Combined Knife and Scoop (James A. Sweeting, No. 605,209)
The patent by James A. Sweeting of New York, N.Y., describes an improved culinary implement designated as a Combined Knife and Scoop (Patent No. 605,209, 1898). The object is to provide a single tool for handling hot fish and other meats that allows for the escape of drippings while the meat is being removed from the pan, and simultaneously serves as an effective knife for trimming or cutting the meat.
Inventor Background: James A. Sweeting
James A. Sweeting was an inventor active in the late 19th century, focusing on consumer convenience items. He is also known for his Device for Rolling Cigarettes (No. 594,501). His work demonstrates a consistent approach to combining multiple functions into a single, specialized, and efficient hand tool for domestic or commercial use.
Invention and Mechanism
The implement is a single piece of flat metal, shaped like a wide scoop or spatula, with built-in draining and cutting features.
- The Scoop/Plate (A): A thin, flat metal plate, preferably rectangular with rounded corners.
- Handle (B): Connected to (or integral with) the plate, with a ring ($b’$) for hanging.
- Primary Function: The plate acts as a scoop or spatula for removing hot fried fish or other meats from a pan.
- Draining Mechanism:
- Channels/Slots ($a$): A series of vertical channels or slots extended through the plate (A).
- Apertures ($a’$): A row of centrally-located apertures.
- Grooves ($a”$): Surface grooves on the upper side of the plate leading into the channels/slots ($a$) and apertures ($a’$).
- Function: These openings and grooves allow drippings (grease or liquid) to escape while the meat is being lifted and carried to a serving receptacle.
- Cutting Mechanism (Key Innovation):
- Sharp Edge (3): A sharp edge (knife) extends all around the entire perimeter of the plate (A) from point 1 to point 2.
- Function: Once the meat is placed on a receptacle, the operator can use the perimeter of the plate—now acting as a knife—to cut the meat into desired serving pieces without needing to pick up a separate cutting utensil.
Concepts Influenced by This Invention
Sweeting’s Combined Knife and Scoop influenced subsequent designs for specialized kitchen tools by integrating fluid separation and cutting utility into a single handling surface.
- Multi-Functional Handling Tools: The core concept of combining the scooping/spatula function with a cutting edge into one implement is foundational to modern multi-purpose kitchen tools, such as pizza cutters with serving spatulas or combination ladles and strainers.
- Integrated Fluid Separation: The design feature of grooves and apertures (a, a’, a”) on a lifting surface to facilitate the passive escape of liquid or fat influenced the design of modern slotted or perforated serving spatulas and skimmers used in cooking to drain grease or liquid before serving.
- Perimeter Cutting Edge: The specific placement of the cutting edge around the entire perimeter of the handling surface influenced the design of specialty food preparation tools that require an immediate cutting action after handling, such as certain styles of cake servers, lasagna lifters, and dough scrapers.
