The Neater Eater, from Neater Solutions, is a part of a family of products designed to help those with disabilities in basic activities. It operates as follows:
Food is scooped up as the level spoon comes forward against the turned over lip of the plate. The plate can be turned directly, remotely or under electric power to reach the food required. The spoon is lifted up and forward until it reaches the mouth. Each Neater Eater is tailor-made to individual requirements through the use of modules offering different features. It is this modular design that makes the system suitable for a wide range of abilities. Current users include people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, head injuries, spinal injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophies, upper limb amputations, cerebella ataxia, strokes, Parkinson’s disease, learning difficulties and many other neurological conditions and disabilities.
Some of the different versions include foot controllers, electric-powered arms, or stabilizers to balance tremulous movements:
The diner moves the Neater Eater arm up and down and back and forth by holding it, with any tremors in their arm movement being absorbed by the viscous dampers in the base of the Neater Eater arm. If the diner holds the Neater Eater arm nearer to the spoon end then there is less resistance to movement (and tremor) and so the diner can find the ideal position.
We’re not the only people impressed with this technology — Neater Eater was once referenced by the great Saul Bellow.
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