Napkin/Purse Holder

Abstract

A napkin/purse holder includes an elongate center portion having first and second ends, a front surface and a rear surface, and a longitudinal axis. A first hook is connected to and extends from the first end of the center portion. A finger having first and second ends is provided. The first end of the finger is connected to the center portion and the second end of the finger is movable and is adapted to engage a napkin and compress it in place against the center portion. Preferably the force applied by the second end can be adjusted. If desired, a second hook can be connected to and extend from the second end of the center portion. Optional decorative ornamentation can be provided for the center portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A napkin/purse holder, comprising:
 an elongate center portion having first and second ends, a front surface and a rear surface, and a longitudinal axis;   a first hook connected to and extending from the first end of the center portion; and   a finger having first and second ends, the first end of the finger being connected to the center portion and the second end of the finger being movable and adapted to engage a napkin and compress it in place against the center portion.   
     
     
         2 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 1 , further comprising means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin. 
     
     
         3 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 2 , wherein the means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin comprises a loop disposed about the center portion and the finger, the loop being movable along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 2 , wherein the means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin comprises a spring. 
     
     
         5 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 4 , wherein the means for adjusting the force applied by the second end of the finger to the napkin comprises a hinged connection between the finger and the center portion, and the spring is disposed between the finger and the center portion such that the finger pivots about the hinged connection under the influence of the spring. 
     
     
         6 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 1 , wherein the first hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion and the finger is connected to the rear surface of the center portion. 
     
     
         7 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 1 , wherein the first hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion and the finger is connected to the front surface of the center portion. 
     
     
         8 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 1 , further comprising a second hook connected to and extending from the second end of the center portion. 
     
     
         9 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 8 , wherein the second hook is disposed adjacent the front surface of the center portion. 
     
     
         10 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 8 , wherein the second hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion. 
     
     
         11 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 1 , further comprising a decorative ornament included as part of the center portion. 
     
     
         12 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 11 , wherein the decorative ornament is disposed on that surface of the center portion opposite that to which the finger is connected. 
     
     
         13 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 11 , wherein the decorative ornament is selected from the group consisting of jewels, engraving, embossing, and emblems. 
     
     
         14 . A napkin/purse holder, comprising:
 an elongate center portion having first and second ends, a front surface and a rear surface, and a longitudinal axis;   a first hook connected to and extending from the first end of the center portion;   a finger having first and second ends, the first end of the finger being connected to the center portion and the second end of the finger being movable and adapted to engage a napkin and compress it in place against the center portion;   a hinged connection between the finger and the center portion;   a spring is disposed between the finger and the center portion such that the finger pivots about the hinged connection under the influence of the spring; and   a second hook connected to and extending from the second end of the center portion.   
     
     
         15 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 14 , wherein the first hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion and the finger is connected to the rear surface of the center portion. 
     
     
         16 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 14  wherein the first hook is disposed adjacent the front surface of the center portion and the finger is connected to the rear surface of the center portion. 
     
     
         17 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 14 , wherein the second hook is disposed adjacent the front surface of the center portion. 
     
     
         18 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 14 , wherein the second hook is disposed adjacent the rear surface of the center portion. 
     
     
         19 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 14 , further comprising a decorative ornament included as part of the center portion. 
     
     
         20 . The napkin/purse holder of  claim 19 , wherein the decorative ornament is disposed on that surface of the center portion opposite that to which the finger is connected, the decorative ornament being selected from the group consisting of jewels, engraving, embossing, and emblems.