EP1142522A1 - Ein flexibles Element zur Bildung eines Besteckteiles - Google Patents

Ein flexibles Element zur Bildung eines Besteckteiles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1142522A1
EP1142522A1 EP00107235A EP00107235A EP1142522A1 EP 1142522 A1 EP1142522 A1 EP 1142522A1 EP 00107235 A EP00107235 A EP 00107235A EP 00107235 A EP00107235 A EP 00107235A EP 1142522 A1 EP1142522 A1 EP 1142522A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flexible element
element according
bent position
retaining
bending line
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00107235A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Vanderheyden Etjen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dester ACS Holding BV
Original Assignee
Dester ACS Holding BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dester ACS Holding BV filed Critical Dester ACS Holding BV
Priority to EP00107235A priority Critical patent/EP1142522A1/de
Publication of EP1142522A1 publication Critical patent/EP1142522A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/22—Details
    • B65D77/24—Inserts or accessories added or incorporated during filling of containers
    • B65D77/245—Utensils for removing the contents from the package, e.g. spoons, forks, spatulas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G21/00—Table-ware
    • A47G21/02—Forks; Forks with ejectors; Combined forks and spoons; Salad servers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G21/00—Table-ware
    • A47G2021/002—Table-ware collapsible

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a flexible element for forming a piece of disposable cutlery, especially a spoon.
  • Disposable cutlery is e. g. known from European Patent EP 0 725 586 B1.
  • the cutlery in the form of a spoon, a fork or a knife is made from thin-walled rigid plastics material and is especially used for catering purposes and with food packaging.
  • the known cutlery may be manufactured easily at low costs.
  • the invention is based on the idea that disposable cutlery may be formed in a surprisingly easy manner by using a flexible element the body of which is shaped such that in a bent position a handling portion and an acting portion of the piece of cutlery is formed.
  • the flexible element comprises an elongated body made from thin, bendable material comprising a handle portion and an acting portion wherein the body widens towards the free end of the acting portion. At least a first bending line extends in the longitudinal direction of the body from the area of the free end of the handle portion towards the acting portion such that the body may be bent and in the bent position the handle has a substantially V- or U-shaped cross section. In its bent position the flexible element is rigid enough to be used as a piece of cutlery, especially a spoon.
  • the flexible element according to the invention may be manufactured very easily at very low costs.
  • the flexible element may be bundled, packaged and sold with various products so that together with the product always a piece of cutlery is available.
  • the flexible element may be bundled, packaged and sold together with a yogurt cup so that for the user there is no longer the need to carry a spoon with him.
  • the user may simply separate the flexible element from the yogurt cup, bring the flexible element in its bent position for forming a spoon and may then eat the yogurt. After use the flexible element may be disposed. Of course, it is possible to reuse the flexible element.
  • the flexible element according to the invention furthermore may be used for catering purposes in general and food packaging in general.
  • the flexible element according to the invention may be stored easily and may be used easily in dispensers. It may be provided on a roll of a plurality of flexible elements, in bulk or separate.
  • the flexible element In the unbent position the flexible element may be packaged with small food containers while in its bent position it forms e.g. a normal size spoon.
  • the flexible element according to the invention is suitable for forming a spoon, a fork or a knife. However, it is especially suitable for forming a spoon.
  • the element forms a knife its body is provided with a serrated edge.
  • a second and a third bending line extend from the area of the first bending line towards the free end of the acting portion.
  • the additional bending lines make it easier to bend the flexible element, e. g. for forming a spoon.
  • the pattern of the bending lines depends on the desired shape of the acting portion, e.g. to form a deep spoon or a shallow spoon.
  • the second and third bending lines diverge from each other towards the free end of the acting portion.
  • the shape of the acting portion is more similar to the shape of a conventional spoon.
  • the second and third bending lines may make an acute angle with the first bending line as provided by a further embodiment.
  • the first, second and third bending lines meet at the same point. This embodiment makes it easier to bend the flexible element.
  • the first bending line extends towards the free end of the acting portion beyond the point at which the second and third bending lines meet.
  • two first bending lines extend substantially in parallel to each other.
  • the handle portion of the flexible element in the bent position has a substantially U-shaped cross section.
  • the free rim of the acting portion is rounded inwardly or outwardly.
  • the shape of the acting portion is even more similar to the shape of the acting portion of a conventional spoon.
  • At least one bending line, especially the first bending line is a straight line and/or that at least one bending line, especially the second or third bending line is a curved line.
  • the material of the body may be weakened along the bending line or bending lines as it is provided by a further preferred embodiment.
  • the material of the body is weakened along the bending line or bending lines by scratching or cutting it on the surface along a continuous line or a series of short consecutive lines or by preforming the bending line or bending lines when manufacturing the body, especially by injection moulding.
  • a very simple tool may be used for weakening the material of the body thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
  • retaining means for retaining the body in its bent position are provided. In this embodiment it is no longer necessary for the user to retain the flexible element in its bent position by his hand so that handling the flexible element is simplified.
  • any suitable retaining means may be provided.
  • the retaining means comprises a strip, a ring or a clamp.
  • the retaining means may be manufactured easily at low costs.
  • the retaining means may be fixed detachably to the body of the flexible element, e.g. by means of a piece of adhesive tape.
  • the flexible element When packaged with a food container the flexible element may be received in its unbent position in indent or a cavity of the container's lid or base.
  • the retaining means in the bent position of the body the retaining means may be positioned in the area of the acting portion. However, it is preferred that the retaining means is positioned around the handle portion in the bent position of the body.
  • the ring is a ring preferrably made from rubber to be pushed over the handle portion in the bent position of the body.
  • the retaining means may be handled very easily by the user.
  • the body of the flexible element may be made from any suitable material, e. g. from a thin sheet of aluminium. However, it is preferred that the body is made from synthetic material, especially Polypropylene. Synthetic material is available at very low costs and is in the bent position of the flexible element rigid enough to form a piece of cutlery.
  • the body is transparent, coloured or translucent.
  • the retaining means may be formed by a separate means as mentioned above.
  • the retaining means is formed integrally with the body. In this embodiment no separate retaining means is required. Therefore handling the flexible element is simplified for the user. Furthermore, in this embodiment the flexible element may be manufactured even more easily at even lower costs.
  • the retaining means comprises a retaining element which in the bent position of the body is held in a force-locking and/or form-fitting manner in a recess or an opening in the body thereby retaining the body in its bent position.
  • This embodiment may be manufactured very easily and handled by the user very easily.
  • the retaining element comprises a flexible tongue formed integrally with one web of the V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section of the body in its bent position, wherein the tongue comprises at least one lateral projection, wherein the second web of the cross-section comprises a slit or the like and wherein the tongue may be flexed for insertion into the slit in the bent position of the body, such that the tongue flexes back after insertion into the slit thereby engaging the outer wall of the second web with its at least one lateral projection thereby retaining the body in its bent position.
  • the retaining element may be handled very easily by the user. In its retaining position the retaining element retains the body safely in its bent position.
  • the retaining element comprises at least one projection projecting from the plane of the body in the unbent position of the body wherein in the bent position of the body the projection is held in a force-locking and/or form/fitting manner in a recess or an opening of the body shaped substantially complementary to the projection thereby retaining in its bent position.
  • the projection projecting from the plane of the body in the unbent position of the body is formed on a tongue formed integrally with the body.
  • the retaining means comprise snapping means for snapping into a recess or an opening in the body in the bent position of the body thereby retaining the body in its bent position.
  • reference numeral 2 generally designates a flexible element for forming a piece of disposable cutlery, especially a spoon.
  • the flexible element comprises a elongated, substantially recangular body 4 made from thin, bendable or flexible synthetic material, e. g. Polypropylene.
  • the body 4 comprises a handle portion 6 and an acting portion 8. As can be seen from fig. 1 the body 4 widens towards the free end 10 of the acting portion 8 with the free rim 12 of the acting portion 8 being rounded outwardly.
  • a first bending line 14 extends from the free rim 16 of the handle portion 6 towards the acting portion 8 such that the body 4 may be bent and in the bent position the handle portion 6 has a substantially V-shaped cross section as will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures 2 to 4.
  • a second bending line 18 and a third bending line 20 extend from the area of the first bending line 14 towards the free end 10 of the acting portion 8 wherein the second and third bending lines 18, 20 diverge from each other towards the free end 10 of the acting portion 8 forming an acute angle with the first bending line 14.
  • the first, second and third bending line 14, 18 and 20 meet at the same point 22 and the bending lines 14, 18 and 20 are straight lines.
  • the material of the body 4 is weakened by scratching or cutting it on its surface along the bending lines 14, 18, 20.
  • the bending lines 14, 18, 20 may be preformed, e.g. when the body 4 is injection-moulded.
  • a retaining means for retaining the flexible element 2 in its bent position is shown.
  • the retaining means has the form of a small, circular rubber ring 24.
  • the user bends body 4 of the flexible element 2 along the bending line 14 such that in the bent position the handle portion 6 has a substantially V-shaped cross section as can be seen from fig. 4. Due to the second and third bending lines 18, 20 in the bent position of the flexible element 2 the acting portion 8 has a shape very similar to the shape of a conventional spoon forming a small depression. In order to retain the body 4 in its bent position the user pushes the small rubber ring 24 over the free end 16 of the handle portion 6 and along the handle portion 6.
  • Fig. 2 shows the flexible element 2 in its bent position with the rubber ring 24 in its retaining position. Since the flexible element 2 is retained in its bent position handling of the spoon formed by the flexible element 2 is very easy.
  • the flexible element 2 according to the invention provides a piece of cutlery in a very simple manner at very low costs. Due to its flexibility in its unbent position it may be bundled and packaged in various manners with various products. In its bent position the flexible element 2 according to fig. 1 is rigid enough in order to be used in almost all cases in which a conventional metal or plastic spoon could be used.
  • Fig. 3 shows a top plan view to the flexible element of fig. 2 in its bent position.
  • the rubber ring 24 is sized such that in the bent position of the flexible element 2 it fits tightly around the handle portion 6 thereby retaining the flexible element 2 in a bent position.
  • Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the flexible element 2 according to the invention which differs from the embodiment of fig. 1 in that the second and third bending lines 18, 20 are curved lines and that the first bending line 14 extends towards the free end 10 of the acting portion 8 beyond the point 26 at which the second and third bending lines 18, 20 meet.
  • Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of the flexible element 2 according to the invention which differs from the embodiment of fig. 5 in that two first bending lines 14' and 14'' are provided wherein first bending line 14' forms a continuous line with third bending line 20 and further first bending line 14'' forms a continuous line with second bending line 18.
  • Fig. 8 shows a side view of a container for receiving food in the form of a disposable yoghurt cup bundled and packaged together with the embodiment of fig. 5.
  • the flexible element 2 is positioned around the outer wall 30 of the yoghurt cup 28.
  • a piece of adhesive tape 32 is used wherein the rubber ring 24 is positioned between the adhesive tape 32 and the acting portion 8 of the flexible element 2.
  • the user may simple tear off the adhesive tape 32, bring the flexible element 2 in its bent position and fix it in its bent position by means of rubber ring 24 as shown in fig. 2. Thereby the user obtains in a very simple manner a spoon for eating the yoghurt so that it is no longer necessary for the user to carry a spoon with him. After use the flexible element 2 may be reused or disposed.
  • the flexible element 2 may be received in its unbent position in a cavity of the yoghurt cup 28 e.g. positioned along the inner wall of the yoghurt cup 28 beyond the lid of the yoghurt cup.
  • Fig. 9 shows a forth embodiment of a flexible element according to the invention.
  • the retaining means is formed integrally with the first web 33 the body 4 and comprises a tongue 34 which is bendable along a bending line 36 relative to the body 4.
  • the tongue 34 comprises a narrowing 38 and two lateral projections 40, 42.
  • the other web 35 of the body 4 comprises a slit 44 which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 4.
  • the slit 44 is sized such that in the bent position of the body 4 the tongue 34 may be flexed by about 90° and inserted into the slit 44.
  • the tongue 34 After insertion of the tongue 34 into the slit 44 the tongue 34 flexes back by about 90° such that the narrowing 38 is received in the slit 44 and the lateral projections 40, 42 engage the outer wall 46 of the web 35 as can be seen from fig. 10. Thereby the body 4 is retained in a safe and easy manner in its bent position.
  • Fig. 11 shows a fifth embodiment of a flexible element 2 according to the invention.
  • the retaining means are formed integrally with the body 4 and comprise a series of projections in the form of circular knubs 48, 50, 52 which are formed on the web 33 and extend from the plane of the body 4 in its unbent position.
  • the projections 48, 50, 52 are inserted into and fit into substantially complementary shaped ciruclar openings 54, 56, 58 formed in the web 35.
  • Fig. 14 shows an alternative retaining means which is similar to the retaining means of the embodiment of fig. 11.
  • the knubs 48, 50, 52 have an undercut 60 such that the knubs 48, 50, 52 snap into the corresponding openings 54, 56, 58 in a pushbutton-like manner such that the retaining means form snapping means.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)
EP00107235A 2000-04-03 2000-04-03 Ein flexibles Element zur Bildung eines Besteckteiles Withdrawn EP1142522A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00107235A EP1142522A1 (de) 2000-04-03 2000-04-03 Ein flexibles Element zur Bildung eines Besteckteiles

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00107235A EP1142522A1 (de) 2000-04-03 2000-04-03 Ein flexibles Element zur Bildung eines Besteckteiles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1142522A1 true EP1142522A1 (de) 2001-10-10

Family

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EP00107235A Withdrawn EP1142522A1 (de) 2000-04-03 2000-04-03 Ein flexibles Element zur Bildung eines Besteckteiles

Country Status (1)

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EP (1) EP1142522A1 (de)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007048055A2 (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-04-26 Francis Bartow Fite, Iv Foldable utensil set
EP2591708A1 (de) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-15 Magisso OY Schaufel zur Zubereitung und/oder Portionierung von Speisen
US20140069933A1 (en) * 2012-09-11 2014-03-13 Ecotensil Inc. Patterning for constructable utensil
FR2997895A1 (fr) * 2012-11-14 2014-05-16 Christophe Vinot La cuillere plume
EP2754372A1 (de) 2013-01-10 2014-07-16 Magisso OY Schaufel zur Verwendung beim Kochen und/oder beim Portionieren von Speisen
WO2014111631A1 (fr) * 2013-01-21 2014-07-24 Vinot Christophe La cuillere plume
US20140259685A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Ecotensil Inc. Constructible utensils
WO2016171761A1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2016-10-27 Theo Stewart-Stand Multipurpose eating utensil
EP3750456A1 (de) 2019-06-14 2020-12-16 Formpac i Sverige AB Flexibles element zur formung eines einwegbesteckteils
US20220225807A1 (en) * 2011-01-25 2022-07-21 Ecotensil Inc. Constructible utensils with locking tab

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1521768A (en) * 1923-03-06 1925-01-06 Mono Service Company Paper spoon
US2375266A (en) * 1943-09-07 1945-05-08 Richard W Wilson Combined spoon and lid for containers
US3828999A (en) * 1972-10-24 1974-08-13 D Humphrey Package including disposable utensil
GB2052246A (en) * 1979-06-12 1981-01-28 Clark W Spoons, spatulas, pourers etc.
EP0338146A1 (de) * 1988-04-18 1989-10-25 Mitsubishi Shoji Plastics Corporation Faltbares Tafelgerät
US5419049A (en) * 1992-03-16 1995-05-30 Macarthur-Onslow; Rohan J. Foldable eating utensil
EP0725586A1 (de) 1993-10-29 1996-08-14 De Ster N.V. Gebinde aus teilen eines einweg-besteckes

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1521768A (en) * 1923-03-06 1925-01-06 Mono Service Company Paper spoon
US2375266A (en) * 1943-09-07 1945-05-08 Richard W Wilson Combined spoon and lid for containers
US3828999A (en) * 1972-10-24 1974-08-13 D Humphrey Package including disposable utensil
GB2052246A (en) * 1979-06-12 1981-01-28 Clark W Spoons, spatulas, pourers etc.
EP0338146A1 (de) * 1988-04-18 1989-10-25 Mitsubishi Shoji Plastics Corporation Faltbares Tafelgerät
US5419049A (en) * 1992-03-16 1995-05-30 Macarthur-Onslow; Rohan J. Foldable eating utensil
EP0725586A1 (de) 1993-10-29 1996-08-14 De Ster N.V. Gebinde aus teilen eines einweg-besteckes

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007048055A3 (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-11-08 Francis Bartow Fite Iv Foldable utensil set
WO2007048055A2 (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-04-26 Francis Bartow Fite, Iv Foldable utensil set
US20220225807A1 (en) * 2011-01-25 2022-07-21 Ecotensil Inc. Constructible utensils with locking tab
EP2591708A1 (de) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-15 Magisso OY Schaufel zur Zubereitung und/oder Portionierung von Speisen
US9131793B2 (en) * 2012-09-11 2015-09-15 Ecotensil Inc. Patterning for constructable utensil
US20140069933A1 (en) * 2012-09-11 2014-03-13 Ecotensil Inc. Patterning for constructable utensil
FR2997895A1 (fr) * 2012-11-14 2014-05-16 Christophe Vinot La cuillere plume
US9301631B2 (en) 2013-01-10 2016-04-05 Magisso Oy Scoop used in cooking and/or portioning food
EP2754372A1 (de) 2013-01-10 2014-07-16 Magisso OY Schaufel zur Verwendung beim Kochen und/oder beim Portionieren von Speisen
WO2014111631A1 (fr) * 2013-01-21 2014-07-24 Vinot Christophe La cuillere plume
US20140259685A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Ecotensil Inc. Constructible utensils
WO2016171761A1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2016-10-27 Theo Stewart-Stand Multipurpose eating utensil
EP3750456A1 (de) 2019-06-14 2020-12-16 Formpac i Sverige AB Flexibles element zur formung eines einwegbesteckteils
EP3750456B1 (de) 2019-06-14 2021-03-31 Formpac i Sverige AB Flexibles element zur formung eines einwegbesteckteils

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