Egg opener, separator, spoon and multifunctional tool

Abstract

An egg opening and separating device (12) includes a mount (22), a blade (24), and a bowl (42). The blade (24) has a curved cutting surface (31) defining an opening (34) for receiving a liquid component of an egg and / or a smaller portion of an eggshell through the opening, the curved cutting surface (31) having at least two ends (32). The bowl (42) is sized to receive the egg yolk of an egg, but not to receive the egg yolk along with all egg white. At least a portion of the bowl (42) is movably secured to the mount (22) such that the at least a portion of the bowl (42) is movable relative to the mount (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an egg opener, in particular an egg shell opener for opening or removing an egg shell. The present invention also relates to an egg separator for separating an egg yolk and an egg white. The present invention also relates to a spoon, in particular a foldable spoon for eating eggs. The present invention also relates to an egg multifunctional tool device, which may include at least any one of the above tools. Background Art

[0002] A raw egg includes a solid eggshell enclosing a liquid component. The liquid component includes egg white or albumen surrounding an egg yolk or yolk. The liquid component may be cooked, typically to solidify at least the egg white, and often also the egg yolk. The liquid component may be removed from the eggshell prior to cooking, or the liquid component may be cooked in the eggshell to produce what is commonly referred to as a boiled egg.

[0003] Eggs can be prepared and consumed in different ways. At least some of these preparation methods can be time consuming and complicated, require multiple pieces of equipment, and / or cause difficulties.

[0004] For example, a user may wish to crack open the shell of a raw egg to dispense a liquid component therefrom. This is typically accomplished by breaking the sides of the shell against the side of a bowl, and opening the shell from the crack to release the liquid component. However, some people may find this action difficult, and may result in small pieces of shell being mixed with the liquid component.

[0005] For cooking or baking purposes, the user may additionally wish to separate the yolk from the egg white of the raw liquid component. This can be accomplished by opening the shell as previously described, splitting the shell into two halves, and then moving the yolk between the two halves to pour the egg white out of the shell while retaining the yolk. However, some people may find this action difficult and time-consuming, especially when many eggs need to be separated for cooking. This action may also result in the splitting of the yolk, thereby mixing the yolk and egg white.

[0006] After the hard-boiled egg has been cooked, the user may wish to access the now at least partially solidified interior of the egg. To achieve this, the user may attempt to cut off the top of the egg with a knife, or tap the top to break the shell, and then peel off a portion of the shell. Once cut or peeled, the user may eat the exposed interior with, for example, an egg spoon. However, such cutting or breaking may cause shell fragments to become stuck in the cooked egg white, and the cut edges are often uneven. These results may reduce the taste of the egg.

[0007] Alternatively, the user may wish to remove the entire shell from the cooked egg white. This can be accomplished by striking the shell to form an initial crack and then peeling the shell from the egg. However, this process is laborious and may result in shell fragments becoming stuck in the cooked egg white.

[0008] Furthermore, hard-boiled eggs are easy to transport and can therefore form the basis of a packed lunch to be consumed away from home. However, in order to do so, the user may need a spoon and other equipment, which may not be very convenient to transport. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems, thereby allowing convenient preparation and consumption of eggs.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an eggshell opener for opening an eggshell, the eggshell opener comprising: a mounting member; and a blade for breaking the eggshell, the blade being received by the mounting member and having a curved cutting surface, the curved cutting surface defining an opening for receiving a liquid component of an egg and / or a portion of an eggshell through the opening, the blade having a curvature greater than a semicircle but not a circle.

[0011] Because the blade is non-circular, it can provide a better grip on the edge and prevent slipping. It has been found that circular blades tend to slide on the egg shell rather than cut through it. The non-circular shape may be provided by a blade having two ends, and therefore being non-continuous or non-annular. The two ends may provide gripping to the egg. Alternatively, the blade may have a continuous or annular shape, but not to the extent of being circular. For example, the blade may have an elliptical or oval shape, which may similarly wedge into or provide gripping to the egg. The curvature of a continuous blade may be irregular, such as having a semi-circular portion for cutting an egg and a semi-elliptical portion for wedging into an egg. At least a portion of the curvature may be adapted to match the curvature of an egg.

[0012] The curvature of the blade provides a grip on the egg and prevents the egg from slipping as it is pushed into the blade.

[0013] Preferably, the cutting surface may be U-shaped, C-shaped or substantially U-shaped, or substantially C-shaped.

[0014] Advantageously, the blade may be received by the mounting so as to be inclined inwardly. Inwardly inclined blades have been shown to be advantageous for cutting shells.

[0015] Advantageously, the blade can be inclined inwardly at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees relative to the normal direction of the plane defined by the opening. Such an angle range has a particularly advantageous cutting effect.

[0016] Alternatively, the blade may have teeth. Thus, the blade is serrated. This may allow the eggshell to be penetrated by the teeth, thereby providing a greater grip on the egg and preventing slippage. Furthermore, the sawing action on the eggshell may be achieved by rotating the egg. However, it should be understood that non-serrated blades may be contemplated. For example, a rough or simply rough cutting surface may be used.

[0017] In addition, there may be teeth of different heights. Thus, the taller teeth may penetrate the egg first to provide a grip on the egg. As the egg is pushed further into the blade, the smaller teeth may engage the eggshell to complete the cutting action.

[0018] Preferably, the teeth may have a height of no more than 0.2 mm. Thus, the teeth are no longer than the typical egg shell thickness, which reduces the risk of inadvertently cutting the underlying egg white.

[0019] Advantageously, the teeth may have a height not greater than 0.2 mm and not less than 0.05 mm.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the blade may have a thickness of no greater than 0.25 mm.

[0021] In addition, the opener may further include a handle for holding the mounting. Preferably, the blade is configured so that the end of the cutting surface faces or substantially faces the handle. The handle allows the opener to be easily held, used and transported.

[0022] Optionally, the blade may be received by the mounting member so as to be tilted toward the handle. For example, the angle may be between 5 and 10 degrees. However, it should be understood that a horizontally arranged blade may be considered.

[0023] Preferably, the blade is receivable by the mounting member in a fixed position. Thus, the blade is fixed, which reduces the number of moving parts in the eggshell opener. This arrangement makes disassembly, reassembly and cleaning of the opener easier.

[0024] Advantageously, the eggshell opener may have only one blade. A single blade reduces the number of parts of the eggshell opener, making disassembly, reassembly and cleaning of the opener easier.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egg separator for separating egg white, egg yolk and egg shell, the egg separator comprising: a mounting member; and a bowl received by the mounting member, the size of the bowl being set to receive the yolk of an egg but not the yolk of an egg together with the entire egg white, so that when the liquid component of the egg is received therein, the egg white overflows from the bowl; at least a portion of the bowl is movably fixed to the mounting member so that the at least a portion of the bowl can be moved relative to the mounting member to release at least a portion of the egg shell.

[0026] In this way, the egg white can be easily separated from the yolk and any underlying smaller eggshell fragments are expelled.

[0027] Preferably, said at least part of the bowl is pivotable relative to the mounting.

[0028] Advantageously, said at least part of the bowl is attachable to the mounting via a hinge.

[0029] Advantageously, the mounting may have a first portion and a second portion which are movable relative to each other, the bowl being secured at the hinge via engagement of the first portion and the second portion.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the bowl may include an engagement surface for a user to manually manipulate the movement of the bowl. The engagement surface may be defined by a hole in the base. This enables the user to manipulate the bowl with the thumb of the hand holding the separator. The hole may also allow the underlying egg white to drain from the bowl.

[0031] Furthermore, the hole may be smaller than the yolk. This prevents the yolk from falling through the hole. In order to maximize the size of the hole while reducing the risk of greater pressure on the yolk, the hole may be elongated, for example oval. Again, this may better fit the shape of the tip of the thumb.

[0032] Optionally, the mounting may include at least one latch for releasably retaining the bowl relative to the mounting.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egg opening and separation device, the egg opening and separation device comprising: a mounting member; a blade for breaking an egg shell, the blade being received by the mounting member and having a curved cutting surface, the curved cutting surface defining an opening for receiving a liquid component of the egg through the opening, the blade having a curvature greater than a semicircle but not a circle; and a bowl received by the mounting member and adjacent to the blade, the bowl being sized to receive the yolk of the egg but not the yolk together with the entire egg white, at least a portion of the bowl being movably fixed to the mounting member so that the at least a portion of the bowl can be moved relative to the mounting member to release at least a portion of the egg shell; the device is configured so that the egg can be opened by the blade, the top of the egg shell is received by the bowl, and the egg is poured into the bowl through the opening, with the egg white overflowing from the bowl.

[0034] As mentioned above, because the blade is non-circular, it can provide a better grip on the edge and prevent slipping. It has been found that circular blades tend to slide on the egg shell rather than cut through the egg shell. The non-circular shape can be provided by a blade having two ends, and therefore being non-continuous or non-annular. The two ends can provide gripping to the egg. Alternatively, the blade can have a continuous or annular shape, but not to the extent of being circular. For example, the blade can have an elliptical or oval shape, which can similarly wedge into an egg or provide gripping to an egg. The curvature of a continuous blade can be irregular, such as having a semi-circular portion for cutting an egg and a semi-elliptical portion for wedging into an egg. At least a portion of the curvature can be adapted to match the curvature of an egg.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a foldable spoon is provided, comprising: a spoon head having a receiver; and a spoon handle, the spoon handle being at least partially receivable by the receiver, the spoon handle having a depressible protrusion, at least one of the depressible protrusion and the receiver having an inclined surface, the inclined surface being configured so that when the spoon handle is inserted through the receiver, the depressible protrusion and the receiver engage with each other along the inclined surface and depress the protrusion, and once the depressible protrusion passes through the receiver, the protrusion is able to rebound to abut the receiver, thereby preventing the spoon handle from unintentionally moving backward.

[0036] The foldable spoon may be an egg spoon.

[0037] The spoon head can therefore be moved along the handle to shorten the overall length of the spoon, thereby making the spoon easier to transport.

[0038] In the unfolded state (ie when the spoon is used for eating), the spoon head may be located at the end of the handle with the projection abutting the receiver to prevent the spoon head from moving backwards along the handle when the spoon is in use.

[0039] In order to fold the spoon into the folded state, the spoon head needs to be moved along the length of the handle. To achieve this, the depressible protrusion may first need to be manually depressed so that the spoon head can pass over the protrusion. Because the spoon head is along the length of the handle, the spoon is shorter in the folded state than in the unfolded state.

[0040] To return the spoon to the unfolded state, the spoon head is repositioned at the end of the handle by moving the spoon head along the inclined surface of the depressible projection, which automatically depresses the projection. Once the receiver passes through the end of the depressible projection, the projection rebounds and abuts the receiver.

[0041] Preferably, the receiver may be tapered and the end of the spoon handle may have a corresponding flaring so that the receiver securely engages the spoon handle.

[0042] Advantageously, the bevel can be formed by a projection that projects at an angle relative to the handle. For example, the projection here is an inclined material strip that projects above the opening or cutout.

[0043] Advantageously, the protrusion may be depressible by being at least partially formed of a resilient material. For example, a resilient plastic may be considered. However, it will be appreciated that a spring biased arrangement may be considered.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the depressible protrusion may be a first depressible protrusion, and the handle may include a second depressible protrusion spaced from the first depressible protrusion along the longitudinal length of the handle, the spoon head being receivable between the first depressible protrusion and the second depressible protrusion. This prevents the spoon head from completely falling off the handle when the spoon head is received along the length of the handle.

[0045] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egg multifunctional tool, which comprises: an egg opening and separation device according to the third aspect of the present invention, and a foldable spoon according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, which is received by the egg opening and separation device.

[0046] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an eggshell opener for opening an eggshell, the eggshell opener comprising: a mounting member; and a blade for breaking the eggshell, the blade being received by the mounting member and having a curved cutting surface, the curved cutting surface defining an opening for receiving a liquid component of an egg and / or a portion of an eggshell through the opening, the curved cutting surface having at least two ends.

[0047] The blade has two ends, so it is not a round blade or a continuous blade. In this way, the two ends can provide a grip on the egg and prevent the egg from sliding, making the cutting action easier. The curvature of the blade is adapted to the shape of the egg and can be adapted to match the shape of the egg. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 A top view of a first embodiment of an egg multi-functional tool according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Bottom view of the egg multi-tool;

[0051] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1An egg multifunctional tool, the egg multifunctional tool being divided into an egg opening and separating device according to the third aspect of the present invention, a foldable spoon according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, and a seasoning dispenser;

[0052] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A top view of an egg shell opener of an egg opening and separation device according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 A front view of an eggshell opener;

[0054] Figure 6 shows a portion of a second embodiment of an egg multi-purpose tool according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the egg multi-purpose tool having a blade received by a fastening projection;

[0055] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 The blade of the egg multi-tool;

[0056] Figure 8 Shows Figure 3 A side view of an egg opening and separating device having a bowl engaged with a mounting member in a closed state;

[0057] Fig. 9 Shown with Figure 8 a similar side view with the bowl engaged with the mounting in the open position;

[0058] Fig.10 Shows Figure 3 A bottom view of a first portion of an egg opening and separation device;

[0059] Fig.11 Shows Figure 3 a diagram of a second portion of an egg opening and separating apparatus;

[0060] Fig.12 Shows Figure 3 A top view of a foldable spoon;

[0061] Fig.13 Shows Figure 3 A collapsible spoon in which the handle is disconnected from the head;

[0062] Fig.14 Shows Figure 3 A front view of a collapsible spoon with the handle displaced from the head;

[0063] Fig.15 Shows Figure 3 A bottom view of a container of a seasoning dispenser with a lid of the dispenser removed;

[0064] Fig.16 Shows Figure 3 The lid of the spice dispenser;

[0065] Fig.17 Shows Figure 3 A front side view of a seasoning dispenser; and

[0066] Fig.18 Shows Figure 6 A third embodiment of a blade of an egg multi-tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] First reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , showing the egg multi-function tool 10 in an assembled state. When the dimensions of the egg multi-function tool 10 are given herein relative to the dimensions of an egg, it is preferred that the egg is an average-sized egg. However, it should be understood that the device can be sized to fit eggs of other birds or poultry, such as ducks, geese or quail.

[0068] Additional references Figure 3 , which shows an egg multi-function tool 10 in a disassembled state, the egg multi-function tool 10 includes three main tools or devices, including an egg opening and separation device 12, a foldable spoon 14 and a seasoning dispenser 16.

[0069] The egg multi-function tool 10 may have overall dimensions of approximately 125 mm long, 50 mm wide and approximately 35 mm deep. The egg opening and separating device 12 itself may be 100 mm long.

[0070] The egg opening and separating device 12 includes a recess 18 or chamber in which the foldable spoon 14 can be received. The recess 18 is defined in a handle 20 of the egg opening and separating device 12, so that the handle 20 can be considered to be hollow. The recess 18 can be closed by a seasoning dispenser 16, which is attached to the end of the egg opening and separating device 12 at the opening of the recess 18.

[0071] At least a portion of the egg opening and separation device 12, in particular at least the handle, may be formed of a transparent or translucent material so that the foldable spoon 14 is visible. The material may be a transparent or translucent plastic, such as Tritan (RTM) or another colorable copolymer. It should be understood that other materials, such as food-safe metals or plastics, are also contemplated.

[0072] Reference now Figure 4 and Figure 5 The egg opening and separation device 12 comprises an egg shell opener for opening egg shells. The egg shell opener comprises a mounting member 22 and a blade 24.

[0073] The mounting member 22 is configured to receive and / or hold in place a blade 24. Here, the blade 24 is removably attached to the mounting member 22, but it should be understood that this is not required, and the blade 24 can be permanently attached to the mounting member 22 and / or can be integrally formed with the mounting member.

[0074] The mounting member 22 preferably defines an aperture 26 therethrough that is preferably sized to receive at least the yolk of an egg. The mounting member 22 has a circular or substantially circular profile, but it should be understood that this is not required and other shapes are also contemplated. The mounting member 22 may have an annular or substantially annular shape, including a depth such that the mounting member 22 may be considered tubular.

[0075] The handle 20 is connected to the mounting member 22 and may be formed integrally with the mounting member. Here, the handle 20 may be formed of two parts, wherein Figure 4 Only the upper portion 28 is shown in FIG. Preferably, there is an upright shroud 30, lip or guard between the mount 22 and the handle 20 and extends less than halfway around the mount 22. The shroud 30 may be concave and may protect the handle from bouncing back.

[0076] The handle 20 preferably has an elliptical or oval cross-section, which enables a user to grip the handle 20 well.

[0077] The blade 24 is mounted or fixed to the mounting member 22. The blade 24 has a curved and discontinuous cutting surface 31 or cutting edge. In other words, although the blade 24 is curved, the blade is not annular, but has two ends 32. As such, the blade 24 is not a circular blade 24. The blade 24 defines an opening 34 for receiving a liquid component of an egg and / or a portion of an eggshell therethrough.

[0078] Here, the shape of the blade 24 is U-shaped or C-shaped or substantially U-shaped or C-shaped. However, it should be understood that other shapes are also contemplated. The blade 24 can be configured to have an arc or bend to a greater extent than a semicircle, such as extending about three-quarters of a circle here. The curvature of the blade 24 also helps to grip the egg and prevent the egg from sliding when being pushed into the blade 24.

[0079] The diameter of the U or C shape is smaller than the width of the egg and will hold the egg in place.

[0080] Thus, the U-shape of the blade 24 defines a mouth between the two ends 32 of the blade 24. The blade 24 is preferably positioned so that the mouth faces the handle 20.

[0081] The blade 24 is preferably angled inwardly toward the normal direction of the plane defined by the mounting member 22 and / or the opening of the blade 24. Preferably, the blade 24 is angled between 40 and 50 degrees, but a wider range of between 20 and 70 degrees is also contemplated. In this way, the cutting edge or surface is inwardly located on the underside or opposite side of the blade 24. It should be understood that such an angled position of the blade 24 may be omitted.

[0082] The blade 24 is also tilted toward the handle 20. That is, the center of the curve of the blade 24 can be tilted relative to the end 32 of the blade 24. In this way, the plane of the opening 34 of the blade 24 can be tilted relative to the handle 20. The angle of tilt can be between 5 degrees and 10 degrees. In this way, the blade 24 is not arranged exactly horizontally. However, it should be understood that this tilt can be omitted.

[0083] The blade 24 is serrated and thus has teeth at the cutting surface 31. The teeth are small and preferably have a height or cutting depth no greater than the thickness of an eggshell. Thus, the teeth preferably have a height no greater than 0.2 mm. However, it should be understood that longer teeth may be considered in some cases.

[0084] Preferably there are teeth of different heights. For example, the teeth may range between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm.

[0085] The teeth preferably follow an ABCDCB repeating pattern, where A is the longest tooth, eg 0.2 mm, and D is the shortest tooth, eg 0.05 mm.

[0086] While a serrated edge is preferred, it will be appreciated that, in lieu of such teeth, a substantially rough or roughened cutting surface 31 may provide a similar effect. A flat or smooth cutting surface 31 is also contemplated.

[0087] The blade 24 is preferably thin, for example having a thickness of no greater than 0.25 mm.

[0088] The blade 24 may be separate from the mount 22 and may be attached via an interference fit, such as via a tab of the blade 24 , to be received by a recess or slot in the mount 22 .

[0089] The blade 24 is preferably received in a fixed position by the mounting member 22. Thus, the blade 24 is fixed within the egg shell opener, which reduces the number of moving parts of the egg shell opener.

[0090] As shown, the blade 24 may be a single blade 24. Having a single blade 24 reduces the number of parts of the opener and makes disassembly, reassembly, and cleaning of the opener easier.

[0091] Reference now Figure 6 and Figure 7, a second embodiment of an egg multi-tool 110 is shown. The second embodiment 110 is similar or identical to the first embodiment 10, except that the blade 124 and the mount 122 have additional attachment means that allow for attachment to each other.

[0092] The second embodiment of the blade 124 preferably includes a tab 136, but may additionally or alternatively include an aperture 138 or hole in each end portion of the blade 124. The mounting member 122 includes a corresponding protrusion or bump 140 for receipt in the hole, thereby additionally securing the blade 124 to the mounting member 122. However, it should be understood that instead of a protrusion, the mounting member may have a corresponding hole. Fasteners such as bolts or screws may secure the blade to the mounting member via the aperture and hole.

[0093] Reference now Figures 8 to 10 , and returning to the first embodiment of the egg multi-tool 10, the egg opening and separating device 12 includes an egg separator for separating at least a portion of the egg white, the egg yolk, and the egg shell.

[0094] The egg separator includes the aforementioned mount 22 and a bowl 42 or cup received by the mount 22. The bowl 42 is sized to receive or contain the yolk and lower portion of the shell of an egg, but not the yolk and lower portion of the shell along with all of the egg white.

[0095] The bowl 42 is pivotally attached to the mounting member 22, in particular via a hinge 44, such as Fig.10 As best shown, the bowl 42 can be pivoted or swung from its hinge 44, which is preferably at or adjacent to the handle 20. The bowl 42 can be used as shown in FIG. Figure 8 The closed configuration shown and Fig. 9 Open configuration shown.

[0096] Hinge 44 is formed via bowl 42 having a pin 46 or rod that is received in groove 48 by mount 22 or handle 20. Recess 48 may be in upper portion 28 of handle 20, with lower portion 50 of handle 20 attached to upper portion 28 to receive hinge 44.

[0097] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the upper portion 28 and the lower portion 50 of the handle 20 may include tracks and / or brackets 52 for sliding the lower portion 50 onto the upper portion 28. The upper portion 28 and the lower portion 50 may be releasably connected together via an interference fit or the like.

[0098] The bowl 42 can be fixed by a lock such as Figure 8 In the closed state shown, the lock forms an interference fit with the bowl 42. Fig.10As best shown in FIG. 4 , the catch is here formed via a plurality of tabs 54 extending inwardly at least partially around the periphery of the mount 22 , which together capture a lip 56 of the bowl 42 .

[0099] This lock can be overcome by manually pulling the bowl 42 downward. To facilitate this pulling motion, the bowl 42 preferably includes an engagement surface for manual engagement. The engagement surface is here created by a hole 58 in the bowl 42, which is preferably an orifice or through hole. The hole 58 is smaller than the size of the yolk. The hole 58 is here elongated, particularly oval, to better fit the thumb of the user, while maintaining a small overall surface area to prevent excessive pressure on the yolk.

[0100] Reference now Figure 12 to Figure 14 The foldable spoon 14 includes a spoon head 60 and a spoon handle 62 that are movable relative to each other and are preferably detachable from each other.

[0101] The spoon head 60 defines the bowl of the spoon 14 .

[0102] The spoon head 60 has a receiver 64, and the spoon handle 62 is at least partially receivable through the receiver 64. Here, only a portion of the spoon handle 62 is receivable through the receiver 64, and the proximal end portion 66 of the spoon head 60 cannot be receivable through the receiver 64. The proximal end portion 66 has a maximum width greater than the narrowest width of the receiver 64, so the handle 20 cannot completely pass through the receiver 64.

[0103] The proximal end portion 66 is preferably flared, and the receiver 64 is preferably correspondingly tapered. This forms a tight fit between the spoon head 60 and the spoon handle 62.

[0104] The receiver 64 defines an aperture which may be generally oval. The handle 62 preferably has a similar oval cross-section. The proximal end portion 66 may have a concave end surface 68.

[0105] The handle 62 has a first depressible tab 70 that can be depressed to allow the receiver 64 to pass along the handle 62 and then lifted to prevent the handle 64 from being inadvertently moved back along the handle 62 .

[0106] Here the first depressible projection 70 is inclined to allow the receiver 64 to automatically depress the projection when the projection passes through. The inclined surface extends upward toward the proximal end portion 66 and is preferably formed by the first depressible projection 70, which protrudes at a certain angle relative to the spoon handle 62. The projection 70 is preferably depressible because the projection is formed of an elastic material, or at least the portion of the projection 70 connected to the spoon handle 62 is elastic. The first depressible projection 70 can be configured as a strip of material standing upright from the cutout.

[0107] The first depressible projection 70 is located at or adjacent the proximal end portion 66 and is preferably spaced apart from the proximal end by a distance equal to the width of the receiver 64. As such, when the receiver 64 is received at the proximal end portion 66, the end of the first depressible projection 70 can abut the end of the receiver 64 to prevent movement of the spoon head 60. As such, the first depressible projection 70 acts as a stop for the receiver 64.

[0108] The handle 62 preferably includes a second depressible protrusion 72 that is spaced apart from the first depressible protrusion 70 along the longitudinal extent of the handle 62. The second depressible protrusion 72 can be located at the distal end of the handle 62. The second depressible protrusion 72 can be used to prevent the handle 62 from being inadvertently removed from the handle 62. The second depressible protrusion 72 can be formed and configured similarly to the first depressible protrusion 70.

[0109] Reference now Figures 15 to 17 , the seasoning dispenser 16 includes a container 74 having a lid 76. The container 74 preferably has two chambers 78, one for receiving salt and one for receiving pepper.

[0110] The lid 76 may have two protrusions 80, each sized to be received between the walls of a corresponding chamber 78 to allow the lid 76 to be connected to the container 74. However, it should be understood that different securing methods for the lid 76 are contemplated.

[0111] The seasoning dispenser 16 may be connected to the handle 20. This connection may be formed via an interference fit.

[0112] For example, the end of the container 74 opposite the lid 76 may have a pair of lips 82a, 82b that engage around the end of the handle 20. One of the lips 82a may include a slot 84 configured to receive a ridge 86 on the handle 20 (preferably on the upper portion 28 of the handle 20) to secure the dispenser 16 to the handle 20.

[0113] In addition, the container 74 may have at least one dispensing hole 88. There are two of these dispensing holes 88, one for each chamber 78. The or each dispensing hole 88 is preferably closed by receiving a corresponding protrusion 90 from the handle 20, preferably from the lower portion 50 of the handle 20. This can both close the dispensing hole 88 and provide attachment between the dispenser 16 and the handle 20. The dispensing hole 88 and the protrusion 90 can have different shapes or sizes from each other to accommodate particles of different sizes, to allow the user to identify which is salt and which is pepper, and / or to ensure that the dispenser is attached in a secure or proper orientation.

[0114] Additionally, the end of the container 74 may have an aperture 92 for receiving the distal end of the spoon handle 62 when the spoon 14 is received within the handle 20. Thus, the spice dispenser 16 may be connected via engagement with both the spoon handle 62 and the body of the device handle 20.

[0115] The lid 76 or container 74 may have a notch 94, cutout or groove to allow the user's fingers, particularly the user's nails to grab or grip. This allows the user to easily remove the lid 76 from the container 74.

[0116] The egg multi-tool 10 may be used in a variety of ways or modes.

[0117] First, to open and separate raw eggs, the egg opening and separation device 12 can be used. If not already assembled, the blade 24 can be secured to the mounting member 22, and the bowl 42 can be secured between the portions of the handle 20. The bowl 42 will be moved to a closed state.

[0118] One hand holds the handle 20 so that the bowl 42 of the separator faces upward, and the other hand picks up a raw egg. The raw egg is then placed against the cutting surface 31 of the blade 24 so that the thinner end of the egg extends through the opening of the blade 24. The egg opening and separating device 12 is located above a kitchen container, such as a bowl.

[0119] The egg can then be pushed and / or rotated into the blade 24 so that the shell is cut. The different sized teeth provide improved cutting because the longer teeth can first engage and penetrate the shell to provide a grip on the eggshell before the smaller teeth engage the shell to complete the cut. The U-shape or C-shape also provides a grip on the egg and prevents the egg from slipping as it is pushed into the blade 24. By rotating the egg, the cut can be formed around the egg.

[0120] The bottom of the egg can then be lifted, which leaves the top of the shell in the bowl 42 of the separator below the blade 24. The yolk is deposited in the bowl 42 of the separator, and the egg white overflows from the bowl 42 and into a kitchen container.

[0121] The yolk can then be poured into a second kitchen container, thereby separating the egg white from the yolk. This leaves the top of the eggshell in the bowl 42 of the separator. The top of the eggshell can be urged to stay in place, for example, by the angle of the blade 24, which can reduce the risk of the shell being poured out with the yolk. The top of the eggshell is the smaller part of the eggshell.

[0122] The top of the egg shell can be discarded by actuating the bowl 42 to the open state using the hole 58 of the bowl 42, wherein the thumb of the user's hand holds the handle 20. When the bowl 42 is in the open state, the top of the egg shell may fall out easily, especially when tilted.

[0123] The bowl 42 can be moved to a closed position, ready for opening and separating a second egg.

[0124] Although the user may conventionally remove the thinner top end of the egg, the egg opening and separation device 12 may be used on either end of the egg.

[0125] It will be appreciated that the egg shell opener and egg separator may be used independently of one another, such as in separate instances or provided on separate devices.

[0126] The eggshell opener can also be used to cut a hard-boiled egg. In this case, it may be desirable to have the egg stand upright in an egg cup, or to hold it in the hand. The user can then pick up the eggshell opener and place it down on top of the egg so that the top of the egg extends through the opening of the blade 24. The eggshell opener can be pushed into the egg so that the teeth cut through the shell without cutting through the egg white. The eggshell opener can then be pulled using the handle 20, which can remove the eggshell. Because there may be adhesion between the shell and the egg white, by removing the top of the shell, the top portion of the egg white may also be cut off, thereby exposing the yolk.

[0127] Alternatively, if the eggs have been rinsed under cold water, the shells can be removed without removing the whites.

[0128] This technique can be used to peel an entire egg. For example, after rinsing the egg under cold water, an egg shell opener can be used to remove the top and bottom shells, leaving only the center shell band. The center shell band can then be removed by sliding the blade 24 over the band.

[0129] If it is desired to eat eggs on the go, the foldable spoon 14 can first be folded so that the receiver 64 of the spoon head 60 is located between the first depressible protrusion 70 and the second depressible protrusion 72. Then, the foldable spoon 14 can be inserted into the recess 18 of the handle 20 of the egg multi-tool 10 so that the distal end of the spoon handle 62 faces outward.

[0130] The seasoning dispenser 16 may then be filled with seasoning, such as salt and / or pepper, and secured to the end of the handle 20 , including engagement with the scoop handle 62 .

[0131] The egg multi-tool 10 can then be transported with the boiled eggs.

[0132] When it is decided to eat the boiled eggs, the bowl 42 of the separator can be removed from the separator by removing the handle 20. The bowl 42 can then be positioned on a surface used as an egg cup, with the egg positioned in the bowl 42.

[0133] The boiled eggs can be opened or topped using an opener as previously described. The seasoning dispenser 16 can be removed from the handle 20 and salt and pepper shaken onto the eggs via the dispensing holes 88 for seasoning. The user can block one of the dispensing holes 88 with a finger to selectively dispense salt or pepper.

[0134] The foldable spoon 14 can then be removed from the handle 20 of the device and assembled. To do this, the spoon head 60 is pushed along the spoon handle 62 so that it depresses the first depressible projection 70 and until the taper of the receiver 64 meets the flare of the handle 20. The mutual engagement of the taper and flare provides a tight fit therebetween, and the first depressible projection 70, which has rebounded, abuts the receiver 64 to prevent rearward movement of the spoon head 60. The foldable spoon 14 can then be used to eat eggs.

[0135] The foldable spoon 14 can then be folded by pushing the depressible tab and then moving the spoon head 60 rearwardly therefrom to a position between the first depressible tab 70 and the second depressible tab 72. The egg multi-tool 10 can then be repackaged and shipped home.

[0136] For cleaning purposes, the blade 24 can be removed from the mounting 22, the two handles 20 separated, and the bowl 42 disassembled. The foldable spoon can also be disassembled by pushing the second depressible tab 72 to allow the spoon head 60 to move through, thereby completely separating the spoon head 60 from the spoon handle 62. The seasoning dispenser 16 can be emptied and cleaned.

[0137] refer to Fig.18 , a third embodiment of a blade 224 is shown. The third embodiment of the blade 224 can be used with the second embodiment of the egg multi-purpose tool 110. The third embodiment of the blade 224 is similar to the second embodiment of the blade 124, except that the third embodiment of the blade 224 has at least one pointed protrusion 296 instead of a tab. The or each pointed protrusion 296 is located on the side of the blade opposite the cutting surface 231. The or each pointed protrusion has a flat side. In Fig.18 , three such pointed protrusions 296 spaced apart from one another are shown. The pointed protrusions 296 allow for easier attachment of the blade 224 to the mount 122 and easier removal of the blade 224 from the mount 122.

[0138] As with the second embodiment, the blade 224 may additionally or alternatively include an aperture 238 or hole in each end of the blade 224 to allow the blade 224 to be secured to the mount 122 of the egg multi-tool 110 .

[0139] Therefore, an egg multi-purpose tool can be provided. The egg multi-purpose tool includes an egg shell opener or egg shell remover having a curved blade, the two ends of which can engage the egg shell to provide a good grip on the egg shell. The multi-purpose tool also includes an egg separator, which separates the yolk from the egg white by a bowl or cup that holds the yolk, but the bowl or cup is smaller than the total liquid volume of the egg, so that the egg white overflows. The bowl can be pivoted to release a portion of the shell. The multi-purpose tool also includes a foldable egg spoon. The spoon head can be moved downward along the length of the handle by an inclined depressible protrusion on the handle. A seasoning dispenser is also provided as part of the egg multi-purpose tool.

[0140] When used herein with reference to the present invention, the words “comprising” and the words “having / including” are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0141] It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity, certain features of the present invention described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for the sake of brevity, various features of the present invention described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0142] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined herein.

Claims

1. An eggshell opener for opening an eggshell, the eggshell opener comprising: Mounting member (22); and A blade (24) for breaking the egg shell, the blade (24) being received by the mounting member (22) and having a curved cutting surface (31), the curved cutting surface defining an opening (34) for receiving a liquid component of the egg and / or a portion of the egg shell through the opening, the blade (24) having a curvature greater than a semicircle but not a circle.

2. The eggshell opener according to claim 1, wherein the cutting surface (31) is U-shaped, C-shaped, or substantially U-shaped or substantially C-shaped.

3. An eggshell opener according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the blade (24) is received by the mounting member (22) so as to be inclined inwardly.

4. The eggshell opener according to claim 3, wherein the blade (24) is inclined inwardly at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees relative to a normal direction of a plane defined by the opening (34).

5. An eggshell opener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade (24) has teeth.

6. An eggshell opener according to claim 5, wherein there are teeth of different heights.

7. An eggshell opener according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the teeth have a height of no more than 0.2 mm.

8. An eggshell opener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade is received by the mounting in a fixed position.

9. An egg opener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the egg opener has only one blade (24).

10. An eggshell opener according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle (20) for holding the mounting member (22), the blade (24) being configured such that an end (32) of the cutting surface (31) faces or substantially faces the handle (20).

11. An eggshell opener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade (24) is received by the mounting (22) so as to be inclined towards the handle (20).

12. An egg separator for separating egg white, egg yolk and egg shell, the egg separator comprising: Mounting member (22); and a bowl (42) received by the mount (22), the bowl (42) being sized to receive the yolk of an egg but not the yolk of the egg along with the entirety of the egg white so that the egg white overflows from the bowl (42) when the liquid component of the egg is received therein; At least a portion of the bowl (42) is movably secured to the mount (22) such that the at least a portion of the bowl (42) can be moved relative to the mount (22) to release at least a portion of the egg shell.

13. An egg opening and separation device (12), the egg opening and separation device comprising: Mounting member (22); a blade (24) for breaking the egg shell, the blade (24) being received by the mounting member (22) and having a curved cutting surface (31) defining an opening (34) for receiving a liquid component of the egg through the opening, the blade (24) having a curvature greater than a semicircle but not a circle; and a bowl (42) received by the mounting member (22) and adjacent the blade (24), the bowl (42) being sized to receive the yolk of an egg but not the yolk with all of the egg white, at least a portion of the bowl (42) being movably secured to the mounting member (22) such that the at least a portion of the bowl (42) is movable relative to the mounting member (22) for releasing at least a portion of the egg shell; The device (12) is configured so that an egg can be opened by the blade (24), the top of the egg shell is received by the bowl (42), and the egg is poured into the bowl (42) through the opening (34), and the egg white overflows from the bowl (42).

14. A foldable spoon (14), comprising: A spoon head (60) having a receiver (64); and A spoon handle (62) is at least partially receivable by a receiver (64), the spoon handle (62) having a depressible protrusion (70), at least one of the depressible protrusion (70) and the receiver (64) having an inclined surface, the inclined surface being configured such that when the spoon handle (62) is inserted through the receiver (64), the depressible protrusion (70) and the receiver (64) engage with each other along the inclined surface and depress the protrusion (70), and once the depressible protrusion (70) passes through the receiver (64), the protrusion (70) is able to rebound to abut against the receiver (64), thereby preventing unintentional rearward movement of the spoon handle (62).

15. An egg multifunctional tool (10), comprising: The egg opening and separating device (12) according to claim 13, and The foldable spoon (14) of claim 14, received by the egg opening and separating device (12).

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