Cutlery – Spoons
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-22
2001-03-13
Watts, Douglas D (Department: 3724)
Cutlery
Spoons
C030S322000, C016S436000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199285
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention is in flatware including knives, forks and spoons with removable handles for backpacking and other camping.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Backpacker takes steps to obtain equipment that is lightweight and compact. Weight is important because a person can only carry a limited total weight. A piece of critical equipment that is a few ounces lighter than a comparable piece of equipment maybe worth substantially more to a backpacker because it allows him to carry more food and travel for a longer period of time. Lightweight equipment can also permit a backpacker to reduce the total weight carried and travel a longer distance each day.
The volume of the equipment and supplies carried by a backpacker is also very important. Backpacks have a limited volume for receiving equipment and supplies. Some equipment can be attached to the outside of a backpack. Equipment on the outside of a backpack may be exposed to the elements and can be lost. Increasing the size of a total package carried by a backpacker increases the chances that equipment on the outside of the backpack will catch on trees, tree limbs, bushes, vines, rocks and other objects.
A large backpack or a backpack with gear attached to its outer surfaces has increased inertia forces about its center of gravity. These forces are transferred to a person carrying the backpack making it more difficult to maintain balance. To maintain balance, a person with a backpack having high inertia forces slows down to move with care and reduce the effort required to stabilize a backpack.
Backpackers, when traveling extended distances, carry cooking equipment. The cooking equipment frequently includes a set of pots and pans with small pots that nest within larger pots and a small heating source. Full size flatware is generally to large to fit in the small pots.
Plastic flatware is generally unsuitable for backpacking. There is too much breakage. The pieces will not take the heat during cooking. Plastics generally create too much trash that has to be carried to an approved disposal sight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The flatware utensil has a food treatment and conveying device that is integral with a shank. A handle is releasably attached to the shank when in an assembled use position and is released from the shank when in an disassembled storage position. Cooperating surfaces on the shank and the handle limit rotation of the handle relative to the shank when in the use position. Shank and handle axial bores are in alignment with each other when in the use position. A line has a first end anchored in the shank axial bore and a second end anchored in the handle. A line permits disengagement of the handle from the shank for storage but limits their separation.
The line can be an elastic member or a cable with a fixed length. A detent can be provided to hold the handle in a use position.
Foldable flatware can be carried inside cooking pots or other containers. The line or cable prevents handles from being separated from the working end of the flatware and lost.
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Reising Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, Learman & McCulloch, P.C.
Watts Douglas D
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