Abstract
The present device is that of a spatula with clamp lever and is intended for use in the handling, cooking, and serving of foods. The apparatus of the present device is comprised of a spatula and a clamp lever that can be configured either as a permanently attached clamp lever or a removable clamp lever for use only when clamping is desired. The clamp lever itself comprises a clamping blade and a trigger, and is constructed as a single Class-I type lever where the clamping blade and the trigger are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the spatula. The trigger, actuated by the index finger in a finger-squeezing like motion similar to that of a pistol trigger, rotates the clamp lever about its fulcrum resulting in the clamp blade to move towards the spatula blade.
Claims
1. A kitchen utensil comprising: a spatula having a spatula blade and handle connected by a first shaft; and a clamp lever having a clamp blade and trigger connected by a second shaft, wherein the clamp lever is rotatably connected to the spatula in a Class-I lever arrangement, whereby the clamp blade and trigger are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the first shaft, and whereby the clamp blade is positioned opposing the spatula blade, and trigger is positioned opposing part of the handle.
2. The utensil of claim 1, wherein the trigger is located and sized to be actuated by an index finger of a user when holding the handle.
3. The utensil of claim 1, wherein the trigger does not extend a full length of the handle portion.
4. The utensil of claim 1, wherein the trigger does not interfere with any of the fingers grasping the handle during normal operation.
5. The utensil of claim 1, wherein the clamp lever and spatula are rotatable about a fulcrum located along their shaft portions.
6. The utensil of claim 1, further comprising a bias member for biasing the clamp blade away from the spatula blade.
7. The utensil of claim 1, further comprising a lock for holding the clamp blade against the spatula blade in a clamped position.
8. The utensil of claim 1, wherein the clamp lever is removably connected to the spatula.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Various objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, in open and clamped position, of the present device.
[0036] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the spatula with clamp lever, shown without spring and pin, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever of FIG. 1A.
[0037] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever of FIG. 1A.
[0038] FIG. 1D is a view of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, in operation using index finger on the trigger, of FIG. 1A.
[0039] FIG. 1E is a view of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, in operation using index and middle fingers on the trigger, of FIG. 1A.
[0040] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, in open and clamped position, of the present device.
[0041] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever of FIG. 2A.
[0042] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, depicted in unlocked position, of the present device.
[0043] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, depicted in locked position, of FIG. 3A.
[0044] FIG. 3C is an exploded view of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever of FIG. 3A.
[0045] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with removable clamp lever, depicted in its attached form, of the present device.
[0046] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with removable clamp lever, depicted in its detached form, of FIG. 4A.
[0047] FIG. 4C is an exploded view of the removable clamp lever only of FIG. 4A.
[0048] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of an embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with removable clamp lever, of the present device.
[0049] FIG. 6A is an exploded view of an embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever, configured as a spatula with removable clamp lever, of the present device.
[0050] FIG. 7A is several embodiments of the spatula blade and clamp blade of the spatula with clamp lever, of the present device.
[0051] For terminology reference FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 10. Front side 100, reverse side 102, spatula 110, spatula blade 112, first shaft 114, handle 116, clamp lever 120, clamp blade 122, second shaft 124, trigger 128, fulcrum 130, pin 132, spring 134.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] With reference to the accompanying figures, a kitchen utensil is described, comprised of a spatula and a clamp lever. The spatula itself is comprised of a spatula blade, a first shaft, a handle, and in some embodiments, a lock. The clamp lever itself is comprised of a clamp blade, a second shaft, a trigger, a fulcrum, a spring, a pin, and in some embodiments, a mounting adaptor. The clamp lever is constructed as a single Class-I type lever, with the fulcrum situated along the length of the first shaft, and the resistance arm and the effort arm of the lever are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the first shaft. That is, the resistance arm of the lever is positioned on the front side (or top) of the spatula, and the effort arm of the lever is positioned on the reverse side (or bottom) of the spatula. The clamp blade is connected to one end of the second shaft, and is positioned on the front side of the spatula, opposing the spatula blade. The trigger is connected to the other end of the second shaft and is positioned on the reverse side of the spatula, opposing a portion of the handle. The clamp blade and trigger are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the first shaft. The trigger does not extend the full length of the handle. It is limited in length, so it does not interfere with any fingers grasping the handle during normal operation by a person of average size and ordinary skill. Preferred embodiments of the trigger may be further described structurally by one or more of: being shorter than the handle by at least 7 cm, overlapping the handle by less than 5 cm, the difference between handle length and portion of trigger overlapping the handle is more than 6 cm.
[0053] The Class-I type lever design of the clamp lever of the present device enables the user to grasp the handle in a secure manner while being able to actuate the clamp lever in an ergonomic, easy-to-use motion. The clamp lever is actuated by the index finger in a finger-squeezing motion similar to that required for a pistol trigger. The trigger design provides a familiar, ergonomic motion, free of any over-exertion of the hand or fingers. It also enables the user to maintain secure grasp of the handle with the remaining non-trigger actuating fingers. The thumb, positioned on the front side of the handle also serves the purpose of providing the much necessary downward force required for effective operation. Just as any standard turner spatula would require, the present device is most effective when the front edge of the spatula blade remains flat against the surface as it is slid towards the food. This is so the front edge of the spatula blade does not snag and damage the food as it is slid towards it. In order to force the front edge of the spatula blade flat against the surface a downward force should be generated; and the most ergonomic way to achieve this is via the thumb pushing downward on the handle.
[0054] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 10, 1D, and 1E, shows various views of the spatula with clamp lever configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, of the present device. The spatula with clamp lever is comprised of a spatula 110 and clamp lever 120. The spatula 110 itself is comprised of a spatula blade 112, a first shaft 114, and a handle 116. The clamp lever 120 itself is comprised of a clamp blade 122, a second shaft 124, a trigger 128, a fulcrum 130, a pin 132, and a spring 134. In this configuration, the fulcrum 130 is permanently affixed to the first shaft 114. The clamp lever 120 is attached to the fulcrum 130 via pin 132. The clamp lever 120 is a Class-I type lever where the resistance arm and effort arm of the lever are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the first shaft 114. That is, the resistance arm of the lever is positioned on the front side 100 of the spatula 110, and the effort arm of the lever is positioned on the reverse side 102 of the spatula 110. The clamp blade 122 is connected to one end of the second shaft 124, and is positioned on the front side 100 of the spatula 110, opposing the spatula blade 112. The clamp blade 122 is the member that physically secures food against the spatula blade 112 when engaged. The trigger 128 is connected to the other end of the second shaft 124, and is positioned on the reverse side 102 of the spatula 110, opposing a portion of the handle 116. The clamp blade 122 and trigger 128 are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the first shaft 114. The trigger 128 does not extend the full length of the handle 116. It is limited in length so it does not interfere with any fingers grasping the handle 116 during normal operation by a person of average size and ordinary skill, as depicted in FIGS. 1D and 1E. The trigger 128 is actuated by the index finger in a finger-squeezing motion similar to that required for a pistol trigger. Although the preferred method of actuation is with the index finger only, as depicted in FIG. 1C, users with smaller than average size hands may find it more ergonomic to use both index and middle fingers, as depicted in FIG. 1E. Clamping force is achieved via Class-I lever mechanics; as the trigger 128 is actuated, the clamp lever 120 pivots on the fulcrum 130 causing the clamp blade 122 to move towards the spatula blade 112. The spring 134, configured in this embodiment as a torsion spring, provides a return feature whereby the clamp lever 120 returns to its normally open position when the trigger 128 is released or is not actuated.
[0055] The present device provides a practical, easy-to-use, effective, and ergonomic way of clamping foods—most commonly for, turning over food from one side to the other. Just as any standard turner spatula would require, the present device is most effective when the front edge of the spatula blade 112 remains flat against the surface 150 as it is slid towards the food. This is so the front edge of the spatula blade 112 does not snag and damage the food as it is slid towards it. In order to force the front edge of the spatula blade 112 flat against the surface 150 a downward force should be generated; and the most ergonomic way to achieve this by using the thumb to push downward against the handle 116. This is possible because the trigger 128 is actuated by the index finger, thus relieving the thumb of this task and allowing it to focus on generating a downward force on the handle 116. As well, the thumb, along with the remaining non-trigger actuating fingers can maintain a constant grasp on the handle 116 during operation without any need for repositioning of the grasping hand, allowing the user to maintain optimal control of the present device. To ensure these benefits are realized, the physical size of the trigger 128 is limited in length so it does not interfere with any fingers grasping the handle 116 during normal operation by a person of average size and ordinary skill, as depicted in FIGS. 1D and 1E. The trigger 128 should remain as a trigger and not become a handle. That is, the trigger 128 should not be large (long) enough to effectively accommodate actuation by the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers at the same time. Thus, preferred embodiments of the trigger may be further described structurally by one or more of: being shorter than the handle 116 by at least 7 cm, overlapping the handle 116 by less than 5 cm, difference between handle 116 length and portion of trigger 128 overlapping the handle 116 is more than 6 cm. Having a trigger 128 large (long) enough in size to effectively accommodate actuation by the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers at the same time would significantly alter the mechanics and operation of the present device, changing its actuation from a ‘pistol trigger’ like motion to a hand squeezing motion similar to that required for standard pliers. This change in mechanics and operation would negate the advantages provided by the present device. These advantages and described mechanics of operation apply to all embodiments and configurations.
[0056] FIGS. 2A and 2B shows various views of another embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, of the present device. In this configuration, the fulcrum 230 is permanently affixed to, and is coincident with the first shaft 214. The spring 234 utilized in this configuration is a leaf spring instead of a torsion spring.
[0057] FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C shows various views of another embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever configured as a spatula with permanently attached clamp lever, of the present device. The spatula with clamp lever is comprised of a spatula 310 and a clamp lever 320. The spatula 310 itself is comprised of a spatula blade 312, a first shaft 314, a handle 316, and a lock 318. The clamp lever 320 itself is comprised of a clamp blade 322, a second shaft 324, a trigger 324, a fulcrum 330, a pin 332, and a spring 334, configured in this embodiment as a torsion spring, but not limited to. The clamp lever 320 is a Class-I type lever where the resistance arm and effort arm of the lever are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the first shaft 314. That is, the resistance arm of the lever is positioned on the front side of the spatula 310, and the effort arm of the lever is positioned on the reverse side of the spatula 310. The lock 318 is configured as a manually actuated mechanical sliding member that is housed within the handle 316. In its unlocked position, the lock 318 is fully retracted within the handle 316, as depicted in FIG. 3A. There is no portion of the lock 318 that protrudes outside the handle 316 in the unlocked position. In the locked position, the lock 318 does protrude outside the handle 316, as depicted in FIG. 3B. This protruding portion of the lock 318 contacts the proximal-end-of-the-second-shaft 326 constraining rotation of the clamp lever 320, thus keeping the clamp lever 320 in clamped (closed) position, as depicted in FIG. 3B. The lock 318 can only be slid to its locked position when clamp lever 320 is in clamped position.
[0058] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, shows various views of another embodiment of the spatula with clamp lever configured as a spatula with removable clamp lever, of the present device. The spatula with clamp lever is comprised of a spatula 410 and a removable clamp lever 420. The spatula 410 itself is comprised of a spatula blade 412, a first shaft 414, and a handle 416. The removable clamp lever 420 itself, configured to be a removable attachment in this configuration, is comprised of a clamp blade 422, a second shaft 424, a trigger 428, a fulcrum 430, a pin 432, a spring 434, and a mounting adaptor 440. In this embodiment, the fulcrum 430 is not permanently affixed to the first shaft 114. The fulcrum 430 is connected to the second shaft 424 via pin 432. A mounting adaptor 440, configured in this embodiment as a side-mount clip, is permanently affixed to the underside of the fulcrum 430. The mounting adaptor 440 facilitates attachment of the removable clamp lever 420 to the spatula 410. The removable clamp lever 420 is designed to be a removable attachment used when clamping is desired but kept detached otherwise. The first shaft 414 comprises an alignment feature 442 to better facilitate attachment of the removable clamp lever 420 to the spatula 410. The alignment feature 442, configured as alignment holes in this embodiment, mates with the mounting adaptor 440 when removable clamp lever 420 is attached to the spatula 410. The mounting adaptor 440, configured in this embodiment as a side-mount clip, incorporates features, configured in this embodiment as dimples, but not limited to, designed to concentrically mate with the alignment feature 442, restraining the removable clamp lever 420 laterally and axially to the first shaft 414. The removable clamp lever 420 may attach to any utensil able to accommodate it for proper and effective use. Configuring the removable clamp lever 420 as a removable attachment broadens the use and applications of the present device by allowing it to be used in the same manner as a standard turner spatula when removable clamp lever 420 is not attached.
[0059] FIG. 5A, shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the spatula 510 and removable clamp lever 520, of the present device. In this embodiment the mounting adaptor 540 is configured to be a front-mount clip. The mounting adaptor 540 is designed to mate with the alignment feature 542, configured in this embodiment to be alignment notches, on the first shaft 514, restraining the removable clamp lever 520 laterally and axially to the first shaft 514.
[0060] FIG. 6A, shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the spatula 610 and removable clamp lever 620, of the present device. In this embodiment the mounting adaptor 640 is configured to be a magnet. The fulcrum 630, configured in this embodiment to incorporate features (dimples) on its underside, is designed to concentrically mate with the alignment feature 642, configured in this embodiment to be alignment holes, on the first shaft 614, restraining the removable clamp lever 620 laterally and axially to the first shaft 614. In this embodiment, the first shaft 614 will need to be constructed of steel.
[0061] FIG. 7A, shows various embodiments of the spatula blade and clamp blade, of the present device. Although the preferred embodiment of the clamp blade is a U-shaped member, it is not limited to that shape. The embodiments depicted are several examples of shapes either the spatula blade or clamp blade can assume.
[0062] The present device, including all embodiments, configurations, and components, can be constructed with metal, wood, polymer, or any combination thereof, unless otherwise stated.
[0063] While the foregoing written description of the present device enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein.
[0064] Terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “distal”, “proximate”, “below,” “above,” “upper, are used herein for simplicity in describing relative positioning of elements of the conduit or device, as depicted in the drawings or with reference to the surface datum. Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments and preferred uses thereof, it is not to be so limited since modifications and changes can be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of the invention as understood by those skilled in the art.
