US5386840A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Floatable toothpick assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-01-12
•
Granted: 1995-02-07
•
Expires: 2014-01-12
Abstract
Abstract An improved floatable toothpick assembly which includes a pointed lower end to piercingly connect to a piece of garnish, such as an olive or a cherry, and a buoyant float about the toothpick and adjacent the upper end zone of the toothpick so as to float a piece of garnish in a beverage which can be retrieved by grasping the upper end zone of the toothpick.
Inventors
- 👤 Terry Lane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 15:49
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47G; A47G21/00; A47G2200/00; A47G2200/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
A floatable toothpick assembly comprising: an elongate segment having a lower end zone with a pointed tip, an upper opposite end zone and a main length of generally cylindrical uniform cross-section between the end zones, and a buoyant float means with a) an upper surface, b) a lower end, and c) a side surface extending between the upper surface and the lower end, said float means being disposed on said main length adjacent said upper opposite end zone, and said float means being sufficiently buoyant so as to float in a beverage with the upper opposite end zone extending above a top level of a beverage when a garnish is piercingly captivated adjacent the lower end zone, the upper end zone including an upper end segment adapted to be matingly secured to the float means, the float means including an axial slot extending downwardly from the upper surface of the float means wherein an attachment end of the upper end segment is disposed, and the upper end segment including an accessible finger gripping surface for use in lifting the assembly and the garnish thereon from a floating disposition in the beverage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
A floatable toothpick assembly comprising: an elongate segment having a lower end zone with a pointed tip, an upper opposite end zone and a main length of generally cylindrical uniform cross-section between the end zones, and a buoyant float means with a) an upper surface, b) a lower end, and c) a side surface extending between the upper surface and the lower end, said float means being disposed on said main length adjacent said upper opposite end zone, and said float means being sufficiently buoyant so as to float in a beverage with the upper opposite end zone extending above a top level of a beverage when a garnish is piercingly captivated adjacent the lower end zone, the upper end zone including an upper end segment adapted to be matingly secured to the float means, the float means including an axial slot extending downwardly from the upper surface of the float means wherein an attachment end of the upper end segment is disposed, and the upper end segment including an accessible finger gripping surface for use in lifting the assembly and the garnish thereon from a floating disposition in the beverage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the attachment end of the upper end segment includes a pattern in relief formed therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said axial slot of the float means includes a pattern in relief disposed therein, said pattern in relief of said axial slot being structured to correspond said pattern in relief of the attachment end of the upper end segment such that the attachment end of the upper end segment is matingly securable within said axial slot of the float means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said accessible finger gripping surface of the upper end segment includes a decorative portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said decorative portion includes indicia thereon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the elongate segment is made of wood.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the elongate segment is of plastic material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said upper surface of said float means is of a greater cross-sectional area than the lower end and said side surface, extending between the upper surface and lower end, tapers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lower end zone, said main length and said float are integral.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-02-06 | 1998-08-08 | 1999-02-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-02-06 | 2002-08-08 | 2003-02-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-02-06 | 2006-08-08 | 2007-02-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |