BLANK FOR FOLDING TO FORM A SPOON OR A FORK

Abstract

The application provides a blank for forming a handheld tool. The blank includes an elongated sheet that includes a top surface and a bottom surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end, and a circumferential edge. The circumferential edge includes a rear edge, a front edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The elongated sheet also includes at least one upward bending line extending, and a second upward bending segment, and a connecting segment. The elongated sheet also includes a first downward bending line and a second downward bending line.

Claims

1. A blank for folding to form a spoon, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a container portion of the spoon and the second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of the spoon, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a pair of spoon rest grooves being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge, and at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

2. A blank for folding to form a spoon, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a container portion of the spoon and the second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of the spoon, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a rounded neck portion provided between the container portion and the handle portion, at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

3. A blank for forming a spoon, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a container portion of the spoon and the second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of the spoon, wherein the handle portion is adapted to receive a user finger, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

4. The blank according to claim 3, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a pair of spoon rest grooves being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

5. A blank for folding to form a spoon, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a container portion of the spoon and the second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of the spoon, wherein the first bending line and the second bending line comprise a plurality of perforations.

6. The blank according to claim 5, wherein the first strip segment and the second strip segment comprise a plurality of perforations.

7. The blank according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a pair of spoon rest grooves being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge, and at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

8. A blank for folding to form a fork, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a prong portion of the fork and the second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of the fork, wherein the front edge comprises at least one slot for defining prongs of the fork, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a pair of fork rest grooves being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge, and at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

9. A blank for folding to form a fork, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a prong portion of the fork and the second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of the fork, wherein the front edge comprises at least one slot for defining prongs of the fork, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a rounded neck portion provided between the container portion and the handle portion, at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

10. A blank for folding to form a fork, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a container portion of the fork and the second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of the fork, wherein the front edge comprises at least one slot for defining prongs of the fork, wherein the handle portion is adapted to receive a user finger, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

11. The blank according to claim 10, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a pair of fork rest grooves being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

12. A blank for folding to form a fork, the blank comprising an elongated sheet that comprises a top surface and a bottom surface being provided opposite the top surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge being provided at the second side end, the elongated sheet further comprising a bending cum connecting strip extending between the side edges of the blank, the bending cum connecting strip comprising a first strip segment, a second strip segment, the first strip segment and the second strip segment extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and a connecting strip segment, the connecting strip segment providing a blunt vertex, the elongated sheet further comprising a first bending line extending between the rear edge and the first strip segment and a second bending line extending between the rear edge and the second strip segment, wherein the bending cum connecting strip and the front edge enclosing a first flat portion, and the bending cum connecting strip and the rear edge enclosing a second flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is provided for bending to form a prong portion of the fork and the second flat portion is provided for bending to form a handle portion of the fork, wherein the front edge comprises at least one slot for defining prongs of the fork, wherein the first bending line and the second bending line comprise a plurality of perforations.

13. The blank according to claim 12, wherein the first strip segment and the second strip segment comprise a plurality of perforations.

14. The blank according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the elongated sheet further comprising a pair of fork rest grooves being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge, and at least one pair of handle locking slits being provided on the first side edge and the second side edge.

15. The blank according to one the above-mentioned claims, wherein at least one of the bending lines is provided by a bending groove on at least one surface of the blank.

16. The blank according to one the above-mentioned claims, wherein the bending cum connecting strip is provided by a bending groove on at least one surface of the blank.

17. The blank according to one the above-mentioned claims, wherein the first bending line and the second bending line are provided on the same side of the blank.

18. A container comprising a cover, the cover comprises at least one part, the part being is provided as a blank of one of above-mentioned claims.

19. A box comprising a surface, at least one part of the surface being provided as a blank of one of claims 1 to 17.

Description

[0238] The subject matter of the application is described in greater detail in the accompanying Figures, in which

[0239] FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to an embodiment,

[0240] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 1, which is taken along a line AA of FIG. 1,

[0241] FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

[0242] FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

[0243] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 4, which is taken along a line BB of FIG. 4,

[0244] FIG. 6 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

[0245] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 6, which is taken along a line CC of FIG. 6,

[0246] FIG. 8 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to further embodiment,

[0247] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 8, which is taken along a line DD of FIG. 8,

[0248] FIG. 10 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

[0249] FIG. 11 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

[0250] FIG. 12 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

[0251] FIG. 13 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

[0252] FIG. 14 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

[0253] FIG. 15 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

[0254] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 15, which is taken along a line EE of FIG. 15,

[0255] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 15,

[0256] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of another blank, which is another variant of the blank of FIG. 15,

[0257] FIG. 19 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

[0258] FIG. 20 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

[0259] FIG. 21 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

[0260] FIG. 22 shows a schematic top view of a blank for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

[0261] FIG. 23 shows schematically a possible panel arrangement for producing a blank according an embodiment,

[0262] FIGS. 24 to 37 show different embodiments of the blank in its initial and in its folded state from different views,

[0263] FIG. 38 shows a schematic top view of a thin blank that is flat, the blank is a variant of the blank of FIG. 1, and the blank being intended for folding to form a cup with a handle,

[0264] FIG. 39 shows a front view of a cup with a handle, the cup is formed by folding the thin bank of FIG. 38,

[0265] FIG. 40 shows a first perspective view of the cup of FIG. 39,

[0266] FIG. 41 shows a side view of the cup of FIG. 39,

[0267] FIG. 42 shows a second perspective view of the cup of FIG. 39,

[0268] FIG. 43 shows parts of the thin blank of FIG. 38,

[0269] FIG. 44 shows a side view of the thin blank of FIG. 38,

[0270] FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of the thin blank of FIG. 38, which is folded along a longitudinal-scored line to form the cup of FIGS. 39 to 42,

[0271] FIG. 46 shows a front view of the thin blank of FIG. 38,

[0272] FIG. 47 shows the thin blank of FIGS. 45 and 46, which is further folded to form the cup of FIGS. 39 to 42,

[0273] FIG. 48 shows a schematic top view of a thick blank that is flat, the blank is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38, and the blank being intended for folding to form a cup with a handle,

[0274] FIG. 49 shows a front view of a cup with a handle, the cup is formed by folding the thick blank of FIG. 48,

[0275] FIG. 50 shows a first perspective view of the cup of FIG. 49,

[0276] FIG. 51 shows a side view of the cup of FIG. 49,

[0277] FIG. 52 shows a second perspective view of the cup of FIG. 49,

[0278] FIG. 53 shows parts of the thick blank of FIG. 48,

[0279] FIG. 54 shows a side view of the thick blank of FIG. 48,

[0280] FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of the thick blank of FIG. 48, which is folded along a longitudinal-scored line to form, the cup of FIGS. 49 to 52,

[0281] FIG. 56 shows a front view of the thick blank of FIG. 55,

[0282] FIG. 57 shows the thick blank of FIGS. 55 and 56, which is further folded to form the cup of FIGS. 49 to 52,

[0283] FIG. 58 shows a schematic top view of a thin blank that is flat, the blank is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38, and the blank is intended for folding to form a cup with a stand,

[0284] FIG. 59 shows a front view of a cup with a stand, the cup is formed by folding the blank of FIG. 58,

[0285] FIG. 60 shows a side view of the cup of FIG. 59,

[0286] FIG. 61 shows a front perspective view of the cup of FIG. 59,

[0287] FIG. 62 shows a second perspective view of the cup of FIG. 59,

[0288] FIG. 63 shows parts of the blank of FIG. 58,

[0289] FIG. 64 shows a side view of the blank of FIG. 58,

[0290] FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of the thin blank of FIG. 58, which is folded along a longitudinal-scored line to form the cup of FIGS. 59 to 62,

[0291] FIG. 66 shows a front view of the thin blank of FIG. 65,

[0292] FIG. 67 shows the thin blank of FIGS. 65 and 66, which is further folded for forming the cup of FIGS. 59 to 62,

[0293] FIG. 68 shows a schematic top view of a thin blank that is flat, the blank is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38, and the blank is intended for folding to form a cup without a handle,

[0294] FIG. 69 shows a front view of a cup that is formed by folding the thin blank of FIG. 68,

[0295] FIG. 70 shows a perspective view of the cup of FIG. 69,

[0296] FIG. 71 shows a first side view of the cup of FIG. 69,

[0297] FIG. 72 shows a second side view of the cup of FIG. 69,

[0298] FIG. 73 shows a back view of the cup of FIG. 69,

[0299] FIG. 74 shows the second side view of the cup of FIG. 69,

[0300] FIG. 75 shows parts of the thin blank of FIG. 68,

[0301] FIG. 76 shows a side view of the thin blank of FIG. 68,

[0302] FIG. 77 shows a front view of the thin blank of FIG. 68, which is folded along a longitudinal-scored line for forming the cup of FIGS. 69 to 74,

[0303] FIG. 78 shows a back view of the thin blank of FIG. 77,

[0304] FIG. 79 shows the thin blank of FIGS. 77 and 78, which is being further folded to form the cup,

[0305] FIG. 80 shows a blank that is a variant of the blank of FIG. 68,

[0306] FIG. 81 shows a schematic top view of a further thin blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 58,

[0307] FIG. 82 shows a front view of a cup with a stand, the blank of

[0308] FIG. 81 being folded to form the cup,

[0309] FIG. 83 shows a side view of the cup of FIG. 82,

[0310] FIG. 84 shows a front perspective view of the cup of FIG. 82,

[0311] FIG. 85 shows a second perspective view of the cup of FIG. 82,

[0312] FIG. 86 shows a perspective view of the thin blank of FIG. 81, which is folded along a longitudinal-scored line to form the cup of FIGS. 82 to 85,

[0313] FIG. 87 shows a front view of the thin blank of FIG. 86,

[0314] FIG. 88 shows the thin blank of FIGS. 86 and 87, which is further folded for forming the cup of FIGS. 82 to 85,

[0315] FIG. 89 shows a top view of a blank with a predetermined shape, the blank being a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38,

[0316] FIG. 90 shows a front view of the blank of FIG. 89,

[0317] FIG. 91 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 89 taken along line A′-A′ of FIG. 89,

[0318] FIG. 92 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 89 taken along line B′-B′ of FIG. 89,

[0319] FIG. 93 shows a top view of a blank with another predetermined shape, the blank being a variant of the blank of FIG. 89,

[0320] FIG. 94 shows a cross-sectional view of the blank of FIG. 93 taken along line C-C of FIG. 93,

[0321] FIG. 95 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the blank of FIG. 93 taken along line C-C of FIG. 89,

[0322] FIG. 96 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the blank of FIG. 93 taken along line C-C of FIG. 93,

[0323] FIGS. 97 to 127 show a plurality of spoon blanks, wherein each blank is intended for folding to form a spoon,

[0324] FIGS. 97 to 109 show a first plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits,

[0325] FIG. 97 shows a schematic top view of a spoon blank that is flat, the blank is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38,

[0326] FIG. 98 shows an exploded view of parts of the blank of FIG. 97,

[0327] FIG. 99 shows steps of folding the blank of FIG. 97,

[0328] FIGS. 100, 101, 102, 103, and 104 shows different views of the blank of FIG. 97, which is folded to form a spoon,

[0329] FIGS. 105 to 109 show a plurality of spoon blanks, which are variants of the blank of FIG. 97,

[0330] FIGS. 110 to 122 show a second plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes a rounded neck portion and handle locking slits,

[0331] FIG. 110 shows a further spoon blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97,

[0332] FIGS. 111 to 122 show a plurality of spoon blanks, which are variants of the blank of FIG. 110,

[0333] FIGS. 123 to 127 show a third plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits,

[0334] FIGS. 123 to 127 also show blanks, which are variants of the blank of FIG. 97,

[0335] FIGS. 128 to 154 show a plurality of fork blanks, wherein each blank is intended for folding to form a fork,

[0336] FIGS. 128 to 138 show a first plurality of fork blanks, each blank includes a pair of fork rest grooves, and handle locking slits,

[0337] FIG. 128 shows a schematic top view of a fork blank, the blank is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97,

[0338] FIG. 129 shows a fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 105,

[0339] FIG. 130 shows steps of folding the blank of FIG. 129,

[0340] FIGS. 131 to 135 show different views of the blank of FIG. 129, which is folded to form a fork,

[0341] FIG. 136 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 106,

[0342] FIG. 137 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 107,

[0343] FIG. 138 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 109,

[0344] FIGS. 139 to 150 show a second plurality of fork blanks, each blank includes a rounded neck portion and handle locking slits,

[0345] FIG. 139 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110,

[0346] FIG. 140 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 111,

[0347] FIG. 141 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 112,

[0348] FIG. 142 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 113,

[0349] FIG. 143 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 114,

[0350] FIG. 144 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 115,

[0351] FIG. 145 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 116,

[0352] FIG. 146 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 118,

[0353] FIG. 147 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 119,

[0354] FIG. 148 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 120,

[0355] FIG. 149 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 121,

[0356] FIG. 150 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 122,

[0357] FIGS. 151 to 154 show a third plurality of fork blanks, each blank includes a pair of fork rest grooves, and handle locking slits,

[0358] FIG. 151 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 123,

[0359] FIG. 152 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 125,

[0360] FIG. 153 shows a further fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 126,

[0361] FIG. 154 shows another fork blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 127,

[0362] FIGS. 155 to 167 show different handle locking slits mechanisms for the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 154,

[0363] FIGS. 168 to 172 show a plurality of boxes, each box includes at least two of the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 154,

[0364] FIG. 168 shows a box that includes a sidewall, which includes a plurality of fork blanks of FIG. 142,

[0365] FIG. 169 shows another box that include a first flap and a second flap, wherein the first flap includes a spoon blank of FIG. 97 and the second flap includes a fork blank of FIG. 111,

[0366] FIG. 170 shows a further box with a cover that includes a spoon blank of FIG. 105 and a fork blank of FIG. 129,

[0367] FIG. 171 shows another box with a front surface that includes a plurality of spoon blanks of FIG. 123, that box being placed in an open state,

[0368] FIG. 172 shows the box of FIG. 171 being placed in a closed state,

[0369] FIGS. 173 to 183 show a plurality of finger spoon blanks, wherein each blank is intended for folding to form a finger spoon, and wherein each blank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, a pair of handle locking slits, and a finger handle portion that is adapted for receiving a user finger,

[0370] FIG. 173 shows a schematic top view of a finger spoon blank that is a variant of the blank of FIG. 109,

[0371] FIG. 174 shows steps of folding a further finger spoon blank, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 173,

[0372] FIGS. 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, and 180 shows different views of the blank of FIG. 174, which is folded to form a finger spoon,

[0373] FIGS. 181 to 183 show a plurality of finger spoon blanks, which are variants of the blank of FIG. 173,

[0374] FIGS. 184 to 195 show a plurality of finger fork blanks, wherein each blank is intended for folding to form a finger fork, wherein each blank includes a pair of fork rest grooves, a pair of handle locking slits, and a finger handle portion that is adapted for receiving a user finger,

[0375] FIG. 184 shows a schematic top view of a finger fork blank that is a variant of the blank of FIG. 138,

[0376] FIG. 185 shows steps of folding the finger fork blank of FIG. 184,

[0377] FIGS. 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, and 191 shows different views of the blank of FIG. 184, which is folded to form a finger fork,

[0378] FIG. 192 shows the finger fork blank of the FIG. 184 when in use,

[0379] FIGS. 193 to 195 show a plurality of finger fork blanks, which are variants of the blank of FIG. 184,

[0380] FIGS. 196 to 205 show a plurality of containers, each container includes at least one of the blanks of FIGS. 173 to 195,

[0381] FIG. 196 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger fork blank of FIG. 194,

[0382] FIG. 197 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 196,

[0383] FIG. 198 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger spoon blank of FIG. 182,

[0384] FIG. 199 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 198,

[0385] FIG. 200 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger fork blank of FIG. 184,

[0386] FIG. 201 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 200,

[0387] FIG. 202 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger spoon blank of FIG. 181,

[0388] FIG. 203 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 202,

[0389] FIG. 204 shows a container with a cover that includes a finger spoon blank and a finger fork blank, the finger spoon blank is variant of the blank of FIG. 173, the finger fork blank is a variant of the blank of FIG. 184,

[0390] FIG. 205 shows the cover of the container of FIG. 204,

[0391] FIGS. 206 to 209 show a plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits, as well as straight bending lines and/or bending line segments, wherein sections of the bending lines and/or the bending line segments are perforated,

[0392] FIG. 206 shows a spoon blank that is flat and is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97, and

[0393] FIGS. 207 to 209 show a spoon blank that is flat and is a variant of the blank of FIG. 109.

[0394] In the following description, details are provided to describe embodiments of the application. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such details.

[0395] Some parts of the embodiments have similar parts. The similar parts may have the same names or similar part numbers with an alphabet symbol or prime symbol. The description of one part applies by reference to another similar part, where appropriate, thereby reducing repetition of text without limiting the disclosure.

[0396] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a blank 1, which is intended for folding to form a handheld tool according to an embodiment.

[0397] The blank 1 is intended for folding to form a handheld tool and it has a flat, elongated, and essentially symmetric shape, its symmetrical axis A being indicated as a dash-dotted line in the figure.

[0398] The blank 1 comprises a top surface 2, a bottom surface 3 opposite to the top surface 2, a first side edge 4, a second side edge 4′ opposite to the first side edge 4, a front edge 5, and a rear edge 6.

[0399] The blank 1 essentially comprises three sections—a handle section 7, a functional section 8, as well as an intermediate section 9 which connects the handle section 7 with the functional section 8.

[0400] The blank 1 also comprises a bending aid in the form of downward bending lines 10, 10′ and an upward bending line 11 for facilitating bending or folding of the blank 1 in a predefined manner for forming the handheld tool with the desired form.

[0401] The upward bending line 11 which is shown as a dashed line has a shape of a smooth continuous line extending between two opposite edges 4, 4′ of the blank and comprising two essentially straight upward bending segments 12, 12′. Each one of the straight upward bending segments extends from a respective side edge 4, 4′ at the handle section 7 of the blank 1 over the intermediate section 9 towards the functional section 8 under an oblique angle with respect to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1 such that the both upward bending segments 12, 12′ are connected over a middle or connecting segment 13 forming a blunt vertex at the functional segment 8 of the blank 1.

[0402] Depending on the specific embodiment, the shape of the vertex 13 may be different. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the vertex has an essentially circular shape with a curvature radius of approximately 5 mm.

[0403] The downward bending lines 10 comprise two symmetrically arranged smooth continuous lines which are shown as solid lines, each comprising a straight segment 14, 14′, extending from the rear edge 6 of the blank 1 towards the vertex 13, and a curved portion 15, each one of the curved portion 15 of the downward bending lines 10 ending at a respective junction point 16 at the upward bending line 11 in the vicinity of the vertex 13.

[0404] The straight segments 14, 14′ of the downward bending line 10 are extending longitudinally on both sides and close to the symmetrical axis A, such that a stripe extending from the rear edge 6 to the vertex 13 is formed.

[0405] In this embodiment, the straight portions 15 are parallel to each other and to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1. Thus, the central stripe or middle channel has an essentially constant width over its whole length, except in the vertex region, in which the middle channel widens due to the curved portions 15 of the downward bending lines 10.

[0406] At the junction points 16, the upward bending line 11 lie essentially perpendicular to the downward bending line 10.

[0407] In some embodiments, the angle between the upward bending line 11 and the downward bending line 10 at the junction point 16 is between 60° and 90°, more specifically between 80° and 90°.

[0408] The upward bending segments 12, 12′ of the upward bending line 11 form or build an angle of approximately 26°.

[0409] The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm while its width is about 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 63 mm, and 27 mm, respectively.

[0410] Depending on the purpose and on the design of the tool, the angle between the upward bending segments 12, 12′ of the upward bending line 11 may vary, in particular, from approximately 20° up to approximately 66°.

[0411] The vertex 13 of the upward bending line 11 and the curved portions 15 of the downward bending line 10 show a circular curvature with approximately the same curvature radius as the vertex 13. The curvature radius in this embodiment is approximately 5 mm.

[0412] In the handle section 7 of the blank 1, elevated portions or bumps 17 of essentially round shape are provided.

[0413] At the ends of the straight segments 14, 14′ of the downward bending line 10, indentations 18 are provided in the rear edge 6 of the blank 1. The rear edge 6 is essentially straight and has rounded corners 19. The radius of curvature of the rounded corners is approximately 2 mm.

[0414] The side edges 4 of the blank 1 are straight and slightly inclined with respect to the symmetrical axis A of the blank in such a way that the width of the blank 1 at the rear edge 6 is smaller than the width of the functional section 8 of the blank 1.

[0415] In this embodiment, the front edge 5 has a circular shape with a curve diameter equal to the width of the functional section 8.

[0416] The depth of the indentations 18 in the rear edge are approximately 2 mm.

[0417] The length of the blank 1 is approximately 130 mm and the maximum width is 40 mm.

[0418] In the handle section 7 adjacent to the intermediate section 9 elongated transversal structures 20 are provided.

[0419] In this embodiment, the transversal structures 20 are provided in a shape of elongated bumps lying perpendicular to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1.

[0420] The bending lines 10, 10′, 11 are formed as bending grooves scored in a surface of the blank.

[0421] In the case of the downward bending line 10, 10′, the bending groove is provided on the top surface 2 of the blank 1.

[0422] In the case of the upward bending line 11, the bending groove is provided on the bottom surface 3 of the blank 1.

[0423] Depending on the specific embodiment, the bumps and/or the bending aids may be provided with colour marks in order to facilitate the recognition of the handle section and/or the bending aids.

[0424] In the present embodiment, the blank 1 is a blank for a disposable spoon made from paper which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The area density of the paper is approximately 300 to approximately 400 g/m.sup.2.

[0425] As a basic material of the blank various materials may be used, such as paper, cardboard, metal, silicone, or any other suitable material.

[0426] In particular, the blank may comprise compostable and/or recyclable FDA-approved food-safe materials, including but not limited to paper, especially with an area density in the range from about 200 g/m.sup.2 to about 350 g/m.sup.2 and to paper an area density in the range from about 350 g/m.sup.2 to about 500 g/m.sup.2

[0427] The depth and the width of the bending scores depends in general on the material, thickness, and the purpose of the blank.

[0428] The blank 1 can be easily shaped into a handheld tool by manually bending it along the bending lines 10 and 11.

[0429] In particular, due to the bending scores provided on different surfaces of the blank 1 along the bending lines 10, 10′ and 11, it is particularly easy to bend the blank 1 downwards along the downward bending lines 10 and upwards along the upward bending line 11.

[0430] The bending lines 10, 10′ and 11 demarcate four separate areas of the blank 1, including two side wings 30 arranged symmetrically with respect to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1, a middle lane 31 corresponding to the central channel along the symmetrical axis A, and a bow 32 which includes the functional section 8 and extends over the intermediate section 9 and partially circumvents the vertex 13. The side wings 30 extend from the rear edge 6 of the blank 1 over the handle section 7 and the intermediate section 9 to the vertex 13. At the side edges 4 of the blank, the side wings 30 and the bow meet at respective endpoints 21, 21′ which are endpoints of the upward bending line 11.

[0431] The downward bending lines 10 demarcate the border between the side wings 30 and the middle lane 31.

[0432] In order to shape the blank 1 into a handheld tool, the side wings 30 of the blank 1 are bent downwards (away from the viewer) with respect to the middle lane 31. The downward movement of the side wings 30 is indicated by downward movement arrow symbols 33.

[0433] At the same time, by bending or folding the side wings 30 downwards with respect to the middle lane 31, an elevated plateau along the middle lane 31 is formed, which lies between two brinks resulting from the folding of the blank 1 along the downward folding lines 10.

[0434] Due to the form-stability of the middle lane 31, in the beginning of the bending process, the longitudinal dimensions of the blank remain essentially the same and the endpoints 21, 21′ move essentially perpendicular to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1 or to the middle lane 31. This means that along the circumference of the bow 32 a tensile stress or tension is building up, which extends along the front edge 5 and the side edge to the respective endpoint 21, 21′. The tensile stress along the circumference of the bow 32 is shown as bended arrows 40.

[0435] Simultaneously, with the bending of the side wings 30 downwards, the endpoints 21, 21′ at the side edges 4 are also moved or dragged down. This means that the endpoints 21, 21′ leave the plane of the drawing or the plane of the middle lane 31 and move down, travelling essentially in a plane perpendicular to the symmetrical axis A of the blank, resulting in a deformation of the bow 32.

[0436] In fact, due to the dragging down of the endpoints 21, 21′ by the wings 30, the bow 32 ceases to be a plane or essentially two-dimensional object and it becomes a three-dimensional object instead.

[0437] With the formation of side brinks along the upward bending line 11, the middle lane 31 provides a form-stable carrier construction of the tool. If the tool is provided as a spoon, in use, the middle lane 31 together with the side brinks acts to prevent cutting of mouth or lips of the user.

[0438] By continuing the downward bending of the wings 30, the tensile stress along the circumference of the bow 32 grows, pulling the tip 22 of the blank 1 towards the vertex 13 against the middle lane 31, resulting in an essentially axial compression force (indicated by a wide arrow 41) in the region of the vertex 13.

[0439] With the widening of the middle lane 31 at the vertex 13 and due to the tapered shape of the vertex 13, the compression force from the frontal part of the bow 32 is distributed over the width of the vertex 13 in such way that the compression stress at the perimeter of the vertex 13 is reduced.

[0440] With the reduction of the compression stress at the vertex 13 damage to the vertex 13 or vertex region can be avoided.

[0441] With the tensile stress and the central compression stress caused by the bending of the side wings 30, the planar geometry of the frontal part, in which the frontal part or the tip 22 remains in the plane of the middle lane 31, becomes energetically unstable.

[0442] By manually tilting the tip 22 of the functional section 8 upwards, the frontal part of the bow 32 can flip upwards and can take a stable position, in which the circumferential tension along the tension lines 40 is minimized. The upward movement of the front part of the bow 32 is shown by an upward movement arrow symbol 34.

[0443] After flipping upwards, the frontal part of the bow 32, and accordingly the functional section 8, takes a stable position.

[0444] In particular, by flipping upwards, the frontal part of the bow 32, the functional section 8 obtains a cup shape, the vertex 13 being the deepest point of the cup, and the blank 1 becomes a form-stable tool which in this embodiment is a small spoon.

[0445] As long as the side wings are kept bent down, especially by holding the tool in the hand, any deviation from this final shape would be energetically unfavourable, since it would increase the tensile stress along the circumvention of the bow 32.

[0446] Thus, by folding the side wings 30 downwards with respect to the middle lane 31, a form-stable handheld tool is formed. The bumps 17 and the transversal structures 20 can serve as grip structures or grippers for easier handling of the tool by the user.

[0447] The blank of FIG. 1 can be easily manufactured. Firstly, a flat worksheet or workpiece comprising paper, cardboard, plastic, metal or any suitable material is provided.

[0448] The bending lines may be scored or coined in the blank sheet of the blank material at predefined positions in correspondence with the specific embodiment of the blank.

[0449] The bumps 17 and the transversal structures 20 may be embossed or coined, by pressing the worksheet between two complementary tools of appropriate shape. In some embodiments, the bumps and/or the transversal structures are blind-embossed in the worksheet.

[0450] The blank 1 is cut out of the worksheet, in particular by means of die-cutting.

[0451] The formation of the bending lines 10, 11, bumps 17, transversal structures 20, and/or die cutting can be performed on a bigger area of a worksheet in such way that more than one blank out of a single panel is produced. Such a batch or bulk production can save time and costs in the manufacturing process.

[0452] A rolling machine, in particular a die-cutting roller, may be used for carrying out at least one of the previously mentioned operations.

[0453] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcement layers are provided, in particular of the middle lane 31.

[0454] The reinforcement may be formed as an additional material layer provided along the middle lane. The additional material layer may comprise metal, thermoplastic or thermoset material. It may be laminated, especially glued, onto the on the top surface 2 or on the bottom surface 3 of the blank 1. In some embodiments, reinforcement is embedded in the blank 1.

[0455] The reinforcement may comprise fibres embedded in the blank material or applied on one of the surfaces of the blank material.

[0456] In a special embodiment, the blank 1 of FIG. 1 include a bending line or a die cut line such that the unfolded or flat blank 1 can act as a bookmark. Advertisement or useful information can also be printed on the blank 1, thereby allowing a user of the blank 1 to have quick and easy access to such data.

[0457] FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1a for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

[0458] The blank 1a of FIG. 3, in its structural and functional parts, essentially corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0459] One difference to the embodiment of FIG. 1 lies in the specific shape of the blank 1a, in particular in the shape of the vertex 13 and of the tip 22. Further, different to FIG. 1, the straight segments 14 of the downward bending lines 10 are not parallel but meet at a single indentation 18 at the rear edge 6 of the blank 1a.

[0460] Due to the arrangement of the downward bending lines 10, the middle lane 31 narrows towards the rear edge 6 turning essentially into a single line at the rear edge 6.

[0461] The vertex 13 has a flat tip and rounded corners. The junction points 16 between the downward bending lines 10 and the upward bending line 11 lie slightly apart from the rounded corners of the vertex on the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11. The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 22 degrees.

[0462] The blank 1a also comprises the transversal structure 20 and the bumps 17. The bumps 17 in this embodiment are elongated and transversally oriented.

[0463] The bumps 17 and the transversal structures 20 are coloured in order to designate the handle section for ease of use.

[0464] The particular shape of the blank 1a is attributable to the particular shape of the handheld tool which is to be formed out of the blank 1a. The tool formed out of the blank 1a of FIG. 3 is supposed to have a broad flat tip making it suitable for such tasks as scooping or shovelling.

[0465] The broad flat shape of the vertex allows for forming a cup that is shallow and broad. The broad flat shape may also be helpful to reduce the compression stress at the vertex and also to obtain the desired three-dimensional shape of the functional section of the tool.

[0466] The narrowing of the middle lane 31 towards the rear edge 6 may be useful for saving material during mass production of the tool. In particular, due to the tapered shape of the blank 1a, more blanks 1a can be accommodated side by side on the same area by placing them in alternating orientation, and hence more blanks can be produced out of a single workpiece.

[0467] The weakening of the plateau or central carrying construction by the narrowing of the main lane 31 at the rear edge does not significantly deteriorate the overall stability of the tool, since the main tensions are distributed over the intermediate section 9 and the functional section 8, with a maximum of compression stress in the region of the vertex 13.

[0468] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a blank 1b. The blank 1b is intended for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

[0469] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the blank 1b of FIG. 3 has two additional downward folding lines 10a and 10a′ in the form of straight lines parallel to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1b. Each of the additional folding lines 10a and 10a′ extend from a respective junction point 16 at the vertex 13 to a respective indentation 18 at the rear edge 6 of the blank 1b.

[0470] The additional folding lines 10a and 10a′ act to provide a stronger middle lane 31.

[0471] The vertex 13 is slightly narrower as compared to the embodiment of FIG. 1. The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 31.50 degrees.

[0472] In the handle section 7 of the blank 1b, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, a plurality of elongated transversal bumps 17 are provided with colour marking.

[0473] Different from the previous embodiments, the functional section 8 has a rounded, slightly elongated or elliptical shape, essentially defined for a specific purpose or intended use of the tool. In the present case, the tool to be formed is a spoon which, due to the sharper shape of the tip 22 and the additional downward folding lines 10 and 10′ is suitable for handling harder materials, for example hard ice cream or similar.

[0474] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a blank 1c. In use, the blank 1c folds to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

[0475] The blank 1c of FIG. 6, in its structural and functional parts, essentially corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0476] Different to FIG. 1, the blank 1c has a specifically shaped functional section 8 which has an elongated slightly elliptic shape. The reason for this specific shape is that the tool which is to be formed out of this blank 1c is a specific type of spoon, similar to a traditional Chinese spoon.

[0477] The handle section 7 is narrow as compared to the widest part of the blank 1c. The widest part of the blank 1c is in the intermediate section 9, closer to the functional section 8.

[0478] The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 30.5 degrees.

[0479] The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm, the width at the widest part and at the rear edge 6 are approximately 40 mm and 35 mm respectively. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 60 mm, and 30 mm respectively.

[0480] The middle lane 31 has an additional reinforcement 50 shown as a black stripe in the area of the middle lane 31.

[0481] The reinforcement 50 is formed by embossing. In a general sense, the reinforcement 50 can also be formed by debossing.

[0482] A characteristic feature of the traditional Chinese spoon, besides its typical shape and proportions, is the shallowness of the spoon, or more precisely of the cup of the spoon. The shallowness of the cup has inter alia an advantage of allowing for rapid cooling of the content of the spoon whilst the spoon is in use.

[0483] Different from traditional Chinese spoons, the cup of the spoon made out the blank 1c of FIG. 6 does not have a flat bottom. Instead the deepest portion of the cup is defined by the vertex 13.

[0484] The narrowness of the handle section results in a smaller tensile stress along the circumference of the bow 8 and accordingly in a smaller deformation of the bow from the initial plane geometry. Thus, a shallow form of the cup can be easily achieved.

[0485] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a blank 1d. The blank 1d is used for folding to form a handheld tool according to further embodiment. This embodiment corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 6 and represents a blank 1d for forming a bigger Chinese spoon. In particular, the functional section 8 and the intermediate section 9 are wider than in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

[0486] The angle between the straight segments 12 and 12′ of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 34.50 degrees.

[0487] The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm, the width at the widest part and at the rear edge 6 is approximately 50 mm and 35 mm, respectively. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 60 mm, and 30 mm, respectively.

[0488] The middle lane 31 has an additional reinforcement 50 in the form of a reinforcement layer provided along the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1d.

[0489] For a blank 1d that comprises paper, the reinforcement 50 can be provided using blind embossing, which can provide a strong middle lane 31.

[0490] FIG. 10 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1e for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

[0491] The blank 1e of FIG. 10 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 1, differing mainly in the front portion of the functional section 8. In particular, the contour line of the front edge 5 shows two recesses 51 arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1e in such a way that three teeth in the functional section 8 are formed. The tip 22 of the bow 32 is at the same time the tip of the middle tooth of tine.

[0492] After forming the tool from the blank 1e, these teeth can serve as fork tines and the tool itself can be used as a fork.

[0493] FIG. 11 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1f for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

[0494] The blank 1f of FIG. 11 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 3, differing mainly in the shape of the front portion of the functional section 8 of the blank 1f. In particular, the contour line of the front edge 5 shows two recesses 51 arranged symmetrically with respect to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1f in such a way that three teeth in the functional section 8 are formed. The tip 22 of the bow 32 is at the same time the tip of the middle tooth of tine. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the tip 22 is flat and accordingly the middle tooth of the functional section 8 is flat as well.

[0495] Forming a handheld tool out of the blank 1f shown in FIG. 11 results in a tool with broad teeth, which can be used as both as a fork and as a spoon, and could be used for instance for eating cake, ice cream, spaghetti, or similar.

[0496] FIG. 12 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1g for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

[0497] The blank 1g of FIG. 12 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 4, differing mainly in the shape of the front portion of the functional section 8 of the blank 1g. In particular, similar to previous two embodiments, the contour line of the front edge 5 shows two recesses 51 arranged symmetrically with respect to the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1g in such a way that three teeth in the functional section 8 are formed. The tip 22 of the bow 32 is at the same time the tip of the middle tooth of tine. In contrast to the previous two embodiments, the three teeth are not blunted. Consequently, forming a handheld tool out of the blank 1g shown in FIG. 12 results in a fork with sharp teeth. In particular, due to the sharp teeth and due to the reinforcement structure in the middle lane, the fork can be used for handling relatively hard matter, like flower soil, or harder meal, like hard ice cream, or similar.

[0498] FIG. 13 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1h for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

[0499] In the functional section 8 of the blank 1h, three teeth similar to the teeth of the embodiment of FIG. 10 are formed.

[0500] Characteristic for the embodiment of FIG. 13 is a broader middle lane 31 and a flat vertex 13, especially as compared with the embodiment of FIG. 10. Further, the angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 35.25 degrees. This is relatively wide angle, resulting in a shorter intermediate section 9 and a longer handle section 7. Besides, the middle lane 31 is provided with a reinforcement 50 which is indicated by the solid black colour of the middle lane 31.

[0501] Forming a tool out of the blank 1h of FIG. 13 results in a fork of specific geometry which can be used for handling particularly hard matter. Indeed, the reinforcement 50 of the middle lane 31 and the longer handle section 7 allows for the application of particularly large force on the tool without causing damage to the tool.

[0502] FIG. 14 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1i for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

[0503] This embodiment corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing a blank 1i for forming a spoon similar to a Chinese spoon. In the front part of the functional section 8, however, the blank 1i of FIG. 14 has two recesses 51 forming three teeth. Thus, by folding the blank 1i, a tool can be formed which essentially resembles a Chinese spoon, but which can be used as a fork.

[0504] FIGS. 15 and 16 show a blank 1j, which is intended for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

[0505] Different to the previous embodiments, in addition to the side wings 30 extending over the handle section 7 and over the intermediate section 9 on both sides of the symmetrical axis A, the blank 1j shown in FIG. 15 comprises two corner wings 60 or corner wings at two handle section corners adjacent to the rear edge 6 of the blank 1j. The handle wings 60 are demarcated from respective side wings 30 by two handle bending lines 61. The handle bending lines 61 extend from the rear edge 6 of the blank 1j to the respective endpoint 21, 21′ at the respective side edge 4, 4′ of the blank 1j. The handle bending lines 61 facilitate bending of the handle wings 60, in particular, bending down from the figure plane away from the viewer, as indicated by the downward movement symbols 33.

[0506] The basic material of the blank 1j of FIG. 15 is silicone. With silicone as its basic material, the blank 1j can be formed into a durable silicone-based tool, such as a reliable silicone-based kitchen utensil.

[0507] As seen in FIG. 16, the blank 1j also comprises a middle lane 31 with a reinforcement in the form of an embedded metal sheet 31a which is shown as a dark portion of blank 1j along the symmetrical axis A. This extends along the symmetrical axis A from the vertex 13 towards the rear edge 6 and terminates in the handle section 7 before reaching the rear edge 6. In use, the metal sheet 31a enables the middle lane 31 to be stiff and stable. In other words, the middle lane 31 can bear more weight or stress.

[0508] Due to this configuration of the middle lane 31 and the handle wings 60, a portion of the handle section between the handle wings 60 at the rear edge 6 can remain unfolded after the tool is formed. Thus, a comfortable handle with a kind of “volume-effect” can be shaped.

[0509] Further, the embodiment of FIG. 15 comprises a reinforcement in the handle section 7, in particular in the handle wings 60. This is shown as dark triangles in the handle wings 60. In this embodiment, the reinforcement of the handle wings comprises extrusion moulded silicone. In some embodiments, the reinforcement may comprise one or more metal layers embedded in the blank 1j in the region of the middle lane 31 and in the handle wings 60.

[0510] In other embodiments, the reinforcement may comprise surface layers laminated on the blank 1j, particularly at locations which are exposed to increased strain, like the middle lane 31, especially in the vicinity of the vertex 13 or the handle section, which is grasped by the user while using the tool.

[0511] The front edge 5 is straight such that the tip 22 of the front portion is essentially flat.

[0512] The length of the tool is approximately 160 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 80 mm, and 40, respectively.

[0513] The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 25.90 degrees.

[0514] The dimensions, especially the length of the intermediate section 9 and the functional section 8, as well as the angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 may vary significantly depending on the purpose of the tool.

[0515] The length of the tool is approximately 160 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have respective lengths of approximately 50 mm, 80 mm, and 30 mm. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 4 mm.

[0516] The blank 1j also comprises grip structures or grippers. The grippers in this embodiment are provided in the form of elongated structures or stripes of protruded silicone.

[0517] In some embodiments, the grippers with coloured patterns are provided in the handle section 7. The colour pattern and the geometry of the grippers may vary, depending on the specific design of tool.

[0518] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a variant of the blank of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 show a blank 1ja that comprises silicone material. The blank 1ja includes a middle lane 31, which comprises an enlarged body for reinforcing the middle lane 31.

[0519] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of another variant of the blank of FIG. 15. FIG. 18 shows a blank 1jb. The blank 1jb includes a middle lane 31, which comprises a metal sheet 31b that is attached to an outer surface of a body of the middle lane 31 for reinforcing the middle lane 31.

[0520] FIG. 19 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1k for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment. The blank 1k shown in FIG. 19 corresponds in its essential features to the embodiment of FIG. 15, and shows some differences as well, especially in the design of the handle section 7 and of the functional section. The bumps 17 in the handle section 7 are round or dot-shaped.

[0521] The front edge 5 has a circular shape such the tip 22 of the front portion or the function section 8 is essentially round.

[0522] The length of the tool is approximately 110 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 30 mm, and 30 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 2 mm.

[0523] The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 66.00 degrees.

[0524] Due to its dimensions and shape, the blank 1k in the folded state results in a tool which is specifically suitable for using as a small scoop for ice-cream or rice, or as a ladle by bending the segment 8 in the other direction.

[0525] In some embodiments, the blank 1k comprises magnetized metal plates for ease of use.

[0526] FIG. 20 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1l for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

[0527] The embodiment of FIG. 20 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 19 by the lengthwise orientation of the bumps in the handle section 7 as well as in the dimensions.

[0528] The length of the tool is approximately 140 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 60 mm, and 30 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 4 mm.

[0529] The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 34.10 degrees.

[0530] Such dimensions and shape of the blank 1l make the blank 1l suitable for forming a tool which can be used as a ladle, scoop, spatula, funnel, spade or shovel.

[0531] FIG. 21 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1m for folding to form a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

[0532] This embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 20 and differs mainly in the shape of the functional section 8. In particular, the tip 22 of the functional section 8 is flat such that the blank 1m has essentially the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0533] A tool formed out of such a blank 1m is particularly suitable for usage as a spatula, scraper, funnel, spade or shovel.

[0534] FIG. 22 shows a schematic top view of a blank 1n for folding to form a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

[0535] The blank 1n of FIG. 22 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIG. 19 and differs mainly in the shape of the functional section 8 and in the proportions. In particular, the functional section 8 is longer and the tip 22 of the functional section 8 has a rounded elliptic shape. In the functional section 8, a plurality of holes 70 are provided. One of the holes is provided at the tip of the vertex 13.

[0536] The middle lane 31 with a reinforcement extends along the symmetrical axis A of the blank 1n over the intermediate section 9 and the handle section 7 without reaching the vertex 13 and the rear edge 6.

[0537] The length of the tool is approximately 140 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 50 mm, and 40 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 2 mm.

[0538] The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11 is approximately 41 degrees.

[0539] The hole 70 at the vertex can serve for stress release and can facilitate the forming of the tool.

[0540] The particular shape and the holes 70 make the blank 1n particularly suitable for forming tools which can be used as a strainer, scoop or similar.

[0541] The plurality of holes 70 can be die-cut in the blank 1n. The holes are essentially round and have a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm.

[0542] The diameter of the holes can be varied, in particular in the range from 1 mm up to 3 mm, depending on the purpose of the tool.

[0543] In an embodiment, no holes in the functional section 8 and at the vertex 13 are provided. In the embodiment without holes, the middle lane and the reinforcement of the middle lane 31 can be extended to the vertex 13. Tools shaped out of such embodiments can be used for example as a spatula, scoop or ladle.

[0544] FIG. 23 shows schematically a possible panel arrangement for producing a blank according an embodiment.

[0545] In the upper part of FIG. 23, a row of blanks according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 is shown. The blanks in the upper row are arranged in alternating orientation. In particular, every second blank is oriented with its functional part up and with its handle part down.

[0546] In the lower part of FIG. 23 a row of rectangular blanks with the same lateral dimensions as the upper blanks is shown.

[0547] As can be seen from FIG. 23, due to the tapered shape of the blanks in the upper row, more blanks can be placed on the same area.

[0548] Thus, the tapered shape of blanks, along with the design's technical importance discussed above, has an advantage from the manufacturing point of view. In particular, in the bulk production of the blanks worksheet material and production costs can be saved by alternating the orientation of adjacent blanks in the worksheet. Thus, due to the tapered shape of the blank, a saving of more than 10% in worksheet material in the bulk production can easily be achieved.

[0549] In this example, a material saving of 11.25% has been achieved.

[0550] Even in bulk production with smaller panels, i.e. in the case of smaller workpieces, the alternating orientation of the blanks can still lead to considerable savings.

[0551] In some embodiments of the manufacturing process, two blanks are produced and die-cut out of a single workpiece or worksheet. Due to the tapered shape of the blank, up to approximately 6% of material savings can be achieved, depending on the specific design of the blank.

[0552] FIGS. 24 to 37 show different embodiments of the blank in its initial and in its folded state from different views.

[0553] In the central upper part of FIGS. 24 to 33 a top view of a blank according to a respective embodiment in an unfolded or initial state is shown.

[0554] On the left-hand side of the upper row a top view of the respective tool is shown. On the right-hand side of the upper row a bottom view of the tool is shown.

[0555] In the lower part of the FIGS. 24 to 37, perspective views of the formed tools under different view angles are shown.

[0556] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 24 to 33 correspond to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 14 above.

[0557] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 34 to 37 correspond essentially to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 to 22 but also include some important modifications.

[0558] In particular, different to the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 15, the embodiments of FIGS. 27 to 30 comprise a reinforcement. In a case wherein the embodiment is produced using paper, the reinforcement can be provided using blind emboss. In a case wherein the embodiment is produced using silicon material, the reinforcement can be provided using extrusion-moulded silicone. This area with the reinforcement is shown in the figures as a dark in particular triangular area extending from the vertex to the handle section.

[0559] In some embodiments, an extrusion-moulded rubber is used, as a reinforcement.

[0560] Further, in the embodiments of FIGS. 34 to 37 a middle lane in the form of a stripe extending along the symmetrical axis A is missing. Instead, a middle lane or middle channel is created together with the folding of the side wings. Similar to the middle lane, the middle channel or tube has the same supporting effect and contributes to the robustness of the tool.

[0561] It is also worth mentioning that the tools formed out of the blanks according the embodiments can be in general easily modified or transformed by changing the bending direction of the functional part of the blank. In particular, an energetically favourable stable configuration can also be achieved when the front portion of the functional section is bent in the same direction with respect to the plane of the middle lane as the side wings.

[0562] FIGS. 38 to 47 illustrate a blank that is a variant of the blank of FIG. 1.

[0563] FIG. 38 shows a thin blank 81 for folding to form a desired cup with a handle.

[0564] In a general sense, the cup can also refer to a bowl, a container, or a scoop.

[0565] The thin blank 81 includes an elongated sheet 83 with a plurality of scored lines 85 and with a plurality of bumps 87. The scored lines 85 and the bumps 87 are located on surfaces of the sheet 83.

[0566] Each scored line 85 includes a narrow hollow channel, a bending groove, or a narrow elongated depressed area for facilitating bending or folding of the blank 81 to form a desired cup. The depth and the width of the scored line are adapted according to material, to thickness, and to purpose of the blank 81.

[0567] The elongated sheet 83 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The sheet 83 has a top surface 83T with a bottom surface 83B being provided opposite to the top surface 83T, as shown in FIG. 44. The sheet 83 also has a first side edge 83S1 with a second side edge 83S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 83S1, and a front edge 83F with a rear edge 83R being provided opposite to the front edge 83F, as illustrated in FIG. 38.

[0568] The scored line 85 can be placed on the top surface 83T of the blank 83. Such top surface scored line is also called a downward bending line. Similarly, the scored line 85 can be placed on the bottom surface 83B of the blank 83. Such bottom surface scored line is also called an upward bending line.

[0569] The front edge 83F and the rear edge 83R are placed at longitudinal ends of the sheet 83. The front edge 83F is connected to the first side edge 83S1, which is connected to the rear edge 83R. The rear edge 83R is connected to the second side edge 83S2, which is connected to the front edge 83F.

[0570] The sheet 83 also comprises a semi-circular portion 102, a first rectangular portion 104, a second rectangular portion 106, and a third rectangular portion 108, as illustrated in FIG. 43. The semi-circular portion 102 is placed next to the first rectangular portion 104, which is placed next to the second rectangular portion 106. The second rectangular portion 106 is placed next to the third rectangular portion 108.

[0571] The semi-circular portion 102 and the first rectangular portion 104 forms a partial stadium portion. The partial stadium portion with a generally rectangular shape that has three straight lines and one circular line.

[0572] The semi-circular portion 102 comprises an arc edge 102A and a straight edge 102S. Ends of the arc edge 102A are placed next to respective ends of the straight edge 102S.

[0573] The first rectangular portion 104 includes a first-long edge 104L1 with a second-long edge 104L2, which is placed opposite to the first-long edge 104L1, and a first-short edge 104S1 with a second-short edge 104S2, which is placed opposite to the first-short edge 104S1. A first end of the first-long edge 104L1 is placed next to a first end of the first-short edge 104S1. A second end of the first-short edge 104S1 is placed next to a first end of the second-long edge 104L2. A second end of the second-long edge 104L2 is placed next to a first end of the second-short edge 104S2. A second end of the second-short edge 104S2 is placed next to a second end of the first-long edge 104L1.

[0574] Similar to the first rectangular portion 104, the second rectangular portion 106 includes a first-long edge 106L1 with a second-long edge 106L2, and a first-short edge 106S1 with a second-short edge 106S2.

[0575] Similar to the first rectangular portion 104, the third rectangular portion 108 includes a first-long edge 108L1 with a second-long edge 108L2, and a first-short edge 108S1 with a second-short edge 108S2.

[0576] Referring to the semi-circular portion 102, the arc edge 102A is placed next to the front edge 83F. The straight edge 102S is placed next to the first-long edge 104L1 of the first rectangular portion 104.

[0577] Referring to the first rectangular portion 104, the first-short edge 104S1 is placed next to the first side edge 83S1. The second short edge 104S2 is placed next to the second side edge 83S2. The second-long edge 104L2 is placed next to the first-long edge 106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106.

[0578] Referring to the second rectangular portion 106, the first-short edge 106S1 is placed next to the first side edge 83S1. The second short edge 106S2 is placed next to the second side edge 83S2. The second-long edge 106L2 is placed next to the first-long edge 108L1 of the third rectangular portion 108.

[0579] Referring to the third rectangular portion 108, the first-short edge 108S1 is placed next to the first side edge 83S1. The second short edge 108S2 is placed next to the second side edge 83S2. The second-long edge 108L2 is placed next to the rear edge 83R.

[0580] The straight edge 102S of the semi-circular portion 102, the long edges 104L1 and 104L2 of the first rectangular portion 104, the long edges 106L1 and 106L2 of the second rectangular portion 106, and the long edges 108L1 and 108L2 of the third rectangular portion 108 have the same length.

[0581] The first short edge 104S1 of the first rectangular portion 104, the first short edge 106S1 of the second rectangular portion 106, and the first short edge 108S1 of the third rectangular portion 108 are placed such that they form a straight line.

[0582] Similarly, the second short edge 104S2 of the first rectangular portion 104, the second short edge 106S2 of the second rectangular portion 106, and the second short edge 108S2 of the third rectangular portion 108 are placed such that they form a straight line.

[0583] Referring to the scored lines 85, they include a set of longitudinal-scored lines, a set of lateral-scored lines, and a set of diagonal-scored lines.

[0584] The longitudinal-scored lines include a first longitudinal bending line, which is also called a short valley spine. The longitudinal-scored lines also include a second longitudinal bending line, and a third longitudinal bending line.

[0585] In detail, the first longitudinal bending line includes a circular bending line segment 110C and a first straight bending line segment 110S1 with a second straight bending line segment 110S2.

[0586] The circular bending line segment 110C is placed on the bottom surface 83B while the first straight bending line segment 110S1 and the second straight bending line segment 110S2 are placed on the top surface 83T. A first end of the circular bending line segment 110C is placed next to a first end of the first straight bending line segment 110S1. A second end of the first straight bending line segment 110S1 is placed next to a first end of the second straight bending line segment 110S2. A second end of the second straight bending line segment 110S2 is placed next to a second end of the circular bending line segment 110C. The first straight bending line segment 110S1 and the second straight bending line segment 110S2 form a small angle. The circular bending line segment 110C is placed at a midpoint of the straight edge 102S of the semi-circular portion 102. The second end of the first straight bending line segment 110S1 and the first end of the second straight bending line segment 110S2 are placed at a midpoint of the first long edge 106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106.

[0587] The second longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending line segment 112, which is placed on the top surface 83T. The straight bending line segment 112 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge 106L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 106L2 of the second rectangular portion 106.

[0588] The third longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending line segment 114, which is placed on the top surface 83T. The straight bending line segment 114 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge 108L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 108L2 of the third rectangular portion 108.

[0589] The lateral-scored lines include a first straight bending line segment 116, a second straight bending line segment 118, a third straight bending line segment 120, and a fourth straight bending line segment 122.

[0590] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 116 is placed on the bottom surface 83B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106, which is placed next to the first side edge 83S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106.

[0591] The second straight bending line segment 118 is placed on the top surface 83T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge 106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106 to one end of the first long edge 106L1 of the second rectangular portion 106, which is placed next to the second side edge 83S2.

[0592] The third straight bending line segment 120 is placed on the bottom surface 83B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 108L1 of the third rectangular portion 108, which is placed next to the first side edge 83S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 108L1 of the third rectangular portion 108.

[0593] The fourth straight bending line segment 122 is placed on the top surface 83T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge 108L1 of the third rectangular portion 108 to one end of the first long edge 108L1 of the third rectangular portion 108, which is placed next to the second side edge 83S2.

[0594] The set of diagonal-scored lines include a first straight bending line segment 124 and a second straight bending line segment 126.

[0595] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 124 is placed on the bottom surface 83B and it extends from a midpoint of the straight edge 102S of the semi-circular portion 102 to one end of the second-long edge 104L2 of the first rectangular portion 104, which is placed at the first side edge 83S1.

[0596] The second straight bending line segment 126 is placed on the bottom surface 83B and it extends from the midpoint of the straight edge 102S of the semi-circular portion 102 and it extends towards one end of the second-long edge 104L2 of the first rectangular portion 104, which is placed at the second side edge 83S2.

[0597] One end of the second straight bending line segment 126 is placed on the midpoint of the straight edge 102S of the semi-circular portion 102. Another end of the second straight bending line segment 126 is placed on a point, which lies on about midpoint between the midpoint of the straight edge 102S and the one end of the second-long edge 104L2 of the first rectangular portion 104, which is placed at the second side edge 83S2.

[0598] With regards to the bumps 87, they are placed on a first elevated part and on a second elevated part of the blank 81.

[0599] The first elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge 106L1, a part of the second-long edge 106L2, and the second short edge 106S2 of the second rectangular portion 106, as well as the straight bending line segment 112.

[0600] The second elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge 108L1, a part of the second-long edge 108L2, and the second short edge 108S2 of the third rectangular portion 108, as well as the straight bending line segment of the straight bending line segment 114.

[0601] A curve line or rounded corner 130 is provided at one end of the third straight bending line segment 120, which is placed next to the first side edge 83S1.

[0602] A curve line or rounded corner 132 is provided at one end of the third straight bending line segment 120, which is placed next to one end of the fourth straight bending line segment 122.

[0603] A curve line or rounded corner 134 is also provided at another end of the fourth straight bending line segment 122, which is placed next to the second side edge 83S2.

[0604] In one implementation for forming a cup with a long handle, the blank 81, which comprises a thin material, has a length of approximately 285 mm and a width of approximately 120 mm.

[0605] The semi-circular portion 102 has a radius of about 60 mm.

[0606] Referring to the first rectangular portion 104, the first-short edge 104S1 and the second-short edge 104S2 have a length of about 60 mm and the first-long edge 104L1 and the second-long edge 104L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

[0607] Referring to the second rectangular portion 106, the first-short edge 106S1 has a length of about 82.5 mm, the second-short edge 106S2 has a length of about 83.0 mm, while the first-long edge 106L1 and the second-long edge 106L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

[0608] Referring to the third rectangular portion 108, the first-short edge 108S1 has a length of about 80.0 mm, the second-short edge 108S2 has a length of about 82.0 mm, the first-long edge 108L1 has a length of about 120 mm, and the second-long edge 108L2 has a length of about 118 mm.

[0609] The first straight bending line segment 124 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 83S1.

[0610] In one implementation for forming a cup with a short handle, the blank 81, which comprises a thin material, has a length of approximately 243.5 mm and a width of approximately 120 mm. The semi-circular portion 102 has a radius of about 60 mm.

[0611] Referring to the first rectangular portion 104, the first-short edge 104S1 and the second-short edge 104S2 have a length of about 60 mm and the first-long edge 104L1 and the second-long edge 104L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

[0612] Referring to the second rectangular portion 106, the first-short edge 106S1 has a length of about 59.0 mm, the second-short edge 106S2 has a length of about 60.0 mm, while the first-long edge 106L1 and the second-long edge 106L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

[0613] Referring to the third rectangular portion 108, the first-short edge 108S1 has a length of about 57.0 mm, the second-short edge 108S2 has a length of about 59.0 mm, the first-long edge 108L1 has a length of about 120 mm, and the second-long edge 108L2 has a length of about 118 mm.

[0614] The first straight bending line segment 124 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 83S1.

[0615] The blank 81 is produced using food grade synthetic papers, which are extruded from polypropylene pellets. The synthetic paper has a weight value of about 250 grams per square meter (GSM) to about 350 GSM.

[0616] In a general sense, the blank 81 can also be produced using other food grade materials, such as folding boxboard (FBB), solid bleached sulphate (SBS), and ivory board. The FBB, the SBS, and the ivory board can have a weight value of about 200 GSM to about 400 GSM.

[0617] Referring to the outer longitudinal-scored lines Functionally, the blank 81 can be folded manually to form a cup, which is illustrated in FIGS. 39 to 42.

[0618] The scored lines 85 are intended for bending parts of the blank 81 toward different predetermined directions to form the cup.

[0619] The semi-circular portion 102 and the first rectangular portion 104 are intended for folding to form a container portion of the cup.

[0620] The second rectangular portion 106 and the third rectangular portion 108 are intended for folding to form a handle portion of the cup.

[0621] The first straight bending line segment 124, the circular bending line segment 110C, and the second straight bending line segment 126 are adapted such that they form a smooth line which does not cut a user of the cup.

[0622] The rounded corners act to provide safety to prevent cutting of a user of the cup. The rounded corners also act to increase durability and act to provide a sturdier formation. This is different from pointed corners that break or damage more easily.

[0623] In a general sense, the cup can serve as a spoon with an active or functional top side, a scoop with an active bottom side, a scraper with an active bottom side, or a funnel with an active bottom side.

[0624] FIGS. 45, 46, and 47 show a method of folding the blank 81 to form a cup with a handle.

[0625] The method includes a step of folding the flat blank 81 along the straight bending line segments 112 and the 114, as indicated by an arrow A1, which is shown in FIGS. 45 and 46. This causes the semi-circular portion 102 and the first rectangular portion 104 to fold for forming a container portion while the second rectangular portion 106 and the third rectangular portion 108 folds to form an initial handle portion of the cup.

[0626] After this, the blank 81 is folded along the straight bending line segment 118, as indicated by an arrow A2, which is shown in FIGS. 45, 46, and 47. The container portion is then inclined at an acute angle with respect to the handle portion.

[0627] The blank 81 is then folded along the straight bending line segment 122, as indicated by an arrow A3, which is shown in FIGS. 45, 46, and 47. In other words, the handle portion is bent about straight bending line segment 122.

[0628] The third rectangular portion 108 is later inserted into a slit that is formed by the folded first rectangular portion 104, as indicated by an arrow A4, which is shown in FIG. 47, wherein the second rectangular portion 106 and the third rectangular portion 108 are bent and placed to form the final handle portion of the cup.

[0629] FIGS. 48 to 57 illustrate a blank, which is another variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38.

[0630] FIG. 48 shows a thick blank for folding to form a cup with a handle. The thick blank of FIG. 48 and the blank of FIG. 38 have similar parts.

[0631] FIG. 48 shows a thick blank 181 for folding to form a desired cup with a handle.

[0632] The thick blank 181 comprises an elongated sheet 183 with a plurality of scored lines 185 and with a plurality of bumps 187. The scored lines 185 and the bumps 187 are located on surfaces of the sheet 183.

[0633] The elongated sheet 183 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The sheet 183 has a top surface 183T with a bottom surface 183B being provided opposite to the top surface 183T. The sheet 183 also has a first side edge 183S1 with a second side edge 183S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 183S1, and a front edge 183F with a rear edge 183R being provided opposite to the front edge 183F, as illustrated in FIG. 48.

[0634] The sheet 183 also comprises a semi-circular portion 202, a first rectangular portion 204, a second rectangular portion 206, and a third rectangular portion 208. The semi-circular portion 202 is placed next to the first rectangular portion 204, which is placed next to the second rectangular portion 206. The second rectangular portion 206 is placed next to the third rectangular portion 208.

[0635] The semi-circular portion 202 comprises an arc edge 202A and a straight edge 202S. Ends of the arc edge 202A are placed next to respective ends of the straight edge 202S.

[0636] The first rectangular portion 204 includes a first-long edge 204L1 with a second-long edge 204L2, which is placed opposite to the first-long edge 204L1, and a first-short edge 204S1 with a second-short edge 204S2, which is placed opposite to the first-short edge 204S1.

[0637] Similar to the first rectangular portion 204, the second rectangular portion 206 includes a first-long edge 206L1 with a second-long edge 206L2, and a first-short edge 206S1 with a second-short edge 206S2.

[0638] Similar to the first rectangular portion 204, the third rectangular portion 208 includes a first-long edge 208L1 with a second-long edge 208L2, and a first-short edge 208S1 with a second-short edge 208S2.

[0639] Referring to the scored lines 185, they include a longitudinal-scored line, a set of lateral-scored lines, and a set of diagonal-scored lines.

[0640] The longitudinal-scored line includes a longitudinal bending line. The longitudinal-scored line is also called a long valley spine.

[0641] In detail, the longitudinal bending line include a circular bending line segment 210C and a first straight bending line segment 210S1 with a second straight bending line segment 210S2. The circular bending line segment 210C is placed on the bottom surface 183B while the first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the second straight bending line segment 210S2 are placed on the top surface 183T. A first end of the circular bending line segment 210C is placed next to a first end of the first straight bending line segment 210S1. A second end of the first straight bending line segment 210S1 is placed next to a first end of the second straight bending line segment 210S2. A second end of the second straight bending line segment 210S2 is placed next to a second end of the circular bending line segment 210C.

[0642] The first end of the first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the second end of the second straight bending line segment 210S2 are separated by a distance of about 2 mm. The second end of the first straight bending line segment 210S1 is in contact with the first end of the second straight bending line segment 210S2.

[0643] The first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the second straight bending line segment 210S2 form a small angle. The circular bending line segment 210C is placed at a midpoint of the straight edge 202S of the semi-circular portion 202. The second end of the first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the first end of the second straight bending line segment 210S2 are placed at a midpoint of the second-long edge 206L2 of the second rectangular portion 206. The first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the first end of the second straight bending line segment 210S2 extends from around the midpoint of the straight edge 202S of the semi-circular portion 202, across the first rectangular portion 204, across the second rectangular portion 206, and across the third rectangular portion 208.

[0644] The lateral-scored lines include a pair of first straight bending line segments 216A and 216B, a pair of second straight bending line segments 218A and 218B, a pair of third straight bending line segments 220A and 220B, and a pair of fourth straight bending line segments 222A and 222B.

[0645] In detail, the first straight bending line segments 216A and 216B are placed on the bottom surface 183B. They extend from the vicinity of one end of the first long edge 206L1 of the second rectangular portion 206, which is placed next to the first side edge 183S1, to the vicinity of a midpoint of the first long edge 206L1 of the second rectangular portion 206. The first straight bending line segments 216A and 216B are placed essentially parallel and close to each other.

[0646] The second straight bending line segments 218A and 218B are placed on the top surface 183T. They extend from the vicinity of the midpoint of the first long edge 206L1 of the second rectangular portion 206 to the vicinity of one end of the first long edge 206L1 of the second rectangular portion 206, which is placed next to the second side edge 183S2. The second straight bending line segments 218A and 218B are placed essentially parallel and close to each other.

[0647] The third straight bending line segments 220A and 220B are placed on the bottom surface 183B. They extend from the vicinity of one end of the first long edge 208L1 of the third rectangular portion 208, which is placed next to the first side edge 183S1, to the vicinity of a midpoint of the first long edge 208L1 of the third rectangular portion 208. The third straight bending line segments 220A and 220B are placed essentially parallel and close to each other.

[0648] The fourth straight bending line segment 222A and 222B are placed on the top surface 183T. They extend from the vicinity of the midpoint of the first long edge 208L1 of the third rectangular portion 208 to the vicinity of one end of the first long edge 208L1 of the third rectangular portion 208, which is placed next to the second side edge 183S2. The first straight bending line segments 222A and 222B are placed essentially parallel and close to each other.

[0649] The set of diagonal-scored lines include a first straight bending line segment 224 and a second straight bending line segment 226.

[0650] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 224 is placed on the bottom surface 183B and it extends from a midpoint of the straight edge 202S of the semi-circular portion 202 to one end of the second long edge 204L2 of the first rectangular portion 204, which is placed at the first side edge 183S1.

[0651] The second straight bending line segment 226 is placed on the bottom surface 183B and it extends from the midpoint of the straight edge 202S of the semi-circular portion 202 and it extends in the direction of one end of the second long edge 204L2 of the first rectangular portion 204, which is placed at the second side edge 183S2.

[0652] One end of the second straight bending line segment 226 is placed on the midpoint of the straight edge 202S of the semi-circular portion 202. Another end of the second straight bending line segment 226 is placed on a point, which lies on about midpoint between the midpoint of the straight edge 202S and the one end of the second long edge 204L2 of the first rectangular portion 204, which is placed at the second side edge 183S2.

[0653] With regards to the bumps 187, they are placed on a first elevated part and on a second elevated part of the blank 181.

[0654] The first elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge 206L1, a part of the second long edge 206L2, and the second short edge 206S2 of the second rectangular portion 206, as well as the straight bending line segment 210S2 of the longitudinal bending line.

[0655] The second elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge 208L1, a part of the second long edge 208L2, and the second short edge 208S2 of the third rectangular portion 208, as well as the straight bending line segment 210S2 of the longitudinal bending line.

[0656] A first trapezoid indentation or opening 228 is provided at ends of the first straight bending line segments 216A and 216B, which is placed in the vicinity of ends of the second straight bending line segments 218A and 218B.

[0657] A second trapezoid indentation 230 is provided at ends of the third straight bending line segments 220A and 220B, which is placed in the vicinity of ends of the fourth straight bending line segments 222A and 222B.

[0658] In one implementation for forming a cup with a long handle, the blank 181 has a length of approximately 285 mm and a width of approximately 120 mm. The semi-circular portion 202 has a radius of about 60 mm.

[0659] Referring to the first rectangular portion 204, the first-short edge 204S1 and the second-short edge 204S2 have a length of about 60 mm and the first-long edge 204L1 and the second-long edge 204L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

[0660] Referring to the second rectangular portion 206, the first-short edge 206S1 has a length of about 80.5 mm, the second-short edge 206S2 has a length of about 81.5 mm, the first-long edge 206L1 and the second-long edge 206L2 have a length of about 120 mm. The middle part of the second rectangular portion 206 has a width of about 81.0 mm.

[0661] Referring to the third rectangular portion 208, the first-short edge 208S1 has a length of about 77.3 mm, the second-short edge 208S2 has a length of about 77.8 mm, and the first-long edge 208L1 has a length of about 120 mm. The middle part of the third rectangular portion 208 has a width of about 80.0 mm.

[0662] The first straight bending line segment 224 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 183S1. The circular bending line segment 210C has a minimal diameter of about 3 mm. The first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the second straight bending line segment 210S2 has a separation of about 2 mm minimal at one end and about 0 mm at another end.

[0663] In one implementation for forming a cup with a short handle, the blank 181 has a length from approximately 243.5 mm and a width of approximately 120 mm.

[0664] The semi-circular portion 202 has a radius of about 60 mm.

[0665] Referring to the first rectangular portion 204, the first-short edge 204S1 and the second-short edge 204S2 have a length of about 60 mm and the first-long edge 204L1 and the second-long edge 204L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

[0666] Referring to the second rectangular portion 206, the first-short edge 206S1 has a length of about 60.0 mm, the second-short edge 206S2 has a length of about 60.5 mm, the first-long edge 206L1 and the second-long edge 206L2 have a length of about 120 mm.

[0667] Referring to the third rectangular portion 208, the first-short edge 208S1 has a length of about 56.5 mm, the second-short edge 208S2 has a length of about 57.0 mm, and the first-long edge 208L1 has a length of about 120 mm. The middle part of the third rectangular portion 208 has a width of about 59.0 mm.

[0668] The first straight bending line segment 224 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 183S1. The circular bending line segment 210C has a minimal diameter of about 3 mm. The first straight bending line segment 210S1 and the second straight bending line segment 210S2 has a separation of about 2 mm minimal at one end and about 0 mm at another end.

[0669] Functionally, the blank 181 can be folded manually to form a cup, which is illustrated in FIGS. 49 to 52.

[0670] The semi-circular portion 202 and the first rectangular portion 204 are intended for folding to form a container portion of the cup.

[0671] The second rectangular portion 206 and the third rectangular portion 208 are intended for folding to form a handle portion of the cup.

[0672] The scored lines 185 are intended for bending parts of the blank 181 toward different predetermined directions to form the cup.

[0673] The parallel and close straight bending line segments 216A and 216B allow for easier folding of respective thick parts of blank 181.

[0674] Similarly, the parallel and close straight bending line segment 220A and 220B, and the parallel and close straight bending line segment 222A and 222B allow for easier folding of respective thick parts of blank 181.

[0675] The almost parallel and close bending line segments 210S1 and 210S2 allow for easier folding of respective thick parts of blank 181.

[0676] These trapezoid indentations 228 and 230 allow for easier folding of respective thick parts of blank 181.

[0677] The trapezoid indentations 228 and 230 act to contain material thickness of the blank 181. When the blank 181 is bent, the bent area often enlarges, especially in corners. This enlarging can deter the bending of the blank 181. The trapezoid indentations 228 and 230 serve to receive the enlarged area to allow for easier bending of the blank 181.

[0678] In the folded state, these trapezoid indentations 228 and 230 also allow for secure and stable formation of the cup and stable formation of its stand.

[0679] FIGS. 55, 56, and 57 show a method of folding the blank 81 to form a cup with a handle.

[0680] The method includes a step of folding the flat blank 181 along the straight bending line segments 210S1 and 210S2, as indicated by an arrow A1-1, which is shown in FIGS. 55 and 56. The semi-circular portion 202 and the first rectangular portion 204 then fold to form a container portion while the second rectangular portion 206 and the third rectangular portion 208 are folded to form an initial handle portion of the cup.

[0681] After this, the blank 181 is folded along the straight bending line segments 218A and 218B, as indicated by an arrow A2-1, which is shown in FIGS. 55, 56, and 57. The container portion is then inclined at an acute angle with respect to the handle portion.

[0682] The blank 181 is then folded along the straight bending line segments 222A and 222B, as indicated by an arrow A3-1, which is shown in FIGS. 55, 56, and 57. Put differently, the handle portion is bent about the straight bending line segments 222A and 222B.

[0683] The third rectangular portion 208 is later inserted into a slit that is formed by the folded first rectangular portion 204, as indicated by an arrow A4-1, which is shown in FIG. 57. In other words, the second rectangular portion 206 and the third rectangular portion 208 are bent and placed to form the final handle portion of the cup.

[0684] FIGS. 58 to 67 illustrate a blank that is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38.

[0685] FIG. 58 shows a thin blank 381 for folding to form a desired cup with a stand. The blank 381 and the blank 81 of FIG. 38 have similar parts. The similar parts may have the same or similar part numbers.

[0686] In a general sense, the cup can also refer to a bowl, a container, or a scoop.

[0687] The thin blank 381 includes an elongated sheet 383 with a plurality of scored lines 385, with a plurality of bumps 387 and with two flap parts 388A and 388B. The scored lines 385 and the bumps 387 are located on surfaces of the sheet 383.

[0688] The elongated sheet 383 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The sheet 383 has a top surface 383T with a bottom surface 383B being provided opposite to the top surface 383T, as shown in FIG. 64. The sheet 383 also has a first side edge 383S1 with a second side edge 383S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 383S1, and a front edge 383F with a rear edge 383R being provided opposite to the front edge 383F, as illustrated in FIG. 58.

[0689] The front edge 383F and the rear edge 383R are placed at longitudinal ends of the sheet 383. The front edge 383F is connected to the first side edge 383S1, which is connected to the rear edge 383R. The rear edge 383R is connected to the second side edge 383S2, which is connected to the front edge 383F.

[0690] The sheet 383 also comprises a semi-circular portion 402, a first rectangular portion 404, a second rectangular portion 406, a third rectangular portion 408, and a fourth rectangular portion 409, as illustrated in FIG. 63. The semi-circular portion 402 is placed next to the first rectangular portion 404, which is placed next to the second rectangular portion 406. The second rectangular portion 406 is placed next to the third rectangular portion 408, which is placed next to the fourth rectangular portion 409.

[0691] The semi-circular portion 402 comprises an arc edge 402A and a straight edge 402S. Ends of the arc edge 402A are placed next to respective ends of the straight edge 402S.

[0692] The first rectangular portion 404 includes a first-long edge 404L1 with a second-long edge 4104L2, which is placed opposite to the first-long edge 404L1, and a first-short edge 404S1 with a second-short edge 404S2, which is placed opposite to the first-short edge 404S1.

[0693] Similar to the first rectangular portion 404, the second rectangular portion 406 includes a first-long edge 406L1 with a second-long edge 406L2, and a first-short edge 406S1 with a second-short edge 406S2.

[0694] Similar to the first rectangular portion 404, the third rectangular portion 408 includes a first-long edge 408L1 with a second-long edge 408L2, and a first-short edge 408S1 with a second-short edge 408S2.

[0695] Similar to the first rectangular portion 404, the fourth rectangular portion 409 includes a first-long edge 409L1 with a second-long edge 409L2, and a first-short edge 409S1 with a second-short edge 409S2.

[0696] Referring to the scored lines 385, they include a set of longitudinal-scored lines, a set of lateral-scored lines, and a set of diagonal-scored lines.

[0697] The longitudinal-scored lines include a first longitudinal bending line and a second longitudinal bending line, a third longitudinal bending line, and a fourth longitudinal bending line.

[0698] In detail, the first longitudinal bending line includes a circular bending line segment 410C and a first straight bending line segment 410S1 with a second straight bending line segment 410S2.

[0699] The circular bending line segment 410C is placed on the bottom surface 383B while the first straight bending line segment 410S1 and the second straight bending line segment 410S2 are placed on the top surface 383T. A first end of the circular bending line segment 410C is placed next to a first end of the first straight bending line segment 410S1. A second end of the first straight bending line segment 410S1 is placed next to a first end of the second straight bending line segment 410S2. A second end of the second straight bending line segment 410S2 is placed next to a second end of the circular bending line segment 410C. The first straight bending line segment 410S1 and the second straight bending line segment 410S2 form a small angle. The circular bending line segment 410C is placed at a midpoint of the straight edge 402S of the semi-circular portion 402. The second end of the first straight bending line segment 410S1 and the first end of the second straight bending line segment 410S2 are placed at a midpoint of the first long edge 406L1 of the second rectangular portion 406.

[0700] The second longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending line segment 412, which is placed on the top surface 383T. The straight bending line segment 412 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge 406L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 406L2 of the second rectangular portion 406.

[0701] The third longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending line segment 414, which is placed on the top surface 383T. The straight bending line segment 414 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge 408L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 408L2 of the third rectangular portion 408.

[0702] The fourth longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending line segment 415, which is placed on the top surface 383T. The straight bending line segment 415 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge 409L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 409L2 of the third rectangular portion 409.

[0703] Referring to the lateral-scored lines, they include a first straight bending line segment 416, a second straight bending line segment 418, a third straight bending line segment 420, and a fourth straight bending line segment 421. The lateral-scored lines also include a fifth straight bending line segment 422, a sixth straight bending line segment 423.

[0704] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 416 is placed on the bottom surface 383B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 406L1 of the second rectangular portion 406, which is placed next to the first side edge 383S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 406L1 of the second rectangular portion 406.

[0705] The second straight bending line segment 418 is placed on the top surface 383T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge 406L1 of the second rectangular portion 406 to one end of the first long edge 406L1 of the second rectangular portion 406, which is placed next to the second side edge 383S2.

[0706] The third straight bending line segment 420 is placed on the bottom surface 383B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 408L1 of the third rectangular portion 408, which is placed next to the first side edge 383S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 408L1 of the third rectangular portion 408.

[0707] The fourth straight bending line segment 421 is placed on the top surface 383T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge 408L1 of the third rectangular portion 408 to one end of the first long edge 408L1 of the third rectangular portion 408, which is placed next to the second side edge 383S2.

[0708] The fifth straight bending line segment 422 is placed on the bottom surface 383B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 409L1 of the fourth rectangular portion 409, which is placed next to the first side edge 383S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 409L1 of the fourth rectangular portion 409.

[0709] The sixth straight bending line segment 423 is placed on the top surface 383T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge 409L1 of the fourth rectangular portion 409 to one end of the first long edge 409L1 of the fourth rectangular portion 409, which is placed next to the second side edge 383S2.

[0710] Referring to the set of diagonal-scored lines, they include a first straight bending line segment 424 and a second straight bending line segment 426.

[0711] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 424 is placed on the bottom surface 383B and it extends from a midpoint of the straight edge 402S of the semi-circular portion 402 to one end of the second long edge 404L2 of the first rectangular portion 404, which is placed at the first side edge 383S1.

[0712] The second straight bending line segment 426 is placed on the bottom surface 383B and it extends from the midpoint of the straight edge 402S of the semi-circular portion 402 and it extends towards one end of the second long edge 404L2 of the first rectangular portion 404, which is placed at the second side edge 383S2.

[0713] One end of the second straight bending line segment 426 is placed on the midpoint of the straight edge 402S of the semi-circular portion 402. Another end of the second straight bending line segment 426 is placed on a point, which lies on about midpoint between the midpoint of the straight edge 402S and the one end of the second long edge 404L2 of the first rectangular portion 404, which is placed at the second side edge 383S2.

[0714] The fourth rectangular portion 409 includes the previously mentioned flap parts 388A and 388B.

[0715] The flap part 388A is located in a first half of the fourth rectangular portion 409 while the flap part 388B is located in a second half of the fourth rectangular portion 409.

[0716] The flap part 388A includes a straight scored line 388AS, a first straight cut line 388AC1 and a second straight cut line 388AC2. The straight scored line 388AS, the first straight cut line 388AC1 and the second straight cut line 388AC2 are arranged such that they form a triangle. In detail, a first end of the straight scored line 388AS is connected to a first end of the first straight cut line 388AC1. A second end of the first straight cut line 388AC1 is connected to a first end of the second straight cut line 388AC2. A second end of the second straight cut line 388AC2 is connected to a second end of the straight scored line 388AS.

[0717] Similarly, the flap part 388B includes a straight scored line 388BS, a first straight cut line 388BC1 and a second straight cut line 388BC2.

[0718] In a case wherein the blank 381 is provided using paper, the first straight cut line 388AC1 and the second straight cut line 388AC2 are provided with a single die cut line.

[0719] With regards to the bumps 387, they are placed on an elevated part of the blank 381.

[0720] The elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge 408L1, a part of the second long edge 408L2, and the second short edge 408S2 of the third rectangular portion 408, as well as the straight bending line segment 414.

[0721] In one implementation for forming a cup with a stand, the blank 381, which is thin, has a length of approximately 285 mm and a width of approximately 120 mm. The semi-circular portion 402 has a radius of about 60 mm. The first rectangular portion 404 has a width of about 60 mm and a length of about 120 mm. The second rectangular portion 406 has a width of about 45.5 mm to about 46.0 mm and a length of about 120 mm. The third rectangular portion 408 has a width of about 59.5 mm to about 60.0 mm and a length of about 120 mm. The fourth rectangular portion 409 has a width of about 58.0 mm to about 59.0 mm and a length of about 120 mm. The first straight bending line segment 424 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 383S1.

[0722] Functionally, the blank 381 can be folded manually to form a cup with a stand, which is illustrated in FIGS. 59 to 62.

[0723] The scored lines 385 are intended for bending parts of the blank 381 toward different predetermined directions to form the cup.

[0724] The semi-circular portion 402 and the first rectangular portion 404 are intended for folding to form a container portion of the cup.

[0725] The second rectangular portion 406, the third rectangular portion 408, and the fourth rectangular portion 409 are intended for folding to form a stand or support for the container portion of the cup.

[0726] The flaps part 388A and 388B are intended for pop-out or folding to provide additional support for sides of the container portion of the cup.

[0727] In a special embodiment, the semi-circular portion 402 includes a plurality of holes for draining off liquid in the cup, especially when the cup acts a colander.

[0728] In another embodiment, the semi-circular portion 402 includes a plurality of measurement lines for indicating volume of liquid in the cup.

[0729] FIGS. 65, 66, and 67 show a method of folding the blank 381 to form a cup with a stand.

[0730] The method includes a step of folding the flat blank 381 along the straight bending line segments 412, 414 and the 415, as indicated by an arrow A1-2, which is shown in FIGS. 65 and 66. This causes the semi-circular portion 402 and the first rectangular portion 404 to fold for forming a container portion while also causing the second rectangular portion 406, the third rectangular portion 408, and the fourth rectangular portion 409 to fold for forming an initial handle portion of the cup.

[0731] After this, the blank 381 is folded along the straight bending line segments 416 and 418, as indicated by an arrow A2-2, which is shown in FIGS. 65, 66, and 67. The container portion is then inclined at an acute angle with respect to the handle portion.

[0732] The blank 381 is then folded along the straight bending line segments 420 and 421, as indicated by an arrow A3-2, which is shown in FIGS. 65, 66, and 67. The handle portion is then bent about the straight bending line segments 420 and 421.

[0733] The blank 381 is then folded along the straight bending line segments 422 and 423, as indicated by an arrow A4-2, which is shown in FIGS. 65, 66, and 67. The handle portion is then bent about the straight bending line segments 422 and 423.

[0734] The fourth rectangular portion 409 is later inserted into a slit that is formed by the folded first rectangular portion 404, as indicated by an arrow A5-2, which is shown in FIG. 67. The second rectangular portion 406, the third rectangular portion 408, and the fourth rectangular portion 409 are bent and placed to form the final portion of the cup.

[0735] Following this, the flap parts 388A and 388B are folded outwards, as shown in FIG. 60.

[0736] FIGS. 68 to 79 illustrate a blank that is another variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38.

[0737] FIG. 68 depicts a thin blank 481 for folding to form a desired cup without a handle.

[0738] In a general sense, the cup can also refer to a bowl, a container, or a scoop.

[0739] The thin blank 481 includes an elongated sheet 483 with a plurality of scored lines 485, with a plurality of bumps 487, and with two flap parts 488A and 488B. The scored lines 485 and the bumps 487 are located on surfaces of the sheet 483.

[0740] Each scored line 485 includes a narrow hollow channel, a bending groove, or to a narrow elongated depressed area for facilitating bending or folding of the blank 481 to form a desired cup. The depth and the width of the scored line are adapted according to material, to thickness, and to purpose of the blank 481.

[0741] The elongated sheet 483 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The sheet 483 has a top surface 483T with a bottom surface 483B being provided opposite to the top surface 483T, as shown in FIG. 76. The sheet 483 also has a first side edge 483S1 with a second side edge 483S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 483S1, and a front edge 483F with a rear edge 483R being provided opposite to the front edge 483F, as illustrated in FIG. 68.

[0742] The scored line 485 can be placed on the top surface 483T or on the bottom surface 483B of the sheet 483.

[0743] The front edge 483F and the rear edge 483R are placed at longitudinal ends of the sheet 483. The front edge 483F is connected to the first side edge 483S1, which is connected to the rear edge 483R. The rear edge 483R is connected to the second side edge 483S2, which is connected to the front edge 483F.

[0744] The sheet 483 also comprises a semi-circular portion 502, a first rectangular portion 504, and a second rectangular portion 506, as illustrated in FIG. 75. The semi-circular portion 502 is placed next to the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed next to the second rectangular portion 506.

[0745] The semi-circular portion 502 comprises an arc edge 502A and a straight edge 502S. Ends of the arc edge 502A are placed next to respective ends of the straight edge 502S.

[0746] The first rectangular portion 504 includes a first-long edge 504L1 with a second-long edge 504L2, which is placed opposite to the first-long edge 504L1, and a first-short edge 504S1 with a second-short edge 504S2, which is placed opposite to the first-short edge 504S1. A first end of the first-long edge 504L1 is placed next to a first end of the first-short edge 504S1. A second end of the first-short edge 504S1 is placed next to a first end of the second-long edge 504L2. A second end of the second-long edge 504L2 is placed next to a first end of the second-short edge 504S2. A second end of the second-short edge 504S2 is placed next to a second end of the first-long edge 504L1. The first-long edge 504L1, the second-long edge 504L2, the first-short edge 504S1, and the second-short edge 504S2 are essentially straight.

[0747] Similar to the first rectangular portion 504, the second rectangular portion 506 includes a first-long edge 506L1 with a second-long edge 506L2, and a first-short edge 506S1 with a second-short edge 506S2.

[0748] Referring to the semi-circular portion 502, the arc edge 502A is placed next to the front edge 483F. The straight edge 502S is placed next to the first-long edge 504L1 of the first rectangular portion 504.

[0749] Referring to the first rectangular portion 504, the first-short edge 504S1 is placed next to the first side edge 483S1. The second short edge 504S2 is placed next to the second side edge 483S2. The second-long edge 504L2 is placed next to the first-long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506.

[0750] Referring to the second rectangular portion 506, the first-short edge 506S1 is placed next to the first side edge 483S1. The second short edge 506S2 is placed next to the second side edge 483S2. The second-long edge 506L2 is placed next to the rear edge 483R.

[0751] The straight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502, the long edges 504L1 and 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, and the long edges 506L1 and 506L2 of the second rectangular portion 506 have the same length.

[0752] The first short edge 504S1 of the first rectangular portion 504 and the first short edge 506S1 of the second rectangular portion 506 are placed such that they form essentially a straight line with a slight bend. In other words, the first short edge 506S1 has a small inclination with respect to the first short edge 504S1.

[0753] Similarly, the second short edge 504S2 of the first rectangular portion 504 and the second short edge 506S2 of the second rectangular portion 506 are placed such that they form essentially a straight line with a slight bend. In other words, the second short edge 506S2 has a small inclination with respect to the second short edge 504S2.

[0754] Referring to the scored lines 485, they include a set of longitudinal-scored lines, a set of lateral-scored lines, and a set of diagonal-scored lines.

[0755] The longitudinal-scored lines include a first longitudinal bending line and a second longitudinal bending line.

[0756] In detail, the first longitudinal bending line includes a circular bending line segment 510C and a first straight bending line segment 510S1 with a second straight bending line segment 510S2.

[0757] The circular bending line segment 510C is placed on the bottom surface 483B while the first straight bending line segment 510S1 and the second straight bending line segment 510S2 are placed on the top surface 483T. A first end of the circular bending line segment 510C is placed next to and in contact with a first end of the first straight bending line segment 510S1. A second end of the first straight bending line segment 510S1 is placed next to and in contact with a first end of the second straight bending line segment 510S2. A second end of the second straight bending line segment 510S2 is placed next to and in contact with a second end of the circular bending line segment 510C. The first straight bending line segment 510S1 and the second straight bending line segment 510S2 form a small angle. The circular bending line segment 510C is placed at a midpoint of the straight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502. The second end of the first straight bending line segment 510S1 and the first end of the second straight bending line segment 510S2 are placed at a midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506.

[0758] The second longitudinal bending line includes a straight bending line segment 512, which is placed on the top surface 483T. The straight bending line segment 512 extends from a midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 to a midpoint of the second long edge 506L2 of the second rectangular portion 506.

[0759] With respect to the lateral-scored lines, they include a first straight bending line segment 516 and a second straight bending line segment 518.

[0760] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 516 is placed on the bottom surface 483B and it extends from one end of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506, which is placed next to the first side edge 483S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506.

[0761] The second straight bending line segment 518 is placed on the top surface 483T and it extends from the midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506 to one end of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506, which is placed next to the second side edge 483S2.

[0762] With respect to the set of diagonal-scored lines, they include a first straight bending line segment 524 and a second straight bending line segment 526.

[0763] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 524 is placed on the bottom surface 483B and it extends from a midpoint of the straight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502 to one end of the second long edge 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed at the first side edge 483S1.

[0764] The second straight bending line segment 526 is placed on the bottom surface 483B and it extends from the midpoint of the straight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502 and it extends towards one end of the second long edge 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed at the second side edge 483S2.

[0765] One end of the second straight bending line segment 526 is placed on the midpoint of the straight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502. Another end of the second straight bending line segment 526 is placed on a point, which lies on about midpoint between the midpoint of the straight edge 502S and the one end of the second long edge 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed at the second side edge 483S2.

[0766] The fourth rectangular portion 506 includes the previously mentioned flap parts 488A and 488B.

[0767] The flap part 488A is located in a first half of the second rectangular portion 506 while the flap part 488B is located in a second half of the second rectangular portion 506.

[0768] The flap part 488A includes a U-shaped cut line 488AU. The cut line 488AU is produced using a die cut process.

[0769] A plurality of scored lines, which includes several straight bending line segments 540 that are placed on the bottom surface 483B. They extend between the U-shaped cut line 488AU and one end of the second long edge 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed at the first side edge 483S1. They also extend between the U-shaped cut link 488AU and the midpoint of the second long edge 506L2 of the second rectangular portion 506. The number of the scored lines is dependent on the material of the blank 481.

[0770] Similarly, the flap part 488B includes a U-shaped cut line 488BU. The cut line 488BU is produced using a die cut process.

[0771] A plurality of scored lines, which includes several straight bending line segments 542 that are placed on the top surface 483T. They extend between the U-shaped cut link 488BU and the midpoint of the second long edge 506L2 of the second rectangular portion 506. They also extend between the U-shaped cut line 488BU and one end of the second long edge 504L2 of the first rectangular portion 504, which is placed at the second side edge 483S2.

[0772] The straight bending line segments 540 and 542 allow for easy inserting of the flap parts 488A and 488B for locking the flap parts 488A and 488B to a part of the blank 481. The straight bending line segments 540 and 542 also allow for easy unlocking or removing of the flap parts 488A and 488B from the lock.

[0773] With regards to the bumps 487, they are placed on an elevated part of the blank 481.

[0774] The elevated part is enclosed by a part of the first long edge 506L1, a part of the second long edge 506L2, and the second short edge 506S2 of the second rectangular portion 506, as well as the straight bending line segment 512.

[0775] The bumps 487 are placed on the flap parts 488A and 488B. These bumps 487 allow easy friction gripping of the flap parts 488A and 488B.

[0776] The bumps 487 can be produced via blind emboss for a blank that comprises paper. The bumps 487 can be studded or attached to a blank that comprises silicone or rubber material.

[0777] A curve edge or rounded corner 530 is provided at one end of the first straight bending line segment 516, which is placed next to the first side edge 483S1.

[0778] Similarly, a curve edge or rounded corner 532 is provided at one end of the second straight bending line segment 518, which is placed next to the second side edge 483S2.

[0779] A curve edge or rounded corner 534 is also provided at one end of the straight bending line segment 512, which is placed next to the rear edge 483R.

[0780] In one implementation for forming a cup, the blank 481 has a length of approximately 179 mm and a width of approximately 120 mm. The semi-circular portion 502 has a radius of about 60 mm. The first rectangular portion 504 has a width of about 60 mm and a length of about 120 mm. The second rectangular portion 506 has a width of about 57.0 mm and a length of about 120 mm. The first straight bending line segment 524 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the first side edge 483S1.

[0781] Functionally, the blank 481 can be folded manually to form a cup, which is illustrated in FIGS. 69 to 74 and 77 and 79.

[0782] The scored lines 485 are intended for bending parts of the blank 481 toward different predetermined directions to form the cup.

[0783] The semi-circular portion 502 and the first rectangular portion 504 are intended for folding to form a container portion of the cup.

[0784] The flap parts 488A and 488B are intended for forming a tab, which allows a user to easily lock and unlock the container portion.

[0785] The rounded corners 530, 532, and 534 are intended to provide safety to prevent cutting of a user of the cup.

[0786] FIGS. 77, 78, and 79 show a method of folding the blank 481 to form a cup without a handle.

[0787] The method includes a step of folding the flat blank 481 along the straight bending line segment 512, as indicated by an arrow A1-3, which is shown in FIGS. 77 and 78. This causes the semi-circular portion 502 and the first rectangular portion 504 to fold for forming a container portion while the second rectangular portion 506 folds to form an initial handle portion of the cup.

[0788] After this, the blank 481 is folded along the straight bending line segment 518, as indicated by an arrow A2-3, which is shown in FIGS. 77, 78, and 79. The container portion is then inclined at an acute angle with respect to the handle portion. The second rectangular portion 506 is then bent, as indicated by the arrow A3-3, wherein the flap parts 488A and 488B form a tab, which is shown in FIG. 79.

[0789] The tab is later inserted into a slit that is formed by the folded first rectangular portion 504, as indicated by an arrow A4-3, which is shown in FIG. 79.

[0790] FIG. 80 illustrates a variant of the blank of FIG. 68.

[0791] FIG. 80 depicts a thick blank 481′ for folding to form a desired cup without a handle.

[0792] The blank 481′ is similar to the blank 481 of FIG. 68. The blank 481′ and the blank 481 have similar parts with the same name or similar name with a prime or alphabet symbol.

[0793] The thick blank 481′ includes an elongated sheet 483 with a plurality of scored lines 485.

[0794] The elongated sheet 483 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The sheet 483 has a top surface 483T with a bottom surface 483B being provided opposite to the top surface 483T. The sheet 483 also has a first side edge 483S1 with a second side edge 483S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 483S1, and a front edge 483F with a rear edge 483R being provided opposite to the front edge 483F.

[0795] Referring to the scored lines 485, they include a set of longitudinal-scored lines and a set of lateral-scored lines.

[0796] The longitudinal-scored lines include a set of first longitudinal bending lines, which includes a circular bending line segment 510C′ and a first straight bending line segment 510S1′ with a second straight bending line segment 510S2′.

[0797] The circular bending line segment 510C′ is placed on the bottom surface 483B while the first straight bending line segment 510S1′ and the second straight bending line segment 510S2′ are placed on the top surface 483T.

[0798] The first straight bending line segment 510S1′ and the second straight bending line segment 510S2′ are essentially parallel to each other.

[0799] The circular bending line segment 510C′ is placed at a midpoint of the straight edge 502S of the semi-circular portion 502. A first end of the circular bending line segment 510C′ is placed next to a first end of the first straight bending line segment 510S1′. A second end of the first straight bending line segment 510S1′ is placed near to a midpoint of the rear edge 483R. Similarly, a second end of the circular bending line segment 510C′ is placed next to a first end of the second straight bending line segment 510S2′. A second end of the second straight bending line segment 510S2′ is placed next to the midpoint of the rear edge 483R.

[0800] With respect to the lateral-scored lines, they include a pair of first straight bending line segments 516A and 516B as well as a pair of second straight bending line segments 518A and 518B.

[0801] In detail, the first straight bending line segments 516A and 516B are positioned essentially parallel and near to each other. The first straight bending line segments 516A and 516B are placed on the bottom surface 483B and they extend from one end of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506, which is placed next to the first side edge 483S1, to a midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506.

[0802] The second straight bending line segments 518A and 518B are positioned essentially parallel and near to each other. The second straight bending line segments 518A and 518B are placed on the top surface 483T and they extend from the midpoint of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506 to one end of the first long edge 506L1 of the second rectangular portion 506, which is placed next to the second side edge 483S2.

[0803] A trapezoid indentation or opening 550′ is provided at an area, where the pair of the first straight bending line segments 516A and 516B meet with the pair of second straight bending line segments 518A and 518B.

[0804] Functionally, the straight bending line segments 510S1′ and 510S2′ provide additional bending lines for allowing easier folding of the thick blank 481′.

[0805] Similarly, the first straight bending line segments 516A and 516B as well as a pair of second straight bending line segments 518A and 518B provide additional bending lines for allowing easier folding of the thick blank 481′.

[0806] FIGS. 81 to 88 illustrate a variant of the blank of FIG. 58.

[0807] FIG. 81 shows a thin blank 381-1 for folding to form a desired cup with a stand. The blank 381-1 and the blank 381 of FIG. 38 have similar parts. The similar parts may have the same or similar part numbers.

[0808] The thin blank 381-1 includes an elongated sheet 383-1 with two flap parts 388A-1 and 388B-1.

[0809] The sheet 383-1 also comprises a semi-circular portion 402, a first rectangular portion 404, a second rectangular portion 406, a third rectangular portion 408, and a fourth rectangular portion 409 as illustrated in FIG. 63.

[0810] In detail, the fourth rectangular portion 406 includes the previously mentioned flap parts 388A-1 and 388B-1.

[0811] The flap part 388A-1 is located in a first half of the fourth rectangular portion 406 while the flap part 388B-1 is located in a second half of the fourth rectangular portion 406.

[0812] The flap part 388A-1 includes a straight scored line 388AS-1, a first straight cut line 388AC1-1 and a second straight cut line 388AC2-1. The straight scored line 388AS-1, the first straight cut line 388AC1-1 and the second straight cut line 388AC2-1 are arranged such that they form a triangle. In detail, a first end of the straight scored line 388AS-1 is connected to a first end of the first straight cut line 388AC1-1. A second end of the first straight cut line 388AC1-1 is connected to a first end of the second straight cut line 388AC2-1. A second end of the second straight cut line 388AC2-1 is connected to a second end of the straight scored line 388AS-1.

[0813] Similarly, the flap part 388B-1 includes a straight scored line 388BS-1, a first straight cut line 388BC1-1 and a second straight cut line 388BC2-1.

[0814] In a case, wherein the blank 381-1 is provided using paper, the first straight cut line 388AC1-1 and the second straight cut line 388AC2-1 are provided with a single die cut line.

[0815] Functionally, the flaps part 388A-1 and 388B-1 are intended for pop-out or folding to provide additional support for the cup.

[0816] FIGS. 86, 87, and 88 show a method of folding the blank 381-1 to form a cup with a stand.

[0817] The method includes a step of folding the flap parts 388A-1 and 388B-1 outwards, as shown in FIG. 81.

[0818] FIGS. 89 to 92 show a moulded blank 1p, which is intended for folding to form a handheld tool, namely a spoon or scoop. The blank 1p is not subjected to external compressive force.

[0819] The moulded blank 1p is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38, wherein the moulded blank 1p and the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38 have similar parts.

[0820] As better seen in FIG. 89, the moulded blank 1p includes an elongated, and essentially symmetric sheet with a symmetrical axis A.

[0821] As better seen in FIGS. 89 to 92, the sheet includes a major top surface 2 and a major bottom surface 3 being provided opposite the major top surface 2, a first side edge 4 and a second side edge 4′ being provided opposite the first side edge 4, as well as a front edge 5 and a rear edge 6 being provided opposite the front edge 5. A first end part of the first side edge 4 is placed next to a first end part of the rear edge 6. A second end part of the rear edge 6 is placed next to a first end part of the second side edge 4′. A second end part of the second side edge 4′ is placed next to a first end part of the front edge 5. A second end part of the front edge 5 is placed next to a second end part of the second side edge 4.

[0822] Referring to FIG. 89, the sheet includes a first sheet portion 9-1p together with a second sheet portion 9-2p, and a bending cum connection strip 11p. The first sheet portion 9-1p is integrally connected to the bending cum connection strip 11p, which is integrally connected to the second sheet portion 9-2p. As seen in FIGS. 90 and 91, a plane of the first sheet portion 9-1p is also separated from a plane of the second sheet portion 9-2p by a predetermined distance d. In other words, the second sheet portion 9-2p is elevated or raised with respect to the first sheet portion 9-1p.

[0823] The sheet portion 9-1p and 9-2p refer to a large thin portion, which can be flat or bended.

[0824] Referring to FIG. 89, the bending cum connection strip 11p includes two essentially straight strip segments 12p and 12p′ and an essentially circular strip segment 13p. The straight strip segments 12p and 12p′ are connected to the circular strip segment 13p such that the bending cum connection strip 11p is symmetrical around the axis A. The circular strip segment 13p is also called a vertex.

[0825] In detail, a first end of the straight strip segment 12p is placed next to the first side edge 4. The straight strip segment 12p extends from the side edge 4 towards the symmetrical axis A. The straight strip segment 12p is placed at an acute angle with respect to the side edge 4. A second end of the straight strip segment 12p is placed next to a first end of the circular strip segment 13p. The second end of the straight strip segment 12p and the first end of the circular strip segment 13p are placed at a junction point 16.

[0826] Similarly, a first end of the straight strip segment 12p′ is placed next to the second side edge 4′. The straight strip segment 12p′ extends from the side edge 4′ towards the symmetrical axis A. The straight strip segment 12p′ is placed at an acute angle with respect to the side edge 4′. A second end of the straight strip segment 12p′ is placed next to a second end of the circular strip segment 13p. A second end of the straight strip segment 12p′ and the second end of the circular strip segment 13 are placed at a junction point 16′.

[0827] Referring to the second sheet portion 9-2p, it includes bending lines 10p and 10p′. The bending lines 10p and 10p′ extend between the rear edge 6 of the moulded blank 1p and the circular strip segment 13p. The bending lines 10p and 10p′ are placed on the top surface 2.

[0828] The bending line 10p comprises two straight bending line segments 14p1 and 14p2 together with a curved bending line segment 15p. A first end part of the straight bending line segment 14p1 is placed next to the rear edge 6. A second end part of the straight bending line segment 14p1 is placed next to a first end part of the curved bending line segment 15p. A second end part of the curved bending line segment 15p is placed next to the junction point 16. The second end part of the curved bending line segment 15p is also placed next to a first end part of the straight bending line segment 14p2. A second end part of the straight bending line segment 14p2 is placed next to the rear edge 6.

[0829] Similarly, the bending line 10p′ comprises two straight bending line segment 14p1′ and 14p2′ and a curved bending line segment 15p′. A first end part of the straight bending line segment 14p1′ is placed next to the rear edge 6. A second end part of the straight bending line segment 14p1′ is placed next to a first end part of the curved bending line segment 15p′. A second end part of the curved bending line segment 15p′ is placed next to the junction point 16′. The second end part of the curved bending line segment 15p′ is also placed next to a first end part of the straight bending line segment 14p2′. A second end part of the straight bending line segment 14p2′ is placed next to the rear edge 6.

[0830] The straight bending line segments 14p1 and 14p2 and the straight bending line segments 14p1′ and 14p2′ extend longitudinally with respect to the blank 1p.

[0831] The straight bending line segments 14p1 and 14p2 are placed on a first side of the symmetrical axis A while the straight bending line segments 14p1′ and 14p2′ are placed on a second side of the symmetrical axis A, which is opposite the first side. The straight bending line segments 14p1 and 14p2 and the straight bending line segments 14p1′ and 14p2′ are placed closed to and parallel to the symmetrical axis A such that the straight bending line segments 14p2 and 14p2′ and the curved bending line segments 15p and 15p′ and the circular strip segment 13p enclose a stripe or channel that extends from the rear edge 6 to the circular strip segment 13p.

[0832] The channel has an essentially constant width over its whole length, except in the vertex region, in which the curved bending line segments 15p and 15p′ separates further away from the symmetrical axis A.

[0833] In use, the shape of the moulded blank 1p can change under pressure. In other words, the moulded blank 1p is flexible. Without external pressure or force, specifically external compressive forces, the blank 1p has a shape as shown in FIGS. 89 to 92. This shape can change when a predetermined compressive force is applied to the moulded blank 1p.

[0834] The bending line 10p′ includes a groove or channel, wherein the groove is connected to two opposing parts. One part can bend or rotate around the groove, with respect to the other part.

[0835] A connection or joint between the first sheet portion 9-1p and the bending cum connection strip 11p acts as a bending line. The first sheet portion 9-1p can bend or rotate around the bending line, with respect to the bending cum connection strip 11p.

[0836] Similarly, a connection or joint between the second sheet portion 9-2p and the bending cum connection strip 11p also acts as a bending line. The second portion 9-2p can bend or rotate around the bending line, with respect to the bending cum connection strip 11p.

[0837] A method producing the blank 1p using pulp moulding is described below. The pulp moulding is also called heat pressing or thermoforming of fibre.

[0838] A fine wire mesh is initially provided. The wire mesh, which acts as a mould, is connected a chamber with a vacuum pump, wherein the wire mesh is suspended above a liquid return pool. The wire mesh has a shape of an upper or exposed surface of the blank 1p, wherein the surface includes bending lines. After this, a food-safe wet fibrous slurry is sprayed from below onto the wire mesh. The fibrous slurry is produced using food-safe fibers.

[0839] The vacuum pump then draws the slurry tightly against the wire mesh, wherein fibers of the slurry fills all or most gaps and spaces of the wire mesh while also drawing water of the slurry through the wire mesh into the vacuum chamber. When airflow through the wire mesh has been sufficiently blocked by the fibers, excess slurry falls into the return pool for recycling.

[0840] The wire mesh together with the fibers, which are shaped by the wire mesh, later moves to an area for drying the fibers, wherein the dried fibers form the blank 1p.

[0841] Following this, the wire mesh is separated from the dried blank 1p.

[0842] In one implementation, a blank produced by pulp moulding has a thickness of at least 1 millimeter (mm).

[0843] The pulp moulding can elevate a bowl section and a handle section of the blank whilst elevating or lowering bending lines of the blank according to design-engineered customized moulds used to produce the blank. These elevated parts and the lowered parts enable ease of use. In other words, these parts allow the blank to be folded easily. A user can simply pinch the blank to fold the blank to form a desired tool, such as a fork or spoon.

[0844] The blank produced by pulp moulding can also be branded or incorporated with a description through various methods, such as precision emboss and deboss.

[0845] This blank can remain essentially flat when packed due to flexibility and thinness of material used to produce the blank.

[0846] The pulp moulding allows production of thin walled products or blanks, which are often be well defined and have smooth surfaces.

[0847] In a further implementation, the blank is produced using thermoforming. While a mould forms a blank or product, the mould also produces heat to press and densifies the moulded product. The product is later ejected from the heated mould in its finished state as opposed to being dried in a heated oven. Such product often has the appearance of plastic material while the production process allows accurate formation of the product.

[0848] The blank is often designed, wherein the bending lines are placed on the same side of the blank. This allows the bending lines (and any crease and preforation) to be produced using the same mould. Furthermore, the placement of the bending lines is precise, since one, and not two moulds, is used to produce these bending lines.

[0849] In a generic sense, the blank can be made using various methodologies including moulding and/or injection moulding of different materials. Examples of this include FDA approved food grade (recyclable) silicone/rubber.

[0850] The blank can also be produced from different other materials, such as silicone, and it can have various thickness depending on material original strength and purpose of tool being produced by the blank.

[0851] In another embodiment, a sheet of paper is provided. After this, a mould is used to press the sheet to form the first sheet portion 9-1p together with the elevated second sheet portion 9-2p of the blank 1p. Following this, the bending line 10p and 10p′ are provided on the paper using scoring to form the finished blank 1p. Heat can also be applied to form the elevated second sheet portion 9-2p.

[0852] The blank 1p provides a benefit in that the separation of plane of the first sheet portion 9-1p from the plane of the second sheet portion 9-2p allows for easier folding of the blank 1p to form the spoon.

[0853] A user can just bend the bank 1p to form a spoon in one movement. The user presses the side edges 4 and 4′ toward each other. The bending cum connection strip 11p then allows and eases the first sheet portion 9-1p to bend or rotate around the bending line or joint, which is provided between the first sheet portion 9-1p and the bending cum connection strip 11p. Similarly, the bending cum connection strip 11p also allows and facilitates the second sheet portion 9-2p to bend or rotate around the bending line or joint, which is provided between the second portion 9-2p and the bending cum connection strip 11p.

[0854] In summary, the blank includes a first flat part, a second flat part, and a connection part. The first flat part is connected to the connection part, which is connected to the second flat part such that the first flat part is elevated with respect to the second flat part.

[0855] The elevation or separation between the two flat parts can be formed using different methods. Each method can include different process steps, such as application of pressure, application of vacuum or suction, and/or application of heat.

[0856] Referring to the blank, height of the elevation can be selected according to material of the blank. In general, the height should be more than a thickness of the blank.

[0857] The blank can be produced from paper material or metal material or other food-safe material.

[0858] In use, the elevated part is often selected to serve as a handle/bridge section.

[0859] FIGS. 93 and 94 show a moulded blank 1q, which is intended for folding to form a handheld tool, namely a spoon or scoop.

[0860] The moulded blank 1q is a variant of the blank of FIG. 89. The moulded blank 1q and the blank of FIG. 89 have similar parts.

[0861] As better seen in FIG. 93, the moulded blank 1q includes an elongated, and essentially symmetric sheet with a symmetrical axis A.

[0862] As better seen in FIG. 94, the sheet includes a major top surface 2 and a major bottom surface 3 being provided opposite the major top surface 2. As better seen in FIG. 93, the sheet also includes a first side edge 4 and a second side edge 4′ being provided opposite the first side edge 4, as well as a front edge 5 and a rear edge 6 being provided opposite the front edge 5.

[0863] Referring to FIG. 94, the sheet includes a first sheet portion 9-1p together with a second sheet portion 9-2p and a bending cum connection strip 11p. The first sheet portion 9-1p is integrally connected to the bending cum connection strip 11p, which is integrally connected to the second sheet portion 9-2p.

[0864] The first sheet portion 9-1p is bent to serve as a container portion of a spoon. The second sheet portion 9-2p is bent to serve as a handle portion of the spoon.

[0865] The bending cum connection strip 11p includes two essentially straight strip segments 12p and 12p′ and an essentially circular strip segment 13p. The straight strip segments 12p and 12p′ and the circular strip segment 13p are illustrated in FIG. 89. The straight strip segments 12p and 12p′ are connected to the circular strip segment 13p such that the bending cum connection strip 11p is symmetrical around the axis A. The circular strip segment 13p is also called a vertex.

[0866] Referring to the second sheet portion 9-2p, it includes bending lines 10p and 10p′. The bending lines 10p and 10p′ are illustrated in FIG. 89. The bending lines 10p and 10p′ extend between the rear edge 6 of the moulded blank 1q and the circular strip segment 13p. The bending lines 10p and 10p′ are placed on the top surface 2.

[0867] The bending line 10p comprises two straight bending line segments 14p1 and 14p2 together with a curved bending line segment 15p. Similarly, the bending line 10p′ comprises two straight bending line segment 14p1′ and 14p2′ and a curved bending line segment 15p′. The curved bending line segments 15p and 15′ are illustrated in FIGS. 89 and 93.

[0868] The straight bending line segments 14p1 and 14p2 and the straight bending line segments 14p1′ and 14p2′ extend longitudinally with respect to the blank 1q.

[0869] The blank 1q is formed by scoring the top surface 2 and the bottom surface 3 and by debossing the bottom surface 3.

[0870] FIG. 95 shows an embodiment of the blank 1q, wherein the blank 1q is formed using by debossing of the top surface 2 and the bottom surface 3.

[0871] FIG. 96 shows another embodiment of the blank 1q, wherein the blank 1q is formed by scoring of the top surface 2 and the bottom surface 3.

[0872] The blank 1q provides a benefit in that the shape of the moulded blank 1q allows for easier folding of the blank 1q to form a spoon. A user can just bend the bank 1q to form a spoon in one movement by pressing the side edges 4 and 4′ toward each other.

[0873] FIGS. 97 to 127 show a plurality of spoon blanks, wherein each blank is intended for folding to form a spoon.

[0874] FIGS. 97 to 109 show a first plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits.

[0875] FIGS. 97 and 98 illustrate a blank that is a variant of the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38. The blank of FIG. 97 and the blank of FIGS. 1 and 38 have similar parts.

[0876] FIG. 97 shows a thin blank 681 with spoon rest grooves and spoon handle locking slits, wherein the unfolded blank 681 is flat and is intended for folding to form a spoon.

[0877] In a general sense, dimensions of the blank 681 can also be adapted to form a ladle, a shovel, a spade, or other tools.

[0878] The thin blank 681 includes an elongated sheet 683 with a plurality of scored lines 685. The scored lines 685 are located on major surfaces of the sheet 683.

[0879] Each scored line 685 includes a narrow hollow channel, a bending groove, or a narrow elongated depressed area for facilitating bending or folding of the blank 681 to form the desired spoon. The depth and the width of the scored line are adapted according to material, to thickness, and to purpose of the blank 681.

[0880] In detail, the unfolded elongated sheet 683 is essentially flat and is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

[0881] The sheet 683 has a top surface with a bottom surface being provided opposite to the top surface. The sheet 683 also has a first side edge 683S1 with a second side edge 683S2 being provided opposite to the first side edge 683S1, and a front edge 683F with a rear edge 683R being provided opposite to the front edge 683F.

[0882] The front edge 683F and the rear edge 683R are placed at longitudinal ends of the sheet 683. The front edge 683F is connected to the first side edge 683S1, which is connected to the rear edge 683R. The rear edge 683R is connected to the second side edge 683S2, which is connected to the front edge 683F. Furthermore, the sheet 683 also comprises a bowl portion 702, a first handle portion 704, and a second handle portion 706, as illustrated in FIG. 98. The bowl portion 702 is placed next to the first handle portion 704, which is placed next to the second handle portion 706.

[0883] The bowl portion 702 comprises an essentially or mainly straight edge 702A with an essentially straight edge 702C that is placed opposite the edge 702A, and an essentially straight edge 702B with an essentially straight edge 702D that is placed opposite the edge 702B. A first end of the edge 702A is placed next to a first end of the edge 702B. A second end of the edge 702B is placed next to a first end of the edge 702C. A second end of the edge 702C is placed next to a first end of the edge 702D. A second end of the edge 702D is placed next to a second end of the edge 702A.

[0884] Similar to the bowl portion 702, the first handle portion 704 includes an essentially straight edge 704A with an essentially straight edge 704C, and an essentially straight edge 704B with an essentially straight edge 704D.

[0885] Similar to the bowl portion 702, the second handle portion 706 includes an essentially straight edge 706A with an essentially straight edge 706C, and an essentially straight edge 706B with an essentially straight edge 706D.

[0886] Referring to the bowl portion 702, the edge 702A is placed next to the front edge 683F or is a part of the front edge 683F. The edge 702D is placed next to the first side edge 683S1 or is a part of the first side edge 683S1. The edge 702B is placed next to the second side edge 683S2 or is a part of the second side edge 683S2. The edge 702C is placed to the edge 704A of the first handle portion 704.

[0887] Referring to the first handle portion 704, the edge 704D is placed next to the first side edge 683S1. The edge 704B is placed next to the second side edge 683S2. The edge 704C is placed to the edge 706A of the second handle portion 706.

[0888] Referring to the second handle portion 706, the edge 706D is placed next to the first side edge 683S1. The edge 706B is placed next to the second side edge 683S2. The edge 706C is placed to the rear edge 683R.

[0889] The edge 702D of the bowl portion 702, the edge 704D of the first handle bowl portion 704, and the edge 706D of the second handle portion 706 are placed such that they are aligned or that they lie on a straight line.

[0890] Similarly, the edge 702B of the bowl portion 702, the edge 704B of the first handle bowl portion 704, and the edge 706B of the second handle portion 706 are placed such that they lie on a straight line.

[0891] Moreover, the sheet 683 also includes a pair of spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2. The spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 can also be called fork rest grooves, in certain implementations. The spoon rest groove 735G1 is placed along the first side edge 683S1 and is placed between the first handle portion 704 and the second handle portion 706.

[0892] The other spoon rest groove 735G2 is placed along the second side edge 683S2 and is placed between the first handle portion 704 and the second handle portion 706.

[0893] The spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 curve inward or are curved tapered. In other words, they are not straight. This curve of the spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 is configured or designed such that they act to prevent tearing of the spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2, especially when the blank 681 is folded to form the desired spoon. In short, the curve of the spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 serve to resistance tearing.

[0894] The second handle portion 706 includes two complementary handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The handle locking slit 740S1 is placed along the edge 706D while the other handle locking slit 740S2 is placed along the edge 706B.

[0895] The scored lines 685 include a set of central longitudinal-scored lines, a set of outer longitudinal-scored lines, and a set of diagonal-scored lines.

[0896] Referring to the central longitudinal-scored lines, they are also called a valley spine. As seen in FIG. 97, the longitudinal bending lines include a short-bending line segment 710S and a first long-bending line segment 710L1 with a second long-bending line segment 710L2. The short-bending line segment 710S, the first long-bending line segment 710L1, and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 are essentially or mainly straight. The first long-bending line segment 710L1 and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 have the same length. The first long-bending line segment 710L1 and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 are longer than the short-bending line segment 710S.

[0897] The short-bending line segment 710S is placed on the bottom surface while the first long-bending line segment 710L1 and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 are placed on the top surface of the sheet 683. A first end of the bending line segment 710S is placed next to a first end of the first long-bending line segment 710L1. A second end of the first long-bending line segment 710L1 is placed next to a first end of the second long-bending line segment 710L2. A second end of the second long-bending line segment 710L2 is placed next to a second end of the short-bending line segment 710S.

[0898] The first long-bending line segment 710L1 is placed at a small angle to the second long-bending line segment 710L2. The short-bending line segment 710S is placed at a middle portion of the edge 702C of the bowl portion 702. The second end of the first long-bending line segment 710L1 and the first end of the second long-ending line segment 710L2 are placed at a midpoint of the edge 706C of the second handle portion 706.

[0899] Referring to the set of diagonal-scored lines, they include a first straight bending line segment 724 and a second straight bending line segment 726.

[0900] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 724 is placed on the bottom surface of the sheet 683 and it extends from one end of the short-bending line segment 710S to one end of the second-long edge 704C of the first handle portion 704, which is placed near to the first side edge 683S1.

[0901] The first straight bending line segment 724 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 30 degrees with the first side edge 683S1.

[0902] Similarly, the second straight bending line segment 726 is placed on the bottom surface of the sheet 683 and it extends from another end of the short-bending line segment 710S to another end of the second-long edge 704C of the first handle portion 704, which is placed near to the second side edge 683S2.

[0903] The second straight bending line segment 726 of the diagonal-scored lines forms an angle of about 30 degrees with the second side edge 683S2.

[0904] Referring to the outer longitudinal-scored lines, they include a first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1 and a second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2. The first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1 is placed parallel to the second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2.

[0905] The first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1 extends from one end of the first straight bending line segment 724 to the edge 706C of the second handle portion 706. The one end of the first straight bending line segment 724 is placed near to the spoon rest groove 735G1.

[0906] Similarly, the second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2 extends from one end of the second straight bending line segment 726 to the edge 706C of the second handle portion 706. The one end of the second straight bending line segment 726 is placed near to the spoon rest groove 735G2.

[0907] In a special embodiment, the scored lines 685, such as the straight bending line segments 724 and 726, as well as the long-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2 include sectional perforated lines to aid bending of the blank 681, especially when the blank 681 is thick or stiff. The sectional perforated line includes either through small slits, holes, or blind holes.

[0908] In one implementation, the think blank 681 has a paper material of more than 400 GSM.

[0909] Functionally, the blank 681 is intended for folding manually to form a spoon.

[0910] The bowl portion 702 is intended for folding to form a container of the spoon.

[0911] The first handle portion 704 and the second handle portion 706 are intended for folding to form a handle of the spoon.

[0912] The scored lines 685 allow parts of the blank 681 to bend toward different predetermined directions for forming the spoon.

[0913] In detail, the first straight bending line segment 724, the short bending line segment 710S, the second straight bending line segment 726 allow the respective parts of the blank 681 to bend to form the container of the spoon.

[0914] The first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1, the second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2, the first long-bending line segment 710L1, and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 allow the respective parts of the blank 681 to bend to form the handle of the spoon.

[0915] The first straight bending line segment 724, the short bending line segment 710S, and the second straight bending line segment 726 have curved parts, which are adapted such that these segments 724, 710S, and 726 form a smooth line which does not cut a user of the spoon. In other words, the smooth line does not have sharp corners, which can cut the user.

[0916] The first long-bending line segment 710L1 is placed at a small angle to the second long-bending line segment 710L2 for strengthening the handle. Put differently, this arrangement of the first long-bending line segment 710L1 and the second long-bending line segment 710L2 prevents the handle from bending.

[0917] The handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 are used for interlocking with each other such that the handle is formed in a firm or secured manner. In other words, the handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 act as a locking mechanism.

[0918] The spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 are intended for placing on a rim of a cup or bowl such that the spoon hangs on the cup or bowl. The spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 allow the rim to support the spoon.

[0919] In short, the blank includes a container portion, a handle portion, and two cut-off parts being positioned between the container portion and the handle portion.

[0920] The cut-off parts act as spoon rest grooves. The two cut-off parts also allow the blank to fold easily along a longitudinal axis of the blank. In other words, the cut-off parts enable the respective parts of the blank to bend easily about the first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1 and the second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2.

[0921] The handle portion includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises the handle locking slits. The handle portion is intended for folding to form a handle of the hand-held tool while the locking mechanism serves to lock folded parts of the handle portion such that the folded parts are fixed to one another.

[0922] FIG. 99 shows steps of folding the blank 681 of FIG. 97, as indicated by arrows in the FIG. 99.

[0923] FIGS. 100 to 104 show different views of the blank 681, which is folded to form a spoon.

[0924] FIGS. 105 to 109 show blanks. These blanks are flat and are intended for folding to form spoons. These blanks are variants of the blank of FIG. 97. The blanks of FIGS. 105 to 107 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0925] FIG. 105 shows a blank 681-1, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-1 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts. The blank 681-1 includes a front edge 683F, which is curved.

[0926] FIG. 106 shows a blank 681-2, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-2 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0927] The blank 681-2 includes a first straight bending line segment 724 that extends to a first side edge 683S1 and a second straight bending line segment 726 that extends to a second side edge 683S2 of the blank 681-2. The blank 681-2 also includes a first long-bending line segment 710L1 and a second long-bending line segment 710L2, which are placed parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blank 681-2.

[0928] FIG. 107 shows a blank 681-3, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-3 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0929] The blank 681-3 includes a front edge 683F that is curved and a pair of further complementary handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The blank 681-3 also includes a pair of first long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of a second long-bending line segments 710L2. The pair of first long-bending line segments 710L1 and the pair of a second long-bending line segments 710L2 are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blank 681-3.

[0930] FIG. 108 shows a blank 681-3A. The blank 681-3A is flat and is intended for folding to form a spoon. The blank 681-3A is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-3A and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0931] FIG. 109 shows a blank 681-3B. The blank 681-3B is flat and is intended for folding to form a spoon. The blank 681-3B is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-3B and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0932] FIGS. 110 to 122 show a second plurality of spoon blanks, wherein each blank includes a rounded neck portion and handle locking slits.

[0933] FIG. 110 shows a blank 681-4, which is flat and is intended for folding to form a spoon. The blank is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank of FIG. 110 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0934] The blank 681-4 includes a rounded neck portion 750N, which is placed between a handle portion 750H and a bowl portion or a container portion 750B of the blank 681-4. The neck portion 750N has width that is smaller than a width of the bowl portion 750B. The blank 681-4 also includes handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. Moreover, the blank 681-4 includes a front edge 683F that is curved.

[0935] FIGS. 111 to 116 show blanks, which are variants of the blank of FIG. 110.

[0936] FIG. 111 shows a blank 681-4A, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110. The blank 681-4A and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

[0937] The blank 681-4A includes a pair of further handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 are placed at an inner part of the blank 681-4A. The blank 681-4A also includes two parallel long-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2.

[0938] FIG. 112 shows a blank 681-4B, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110. The blank 681-4B and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

[0939] The blank 681-4B includes a pair of another different handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The blank 681-4B also includes two parallel long-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2.

[0940] FIG. 113 shows a blank 681-4C, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110. The blank 681-4C and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

[0941] The blank 681-4C includes a pair of parallel first long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of parallel second long-bending line segments 710L2. The blank 681-4C also includes a pair of different handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2.

[0942] FIG. 114 shows a blank 681-4D, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110. The blank 681-4D and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

[0943] The blank 681-4D includes a further first handle locking slit 740S1 and a further second handle locking slit 740S2. The further first handle locking slit 740S1 is placed at an edge 683S1 of the blank while the further second handle locking slit 740S2 is placed at an inner part of the blank. The blank 681-4D also includes a pair of parallel first long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of parallel second long-bending line segments 710L2. Moreover, the blank 681-4D also includes a pair of parallel first long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of parallel second long-bending line segments 710L2. End parts of the first long-bending line segments 710L1 are connected to each other. End parts of the second long-bending line segments 710L2 are connected to each other. These line segments 710L1 and 710L2 does not extend to a rear edge 683R of the blank 681-4D.

[0944] FIG. 115 shows a blank 681-4E, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110. The blank 681-4E and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

[0945] The blank 681-4E also includes a pair of parallel first long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of parallel second long-bending line segments 710L2. These line segments 710L1 and 710L2 extend to a rear edge 683R of the blank 681-4E.

[0946] FIG. 116 shows a blank 681-4F, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110. The blank 681-4F and the blank of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

[0947] The blank 681-4F also includes a pair of parallel first long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of parallel second long-bending line segments 710L2. End parts of the first long-bending line segments 710L1 are not connected to each other. End parts of the second long-bending line segments 710L2 are not connected to each other. These line segments 710L1 and 710L2 does not extend to a rear edge 683R of the blank 681-4F.

[0948] FIG. 117 shows a blank 681-4G, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110.

[0949] FIG. 118 shows a blank 681-4H, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110.

[0950] FIG. 119 shows a blank 681-4I, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110.

[0951] FIG. 120 shows a blank 681-4J, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110.

[0952] FIG. 121 shows a blank 681-4K, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110.

[0953] FIG. 122 shows a blank 681-4L, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 110.

[0954] FIGS. 123 to 127 show a third plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits.

[0955] FIG. 123 shows a blank 681-5, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-5 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0956] The blank 681-5 includes several pairs of complementary handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 and a pair of spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2.

[0957] FIG. 124 shows a blank 681-5A, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-5A and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0958] FIG. 125 shows a blank 681-6, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-6 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0959] The blank 681-6 includes a handle portion with a plurality of indentations 18 and a bowl portion with holes or openings 760.

[0960] FIG. 126 shows a blank 681-7, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The blank 681-7 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0961] The blank 681-7 includes a discontinuous first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1 and a discontinuous second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2. The discontinuous line includes multiple line segments, wherein the line segments are not joined each other and are aligned to each other in that an end part of each line segment is placed next to an end part of adjacent line segment.

[0962] FIG. 127 shows a blank 681-8, which is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97.

[0963] The blank 681-8 includes a continuous first longitudinal straight bending line 730L1 and a continuous second longitudinal straight bending line 730L2.

[0964] FIGS. 128 to 154 show a plurality of fork blanks, wherein each blank is intended for folding to form a fork. The fork includes a prong portion and a handle portion. In a general sense, instead of the fork, the blank can also be adapted to form a fork cum spoon, a fork cum scoop, a spatula, or a trowel as well as other tools.

[0965] FIGS. 128 to 138 also show a first plurality of fork blanks, each blank includes a pair of fork rest grooves, and handle locking slits.

[0966] FIG. 128 shows a blank 681F. The unfolded blank 681F is flat and is intended for folding to form a fork. The blank 681F is a variant of the blank 681 of FIG. 97, wherein the blank 681F and the blank 681 of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[0967] The blank 681F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs or tines 766 of the fork. The blank 681F also includes a pair of fork rest grooves 735G1 and 735 G2 and a pair of handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2.

[0968] FIG. 129 shows a different blank 681-1F. The unfolded blank 681-1F is flat and is intended for folding to form a fork. The blank 681-1F is a variant of corresponding blank 681-1 of FIG. 105. The blank 681-1F and the corresponding blank 681-1 of FIG. 105 have similar parts.

[0969] FIG. 130 shows steps of folding the blank 681-1F, as indicated by arrows in the FIG. 130.

[0970] FIGS. 131 to 135 show different views of the blank 681-1F, which is folded to form a fork.

[0971] FIGS. 136 and 137 show different blanks 681-2F and 681-3F. The unfolded blanks 681-2F and 681-3F are flat and are intended for folding to form a fork. The blanks 681-2F and 681-3F are variants of corresponding blanks 681-2 and 681-3 of FIGS. 106 and 107. The blanks 681-2F and 681-3F and the corresponding blanks 681-2 and 681-3 of FIGS. 106 and 107 have similar parts.

[0972] FIG. 138 shows a blank 681-3BF. The unfolded blank 681-3BF is flat and is intended for folding to form a fork. The blanks 681-3BF is a variant of corresponding blank 681-3B of FIG. 109. The blank 681-3BF and the corresponding blank 681-3B of FIG. 109 have similar parts.

[0973] FIGS. 139 to 150 show a second plurality of fork blanks, wherein each blank includes a rounded neck portion and handle locking slits.

[0974] FIG. 139 shows a blank 681-4F. The unfolded blank 681-4F is flat and is intended for folding to form a fork. The blank 681-4F is a variant of the blank 681-4 of FIG. 110. The blank 681-4F and the corresponding blank 681-4 of FIG. 110 have similar parts.

[0975] The blank 681-4F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork. The blank 681-4F also includes a pair of handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The blank 681-4F also includes a rounded neck portion 750N, which is placed between a handle portion 750H and a prong portion 750P of the blank 681-4F. The neck portion 750N has width that is smaller than a width of the prong portion 750P.

[0976] FIGS. 140 to 145 show different blanks 681-4AF, 681-4BF, 681-4CF, 681-4DF, 681-4EF, and 681-4FF. The unfolded blanks 681-4AF, 681-4BF, 681-4CF, 681-4DF, 681-4EF, and 681-4FF are flat and are intended for folding to form a fork. The blanks 681-4AF, 681-4BF, 681-4CF, 681-4DF, 681-4EF, and 681-4FF are variants of corresponding blanks 681-4A, 681-4B, 681-4C, 681-4D, 681-4E, and 681-4FF of FIGS. 111 to 116. The blanks 681-4AF, 681-4BF, 681-4CF, 681-4DF, 681-4EF, and 681-4FF and the corresponding blanks 681-4A, 681-4B, 681-4C, 681-4D, 681-4E, and 681-4FF of FIGS. 111 to 116 have similar parts.

[0977] FIGS. 146 to 150 show different blanks 681-4HF, 681-4IF, 681-4JF, 681-4KF, and 681-4LF. The unfolded blanks 681-4HF, 681-4IF, 681-4JF, 681-4KF, and 681-4LF are flat and are intended for folding to form a fork. The blanks 681-4HF, 681-4IF, 681-4JF, 681-4KF, and 681-4LF are variants of corresponding blanks 681-4H, 681-4I, 681-4J, 681-4K, and 681-4L of FIGS. 118 to 122. The blanks 681-4HF, 681-4IF, 681-4JF, 681-4KF, and 681-4LF and the corresponding blanks 681-4H, 681-4I, 681-4J, 681-4K, and 681-4L of FIGS. 118 to 122 have similar parts.

[0978] FIGS. 151 to 154 show a third plurality of fork blanks, wherein each blank includes a pair of fork rest grooves, and several handle locking slits.

[0979] FIG. 151 shows a blank 681-5F. The unfolded blank 681-5F is flat and is intended for folding to form a fork. The blank 681-5F is a variant of the blank 681-5 of FIG. 123. The blank 681-5F and the blank 681-5 of FIG. 123 have similar parts.

[0980] The blank 681-5F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork. The blank 681-5F also includes fork rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 as well as handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2.

[0981] FIG. 152 shows a blank 681-6F, which is a variant of the blank 681-6 of FIG. 125. The blank 681-6F and the blank 681-6 of FIG. 125 have similar parts.

[0982] The blank 681-6F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of a fork.

[0983] FIG. 153 shows a blank 681-7F, which is a variant of the blank 681-7 of FIG. 126. The blank 681-7F and the blank 681-7 of FIG. 126 have similar parts.

[0984] The blank 681-7F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of a fork.

[0985] FIG. 154 shows a blank 681-8F, which is a variant of the blank 681-8 of FIG. 127. The blank 681-8F and the blank 681-8 of FIG. 127 have similar parts.

[0986] The blank 681-8F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of a fork.

[0987] FIGS. 155 to 167 show different handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2, which act as locking mechanism, for the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 154.

[0988] FIGS. 168 to 172 show a plurality of boxes, each box includes at least two of the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 154,

[0989] FIG. 168 shows a paper box 770 that includes a sidewall 774, which includes a plurality of blanks 681-4CF of FIG. 142. The blank 681-4CF is intended for folding to form a fork.

[0990] In other words, parts of the sidewall 774 are adapted to serve as the blanks 681-4CF. Outer edges of these parts are perforated so that these parts can be removed easily from the sidewall 774, wherein these parts can be folded to form the desired forks.

[0991] In a general sense, the blank 681-4CF can be replaced by one of the blanks of FIGS. 128 to 154 for folding to form a fork or one of the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 127 for folding to form a spoon.

[0992] FIG. 169 shows another paper box 780 that include a first flap 783 and a second flap 786, wherein the first flap 783 includes a blank 681 of FIG. 97 for folding to form a spoon and the second flap 786 includes a blank 681F of FIG. 111 for folding to form a fork.

[0993] In detail, a part of the first flap 783 is adapted to serve as the blank 681. An outer edge of this part is perforated such that this part can be removed easily from the first flap 783. The part can then be folded to form the desired spoon.

[0994] Similarly, a part of the second flap 786 is adapted to serve as the blank 681F. An outer edge of this part is perforated such that this part can be removed easily from the second flap 786. The part can then be folded to form the desired fork.

[0995] In a general sense, the blank 681 can be replaced by one of the blanks of FIGS. 97 to 127. The blank 681F can be replaced by one of the blanks of FIGS. 128 to 154.

[0996] FIG. 170 shows a box 790 with a cover 792. The cover 792 includes a spoon blank 681-1 of FIG. 105 and a fork blank 681-1F of FIG. 129.

[0997] FIG. 171 shows a box 795 with a front surface 797. The front surface 797 includes a plurality of spoon blanks 681-5 of FIG. 123. The box is an open state in that its opening for receiving objects into the box is open.

[0998] FIG. 172 shows the box 795, wherein the box 795 is a closed state.

[0999] FIGS. 173 to 183 show a plurality of finger spoon blanks, wherein each blank is intended for folding to form a finger spoon. Each blank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, a pair of handle locking slits, and a finger handle portion with a bowl or container portion. The finger handle portion is adapted for receiving a user finger. In use, a user inserts his finger into the finger handle portion to move the finger spoon.

[1000] These finger spoon blanks are flat and are intended for folding to form finger spoons. These finger spoon blanks are variants of the spoon blank of FIG. 97. These finger spoon blanks and the spoon blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[1001] FIG. 173 shows a finger spoon blank 881-1, which is a variant of the blank 681-3B of FIG. 109. The finger-spoon blank 881-1 and the blank 681-3B have similar parts.

[1002] The finger spoon blank 881-1 includes a pair of spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2, a pair of handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 and a finger handle portion.

[1003] FIG. 174 shows steps of folding a further finger spoon blank 981-1A, as indicated by arrows in the FIG. 174. The finger spoon blank 981-1A is a variant of the blank 881-1.

[1004] FIGS. 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, and 180 shows different views of the blank 881-1A, which is folded to form a finger spoon.

[1005] FIG. 181 shows a finger spoon blank 881-2, which is a variant of the blank 881-1. The spoon blank 881-2 and the blank 881-1 have similar parts. The blank 881-2 has a flat front edge.

[1006] FIG. 182 shows a finger spoon blank 881-3, which is a variant of the blank 881-1. The spoon blank 881-3 and the blank 881-1 have similar parts. The blank 881-3 has a rounded front edge.

[1007] FIG. 183 shows a finger spoon blank 881-4, which is a variant of the blank 881-1. The spoon blank 881-4 and the blank 881-1 have similar parts. The blank 881-4 has a rounded front edge.

[1008] FIGS. 184 to 195 show a plurality of finger fork blanks, wherein each blank is intended for folding to form a finger fork. Each blank includes a pair of fork rest grooves, and a pair of handle locking slits. The blank also includes a prong portion and a finger handle portion that is adapted for receiving a user finger.

[1009] In use, a user inserts his finger into the finger handle portion to move the finger fork. The bowl portion is used for mixing or serving food. The bowl portion can be used for scooping and holding food or liquids.

[1010] These finger fork blanks are flat and are intended for folding to form finger forks. These finger fork blanks are variants of the fork blank of FIG. 128. These finger fork blanks and the fork blank of FIG. 128 have similar parts.

[1011] FIG. 184 shows a finger fork blank 881-1F that is a variant of the blank 681-3BF of FIG. 138. The finger fork blank 881-1F and the blank 681-3BF have similar parts.

[1012] The finger fork blank 681-1F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork. The finger fork blank 881-1F also includes a pair of fork rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2, a pair of handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 and a finger handle portion. In detail, the finger handle portion includes an inner hollow portion that is adapted for receiving a user finger.

[1013] FIG. 185 shows steps of folding the finger fork blank 881-1F to form a finger fork, as indicated by arrows in the FIG. 185.

[1014] FIGS. 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, and 191 shows different views of the finger fork blank 881-1F, which is folded to form the finger fork.

[1015] The folding allows handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 of the blank 881-1F to interlock with each other. The handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2 are curved such that the interlocking allows side edges 683S1 and 683S2 of the blank 881-1F to move and to tilt slightly with the respect to each to other.

[1016] In use, a user inserts his finger into a finger handle portion of the finger fork to move the finger fork, as shown in FIG. 192.

[1017] The slight movement side edges 683S1 and 683S2 with respect to each other allows the handle portion to adapt and receive the finger. The handle portion can then wrap closely around the finger, thereby providing a snug or close fit.

[1018] FIG. 193 shows a finger fork blank 881-2F, which is a variant of the blank 881-2 of FIG. 181. The blank 881-2F and the blank 881-2 have similar parts. The blank 881-2F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork.

[1019] FIG. 194 shows a finger fork blank 881-3F, which is a variant of the blank 881-3 of FIG. 182. The blank 881-3F and the blank 881-3 have similar parts. The blank 881-3F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork.

[1020] FIG. 195 shows a finger fork blank 881-4F, which is a variant of the blank 881-4 of FIG. 183. The blank 881-4F and the blank 881-4 have similar parts. The blank 881-4F includes a front edge 683F with slots 763 for defining different prongs 766 of the fork.

[1021] FIGS. 196 to 205 show a plurality of containers. These containers have similar parts. These containers also include at least one of the blanks of FIGS. 173 to 195.

[1022] FIG. 196 shows a container or box 900 with a cover 902. As seen in FIG. 97, the cover 902 includes a finger fork blank 881-3F of FIG. 194. The finger fork blank 881-3F can be provided being integrated connected to the cover 902 or be attached to the cover 902.

[1023] FIG. 198 shows a container 905 with a cover 907. As seen in FIG. 199, the cover 9807 includes a finger spoon blank 881-3 of FIG. 182.

[1024] FIG. 200 shows a container 910 with a cover 912. As seen in FIG. 201, the cover 912 includes a finger fork blank 881-1F of FIG. 184.

[1025] FIG. 202 shows a container 915 with a cover 917. As seen in FIG. 203, the cover 917 includes a finger spoon blank 881-2 of FIG. 181.

[1026] FIG. 204 shows a container 920 with a cover 922. As seen in FIG. 205, the cover 922 includes a finger spoon blank and a finger fork blank. The finger spoon blank is a variant of the blank 881-1 of FIG. 183. The finger fork blank is a variant of the blank 881-1F of FIG. 184.

[1027] FIGS. 206 to 209 show a plurality of spoon blanks, each blank includes a pair of spoon rest grooves, and handle locking slits, as well as straight bending lines and/or bending line segments, wherein sections of the bending lines and/or the bending line segments are perforated.

[1028] FIG. 206 shows a spoon blank 981-1 that is flat and is intended to fold to form a spoon. The spoon blank 981-1 is a variant of the blank of FIG. 97. The spoon blank 981-1 and the blank of FIG. 97 have similar parts.

[1029] The blank 981-1 includes spoon rest grooves 735G1 and 735G2 and handle locking slits 740S1 and 740S2. The blank 981-1 also includes straight bending lines 724 and 726, long-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2, as well as longitudinal straight bending lines 730L1 and 730L2.

[1030] These bending lines 724 and 726, the line segments 710L1 and 710L2, and the straight bending lines 730L1 and 730L2 have perforations P. The perforation P refers to an opening or to a through hole.

[1031] The perforated bending line 724 allows easy bending of parts of the blank 981-1 which are attached to or are placed on the bending line 724. These parts are bent when the blank 981-1 is folded to form a spoon. Similarly, the perforated bending line 726, and the perforated bending lines 730L1 and 730L2 allow easy bending of the respective parts of the blank 981-1 to form the spoon.

[1032] The ease of bending is useful, especially when the blank 981-1 is thick, wherein the thickness makes the blank 981-1 stiff and difficult to bend.

[1033] Furthermore, the perforation allows for further cost saving. As an example, bottom-scoring, the perforation, and die-cut can be achieved in one process with one tool. Any top-scoring can be replaced by the perforated lines and by the bottom-scoring. This then enable saving of production cost as the only step is needed to provide the bending lines on the blank for forming spine and apex segment of the blank, which is resistant to tearing.

[1034] In short, the perforation of the blank 981-1, the scoring of the blank 981-1, and the die-cut to form the spoon blank with bending lines can be done using the same mould and at the same process step. This means the perforation can be done with minimal or no additional cost. This is useful for allowing the blank 981-1 to be produced a low cost.

[1035] FIG. 207 shows another spoon blank 981-2 that is flat and that is intended to fold to form a spoon. The spoon blank 981-2 is a variant of the blank of FIG. 109. The spoon blank 981-2 and the blank of FIG. 109 have similar parts.

[1036] The spoon blank 981-2 includes spoon rest grooves 735G1′ and 735G2′, which have a narrow width. Furthermore, the blank 981-2 also includes a pair of long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of long-bending line segments 710L2. Both long-bending line segments 710L1 and both long-bending line segments 710L2 have perforations P.

[1037] The perforated long-bending line segments 710L1 and 710L2 allow easy bending of respective parts of the spoon blank 981-2 to form a spoon.

[1038] FIG. 208 shows a spoon blank 981-3 that is flat and that is intended to fold to form a spoon. The spoon blank 981-3 is a variant of the blank of FIG. 109. The spoon blank 981-3 and the blank of FIG. 109 have similar parts.

[1039] The blank 981-3 includes spoon rest grooves 735G1′ and 735G2′, which have a narrow width. The blank 981-3 also includes straight bending lines 724 and 726, as well as a pair of long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of long-bending line segments 710L2.

[1040] In particular, a segment of the bending line 724 and a segment of the bending line 726 include perforations P. A long segment of the outer long-bending line segment 710L1 includes perforations P while a long segment of the outer long-bending line segment 710L2 includes perforations P.

[1041] The perforated bending lines 724 and 726 and the perforated long-bending line segment 710L1 and the perforated long-bending line segment 710L2 allows easy bending of the respective parts of the blank 981-3 to form a spoon.

[1042] FIG. 209 shows a further spoon blank 981-4 that is flat and that is intended to fold to form a spoon. The spoon blank 981-4 is a variant of the blank of FIG. 109. The spoon blank 981-4 and the blank of FIG. 109 have similar parts.

[1043] The blank 981-4 includes spoon rest grooves 735G1′ and 735G2′, which have a narrow width. The blank 981-3 also includes straight bending lines 724 and 726, as well as a pair of long-bending line segments 710L1 and a pair of long-bending line segments 710L2.

[1044] In particular, a segment of the bending line 724 and a segment of the bending line 726 include perforations P. A short segment of the outer long-bending line segment 710L1 includes perforations P while a short segment of the outer long-bending line segment 710L2 includes perforations P.

[1045] The perforated bending lines 724 and 726 and the perforated long-bending line segment 710L1 and the perforated long-bending line segment 710L2 allows easy bending of the respective parts of the blank 981-3 to form a spoon.

[1046] The length of the perforated segment can be adjusted according to material and to the thickness of the blank 981-3.

[1047] In summary, the blank has formation, strength and durability because it includes a few important lines, angles, curvatures and especially craniovertebral-vertebrae like structure. These features provide functions that are triggered in required proportions and are correlated with one another to produce the required dynamics in unity.

[1048] The blank has a bowl section, a neck section and a handle section, which are similar to the supportive structure of human beings, namely the vertebral column or the spine of which the significant parts include the atlas and axis combination, and together, they form a ‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ part of the blank.

[1049] When the blank is adapted for forming a spoon, the meeting of a blunted vertex at a base of the spoon with an ‘anterior arch of atlas’ part creates a semi-convex edge on a ‘craniovertebral vertebra’ part of a neck section of the spoon. In use, this acts to direct and distribute forces and pressure as well as to increase stability for forming a ‘spinous process’ (spine) part and an ‘articular pillars’ part of a handle section of the spoon through to a neck section of spoon.

[1050] A mere pinch on sides of a shoulder of the handle section effects or forms a bowl section of the spoon to rise in opposite direction on one surface, interchangeably to form a scoop section on the other surface.

[1051] The significant feature in the blank is the pair of curved portions (‘arch’ on the bowl section) at the end of the pair of bending lines of the handle section. The vertex of the upward bending line and the curved portions of downward bending line form a pair of circular curvatures (‘arch’) on the sides and a semi-convex edge on the neck section of the spoon.

[1052] In short, the atlas and axis combination of the blank acts as the ‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ that produces a powerful ‘semi-convex edge’ with an ‘anterior arch of atlas’ part at the vertex of the upward bending line at the central of base of the spoon.

[1053] The pair of circular curvatures and the ‘semi-convex edge’ on the neck section elevate to form a sturdy structure for the base of bowl section.

[1054] The ‘semi-convex edge’ of the pair of circular curvatures ensures balanced distribution of forces, strength and pressure on the base of bowl section as well as the neck section of the spoon. This ‘semi-convex edge’ of the atlas and axis is a critical attribute to the strong base of spoon and for the neck section and the handle section (akin to our skull and neck, the atlas and axis being pivotal in holding the skull as well as enabling flexibility of movement).

[1055] Equally significant, the end points (‘transverse process’) of these pair of curved portions (‘arch’) divert the immense pressure impact away from a head-on meeting point on vertex as compared to straight line endpoints. The diversion endpoints (‘transverse process’) of the curved portions (arch’) prevent tearing at meeting points on vertex that straight-line endpoints cannot withstand.

[1056] The curved portions (arch’) at the end of the pair of bending lines are in a pair. Without them, the ‘semi-convex edge’ cannot form, thus results to a weak spoon.

[1057] The blank's continuous directional bending lines with circular curvatures and ‘semi-convex edge’ are especially significant in preventing paper spoon from being easily ‘disfigured’ and/or deformed by users. Without precise directional lines, it is difficult to control formation of the paper spoon because apart from difficulty in bending thick stock, paper grains are never truly straight angle (180°) nor right angle (90°).

[1058] The ‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ part in the blank embodies a ‘spinous process’ part of handle section created with a pair of straight bending lines in the middle of the ‘articular pillars’, formed by two straight bending lines beside and parallel to the ‘spinous process’ straight lines.

[1059] Similar to human vertebral column, the blank's strength and durability are provided with one ‘spine’, reinforced by two ‘pillars/columns’ with four straight bending lines from the ‘semi-convex edge’ at the neck section of spoon to the edge of handle section of spoon to enable a strong and sturdy user-friendly handheld tool.

[1060] The other significant feature in the blank is the wide vertex where forces meet upon formation. Regarding the circular or round-cornered trapezoid vertex, the meeting of opposing force at this blunted ‘anterior arch of atlas’ wide vertex distributes energy/strength/pressure for and from the ‘semi-convex edge’ of the neck section and base of the bowl section.

[1061] The meticulously structured ‘anterior arch of atlas’ vertex transforms the central base of the bowl section together with the ‘semi-convex edge’ at the neck section of spoon into the strongest form to sturdily contain, carry and/or support volume/weighted content multiple times beyond its own weight (akin to human's ability to carry tremendous weight and/or variety of content on our head).

[1062] The blank serves as tools that are multiform and multifunction.

[1063] Referring to the bowl section of the blank, the bowl section is formed by a kind of anterior arch of atlas with wide blunted vertex, which can be circular or round-cornered trapezoid. The bowl section has enough depth, thereby allowing it to provide multi-functions to act as spoon, scoop, funnel or spreader. The depth also enables the bowl section to hold various contents, as what a spoon can do, including liquid or semi-liquid foods, and very small or powdery solid items.

[1064] Referring to the neck section of the blank, it has no hinge. It can serve as child proof eating utensils enabling spoonful of content to be consumed with ease. It is structurally sturdy and well supported from the handle section to the neck section and to the bowl section. It is user-friendly.

[1065] The neck section structurally prevents backflowing on its spoon side. The blank has circular curvature on its anterior arch of atlas vertex providing more than 2 distinct uses on each side of the tool. On one side, it can be a spoon or ladle holding liquids without possibility of leak/backward flow. On the other side, it can be a scoop or a funnel allowing liquids to flow through.

[1066] The neck section provides stability and ease of carrying multitude of content and volume multiple times its own weight. Upon elevation of parts of the blank, the ‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ part that is created by the pair of curved portions (‘arch’) equally distribute forces, equalizes burden and pressure thus form a stable neck section and base of spoon. This is a crucial point in its ability to carry with ease, content variations with volume multiple times heavier than itself.

[1067] Referring to the handle section of the blank, it is strong as the forces on the handle section are connected and directed from its ‘craniovertebral vertebrae’ part. A pair of downward bending lines forming the ‘spinous process’ part in the middle is further strengthened by ‘articular pillars’ formed by another pair of downward bending lines. In turn, they create a semi 3-tier slopes on the handle section upon formation.

[1068] The 3-tier slopes on top surface of the handle section create a formidable strong tri-spine to the handle section. This strong ‘tri-spine’ close-top handle section produces a practical, sturdy spoon that is comfortable to hold. The 3-tier slopes on spoon handle section provide users the ease of control. The sturdy handle section is further available in a variety of friction studs or grooves for greater grip to suit usage.

[1069] It should be noted that the term “scoring” can be replaced with the term “creasing” when producing the blank using paper.

[1070] The paper can have a weight of about 250 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 500 gsm.

[1071] The above embodiments can also be described with the following lists of features or elements being organized into an item list. The respective combinations of features, which are disclosed in the item list, are regarded as independent subject matter, respectively, that can also be combined with other features of the application. [1072] 1. A blank (1p) for forming a handheld tool, the blank (1p) comprising an elongated sheet that comprises [1073] a top surface (2) and a bottom surface (3) being provided opposite the top surface (2), [1074] a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, [1075] a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and [1076] a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge (6) being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge (5) being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge (4) being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge (4′) being provided at the second side end, [1077] the elongated sheet further comprising [1078] a bending cum connecting strip (11p) extending between the side edges (4, 4′) of the blank (1p), the bending cum connecting strip (11p) comprising a first strip segment (12p), a second strip segment (12p′), and a (partially circular) connecting strip segment (13p), the first strip segment (12p) and the second strip segments (12p′) extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges (4, 4′) of the blank (1p), pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge (5) of the blank (1p) and the connecting strip segment (13p) providing a (blunt) vertex, (the vertex comprising at least partially rounded shape) [1079] the elongated sheet further comprising [1080] a first downward bending line (10p) extending between the rear edge (4) and the first strip segment (12p) and [1081] a second downward bending line (10p′) extending between the rear edge (4) and the second strip segment (12p′), [1082] wherein the bending cum connecting strip (11p) and the front edge (5) enclosing a first flat portion (9-1p) being provided in a first plane, and [1083] the bending cum connecting strip (11p) and the rear edge (6) enclosing a second flat portion (9-2p) being provided in a second plane, and [1084] the second plane is separated from the first plane by a predetermined distance (d). [1085] 2. A blank (1q) for forming a handheld tool, the blank (1q) comprising an elongated sheet that comprises [1086] a top surface (2) and a bottom surface (3) being provided opposite the top surface (2), [1087] a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end being provided opposite the first longitudinal end, [1088] a first side end and a second side end being provided opposite the first side end, and [1089] a circumferential edge that comprises a rear edge (6) being provided at the first longitudinal end, a front edge (5) being provided at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge (4) being provided at the first side end, and a second side edge (4′) being provided at the second side end, [1090] the elongated sheet further comprising [1091] a bending cum connecting strip (11p) extending between the side edges (4, 4′) of the blank (1q), the bending cum connecting strip (11p) comprising a first strip segment (12p), a second strip segment (12p′), and a connecting strip segment (13p), the first strip segment (12) and the second strip segment (12′) extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges (4, 4′) of the blank (1q), pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge (5) of the blank (1g) and providing a (blunt) vertex, (the vertex comprising at least partially rounded shape) [1092] the elongated sheet further comprising [1093] a first downward bending line (10p) extending between the rear edge (4) and the first strip segment (12p) and a second downward bending line (10p′) extending between the rear edge (4) and the second strip segment (12p′), [1094] wherein [1095] the bending cum connecting strip (11p) and the front edge (5) enclosing a first flat portion (9-1p) being provided in a first plane, and [1096] the bending cum connecting strip (11p) and the rear edge (6) enclosing a second flat portion (9-2p) being provided in a second plane, [1097] wherein [1098] the first flat portion (9-1p) is bent to serve as a container portion and the second flat portion (9-2p) is bent to serve as a handle portion of the handheld tool. [1099] 3. The blank according to item 1 or 2, wherein [1100] a middle area (31) extending between the downward bending lines (10, 10′), the upward bending line (11), and the rear edge (4), and [1101] the downward bending lines (10) are arranged in such a way that a widening of the middle lane (31) at the connecting segment (13) is provided. [1102] 4. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 3, wherein the angle between the first upward bending segment (12) and the second upward bending segment (12′) is in a range from 20° to 66°, more specifically from 26° to 35°. [1103] 5. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 4, wherein each of the downward bending lines (10, 10′) meet the upward bending line (11) at a respective junction point (16) adjacent to the connecting segment (13). [1104] 6. The blank according to item 5, wherein at the junction points (16), the angle between the upward bending line (11) and the respective downward bending line (10, 10′) is essentially perpendicular or lies between 60° and 90°, more specifically between 80° and 90°. [1105] 7. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the bending lines (10, 11) is provided by a bending groove on at least one surface of the blank. [1106] 8. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 7, wherein elevated portions (17) between the rear edge (4) and the endpoints at the side edges (4,4′) of the blank are provided. [1107] 9. The blank according to one of the items 1 to 8, wherein the blank has an essentially tapered shape, such that the width of the blank at the rear edge (6) is smaller than the width of the blank between the tip of the front edge (5) and the connecting segment (13). [1108] 10. A handheld tool being formed by folding the blank according to one of the items 1 to 9.

[1109] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exists. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

[1110] 1 blank [1111] 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1i, 1j, 1ja, 1jb, 1k, 1l, 1m, 1n, 1p [1112] blank [1113] 2 top surface [1114] 3 bottom surface [1115] 4, 4′ side edge [1116] 5 front edge [1117] 6 rear edge [1118] 7 handle section [1119] 8 functional section [1120] 9 intermediate section [1121] 9-1p first sheet portion [1122] 9-2p second sheet portion [1123] 10, 10′ downward bending line [1124] 10p bending line [1125] 10p′ bending line [1126] 11 upward bending line [1127] 11p bending cum connection strip [1128] 12, 12′ upward bending segment [1129] 12p straight strip segment [1130] 12p′ straight strip segment [1131] 13 connecting segment [1132] 13p circular strip segment [1133] 14, 14′ straight segment of downward bending line [1134] 14p1 straight bending line segment [1135] 14p2 straight bending line segment [1136] 14p1′ straight bending line segment [1137] 14p2′ straight bending line segment [1138] 14 curved segment of the downward bending pattern [1139] 15p curved bending line segment [1140] 15p′ curved bending line segment [1141] 15 junction point [1142] 16 junction point [1143] 16′ junction point [1144] 17 bump [1145] 18 indentation [1146] 19 rounded corner of the rear edge [1147] 20 transversal structure [1148] 21, 21′ endpoint [1149] 22 tip [1150] 30 side wing [1151] 31 middle lane [1152] 31a embedded metal sheet [1153] 32 bow [1154] 33 downward movement arrow symbol [1155] 34 upward movement arrow symbol [1156] 40 tensile force [1157] 41 compression force [1158] 50 reinforcement [1159] 51 recess [1160] 60 handle wing [1161] 61 handle bending line [1162] 70 hole [1163] 81 blank [1164] 83 sheet [1165] 83T top surface [1166] 83B bottom surface [1167] 83S1 first side edge [1168] 83S2 second side edge [1169] 83F front edge [1170] 83R rear edge [1171] 85 scored line [1172] 87 bumps [1173] 102 semi-circular portion [1174] 102A arc edge [1175] 102S straight edge [1176] 104 first rectangular portion [1177] 104L1 first-long edge [1178] 104L2 second-long edge [1179] 104S1 first-short edge [1180] 104S2 second-short edge [1181] 106 second rectangular portion [1182] 106L1 first-long edge [1183] 106L2 second-long edge [1184] 106S1 first-short edge [1185] 106S2 second-short edge [1186] 108 third rectangular portion [1187] 108L1 first-long edge [1188] 108L2 second-long edge [1189] 108S1 first-short edge [1190] 108S2 second-short edge [1191] 110C circular bending line segment [1192] 110S1 first straight bending line segment [1193] 110S2 second straight bending line segment [1194] 112 straight bending line segment [1195] 114 straight bending line segment [1196] 116 first straight bending line segment [1197] 118 second straight bending line segment [1198] 120 third straight bending line segment [1199] 122 fourth straight bending line segment [1200] 124 first straight bending line segment [1201] 126 second straight bending line segment [1202] 130 rounded corner [1203] 132 rounded corner [1204] 134 rounded corner [1205] 181 blank [1206] 183 sheet [1207] 183T top surface [1208] 183B bottom surface [1209] 183S1 first side edge [1210] 183S2 second side edge [1211] 183F front edge [1212] 183R rear edge [1213] 185 scored line [1214] 187 bumps [1215] 202 semi-circular portion [1216] 202A arc edge [1217] 202S straight edge [1218] 204 first rectangular portion [1219] 204L1 first-long edge [1220] 204L2 second-long edge [1221] 204S1 first-short edge [1222] 204S2 second-short edge [1223] 206 second rectangular portion [1224] 206L1 first-long edge [1225] 206L2 second-long edge [1226] 206S1 first-short edge [1227] 206S2 second-short edge [1228] 208 third rectangular portion [1229] 208L1 first-long edge [1230] 208L2 second-long edge [1231] 208S1 first-short edge [1232] 208S2 second-short edge [1233] 210C circular bending line segment [1234] 210S1 first straight bending line segment [1235] 210S2 second straight bending line segment [1236] 216A first straight bending line segment [1237] 216B first straight bending line segment [1238] 218A second straight bending line segment [1239] 218B second straight bending line segment [1240] 220A third straight bending line segment [1241] 220B third straight bending line segment [1242] 222A fourth straight bending line segment [1243] 222B fourth straight bending line segment [1244] 224 first straight bending line segment [1245] 226 second straight bending line segment [1246] 228 trapezoid indentation [1247] 230 trapezoid indentation [1248] 381 blank [1249] 381-1 thin blank [1250] 383 sheet [1251] 383-1 sheet [1252] 383T top surface [1253] 383B bottom surface [1254] 383S1 first side edge [1255] 383S2 second side edge [1256] 383F front edge [1257] 383R rear edge [1258] 385 scored line [1259] 387 bumps [1260] 388A flap part [1261] 388A-1 flap part [1262] 388AS straight scored line [1263] 388AS-1 straight scored line [1264] 388AC1 first straight cut line [1265] 388AC1-1 first straight cut line [1266] 388AC2 second straight cut line [1267] 388AC2-1 second straight cut line [1268] 388B flap part [1269] 388B-1 flap part [1270] 388BS straight scored line [1271] 388BS-1 straight scored line [1272] 388BC1 first straight cut line [1273] 388BC1-1 first straight cut line [1274] 388BC2 second straight cut line [1275] 388BC2-1 second straight cut line [1276] 402 semi-circular portion [1277] 402A arc edge [1278] 402S straight edge [1279] 404 first rectangular portion [1280] 404L1 first-long edge [1281] 404L2 second-long edge [1282] 404S1 first-short edge [1283] 404S2 second-short edge [1284] 406 second rectangular portion [1285] 406L1 first-long edge [1286] 406L2 second-long edge [1287] 406S1 first-short edge [1288] 406S2 second-short edge [1289] 408 third rectangular portion [1290] 408L1 first-long edge [1291] 408L2 second-long edge [1292] 408S1 first-short edge [1293] 408S2 second-short edge [1294] 410C circular bending line segment [1295] 410S1 first straight bending line segment [1296] 410S2 second straight bending line segment [1297] 412 straight bending line segment [1298] 414 straight bending line segment [1299] 415 straight bending line segment [1300] 416 first straight bending line segment [1301] 418 second straight bending line segment [1302] 420 third straight bending line segment [1303] 421 fourth straight bending line segment [1304] 422 fifth straight bending line segment [1305] 423 sixth straight bending line segment [1306] 424 first straight bending line segment [1307] 426 second straight bending line segment [1308] 481 thin blank [1309] 481′ thick blank [1310] 483 elongated sheet [1311] 483B bottom surface [1312] 483F front edge [1313] 483R rear edge [1314] 483S1 first side edge [1315] 483S2 second side edge [1316] 483T top surface [1317] 485 scored line [1318] 487 bump [1319] 488A flap part [1320] 488AU U-shaped cut line [1321] 488B flap part [1322] 488AU U-shaped cut line [1323] 502 semi-circular portion [1324] 502A arc edge [1325] 502S straight edge [1326] 504 first rectangular portion [1327] 504L1 first-long edge [1328] 504L2 second-long edge [1329] 504S1 first-short edge [1330] 504S2 second-short edge [1331] 506 second rectangular portion [1332] 506L1 first-long edge [1333] 506L2 second-long edge [1334] 506S1 first-short edge [1335] 506S2 second-short edge [1336] 510C circular bending line segment [1337] 510C′ circular bending line segment [1338] 510S1 first straight bending line segment [1339] 510S1′ first straight bending line segment [1340] 510S2 second straight bending line segment [1341] 510S2′ second straight bending line segment [1342] 512 straight bending line segment [1343] 516 first straight bending line segment [1344] 516A first straight bending line segment [1345] 516B first straight bending line segment [1346] 518 second straight bending line segment [1347] 518A second straight bending line segment [1348] 518B second straight bending line segment [1349] 524 first straight bending line segment [1350] 526 second straight bending line segment [1351] 530 rounded corner [1352] 532 rounded corner [1353] 534 rounded corner [1354] 540 straight bending line segment [1355] 542 straight bending line segment [1356] 550′ trapezoid opening [1357] 681 thin blank [1358] 681F blank [1359] 681-1 blank [1360] 681-1F blank [1361] 681-2 blank [1362] 681-2F blank [1363] 681-3 blank [1364] 681-3A blank [1365] 681-3B blank [1366] 681-3F blank [1367] 681-3BF blank [1368] 681-4 blank [1369] 681-4A blank [1370] 681-4AF blank [1371] 681-4B blank [1372] 681-4BF blank [1373] 681-4C blank [1374] 681-4CF blank [1375] 681-4D blank [1376] 681-4DF blank [1377] 681-4E blank [1378] 681-4EF blank [1379] 681-4F blank [1380] 681-4FF blank [1381] 681-4G blank [1382] 681-4H blank [1383] 681-4HF blank [1384] 681-4D blank [1385] 681-4I blank [1386] 681-4IF blank [1387] 681-4J blank [1388] 681-4JF blank [1389] 681-4K blank [1390] 681-4KF blank [1391] 681-4L blank [1392] 681-4LF blank [1393] 681-5 blank [1394] 681-5A blank [1395] 681-5F blank [1396] 681-6 blank [1397] 681-6F blank [1398] 681-7 blank [1399] 681-7F blank [1400] 681-8 blank [1401] 681-8F blank [1402] 683 elongated sheet [1403] 683S1 first side edge [1404] 683S2 second side edge [1405] 683F front edge [1406] 683R rear edge [1407] 685 scored line [1408] 702 bowl portion [1409] 702A straight edge [1410] 702B straight edge [1411] 702C straight edge [1412] 702D straight edge [1413] 704 first handle portion [1414] 704A straight edge [1415] 704B straight edge [1416] 704C straight edge [1417] 704D straight edge [1418] 706 second handle portion [1419] 706A straight edge [1420] 706B straight edge [1421] 706C straight edge [1422] 706B straight edge [1423] 710S short-bending line segment [1424] 710L1 first long-bending line segment [1425] 710L2 second long-bending line segment [1426] 724 first straight bending line segment [1427] 726 second straight bending line segment [1428] 730L1 first longitudinal straight bending line [1429] 730L2 second longitudinal straight bending line [1430] 735G1 fork/spoon rest groove [1431] 735G1′ fork/spoon rest groove [1432] 735G2 fork/spoon rest groove [1433] 735G2′ fork/spoon rest groove [1434] 740S1 handle locking slit [1435] 740S2 handle locking slit [1436] 750B bowl portion [1437] 750H handle portion [1438] 750N neck portion [1439] 750P prong portion [1440] 760 opening [1441] 763 slot [1442] 766 prong [1443] 770 paper box [1444] 774 sidewall [1445] 780 paper box [1446] 783 flap [1447] 786 flap [1448] 790 paper box [1449] 792 cover [1450] 795 paper box [1451] 797 front surface [1452] 881-1 finger spoon blank [1453] 881-1A finger spoon blank [1454] 881-1F finger spoon blank [1455] 881-2 finger spoon blank [1456] 881-2F finger fork blank [1457] 881-3 finger spoon blank [1458] 881-3F finger fork blank [1459] 881-4 finger spoon blank [1460] 881-4F finger fork blank [1461] 881-5 finger spoon blank [1462] 881-5F finger fork blank [1463] 981-1 spoon blank [1464] 981-2 spoon blank [1465] 981-3 spoon blank [1466] 981-4 spoon blank [1467] 900 container [1468] 902 cover [1469] 905 container [1470] 907 cover [1471] 910 container [1472] 912 cover [1473] 915 container [1474] 917 cover [1475] 920 container [1476] 922 cover [1477] A axis [1478] A1 arrow [1479] A1-1 arrow [1480] A1-2 arrow [1481] A1-3 arrow [1482] A2 arrow [1483] A2-1 arrow [1484] A2-2 arrow [1485] A2-3 arrow [1486] A3 arrow [1487] A3-1 arrow [1488] A3-2 arrow [1489] A3-3 arrow [1490] A4 arrow [1491] A4-1 arrow [1492] A4-2 arrow [1493] A4-3 arrow [1494] A5-2 arrow [1495] d distance [1496] P perforation