Retractable finger pull tongs

Abstract

A design for a new form of tongs that are designed to be used by children. The tongs have ornamental features and snap together in a manner that makes them fun to play with. The tong assembly is arranged so that it can be operated with a single finger by pulling and pushing the tongs in and out of an enclosure that can easily be snapped together. The tongs are also curved to create tension against closing and to assist in their opening.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tong assembly, comprising:
 tongs;   a handle; and   wherein said tongs can be extended and retracted from said handle with a single finger on the hand holding the handle.   
     
     
         2 . The tong assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said handle is detachable. 
     
     
         3 . The tong assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said tongs have a finger pull opening shaped to fit a finger. 
     
     
         4 . The tong assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said handle has a finger pull slot. 
     
     
         5 . The tong assembly of  claim 4 , wherein said tongs are shaped with wider and narrower proximal portions and distal arms with portions that curve outward and more widely from said narrower proximal portions and then narrow again near their distal ends. 
     
     
         6 . The tong assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said handle comprises a clamshell design that can removably enclose said tongs. 
     
     
         7 . The tong assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said handle comprises an inner enclosure that encloses the proximal end of said tongs and an outer enclosure that encloses at least a portion of said inner enclosure. 
     
     
         8 . The tong assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said outer enclosure slides over said inner enclosure. 
     
     
         9 . The tong assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said inner enclosure comprises a clamshell design that can removably enclose said tongs. 
     
     
         10 . The tong assembly of  claim 9 , wherein said outer enclosure slides over said inner enclosure. 
     
     
         11 . A tong assembly, comprising:
 tongs; wherein said tongs have a finger pull opening shaped to fit a finger and said tongs are shaped with wider and narrower proximal portions and distal arms with portions that curve outward and more widely from said narrower proximal portions and then narrow again near their distal ends;   a detachable handle, wherein said handle has a finger pull slot and said handle comprises an inner enclosure with a clamshell design that encloses the proximal end of said tongs and an outer enclosure that encloses at least a portion of said inner enclosure by sliding over it; and   wherein said tongs can be extended and retracted from said handle with a single finger on the hand holding the handle.