Long handled outdoor cooking and camping spatula

Abstract

A long handled outdoor camping spatula used as a utensil for cooking over a large open fire or grill while camping, backpacking or fishing. The device permits the user to avoid heat and exposure to flames. The device is a long handled outdoor camping device including a long up to 60 inch handle made of a durable and flame resistant material and configured with an angle notch. The device has a spatula blade made of flame resistant and food neutral materials and has other optional features. The handle and spatula blade are then securely connected and the device can be used to safely protect the user from the heat and flames of a grill or camp fire when cooking food.

Claims

1. A long handled outdoor camping device comprised of: (a) a long, up to 60 inches, handle comprised of a durable and flame resistant material with a holding end and blade attachment end; (b) a spatula blade comprised of a durable, flame resistant and food neutral material and further comprised of an angle tine for mating with the handle, a top and bottom surface, a front edge opposite the tine, and other optional features; and (c) a means for securely connecting the handle to the spatula blade wherein the long handled outdoor camping device can be used to safely protect the user from the heat of a grill or camp fire when cooking food.

2. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 1 wherein the long handle is further comprised with an angle notch at the blade attachment end.

3. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 1 wherein the long handle is further comprised with a hanger means.

4. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 3 wherein the hanger means is selected from a group consisting of a loop, an eyebolt, a staple, a hook, and a ring.

5. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 1 wherein the means for securely connecting the handle to the spatula blade is selected from the group consisting of rivet, bolt, screw, and pins.

6. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 1 wherein durable material of the spatula blade is selected from a group consisting of metal, a flame retarded composite material, and a flame retarded plastic.

7. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 6 wherein metal is selected from a group consisting of steel, stainless steel, steel alloy, and aluminum.

8. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 6 wherein plastic is selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and polyethylene.

9. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 1 wherein the spatula blade is further comprised such that the tine is a separate blade tine and there is a means to connect the separate blade tine to the blade head.

10. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 9 wherein the means to connect the separate blade tine to the blade head is selected from a group consisting of brazing, welding, integral forming, and threaded fasteners.

11. A long handled outdoor camping device comprised of: (a) a long, up to 60 inches, handle comprised of a durable and flame resistant material with a holding end and blade attachment end and having an angle notch at the blade attachment end; (b) a spatula blade comprised of a durable, flame resistant and food neutral material and further comprised of a top and bottom surface, and a front edge opposite the tine; (c) a separate blade tine opposite the front edge; (d) a means to connect the separate blade tine to the blade head; and (e) a means for securely connecting the handle to the spatula blade wherein the long handled outdoor camping device can be used to safely protect the user from the heat of a grill or camp fire when cooking food.

12. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 11 wherein the long handle is further comprised with a hanger means.

13. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 12 wherein the hanger means is selected from a group consisting of a loop, an eyebolt, a staple, a hook, and a ring.

14. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 11 wherein the means for securely connecting the handle to the spatula blade is selected from the group consisting of rivet, bolt, screw, and pins.

15. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 11 wherein durable material of the spatula blade is selected from a group consisting of metal, a flame retarded composite material, and a flame retarded plastic.

16. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 15 wherein metal is selected from a group consisting of steel, stainless steel, steel alloy, and aluminum.

17. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 15 wherein plastic is selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and polyethylene.

18. The long handled outdoor camping device in claim 11 wherein the means to connect the separate blade tine to the blade head is selected from a group consisting of brazing, welding, integral forming, and threaded fasteners.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS-FIGURES

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the long handled outdoor camping device for various applications device that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the device. It is understood, however, that the long handled outdoor camping device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0028] FIGS. 1A through 1C are sketches of the general long handled camp spatula device for outdoor applications.

[0029] FIGS. 2A through 2C are sketches of the general Special Long Handled Spatula device with components and features noted.

[0030] FIGS. 3A and 3B are additional sketches of the Special Long Handled Spatula device with the components and features shown from generally a top view.

[0031] FIGS. 4A through 4G are isometric sketches of the various designs of the Special Long Handled Spatula device with components and features noted.

[0032] FIGS. 5A through 5C are sketches of the of the Special Long Handled Spatula device design drawings.

[0033] FIGS. 6A through 6D are sketches of the design patent application drawings for the Special Long Handled Spatula device.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a sketch of the original concept drawings for the Special Long Handled Spatula device.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a sketch of the original details for the Special Long Handled Spatula device with various components explained.

[0036] FIGS. 9A and 9B are sketches of the prototype Special Long Handled Spatula with components noted.

[0037] FIGS. 10A through 10D are sketches of the Special Long Handled Spatula being used in outdoor cooking and camping events.

[0038] FIGS. 11A through 11D are sketches of prior art for spatula devices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS-REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0039] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref # Description 30 special long handled device or spatula 30 for outdoor cooking and camping 31 design sketches 31 of a special long handled spatula 33 concept sketch 33 34 concept details 34 35 prototype 35 of a special long handled spatula 40 spatula handle 40 42 handle angled connection surface 42 45 means for securing 45 blade drop angle 52 to handle 40 at connection surface 42 such as rivet, bolt, screw, pins, or equal 50 spatula blade 50 51 blade head 51 52 continuous blade drop angle 52 52A bend angle 52A at blade head 51 53 optional separate blade tine 53 54 optional means 53 to connect separate blade tine 53 to blade head 51 such as brazing, welding, integral forming and threaded fasteners 55 spatula blade top surface 55 57 spatula blade bottom surface 57 58 apertures 58 for drainage on blade 50 59 front edge 59 of blade 50 60 optional handle end cap 60 62 hanger means 62 loop, staple, hook 64 optional cap opener aperture 64 70 package breaker or tenderizer notches 70 80 Prior art 80 U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,816 81 prior art 81 U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,736 82 prior art 82 U.S. Pat. No. 2,489,606 83 prior art 83 U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,029 90 relatively large outdoor fire pit/and grill 90 100 using 100 the special long handled spatula 30 with a grill 90 110 operator 110

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0040] The present development is a long handled outdoor cooking and camping device and a long handled spatula for outdoor use. Further, the invention relates to a utensil for cooking over a relatively large open fire or grill while camping, backpacking or fishing. Avoidance of heat and exposure to flames are of the essence for these activities. Other camping spatulas however have shorter, stubby handles which allow exposure to the heat of the operator.

[0041] This invention provides a long handle up to 60 inches so the operator may avoid heat exposure. The present invention relates to a spatula, more particularly a spatula used for outdoor cooking. The present invention relates generally to hand implements and, more particularly, to spatula and food turning devices. Also it relates to a barbecue tool which facilitates handling of foods cooked on a grill. Finally, it relates to cooking, barbecuing, and grilling utensils generally and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a novel spatula.

[0042] The advantages for the long handled outdoor camping and cooking device 30 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0043] spatula has long handles for fire pits and large grills [0044] spatula supports large grilling functions such as parties and large organization events [0045] spatula drop angle strengthens attachment between handle and blade while keeping blade relatively flat with grill surface [0046] spatula protects user from heat of grill [0047] adjustable versions of length [0048] various materials for handle such as woodhickory, oak, teak, birch, etc.; metalspowder coated steel alloy, stainless steel, brass, copper; high temperature composite materials and plastics [0049] multiple optionsbottle cap opener, grill scraper, package opener and meat tenderizer notches, drip apertures [0050] various materials for blade such as metalsplated steel alloy, stainless steel, brass, copper; high temperature composite materials and plated plastics

[0051] The preferred embodiment is a long handled outdoor camping device comprised of: (a) a long up to 60 inches comprised of a durable and flame resistant material and further comprised with an angle notch; (b) a spatula blade comprised of a durable, flame resistant and food neutral material and further comprised of an angle tine for mating with the handle, a top and bottom surface, a front edge opposite the tine, and other optional features; and (c) a means for securely connecting the handle to the spatula blade wherein the long handled outdoor camping device can be used to safely protect the user from the heat of a grill or camp fire when cooking food.

[0052] There is shown in FIGS. 1-11 a complete description and operative embodiment of the long handled outdoor camping device as described within. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-11 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0053] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the long handled outdoor camping device 30 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the long handled outdoor camping device 30. It is understood, however, that the long handled outdoor camping device 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of camping and spatula devices and uses are still understood by one skilled in the art of camping and outdoor cooking devices to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0054] FIGS. 1A through 1C are sketches of the general long handled camp spatula device 30 for outdoor applications. In these sketches are shown: design sketches 31 of a special long handled spatula; a prototype 35 of a special long handled spatula and using 100 the special long handled spatula 30 with a grill 90.

[0055] FIGS. 2A through 2C are sketches of the general Special Long Handled Spatula device with components and features noted. Portrayed in these sketches are: a prototype 35 of a special long handled spatula; a spatula handle 40 with a holding end and blade attachment end; an angled connection surface 42 at the blade connection end; a means for securing 45 blade drop angle 52 to handle 40 at connection surface 42 such as rivet, bolt, screw, pins, or equal; a spatula blade 50; a blade head 51; a continuous blade drop angle 52; a bend angle 52A at blade head 51; an optional separate blade tine 53; an optional means 53 to connect separate blade tine 53 to blade head 51 such as brazing, welding, integral forming and threaded fasteners; a spatula blade top surface 55; a spatula blade bottom surface 57; a set of apertures 58 for drainage on blade 50; a front edge 59 of blade 50; and a hanger means 62 such as a loop, eyebolt, staple, hook, or ring.

[0056] FIGS. 3A and 3B are additional sketches of the Special Long Handled Spatula device 30 with the components and features shown from generally a top view. Here are displayed and revealed: a prototype 35 of a special long handled spatula; a spatula handle 40 with a holding end and blade attachment end and made of durable and flame retardant material; a means for securing 45 blade drop angle 52 to handle 40 at connection surface 42 such as rivet, bolt, screw, pins, or equal; a blade head 51 made of durable and flame retardant material; a continuous blade drop angle 52; a bend angle 52A at blade head 51; a spatula blade top surface 55; a spatula blade bottom surface 57; a set of apertures 58 for drainage on blade 50; a front edge 59 of blade 50; an optional handle end cap 60; and a hanger means 62 loop, staple, hook. The durable and flame retardant material for the handle 40 includes materials such as wood, metal, flame retarded composite materials, and flame retarded plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and polyethylene. The durable and flame retardant material for the blade head 51 includes materials such as metal (steel, stainless steel, steel alloy, and aluminum), flame retarded composite materials, and flame retarded plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and polyethylene.

[0057] FIGS. 4A through 4G are isometric sketches of the various designs of the Special Long Handled Spatula device with components and features noted. Features and components noted in these views include: a prototype 35 of a special long handled spatula; a spatula handle 40 with a holding end and blade attachment end; a handle angled connection surface 42; a means for securing 45 blade drop angle 52 to handle 40 at connection surface 42 such as rivet, bolt, screw, pins, or equal; a spatula blade 50; a blade head 51; a continuous blade drop angle 52; a bend angle 52A at blade head 51; a spatula blade top surface 55; a spatula blade bottom surface 57; a set of apertures 58 for drainage on blade 50; a front edge 59 of blade 50; an optional handle end cap 60; a hanger means 62 loop, staple, hook; an optional cap opener aperture 64; and a package breaker or tenderizer notches 70.

[0058] FIGS. 5A through 5C are sketches of the Special Long Handled Spatula device 30 design drawings and sketches 31. Provided here are components and details: design sketches 31 of a special long handled spatula; a spatula handle 40 with a holding end and blade attachment end; a handle angled connection surface 42; a means for securing 45 blade drop angle 52 to handle 40 at connection surface 42 such as rivet, bolt, screw, pins, or equal; a spatula blade 50; a blade head 51; a continuous blade drop angle 52; a bend angle 52A at blade head 51; a spatula blade top surface 55; a spatula blade bottom surface 57; a set of apertures 58 for drainage on blade 50; a front edge 59 of blade 50; an optional handle end cap 60; a hanger means 62 loop, staple, hook; an optional cap opener aperture 64; and a package breaker or tenderizer notches 70.

[0059] FIGS. 6A through 6D are sketches from the design patent application drawings 31 for the Special Long Handled Spatula device. These sketches show the components described in sketches from various other views. The spatula flat is shown in broken lines for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed design. The Petitioner, Chad Leakey, a resident and citizen of the United States of America whose address is KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind., US, prayed that the design patent may be granted to him for the new, original and ornamental design of a Long handled outdoor camping spatula as set forth in the following specification for use as a tensioner device for a rope or cord. The application number was 29618225 and the Patent was issued Jan. 1, 2019 as D836,975 by Chad Leakey.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a sketch of the original concept drawings for the Special Long Handled Spatula device. This sketch shows: a special long handled spatula or device 30 for outdoor cooking; a concept sketch 33; a handle angled connection surface 42; a blade head 51; a continuous blade drop angle 52; a bend angle at blade head 51; a spatula blade top surface 55; a spatula blade bottom surface 57; and a front edge 59 of blade 50.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a sketch 34 of the original details for the Special Long Handled Spatula device 30 with various components explained, advantages and options explained.

[0062] FIGS. 9A and 9B are sketches of the prototype 35 Special Long Handled Spatula with components noted. Features and components detailed here are: a prototype 35 of a special long handled spatula; a spatula handle 40; a spatula blade 50; an optional cap opener aperture 64; and a relatively large outdoor grill 90.

[0063] FIGS. 10A through 10D are sketches of the Special Long Handled Spatula 30 being used in outdoor cooking and camping events. This is described below in the operations section.

[0064] FIGS. 11A through 11D are sketches of prior art for spatula devices. Here former patents and applications for various spatula devices are shown. These include: a prior art 80 U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,816; a prior art 81 U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,736; a prior art 82 U.S. Pat. No. 2,489,606; and a prior art 83 U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,029.

[0065] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a long handled outdoor camping device 30 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of outdoor camping and cooking devices and their uses well appreciates.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0066] The long handled outdoor camping device 30 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the long handled outdoor camping device 30. The preferred embodiment is a long handled outdoor camping device comprised of: (a) a long up to sixty (60) inches comprised of a durable and flame resistant material and further comprised with an angle notch; (b) a spatula blade comprised of a durable, flame resistant and food neutral material and further comprised of an angle tine for mating with the handle, a top and bottom surface, a front edge opposite the tine, and other optional features; and (c) a means for securely connecting the handle to the spatula blade wherein the long handled outdoor camping device can be used to safely protect the user from the heat of a grill or camp fire when cooking food.

[0067] The long handled outdoor camping device 30 operates somewhat similar to a conventional spatula as far as turning and preparing various foods. The uniqueness comes with the manner of solving the problem of being too close to a grill or heat and fire and thus being exposed to high heats and potential burning of oneself conditions. The handle 40 is held and moved by the operator 110. By turning and manipulating the handle, the blade 50 of the device 30 can pick-up or deliver food to the grill as well as turn or flip the food over to various positions. The length of the handle permits the operator 110 to avert exposure to the high heats of the grill 90 as well as to manipulate the food on large grills and campfires while cooking.

[0068] FIGS. 10A through 10D are sketches of the Special Long Handled Spatula 30 being used in outdoor cooking and camping events. These sketches demonstrate and show: a prototype 35 of a special long handled spatula; a long (up to 60 inches) and the using 100 of the special long handled spatula 30 with a grill 90.

[0069] Many uses are anticipated for the long handled outdoor camping device 30. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table.

TABLE-US-00003 ITEM DESCRIPTION 1 Sporting events with large fires and grills etc. 2 Campsite events where many people gather with large grills or fires 3 Large gatherings of organizations where larger quantities of food are produced on large grills or large fires 4 Showcase or competition cooking events

[0070] With this description it is to be understood that the long handled outdoor camping device 30 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the long handled outdoor camping device 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0071] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0072] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0073] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0074] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0075] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0076] The present invention contemplates modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and or/defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.