Patent Publication Number: US-7716842-B2

Title: Clip-on utensils and methods of use thereof

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
   To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present continuation-in-part application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Non-provisional Patent Application entitled CLIP-ON UTENSILS AND METHODS OF USE THEREFOR, filed on Sep. 10, 2004, now abandoned having Ser. No. 10/938,212, and of patent cooperation treaty application entitled CLIP-ON UTENSILS AND METHODS OF USE THEREFOR, filed on Sep. 8, 2005 having serial number PCT/US2005/031889. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to eating utensils, and more specifically to clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor, providing disposable eating utensils having an integral device for attachment of the utensils to other tableware, such as flatware and/or hollowware; thereby reducing encumbrance of the user by having to securely hold the utensils while retrieving or transporting food. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   It is often necessary for a diner to carry their plate and utensils while obtaining food from a central location, and then transport the acquired food back to a seating area. Such is often the case at buffets or picnics, where food plates and utensils are typically disposable. In addition to carrying a plate and utensils, the diner will typically require a napkin. 
   Accordingly, it often becomes difficult to hold a plate, utensils and/or napkin, while at the same time serving oneself from platters of food. It is therefore desirable to have some device and method to facilitate handling and transporting of acquired food, so as to free at least one hand for alternate use. 
   There are devices such as that of Peatross et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,711) that are utilized to support utensils. However, the Peatross et al. &#39;711 device retains the utensil in holes on the side of a basket, or within external slots on the basket, and is, as such, not suited for application to disposable plate/utensil combinations. 
   Other devices, such as that of Nivin (U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,403), are suited for attachment of utensils together via a nesting facility located on the utensils themselves. However, the device of Nivin &#39;403 lacks any means for attachment to a plate. 
   The knife of Glesser (U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,129) has a retaining clip incorporated therein; however, such a knife is not particularly suited as an eating utensil, and the clip is designed for retaining the knife within a pocket or upon a belt of the user. Moreover, the clip is an added component, beyond that required as a knife, that inconveniently requires assembly to the knife. 
   Buj (U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,033) teaches a set of children&#39;s eating utensils, such as spoons or spoon/fork combinations (‘sporks’) that have holes therein in order to fit the utensil over a peg on a plate, so as to retain the utensil thereon. However, while well suited for storage of the utensils in such a fashion, the utensils would obstruct the filling of such a plate while acquiring food from a buffet, wherein the pegs would obstruct the user during food consumption. 
   Hombach (U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,668) teaches a separate holding device for retention of utensils on cooking implements or on a bowl, wherein the holding device is attached via a clothespin or similar clipping device to retain the utensil in position on the bowl&#39;s edge. While the device of Hombach &#39;668 may be suited for retention of utensils in such a fashion, it requires components that must be assembled prior to use, thus significantly reducing the expeditious and convenient use and application of same. 
   Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor, so as to secure eating utensils, and/or napkin, to a plate, (or bowl, cup or glass); thus enabling the person/diner acquiring food to separately carry the plate, utensils, and/or napkin in one hand, while placing food on the plate and/or carrying other objects with the free hand. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor, wherein the eating utensils have a clip integrally-formed therewith that facilitates the securing of the utensil on the edge of a plate, bowl, cup or glass. 
   According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a variety of clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor, wherein the utensils have an integrally-formed securing clip, or the like, for securing to the edge of a plate, bowl or cup. The present invention further includes an optional napkin holder facility incorporated into the utensil, whereby a napkin is carried by the utensil while the utensil is secured to, and carried by, the plate, bowl, cup or glass. 
   More specifically, the present invention comprises clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor, wherein the handle end of the utensil incorporates a clip means for securing the utensil to the edge of a plate, bowl or cup. In the preferred embodiment, the clip is at approximately the mid-point of the handle and operates by pushing on a protuberance incorporated into the clip, which thereby opens the clip. The clip portion of the utensil is subsequently positioned over the tableware edge, and the clip is released; thereby, gripping the edge of the tableware and securing the utensil thereon. Various alternative clipping means are described. 
   Additionally, the structure of the clip permits nesting of several utensils together to provide compact storage and also prevents scattering and/or loss of the utensils. The utensil may include a napkin holder, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a hole through the handle or a clipping means within the handle adapted to removably secure or grasp a napkin therein. 
   In an alternate embodiment, the utensil has a handle, a base, a gripping member, a button, an aperture within the handle, a tip and an operative portion comprising a fork, knife, spoon or spork. The operative portion comprises a first surface and the tip comprises a second surface, wherein the first surface directionally restricts motion of the gripping member when the first surface is in contact with second surface. Gripping member can be moved out of the aperture in one direction only via pressure against button, wherein the tip of the gripping member is thereby moved away from the handle to permit insertion of the utensil over the edge of a piece of tableware. When pressure against the button is relaxed, the gripping member springingly returns into, but not through, the aperture, wherein contact is made between the first surface and the second surface, thereby preventing continuing movement of the gripping member through to theo other side of the aperture. Thus, when the gripping member is within the aperture, the gripping member and the handle form a solid surface that provides rigidity to the utensil, when same is utilized for eating. Weight of food or pressure of the utensil against an object pushes handle against gripping member, and the strengthened combination formed provides improved support over that which the handle alone can provide. 
   Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to permit a diner to carry utensils via securing same to other items of tableware, such as, for exemplary purposes only, plates, bowls, cups and/or glasses. Alternatively, the diner could secure the utensils to an article of clothing, or similar. 
   Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to secure an eating utensil, or set of eating utensils, namely a knife, fork, and spoon, on an item of tableware. 
   Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate the need to separately carry utensils when transporting food on or in an item of tableware. 
   Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to secure a napkin for transport. 
   Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to retain a napkin together with eating utensils, namely, a knife, fork and/or spoon. 
   A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to nest utensils, and provide the consequent low volume occupied by the utensils when nested together. 
   An additional feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be retained securely upon a piece of tableware until subsequently removed for use. 
   Yet a further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a stronger utensil in use, while still permitting the utensil to be clipped over a piece of tableware. 
   These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
       FIG. 1A  is a top view of a clip-on utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1B  is a side partial cross-sectional view of a clip-on utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, prior to operation of the clipping portion thereof; 
       FIG. 1C  is a side partial cross-sectional view of a clip-on utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after opening of the clipping portion thereof; 
       FIG. 1D  is a partial side cross-sectional view of a reverse clipping portion of a clip-on utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a clip-on utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in use and secured to tableware; 
       FIG. 3  is a side partial cross-sectional view of several clip-on utensils according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown nesting together; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of a gripping member portion of a clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of a clip member portion of a clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6A  is a top view of a napkin-holding portion of a clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6B  is a top view of a napkin-holding portion of a clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a fork clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7B  is a detail cross-sectional view of a clip portion of a fork clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8A  is a top view of a knife clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8B  is a side view of a knife clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8C  is a cross-sectional view of a knife clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, taken through section A-A of  FIG. 8A ; 
       FIG. 9A  is a top view of a spoon clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 9B  is a side view of a spoon clip-on utensil according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
   In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9B , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-3 , the present invention in a preferred embodiment is utensil  10 , wherein utensil  10  preferably comprises food handling member  20  disposed on handle  30 , and wherein utensil  10  further preferably comprises gripping member  40 . 
   Handle  30  preferably comprises first end  50 , second end  60  and middle  70 . Food handling member  20  is preferably in communication with first end  50 , and gripping member  40  is preferably in communication with middle  70 . 
   Gripping member  40  is preferably disposed on handle  30  of utensil  10 , wherein gripping member  40  preferably comprises push button  100 , flexible member  140  and grip  130 . Grip  30  is preferably either as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , or reversed as shown in  FIGS. 1D ,  2  and  3 , wherein the configuration is selected according to the configuration of edge E of tableware T. Grip  130  preferably lies in aperture  90 , wherein aperture  90  preferably permits movement of gripping member  40  therethrough and therewithin. 
   Attachment point  80  of flexible member  140  is preferably carried proximate second end  60  of handle  30 , wherein flexible member  140  is preferably contained within aperture  90  in handle  30 . Attachment point  80  preferably provides flexibility, permitting grip  130  of gripping member  40  to be moved out of the plane of middle  70 . Upon moving out of the plane of middle  70 , gripping member  40  preferably creates gap  150 , wherein gap  150  preferably receives edge E of tableware T. Upon release of gripping member  40 , gripping member  40  preferably tends to its original position, approximately coplanar with middle  70 , thereby causing grip  130  to retain any article placed therebetween. 
   In operation, after obtaining a utensil, diner D preferably depresses push button  100 , thereby causing flexible member  140  to move apart and open gripping member  40 . Gripping member  40  is preferably subsequently placed over the edge of tableware T and pressure on push button  100  is preferably relaxed, whereby gripping member  40  attempts to return to its original position, thereby preferably firmly gripping tableware T, and securing utensil  10  to tableware T. 
   Push button  100  preferably is round and has first side  110  and second side  120 , wherein push button  100  is preferably convex-shaped on first side  110  and concave-shaped on second side  120  thereof, and wherein first side  110  and second side  120  of two different units of utensil  10  are preferably complementary, and, thus, may be cooperatively engaged. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that first side  110  could be concave and second side  120  could be convex, without departing from the present invention. 
   Grip  130  preferably comprises first side  160  and second side  170 , wherein first side  160  is preferably concave and second side  170  is preferably convex, and wherein second side  170  and first side  160  of two different units of utensil  10  are preferably complementary, and, thus, may be cooperatively engaged. Grip  130  could be any shape suitable to grip tableware T. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that first side  160  could be convex and second side  170  could be concave to facilitate gripping of different-shaped tableware T, without departing from the present invention. 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 3 , placement of utensils  10 A and  10 B together preferably results in convex side  110 B of utensil  10 B resting proximate concave side  120 A of utensil  10 A. Further, second side  170 A of utensil  10 A preferably rests proximate first side  160 B of utensil  10 B. Positioning of utensils  10 B and  10 B together preferably prevents lateral movement thereof, thereby securing utensils  10 A and  10 B together. 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 4 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of utensil  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 4  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 4  comprises utensil  200 , wherein utensil  200  comprises serrated-jaw clip  210 , and handle end  280 . Serrated-jaw clip  210  has lever  220 , grip  230 , and pivot point  270 . Grip  230  comprises upper jaw  240  and lower jaw  250 , wherein upper jaw  240  and lower jaw  250  comprise gripping teeth  290 , and wherein upper jaw  240  and lower jaw  250  form opening  260  therebetween upon manual separation. Specifically, pressing lever  220  towards handle end  280  causes jaws  240  and  250  to separate and form opening  260 . Upon release of lever  220 , jaws  240  and  250  tend to their approximate original position and removably grip anything placed therebetween, such as, for exemplary purposes only, tableware T. It will be recognized by those in the art that clip  210  could comprise non-serrated jaws without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is further contemplated that clip  210 , in a serrated or non-serrated jaw design, could comprise rubber foam or other suitable frictional substrate coated over jaws  240 ,  250 , so as to enable retention of utensil  200  on glass or other low-frictional surface tableware. 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 5 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of utensil  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 5  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 5  comprises utensil  300 , wherein utensil  300  comprises handle end  310 , pen clip  320 , protuberance  330  and pivot point  340 . Pulling pen clip  320  away from handle end  310  results in opening of gap  350 , whereby any article placed into gap  350  will be removably secured to utensil  300  by protuberance  330  upon relaxation of pen clip  320 . 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 6A , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of utensil  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 6A  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  comprises utensil  10 , wherein utensil  10  comprises handle  410 . Handle  410  has aperture  430  formed through handle end  420  thereof, Wherein insertion of a napkin into aperture  430  results in retention of the napkin by utensil  400 . 
     FIG. 6B  depicts a further alternate embodiment of utensil  10 , wherein an alternate means is utilized to secure a napkin to utensil  10 . Replacing aperture  430  of  FIG. 6A , is gap  450 , comprising tab  440  disposed proximate thereto. Insertion of a napkin through gap  450 , or under tab  440 , results in retention of the napkin by utensil  400 . 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 7A-7B , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of utensil  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7B  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7B  comprises utensil  500 , wherein utensil  500  comprises handle  510 , base  520 , gripping member  530 , button  540 , aperture  550 , tip  560  and fork  570 . Handle  510  further comprises first surface  580  and tip  560  further comprises second surface  590 , wherein first surface  580  directionally restricts motion of gripping member  530  when first surface  580  is in contact with second surface  590 . Thus, gripping member  530  can be moved out of aperture  550  upon pressure against button  540 , wherein tip  560  of gripping member  530  is moved away from handle  510  to permit insertion of utensil  500  over edge E of tableware T (as similarly shown for utensil  10  in  FIG. 2 ). When pressure against button  540  is relaxed, gripping member  530  springingly returns into, but not through, aperture  550 , wherein contact between first surface  580  and second surface  590  impedes continued movement of gripping member  530  through aperture  550  past said first surface  580 . Thus, gripping member  530  and handle  510  form a solid surface that provides rigidity to utensil  500 , when same is utilized for eating, wherein pressure exerted by weight of food on fork  570  pushes handle  510  against gripping member  530 , and wherein first surface  580  and second surface  590  are in contact, and wherein the strengthened combination formed provides improved support over that which handle  510  alone can provide. 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 8A-8C , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of utensil  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 8A-8C  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIGS. 8A-8C  comprises utensil  600 , wherein utensil  600  comprises handle  610 , base  620 , gripping member  630 , button  640 , aperture  650 , tip  660  and knife blade  670 . Handle  610  further comprises first surface  680  and tip  660  further comprises second surface  690 , wherein first surface  680  directionally restricts motion of gripping member  630  when first surface  680  is in contact with second surface  690 . Thus, gripping member  630  can be moved out of aperture  650  upon pressure against button  640 , wherein tip  660  of gripping member  630  is moved away from handle  610  to permit insertion of utensil  600  over edge E of tableware T (as similarly shown for utensil  10  in  FIG. 2 ). When pressure against button  640  is relaxed, gripping member  630  springingly returns into, but not through, aperture  650 , wherein contact between first surface  680  and second surface  690  impedes continued movement of gripping member  630  through aperture  650  past said first surface  680 . Thus, gripping member  630  and handle  610  form a solid surface that provides rigidity to utensil  600 , when same is utilized for actions such as buttering bread, wherein pressure exerted by force of knife blade  670  pushes handle  610  against gripping member  630 , wherein first surface  680  and second surface  690  are in contact, and wherein the strengthened combination formed provides improved support over that which handle  610  alone can provide. 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 9A-9B , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of utensil  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 9A-9B  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIGS. 9A-9B  comprises utensil  700 , wherein utensil  700  comprises handle  710 , base  720 , gripping member  730 , button  740 , aperture  750 , tip  760  and spoon bowl  770 . Handle  710  further comprises first surface  780  and tip  760  further comprises second surface  790 , wherein first surface  780  directionally restricts motion of gripping member  730  when first surface  780  is in contact with second surface  790 . Thus, gripping member  730  can be moved out of aperture  750  upon pressure against button  740 , wherein tip  760  of gripping member  730  is moved away from handle  710  to permit insertion of utensil  700  over edge E of tableware T (as similarly shown for utensil  10  in  FIG. 2 ). When pressure against button  740  is relaxed, gripping member  730  springingly returns into, but not through, aperture  750 , wherein contact between first surface  780  and second surface  790  impedes continued movement of gripping member  730  through aperture  750  past said first surface  780 . Thus, gripping member  730  and handle  710  form a solid surface that provides rigidity to utensil  700 , when same is utilized for lifting and/or containing food within spoon bowl  770 , wherein pressure exerted by force of spoon bowl  770  pushes handle  710  against gripping member  730 , and wherein first surface  780  and second surface  790  are in contact, and wherein the strengthened combination formed provides improved support over that which handle  710  alone can provide. 
   It is envisioned in an alternate embodiment of the present invention that the napkin could be retained by a clip, and that such a clip could be integrally-formed to the handle of a utensil. 
   It is envisioned in a further alternate embodiment of the present invention that other styles of utensils could comprise an integrally-formed clip, such as, for exemplary purposes only, spatulas, and/or chopsticks. 
   The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.