UTENSIL HELD NEAR CENTER OF GRAVITY FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] The present invention relates to drinking and/or pouring utensils generally.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0021 U. S. Patents 5,860, 552 and 4, 953, 737 are believed to represent the current state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [003] The present invention seeks to provide improved drinking and/or pouring utensils.

[004] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a utensil including a liquid container having a center of gravity and a handle arranged to provide finger engagement with the liquid container for support and desired positioning thereof, the handle defining a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the liquid container.

[005] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the finger engagement location is-at-or near the center of gravity-of the liquid container generally irrespective of the extent to which the liquid container is filled with liquid.

[006] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid container is configured to have a generally horseshoe shaped configuration. Additionally, the liquid container defines a lip on one or more locations on an outer edge surface thereof. Preferably, the lip is located at a lip location at which the outer edge surface is curved.

[007] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the handle is configured in the form of a generally U-shaped loop. Preferably, the handle is configured in the shape of a shaft. Alternatively, the handle is configured in a shape of a cross bar having depending therefrom a generally elongated loop.

Additionally or alternatively, the handle is configured in a shape of a beam having a panel extending upwards therefrom.

[008] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the handle is disposed interiorly of the liquid container, such that it is at least partially surrounded by the liquid container.

[009] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid container is configured generally as a cylinder. Preferably, the handle is defined by a transverse, handle-defining passageway extending through the liquid container. Additionally, the handle is disposed interiorly of the liquid container, such that it is at least partially surrounded by the liquid container.

[010] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the utensil is enclosed on a top surface. Preferably, the utensil is provided with an opening. Alternatively, the liquid container is configured to have a generally elliptically shaped top and bottom portion and a generally cylindrically shaped portion interconnecting the top portion and the bottom portion. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid container is configured to have a generally channel shaped central portion with at least one leg portion extending therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [011] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings in which: [012] Fig. 1 is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [013] Fig. 2A is a top view illustration of the drinking and/or pouring utensil of Fig. 1 ; [014] Fig. 2B is a sectional illustration taken along the lines IIB-IIB of Fig.

2A ;- [015] Fig. 3 is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [016] Fig. 4A is a top view illustration of the drinking and/or pouring utensil of Fig. 3 ; [017] Fig. 4B is a sectional illustration taken along the lines IVB-IVB of Fig.

4A; [018] Fig. 5 is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [019] Fig. 6A is a top view illustration of the drinking and/or pouring utensil of Fig. 5; [020] Fig. 6B is a sectional illustration taken along the lines VIB-VIB of Fig.

6A; [021] Fig. 7 is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0221 Fig. 8A is a top view illustration of the drinking and/or pouring utensil of Fig. 7; [023] Fig. 8B is a sectional illustration taken along the lines VIIIB-VIIIB of Fig. 8A; [024] Fig. 9 is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; [025] Fig. 10A is a top view illustration of the drinking and/or pouring utensil of Fig. 9; [026] Fig. 1 OB is a sectional illustration taken along the lines XB-XB of Fig.

1 OA ; [027] Fig. 11 is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present-invention ; 1028] Fig. 12A is a top view illustration of the drinking and/or pouring utensil of Fig. 11; [029] Fig. 12B is a sectional illustration taken along the lines XIIB-XIIB of Fig. 12A.

[030] Fig. 13 is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention; [031] Fig. 14A is a top view illustration of the drinking and/or pouring utensil of Fig. 13; [032] Fig. 14B is a sectional illustration taken along the lines XIVB-XIVB of Fig. 14A; [033] Fig. 15 is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention; [034] Fig. 16A is a top view illustration of the drinking and/or pouring utensil of Fig. 15 ; and [035] Fig. 16B is a sectional illustration taken along the lines XVIB-XVIB of Fig. 15A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [036] Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to Figs. 2A and 2B, which also illustrate the drinking and/or pouring utensil.

[037] As seen in Figs. 1-2B, there is provided a drinking and/or pouring utensil 10 arranged to be engaged by a finger of a user at a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 10 generally irrespective of the extent to which the utensil 10 is filled with liquid.

- [038]------In-the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1 = 2B, liquid is-arranged to-be contained in a container which is shaped generally symmetrical about a central axis 11, such as a generally horseshoe shaped container 12, having a generally U-shaped cross section, as indicated by arrow 14. A lip 16 may be defined on one or more locations on an outer edge surface 18 of container 12, preferably at a location at which the outer edge surface 18 is curved in the plane of container 12.

[0391 It is appreciated that even though the illustrated embodiment shows a container with a U-shaped cross section the container may have any cross section suitable for containing a liquid.

[040] A handle 20, preferably in the form of a generally U-shaped loop, is disposed interiorly of the container 12, such that it is partially surrounded by container 12. Preferably handle 20 is configured and located such that it defines a finger engagement location 22 adjacent to and interiorly of a central portion 24 of the loop defining the handle 20, which finger engagement location 22 is generally at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 10.

[041] As seen with particularity in Fig. 2B, the finger engagement location 22 is preferably located generally at a center point with respect to the height, width and length of the container 12.

[042] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1-2B, the container 12 preferably has a generally circular central portion 26 from which extend two leg portions 28 which are generally symmetrical about central axis 11. In Fig. 1 and 2A it is seen that leg portions 28 are generally parallel and outer edges of leg portions 28 are separated by a distance 30, which is generally the same as or somewhat less than the outer diameter of the central portion 26 of the container 12.

[043] Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to Figs. 4A and 4B, which also illustrate the drinking and/or pouring utensil.

[044] As seen in Figs. 3-4B, there is provided a drinking and/or pouring utensil 110 arranged to be engaged by a finger of a user at a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 110 generally irrespective of the extent to which the utensil 110 is filled with liquid.

- [045]---Iri-the-illustrated embodiment of Figs. 3-= 4B, liquid is arranged to be contained in a container which is shaped generally symmetrical about a central axis 111, such as a generally horseshoe shaped container 112 having a generally U-shaped cross section, as indicated by arrow 114. A lip 116 may be defined on one or more locations on an outer edge surface 118 of container 112, preferably at a location at which the outer edge surface 118 is curved in the plane of container 112. It is noted that even though the illustrated embodiment shows a container with a U-shaped cross section the container may have any cross section suitable for containing a liquid.

[046] A handle 119, preferably in the form of a cross bar 120 having depending therefrom a generally elongated loop, is disposed interiorly of the container 112, such that it is partially surrounded by container 112. Preferably handle 119 is configured and located such that it defines a finger engagement location 122 interiorly of the loop defining the handle 119, which finger engagement location 122 is generally at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 110.

[047] As seen with particularity in Fig. 4B, the finger engagement location 122 is preferably located generally at a center point with respect to the height, width and length of the container 112.

1048] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 3-4B, the container 112 preferably has a generally circular central portion 126 from which extend two leg portions 128 which are generally symmetrical about central axis 111. In Fig. 3 and 4A it is seen that leg portions 128 are generally parallel and outer edges of leg portions 128 are separated by a distance 130, which is generally the same as or somewhat less than the outer diameter of the central portion 126 of the container 112.

[049] Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to Figs. 6A and 6B, which also illustrate the drinking and/or pouring utensil.

[050] As seen in Figs. 5-6B, there is provided a drinking and/or pouring utensil 210 arranged to be engaged by a finger or fingers of a user at a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 210 generally irrespective of the extent to which the utensil 210 is filled with liquid.

[051] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 5-6B, liquid is arranged to be contained ima container which is shaped'generally'symmetrical'about a'central axis 2il, such as a generally horseshoe shaped container 212 having a generally U-shaped cross section, as indicated by arrow 214. A lip 216 may be defined on one or more locations on an outer edge surface 218 of container 212, preferably at a location at which the outer edge surface 218 is curved in the plane of container 212. It is noted that even though the illustrated embodiment shows a container with a U-shaped cross section the container may have any cross section suitable for containing a liquid.

[052] A handle 219, preferably in the form of a cross bar 220 having depending therefrom an elongate shaft, is disposed interiorly of the container 212, such that it is partially surrounded by container 212. Preferably handle 219 is configured and located such that it defines a finger engagement location adjacent to the elongate shaft defining the handle 219, which finger engagement location is generally at or near the center of gravity of utensil 210.

[053] As seen with particularity in Fig. 6B, the elongate shaft is preferably located generally at a center point with respect to the height, width and length of the container 212.

[054] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 5-6B, the container 212 preferably has a generally circular central portion 226 from which extend two leg portions 228 which are generally symmetrical about central axis 211. In Fig. 5 and 6A it is seen that leg portions 228 are generally parallel and outer edges of leg portions 228 are separated by a distance 230, which is generally the same as or somewhat less than the outer diameter of the central portion 226 of the container 212.

[055] Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to Figs. 8A and 8B, which also illustrate the drinking and/or pouring utensil.

[056] As seen in Figs. 7-8B, there is provided a drinking and/or pouring utensil 310 arranged to be engaged by a finger of a user at a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 310 generally irrespective of the extent to which the utensil 310 is filled with liquid.

[057] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 7-8B, liquid is arranged to be contained in a container which_is shaped generally symmetrical about a central.. axis 31. 1, such as a generally horseshoe shaped container 312, having a generally U-shaped cross section, as indicated by arrow 314. A lip 316 may be defined on one or more locations on an outer edge surface 318 of container 312, preferably at a location at which the outer edge surface 318 is curved in the plane of container 312.

[058] It is appreciated that even though the illustrated embodiment shows a container with a U-shaped cross section the container may have any cross section suitable for containing a liquid.

[059] A handle 319, preferably in the form of a beam 320 having extending upwards therefrom a panel 322, is disposed interiorly of the container 312, such that it is partially surrounded by container 312. Preferably handle 319 is configured and located such that it defines a finger engagement location adjacent to the panel 322 defining the handle 319, which finger engagement location is generally at or near the center of gravity of utensil 310.

[060] As seen with particularity in Fig. 8B, the panel 322 is preferably located generally at a center point with respect to the height, width and length of the container 312.

[061] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 7-8B, the container 312 preferably has a generally circular central portion 326 from which extend two leg portions 328 which are generally symmetrical about central axis 311. In Fig. 7 and 8A it is seen that leg portions 328 are generally parallel and outer edges of leg portions 328 are separated by a distance 330, which is generally the same as or somewhat less than the outer diameter of the central portion 326 of the container 312.

[0621 Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to Figs. 10A and 10B, which also illustrate the drinking and/or pouring utensil.

[063] As seen in Figs. 9-10B, there is provided a drinking and/or pouring utensil 410 arranged to be engaged by fingers of a user at a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 410 generally irrespective of the extent to which the utensil 410 is filled with liquid.

[064] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 9-10B, liquid is arranged to be contained in a generally cylindrically shaped container 4'12 having a transverse, handle-defining passageway 414 extending at least partially therethrough. The transverse passageway 414 is disposed interiorly of the container 412, such that it is surrounded by container 412. Preferably, passageway 414 is configured and located such that it defines a finger engagement location 422, which is generally at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 410.

[065] As seen with particularity in Fig. 10B, the finger engagement location 422 is preferably located generally at a center point with respect to the height, and diameter of the container 412.

[066] Reference is now made to Fig. 11, which is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to Figs. 12A and 12B, which also illustrate the drinking and/or pouring utensil.

[067] As seen in Figs. 11-12B, there is provided a drinking and/or pouring utensil 510 arranged to be engaged by fingers of a user at a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 510 generally irrespective of the extent to which the utensil 510 is filled with liquid.

[068] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 11-12B, liquid is arranged to be contained in a generally cylindrically shaped container 512 having a transverse, handle-defining passageway 514 extending at least partially therethrough. The transverse passageway 514 is disposed interiorly of the container 512, such that it is surrounded by container 512. Preferably, passageway 514 is configured and located such that it defines a finger engagement location 522, which is generally at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 510.

[069] As seen with particularity in Fig. 12B, the finger engagement location 522 is preferably located generally at a center point with respect to the height, and diameter of the container 512.

[070] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 11-12B, utensil 510 is enclosed at a top surface 530 and is preferably provided with an opening 532.

[071] Reference is now made to Fig. 13, which is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to Figs. 14A and 14B, which also illustrate the drinking andlor pouring utensll.

[072] As seen in Figs. 13-14B, there is provided a drinking and/or pouring utensil 610 arranged to be engaged by a finger of a user at a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 610 generally irrespective of the extent to which the utensil 610 is filled with liquid.

[073] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 13-14B, liquid is arranged to be contained in a container which is shaped generally symmetrical about a central axis 611, such as a container 612 preferably comprising a generally elliptically shaped top and bottom portion, designated by reference numerals 614 and 616 respectively and a generally cylindrically shaped portion 618 interconnecting top and bottom portion 614 and 616.

[074] A handle 620, preferably in the form of a generally U-shaped loop, is disposed on cylindrically shaped portion 618 of the container 612. Preferably handle 620 is configured and located such that it defines a finger engagement location 622 adjacent to and interiorly of a central portion 624 of the loop defining the handle 620, which finger engagement location 622 is generally at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 610.

[075] As seen with particularity in Fig. 14B, the finger engagement location 622 is preferably located generally at a center point with respect to the height, width and length of the container 612.

[076] It is appreciated that even though the illustrated embodiment shows a container with a generally elliptically shaped top and bottom portion and a generally cylindrically shaped portion the container may comprise any configuration which is symmetrical about axis 611.

[077] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 13-14B, the container 612 may be provided with a top and/or bottom cover (not shown). It is appreciated that container 612 includes at least one of portions 614,616 and 618. Portions 614,616 and 618 may be removable portions.

[078] Reference is now made to Fig. 15, which is a pictorial illustration of a drinking and/or pouring utensil constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to Figs. 16A and 16B, which also illustrate the drinking-and/or-pouring utensil.- [079] As seen in Figs. 15-16B, there is provided a drinking and/or pouring utensil 710 arranged to be engaged by a finger of a user at a finger engagement location which is at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 710 generally irrespective of the extent to which the utensil 710 is filled with liquid.

[080] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 15-16B, liquid is arranged to be contained in a container which is shaped generally symmetrical about a central axis 711, such as a container 712, having a generally channel shaped central portion 714 with a first and second leg portion 716 and 718 extending therefrom. Each leg portion 716 and 718 preferably has a curved portion extending generally perpendicularly therefrom. A lip 720 may be defined on one or more locations on an outer edge surface 722 of container 712, preferably at a location at which the outer edge surface 722 is curved in the plane of container 712. Container 722 is preferably provided with a support element 724 on a bottom surface thereof for enhanced container handling.

[081] A handle 730, preferably in the form of a generally U-shaped loop, is disposed interiorly of the container 712, such that it is partially surrounded by container 712. Preferably handle 730 is configured and located such that it defines a finger engagement location 732 adjacent to and interiorly of a central portion 734 of the loop defining the handle 730, which finger engagement location 732 is generally at or near the center of gravity of the utensil 710.

[082] As seen with particularity in Fig. 16B, the finger engagement location 732 is preferably located generally at a center point with respect to the height, width and length of the container 712.

[083] It is appreciated that even though the illustrated embodiment shows a container with a generally channel shaped central portion having a leg portions extending therefrom the container may comprise any portion which is symmetrical about axis 711.

[084] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove.

Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of various features described hereinabove as well as modifications thereof which would occur to-persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing specification and which are not in the prior art.