With Hand Guard And/or Support Patents (Class 30/323)
  • Patent number: 11583120
    Abstract: A utensil configured to interact with food items includes a main body portion, a handle portion extending in a first direction from the main body portion, and a food manipulating portion extending from the main body portion in a second direction, wherein the food manipulating portion of the utensil is configured to interact with food. The utensil may also include a plurality of legs extending from the main body portion in a third direction to support the utensil on a support surface. The plurality of legs elevate the handle portion, main body portion and food manipulating portion from the support surface such that the handle portion, main body portion, and food manipulating portion are not in contact with the support surface when the utensil is placed on the support surface with the legs supporting the utensil from the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Constructive Eating, Inc.
    Inventor: Carter T. Malcolm
  • Publication number: 20130341334
    Abstract: A cooking utensil includes a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, a shaft having a first end in contact with the proximal end of the handle and a second end distal to the first end, the second end including a food contact implement. The proximal end of the handle includes a first and a second foot. The distal end of the handle includes a third foot. The first, second, and third foot are configured to elevate the handle from a surface and maintain the food contact implement in an elevated position when the cooking utensil is placed on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Identity Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Barth, Thomas P. Hanchette
  • Patent number: 8474143
    Abstract: A dispensing utensil includes a body extending between a front end and a back end, and having a handle and a substance-holding end portion having a width and a length. A substance pushing member is for removing substance from the substance-holding end portion of the body. An arm has a front end and a back end, and is connected adjacent the front end to the substance pushing member and is connected adjacent the back end to the handle. The substance pushing member is movable along the substance-holding end portion between a rest position and a dispensing position. The distance between the rest position and the flexed dispensing position includes a substantial portion of the substance-holding end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: James Wedderburn
  • Publication number: 20130133206
    Abstract: A utensil of embodiments of the disclosed technology has a curvilinear neck having a top and bottom side, a handle extending from the curvilinear neck, a working end adapted for placement within a mouth (of a person), the handle connected to the curvilinear neck and having a bottom side extending downwards past the bottom side of the curvilinear neck, a handle extending from the neck, and a post. A top of the post is connected to the bottom of the neck, and a bottom of the post, opposite the top of the post, extends downwards past the entire bottom side of the working end, such that a line drawn from an end of the handle (the end opposite the curvilinear neck) to a bottom of the post passes below the entire bottom side of the working end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: KYLE DONOVAN
  • Publication number: 20130133207
    Abstract: The invention consists of the addition of a post to eating utensils where the post raises the working end of the utensil above the surface on which the utensil is placed. This raising helps prevent the working end of the utensil from being contaminated by substances on a table or other planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Kyle Donovan
  • Patent number: 8328253
    Abstract: A heat shield having at least one shield portion, a grip having a proximal end and a distal end, and a collar located proximal of the grip and adapted to receive the shaft of a tool is provided herein. The at least one shield portion is rotatable with respect to the grip and may be weighted such that it remains pointing downward when the grip portion is rotated about a longitudinal axis therethrough. The at least one shield portion may include a main shield and at least one secondary shield rotatably connected to the main shield. The heat shield may also be provided as part of a cooking tool having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a cooking element attached at the distal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Wales
  • Publication number: 20120297628
    Abstract: A utensil with an integrated stand includes an elongated angular handle having an endpoint for making contact with food products and the mouth of a user. A downward protrusion located on the handle adjacent to the endpoint includes a lower section for making contact with a foreign surface to prevent the endpoint from making contact with the foreign surface while not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jamie Lynn Rayko, Gerald Wesley Rayko
  • Publication number: 20100325896
    Abstract: A food-handling utensil has tines with opposing sides that are provided with a plurality of smooth projections spaced along the length thereof adapted to engage and retain food impaled by the tines but only marginally inhibit release of the impaled food during handling of the food. Several exemplary embodiments of the utensil are disclosed in the form of a fork having more than two tines and with various forms of the projections, the provision of projections on other sides of the times, adapting the invention to sporks and also providing the handle of the utensil with an ergonomic grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Scott T. Hebebrand
  • Patent number: 7614325
    Abstract: A tool protection apparatus includes a handle; a protecting cover pivotally coupled to an end of the handle, and substantially U-shaped and hollow on both lateral sides; two pivotal connection portions, each disposed separately on top and bottom surfaces of an intersection of the handle and the protecting cover, and including a latch hole and a circular hole; two protruding pillars, each disposed separately on top and bottom surfaces of an intersection of the handle and the protecting cover, and passing through each circular hole; two limit position slots, each disposed on the protecting cover and at a position proximate to the pivotal connection portion; two stop portions, each disposed on the handle and at a position proximate to the protruding pillar, and the stop portion can be latched precisely into limit position slot, such that the present invention is a safe and easy-to operate tool protection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Huang
  • Publication number: 20090229130
    Abstract: The present invention provides interchangeable toddler utensils, such as a fork, spoon, knife, etc., utilizing a plurality of novel retention mechanisms and a novel handle. Advantageously, the toddler utensils of the present invention may be selectively and removably attached to a toddler's wrist, clothing, chair, stroller, etc. when in use or being stored, such that the toddler utensils are not inadvertently dropped on the floor where they are dirtied or lost, for example. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a plurality of other toddler items may be used in conjunction with the novel retention mechanisms and/or novel handle of the present invention, including but not limited to a cup, pacifier, artistic implement, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: SCOTT T. SWIERSKI, Dawn M. Swierski
  • Publication number: 20080289188
    Abstract: A food buffet utensil for use with a food buffet having a shield includes a base member attachable to the food buffet shield. A housing is coupled to the base member and defines an open bottom. The food buffet utensil includes a cord having a first end connected to a reel and a second end extending therefrom, the reel being selectively movable between retracted and extended configurations. The food buffet utensil includes a utensil body having a handle coupled to the second end of the cord, the handle being displaced from the housing when the reel is at the extended configuration and a portion of the handle being positioned in the housing when the reel is at the retracted configuration. An ultraviolet LED is positioned in the housing such that ultraviolet light is emitted when the ultraviolet LED is electrically energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Maria T. Holdbrooks
  • Patent number: 7395602
    Abstract: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ronco Acquisitions Corporation
    Inventors: Alan L. Backus, Ronald M. Popeil
  • Patent number: 7065883
    Abstract: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Ronco Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan L. Backus
  • Patent number: 7011003
    Abstract: A large kitchen or barbecue fork and protector for preventing injuries from sharp tines of the fork and preventing food contamination from bacteria and dirt on the tines. The guard is movable on a shank of the fork from a covering relationship with the sharp pointed tines to an uncovering relationship with the sharp pointed tines. The guard is comprised of a hub portion which closely fits the shank and a cover portion which encloses the tines in the covering portion. In a first embodiment, the guard is retained on the shank at the covering and uncovered positions by a permanent magnet mounted in the guard. In a second embodiment, the guard is retained on the shank at the covering and uncovered positions by the friction of the guard on the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berke
  • Publication number: 20040194323
    Abstract: An eating utensil pressure pad which relieves pressure imposed upon a utensil user's finger(s) when attempting to cut food. The eating utensil comprises an elongated handle having an implement disposed upon the handle and an pressure pad circumferentially surrounding the eating utensil handle at a location near the distal end of the handle. The pressure pad comprises a body with opposing front and back surfaces; opposing top and bottom sides; and opposing left and right sides. The top and bottom sides of the body have openings forming a slot in an interior portion of the body, whereby the slot extends throughout the body for acceptance of an eating utensil handle. The left and right sides are recessed, so as to accommodate one or more digits of a user's hand, thereby reducing pressure subjected to user's digits when manipulating the eating utensil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Lueck
  • Publication number: 20040006876
    Abstract: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan L. Backus
  • Patent number: 6557264
    Abstract: A cooking utensil is provided which can be stood invertedly upright and stored temporarily in a hygienic manner, without taking up space. The cooking utensil includes a shank portion, a head portion, a supporting member, and a liquid receiving member. The supporting member is formed at an end section of the shank portion and supports the cooking utensil in an inverted upright state with the head portion in an upward position. And the liquid receiving member is formed on the shank portion and/or head portion for receiving liquid adhering to the head portion when the cooking utensil is invertably stood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Asia Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Maeda
  • Patent number: 6234162
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food items over an open fire which allows a cook to turn the food and adjust the position of the food over the fire while maintaining a safe distance from the fire. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to allow hands-free operation or, if desired, allow a cook to continually control the position of the food over the fire using one hand. This is accomplished using a telescopic handle and two supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: David Allen Wenker
  • Patent number: 6145204
    Abstract: An eating implement comprising an elongate element defining a first length and opposing ends, a handle extending from one of the opposing ends in a first direction and at a right angle relative to the elongate element, the handle defining a second length equal substantially to the first length, and a head for engaging and accommodating food, the head extending from the other one of the opposing ends in a second direction and at a right angle relative to the elongate element, the second direction being opposite to the first direction defined by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Diane M. Cash
  • Patent number: 6105259
    Abstract: An eating utensil includes a body defining a handle portion shaped to facilitate grasping by a user. A pair of spaced-apart outer tines extend from the body. Each of the spaced-apart outer tines defines an outer tine length. The eating utensil further includes one shorter, intermediate tine disposed between the outer tines in plan view. The shorter, intermediate tine extends from the body to define an intermediate tine length that is less than the outer tine lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Gerber Products Company
    Inventors: Brenda J. Meyers, Mark A. Gilbertson, John W. Grosz, Edward A. Raleigh, Thomas G. Skulley, Deborah L. Harrington
  • Patent number: 5950280
    Abstract: A utensil holding device engageable with a utensil (e.g., spoon or fork) to provide an improved gripping surface for the utensil. The utensil holding device is adapted for quick and easy attachment to a utensil. A portion of the handle section of a utensil is arranged inside a cavity formed by the utensil holding device. The device allows an individual to better grip and maneuver a utensil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Magic American Corporation
    Inventor: Curtis Taylor
  • Patent number: 5890223
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an angled disabled and/or young child's feeding implement which has a handle portion which is bent from the longitudinal axis of the implement by approximately fifteen to seventy degrees. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the feeding element portion has either a spoon bowl portion or a fork tine portion which is provided with a threaded fastening element extending therefrom. The corresponding handle portion contains the desired bend and further contains a corresponding threaded aperture which is adapted to removably secure the threaded fastening element of the feeding element portion so that fork tines, spoon bowls and a variety of handle portions of slim, medium and thick dimensions may be readily interchanged to suit the development, size and capabilities of the child. A flanged annulus may be further provided as a mouth guard to prevent choking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Kelly Klemmer
  • Patent number: 5749286
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking apparatus comprising a combination of a vessel having an upstanding wall defining an upper edge providing a supporting surface for a removable cover having a centrally located opening. The cover is adapted to fit over the upper edge of the vessel. The apparatus also has a number of holding elements located on the cover, each of the holding elements being adapted to hold at least one utensil for carrying food. The holding element supports the utensil in a substantially vertical position. Each of the holding elements further comprises a utensil receiving slot adapted to facilitate positioning of the utensil within the holding element. In one variant, the number of holding elements are permanently mounted on, and are an integral part of the cover. The holding element comprises a stabilizing structure, the stabilizing structure being adapted to cooperate with a corresponding stabilizing element of the utensil, and to keep the utensil in a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Michel Payette
  • Patent number: 5699614
    Abstract: A utensil having a first portion and a handle. The first portion includes a utensil portion, which can be spoon shaped, forked shaped, knife shaped or other food implement shaped and a shank attached at one end to the utensil portion. The handle is removably attached to another end of the shank. A spring loaded clamp is provided with the handle to coact with the shank so as to engage the shank with the handle. The utensil is particularly well adapted to be used with buffets, whereby first portions of utensils are provided with buffet dishes and handles are provided for the customers of the buffet. A clip can be provided for attaching to a buffet dish and holding the utensil first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: John P. Garneau, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5590472
    Abstract: Cutlery in the form of a knife, fork or spoon is formed with a supporting foot at a center portion thereof that elevates the working portion above a support surface when the cutlery is placed on the surface. A method of manufacturing cutlery according to the aforementioned invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Greenvurcel Yaakov
  • Patent number: 5373643
    Abstract: A handle for eating utensils (such as a fork, a spoon and a knife) has a gripping member and a barrier member. A first connecting member connects one end of the gripping member to one end of the barrier member. A second connecting member releasingly connects another end of the gripping member to another end of the barrier member. A hand insertion port is formed by an inner perimeter of the gripping member, the barrier member, the first connecting member and the second connecting member. There is a stabilizing member connected to the gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Michael D. Warren
  • Patent number: 5261560
    Abstract: A receptacle for a spoon and fork; The spoon and the fork are pivotally mounted to the underside to the top of the receptacle, and the top is hinged to the bottom of the receptacle so that it may be opened to permit the spoon and fork to be turned to a position in which they protrude through the ends of the receptacle, and the top may then be closed down to a snap fit with the bottom of the receptacle to hold the spoon and fork in place, and enable the receptacle to serve as a handle for the spoon and fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Paul S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5161691
    Abstract: A device for protecting articles comprising a plate-shaped protective member connected directly to at least one sharp-pointed portion of the article to be protected by at least one frangible point so as to separate the protecting member from the article before using the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Henri Vulliez
  • Patent number: 5117558
    Abstract: The hand-held Rotary Barbecue Rotisserie" includes an elongated shaft having multiple prongs on which wieners, marshmallows, or other food is impaled for cooking. The shaft end opposite the cooking prongs is formed in to an eccentric crank handle, this crank is used for turning the cooking food. a heat insulting sleeve is placed on the shaft. This sleeve would typically be held in one hand while the other hand would rotate the crank handle. The shaft can be one single piece or can be separated into smaller components for easier storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Robert D. Hull
  • Patent number: 5058279
    Abstract: The present invention is an eating utensil set for the physically disabled. The invention comprises a handle, a shaft and an eating utensil head. The handle is in the shape of a multi-sided geometric solid five surfaces: a flat bottom surface adapted to rest upon a horizontal surface such as an eating table, a back surface; a first side surface; a second side surface; and a front surface, preferably curved. The upper portion of the back surface serves as the point of attachment for the shaft. The shaft terminates in the eating utensil head. In addition, the utensil head may be modified to increase the surface area available for the food and to increase the stability of the food on the eating utensil. The new and improved eating utensil is capable of being used by individuals having a variety of disabilities, particularly those individuals with limited wrist movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Suzanne P. Mars
  • Patent number: 4993156
    Abstract: A spoon or other like hand held implement or utensil comprises a spoon bowl (10) or other load carrying formation fixed to an inner stem (12) which also carries a pendulum weight (22). The inner stem rotates freely within a hollow outer stem (24) which is held in the user's hand and which preferably encloses the weight. In this way the spoon or the like can be used in a self-levelling mode; when the bowl is loaded and with the handle stem held horizontally or approaching horizontal the load will be retained despite any lack of mobility or skill or the part of the user (e.g. a blind or disabled person or young child) or disturbance e.g. when used on a moving ship or vehicle. A brake or other locking device (30,32) can be selectively applied to prevent said rotation and the device may also serve to open the outer stem when shifted to another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Tamworth Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Mark E. Craven
  • Patent number: 4826033
    Abstract: Disclosed is a folding food take-out device which comprises a food take-out portion and a handle portion connected to or integrally formed with the food take-out portion. The handle portion comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending sections at least of which is foldable and mating engaging elements are formed on the handle portion sections to detachably maintain the handle portion sections intheir engaging condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Corporation, Satoh Shosan Ltd.
    Inventor: Kou Satoh
  • Patent number: 4719063
    Abstract: An implement handle is made for use by a crippled person, utilizing a cap adapted to receive an end of the implement and an initially flexible bag attached to the cap. Material in the plastic state is inserted into the bag, the material becoming rigid with the passage of time, and the bag is placed into the hand of the crippled person while the material is becoming rigid. The crippled person maintain a substantially constant grip on the bag during this process, whereupon the rigidified handle conforms itself to his particular grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Ontario Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert C. White
  • Patent number: 4599797
    Abstract: The revolvable eating utensil includes a handle portion in the form of an open frame, and an elongated member having a comestible engageable portion axially rotatably supported by the handle portion. The handle portion includes a pair of short front and rear walls joined by a pair of long side walls. The elongated member includes a rear shank poriton and extends through a pair of oppositely disposed bearings disposed in the front and rear walls. A device limits axial movement of the shank portion relative to said handle portion. The device can be removed from the shank portion, and the shank portion can then be slipped out of the handle portion. After cleaning, the unit is then quickly and easily re-assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventor: William P. Bax
  • Patent number: 4539751
    Abstract: Because barbeque forks tend to be rather unwieldy items a barbeque fork is provided which can be separated into a number of shorter pieces or lengths for storage and the pieces then assembled end to end by connecting means before use. Preferably such connecting means comprise a screw-threaded spigot on one piece and a corresponding screw-threaded socket on the adjacent piece. To avoid difficulties in unscrewing the connection means with greasy hands, however, when there are more than three pieces or sections, gripping means such as outwardly projecting lugs are provided the or each section which is not one containing the handle or the prongs. Also to assist in propping up the fork a supporting member, axially slidable along the shaft, can be provided, the supporting member comprises a pair of domed plates placed back to back and each plate having a number of outwardly projecting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Inventor: Siu-Por Chan
  • Patent number: 4218167
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus is disclosed for a manually disabled person to eat food. The feeding apparatus may comprise an eating surface and a mouth-held implement, independent of the eating surface, and operative to place food on the eating surface whereby the manually disabled person may eat without assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1980
    Inventor: Henry T. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 4116355
    Abstract: A dining utensil for use in eating and cooking fondue. The utensil includes a device for assisting engagement of food such as meat, fowl, seafood, fruit or bread by a fondue fork and for disengaging cooked food from the same fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Inventors: John W. Munn, Kevin J. Munn
  • Patent number: 4103420
    Abstract: A cooking utensil having a removable grease shield in the form of a screen to protect the hand of the person using it. The utensil includes the usual elongated manipulating device for making contact with the food item involved. At one end of the device appears the usual handle to allow a person to hold it. The shield fits on to the device, extends laterally from it, and provides a barrier to grease droplets or other hot particles that could burn. The shield couples to the manipulating device and may have a fixed orientation with respect to it. Moving the food manipulator, as a result, will not dislodge the shield to an inconvenient location. The utensil may also include an ejector for dislodging food held by the manipulator. This becomes important where the shield impedes access to the food held by the utensil. The food ejector, controlled in the region of the handle, consequently passes through the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Inventor: Albert F. Davis