U.S. patent application number 13/079586 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for fruit gripping device.
This patent application is currently assigned to INSTABOL LLC. Invention is credited to Kevin Fleming.
Application Number | 20110241362 13/079586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44708743 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110241362 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fleming; Kevin |
October 6, 2011 |
FRUIT GRIPPING DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention provides for a fruit grip assembly
comprising a rod with a handle on each end. A first handle is
permanently attached to a rod and a second handle is removably
attached to the opposite end of the rod, allowing for a piece of
fruit to be impaled by the rod, such that it is between the first
and second handles. A method for consuming a piece of fruit is also
provided for using the fruit grip assembly of the present
invention.
Inventors: |
Fleming; Kevin; (Kansas
City, MO) |
Assignee: |
INSTABOL LLC
Kansas City
MO
|
Family ID: |
44708743 |
Appl. No.: |
13/079586 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61341666 |
Apr 2, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
294/61 ;
294/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 21/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
294/61 ;
294/137 |
International
Class: |
A47G 21/00 20060101
A47G021/00 |
Claims
1. A fruit grip assembly comprising a rod and two handles, wherein
a first handle is permanently affixed to a first end of the rod and
a second handle is removably attached to an opposite end of the
rod.
2. The fruit grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the second handle is
removably attached using a threading mechanism.
3. The fruit grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the second handle is
removably attached using a snap fit mechanism.
4. The fruit grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the second handle is
removably attached using a push button mechanism.
5. The fruit grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the second handle
has one or more projections extending therefrom used to secure the
fruit within the fruit grip assembly.
6. The fruit grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the rod is made of
stainless steel.
7. The fruit grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the rod has a
tapered end for use in impaling a piece of fruit.
8. The fruit grip assembly of claim 2, wherein the pressure created
by the threading mechanism secures a piece of fruit between the
first and second handles such that the piece of fruit does not
rotate.
9. A fruit grip assembly comprising a rod and two handles, wherein
a first handle is removably attached to a first end of the rod and
a second handle is removably attached to an opposite end of the
rod.
10. The fruit grip assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and
second handles are removably attached using an attachment mechanism
selected from the group consisting of a threading mechanism, a snap
fit mechanism, a push button mechanism, or combinations
thereof.
11. The fruit grip assembly of claim 10, wherein the pressure
created by the threading mechanism secures a piece of fruit between
the first and second handles such that the piece of fruit does not
rotate.
12. A method of using a fruit grip assembly to consume fruit
comprising the steps of: a. using a rod with a permanently affixed
first handle to impale one or more pieces of fruit; b. removably
attaching a second handle to the opposite end of the rod, such that
the one or more pieces of fruit are captured between the first and
second handles; and c. holding both the first handle and the second
handle to grip and consume the fruit.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second handle is removably
attached using a threading mechanism.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the second handle is removably
attached using an attachment mechanism selected from the group
consisting of a threading mechanism, a snap fit mechanism, a push
button mechanism, or combinations thereof.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the rod is made of stainless
steel.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the rod has a tapered end.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the pressure created by the
threading mechanism secures a piece of fruit between the first and
second handles such that the piece of fruit does not rotate.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the first handle has one or
more projections extending therefrom to secure a piece of fruit
within the fruit grip assembly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/341,666, filed on Apr. 2, 2010, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is often difficult for children, the elderly and disabled
persons to grip whole fruit in a way that allows easy consumption.
Products available include skewers for kabobs, corn holders for
consuming ears of corn, and apple corer/peelers; however, these
products are usually clumsy, do not hold the food tightly allowing
easy consumption, and use sharp protrusions that easily disengages
from the food and can injure the user.
[0003] Skewers are usually a long, thin, metal rod with at least
one sharp end used for cooking food that is strung along the metal
rod. The sharp ends on a skewer make them a danger to children and
the elderly. Skewers are primarily used for cooking food and are
not meant to be used as a utensil. Further, skewers do not contain
a gripping mechanism where one could easily use a skewer as a
utensil for eating food impaled on the skewer.
[0004] Similarly, corn holders come in pairs and are handles that
contain sharp protrusions suitable for piercing the fibrous core of
an ear of corn but can easily disengage from the corn if proper
pressure by the user is not applied leaving the sharp protrusions
exposed. These types of corn holders are inappropriate for fruit
and other food because they do not stay engaged in the fruit or
food. Further, children, the elderly and disabled persons have a
high probability of injury when using a device with sharp
protrusions that does not stay engaged in the flesh of the fruit or
food.
[0005] Various apple corer, peeler, and slicing devices are
available which retain a fruit, such as an apple, in order to
provide an easier means to peel or slice an apple. These devices
contain sharp blades and or protrusions that aid in the peeling,
cutting, or slicing of an apple, making them unsuitable for use as
a food utensil. Children using these types of devices would have a
high risk of injury from a blade or other cutting or peeling
device.
[0006] What is needed in the art is a way for children, the elderly
and disabled persons to grasp whole fruit and fruit kabobs to allow
easy consumption of the fruit, without the risk of injury. Further,
what is needed is a fun and safe way for children to consume a
whole piece of fruit.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The invention overcomes the problems inherent in the prior
art by providing a fruit holder with a grip assembly for a piece of
fruit or other food product. The fruit grip assembly of the present
invention allows children, the elderly and disabled persons to
easily grip and consume a whole piece of fruit or a kabob of pieces
of fruit.
[0008] The gripping device of the present invention generally
provides for a fruit holder with a gripping assembly for easy
handling that includes a rod attached to one or more handles,
wherein one end of the rod is permanently affixed to a first handle
and the opposite end of the rod engages a removably attachable
second handle, forming the fruit grip assembly. Projections may be
located on the handle permanently affixed to the rod. The
projections are preferably used to engage the fruit such that it
does not rotate. Preferably, the rod engages the second handle
using a threading mechanism.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide for
a fruit gripping assembly that includes a rod attached to one or
more handles, wherein both opposing ends of the rod each engage a
removably attachable handle. In this embodiment, both of the
handles may have projections to engage the fruit or neither of the
handles may have projections to engage the fruit. Preferably, the
rod engages the handles through the use of a threading mechanism,
but the rod may also engage the handles using a snap fit or push
button attachment mechanism. Removal of the handles allows for easy
cleanup by a user after use.
[0010] The present invention provides for a method of using the
fruit grip assembly to consume one or more pieces of fruit. The
method preferably comprises the steps of using a rod with a
permanently affixed first handle to impale one or more pieces of
fruit, removably attaching a second handle to the opposite end of
the rod, such that the one or more pieces of fruit are captured
between the first and second handles, and holding onto the handles
to grip and consume the fruit. The handle permanently attached to
the rod preferably has one or more projections extending therefrom
to pierce into and secure the fruit and prevent the fruit from
rotating.
[0011] A further aspect of the present invention provides for a
method of using the fruit grip assembly to consume one or more
pieces of fruit using an embodiment of the fruit grip assembly
where a first and a second handle are engaged removably at each end
of the rod. In this aspect, the method preferably comprises the
steps of using a rod to impale one or more pieces of fruit,
removably attaching a handle at each opposing end of the rod, and
holding onto the handles to grip and consume the fruit. The handles
are preferably free from projections in this aspect and a threading
mechanism is used to secure the handles, as the handles are engaged
by the threading mechanism the handles come in contact and engage
the fruit, whereby providing pressure on the fruit such that it is
secured and does not rotate.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1: is a perspective view of an embodiment of the fruit
grip assembly where one handle is permanently affixed and the other
handle is removably attached using a threading mechanism;
[0013] FIG. 2: is an exploded view of the fruit grip assembly of
FIG. 1, where one handle is detached;
[0014] FIG. 3: is a perspective view of an embodiment of the fruit
grip assembly where one handle is attached to the rod using a snap
fit or push button mechanism;
[0015] FIG. 4: is an exploded view of an additional embodiment of
the fruit grip assembly where both handles can be removably
attached; and
[0016] FIG. 5: is a perspective view of the fruit grip assembly
gripping a piece of fruit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The fruit grip assembly 2 as depicted in FIG. 1, comprises a
rod 1 with a handle 5 on each end. In one embodiment, a first
handle 7 is permanently affixed to one end 3 of the rod 1 and a
second handle 6 is removably attached to the other end 4 of the
rod, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Preferably, the second handle 6 is
attached to the end 4 of the rod 1 by a threading mechanism 15. In
certain embodiments, the handle 7 that is permanently affixed to
one end of the rod 1 has one or more projections 8 extending
therefrom. These projections 8 can be used to secure the fruit and
keep it from rotating around the rod while in use. It is optional
that the end of the rod 20 used for impaling the fruit has a
tapered end 23 to more easily push the rod through the fruit. The
end of the rod 20 can be any configuration that allows the fruit to
be impaled. The rod 1 is preferably smooth in the center 16 with a
portion on one end that has grooves 15 through which the end is
threaded onto a handle 5. FIG. 5 illustrates the fruit grip
assembly 2 securing a piece of fruit 30, with a handle 5 on both
ends.
[0018] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the
fruit grip assembly 2, as depicted in FIG. 3, comprises a rod 1
where a first handle 7 is permanently affixed to the rod 1 and
where a second handle 6 is removably attached to the other end 4 of
the rod 1. In this embodiment, one or both of the handles 5 may
include projections 8 to secure the fruit and keep it from
rotating. However, these projections 8 are not required. Any of
several types of fasteners known in the art may be used to
removably attach the second handle 7 to the rod 1. In a preferred
embodiment, the attachment mechanism 21 is a snap closure. In an
alternate embodiment, the attachment mechanism 21 is any attachment
mechanism known in the art including but not limited to a push
button closure, wherein a button 25 is located on the second handle
6 in order to remove and/or secure the second handle 6 to the rod
1. Preferably, each handle 5 in this embodiment, includes one or
more projections 8 for holding the fruit 30 in place and to keep
the fruit from rotating. It is preferred that the entire rod 1 be
smooth 18 excluding any indentations or protrusions used for a snap
fit mechanism, push button mechanism, or other fastener.
[0019] In an additional embodiment of the fruit grip assembly 2, as
shown in FIG. 4, a handle 5 can be removably attached at each
opposing end of the rod 1. The handles 5 can be attached and
detached using a threading mechanism 12, 15. The handles 5 could
also be attached and detached using any type of fastener 21 known
in the art, as shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment the handles 5 are
configured as identical handles that can be interchanged for
attachment to either end of the rod. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4, it is preferred that the handles 5 be free from
projections, as the pressure on the fruit created from attaching
the handles 5 to the rod 1 is preferably sufficient to hold the
fruit in place 31 and keep it from rotating. The rod 1 is
preferably smooth 27 in the center with a grooves 15 for a
threading mechanism on one or both ends 4, 3. These grooves are
also present in the inside 12 of one or more handles 5.
[0020] A method for consuming fruit using the fruit grip assembly 2
of the present invention is also provided. Preferably, the rod with
a permanently affixed handle 14 impales a piece of fruit or food
product 30. The rod 1 preferably contains grooves 15 suited for a
threading mechanism 15, 12 on the free end 4 of the rod 1. After
the fruit 30 is impaled onto the rod 1, a second handle 6 with a
threading mechanism inside 12 the handle 6 attaches via a
female/male attachment via a screw configuration from the handle to
the rod 11. The act of attaching the second handle 6 to the rod 1
secures the fruit or food product in between the handles 5 so that
the fruit 30 can then be consumed using the fruit grip assembly 2
of the present invention.
[0021] In an additional embodiment, a method for consuming fruit
using the fruit grip assembly of the present invention is provided
for. Preferably, the rod 1 is used to impale a piece of fruit 30 or
food product. Next, it is preferred that a first handle 5 is
engaged with one end 4 of the rod 1 forming a removable attachment
and then a second handle 5 communicates with and engages the
opposing end 3 of the rod 1 forming a removable attachment. The act
of attaching the handles 5 to the rod 1 secures the fruit 30 or
food product in between the handles 5 so a user can consume the
fruit using the fruit grip assembly 2 of the present invention.
[0022] The handles 5 preferably provide a griping device for a
person using the fruit grip assembly 2 of the present invention.
Preferably, the rod 1, is permanently affixed to a first handle 7,
impales one or more pieces of fruit and then the opposite end of
the rod 4 engages a removably attachable second handle 6, such that
the fruit 30 has a handle 5 on each end. The fruit grip assembly 2
allows a user to more easily grasp and consume the fruit. The fruit
grip is especially designed and useful for children, the elderly,
and the disabled. Further, it is more fun for children to eat fruit
using the device of the present invention and provides easier
cleanup.
[0023] The handles 5 can be of any size and shape suitable to be
grasped by a human hand. Preferably, the handles 5 are about 1 to 5
inches long, more preferably about 1.5 to 4 inches long, still more
preferably about 2 to 3.5 inches long, and most preferably, about 3
inches long. The handles 5 can be made from any food safe material
known in the art. Preferably, the handles 5 are made from a
material selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to,
plastic, rubber, polymers, wood, metal, minerals, and combinations
thereof. A combination of a metal handle with a rubber overlay is
especially preferred.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the handles 5 are shaped and
suited for the hand of a child. The design of the handle allows a
user to easily grasp the fruit grip assembly that holds the fruit
or food product. In a most preferred embodiment, the handles are
bell-shaped 11 and can be easily grasped by a child. In this
embodiment, the handles preferably comprise one or more
indentations sized to fit a child's fingers. Preferably, the
handles 5 are ergonomically appropriate for a human to use, more
preferably, the handles 5 are ergonomically appropriate for a
child, elderly individual, or disabled individual. In a preferred
embodiment, the handles are shaped such that the surface area of
the handle that contacts the fruit has a convex shape to further
conform to a round piece of fruit, such as an apple. In another
embodiment, the handle may include indicia or any material such as
rubber, foam, or pliable plastic on the surface of the handle that
will communicate with and engage the surface of the fruit. The
material or protrusions on the handle surface is such that it will
hold the fruit in place while a consumer is eating minimizing the
rotation movement of the fruit while on the rod. It is preferred
that the handles 5 be of an identical shape and size, however this
is not required. Identically shaped and sized handles allow for the
handles to be interchangeable. The handles according to the present
invention may be shaped and sized to any configuration known in the
industry to accommodate the ability of the user.
[0025] The fruit grip assembly 2 preferably comprises two handles
5, one on each end of the rod 1. In one embodiment, a first handle
7 is permanently affixed to the rod 1, while a second handle 6 is
removably connected to the opposite end 4 of the rod. In a second
embodiment, both handles 5 can be removably attached to each of the
respective ends 3, 4 of the rod. The handles 5 may also have one or
more projections 8 extending therefrom in order to secure the fruit
30 onto the fruit grip assembly 2, such that it cannot rotate. The
projections 8 are configured to engage the fruit or food product by
penetrating the outside surface of the fruit. These one or more
projections 8 may be present on one handle (see FIGS. 1 and 2), may
be present on both handles (see FIG. 3), or may be present on
neither handle (see FIG. 4). Each handle 5 preferably has 0-4
projections, more preferably, 1-3 projections, and most preferably
2 projections. Preferably, these projections 8 are sharp enough to
grasp the fruit, but dull enough to not cause harm to a person
using the fruit grip assembly.
[0026] The fruit grip assembly 2 includes a rod 1 configured to
impale a fruit or food product allowing a consumer to easily
consume the food. The rod 1 can be made of any material suitable
for contacting food. The material is preferably a non-corrosive
material. The material is preferably easy to clean. Preferably, the
rod 1 is made from any material known in the industry including,
but not limited to, a material selected from the group consisting
of metal, wood, plastic, or combinations thereof. Most preferably,
the rod is made of stainless steel. The rod for use with the fruit
grip assembly is preferably a length that is appropriate for the
type of fruit being gripped by the fruit grip assembly and the age
and/or abilities of the person using the fruit grip assembly. In a
preferred embodiment, the rod is from about 2 inches to about 12
inches, more preferably from about 3 inches to about 10 inches,
still more preferably from about 3.5 inches to about 8 inches, with
the most preferred length being about 4 inches. The diameter of the
rod is preferably from about 1/16 to 3/40 inches, more preferably
from about 1/8 to 1/2 inches, and most preferably about 3/16 inches
in diameter. The rod 1 may have a tapered end 20 for use in
impaling the fruit or the end of the rod may be blunt 28. The end
of the rod is configured to allow a user to impale the fruit on the
rod, but it is also important that the end is not too sharp to
create a danger to a child if the handle is disengaged. Any shape
known in the industry that allows the end to pierce the flesh of a
fruit, whereby impaling the fruit can be configured on the rod's
end. The rod 1 may be smooth throughout 18 or may have
indentations, threading 15, or other types of groves either
throughout the entire rod or only on certain portions of the rod.
In a preferred embodiment, where the rod threads onto one or more
handles, it is preferred that the rod be smooth in the center 27,
with a threaded portion 15 on one or both ends of the rod. The
length of the threaded portion of the rod is preferably from 0.25
to 2 inches, more preferably, from about 0.5 to 1.5 inches, still
more preferably from about 0.7 to 1 inch, and most preferably 3/4
inch on one or both ends of the rod.
[0027] The attachment of the rod 1 to one or more handles 5 can
include any complimentary mechanisms configured to allow the rod to
engage the handle creating an attachment, any mechanism known in
the industry may be used, including, but not limited to, threading
mechanisms, snap fit attachments, push button attachments, a
batten, brass fastener, captive fastener, clamp, clasp, cleko,
clip, clutch, flange, frog, grommet, nail, peg, pin, retaining
ring, rivet, screw anchor, self-clinching, snap, strap, track,
threaded fastener, tie, toggle, and combinations thereof. In a
preferred embodiment, the rod has a threading mechanism 15 on one
or both ends that is also present inside 12 of one or more handles
such that the end of the rod and one or more handles 5 can be
attachably screwed to the rod. In an embodiment where one end of
the rod is permanently affixed to a first handle 14, it is
preferred that the handle that is permanently affixed 7 to the rod
1 comprises one or more projections 8 and the handle 6 that
attachably screws onto the rod 1 be free of such projections 13. An
embodiment, where both handles are free from projections (see FIG.
4), preferably includes a threading mechanism 15, 12 to affix one
or both of the handles 5 to the rod 1, such that the pressure
created by screwing the handles to the rod engages the fruit with
the handle 31 and holds the fruit in place and keeps it from
rotating. In an alternatively embodiment, the rod 1 and one or more
handles 5 attach through the use of a snap fit mechanism, where the
rod 1 has grooves or other indentations that allow the inside of
the handle to snap attachably to the rod. In this embodiment, it
would be preferred that the rod 1 be smooth throughout 18, with the
exception of grooves suited for a snap fit mechanism. While any
type of snap fit known in the art will work for purposes of the
present invention, the snap fit is preferably selected from the
group consisting of an annular snap fit, a cantilever snap fit, a
molding snap fit, or any snap fit using a socket, stud, prong or
post. In an additionally preferred embodiment, the rod 1 and one or
both handles 5 attach through the use of a fastening mechanism that
incorporates the use of a release mechanism such as a push button
25, wherein one or more handles incorporates a push button to
release the handle from the rod when it is attached or where the
handle incorporates a push button that allows the handle to attach
and release from the rod.
[0028] The fruit grip assembly 2 preferably grips a piece of food
or fruit 30 between a first handle 5 and a second handle 5. The
fruit grip assembly of the present invention and its method of use
are not limited to fruit, any type of food that can be impaled and
engaged on a rod between two handles will work for purposes of the
present invention, including, but not limited to, meat, vegetables,
tofu and other soy products, bread products, baked goods, and
combinations thereof. Any type of fruit will work for purposes of
the present invention, including, but not limited to, apples,
pears, oranges, peaches, kiwis, bananas, mangos, apricots cherries,
grapes, melons, nectarines, plums, pineapple, strawberries,
tangerines, and combinations thereof. The fruit grip assembly may
be used for a whole piece of fruit, such as an apple, or for pieces
of fruit. In one embodiment, several types of fruit pieces may be
placed on the rod of the fruit grip assembly to form a fruit kabob.
In a most preferred embodiment, the fruit grip assembly is used for
a whole piece of fruit, such as an apple, as whole fruit is usually
harder for children, the elderly, and the disabled to grasp and
eat.
[0029] Thus, a fruit grip assembly and method of using have been
described. It is apparent to those skilled in the art, however,
that many changes, variations, modifications, other uses, and
applications to the support structure method for using are
possible, and also such changes, variations, modifications, other
uses, and applications which do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention,
which is limited only by the claims which follow.
EXAMPLE 1
[0030] This example illustrates one using the fruit grip assembly
of the present invention.
Materials and Methods
[0031] The materials used were a fruit grip assembly of the present
invention including a metal rod with a handle permanently affixed
to one end. This permanently affixed handle had 2 projections
extending therefrom. The rod was 4 inches long with a threading
mechanism on the last 3/4 of the end of the rod not permanently
affixed to the handle. The metal rod was used to impale an apple.
Next, a second handle, with a threading mechanism inside, was
screwed onto the threading mechanism on the end of the rod. This
resulted in the fruit being grasped between the two handles.
Results and Conclusion
[0032] The handles of the fruit grip assembly were easily grasped
by a child. The fruit grip assembly held the apple in place as the
child consumed it, such that it did not rotate about the rod. The
child was able to easily consume the fruit, thought it was a fun
way to eat fruit, and provided for easy cleanup.
* * * * *