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

The present invention provides an eating utensil assembly that can be easily delivered to the user and accommodates other non-eating purposes. The assembly includes multiple food engagement members that are joined together and delivered to the user in a flat or nearly flat configuration. The junction between the fused or joined segments is weakened or susceptible to separation by pressure, allowing easy separation without damaging the functionality of the eating utensils or food engagement members. The flat or nearly flat configuration also allows for easy packaging and delivery to the user and easy stacking of the assemblies together. The invention aims to minimize the number of separate utensils required for a user to have in hand in order to accommodate any eating task and to provide a set of utensils for all eating functions as a single unit or piece. Additionally, the invention provides for the delivery of utensils for non-eating purposes such as paper clip, coaster, bookmark, or branding or messaging as required by the user. The invention also provides a set of eating utensils suitable for printing or affixation of 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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