WO2007041372A1

WO2007041372A1 - Combination napkin and utensil holder

Info

Publication number: WO2007041372A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/038208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lisa Paulson
Original assignee: Lisa Paulson
Priority date: 2005-09-29
Filing date: 2006-09-28
Publication date: 2007-04-12
Also published as: USD701735S1; USD675883S1; USD635830S1; EP1940261A1; JP2009509681A; USD664403S1; US20070067963A1

Abstract

Napkin ring structures that also support eating utensils, such as a knife, fork, spoon, or chopsticks, while retaining a napkin. The napkin ring structure has a receiving area for supporting one or more utensils, with at least one retaining member, and often two retaining members on either side of the receiving area, the retaining members configured to inhibit the utensil from being displaced from the receiving area. Often, the receiving area is positioned above the napkin.

Description

COMBINATION NAPKIN AND UTENSIL HOLDER

This application is being filed on 28 September 2006, as a PCT International Patent application in the name of Lisa Paulson, a citizen of the U.S., applicant for the designation of all countries, and claims priority to U.S. Utility Patent Application Serial No. 11/239,193, filed September 29, 2005.

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is directed to tableware, specifically, to napkin and utensil holders.

Background of the Disclosure

Napkin ring structures are a common item found on many dinner tables. Napkin ring structures provide an elegant presentation of the dinner napkin, without the need for a fancily folded napkin. Napkin ring structures are a decorative feature; changing to a different napkin ring structure can change the entire look and feel of the table, whether it be a formal setting or more casual. Napkin rings provide a specific location for the placement of the napkin.

Utensil holders are also often found on many dinner tables. Utensil holders provide a surface on which to rest or position a utensil such as, for example, a knife or chopsticks. These holders increase the cleanliness of the table, by providing a location other than the table surface on to which to set a dirty utensil.

Summary of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is directed to napkin ring structures or devices that also support eating utensils, such as a knife, fork, spoon, or chopsticks. The napkin ring structure has a receiving area for supporting one or more utensils. The receiving area is defined between first and second retaining members, the retaining members configured to inhibit the utensil(s) from sliding or slipping off from the receiving area. The receiving area is positioned above the napkin. In one design, the receiving area is configured so that the utensil(s) rests generally parallel to the napkin retaining within the ring structure. In a second design, the receiving area is configured so that the utensil(s) rests generally at a right angle to the napkin. In a third design, the receiving area is configured to that the utensil(s) rests at an angle to the napkin, generally about 5 to 45 degrees in relation to the napkin.

The invention is directed to a device for retaining a napkin and one or more utensil(s). In one aspect, the device has a ring structure having an interior area for receiving a napkin therethrough, and a first receiving area configured for receiving the utensil(s), with the first receiving area bounded by a first retaining member on a first side and a second retaining member on a second side opposite the first side. The device may include second receiving area configured for receiving a utensil, the second receiving area bounded by a first retaining member on a first side and a second retaining member on a second side opposite the first side. These receiving area(s) may be positioned on top of or next to the ring structure that receives the napkin. The receiving area(s) have an axis that may be parallel to or at an angle to the central axis of the ring structure. hi another aspect, the invention is to a device for retaining a napkin and at least one utensil, that has a ring structure defining an interior area for receiving a napkin therethrough and a first receiving area configured for receiving one or more utensils, with the first receiving area bounded by a first retaining member and optionally by a second retaining member. The ring structure may further have a base and a top-most portion, with the first receiving area positioned opposite the base. A second receiving area may also be present. These receiving area(s) may be positioned on top of the ring structure that receives the napkin. The receiving area(s) have an axis that may be parallel to or at an angle to the central axis of the ring structure, or that is perpendicular to the central axis.

These and various other features which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the attached claims. For a better understanding of the napkin ring devices of the invention, their advantages, their use and objectives obtained by their use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the accompanying description, in which there is illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a napkin holder device of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front plan view of the napkin holder device of Figure 1 :

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the napkin holder device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front plan view of a second embodiment of a napkin holder device according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a top plan view of the napkin holder device of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a front plan view of a third embodiment of a napkin holder device according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the napkin holder device of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a front plan view of a fourth embodiment of a napkin holder device according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is the top view of the napkin holder device of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a side view of the napkin holder device of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a front plan view of a fifth embodiment of a napkin holder device according to the present invention; Figure 12 is a top view of the napkin holder device of Figure 11 ;

Figure 13 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of a napkin holder device according to the present invention;

Figure 14 is a side plan view of the napkin holder device of Figure 13; and Figure 15 is a front plan view of the napkin holder device of Figure

13.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

For many people, the dining table has a limited area of space that is filling by various dishes, glasses, eating utensils, and serving dishes. Often, space is at a premium. The present invention is directed to a device that increases the available area left open on a table by combining two common elements into one device that occupies the space of one of the elements. The present invention is directed to napkin ring structures or device that also support eating utensils, such as a knife, fork, spoon, or chopsticks. The napkin ring structures or devices of the present invention include at least one receiving area for supporting one or more utensils. The utensil(s) can be placed on the receiving area while a napkin is present in the ring structure. The receiving area can be positioned above the napkin or to aside of the napkin.

The receiving area is defined by at least one retaining member, often two retaining members, each retaining member configured to inhibit the utensil(s) from being displaced from the receiving area.

The napkin ring structures of the present invention can have generally any shape or size that is suitable to have an interior for receiving a napkin and an area for receiving a utensil. The napkin ring structures may have any geometric shape or any abstract shape. Alternately, the napkin ring structures can be shaped to resemble an animal or other object of nature, a landmark, or other item. The napkin ring structure, or portions thereof, can be relatively plain or intricate.

Referring structure to the figures, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is illustrated in Figures 1 through 3 a napkin holder according to the present invention. As used herein, the terms "napkin holder", "napkin holder device", "napkin holder structure" and the like, are used interchangeably to refer to the overall invention that is configured for receiving a napkin therethrough and for supporting at least one utensil there on. Napkin holder 10 includes a ring structure 12 for receiving a napkin therethrough; see Figure 1. In particular, ring structure 12 has a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. Positioned between first end 14 and second end 16 is an interior space 15 of the ring structure, which receives the napkin therein. Interior space 15 has a central axis C which extends from and beyond first end 14 to second end 16. Interior space 15 is generally circular in nature, however, other shapes such as oval, obround, elliptical, triangular, heart-shaped are also suitable. When positioned in interior 15, the napkin extends generally parallel to and is present on central axis C.

Napkin holder 10 includes a base 18 which allows napkin holder 10 to be positioned on a surface, such as a table. Napkin holder 10 also includes a topmost portion 19, which is typically opposite base 18. Ring structure 12 is generally positioned between base 18 and top-most portion 19. Napkin holder 10 also includes a receiving area 20 for receiving an eating utensil, such as a knife, fork, or chopsticks, thereon. Positioned on a first side of receiving area 20 is a first retaining member 22 and on the opposite side of receiving area 20 is a second retaining member 24. First and second retaining members 22, 24 project or extend above and bound receiving area 20. Each of first retaining member 22 and second retaining member 24 is closer to top-most portion 19 than receiving area 20.

The devices of the present invention are configured so that a napkin can be retained by the ring structure concurrently with a utensil being rested on the device. In each of the embodiments of the present invention, while a napkin is passes through ring structure 12 via interior 15, a utensil rests in receiving area 20, which is bounded on at least one side by a member, and usually on both sides by a member, such as retaining members 22, 24. These members inhibit the utensil from sliding, slipping, falling, or otherwise being displaced from receiving area 20. In many designs according to the present invention, receiving area 20 is positioned above interior 15 which retains the napkin. That is, interior 15 is positioned closer to base 18 than is receiving area 20, and, receiving area 20 is positioned closer to top-most portion 19 than interior 15. Continuing to refer to Figures 1-3, a first embodiment of napkin holder 10 is illustrated as napkin holder 100. In this embodiment, the utensil is supported in a position parallel to, yet removed from the napkin.

Napkin holder 100 has ring structure 112 having first end 114 and second end 116. Present between ends 114, 116 is interior space 115, which is generally circular and has central axis C. Napkin holder 100 also has base 118 and top-most portion 119. Napkin holder 100 includes a first receiving area 120A and a second receiving area 120B. First receiving area 120A is defined by first retaining member 122 A and second retaining member 124A; second receiving area 120B is defined between first retaining member 122B and second retaining member 124B. First receiving area 120A and second receiving area 120B are positioned one on each side of ring structure 112; that is, ring structure 112 is positioned between first receiving area 120A and second receiving area 120B. In other words, a line extending from first receiving area 120A to second receiving area 120B is generally perpendicular to the napkin. In this embodiment, first retaining members 122A, 122B extend farther from receiving areas 120A, 120B than second retaining members 124A, 124B.

First receiving area 120A, bounded by first retaining member 122A and second retaining member 124A, extends generally parallel to central axis C; an axis of first receiving area 120A is indicated by axis Rl . Second receiving area 120B, bounded by first retaining member 122B and second retaining member 124B, extends generally parallel to central axis C; an axis of second receiving area 120B is indicated by axis R2. Each of receiving areas 120A, 120B and retaining members 122 A,

122B, 124A, 124B are part of a structure that is separate from ring structure 112; that is, the piece of material forming receiving area 120A and retaining members 122A, 124A, and the piece of material forming receiving area 120B and retaining members 122B, 124B is different than the piece of material forming ring structure 112.

In use, a user would position a utensil, such as a knife, on either receiving area 120A or receiving area 120B, so that the utensil would extend generally parallel to central axis C, either along the line indicated as Rl or R2. The utensil would typically not extend to or cross central axis C. It is noted that none of first retaining member 122A, first retaining member 122B, second retaining member 124A, second retaining member 124B extends above top-most portion 119. That is, first receiving area 120A with first retaining member 122 A and second retaining member 124 A, and second receiving area 120B with first retaining member 122B and second retaining member 124B are positioned between base 118 and top-most portion 119.

Referring structure to Figures 4 and 5, a second embodiment of napkin holder 10 is illustrated as napkin holder 200. m this embodiment, the utensil is supported in a position generally parallel to, and generally aligned with and on top of the napkin. Napkin holder 200 has ring structure 212 having first end 214 and second end 216. Present between ends 214, 216 is interior space 215, which is generally obround (i.e., a race-track shape having straight parallel sides and radius ends) and has central axis C. Napkin holder 200 also has base 218 A, base 218B, and top-most portion 219. Napkin holder 200 includes a first receiving area 220A and a second receiving area, which has two portions 220B, 220B¹. First receiving area

220A is defined by first retaining member 222A and second retaining member 224A; second receiving area 220B, 220B' is defined between first retaining member 222B and second retaining member 224B. Each of receiving areas 220A, 220B, 220B' and retaining members 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B are part of a structure that is separate from ring structure 212; that is, the piece of material forming receiving areas 220A, 220B, 220B' and retaining members 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B is different than the piece of material forming ring structure 212. First receiving area 220A and second receiving area 220B, 220B¹ are positioned generally aligned with central axis C.

A utensil placed on holder 200 extending from first receiving area 220A to second receiving area 220B, 220B' can be on or parallel with central axis C; this axis position is indicated as R3. Or, a utensil can extend at an angle to central axis C, e.g., on a line indicated as R4 or on a line indicated as R5. The angle between axis C and lines R4, R5 is typically no greater than 45 degrees and for example, is between 5 and 45 degrees. The utensil would be positioned above or on top of at least a portion of any napkin retained in interior space 215.

First receiving area 220A and second receiving area 220B, 220B', having first retaining member 222A, second retaining member 224A, first retaining member 222B and second retaining member 224B, respectively, extend generally parallel to, or at a slight angle to, central axis C. In use, a user would position a utensil, such as a knife, on either receiving area 220A or receiving area 220B, 220B', or both, so that the utensil would extend generally parallel to central axis C, and could cross central axis C, for example, at an angle of no greater than about 45 degrees.

In this embodiment, first retaining member 222A and second retaining member 224A extend generally equally from receiving area 220A, and first retaining member 222B and second retaining member 224B extend generally equally from receiving area 220B, 220B'. It is noted that first retaining member 222A and second retaining member 224A are top-most portion 219.

Applicants note, that in Figures 4 and 5, napkin holder 200 is positioned opposite of how it would generally be positioned on a table at a place setting. That is, to a user seated at a place setting, second receiving areas 220B, 220B' would be positioned closer to the user then first receiving area 220A. Referring structure to Figures 6 and 7, a third embodiment of napkin holder 10 is illustrated as napkin holder 300. Similar to the second embodiment, the utensil(s) in this embodiment is supported in a position generally parallel to, and generally aligned with and on top of the napkin.

1 Napkin holder 300 has ring structure 312 having first end 314 and second end 316. Present between ends 314, 316 is interior space 315, which is generally heart-shaped and has central axis C. Napkin holder 300 also has base 318 and top-most portion 319. Napkin holder 300 includes a receiving area 320, which is defined by first retaining member 322 and second retaining member 324. Receiving area 320 is positioned generally aligned with central axis C. A line, indicated as R6, extending through receiving area 320 is generally parallel to, and positioned on top of at least a portion of the napkin. In use, a user would position a utensil, such as a knife, on receiving area 320 so that the utensil would extend generally parallel to central axis C, and could cross central axis C, for example, at an angle of no greater than about 45 degrees. The utensil would be situated generally above any napkin held in space 315. hi this embodiment, first retaining member 322 and second retaining member 324 extend generally equally away from receiving area 320. Each of receiving area 320 and retaining members 322, 324 are part of ring structure 312 and form an outer surface of ring structure 312. First retaining member 322 and second retaining member 324 are top-most portion 319.

Referring structure to Figures 8-10, a fourth embodiment of napkin holder 10 is illustrated as napkin holder 400. In this embodiment, the utensil is supported in a position generally perpendicular to and crossing the napkin.

Napkin holder 400 has ring structure 412 having first end 414 and second end 416. Present between ends 414, 416 is interior space 415, which is generally a trapezoid with radiused corners and which has central axis C. Napkin holder 400 also has base 418 and top-most portion 419. Napkin holder 400 includes a receiving area 420, which is defined by first retaining member 422 and second retaining member 424. Receiving area 420 is positioned generally perpendicular to central axis C. A line R7 extending through receiving area 420 is generally perpendicular to, and crosses the napkin and central axis C. hi use, a user would position a utensil, such as a knife, on receiving area 420 so that the utensil would extend generally perpendicular to, and would cross, central axis C. The utensil would be situated generally above any napkin held in space 415.

In this embodiment, first retaining member 422 and second retaining member 424 extend generally equally from receiving area 420. Each of receiving area 420 and retaining members 422, 424 are part of ring structure 412 and form an outer surface of ring structure 412. At one end, first retaining member 422 and second retaining member 424 are top-most portion 419.

Referring structure to Figures 11 and 12, a fifth embodiment of napkin holder 10 is illustrated as napkin holder 500. Similar to the fourth embodiment, the utensil is supported in a position generally perpendicular to and crossing the napkin.

Napkin holder 500 has ring structure 512 having first end 514 and second end 516. Present between ends 514, 516 is interior space 515, which is generally circular and has a central axis C. Napkin holder 500 also has base 518 and top-most portion 519. Napkin holder 500 includes a receiving area 520, which is defined by first retaining member 522 and second retaining member 524. Receiving area 520 is positioned generally perpendicular to central axis C, and is positioned on top of the napkin, when the napkin in retained in ring structure 512. hi use, a user would position a utensil, such as a knife, on receiving area 520 so that the utensil would extend generally perpendicular to, along line R8, and would cross, central axis C. Line R8 may be perpendicular to (i.e., at 90 degrees to) central axis C, or maybe an angle of as low as 45 degrees to central axis C. The utensil would be situated generally above any napkin held in space 515. In this embodiment, first retaining member 522 and second retaining member 524 extend generally equally from receiving area 520. Each of receiving area 520 and retaining members 522, 524 are part of ring structure 512 and form an outer surface of ring structure 512. First retaining member 522 and second retaining member 524 are top-most portion 519. Referring structure to Figures 13-15, a sixth embodiment of napkin holder 10 is illustrated as napkin holder 600. Napkin holder 600 resembles a lobster or crayfish, hi this embodiment, the utensil is supported in a position approximately 45 degrees to the napkin. The utensil may or may not cross the napkin, depending on where on holder 600 the utensil is positioned. Similar to the previous embodiments, napkin holder 600 has ring structure 612 having first end 614 and second end 616. Present between ends 614, 616 is interior space 615, which has central axis C. Interior space 615 has a generally circular shape. Napkin holder 600 also has base 618 and top-most portion 619. Napkin holder 600 includes a first receiving area 620A and a second receiving area 620B; receiving areas 620A, 620B are the regions between the claws and head of the lobster. First receiving area 620A is defined by first retaining member 622 A and second retaining member 624A; second receiving area 620B is defined between first retaining member 622B and second retaining member 624B. For the lobster, the first retaining members 622A₅ 622B are the claws and the two receiving areas 620A, 620B share one second retaining member 624, the head area of the lobster body.

First receiving area 620A and second receiving area 620B are positioned approximately one on each side of ring structure 612. Unlike the first embodiment of Figures 1-3, first receiving area 620A and second receiving area 620B are positioned so that a line connecting areas 620A, 620B does not necessarily intersect ring structure 612 between end 614 and end 616. The line extending from first receiving area 620A to second receiving area 620B is generally perpendicular to the napkin. In this embodiment, first retaining members 622A, 622B extend farther above receiving areas 620A, 620B than second retaining member 624.

First receiving area 620A and second receiving area 620B, having first retaining members 622A, 622B and second retaining member 624, have receiving axis that extend generally at an angle of about 5 to 45 degrees to central axis C. In use, a user would position a utensil, such as a knife, on either receiving area 620A or receiving area 620B, so that the utensil would extend generally parallel or at a slight angle to central axis C. The utensil would typically not extend or cross central axis C, but would be situated generally above any napkin held in space 615. It is noted that neither first retaining member 622A, 622B, extends above top-most portion 619, but that retaining member 624 is top-most portion 619.

None of receiving area 620A, 620B nor retaining members 622 A, 622B are part of ring structure 612, rather, they are formed from the same material piece, but displace from, ring structure 612. Retaining member 624 is, however, part of ring structure 612. Napldn ring structures 10 according to the present invention can be made from any suitable material, with examples of material including ceramic and clay, plastics, wood, stone, granite and marble, metal, and combinations of these materials. Napkin ring structure 10 should be sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape under its own weight and the weight of one or more utensils.

Napkin ring structure 10 can be any color, texture or have other visual indicators. For example, indicia, such as printed designs, text, logos can be applied to any surface of ring structure 10.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the disclosure, such disclosure is illustrative only, and is not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention in any manner, other than by the appended claims. The invention is not to be limited to the described embodiments, or to use with any particular type of medium, or to the use of specific components, configurations or materials described herein. All alternative modifications and variations of the present invention which fall within the broad scope of the appended claims are covered.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A device for retaining a napkin and one or more utensils, the device comprising: a ring structure having an interior area for receiving a napkin therethrough; a first receiving area configured for receiving one or more utensils, the first receiving area bounded by a first retaining member on a first side and a second retaining member on a second side opposite the first side.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a second receiving area configured for receiving the utensil, the second receiving area bounded by a first retaining member on a first side and a second retaining member on a second side opposite the first side.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the ring structure is positioned between the first receiving area and the second receiving area.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the first receiving area is present on an outer surface of the ring structure.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ring structure has a central axis and the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first retaining member and the second retaining member, the receiving axis being parallel to the central axis.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ring structure has a central axis and the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first retaining member and the second retaining member, the receiving axis being at an angle of 5 to 45 degrees to the central axis.

7. A device for retaining a napkin and one or more utensils, the device comprising: a ring structure defining: (a) an interior area for receiving a napkin therethrough;

(b) a first receiving area configured for receiving one or more utensils, the first receiving area bounded by a first retaining member.

8. The device according to claim 7, the ring structure further comprising a base and a top-most portion, with the first receiving area positioned opposite the base.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first retaining member includes the top-most portion.

10. The device according to claim 7, the first receiving area bounded by a second retaining member opposite the first retaining member.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first retaining member and the second retaining member includes the top-most portion.

12. The device according to claim 7, wherein the ring structure has a central axis and the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first retaining member, the receiving axis being parallel to the central axis.

13. The device according to claim 7, wherein the ring structure has a central axis and the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first retaining member, the receiving axis being about 5 to 45 degrees to the central axis.

14. The device according to claim 7, wherein the ring structure has a central axis and the first receiving area has a receiving axis aligned with the first retaining member, the receiving axis being generally perpendicular to the central axis.