Abstract:
The present disclosure describes a utensil, which is essentially a combination of a knife and a spoon with modifications. While the knife portion of the utensil includes a blade, the spoon portion includes a convex scoop. The scoop and the blade are structurally combined and share a single handle. The scoop is a half convex and it is aligned with the blade side by side. The bottom of the scoop is flat, on the same plane as the bottom side of the blade. The end of the half convex merges smoothly with the cutting end of the blade. The current utensil is particularly useful for spreading cream, butter, or cheese. For instance, after cutting the bread with the blade, the spoon portion may be used for obtaining and disposing the butter on the bread piece, and the blade and spoon portions, as combined, may be used for the spreading process.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 61/760,262 filed on Feb. 4, 2013, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a combined utensil and more particularly relates to a utensil combining a knife and part of a spoon. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Eating utensils, such as forks, knives, and spoons, are widely used in everyday life. These utensils are generally packed, stored, and used separately so that each type of utensil may serve its intended purpose. Nevertheless, in certain circumstances it is desirable to have utensils that may serve multiple functions. For instance, when usable space is limited such as during a picnic, it is more convenient for the user to have a multi-function utensil. Moreover, with specific designs a single combined utensil may provide more convenience for some specific tasks. In addition, combined utensils generally require less effort in cleaning and storage. Thus, it is generally desirable to produce usable combined utensils. 
         [0004]    Some inventions have been directed to the making and using of multi-function utensils. 
         [0000]    For example: 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,403 discloses a nestable set of two, selectively-detachable dual-end eating utensils having a temporal clipping mechanism to hold the eating utensils in a secure position during non-use periods. One of the dual end utensil has a spoon head on one end and a fork head one the other; the other dual end utensil has a spoon head on one end and a knife on the other. 
         [0006]    In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,538 discloses a combination non-disposable table utensil capable of performing as a knife, fork or spoon having a handle with a scoop extending from one end thereof. At one end of the scoop, a plurality of tines extend outwardly therefrom. The scoop also includes first and second edges with a beveled edge extending along the entire length of the first edge. The beveled edge is capable of severing food materials upon a rocking action being applied to the handle. Between each adjacent tine is an indentation having a long and short edge which are connected by a downwardly sloping edge. The shape of the indentations maximizes the surface area of the scoop to better retain liquid materials within the basin bowl of the scoop. 
         [0007]    Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 33,285 teaches a knife-fork-and-spoon combination. The invention consists in constructing a knife-blade with a fork, spoon, or forked spoon continuation on its back or at such an angle with the cutting-edge that said continuation may be used for conveying food to the mouth without the danger or appearance of cutting, while at the same time, in eating many kinds of food, the combination thus obtained answer the purpose of a knife, fork, and spoon, thereby avoiding the need of using and cleaning so many different implement. 
         [0008]    These multi-function utensils, as well as a number of other similar disclosures, do not fully satisfy the need to produce more useful and convenient utensils that may save space and effort. In addition, some specific uses may prefer a utensil not disclosed in any of the prior art. For instance, when consuming a loaf of bread, a user may want to cut the bread first, then spread butter or jam on the bread piece, and finally eat it. In this case, a regular knife and spoon may complete the process, but with a great deal of messiness and preparation. The current invention, as a utensil combining a knife and part of a spoon, satisfies the needs in this and other circumstances. 
         [0009]    As herein indicated, there are a few known spoon-knife combinations and these designs do not meet the requirement of more convenience, full security, and simplicity in manufacturing. Nor do these designs meet the special needs of certain processes, such as the consumption of bread. The current invention addresses all the issued herein identified with a simple and elegant design. 
         [0010]    In summary, various implements are known in the art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the invention described herein. Two embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention discloses a combined utensil, comprising: a knife component having a handle and a blade, wherein the handle has a proximal end and a distal end, the blade has an attachment end, a cutting end, a cutting edge, a back edge, a top side, and a bottom side, and the distal end of the handle is attached to the attachment end of the blade; a scoop component having a concave half-scoop, wherein the concave half-scoop having a connecting edge, a convex top surface and bottom surface, the connecting edge aligns with the back edge of the blade, connecting the scoop component to the blade, the bottom surface of the concave half-scoop aligns with the bottom side of the blade in a same plane, and the convex top surface merges smoothly with the top surface of the blade. 
         [0012]    For the preferred embodiment, the concave half-scoop has a scoop first end, the scoop first end aligns with the cutting end of the blade. More preferably, the scoop first end merges smoothly with the cutting end of the blade. Some previous patents have disclosed articles of manufacture where a blade is coupled with a spoon-like concave structure. E.g. U.S. Pat. No. 849,098. However, unlike the prior art, wherein the tip of the concave scoop is separate from the cutting end of the blade, the preferred embodiment of the current invention has a blade end that is aligned and preferably merged with the tip of the half-scoop. Such a design does not affect the cutting capability of the blade, especially when what is being cut is soft and somewhat squashy, such as a loaf of bread. 
         [0013]    The current invention may be used in multiple settings, such as common cooking applications and the preparation of some food stuffs, such as fruits. However, the current invention, especially the preferred embodiments as shown below, are particularly useful for the consumption of bread. While the blade portion of the preferred embodiment may be used to cut the bread into proper slices, the half-scoop portion of the embodiment may be utilized to acquire proper amount of spreadable condiments, such as butter or jam. The bottom surfaces of the blade portion and the half scoop portion, combined into a continuous plane, are ideal for spreading the butter or jam. 
         [0014]    For one preferred embodiment, the scoop component has a scoop edge, and the scoop edge is entirely curved. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment, the scoop component has a scoop edge, the scoop edge has a mid-section, and the mid-section is straight. The difference in the arrangement of the scoop edge changes the capacity of the scoop to acquire food stuff, such as butter. For better cutting results, the cutting edge of the blade may include a serrated section, the placement of which may change according to the specific design of the utensil and the specific needs of the user. For example, the serrated section of cutting edge may reach the cutting end of the blade. 
         [0015]    The current utensil may be made from any material, depending on the specific needs of the tasks to be performed. The various parts may be made from the same or different materials. For example, the blade and the scoop component may be made from stainless steel or hard plastics. Similarly, the current utensil may be any size, as long as the utensil may be properly and conveniently used to performed the tasks intended. Preferably, the overall size of the utensil is not too large, making it easier to carry around and be kept in boxes or bags. 
         [0016]    In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, desirable and useful benefits and objectives. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a utensil that is safe and easy to use. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a utensil having a blade component and a scoop component. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a utensil that can be used to cut food stuffs such as bread. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a utensil that can be used to acquire food stuffs such as soup and butter. 
         [0021]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a utensil that requires a minimum of maintenance. 
         [0022]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a utensil that may be used to effectively cut a load of bread, acquire the butter or jam, and spread the butter or jam on the bread piece. 
         [0023]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a utensil that is robust and durable. 
         [0024]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a utensil that is inexpensive. 
         [0025]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a utensil that is light and easy to carry around. 
         [0026]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide utensils having different sizes and dimensions to fit the needs for different users and different uses. 
         [0027]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a utensil that is compact in size and easy to store and pack. 
         [0028]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a utensil that is easy to manufacture. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the current invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2A  shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of the current invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2B  shows a back view of the preferred embodiment of the current invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of the preferred embodiment of the current invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  shows a first side view—the view from the blade edge—of the preferred embodiment of the current invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  shows a first side view—the view from the blade edge—of another preferred embodiment of the current invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified, as far as possible, with the same reference numerals. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without deviating from the innovative concepts of the invention. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1-4  depict a preferred embodiment of the current invention.  FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of this embodiment. Shown in  FIG. 1  is a utensil  10  comprising a handle  20 , blade  30 , and a scoop component  50 , wherein the handle  20  has a proximal end  25  and distal end  27 , the blade  30  has a cutting edge  33 , a back edge  36 , a top side  37 , a bottom side  38  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), a cutting end  40 , and an attachment end  45 , and the scoop component  50  comprises a concave half scoop  55  having a top surface  60 , a bottom surface  63  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), a scoop edge  66 , a connecting edge  80 , a scoop first end  70 , and a scoop second end  72 . As also shown in  FIG. 1 , the cutting edge  33  of the blade  30  has serrations  42 . The distal end  27  of the handle  20  is attached to the attachment end  45  of the blade  30 . 
         [0037]    The concave half scoop  55  has the general shape of a half of spoon bowl. The connecting edge  80  of the concave half scoop  55  attaches to the back edge  36  of the blade  30 , aligning the concave half scoop  55  with the blade  30  side by side. While the top surface  60  of the concave half scoop  55  is generally concave and the top side  37  of the blade  30  is generally flat, the top surface  60  merges smoothly with the top side  37 . A smooth merge or smooth connection is generally defined as a connection without sudden or abrupt changes in height, depth, and curvature. Such a description may be used for the connection of two surfaces or two curves. Preferably, the cutting end  45  of the blade  30  and the first end  70  of the concave half scoop  55  merges smoothly, forming a single and continuous end for the current utensil. 
         [0038]    The handle  20  of the utensil  10  may be any type, style, and size. Shown in  FIG. 1  is a handle  20  generally thicker than the blade  30 . However, it should be noted that the handle  20  may take other forms, such as the handle  20  merging smoothly with the blade  30  and the two structures are not completely distinct. A user of the current utensil takes hold of the handle  20  and maneuvers the utensil and eating and cooking functionalities. As long as the design of the handle  20  does not significantly hamper its utility, the design is proper. For instance, the handle may be molded or shaped into a figure or cartoon character, or other ornamental designs, improving the overall attractiveness of the utensil 
         [0039]    Similarly, the blade  30  may be any type, style, and size. As long as the design of the blade  30  does not significantly hamper its functionality, the design may be adopted. The cutting edge  33  of the blade  30  may have serrations  42 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Such serrations may facilitate cutting, especially when the subject is soft and difficult for lodging a blade. The serrations  42 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , stretches for a section on the cutting edge  33  but do not reach the cutting end  45  of the blade  30 . Alternatively, the positioning and style of the serrations  42  may vary according to the specific needs for the current utensil. For instance, the serration section may stretch all the way to the cutting end  45  to enhance cutting capabilities. On the other handle, it should be noted that the serration design is optional and a sharp and smooth cutting edge  33  may also be adopted. 
         [0040]    The size and weight of the current utensil  10  may vary as well. Preferably, the utensil  10  is light, small, and easily portable. However, for specific uses, the design may change according to the need. The utensil  10 , as a whole, may weigh 1-2000 g, with the preferable range of 5-100 g. From the proximal end  25  of the handle  20  to the cutting end  45  of the blade  30 , the overall length of the utensil may range from 3 to 100 cm, with the preferred scope of 5-30 cm. The width of the scoop-blade combination, measure from the cutting edge  33  of the blade  30  to the scoop edge  66  of the concave half scoop  55 , may range from 0.5-20 cm, with the preferred scope of 2-8 cm. The compact and light-weight feature of the current utensil make it easier to carry around and be kept in containers such as boxes and bags. 
         [0041]    As indicated above, the current utensil may be made from any material, depending on the specific needs of the tasks to be performed and preference of the user. The various parts may be made from the same or different materials. For example, while the handle  20  is made from wood, the blade  30  and the scoop component  50  may be made from stainless steel or hard plastics. Alternatively, the entire utensil may be made from materials such as but not limited to: metal such as aluminum alloy and stainless steel, plastic sheets such as, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), glass, fiberglass, biodegradable materials such as wood and paper, or some combinations thereof. Preferably, the materials making up the current utensil are durable and either easy to clean or inexpensive and disposable. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2A  shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of the current invention. Shown in  FIG. 2A  is a utensil  10  comprising a handle  20 , blade  30 , and a scoop component  50 , wherein the handle  20  has distal end  27 , the blade  30  has a cutting edge  33  with serrations  42 , a back edge  36 , a top side  37 , a bottom side  38 , and a cutting end  40 , and the scoop component  50  comprises a concave half scoop  55  having a top surface  60  (not shown in  FIG. 2A ), a bottom surface  63 , a scoop edge  66 , connecting edge  80 , and a scoop first end  70 .  FIG. 2A  depicts the utensil  10  following the perspective from the cutting end  40  to the handle  20 . As also shown in  FIG. 2B , the concave half scoop  55  has a scoop outer side  75 , which is generally flat. 
         [0043]      FIG. 2B  shows a back view of the preferred embodiment of the current invention. Shown in  FIG. 2B  is a utensil  10  comprising a handle  20 , blade  30 , and a scoop component  50 , wherein the handle  20  has a proximal end  25 , the blade  30  has a cutting edge  33  with serrations  42 , a top side  37 , and a bottom side  38 , and the scoop component  50  comprises a concave half scoop  55  having a top surface  60 , a bottom surface  63 , a scoop edge  66 , connecting edge  80 , and a scoop first end  70 .  FIG. 2B  depicts the utensil  10  following the perspective from the proximal end  25  of the handle  20 . As also shown in  FIG. 2B , the concave half scoop  55  has a scoop outer side  75 , which is generally flat. 
         [0044]    Referring to both  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the bottom surface  63  of the concave half scoop  55  and the bottom side  38  of the blade  30  are aligned side by side and they form a single plane. Both the bottom surface  63  and the bottom side  38  are generally flat. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the bottom surface  63  may take other shapes. For example, the bottom surface  63  may be curved and protruding, matching the shape of the top surface  60 . Or the bottom surface  63  may tilt up at the edge close to the outer side  75 , forming a recess transition to the outer side  75 . Nevertheless, regardless of the shape of the bottom surface  63 , it is preferred that the bottom surface  63  and the bottom side  38  merge smoothly. Such a design facilitates a special function of the current utensil—spreading butter or jam. The smooth connection of the bottom surface  63  and the bottom side  38  allows more usable space for the spreading motion. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of the preferred embodiment of the current invention. Shown in  FIG. 3  is a utensil  10  comprising a handle  20 , blade  30 , and a scoop component  50 , wherein the handle  20  has a proximal end  25  and distal end  27 , the blade  30  has a cutting edge  33 , a back edge  36 , a top side  37 , a bottom side  38  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), a cutting end  40 , and an attachment end  45 , and the scoop component  50  comprises a concave half scoop  55  having a top surface  60 , a bottom surface  63  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), a scoop edge  66 , a connecting edge  80 , a scoop first end  70 , and a scoop second end  72 . As also shown in  FIG. 3 , the cutting edge  33  of the blade  30  has serrations  42 . The distal end  27  of the handle  20  is attached to the attachment end  45  of the blade  30 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  shows a first side view—the view from the blade edge  33 —of the preferred embodiment of the current invention. Shown in  FIG. 4  is a utensil  10  comprising a handle  20 , blade  30 , and a scoop component  50 , wherein the handle  20  has a proximal end  25  and distal end  27 , the blade  30  has a cutting edge  33 , a back edge  36 , a top side  37 , a bottom side  38 , a cutting end  40 , and an attachment end  45 , and the scoop component  50  comprises a concave half scoop  55  having a top surface  60 , a bottom surface  63 , a scoop edge  66 , a connecting edge  80 , a scoop first end  70 , and a scoop second end  72 . As also shown in  FIG. 4 , the cutting edge  33  of the blade  30  has serrations  42 . The distal end  27  of the handle  20  is attached to the attachment end  45  of the blade  30 . In addition, the scoop edge  66  has a middle section  69 , which is curved. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  shows a first side view—the view from the blade edge  33 —of another preferred embodiment of the current invention. Shown in  FIG. 5  is a utensil  10  comprising a handle  20 , blade  30 , and a scoop component  50 , wherein the handle  20  has a proximal end  25  and distal end  27 , the blade  30  has a cutting edge  33 , a back edge  36 , a top side  37 , a bottom side  38 , a cutting end  40 , and an attachment end  45 , and the scoop component  50  comprises a concave half scoop  55  having a top surface  60 , a bottom surface  63 , a scoop edge  66 , a connecting edge  80 , a scoop first end  70 , and a scoop second end  72 . As also shown in  FIG. 5 , the cutting edge  33  of the blade  30  has serrations  42 . The distal end  27  of the handle  20  is attached to the attachment end  45  of the blade  30 . In addition, the scoop edge  66  has a middle section  69 , which is straight. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 4 and 5  demonstrate the side views of two embodiments having a different feature. The scoop edge  66  of the concave half scoop  55  may take different forms. In  FIG. 4 , the scoop edge  66  is completely curvaceous, similar to a typical side edge of a regular spoon. However, in  FIG. 5 , the scoop edge  66  has a middle section  69 , wherein the middle section  69  is straight. In accordance with the designs of the scoop edges  66 , the curvatures of the top surfaces  60  of the concave half scoops  55  from two embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  may be different and may be specially configured to a smooth merging with the top side  37  of the blade  30 . The differences in the concave half scoops  55  reflect the differences in intended functionalities for the two embodiments. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4  may be more adapted to obtain food stuff, while the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  may be more effective in spreading the food stuff. 
         [0049]    The current combined utensil  10  may be used for many functions because it incorporates the basic uses of both knife and spoon. Preferably, the scoop component  50  is not too large so that it does not affect the cutting motion of the blade. The presence of the scoop component  50  is generally not a hampering factor because the food stuffs to be cut are normally not very hard or stiff. In most cases, the current utensil is not suitable for direct transferring of food to the user&#39;s mouth due to the presence of the blade. However, when the use is limited to acquiring food stuff such as scooping salad dressing and apply it salad, the current utensil may be utilized. In addition, with the right choice of materials, such as paper for the blade, the utensil may be used as a replacement of a spoon, even when the food is to be delivered directly by the utensil to the user&#39;s mouth. 
         [0050]    As indicated above, the current utensil is particularly useful for the consumption of bread or other bread-like food stuffs, such as stream bread or buns. The user may cut the bread with the blade, obtain butter, jam, jelly, sauce, or any other condiments with the concave half scoop, dispose the condiments on the bread piece, and spread the condiments using the bottom surface and bottom side of the utensil. 
         [0051]    In addition to the multi-functionality advantages listed above, the current utensil combines spoon and knife, saving space and providing a higher level of convenience for the user. The current utensil may be suitable for all kinds of circumstances, such as regular meal and picnics. 
         [0052]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.