GB2173333A - Monitoring the intake of food - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for monitoring the intake of food, which apparatus comprises holding means defining at least two subcompartments; and a plurality of counters, each counter being adapted to represent a predetermined number of calories, one of the sub-compartments being intended to receive counters representing calories consumed. A method of monitoring and controlling dietary intake is also disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for and a method of monitoring the intake of food.

THIS INVENTION relates to apparatus for, and a method of, monitoring the intake of food.

The invention relates particularly to the monitoring of the intake of food for the purposes of controlling diet.

The careful control of dietary intake, for both cosmetic and health reasons, has become increasingly important. Almost all controlled diets require that the amount of food consumed each day be regulated accurately to within a set calorific value. However, the close monitoring of food intake to record accurately the total calorific value of food consumed at any time during the day has heretobefore been complicated or inconvenient. This has, in turn, led to approximations being made by a person attempting to follow a diet and, almost inevitably, to a lack of success in following the diet.

Thus, there is a real need for some means for easily but accurately monitoring the intake of food.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such means.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for monitoring the intake of food, which apparatus comprises holding means defining at least two subcompartments; and a plurality of counters, each counter being adapted to represent a pre-determined number of calories, one of the subcompartments being intended to receive counters representing calories consumed.

Desirably, the second sub-compartment is intended to hold counters representing the precise number of calories still available to be consumed, in accordance with a set diet.

Conveniently a set of counters is provided, the set comprising counters adapted to represent differing predetermined numbers of calories. The differentiation between counters may be by way of shape, colour or other ornamentation or a combination of such features, for example, a circular counter may represent 250 calories, whilst a pentagonal counter represents 100 calories.

Desirably, the holder is adapted to receive a chart that presents information indicating the calorific values of typical foods. Conveniently, the chart will contain a representation of each counter of the set of counters together with a written indication of the number of calories represented by the counter and a list of typical foods and/or drinks having a calorific value represented by the counter.

Desirably, such chart is received in a pocket on the outer surface of the container and, preferably such pocket has a transparent window portion to allow one side of the chart to be read without removing the chart from the pocket. A plurality of charts may be provided, the information on each chart depending upon the variety of diet to be followed. For example, different charts may be provided for high-protein or high-carbohydrate diets. Likewise it may be desirable to provide different combinations of counters for particular diets.

Thus it will be appreciated that, if a person wishes to adhere to a diet requiring that food having a calorific value of only 1800 be consumed in a particular day, a number of counters representing, in summation, that number of calories could be selected and placed in one compartment of the holder. As food is consumed throughout the day, a counter (or counters) representing the calorific value of food consumed is moved from the first subcompartment, that indicates the number of "available calories" to a second compartment that indicates the total number of calories consumed. Thus, by a simple addition of the value represented by the coins in each pocket, the amount of food eaten and the amount of food available to be eaten at any time of the day can easily be determined.

Thus, in a further aspect, the invention provides method of monitoring the intake of food, which method comprises providing holder means defining first and second sub-compartments: providing a plurality of counters, each counter being adapted to represent a predetermined number of calories, selecting an appropriate combination of counters such that the total number of calories represented by the sum of the counters is equal to the number of calories to be consumed, and placing these counters in a first compartment of the holder; and removing an appropriate counter or combination of counters from the first compartment and placing this or these counters in the second compartment each time an amount of food is consumed.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, so that the features thereof may be appreciated, an embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a schematic view of a holder for counters of the present invention; FIGURE 2 illustrates a variety of counters usable in the present invention; FIGURE 3 illustrates one form of chart usable with the apparatus of the invention; and FIGURES 4 and 5 illustrate, schematically an alternative form of holder.

Referring to Figure 1, a holder 1 comprises an outer wall 2 shaped to define an internal compartment 3, the compartment 3 being open at one end but being sealable by a cover member 4. The compartment 3 is internally divided by wall means 7 to define a first sub-compartment 8 and a second sub-compartment 9. For reasons that will become apparent, the first sub-compartment 8 is desig nated as the "available calorie" compartment and is marked with appropriate wording. The second sub-compartment 9 is designated as the "consumed food" compartment and again is conveniently marked with such wording.

An optional strap 10 may be attached to opposite ends of the holder 1 to facilitate handling thereof.

Referring now to Figure 2 a variety of counters or coins, generally indicated 11, useable in connection with the holder of Figure 1 are shown. A set of counters, containing a predselected number and combination of such conters so provided. For example 29 counters may be provided in a set. The set of counters 11 comprises a variety of differently shaped counters each different counter being marked to designate a specific number of calories. In Figure 2 a large round counter is designated as 200 calories, a pentagonal counter 100 calories, a diamond-shaped counter 50 calories, etc. It will immediately be appreciated that any shape or configuration of counter may be used to designate any preselected calorific value.A complete set of counters is likely to comprise a number of counters of each value in order to allow a total calorific value to be represented by a suitable combination of counters.

The counters may be made of any suitable material, and may be moulded and/or pressed in a conventional manner. As also shown in Figure 2, each class of counter may be ornamented in a particular distinguishing fashion.

Conveniently the counters are made of an aluminium alloy so as to be light weight. If required for special use they could be made of a precious metal, for example.

In using this apparatus for monitoring the intake of food, for example, in combination with a set diet, a combination of counters 11 is selected such that the total calorific value represented by the counters is equal to the maximum number of calories permitted to be consumed in one day. This selection of counters is placed into the "calories available" compartment 8. Each time an item of food is consumed, a counter representing the calorific value that corresponds with the calorific value of the food eaten is taken from the "calories available" compartment 8 and placed in the "calories consumed" compartment 9. In this manner it is possible to maintain an accurate record of both the amount of food consumed at any time during a day (or other period) and of the amount of food available to be consumed in accordance with the diet plan.

In order to assist in the assessment of the calorific value of food eaten, and thus in selection of the counter, or combination of counters to be moved from the "calories available" subcompartment 8 to the "calories consumed" compartment 9, the holder 1 is also adapted to receive a chart or other indicating device 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a pocket 13 is formed on the outer surface 2 of the holder 1, the pocket 13 being opened at one end to facilitate insertion of a chart 12. In order to permit the chart 12 to be read without first being moved from the pocket 13, a region 14 of the pocket 13 is formed as a transparent window. Any other suitable means may be provided to receive a chart or a plurality of charts 12, or the charts 12 may merely be kept in one or both of the subcompartments 8, 9.

Figure 3 illustrates one typical form of calorie indicating chart 12. The chart 12 conveniently comprises a representation of each of the counters of the set 11, with a marking showing the calorific value representing each counter and the amount of a typical food, or variety of foods that would amount to this calorific value.

It is envisaged that a variety of different charts 12 could be provided, the information contained on each chart 12 being selected in dependence upon the type of diet to be followed. For example, if a person wishes to follow a high-protein diet, the chart 12 could contain information concerning the amount of protein contained in different foods and/or the amount by weight or volume of such foods that correspond to a specific calorie total.

Whilst the holder 1 has been described in the form of a purse, any other suitable form of holder may be used, for example a wallet defining a first container, hingeably connected with a second contajner, each counter having a separate cover could be provided. Whilst the purse and wallet arrangements are particularly convenient for carrying on the person, an alternative arrangement may be provided in which the first and second compartments are formed in a more permanent structure for display in a kitchen or dining room for example.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate one alternative holder arrangement, in the form of a fabric purse 20. The purse 20 comprsies a front compartment 21 and a rear compartment 22. The front compartment 21 has substantially rectangularly shaped forward and rearward walls 23, 24 respectively, the walls being connected, for example by stitching, along their two shorter sides and (in the illustrated orientation) along their lowermost long side to define an upwardly opening compartment.

A medial dividing wall 25 is interposed between the walls 23, 24 to define a pair of similarly sized sub-compartments 21a, 21b within the front compartment 21. The dividing wali 25 defines an upwardly extending flap portion 26 that can be folded forwardly to close the sub-compartment 21a.

The rearward compartment 22 has a forward wall 27, that is substantially the same shape as the walls 23, 24 of the front compartment 21, and a rearmost wall 28 that has a lower portion 29 shaped to correspond with the wall 27 and an upper, integral, flap portion 30. The lower portion 29 is connected, for example by stitching, along three of its edges with corresponding edges of the wall 27 to define an upwardly open compartment.

The front compartment 21 is connected with the rear compartment in any suitable manner, for example by stictching. To enable two separate compartments to be expanded, upon receipt of articles, the region of interconnection is desirably spaced inwardly from the peripheral sides of the compartments.

The flap portion 30 of the rear compartment 22 is sized such that it can be folded forwardly, to cover both the front and rear compartments and can be fixed in a closed position by way of a stud fastening 31, 32, the stud 31 being provided to project outwardly from the forward wall 23 of the front compartments.

It will be appreciated that the sub-compartment 21a may receive a chart 12, as previously described, the sub-compartment 21b may receive a predetermined number of counters 11, and be designated the "available caloriels" compartment and the rear compartment 22 may receive counters transferred from the compartment 21b and be designated the "consumed calories" compartment. Any alternative designation of the various compartments may also be made.

Claims (17)

1. An apparatus for monitoring the intake of food, which apparatus comprises holding means defining at least two subcompartments; and a plurality of counters, each counter being adapted to represent a pre-determined number of calories, one of the sub-compartments being intended to receive counters representing calories consumed.

2. Apparatus, according to Claim 1, wherein a second of the sub-compartments is intended to hold counters representing the precise number of calories still available to be consumed, in accordance with a set diet.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein a set of counters is provided, the set comprising counters adapted to represent differing predetermined numbers of calories.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein each counter in the set is adapted, by way of shape colour and/or other ornamentation, to represent a predetermined calorific value.

5. Apparatus, according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the holder is adapted to receive a chart that presents information indicating the calorific values of typical foods.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein such chart is received in a pocket on the outer surface of the container.

7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the pocket has a transparent window portion to allow one side of a chart contained therein to be read without removing the chart from the pocket.

8. Apparatus, according to Claim 5, wherein a pocket for receiving such chart is defined within one of said sub-compartments.

9. Apparatus, according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, further comprising a chart that presents information indicating the calorific content of typical foods that may be eaten when following a set diet.

10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein such chart contains a representation of each counter of the set of counters together with a written indication of the number of calories represented by each counter and a list of typical foods and/or drinks having a calorific value represented by the counter.

11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein a plurality of charts are provided, the information on each chart depending upon the variety of diet to be followed.

12. A method of monitoring the intake of food, which method comprises providing holder means defining first and second sub-compartments; providing a plurality of counters, each counter being adapted to represent a predetermined number of calories, selecting an appropriate combination of counters such that the total number of calories represented by the sum of the counters is equal to the number of calories to be consumed, and placing these counters in a first compartment of the holder; and removing an appropriate counter or combination of counters from the first compartment and placing this or these counters in the second compartment each time an amount of food is consumed.

13. A method according to Claim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 11.

14. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

15. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

16. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.