GB2440104A

GB2440104A - Napkin hook

Info

Publication number: GB2440104A
Application number: GB0614361A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Thorn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-20
Filing date: 2006-07-20
Publication date: 2008-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-20
Also published as: GB2440104B; GB0614361D0

Abstract

A device 302 for use as a napkin hook comprises a first portion 304 including an elongate opening or slit for receiving a portion of a napkin to be supported, and a second portion 306 including a means for engaging with a button on an item of clothing worn by a user of the napkin hook. There is also disclosed a device (2, fig.2) for use as a napkin hook comprising a means for gripping a portion of a napkin, the means comprising a first elongate opening (14, fig.2) and a second elongate opening (20, fig.2) extending at an angle to and intersecting with the first opening. Further, a combined napkin hook and napkin clip 302 comprises a means for engaging with a portion of a napkin and a means for gripping a napkin when in a folded or rolled condition The napkin clip or napkin hook may include a means (430, fig.9) for gripping a cable of headphones, or a portion (444, fig.9) useable as a stylus for use with a touch screen activated electronic device.

Description

NAPKIN HOOK

The present invention concerns a device for supporting a napkin or the like, in particular a device for supporting a napkin or the like in a position to provide protection for the clothes of a user of the device. Such devices are known generally as and referred to in this specification as napkin hooks.

Napkin hooks have been known and used for many years. For example, as early as 1877, German patent No. DE 1036 disclosed a napkin hook comprising a generally hook-shaped body for engaging with the collar of a garment being worn by the user. The napkin hook comprised a generally elongate slit, into which a portion, such as a corner, of a napkin is inserted to be gripped and held. With the napkin hook in place at the neck of the wearer, a napkin could be supported to extend down over and cover a large portion of the front of the user. While simple to use, this device was limited in its application to the position just described.

An alternative design of napkin hook has been in use for a considerable length of time. This device comprises a hook arrangement having a collar, from which extend two parallel arms. At the distal end of each arm is one of a pair of complimentary gripping devices, typically arranged as a pair of complimentary discs.

A ring is slidable along the two arms, such that when disposed at the distal end of the arms, the ring urges the two gripping devices together. A portion of a napkin or the like is placed between the gripping devices may thus be held. The hook allows the device to be attached to a garment, such as a collar or a button. While this device has gained considerable use and popularity over a period of time, it suffers a number of disadvantages. In particular, the device is complex to manufacture and to use, requiring the manipulation of several moving parts.

More recently, a number of alternative designs of device have been proposed. Thus, US patent No. 4,425,680 discloses a napkin clip having a slot for retaining a portion of a napkin and a clip arrangement for securing the clip and napkin to a wearer's tie. While this device may be simpler to manufacture, it is still complex to use and is limited to use by someone wearing a tie. It would also appear that the dimensions of the device and its manner of operation would limit it to use only on a portion of a tie, due to the variation in the width of a conventional tie along its length.

US patent No. 5,913,478 discloses a wearable clamp for releasably fixing a napkin to a flexible substrate, such as a garment. The clamp comprises a pair of sprung jaws and a lockable cover. A similar device is disclosed in US patent No. 5,933,922. These devices comprise many components, which makes them difficult and costly to manufacture and assemble. It would appear that the action of device could also cause damage to certain more delicate fabrics of both the garment and the napkin.

Perhaps most recently, US patent No. 6,925,687 discloses a U-shaped clip device which may be used to seize a napkin or the like to a general region of the user's clothing. Again, the device is complex to manufacture and is not straightforward to use. In addition, as with other previous devices, the action of the jaws of the clip could result in damage to delicate fabrics and garments.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device to support a napkin in use by a wearer that is both simple to manufacture and simple to operate. In addition, the device should provide a high degree of flexibility in the positions it may be used.

According to the present invention, there is provided a device for use as a napkin hook comprising: a first portion for supporting a napkin, the first portion comprising an elongate opening for receiving a portion of a napkin to be supported;and a second portion comprising a means for engaging with a button on an item of clothing worn by a user of the napkin hook.

The elongate slit is used to hold a portion of the napkin or the like, for example a portion adjacent a corner or an edge of the napkin. To ease introducing a portion of the napkin into the opening, the elongate opening is preferably provided with a first relatively wider portion and a second relatively narrower portion. The napkin may be introduced into the wider portion and slid along the opening to be more securely gripped by the narrower portion. The wider portion of the opening is preferably disposed above the narrower portion of the opening, when the device is in use.

The relative sizes of the opening may be varied according to the particular material of the napkin. A thicker napkin material may be used with a generally wider elongate opening, while a thinner napkin material, such as a paper napkin, is better used with a generally narrower elongate opening. Advantageously, the elongate opening is tapered along at least a portion of its length. References herein to the opening being tapered are to be taken to refer to a taper extending along the length of the opening, that is the width of the opening changes along its length. This allows the napkin to be engaged with the opening more easily by the user. The taper is preferably arranged such that, in use, the slit becomes narrower in a downwards direction.

Preferably, the elongate opening comprises a first tapered portion and a second substantially non-tapered portion. The first tapered portion is preferably arranged to be above the second non-tapered portion when in use, such that the weight of the napkin or the like urges it into the narrower portion of the opening.

Preferably, the elongate opening is arranged to be disposed in a substantially vertical orientation when in use, the first tapered portion being disposed vertically above the second substantially non-tapered portion.

It has been found that a simple slit, with or without a taper, is suitable for use with a very wide range of fabric napkins, for example woven cotton napkins and the like. However, it has also been found that a simple slit performs less well when used with a paper napkin. To improve the grip of the opening when used with a paper napkin, it is preferred to provide a portion of increased width immediately adjacent the narrow portion of the elongate opening. Most preferably, this portion of increased width is disposed below the adjacent narrow portion of the elongate opening when the device is in use. The portion of increased width acts to trap a sufficient amount of the paper napkin so as to hold the napkin in place.

Preferably, the elongate opening has an abrupt change of width between the narrower portion and the portion of increased width. A particularly preferred arrangement is to form the portion of increased width as a slit extending at an angle, preferably perpendicular to, the elongate slit. A most preferred arrangement is to form the slit perpendicular to the elongate opening and at the lowermost end of the elongate opening, when in use. The slit preferably extends to both sides of the elongate slit. In such an arrangement, the lower end of the elongate opening may be considered to be in the form of a inverted T' shape. The slit may be tapered, so as to become narrower at a distance from the elongate opening.

In an alternative embodiment, the portion of increased width is provided by an opening of another shape, in particular a circular opening. The diameter of the circular opening is selected to grip and retain the material of the napkin to be held.

As noted above, the device of the present invention also comprises a second portion for engaging with the button of a garment of the user of the device. In one arrangement, the means for engaging with a button comprises an elongate opening extending from the free end of the second portion for securing to or around the fastening thread behind a button on a garment. To ease securing the device to the button, the elongate opening is preferably tapered, such that in use the weight of the device and the napkin urges the thread behind the button into the narrower portion of the taper.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second portion of the device comprises a hook extending from the first portion, the means for engaging with a button being the hook itself or disposed on the hook. A preferred arrangement is to have the hook extend perpendicular to the plane of the elongate opening, as this allows the device to rest better against the clothing of the user.

Alternatively, the means for engaging with the button of a garment comprises a first opening of sufficient size to pass over a button or the like on the garment of a user. The first opening is connected to a second, smaller opening, of a size smaller than the button but sufficient to engage with the thread or other mounting means behind the button securing the button to the garment. The second, smaller opening is preferably disposed above the first, larger opening when the device is in use, in order to urge the device to remain engaged with the button.

Napkin clips are known devices, used to keep a napkin in a folded or rolled condition prior to being used. Known napkin clips are simple hooks having two joined opposing portions to grip the napkin. Typically, the napkin clip is made of a resilient material, such that the opposing portions of the clip are biased to a closed or partially closed position, thus gripping a napkin tightly when the clip is in use. It is particularly advantageous if the first and second portions of the device of the present invention are of sufficient size to allow the device to be used as a napkin clip.

The means for engaging with a button may conveniently comprise an opening extending from the free end of the second portion. Preferably, the portion of the opening adjacent the end of the second portion is tapered, with the widest portion of the taper being at the end of the hook. The opening may comprise a wider portion at its innermost end to accommodate the thread behind a button. This wider portion is preferably circular.

The first and second portions may be formed as separate components and then joined together to form the complete device. However, the first and second portions are most preferably unitary, that is formed as a single component, for example of pressed metal or moulded plastic.

The first and second portions may be of equal or of different lengths. In one embodiment, the first portion for supporting the napkin is longer than the second portion. In a further embodiment, of particular use when the device is to be used frequently as both a napkin hook and a napkin clip, the first and second portions are substantially the same length. In such a case, the device may have an elongated C' form, when viewed in cross-section.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a device for use as a napkin hook comprising a means for gripping a portion of a napkin, the means comprising a first elongate opening and a second opening, the second opening extending at an angle to and intersecting with the first elongate opening. This means for gripping a napkin is particularly suited for use with paper napkins, which can fall out of a simple, single opening when in use.

Preferably, the first elongate opening is disposed substantially vertically when the napkin hook is in use.

The first and second openings are disposed at an angle to one another.

Suitable arrangements and configurations of the two openings may be found by simple experimentation, to suit different napkin materials. Preferably, the first and second openings are orthogonal.

The first and second openings may be substantially the same width along their length. Preferably, the first opening is tapered in at least the portion intersected by the second opening, the relatively narrow end of the tapered portion being adjacent the intersection with the second opening.

The second opening intersects the first opening. At least, the second opening should connect with the first opening at one end, that is extend from the first opening.

Preferably, the second opening crosses the first opening. A particularly preferred arrangement is to have the first and second openings in the form of slits arranged to form an inverted T-shape, when the device is in use.

The second opening may also be an alternative shape, in particular a circular opening.

The napkin hook of the second aspect of this invention preferably has means to engage with a button on a garment worn by the user, as hereinbefore described.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a combined napkin hook and napkin clip, comprising a means for engaging with a portion of a napkin and a means for gripping a napkin when in a folded or rolled condition.

Preferably, the combined napkin hook and clip comprises means for engaging with a button on a garment worn by a user. Suitable means may be as hereinbefore described.

The combined napkin hook and napkin clip of the present invention is particularly useful in conjunction with meals provided to passengers on trains and airplanes and the like, where it is desired to provide a napkin in a compact rolled or folded condition, in order to conserve space. With the movement likely to be encountered when the vehicle is in motion, for example turbulence during a flight, a napkin clip is a most useful device to provide to passengers. It is a particular advantage of the present in its various aspects that the device may be made using simple manufacturing techniques from a low cost material, such as plastic, in large numbers. Such a device may be reusable or may be disposable.

It has also been found that a napkin clip and a napkin hook, either as separate articles or as a combined article, such as embodied in the aspects of the present invention discussed above, may also comprise other features of use to the user. In particular, it has been found that a napkin clip, a napkin hook and a combined napkin clip and napkin hook may comprise one or more of means for gripping the cables of headphones, a stylus for a person organizer, and a toothpick.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present provides a napkin clip comprising a means for gripping a napkin in a folded or rolled condition; the napkin clip being adapted to be secured to a garment of a wearer, the napkin clip further comprising means for gripping one or more cables of headphones being worn by a user.

In this respect, the term headphones' is to be understood as meaning any device used in or around the ear of a user to provide personalized sound for any personal electronic device, including but not limited to headphones or ear pieces for use with personal music systems and ear pieces for use with mobile telephones, or the like.

The napkin clip generally comprises two opposing members resiliently arranged to be biased to a closed or partially closed position, such that they may be urged around a napkin and the bias act to hold the napkin in the folded or rolled condition. The napkin clip is adapted to be secured to a garment of a user. In its simplest form, the two opposing members may be used to hook onto a portion of a garment, for example an opening in the garment or the neckline of the garment. The napkin clip may comprise separate means for attaching to a garment of a user, for example the means for engaging with a button or stud on a garment as hereinbefore described.

The napkin clip may comprise features as described hereinbefore.

In a preferred embodiment, the napkin clip also comprises means for engaging with a portion of a napkin, such that the device may also be used as a napkin hook. Preferred means for engaging with a napkin are as hereinbefore described.

The means for gripping a cable of headphones may be any suitable arrangement that can grip and hold a cable. In a preferred arrangement, the means for gripping a cable comprises a slot in a portion of the napkin clip, the slot being sized so that the cable may be forced into the slot and retained by being an interference fit in the slot. In a preferred slot arrangement, the slot is provided with an inner wider portion and an outer narrower portion, such that the cable is required to be forced through the narrower portion into the wider portion, whereby the cable is able to move freely through the wider portion, but is retained by the narrower portion.

The napkin clip may comprise one or a plurality of such means. As most personal electronic devices will comprise one or two cables, the device preferably comprises means for gripping two cables.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a napkin hook comprising means for engaging with a portion of a napkin to be supported; means for engaging with a garment being worn by a user; and means for gripping a cable of headphones being worn by the user.

The napkin hook is preferably of the form hereinbefore described.

The means for gripping a cable may be as hereinbefore described with reference to the napkin clip of the preceding aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the napkin hook also comprises means for gripping a napkin in a folded or rolled condition, such that the device may also be used as a napkin clip in the manner described above.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a napkin clip comprising a means for gripping a napkin in a folded or rolled condition; and a stylus for use with a touch screen electronic device.

The napkin clip is as hereinbefore described and may comprise the features described above. In particular, the napkin clip may also comprise means for engaging with a portion of a napkin, such that it may also be used as a napkin hook.

The napkin clip comprises a stylus for use with an electronic device having a touch screen system. Many such devices are known and include the range of so-called personal organizers and other hand held data storage and communication devices. These devices have a screen that is activated by touch. It is known to provide a stylus having a suitably shaped and sized point for activating the screen.

The napkin clip comprises a stylus adapted for touching the screen and activating and controlling the electronic device. The stylus is preferably a shaped portion of the napkin clip, in particular an end portion of the napkin clip that is shaped to provide a point of suitable dimensions.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a napkin hook comprising means for engaging with a portion of a napkin; means for engaging with a garment being worn by a user; and a stylus for use with a touch screen electronic device.

The stylus may be as hereinbefore described.

The napkin hook is preferably arranged also to function as a napkin clip, as hereinbefore described.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a combined napkin clip and napkin hook of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view of the device of Figure 1 along the line Il-Il: and Figure 3 is a view of the device of Figure 1 along the line Ill-Ill.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c are views of second, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, corresponding to the view of Figure 2 of the first embodiment; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a combined napkin clip and napkin hook of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the combined napkin clip and napkin hook of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a view of the device of Figure 6 looking along the line Vll-Vll; Figure 8 is a view of the device of Figure 6 looking along the line VIll-VIll; and Figure 9 is a view of a device of the general kind shown in Figures 1 to 3, but according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a combined napkin clip and napkin hook, generally indicated as 2. The device 2 is a unitary device, that is made as a single component. The device 2 may be pressed from a metal, such as aluminium or steel, or may be moulded from a suitable plastic.

The device 2 comprises a substantially planar portion 4 comprising a means for engaging with a portion of a napkin or the like to be supported by the device. The device 2 further comprises a hook portion 6 comprising a means for engaging with the thread behind a button on a garment of the user.

The means for engaging with a portion of a napkin or the like is shown in cross-section in Figure 1 and in front and rear view in Figures 2 and 3. The means comprises an elongate slit 10 having a first portion 12 and a second portion 14. As viewed in the figures, the first portion 12 is above the second portion 14. The first portion 12 of the elongate slit is tapered, having its widest portion at the end most distant from the second portion 14 of the slit 10, that is the uppermost end, as the device 2 is viewed in the figures. The second portion 14 is substantially constant in width along its length. A second slit 20 extends at right angles from either side of the end of the second portion 14 distant from the first portion 12. As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the elongate slit 10 and the second slit 20 form an inverted T' shape in the device.

The hook portion 6 of the device 2 extends from the planar portion and comprises a hook member 22 extending to lie over and spaced from the planar portion 4. The hook member 22 comprises a means for engaging with a button on the garment of a user, in particular with the thread securing the button to the garment. The means comprises an open-ended slot 24 extending from the free end of the hook member. The open-ended slot 24 has a first tapered portion 26, with its widest portion at the free end of the hook member 22. At its innermost end, the open-ended slot 24 has a circular engaging portion 28.

The device 2 shown in the accompanying figures has two particular modes of use. First, the device may be used as a napkin clip. In this mode, a napkin or the like is retained in a folded or rolled condition by being held between the hook member 22 and the planar portion 4. The hook portion 6 is of a resilient material, such that the hook member 22 is biased into the position shown in Figure 1. The hook portion 6 is sized to hold a folded or rolled napkin using the bias of the hook portion.

Second, the device 2 may be used as a napkin hook. When in use as a napkin hook the device is oriented in the position shown in the figures, that is with the hook portion 4 uppermost.

In this mode, a number of alternative techniques may be employed. The device may be supported using the hook portion 6 on a suitable portion of the garment, such as the neckline. However, the device 2 is more suitably supported by engaging the open-ended slot 24 in the hook member 22 with the thread behind a button on the front of a garment being worn by the user. The end of the hook member 22 is provided with a chamfer 29, to allow the open-ended slot 24 to be easily slipped around the thread. Such a chamfer 29 is required when the material of construction requires that the device is prepared from a relatively heavy gauge of material, such as is the case with certain plastic materials. When using metal, it may be possible to dispense with the chamfer, as the overall thickness of the material required to provide the desired strength is generally less.

A napkin to be supported has a portion, such as an edge or a corner, introduced into the first portion 12 of the elongate slit 10. The portion of the napkin is then slid downwards to engage with and be held by the second portion 14 of the elongate slit 10. For thick napkins, such as cotton or linen, the nature of the material allows the napkin to be firmly held in place by simple engagement with the second portion 14 of the elongate slit 10. However, for thinner ply napkins, in particular paper napkins, it is necessary to force the portion of the napkin into the second slit 20, causing the napkin to be gripped and held.

An alternative embodiment of the device of Figures 1 to 3 is shown in Figure 4a. The device of Figure 4a comprises components corresponding to those shown in Figures 1 to 3. However, the second slit 20 extending across the end of the second portion 14 is tapered, with its widest portion adjacent the second portion 14, with a taper extending perpendicular to the second portion, such that the distant ends of the second slit 20 are narrow.

Referring to Figure 4b, there is shown a combined napkin hook and napkin clip of the generally type shown in Figures 1 to 3. The device 102 of Figure 4b comprises an alternative arrangement of the means for engaging with a napkin. The means of the embodiment of Figure 4b comprises an elongate slit 110 having a first portion 112 and a second portion 114. As viewed in Figure 4b, the first portion 112 is above the second portion 1 14, as it would be when the device is in use as a napkin hook. The first portion 112 of the elongate slit is tapered, having its widest portion at the end most distant from the second portion 114 of the slit 110, that is the uppermost end, as the device is viewed in Figure 4b. The second portion 114 is substantially constant in width along its length. The end of the second portion 114 distant from the first portion 112 terminates in a circular opening 120.

Figure 4c shows a further alternative embodiment of the means for engaging with a napkin. Thus, the device 202 comprises an elongate slit 210. The elongate slit 210 is tapered along its entire length, with the widest portion being at the top, as viewed in Figure 4c, as it would be oriented when the device 202 is in use as a napkin hook. The narrow end of the elongate opening 210 terminates in a tapered slit 220, of the form shown in Figure 4a and described above.

The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, 4a, 4b and 4c may be selected, depending upon the nature of the material of the napkin to be held and supported.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8, there is shown a further embodiment of the combined napkin clip and napkin hook of the present invention. The device, generally indicated as 302, comprises a pair of substantially equal first and second portions 304 and 306. The first and second portions 304 and 306 are connected at a first end, to form a sprung clip. The second ends of the first and second portions 304 and 306 are free and shaped to form a constriction 308 between them.

The first portion 304 is seen more clearly in Figure 7 and comprises a means for engaging with and holding a portion of a napkin or the like. The means comprises an elongate slit 310 having a first portion 3.12 and a second portion 314. As viewed in the figures, the first portion 312 is above the second portion 314. The first portion 312 of the elongate slit is tapered, having its widest portion at the end most distant from the second portion 314 of the slit 310, that is the uppermost end, as the device 302 is viewed in the figures. The second portion 314 is substantially constant in width along its length. A second, tapered slit 320 extends at right angles from either side of the end of the second portion 314 distant from the first portion 312, the taper narrowing the slit 320 at its ends distant from the second portion 314. As seen in Figures 5 and 7, the elongate slit 310 and the second slit 320 form an inverted T' shape in the device.

The second portion 306 of the device comprises a means for engaging with a button or the like on a garment and is shown in detail in Figure 8. The means comprises a first circular opening 330 of large diameter,sufficient to extend over a button to which the device is to be attached. The means comprises a second circular opening 332 of small diameter, sufficient to extend around the thread or other means attaching the button or the like to the garment of the user, but too small to pass over the button itself. The first and second circular openings 330 and 332 are joined by a short slit 334. The edges of the both the slit 334 and the second opening 332 are provided with a chamfer 338.

The device 302 shown in Figures 5 to 8 has two particular modes of use.

First, the device may be used as a napkin clip. In this mode, a napkin or the like is retained in a folded or rolled condition by being held between the first and second portions 304 and 306. The device is of a resilient material, such that the two portion 304 and 306 are biased into the position shown in Figure 6, so as to grip and hold a napkin or other object placed between the two portions.

Second, the device 302 may be used as a napkin hook. When in use as a napkin hook, the device is oriented in the position shown in the figures, that is with the free ends of the first and second portions 304 and 306 downmost. The device is supported on a garment by passing the second portion over a button, which passes through the first circular opening 330, and engaging the second circular opening 332 with the thread behind a button on the front of a garment being worn by the user. A napkin to be supported has a portion, such as an edge or a corner, introduced into the first portion 312 of the elongate slit 310. The portion of the napkin is then slid downwards to engage with and be held by the second portion 314 of the elongate slit 310. For thick napkins, such as cotton or linen, the nature of the material allows the napkin to be firmly held in place by simple engagement with the second portion 314 of the elongate slit 310. However, for thinner ply napkins, in particular paper napkins, it is necessary to force the portion of the napkin into the second slit 320, causing the napkin to be gripped and held, as described hereinbefore.

Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The device, a napkin hook generally indicated as 402, is of the same general configuration as that of Figures 1 to 3, and is shown in a view corresponding to that of Figure 2.

The device 402 comprises a substantially planar portion 404 comprising a means for engaging with a portion of a napkin or the like to be supported by the device. The device 402 further comprises a hook portion, not shown in Figure 9, comprising a means for engaging with the thread behind a button on a garment of the user. This means may be of the form described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4 or to 8, as required. Alternatively, the device may simply comprise a hook portion for engaging with an opening in a garment or item of clothing being worn by the user.

The means for engaging with a portion of a napkin is as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures ito 4 and comprises an elongate slit 410 having a first portion 412 and a second portion 414. As viewed in Figure 9, the first portion 412 is above the second portion 414. The first portion 412 of the elongate slit is tapered, having its widest portion at the end most distant from the second portion 414 of the slit 410, that is the uppermost end, as the device 402 is viewed in Figure 9.

The second portion 414 is substantially constant in width along its length. A second slit 420 extends at right angles from either side of the end of the second portion 414 distant from the first portion 412. As seen in Figure 9, the elongate slit 410 and the second slit 420 form an inverted T' shape in the device. The means for engaging with a portion of a napkin may also have the form shown in Figures 4a to 4c and as described hereinbefore.

The device 402 further comprises a means, generally indicated as 430, for gripping a cable of headphones or the like which may be in use by the user. The means 430 comprise a slot 432 having a circular inner portion 434 and a narrower outer portion 436 opening at an edge of the planar portion 404. The outer portion 436 is sized such that a cable to be gripped must be forced into the slot and is an interference fit. With the cable held in the outer portion 436 of the slot 432, it is gripped firmly. If the cable is pushed further into the slot 432, so as to lie in the inner portion 434 of the slot, the larger dimensions of the inner portion allow the cable to slide through the inner portion. In this way, the cable may be held in a convenient position but remain free to move, for example with movements of the head of the user. The device 402 comprises two such slots 432 and is able to hold a pair of cables in the aforementioned manner.

In addition, the device 402 comprises a stylus 440 formed as a tapered end portion 442 of the planar portion 404 and having a stylus tip 444. The tip 444 is sized to be used as a tool for activating and operating the screen of a touch screen electronic device. The size of the tip 444 may be varied according to the device with which it is to be used.

It will be understood that the means 430 for gripping a cable and/or a stylus 440, such as shown in Figure 9, may be incorporated in the devices of the other embodiments of the present invention and shown in Figures 1 to 8, as desired.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures are very simple in form and, hence, easy and inexpensive to manufacture, particularly in large numbers. The device is particularly suited to manufacture from plastic using conventional moulding techniques. It will also be appreciated that the device is both simple to use and versatile in its uses.

While the device of the present invention has been described as being for use in the retention and support of a napkin, it will be appreciated that other similar items may also be supported and retained in a similar or analogous manner.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A device for use as a napkin hook comprising: a first portion for supporting a napkin, the first portion comprising an elongate opening for receiving a portion of a napkin to be supported; and a second portion comprising a means for engaging with a button on an item of clothing worn by a user of the napkin hook.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is longer than the second portion.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are substantially the same length.

4. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate opening comprises a first relatively wider portion and a second relatively narrower portion.

5. The device according to claim4, wherein the elongate opening is tapered along at least a portion of its length from the first wider portion to the second narrower portion.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein the elongate opening comprises a first tapered portion and a second substantially non-tapered portion.

7. The device according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first relatively wider portion is disposed above the second relatively narrower portion when the device is in use.

8. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate opening is provided with a portion of increased width immediately adjacent the narrow portion of the elongate opening.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the portion of increased width is disposed below the narrow portion when the device is in use.

10. The device according to either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the width of the elongate opening changes abruptly at the portion of increased width.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the portion of increased width is a laterally extending slit.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the slit extends perpendicular to the elongate opening.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the slit is tapered.

14. The device according to claim 10, wherein the portion of increased width is a circular opening.

15. The device according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the portion of increased width is disposed at the end of the elongate opening which is lowest when the device is in use.

16. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for engaging with a button comprises an elongate opening for engaging the fastening thread behind a button on a garment.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the elongate opening is tapered.

18. The device according to any of claim Ito 16, wherein the means for engaging with a button comprises a first opening of sufficient size to extend over a button and a second opening, smaller than the first opening and the button, for engaging with the thread or fastening means behind a button.

19. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion comprises a hook extending from the first portion, the means for engaging with a button being disposed on the hook.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the hook extends perpendicular to the plane of the elongate opening.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the hook is of sufficient size to allow the device to be used as a napkin dip.

22. The device according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the means for engaging with a button is disposed in the hook.

23. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions are unitary.

24. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions are of pressed metal.

25. The device according to any of claims 1 to 23, whererin the first and second portions are of plastic.

26. A device for use as a napkin hook comprising a means for gripping a portion of a napkin, the means comprising a first elongate opening and a second opening, the second opening extending at an angle to and intersecting with the first elongate opening.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein the first elongate opening is disposed substantially vertically when the napkin hook is in use.

28. The device according to either of claims 26 or 27, wherein the second opening is a slit.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein the first opening and the slit are orthogonal.

30. The device according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the first opening is a slit, the first and second slits are arranged to form an inverted T-shape, when the device is in use.

31. The device according to any of claims 26 to 30, wherein the first opening is tapered in at least the portion intersected by the second opening, the relatively narrow end of the tapered portion being adjacent the intersection with the second opening.

32. The device according to any of claims 26 to 31 wherein the second opening crosses the first opening.

33. A combined napkin hook and napkin clip, comprising a means for engaging with a portion of a napkin and a means for gripping a napkin when in a folded or rolled condition.

34. The combined napkin hook and napkin clip according to claim 33, further comprising means for engaging with a button on a garment worn by a user.

35. A napkin clip comprising: means for gripping a napkin when in a rolled or folded condition; means for attaching to a garment of a user; and means for gripping a cable of headphones being used by a user.

36. A napkin clip according to claim 35, further comprising means for engaging with a portion of a napkin.

37. A napkin hook comprising: means for engaging with a portion of a napkin; means for attaching to a garment of a user; and means for gripping a cable of headphones being used by a user.

38. A napkin clip according to either of claims 35 or 36 or a napkin hook according to claim 37, wherein the means for gripping a cable comprises a slot, into which a portion of the cable may be inserted and held by an interference fit.

39. A napkin clip or napkin hook according to claim 38, wherein the slot has a first wider inner portion and a second narrower outer portion, the cable being an interference fit in the second outer portion of the slot and free to pass through the first inner portion of the slot.

40. A napkin clip according to any of claims 35, 36, 38 or 39, or a napkin hook according any of claims 37 to 39, comprising means for gripping two cables.

41. A napkin clip or a napkin hook according to any of claims 36 to 40, wherein the means for engaging with a portion of a napkin comprises 42. A napkin clip or a napkin hook according to any of claims 36 to 41, further comprising a portion useable as a stylus for a touch screen activated electronic device.

43. A napkin clip comprising: means for gripping a napkin when in a rolled or folded condition; means for attaching to a garment of a user; and a portion useable as a stylus for a touch screen activated electronic device.

44. A napkin clip according to claim 43, further comprising means for engaging with a portion of a napkin.

45. A napkin hook comprising: means for engaging with a portion of a napkin; means for attaching to a garment of a user; and a portion useable as a stylus for a touch screen activated electronic device.

46. A napkin hook substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 3, Figure 4a, Figure 4b, or Figures 5 to 8, or Figure 9.

47. The use of a device according to any preceding claim as a napkin hook and/or a napkin clip.