Folding spoon, method and device for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A folding spoon and a method and apparatus for making such a folding spoon are described. The spoon (1) comprises a handle portion (3) connected to a scooping portion (4). A longitudinal axis (10) divides a planar blank (2) into two generally symmetrical halves (11, 12), and a plurality of notches are provided on the planar blank, including a longitudinal handle notch (9) extending from a front transverse edge (6) along the longitudinal axis toward a rear transverse edge (7) opposite the front transverse edge and terminating at the scooping portion. A first transverse notch (13) is arranged in the handle portion, located closer to the rear transverse edge than to the front transverse edge, and the first transverse notch extends transversely to the longitudinal axis. A second transverse notch (14) is arranged at a distance (15) from the first transverse notch, the distance corresponding to the distance (16) between the first transverse notch and the rear transverse edge, and the second transverse notch extends transversely to the longitudinal axis. The cutout (17) extends from the second transverse score towards the rear transverse edge and back to the second transverse score, thereby forming a retaining flap (18) arranged to be placed behind the edge area (8) at the rear transverse edge when the spoon is in a folded state, folded along the first transverse score.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding spoon, comprising:

[0002] a planar blank having a front end and a rear end, the planar blank being foldable along a fold line and a score line to form a scoop, the planar blank including a handle portion connected to a scooping (bowl) portion, wherein the planar blank includes a front transverse edge of the planar blank and a longitudinal axis dividing the planar blank into two generally symmetrical halves, and

[0003] A plurality of score marks are disposed on the planar blank, the plurality of score marks including a longitudinal handle score extending from the front transverse edge along the longitudinal axis toward a rear transverse edge opposite the front transverse edge and terminating in a scooping port.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a folding spoon in a folded state, comprising the steps of punching and embossing a sheet of material for forming a plurality of said planar blanks.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for producing such a folding spoon in the folded state, the device comprising a punching station for punching and embossing a flat blank from a sheet. Background Art

[0006] It is known to provide disposable cutlery for use with take-away or "fast food" foods which allows the user to consume the food where conventional cutlery is not available and / or allows the user to conveniently dispose of all packaging as well as the cutlery when the meal is complete.

[0007] Examples of conventional disposable tableware are plastic knives, plastic forks and plastic spoons.

[0008] However, the problem with plastic cutlery is that it is relatively expensive to produce. In addition, plastic cutlery is not biodegradable and is therefore not environmentally friendly.

[0009] Cutlery is often provided loosely in boxes from which a user can select the cutlery in a retail store or restaurant. This can create problems related to hygiene.

[0010] Cutlery that is attached to a container in which food is provided is also known.

[0011] Generally speaking, the container is in the shape of a cylinder or truncated cylinder, whose diameter is usually smaller than the length of the cutlery. Therefore, it is also known to provide foldable cutlery, such as spoons and forks, in order to keep the cutlery in the container, rather than providing the cutlery in a loose state in a separate box.

[0012] It is often difficult to provide foldable cutlery when manufacturing plastic cutlery.

[0013] Cutlery made from paper blanks cut or punched from paper or cardboard is not provided with an integrated mechanism for holding the cutlery in a folded state. Separate clamping elements are usually used to maintain the folded state during storage. However, these separate items are time-consuming to apply.

[0014] Known cutlery, such as forks and spoons, often cause problems due to sharp edges at the scooping portion, which can cause discomfort to the user when the sharp edges touch the lips during use.

[0015] However, the scooping part needs to have a cavity form so that it can contain liquid products such as yogurt. This cavity form is not necessary for the fork.

[0016] To provide such a folding scoop, a complex structure of folds and score lines is often used to form the scoop.

[0017] When folding the cutlery, it is advantageous to automate this, preferably in conjunction with the production of a flat blank of the folding cutlery.

[0018] It is desirable to provide such an automatic method and apparatus in order to reduce the cost of providing a large volume of folding tableware, thereby being able to meet the growing demand for disposable tableware.

[0019] Conventional folding spoons have availability or manufacturability issues that do not vary when producing thousands of units per minute. The market conditions for disposable spoons require that such quantities be produced in a competitive manner, regardless of whether they are certified to meet compatibility and consumer concern standards and are therefore more environmentally friendly than plastic spoons.

[0020] Manufacturing techniques using a sheet-feed process known from the printing industry are known. This process involves a number of steps to transform a large roll of paper stock or a large number of individual sheets from a factory into bundles of foldable scoops. However, to date, there has been no solution to provide the scoops in a folded state from such a processing plant.

[0021] Using known techniques, the blanks / mixtures or blanks are provided with different steps, including making the sheets individual sheets, feeding the sheets to a stop-and-go process for being able to mix the products and a die punching process for cutting out the individual flat blanks. The punching process can be combined with a process for establishing the folding and scoring lines. After this, the collection and packaging of the individual products is established. If the produced flat blanks are to be delivered in a folded state, individual handling is required, which is usually associated with time-consuming and expensive manual handling.

[0022] Therefore, there is a need for a folding spoon and a system including a method and apparatus for automatically manufacturing such a folding spoon so that the spoon can be provided to customers in a folded state.

[0023] Furthermore, there is a need for a technically simple foldable spoon so that a user can easily use the foldable spoon without specific instructions.

[0024] The present invention relates primarily to a foldable spoon, however the scooping portion of the spoon may be provided with a slit extending from the rear transverse edge so that the cutlery will have a more fork-like form. However, in the present invention the term "spoon" is used to cover both types of cutlery and will therefore include a scooping portion with or without a slit.

[0025] In the present invention, folding line and score line will be used more or less as synonyms. In the following, only score is mentioned, but this expression will also include folding line.

[0026] Purpose of the Invention

[0027] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a folding cutlery, preferably a folding spoon, which overcomes the above mentioned problems.

[0028] Another object of the invention is to provide a method and a device which enable the automatic production of such folding cutlery in the folded state. Summary of the invention

[0029] This object is achieved by the spoon mentioned in the introduction, characterized in that: a first transverse score is arranged in the handle part, closer to the rear transverse edge than the front transverse edge, and the first transverse score extends transversely to the longitudinal axis; a second transverse score is arranged in the handle part, the distance from the first transverse score corresponds to the distance between the first transverse score and the rear transverse edge, and the second transverse score extends transversely to the longitudinal axis; and a cut extends from the second transverse score toward the rear transverse edge and extends back to the second transverse score, thereby forming a retaining wing, which is arranged to be placed behind the edge area at the rear transverse edge when the spoon is in a folded state and folded along the first transverse score.

[0030] When the spoon is folded about the first transverse score, a transverse edge will be provided along the second transverse score. Seeing that a retaining tab is provided, it is easy to fold the spoon about the second transverse score, thereby placing the retaining tab behind the edge region at the transverse edge. Thus, the edge region will be held in position between the retaining tab and the edge region of the handle portion adjacent to the second transverse score.

[0031] Thus, the spoon remains in the folded position for storage and transport. The user can easily fold the handle portion around the second transverse score and be able to unfold the spoon. After unfolding the spoon, it will be provided as a substantially planar blank again.

[0032] The user can then apply a compressive force on both sides of the handle portion. This is done simply when the user holds the scoop in his hand for use. When a force is applied on the side edges of the handle, folding occurs along the longitudinal handle score. A V-shape is thus created, which provides a strong, stable and practical scoop.

[0033] The side edges of the scooping portion together with the side edges of the handle portion define the boundaries of the planar blank and are connected to the front and rear transverse edges of the planar blank, thereby defining the planar blank.

[0034] The method according to the invention is special in that it also comprises the following steps:

[0035] - punching and embossing a sheet of material for forming a plurality of said planar blanks arranged side by side and connected by first and second retaining strips at the front and rear transverse edges,

[0036] - Transfer the punched sheet to the conveyor belt,

[0037] - conveying the punched sheet in a conveyor belt in a state of being pinched between the upper and lower pinching devices in the transfer plane to the first cutting station,

[0038] - the first retaining strip is cut off in the first cutting station, so that the flat blank is only connected via the second retaining strip,

[0039] - Transfer of the joined flat blanks in the pinched state to the folding station in a conveyor belt while removing the first retaining strip,

[0040] - folding the planar blank along the first transverse score in a folding station while pinching a portion of the planar blank so that the handle portion and the scooping portion are in an overlapping position, the handle portion and the scooping portion being pressed towards each other in the transfer plane,

[0041] - in the folding station, folding the overlapping part of the now folded blank along the second transverse score, leaving the retaining flap in the transfer plane as the edge area between the second transverse score and the front transverse edge,

[0042] - in the folding station, a portion of the overlapping portion of the now folded blank is folded back along the second transverse score into the transfer plane, so as to place the retaining tab behind the edge region at said rear transverse edge when the spoon is in the folded state,

[0043] - The scoops are transported in a folded and held state to the second cutting station in a conveyor belt,

[0044] - In a second cutting station the second retaining strip is cut away, thereby providing the folding spoon in a folded and retained state.

[0045] The device according to the invention is particular in that it further comprises at least one cutting station for cutting the planar blanks from the retaining strips connecting the planar blanks, a conveyor belt for conveying the planar blanks through the different stations, and a folding station for folding the planar blanks into a folding spoon in a folded and retained state.

[0046] The method and apparatus provide a system that is capable of manufacturing a folding spoon and ensuring that it remains in a state after leaving the apparatus.

[0047] Since the planar blanks after punching and coining are still connected by the retaining strips at the front and rear lateral edges of the planar blanks, the product can be guided into the device. The sheet can be supplied as a roll or as a stock of individual sheets.

[0048] When the punched sheets are guided in a pinch in a conveyor belt, the product can be guided through the cutting and folding stations in a safe and controlled manner.

[0049] Cutting off the first retaining strip in the first cutting station enables the creation of a first fold in which each spoon is individually folded around the first transverse score. The blanks will still be connected by the second retaining strip after they have been brought from the flat form into the folded state.

[0050] After the first fold into the overlapping position, the blank will have the retaining tabs in the plane of the handle.

[0051] The second fold, which is a fold around the second transverse score, will fold the overlapping handle portion and scooping portion, while the retaining flap attached to the handle portion closest to the second retaining strip will be retained in the transfer plane. Thus, the retaining flap will be positioned behind the edge region at the rear transverse edge.

[0052] Later, when performing the third folding of the scooping portion and the handle portion back to the transfer plane; the retaining flap will be placed behind the edge region of the handle portion adjacent to the second transverse score when folded around the second transverse score.

[0053] The scooping portion is thus held against the handle portion.

[0054] The first folding can be performed at an angle of 180° so that the scooping portion and the handle portion are in an overlapping state.

[0055] The second folding can be achieved by folding an angle sufficient to keep the flap away from the edge region at the rear transverse edge. Such an angle can be between 45° and 90°.

[0056] The angle of the third fold corresponds to the angle of the second fold.

[0057] The further transport of the scoop in the folded state is easily achieved in a controlled manner, since the plurality of scoops arranged side by side are still connected via the second retaining strip.

[0058] After cutting off the second retaining strip in the second cutting station, the folded spoons will be released and can be collected in a box. Alternatively, the folded individual spoons can be collected in a subsequent device, including a packaging device for providing the folded individual spoons in a package if it is desired to deliver the folded spoons in individual packages.

[0059] The system comprising the method and the device can work at the production speed known from printing devices. Thus, several thousand units can be produced per minute. Thus, the market conditions for disposable spoons can be met.

[0060] Since the folding spoons are made from paper raw materials, they will meet the requirements for environmentally friendly products at a low unit cost.

[0061] As shown above, a folded scoop can be obtained without any manual manipulation of the product and without the need for any clamps or other devices for holding the scoop in the folded stage during transport and storage.

[0062] According to another embodiment, the scoop is distinguished in that the longitudinal handle score terminates at an apex and a pair of scoop score each extend from the apex toward the rear transverse edge on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis.

[0063] At the apex, the applied force will also cause the scooping portion adjacent to the handle portion to fold. The side portions of the scooping portion will thus be folded out of the plane containing the longitudinal handle score. This will result in a scooping portion having a hollow shape, which can be used to hold a liquid product.

[0064] The scooping portion score extends only over a first portion of the scooping portion which is arranged closest to the handle portion.

[0065] The outermost portion of the scooping portion, in which no scooping portion notch is provided, will remain in a flat state. Therefore, the scooping portion will be very convenient for the user to put into the mouth. The sharp side edge of the scooping portion will not contact the lips of the user. Therefore, the product is surprisingly convenient for the user to use, while it will have the ability to retain the liquid product in the portion of the scooping portion closest to the handle portion.

[0066] Since the scooping portion score extends only over a first portion of the scooping portion arranged closest to the handle portion, the outermost portion of the scooping portion will not be provided with a score.

[0067] Preferably, the scoop score is angled between 20° and 40° to either side of the longitudinal axis.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the scooping portion score is a straight score. However, alternatively, the scooping portion score may be curved.

[0069] In one embodiment, the scooping portion score extends over more than half of the extension of the scooping portion.

[0070] Preferably, only one longitudinal handle score is provided which coincides with the longitudinal axis.

[0071] Alternatively, there may be two longitudinal handle scores extending along and parallel to the longitudinal axis and arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis. When there are two longitudinal handle scores, each longitudinal handle score will terminate at a point corresponding to the apex, however, from that point only one scoop score will extend in a direction away from the longitudinal axis towards the rear transverse edge.

[0072] A scooping portion score extending from a longitudinal handle score would extend the longitudinal handle score to the side edge of the scooping portion.

[0073] According to another embodiment, the scoop is unique in that the cutout comprises two cutout portions arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0074] The two cut-out portions may be arranged to form a single retaining tab which exhibits a V-shape when the two cut-out portions are linear and arranged at symmetrical angles and connected to each other at the longitudinal axis.

[0075] Alternatively, the two cutout portions may be curved and form a U-shaped retaining tab.

[0076] Other forms are also possible.

[0077] It is also possible to create two cutout portions which are provided from the second transverse notch and which extend outwardly from their ends at the side edges of the handle portion. Thus, a retaining tab is provided at each side edge of the handle.

[0078] Thus, the one or more retaining flaps may be arranged to be placed behind the edge region at the rear transverse edge when the scoop is in the folded state.

[0079] According to another embodiment, the spoon is characterized in that the width of the handle portion is smaller than the width of the scooping portion and that the scooping portion is connected to the handle portion via a connecting portion having a double-curved side edge connecting the outer sides of the handle portion and the scooping portion.

[0080] When double-curved side edges are used to connect the outer edges of the handle portion and the scooping portion, it has been shown that a particularly convenient spoon is obtained, which has no sharp edges that come into contact with the user's lips during use.

[0081] Furthermore, the double curvature shape helps to form a scooping portion with a cavity, making it particularly suitable for containing liquid products. The liquid product will be mainly contained in the portion of the spoon portion adjacent to the handle portion. It can be said that the connecting portion will more or less constitute a part of the scooping portion of the spoon.

[0082] According to another embodiment, the spoon is characterized in that the apex is located in the connecting portion.

[0083] When the apex is disposed at the connecting portion, the cooperation between the longitudinal handle score and the scoop score helps to form a cavity, thereby making the scoop particularly suitable for containing liquid products.

[0084] According to another embodiment, the spoon is peculiar in that the planar blank further comprises a longitudinal scooping portion score extending from the apex along the longitudinal axis towards the rear transverse edge as a continuation of the longitudinal handle score.

[0085] When the longitudinal scooping portion score is arranged in the extension of the longitudinal handle score, it is shown that the formation of the cavity in the scooping portion becomes more pronounced. The cavity is well defined, with its deepest point arranged at the apex. Thus, the scooping portion with the deepest part of the cavity can be precisely defined at the desired point according to the intended use.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the spoon is peculiar in that said planar blank is made of cardboard, preferably comprising a coating of moisture-proof material.

[0087] Therefore a kind of environmental friendly spoon is provided.In addition, the spoon can be manufactured at the traditional factory place that is used for papermaking of different products.

[0088] The quality of the paperboard sheet used will depend on the intended use.

[0089] The paperboard sheet used may comprise paperboard stock having a thickness greater than 300 μm, preferably in the range of 500-600 μm.

[0090] The grammage of the cardboard can be between 230 and 380 g / m 2 within the range.

[0091] In case the planar blank is provided with a coating, such coating can be selected from the usual and approved coatings in connection with food products. One example is PE (Polyethylene).

[0092] Generally, the folding spoon according to the present invention has the advantage that it can be manufactured as a one-piece blank, which is inexpensive to manufacture.

[0093] Forming the spoon from a one-piece blank does not require several operating steps that may make it difficult for some people to use this type of spoon.

[0094] Potential users of the scoop will readily understand the correct method of forming the scoop. The only requirement for forming the scoop after unfolding the folded scoop is to apply pressure on the side edges of the handle portion. Thus, the forces combined with the score lines and fold lines will result in the scoop being correctly formed.

[0095] When the spoon is formed, the connection between the handle portion and the scooping portion will not have any weak areas. Therefore, there is no risk that the scooping portion and the handle portion will be inadvertently pivoted during use.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the scooping portion is provided with a plurality of slits at the rear transverse edge, thereby forming fork-like branches between the slits. Such a cutlery may be represented as a fork and will be suitable for noodles, for example.

[0097] Typically, the planar blank for making the folding spoon may be processed in a punching station for punching and embossing the planar blank from a paperboard sheet.

[0098] The paperboard sheet may be made partly or completely of a thermoformable material. Thus, during the stamping operation, thermoforming of the scoop portion may be achieved, thereby providing a cavity of any desired shape. Likewise, the handle portion may also be thermoformed, thereby increasing strength. Thermoforming may also be used to obtain the desired folding spoon spatial form as desired by the design.

[0099] The thermoformed folding spoon will also be made from a planar blank. The spoon will be manufactured with first and second transverse scores and retaining tabs, thereby enabling the spoon to be folded and retained in the folded state.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the method is characterized in that, during the punching step, a plurality of said planar blanks are connected by a first retaining strip at the rear transverse edge and a second retaining strip at the front transverse edge.

[0101] Using this method, any number of planar blanks can be provided in a sheet having a desired shape. The planar blanks are connected to the retaining strips at the front and rear transverse edges. Thus, the planar blanks can be conveniently conveyed to the folding and cutting station in a more efficient manner than individual planar blanks.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the method is peculiar in that the sheets are selected as sheets in a roll or in a stack of sheets which are continuously conveyed by a conveyor belt.

[0103] The material for the sheet may be a roll. Thus, the sheet will have an endless form, since the roll may be provided as a sheet of several hundred meters in length.

[0104] Alternatively, the sheets are individual sheets and are provided in a stack of sheets.

[0105] Each sheet will have planar blanks arranged side by side and the bordering side edges of such sheets will constitute the first and second retaining strips.

[0106] According to a further embodiment, the apparatus is peculiar in that the apparatus comprises a first and a second cutting station and that the folding station is arranged between the first and the second cutting station.

[0107] When the first cutting station is arranged before the folding station, the planar blank can be provided in a state in which the planar blank is attached to only one of the retaining strips. Therefore, the distal end of the planar blank opposite to the retaining strip to which the planar blank is attached can be folded separately.

[0108] Furthermore, the cutting in the first cutting station ensures that the rear transverse edge is free, so that the retaining tab can be arranged behind the edge region adjacent to said rear transverse edge of the spoon when the spoon is folded.

[0109] After establishing the different folds in the folding station, the cuts can be established in a second cutting station, thereby providing individual scoops in a folded and held state, which are ready to be packaged or distributed in bulk.

[0110] According to another embodiment, the device is peculiar in that the conveyor belt comprises an endless belt cooperating for conveying the flat blank in the pressed state between oppositely arranged endless belts and support elements for supporting the flat blank and the retaining strips in the folding and cutting station.

[0111] When an endless belt is used, the flat blanks can be conveyed and pressed in a technically simple manner.The use of friction belts is well known and can be easily adapted to the device according to the invention.

[0112] The sheet will be continuously conveyed through the apparatus by the movement of the belts. The belts will cooperate with each other and include: a set of support belts on which the sheet rests; and one or more belts, which are arranged on the other side of the sheet and press the sheet against the support belts.

[0113] The punching station may comprise a rotary punching and coining tool, whereby the process may be established continuously. Alternatively, the process may be achieved by conveying the sheet step by step.

[0114] The belt guides the sheet through a cutting station which may include a rotating knife or a fixed knife for the cutting action.

[0115] During folding, the sheet will remain in a transfer plane which is generally horizontal.

[0116] A belt can be used to achieve the folding. Such a belt will have a direction out of the plane of transfer in order to achieve the folding action.

[0117] A folding guide may be provided in order to assist in folding about the first transverse handle score. It is thereby ensured that the scoop will be correctly folded along the first transverse handle score while keeping the rest of the scoop in a horizontal position. Preferably the folding is through 90°. Thereafter, the folding guide is removed and the scoop is folded a further 90°, for a total of 180°, thereby overlapping the handle portion and the scooping portion.

[0118] The device comprises another set of belts which can come into contact with the folded parts of the spoon and fold them downwards preferably at an angle of 90°. Thus, the retaining flaps will still be positioned horizontally on the scooping part. Then, another set of belts folds the overlapping parts of the spoon back to a horizontal position while retaining the spoon in the folded state. Thus, the retaining flaps are placed on the outside behind the edge area of ​​the skin bag with the rear lateral edge of the spoon.

[0119] Even though it is preferred to use a belt to guide and fold the spoon, it is also possible to use a guide rail. However, a guide rail would be associated with friction. Therefore, an endless belt is preferred. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0120] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein each reference numeral refers to the same or functionally similar element throughout the individual drawings, and wherein:

[0121] Figure 1 Different views showing a first embodiment of a folding spoon according to the invention are shown,

[0122] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the folding spoon according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 View,

[0123] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the folding spoon according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The corresponding figure,

[0124] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the folding spoon according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The corresponding figure,

[0125] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the folding spoon according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1The corresponding figure,

[0126] Figure 6 Another embodiment of a folding spoon is shown, which is provided with a slit in order to obtain a fork-like cutlery.

[0127] Figure 7 The different steps in the method of manufacturing a folding spoon are shown,

[0128] Figure 8 shows a partial view of a portion of a device according to the invention,

[0129] Fig. 9 shows a partial view of a first cutting station of the apparatus according to the invention,

[0130] Fig.10 shows a partial view of a first part of a folding station in an apparatus according to the invention,

[0131] Fig.11 A partial view showing another part of a folding station in an apparatus according to the invention, and

[0132] Fig.12 A partial view of a second cutting station in an apparatus according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0133] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Different parts and positions shown in the drawings will be numbered with the same numerals in different drawings. All parts and positions indicated in a particular figure will not necessarily be the same as those in that figure. Figure 1 Start a discussion.

[0134] exist Figure 1 ﹣ Figure 5 , different views of the folding spoon 1 are shown.

[0135] View A shows a planar blank 2. View B shows a top view of the folding spoon in a folded state. View C shows a side view of the folding spoon in a folded position. View D shows the folding spoon in an unfolded state ready for use.

[0136] The planar blank comprises a handle portion 3 and a scooping portion 4 and a connecting portion 5 arranged between the handle portion 3 and the scooping portion 4. The planar blank has a front transverse edge 6 and a rear transverse edge 7. At the rear transverse edge 7, an edge region 8 is provided. The planar blank comprises a longitudinal handle score 9 extending from the front transverse edge 6 towards the rear transverse edge 7.

[0137] The planar blank has a longitudinal axis 10 which divides the planar blank into two substantially symmetrical halves 11, 12. The longitudinal handle score 9 coincides with the longitudinal axis 10.

[0138] The planar blank comprises a first transverse score 13. The first transverse score 13 is arranged in the handle portion 2. It is placed closer to the rear transverse edge 7 than to the front transverse edge 6.

[0139] The planar blank comprises a second transverse score 14 arranged in the handle portion 2 at a distance 15 from the first transverse score 13. The distance 15 between the first transverse score 13 and the second transverse score 14 corresponds to the distance 16 between the first transverse score 13 and the rear transverse edge 7.

[0140] The cutout 17 extends from said second transverse score 14 towards the rear transverse edge 7 and back to the second transverse score 14. In the illustrated form, the cutouts are arranged as two linear cutouts terminating at a common point at the longitudinal axis 10. The cutouts define a retaining flap 18.

[0141] As can be seen in views B and C, when the spoon is in the folded state, folded along the first transverse score 13, the retaining flap 18 will be placed behind the edge region 8, adjacent to the rear transverse edge 7.

[0142] View D shows the scoop in an unfolded state. The scoop has opposing side edges 19 at the handle portion 3 and opposing side edges 20 at the scooping portion 4. Opposing side edges 21 at the connecting portion 5 connect the side edges 19 and 20.

[0143] In view D, arrows 22 indicate the forces exerted on the side edges 19 of the handle portion 3. These forces are exerted by the fingers of the user and will be sufficient to achieve the folding of the spoon along the longitudinal handle score 9, as shown. The spoon is thus ready for use and, due to the foldability, will have a stable state without the risk of the scooping portion and the handle portion pivoting relative to each other during use.

[0144] Figure 2 Corresponds to Figure 1 However, it can be seen here that the cutouts 17 are arranged at each side of the handle portion and extend to the side edge 21 of the handle portion 3. Thus, two retaining tabs 18 are provided.

[0145] Figure 3 Another embodiment is shown, in which two longitudinal handle notches 9 are provided. The two longitudinal handle notches 9 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 10.

[0146] The longitudinal handle score ends at a point 23. From each point 23, a scoop score 24 extends towards the rear transverse edge 7 and ends at a side edge 20 of the scooping portion 4.

[0147] As seen in view D, the unfolded scoop will be provided with two side walls 25 connecting a base 26 in the handle portion 3. To fold the wall portion 25, a force 22 needs to be applied in the same way as in the above explained embodiments.

[0148] Figure 4 Shows the corresponding Figure 1 Another embodiment of the illustrated embodiment. View D shows the unfolded state of the spoon. Here it can be seen that when the edge area at the front transverse edge is folded along the second transverse handle score 14, a folded portion 27 is provided. Thus, the handle portion will maintain its V-shape while at the same time no force is required to be applied to the side edges of the handle portion. The folded portion 27 can be provided with glue in order to keep the folded portion 27 attached to the rest of the handle portion 3.

[0149] Figure 5 A folding spoon is shown in which the scooping portion 4 and the handle portion 3 are thermoformed into a form having spaces when the planar blank is provided with score lines.

[0150] View C clearly shows that the scooping portion 4 and the handle portion 3 have a curved form. A longitudinal handle score 9 is provided. However, this is provided in order to correct the mutual position of the two symmetrical halves of the handle portion when the scoop is in use. If the thermoformed handle itself is sufficiently rigid for use, the scoop may be provided without a longitudinal handle score.

[0151] Figure 6 Another embodiment is shown, in which the scooping portion 4 is provided with a slit 27. Thereby a fork-like branch 28 is formed. Thus, a cutlery which can also be called a fork is created.

[0152] Figure 6 The longitudinal handle score 9 is shown to terminate at an apex 29. From said apex 29, two scoop score lines 30 extend towards the rear transverse edge 7 and to the side edges 20 of the scooping portion.

[0153] Although only combined Figure 6 The embodiment of the invention describes an embodiment with a vertex 29 and a scooping portion notch 30, but it should be understood that the corresponding use of the notch will also apply to the embodiment according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 Embodiment of the invention.

[0154] The use of an apex 29 where the handle score 9 and the scoop score 30 intersect will enable a hollow form of the scoop portion to be provided when a force 22 is applied to the side edge of the handle portion 3. When a force 22 is applied to the handle portion, the scoop portion 4 will be pulled upwardly relative to a line containing the longitudinal handle score.

[0155] exist Figure 6The side edge 21 of the connecting portion 5 has a double curvature shape. The corresponding form of the side edge 21 of the connecting portion 5 can also be used according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the embodiment of .

[0156] Figure 7 The different steps of the method for manufacturing a folding spoon 1 in a folded state are shown. Figure 7 A stack 31 of cardboard sheets 32 is shown in FIG. After the sheets 32 have been punched and embossed, they are provided as a stack 33 of punched and embossed sheets 32. The stack 33 is transferred to a Figures 8 to 12 When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet will be provided in a compressed state between the endless belts 35, 36 (see Figure 8 ).

[0157] In the sheet 32 ​​, the planar blanks 2 are connected by a first retaining strip 38 at the rear transverse edge 7 of the planar blanks 2 and a second retaining strip 39 at the front transverse edge 6 of the planar blanks 2 .

[0158] In the first cutting station 37, the first retaining strip 38 is cut off, leaving the rear transverse edge 7 free, while the front transverse edge 6 remains connected to the second retaining strip 39. The sheet is transferred to the folding station. Fig.10 and Fig.11 , around a folding guide 40 to effect folding of the scooping portion 4 relative to the handle portion 3 .

[0159] Thereafter, the scooping portion and the handle portion are arranged in an overlapping state as shown at 41. Thereafter, a further folding is performed, whereby the overlapping portion is folded downwards as shown at 42. A portion of the handle portion and the second retaining strip 39 remain in an original plane, which can be indicated as a transfer plane and is generally horizontal. As shown at 43, the overlapping portion is folded back to the transfer plane. Thus, the retaining flap 18 is positioned behind the edge region 8. Thereafter, a further cutting station 44 is provided for cutting off the second retaining strip 39. Thus, the folding spoon 1 leaves the device as a separate object in a folded and retained position.

[0160] Figure 7 In FIG. 4 , arrow 45 indicates the conveying direction of the sheet through the method steps and thus through the apparatus for carrying out the method.

[0161] Figure 8 A detail of an apparatus according to the invention for manufacturing a folding spoon 1 is shown. Here too, arrow 45 indicates the conveying direction of the sheet through the apparatus.

[0162] Figure 8Endless belts 35, 36 are shown for pinching and conveying the sheets 32 from the stack 33 through the apparatus. Figure 8 A vacuum device 46 is shown for transferring the uppermost sheet 32 ​​in the stack 33 into the nip between the endless belts 35 , 36 .

[0163] Fig. 9 A first cutting station 37 is shown for cutting a first retaining strip 38 from the sheet 32. A rotating knife 47 is used. The knife cooperates with a fixed cutting bar (not shown).

[0164] Fig.10 A folding station is shown. When the sheet is advanced according to arrow 45, a belt 48 is used for folding the scooping portion around the folding guide 40. A guide rail may be used instead of the belt 48. The scooping portion 4 is folded through 180 degrees to be placed on the handle portion 3.

[0165] Fig.11 The second part of the folding station is shown, where the overlapping scooping portion and handle portion are folded down 90°. As shown, the retaining flap 18 remains in the transfer plane. Another strip 50 is used to fold the overlapping portion upward back into the transfer plane, as shown at 51. Thus, the retaining flap 18 is placed behind the edge region 8 of the spoon portion 4.

[0166] Fig.12 A second cutting station 44 is shown, in which a rotating knife 52 is used for cutting the release second holding strip 39. Thereby, the folding spoon 1 can be freely and individually transferred in the folded and held state for further processing.

Claims

1. A folding spoon (1), comprising: a planar blank (2) having, along a longitudinal axis (10), a handle portion (3) with a front transverse edge (6) and a scooping portion (4) with a rear transverse edge (7), and A plurality of notches are arranged on the planar blank (2), and the plurality of notches include - a longitudinal handle fold line (9) extending from the front transverse edge (6) along the longitudinal axis (10) towards a rear transverse edge (7) opposite the front transverse edge (6) and terminating in the scooping portion (4), or - two longitudinal handle fold lines (9) arranged symmetrically on the planar blank (2) with respect to the longitudinal axis (10), It is characterized in that a first transverse fold line (13) arranged in the handle portion (3) closer to the rear transverse edge (7) than to the front transverse edge (6), and extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (10); a second transverse fold line (14) is arranged in the handle portion (3) between the first transverse fold line (13) and the front transverse edge (6) at a distance from the first transverse fold line (13) corresponding to the distance between the first transverse fold line (13) and the rear transverse edge (7), and the second transverse fold line extends transversely to the longitudinal axis (10), and a cutout (17) forming a retaining flap (18) arranged to be placed behind an edge region (8) at the rear transverse edge (7) when the scoop is in a folded state, folded along the first transverse fold line (13), wherein the cutout extends from the second transverse fold line (14) towards the rear transverse edge (7) and back to the second transverse fold line (14); or Two cutouts (17) are arranged at each side of the handle portion (3) and extend from the second transverse fold line (14) to the side edge (19) to form two retaining flaps (18), which are arranged to be placed behind the edge area (8) at the rear transverse edge (7) when the folding spoon is in a folded state in which the folding spoon is folded along the first transverse score line (13).

2. The folding spoon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each longitudinal handle fold line (9) extends to a scoop fold line (24) which extends towards the rear transverse edge (7) and terminates at a side edge (20) of the scoop portion (4).

3. The folding spoon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the handle portion (3) is smaller than the width of the scooping portion (4), and the scooping portion (4) is connected to the handle portion (3) via a connecting portion (5) having a double-curved side edge, the double-curved side edge connecting the outer sides of the handle portion (3) and the scooping portion (4).

4. The folding spoon (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: A vertex (29) is located in the connecting portion (5).

5. The folding spoon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planar blank (2) is made of a cardboard sheet.

6. The folding spoon (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The paperboard sheet includes a coating of moisture barrier material.

7. The folding spoon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planar blank (2) is made of a paperboard sheet having a thickness greater than 300 μm or a thickness in the range of 500 μm to 600 μm.

8. A method for manufacturing a folding spoon according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in a folded state, said method comprising the steps of punching and embossing a sheet of material for forming a plurality of said planar blanks, and said method being characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: - punching and embossing a sheet of material for forming a plurality of said planar blanks, said plurality of said planar blanks being arranged side by side and connected by first and second retaining strips at said front transverse edge and said rear transverse edge, - Transfer the punched sheet to the conveyor belt, - conveying the punched sheet in the conveyor belt in a state of being pinched between the upper and lower pinching devices in the transfer plane to a first cutting station, - cutting off the first retaining strip in the first cutting station so that the planar blanks are connected only by the second retaining strip, - conveying the connected flat blanks in the pinched state in the conveyor belt to a folding station while removing the first retaining strip, - folding the planar blank along the first transverse score in the folding station while pinching a portion of the planar blank so that the handle portion and the scooping portion are in an overlapping position, the handle portion and the scooping portion being pressed towards each other in the transfer plane, - folding the overlapping portion of the now folded blank along the second transverse score in the folding station so as to leave the retaining flap in the transfer plane as the edge region between the second transverse score and the front transverse edge, - folding a portion of the overlapping portion of the now folded blank back into the transfer plane along the second transverse score in the folding station so as to place the retaining tab behind the edge region at the rear transverse edge when the spoon is in the folded state, - conveying the spoon in the folded and held state in the conveyor belt to a second cutting station, - Cutting away the second retaining strip in the second cutting station, thereby providing the folded scoop in a folded and retained state.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that During the stamping step, a plurality of said planar blanks are connected by a first retaining strip at said rear transverse edge and a second retaining strip at said front transverse edge.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The sheet is selected as a roll or as a sheet from a stack of sheets continuously conveyed by the conveyor belt.

11. A device for manufacturing a folding spoon according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in a folded state, the device comprising: A punching station for punching and embossing the planar blank (2) from a sheet, characterized in that the device also includes: at least one cutting station for cutting the planar blank (2) to remove the retaining strip connecting the planar blank (2); a conveyor belt for conveying the planar blank (2) through different stations; and a folding station for folding the planar blank (2) into a folding spoon (1) in a folded and retained state.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The apparatus comprises a first cutting station and a second cutting station, and the folding station is arranged between the first cutting station and the second cutting station.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The conveyor belt comprises an endless belt which cooperates for conveying the planar blank (2) in a compressed state between oppositely arranged endless belts and a supporting element, the supporting element being used for supporting the planar blank (2) and the holding strip in the folding station and the cutting station.

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