A stackable cutlery utensil includes a utensil portion and a handle portion. The handle portion has opposing first and second ends, with the second end being adjacent the utensil portion. The handle portion further has opposing upper and lower surfaces. First and second protrusions project from the lower surface. A recess is included on the upper surface.

Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. The utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. The stack of the utensils comprises at least one utensil in addition to a next utensil. At least one generally vertical guide rail can be disposed within the housing, and can be configured to receive a first portion of each utensil having a contoured projection extending outwardly from each utensil to maintain the stack of the utensils in a stacked orientation. A front pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The front pedestal can be configured to contact the first portion of the next utensil, and a rear pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The rear pedestal can be configured to contact a second portion of the next utensil.

Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. The utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. The stack of the utensils comprises at least one utensil in addition to a next utensil. At least one generally vertical guide rail can be disposed within the housing, and can be configured to receive a first portion of each utensil having a contoured projection extending outwardly from each utensil to maintain the stack of the utensils in a stacked orientation. A front pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The front pedestal can be configured to contact the first portion of the next utensil, and a rear pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The rear pedestal can be configured to contact a second portion of the next utensil.

A recyclable and dispensable hygienic cutlery utensil comprises a handle portion and head portion. The handle portion provides suitable area for gripping and includes a chamfer on its proximal end that creates handle gaps between adjacent proximal handle ends in a vertical stack, thereby facilitating a predictable release from a utensil dispenser. The handle further includes nesting features that nest with adjacent cutlery articles in a stack, and planar surfaces that are in mutual contact with the adjacent cutlery articles in the stack. The head portion is formed into the shape of a common cutlery utensil such as: knife with large radius, tapered knife with large radius, spoon, set of tines (fork), and spoon-fork combination, to name a few. Typically, in use, a set of identical utensils is stacked and then inserted into an automated dispensing system.

A recyclable and dispensable hygienic cutlery utensil comprises a handle portion and head portion. The handle portion provides suitable area for gripping and includes a chamfer on its proximal end that creates handle gaps between adjacent proximal handle ends in a vertical stack, thereby facilitating a predictable release from a utensil dispenser. The handle further includes nesting features that nest with adjacent cutlery articles in a stack, and planar surfaces that are in mutual contact with the adjacent cutlery articles in the stack. The head portion is formed into the shape of a common cutlery utensil such as: knife with large radius, tapered knife with large radius, spoon, set of tines (fork), and spoon-fork combination, to name a few. Typically, in use, a set of identical utensils is stacked and then inserted into an automated dispensing system.

Recyclable and dispensable hygienic cutlery utensil. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a handle portion and head portion. The handle portion provides suitable area for gripping and includes a chamfer on its outer edge for facilitating a predictable release from a utensil dispenser. The head portion is formed into the shape of a common cutlery utensil such as: knife with large radius, tapered knife with large radius, spoon, set of tines (fork), and spoon-fork combination, to name a few. The head portion also includes an escapement feature in its outer edge for facilitating controlled release from the bottom of a stack of utensils. The escapement feature can include a notch or predetermined release radius. Typically in use, a set of utensils is stacked, forming a cartridge which is then inserted into an automated dispensing system.

Recyclable and dispensable hygienic cutlery utensil. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a handle portion and head portion. The handle portion provides suitable area for gripping and includes a chamfer on its outer edge for facilitating a predictable release from a utensil dispenser. The head portion is formed into the shape of a common cutlery utensil such as: knife with large radius, tapered knife with large radius, spoon, set of tines (fork), and spoon-fork combination, to name a few. The head portion also includes an escapement feature in its outer edge for facilitating controlled release from the bottom of a stack of utensils. The escapement feature can include a notch or predetermined release radius. Typically in use, a set of utensils is stacked, forming a cartridge which is then inserted into an automated dispensing system.

A system for easily refilling cutlery dispensers or other devices includes a stack of identical cutlery items maintained by a retaining structure that can be removable either before, during, or after installation, depending on the configuration of the dispenser. In a first aspect, the retaining structure includes nested cutlery handles and a single adhesive strip applied to one side of the stack. In a second aspect, the retaining structure includes separate adhesive strips applied to each side of the stack. In a third aspect, the retaining structure is a band extending entirely around the stack and equipped with a pull-tab for opening and removing the retaining structure. In all aspects a pull-tab or other graspable element can be provided to facilitate removal of the support structure. The stacked cutlery may also be loaded into a caddy or into a tray.

A camping tool including an eating utensil having a handle and a handle coupling feature, a tool including a bent portion arranged at an oblique angle relative to a body portion, and a tool coupling feature, and a deformable connector engaging the handle coupling feature and the tool coupling feature and biasing the tool toward the eating utensil. The utensil has a primary function when disconnected from the tool, and a secondary function when connected to the tool, and the secondary function includes supporting the camping utensil kit on the bent portion to elevate the food portion above a surface and supporting the camping utensil kit on the edge of a container with the bent portion.

A camping tool including an eating utensil having a handle and a handle coupling feature, a tool including a bent portion arranged at an oblique angle relative to a body portion, and a tool coupling feature, and a deformable connector engaging the handle coupling feature and the tool coupling feature and biasing the tool toward the eating utensil. The utensil has a primary function when disconnected from the tool, and a secondary function when connected to the tool, and the secondary function includes supporting the camping utensil kit on the bent portion to elevate the food portion above a surface and supporting the camping utensil kit on the edge of a container with the bent portion.