US2010044271A1PendingUtilityA1

Eating utensil contaminant shield

37
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: Aug 22, 2008Filed: Aug 22, 2008Published: Feb 25, 2010
Est. expiryAug 22, 2028(~2.1 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Patricia D. Mcmillan
A47G 11/001A47G 21/14
37
PatentIndex Score
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Claims

Abstract

A combination sanitary, contaminant-impervious, protective, layered composite pad on which eating utensils are placed is provided. The composite pad includes at least one upper absorbent layer affixed to and in registry with the top surface of a lower, contaminant-impervious, non-absorbent layer. The pad is sized to accommodate a complement of eating utensils placed thereon which are thereby isolated from and protected from bacteria and other contaminants which may be present on the food support surface. A plurality of the composite pads may be stored in a dispenser prior to use, either in a folded configuration or in a flat configuration. Additionally, a packet suitable for carrying in a purse or pocket in which a plurality of the composite pads is stored prior to use is provided. Still further, a hermetically sealed single packet in which a single composite pad is stored prior to a single use by an individual diner is also provided.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A combination sanitary, contaminant-impervious, protective, layered composite pad on which eating utensils are placed, the pad being especially adapted for use by a diner in commercial eating establishments and institutional facilities, said composite pad comprising:
 at least one upper absorbent layer affixed to and in registry with the top surface of a lower, contaminant-impervious, non-absorbent layer, said lower non-absorbent layer being oriented adjacent to a table or other support surface on which said diner's food is to be placed, said pad being sized to accommodate, and including, in combination, a complement of said eating utensils including one or more of a knife, fork and spoon, placed upon said pad,   whereby said composite pad isolates and protects said eating utensils placed thereon from contaminants which may be present on said support surface.   
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1  including a plurality of upper absorbent layers affixed to said contaminant-impervious layer. 
   
   
       3 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said absorbent layer is paper. 
   
   
       4 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein all of said absorbent layers are paper. 
   
   
       5 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein a lower absorbent layer is affixed to and in registry with the bottom surface of said contaminant-impervious layer, the lower absorbent layer being oriented immediately adjacent said support surface. 
   
   
       6 . The combination of  claim 5  wherein said lower absorbent layer is paper. 
   
   
       7 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said contaminant-impervious layer is waterproof. 
   
   
       8 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said contaminant-impervious layer is plastic. 
   
   
       9 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said contaminant-impervious layer is a non-woven plastic. 
   
   
       10 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said contaminant-impervious layer is polyethylene. 
   
   
       11 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said contaminant-impervious layer is a thin film layer. 
   
   
       12 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said contaminant-impervious layer is adhesively affixed to said absorbent layer. 
   
   
       13 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said contaminant-impervious layer is spray-coated onto said absorbent layer. 
   
   
       14 . The combination of  claim 11  wherein said contaminant-impervious layer is a thin film of polyethylene embossed to adhere to said absorbent layer. 
   
   
       15 . The combination of  claim 14  wherein said absorbent layer is paper. 
   
   
       16 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the topmost absorbent layer carries indicia thereon. 
   
   
       17 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the topmost absorbent layer carries advertising indicia thereon. 
   
   
       18 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said pad is square and has dimensions of 6 inches by 6 inches. 
   
   
       19 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said pad is square and has dimensions of 5 inches by 5 inches. 
   
   
       20 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said pad is formed into an envelope, open along one edge thereof, into which said complement of eating utensils is inserted. 
   
   
       21 . The combination of  claim 1  including a dispenser in which a plurality of said composite pads is stored prior to use. 
   
   
       22 . The combination of  claim 21  wherein said pads are stored in a folded configuration. 
   
   
       23 . The combination of  claim 21  wherein said pads are stored flat. 
   
   
       24 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said pad is wrapped around said utensils and adhesively secured thereat. 
   
   
       25 . The combination of  claim 1  including a purse or pocket size packet in which a plurality of said composite pads is stored prior to use. 
   
   
       26 . The combination of  claim 1  including a hermetically sealed packet in which said composite pad is stored prior to use. 
   
   
       27 . The method of use of the combination as claimed in  claim 1 .

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