Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for opening condiment packets, having a base and a support that define an opening to receive a condiment packet. A cutter subassembly connected to the support is used to cut the packet received in the opening. The cutter subassembly includes an upper body portion that releasably connects to the support, a lower body portion, a rod that extends through the upper and lower body portions, a handle connected to a top end of the rod, a cutter connected to a lower end of the rod, and a spring system that controls movement of the cutter and lower body portion relative to the upper body portion. The spring system causes the lower body portion to contact a received packet before the cutter cuts the packet, so that the contents of the packet can be urged away from the area to be cut before the cutting. In one example, the spring system includes springs having different spring constants to cause the lower body portion strikes the packet first. The spring system may include one or more extension springs connecting the upper and lower body portions and a compression spring connecting the lower body portion to the rod. A stabilizing rod may be used to keep the lower body portion and cutter aligned relative to the opening.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of household appliances. More particularly, it relates to apparatuses used to open small packages, such as condiment packets, by cutting or piercing the package. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and other vendors often distribute condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and relish in small, individual serving packets. To open the packets and use the condiments, the user must tear or cut the packet, sometimes along a perforated or weakened score line. Some users, such as small children, elderly individuals, or persons with arthritis, have difficulty tearing these packets open because the packets are so small and require a firm grip and a controlled tearing action to avoid spilling the contents. 
     One conventional way of opening the packets is to cut them. Some individuals may bring scissors or a knife with them to open the packets. Carrying scissors for this purpose is inconvenient, and causes other problems. The scissors or knife may not be sanitary and may cause the contents of the packet to spill upon opening. It is also not practical for small children who do not know how to use scissors. 
     Some restaurants dispense condiments using pumps connected to large containers of condiments. Such systems may be more desirable for those users who dine in the restaurant, but are not convenient for those who take their food to go. Also, such systems suffer from sanitary concerns, require frequent cleaning, and may result in excess waste when the condiments are left out all day. 
     What is needed is a more convenient way of dispensing condiments. In particular, what it needed is a more convenient way of opening condiment packets. 
     SUMMARY 
     A condiment packet opening apparatus is disclosed having a base, a support connected to the base, an upper body portion connected to the support, a rod coupled to the upper body portion, and a cutter connected to a lower end of the rod. The base and support define an opening for receiving a condiment packet. When the rod is urged downward, toward the base, the cutter strikes the packet received in the opening so that the contents of the packet may be removed. In one embodiment, a lower body portion is also connected to the rod. The lower body portion contacts the received packet before the cutter and urges the contents of the packet away from the portion of the packet to be cut. The upper body portion may be removably connected to the support. The apparatus may include a stabilizing rod or other means to keep the cutter and lower body portion aligned relative to the opening. One or more springs may be used to restore the cutter to a static position and to cause the lower body portion to contact the packet before the cutter. 
     An apparatus is also disclosed having a rod connected to a cutter and lower body portion. The apparatus also includes a means for urging the cutter and lower body portion toward a condiment packet, such as a handle on the end of the rod opposite the cutter. The apparatus also includes a means for causing a contact surface of the lower body portion to contact the condiment packet before the cutter contacts the packet. 
     A method is also disclosed for opening a condiment packet. A portion of a packet is received in an opening of an apparatus. The contents of the packet are urged away from the received portion by a lower body portion of the apparatus. The received portion of the packet is then cut using a cutter-disposed behind the lower body portion. 
     A method is also disclosed for opening a condiment packet by inserting the packet into an opening in an apparatus. A rod on the apparatus is urged downward toward the packet. A lower body portion of the apparatus is used to cause the contents of the packet to move away from a portion of the packet to be cut. A cutter is then used to cut the packet at the portion away from which contents were moved. 
     An apparatus is also disclosed for opening condiment packets, having a base and a support that define an opening to receive a packet. A guide on the base is used to direct a condiment packet toward the opening. A cutter subassembly connected to the support is used to cut the packet received in the opening. The cutter subassembly includes an upper body portion that releasably connects to the support, a lower body portion, a rod that extends through the upper and lower body portions, a handle connected to a top end of the rod, a cutter connected to a lower end of the rod, and a spring system that controls movement of the cutter and lower body portion relative to the upper body portion. The spring system causes the lower body portion to contact a received packet before the cutter cuts the packet, so that the contents of the packet can be urged away from the area to be cut before the cutting. In one example, the spring system includes springs having different spring constants to cause the lower body portion strikes the packet first. The spring system may include one or more extension springs connecting the upper and lower body portions and a compression spring connecting the lower body portion to the rod. In one embodiment, a stabilizing rod or other means is used to keep the lower body portion and blade aligned relative to the opening. 
    
    
     SUMMARY OR DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a condiment packet opening apparatus. 
     FIGS. 2A-B show more detailed views of the base of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 3A-D show more detailed views of a lower support of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 4A-B show more detailed views of an upper support of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 5A-D show more detailed views of the cutter subassembly of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 6A-B show more detailed views of a lower portion of the cutter shown in FIG. 1 
     FIG. 7 shows a more detailed view of the connection between the springs shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIGS. 8A-C show the operation of a lower body portion and a cutter in use with a condiment packet. 
     FIGS. 9A-C show a portion of a cutter subassembly having a stabilizing rod. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 shows an apparatus  10  having a base  20  and cutting assembly  21 . In one embodiment, the base  20  may be formed from a plastic material and may have approximate dimensions of three inches by five inches. The cutting assembly  21  includes a support including a lower support  30  connected to the base  20  and an upper support  40 . In one embodiment, the cutting assembly  21  may be approximately eight to twelve inches tall. The lower and upper supports  30 ,  40  are hollow and support a cutter subassembly  50  that moves relative to the lower and upper supports  30 ,  40 . In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower and upper supports  30 ,  40  are generally cylindrical, with the lower support  30  having a greater diameter than the upper support  40 , and the cutter subassembly  50  is also generally cylindrical and coaxial with the lower and upper supports  30 ,  40 . In one embodiment, the lower and upper supports  30 ,  40  may be formed from a plastic or metal tubing, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. 
     The cutter subassembly  50  includes a handle  60  connected to a rod  70 , which is connected in turn to a upper body portion  54 . The rod  70  is slidably connected to the upper body portion  54 , whereby the rod  70  moves relative to the upper body portion  54  along a central axis. Springs (not shown) or other devices urge the rod  70  to a static position relative to the upper body portion  54 . In the example of FIG. 1, the upper body portion  54  is generally cylindrical and has an outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of the upper support  40 . This allows the upper body portion  54  to fit snugly in the inside of the upper body portion  40 , while permitting the upper body portion  54  to slide relative to the upper support  40 . In the example shown in FIG. 1, the upper body portion  54  is removably connected to the upper support  40  with connecting members  52  that engage openings  45  in the upper support  40  and slide into a locked position  46  of the opening  46 . 
     The bottom portion of the lower support  30  defines an opening  26  adjacent to the base  20 . In use, condiment packets or similar items are inserted into the opening  26 . The rod  70  is urged downward, toward the base  20  by exerting a pressure on the handle  60 . A cutter (not shown) is connected to the lower end of the rod  70  and cuts the condiment packet. A lower body portion (not shown) is also connected to the lower end of the rod  70  and contacts the condiment packet before the cutter cuts the packet. In one embodiment, the lower body portion squeezes the contents of the packet away from the portion of the packet to be cut, holds the contents of the packet back while the cutter cuts the packet, and shields the cutter from the opening  26  to avoid injury to the user. The base  20  has two guides  22 ,  24  that direct a condiment packet toward the opening  26 . 
     FIG. 2A shows a more detailed diagram of the base  20  shown in FIG.  1 . In the embodiment shown, the base  20  is rectangular and has two generally perpendicular guides  22 ,  24  rigidly connected thereto. The base  20  in this example defines an opening  28  for connecting to the lower support  30 . In this example, the opening  28  is curved for receiving a portion of a curved cylinder in the base  20 . FIG. 2B shows a cross-section of the base  20  shown in FIG. 2A taken along the line  2 B- 2 B′. In the example of FIGS. 2A-B, the opening  28  passes through the base  20 . Other embodiments may use an opening  28  that passes only partly through the base  20 , or may include another means of connecting the base  20  to the cutting assembly  21 . In one example, the lower support  30  may be easily removed from the base  20  for cleaning. 
     FIGS. 3A-D show views of a lower support  30 . FIG. 3D is an isometric view of the front of the lower support  30 . In this example, the lower support  30  is generally cylindrical with a top opening  32  and a lower flange  34  that connects to the base  20  at the base opening  28 . The lower support  30  in this example is shaped like a PVC pipe having approximately half of the circumference cut away at one end to form the flange  34 . FIG. 3B is an isometric view of a side of the lower support  30 . FIG. 3C shows a cross-section of the lower support  30  shown in FIG. 3A along the line  3 C- 3 C′. As shown in FIG. 3D, the lower support  30  has an inside diameter A. FIG. 3D shows a cross-section of the lower support  30  shown in FIG. 3A along the line  3 D- 3 D′. 
     FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of an upper support  40 . In the example of FIG. 4A, the upper support  40  includes an opening  44  that receives the cutter subassembly  50 . Openings  45  with locking positions  46  are located at the top sides of the upper support  40 . In the example of FIG. 4A, the lower end of the upper support  40  includes a flange  42 . FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of the upper support  40  shown in FIG. 4A taken along the line  4 B- 4 B′. The upper support  40  is hollow and defines an opening  44 . The upper support  40  has an inside diameter B and an outside diameter C. 
     FIGS. 5A-D show a cutter subassembly  50 . FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a cutter subassembly  50  including a handle  60 , a rod  70 , an upper body portion  54 , and a lower body portion  56 . The lower end of the rod  70  is attached to a cutter  72  at a connection  71 . As used herein, a “cutter” refers to any device capable of making an opening in a plastic or metal packet. In one example, the cutter  72  may be a small razor blade. The connection  71  may be a removable connection  71  that allows the cutter  72  to be easily removed from the rod  70 , for example, to clean or change the cutter  72 . The lower body portion  56  includes a flange  58  that contacts the condiment packet before the cutter  72  cuts the packet. Connecting members  52  protrude from the upper body portion  54  to engage respective openings  45  in the upper support  40 . The rod  70  passes through openings  55 ,  57  in the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56  and is generally coaxial with the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56  are connected to each other by springs  80 ,  82  that allow the rod  70  and the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56  to move relative to each other at desired times. Specifically, the springs  80 ,  82  allow the flange  58  of the lower body portion  56  to contact the condiment packet before the cutter  72  contacts the packet. This allows the flange  58  to squeeze the contents of the packet away from the portion of the packet to be cut, so that the contents do not spray out when cut. The flange  58  may also hold the contents back while the cutter  72  cuts the packet. The flange  58  may also serve to hold the packet in place so that it does not move while the cutter  72  is moved toward it. The flange  58  may also serve as a guard to protect the user&#39;s fingers from being exposed to the cutter  72  when it is lowered. The flange  58  has a contact surface  59  that contacts the packet in use. 
     In the embodiment shown, washers  83 ,  85  are connected to the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56 , respectively. Tension springs  80  connect to the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56  at connecting points  86 ,  87  on the washers  83 ,  85 . The tension springs  80  urge the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56  back toward each other in a static position when the handle  60  is depressed by a user. A middle washer  84  is positioned around the rod  70  between the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56 . One or more connectors  89  connect the middle washer  84  to the rod  70 . The tension springs  80  pass through the middle washer  84  at holes  88 . A compression spring  82  is positioned around the rod  70  between the middle washer  84  and the lower body portion  56 . In one embodiment, the compression spring  82  has sufficient compression that, when the handle  60  is initially depressed, the compression spring  82  does not significantly compress, but instead urges the lower body portion  56  downward as the rod  70 ′ moves downward before contacting the packet. In this embodiment, the spring constant is greater for the compression spring  82  than for the tension springs  80 . When the flange  58  of the lower body portion  56  presses the packet against the base  20 , the compression spring  82  compresses causing the rod  70  and the cutter  72  to continue moving toward the base  20 . At this point, the rod  70  and the cutter  72  move relative to the lower body portion  56 . In one embodiment, when the handle  60  is released, the compression spring  82  reaches a static position before the tension springs  80  reach a static position. 
     In use, the rod  70  slides relative to the upper and lower body portions  54 ,  56 . The upper body portion  54  is fixed relative to the upper support  40  by the connecting members  52  engaging the openings  45  in the locked positions  46 . As the handle  60  is depressed, the rod  70  and the lower body portion  56  move relative to the upper body portion  54  until the flange  58  of the lower body portion  56  strikes the condiment packet, pressing it against the base  20 . The lower body portion  56  stops moving when it presses the packet against the base  20 , but the rod  70  continues to move relative to the upper body portion  54 , and begins to move relative to the lower body portion  56  until the cutter  72  contacts the packet and the base  20 . After the packet is cut, the user releases the pressure on the handle  60 , causing the rod  70  and lower body portion  56  to return to their static positions. 
     FIG. 5B shows a cross-section of the cutter subassembly  50  of FIG. 5A taken along the line  5 B- 5 B′. In this embodiment, the cutter  72  is a small razor blade removably connected to the lower end of the rod  70 . The lower body portion  56  has diameter D, which is slightly less than the inside diameter (C in FIG. 4B) of the upper support  40  in one embodiment. 
     FIG. 5C shows a cross-section of the cutter subassembly  50  of FIG. 5A taken along the line  5 C- 5 C′. As shown, the tension springs  80  connect to the lower body portion  56  at connectors  87 . The rod  70  passes through aperture  57 , and the compression spring  82  wraps around the rod  70  and abuts the washer  85 . 
     FIG. 5D shows a cross-section of the cutter subassembly  50  of FIG. 5D taken along the line  5 D- 5 D′. The rod  70  passes through aperture  55  in the upper body portion  54 . 
     FIG. 6A shows a front view of one embodiment of a lower end of a rod  70 , at which a cutter  72  is connected. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the cutter  72  is a razor blade  72  connected to the rod  70  with releasable connectors  95 . A flat spring  93  is used to hold the blade  72  in place. The flat spring  93  is fixedly connected to the rod  70  by a top connector  94  and exerts a force on the blade  72  toward the rod  70  to keep the blade  72  on the connectors  95 . To replace the blade  72  in this embodiment, the user deflects the lower end of the flat spring  93  outward, away from the rod  70 , removes the old blade  72  from the connectors  95 , places a new blade  72  on the connectors  95 , and releases the flat spring  93  back to position where it exerts a force on the new blade  72 . As shown in FIG. 6A, when the apparatus  10  is in a static position, the contact surface  59  extends beneath the blade  72  in this embodiment. FIG. 6B shows a side view of the end of the rod  70  shown in FIG.  6 A. 
     FIG. 7 shows a more detailed view of the area around the middle washer  84  of the example device shown in FIG.  5 A. The tension springs  80  pass through holes  88  in the middle washer  84  and the rod  70  passes through the middle of the middle washer  84 . A compression spring  82  wraps around the rod  70  abuts the middle washer  84 . One or more connectors ( 89  in FIG. 5A) hold the middle washer  84  next to the compression spring  82 . 
     FIGS. 8A-C show a cutaway view of one embodiment of a condiment cutting apparatus  10  in use. As shown, the flange  34  of the lower support  30  is received by the opening  28  in the base  20 . The flange  42  of the upper support  40  contacts the base  20  to prevent spilled condiments from leaking into the opening  28 . 
     In FIG. 8A, the cutter subassembly  50  is in a static state, before the handle  60  has been depressed. The tension springs (not shown) are in retracted states and the compression spring  70  is in an extended state as indicated. In this embodiment, the flange  58  on the lower body portion  56  extends lower than the cutter  72  in the static position. A ketchup packet has been inserted into the opening  26  of the apparatus  10 . A portion of the packet extends underneath the lower support  30 , the upper support  40 , the contact surface  59  of the flange  58 , and the cutter  72 . The shape of the packet indicates that the contents are distributed throughout the packet at this time. 
     In FIG. 8B, the handle (not shown) has been pushed downward causing the rod  70  to move toward the base  20  as indicated by the arrow. The tension springs (not shown) are now extended as the rod  70  has moved relative to the upper body portion (not shown). The compression spring  82  has not yet significantly compressed because it has sufficient compression to remain substantially extended until the flange  58  of the lower body portion  56  strikes the packet pressing it against the base  20 . The contact surface  59  of the flange  58  has contacted the packet causing the contents to move away from the area to be cut by the cutter  72 , toward the far end of the packet. This allows the cutter  72  to later cut the packet without cutting into the contents, thereby spilling the contents on the apparatus  10 . In one embodiment, the flange  58  substantially covers the opening  26 , thereby preventing any condiment contents from spraying out of the opening  26  and preventing a user&#39;s fingers from coming into contact with the cutter  72  when in use. 
     In FIG. 8C, the handle (not shown) is further depressed causing the rod  70  to move further toward the base  20 . Because the flange  58  has contacted the base  20 , the rod  70  and cutter  72  have moved relative to the lower body portion  56 . The compression spring  82  has compressed as indicated, and the cutter  72  has contacted the packet at a point from which the contents have been pushed away by the flange  58 . After the cut is made in the packet, the handle  60  is released, the springs  80 ,  82  return to their static state, and the packet may be removed from the opening  26 . To use the condiment; the user may simply squeeze the packet, urging the contents out of the opening created by the cutter. 
     One embodiment of the apparatus  10  ensures that the cutter  72  and the lower body portion  56  remain aligned relative to the opening  26 . This ensures that the contact surface  59  contacts the packet and prevents the user from contacting the cutter  72 . FIGS. 9A-C show one example of this embodiment in which the rod  70  is not permitted to significantly rotate relative to the upper body portion  54 . A stabilizing rod  90  is rigidly connected to the rod  70  at a point  91  near the handle  60 . The stabilizing rod  90  passes through an aperture  92  in the upper body portion  54 , and extends through the washer  83 . As shown in FIG. 9B, as the handle  60  and rod  70  are pushed relative to the upper body portion  54 , the stabilizing rod  90  slides through the opening  92 . In one embodiment, the connecting members  52  and their respective openings  45  in the upper support  40  are positioned such that the cutter  72  and the contact surface  59  must be aligned with the opening  26 . One skilled in the art will recognize that various means may be used to keep the cutter  72  and contact surface  59  aligned with the opening  26 , including but now limited to using a rod  70  having a non-round cross-section or using guides near the opening  26  to align the cutter  72  and/or contact surface  59  as they are moved toward the opening  26  in use. 
     Although the present invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, variations are possible. The present invention may be embodied in specific forms without departing from the essential spirit or attributes thereof. For example, the invention may include electric, electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic controls, or it may be operated manually. It is desired that the embodiments described herein be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive and that reference be made to the appended claims and their equivalents for determining the scope of the invention.