BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to dining utensils. More specifically, the embodiments relate to a holder configured to hold dining utensils and a decorative item on a dining table.
2. Description of the Related Art
Different types of holders for holding utensils and cutlery are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,946 to Sakurai discloses a spoon holder with colored pieces of flower and other patterns at a center of a dish. U.S. Pat. No. 7,266,865 to Rodin discloses a device that is both a utensil rest and a napkin clip. U.S. Pat. No. 7,722,005 to Reed et al. discloses a pedestal having a cylindrical base and support members that can support tableware items. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0116833 to Buchert discloses a holding element having a cylindrical shape, and that the holding element can accommodate cutlery.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
In an embodiment, a utensil holder includes: a first utensil rest configured to receive a first dining utensil for resting thereupon; a second utensil rest adjacent the first utensil rest, the second utensil rest being configured to receive a second dining utensil for resting thereupon; and a decoration holder adjacent the second utensil rest, the decoration holder configured to receive at least one decorative item.
In another embodiment, a utensil supporting device includes: a body; the body defining a first utensil rest configured to receive a first dining utensil for resting thereupon and preventing a food-engaging portion of the first dining utensil from resting on a supporting surface; the body further defining a second utensil rest adjacent the first utensil rest, the second utensil rest being configured to receive a second dining utensil for resting thereupon and preventing a food-engaging portion of the second dining utensil from resting on the supporting surface; and an article holder extending up from the body, the holder being adjacent to one or more of the first and second utensil rests.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Illustrative embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative utensil holder, in an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 1 in use holding utensils and a decorative item;
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 1 in use holding utensils and a decorative item;
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 1 in use holding utensils and a decorative item;
FIG. 7 is another side perspective view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 1 in use holding utensils and a decorative item;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a decorative utensil holder, in an embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a top view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 8 in use holding utensils and a decorative item;
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 8 in use holding utensils and a decorative item;
FIG. 12 is a front view of a decorative utensil holder, in an embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 12; and
FIG. 14 is a top-down view of the decorative utensil holder of FIG. 12.
The drawing figures do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a utensil holder capable of supporting more than one utensil. The utensil holder includes differently shaped portions configured for supporting differently shaped utensils, respectively. The utensil holder further provides a decoration holder integrated within the same base for receiving decorative items such as floral arrangements. The utensil holder therefore provides a multi-functional set piece with a decorative characteristic for use on a dining table.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary decorative utensil holder 100; FIG. 2 is a front view of decorative utensil holder 100; and, FIG. 3 is a side view of decorative utensil holder 100. FIGS. 1-3 are best viewed together with the following description.
A base 102 has a substantially flat bottom configured for laying stably on a generally flat surface (e.g., a table, bar, counter, desk or other substantially horizontal surface). A first utensil rest 110 provides a first portion of decorative utensil holder 100 comprising a first stable platform upon which a first utensil may rest, such that a portion of the first utensil is elevated above the generally flat surface. A second utensil rest 120 provides a second portion of decorative utensil holder 100 comprising a second stable platform upon which a second utensil may rest partially elevated above the generally flat surface. A decoration holder 130 provides a third portion of decorative utensil holder 100 configured to receive decorative items. The first utensil rest 110, the second utensil rest 120, and the decoration holder 130 are aligned adjacent one another in a longitudinal direction (see FIG. 14) and are integrated together with the base 102 to form a unitary structure. In embodiments, decorative utensil holder 100 comprises a monolithic structure comprised of a single material, such as plastic, metal, glass, wood, ceramic, clay, composite, or alloy. Decorative utensil holder 100 may be formed using various manufacturing processes known to one of skill in the manufacturing arts, such as by machining from a block of material, injection molding, blowing glass, sculpting, or growing with an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D-printing).
In the embodiments depicted herein, the first utensil rest 110 is located on a first end of base 102, the decoration holder 130 is located on a second end of base 102 opposite first end, and the second utensil rest 120 is located on a middle portion of base 102 between the first utensil rest 110 and the decoration holder 130. However, specific arrangements of the first utensil rest 110, the second utensil rest 120, and the decoration holder 130 may be varied without departing from the scope hereof. For example, the decoration holder 130 may be located on the first end of base 102 or in the middle portion of the base 102.
In embodiments, first utensil rest 110 comprises a lower platform 112 and an elevated platform 114. Elevated platform 114 comprises a protrusion that extends upwardly from base 102. Elevated platform 114 may be configured to receive a neck portion of a fork or spoon, for example, as further described below in connection with FIGS. 4-6. The lower platform 112 may be configured to leave a gap beneath the neck of the utensil such that a user may easily grasp the utensil at or below the neck. Lower platform 112 may be substantially flat or concave without departing from the scope hereof.
As best viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, second utensil rest 120 comprises a platform 122. In embodiments, platform 122 may be scooped (e.g., concave) or flat. Platform 122 is configured to receive a second utensil that is a different type than the first utensil. For example, platform 122 is shaped to receive a knife 420 as shown in FIGS. 4-6. Any portion of knife 420 may be rested on platform 122, including a blade 422, a handle 424, or a bridge portion 426 between the blade and the handle. Platform 122 is configured to keep the blade of a knife off the generally flat surface beneath decorative utensil holder 100 while also making it easier to grasp the handle.
As best viewed in FIG. 2, a ridge 118 is optionally formed on a top side of base 102 in some embodiments. Ridge 118 is oriented transversely across base 102 and may be raised above lower platform 112 and platform 122 to form a delineating feature therebetween. Ridge 118 slopes downwardly towards lower platform 112 and platform 122. The slope on the platform 122 side of ridge 118 assists with aligning a second utensil in a middle portion of second utensil rest 120.
A raised shoulder 132 is optionally provided between base 102 and decoration holder 130 in some embodiments. Raised shoulder 132 also forms a slope on a side of platform 122 opposite ridge 118 that assists with aligning a second utensil in a middle portion of second utensil rest 120. Together, platform 122 slopes upwardly towards ridge 118 and raised shoulder 132 thereby forming a depression or indentation facing upwards from base 102. The depression or indentation may comprise a flat portion between the two upwardly sloping sections, or platform 122 may comprise a continually curving concave region. In some embodiments, elevated platform 114 may also comprise a depression, indentation, and/or concave region (not shown) on its upward facing surface.
In embodiments, decoration holder 130 comprises a mini vase 134. Mini vase 134 is configured to receive decorative items such as floral arrangements, ornamental enhancements, artwork, or other decorations having aesthetic value. The floral arrangements may include fresh cut flowers, artificial (e.g., plastic) flowers, dried flowers, or artwork resembling flowers. Mini vase 134 provides an extension above base 102 that is integrated within decorative utensil holder 100. In embodiments, mini vase 134 forms a cone-shaped cup 136 that is configured to hold decorative items and support those items in a generally upright orientation. In embodiments, the cone-shaped cup 136 of mini vase 134 is configured to receive and hold water for maintaining freshness of cut flowers, for example.
FIGS. 4-7 provide various views of decorative utensil holder 100 in exemplary use and are best viewed together with the following description. Not all items are enumerated in every figure for clarity of illustration. Items with like numerals are the same or similar and their description may not be repeated accordingly.
FIG. 4 is a top view of decorative utensil holder 100 in exemplary use. In operation, a fork 410 may be resting on first utensil rest 110, for example. Specifically, a neck portion 412 of fork 410 may be resting on elevated platform 114 while a handle portion 414 is resting on a surface 500 as shown in FIGS. 4-7. Fork 410 is an example of a first dining utensil configured for use with decorative utensil holder 100. A knife 420 may be resting on second utensil rest 120, for example. Specifically, bridge portion 426 may be resting on platform 122 and handle 424 is resting on a surface 500 as shown in FIGS. 4-7. Knife 420 is an example of a second dining utensil configured for use with decorative utensil holder 100.
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of decorative utensil holder 100 in exemplary use on a surface 500. While neck portion 412 of fork 410 is resting on elevated platform 114, a gap is viewable between lower platform 112 and neck portion 412. Handle portion 414 of fork 410 and handle 424 of knife 420 can be seen resting on surface 500, which is a generally flat surface of a table, bar, desk or the like.
FIG. 6 is another side perspective view of decorative utensil holder 100 in exemplary use. In operation, a floral arrangement 430 is disposed in mini vase 134.
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of decorative utensil holder 100 in exemplary use. Handle portion 414 of fork 410 and handle 424 of knife 420 are resting on surface 500, while floral arrangement 430 is disposed in mini vase 134.
In embodiments, decorative utensil holder 100 provides a utensil supporting device that comprises a body shaped to define first utensil rest 110 and second utensil rest 120. First utensil rest 110 is configured to receive a first dining utensil (e.g., fork 410) for resting thereupon and preventing a food-engaging portion (e.g., a head portion 418) of the first dining utensil from resting on a supporting surface (e.g., surface 500). The second utensil rest 120 is configured to receive a second dining utensil (e.g., knife 420) for resting thereupon and preventing a food-engaging portion (e.g., a blade 422) of the second dining utensil from resting on the supporting surface. An article holder (e.g., decoration holder 130) extends up from the body and is adjacent to one or more of the first and second utensil rests. The article holder is configured to support a decorative article in an upright orientation.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary decorative utensil holder 200; FIG. 9 is a side view of decorative utensil holder 200. Decorative utensil holder 200 is an example of decorative utensil holder 100 of FIGS. 1-7. FIGS. 8-9 are best viewed together with the following description.
A base 202 has a substantially flat bottom configured for laying stably on a generally flat surface (e.g., a table, bar, counter, desk, armrest, or other substantially horizontal surface). A utensil rest 210 provides a first portion of decorative utensil holder 200 configured for resting one or more utensils. Utensil rest 210 provides a stable platform elevated above the generally flat surface (see FIGS. 10 and 11). A decoration holder 230 provides a second portion of decorative utensil holder 200 configured to receive decorative items. The utensil rest 210 and the decoration holder 230 are aligned adjacent one another in a longitudinal direction and are integrated together with the base 102 to form a unitary structure. The utensil rest 210 is made from a similar material and is manufactured in a similar manner to decorative utensil holder 100.
In the embodiments depicted herein, the decoration holder 230 is located at one end of base 202. However, the location of decoration holder 230 may be varied without departing from the scope hereof. For example, the decoration holder 230 may be located near the middle portion of the base 202 without departing from the scope hereof.
As best viewed in FIGS. 8 and 9, utensil rest 210 comprises a platform 222 that is generally flat. In embodiments, platform 122 has a slight tilt or angle as best illustrated with line A-A′ in FIG. 9, which shows a slight downward angle as viewed from left to right in FIG. 9. The downward angle results in a short side 215 opposite a tall side 216. The downward tilt is intended to face the user such that platform 222 tilts towards the user and matches, at least somewhat, an upward angle of utensils resting on platform 222 as best viewed in FIG. 11. In other words, the short side 215 is intended to be oriented towards the user. Platform 222 tilts downwardly at an angle between about one-degree to about 25-degrees below horizontal, in embodiments. The tilt angle of platform 222 may be zero, in certain embodiments, such that the surface of platform 222 matches an angle of base 202 (e.g., generally horizontal) and short side 215 is equal in height with tall side 216. Without departing from the scope hereof, the tilt angle may be oriented opposite what is shown in FIG. 9. When decorative utensil holder 200 is placed with the tilt angle facing the user, the oppositely oriented tilt angle causes the decoration holder 230 to be positioned on the left side from the user's perspective instead of the right side (i.e., opposite what is shown in FIG. 8).
Platform 222 may comprise a transversely oriented ridge, similar to ridge 118 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, without departing from the scope hereof. Platform 222 may also comprise a concave or scooped upwardly facing surface similar to platform 122 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, without departing from the scope hereof. Platform 222 is configured to receive one or more utensils, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. In embodiments, decoration holder 230 comprises a mini vase 234, which is an example of mini vase 134 of FIGS. 1-7, having a cone-shaped cup 236 configured to receive and hold water for maintaining freshness of cut flowers, for example.
FIGS. 10-11 provide views of decorative utensil holder 200 in exemplary use and are best viewed together with the following description. Not all items are enumerated in every figure for clarity of illustration. Items with like numerals are the same or similar and their description may not be repeated accordingly.
FIG. 10 is a top view and FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of decorative utensil holder 200 in exemplary use. In operation, fork 410 and knife 420 may rest on utensil rest 210 simultaneously and adjacent one another. Specifically, head portion 418 of fork 410 may be resting on platform 222 while an end of a handle portion 414 is resting on surface 500. Blade 422 of knife 420 may be resting on platform 222 while an end of a handle 424 is resting on surface 500. Fork 410 and knife 420 are examples of dining utensils configured for use with decorative utensil holder 200. Other types of utensils may be used with decorative utensil holder 200, such as spoons, chopsticks, etc. without departing from the scope hereof. Fork 410 and knife 420 may be resting on platform 222 simultaneously and adjacent one another in any left/right order. Platform 222 is configured to keep the head of a utensil (e.g., a knife, fork, spoon, etc.) off surface 500 while also making the utensil easier to grasp by the handle. A decorative item 435 is disposed in mini vase 234.
FIG. 12 is a front view of an exemplary decorative utensil holder 300; FIG. 13 is a side view of decorative utensil holder 300; and, FIG. 14 is a top-down view of decorative utensil holder 300. FIGS. 12-14 are best viewed together with the following description. Decorative utensil holder 300 is an example of decorative utensil holder 100 of FIGS. 1-3; items enumerated with like numerals are similar or the same and their description may not be repeated accordingly. The transverse and longitudinal directions are illustrated in FIG. 14.
As with decorative utensil holder 100 of FIG. 1, base 102 provides a substantially flat bottom configured for laying stably on a generally flat surface (e.g., a table, bar, counter, desk or other substantially horizontal surface). First utensil rest 110 provides a first portion of decorative utensil holder 100 comprising a first platform 312 upon which a first utensil may be placed with the first utensil oriented in the transverse direction (see FIG. 14), such that a portion of the first utensil is elevated above the generally flat surface. First platform 312 is configured to provide a gap between the neck of the utensil and the generally flat surface such that a user may easily grasp the utensil at or below the neck. First platform 312 may be substantially flat or concave without departing from the scope hereof. First platform 312 may have a downward tilt similar to platform 222, as described below in connection with FIG. 13. Alternatively, first platform 312 may be substantially parallel with base 102.
Additionally, first utensil rest 110 comprises a groove 116 arranged transversely across base 102 (see FIG. 14). In embodiments, groove 116 is configured for holding a knife blade. Groove 116 is for example a notch or slit formed in the top of first utensil rest 110 (see FIG. 12) such that a knife may be placed on first utensil rest 110 with the blade of the knife partially inside groove 116, which allows the knife to be held upright (e.g., substantially vertically) while resting across decorative utensil holder 300 in the transverse direction.
Second utensil rest 120 comprises a second platform 322 configured to receive a second utensil arranged across second platform 322 in the transverse direction. Second platform 322 is an example of platform 122, described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3. Second platform 322 may be substantially level with base 102, or second platform 322 may have a downward tilt, as described below in connection with FIG. 13.
Ridge 118 is optionally formed on a top side of base 102 in some embodiments (see FIG. 12). Ridge 118 is oriented transversely across base 102 and may be raised above first utensil rest 110 and second utensil rest 120 to form a delineating feature therebetween, as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3.
Decoration holder 130 may comprise optional raised shoulder 132 in some embodiments. In embodiments, decoration holder 130 comprises mini vase 134 configured to receive decorative items such as floral arrangements, ornamental enhancements, artwork, or other decorations having aesthetic value, as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3. In embodiments, mini vase 134 forms cone-shaped cup 136 configured to hold decorative items and support those items in a generally upright orientation, as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3.
As best viewed in FIG. 13, second platform 322 has a slight tilt or angle as best illustrated with line B-B′, which shows a slight downward angle as viewed from left to right in FIG. 13. In some embodiments, the downward angle shown with line B-B′ is the same as the line A-A′ illustrated in FIG. 9. For example, first platform 312 may tilt downwardly at an angle between about one-degree to about 25-degrees below horizontal. The downward angle results in the short side 215 being shorter than tall side 216, with the short side 215 intended to face the user such that first platform 312 tilts towards the user. Without departing from the scope hereof, a tilt angle of first platform 312 may be zero, in certain embodiments, such that the surface of first platform 312 matches an angle of base 202 (e.g., generally horizontal) and short side 215 is equal in height with tall side 216. Without departing from the scope hereof, the tilt angle may be oriented opposite what is shown in FIG. 13. When decorative utensil holder 300 is placed with the tilt angle facing the user, the oppositely oriented tilt angle causes the decoration holder 130 to be positioned on the left side and first utensil rest 110 to be positioned on the right side from the user's perspective (i.e., opposite what is shown in FIG. 12).
Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of what is claimed herein. Embodiments have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from what is disclosed. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from what is claimed.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
Patent Application
20240008665
