Multiple purpose eating utensil assembly

Abstract

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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to UK Patent Application No. 1007437.5 filed May 1, 2010.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a device assembly that can be used for multiple purposes and more specifically to an improved eating utensil assembly that is packaged in a flat or nearly flat configuration. The eating utensil assembly can be readily separated into single or multiple eating utensils or implements and can accommodate non-eating purposes in addition to their functionality as eating implements.[0003]Eating utensils or implements, such as the fork, knife, spoon or pick are known in the art and are common items of cutlery that are used for eating. Eating utensils have generally evolved into a particular form that allows for the handling and manipulation of food by the user. Traditionally, the knife, fork, spoon or pick, come as separate pieces and the art has favored particular shapes a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention is an eating utensil assembly that can be easily delivered to the user and that can accommodate other non-eating purposes. In a first embodiment, the invention is a set of at least one, but preferably multiple eating utensils that are joined together and delivered to the user as a single intact device that can be used as an eating utensil upon separation of the various eating utensil implements from each other. In another embodiment, the eating utensil assembly has multiple food engagement members that are joined together and delivered to the user in a flat or nearly flat or planar or nearly planar configuration. Each of the multiple food engagement members is situated in its own segment of the device. In another embodiment of the present invention, the segments are fused or joined together so that the segments form a single unit or piece when the device is delivered to the user. The junction between the fused or joined segments or portions can be weakened or made susceptible to separation by pressure so that the segments can be easily separated from each other without damaging the functionality of the eating utensils or food engagement members therein.

[0009]In other embodiments of the invention, the food engagement member can be used for other non-eating functions, such as for the clipping of papers together. By way of example, in one embodiment, the eating utensil assembly has a fork member that can be used for eating, where the tines of the fork can alternatively be used to clip papers or other articles or materials together. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the nearly flat or flat configuration allows the device to be easily packaged and delivered to the user and allows for other non-eating functions, such as a bookmark or a coaster or to accommodate branding or messaging or other personalized text or imagery as required by the user.

[0010]An object of the present invention is to provide a set of eating utensils that can accommodate other non-eating purposes. Another object of the present invention is to provide a set of eating utensils wherein the food engagement portions thereof are formed in a planar or nearly planar configuration so that the utensil can be delivered to the user easily and to allow for stacking of the assemblies together. Another object of the present invention is to minimize the number of separate utensils required for a user to have in hand in order to accommodate any eating task. A further object of the present invention is to provide for the delivery of utensils for multiple users as a single piece or unit that can be shared or divided. A further object of the present invention is to provide for the delivery of utensils for all eating functions, such as fork, knife, spoon or pick as a single piece of unit. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a set of eating utensils that can be used in the alternative for non-eating purposes such as a paper clip or as coasters or to accommodate messaging or text, or imagery or branding or the like. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a set of eating utensils suitable for printing or affixation of a trademark, logo or other commercial symbol.

Problems solved by technology

The eating utensils described in the art do not accord much flexibility in how the cutlery can be delivered to the user and the purposes for which the cutlery can be used.

A limitation of the prior art eating utensils is that in order to permit ease of functioning, the food engagement portions thereof are generally formed in conventional shapes that are convex and curved.

Firstly, such utensils are not flattened and cannot be easily stored without nesting the utensils together.

Secondly, such utensils are more difficult to transport or deliver to the user.

Thirdly, such utensils cannot easily be used for other non-eating purposes that would require planar, flat, or nearly planar or nearly flat configurations.

Furthermore, the traditional shapes and dimensions of conventional cutlery do not allow for the fusion or joining of multiple forms of cutlery that can be delivered as a single intact piece prior to use, thereby making the utensils easy to deliver to the user.

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