Clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor

• US 20060053638A1
• Filed: 09/10/2004
• Published: 03/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Carla Sumner-Trivisani, Scott Trivisani
• Original Assignee: Carla Sumner-Trivisani, Scott Trivisani
• Inventors: Sumner-Trivisani, Carla, Trivisani, Scott
• Application Number:
  US10/938,212
• Publication Number:
  US 20060053638A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 30/298.400
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 21/02 Forks; Forks with ejectors; Combined forks and spoons; Salad servers
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 21/145 Holders for table utensils attachable to plates, jars or the like attachable to cooking pots A47J43/287

Abstract

Clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor, wherein the handle end of the utensil incorporates a clip for securing the utensil to the edge of a plate, bowl, glass or cup. The clip portion of the utensil is opened and subsequently positioned over the tableware edge, wherein the clip is subsequently released; thereby, gripping the edge of the tableware and securing the utensil thereon. Various alternative clipping means are described.

Claims

1. An eating utensil comprising:

an integrally-formed first retaining member comprising a clip adapted to secure said eating utensil on a unit of tableware, wherein said eating utensil comprises a handle having an aperture therein, and wherein said aperture permits movement of said integrally-formed first retaining member therethrough and therewithin.

2. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein said eating utensil comprises a food handling member, handle, and a gripping member.

3. The eating utensil of claim 2, wherein said integrally-formed first retaining member is carried by said handle.

4. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein said integrally-formed first retaining member comprises a push button means for opening said integrally-formed first retaining member.

5. The eating utensil of claim 4, wherein said push button means for opening comprises a convex surface and a concave surface.

6. The eating utensil of claim 5, comprising a plurality of eating utensils, wherein said plurality of eating utensils comprises a means for nesting together.

7. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein said clip comprises serrated jaws.

8. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein said clip comprises a pen-like clip.

9. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein said eating utensil further comprises a second integrally-formed retaining member.

10. The eating utensil of claim 9, wherein said second integrally-formed retaining member comprises a means for retaining a napkin.

11. The eating utensil of claim 10, wherein said means for retaining a napkin comprises a loop member.

12. The eating utensil of claim 10, wherein said means for retaining a napkin comprises a means for clipping.

13. The eating utensil of claim 10, wherein said means for retaining a napkin comprises a gap and tab arrangement.

14. A method of transporting utensils, said method comprising the steps of:

a. obtaining at least one utensil having an integrally-formed clip, wherein said at least one utensil comprises a handle having an aperture therein, and wherein said aperture permits movement of said integrally-formed clip therethrough and therewithin; and

b. placing said integrally-formed clip over the edge of a unit of tableware.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

a′

. opening said integrally-formed clip; and

b′

. releasing said integrally-formed clip, whereby said integrally-formed clip secures said at least one utensil to the unit of tableware.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said integrally-formed clip comprises an opening member, and wherein said step of opening said integrally-formed clip further comprises the step of applying pressure to said opening member, whereby said clip is opened.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said opening member comprises a round member.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said at least one utensil comprises at least a second utensil having a second round member, and wherein said round member is adapted to receive and secure said second round member.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of nesting said at least one utensil and said at least a second utensil together.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein said integrally-formed clip comprises gripping teeth, and wherein said opening member comprises a lever.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one utensil further comprises a means for retaining a napkin.

22. A food transporting system comprising:

a unit of tableware; and

a clip-on utensil, wherein said clip-on utensil comprises an integrally-formed securing member, wherein said clip-on utensil comprises a handle having an aperture therein, and wherein said aperture permits movement of said integrally-formed securing member therethrough and therewithin.