Abstract:
The present invention discloses a multi-functional cooking utensil that can be used as a spatula tool, a tongs tool and fork tool where all three tools are integrated as the one utensil that may be useful at the kitchen and/or at the barbecue stand. One part of the utensil may the fork tool comprising of at least two tines and the second part may be the spatula head, wherein the integration of the two parts in a closed position create a spatula, and the open positions may enable using the utensil as a fork and/or a pair of tongs. To enable shifting from one position to another, the handle of the utensil may be made of two flexibly joined parts enabling to separate the tines from one another and/or from the spatula head part, depending upon embodiments of the invention.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/834,487 filed on Aug. 1, 2007, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to cooking utensils, and more specifically to such devices that efficiently combine a spatula, tongs, and a fork in a single tool. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are endless options when purchasing kitchen utensils and barbecue tools. When choosing cooking utensils, it is important to choose items that are both functional and efficient. Among the most useful are the spatula (or the turner), the cooking fork, and the tongs. 
         [0004]    The spatula, equipped with a wide, flat head, is a versatile utensil used for a multitude of tasks including lifting, removing and flipping cooking food. An important feature of any cooking spatula is the thin front edge that allows the spatula to be inserted easily beneath the food without damaging or piercing the food. 
         [0005]    Large cooking forks oftentimes have two or more sharp prongs and are useful both for checking the tenderness of cooking food and for lifting the food from a cooking surface. 
         [0006]    Tongs provide an efficient way to handle food that needs to be picked up, turned and removed without piercing the food. This is a particularly useful feature when cooking delicate items such as fish, which may fall apart if not handled gently. 
         [0007]    Each of these tools, on its own, is quite useful and, in fact, many consider them to he essential at the grill. However, it is not always efficient to use many separate tools, maybe because one can never find the necessary tool at the necessary time, or maybe simply because the funds or space is lacking. When one is barbecuing, the lack of space is far too often a problem. Trying to juggle multiple tools while also tending to food cooking over hot flames may even be dangerous. 
         [0008]    The related ant has attempted to address some of these issues in various manners. Illustrative of such attempts are U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,721 by Walde Armin and US2001045753 by Lewis Davidson W., both of which disclose combined spatula and tong devices where one part of the tongs is a spatula and the other part may either be another spatula or a fork. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention discloses a multi-functional cooking utensil that can be used as a turner spatula tool (a substantially flat utensil that allows lifting and turning of edible substances such as meat) and as a tongs tool where all tools are integrated as the one utensil that may be useful at the kitchen and/or at the barbecue stand. One part of the utensil may be a fork tool comprising of at least two tines, the second part may be the spatula head. The integration of the two parts in a meshed position may create a spatula tool, and the unmeshed position may create a tongs tool. 
         [0010]    According to embodiments of the invention, the multifunction cooking utensil may comprise two flexibly connected parts, wherein the shape of each part allows the two parts to mesh such that when the utensil is in the closed position, one part sits within the second part and the two parts combine into a single tool that has a substantially flat surface. 
         [0011]    According to some embodiments of the present invention, the utensil may have three separate operating positions, enabling to use the utensil in at least three functions: (a) in a first, closed meshed position, the utensil functions as a spatula tool, (b) in a second, open unmeshed vertical position, the utensil functions as a fork, and (c) in a third, open unmeshed horizontal position, the utensil functions as a pair of tongs. 
         [0012]    Additionally, the handle of the utensil may bifurcated, comprising of two elongated, relatively narrow first branch and second branch. The handle may terminates on one side in the spatula head connected to the first branch and on the other side in at least two tines connected to the second branch creating the fork tool. The branches may be flexibly joined composing the handle, by means that enable easily shifting from one position to another and from one use of the utensil to another. 
         [0013]    Additionally, the first branch and second the second branch may terminate in a plurality of substantially planar parallel strips, wherein said parallel strips may be interposed such that when the multi-function utensil is in the closed position, a spatula tool with a flat, regular surface is created. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The subject matter regarded as the invention will become mole clearly understood in light of the ensuing description of embodiments herein, given by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the present invention only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention equipped with an intersecting handle, a spatula head, and tines, in the closed position, wherein the invention may function as a spatula; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 1 , in an opened, horizontal position, wherein the invention may function as a fork; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 , in the opened, horizontal position, wherein the invention may function as a fork and 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 , in the opened, vertical position, wherein the invention may function as tongs. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention equipped with a folded handle, a spatula head, and tines, in the closed position, wherein the invention may function as a spatula. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 5 , the opened, horizontal position, wherein the invention may function as a fork. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention equipped with a folded handle and a plurality of parallel strips, in the closed position, wherein the invention may function as a spatula. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 7 , in the opened, vertical position, wherein the invention may function as tongs. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    The drawings together with the description make apparent to those skilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in practice. 
         [0024]    No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. 
         [0025]    It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    An embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. 
         [0027]    Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. 
         [0028]    Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. 
         [0029]    It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. 
         [0030]    The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. 
         [0031]    It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description below. 
         [0033]    It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. 
         [0034]    The phrase “consisting essentially of”, and grammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed as excluding additional components, steps, features, integers or groups thereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, device or method. 
         [0035]    If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. 
         [0036]    It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element. 
         [0037]    It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. 
         [0038]    Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. 
         [0039]    Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks, 
         [0040]    The term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. 
         [0041]    The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. 
         [0042]    Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. 
         [0043]    The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein, 
         [0044]    The terms “bottom”, “below”, “top” and “above” as used herein do not necessarily indicate that a “bottom” component is below a “top” component, or that a component that is “below” is indeed “below” another component or that a component that is “above” is indeed “above” another component. As such, directions, components or both may be flipped, rotated, moved in space, placed in a diagonal orientation or position, placed horizontally or vertically, or similarly modified. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the terms “bottom”, “below”, “top” and “above” may be used herein for exemplary purposes only, to illustrate the relative positioning or placement of certain components, to indicate a first and a second component or to do both. 
         [0045]    Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. 
         [0046]    Presented herein is a multiple function cooking utensil  10  that may provide a user with several separate utensils in a single unit that may be efficient, simple and convenient to operate. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, multi-function utensil  10  may have three positions and three corresponding functions. In the closed position, multi-function utensil  10  may be used as a spatula tool  50  for scooping, flipping, lifting, and other such activities. In the opened, horizontal position, multifunction utensil  10  may be used as a fork tool  60  for lifting or otherwise manipulating, for example, hamburgers. In the opened, vertical position, multi-function utensil  10  may be used as a tongs tool  70  for gripping and lifting, for example, hot dogs. 
         [0047]    Referring now in detail to the accompanying drawings, wherein  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  describe various views of an embodiment of the present invention, in which multi-function utensil  10  may comprise a handle  20  that may terminate on one side in a spatula head  40  and may terminate on the other in at least two tines  30 . Handle  20  provides an area for the user to grasp multi-function utensil  10 . According to some embodiments, handle  20  may be bifurcated, comprised of two elongated, relatively narrow branches, a first branch  22  and a second branch  24 . Handle  20  may be made of any heat-resistant material such as, for example, stainless steel, wood, plastic, etc. 
         [0048]    According to some embodiments, first branch  22  and second branch  24  may be flexibly joined at one end of handle  20  by means of, for example, springy material, a hinge, a spring, etc., as seen in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8 . According to some other embodiments, first branch  22  and second branch  24  may be flexibly joined in a manner resembling scissors, as seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 . The pressure required to operate handle  20  may be small enough that multi function utensil  10  may be opened and closed easily. The closed and meshed position of utensil  10  may create the spatula tool  50  and the open and unmeshed position may create the tongs tool  70 . 
         [0049]    Handle  20  of multi-function utensil  10  may further provide a method for operating multifunction tool  10 . According to some embodiments, wherein handle  20  is normally open, pressing together first branch  22  and second branch  24  may enable the use of tongs tool  70  and holding handle  20  closed may enable the use of spatula tool  50 . According to some other embodiments, wherein handle  20  is normally closed, moving first branch  22  and second branch  24  apart may enable the use of tongs tool  70 , and holding handle  20  open may enable the use of fork tool  60 . 
         [0050]    According to some embodiments, the second end of, for example, first branch  22  may terminate in at least two substantially acicular tines  30 , as seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 . 
         [0051]    According to alternative embodiments of the invention, multi-function utensil  10  may have more than two tines  30 . Tines  30  of some embodiments of multi-function utensil  10  may be less slender or may have another shape, for example, substantially dull. Tines  30  may be made of any materials suitable for using with consumable items, wherein such materials may include, for example, flexible silicon, stainless steel, plastic, etc. 
         [0052]    According to some embodiments of multi-function utensil  10 , the second end of, for example, second branch  24  may terminate in a spatula head  40  that may be substantially thin and flat. Some embodiments of multi-function utensil  10  may have a spatula head  40  with one or more slots or openings thereon. Spatula head  40  of some embodiments of multi-function utensil  10  may have one or more sharp edges. According to some embodiments, spatula head  40  may be flexible; in other embodiments, spatula head  40  may be substantially rigid. Spatula head  40  may be made of any heat-resistant material that is also suitable for using with consumable items, wherein such materials may include, for example, flexible silicon, stainless steel, plastic, etc. 
         [0053]    According to other embodiments, the second end of, for example, first branch  22  or second branch  24  or both may terminate in a plurality of substantially planar parallel strips  45 , as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8  wherein parallel strips  45  of each branch  22  and  24  may, for example, be positioned such that when multi-function utensil  10  is in the closed position, a spatula tool  50  with a flat, regular surface may be created. Parallel strips  45  may be made of any heat-resistant material that may also be suitable for using with consumable items, wherein such materials may include, for example, flexible silicon, stainless steel, plastic, etc. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the ends of both first branch  22  and second branch  24  may terminate in spatula heads  40 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the ends of both first branch  22  and second branch  24  may terminate in a plurality of tines  30 , wherein tines  30  of each branch  22  and  24  may, for example, be positioned such that a spatula tool  50  with a flat, regular surface may be created when multi-function utensil  10  is in the closed position. 
         [0055]    In order to more fully describe the present invention, the following describes three functions of multi-function utensil  10 . 
         [0056]    In the closed position, spatula head  40  sits snugly between tines  30 , creating a substantially single-planed spatula tool  50  with a regular surface, as described in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  7 . When multi-function utensil  10  is in the closed position, this feature allows the user to easily slide spatula tool  50  of multi-function utensil  10  under an item that requires lifting. 
         [0057]    In the opened, vertical position, handle  20  of multifunction utensil  10  is cupped in the user&#39;s hand  80  such that the flat upper side of handle  20  sits under the thumb  82 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Holding multi-function utensil  10  in this fashion, positions tines  30  and spatula head  40  in substantially vertical positions. 
         [0058]    Additionally, spatula head  40  is separated from and positioned substantially above tines  30 . This positioning is shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  6 . In this opened, vertical position, tines  30  may be used alone as a fork tool  60  for holding, lifting, or otherwise manipulating, for example, food. 
         [0059]    By grasping handle  20  of multi-function utensil  10  in the hand  80  of the user such that tines  30  and spatula head  40  are substantially vertical, in the opened, horizontal position, multi-function utensil  10  may be used as a tongs tool  70 . 
         [0060]    Alternatively, said opened, horizontal positioning may be achieved holding multi-function utensil  10  in the afore described opened, vertical position, and rotating the user&#39;s hand  80 , for example, approximately 90 degrees. The resulting positioning, shown in  FIG. 4 , may allow tines  30  to function together with spatula head  40  as the grasping jaws of a tongs tool  70 . When functioning as a tongs tool  70 , spatula head  40  may, for example, be placed under an object to must be moved, and tines  30  may be, for example, pressed on top of said object, thereby securely grasping said object and keeping it stable during transport. 
         [0061]    According to other embodiments, in the closed position, parallel strips  45  of first branch  22  and parallel strips  45  of second branch  24  are interposed, creating a substantially single-planed spatula tool  50  with a regular surface, as described in  FIG. 7 . Accordingly, spatula tool  50  of such a multi-function utensil  10  may easily slide under an item that requires lifting.  FIG. 8  describes such an embodiment in an open, horizontal position, wherein multi-function utensil  10  may be used as a tongs tool  70 . 
         [0062]    According to embodiments of the present invention, there is the option to integrate a locking mechanism into multi-function utensil  10 , wherein said mechanism may lock handles in the open unmeshed position. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may lock a meshed closed position, which may facilitate storage and use of spatula tool  50 . 
         [0063]    Additionally, utensil  10  may further be attached to other cooking utensils such as a corkscrew, a knife and the like. 
         [0064]    Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the parts of the multi function utensil  10  may be integrated with and/or designed as a razor or a knife enabling to cut and/or slice the edible products. 
         [0065]    While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations, modifications, and applications that are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it is to be understood that alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention are to be construed as being within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.