Patent Application
20080088142
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
The construction and operation of the present invention as described in detail in the text below may be more readily understood with reference to the appended drawing figures where:
While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this disclosure will describe in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
Referring to
Each arm 12, 14 preferably has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with a small lobe 24 on each side of body 20 to form a channel and provide rigidity. The width of the two formed channels of the body 20 are such that one fits into the span of the other as the lobes 24 overlap to some extent when the arms 12, 14 are brought together in a closed position. The body 20 of each arm 12, 14 has a rigid channeled cross-section connecting the pivot end to the workpiece-engaging, grasping end or head 22. The length of the body 20 is a function of design choice and the intended use of the tongs 10. Finally, the grasping end or head 22 of each arm 12, 14 culminates in a somewhat flattened, broad food-engaging member having first and second edges 30, 32, respectively.
Referring to
The flange 16 is also comprised of a plurality of connection points 33a for affixing the core 18 of the tong head 22. The four connection points 33a shown are spaced about the flange periphery to provide a suitable even connection between the components. In the present embodiment, the core 18 has a significantly larger surface area than the flange 16. This allows the core 18 to be bendable as it is preferably made of a flexible material, such as spring steel, but may also be made from a thin sheet of material, such as stainless steel, which provides flexibility at relatively small thicknesses. The core 18 is also provided with a plurality of corresponding connection points 33b to align with the connection points 33a of the flange 16.
The connection between the two components may be made by any known method, including the use of rivets, spot welding, epoxy or similar chemical bonding compositions, and other effective means. Alternatively, it is possible that the core 18 could be made integral to the flange 16, negating the need for providing additional connection between the components. When connected, the core 18 and flange 16 form a substantially flat tong head 22.
To the outside of the core 18 is affixed an outer layer 19, as illustrated in
Additionally, other configurations of the core 18 are certainly possible which achieve the need to provide a tong head 22 which is both sufficiently rigid and sufficiently flexible to handle various food items without damaging the surface of kitchen containers, such as pots, pans, bowls or the like.
As an alternative to the flat tong head of
Additionally, though not specifically illustrated in the appended drawing figures, the tong heads 22 may be different from one another. That is, one head may be configured to be flat, as illustrated in
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
