U.S. patent application number 13/937399 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for a pair of utensils forming a tong-like structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alexey Konopatsky. Invention is credited to Alexey Konopatsky.
Application Number | 20150014329 13/937399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52276317 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150014329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konopatsky; Alexey |
January 15, 2015 |
A Pair of Utensils Forming a Tong-like Structure
Abstract
Disposable dishware and utensils with an option to be converted
into another use. Set of disposable utensils (forks, spoons,
knifes) with an option to be converted into tongs. Every member of
the set are equipped with a uniform lock on the tip of the handle.
Any two members of the set can be snapped together creating utensil
tongs. Set of disposable dishware (plates, bowls, food trays etc.)
with an option to be converted into a container. Every member of
the set is equipped with a uniform fastener disposed along the rim.
Any two members of the set can be faced and attached to each-other
creating a closed container. Plurality of fastener extrusions of
one set member adapted to be fitted to plurality of fastener
intrusions of any set member.
Inventors: |
Konopatsky; Alexey;
(Woodland Hills, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Konopatsky; Alexey |
Woodland Hills |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52276317 |
Appl. No.: |
13/937399 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/574 ; 30/147;
30/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 21/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/574 ; 30/147;
30/148 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/02 20060101
A47G019/02; A47G 21/06 20060101 A47G021/06 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A utensil configured to be converted into a tong-like structure,
comprising: an interlock proximate to a tip of a handle of the
utensil, wherein the interlock is configured to connect with
another interlock of another utensil to create the tong-like
structure, the interlock comprises a male locking mechanism and a
female locking mechanism identical to a male locking mechanism and
a female locking mechanism of the other utensil, the male locking
mechanism of the utensil protrudes out from a plane of the handle
of the utensil and is transverse to a direction of the handle of
the utensil, and the female locking mechanism is adjacent or
parallel to the male locking mechanism.
3. (canceled)
4. A system configured to form a tong-like structure, comprising: a
first connecting member proximate to one end of a first utensil;
and a second connecting member proximate to one end of a second
utensil, wherein the first connecting member and the second
connecting member comprise an identical locking member configured
to interlock the first connecting member with the second connecting
member to form the tong-like structure, a male connecting member of
the first connecting member protrudes out from a plane of a handle
of the first utensil and is transverse to a direction of the handle
of the first utensil, and a male connecting member of the second
connecting member protrudes out from a plane of a handle of the
second utensil and is transverse to a direction of the handle of
the second utensil.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the male connecting member of the
second connecting member is identical to the male connecting member
of the first connecting member, and the female connecting member of
the second connecting member is identical to the female connecting
member of the first connecting member.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the male connecting member of the
first utensil is configured to connect with the female connecting
member of the second utensil.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the female connecting member of
the first utensil is configured to connect with the male connecting
member of the second utensil.
8. The system of claim 4, wherein the male connecting member of the
first utensil is configured to slide into, or snap together with,
the female connecting member of the second utensil to form the
tong-like structure.
9. The system of claim 4, wherein the male connecting member of the
second utensil is configured to slide into, or snap together with,
the female connecting member of the first utensil to form the
tong-like structure
10. The utensil of claim 2, wherein the interlock of the utensil is
configured to slide into, or snap together with, the interlock of
the other utensil to create the tong-like structure.
Description
[0001] (My provisional application No. 61/817,452, dated Apr. 30,
2013, EFS ID 15649207)
BACKGROUND
[0002] Eating habits of the western society generally include the
utilization of a plate to serve food and eating utensils in the
form of a spoon, fork and knife. Disposable dishware and eating
utensils are very popular in today's high paced, disposable
society. Along with the traditional American eating utensils fast
food options have led to the adoption of Asian utensils as
well--chopsticks and tongs. Tongs are very popular for serving
salads and similar foods onto plates. The popularity of tongs has
increased as a way to avoid any direct contact between the hands
and food. Tongs as a serving utensil is substantially more
convenient than the traditional fork, spoon or knife. This
invention is an inexpensive solution to bring together the
traditional forks, spoons and knifes with an optional tong. The
solution consists of a set of forks, spoons and knives which are
equipped with a uniform interconnecting lock at the tip of the
handle on every set's member. Two members of the set form a
pincers-like shape by connecting together through a uniform lock.
While eating it's easy to assemble the utensils (like fork and
knife) and use them as tongs and then easily disassemble them and
continue to use them as regular utensils. There are six variations
of improvised tongs (fork-fork, fork-spoon, fork-knife,
spoon-spoon, spoon-knife and knife-knife).
[0003] Disposable dishware has also become a very popular,
convenient and inexpensive way to serve food. It is used for
picnics, parties, eating out, etc. The most common materials for
producing disposable dishware include paper, Styrofoam, nontoxic
plastic and metal foil. Various designs and shapes of disposable
dishware are available on market today. The fast-food industry also
utilizes disposable containers that besides their initial purpose
(transporting food) it can be used as dishware. Usually food
containers consist of a box and an attached cover. Some prior arts
propose a container with a separate cover, but it has not received
market demand and has been left behind.
[0004] When food is served on a plate and needs a temporary cover
from dust, sun, wind, insects, etc. the simple way is to cover the
plate with a similar plate. The current invention equips plates
with an integrated uniform fastener arranged along the rim so that
every plate can be snapped to any counterpart from a similar set.
When the two plates are interlocked together they create a seal,
but not a leak proof seal. The purpose of the invention is to
create a simple, inexpensive option to any plate to act as a
detachable cover to another plate from the same set to create a
temporary container.
[0005] It is a further objective of the invention to provide
dishware and utensils which can be manufactured by methods commonly
used in the industry, without extensive modification and without
incurring excessive manufacturing costs. Unlike all similar prior
arts (set forth below list) this invention is not for a container
and tongs. It is an option for regular disposable dishware to
become a temporary container as well as an option for a disposable
fork, spoon or knife to become a part of a temporary tong.
DESCRIPTION
[0006] Improved utensil construction in which every member of a set
(fork, knife and spoon) include a lock at the end of the handle to
enable any two members to be connected together to form tongs. When
connected together, the two arms free ends are separated. By
applying pressure to the arms the free ends of the arms pushed
together to engage the material positioned between the free ends of
the tools. As soon as the pressure is released, the ends of the
tongs will spring apart to disengage the object held.
[0007] Every member of the utensil set has an absolutely identical
uniform lock. One of the preferred lock designs consists of two
extrusions (FIG. 2u) with gaps between them that become the
receptacles for the same extrusions of another utensil with a
similar interlock. With the two uniform locks facing each other
applying slight pressure on both utensils will cause the two
utensils to snap together.
[0008] There are unlimited designs of interlock styles. A few
examples are displayed in FIG. 5u-12u. The main objective of the
lock construction is ease of connection and disconnection of two
members of a utensil set. Connected utensils (FIG. 3) can form six
types of tongs--knife-knife, fork-fork, spoon-spoon, fork-spoon,
fork-knife and spoon-knife.
[0009] Some preferred modifications are made to a regular
disposable knife to aid in food service when engaged as tongs. One
Modification is a curve to the spade as depictured on FIG. 13u. It
has small prongs on the tip of the blade for better food gripping.
This shape is also useful when the knife used apart from tongs. The
spade-like shape is more efficient when used as a utensil knife,
butter spreader or food spade. Prongs on the blade of the knife are
useful for food cutting and slicing.
[0010] The principal of the universal interlock pertains also to
disposable dishware. The dishware's female and male fasteners run
along the rim in an alternating order. Every member of the dish set
can be matched so all male extrusions of one member fill female
intrusions of the other. For an inexpensive, less durable grip,
there is rectilinear profile (FIG. 46a) for male and female parts,
made from pliable material (foam, plastic, paper etc.) fit tightly
and provide a satisfactory grip for covering purpose. For a more
durable or leak proof fastener there are variety of profiles (FIG.
46b-46e) which substantially complicates mold production and raises
the price of manufacturing process.
[0011] The main purpose of the current invention is to furnish a
regular disposable dishware with an option to be converted into a
container. The price of the final product (with option) should be
the same as present (non-optional) analogs on the market. The
invention consists of variety of embodiments which satisfies the
purpose of the invention--simplicity, inexpensive and unobtrusive
conversion option to the final costumer.
[0012] One of the preferred fastener embodiments is a pair of
female grooves (2) and male extrusions (1) fasteners (FIG. 1-3).
When two members of the same set face each-other the upper extruded
groove matches the lower intruded groove, and upper intruded groove
matches lower extruded one. It creates a zip-like engagement
attachment. This embodiment has line-up notches (3) to simplify two
members snapping alignment.
[0013] Another embodiment is a plurality of button-like fasteners
along the rim (FIG. 4-6). Unlike previous embodiments this one
gives an ability to align and attach two members in several angles.
Quantity of snapping positions are proportional to the quantity of
fasteners.
[0014] One of the embodiments consists of extruded parts and wholes
instead of intruded parts. It allows plates to be stacked more
efficiently (FIG. 14). Every extrusion tightly fits into
corresponding hole.
[0015] Any plate has an additional option to be snapped to itself,
based on the order that the fasteners are arranged. (FIG.
17-18).
[0016] The variety of plates shapes is unlimited, only one
condition has to be observed--every member of the same set has to
be mirrored to another when facing to each-other (FIG. 31-38)
[0017] Depth of members in a same set can be varied. A bowl can be
paired with a plate, etc. One of the embodiments has a smaller set
member snapped by its rim edges inside a bigger member with a
special extrusions (FIG. 23-24).
[0018] For the best locking results male (extrusion) fasteners have
to be tightly fit to corresponding female (intrusion) fasteners
(FIG. 46a). This embodiment is the most inexpensive way to create a
satisfactory attachment. In more expensive embodiments there are a
variety of more durable shapes of attachments. (FIG. 46b-46e)
[0019] Dishware with a perforated interlocking flap (preferred for
paper plates) gives an option to tear the flaps at the perforation
so that the flaps may be interlocked with the flaps of a set mate
to create a temporary container (FIG. 6-8 & FIG. 25-30).
SUMMARY
[0020] Set of utensils (forks, spoons, knifes) equipped with a
uniform interlock on the tip of the handle gives an option to
convert any two members of a utensil set into temporary tongs.
[0021] Set of identical dishware (plates, dishes, bowls, trays
etc.) with uniform fasteners located along the rim for a container
option. All similar plates in the same set can be snapped onto each
other. The fasteners comprise of a complementary series of elements
projecting upward and downward on the rim of the plate. The
fasteners engage when two plates are facing each other and pressed
against each other.
DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1u--Knife, fork and spoon with the uniform lock.
[0023] FIG. 2u--Preferred deigns of uniform lock.
[0024] FIG. 3u--Variety of tongs combined from knife fork and spoon
equipped with uniform lock.
[0025] FIG. 4u--Tongs arms sprung together.
[0026] FIG. 5u--Example of uniform lock's design.
[0027] FIG. 6u--Example of uniform lock's design.
[0028] FIG. 7u--Example of uniform lock's design.
[0029] FIG. 8u--Example of uniform lock's design.
[0030] FIG. 9u--Example of uniform lock's design.
[0031] FIG. 10u--Example of uniform lock's design.
[0032] FIG. 11u--Example of uniform lock's design.
[0033] FIG. 12u--Example of uniform lock's design.
[0034] FIG. 13u--Spade shaped knife with the prongs on a blade of
the knife
[0035] FIG. 14u--Tongs combinations with spade shaped knife.
[0036] FIG. 1--Plate with optional zip-like grooves.
[0037] FIG. 2--Two identical plates with zip-like grooves facing
each-other to form an optional container.
[0038] FIG. 3--Closed optional container formed from two plates
with optional zip-like grooves
[0039] FIG. 4--Plate with plurality of round button-like fasteners
(extrusions and intrusions).
[0040] FIG. 5--Two identical plates with plurality of round
button-like fasteners facing each-other to form an optional
container.
[0041] FIG. 6--Closed container formed from two plates with
plurality of round button-like fasteners.
[0042] FIG. 7--Plate with a perforation of optional interlocking
flaps.
[0043] FIG. 8--Two identical plates with a perforation of optional
interlocking flaps facing each-other to form an optional
container.
[0044] FIG. 9--Closed container formed from two plates with
optional interlocking flaps.
[0045] FIG. 10--Plate with plurality of round button-like fasteners
(extrusions and holes).
[0046] FIG. 11--Side view of two identical plates with plurality of
round button-like fasteners facing each-other to form an optional
container.
[0047] FIG. 12--Perspective view of two identical plates with
plurality of round button-like fasteners facing each-other to form
an optional container.
[0048] FIG. 13--Side view of two identical plates with plurality of
round button-like fasteners stocking each-other.
[0049] FIG. 14--Perspective view of two identical plates with
plurality of round button-like fasteners stocking each-other.
[0050] FIG. 15--Sectional dish with rectangular shaped fasteners
(extrusions and intrusions)
[0051] FIG. 16--Two sectional dishes facing each-other to make an
optional container.
[0052] FIG. 17--Sectional dish folded 30 degrees, to create an
optional self-folded container.
[0053] FIG. 18--Sectional dish folded 45 degrees, to create an
optional self-folded container.
[0054] FIG. 19--Two sectional plates attached to each-other the way
like a regular container with attached cover.
[0055] FIG. 20--Dishware set. Bowls, plates and smaller plates.
[0056] FIG. 21--Dishware set. Smaller plates snapped.
[0057] FIG. 22--Dishware set. Bowl snapped to plate.
[0058] FIG. 23--Dishware set. Smaller plate snapped to bowl.
[0059] FIG. 24--Dishware set. Smaller plate snapped to bigger
plate.
[0060] FIG. 25--Second embodiment of paper plate with a perforation
of optional interlocking flaps.
[0061] FIG. 26--Two plates with a perforation of optional
interlocking flaps facing each-other to form an optional
container.
[0062] FIG. 27--Closed container formed from two plates with
optional interlocking flaps.
[0063] FIG. 28--Third embodiment of paper plate with a perforation
of optional interlocking flaps.
[0064] FIG. 29--Two plates with a perforation of optional
interlocking flaps facing each-other to form an optional
container.
[0065] FIG. 30--Closed container formed from two plates with
optional interlocking flaps.
[0066] FIG. 31--Flower shaped plate with flower shaped
fasteners.
[0067] FIG. 32--Flower shaped plate facing each-other to create an
optional container.
[0068] FIG. 33--Star shaped plate with star shaped fasteners.
[0069] FIG. 34--Star shaped plate facing each-other to create an
optional container.
[0070] FIG. 35--Butterfly shaped plate with butterfly shaped
fasteners.
[0071] FIG. 36--Butterfly shaped plate facing each-other to create
an optional container.
[0072] FIG. 37--Cross plate with cross shaped fasteners.
[0073] FIG. 38--Cross shaped plate facing each-other to create an
optional container.
[0074] FIG. 39--Food tray with fasteners.
[0075] FIG. 40--Two food trays facing each-other to form an
optional container.
[0076] FIG. 41--Optional container formed from identical food trays
half open.
[0077] FIG. 42--Optional container formed from identical food trays
half open.
[0078] FIG. 43--Food tray with fasteners on rims and on middle.
[0079] FIG. 44--Food tray with fasteners on rims and on middle
bended to form container.
[0080] FIG. 45--Two containers with fasteners on rims and on middle
facing to each other to create optional container
[0081] FIG. 46--Examples of fasteners shapes (a-preferred shape,
b,c,d,e--durable shapes)
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0082] 1--Male (extruded) pat of fastener. [0083] 2--Female
(intruded) part of fastener. [0084] 3--Line-up notch. [0085]
4--Array of alternating male and female button fasteners. [0086]
5--Paper dishware rim perforated interlocking flaps. [0087]
6--Flaps interengaged. [0088] 7--Female intrusion bottomless.
[0089] 8--Small plate holding latches.
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