Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a combination tool useful for bartending or the like. The tools combined for efficiency, convenience, and other purposes include one or more zesters, bottle openers, corkscrews, juicers, jiggers or measuring cups, knives, pouring spout, and/or others. In one embodiment, the combined tools are in a shape that is safe to the user, a size that is relatively portable and lightweight, and from materials that are non-contaminating and readily cleaned. Methods include using the tool for bartending or similar activities.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/029,262, filed Feb. 15, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods involving a combination tool for tasks associated with bartending or similar activities. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In performing the tasks associated with bartending or similar activities, a number of different tools exist to assist the bartender. Such tools typically include bottle openers, corkscrews, zester, juicer, jigger or measuring cup, and several types of knives, to name just a few. Although certain limited combinations of a few of these tools exist, and although certain “multi-tools” exist (such as Swiss Army® knives and Leatherman® multi-tools), those existing items are very limited (such as combination bottle openers and corkscrews for opening both bottle-cap style bottles and bottles provided with corks) and/or do not include some of the specialty tools useful for bartending or similar activities. Therefore, it is one object of the present invention to provide a plurality of tools useful in bartending or similar activities within a single device. 
     Another of the many objects and advantages of the invention is the provision within a single device of the combination (and/or sub-combinations) of a serrated knife, a non-serrated knife, a dual zester (such as with 4 small holes and 1 large hole), a bottle opener, a cork screw and lever for using same, a juicer, and a single shot measuring cup or similar measures. The particular selection of the tools to be combined can take a wide variety of forms and combinations, all providing convenience, affordability, and other benefits. 
     Yet another of the many objects and advantages of the invention is the provision within a single apparatus of a device of the aforementioned character from primarily or completely aluminum, stainless steel, and/or some similarly durable and useful material(s). 
     A further object and advantage of the invention is the provision of a tool for bartending, cooking, and/or similar activity, that is space-saving, versatile, convenient, and less expensive than buying multiple separate tools. 
     Still another object and advantage of the invention is the provision within a single device of the combination of a variety of tools that are both fixed and movable. It is desirable that such movable tools may rotate, slide, fold, and/or similar movement from a closed or retracted position to an open or extended position about a hinge or similar apparatus. 
     Even still another object and advantage of the invention is the provision within a single device a plurality of tools provided within a handle of the device 
     Still yet another of the many objects and advantages of the invention is the provision of a method of providing bartending services using a tool of the aforementioned character. 
     For the purpose of summarizing the invention certain objects and advantages have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cork screw, the knife, and the zester are shown in an extended orientation; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the tool of  FIG. 1 , wherein the cork screw, the knife, and the zester are shown in a retracted orientation; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the tool of  FIG. 1 , wherein the cork screw, the knife, and the zester are shown in a retracted orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the tool of  FIG. 1 , wherein the cork screw, the knife, and the zester are shown in a retracted orientation and further showing a hand grip for the handle of the tool; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the zester of the tool of  FIG. 1 , wherein the zester is decoupled from the tool; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the knife of the tool of  FIG. 1 , wherein the knife is decoupled from the tool; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the bottle opener of the tool of  FIG. 1 , wherein the bottle opener is decoupled from the tool; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the cork screw of the tool of  FIG. 1 , wherein the cork screw is decoupled from the tool; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a pin of the tool of  FIG. 1 , wherein the pin is decoupled from the tool; 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  are side and top views of a retracting device for retractable coupling of the cork screw, the knife, and the zester to the handle in the tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are top and bottom views of a multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of a multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a section view of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14 , taken along line  15 - 15 ; 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  are side and bottom views of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom elevational view of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a top elevational view of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a section view of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevational view of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14  in an extended configuration; 
         FIG. 23  is a top elevational view of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14  in an extended configuration; 
         FIG. 24  shows an exploded view of the multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 25  is a top elevational view of a multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 26   a - f  show additional photographs of a multi-functional bartender&#39;s tool in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with references to the accompanying Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, various embodiments of the invention (whether or not specifically described herein) may include novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the invention herein described. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a combination tool is provided which includes a measuring element, such as a shot cup or similar measuring device, a juicing element, at least one knife, a cork screw, a lever, and at least one zesting element. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the combination tool can also include a second zesting element, an additional knife or knives, a knife locking mechanism, a spout or pouring element, and a bottle opener. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the aforementioned elements may be provided in any combination (or sub-combination) and that fewer or greater of the elements described may be provided, while still enjoying the benefits of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the invention preferably includes a top handle  98  and a bottom handle  96 . The top handle  98  is preferably connected to a measuring/shot cup or  52  or similar type element at one end and the bottom handle  96  is preferably connected to a juicing element  64  or similar type element at one end. The measuring cup  52  and the juicing element  64  are hingedly connected to each other by a hinge  62 . Preferably, the measuring cup  52  and the juicing element  64  are both “bowl-shaped” (similar to a half sphere), but persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciated that they may be provided in any size, shape and/or configuration in order to provide the benefits realized by the present invention. 
     Preferably, the measuring cup  52  serves dual functions. First, the interior portion of the measuring cup  52  is capable of measuring things such as liquid to be poured into a drink. The measuring cup may be provided in different sizes in order to measure differing amounts, depending on the intended use of the device. In addition, the bottom exterior portion of the measuring cup serves as a press for applying pressure to an item to be squeezed in the juicing element. In this regard, the measuring cup  52  preferably fits into or seats within the juicing element  64  in a desired relationship such that the bottom of the measuring cup  52  acts as a press capable of pressing or squeezing fruit or other thing to be pressed/squeezed which is placed in the interior portion of the juicing element. A user may preferably grip the top handle and the bottom handle in one hand, and squeeze the handles together in order to press the measuring cup and the juicing element together. The hinge  62  connecting the measuring cup and the juicing element allows the handles to be squeezed together. When an item such as fruit is provided in the interior portion of the juicer, the fruit is squeezed between the bottom portion of the measuring cup and the interior portion of the juicer, thus causing juice to be extracted from the fruit. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handles are used to press or squeeze the measuring cup  52  and the juicing element together. The handles are also useful for a user of the device to hold the tool steady when pouring liquid into the measuring cup or for holding the tool in a user&#39;s hand while performing any of the tasks discussed herein and using any of the tools provided on the device. 
     Preferably, the juicing element  64  is provided with openings or holes  66  which allow fruit juice or any other extracted/squeezed liquid to drain out of the juicing element into another apparatus such as a cup or similar device. The juicing element may also be provided with a juicing spout element  58  which connects to the openings or holes so that the liquid which drains from the openings is poured out of spout element. The juicing spout element allows a user to easily pour the extracted/squeezed liquid without excessive spilling or mess since the spout controls the flow of the liquid from the juicing element of the tool. 
     The present invention also preferably includes a cork screw or extractor  48  which is hingedly connected to the bottom exterior portion of the juicing element, at the location where the bottom handle is connected to the juicing element. The cork screw may preferably be in a retracted/closed orientation ( FIG. 16 ) or alternatively in an extended/open orientation ( FIG. 23 ). When extended or open, the cork screw preferably extends downward and generally perpendicular to the bottom handle of the tool. When retracted or closed, the cork screw preferably is positioned along and generally parallel to bottom handle of the tool. 
     The cork screw is preferably used for opening bottles which are closed or sealed with a cork device in the neck of the bottle. In order to open such a bottle, the cork screw is first opened or extended so that the cork screw is generally perpendicular to the bottom handle of the tool. A user then grasps the bottom handle of the tool and the juicer element, places the tip of the cork screw into the cork of the bottle, and twists the tool while applying a downward pressure to the tool. This causes the cork screw to be twisted into the cork. In order to remove the cork from the bottle, a lever  82  is also provided on the tool. A user places the lever on the edge of the bottle neck, pulls the bottom handle upward, which causes the cork screw to pull the cork out of the neck of the bottle. The cork may then be removed from the cork screw by twisting the cork in the opposite direction around the cork screw until the tip of the cork screw is withdrawn from the cork. 
     Preferably, the lever  82  is provided on the bottom exterior portion of the juicing element such that when the lever is in a closed or retracted orientation ( FIG. 17 ), the lever is placed over a portion of the cork screw. When the lever is in an extended or opened orientation ( FIG. 22 ), it is preferably generally parallel to the opened or extended cork screw orientation. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bottle opener  56  is provided on the hinge  62  which connects the measuring cup and the juicing element. The bottle opener  56  is used for opening bottle cap style bottles. Persons of ordinary skill will understand that the bottle opener may be provided on any portion of the tool while still providing the benefits of the invention. 
     The present invention is preferably provided with one or more zesting elements such as element  94 . The zesting element is preferably attached to an exterior side portion of the juicing element. The zester may be provided with one or more holes or openings in order to scrape or grate the skin of a fruit or like item. One or more additional zesting elements  54  may be provided at any convenient location, such as on the opposite exterior side portion of the juicing element. Persons of ordinary skill will understand that the number of zesting elements provided or the number of openings in those zesting elements may vary depending on the intended use of the tool. It may be desirable, for example, to have a zesting element with four holes and another zesting element with only one hole. In addition persons of ordinary skill will appreciate that the zesting element(s) may be provided on any portion of the tool, such as the top handle or bottom handle, while still enjoying the many benefits provided for by the invention. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the bottom handle forms a housing which houses a serrated knife  74  and a non-serrated knife  68 . Preferably, the knives are pivotably attached to one end of the bottom handle such that they can be moved from a closed or retracted orientation ( FIG. 19 ) to an opened or extended orientation ( FIG. 23 ). In addition, the tool preferably includes a knife locking mechanism  72  which temporarily holds the knives in their closed or retracted orientation until a user pulls them out from the bottom handle housing into their opened or extended orientation. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that fewer or additional knives may be provided and that the type of knife provided may vary depending on the desired need. In addition, persons of ordinary skill will appreciate that the knife(s) may alternatively be provided on the top handle, or any other suitable location on the tool. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the tool may be provided with many other types of elements other than those described above. For example, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the tool may be provided with a melon baller  88  or other similar type element. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the possible elements which can be included on the combination tool are endless, and they are not limited to those disclosed herein. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the tool may include extendable handles  92  whose length is adjustable depending on the needs of the user and the size of the user&#39;s hand. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any other elements included on the tool may be made to be extendable/adjustable in size or length, and still be within the scope of the present invention. 
     The invention preferably provides some form of all-in-one bar/cooking/etc. tool. Preferably, within a single device users will have the benefits of multiple functions, such as a combination and/or sub-combination(s) of one or more knives (the knives being of the same and/or varying types, such as serrated, regular blade, etc.); one or more zesters (with varying features such as one or more small/large/combination of holes), one or more bottle openers (for different types and sizes of bottles), one or more cork screws (with associated levers or other elements to provide desirable leverage), one or more measuring elements (such as for 1 shot), and the ability to squeeze fruit or other things. 
     The tool  10  preferably is fabricated from a relatively stable, non-contaminating, easily cleanable material or materials, including by way of example aluminum and stainless steel, plastics, or the like. Many embodiments of the tool preferably provide space saving and convenience in various activities (such as cooking, drink-making or the like), and can be cheaper to buy than purchasing the tools separately. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , the tool  20  includes a lime squeezer  22  having a squeezing portion  24  and a handle  26 , wherein the squeezing portion  24  includes a press  28  and a strainer  30  hingedly connected to one another, the press  28  including a cup  32  configured for use as a measuring cup or shot cup. 
     The tool  20  further includes a bottle opener  34 , a cork screw  36 , a knife  38 , and a zester  40 , all coupled to the tool  20 , wherein the cork screw  36 , the knife  38 , and the zester  40  are hingedly or retractably coupled to the handle  26  and are shown in an extended orientation in  FIG. 1 . The cork screw  36 , the knife  38 , and the zester  40  may alternatively be retracted, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The handle  26  of the tool  20  may further include a hand grip  42 . 
       FIGS. 5-9  show the zester  40  ( FIG. 5 ), the knife  38  ( FIG. 6 ), the bottle opener  34  ( FIG. 7 ), the cork screw  36  ( FIG. 8 ), and the pin  44  ( FIG. 9 ) components decoupled from the tool  20 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show a retracting device  46  for retractable coupling of the cork screw  36 , the knife  38 , and the zester  40  to the handle  26  in the tool  20 . 
     Although the methods of the invention are described herein with steps occurring in a certain order, the specific order of the steps, or any continuation or interruption between steps, is not necessarily intended to be required for any given method of practicing the invention. 
     The apparatus and methods of the present invention have been described with some particularity, but the specific designs, constructions, and steps disclosed are not to be taken as delimiting of the invention. Modifications and further alternatives will make themselves apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, all of which will not depart from the essence of the invention and all such changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the appended claims.