Forks Patents (Class 30/322)
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Patent number: 11885691Abstract: A method and system for the wireless interrogation of a body immersed in a circulatory bath or a tank for heating. More specifically, the system may include a probe having multiple sensors for gauging a core temperature associated with the immersed body in combination with one or more wireless connections leading to a controller (on a circulator or a user interface) such that the user can determine temperature information (e.g., core temperature) of the body being immersed.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Preston Industries, Inc.Inventors: Philip Preston, Walter Raczynski, Charles Zimnicki
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Patent number: 11771251Abstract: A food product spreader apparatus including a blade having a longitudinal axis, a handle having a longitudinal axis and a pivot block to which the blade is secured. The blade includes a mounting portion for storing the spreader on a food container. The pivot block is rotatably mounted to the handle and the blade and pivot block are movable between a first position where the longitudinal axes of the blade and the handle are generally parallel to one another and a second position where the longitudinal axes of the blade and the handle are generally perpendicular to each other. In the first position the spreader apparatus is available for use and in the second position the spreader apparatus is able to be stored on the container while occupying a minimal amount of space.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Inventor: Joelle Mertzel
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Patent number: 11766143Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking utensil with double folding which includes a body part of which one of cooking utensils such as scoops, forks, spoons, flip, spatulas and cooking spoons is selectively formed from an end, a handle part, and a rotating part which includes at least two or more holes formed in one side and the other side thereof so that one end is connected to the first rack portion and the other end is connected to the second rack portion to be doubly foldable.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Inventors: Hye Sung Ahn, Suk Min Moon
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Patent number: 11700973Abstract: A cookware utensil system having at least one cookware further comprising a cookware body with a perimetric edge and at least one handle extending outwardly from the cookware body, and a utensil having at least one notch that is configured to engage with the at least one handle.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: LAGOM KITCHEN CO.Inventors: Melinda Olsen, Amir Tehrani, Zachary Rosner, Christopher Santone, Hlynur Atlason
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Patent number: 11517151Abstract: A heat resistance cooking apparatus. The heat resistance cooking apparatus including a cooking section, a handle section and a middle section coated with acrylic elastomeric compound providing: (1) an insulating thermal coating reducing heat absorption on the coated middle section from the cooking section that is placed in contact with a cooking heat source such as stove, grill, camp fire, fire pit, etc., (2) resistance to cracking including a flexible surface layer expandable and contractible with changes in temperature, (3) resistance to thermal shock; (4) water resistance, (5) fade resistance, (6) providing a textured surface on the middle section for easy, non-slip gripping, and (7) dishwasher safe.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Inventor: Sam J. Achilli
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Patent number: 11490750Abstract: A tableware device includes a main body and multiple tableware members. The main body has a lower cover and an upper cover. The upper cover has a first fastener. A receiving space is formed between the upper cover and the lower cover. An end of the lower cover is rotatably connected to an end of the upper cover by a pivoting portion, and free ends thereof jointly form an opening. The lower cover is formed with a first connecting portion and a second fastener corresponding to the first fastener to fasten the upper and lower covers. The tableware members are removably disposed on the main body. Each is provided with a second connecting portion corresponding to the first connecting portion to connect the tableware member with the main body.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Befashion Umbrella Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yen-Shuo Su, Chunming Cheng
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Patent number: 11096304Abstract: A cage for accommodating an electronic component is described, where the electronic component may be susceptible to damage upon impact. The cage may include a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall. In an example, the first wall and the third wall may be positioned transversely to the second wall and the fourth wall. In an example, a first indentation may be formed on the first wall and a second indentation may be formed on the third wall. In said example, the first indentation and the second indentation may have a gap there between to accommodate the electronic component.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Chien-Yi Wang, Tien Liang Chung, Justin Tinhsi Lee
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Patent number: 10986947Abstract: The present invention is a beverage utensil which contains a receptacle component on one end and an identification component on the opposite end. The utensil is designed such that the receptacle component is capable of stirring the beverage and also for removing solid edible elements from the beverage for consumption by the imbiber of the beverage.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: S2 Products Inc.Inventor: Michelle Lefferts
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Patent number: 10112329Abstract: A dual shot molded article of cutlery that includes a working end molded from a first material and a molded handle opposite the working end. The article is designed with one or more features that facilitate the efficient and effective manufacture of such products by an overmolding or coreback molding process.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Modern Packaging LLCInventors: Benjamin Shapiro, Christopher Wlezien, Martin Rathgeber, Matthew Shapiro, Tuan Nguyen
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Patent number: 9670360Abstract: The invention relates to polymer compounds containing A) 0 to 98 parts by weight, based on the sum of A and B, of a thermoplastic polymer, or a mixture of a plurality of thermoplastic polymers differing from B, and B) 2 to 100 parts by weight, based on the sum of A and B, of B 1) at least one graft polymer produced by an emulsion polymerisation process, B2) optionally at least one graft polymer produced in a mass, suspension or solution polymerisation process, B3) optionally at least one rubber-free vinyl (co)polymer and (C) 0 to 30 parts by weight of at least one commercially available polymer additive, wherein the total of parts by weight A and B is 100.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Covestro Deutschland AGInventors: Andreas Seidel, Martin Doebler, Hans-Juergen Thiem
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Patent number: 9554663Abstract: An eating utensil assembly may include a first eating utensil that may include a first handle having an opening therein and an eating utensil head coupled to an end of the first handle and having a curved shape. The eating utensil assembly may also include a second eating utensil removably carried by the first eating utensil within the opening in the first handle. The second eating utensil may include a second handle and a cutting blade coupled to an end of the second handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Snap Out Solutions, LLCInventors: Kimberly Truog, Corbet Truog
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Patent number: 9549626Abstract: An eating utensil assembly may include a first eating utensil that may include a first handle having an opening therein, a support member coupled to the first handle across the opening, and an eating utensil head coupled to an end of the first handle and having a curved shape. The eating utensil assembly may also include a second eating utensil removably carried by the support member within the opening in the first handle. The second eating utensil may include a second handle and a cutting blade coupled to an end of the second handle.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Snap Out Solutions, LLCInventors: Kimberly Truog, Corbet Truog
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Patent number: 9289098Abstract: A muddler includes a handle and a shaft extending axially from the handle. The handle has a bore with helical grooves in the interior surface thereof. The shaft has a proximal end received in the bore, and a pin extends through the shaft to engage the helical grooves. A compression spring in the bore urges the shaft distally. A pestle head is secured to the distal end of the shaft, with a convex distal end surface having a plurality of projections extending distally to contact the solid materials to be crushed and bruized or broken. A force transmitted distally from the handle causes the spring to compress, driving the proximal end of the shaft into the bore and causing the shaft to rotate, further bruising and crushing the solid ingredients and creating a mixing action among the solid ingredients.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: William D. Federighi
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Publication number: 20140373862Abstract: Provided is an implement that has a handle adapted to be positioned on a user's hand such that the user's hand goes through the handle. The handle has an aperture that is adapted to accept a user's hand. The implement of the present invention may have a wide variety of implements as described herein. Particular implements include, for example, personal care implements such as, eating utensils, a toothbrush or a hair care implement, such as, a hairbrush or comb.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Frank James Prokop, III, J. Robert Snypp, III, Ronald Cleveland Barbas, Kevin M. Johnston
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Publication number: 20140310961Abstract: An eating utensil is provided for children, especially young children learning to eat. In one embodiment, an eating utensil includes a handle including a spherically shaped element and a head portion including at least three tines. The handle may include a spherically shaped element and an elongated body, the spherically shaped element fixed to a first end of the elongated body. The head portion can be fixed to the second end of the elongated body and the base of each tine is arranged in a triangle arrangement relative to a surface of the head portion, such that the tines extend from the head portion. In certain embodiments, the head portion is configured to be coupled to and removable from the second end of the elongated body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Rx Count CorporationInventors: Adam James, Keree James, Mario Esquer
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Patent number: 8839522Abstract: A utensil that includes a functional end and a handle associated with the functional end. The handle includes a longitudinal axis, a first surface, and a second surface. The first surface includes at least one protrusion configured to separably couple the utensil to a second utensil. The second surface is configured to receive at least a portion of a third utensil. The at least one protrusion is configured such that the utensil and the second utensil are configured to be at least one of coupled and decoupled with respect to one another via relative movement in a plane parallel to a reference plane that intersects a plane extending between the first and second surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLCInventor: Richard S. Walters
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Publication number: 20140215836Abstract: The title of the invention is “SG MAITREFORK”; the initials as defined by the inventor, while the word “MAITREFORK” contains in itself the purpose of this invention, which consists of a double serrated fork which is used in the gastronomic field and specifically in modern restaurants (kitchens) in which Maitre (Chief Hall) performs completion of cooking and preparation in the presence or in front of the client in the restaurant. Also, this invention finds its use in different gastronomic tables related to fast food (fast food, take way etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventor: Dashamir Elezi
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Patent number: 8776379Abstract: An elongated apparatus for releasably retaining a plurality of utensils in a grouping includes an elongated base and at least one protrusion. The apparatus includes an elongated base having a longitudinal axis and at least one protrusion extending from the elongated base. The at least one protrusion is configured to be removably coupled to a handle end of a utensil such that coupling of the handle end occurs via movement of the handle end along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated base. Upon coupling of the handle end of the utensil to the at least one protrusion, the utensil is restricted from rotating about the longitudinal axis so long as the handle end of the utensil is coupled to the at least one protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLCInventor: Richard S. Walters
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Publication number: 20140190021Abstract: A toddler flatware using the natural finger grip for consuming food is disclosed. The flatware has an eating utensil, such as a spoon bowl, fork, or knife and a handle attached perpendicular to the eating utensil. The handle is flat with rounded edges and corners for a comfortable grip. The handle is secured between the thumb and the tips of the fingers, mimicking the natural act of eating with one's hands. The natural motion afforded by the flatware design facilitates the act of self-feeding, either by toddlers or by adults with impaired motor-function. It also facilitates the transition to traditional adult flatware.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventor: Roberto Gutierrez
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Patent number: 8769832Abstract: The present invention relates to eating utensils including a support configuration adapted for elevating the utensil above a horizontal surface to prevent the contamination of germs or bacteria that may linger on the surface. The eating utensils are also adapted for use by children or adults having limited motor skills or dexterity. In one embodiment, a utensil such as a fork, knife or spoon is attached to an egg-shaped member having a weighted base and designed for preventing the utensils from coming into contact with horizontal surfaces such as a table.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Inventor: Michael Joyner
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Publication number: 20140075763Abstract: An eating/oral care device has a concave or curved head and spaced-apart, broad protrusions in the interior space of the head, for children or challenged adults having difficulty with a conventional fork or spoon. The protrusions are fewer and more spaced-apart, and have a larger diameter to length to ratio, than toothbrush or other conventional bristles. The protrusions have a lower diameter to length ratio than nubs or bumps. The head may be an elongated, curved arm, having low or no sidewalls and an upwardly-extending rear end serving as a food and safety stop. Multiple longitudinal rows of protrusions may extend along the curved upper surface of the arm. The preferred utensil handle is spherical, which allows the user to grasp the device comfortably and naturally in various orientations, and to handle the utensil in a way that improves food-pick-up and aiming at the mouth.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: STEPHANIE KARNS, RODNEY A. SQUIBB
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Patent number: 8621755Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Waddington North America, Inc.Inventors: Ashish K Mithal, David Gordon, Thomas E Ellsworth, Raymond Chan, William A Gallop
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Patent number: 8607459Abstract: A utensil apparatus for dispensing a quantity of condiment. The condiment dispensing utensil is constructed such that it contains an internal reservoir of a condiment, such as a salad dressing. The condiment dispensing utensil assembly can then be used to dispense a bite-sized portion of the condiment to the food on the utensil as it is consumed. The utensil allows the user to control the amount of condiment that is consumed at a single meal. Said utensil can later be cleaned for reuse or disposed of if constructed for only a single serving use. The utensil also comprises a pump mechanism for controlling the amount of condiment that is dispensed with each bite or scoop of food.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Amanda Geissler
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Publication number: 20130232793Abstract: A multi-purpose device assembly for eating and for non-eating purposes. In addition to having the functionality of an eating utensil, the device is-generally or nearly flattened or planar to accommodate non-eating functions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible using an eating utensil according to a conventional configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2011Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: Fatima Fazal
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Patent number: 8524130Abstract: Biodegradable disposable flatware and utensils manufactured from wood-based or plant-based raw materials, including materials that may be traditionally discarded such as sawdust, plant stalks, seed or grain hulls or the like. The process includes the use of a resin made from the discarded materials to form disposable utensils and flatware.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Inventor: Vadim Chindyasov
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Publication number: 20130152406Abstract: At least one aspect, a disposable stackable plastic fork is provided. The disposable plastic fork, having a top surface and a bottom surface, comprises a handle portion; a plurality of tines, each tine of the plurality of tines having a curved shaped configuration and a longitudinal concave groove extending at least partially along a horizontal length of the each tine; and a transition portion integrally connected between the handle portion and the plurality of tines. The bottom surface of the fork has a curved profile and the top surface has a corresponding curved indentation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: GADSDEN COFFEE COMPANY, INC.Inventor: David B. McFarland
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Patent number: 8429827Abstract: A battery powered microprocessor-controlled fondue fork has a thermal sensor, a timer, a color LED display for indicating degree of doneness, and a control switch for selecting a predefined cooking time. When the fondue fork is placed into a heated liquid for cooking, the thermal sensor activates the microprocessor-controlled timer which then illuminates the LED display. The LED displays flashing green to indicate the food is cooking, yellow to indicate the food is cooked rare, steady green to indicate the food is cooked medium, red to indicate the food is well-done, and flashing red to indicate an overdone stage of cooking.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Inventor: Fred Wetzel
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Publication number: 20130019726Abstract: A food stabilization device comprising one or more cross-bars and a plurality of teeth. The one or more cross-bars comprise at least one of a cross-bar height and a cross-bar width adapted to receive a gripping mechanism. The plurality of teeth extend from the one or more cross-bars and comprise a tip adapted to pierce one or more layers of a food item and a length adapted to at least partially reach the one or more layers of the food item.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventor: Richard J. Rosenbaum
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Publication number: 20120288351Abstract: Conventional multi-tined implements such as cutlery and serving forks, pitchforks and front-end loader machine forks, all have smooth tine surfaces from which the respective items being picked up and transferred by a user may unintentionally slip off and cause harm. All such implements are provided enhanced ability to retain their respective loads during their intentional transfer by a user by the provision of a plurality of topographic discontinuities on selected load-contacting surfaces of their tines. These topographic discontinuities include small barb-like elements generated by wedge-shaped recesses extending into the tines and/or by barb-like projections extending from the tines into inter-tine gaps between adjacent tines. On thus improved food-handling implements all intersections, corners, edges and points incidental to formation of any topographic discontinuities are smoothed out to prevent physical harm to users.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventor: Chittaranjan N. Nirmel
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Publication number: 20120192435Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Ashish K. Mithal, David Gordon, Thomas E. Ellsworth, Raymond Chan, William A. Gallop
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Publication number: 20120152962Abstract: A campfire cooking handle and accessories is provided. The new campfire cooking handle is an elongated handle that can be utilized while cooking foods over a campfire or a fireplace etc. The new campfire cooking handle is approximately three feet long and allows a person to be far enough away from the fire so that the person's hand does not get burned or too hot while cooking food items over an open fire. The new campfire cooking handle is used with other cooking accessories such as different size forks for holding steaks; marshmallows, hotdogs, bratwurst and fruits and vegetables such as such as apples and potatoes, etc. The new campfire cooking handle can also be utilized with other accessories such as a grilling pan, a frying pan, a popcorn popper, etc. The campfire cooking handle has a bend thereon so that when a person is standing while the handle is utilized for cooking over an open fire, the item being grilled is substantially in a horizontal position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Kenneth Arbuckle
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Patent number: 8176641Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Waddington North America, Inc.Inventors: Ashish K Mithal, David Gordon, Thomas E Ellsworth, Raymond Chen, William A Gallop
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Publication number: 20120110861Abstract: An improved eating fork includes a conventional handle and an extended flat body portion with a plurality of tines that generally taper continuously from narrowest to widest towards the open ends of the fork. The tines taper outward up to the maximum relative width towards the open end of the fork, and the thickness of the tines in this invention reduces gradually towards the open ends. By the increased width and a reduced thickness of the tines towards the end, this invention provides more efficiency in spearing a food item, in scooping a food item, in capturing through a twisting motion of the tines, and in holding or retaining the food item once it has either been initially speared, scooped, or twisted, than a conventional fork.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventor: Joseph Aurele Jacque Fradet
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Patent number: 8034433Abstract: An article including a writing surface includes a surface, a recess on the surface of the article, and a writing surface formed of a waterproof material disposed in the recess. A method of making an article with a writing surface includes providing an article with a recess in a surface of the article, and attaching a writing surface formed of a waterproof material in the recess.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventors: Ng Chi Fai, Tse Hing Kan
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Publication number: 20110229669Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable nano-polymer compositions, or nanocomposites, comprising poly(lactic acid) and co-polyester polymer with adipic acid compounded with nanoparticles of a mineral material having a degree of purity of at least 99.9%, preferably 99.99%, selected from the group of silica and magnesium silicate. In addition, the present invention refers to a process for manufacturing the said compositions as well as biodegradable articles made on the basis of such compositions, such as molded, formed and extruded articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: Cereplast, Inc.Inventor: Frederic Scheer
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Publication number: 20110219631Abstract: Plastic cutlery and tableware made in at least two parts joinable to form a unitary utensil, serving piece, beverage container or non-food contacting tableware in which the two parts are made of different materials. The materials of the two parts differ in at least one of the following: color, type of plastic, grade of plastic, source of plastic, and additives such as the presence of an anti-microbial agent, transparency, or reflectivity. Food-grade resins, for example, can be used for the heads of cutlery and recycled resins are used for the handles. Heads can be separately metalized and then joined to non-metalized handles. Handles may be made to fit to different types of heads. The two parts of the cutlery may be joined by inserting a tang extending from one into a cavity formed in the other. The two parts of tableware may be joinable by a snap-fit configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: China Direct International, Inc.Inventors: Xinguan Hou, William C. Godley, William A. Gallop, Ashish K. Mithal, Wei He
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Publication number: 20110041349Abstract: An eating utensil design for providing comfortable control of certain food. A user of the utensil can grasp the utensil which has at least three digit elements for grasping food. An example of the three digit elements are in the form of three channeled compartments for receiving a person's fingers or digits. Any three fingers or digits can be used such as the thumb or the four other fingers. The most common implementation includes using the thumb in one channel, and the index finger and the middle finger in two opposing channels. Thus an eating utensil is provided that allows comfortable and efficient manipulation of food while shielding the fingers from sauces and that can be quickly and single-handedly grasped for use and released.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: POIDOMANI INNOVATIONS, INCInventors: Eric Zimmermann, Daniel J. Ferrara, JR.
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Patent number: 7866050Abstract: A handheld tool structure includes a tool member, a handle, a cover and a connecting peg. The handle is barrel-shaped and has an opening at an end of the handle. An end of the tool member is slab-shaped and the tool member has at least one penetrating hole and at least one notch. An end of the connecting peg has a slender groove, and the top of the cover has a slender slot. An end of the tool member is passed through the slot of the cover and inserted into the groove of the connecting peg, and the cover and the connecting peg are connected, and another end of the connecting peg is plugged into the handle from an opening at an end of the handle, and the cover is plugged into the handle until the top of the cover is aligned evenly with a distal surface of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventor: Shu-Feng Yu
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Publication number: 20100325895Abstract: A utensil apparatus for dispensing a quantity of condiment. The condiment dispensing utensil is constructed such that it contains an internal reservoir of a condiment, such as a salad dressing. The condiment dispensing utensil assembly can then be used to dispense a bite-sized portion of the condiment to the food on the utensil as it is consumed. The utensil allows the user to control the amount of condiment that is consumed at a single meal. Said utensil can later be cleaned for reuse or disposed of if constructed for only a single serving use. The utensil also comprises a pump mechanism for controlling the amount of condiment that is dispensed with each bite or scoop of food.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Amanda Geissler
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Patent number: 7805843Abstract: A utensil for a manually impaired user includes a utensil insert, such as a fork, spoon, knife, tool or other object, and a handle for receiving the utensil insert so that a portion of the utensil insert extends outwardly from the handle. The handle has first and second handle sections that are removably connected together. The first handle section includes a first receptacle and a first projection spaced from the first receptacle while the second handle section includes a second receptacle and a second projection spaced from the second receptacle. The first receptacle is adapted to receive the second projection and the second receptacle is adapted to receive the first projection when the first and second handle sections are connected together.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Bel-Art Products, Inc.Inventors: David Landsberger, Paul Thom, Kathleen O'Neill, Francis Gomes
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Publication number: 20100236972Abstract: The present invention provides a processed biodegradable article having excellent water resistance and rigidity, which can be used as a food container, and a biodegradable composition required to produce the processed biodegradable article. The respective components are mixed such that the content of starch is 15% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, the content of protein is 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the content of cellulose fiber is 3% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the content of polyphenols is 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, and the content of sodium chloride is 0% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, and then water is added in the amount of 10 parts by mass or more and 100 parts by mass or less based on 100 parts by mass of the mixture, followed by kneading the mixture using a mixer. Then, the kneaded mixture is press-molded into a predetermined shape such as a cup or a dish, and heat-treated at 120° C. or higher and 180° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: NUCLEAR ENGINEERING, LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko Aoki, Yasuhiro Ikeo
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Publication number: 20100192388Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Ashish K Mithal, David Gordon, Thomas E. Ellsworth, Raymond Chan, William A. Gallop
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Publication number: 20100175269Abstract: The invention relates to dining and/or serving cutlery made of a steel material which is formed from a ferritic core with an essentially martensitic boundary layer. In the dining and/or serving cutlery of the invention, the surface hardness of the boundary layer, determined according to the hardness test according to Vickers HV 3, is thereby greater by 30 to 300% than the lowest hardness of the core, likewise measured according to Vickers HV 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: Cornelius Boerner, Guenter Buehlmaier, Wolfgang Friz, Alexander Kiefer, Martin Neumayer, Theda Staudinger
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Patent number: 7716842Abstract: Clip-on utensils and methods of use therefor, wherein the handle end of the utensil incorporates a clip for securing the utensil to the edge of a plate, bowl, glass or cup. The clip portion of the utensil is opened and subsequently positioned over the tableware edge, wherein the clip is subsequently released; thereby, gripping the edge of the tableware and securing the utensil thereon. When at rest, the clip portion forms a planar combination with the handle thereby imparting strength to the combination over that of the handle alone. Various alternative clipping means are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Inventors: Carla Sumner-Trivisani, Scott Trivisani
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Publication number: 20100107417Abstract: An eating utensil such as a disposable plastic fork, spoon or knife, or combination thereof, is combined with a dental cleaning device such as a toothpick and/or a dental flosser for personal use after eating in a location where dental hygiene items may not be otherwise available. In some embodiments the dental cleaning device may be permanently attached to the eating utensil, which can serve as a handle for using the dental cleaning device; in other embodiments the dental cleaning device may be removed in a snap-off manner for convenient deployment independent of the eating utensil, optionally configured with a thumb-finger tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Jackson L. Crisp
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Publication number: 20100000096Abstract: A stackable cutlery element having a handle and a functional element shaped onto the handle. To achieve maximum stability, the handle of the cutlery element is designed as a wall with longitudinal ribs arranged on the edge of both sides, so that an essentially H-shaped cross-section is formed. For additional stabilization, an end rib is arranged on the longitudinal end of the handle opposing the functional element on both sides of the wall. The end rib and the two longitudinal ribs on both sides are designed so that when the cutlery elements of this invention are stacked, the end rib and the longitudinal ribs of the first side of a cutlery element engage positively in the end rib and longitudinal ribs of the second side of the further cutlery element to connecting to them in the stacking direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2007Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: Rolf Muehlemann
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Publication number: 20090322108Abstract: The present invention is a clamshell form eating utensil for gripping and retaining rigid and semi rigid self supporting food items to cleanly and sanitarily bring them to the mouth for eating. The utensil includes an upper and lower leaf pivotally fixed together by a self closing hinge on one edge and formed with a series of times along an opposite edge. The tines include primary gripping tines plus secondary tines providing lateral stability to food items are provided at either end of each leaf. A tail is provided on each leaf extending past the pivotal axis a the hinge operative as a lever to open the utensil, the lower tail bring provided with a plurality of finger holes to aid the diner in manipulating the food during the meal. Drain holes may be provided in each leaf to permit excess sauces and liquids to drain away. A bridging member between the upper and lower leaves protects the hinge from being soiled by food items.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Shanaz Bina
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Publication number: 20090255126Abstract: Bar tenders and waitresses serve lemon with a beverage. There has been at least one case of polluted lemon wedges attributed to handling and numerous other cases of undesirable service. The present invention features a salutary utensil for serving a lemon wedge without touching it. It is a lemon fork. It has tines and a slot at some angle to the tines. A server can fork a lemon wedge. Then orient the slot downward and place it on a glass. It is easy to use. It can be molded, machined or stamped.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventor: Joy W. Whistle
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Publication number: 20090242573Abstract: An article including a food plate including a surface for placing food thereon, the surface including an orderly series of protrusions spaced from one another, wherein a spacing between adjacent protrusions equals a distance between tines of a fork.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
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Publication number: 20090200315Abstract: A plastic set (1) of eating and/or drinking aids, comprising eating and/or drinking aids (3, 4, 5) and connecting pieces (6), wherein the eating and/or drinking aids (3, 4, 5) are breakably inter coupled by means of the connecting pieces (6), preferably wherein the eating and/or drinking aids (3, 4, 5) are included in a relatively flat condition with respect to one another and intersect substantially one imaginary intersecting plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2007Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Etienne Herman Walter Blondeel