Fast Food Utensil

A device for blind retrieval of food is provided, the device having a single semi-rigid band with an opening, elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh. A mount is disposed on the band, perpendicular to the opening. A food container having a ridge on the upper surface and a recessed surface on the lower surface, the recessed surface corresponding and conforming with said ridge of the upper surface. A connector is disposed in the recessed surface of the food container where the connector is slidably attachable to the mount of the band. The relative width between mount and the connector varies, providing a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable food containers, and more particularly relates to an apparatus and system for portable, blind retrieval of food.

BACKGROUND

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,261 for a DISPOSABLE FOOD TRAY WITH CONDIMENT CONTAINER, Cook discloses a comestible container structurally supporting at least one ancillary condiment container. Cook fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the food container. In particular, Cook does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination.

In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D253,628 for a TRAY, Adamson discloses an ornamental design for a tray. Adamson fails to disclose an open detachable clamshell-shaped container with two food receptacles, an elastically conformable semi-rigid circular band attachable to a single human thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,274 for a LEG SUPPORTED TRAY, Jenkins discloses a leg supported tray in which the leg engaging support is generally semicircular in configuration and open downwardly with its lower surface being provided with coating or covering in the form of a fabric or rubber coating to form a cushion for engaging the surface of the leg of the user. Jenkins fails to disclose an open detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles, a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh, and a combination of a slidably attachable mount disposed on the band and a connector disposed on the container.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,032 for TORSO-MOUNTED HOLDER TRAY ASSEMBLY, Bott et al. discloses a holder tray assembly for mounting on the torso of a wearer that includes a tray capable of supporting objects, the tray held by a pair of laterally spaced apart support rods. Bott et al. fails to disclose an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the wearer. Bott et al. further does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.

In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D338,035 for BINDER WITH KNEE SUPPORT, Graham discloses a binder with knee support. Graham does not disclose a container for holding food. Graham fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band that is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh, capable of connection to an open detachable clamshell-shaped container having a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in the circular semi-rigid band.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,455 for FOLDING LAP TRAY, Miller et al. discloses a lap tray that is folded from a corrugated cardboard blank that can be gripped by a user's thighs. In particular, Miller et al. does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,885 for LAP TRAY FOR CARRYING FOOD, Sussman discloses a lap tray adapted to be laid upon the lap of a user when the user is in a seated position. Sussman does not disclose an open detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles, a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh, and a combination of a slidably attachable mount disposed on the band and a connector disposed on the container

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,119 for FAST FOOD LAP TRAY, Eisenberg discloses a tray suited for supporting fast food on the lap of an individual seated in an automobile that includes a pair of pliant leg straps whose lengths are sufficient only to be individually secured beneath the legs of the user. Eisenberg fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh. Eisenberg further does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in the band, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.

In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D376,732 for PLATE WITH CENTER HOT DOG COMPARTMENT, Smith discloses a plate with center hot dog compartment with a comestible container structurally supporting at least one ancillary condiment container. Smith fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the food container. Smith fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh. Smith fails to disclose an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the wearer. In particular, Smith does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,512 for TRAY OR PLATE ASSEMBLY, Brickley discloses a tray which can be held and stabilized using one hand and forearm. Brickley fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh. In particular, Brickley does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,784 for FAST FOOD BOX TRAY, Wojcik discloses a fast food box tray that includes a top tray that can be foldably secured to an upper edge of the bottom tray and can be placed on a user's lap. Wojcik fails to disclose a slidable connector on the food container that is attachable to a slidable mount on an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band attachable to a single human thigh.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,933 for PORTABLE LAP TRAY, Neville discloses the portable lap tray with receiving loops for securing around thighs of a user. Neville fails to disclose an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the wearer. Neville further does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.

In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D405,621 for LAPTOP FOOD TRAY, Myers discloses an ornamental design for a laptop food tray. Myers fails to disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid circular band. Myers does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,938 for BODY-ATTACHED CUP HOLDER, Fava discloses a cup holder adapted to be attached to a person's thigh that consists a receptacle member forming a generally cylindrical shell which is open at its top end and closed at its bottom end, and two arcuate arms which extend downwardly. Fava does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band and does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable container. Fava does not disclose a band opening that is perpendicular to the slidable mount and connector combination.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,689 for BOWL WITH GRIPPING MEANS, Benett discloses a bowl in with gripping means located at a recessed portion of the bottom or base. Benett fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the food container. Benett fails to disclose an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the wearer. Benett further does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,885 for MOBILE-DINING MEALHOLDER WITH BEVERAGE CONTAINER PLATE-LID, Krueger et al. discloses a mobile-dining mealholder consisting of a plate-lid and detachable beverage cup in which the cup has a lip with an annular bead. Krueger et al. fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh, and a combination of a slidably attachable mount disposed on the band and a connector disposed on the container. Krueger et al. fails to disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening of a circular semi-rigid band structure.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,927 for POP-UP TRAY FOR COMBINATION MEALS, Sorensen et al. discloses an automatic pop-up food tray support leg system that positions the tray in the driver's lap. Sorensen et al. does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination. Sorensen et al. does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,763 for CUPHOLDING LAP TRAY, Ali discloses a lap tray with a cup receptacle positioned at the center of gravity of the tray. Ali fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the food container. Ali does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination. Ali does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.

Prior attempts to provide a portable food retrieval device have met with varied limitations. In particular, the arrangement for securing the device is typically not interchangeable with a choice in food container, owing to the limited range of stability of the prior art portable devices. At the same time, it is desired to maintain the relative position between the user and the food so that the user does not have to look for the food in order to retrieve the food. Engagement of the securing device with the food container has been either bulky or unable to provide stability of the food container. Further, it is desired to have a device or system that is easily attachable, removable, and easy to use by a user. There is a need to overcome all of these limitations in a single, generic device or system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first set of examples of the invention, an apparatus and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the apparatus including: a single semi-rigid bad, where the band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh; a mount having a first sliding surface, the mount disposed on the band; a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface; and a connector having a second sliding surface, the connector disposed on the lower surface of the food container; and where the connector is slidably attachable to the mount.

In another example, the sliding surface of the mount includes a first T-shaped groove and a second T-shaped groove; and the sliding surface of the connector includes a first T-shaped rail and a second T-shaped rail where the first and second T-shaped rails conformably fit to the T-shaped grooves of the mount. In a further example, the connector further includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface of the food container. The recessed surface includes a first side and a second side. The first T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the first side of the recessed surface. The second T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the second side of the recessed surface. In another further example, the food container includes a first food receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the upper surface of the food container and a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the first food receptacle and the second food receptacle. The food container further includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, the recessed surface including a first side and a second side, where the recessed surface is fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper surface. The first T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the first side of said recessed surface and the second T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the second side of said recessed surface. In another further example, the relative width between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

In another example, the sliding surface of the connector includes a dovetail shaped groove; and the sliding surface of the mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting the dovetail shaped groove of the connector. In a further example, the connector includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface. The recessed surface includes a first side and a second side. The dovetail shaped groove of the connector includes a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface. In another further example, the food container includes a first food receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the upper surface of the food container. A ridge disposed on the upper surface separates the first food receptacle and the second food receptacle. The food container further includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface. The recessed surface includes a first side and a second side. The recessed surface is fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper surface. The dovetail shaped groove of the connector further includes a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface.

In another example, the relative width between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies, providing a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount.

In another example, the upper surface and lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers.

In another example, the width of at least one of first sliding surface and second sliding surface varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

In another example, the apparatus includes a plurality of food containers, where the food containers are interchangeably attachable to the mount of the band.

In another example, the food container further includes a plurality of indentations disposed in the upper surface, the plurality of indentations adapted to receive human fingers.

In another example, the band further includes an opening in the band, the opening positioned perpendicular to the mount.

In another example, the apparatus further includes a plurality of hemispherical protrusions disposed on the band. The protrusions are disposed adjacent to and in parallel with the mount. A depression surface is disposed on the sliding surface of the connector. The depression is capable of conformable engagement to the plurality of protrusions.

In a second set of examples of the invention, an apparatus and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the apparatus including: a single semi-rigid band, the band further including an opening in the band, a mount disposed on the band perpendicular to the opening and where the band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human right; a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface, the food container including at least two food receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the two food receptacles, a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, the recessed surface including a first side and a second side, and where the recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with the ridge of the upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers; and a connector disposed in the recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, the connector including a dovetail shaped groove disposed in the recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector further including a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container; where the mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, where the connector is slidably attachable to the mount; and where the relative width between the dovetail shaped rail and the first and second slots of the dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

In a third set of examples of the invention, an apparatus and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the apparatus including: a single semi-rigid band, the band further including an opening in the band, a mount disposed on the band perpendicular to the opening, and where the band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh; a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface, the food container including at least two food receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the two food receptacles, a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, the recessed surface including a first side and a second side, and where the recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with said ridge of the upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers; and a connector disposed in the recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, the connector including a dovetail shaped groove disposed in the recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector further including a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container; where the mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, where the connector is slidably attachable to the mount; and where the band further includes a plurality of hemispherical protrusions disposed on the band, the protrusions disposed adjacent to and in parallel with the mount; and the container further includes a depression surface disposed on the lower surface of the food container, the depression surface capable of conformable engagement to the plurality of protrusions upon attachment of the mount to the container.

In another example, the relative width between the dovetail shaped rail and the first and second slots of the dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is best understood with reference to the attached drawings in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an example of the present invention in operation;

FIG. 2A illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an example of the semi-rigid band; FIG. 2B illustrates a close up partial three-dimensional perspective of the mount portion of the semi-rigid band;

FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an example of a food container;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial three-dimensional perspective of an example T-shaped rail and groove for the mount and connector combination;

FIG. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an example of two containers stacked one upon the other;

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of an example of the connector and the mount in a cinched condition;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an example of the connector and the mount with nubs; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial three-dimensional perspective of an example of the mount portion of the semi-rigid band with nubs.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an example of the present invention in operation. A partially circularly shaped, semi-rigid band 100 is attached to a thigh 102 of a user. In an example, the user is seated in an automobile, theatre, couch, or sporting event. Food container 200 is removably connected to the top of band 100. A mount 110 is disposed on band 100. A connector 210 is disposed on the bottom surface of food container 200. The mount and connector combination enable easy attachment and removal of the food container from the wearer of the band. The mount and connector combination further enables stable and balanced attachment of the food container to a single human thigh. Mount 110 slidably attaches to connector 210 enabling one or more examples of food container 200 to be attached. Band 100 has an opening for ease in attaching to the thigh. Mount 110 and connector 210 have a low profile relative to band 100 and food container 200 to provide secure and stable mounting and connection of the food container as it rests on the thigh. The combination of food container, band, mount, and connector maintains a relative positioning between the user and the food container, enabling blind retrieval of the food by the user.

FIG. 2A illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an example of the semi-rigid band. Band 100 is a partially circularly shaped, semi-rigid band. In one example, band 100 is of varying width, in one example up to approximately 1.5 inches wide. In one example, band 100 is made of a semi-rigid plastic that is elastically conformable such that it is attachable to a human thigh. Opening 114 enables band 100 to be stretched apart, in order to receive the human thigh 102 (illustrated in FIG. 1). Upon release, band 100 returns to its original shape, providing compressive force against the thigh. Mount 110 is disposed on the outer external surface of band 100. Mount 110 is disposed approximately perpendicular to opening 114. The placement of opening 114 enables easy attachment and removal of the band from the wearer. The position of opening 114 with respect to mount 110 enables easy attachment of band 100 to the thigh so as to position mount 110 over the top of the thigh (as shown in FIG. 1). Mount 110 has at least one sliding surface 111 disposed perpendicular to the length of band 100. As more closely illustrated in FIG. 2B, in one example, a dovetail rail 112-1 is disposed on either side of mount 110, perpendicular to the length of band 100 to provide a sliding surface for receiving a food container. In one example, mount 110 is low profile compared to the width. The low profile provides stability to any attached food container. The slidable mount enables balanced attachment of a food container to a single human thigh.

FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an example of a food container. Food container 200 is an open clamshell-shaped container having a lower surface 201 and an upper surface 202. In one example, food container 200 is made of hard paper, plastic, styrofoam, or another type of polystyrene. Food container 200 includes a first food receptacle 203 and second food receptacle 204. A ridge 205 is disposed on upper surface 202, separating first food receptacle 203 and second food receptacle 204. A food product (not shown) such as burger, french fries or the like will conveniently fit within either or both first food receptacle 203 and second food receptacle 204. A recess surface 214, having a first side 215 and a second side 216, is disposed on the lower surface 201 of food container 200, in which recess surface 214 is fittably receivable by ridge 205, on upper surface 202. Connector 210, having a second sliding surface 211, is disposed on the bottom surface 201 of food container 200. A dovetail shaped groove 212-1 has a first slot 217-1 in the first side 215 of the recess surface 214 and a second slot 218-1 disposed in the second side 216 of the recess surface 214. Indentations 220 are disposed on the upper surface 202 of food container 200. The plurality of indentations is made to receive human fingers.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial three-dimensional perspective of an example T-shaped rail and groove for the mount and connector combination. T-shaped groove 112-2 is disposed on either or both sides of mount 110, perpendicular to the length of band 100 to provide sliding surface 111 for receiving a food container 200. In one example, a T-shaped rail 212-2 is disposed on sliding surface 211, forming connector 210 of food container 200. In one example, connector 210 is formed across recess 214. The T-shaped groove 112-2 of sliding surface 111 of mount 110 conformably fits to T-shaped rail 212-2 of connector 210. In one example, a series of one or more nubs 113 is disposed on the sliding surface of band 100, adjacent to groove 112-2, and in parallel to the longitudinal direction of mount 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective of an example of two containers stacked one upon the other. In one example, upper surface 202 of food container 200-1 is shown to conform to lower surface 201 of food container 200-2. This permits nesting food container 200-1 with a conformably shaped, second container. This also permits multi-level stacking of the food containers, enabling ease in storage, shipment, and distribution. Placement of connector 210 in recess 214 maintains and enhances the ability for multi-container stacking.

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of an example of the connector and the mount in a cinched condition. In one example, sliding surface 111 is disposed on either side of mount 110, perpendicular to the length of band 100. Corresponding sliding surfaces 211 are disposed on either side of connector 210 of food container 200. The width 300 between first sliding surface 111 of mount 100 and sliding surface 211 of connector 210 varies so as to progressively engage both sliding surfaces as connector 210 slides onto mount 110. As the relative width decreases between sliding surface 111 and second sliding surface 211, mount 110 becomes cinched into connector 210. In one example, the variance in relative width between the rail of the mount and the groove of the connector is approximately perpendicular to the profile of the rail and groove combination. The profile requirement of the rail and groove combination is further reduced while providing greater stability for the food container and while remaining removably attachable to the band. This mechanism enables food container 200 to be attached by band 100 in a secure and stable position as the device rests on the thigh (as seen in FIG. 1).

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an example of the connector and the mount with nubs. A series of one or more nubs 113 is disposed on the sliding surface portion of band 100. Nubs 113 are disposed adjacent to dovetail rail 112-1 (as shown in FIG. 2B). In one example, nubs 113 are hemispherical surfaces protruding in a concave downward direction with respect to band 100. A corresponding depression 213 is disposed on the sliding surface of connector 210 of container 200. Nubs 113 conformably fit to depression 213. Depression 213 is disposed adjacent to dovetail groove 212-1. The combination of nubs and dovetail rail provide additional stability of the attachment of the container to the band. The required height of the profile of mount 110 is further reduced. Nubs 113 further provide positive tactile response upon sliding insertion of mount 110 of band 100 into connector 210 of container 200. In one example, depression 213 is a hemispherical surface sunken in a concave upward direction with respect to container 200. In another example, depression 213 is a semi-circular groove extending along a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of dovetail groove 212-1. Depression 213 is capable of conformable engagement with nubs 113.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial three-dimensional perspective of an example of the mount portion of the semi-rigid band with nubs. A series of one or more nubs 113 is disposed on the sliding surface of band 100, adjacent to, and in parallel to the longitudinal direction of, mount 110.

The foregoing disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and the teaching of the relevant art are within the spirit of the invention. Such variations will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the relevant in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. Further, the embodiments described are also intended to explain the best mode for carrying out the invention, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the invention. It is intended that the claims based on this disclosure be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent that is permitted by prior art.

Claims

1. An apparatus for blind retrieval of food comprising:

a single semi-rigid band, wherein said band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh;
a mount having a first sliding surface, said mount disposed on the band;
a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface; and
a connector having a second sliding surface, said connector disposed on the lower surface of the food container; and
wherein the connector is slidably attachable to the mount.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the sliding surface of the mount comprises a first T-shaped groove and a second T-shaped groove; and
the sliding surface of the connector comprises a first T-shaped rail and a second T-shaped rail, wherein said first and second T-shaped rails conformably fit to the first and second T-shaped grooves of the mount.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein:

the connector further comprises a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface of the food container;
the recessed surface comprises a first side and a second side;
the first T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the first side of said recessed surface; and
the second T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the second side of said recessed surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein:

the food container comprises a first food receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the upper surface of the food container, and a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the first food receptacle and the second food receptacle;
the food container further comprises a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, said recessed surface comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein said recessed surface is fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper surface; and
the first T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the first side of said recessed surface; and
the second T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the second side of said recessed surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the relative width between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the sliding surface of the connector comprises a dovetail shaped groove; and
the sliding surface of the mount comprises a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein:

the connector further comprises a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface;
the recessed surface comprises a first side and a second side; and
the dovetail shaped groove of the connector comprises a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein:

the food container comprises a first food receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the upper surface of the food container, and a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the first food receptacle and the second food receptacle;
the food container further comprises a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, said recessed surface comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein said recessed surface is fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper surface; and
the dovetail shaped groove of the connector further comprises a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the relative width between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper surface and lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the width of at least one of first sliding surface and second sliding surface varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of food containers, wherein the food containers are interchangeably attachable to the mount of the band.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said food container further comprises a plurality of indentations disposed in the upper surface, the plurality of indentations adapted to receive human fingers.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said band further comprises an opening in the band, said opening positioned perpendicular to the mount.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of hemispherical protrusions disposed on the band, said protrusions disposed adjacent to and in parallel with said mount; and
a depression surface disposed on said second sliding surface of said connector, said depression capable of conformable engagement to said plurality of protrusions.

16. An apparatus for blind retrieval of food comprising:

a single semi-rigid band, said band further comprising an opening in said band, a mount disposed on said band perpendicular to said opening, and wherein said band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh;
a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface, said food container comprising at least two food receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the two food receptacles, a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, said recessed surface comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein said recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with said ridge of the upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers; and
a connector disposed in the recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, said connector comprising a dovetail shaped groove disposed in said recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector further comprising a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container;
wherein said mount comprises a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, whereby said connector is slidably attachable to said mount; and
wherein the relative width between the dovetail shaped rail and the first and second slots of the dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

17. An apparatus for blind retrieval of food comprising:

a single semi-rigid band, said band further comprising an opening in said band, a mount disposed on said band perpendicular to said opening, and wherein said band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh;
a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface, said food container comprising at least two food receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the two food receptacles, a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, said recessed surface comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein said recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with said ridge of the upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers; and
a connector disposed in the recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, said connector comprising a dovetail shaped groove disposed in said recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector further comprising a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container;
wherein said mount comprises a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, whereby said connector is slidably attachable to said mount;
wherein said band further comprises a plurality of hemispherical protrusions disposed on the band, said protrusions disposed adjacent to and in parallel with said mount; and
wherein said container further comprises a depression surface disposed on the lower surface of the food container, said depression surface capable of conformable engagement to said plurality of protrusions upon attachment of said mount to said container.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the relative width between the dovetail shaped rail and the first and second slots of the dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100133268
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 2, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 3, 2010
Inventor: Peter Miller (Houston, TX)
Application Number: 12/326,286
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Leg Or Lap Supported (220/17.1); Body Related (108/43); With Recess Or Groove For Article (206/564)
International Classification: B65D 25/20 (20060101); A47B 37/00 (20060101); B65D 1/36 (20060101);