A planar utensil element fabricated of a foldable material, and having a length greater than a width. The element comprises first and second scores positioned generally symmetrically about a longitudinal midline of the element, and indicative of where the element is to be folded in order to become a usable utensil; and a third score, generally perpendicular to the first and second scores, traversing the width of the element. The first and second scores each comprise a curved section; the two curved sections form a convex shape with respect to the midline. Folding the element about the first and second scores produces a handle and a bowl; and folding the element 180° about the third score temporarily shortens the length of the element for packaging and shipment purposes, prior to its becoming a usable utensil.
An article of manufacture comprising a planar utensil element fabricated of an elongated foldable material and having a plurality of scores indicating where the planar utensil element is to be folded in order to become a usable utensil. Folding the planar utensil element about the scores produces a handle and a bowl. An element of a food package fabricated of the same material as the planar utensil element, such as a cover, covers at least a portion of the planar utensil element. The cover or other element of the food package provides physical and hygienic protection to the planar utensil element during transportation of the planar utensil element. The planar utensil element is positioned under the cover or other element on a surface of the food package.
A measuring scoop and its method for fabrication. In one embodiment, a planar element is fabricated of a foldable material. The planar element is generally circular, and is scored with three generally linear scores each having a first end substantially at the center of the element and a second end proximate an outer edge of the element. Folding the element about the scores produces a generally conically shaped object that can be used as a measuring scoop for food and other things. A handle protrudes into the interior of the scoop. In some embodiments, the two portions comprising the handle are held together securely by a tab in one portion that locks into a slit in the other portion.
A deformable sheet defines a handle and an operational element in which one or more scores, which may be straight, curved, or a combination of straight and curved, are cooperatively provided to enable deformation of the handle portion to convert the operational element into a strong, sturdy, and functional implement sufficient to meet the required application. When curved scores are present, they may be concave (outwardly curving) or convex (inwardly curving) with respect to the longitudinal midline of the operational element.
Utensil elements and methods for their fabrication. In one embodiment, a planar utensil element is fabricated of a foldable material, and has a length greater than a width. The planar utensil element comprises first and second scores, said scores being generally symmetrical about a midline running along the length of the planar utensil element, and indicative of where the planar element is to be folded in order to become a usable utensil. Folding the planar utensil element about the first and second scores produces a handle and a bowl. The handle is formed by two generally symmetrical halves joined together by interconnecting tabs in a “tab-lock” arrangement.
A system and method for a constructible scoop that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional preformed scoops that are shipped in association with a scoopable product. A constructible scoop may be protected and provided outside of the product-containing-volume where it is easily located and sealed to be sanitary prior to first use.
A system and method for reducing manufacturing costs of patterned constructible utensils and improving their constructability. One constructible utensil includes a set of scores (e.g., a quad of scores including an outer pair and an inner pair, a single such pair, or other number of scores) that are shaped to converge when moving from a bowl-region towards the handle portion. The scores do not intersect but stop and produce various alterations in the converging score pattern. These alterations in the converging pattern help with propagation of a bowl-forming fold responsive to a constructing manipulation of the handle portion (e.g., folding, bending, and other operation on the handle portion and one or more scores on the handle portion).
A47G 19/03 - Plates, dishes or the like for using only once, e.g. made of paper
B65D 3/08 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape having a cross-section of varying shape, e.g. circular merging into square or rectangular
A47G 21/06 - Combined or separable sets of table-service utensilsOyster knives with openersFish servers with means for removing bones
A system and method for co-packaging constructible utensil assemblies with a food container including a utensil layer and a protective laminate layer. The utensil is disposed in the assembly to be easily removed while concurrently being peeled from the protective laminate layer that helps to ensure the cleanliness and sanitary portions of portions of the utensil to contact the foodstuff.
B65D 51/24 - Closures not otherwise provided for combined with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
A47G 21/06 - Combined or separable sets of table-service utensilsOyster knives with openersFish servers with means for removing bones
B65D 81/32 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
A system and method for co-packaging constructible utensil assemblies with a food container including a utensil layer and a protective laminate layer. The utensil is disposed in the assembly to be easily removed while concurrently being peeled from the protective laminate layer that helps to ensure the cleanliness and sanitary portions of portions of the utensil to contact the foodstuff.
A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon, Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.
A system and method for a constructible scoop that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional preformed scoops that are shipped in association with a scoopable product. A constructible scoop may be protected and provided outside of the product-containing-volume where it is easily located and sealed to be sanitary prior to first use.
A47G 19/22 - Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
A47J 43/28 - Other culinary hand implements, e.g. spatulas, pincers, forks or like food holders, ladles, skimming ladles, cooking spoonsSpoon-holders attached to cooking pots
A system and method for reducing manufacturing costs of patterned constructible utensils and improving their constructability. One constructible utensil includes a set of scores (e.g., a quad of scores including an outer pair and an inner pair, a single such pair, or other number of scores) that are shaped to converge when moving from a bowl-region towards the handle portion. The scores do not intersect but stop and produce various alterations in the converging score pattern. These alterations in the converging pattern help with propagation of a bowl-forming fold responsive to a constructing manipulation of the handle portion (e.g., folding, bending, and other operation on the handle portion and one or more scores on the handle portion).
A system and method for reducing manufacturing costs of patterned constructible utensils and improving their constructability. One constructible utensil includes a set of scores (e.g., a quad of scores including an outer pair and an inner pair, a single such pair, or other number of scores) that are shaped to converge when moving from a bowl-region towards the handle portion. The scores do not intersect but stop and produce various alterations in the converging score pattern. These alterations in the converging pattern help with propagation of a bowl-forming fold responsive to a constructing manipulation of the handle portion (e.g., folding, bending, and other operation on the handle portion and one or more scores on the handle portion).
A47G 19/03 - Plates, dishes or the like for using only once, e.g. made of paper
B65D 3/08 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape having a cross-section of varying shape, e.g. circular merging into square or rectangular
A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon, Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.
A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon. Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material such as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.
