Electric heating – Microwave heating – Cookware
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-30
2002-02-26
Leung, Philip H. (Department: 3742)
Electric heating
Microwave heating
Cookware
C219S732000, C219S734000, C219S727000, C099SDIG014, C221S1500HC, C229S903000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06350974
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 474,827 filed on May 30, 2000. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to popcorn service bowls and, more particularly, to a handled, microwave popcorn service apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Just about everyone enjoys the taste of popcorn. It can be found almost world wide, anywhere from movie theaters, to carnivals, to sporting events, to homes, and even in fancy restaurants. While many enjoy the taste of popcorn, most do not appreciate the messy aftereffects. No only is popcorn easy to drop on the floor, but the oil, butter, or salt can leave hands a mess and quickly get onto other surfaces such as clothes and furniture. Additionally, should one desire a large mouthful of popcorn, the mess grows exponentially larger as one grabs a big handful of popcorn and tries to jam it into their mouth.
Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which popcorn can be enjoyed in a manner with less mess and fuss than current methods. The development of the handled, microwave popcorn service apparatus fulfills this need.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. The following patents disclose a microwave bag for popping popcorn: U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,095 issued in the name of Scrimager, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,839 issued in the name of Ruebush et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,590 issued in the name of Bowen et al.
The following patents describe a microwave popcorn popper with a snap-on cover: U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,277 issued in the name of Narberes; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,406 issued in the name of Connor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,764 issued in the name of Mass discloses a reusable microwave popcorn container.
The following patents describe a container for holding popcorn and a drink cup: U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,220 issued in the name of Daviss; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,706 issued in the name of Gereke.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,255 issued in the name of Watson discloses an elongated, trough-like utensil for eating popcorn.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,559 issued in the name of Warnke describes a popcorn bag for holding popcorn while a person eats out of it.
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a device which allows one to enjoy eating popcorn in a manner with less mess and fuss when compared to conventional means using one's hands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device which allows one to enjoy the taste of popcorn with little or no mess.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device where there is no actual touching of the popcorn by the hands of the consumer.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device which keeps hands free of oil, butter, and/or salt.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device which reduces spill on the floor.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device with a hollow handle for allowing popcorn to exit therefrom and enter the mouth of the consumer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device with a hollow handle which allows more popcorn to be consumed at one time.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device with a hollow handle which can be easily cleaned.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device with a screw-on lid for security.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device with a screw-on lid which allows for ease in filling and cleaning.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a popcorn eating aid device with a screw-on lid which allows additional toppings to be added and reduces smell of popcorn in an immediate area which may be undesirable to others.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a handled, microwave popcorn service apparatus is provided for aiding in the eating of popcorn. Upon initial observation, the invention looks remarkably like a clear plastic pot with a screw on lid and handle. But after closer inspection, it can be seen that the handle is a hollow tube. To use the invention, a conventional bag of microwave popcorn is popped in a microwave oven according to the manufacturer's instructions. Next, the bag is opened and poured into the invention, and the lid is screwed on. When the user desires popcorn, the end of the tube is placed against the user's mouth and the invention tipped slightly. The popcorn will then exit the invention and enter the user's mouth. The invention provides a means to keep the user's hands clean and free from the oils, salt, and/or butter commonly found on popcorn.
The use of the present invention allows one to enjoy eating popcorn in a manner with less mess and fuss when compared to conventional means using one's hands.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3323760 (1967-06-01), Gereke
patent: 4024996 (1977-05-01), Dalke
patent: 4435628 (1984-03-01), Bowen et al.
patent: 4477705 (1984-10-01), Danley et al.
patent: 4490597 (1984-12-01), Mengel
patent: 4491220 (1985-01-01), Daviss
patent: 4503559 (1985-03-01), Warnke
patent: 4532397 (1985-07-01), McClelland
patent: 4795873 (1989-01-01), Freedman et al.
patent: 4873406 (1989-10-01), Connor
patent: 4933529 (1990-06-01), Saville
patent: 4942277 (1990-07-01), Narberes
patent: 5200590 (1993-04-01), Bowen et al.
patent: 5263255 (1993-11-01), Watson
patent: 5294764 (1994-03-01), Mass
patent: 5387781 (1995-02-01), Berkoff
patent: 5552585 (1996-09-01), Fleck et al.
patent: 5770839 (1998-06-01), Ruebush et al.
patent: 5780824 (1998-07-01), Matos
patent: 6060095 (2000-05-01), Scrimager
Garcia Berenice
Manzano Juan
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