U.S. patent application number 12/326286 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-03 for fast food utensil.
Invention is credited to Peter Miller.
Application Number | 20100133268 12/326286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42221861 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100133268 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Peter |
June 3, 2010 |
Fast Food Utensil
Abstract
A device for blind retrieval of food is provided, the device
having a single semi-rigid band with an opening, elastically
conformable for attachment to a human thigh. A mount is disposed on
the band, perpendicular to the opening. A food container having a
ridge on the upper surface and a recessed surface on the lower
surface, the recessed surface corresponding and conforming with
said ridge of the upper surface. A connector is disposed in the
recessed surface of the food container where the connector is
slidably attachable to the mount of the band. The relative width
between mount and the connector varies, providing a wedging or
cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the
mount.
Inventors: |
Miller; Peter; (Houston,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARNOLD & KNOBLOCH, L.L.P.
4900 Woodway Dr., Suite 900
HOUSTON
TX
77056
US
|
Family ID: |
42221861 |
Appl. No.: |
12/326286 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/17.1 ;
108/43; 206/564 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0608
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/17.1 ;
108/43; 206/564 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/20 20060101
B65D025/20; A47B 37/00 20060101 A47B037/00; B65D 1/36 20060101
B65D001/36 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for blind retrieval of food comprising: a single
semi-rigid band, wherein said band is elastically conformable for
attachment to a human thigh; a mount having a first sliding
surface, said mount disposed on the band; a food container having a
lower surface and an upper surface; and a connector having a second
sliding surface, said connector disposed on the lower surface of
the food container; and wherein the connector is slidably
attachable to the mount.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the sliding surface of the
mount comprises a first T-shaped groove and a second T-shaped
groove; and the sliding surface of the connector comprises a first
T-shaped rail and a second T-shaped rail, wherein said first and
second T-shaped rails conformably fit to the first and second
T-shaped grooves of the mount.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: the connector further
comprises a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface of the
food container; the recessed surface comprises a first side and a
second side; the first T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed
adjacent to the first side of said recessed surface; and the second
T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the second
side of said recessed surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: the food container comprises a
first food receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the
upper surface of the food container, and a ridge disposed on the
upper surface separating the first food receptacle and the second
food receptacle; the food container further comprises a recessed
surface disposed on the lower surface, said recessed surface
comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein said
recessed surface is fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper
surface; and the first T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed
adjacent to the first side of said recessed surface; and the second
T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the second
side of said recessed surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the relative width between the
first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies,
whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the
connector to the mount is provided.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the sliding surface of the
connector comprises a dovetail shaped groove; and the sliding
surface of the mount comprises a dovetail shaped rail conformably
fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: the connector further
comprises a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface; the
recessed surface comprises a first side and a second side; and the
dovetail shaped groove of the connector comprises a first slot
disposed in the first side of the recessed surface and a second
slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: the food container comprises a
first food receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the
upper surface of the food container, and a ridge disposed on the
upper surface separating the first food receptacle and the second
food receptacle; the food container further comprises a recessed
surface disposed on the lower surface, said recessed surface
comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein said
recessed surface is fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper
surface; and the dovetail shaped groove of the connector further
comprises a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed
surface and a second slot disposed in the second side of the
recessed surface.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the relative width between the
first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies,
whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the
connector to the mount is provided.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper surface and lower
surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably
stacking a plurality of food containers.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the width of at least one of
first sliding surface and second sliding surface varies, whereby a
wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector
to the mount is provided.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of food
containers, wherein the food containers are interchangeably
attachable to the mount of the band.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said food container further
comprises a plurality of indentations disposed in the upper
surface, the plurality of indentations adapted to receive human
fingers.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said band further comprises an
opening in the band, said opening positioned perpendicular to the
mount.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
hemispherical protrusions disposed on the band, said protrusions
disposed adjacent to and in parallel with said mount; and a
depression surface disposed on said second sliding surface of said
connector, said depression capable of conformable engagement to
said plurality of protrusions.
16. An apparatus for blind retrieval of food comprising: a single
semi-rigid band, said band further comprising an opening in said
band, a mount disposed on said band perpendicular to said opening,
and wherein said band is elastically conformable for attachment to
a human thigh; a food container having a lower surface and an upper
surface, said food container comprising at least two food
receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge disposed on the
upper surface separating the two food receptacles, a recessed
surface disposed on the lower surface, said recessed surface
comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein said
recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with said ridge of the
upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of
the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a
plurality of food containers; and a connector disposed in the
recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, said
connector comprising a dovetail shaped groove disposed in said
recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector
further comprising a first slot disposed in the first side of the
recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed
in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container;
wherein said mount comprises a dovetail shaped rail conformably
fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, whereby
said connector is slidably attachable to said mount; and wherein
the relative width between the dovetail shaped rail and the first
and second slots of the dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a
wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector
to the mount is provided.
17. An apparatus for blind retrieval of food comprising: a single
semi-rigid band, said band further comprising an opening in said
band, a mount disposed on said band perpendicular to said opening,
and wherein said band is elastically conformable for attachment to
a human thigh; a food container having a lower surface and an upper
surface, said food container comprising at least two food
receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge disposed on the
upper surface separating the two food receptacles, a recessed
surface disposed on the lower surface, said recessed surface
comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein said
recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with said ridge of the
upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of
the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a
plurality of food containers; and a connector disposed in the
recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, said
connector comprising a dovetail shaped groove disposed in said
recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector
further comprising a first slot disposed in the first side of the
recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed
in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container;
wherein said mount comprises a dovetail shaped rail conformably
fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, whereby
said connector is slidably attachable to said mount; wherein said
band further comprises a plurality of hemispherical protrusions
disposed on the band, said protrusions disposed adjacent to and in
parallel with said mount; and wherein said container further
comprises a depression surface disposed on the lower surface of the
food container, said depression surface capable of conformable
engagement to said plurality of protrusions upon attachment of said
mount to said container.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the relative width between
the dovetail shaped rail and the first and second slots of the
dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect
upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to portable food
containers, and more particularly relates to an apparatus and
system for portable, blind retrieval of food.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,261 for a DISPOSABLE FOOD TRAY WITH
CONDIMENT CONTAINER, Cook discloses a comestible container
structurally supporting at least one ancillary condiment container.
Cook fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative
positioning between the user and the food container. In particular,
Cook does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band,
attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector
combination.
[0003] In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D253,628 for a TRAY, Adamson discloses
an ornamental design for a tray. Adamson fails to disclose an open
detachable clamshell-shaped container with two food receptacles, an
elastically conformable semi-rigid circular band attachable to a
single human thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination
disposed perpendicular to the opening.
[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,274 for a LEG SUPPORTED TRAY, Jenkins
discloses a leg supported tray in which the leg engaging support is
generally semicircular in configuration and open downwardly with
its lower surface being provided with coating or covering in the
form of a fabric or rubber coating to form a cushion for engaging
the surface of the leg of the user. Jenkins fails to disclose an
open detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food
receptacles, a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced
attachment to a single human thigh, and a combination of a slidably
attachable mount disposed on the band and a connector disposed on
the container.
[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,032 for TORSO-MOUNTED HOLDER TRAY
ASSEMBLY, Bott et al. discloses a holder tray assembly for mounting
on the torso of a wearer that includes a tray capable of supporting
objects, the tray held by a pair of laterally spaced apart support
rods. Bott et al. fails to disclose an elastically conformable
circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a
single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the
wearer. Bott et al. further does not disclose a slidable mount and
connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening,
enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped
container with multiple food receptacles to a single human
thigh.
[0006] In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D338,035 for BINDER WITH KNEE SUPPORT,
Graham discloses a binder with knee support. Graham does not
disclose a container for holding food. Graham fails to disclose a
circular semi-rigid band that is elastically conformable for
attachment to a human thigh, capable of connection to an open
detachable clamshell-shaped container having a slidable mount and
connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in the
circular semi-rigid band.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,455 for FOLDING LAP TRAY, Miller et
al. discloses a lap tray that is folded from a corrugated cardboard
blank that can be gripped by a user's thighs. In particular, Miller
et al. does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid
band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and
connector combination.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,885 for LAP TRAY FOR CARRYING FOOD,
Sussman discloses a lap tray adapted to be laid upon the lap of a
user when the user is in a seated position. Sussman does not
disclose an open detachable clamshell-shaped container with
multiple food receptacles, a circular semi-rigid band structure
enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh, and a
combination of a slidably attachable mount disposed on the band and
a connector disposed on the container
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,119 for FAST FOOD LAP TRAY, Eisenberg
discloses a tray suited for supporting fast food on the lap of an
individual seated in an automobile that includes a pair of pliant
leg straps whose lengths are sufficient only to be individually
secured beneath the legs of the user. Eisenberg fails to disclose a
circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to
a single human thigh. Eisenberg further does not disclose a
slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to
an opening in the band, enabling balanced attachment of a
detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food
receptacles to a single human thigh.
[0010] In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D376,732 for PLATE WITH CENTER HOT DOG
COMPARTMENT, Smith discloses a plate with center hot dog
compartment with a comestible container structurally supporting at
least one ancillary condiment container. Smith fails to disclose an
attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the
user and the food container. Smith fails to disclose a circular
semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single
human thigh. Smith fails to disclose an elastically conformable
circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a
single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the
wearer. In particular, Smith does not disclose a slidable mount and
connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening,
enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped
container with multiple food receptacles to a single human
thigh.
[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,512 for TRAY OR PLATE ASSEMBLY,
Brickley discloses a tray which can be held and stabilized using
one hand and forearm. Brickley fails to disclose a circular
semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single
human thigh. In particular, Brickley does not disclose a slidable
mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the
opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable
clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a
single human thigh.
[0012] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,784 for FAST FOOD BOX TRAY, Wojcik
discloses a fast food box tray that includes a top tray that can be
foldably secured to an upper edge of the bottom tray and can be
placed on a user's lap. Wojcik fails to disclose a slidable
connector on the food container that is attachable to a slidable
mount on an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band
attachable to a single human thigh.
[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,933 for PORTABLE LAP TRAY, Neville
discloses the portable lap tray with receiving loops for securing
around thighs of a user. Neville fails to disclose an elastically
conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is
attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and
removal from the wearer. Neville further does not disclose a
slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to
the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable
clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a
single human thigh.
[0014] In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D405,621 for LAPTOP FOOD TRAY, Myers
discloses an ornamental design for a laptop food tray. Myers fails
to disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid circular band.
Myers does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination,
enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped
container with multiple food receptacles.
[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,938 for BODY-ATTACHED CUP HOLDER,
Fava discloses a cup holder adapted to be attached to a person's
thigh that consists a receptacle member forming a generally
cylindrical shell which is open at its top end and closed at its
bottom end, and two arcuate arms which extend downwardly. Fava does
not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band and does
not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination, enabling
balanced attachment of a detachable container. Fava does not
disclose a band opening that is perpendicular to the slidable mount
and connector combination.
[0016] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,689 for BOWL WITH GRIPPING MEANS,
Benett discloses a bowl in with gripping means located at a
recessed portion of the bottom or base. Benett fails to disclose an
attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the
user and the food container. Benett fails to disclose an
elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that
is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and
removal from the wearer. Benett further does not disclose a
slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to
the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable
clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a
single human thigh.
[0017] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,885 for MOBILE-DINING MEALHOLDER WITH
BEVERAGE CONTAINER PLATE-LID, Krueger et al. discloses a
mobile-dining mealholder consisting of a plate-lid and detachable
beverage cup in which the cup has a lip with an annular bead.
Krueger et al. fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band
structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh, and
a combination of a slidably attachable mount disposed on the band
and a connector disposed on the container. Krueger et al. fails to
disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed
perpendicular to an opening of a circular semi-rigid band
structure.
[0018] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,927 for POP-UP TRAY FOR COMBINATION
MEALS, Sorensen et al. discloses an automatic pop-up food tray
support leg system that positions the tray in the driver's lap.
Sorensen et al. does not disclose an elastically conformable
semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount
and connector combination. Sorensen et al. does not disclose a
slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to
an opening in an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, enabling
balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with
multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
[0019] In U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,763 for CUPHOLDING LAP TRAY, Ali
discloses a lap tray with a cup receptacle positioned at the center
of gravity of the tray. Ali fails to disclose an attachment
structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the
food container. Ali does not disclose an elastically conformable
semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount
and connector combination. Ali does not disclose a slidable mount
and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in
an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, enabling balanced
attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple
food receptacles to a single human thigh.
[0020] Prior attempts to provide a portable food retrieval device
have met with varied limitations. In particular, the arrangement
for securing the device is typically not interchangeable with a
choice in food container, owing to the limited range of stability
of the prior art portable devices. At the same time, it is desired
to maintain the relative position between the user and the food so
that the user does not have to look for the food in order to
retrieve the food. Engagement of the securing device with the food
container has been either bulky or unable to provide stability of
the food container. Further, it is desired to have a device or
system that is easily attachable, removable, and easy to use by a
user. There is a need to overcome all of these limitations in a
single, generic device or system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] According to a first set of examples of the invention, an
apparatus and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the
apparatus including: a single semi-rigid bad, where the band is
elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh; a mount
having a first sliding surface, the mount disposed on the band; a
food container having a lower surface and an upper surface; and a
connector having a second sliding surface, the connector disposed
on the lower surface of the food container; and where the connector
is slidably attachable to the mount.
[0022] In another example, the sliding surface of the mount
includes a first T-shaped groove and a second T-shaped groove; and
the sliding surface of the connector includes a first T-shaped rail
and a second T-shaped rail where the first and second T-shaped
rails conformably fit to the T-shaped grooves of the mount. In a
further example, the connector further includes a recessed surface
disposed on the lower surface of the food container. The recessed
surface includes a first side and a second side. The first T-shaped
rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the first side of the
recessed surface. The second T-shaped rail of the connector is
disposed adjacent to the second side of the recessed surface. In
another further example, the food container includes a first food
receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the upper
surface of the food container and a ridge disposed on the upper
surface separating the first food receptacle and the second food
receptacle. The food container further includes a recessed surface
disposed on the lower surface, the recessed surface including a
first side and a second side, where the recessed surface is
fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper surface. The first
T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the first
side of said recessed surface and the second T-shaped rail of the
connector is disposed adjacent to the second side of said recessed
surface. In another further example, the relative width between the
first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies,
whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the
connector to the mount is provided.
[0023] In another example, the sliding surface of the connector
includes a dovetail shaped groove; and the sliding surface of the
mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting the
dovetail shaped groove of the connector. In a further example, the
connector includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower
surface. The recessed surface includes a first side and a second
side. The dovetail shaped groove of the connector includes a first
slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface and a
second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface. In
another further example, the food container includes a first food
receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the upper
surface of the food container. A ridge disposed on the upper
surface separates the first food receptacle and the second food
receptacle. The food container further includes a recessed surface
disposed on the lower surface. The recessed surface includes a
first side and a second side. The recessed surface is fittably
receivable by the ridge on the upper surface. The dovetail shaped
groove of the connector further includes a first slot disposed in
the first side of the recessed surface and a second slot disposed
in the second side of the recessed surface.
[0024] In another example, the relative width between the first
sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies, providing a
wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector
to the mount.
[0025] In another example, the upper surface and lower surface of
the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a
plurality of food containers.
[0026] In another example, the width of at least one of first
sliding surface and second sliding surface varies, whereby a
wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector
to the mount is provided.
[0027] In another example, the apparatus includes a plurality of
food containers, where the food containers are interchangeably
attachable to the mount of the band.
[0028] In another example, the food container further includes a
plurality of indentations disposed in the upper surface, the
plurality of indentations adapted to receive human fingers.
[0029] In another example, the band further includes an opening in
the band, the opening positioned perpendicular to the mount.
[0030] In another example, the apparatus further includes a
plurality of hemispherical protrusions disposed on the band. The
protrusions are disposed adjacent to and in parallel with the
mount. A depression surface is disposed on the sliding surface of
the connector. The depression is capable of conformable engagement
to the plurality of protrusions.
[0031] In a second set of examples of the invention, an apparatus
and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the apparatus
including: a single semi-rigid band, the band further including an
opening in the band, a mount disposed on the band perpendicular to
the opening and where the band is elastically conformable for
attachment to a human right; a food container having a lower
surface and an upper surface, the food container including at least
two food receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge
disposed on the upper surface separating the two food receptacles,
a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, the recessed
surface including a first side and a second side, and where the
recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with the ridge of the
upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of
the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a
plurality of food containers; and a connector disposed in the
recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, the
connector including a dovetail shaped groove disposed in the
recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector
further including a first slot disposed in the first side of the
recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed
in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container;
where the mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting
to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, where the connector
is slidably attachable to the mount; and where the relative width
between the dovetail shaped rail and the first and second slots of
the dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching
effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is
provided.
[0032] In a third set of examples of the invention, an apparatus
and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the apparatus
including: a single semi-rigid band, the band further including an
opening in the band, a mount disposed on the band perpendicular to
the opening, and where the band is elastically conformable for
attachment to a human thigh; a food container having a lower
surface and an upper surface, the food container including at least
two food receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge
disposed on the upper surface separating the two food receptacles,
a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, the recessed
surface including a first side and a second side, and where the
recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with said ridge of the
upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of
the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a
plurality of food containers; and a connector disposed in the
recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, the
connector including a dovetail shaped groove disposed in the
recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector
further including a first slot disposed in the first side of the
recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed
in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container;
where the mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting
to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, where the connector
is slidably attachable to the mount; and where the band further
includes a plurality of hemispherical protrusions disposed on the
band, the protrusions disposed adjacent to and in parallel with the
mount; and the container further includes a depression surface
disposed on the lower surface of the food container, the depression
surface capable of conformable engagement to the plurality of
protrusions upon attachment of the mount to the container.
[0033] In another example, the relative width between the dovetail
shaped rail and the first and second slots of the dovetail shaped
groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon
sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The present invention is best understood with reference to
the attached drawings in which like numerals refer to like
elements, and in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an
example of the present invention in operation;
[0036] FIG. 2A illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an
example of the semi-rigid band; FIG. 2B illustrates a close up
partial three-dimensional perspective of the mount portion of the
semi-rigid band;
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an
example of a food container;
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial three-dimensional perspective
of an example T-shaped rail and groove for the mount and connector
combination;
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an
example of two containers stacked one upon the other;
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of an example of the
connector and the mount in a cinched condition;
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an example of the
connector and the mount with nubs; and
[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial three-dimensional perspective
of an example of the mount portion of the semi-rigid band with
nubs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an
example of the present invention in operation. A partially
circularly shaped, semi-rigid band 100 is attached to a thigh 102
of a user. In an example, the user is seated in an automobile,
theatre, couch, or sporting event. Food container 200 is removably
connected to the top of band 100. A mount 110 is disposed on band
100. A connector 210 is disposed on the bottom surface of food
container 200. The mount and connector combination enable easy
attachment and removal of the food container from the wearer of the
band. The mount and connector combination further enables stable
and balanced attachment of the food container to a single human
thigh. Mount 110 slidably attaches to connector 210 enabling one or
more examples of food container 200 to be attached. Band 100 has an
opening for ease in attaching to the thigh. Mount 110 and connector
210 have a low profile relative to band 100 and food container 200
to provide secure and stable mounting and connection of the food
container as it rests on the thigh. The combination of food
container, band, mount, and connector maintains a relative
positioning between the user and the food container, enabling blind
retrieval of the food by the user.
[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an
example of the semi-rigid band. Band 100 is a partially circularly
shaped, semi-rigid band. In one example, band 100 is of varying
width, in one example up to approximately 1.5 inches wide. In one
example, band 100 is made of a semi-rigid plastic that is
elastically conformable such that it is attachable to a human
thigh. Opening 114 enables band 100 to be stretched apart, in order
to receive the human thigh 102 (illustrated in FIG. 1). Upon
release, band 100 returns to its original shape, providing
compressive force against the thigh. Mount 110 is disposed on the
outer external surface of band 100. Mount 110 is disposed
approximately perpendicular to opening 114. The placement of
opening 114 enables easy attachment and removal of the band from
the wearer. The position of opening 114 with respect to mount 110
enables easy attachment of band 100 to the thigh so as to position
mount 110 over the top of the thigh (as shown in FIG. 1). Mount 110
has at least one sliding surface 111 disposed perpendicular to the
length of band 100. As more closely illustrated in FIG. 2B, in one
example, a dovetail rail 112-1 is disposed on either side of mount
110, perpendicular to the length of band 100 to provide a sliding
surface for receiving a food container. In one example, mount 110
is low profile compared to the width. The low profile provides
stability to any attached food container. The slidable mount
enables balanced attachment of a food container to a single human
thigh.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an
example of a food container. Food container 200 is an open
clamshell-shaped container having a lower surface 201 and an upper
surface 202. In one example, food container 200 is made of hard
paper, plastic, styrofoam, or another type of polystyrene. Food
container 200 includes a first food receptacle 203 and second food
receptacle 204. A ridge 205 is disposed on upper surface 202,
separating first food receptacle 203 and second food receptacle
204. A food product (not shown) such as burger, french fries or the
like will conveniently fit within either or both first food
receptacle 203 and second food receptacle 204. A recess surface
214, having a first side 215 and a second side 216, is disposed on
the lower surface 201 of food container 200, in which recess
surface 214 is fittably receivable by ridge 205, on upper surface
202. Connector 210, having a second sliding surface 211, is
disposed on the bottom surface 201 of food container 200. A
dovetail shaped groove 212-1 has a first slot 217-1 in the first
side 215 of the recess surface 214 and a second slot 218-1 disposed
in the second side 216 of the recess surface 214. Indentations 220
are disposed on the upper surface 202 of food container 200. The
plurality of indentations is made to receive human fingers.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial three-dimensional perspective
of an example T-shaped rail and groove for the mount and connector
combination. T-shaped groove 112-2 is disposed on either or both
sides of mount 110, perpendicular to the length of band 100 to
provide sliding surface 111 for receiving a food container 200. In
one example, a T-shaped rail 212-2 is disposed on sliding surface
211, forming connector 210 of food container 200. In one example,
connector 210 is formed across recess 214. The T-shaped groove
112-2 of sliding surface 111 of mount 110 conformably fits to
T-shaped rail 212-2 of connector 210. In one example, a series of
one or more nubs 113 is disposed on the sliding surface of band
100, adjacent to groove 112-2, and in parallel to the longitudinal
direction of mount 110.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an
example of two containers stacked one upon the other. In one
example, upper surface 202 of food container 200-1 is shown to
conform to lower surface 201 of food container 200-2. This permits
nesting food container 200-1 with a conformably shaped, second
container. This also permits multi-level stacking of the food
containers, enabling ease in storage, shipment, and distribution.
Placement of connector 210 in recess 214 maintains and enhances the
ability for multi-container stacking.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of an example of the
connector and the mount in a cinched condition. In one example,
sliding surface 111 is disposed on either side of mount 110,
perpendicular to the length of band 100. Corresponding sliding
surfaces 211 are disposed on either side of connector 210 of food
container 200. The width 300 between first sliding surface 111 of
mount 100 and sliding surface 211 of connector 210 varies so as to
progressively engage both sliding surfaces as connector 210 slides
onto mount 110. As the relative width decreases between sliding
surface 111 and second sliding surface 211, mount 110 becomes
cinched into connector 210. In one example, the variance in
relative width between the rail of the mount and the groove of the
connector is approximately perpendicular to the profile of the rail
and groove combination. The profile requirement of the rail and
groove combination is further reduced while providing greater
stability for the food container and while remaining removably
attachable to the band. This mechanism enables food container 200
to be attached by band 100 in a secure and stable position as the
device rests on the thigh (as seen in FIG. 1).
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an example of the
connector and the mount with nubs. A series of one or more nubs 113
is disposed on the sliding surface portion of band 100. Nubs 113
are disposed adjacent to dovetail rail 112-1 (as shown in FIG. 2B).
In one example, nubs 113 are hemispherical surfaces protruding in a
concave downward direction with respect to band 100. A
corresponding depression 213 is disposed on the sliding surface of
connector 210 of container 200. Nubs 113 conformably fit to
depression 213. Depression 213 is disposed adjacent to dovetail
groove 212-1. The combination of nubs and dovetail rail provide
additional stability of the attachment of the container to the
band. The required height of the profile of mount 110 is further
reduced. Nubs 113 further provide positive tactile response upon
sliding insertion of mount 110 of band 100 into connector 210 of
container 200. In one example, depression 213 is a hemispherical
surface sunken in a concave upward direction with respect to
container 200. In another example, depression 213 is a
semi-circular groove extending along a direction that is parallel
to the longitudinal direction of dovetail groove 212-1. Depression
213 is capable of conformable engagement with nubs 113.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial three-dimensional perspective
of an example of the mount portion of the semi-rigid band with
nubs. A series of one or more nubs 113 is disposed on the sliding
surface of band 100, adjacent to, and in parallel to the
longitudinal direction of, mount 110.
[0051] The foregoing disclosure is presented for purposes of
illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the
invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations
and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and the
teaching of the relevant art are within the spirit of the
invention. Such variations will readily suggest themselves to those
skilled in the relevant in the art having the benefit of the
present disclosure. Further, the embodiments described are also
intended to explain the best mode for carrying out the invention,
and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention
and such or other embodiments and with various modifications
required by the particular applications or uses of the invention.
It is intended that the claims based on this disclosure be
construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent that is
permitted by prior art.
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