UTENSIL

Abstract

Unitary blank for forming a utensil includes a scoop portion and a handle portion. The scoop portion has a distal edge and a proximal neck region. The handle portion has opposing first and second lateral edges extending from the proximal neck region of the scoop portion and a proximal tail edge extending between the first and second lateral edges, and first and second concave recesses. The proximal tail edge has a center notch. The handle portion further has a center fold line defining a first body segment including a slot and a second body segment including a tab. The tab can be configured to be engaged and locked into the slot when the first and second body segments are folded toward each other along the center fold line. A pattern for a plurality of blanks for forming utensils and a utensil formed from the unitary blank are also provided.

Claims

1. A unitary blank for forming a utensil, comprising: a scoop portion having a distal edge and a proximal neck region; and a handle portion having opposing first and second lateral edges extending from the proximal neck region of the scoop portion and a proximal tail edge extending between the first and second lateral edges, the handle portion further having a first concave recess defined between the first lateral edge and the proximal tail edge and a second concave recess defined between the second lateral edge and the proximal tail edge, and the proximal tail edge has a center notch defined therein; the handle portion further having a center fold line defining a first body segment and second body segment, the first body segment including a slot and the second body segment including a tab, wherein the tab is configured to be engaged and locked into the slot when the first and second body segments are folded toward each other along the center fold line.

2. The unitary blank of claim 1, wherein the distal edge of the scoop portion is linear.

3. The unitary blank of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second lateral edges is linear.

4. The unitary blank of claim 1, wherein the tab is defined by a score line in the second body segment.

5. The unitary blank of claim 4, wherein the score line of the tab is at least partially arcuate.

6. The unitary blank of claim 1, wherein the tab has a width dimension and outer edges that extend about 0.0156 to 0.0625 inch greater than a corresponding width dimension of the slot.

7. The unitary blank of claim 1, wherein the slot is defined by a score line in the first body segment.

8. The unitary blank of claim 7, wherein the score line of the slot is at least partially arcuate.

9. The unitary blank of claim 1, wherein the center notch is concave and substantially arcuate.

10. The unitary blank of claim 1, wherein the unitary blank has a thickness of about 0.018 inch.

11. A web pattern for a plurality of blanks for forming utensils, comprising: a first blank, a second blank and a third blank, each blank comprising a scoop portion having a distal edge and a proximal neck region, and a handle portion having opposing first and second lateral edges extending from the proximal neck region of the scoop portion and a proximal tail edge extending between the first and second lateral edges, the handle portion further having a first concave recess defined between the first lateral edge and the proximal tail edge and a second concave recess defined between the second lateral edge and the proximal tail edge, and the proximal tail edge has a center notch defined therein; wherein the distal edge of the first blank is mated with the center notch of the proximal tail edge of the second blank; and wherein the third blank is in an inverted orientation relative the second blank with the first lateral edge of the handle portion of the second blank aligned with the first lateral edge of the handle portion of the third blank, and further wherein the neck region of the second blank is mated with the first concave recess of the third blank and the neck region of the third blank is mated with the first concave recess of the second blank.

12. A utensil formed from a unitary blank, comprising: a scoop portion having a distal edge and a proximal neck region; and a handle portion having opposing first and second lateral edges extending from the proximal neck region of the scoop portion and a proximal tail edge extending between the first and second lateral edges, the handle portion further having a first concave recess defined between the first lateral edge and the proximal tail edge and a second concave recess defined between the second lateral edge and the proximal tail edge, and the proximal tail edge has a center notch defined therein; the handle portion further having a center fold line defining a first body segment and second body segment, the first body segment including a slot and the second body segment including a tab, wherein the first and second body segments are folded toward each other along the center fold line and the tab is configured to be engaged and locked into the slot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a unitary blank for forming a utensil in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pattern for a plurality of blanks for forming utensils in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a utensil formed from a blank in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a utensil formed from a blank in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a left view of the utensil of FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a right view of the utensil of FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the utensil of FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the utensil of FIG. 4.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a front view of the utensil of FIG. 4.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a back view of the utensil of FIG. 4.

[0023] FIG. 11A is a top view of the utensil of FIG. 4 with a partially locked configuration.

[0024] FIG. 11B is a top view of the utensil of FIG. 11A.

[0025] FIG. 12A is a top view of the utensil of FIG. 4 with a fully locked configuration.

[0026] FIG. 12B is a top view of the utensil of FIG. 12B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

[0028] The apparatus and methods presented herein can be used for use with food items and other perishable and nonperishable products. The disclosed subject matter is particularly suited for serving and eating of food items.

[0029] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter herein, a unitary blank for forming a utensil including a scoop portion and a handle portion. The scoop portion has a distal edge and a proximal neck region. The handle portion has opposing first and second lateral edges extending from the proximal neck region of the scoop portion and a proximal tail edge extending between the first and second lateral edges. The handle portion further has a first concave recess defined between the first lateral edge and the proximal tail edge and a second concave recess defined between the second lateral edge and the proximal tail edge, and the proximal tail edge has a center notch defined therein. The handle portion further has a center fold line defining a first body segment and second body segment. The first body segment includes a slot and the second body segment includes a tab. The tab is configured to be engaged and locked into the slot when the first and second body segments are folded toward each other along the center fold line.

[0030] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, serve to further illustrate the disclosed subject matter and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, blanks and utensils in accordance with the disclosed subject matter are shown in FIGS. 1-3. The utensil is suitable for use with a wide variety of food items. Additionally, as used herein, the terms front, rear, side, top, and bottom are used for the purpose of illustration only, and not limitation. That is, it is recognized that the terms front, rear, side, top, and bottom are interchangeable and are merely used herein as a point of reference.

[0031] For purpose of illustration, and not limitation, reference is made to a unitary blank 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, as well as a container 300 shown in FIG. 3, which can be formed by unitary blank 100. As shown in FIG. 1, a unitary blank for forming a utensil including a scoop portion 102 and a handle portion 104. The scoop portion 102 has a distal edge 132 and a proximal neck region 134. The handle portion 104 has opposing first and second lateral edges 122, 124 extending from the proximal neck region 134 of the scoop portion 102 and a proximal tail edge 136 extending between the first and second lateral edges 122, 124. The handle portion 104 further has a first concave recess 118 defined between the first lateral edge 122 and the proximal tail edge 136 and a second concave recess 116 defined between the second lateral edge 124 and the proximal tail edge 136, and the proximal tail edge 136 has a center notch 120 defined therein. The handle portion 104 further has a center fold line 106 defining a first body segment 108 and second body segment 110. The first body segment 108 includes a slot 112 and the second body segment 110 includes a tab 114. The tab 114 is configured to be engaged and locked into the slot 112 when the first and second body segments 108, 110 are folded toward each other along the center fold line 106.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, with reference to FIG. 2, a web pattern for a plurality of blanks 100 for forming utensils can include a first blank 150, a second blank 152 and a third blank 154. Each blank in the web pattern can have one or more of the features as included in FIG. 1 of blank 100. For example, each blank can include a scoop portion 102 having a distal edge 132 and a proximal neck region 134. Each blank also can include a handle portion 104 having opposing first and second lateral edges 122, 124 extending from the proximal neck region 134 of the scoop portion 102 and a proximal tail edge 136 extending between the first and second lateral edges 122, 124. As shown in FIG. 1, the handle portion 104 further can have a first concave recess 118 defined between the first lateral edge 122 and the proximal tail edge 136 and a second concave recess 116 defined between the second lateral edge 124 and the proximal tail edge 136, and the proximal tail edge 136 can have a center notch 120 defined therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the distal edge 132 of the first blank 150 can be mated with the center notch 120 of the proximal tail edge 136 of the second blank 152. The third blank 154 can be in an inverted orientation relative the second blank 152 with the first lateral edge 122 of the handle portion 104 of the second blank 152 aligned with the first lateral edge 122 of the handle portion 104 of the third blank 154, and further wherein the neck region 134 of the second blank 152 is mated with the first concave recess 116 of the third blank 154 and the neck region 134 of the third blank 154 is mated with the first concave recess 116 of the second blank 152.

[0033] For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the blank 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the utensil 300 of FIG. 3 disclosed herein are preferably disposable, but it is contemplated that they can be reused at a future time. Additionally, the materials from which the blank 100 and the utensil 300 is made need not be the same throughout. The utensil and blanks described herein are preferably made of paperboard, but can also be manufactured from any suitable material, including but not limited to paper, paper laminated on at least one side, multiple-walled paper, resin, plastic and other polymers, suitable composite materials, and/or suitable foams.

[0034] For purpose of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the blank 100 of FIG. 1, the unitary blank can have a thickness of about 0.016 to 0.019 inch. For example, and for purpose of illustration and not limitation, in one embodiment, the unitary blank can have a thickness of about 0.018 inch. The blank 100 can have a length L of about 5 to 6 inches from the distal edge 132 of the scoop portion 102 to the proximate tail edge 136 of the handle portion 104. The scoop portion 102 of the blank 100 can have a width W1 of about 1.25 to 2.25 inches. The distal edge 132 of the scoop portion 102 can have a width W2 of about 0.5 to 1.5 inches. The handle portion 104 can have a width W3 of about 2.25 to 3.25 inches at a widest point of the handle portion 104. The center notch 120 can have a depth D of about 0.125 to 0.25 inch.

[0035] The distal edge 132 of the scoop portion can be of any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to linear, curved, or substantially arcuate. The first and second lateral edges 122, 124 can be of any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to linear, curved, or substantially arcuate. The tab 114 can be defined by a score line in the second body segment 110. The score line of tab 114 can be of any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to at least partially or fully c-shaped, arcuate, radius corners, angled straight edges, or non-radius corner die-cuts which can pop-out and lock into slot 112 when the utensil is assembled. The slot 112 can be defined by a score line in the second body segment 108. The score line of slot 112 can be of any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to partially or fully c-shaped, arcuate, radius corners, angled straight edges, or non-radius corner die-cuts which can pop-out when the utensil is assembled. The tab 114 can be scored or partially or fully perforated during manufacture. The slot 112 can be die cut, scored or partially or fully perforated during manufacture. The tab 114 has a width dimension Wd, wherein the outer edges of tab 114 can extend in range of about 0.0156 to 0.0625 inch greater than a corresponding width dimension of slot 112 so that when tab 114 is pushed through slot 112, the tab remains engaged and locked into position to securely hold the utensil handle together. The first concave recess 116, second concave recess 118, and center notch 120 can be of any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to partially or fully c-shaped, arcuate, radius corners, concave, or angled straight edges.

[0036] To form utensil 300 of FIG. 3 from unitary blank 100 of FIG. 1, the first and second body segments 108, 110 can be folded toward each other along the center fold line 106 and the tab 114 can be engaged with and locked into the slot 112.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 3, utensil 300 formed from a unitary blank can include a scoop portion 302 and a handle portion 304. The scoop portion 302 can have a distal edge 332 and a proximal neck region 334. The handle portion 304 can have opposing first and second lateral edges 322, 324 extending from the proximal neck region 334 of the scoop portion 302 and a proximal tail edge 336 extending between the first and second lateral edges 322, 324. The handle portion 304 further has a first concave recess 316 defined between the first lateral edge 322 and the proximal tail edge 336 and a second concave recess 318 defined between the second lateral edge 324 and the proximal tail edge 336, and the proximal tail edge 336 has a center notch 320 defined therein. The handle portion 304 further has a center fold line 306 defining a first body segment 308 and second body segment 310. The first body segment 308 includes a slot 312 and the second body segment 310 includes a tab 314. The tab 314 can be engaged with and locked into slot 312. Although particular features are described, the utensil 300 of FIG. 3 can have one or more of the features as included in blank 100 of FIG. 1. It is to be recognized that the dimensions and relative proportions of the features of the utensil 300 can vary according to the size and intended use of the blank 100 or utensil 300.

[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, FIGS. 4-10 show a utensil 300 formed from a unitary blank. Utensil 300, as shown in FIGS. 4-10, can have one or more of the features as included in utensil 300 in FIG. 3, for example, scoop portion 302, handle portion 304, center fold line 306, first body segment 308, second body segment 310, first concave recess 316, second concave recess 318, tab 314, slot 312, center notch 320, first lateral edge 322, second lateral edge 324, distal edge 332, proximal neck region 334, proximal tail edge 336. As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B and 12A-12B, the utensil of FIG. 4 can have the tab 314 can be partially engaged with and locked into slot 312 (FIGS. 11A-11B) before being fully engaged with and locked into slot 312 (FIGS. 12A-12B). Although particular features are described, the utensil 300 of FIGS. 4-12B can have one or more of the features as included in utensil 300 of FIG. 3 or blank 100 of FIG. 1.

[0039] In addition to the disclosed subject matter claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other aspects of the disclosed subject matter having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other aspects of the disclosed subject matter having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to the aspects of the disclosed subject matter disclosed.

[0040] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.