Abstract:
A flatware with interchangeable elements, generally including a handle having a bore and a first engagement means and a working end comprising a tool end, a shaft and a second engagement means configured to detachably engage with the first engagement means. The interchangeable elements allow a consumer to change the appearance and purpose of the flatware quickly and conveniently. The flatware herein described also eliminates the need for maintaining multiple sets of flatware as the interchangeable elements allow for multiple design and utility combinations to be achieved with a single set of flatware.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/392,543, filed Oct. 13, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to flatware and more particularly to devices for providing flatware with interchangeable handles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Flatware generally includes a handle and a working end extending therefrom. The working end is the portion of the flatware used for cutting or otherwise manipulating food. Some flatware is made from a single piece of material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Other types of flatware include a handle component which is formed of material different from the working end. Such handles may be formed of wood, plastic, ceramic, and other materials. In such cases, the handle is typically formed by a process, then permanently attached to the flatware. 
         [0004]    It is often desirable for flatware to have a decorative nature, so that it will be aesthetically pleasing when it is used in conjunction with a particular table setting, room décor or occasion. It is desirable for some to have their flatware match their plates, table linens, holiday theme, or the like. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for a single flatware set to match every occasion or table setting. In such cases individuals must obtain multiple sets of flatware, each having a different decorative appearance. Not only is this an expensive undertaking, but it requires storage of a significant number of flatware sets. 
         [0005]    Moreover, flatware handles must be sturdy, so that the handle does not separate or break away from the working end. 
         [0006]    Thus there is a need in the art for an inexpensive alternative to maintaining multiple sets of flatware, wherein such flatware is of a sturdy construction. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, flatware having interchangeable handles is provided. The interchangeable flatware handles disclosed herein solve the problem of maintaining multiple sets of flatware, allowing the consumer to save money, reduce the need to store flatware, and foster creativity in the home. The interchangeable handles disclosed herein allow the consumer to conveniently and economically have a variety of flatware handles so that they can add desirable designs to their everyday flatware and simply interchange it for a special occasion, holiday, and/or to match their linens and place settings. 
         [0008]    In one aspect, flatware as disclosed herein includes a handle operable to be detached and reattached to a working end of a flatware piece. The handle may have any desired external design and may be fabricated of any suitable material. The handle may be made of any suitable size. In one embodiment the handle is sized for adults. In another embodiment the handle is sized for children. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, a flatware device having interchangeable elements is disclosed, having a handle including a bore and a first engagement means and a working end having a tool end, a shaft and a second engagement means configured to detachably engage with said first engagement means. As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, the engagement means and corresponding engagement means may be reversed. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the shaft of the working end is configured to be removably inserted into the bore of the handle. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, one of said first engagement means and second engagement means is a push-button comprising a latch and the other comprises an aperture for receiving said latch. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, one of the first engagement means is a magnet and the second engagement means is an element magnetically engageable to the first magnet. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the first engagement means is a first detent and said second engagement means is a second detent. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, one of the first engagement means and second engagement means is a male twist-lock component and the other is a female twist-lock component. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, the shaft of the working end further includes a collar configured to abut the handle. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, a set of flatware devices and interchangeable elements may be provided. The set of flatware devices and interchangeable elements having a plurality of handles, each handle having a bore and an engagement means. The set of flatware devices and interchangeable elements also comprises a plurality of working ends, each working end including a tool end, a shaft and an engagement means configured to detachably engage the engagement means of the handle. Each one of the working ends is capable of use with any of the handles. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, a device for detaching interchangeable components from compatible flatware devices is provided. The device includes a body having a recess and a tab situated in the recess. The recess is configured to receive a handle of a flatware device and the tab is configured to depress an engagement means located on the flatware device in order to allow a working end of the flatware device to be released. 
         [0018]    The objects of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art when the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention herein is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    For the purposes of illustrating the various aspects of the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a flatware device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a flatware device handle disengaged from a working end in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a working end disengaged from a flatware device handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2B  is a front end view of a handle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a handle portion and working end in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of a handle portion and working end in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of a handle portion and working end in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a handle portion with an open lower end in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a closure device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4B  provides a perspective view of an engagement means in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of a flatware device handle and working end in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view of a flatware device handle disengaged from a working end in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4E  is a cross-sectional view of a flatware device handle with an engagement means in a disengaged position and with a working end partially removed from the flatware device handle; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is an perspective view of a handle removal tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a spoon shaped flatware device working end disengaged from the handle portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of a knife shaped flatware device working end disengaged from the handle portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of the phase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0037]    Now referring to  FIG. 1 , flatware  10  as disclosed herein includes a handle  2  operable to be detached and reattached to a working end  4  of a flatware piece. The handle  2  may have any desired external design and may be fabricated of any suitable material. Suitable external designs include, but are not limited to, flat, rounded and cylindrical. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, plastics, ceramics, metals (e.g., stainless steel), precious metals (e.g., silver), wood and polymers. The handle  2  may be made of any suitable size. In one embodiment the handle  2  is sized for adults. In another embodiment the handle  2  is sized for children. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous sizes, shapes and materials that could be utilized with a handle in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with handles of any size, shape and/or material. 
         [0038]    Similarly, according to embodiments of the present invention, the working end  4  can be of any suitable material, size and/or design. For instance, a working end  4  could be constructed from plastics, metals, precious metals, woods and/or polymers. A working end  4  could be designed in particular for use by adults, use by children or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous sizes, shapes and materials that could be utilized with a working end in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with working ends of any size, shape and/or material. 
         [0039]    Now referring to  FIGS. 2-2B , flatware  10  includes a working end  4 . The working end  4  includes a shaft  6  having an end  8  releasably connectable to the handle  2  and a tool end  18  which includes the fork, spoon, knife or other working portion of the flatware  10 . The end  8  may include any suitable engagement element  11  such as an aperture operable to releasably connect to a corresponding engagement element in or on handle  2 . The shaft  6  may include a collar or cap  12  operable to abut a handle end and which may serve as a stop to limit the insertion of the shaft  6  in the handle  2 , and which may prevent debris from collecting between the working end  4  and the handle  2 . 
         [0040]    In one embodiment the flatware handle  2  includes a bore  3  for receiving a shaft  6  of a working end  4  of a flatware piece  10 . The respective engagement elements of the handle  2  and end  8  may include, but are not limited to, an interior catch, detent or other means. 
         [0041]    Now referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment the engagement element  11  comprises a lip  31  and handle  2  comprises an engagement element comprising a detent  32 . Preferably, lip  31  is rounded in profile so that it provides a secure but releasable engagement with detent  32 . 
         [0042]    Now referring to  FIG. 3A , in one embodiment the engagement element  11  comprises a magnet  33  and handle  2  comprises an engagement element comprising a magnetic element  34  magnetically engageable to the magnet  33 . Preferably, the magnet  34  and the magnetic element  36  are configured such that they attract one another, providing a secure but releasable engagement. 
         [0043]    Now referring to  FIG. 3B , in one embodiment the engagement element  11  comprises a female twist-lock element  35  and handle  2  comprises an engagement element comprising a male twist-lock element  36 . In this embodiment, female twist-lock element  35  is inserted onto and received on and twisted upon male twist-lock element  36  so that it provides a secure but releasable engagement. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous twist-lock engagement means that could be utilized with embodiments of the present invention. For instance, an exemplary embodiment of a twist-lock engagement means may be comprised of a male twist-lock element with one or more pins extruding outwardly and a compatible female twist-lock element with one or more channels for receiving said one or more pins. The channels are commonly formed in a curved manner, such as a “J” shape or “U” shape, such that once the engagement means are fully engaged, the only way to disengage the engagement means is to push inward and rotate the male twist-lock element out of the channel of the female twist-lock element. 
         [0044]    As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, the respective engagement elements of the shaft  6  and the handle  2  may be reversed. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous engagement means that could be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any type of engagement means. 
         [0045]    Now referring to  FIGS. 4-4E , an exemplary embodiment of a push-button engagement means is provided. Referring specifically to to  FIGS. 4-4B , structural details relating to a push-button engagement means are provided.  FIG. 4  depicts a portion of the flatware handle which is operably connected to the push-button  20  depicted in  FIG. 4B  and the closure device  28  in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0046]    When fully assembled, a top post  25  of a push-button  20  extends through an opening  26  in a closure device  28  (shown in  FIG. 4A ). The handle portion shown in  FIG. 4  has a bottom opening  24  configured to receive a bottom post  23  of the engagement means  20  when the flatware device is fully assembled. In this configuration, the push-button  20  is fixed in place and capable of engaging an aperture  11  of a working end  4  upon its latch  22 . 
         [0047]    Turning now specifically to  FIGS. 4C-4E , cross-sectional views of the exemplary embodiment push-button engagement means are provided. The push-button engagement means  20  is operably engaged to a latch mechanism  22  in the handle  2 . The shaft  6  of the working end  4  includes an aperture  11  formed therein for engaging the latch mechanism  22 . Upon insertion of the shaft  6  in the bore  3 , the end of the shaft  6  urges the latch mechanism  22  upward and as the shaft  6  continues into the bore  3 , the latch mechanism  22  securely engages the aperture  11 , preventing disengagement of the working end  4  from the handle  2 . Upon depressing the push-button  20  in the direction A, the latch mechanism  22  disengages from the aperture  11  (as shown in  FIG. 4E ), permitting removal of the handle  2  from the working end  4 . The push-button and latch may be formed of any suitable material such as a metal, alloy, ceramic or the like. 
         [0048]    Now referring to  FIG. 5 , a handle removal tool  40  is provided including a recess  42  for engaging the handle portion and a peg  44  located in the recess  40  for depressing the push-button  20 . Placement of the handle  2  into the recess  42  aligns the peg  44  with the push-button  20 , releasing the latch and permitting a user to change handles easily. The handle removal tool  40  facilitates insertion of a new working end  4  by holding the handle  2  firmly while the working end  4  is being inserted. 
         [0049]    Now referring to  FIGS. 6 and 6A , exemplary embodiments of working ends are provided comprising a spoon working end and a knife working end. It will be understood to those skilled in the art the dimensions and shape of the working end may be varied. 
         [0050]    In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a set of handles all having the same size. In another embodiment, a set of handles is provided which are of varying sizes. In another embodiment, a set of handles of graduated sizes is provided, wherein the interchangeable handles may be used as a training device for young children, so that as a child is learning to use flatware the handles can be changed to suit the level of skill of the child and/or the size of the child&#39;s hands. 
         [0051]    Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.