Container with utensil pocket

Abstract

A serving container includes a pocket for holding one or more utensils. The pocket can be inside or outside the container. The pocket is formed by a detachably mounted pocket piece that can also include a secondary securing means such as a magnet. The pocket is attached so that the handle of the utensil remains easily accessible to the user.

1 . A container for use with one or more serving utensils, the utensils having a serving portion and a handle, comprising: 
 a container portion; and    a utensil pocket on the container portion for holding primarily the serving portion of the utensil.    
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is formed by a pocket piece detachably mountable to the container portion.  
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 2 , including the limitations of  claim 1 , further comprising secondary means for securing the utensil in the pocket.  
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 3 , including the limitations of claims  1  and  2 , wherein the secondary securing means includes a magnet.  
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 3 , including the limitations of claims  1  and  2 , wherein the secondary securing means is one of a hook, a latch, and a notch.  
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 2 , including the limitations of  claim 1 , further comprising a second utensil pocket on the container portion for holding primarily the serving portion of a second utensil.  
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 6 , including the limitations of claims I and  2 , wherein the second utensil pocket is formed by a detachably mounted pocket piece.  
   
   
       8 . In a food serving container for which at least one serving utensil is required, the container having an interior, food-holding portion and exterior portion, and the utensil having a serving portion and a handle, the improvement comprising: 
 a utensil pocket on the container portion for holding the serving portion of the utensil so that the utensil handle is accessible for continued use of the serving container.    
   
   
       9 . The pocket of  claim 8 , wherein the utensil pocket includes a pocket piece detachably mounted to the container.  
   
   
       10 . The pocket of  claim 9 , including the limitations of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket piece is mounted to the outside of the container.  
   
   
       11 . The pocket of  claim 9 , including the limitations of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket piece further comprises an upper and a lower opening.