US 20070050986A1

(19) United States

(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0050986 A1
Foster et al. (43) Pub. Date: Mar. 8, 2007
(54) COMBINATION BASTING BRUSH, SPOON, Publication Classification
AND SPATULA
(51) Int. Cl.
(76) Inventors: Gregory J. Foster, Chicago, IL (US); A47. 43/28 (2006.01)
Robert W. Sheldon, Winnetka, IL (US) (52) U.S. Cl. ................................................. 30/142: 30/324
Correspondence Address:
Paul E Schaafsma
Novus IP, LLC (57) ABSTRACT
Suite 221
521 West Superio Street
Chicago, IL 60610-3135 (US)
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a
(21) Appl. No.: 11/516,903 combination basting brush, spoon, and spatula is provided
(22) Filed: Sep. 7, 2006 that combines the functionality of a basting brush, spoon,
and spatula in one device. The combination basting brush,
Related U.S. Application Data spoon, and spatula comprising a handle portion and a
combined concave spoon portion, spatula edge portion, and
(60) Provisional application No. 60/714,987, filed on Sep. bristle portion. The present invention enables a user to
8, 2005. perform multiple tasks in a more efficient manner.
Patent Application Publication Mar. 8, 2007 US 2007/0050986 A1

(6 - l2
US 2007/0050986 A1 Mar. 8, 2007

COMBINATION BASTING BRUSH, SPOON, AND further be desirable to provide a device that would enhance
SPATULA the hygiene and appeal of reusing the brush, and therefore
alleviate the waste of brush handles.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0001. This application is based on U.S. Provisional 0007. A device in accordance with the principals of the
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/714,987 titled, “Combination present applies condiments to foods without risk of contact
Basting Brush, Spoon, and Spatula, filed Sep. 8 2005. ing the applicator to a countertop or other Surfaces upon
which bacteria can survive. A device in accordance with the
FIELD OF THE INVENTION principals of the present enhances the hygiene and appeal of
reusing the brush, and therefore alleviate the waste of brush
0002 The present invention relates to cooking utensils. handles. In accordance with the principles of the present
invention, a combination basting brush, spoon, and spatula
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION is provided that combines the functionality of a basting
brush, spoon, and spatula in one device. The combination
0003. When cooking meats or other food items, a con basting brush, spoon, and spatula comprising a handle
diment such as barbeque sauce, ketchup or marinate is often portion and a combined concave spoon portion, spatula edge
applied to enhance flavor. Some chefs prefer to spread the portion, and bristle portion. The present invention enables a
condiment over the food item for even distribution to obtain user to perform multiple tasks in a more efficient manner.
a more consistent flavor. Present practice is to use a small
brush to achieve Such spreading. Current basting brushes on BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
the market perform like traditional paint brushes when 0008 FIG. 1 is perspective view of a combination basting
basting. These simply spread sauces over food with a flimsy brush, spoon, and spatula in accordance with the principles
bristle. These bristles are too soft and do not allow for any of the present invention.
real control in "scooping-out the sauce (from a jar or bowl),
applying it, and/or scraping the jar or bowl sides clean to 0009 FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a combination
eliminate waist. basting brush, spoon, and spatula in accordance with the
principles of the present invention.
0004. In addition, over time the bristles of these brushes
often become contaminated with food and grease residues 0010 FIG. 3 is elevated side-view of a combination
which decompose and harden. Microbial organisms which basting brush, spoon, and spatula in accordance with the
thrive on the food and grease residues may be inadvertently principles of the present invention.
transferred to fresh meats and other foods during further use DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
of the basting brush, and therefore pose a potentially sig INVENTION
nificant health risk. Because the organic food residues tend
to be concealed in nooks and crannies of the basting brush, 0011 Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a com
inaccessible to typical washing procedures, the brush is bination basting brush, spoon, and spatula in accordance
rendered essentially uncleanable and therefore unusable. with the principles of the present invention is seen. The
After a short period of time, these residue-clogged basting combination basting brush, spoon, and spatula of the present
brushes become aesthetically and hygienically unappealing invention is a unique 3-in-1 cooking utensil combining the
for continued use, and are discarded even though the handle functionalities of a spoon, spatula, and basting brush into
portions of the brushes remain useful and their disposal is one device. The spoon aspect allows users to scoop large
economically wasteful. Thus, what is needed is a device that portions of basting sauce. The spatula aspect allows users to
would enhance the hygiene and appeal of reusing the brush, scrap the sides of a vessel clean without wasting any sauce
and therefore alleviate the waste of brush handles. and the basting bristles allow for efficient basting capabili
ties.
0005 Still further, when cooking meats and similar food
items, a user often intermittently applies marinades, sauces, 0012. The device 10 integrally comprises a handle por
and similar condiments to enhance the flavor of the meat and tion 12, a concave spoon portion 14, a spatula edge portion
to prevent the meat from drying out. A spoon is typically 16, and a bristle portion 18. The handle portion 12 may be
used to do so. Once the sauce is applied, it is often desirable constructed from a variety of materials. The handle portion
to evenly distribute the sauce over the exterior surface of the 12 can be in an ergonomic shape and can be made of a soft
meat to assure that the entirety of the meat is evenly coated. material that provides good grip and comfort when used for
Accordingly, a user must maintain a brush or similar utensil long periods and when hands are wet. In one embodiment,
nearby. the handle portion 12 can comprise a one piece molded
0006. Once the spoon and the brush are initially used, silicon with the concave spoon portion 14, spatula edge
they must be continuously held which is inconvenient; portion 16, and bristle portion 18. Alternatively, the handle
alternatively, it must be placed on a Support Surface which portion 12 can comprise alternative materials like metal or
can promote unsanitary conditions as the spoon and the wood that is internally secured to the concave spoon portion
brush are often placed on a countertop after use, which 14, spatula edge portion 16, and bristle portion 18. In this
transfers a small amount of condiment to the countertop, embodiment, the handle portion 12 can be provided as
giving rise to a breeding area for bacteria. What would be separable to enable separate cleaning. In this embodiment, a
desirable is a device for applying condiments to foods soft grip can be added to the handle portion 12.
without risk of contacting the applicator to a countertop or 0013 The size of the device 10 can vary depending on
other surface upon which bacteria can survive. It would whether it is intended for use as a grilling utensil or stove top
US 2007/0050986 A1 Mar. 8, 2007

product. The handle portion 12 should be lengthy enough to invention is easy to clean, dishwasher safe, difficult to stain,
reach across the grills area and ensure a safe working virtually unlimited color offerings with the silicon material,
distance from hot grill. In one embodiment, the end of the and silicon will not scratch cookware, high-end stoves, etc.
handle portion 12 can include a notch or aperture for 0019. It should be understood that various changes and
hanging.
modifications to the preferred embodiments described
0014. The bristles portion 18 of the present invention herein would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such
comprises a plurality of bristles. The bristles of a device in changes and modifications can be made without departing
accordance with the present invention are flexible but are from the spirit and Scope of the present invention and
made of higher durometer silicon offering a stiffer action. without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore
The use of Such “stiffer but flexible bristles allow users to intended that Such changes and modifications be covered by
baste with more control. The bristles should be firm and the appended claims.
wide which provide basting capabilities allowing liquids and
sauces to be applied to surfaces of food, including difficult
to reach cavities and crevices. In one embodiment, the What is claimed is:
bristles can have a durometer of around 60 shore to provide 1. A cooking utensil comprising a combination basting
suitable rigidity. In various embodiments, the bristles can brush, spoon, and spatula.
comprise a single layer, a double layer, a triple layer or other
numbers of layers of bristle ends. In one embodiment, 17 2. The cooking utensil of claim 1 further being formed of
bristles can be provided although the invention is not limited a one piece molded silicon.
to any particular number. In one embodiment the length of 3. The cooking utensil of claim 1 further comprising a
the bristles will be about 0.8 inches or less, which has been handle portion and a combined concave spoon portion,
found to give the user the desired controlled flex necessary spatula edge portion, and bristle portion.
to apply sauces, although again the invention is not limited 4. The cooking utensil of claim 3 further wherein the
to any bristle length. handle is comprised of a different material than the com
0.015 The concave spoon portion 14 of the present inven bined concave spoon portion, spatula edge portion, and
tion can be preferably integrally formed with the bristle bristle portion.
portion 18. The concave spoon portion 14 enables the user 5. The cooking utensil of claim 3 further wherein the
to "scooping-out' sauce from a jar or bowl or the like. The handle made is lengthy enough to reach across the grills area
concave spoon portion 14 of the present invention comprises and ensure a safe working distance from hot grill.
a sufficiently deep well to capture a sufficient amount of 6. The cooking utensil of claim 1 further wherein the
fluids, making the device 10 more productive in transferring basting brush comprises a plurality of bristles.
sauces. The sauces then cascade down to the bristles for 7. The cooking utensil of claim 6 further wherein the
generous basting capabilities. In one embodiment, the depth plurality of bristles are flexible but sufficiently firm to
of the scoop can be sized for a controlled measure. The provide basting capabilities to Surfaces of food, including
concave spoon portion coupled with the bristles further difficult to reach cavities and crevices.
provides the ability to apply more sauce in a controlled 8. The cooking utensil of claim 7 further wherein the
manner, in each application. plurality of bristles can have a durometer of about 60 shore.
0016. The spatula edge portion 16 of the present inven 9. The cooking utensil of claim 6 further wherein the
tion can preferably be integrally formed with the concave plurality of bristles is selected from the group comprising a
spoon portion 14 and the bristle portion 18. The spatula edge single layer, a double layer, a triple layer or other numbers
portion 16 can be comprised about the concave spoon of layers of bristle ends.
portion 14, with the two sides 16 coming to a thinner/sharper 10. The cooking utensil of claim 1 further wherein the
edge to act as a spatula blade. The spatula edge portion 16 spoon comprises a Sufficiently deep well to capture an
acts as a spatula blade, which provides an edge that enhances amount of fluids.
a scraping "squeegee like action enabling the user to 11. The cooking utensil of claim 1 further wherein the
scraping the sides of a jar or bowl or the like to eliminate spoon comprises a well sized for a controlled measure.
waste. In one embodiment, the device 10 can be provided 12. The cooking utensil of claim 1 further wherein the
with a plurality of spatula blades. In a further embodiment, spatula comprises at least one spatula blade.
the plurality of spatula blades can comprise one blade being
more flexible relative to the other blade, thus providing the 13. The cooking utensil of claim 1 further wherein the
user with a choice of which to use. spatula comprises a plurality of spatula blade.
0017. The spatula edge portion 16, concave spoon por 14. The cooking utensil of claim 13 further wherein the
tion 14, and the bristle portion 18 of the present invention plurality of spatula blades comprises one blade being more
flexible relative to the other blade.
can preferably be made of “high-temperature' silicon which
can have heat resistance up to about 650 F/350 C degrees. 15. A cooking utensil comprising a combination basting
The use of such materials further results in a non-stick brush and spoon.
design. The present invention can be offered in Small, 16. The cooking utensil of claim 15 further comprising a
medium, and large sizes to accommodate a user's prefer spatula.
ence. The present invention could also be used for additional 17. The cooking utensil of claim 15 further being formed
applications such as for example applying frosting on cake, of a one piece molded silicon.
etc.
18. The cooking utensil of claim 15 further comprising a
0018 Thus, a combination basting brush, spoon, and handle portion and a combined concave spoon portion and
spatula in accordance with the principles of the present a bristle portion.
US 2007/0050986 A1 Mar. 8, 2007

19. The cooking utensil of claim 15 further wherein the 25. The cooking utensil of claim 22 further comprising a
basting brush comprises a plurality of bristles. handle portion and a combined concave spatula edge portion
20. The cooking utensil of claim 15 further wherein the and bristle portion.
spoon comprises a Sufficiently deep well to capture an 26. The cooking utensil of claim 22 further wherein the
amount of fluids. basting brush comprises a plurality of bristles.
21. The cooking utensil of claim 15 further wherein the 27. The cooking utensil of claim 22 further wherein the
spoon comprises a well sized for a controlled measure. spatula comprises at least one spatula blade.
22. A cooking utensil comprising a combination basting 28. The cooking utensil of claim 22 further wherein the
brush and spatula. spatula comprises a plurality of spatula blade.
23. The cooking utensil of claim 22 further comprising a 29. The cooking utensil of claim 22 further wherein the
Spoon. plurality of spatula blades comprises one blade being more
flexible relative to the other blade.
24. The cooking utensil of claim 22 further being formed
of a one piece molded silicon. k k k k k