US20140110957A1 - Snack Tong Heads - Google Patents
Snack Tong Heads Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140110957A1 US20140110957A1 US13/656,240 US201213656240A US2014110957A1 US 20140110957 A1 US20140110957 A1 US 20140110957A1 US 201213656240 A US201213656240 A US 201213656240A US 2014110957 A1 US2014110957 A1 US 2014110957A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- head
- tongs
- tines
- height
- length
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/10—Sugar tongs; Asparagus tongs; Other food tongs
Definitions
- the present invention relates to kitchen utensils. More specifically, the present invention relates to kitchen tongs used to handle food items, particularly snack foods such as potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels et al., and various types of “finger” foods.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective left view of an embodiment of a pair of tongs according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation showing a tong head of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a top view showing a pair of tongs of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a front view in elevation showing a tong head of FIG. 3 viewed along the axis A-A of FIG. 3 .
- the tongs having a pair of arms secured to each other at a first end, and each arm being secured to a head at a second end.
- the tongs may include a plurality of arcuate tines extending along a height axis of the head from a spine and being secured to the spine.
- the spine is provided along a length axis of the head, the length axis of the head and the height axis of the head are generally orthogonal and the head is adapted to grasp small food items.
- the tongs having a pair of arms operatively connected to each other at a first end, and each arm being operatively connected to a head at a second end.
- the tongs may include a plurality of tines extending along a height axis of the head from a spine and being secured to the spine.
- the spine is provided along a length axis of the head, the length axis of the head and the height axis of the head are generally orthogonal and the head is adapted to grasp small food items.
- FIGS. 1 through 4 a snack tong, indicated generally at 4 , according to the invention.
- head may include [but is not limited to] an anterior extremity, leading portion, and/or projecting part of an object.
- body may include [but is not limited to] a mass of matter generally distinct from other masses.
- arcuate as used in this application may be understood to include, but is not limited to, one or more structures or components generally arched or curved or generally shaped like a bow.
- flex as used in this application may be understood to include, but is not limited to, any structure or functionality which generally exhibits resilient or spring-like properties and/or readily deflects and rebounds to an initial position.
- axis as used in this application may be understood to include, but is not limited to, a generally straight line about which a body or a geometric figure rotates or may be supposed to rotate.
- the “axis” may be a generally straight line with respect to which a body, component, or figure may be generally symmetrical.
- the “axis” may be a reference line of a coordinate system.
- each arm 8 , 12 of tongs 4 includes a body portion 16 and an engaging end referred to as the grasping end or head 20 .
- the pivot end of the tong may be comprised of any suitable means.
- the grasping end or head 20 of each arm 8 , 12 culminates in a somewhat cupped, ribbed food-engaging member having generally arcuate flexible tines 48 or finger-like appendages.
- each arm 8 , 12 may be comprised of solid nylon.
- the connection between the head 20 and arm 8 , 12 may be made by any suitable means, including the use of rivets, epoxy or similar chemical bonding compositions, and other effective means.
- the tines 48 of the tongs 4 may be provided with any suitable dimensions. As shown and as may be provided in practice, the tines 48 may have a length of about 0.19 inches, a thickness of about 0.07 inches to about 0.0625 inches, and a height of about 2.58 inches. The tines are generally thicker at the proximal aspect, closer to the spine, than at the distal aspect. The tines generally flex, particularly along the height dimension of the head.
- the gap 24 defined between two tines 48 of the tongs 4 may be about 0.13 inches in length.
- the head 20 of the tongs 4 may be about 3.9 inches in length.
- the cap 36 of the tongs 4 may be about 0.25 inches in height.
- the ratio of the height of the tines 48 to the length of the tines may be about 13.58.
- the ratio of the height of the tines 48 to the thickness of the tines 48 may be about 36.86.
- the ratio of the length of the gap 24 defined between two tines 48 of the tongs 4 and the length of the tines 48 of the tongs 4 may be about 0.6842.
- the ratio of the height of the cap 36 of the tongs 4 to the height of the tines 48 of the tongs 4 may be about 0.0969.
- the ratio of the length of the head 20 of the tongs 4 to the height of the tines 48 of the tongs 4 may be about 1.5116.
- the definitions provided herein are solely to facilitate an understanding of the invention—not to limit the invention.
- the invention may be made from any suitable material and by any suitable method.
- the invention may be adapted to fit a wide variety of uses. It will be appreciated that the components of the invention may be easily modified as needed to accommodate varying sizes and shapes.
Abstract
A tongs having a pair of arms secured to each other at a first end, and each arm being secured to a head at a second end. The tongs may include a plurality of arcuate tines extending along a height axis of the head from a spine and being secured to the spine.
Description
- The present invention relates to kitchen utensils. More specifically, the present invention relates to kitchen tongs used to handle food items, particularly snack foods such as potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels et al., and various types of “finger” foods.
- Traditionally, at social gatherings where food is served, there are a variety of serving utensils used. Large spoons and forks, spatulas, handled cups, and tongs are typically used, depending on the type and texture of the food being served. However, when snack foods such as potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels et al. are served, due to the brittle and some-what sensitive characteristics of these foods, bare hands are commonly used to obtain the foods from bowls, containers or bags. Large spoons and forks, spatulas, handled cups may be inadequate in this capacity. Kitchen tongs are capable of grasping objects, but may be too rigid and narrow to serve the foods conveniently, intact and in sufficient portions.
- Until the present device, prior art devices have not adequately addressed this problem with serving utensils or may have failed to recognize the problem entirely. Nonetheless, the present invention is unique in that it addresses this, as well as other problems found in the prior art. By providing a kitchen tong which is sturdy, capable of handling a variety of items, and is sensitive to the item being handled, the present invention addresses such problems. There remains a long-felt need for a suitable means of grasping certain foods with a utensil that is easy to use.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective left view of an embodiment of a pair of tongs according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation showing a tong head ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a top view showing a pair of tongs ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a front view in elevation showing a tong head ofFIG. 3 viewed along the axis A-A ofFIG. 3 . - There is provided a tongs having a pair of arms secured to each other at a first end, and each arm being secured to a head at a second end. The tongs may include a plurality of arcuate tines extending along a height axis of the head from a spine and being secured to the spine. The spine is provided along a length axis of the head, the length axis of the head and the height axis of the head are generally orthogonal and the head is adapted to grasp small food items.
- There is also provided a tongs having a pair of arms operatively connected to each other at a first end, and each arm being operatively connected to a head at a second end. The tongs may include a plurality of tines extending along a height axis of the head from a spine and being secured to the spine. The spine is provided along a length axis of the head, the length axis of the head and the height axis of the head are generally orthogonal and the head is adapted to grasp small food items.
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61,550,439, filed on Oct. 23, 2011.
- Preliminarily, it should be noted that certain terms used herein, such as for example above, below, upper, lower, left and right, are used to facilitate the description of the invention. Unless otherwise specified or made apparent by the context of the discussion, such terms and other directional terms should be interpreted with reference to the figure(s) under discussion. Such terms are not intended as a limitation on the position in which the invention or components may be used. Indeed, it is contemplated that the components of the invention may be easily positioned in any desired orientation for use. Likewise, numerical terms such as for example “first”, and “second” are not intended as a limitation or to imply a sequence, unless otherwise specified or made apparent by the context of the discussion. The term “operatively connected” is understood to include a linking together of the portions under consideration and may include a physical engagement and/or a functional or operational connection.
- Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 4 a snack tong, indicated generally at 4, according to the invention. - The term “head” may include [but is not limited to] an anterior extremity, leading portion, and/or projecting part of an object.
- The term “body” may include [but is not limited to] a mass of matter generally distinct from other masses.
- The term “arcuate” as used in this application may be understood to include, but is not limited to, one or more structures or components generally arched or curved or generally shaped like a bow.
- The term “flex” as used in this application may be understood to include, but is not limited to, any structure or functionality which generally exhibits resilient or spring-like properties and/or readily deflects and rebounds to an initial position.
- The term “axis” as used in this application may be understood to include, but is not limited to, a generally straight line about which a body or a geometric figure rotates or may be supposed to rotate. The “axis” may be a generally straight line with respect to which a body, component, or figure may be generally symmetrical. The “axis” may be a reference line of a coordinate system.
- While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this disclosure will describe embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 & 2 , there is illustrated a kitchen utensil, namely kitchen tongs, generally designated by the numeral 4. The tongs 4 have a first arm 8 typically pivotally connected to asecond arm 12 at a pivot point. Generally speaking, eacharm 8,12 of tongs 4 includes abody portion 16 and an engaging end referred to as the grasping end orhead 20. The pivot end of the tong may be comprised of any suitable means. Finally, the grasping end orhead 20 of eacharm 8,12 culminates in a somewhat cupped, ribbed food-engaging member having generally arcuateflexible tines 48 or finger-like appendages. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 & 2 , the grasping end orhead 20 of eacharm 8,12 may be comprised of solid nylon. The connection between thehead 20 andarm 8,12 may be made by any suitable means, including the use of rivets, epoxy or similar chemical bonding compositions, and other effective means. - Additionally, other configurations of the
head 20 and arm union are certainly possible which achieve the need to provide atong head 20 which is both sufficiently rigid and sufficiently flexible to handle various snack food items in a delicate manner without crushing or smashing the items. - The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants' invention. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in light of the drawings and text provided.
- Tongs 4
- First arm 8
-
First arm 12 -
Body 16 - Head 20
- Gap between
tines 24 - Curvature of
head 28 -
Spine 32 extends length of head - Height of
cap 36 - Height of
head 40 - Thickness of
tines 44 -
Tines 48 - Height axis “H”
- Length axis “L”
- The
tines 48 of the tongs 4 may be provided with any suitable dimensions. As shown and as may be provided in practice, thetines 48 may have a length of about 0.19 inches, a thickness of about 0.07 inches to about 0.0625 inches, and a height of about 2.58 inches. The tines are generally thicker at the proximal aspect, closer to the spine, than at the distal aspect. The tines generally flex, particularly along the height dimension of the head. - The
gap 24 defined between twotines 48 of the tongs 4 may be about 0.13 inches in length. - The
head 20 of the tongs 4 may be about 3.9 inches in length. - The
cap 36 of the tongs 4 may be about 0.25 inches in height. - The ratio of the height of the
tines 48 to the length of the tines may be about 13.58. - The ratio of the height of the
tines 48 to the thickness of thetines 48 may be about 36.86. - The ratio of the length of the
gap 24 defined between twotines 48 of the tongs 4 and the length of thetines 48 of the tongs 4 may be about 0.6842. - The ratio of the height of the
cap 36 of the tongs 4 to the height of thetines 48 of the tongs 4 may be about 0.0969. - The ratio of the length of the
head 20 of the tongs 4 to the height of thetines 48 of the tongs 4 may be about 1.5116. - The definitions provided herein are solely to facilitate an understanding of the invention—not to limit the invention. The invention may be made from any suitable material and by any suitable method. The invention may be adapted to fit a wide variety of uses. It will be appreciated that the components of the invention may be easily modified as needed to accommodate varying sizes and shapes.
- It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the accompanying description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The disclosure may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including equivalent constructions. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract and disclosure are neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor are they intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
Claims (20)
1. A tongs comprising:
a pair of arms secured to each other at a first end, and each arm being secured to a head at a second end;
a plurality of arcuate tines extending along a height axis of the head from a spine and being secured to the spine; and
wherein the spine is provided along a length axis of the head, the length axis of the head and the height axis of the head are generally orthogonal and the head is adapted to grasp small food items.
2. The tongs of claim 1 wherein the plurality of tines generally flex.
3. The tongs of claim 2 wherein the plurality of tines define a plurality of spaces there between.
4. The tongs of claim 3 wherein the ratio of the height of the plurality of tines to the length of the tines is about 13.58.
5. The tongs of claim 4 wherein the ratio of the height of the plurality of tines to the thickness of the tines is about 36.86.
6. The tongs of claim 1 wherein the plurality of tines define a plurality of spaces there between, the spaces being provided along the length axis of the head, and the ratio of the length of the spaces to the length of the plurality of tines is about 0.68.
7. The tongs of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the height of the spine to the height of the head is about 0.10.
8. The tongs of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the length of the spine to the height of the head is about 1.51.
9. The tongs of claim 1 wherein the plurality of tines generally flex and the plurality of tines define a plurality of spaces there between, the spaces being provided along the length axis of the head, and the ratio of the length of the spaces to the length of the tines is about 0.68.
10. The tongs of claim 9 wherein the ratio of the height of the spine to the height of the head is about 0.10 and the tongs of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the length of the spine to the height of the head is about 1.51.
11. A tongs comprising:
a pair of arms operatively connected to each other at a first end, and each arm being operatively connected to a head at a second end;
a plurality of tines extending along a height axis of the head from a spine and being secured to the spine; and
wherein the spine is provided along a length axis of the head, the length axis of the head and the height axis of the head are generally orthogonal and the head is adapted to grasp small food items.
12. The tongs of claim 11 wherein the tines generally flex.
13. The tongs of claim 12 wherein the plurality of tines define a plurality of spaces there between.
14. The tongs of claim 13 wherein the ratio of the height of the tines to the length of the tines is about 13.58.
15. The tongs of claim 14 wherein the ratio of the height of the tines to the thickness of the tines is about 36.86.
16. The tongs of claim 11 wherein the plurality of tines define a plurality of spaces there between, the spaces being provided along the length axis of the head, and the ratio of the length of the spaces to the length of the tines is about 0.68.
17. The tongs of claim 11 wherein the ratio of the height of the spine to the height of the head is about 0.10.
18. The tongs of claim 11 wherein the ratio of the length of the spine to the height of the head is about 1.51.
19. The tongs of claim 11 wherein the plurality of tines generally flex and the plurality of tines define a plurality of spaces there between, the spaces being provided along the length axis of the head, and the ratio of the length of the spaces to the length of the tines is about 0.68.
20. The tongs of claim 19 wherein the ratio of the height of the spine to the height of the head is about 0.10 and the tongs of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the length of the spine to the height of the head is about 1.51.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/656,240 US20140110957A1 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2012-10-19 | Snack Tong Heads |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/656,240 US20140110957A1 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2012-10-19 | Snack Tong Heads |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140110957A1 true US20140110957A1 (en) | 2014-04-24 |
Family
ID=50484668
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/656,240 Abandoned US20140110957A1 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2012-10-19 | Snack Tong Heads |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20140110957A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD766682S1 (en) * | 2015-07-29 | 2016-09-20 | Ronald B. Flournoy | Tongs |
US9993115B2 (en) | 2015-08-10 | 2018-06-12 | J&G Products, Llc | Spatula culinary utensil and methods of use |
USD935287S1 (en) * | 2020-02-26 | 2021-11-09 | Chertan Llc | Meat claws |
USD942822S1 (en) | 2019-12-06 | 2022-02-08 | Hania Kahoush | Tongs |
-
2012
- 2012-10-19 US US13/656,240 patent/US20140110957A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD766682S1 (en) * | 2015-07-29 | 2016-09-20 | Ronald B. Flournoy | Tongs |
US9993115B2 (en) | 2015-08-10 | 2018-06-12 | J&G Products, Llc | Spatula culinary utensil and methods of use |
USD942822S1 (en) | 2019-12-06 | 2022-02-08 | Hania Kahoush | Tongs |
USD935287S1 (en) * | 2020-02-26 | 2021-11-09 | Chertan Llc | Meat claws |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |