Multi-functional utensil with temperature sensing and digital interactive features
View Patent ↗A multifunctional device may include tongs having a first arm and a second arm pivotally connected at a hinge, each arm terminating in a tong end. A multifunctional utensil may include a thermometer comprising a temperature probe and a digital display. A multifunctional utensil may include a thermometer cradle affixed to the device configured to receive the thermometer. A multifunctional utensil may include the thermometer cradle optionally including a retracting mechanism configured to extend and retract the temperature probe through an aperture. A multifunctional utensil may optionally include an integrated digital scale configured for measuring a weight of one or more items held by the tongs.
1. A device comprising:
tongs having a first arm and a second arm pivotally connected at a hinge, each arm terminating in a tong end;
a thermometer comprising a temperature probe and a digital display;
a cradle affixed to the device configured to receive the thermometer;
the cradle including a retracting mechanism configured to extend and retract the temperature probe through an aperture;
an integrated digital scale configured for measuring a weight of one or more items held by the tongs;
wherein:
the cradle is affixed to the device by one or more attachment mechanisms;
the one or more attachment mechanisms provide a fixedly attached and heat-resistant connection;
the one or more attachment mechanisms are adapted to accommodate varying sizes and shapes of the device; and
the one or more attachment mechanisms include: a slotting mechanism, flexible fasteners, clips, staple devices, interlocking components, magnetic attachments, adjustable straps, adjustable bands, suction mechanisms, rail and groove systems, threaded fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, hinged clasps, socket and ball joints, spring clips, dovetail slides, latch systems, adhesives, or wrapping with thermal resistant tape.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the tongs include a locking mechanism for maintaining a fixed position during use and wherein the thermometer is detachable.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the tong end of the first arm and/or the second arm includes one or more gripping elements adapted to hold one or more items of various sizes and/or shapes without requiring manual pressure.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the tongs are manufactured from a heat-resistant material suitable for use in various temperature conditions and/or are configured to be disassembled.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first arm or the second arm or the thermometer cradle includes indicia indicating recommended temperatures for a variety of items and/or a user-readable code.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the thermometer is capable of bidirectional wireless communication with an external computing device for sharing data, including temperature readings, weight readings, timing information, alerts, messages, or a combination thereof;
wherein the thermometer can receive control commands and configuration settings from the external computing device; and
wherein the thermometer can transmit data to the external computing device.
7. The device of claim 6 , further comprising the user-readable code affixed to the tongs and/or the cradle, wherein scanning the user-readable code with the external computing device provides access to a digital resource, the digital resource including an application platform with a variety of content.
8. The device of claim 6 , wherein the user-readable code when scanned by the external computing device is configured to launch an application on the external computing device to receive weight data from the integrated digital scale and/or temperature data from the thermometer, and wherein the application provides an interactive content experience to a user based on the temperature data and/or the weight data received and/or user-input criteria.
9. The device of claim 5 , further comprising a low-light visibility enhancement system, wherein the low-light visibility enhancement system is:
a visual indicator for signaling an operational state of the thermometer;
glow-in-the-dark materials applied to selected portions of the cradle and/or the indicia and/or the user-readable code; and/or
backlighting for the digital display; or a combination thereof.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the tongs and/or the cradle are ergonomically designed to accommodate different hand sizes, to facilitate rapid attachment and detachment of the thermometer, and wherein the tongs and/or the cradle include interchangeable hand pieces comprising material which provides slip resistance and thermal insulation.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is manufactured using various manufacturing techniques including additive manufacturing.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the integrated digital scale is configured to provide an output indicative of the weight of the one or more items held by the tongs, and wherein the integrated digital scale includes a weight sensor positioned on the first arm and/or the second arm and/or the hinge of the tongs to facilitate accurate weight measurement.
13. The device of claim 1 , further comprising an integrated light source to provide illumination and/or enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the thermometer includes the temperature probe with markings to indicate an appropriate depth of insertion into an item for accurate temperature measurement.