Napkin/Purse Holder

Abstract

A napkin/purse holder includes an elongate center portion having first and second ends, a front surface and a rear surface, and a longitudinal axis. A first hook is connected to and extends from the first end of the center portion. A finger having first and second ends is provided. The first end of the finger is connected to the center portion and the second end of the finger is movable and is adapted to engage a napkin and compress it in place against the center portion. Preferably the force applied by the second end can be adjusted. If desired, a second hook can be connected to and extend from the second end of the center portion. Optional decorative ornamentation can be provided for the center portion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention is related to napkin holders and purse holders, and, more particularly, to devices that can perform multiple functions.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are numerous examples in the art of napkin holders. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,725,953; U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,922; U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,478; U.S. Pat. No. 2,287,717; U.S. Pat. No. 2,247,372; U.S. Pat. No. 2,165,216; U.S. Pat. No. 1,864,281; U.S. Pat. No. 1,692,712; U.S. Pat. No. 1,390,083; U.S. Pat. No. 921,663; U.S. Pat. No. 889,969; U.S. Pat. No. 823,704; U.S. Pat. No. 765,784; U.S. Pat. No. 655,069; U.S. Pat. No. 514,454; U.S. Pat. No. 501,332; U.S. Pat. No. 264,879; U.S. Pat. No. 202,202; U.S. Pat. No. 187,649; and U.S. Pat. No. 184,376.

Similarly, there are numerous examples of purse holders that permit a purse or other object to be suspended from the edge of a table. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,125; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012/0267018; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012 0155955; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012 0132773; U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,669; U.S. Pat. No. 7,934,692; U.S. Pat. No. 7,837,171; U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,966; U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,554; U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,868; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,064,133.

Generally, napkin holders and purse holders are not adjustable as regards the force available to hold a napkin nor are they capable of performing multiple functions, i.e., serving as both a napkin holder or a purse holder. Desirably, a napkin holder would be available that is both adjustable and that also can serve as a purse holder. Further, any such napkin holder and purse holder would be available in different ornamentations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new and improved napkin/purse holder. The napkin/purse holder according to the invention is capable of adjusting the force applied to grasp a napkin. The napkin/purse holder according to the invention in one embodiment also is capable of being used as a purse holder to suspend a purse or other object from the edge of a table. Other embodiments according to the invention provide other techniques for grasping a napkin and a variety of ornamentations.

In one embodiment, an elongate center portion has first and second ends, a front surface and a rear surface, and a longitudinal axis. A first hook is connected to and extends from the first end of the center portion. A finger having first and second ends is provided, the first end of the finger being connected to the center portion and the second end of the finger being movable and adapted to engage a napkin and compress it in place against the center portion.

The invention can include means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin. The means for adjusting can comprise a loop disposed about the center portion and the finger, the loop being movable along the longitudinal axis. The means for adjusting also can include a spring and a hinged connection between the finger and the center portion. In this construction, the spring preferably is disposed between the finger and the center portion such that the finger pivots about the hinged connection under the influence of the spring. The force applied by the second end of the finger is variable, and is a function of the extent to which the spring is compressed.

The first hook can be disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion and the finger can be connected to the rear surface of the center portion. Alternatively, the first hook can be disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion and the finger can be connected to the front surface of the center portion.

If desired, a second hook can be connected to and extend from the second end of the center portion. The second hook can be disposed adjacent either the front surface or the rear surface of the center portion. The second hook can be used to suspend a purse or other object from the edge of a table or similar structure to which the first hook is connected.

The invention can include a decorative ornament as part of the center portion. The decorative ornament preferably is disposed on that surface of the center portion opposite that to which the finger is connected. The decorative ornament can be selected from the group consisting of jewels, engraving, embossing, and emblems.

By use of the present invention, a user can conveniently use a napkin to protect his or her clothes. The compressive force used to retain the napkin in place can be adjusted. The invention also can be used as a purse holder if a second hook is included. By employing suitable decorations, the invention can be an attractive complement to the user's attire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements through the different figures and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a napkin/purse holder according to the invention in use;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevation view of the napkin/purse holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the napkin/purse holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the napkin/purse holder according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of another alternative embodiment of the napkin/purse holder according to the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 7 of an additional alternative embodiment of the napkin/purse holder according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a napkin/purse holder according to the invention is indicated by the reference numeral 10. The napkin/purse holder 10 includes an elongate, relatively narrow center portion 12 having a longitudinal axis parallel to the side edges of the center portion as shown in FIG. 2. One end of the center portion 12 is bent back upon itself to form a hook 14. An enlarged emblem 16 is attached to the other end of the center portion on the side opposite that from which the hook 14 projects. The owner's initials can be applied to the facing side of the emblem 16 by engraving or other means.

An elongate, relatively narrow finger 18 is attached by a first end 19 to the center portion 12 at a location near where the hook 14 commences. The attachment is made by a rivet 20. The finger 18 includes a second end 21 that is disposed near the end of the center portion 12 opposite the emblem 16. The second end has a toothed portion 22 facing the center portion 12. The finger 18 has a curved portion 24 that provides space between the center portion 12 and the finger 18. A loop 26 is disposed about the center portion 12 and the finger 18 adjacent the first end 19.

Typical dimensions for the napkin/purse holder 10 are as follows. Width of center portion 12 and hook 14: approximately ¼ inch. Thickness of center portion 12 and hook 14: approximately 1/16- 3/32 inch. Overall length of center portion 12: approximately 2½ inches. Gap between end of hook 14 and center portion 12: approximately ⅝ inch. The finger 18 preferably is made of spring steel. The emblem 16 preferably is attached to the end of the center portion 12 by silver solder, although other suitable attachment techniques such as riveting or adhesive can be used.

In use, a napkin 28 can be inserted into the gap between the rear of the center portion 12 and the toothed end 22 of the finger 18. Since the first end 19 of the finger 18 is rigidly connected to the center portion 12, the second end 21 can be moved toward and away from the center portion 12 to accommodate napkins 28 of different sizes. By sliding the loop 26 along the longitudinal axis of the center portion 12, a variable compressive force can be applied to the finger 18 and, hence, to the napkin 28. The hook 14 can be fitted over the user's collar in order to properly position the napkin 28 so as to protect the user's clothes.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, an alternative embodiment of a napkin/purse holder according to the invention is indicated by the reference numeral 30. The napkin/purse holder 30 is particularly adapted to serve as both a napkin holder and as a purse holder. In a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the napkin/purse holder 30 includes a center portion 32, a first hook 34 disposed at one end of the center portion 32, and a second hook 36 disposed at the other end of the center portion 32. The first and second hooks 34, 36 face in opposite directions.

A finger 38, similar to the finger 18, is disposed on the same side of the center portion 32 as the second hook 36 and is rigidly connected to the center portion 32 as by a rivet 40. The finger 38 includes a toothed end 42. If desired, a loop (not shown) similar to the loop 26 can be positioned about the center portion 32 and the upper end of the finger 38 to provide a variable compressive force to a napkin 28 disposed between the center portion 32 and the toothed end 42. The dimensions and materials of the embodiment 30 are similar to those of the embodiment 10.

The embodiment 30 can be used in the same manner as the embodiment 10 in order to hold a napkin in place. Since the hooks 34, 36 face in opposite directions, one of the hooks (in this case the larger hook 32) can be placed on the edge of a table (not shown) and the handle of a purse or similar object (not shown) can be placed over the smaller hook 36.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of a napkin/purse holder according to the invention is indicated by the reference numeral 50. The napkin/purse holder 50 can serve as both a napkin holder and as a purse holder. In a manner similar to the earlier-described embodiments, the napkin/purse holder 50 includes a center portion 52, a relatively large first hook 54 is disposed at one end of the center portion 52, and a smaller second hook 56 is disposed at the other end of the center portion 52. The first and second hooks 54, 56 face toward each other, i.e., they are on the same side of the center portion 52.

A finger 58 is disposed on the same side of the center portion 52 as the first and second hooks 54, 56. The finger 58 includes a clamping portion 60 having serrations (not shown) at the end, a tab portion 62 and a generally U-shaped hinge portion 64 disposed toward the center of the finger 58. A generally U-shaped formation 66 projects from the center portion 52 at approximately the mid-point thereof on the same side as the hooks 54, 56. The formation 66 fits within the hinge portion 64. A screw or pin 68 extends through openings formed in the hinge portion 64 and the formation 66. A torsion spring 70 is wrapped about the screw or pin 68. One end of the torsion spring 70 bears against the tab portion 62 while the other end of the torsion spring 70 bears against the center portion 52. By this construction, the clamping portion 60 is spring-biased toward contact with the center portion 52 in order to hold a napkin 72 in place against the center portion 52. The force applied by the clamping portion 60 is variable and is a function of the extent to which the spring 70 is compressed.

An ornament 74 in the form of a sphere is secured to the other side of the center portion 52 from the formation 66. The ornament 74 can be a pearl, for example, and can be secured to the center portion 52 by any suitable attachment technique such as epoxy adhesive. The ornament 74 also can be in a form such as the emblem 16. If desired, the ornament 74 can be dispensed with and replaced by decorative engraving, embossing, coatings, jewels, etc. If desired, the embodiment 50 can be provided without adornment. The dimensions and materials of the embodiment 50 are similar to those of the embodiments 10, 30, although a decorative variant could be to have the center portion 52 smoothly taper from a width of approximately 0.3 inch at the top (where the hook 52 is attached) to a width of approximately ½ inch at the bottom (where the hook 54 is attached).

Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of a napkin/purse holder according to the invention is indicated by the reference numeral 80. The napkin/purse holder 80 is substantially similar to the embodiment 50 and like reference numerals will be used to indicate identical or similar components where appropriate. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the larger hook 54 is disposed on the opposite side of the center portion 52 from the smaller hook 56. Since the hooks 54, 56 face in opposite directions, one of the hooks (in this case the larger hook 54) can be placed on the edge of a table (not shown) and the handle of a purse or similar object (not shown) can be placed over the smaller hook 56.

The embodiment is shown as having an ornament 74. If desired, the ornament 74 can be eliminated if it is believed that the ornament 74 would interfere with a purse-holding function, i.e., if it is believed that the ornament 74 would interfere with the edge of a table while the embodiment 80 is being used to suspend a purse from the edge of the table.

It is expected that the napkin/purse holders 10, 30, 50, 80 can be made inexpensively from commonly available materials such as stainless steel, silver or silver alloy, and the like. The dimensions and materials described herein are optimum, but other dimensions can be selected for artistic or other reasons.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to particular examples and embodiments, the examples and embodiments contained herein are merely illustrative and are not an exhaustive list. Variations and modifications of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The present invention includes all such modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A napkin/purse holder, comprising: an elongate center portion having first and second ends, a front surface and a rear surface, and a longitudinal axis;a first hook connected to and extending from the first end of the center portion; anda finger having first and second ends, the first end of the finger being connected to the center portion and the second end of the finger being movable and adapted to engage a napkin and compress it in place against the center portion.

2. The napkin/purse holder of claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin.

3. The napkin/purse holder of claim 2, wherein the means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin comprises a loop disposed about the center portion and the finger, the loop being movable along the longitudinal axis.

4. The napkin/purse holder of claim 2, wherein the means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin comprises a spring.

5. The napkin/purse holder of claim 4, wherein the means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin comprises a hinged connection between the finger and the center portion, and the spring is disposed between the finger and the center portion such that the finger pivots about the hinged connection under the influence of the spring.

6. The napkin/purse holder of claim 1, wherein the first hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion and the finger is connected to the rear surface of the center portion.

7. The napkin/purse holder of claim 1, wherein the first hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion and the finger is connected to the front surface of the center portion.

8. The napkin/purse holder of claim 1, further comprising a second hook connected to and extending from the second end of the center portion.

9. The napkin/purse holder of claim 8, wherein the second hook is disposed adjacent the front surface of the center portion.

10. The napkin/purse holder of claim 8, wherein the second hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion.

11. The napkin/purse holder of claim 1, further comprising a decorative ornament included as part of the center portion.

12. The napkin/purse holder of claim 11, wherein the decorative ornament is disposed on that surface of the center portion opposite that to which the finger is connected.

13. The napkin/purse holder of claim 11, wherein the decorative ornament is selected from the group consisting of jewels, engraving, embossing, and emblems.

14. A napkin/purse holder, comprising: an elongate center portion having first and second ends, a front surface and a rear surface, and a longitudinal axis;a first hook connected to and extending from the first end of the center portion;a finger having first and second ends, the first end of the finger being connected to the center portion and the second end of the finger being movable and adapted to engage a napkin and compress it in place against the center portion;a hinged connection between the finger and the center portion;a spring is disposed between the finger and the center portion such that the finger pivots about the hinged connection under the influence of the spring; anda second hook connected to and extending from the second end of the center portion.

15. The napkin/purse holder of claim 14, wherein the first hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion and the finger is connected to the rear surface of the center portion.

16. The napkin/purse holder of claim 14 wherein the first hook is disposed adjacent the front surface of the center portion and the finger is connected to the rear surface of the center portion.

17. The napkin/purse holder of claim 14, wherein the second hook is disposed adjacent the front surface of the center portion.

18. The napkin/purse holder of claim 14, wherein the second hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion.

19. The napkin/purse holder of claim 14, further comprising a decorative ornament included as part of the center portion.

20. The napkin/purse holder of claim 19, wherein the decorative ornament is disposed on that surface of the center portion opposite that to which the finger is connected, the decorative ornament being selected from the group consisting of jewels, engraving, embossing, and emblems.