Clip-on utensils and methods of use thereof

• US 7,716,842 B2
• Filed: 09/13/2006
• Issued: 05/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Carla Sumner-Trivisani, Scott Trivisani
• Original Assignee: Carla Sumner-Trivisani, Scott Trivisani
• Inventors: Sumner-Trivisani, Carla, Trivisani, Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Ashley; Boyer D
• Assistant Examiner(s): Patel; Bharat C
• Application Number:
  US11/520,393
• Publication Number:
  US 20070006470A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,343 Days
• Field of Search: 301/23, 301/42, 301/43, 303/24, 303/27, 164/22, 164/25, 224/269
• US Class Current: 30/324
• 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. When at rest, the clip portion forms a planar combination with the handle thereby imparting strength to the combination over that of the handle alone. 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, and a push button means for opening said integrally-formed first retaining member, wherein said push button means for opening comprises a convex surface and a concave surface, wherein said eating utensil comprises a handle having therein an opening, and wherein said handle comprises a first surface and said integrally-formed first retaining member comprises a tip having a second surface that impedes travel of said second surface past said first surface upon contact of said second surface with said first surface, and wherein said impeded travel directionally restricts said tip from passing through said opening, and wherein said opening permits movement of said integrally-formed first retaining member therewithin, a means for nesting a plurality of eating utensils.

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

5. The eating utensil of claim 4, wherein said second integrally-formed retaining member comprises a means for retaining a napkin selected from the group consisting of loop members, clipping members and members comprising a gap and tab arrangement.

6. The eating utensil of claim 1, wherein said first retaining member and said handle comprise a plane when said first surface and said second surface are in contact with one another.

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

obtaining at least one utensil having an integrally-formed retaining member comprising a clip, wherein said integrally-formed retaining member comprises a tip having a second surface, and a push button means for opening said integrally-formed first retaining member, wherein said push button means for opening comprises a convex surface and a concave surface, and wherein said at least one utensil comprises a handle having therein an opening, and wherein said handle comprises a first surface that impedes travel of said second surface past said first surface upon contact of said second surface with said first surface, and wherein said impeded travel directionally restricts said tip from passing through said opening, and wherein said opening permits movement of said integrally-formed clip therewithin, and wherein a plurality of said eating utensils comprises a means for nesting together; and

placing said integrally-formed clip

over the edge of a unit of tableware.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:

opening said integrally-formed clip; and

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

9. The method of claim 8, 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.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said opening member comprises a round member, and 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.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of nesting said at least one utensil and said at least a second utensil together.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein said at least one utensil further comprises a means for retaining a napkin.

13. 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 comprising a push button means for opening said integrally-formed first retaining member, wherein said push button means for opening comprises a convex surface and a concave surface, and wherein said clip-on utensil comprises a handle having therein an opening, and wherein said handle comprises a first surface and said integrally formed first securing member comprises a tip having a second surface that directionally impedes travel of said second surface past said first surface upon contact of said second surface with said first surface, and wherein said opening permits movement of said integrally-formed securing member therewithin, and wherein a plurality of said eating utensils comprises a means for nesting together.