Length-adjustable cutlery item

Abstract

The invention relates to a length-adjustable cutlery item (1) which can be unfolded from a shortened and folded-together storage position into a use position that is lengthened with respect thereto, and is formed from a planar blank (2). In the direction of a longitudinal axis (7), the cutlery item (1) comprises a rear end (5) and a front end (6), spaced apart from one another, and a first embossed line (10) extending in the transverse direction. Cutlery-item portions (11, 12) that face one another are detachably held on one another in the storage position by means of a locking device (13) comprising a first and second locking element (14, 15). Both locking elements (14, 15) are each defined by severed-material regions (16, 17), which pass through the the blank (2) in the direction of its thickness and which have in each case a longitudinal extent that extends so as to be oriented substantially in parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cutlery part formed from a flat blank, which can be unfolded from a shortened and folded storage position into an extended use position.

[0002] WO 2020 / 043251 A1 describes a generic cutlery item, in particular a so-called folding spoon, which is formed from a flat cutlery piece and can be unfolded from a shortened and folded storage position into an extended use position. The cutlery piece has a front end and a rear end and can be folded along fold lines and score lines to form the spoon. The spoon has a handle portion and a bowl portion connected thereto. Furthermore, the cutlery piece has a front side edge and a longitudinal axis that divides the flat cutlery piece into two generally symmetrical halves. An elongated grip groove extends from the front side edge along the longitudinal axis to a rear side edge opposite the front side edge and terminates in the bowl portion.A first lateral groove is in turn arranged in the handle portion at a position closer to the rear side edge than to the front side edge and extends transversely to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, a second lateral notch is arranged in the stem portion at a distance from the first lateral notch, this distance corresponding to the distance between the first lateral notch and the rear side edge. The second lateral notch extends transversely to the longitudinal axis, with a severing cut extending from the second lateral notch to the rear side edge and back to the second lateral notch, thereby forming a retaining flap. The retaining flap is arranged such that it can be arranged behind an edge region on the rear side edge when the spoon is in its folded state, folding over along the first lateral notch.This cutlery component has generally proven itself in practice, but when unlocking the interlocking locking elements, the cutlery component head could be touched, resulting in unintentional contamination or damage. Furthermore, the long lever lengths between the folding line and the locking elements could easily lead to the two components becoming accidentally detached.

[0003] DE 20 2018 003 477 U1 describes an applicator for a pasty food mass, in particular for a spread. The applicator can be stored in a resealable lid, preferably a screw cap, of a jar for the pasty food mass. This jar has a receiving part for receiving the food mass, wherein the applicator comprises a predetermined first folding line, around which the applicator can be converted from an unfolded working state to a folded storage state by folding. In the folded storage state, the applicator can be stored in the closed lid of the jar. Handling the applicator in the storage state was made more difficult by the fact that no locking device was provided.

[0004] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to create a foldable cutlery piece from a flat blank, allowing a user to unfold it easily and hygienically. Furthermore, the handling of the cutlery piece in its folded storage position should also be improved.

[0005] This object is achieved by the cutlery part according to the claims.

[0006] The cutlery part according to the invention can be designed, for example, as a spoon, fork, spork, or knife, which can be folded out or moved from a shortened and folded storage position to an extended use position in a space-saving manner. The cutlery part is formed from a flat blank with a top and a bottom and comprises a rear end and a front end spaced therefrom in the direction of its longitudinal extension, wherein a longitudinal axis extends between the two ends, and the front end forms a cutlery piece head, a first embossed line, which first embossed line is aligned transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the blank and divides the blank into a first cutlery piece section and a second cutlery piece section, wherein the first cutlery piece section extends between the rear end and the first embossed line and the second cutlery piece section extends between the first embossed line and the front end, wherein the first embossed line forms at least one fold line, and a locking device comprising a first locking element and a second locking element cooperating therewith in the folded storage position,wherein, in the storage position and with the first and second locking elements in locking engagement with one another, the first cutlery part section and the second cutlery part section are detachably held against one another, wherein the first locking element is arranged in the region of the first cutlery part section and the second locking element is arranged in the region of the second cutlery part section, and wherein the first locking element is defined by a first material cut-out penetrating the blank in the direction of its thickness, wherein it is further provided that the second locking element is defined by a second material cut-out penetrating the blank in the direction of its thickness, and that the material cut-outs each have a longitudinal extension oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0007] The advantage achieved in this way is that the locking elements, which releasably hold the folded cutlery piece with its facing cutlery section sections together, are arranged at a distance from the cutlery section head. This also significantly shortens the lever arm between the transverse fold line defined by the embossed line and the locking elements. Typically, the locking element located within the second cutlery section with the cutlery section head is also arranged outside of it and is thus located in a longitudinal section between the end region of the cutlery section head facing the first embossed line and the first embossed line. The locking elements can thus be unlocked in the folding area, thereby avoiding direct contact with the cutlery section head.Furthermore, the mutual engagement of the locking elements after the folding process creates or exerts a certain pre-tension or spring effect on the cutlery sections extending toward the ends. After the mutual unlocking of the locking elements, the cutlery can be easily returned to its extended and unfolded operating position and is ready for consumption in a hygienic condition.

[0008] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the first and second material cuts are each linear and formed by a single cut. This allows for a clear, sharp-edged design of the locking elements, thus increasing locking security.

[0009] Another embodiment is characterized by the fact that the first material cut and the second material cut are each arranged completely within the blank. This allows for a continuous and uninterrupted cohesion across the entire blank, despite the cuts completely penetrating the blank.

[0010] Another possible embodiment has the features that, in the folded storage position, the first locking element is supported with its underside of the blank on the underside of the blank of the second locking element, or that, in the folded storage position, the first locking element is supported with its upper side of the blank on the upper side of the blank of the second locking element. Thus, depending on the application and design of the cutlery piece, the folding direction—namely, top side to top side or bottom side to bottom side—can be selected as required.

[0011] Another embodiment is characterized in that the first material cut and the second material cut are each arranged substantially along the longitudinal axis. This allows for a central and centered arrangement. Furthermore, it can also facilitate the formation of a handle by forming a longitudinal fold, while simultaneously enabling stiffening in the handle section.

[0012] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that one of the material cuts has a curved longitudinal profile, in particular an arcuately curved longitudinal profile, and the other of the material cuts has a straight longitudinal profile, and each of the material cuts defines one of the locking elements. This allows the formation of the locking elements to be achieved by means of a rather slight overlap.

[0013] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the material cut with the curved longitudinal profile is arranged in the first cutlery section.

[0014] Another alternative embodiment is characterized in that the first material cut and the second material cut each have a curved longitudinal profile, in particular an arcuately curved longitudinal profile, and the first locking element defined by the first material cut is arranged on one side of the first material cut with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the second locking element defined by the second material cut is arranged on the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal axis, and each of the locking elements is formed with a convex curvature with respect to the longitudinal axis. Thus, in the locking position of the locking elements in locking engagement with one another, an even better and larger overlapping area or a greater degree of overlap can be achieved.

[0015] Another possible and possibly alternative embodiment has the features that the first material cut and the second material cut form a common cutting line extending continuously across the first embossed line. This allows for an even better mutual pre-tensioning force to be generated in the folded transport state.

[0016] A further embodiment provides that the first material cut and the second material cut, and thus the locking elements formed by them, are each arranged directly adjacent to the first embossing line. This allows the lever arm from the first embossing line or the fold line defined by it to the locking elements to be reduced to a minimum.

[0017] Another embodiment is characterized in that, in the folded storage position and with the first and second locking elements in locking engagement with each other, sections of the cutlery piece located laterally relative to the longitudinal axis are offset from one another in the direction of the thickness of the cutlery piece. This allows for an even better mutual retention of the folded cutlery pieces, which is more secure against accidental release.

[0018] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that a second embossed line is formed in the first cutlery section of the blank, and the second embossed line is arranged along the longitudinal axis. This allows for a mostly symmetrical folding and associated stiffening of the handle section.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the second embossed line extends from the first material cut toward the rear end of the blank, in particular extending to the rear end of the blank. This allows for a nearly complete, easy unfolding of the handle in the transverse direction to its longitudinal extent.

[0020] Another embodiment is characterized by a third embossed line being formed in the second cutlery section of the blank, and the third embossed line being arranged along the longitudinal axis. This allows for a mostly symmetrical folding and associated stiffening of the handle section.

[0021] Another possible embodiment has the features that the third embossed line extends from the second material cut toward the front end of the blank. This also facilitates folding in the area or section between the second material cut and the cutlery head, thus achieving an additional stiffening effect.

[0022] A further embodiment provides for a fourth embossed line in the second cutlery section to form a spoon recess, and the fourth embossed line is continuous along its length. This allows the cutlery head to be better and more easily formed into a bowl or dish shape.

[0023] Another embodiment is characterized in that the fourth embossed line is arranged at an equal distance along a front circumferential section of the front end of the second cutlery section and then converges toward the rear end and toward the longitudinal axis. Thus, a constant, circumferential and upstanding edge section can be formed across the front circumference.

[0024] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that a line end of the third embossed line facing the fourth embossed line is spaced apart from both line ends of the fourth embossed line in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This can make buckling in the transition area between the handle section and the cutlery part head more difficult or even completely prevent it.

[0025] Finally, it may also be advantageous if the first embossed line is formed by a first embossed line section and a second embossed line section, and the embossed line sections are each arranged on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis, and each of the embossed line sections ends at a distance from the longitudinal axis and from opposite left and right longitudinal edges. This can reduce the buckling effect in the folding area of ​​the blank.

[0026] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0027] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 shows a first possible embodiment of a foldable cutlery piece with its flat cut, in plan view; Fig. 2 shows the cut of the cutlery piece according to Fig. 1in its folded storage position and with locking elements in locking engagement with each other, in a diagrammatic representation of the folding area; Fig. 3 the folded cutlery part according to Fig. 2 in its folded storage position, in plan view of its underside; Fig. 4 the folded cutlery part according to Fig. 3 , in elevation cut along lines IV-IV in Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 a second possible embodiment of a foldable cutlery part with its flat cut, in plan view; Fig. 6 the folded cutlery part according to Fig. 5 , in section in the region of its locking elements which are in locking engagement with one another; Fig. 7 shows a third possible embodiment of a foldable cutlery item with its flat cut-out, in plan view.

[0028] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0029] The term "in particular" is understood below to mean that it may refer to a possible more specific embodiment or more detailed specification of an object or a method step, but does not necessarily have to represent a mandatory, preferred embodiment of the same or a mandatory procedure.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "indicates," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0031] Another term that can be used is "optional." This means that this process step or system component is inherently present, but can be used depending on the operating conditions, although this is not mandatory.

[0032] In all the different embodiments according to the Fig. 1 to 7 Locking mechanisms that basically work in the same way are shown and described.

[0033] In the Fig. 1 to 4A first exemplary embodiment of a cutlery item 1 is shown, which in the present exemplary embodiment is designed in the form of a spoon. It should be noted that the term "cutlery item" can be understood to mean all possible embodiments such as spoon, fork, spork, or knife, whereby the spatial shape for forming the spoon, fork, spork, or knife can be designed in a variety of ways in terms of shape or space in the area of ​​its use. This depends on the respective intended use and can be freely selected. A spork is a combination of a fork and a spoon and has the shape of a spoon-like scoop with several tines.

[0034] Many of the cutlery pieces are designed to be adjustable in length. To achieve this, the handle and the cutlery pieces can be designed to be telescopic relative to each other, as described and shown, among others, in AT 522461 A4 or WO 2015 / 004118 A1.

[0035] In this embodiment of the cutlery part 1 and all embodiments described below, a folding or folding solution is always provided to enable the length variation. The cutlery part 1 is formed from a flat, one-piece blank 2 with an upper side 3 and an opposite lower side 4. To achieve a transport or storage position shortened in the direction of its longitudinal extension, the blank 2 is folded in this position and can be further unfolded into a correspondingly extended use position.

[0036] The shortened storage position serves to achieve a minimized or reduced packaging volume along the entire longitudinal extent, allowing the cutlery part 1 to be integrated into or on the packaging even with smaller packaging units. The dimensions shown are examples only; actual dimensions and proportions may vary.

[0037] The blank 2 is preferably made of an ecologically safe material, which may be, for example, paper, cardboard, or a biodegradable material. The biodegradable material, in turn, may consist of partially or completely renewable raw materials, such as starch, cellulose, or polylactic acid.

[0038] Blank 2 is usually printed in its undeformed, flat position and, if necessary, provided with an additional coating. Cellulose is typically used as the material, although this can also be recycled cardboard or heavy paper. If a layer or ply of the outer part is made of recycled material, an additional layer of a higher-quality paper can be applied to or bonded to at least one of the surfaces. This additional layer ensures flawless printing for the production of decorations, labels, and product information.

[0039] The cutlery part 1 or the blank 2 forming it, in its unfolded or extended position of use, has a rear end 5 and a front end 6 spaced therefrom. A longitudinal axis 7 extends between the two ends 5, 6, which, depending on the shape and design, can also form a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis 7 preferably divides the flat blank 2 into generally or essentially symmetrical halves located on either side thereof. The blank 2 is further delimited at each edge between its rear end 5 and its front end 6 by a left longitudinal edge 8 and a right longitudinal edge 9. The viewing direction is selected from the front end 6 in the direction of the rear end 5. The front end 6, in turn, forms that part or section of the cutlery part 1 which serves to hold the item to be consumed and is guided by a user to their mouth.Thus, the front end 6 also forms a so-called cutlery part head.

[0040] To facilitate the folding or folding process, a first embossed line 10 can also be provided. To make it easier to distinguish the lines shown, each embossed line is shown with a dotted line representation. The first embossed line 10 is aligned transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis 7 of the blank 2. Preferably, the first embossed line 10 is arranged at half the distance of the total length of the blank 2, although an asymmetrical subdivision or division of the total length is also possible.

[0041] The first embossing line 10 divides the blank 2 into a first cutlery part section 11 and a second cutlery part section 12. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first cutlery part section 11 extends between the rear end 5 and the first embossing line 10 and can also be referred to as the rear cutlery part section, which also forms part of the handle of the cutlery part 1.

[0042] The second cutlery section 12 is arranged adjacent to the first cutlery section 11 and extends between the first embossed line 10 to the front end 6. This cutlery section 11 can also be referred to as the front cutlery section and forms, at least in part, the cutlery head of the cutlery part 1. A partial section of the handle or shaft part thereof can also be formed. The two cutlery sections 11 and 12 together form the cutlery part 1 and are integrally connected to one another. The first embossed line 10, in turn, forms a fold line along which the folding or unfolding process for varying the length can be carried out.

[0043] In order to achieve mutual retention of the two facing and opposite cutlery sections 11 and 12 in the shortened and folded storage position, a locking device 13 is further provided. The locking device 13 can also be referred to as a latching device and comprises at least a first locking element 14 and at least one cooperating second locking element 15. If the folded blank 2 is in its storage position and the two locking elements 14 and 15 are also in locking engagement with one another, the first cutlery section 11 and the second cutlery section 12 are releasably held together.

[0044] The first locking element 14 is arranged or formed in the region or section of the first cutlery part section 11, while the second locking element 15 is arranged or formed in the region or section of the second cutlery part section 12. The arrangement of at least the second locking element 15 is preferably selected such that it is arranged or formed outside the cutlery part head.

[0045] Depending on the material selected, the blank 2 has an unspecified thickness between its top side 3 or upper flat side and its bottom side 4 or lower flat side.

[0046] The first locking element 14 is defined by a first material cut 16 penetrating the blank 2 in the direction of its thickness. The same applies, however, to the second locking element 15, which in turn is defined by a second material cut 17. A material cut 16 and / or 17 is understood to mean a complete interruption or separation of the material of the blank 2 between its top side 3 and bottom side 4, which is preferably a cut or a cutting line. Preferably, the first material cut 16 and the second material cut 17 are each linear and each formed by a cut.

[0047] Furthermore, the Fig. 1It can be seen that the first material cut 16 and also the second material cut 17 each have a longitudinal extension oriented essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis 7. It is advantageous if both the first material cut 16 and the second material cut 17 are arranged to extend entirely within the blank 2. This means that none of the material cuts 16 and 17 reach the outer peripheral edge of the blank 2 and end before it.

[0048] The previously described first embossed line 10, which defines the fold line or transverse fold line, does not have to extend completely across the entire width of the blank 2. It is also shown here that the first embossed line 10 can comprise or be formed from a first embossed line section 18 and a second embossed line section 19. The two embossed line sections 18, 19 are each arranged on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis 7. Each of the embossed line sections 18, 19 ends at a distance from the longitudinal axis 7 and also at a distance from the opposite left and right longitudinal edges 8, 9.

[0049] Depending on the selected folding direction of the blank 2, the two partial top sides on either side of the first embossed line 10 can be arranged facing each other and preferably lying one on top of the other. In this case, in the folded storage position, the first locking element 14 is supported with its underside 4 of the blank 2 on the underside 4 of the blank 2 of the second locking element 15. It is more advantageous if the two partial top sides are facing each other, as this allows the section containing the product to be consumed to be arranged on the inside.

[0050] However, if, as is the case in the Fig. 2 to 4is shown, the blank 2 is folded over in such a way that the two partial undersides on both sides of the first embossed line 10 are facing each other and are preferably arranged lying on top of each other, in the folded storage position the first locking element 14 is supported with its upper side 3 of the blank 2 on the upper side 3 of the blank 2 of the second locking element 15.

[0051] Preferably, the first material cut 16 and the second material cut 17 are each arranged substantially along the longitudinal axis 7. If the longitudinal axis 7 also forms a central axis, the two material cuts 16 and 17 are arranged centrally in the direction of the longitudinal extension.

[0052] However, it would also be possible to arrange the two material cuts 16 and 17 defining the locking elements 14 and 15 laterally offset—i.e., transversely—with respect to the longitudinal axis 7, as indicated by dashed lines in the side section located to the right of the longitudinal axis 7. This creates the possibility of providing the locking elements 14 and 15 either on one side of the longitudinal axis 7 or on both sides of the longitudinal axis 7.

[0053] The previously described locking elements 14 and 15 are defined by the material cutouts 16 and 17 located and formed in the blank 2 or are formed by their selected longitudinal extension. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, one of the material cutouts 16 or 17 has a curved longitudinal extension, in particular an arcuately curved longitudinal extension, and the other of the material cutouts 17 or 16 has a straight longitudinal extension. In this exemplary embodiment, the first material cutout 16 has the curved longitudinal extension and defines or forms the first locking element 14. The second material cutout 17 is designed to be straight here and defines the second locking element 15. The material cutout 16 with the curved longitudinal extension is thus located in the first cutlery section 11.However, an opposite arrangement of the material cuts 16 and 17 with respect to the first embossing line 10 would also be possible.

[0054] The arc height or the extent to which the material cut 16 or 17 with the curved longitudinal profile extends laterally relative to the longitudinal axis 7 forms the overlap area with the other of the locking elements 15 or 14. The lateral offset of the material cut 16 or 17 with the curved longitudinal profile can have a dimension with a lower limit of 0.3 mm, in particular 0.6 mm, and an upper limit of 1.5 mm, in particular 1.0 mm. The dimension is particularly preferably 0.8 mm. A curved longitudinal profile is also understood to mean the sequential arrangement of short, straight sections which lead away from the longitudinal axis 7 at the beginning and lead back to the longitudinal axis 7 at the end and terminate at this.

[0055] Furthermore, it is also provided here that the first material cut 16 and the second material cut 17 form a common cutting line extending continuously across the first embossed line 10. Thus, in the folded storage position, a left-hand section 20 and a right-hand section 21 are formed on both sides of the longitudinal axis 7. Furthermore, the two locking elements 14 and 15 defined by the material cuts 16 and 17 are each located directly adjacent to the first embossed line 10 and thus to the folding line formed by it.

[0056] Due to the continuous and connected material cuts 16 and 17 across the first embossed line 10, in the folded storage position and with the first and second locking elements 14 and 15 in locking engagement with each other, the sections 20, 21 of the blank 2 located laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis 7 can be arranged offset from each other in the direction of the thickness of the blank 2. This is best understood from a synopsis of the Fig. 2 to 4 to see.

[0057] Due to the required inherent rigidity and user-friendliness, the cutlery part 1 is usually made of a thicker and stronger material. To facilitate the formation or shaping of the cutlery part 1 from the folded storage position to the use position and to facilitate other possible transformations, additional embossed lines can be provided in addition to the first embossed line 10 already described and formed into the material of the blank 2, as is well known in the art.

[0058] In order to impart greater inherent rigidity to the blank 2 in the area or section of its first cutlery section 11, which forms a partial section of a handle in the use position, a second embossed line 22 can be provided or formed in the first cutlery section 11 of the blank 2. Since the two material cuts 16 and 17 are preferably located along the longitudinal axis 7, the second embossed line 22 is also arranged along or in the longitudinal axis 7. This creates the possibility of placing the first cutlery section 11 in a kind of "V" position, at least as seen in cross-section, and thus increasing its inherent rigidity and buckling resistance.

[0059] The second embossed line 22 can extend from the first material cut 16 in the direction of the rear end 5 of the blank 2, in particular extend to the rear end 5 of the blank 2.

[0060] Depending on the position and arrangement of the first embossed line 10 and the material cuts 16 and 17, a third embossed line 23 can also be formed or arranged in the area or section of the second cutlery part section 12 of the blank 2. Likewise, the third embossed line 23 can also be arranged to run along the longitudinal axis 7. The third embossed line 23 extends from the second material cut 17 toward the front end 6 of the blank 2. Thus, the second and third embossed lines 22, 23 are aligned with one another and arranged one behind the other.

[0061] For better shaping and formation of a type of bowl or dish, a fourth embossed line 24 can also be formed in the second cutlery part section 12. This allows a spoon recess with a projecting edge region to be formed. The fourth embossed line 24 is preferably continuous over its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, it is also shown that the fourth embossed line 24 is arranged at an equal distance along a front circumferential section of the front end 6 of the second cutlery part section 12 and then converges towards the rear end 5 and in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7. Here, both ends of the fourth embossed line 24 are arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis 7 on either side. The end of the third embossed line 23 facing the fourth embossed line 24 is arranged at a distance from both ends of the fourth embossed line 24 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7.In this way, the formation of kinks starting from the rear end 5 into the section of the bucket recess can be largely prevented.

[0062] In the Fig. 5 and 6 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the cutlery part 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 to 4 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 to 4 pointed out or referred to.

[0063] Except for the design of the two material cuts 16 and 17, the cut 2 corresponds exactly to the one described in detail in the Fig. 1 to 4 has been described. Therefore, only the different and deviating training will be described in detail below.

[0064] Here, both the first material cut 16 and the second material cut 17 each have a curved longitudinal profile. Preferably, an arcuately curved longitudinal profile is selected in each case. In order to achieve an even better locking effect when locking elements 14 and 15 are in locking engagement with one another, the overlap area between the two locking elements 14 and 15 is made larger. For this purpose, the two material cuts 16 and 17 are arranged in opposite directions to one another, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7. The first locking element 14 defined by the first material cut 16 is arranged on one side of the longitudinal axis 7 with respect to the same, and the second locking element 15 defined by the second material cut 17 is arranged on the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal axis 7.Together, the two material cuts 16 and 17 form a kind of "S" line or an "S"-shaped line.

[0065] Here too, the two material cuts 16 and 17 are arranged completely within the blank 2 and run essentially along the longitudinal axis 7. Furthermore, here too, the two material cuts 16 and 17 form a continuous cutting line extending over the first embossed line 10.

[0066] Another variant for the design of the third and fourth embossed lines 23 and 24 is shown. In contrast to the previously described design, the fourth embossed line 24 extends with its two line ends facing the rear end 5 of the blank 2 up to the longitudinal axis 7 and ends therein. The third embossed line 23 can extend with its line end up to the two line ends of the fourth embossed line 24 facing the rear end 5 of the blank 2. This design and arrangement of the third and fourth embossed lines 23 and 24 can also be used in the Fig. 1 to 4 and Fig. 7 However, an arrangement of the third and fourth stamping lines 23 and 24 as shown in the Fig. 1 to 4 and Fig. 7 described, also possible in this embodiment.

[0067] In the Fig. 7a further and possibly independent embodiment of the cutlery part 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 to 6 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 to 6 pointed out or referred to.

[0068] Except for the design of the two material cuts 16 and 17, the cut 2 corresponds exactly to the one described in detail in the Fig. 1 to 6 has been described. Therefore, only the different and deviating training is described below.

[0069] In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the first material cut 16 for forming the first locking element 14 and the second material cut 17 for forming the second locking element 15 are not continuous but are arranged or formed at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7. The first material cut 16 is in turn formed or arranged in the first cutlery part section 11 and is spaced from the first embossed line 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 and is spaced from the latter in the direction of the rear end 5. The second material cut 17 for forming the second locking element 15 is formed or arranged in the second cutlery part section 12 of the blank 2 and is spaced from the first embossed line 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 and is spaced from the latter in the direction of the front end 6.

[0070] In the folded state of the blank 2 and thus in the storage position of the cutlery part 1, the blank 2 is continuous and uninterrupted in the area of ​​its folding line formed by the first embossed line 10 in cross-section across the width between the two longitudinal edges 8, 9.

[0071] In order to be able to unfold the blank 2 more easily along the longitudinal axis 7 in the section located between the two material cuts 16 and 17, as seen in cross section, a fifth embossed line 25 can be provided or formed between the two material cuts 16 and 17.

[0072] The formation of the two material cuts 16 and 17 in their longitudinal direction can also be carried out as shown in the Fig. 5 and 6 has been described, only with the difference of the arrangement spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal extent.

[0073] A possible bilateral arrangement or configuration of cutlery piece heads is indicated by dashed lines in the end section of the rear end 5 of the blank 2. This can be, for example, a fork or a spork. This allows a user of the cutlery piece 1 to select one of the two ends 5 or 6 to pick up the item to be consumed, depending on the item. The embossed lines 22 and / or 23 and / or 24 and / or 25 must be adapted and / or arranged accordingly.

[0074] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0075] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0076] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0077] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

[0078] 1Cutlery piece 2Cutting section 3Top side 4Bottom side 5Rear end 6Front end 7Longitudinal axis 8Left longitudinal edge 9Right longitudinal edge 10Embossing line 11First cutlery section 12Second cutlery section 13Locking device 14First locking element 15Second locking element 16First material cut 17Second material cut 18First embossing line section 19Second embossing line section 20Left section 21Right section 22Second embossing line 23Third embossing line 24Fourth embossing line 25Fifth embossing line

Claims

1. A cutlery part (1), in particular a spoon, fork, spork or knife, which is configured so as to be variable in length and is unfoldable from a shortened and folded storage position into a position of use which is extended with respect thereto, and is formed from a planar blank (2) with an upper side (3) and an underside (4), the cutlery part (1) comprising - a rear end (5) and a front end (6) spaced therefrom in the direction of its longitudinal extension, wherein a longitudinal axis (7) extends between the two ends (5, 6), and the front end (6) forms a cutlery part head, - a first embossing line (10), which first embossing line (10) is aligned in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (7) of the blank (2) and divides the blank (2) into a first cutlery part section (11) and a second cutlery part section (12), wherein the first cutlery part section (11) extends between the rear end (5) and the first embossing line (10) and the second cutlery part section (12) extends between the first embossing line (10) and the front end (6), wherein the first embossing line (10) forms at least one fold line, and - a locking device (13) comprising a first locking element (14) and a second locking element (15) cooperating therewith in the folded storage position, wherein in the storage position and when the first and second locking elements (14, 15) are in locking engagement with one another, the first cutlery part section (11) and the second cutlery part section (12) are held releasably against one another, - wherein the first locking element (14) is arranged in the region of the first cutlery part section (11) and the second locking element (15) is arranged in the region of the second cutlery part section (12), and - wherein the first locking element (14) is defined by a first material separation (16) passing through the blank (2) in the direction of its thickness, characterized in - that the second locking element (15) is defined by a second material separation (17) passing through the blank (2) in the direction of its thickness, and - that the material separations (16, 17) each have a longitudinal course extending essentially in a parallel direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (7).

2. The cutlery part (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first material separation (16) and the second material separation (17) are each configured to be line-shaped and are each formed by a cut.

3. The cutlery part (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first material separation (16) and the second material separation (17) are each arranged to extend completely within the blank (2).

4. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the folded storage position, the underside (4) of the first locking element (14) of the blank (2) is supported on the underside (4) of the blank (2) of the second locking element (15).

5. The cutlery part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the folded storage position, the first locking element (14) is supported with its upper side (3) of the blank (2) on the upper side (3) of the blank (2) of the second locking element (15).

6. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material separation (16) and the second material separation (17) are each arranged extending essentially along the longitudinal axis (7).

7. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the material separations (16, 17) has a curved longitudinal course, in particular an arcuately curved longitudinal course, and the other of the material separations (17, 16) has a straight longitudinal course, and one of the locking elements (14, 15) is defined by each of the material separations (16, 17) in each case.

8. The cutlery part (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the material separation (16) with the curved longitudinal course is arranged in the first cutlery part section (11).

9. The cutlery part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first material separation (16) and the second material separation (17) each have a curved longitudinal course, in particular an arcuately curved longitudinal course, and the first locking element (14) defined by the first material separation (16) is arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis (7) on one side thereof and the second locking element (15) defined by the second material separation (17) is arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis (7) on the opposite side thereof and each of the locking elements (14) is configured with a convex curvature with respect to the longitudinal axis (7).

10. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material separation (16) and the second material separation (17) form a common cutting line extending continuously over the first embossing line (10).

11. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material separation (16) and the second material separation (17) and thus the locking elements (14) formed by them are each arranged directly adjacent to the first embossing line (10).

12. The cutlery part (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, in the folded storage position and with the first and second locking elements (14, 15) in locking engagement with one another, partial sections (20, 21) of the blank (2) located laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (7) are arranged offset with respect to one another in the direction of the thickness of the blank (2).

13. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second embossing line (22) is formed in the first cutlery part section (11) of the blank (2) and the second embossing line (22) is arranged extending along the longitudinal axis (7).

14. The cutlery part (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the second embossing line (22) extends from the first material separation (16) in the direction of the rear end (5) of the blank (2), in particular extends as far as the rear end (5) of the blank (2).

15. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a third embossing line (23) is formed in the second cutlery part section (12) of the blank (2) and the third embossing line (23) is arranged extending along the longitudinal axis (7).

16. The cutlery part (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the third embossing line (23) extends from the second material separation (17) in the direction of the front end (6) of the blank (2).

17. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fourth embossing line (24) is formed in the second cutlery part section (12) to form a spoon recess and the fourth embossing line (24) is continuous over its longitudinal course.

18. The cutlery part (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the fourth embossing line (24) is arranged extending at an equal distance along a front circumferential section of the front end (6) of the second cutlery part section (12) and is then formed to converge towards the rear end (5) and towards the longitudinal axis (7).

19. The cutlery part (1) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a line end of the third embossing line (23) facing the fourth embossing line (24) is arranged at a distance from both line ends of the fourth embossing line (24) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (7).

20. The cutlery part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first embossing line (10) is formed by a first embossing line subsection (18) and a second embossing line subsection (19), and the embossing line subsections (18, 19) are each arranged so as to extend on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis (7) and each of the embossing line subsections (18, 19) ends both at a distance from the longitudinal axis (7) and at a distance from opposite left and right longitudinal edges (8, 9).

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