JP2008536021A - Napkin support - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for suspending a napkin or table napkin (30) under a user's chin; said system comprising a spring clip (14) and a suspending device (12); The clip is configured to be suspended from the suspending device.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for protecting materials that move to a user's mouth from damaging or soiling clothing, and more particularly to means for supporting a napkin or apron for that purpose.

  Napkins are an old and common means to prevent food and drink from spilling on clothing when carrying them from tableware or glasses to the mouth. In order to be used effectively, the napkin should ideally be applied from just below the wearer's chin to below the height of the tableware or table from which food and drink are transferred.

  This is often inconvenient to use in a restaurant, or for example, not possible for a female user wearing an evening gown. However, it is also uncomfortable and inconvenient for men to insert a napkin into a tight collar.

  The object of the present invention is to solve or at least ameliorate some of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

  Thus, in one general form of the invention, a system is provided for suspending a napkin or table napkin under a user's chin; the system comprising a spring clip and a suspending device; Is arranged around the wearer's neck; the clip is configured to be suspended from the suspending device.

  Desirably, the clip is a bill clip.

  Desirably, the hanging device comprises an elongate flexible member that is long enough to pass loosely around the user's neck.

  Desirably, the elongate flexible member includes cooperating closure means configured to removably attach a first end of the elongate flexible member to a second end of the elongate flexible member. Provide.

  Desirably, the elongated flexible member is a single chain.

  Desirably, the elongate flexible member is a single string.

Further, in a broad further form of the present invention, a method for suspending a napkin or table napkin under a user's chin is provided;
(A) attaching the spring clip to the hanging device;
(B) fastening the hanging device around the user's neck;
(C) inserting a portion of the napkin into the spring clip;
including.

  Desirably, the said hanging apparatus is made into a flexible elongate member.

  Preferably, the elongated member is a single chain.

  Preferably, the elongated member is a single string.

  Desirably, the elongate member is provided with closing means configured to detachably attach the first end of the elongate member to the second end of the elongate member.

  Preferably, the spring clip is a bill clip.

  Furthermore, in a further general form of the invention, a napkin or table napkin support device as described herein and referred to in the accompanying drawings is provided.

  Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2, a napkin support 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a support device 12 and a spring clip 14. The support device 12 is a single flexible chain or string that is long enough to loosen around the user's neck 16, as shown in FIG. Preferably, the chain or string is fastened with a closure device such as commonly found in necklaces, such as clasps or hooks 11 and receivers 13.

  With particular reference to FIG. 2, in one preferred embodiment, the spring clip 14 is a bill clip. Such a clip is generally made of metal and possibly made of a noble metal such as silver, but comprises a single length of metal and bends itself at a position less than half of the length, To form a back 16 and a relatively short front 18. The bent portion 20 is formed in a folded shape by separating the opposing surfaces inside the metal length in the bent portion region so as to sufficiently accommodate an appropriate bundle of banknotes.

  The end portion 22 of the front portion 18 is provided with a concave curved portion 24, thereby raising the front end portion of the front portion above the surface 26 of the back portion 16. Thus, an adherend having a thickness up to the folded thickness of the bent portion 20 can be easily inserted between the back portion 16 and the front portion 18.

  As can be seen in FIG. 2, when the clip 14 is not used, the bottom surface of the concave curved portion 24 presses the surface 26. Attempting to separate this contact is resisted by the rigidity of the metal forming the clip, thereby holding any adherend introduced between the surface 28 and the lower surface 26 of the curved portion with a slight force. The

With reference now to FIG. 3, a napkin or table napkin 30 is easily inserted into the clip 14 and the support device 12 is placed or fastened around the user's neck 32, thereby protecting the user's garment 34. May be.

  Make clip 14 and its support device 12 a small, lightweight item that can be easily carried in a pocket, handbag or wallet, and thus easily portable, for use in situations where the user has a meal To do.

  The foregoing describes only some embodiments relating to the present invention, and modifications obvious to those skilled in the art can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Thus, although the preferred clip according to the present invention is a banknote clip, it will be apparent to the support device that any clip capable of receiving and supporting a napkin or table napkin may be engaged therein.

It is a perspective view regarding the suitable mechanism of a napkin support body. 1 is a perspective view of a spring clip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a user wearing a preferred embodiment of the present invention when in use.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Napkin support body 11 Hook 12 Support apparatus 13 Receptacle 14 Spring clip 16 Back part 18 Front part 20 Bending part 24 Concave curved part 30 Napkin 32 Neck 34 Clothing

Claims (13)

  A system for suspending a napkin or table napkin under a user's chin; said system comprising a spring clip and a suspending device; wherein said suspending device is configured to be placed around a wearer's neck A system configured to suspend the clip from the suspension device.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the clip is a bill clip.   The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hanging device comprises an elongate flexible member long enough to pass loosely around the user's neck.   The elongate flexible member is provided with cooperating closure means configured to removably attach a first end of the elongate flexible member to a second end of the elongate flexible member; The system of claim 3.   4. The system of claim 3, wherein the elongated flexible member is a single chain.   4. The system of claim 3, wherein the elongated flexible member is a single string. A method of suspending a napkin or table napkin under a user's chin, said method comprising:
(A) attaching the spring clip to the hanging device;
(B) fastening the hanging device around the user's neck;
(C) inserting a portion of the napkin into the spring clip;
Including methods.   The method according to claim 7, wherein the hanging device is a flexible elongated member.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein the elongated member is a single chain.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein the elongated member is a single string.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein the elongate member is provided with closing means configured to removably attach a first end of the elongate member to a second end of the elongate member. .   The method according to claim 7, wherein the clip is a bill clip.   A napkin or table napkin support device as described herein and referred to in the accompanying drawings.

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