(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0110644 A1
`Miller
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 19, 2003
`
`US 2003O110644A1
`
`(54) UNIVERSAL FORK
`
`0
`-
`(76) Inventor: Michael D. Miller, Wichita, KS (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Bradley P. Sylvester
`Suite 100
`225 N. Market Street
`O
`O
`Wichita, KS 67202 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/020,739
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 18, 2001
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl. ................................................... A47J 43/28
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................. 30/322; 30/148
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`This improved universal fork is a combination of the par
`ticular functions and characteristics of a knife and a fork,
`and is capable of being used with either a right hand or left
`hand, and also has benefits for those with disabilities. The
`balanced handle provides a counter weight to the head area
`of the fork, as well as provides a greater Surface which is
`able to fit and preSS against the palm of a person's hand.
`The improved universal fork has a head area that has outer
`tines which have an outer edge curvature that is exaggerated,
`as compared with other typical forks. The Outer curved edge
`may be dull, have a sharpened blade edge, or it may have a
`Serrated edge. These edges may be in combination on a
`Single edge, or be used alternatively on the opposing outer
`tines. The curved outer edges provide an increased cutting
`capability, using a rocking motion.
`A finger platform, being a defined flattened area immedi
`ately adjacent to the head portion of the fork, allows a perSon
`to easily press one or more fingers against the Side area of
`the fork, thereby applying pressure directly downward when
`the fork is positioned to cut an item directly beneath it.
`
`
`
`
`
`Eter
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`32
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`Ex. 2013, Page 1
`Patent Owner Humangear, Inc.
`Industrial Revolution, Inc. v. Humangear, Inc.: IPR2023-01174
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 19, 2003 Sheet 2 of 3
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 19, 2003 Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 2003/0110644 A1
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`Jun. 19, 2003
`
`UNIVERSAL FORK
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Prior art tends to fall into two relevant categories.
`0001
`First, various eating utensils have been developed in order to
`assist those with various impairments or physical disabili
`ties. Second, efforts have been made to combine various
`features of multiple utensils into a single utensil item. The
`present invention takes both of the major concerns, as well
`as the concern that this utensil not be Suitable for use as a
`weapon.
`0002. Where eating utensils are intended to, or have a
`primary function for, use by perSons with physical disabili
`ties, the utensil itself tends to be defined by various physical
`attributes for the gripping or manipulation of the utensil. The
`physical construction of Such a utensil typically allows for
`an exaggerated Surface area in which the user is able to grip
`or preSS against, to allow greater ease during the use of Such
`a utensil. The present invention also offerS Such attributes
`that had not been previously shown in the prior art.
`0003) Where eating utensils are a combination of various
`features into a Single novel item, the attempt of the inventor
`generally is to allow a single eating utensil to take place of
`one or more separate utensils. In Some instances, different
`utensils are physically combined with one another, and
`another instances, various features are combined. Examples
`of prior art utensils that are intended to assist disabled
`persons are evidenced in U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,805 (Wilson),
`in which the handle portion of a fork was both curved and
`flared.
`0004. A wedge shaped eating utensil is shown and
`described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,279 (Mars). The handle
`itself allows the eating utensil to be more easily held by
`persons with motor skill disabilities. In addition, in U.S. Pat.
`No. 5,060,386 (Mars), an eating utensil is shown, in which
`the handle portion itself and placement of the utensil head
`allow a person with limited wrist movement to use an eating
`utensil with greater ease. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,967
`(Mars), a cylindrical handle eating utensil was described,
`which was intended for use by people with physical dis
`abilities.
`0005 Eating utensils have also been contrived in an
`attempt to combine two or more different utensils into a
`single unit. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,864 (Tang), a combination
`of a fork and a Spoon is shown, in which both implements
`were able to be used on a Single handle through the actions
`of moving various utensil heads into a dominate position.
`Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,611 (Levy), a multi head
`utensil was disclosed, in which Separate knife, fork and
`Spoon members are incorporated into a single handle.
`0006 Other structures have been added onto existing
`utensils. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,160 (Pritsker), an eating
`utensil for pasta is shown. This invention shows the novelty
`of incorporating a shield into an eating utensil, to allow the
`Spinning fork, used in conjunction with it, to guide pasta
`noodles around fork tines. Othertimes, the structure of the
`utensil has been altered for other uses, In U.S. Pat. No.
`6,199,285 (Sheehan), a foldable handle is shown with an
`eating utensil.
`0007 U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,744 (Weinstein) and U.S. Pat.
`No. 5,630,276 (Weinstein) disclose eating utensils that have
`
`a Self leveling Spoon, using reciprocating weights to
`manipulate the angle of the Spoon head.
`0008. Other inventors have sought to maintain a single
`utensil head, with modifications to attempt to incorporate
`multiple uses into it. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,473.288 (McNeill),
`a combination fork and Spoon was disclosed, in which the
`Spoon attributes were accomplished through a concave for
`mation of the utensil head. A slightly Serrated Side edge
`allows the Single utensil to also form a cutting instrument.
`One drawback to this invention was that there was no
`formational change to the utensil itself to make gripping or
`cutting any easier for the user.
`0009 U.S. Pat. No. 2,216,005 (Goldstein) disclosed a
`combination Spoon and fork, in which a Spoon like head was
`provided with defined sharp points, so that it could both
`impale food and Support liquid type foods in the Spoon
`portion. A more advanced adaptation of this spoon is seen in
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,538 (Nelson), which is a precursor of
`what is more commonly recognized as a “spork. This
`invention is more commonly Seen through the utensil shown
`in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 388,664, the “spork”. A further
`development on the “Spork' concept is shown in U.S. Pat.
`No. 4,984,367 (Albanese), in which a cutting means was
`also included on the head or implement portion. A receSS,
`designated by the number 6, was also provided, which
`would allow a user's finger to be properly positioned for
`cutting. The receSS did not appear to have any function other
`than a guide for the finger, and did not present a Suitable
`platform for pressing the user's finger against. In U.S. Pat.
`No. Des. 376,514 (Torkelson), further ornamental modifi
`cations on what is known as a "Spork are shown.
`0010. The use of a fork, as the primary utensil from
`which other advantages are incorporated, is shown in U.S.
`Pat. No. 4,771.541 (Bouchakian). In this invention, the
`benefits of a fork and a knife were combined. This particular
`invention was depicted as having use with only one hand,
`being in the right hand as the figures show. A Single tab, and
`a single cutting edge were used. The present invention does
`not provide a tab, but rather has the handle formed to provide
`a Surface against which a user's fingers may press. In
`addition, the present invention is intended for use by either
`the right or left hand, and would be more suitable for uses
`on Such things as airline flights, or cafeteria Style foods, in
`which the utensils are provided in quantity, and without
`having to be concerned with which orientation a perSon will
`require.
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,351 (Vanderputt) discloses a
`0.011
`beveled edge fork, in which cutting edges are available on
`both sides of a fork utensil. What this invention lacks, is a
`Superior Surface against which a user's finger can press
`against when cutting. While this prior art invention attempts
`to provide multiple uses for perSons having either right or
`left hand orientation, there Still lacks the ease in which a
`perSon can use the utensil as a knife. Further, there is also a
`lack of balance of mass from end to end of this utensil. Both
`concerns are met and addressed by the present invention.
`0012. With the concerns of having a utensil modified into
`a weapon, Some attempts to limit Such modifications have
`been shown. The multiple Simultaneous hijackings of U.S.
`aircraft on Sep. 11, 2001, have prompted consumers and
`commercial carriers to reevaluate what type of implements
`may be distributed to passengers, with the primary concern
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`US 2003/0110644 A1
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`Jun. 19, 2003
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`being whether or not the implement may be converted as is
`into a weapon. In Some instances, the traditional “spork” is
`inadequate for various food items. There have been attempts
`made to reduce this threat. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,087 (
`Mickelson et al.), a utensil is shown in which a primary
`feature of said utensil is that it has a reduced ability to be
`turned into a weapon. The present invention addresses the
`need to have a separate fork and knife during a cutting
`process, through rounded outer edges of the present inven
`tion, that do not require a Sawing back and forth over a food
`item to cut through it. Rather, the present invention can
`accomplish appropriate cutting of food through a rocking
`motion.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`0013 FIG. 1 is a top view of the improved universal fork.
`0.014
`FIG. 2 is a side view of the improved universal
`fork.
`0015 FIG.3 is a side view of the finger platform portion
`of the improved universal fork.
`0016 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the improved
`universal fork as it is held by any perSon's hand during the
`cutting process.
`0017 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fork tines and
`the edge of the outer tine.
`0018 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fork tines
`Showing a Sharpened edge.
`0019 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fork tines
`showing a Serrated edge.
`0020 FIG. 8 is a top view of the pointed end areas of the
`center fork tines.
`0021 FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the inner and the
`outer fork tines, showing the additional width defined by the
`curved outer edges of the outer fork tines.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0022. This improved universal fork is a combination of
`the particular functions and characteristics of a knife and a
`fork. The improved universal fork is comprised of a bal
`anced handle, having an enlarged end that both provides a
`counterweight to the head area of the fork, as well as
`provides a greater Surface which is able to fit and preSS
`against the palm of a person's hand, which is particularly
`useful when using the improved universal fork as a knife.
`0023 The improved universal fork has a head area that is
`comprised of both outer and inner fork tines. The inner fork
`tines have a shape consistent with a typical fork that is
`commonly used, but the Outer tines have increased thickneSS
`and an outer edge curvature that is exaggerated as compared
`with other typical forks. The outer curved edge may be dull,
`in that it does not have an intentionally sharpened outer
`edge, or it may also be defined as having a sharpened outer
`edge, or it may also comprise a Serrated edge.
`0024. The cutting potential of this improved universal
`fork is much greater than other forks that have preceded it.
`The curved outer edges provide an increased cutting capa
`bility, as the head of the fork is able to rock back and forth
`
`over an item desired to be cut, which greatly increases the
`cutting potential of a sharpened edge, a Serrated edge, or
`even a dull edge.
`0025 The cutting potential of this improved universal
`fork is further increased through the design of the handle
`itself. Although the handle defines an enlarged end that is
`able to preSS against a person's palm, the handle also defines
`a finger platform as an expanded height of the handle
`immediately adjacent to the head portion of the fork, which
`defines a flattened Surface immediately adjacent to the head
`of the improved universal fork. The finger platform allows
`a person to press one or more fingers against the Side area of
`the fork, thereby applying pressure directly downward when
`the fork is positioned to cut an item directly beneath it.
`0026. This particular fork may also be provided with
`beveled tine ends, having an angled blade edge, which
`increase the Sharpness of the tine ends, but also decreases the
`overall width of the tine ends, and thus their strength and
`resistance as to breakage. These modified tine ends allow the
`improved universal fork to have a limited potential for use
`as a weapon, when the improved universal fork is con
`Structed out of a plastic or similar material. The narrowed
`tine ends will break off under a shearing preSSure, which has
`the effect of limiting the potential of the improved universal
`fork as a pointed weapon, Since the first use of it in this
`manner will cause a portion of the tines to break off, without
`being able to impact Severely into a victim's body, rendering
`the tines to be significantly dulled as to future use.
`0027. This improved universal fork has the capability of
`being provided for use to perSons having either a right
`handed or left-hand orientation, Since the improved univer
`Sal fork Sides are capable of, and intended to be mirror
`images of each other. Therefore, the finger platform on one
`side of the improved universal fork will be a mirror image
`of the finger platform on the opposite side of the improved
`universal fork.
`0028. The improved universal fork has the potential to be
`offered to travelers on commercial carriers during mealtime,
`with a limited concern about this improved universal fork
`being used or converted into a weapon. Because the
`improved universal fork offerS Such Superior cutting ability,
`the outer Side edges of the Outer tines do not need to be
`overly sharp, or the improved universal fork is constructed
`out of a fairly rigid material, Such as metal or hard plastic.
`A weaker overall material may be used, in which case the
`outer edges and have increased sharpness or Serrated edge.
`In Such a configuration, an improved universal fork with a
`Sharpened or Serrated edge will have an increased cutting
`ability, but less overall Strength, and will therefore present
`less of a threat as a weapon. Such a utensil will provide
`increased Security to carrierS Such as airlines, who are
`attempting to protect their passengers from other perSons
`who have an intent to convert an item into a weapon and
`hijack a plane.
`0029. The improved universal fork further also offers
`benefits to perSons having motor Skill disabilities, or use of
`a single hand, or any situation where the trading off of a fork
`and a knife are impractical. In Such a situation, the enlarged
`handle allows easier gripping, and the improved universal
`fork provides all aspects of both a fork and a knife as a Single
`utensil. The increased area of the finger platform allows a
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`US 2003/0110644 A1
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`Jun. 19, 2003
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`disabled user to more readily have access to the necessary
`points along the length of the improved universal fork,
`during cutting of food.
`0030) Is therefore an objective of this invention to pro
`vide a Single utensil that is capable of providing the benefits
`of a knife and a fork into a single utensil.
`0031. It is a further object of this invention to provide a
`Single utensil that is capable of being used as a fork, but
`which also has a curved outer Side edge that allows it to be
`used more easily for cutting food.
`0032. It is a further object of this invention to provide a
`Single utensil that is provided with a finger platform that
`allows the user's finger to press against it during use of the
`utensil as a cutting instrument.
`0033. It is a further object of this invention to provide a
`Superior utensil that exhibits properties that are not condu
`cive to it being converted into a weapon.
`0034) Is a further object of this invention to provide a
`Single utensil that is able to be used as both a knife and a
`fork, whereby persons with motor skill disabilities are more
`able to use the utensil, and still be able to cut food without
`the normally prerequisite back and forth Sawing process,
`through the rocking motion of the curved outer edges on the
`food.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`0035) Referring now to FIG. 1, a top view of the
`improved universal fork 10 (hereinafter referred to as “fork
`10”) is shown. The fork 10 is comprised of a handle grip 12,
`that has a generally curved outer shape, that is Somewhat
`flattened on its upper 19 and lower 18 surface, and which
`increases in circumference along its length from the central
`handle shaft 11 to its terminating end 41. The length of the
`handle grip 12 may follow an upward arc, as is more clearly
`seen in the side view of FIG. 2. The increased Surface area
`of the handle grip 12, and upward curvature allows perSons
`with motor skill disabilities to more easily grip the handle,
`as compared with typical fork handles.
`0.036 The central handle shaft 11 is the narrowest portion
`of the fork 10, as seen from a top view, and is defined the
`length of the handle between the handle grip 12 and the point
`where the fork head is joined to the shaft 11. At the point
`where the handle is joined to the fork head, the sides of the
`handle Shaft 11 deform, causing an increased height of the
`shaft 11, so that the top side 16 of the shaft raised upward,
`which the bottom side 17 defines a protrusion downwards.
`While the height of the shaft 11 increases, being the distance
`between the top 16 and bottom 17 sides, the width of the
`shaft does not appreciably change, defined by the flat areas
`15 and 15", which comprise the finger platforms.
`0037 Referring now to FIG. 1 and 2, each finger plat
`form is comprised of a flattened surface 15 and 15" respec
`tively, defined by a top side 16 and bottom side 17, in which
`the height of the handle is increased, as shown in FIG. 2.
`The width of the handle shaft 11 is not increased in propor
`tion to the height increase, being the distance between the
`top 16 and bottom 17 surface. The flattened surfaces 15 and
`15' are located along the length of the handle at the point
`where the shaft 11 is joined to the fork head.
`
`0038. To more clearly realize the novelty of the finger
`platform, FIG. 3 indicates a typical fork handle 14 that is
`generally of a uniform thickness. AS FIG. 3 depicts, the
`improved universal fork 10 has added material to cause a
`bulging of the shaft top 16 and bottom 17 side surfaces, in
`a manner in which a flat Surface 15 is able to be defined to
`provide an area commenSurate with the area that a typical
`forefinger fingertip 62 will contact, as shown in FIG. 4. This
`added material, as compared with a typical fork handle 14,
`creates the finger platform upon which a person's finger can
`preSS against. This finger platform allows a person to utilize
`the cutting edges of a fork 10 more efficiently through the
`distribution of forces from the finger to the fork.
`0039 The cutting areas of this fork 10 that are capable of
`functioning as a knife are found on the Outer edges 35 and
`35' of the outer tines 32 and 32". Moving forward from the
`finger platform area, the handle Shaft 11 expands outward
`from side to side forming a fork head 14 that defines a
`plurality of forward protruding tines. Preferably, there are
`two separate inner tines 30 and 30', which are spaced and
`positioned between outer tines 32 and 32. Both the inner
`tines 30 and 30' and outer tines 32 and 32 are parallel to each
`other, and follow the same curved plane, as is shown in FIG.
`2. The inner tines 30 and 30' comprised rigid shafts that
`exhibit an upward curvature as shown in FIG. 2, with tines
`30 and 30' being parallel to one another. Said tines 30 and
`30' are separated from each other by gaps 31. Also, inner
`tines 30 and 30' are each separated and spaced apart from
`outer tines 32 and 32, defining a gap 31 between Said inner
`30 and 30' and outer tines 32 and 32".
`0040. As seen from a top view, such as shown in FIG. 1,
`a fork 10 having an enlarged handle grip 12 is shown, with
`the outer tines 32 and 32' exhibiting an exaggerated widened
`portion, as compared with a typical fork. A typical fork outer
`tine has an outer edge as shown by dashed line 33 and 33'.
`The improved universal fork 10 has incorporated an
`extended outer edge area 34 and 34", which comprises an
`extended width of the outer tine 32 and 32', having a curved
`outer edge 35 and 35". The curved outer edge 35 and 35'
`follows an arcual path, and will comprise a curved Surface
`arcing thirty degrees or more. AS FIG. 9 shows, the curva
`ture may even approach or exceed ninety degrees of curva
`ture, when defining the first curvature vector 44 as the Start
`of the arcual outer edge 35 where it protrudes outward from
`the head 14, with the Second vector being the edge angle at
`the tip 66 of the outer tine 32.
`0041. It is the curvature of this outer edge 35 and 35' that
`give this fork 10 its Superior cutting abilities. Referring now
`to FIG. 5, the outer edge 35 may be comprised of a non
`Sharpened or dull edge. Greater cutting abilities may be
`realized if the outer edge is sharpened to give it a blade edge
`36, as shown in FIG. 6. The defined blade edge 36 may
`comprise the entire, or merely a portion of the outer edge
`area 34. In the alternative, a serrated edge 37 may also be
`defined on the outer edge area 34, as depicted in FIG. 7. The
`outer edges 35 and 35" may differ in their edges, so that the
`fork 10 has a combination of outer edges 35 and 35' that are
`dull and Sharpened, dull and Serrated, or sharpened and
`serrated. Preferably, a blade edge 36 or a dull edge 35 is
`used, since the curvature of the edges 35 and 35' allow for
`a Smooth cutting, and not for a Sawing motion which is most
`beneficial for serrated edges. Where the dull edge 35 is used,
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`this fork 10 has less chance of being converted into a
`weapon in an undesired manner, Since there is no true blade
`edge 36.
`0042 Even with a dull edge 35, this fork 10 is able to
`Satisfactorily function as a knife, when dealing with food
`items. The reason for this is that the exaggerated curvature
`of the outer dull edge 35, as shown in FIG. 5, is able to rock
`backwards and forwards over a food item, maximizing the
`downward pressure applied with a fork 10 into a small area
`of fork contact with the food. The rocking motion further
`benefits the cutting due to the slicing of even a dull edge 35
`against the food item. As a result of the curvature, there is
`never more than a Small portion of the edge 35 in contact as
`a cutting instrument with food at any given time, allowing
`all of the cutting force to be applied to a Smaller region of
`food. Clearly, where a blade edge 36 is used, the ability of
`this fork 10 to cut food items is even more enhanced. The
`curved blade edge 36, when rocked back and forth over food
`items, will provide quick and easy cutting.
`0.043 An increased ability for this fork 10 to function as
`a cutting instrument is enhanced by the finger platform flat
`edge area 15. Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, a
`person's hand is shown, in which a fork 10 has been rotated
`ninety degrees from its typical resting position, as shown in
`FIG. 1, with the thumb 31 and middle finger 64 grasping the
`handle of the fork 10 on its top 16 and lower 17 surface
`respectively. The forefinger 60 is able to preSS against the
`finger platform flat area 15 with its fingertip 62, thereby
`imparting a downward pressure into the length of the fork
`10, with the forward portion of the handle and head of the
`fork 10 functioning as a lever, with the handle 12 being the
`fulcrum. The downward pressing force applied by the fin
`gertip 62, is transferred to the outer edge 35" of fork 10.
`Through simple upward and downward rotational move
`ment of the person's hand, the outer edge 35' will be able to
`rock back and forth over food items desired to be cut.
`0044 AS is evident in these figures, each side of the fork
`10 is a mirror image of the other. Therefore, the same fork
`10 is able to be used by the right hand or left-handed person.
`The outer edge 35" is functional with a person's left-hand
`usage, while outer edge 35 would be functional with a
`perSon's right hand.
`0045 Referring now specifically to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9,
`the inner tines 30 and 30' are shown, in which said tines 30
`and 30' may have increased sharpness, resulting in a more
`defined point 41 and 41'. The outer surface shape of a typical
`inner tine 30 and 30' is shown by surface 50 and 50'. The
`modified surface is indicated by dashed lines 40 and 40',
`which represents a typical angular shaping of the tines 30.
`When the tines 30 are given an angled tip in this manner,
`there is a diminished overall width of the inner tines 30 and
`30' near their points 41 and 41'. Since the overall width is
`lessened, the overall strength of these tines 30 and 30' is
`diminished. When using a material Such as a plastic poly
`mer, the plastic Strength can be determined in appropriate
`level So that if any unusual amount of Shearing force is
`applied to these modified sharpened tines 30 and 30', the
`points 41 and 41' will break off when there is insufficient
`Support to Sustain the shearing force. In this manner, the tips
`41 and 41' will break off leaving a dulled tine 30, which
`makes this fork an insufficient convertible weapon.
`
`0046) The fork 10 may be constructed out of any resilient
`material, comprising metal, plastics, resins, or natural prod
`ucts Such as wood.
`0047. From the foregoing statements, summary and
`description in accordance with the present invention, it is
`understood that the same are not limited thereto, but are
`Susceptible to various changes and modifications as known
`to those skilled in the art and we therefore do not wish to be
`limited to the details shown and described herein, but intend
`to cover all Such changes and modifications which would be
`encompassed by the Scope of the appended claims.
`
`I claim
`1. An improved universal fork comprising:
`a. a handle Shaft, having a back end that enlarges in
`circumference along its length toward the back end,
`where said handle shaft also has a front end that is
`joined to a fork head;
`b. a fork head having inner and outer tines, where Said
`Outer tines define curved outer edges,
`c. a finger platform, on each Side of the handle, compris
`ing a deformation of the handle Shaft at the point where
`the handle is joined to the fork head, where Said finger
`platform defines an enlarged flat Side Surface against
`which a perSons forefinger is able to preSS against.
`2. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the Sides of the handle and finger platform flat areas
`are symmetrical to each other.
`3. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the fork head comprises outer tines that form sides of
`the fork head which are symmetrical to each other.
`4. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the Sides of the handle and finger Sides are Symmetri
`cal to each other.
`5. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the improved universal fork is constructed out of
`metal.
`6. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the improved universal fork is constructed out of
`plastic.
`7. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the improved universal fork is constructed out of
`resin.
`8. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the fork head comprises inner tines and outer tines,
`and where the inner tines have angled sharpened ends, with
`the end portions of the inner tines having a decreased
`circumference, So that the tips will break off when a shearing
`StreSS is applied to them.
`9. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the outer tines define an unsharpened dull edge.
`10. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the outer tines define a blade edge.
`11. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the outer fines define a Serrated edge.
`12. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which one of the Outer tines define a Serrated edge, and the
`other outer tine defines a sharpened blade edge.
`13. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which one of the outer fines define a dull edge, and the other
`outer fine defines a Sharpened blade edge.
`
`Humangear, Inc. Ex. 2013, Page 8
`
`

`

`US 2003/0110644 A1
`
`Jun. 19, 2003
`
`14. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which one of the Outer tines define a dull edge, and the other
`outer tine defines a sharpened blade edge.
`15. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which both of the Outer tines define a Serrated edge.
`16. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which both of the outer tines define a dull edge.
`
`17. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which both of the outer tines define a sharpened blade edge.
`18. An improved universal fork, as recited in claim 1, in
`which the outer tine defines an Outer edge that has a portion
`of the edge defined as a Serrated edge.
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`Humangear, Inc. Ex. 2013, Page 9
`
`