide an outwardly facing printable display area, and 2) provide a continuous protective barrier for the fingers being used from the small food items being grasped. Many materials with surface textures are envisioned for use in making the tool for two reasons: 1) to provide enhanced grip ability of small objects with the puppet, and 2) to enhance the tactile information against the user's finger tips areas as they are locked inside the folded, distal ends. As the tool is worn and manipulated between the thumb and index finger, strategic placement of artwork or other indicia exemplifying a face upon the surface of the sheet then causes the device to appear to be an articulate puppet which can open and close its mouth.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.