Constructible utensils

Abstract

A system and method for meeting market demand for better constructible utensils. A deformable sheet defines a handle and an operational element in which one or more scores, both straight and curved, are cooperatively provided on the sheet. The one or more scores enable deformation of the handle and / or operational element(s) to convert the structure into a strong, sturdy, and functional implement sufficient to meet the required application.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 214,993 filed 16 Mar. 2014 which claims benefit of U.S. patent application No. 61 / 786,434 filed 15 Mar. 2013, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to constructible utensils, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to constructible utensils for foodstuff.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text discusses a new design for utensils that can be easily deformed into different shapes to meet different needs. The utensil is made from a flexible sheet with scores and cuts that allow it to be bent into a strong and durable tool. This design reduces waste and costs during shipment and storage. It also improves user experience and allows for easier disposal. The reduced material used in the design also results in a smaller carbon footprint. Overall, this design provides a more efficient and eco-friendly solution for creating durable and functional utensils.

Problems solved by technology

However, not everyone uses the terms correctly—marketers sometimes use these indiscriminately and vaguely, often to the frustration of environmentally and socially conscious manufacturers, retailers, and users who desire more accuracy.

Few bio-based utensils are certified compostable, and most include varying amounts of plant based starch and petroleum and take over the required 180 days or more to compost under the best of conditions.

Home composting is rarely an option for these materials.

Some “biodegradable” products like Taterware may take years—compost facilities either disallow all bioplastic utensils or pick them out of the compost at the end of the composting process.

And yet manufacturers of these products were able to make claims of biodegradable because no scientifically based definitions, test methods and standards existed.

For some products, it is problematic to select the wrong receptacle.

This can be overwhelming to a user and can produce undesirable outcomes for the intended “green” behavior.

Most users cannot readily distinguish one composition from another to allow them to properly manage the product, even if they were current as to the recycling capabilities of the local processor.

As varying compositions of consumer-products are introduced, the user becomes increasingly confused as to which the product that they want to process is recyclable and how to quickly and error-free sort the various products.

Not only is the sorting / processing problem multiplied by the sheer volume of these products used world-wide, they also use up too many resources.

This is because these products also have the further undesirable characteristic of attempting to emulate conventional multi-use utensils in their construction and arrangement which results in poor packing density.

The less efficient the cube utilization, particularly as compared to alternative products, the more costly it becomes to ship and warehouse.

Both the retailer and the end-user can become frustrated by this.

Sometimes the design is further altered after scaling which results in more material and often worse cube utilization.

Not only can these products be inefficient, such products often take up an unnecessarily large amount of space in the preformed configurations while being inefficient and costing more.

There are many disadvantages to conventional tasting / single-use utensils, particularly to those attempting to be truly environmentally-friendly.

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