Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'

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'Sit Still and Don't Move' Child's Glass
Keeps my hands free to eat the meal
  (+13)(+13)
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Especially for restaurants:

A trapezioidal prism shaped glass for children's drinks - a pyramid with the top cut off. It has a very low centre of gravity, low height and a wide base, so it's topple-resistant.

The glass's intentionally awkward shape dissuades children from lifting it up, moving it or drinking directly from it once served (although no doubt some will test this out). It is intended to sit still on the table and be used only with a straw. A couple of indents below the rim will allow parents to pick it up safely if need be.

The motivation is simple: whenever I eat out with the little ones I spend half the meal holding onto a glass in a vain attempt to prevent the inevitable topple. The other half is spent saying "Two hands!".

Aimed primarily at 4-9 year-olds - particularly those that won't use beakers with lids 'cos they're for babies' yet still find it necessary to wave their arms around or to try to stand up on the chair whilst holding a drink.

Different colours of glass, maybe truncated cones rather than pyramids, even embedded designs can be used - whatever persuades the little darlings to actually want their drinks to be served in these.

To be owned and provided by the restaurant, not carried around by parents.

If this is baked then great - I'll have 3 for home use too.


boysparks, Apr 17 2006

Would something like this work for you? http://www.groverge...mages/745940025.jpg
'Wide "halo" base design provides stability and reduces the occurrence of accidental spills.' [half, Apr 17 2006]

Some other stuff here http://www.groverge...nking-products.html
Looks geared more specifically toward individuals with mobility and dexterity limitations. [half, Apr 17 2006]

I like the self-righting cups like this one http://store.yahoo....w/totititicup6.html
[DrCurry, Apr 17 2006]

Drinking Plates Drinking_20Plate
by [finrod] [ConsulFlaminicus, Apr 18 2006]



Annotation:







       Sounds like some wide-base travel mugs I remember seeing somewhere, just don't remember where.

half, Apr 17 2006
  

       half, thanks, yes, something like those in the links could help in day to day use.   

       A distinguishing point in my design is that the glasses are not intended to be picked up and drank from - they're meant to sit on the table like a brick - hence the using a straw angle.   

       No matter what shape container my kids use, as soon as they try to move it or pick it up a spillage usually follows. I want something that is meant to stay still throughout. [Edit] - idea title and wording amended for emphasis.   

       My wife has pointed out that the thing would be difficult to clean, but I'm still betting it's less hassle than cleaning a tablecloth, a child and suffering orange flavoured lasagne to boot.   

       DrCurry, those self-righters are fantastic - like Weeble Wobbles - wish I'd seen them around 5 years ago.

boysparks, Apr 17 2006
  

       How about if we take a normal glass and glue a circular magnet (same diameter as the glass) to the bottom of it. Carry around some magnetic placemats (hey, have you seen the stuff strollers carry around? The things are like pack horses) and presto: Instant, portable, 'Sit Still and Don't Move' Child's glass, saucer and bowl. Decorate as you see fit.

methinksnot, Apr 17 2006
  

       Okay, so we’ve got the diapers, the wipes, the creams, inflatable changing table, the change of clothing, the clothes protectors, the sealable laundry bag, the educational toy, the educational play computer, the portable gym frame, plastic cutlery, magnetic plate and cup, magnetronic picnic table, portable generator…honey, have you seen the baby?

egbert, Apr 17 2006
  

       You forgot: The bottle, the sippy cup with water, the sunscreen, some food items (mmmm...raisins), the hateful dummy/pacifier and the headache pills (those are for you, not the baby).   

       Later: Also, a jumper for the baby and one for you, your cellphone and a cup of coffee (again, for you, not the baby). Maybe an umbrella?

methinksnot, Apr 17 2006
  

       For really unruly kids, the table itself could be hollowed out and a straw inserted.

phundug, Apr 17 2006
  

       How about a magnet glued to the kid?

Ling, Apr 17 2006
  

       Not glued [Ling], that would be cruel. Stapled.

methinksnot, Apr 17 2006
  

       Not stapled [methinksnot], that would be to slow to remove before child protection services notices. Thumbtacks- easy gripping.

NotTheSharpestSpoon, Apr 17 2006
  

       Conical would be better. Maybe a soft, fleshlike plastic cone to minimize breakage. With a nipple at the apex, not a straw. To minimize the "loose kid junk" problem, rotate it 90 degrees and attach it (velcro or something) to a parent's chest.

ideaphoric, Apr 17 2006
  

       An improvement on the magnet: a ferrofluid jump-suit available at the entrance. Normally flexible, but apply a magnetic field and it instantly solidifies, preventing any movement.   

       An establishment could use the 6F logo, to show that they have electromagnets installed in the seating.   

       "FerroFluid-Friendly Fast-Food Franchise"

Ling, Apr 17 2006
  

       //a nipple at the apex, not a straw//   

       Yes, that would work well for babies and toddlers and may exist already.   

       This idea is for slightly older children (4-9 year olds), where you're not using pushchairs or carrying around loads of stuff. It's intended to be a glass that the restaurant owns and provides and not something that the parent carries around with them (apologies that the main idea text didn't make that clear - now amended).   

       If these glasses did exist I'd use them at home too, but due to their shape and size I'd not want to carry them around with me unless I felt like 'window shopping'.

boysparks, Apr 18 2006
  

       I like this one.

zigness, Apr 18 2006
  

       Oooh, add a screen over the top to keep curious children from dropping their food in it. Liquid goes in, chips stay out.

PollyNo9, Apr 18 2006
  

       How about holes so the waiter can bolt the glass to the table? With a cordless powertool of course.

caspian, Apr 20 2006
  

       Duct tape.

Voice, Aug 13 2008
  


 
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