US20220192403A1

US20220192403A1 - Utensil for Eating Snacks

Info

Publication number: US20220192403A1
Application number: US17/534,552
Authority: US
Inventors: Antonio Rotondo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-12-17
Filing date: 2021-11-24
Publication date: 2022-06-23

Abstract

The present invention relates to snack-grabbing utensils that assist a user in picking and eating snack items such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc. More specifically, the snack-grabbing utensil comprises a tong-like or a scissor-like holding end attached to a grabbing portion such as a grabber/scoop structure, that allows users to hold the utensil and pick a snack item using the grabbing portion by maneuvering the tong or scissor arms. The grabbing portion is generally manufactured of foam, and is replaceable once the grabbing portion becomes greasy and/or dirty. The snack-grabbing utensil enables users to easily eat snacks at their homes, workplaces, etc., without their hands getting soiled and/or greasy.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/126,809, which was filed on Dec. 17, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of utensils. More specifically, the present invention relates to a snack grabbing utensil comprising a pair of tongs specially designed to enable users to eat chips and other snacks, such as pretzels or peanuts, while keeping their hands clean. The snack grabbing utensil may be scissor-like or tong-like shaped and comprises one end which allows a user to hold the utensil, and a second end which grabs or plucks a chip and/or snack from a bag or bowl. The grabber/clip end of the snack grabbing utensil is manufactured of foam and is replaceable once the grabber end becomes greasy after use. The snack grabbing utensil of the present invention allows users to easily eat snacks at work without the worry of their hands becoming dirty and/or greasy. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, a variety of utensils are available that are used in food preparation and/or serving food items to others. For example, tongs, flippers and the like are used during or after grilling, barbecuing, baking and/or frying any food items. Some utensils such as spoons, knives and forks are commonly used for eating food once it is served. However, eating snacks such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc., requires users to use their hands to access the snack and eat it.
While using their hands to hold and eat snacks such as potato chips, etc., users may not enjoy the residue or grease left behind on their fingertips. If their hands are not cleaned properly after eating such snacks, then grease and other residue can end up on computer keyboards, clothing, paperwork, etc. Thus, users may avoid snacking at places like the office for fear of soiled and/or greasy hands. Further, to clean their hands after eating snacks, users may use napkins to remove the residue and/or grease that remains on their fingertips after eating snacks. However, the use of napkins doesn't properly clean a user's hands efficiently. Thus, users are often required to get up to frequently wash their hands in a restroom, which is also not a convenient option.
Existing utensils do not provide a convenient means for handling and eating snack items such as potato chips, pretzels, etc. Further, with utensils such as spoons, forks or knives, users may be unable to properly grab snack items such as chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc. Additionally, users with soiled and/or greasy hands may not be comfortable in using their hands to eat snacks in the office. Further, eating directly with a user's hands not only leads to transmission of germs, but also causes the spread of infectious diseases. Users may desire to have an alternate means for eating snacks.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a utensil that can be conveniently used to handle and eat snacks such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc. There is also a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing device that enables users to easily grab snack items such as potato chips, peanuts, etc., from a snack bag or bowl. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a utensil that assists in grabbing and eating any snack item, and eliminates the need to use the hands for eating snack items. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing device that helps in grasping snack items from a snack bag, and ensures that any snack residue and/or grease is not left behind on a user's hands. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing utensil that eliminates the need for a user to wash their hands or use napkins to clean their hands after eating snacks. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing device that prevents the snack residue and/or grease from getting onto computer keyboards, clothing, paperwork, etc. There is a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing utensil that provides a hygienic solution to the access and eating of snack items, thereby preventing the transmission of germs and spread of infectious diseases. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a snack picking utensil that allows users to eat snacks at work without worry of getting their hands soiled and/or greasy.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a snack eating device for grasping and eating snack items to protect a user's hands from becoming soiled and/or greasy. The snack eating tong device comprises tong-style arms or scissor-style arms with gripping ends to enable a user to hold the device while eating snack items. The snack eating tong device further includes a grabber component or scoop-shaped grabber component for retaining snacks such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc. The grabber components are generally manufactured of foam material and are replaceable once they are too greasy to use. The grabber components can be connected to the tong-style or scissor-style arms using a connecting pin mechanism. Different models of the snack eating device can be created by combining different arm styles with different grabber components.
In this manner, the novel snack eating device/utensil of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively safe, easy and convenient solution for accessing and grabbing snack items such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc., from a snack bag or bowl. The snack eating device of the present invention is also user-friendly, as it eliminates the need for users to use their hands when eating snack items, and therefore prevents a user's hands from becoming soiled and/or greasy. Additionally, the snack grabbing/eating utensil eliminates the need for a user to frequently clean his or her hands using napkins, and/or going to the restroom to wash hands after eating snacks. The snack grabbing utensil can be conveniently used at workplaces, homes, etc., for picking up snack items from a snack bowl or bag, without computer keyboards, clothing, paperwork, etc., getting dirty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a tong device for eating food items. More specifically, the tong device is used for grasping and eating snack items to protect a user's hands from dirt and/or grease. The tong device comprises a first tong arm having a first gripping end and a first terminating end, a second tong arm having a second gripping end and a second terminating end and a V-shaped grip component joining the first gripping end and the second gripping end together. Further, the tong device comprises a first hole at the first terminating end of the first tong arm, and a second hole at the second terminating end of the second tong arm, wherein a first grabber component comprises a scalloped-shaped foam portion for supporting a snack item, and a second grabber component comprising a scalloped-shaped foam portion for supporting a snack item. Then, a first connecting pin is inserted into the first hole to attach to the first tong arm, and a second connecting pin is inserted into the second hole to attach to the second tong arm. The first tong arm and the second tong arm are then maneuvered towards each other to retain a snack item between the first grabber component and the second grabber component without damaging the snack item.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first grabber component is in the form of a scoop-type shape and the second grabber component is in the form of a scoop-type shape. The grabber components are removably-attached to the tong arms, and are replaceable when worn out or soiled.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a tongs device for grasping food items from a package is disclosed. The tongs device comprises a pair of tong arms, wherein each tong arm has a removably-attached scalloped edged or scoop-shaped grabber component, and each tong arm is maneuvered toward each other to grasp a food item between the grabber components and retain the food item securely, without soiling a user's hands with the grease and/or residue on the food items.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a scissor-type device for grasping and eating food items is disclosed. The scissor-type device comprises a first scissor arm having a first finger hole and a first outer end, a second scissor arm having a second finger hole and a second outer end and a lock hinging the first scissor arm and the second scissor arm together. The scissor-type device also comprises a first hole at the first outer end of the first scissor arm, a second hole at the second outer end of the second scissor arm, a first grabber component for supporting a snack item and having a first connecting pin to insert into the first hole to attach to the first scissor arm and a second grabber component for supporting a snack item and having a second connecting pin to insert into the second hole to attach to the second scissor arm. Then, the first scissor arm and the second scissor arm are maneuvered towards each other using the finger holes to retain a snack item between the first grabber component and the second grabber component, without damaging the food item.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first grabber component can be in the form of a scoop-type shape or comprise scalloped edges, and the second grabber component can be in the form of a scoop-type shape or comprise scalloped edges. The grabber components are removably-attached to the scissor arms, and are replaceable when worn out and/or greasy or soiled.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the eating utensil device of the present invention in the shape of an unassembled pair of tongs in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the eating utensil device of the present invention in the shape of an assembled pair of tongs in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the eating utensil device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the tong shaped eating utensil device of the present invention with a scoop shaped grabber component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the eating utensil device of the present invention comprising scissor type arms in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the eating utensil device of the present invention comprising scissors-type arms and scoop-type grabber components in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the eating utensil device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing the eating utensil device used for picking snack items from a snack container in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a utensil that can be conveniently used to handle and eat snacks such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc. There is also a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing device that enables users to easily grab snack items such as potato chips, peanuts, etc., from a snack bag or bowl. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a utensil that assists users in grabbing and eating any snack item, and eliminates the need for users to use their hands while eating snack items. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing device that helps users in picking snack items from a bag, and ensures that any snack residue and/or grease is not left behind on their hands. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing utensil that eliminates the need for a user to wash his or her hands or use napkins to clean the hands after having snacks. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing device that prevents the snack residue and/or grease from getting onto computer keyboards, clothing, paperwork, etc. There is a long felt need in the art for a snack grabbing utensil that provides a hygienic solution to accessing and eating snack items, thereby preventing the transmission of germs and spread of infectious diseases. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a snack-picking utensil that allows users to eat snacks at work without worry of getting their hands dirty.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel tong device comprising grabber components for grasping and eating food items. The device includes a pair of tong arms, wherein each tong arm has a removably-attached scalloped edged or scoop-shaped grabber component, and each tong arm is maneuvered together to grasp a food item between the grabber components and hold the food item securely without soiling a user's hands by the grease and/or residue of the food item.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the eating utensil device of the present invention configured in the shape of a disassembled pair of tongs. The eating utensil device 100 of the present embodiment is configured in the shape of a pair of tongs, and is used for eating food items such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc., conveniently, hygienically and without acquiring soil and/or grease on a user's hands. More specifically, the eating utensil device 100 comprises a pair of tongs having a first tong arm 102, and a second tong arm 104 joined together via a V-shaped grip 106, or any other suitable mechanism known in the art. The first tong arm 102 is sleek and elongated, and has a first terminating outer end 1020 and a first gripping inner end 1022. The second tong arm 104 also has a second terminating outer end 1040 and a second gripping inner end 1042. The V-shaped grip 106 is integrated or removably-secured to the gripping inner ends 1022, 1042, and is configured to allow inward movement of the tong arms 102, 104 towards each other.
The first terminating end 1020 of the first tong arm 102 has a first receiving hole 108 to receive a first pin 114 of a first grabber component 112. The first grabber component 112 includes a first connecting pin 114 and a first foam portion 1120. The first grabber component 112 is removably-secured to the first tong arm 102 by inserting the first pin 114 into the first receiving hole 108. Similarly, the second terminating end 1040 of the second tong arm 104 has a second receiving hole 110 to receive a second pin 118 of a second grabber component 116. The second grabber component 116 is removably-secured to the second tong arm 104 by inserting the second pin 118 into the second receiving hole 110. The second grabber component 116 includes a second connecting pin 118 and a second foam portion 1160.
The first grabber component 112 comprises a first scalloped-shaped foam portion 1120, and the second grabber component 116 comprises a second scalloped-shaped foam portion 1160, which are manufactured of a soft material such as foam, or any other suitable material as is known in the art. The first foam portion 1120 and the second foam portion 1160 are used for retaining a food item without damaging the food item. In operation, a user holds the eating utensil device 100 using the V-shaped grip 106, and grasps a food item between the first foam portion 1120 and the second foam portion 1160 by maneuvering the tong arms 102, 104 towards each other, thus pivoting or pinching the tong arms 102, 104 together, thereby causing the first foam portion 1120 and the second foam portion 1160 to surround a food item. The tong arms 102, 104 are long enough to pick up snacks and other food items from within a large package, and are easy to maneuver.
The first grabber component 112 and the second grabber component 116 are replaceable, and can be detached from the tong arms 102, 104 respectively, and replaced with the new grabber components once the foam of the grabber components 112, 116 becomes soiled and/or damaged. The grabber components 112, 116 form a central concave housing or space for retaining the food item, and provide a greater surface area allowing the food item to be easily grasped without damaging the food item between the first grabber component 112 and the second grabber component 116. Thus, a food item can easily be placed between the grabber components 112, 116, allowing a user to eat snack foods safely without soiling their hands.
The tong arms 102, 104 can be manufactured of lightweight plastics or polymers, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art, allowing easy maneuvering and control while grabbing a food item. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the tong arms is approximately between 4-6 inches. For children, the tong arms can typically be smaller, and have a maximum length of up to approximately 4 inches.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing one embodiment of the eating utensil device of the present invention wherein the pair of tongs are assembled for use. In an assembled state, the first grabber component 112 is removably-secured to the first tong arm 102 using a first connecting arm 214 of the first grabber component 112. The first connecting arm 214 is secured within the first tong arm 102 for a stable connection of the first grabber component 112 with the first tong arm 102. Similarly, the second grabber component 116 is removably-secured to the second tong arm 104 using a second connecting arm 218 of the second grabber component 116. The second connecting arm 218 is secured within the second tong arm 102 for a stable connection of the second grabber component 116 with the second tong arm 104. The first and second connecting arms 214, 218 respectively act to secure the first and second grabber components 112, 116 to the first and the second tong arms 102, 104, via any suitable securing means as is known in the art.
Once the scalloped-shaped grabber components 112, 116 are attached to the first tong arm 102 and the second tong arm 104 respectively, the first foam portion 1120 and the second foam portion 1160 are used for grasping and holding the food items. The foam portions 1120, 1160 provide an anti-skidding surface for a stable and secure grip of the food item.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the eating utensil device in use for eating a snack. In use, a user 300 picks up a food item 304 between the first grabber component 112 and the second grabber component 116, by maneuvering the first tong arm 102 and the second tong arm 104 together in a pinching motion while holding the eating utensil device 100 via the V-shaped grip 106. The first tong arm 102 and the second tong arm 104 are maneuvered by holding the eating utensil device 100 by the grip 106 with a single hand 302, and the foam structure of the grabber components 112, 116 provides stability to a user, thereby allowing the user to hold the food item 304 without damaging the food item 304 and soiling his or her hands 302.
The use of the tong-style eating utensil device 100 eliminates the necessity of washing a user's 300 hands 302 both before and after eating snacks and other food items, as the user's hands 302 never touch the food item 304. The user 300 can safely and hygienically work on a computer, read books and do other personal work without soiling his or her hands due to grease and/or powder coating on the snack items.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the tong-shaped eating utensil device of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the tong arms i.e., a first tong arm 102 and a second tong arm 104, comprise a common V-shaped grip 106 which connects to the inner end 1022 of the first tong arm 102 and inner end 1042 of the second tong arm 104, respectively. The outer ends 1020, 1040 have holes 108, 110 respectively to receive connecting pins 406, 408.
In the present embodiment, in order for a user to grasp and hold a food item, a first scoop-shaped grabber 402 is attached to the first tong arm 102 by inserting the first connecting pin 406 into the first hole 108. Similarly, a second scoop-shaped grabber 404 is attached to the second tong arm 104 by inserting the second connecting pin 408 into the second hole 110. The scoop-shaped grabbers 402, 404 easily grasp and retain the food item without a spoon or a fork, even if the food item comprises gravy.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of the eating utensil device of the present invention comprising scissor-type arms. In the present embodiment, a first shank 502 comprises a first finger loop 510, and a second shank 504 comprises a second finger loop 508, which are connected at a hinged lock 506. The first outer end 5020 of the first shank 502 has a first hole 512 configured for receiving a first connecting pin 114 of a first grabber component 112. Similarly, the second outer end 5040 of the second shank 504 has a second hole 514 for receiving a second connecting pin 118 of a second grabber component 116. The shanks 502, 504 pivot laterally along the fixed lock 506 allowing the attached grabber components 112, 116 to hold a food item.
Further, the foam portion 1120 of the first grabber component 112 and the foam portion 1160 of the second grabber component 116 securely provide a non-skid surface for the food item. The grabber components 112, 116 are removably secured to the shanks 502, 504 respectively, and can be replaced as per the wants and/or needs of a user.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of the eating utensil device of the present invention comprising scissor-type arms with scoop-type grabber components. In the present embodiment, the first shank 502 comprises a first finger loop 510 and the second shank 504 comprises a second finger loop 508, which are connected at a hinged lock 506. The first outer end 5020 of the first shank 502 has a first hole 512 configured for receiving a first connecting pin 406 of a first scoop-type grabber component 402. Similarly, the second shank 504 has a second hole 514 for receiving a second connecting pin 408 of a second scoop-type grabber component 404. The shanks 502, 504 pivot laterally along the fixed lock 506, thereby allowing the attached scoop grabber components 402, 404 to hold a food item.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view showing the scissor design of the eating utensil device of the present invention in use. In use, a user 700 picks up a food item 702 between the first scoop grabber component 402 and the second scoop grabber component 404, by maneuvering the first scissor arm 502 and the second scissor arm 504 together while holding the eating utensil device 600 with a user's hand 704. The first scissor arm 502 and the second scissor arm 504 are maneuvered by a user's fingers inserted in the finger loops 508, 510 with a single hand 704. Further, the foam structure of the scoop grabber components 402, 404 provide stability to hold the food item 702 without damaging the food item 702 and soiling a user's hand 704.
The use of the scissor-style eating utensil device 500, 600 eliminates the washing of a user's hands both before and after eating snacks and other food items, as a user's hands never touch the food item while eating. The user can safely and hygienically work on a computer, read books and do other personal work without soiling his or her hands due to the grease and/or powder coated on the snacks and other food items.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing an embodiment of the eating utensil device used for picking up a snack item from a snack container. The first arm 102 and the second arm 104 of the tong-style eating utensil device 100 are long enough to provide maneuverability and easy grasping of snack items 802 from inside a snack or food item container 800. The grabber components 112, 116 are maneuvered together to allow a user to pick up and retain food items 802, while holding the eating utensil device 100 using the grip 106.
It should also be noted that in any embodiment of the device 100, the first grabber 112, second grabber 116, first scoop shaped grabber 402, and second scoop shaped grabber 404 are interchangeable with one another such that each grabber 112,116,402,404 can be received by the first tong arm 102 and second tong arm 104 or the first shank 502 and second shank 504. As a result, each grabber 112,116,402,404 can be used in an embodiment of the device 100 that has a v-shaped grip 106 or a first finger loop 508 and second finger loop 510. Therefore, the device 100 is extremely versatile and accommodating to the preferences of a user.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “eating utensil device”, “tongs device”, “tong-style eating utensil device” and “tong-shaped eating utensil device” are interchangeable and refer to the eating utensil device 100, 400 of the present invention. Additionally, the terms “scissor-style eating utensil device” and “scissor-shaped eating utensil device” are interchangeable and refer to the eating utensil device 500, 600 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the eating utensil device 100, 400, 500, 600 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the eating utensil device 100, 400, 500, 600 as shown in FIGS. 1-8 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the eating utensil device 100, 400, 500, 600 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the eating utensil device 100, 400, 500, 600 are important design parameters for user convenience, the eating utensil device 100, 400, 500, 600 may be of any shape and size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An eating utensil device used for handling a food item without acquiring a soil or a grease on a user's hands, the eating utensil device comprising:

a pair of tongs comprising a first tong arm and a second tong arm; and

a V-shaped grip that joins the first tong arm and the second tong arm together, wherein a user maneuvers the first and the second tong arms together to surround the food item to be handled.

2. The eating utensil device of claim 1, wherein the first tong arm comprises a first terminating outer end and a first gripping inner end, and further wherein the second tong arm comprises a second terminating outer end and a second gripping inner end.

3. The eating utensil device of claim 2, wherein the V-shaped grip is removably secured to the first and the second gripping inner ends to allow inward movement of the first and the second tong arms towards one another.

4. The eating utensil device of claim 2, wherein the V-shaped grip is integrated with the first and the second gripping inner ends to allow inward movement of the first and the second tong arms towards one another.

5. The eating utensil device of claim 2, wherein the first terminating outer end of the first tong arm comprises a first receiving hole to receive a first connecting pin of a first grabber component.

6. The eating utensil device of claim 5, wherein the first grabber component is removably secured to the first tong arm by inserting the first connecting pin into the first receiving hole.

7. The eating utensil device of claim 6, wherein the first grabber component comprises the first connecting pin and a first foam portion.

8. The eating utensil device of claim 7, wherein the first foam portion comprises a scallop shaped foam portion.

9. The eating utensil device of claim 8, wherein the first foam portion is replaceable and can be detached from the first tong arm.

10. The eating utensil device of claim 2, wherein the second terminating outer end of the second tong arm comprises a second receiving hole to receive a second connecting pin of a second grabber component.

11. The eating utensil device of claim 10, wherein the second grabber component is removably secured to the second tong arm by inserting the second connecting pin into the second receiving hole.

12. The eating utensil device of claim 11, wherein the second grabber component comprises the second connecting pin and a second foam portion.

13. The eating utensil device of claim 12, wherein the second foam portion comprises a scallop shaped foam portion.

14. The eating utensil device of claim 13, wherein the second foam portion is replaceable and can be detached from the second tong arm.

15. An eating utensil device used for handling a food item without dirtying a user's hands, the eating utensil device comprising:

a pair of tongs comprising a first tong arm and a second tong arm;

a V-shaped grip which joins the first tong arm and the second tong arm together;

a first grabber component comprising a first foam portion and removably secured to the first terminating outer end of the first tong arm; and

a second grabber component comprising a second foam portion and removably secured to the second terminating outer end of the second tong arm, wherein the V-shaped grip is secured to a first gripping inner end of the first tong arm and a second gripping inner end of the second tong arm, wherein the first and the second foam portions comprise a scoop shaped foam portion, and further wherein a user maneuvers the first and the second scoop shaped foam portions together to surround the food item to be handled.

16. The eating utensil device of claim 15, wherein the first grabber component is removably secured to the first tong arm using a first connecting arm of the first grabber component.

17. The eating utensil device of claim 16, wherein the first connecting arm is secured within the first tong arm for a stable connection of the first grabber component with the first tong arm.

18. The eating utensil device of claim 15, wherein the second grabber component is removably secured to the second tong arm using a second connecting arm of the second grabber component.

19. The eating utensil device of claim 18, wherein the second connecting arm is secured within the second tong arm for a stable connection of the second grabber component with the second tong arm.

20. An eating utensil device used for handling a food item without dirtying a user's hands, the eating utensil device comprising:

a pair of tongs comprising a first tong arm and a first finger loop and a second tong arm and a second finger loop;

a hinged lock for securing the first tong arm and the second tong arm together in a scissor-shaped configuration;

a second grabber component comprising a second foam portion and removably secured to the second terminating outer end of the second tong arm, wherein the first and the second foam portions comprise a scoop shaped foam portion, and further wherein a user maneuvers the first and the second scoop shaped foam portions together to surround the food item to be handled.