Foldable measuring spoon

Abstract

The invention relates to a foldable measuring spoon (1) to be formed by folding a flat sheet (10) of a predetermined shape into a folded state. The spoon (1) comprises a head (2) and a handle (3). The sheet (10) comprises a plurality of sections (4, 5) being consecutively arranged in a row. These sections (4, 5) comprise two handle sections (4) being arranged at two opposite ends of the row, and a plurality of side wall sections (5; 5', 5'') being consecutively arranged in the row between the two handle sections (4) along an arc (A) to define a circumferentially closed side wall (50) delimiting the volume (V) when the sheet (10) is folded to form the measuring spoon (1). Each side wall section (5; 5', 5'') is directly connected to each of the two adjacent sections (4, 5) in the row by a folding line (6), respectively, so that each handle section (4) is directly connected only to one other of the two side wall sections (5; 5') being outermost in the row by one of the folding lines (6), and the one or more side wall section(s) (5; 5'') being arranged in the row between the two outermost side wall sections (5; 5') are each directly connected to each of the two adjacent side wall sections (5) by one of the folding lines (6), respectively. Each side wall section (5) preferably shares with the respective adjacent one of the sections (4, 5) in the row exactly two of the folding lines (6) being positioned at opposite ends of the respective side wall section (5) with respect to an extension direction of the arc (A). The sheet (10) is designed such that, when the handle sections (4) are folded to lie flat on each other to form the handle (3), the side wall sections (5) are folded about the folding lines (6) to form the circumferentially closed side wall (50) of the head (2).

Description

[0001] Foldable Measuring Spoon

[0002] 1. Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a foldable measuring spoon. The foldable measuring spoon is formed by folding an integral flat sheet of material of a predetermined shape into a folded state. The measuring spoon comprises a head defining a volume for receiving a food product, and a handle extending from the head to carry the head and the food product received in the volume.

[0004] 2. Technical background

[0005] Measuring spoons are spoons used to measure an amount of an ingredient, like a food product. The food product can be in a liquid or a dry state. For instance, the food product can be in a powdery or free-flowing state, like a milk powder for preparing an infant formula, a broth or soup powder, dried herbs or spices, and many more.

[0006] Measuring spoons are known to be made from many different materials. Measuring spoons are often made of plastic, metal, and other like materials. These materials are long-lasting but comparably heavy and space consuming.

[0007] Known alternatives to plastic, which are recyclable and environmentally less problematic, are materials such as wood. Wood materials are comparatively high in weight, while they restrain the freedom of designing measuring spoons. Such measuring spoons are also comparably space consuming.

[0008] Furthermore, measuring spoons made from sheets of paper are known. Such measuring spoons can be flattened in an unfolded state to be less space consuming than the measuring spoon in the folded state. However, such measuring spoons often require a complex series of folding actions, while having a low stability thus limiting the amount of product to be carried. Moreover, once being folded, the measuring spoon needs to be continuously compressed by the user to retain its folded - i.e. functional measuring spoon - shape during use. This may result in losing the accuracy of measuring if not properly and continuously compressed by the user during use.

[0009] To increase stability, measuring spoons made from sheets of paper are often assembled from a number of different sheet elements, each of which being folded and finally assembled in a comparably complex sequence of folding and assembling steps. Such multi-piece measuring spoons exist, which can be selectively connected and disconnected, e.g. via a plug connection. However, such measuring spoons require the provision of a number of pieces, which may result in the cutlery becoming unusable if one of the pieces got lost.

[0010] 3. Summary of the invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a foldable measuring spoon, which is comparably low in weight, is space saving in the unfolded state, can be easily formed from the unfolded state into a folded - i.e. functional or operating - state, and has a high accuracy in measuring a desired volume in the folded state.

[0012] The above objects are to be accomplished by means of the independent claim. The dependent claims advantageously study further the central idea of the present invention.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, a foldable measuring spoon (in the following also referred to as “measuring spoon” or simply “spoon”) is provided. The spoon can be formed by folding a sheet of a predetermined shape into a folded state. The sheet is preferably integral, and can more preferably be a one-piece element. By definition, the sheet - in its original (i.e. unfolded) state - is flat. The spoon and its sheet from which the spoon is formed from the unfolded to the folded state can be made of any desired material; i.e. the sheet can be any sheet of material.

[0014] The measuring spoon comprises a head defining a volume with an opening for receiving a food product. The food product can be any type of food product to be measured; e.g. a pourable or free-flowing product in a liquid or dry (e.g. powdery) state.

[0015] The measuring spoon further comprises a handle extending from the head to carry the head and the food product; preferably at least the food product received in the volume or carried by the spoon filled in a heaped manner. The handle may comprise a single or multiple handle sections; the latter, e.g., directly connected by a handle folding line.

[0016] The sheet comprises a plurality of sections being consecutively arranged in a row. In other words, the plurality of sections are arranged one after the other along the said row. The sections comprise two handle sections being arranged at two opposite ends of the row. The sections further comprise a plurality of side wall sections being consecutively arranged in the row between the two handle sections along an arc to define a circumferentially closed side wall delimiting the volume when the sheet is folded to form the measuring spoon. In other words, the side wall sections are arranged one after the other in the mentioned row in a way that the consecutively arranged side wall sections follow the arc shape.

[0017] Each side wall section is directly connected to each of the two neighbouring - i.e. adjacent - sections in the row by a folding line, respectively, so that each handle section is directly connected only to one other of the two side wall sections being outermost in the row by one of the folding lines (in other words: one of the two handle sections is directly connected only to one of the two side wall sections being outermost in the row by one of the folding lines, and the other one of the two handle sections is directly connected only to the other one of the two side wall sections being outermost in the row by another one of the folding lines; i.e. the two handle sections are not directly connected to each other, e.g., by a folding line), and the one or more side wall section(s) being arranged in the row between the two outermost sidewall sections are each directly connected to each of the two adjacent side wall sections by one of the folding lines, respectively. Hence, the sections are consecutively arrange in the row starting with a handle section at one end of the row, followed - via direct connection by a folding line - with one of the outermost handle sections, followed - respectively via direct connection by a folding line - with further (i.e. intermediate) handle section(s), followed - via direct connection by a folding line - with the other one of the outermost handle sections, followed - via direct connection by a folding line - with the other one of the handle sections. The handle sections are not directly connected to each other (e.g. via a folding line), but - upon the sections - each handle section is only directly connected to the respective adjacent outermost side wall section.

[0018] Preferably, each side wall section shares with the respective adjacent one of the sections in the row exactly two of the folding lines. These two folding lines (i.e. per side wall section) are positioned at opposite sides or ends of the respective side wall section with respect to an extension or extension direction of the arc. Hence, each side wall section only shares exactly two folding lines with any of the other sections (i.e. upon the two handle sections and the plurality of side wall sections). This allows for a simple but effective design construction with high flexibility in reducing the size of the sheet or spoon in the unfolded state. The sheet thus has an elongated shape, which, for instance, can be easily reduced in size - even in the flat configuration - by simply folding the sheet along one of the folding lines resulting in a still flat, multi-layered (e.g. two-layered) element with, in its dimensions (e.g. length), effectively reduced size. The sheet is designed (i.e. has a predetermined shape) such that, when the handle sections (preferably with their respective face being directed to the same (surface) side of the sheet) are folded to lie flat on each other (preferably with their folding lines being aligned) to form the handle, the side wall sections are - preferably simultaneously - folded about the folding lines to form the circumferentially closed side wall of the head.

[0019] As the foldable measuring spoon is made from a sheet - e.g. an integral flat sheet of material -, the measuring spoon, in the unfolded state, can be provided in a very flat - i.e. thin - manner and can thus be easily stored, e.g. in a food packaging. For instance, the food product can be stored in a tin having an upper seal covering for sealing the food product in the tin, and a removable outer lid delimiting, together with the upper seal covering, a space there between, in which space the flat unfolded measuring spoon can be stored in a space-saving manner. Because the sections - including the handle sections and the side wall sections - are all arranged in a row and only connected to the respective two adjacent sections with only one folding line, the measuring spoon can be further reduced in its outer dimensions from the unfolded state by simply folding the sheet along one of its folding lines - e.g. into half its size - so that a small two-layered sheet material results. As the sections follow an arc shape, the overall dimensions - and in particular the length of the measuring spoon in the unfolded state - can be further reduced. This even more, when folding the sheet along one of the folding lines; e.g. into half its length. Due to the side wall sections following the arc shape in the unfolded state, the measuring spoon, in the folded state, preferably results in a tapered head volume which is easily formed by folding, has a high stability in the folded state, and allows for a high accuracy of the measuring function. As the handle sections - in the folded state - lie flat on each other (preferably with their folding lines being aligned), a user can easily grab the handle and, if needed, part of the head (preferably close to these folding lines), in a stable manner. Hence, the handle of the folded measuring spoon may be provided in a comparably compact manner by still giving sufficient support to carry the head with the food product received in its volume. Also, a user will intuitively compress the handle sections so that the handle and thus the foldable measuring spoon is easily and securely kept in the folded state during use.

[0020] The folding lines may each extend orthogonal to a tangent of the arc at an intersection point of the arc with the respective folding line. Hence, the head or at least a side wall of the head can be easily formed by folding to result in a tapered shape. This allows for easily receiving the food product in the volume and thus an increased measuring accuracy. Also, this layout allows for a high stability of the head of the folded measuring spoon. The folding lines may each comprise a fold, a perforated line, an embossed line, a weakened line (e.g. a line of reduced material thickness), and / or a printed line. The folding line can thus be provided, as desired. The fold - like the embossed line - allows for a highly accurate transformation from the unfolded to the folded state. The perforated line can be easily provided, e.g. when a blank sheet is die-cut or laser cut to result in the sheet having the predetermined shape. A weakened line can be easily provided and allows for a highly flat but effectively foldable sheet. A line of reduced material thickness can be in a range of 20-80% or 40-60% of the average material thickness of the sheet or foldable spoon. A printed line can be easily provided - e.g. upon a printing or covering step - and allows for the folding lines be well visible.

[0021] The handle sections may comprise respective integral locking sections which can be relatively fixed to each other (e.g. in the folded state or even in an intermediate folding state) to lock the measuring spoon or at least the handle 3 (i.e. the handle sections 4 lying flat on each other); preferably at least in the folded state. Hence, irrespective of any compressing forces by holding the measuring spoon with a user’s fingers, the measuring spoon can keep its configuration, preferably its folded state, in a highly accurate and permanent manner, as desired. This increases the ease of use and likewise the accuracy of the measuring spoon.

[0022] One of the integral locking sections comprises a flap, and the other one of the integral locking sections comprises a receiving opening. The flap and the receiving opening are aligned when the handle sections lie flat on each other so that the flap can be folded, preferably about a flap folding line, to reach through the receiving opening to lock the measuring spoon or the handle at least in the folded state. Hence, the integral locking sections can be provided in an easy and effective manner. The flap can be easily pushed through the opening to allow for a folded state be permanently fixed. Such a flap and opening can be easily provided, e.g. during a die-cut process for manufacturing the sheet.

[0023] A perimeter of the receiving opening may preferably define a protrusion section extending flat into the receiving opening so as to define a latching section to lock the flap in the receiving opening when being folded to reach through the receiving opening. Hence, the flap can be securely fixed when being pushed through the receiving opening, so that the folded state can be easily permanently fixed by the integral locking sections.

[0024] Each of the integral locking sections may extend from the respective folding line directly connecting the respective handle section and the adjacent outermost side wall section in the row. Hence, the locking function can be provided at a location on the handle sections being closest to the head so that the head and thus its volume can be effectively held in the folded state, thus resulting in permanently high accuracy of a measuring spoon. If the locking sections comprise the flap, the flap can be pushed through the opening to lie flat on the outer surface of the head. A user can thus hold the flap securely in place - e.g. by being pushed against the head - when carrying the measuring spoon. Also, the receiving opening could be used to allow a user’s finger to pass through during use likewise for a secure grip and keeping the locked flap in place.

[0025] The respective folding lines from which the integral locking sections extend preferably share a (i.e. the) flap folding line, respectively. Hence, the number of folding lines can be reduced and provided in a compact manner. The respective folding line is given two functions, namely allowing the handle sections and the respectively adjacent outermost side wall section to be folded from the unfolded state of the sheet into the folded state in an accurate manner. This very section also allows the flap, if present, to be easily pushed into the locking state; i.e. when reaching through the receiving opening.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to the locking sections, the handle sections may also be glued together when lying flat on each other to form the handle to fix and thus lock the foldable spoon; preferably at least in the folded state or even in an intermediate folding state.

[0027] The handle sections may all have the same shape or at least the same outer contour or are even identical. Hence, the handle sections can be easily and effectively laid flat on each other, to thus give the handle a maximum strength by an accurate two-layer handle structure. This also allows a user to inspect correct folding of the handle sections when transferring the sheet into the folded state of the measuring spoon.

[0028] The side wall sections may all have the same shape or are even identical. This allows for an easy production of the measuring spoon and may preferably give the measuring spoon a symmetric design. Hence, the folded state can be accurately inspected by a user, while giving the measuring spoon an attractive aesthetical appearance.

[0029] The side wall sections may all have a triangular shape. A triangular shape of the side wall sections allows to easily create the head and its volume only with the side wall sections, resulting in a high accuracy of its volume. In addition, the measuring spoon having the triangular side wall sections can be easily obtained - i.e. formed - by a simple folding action, while having a high form stability in the folded state. The side wall sections may alternatively all have a rectangular shape or a trapezoidal shape, preferably a symmetric trapezoidal shape or isosceles trapezoidal shape. Hence, the measuring spoon can be easily folded an results in a more box-like shape, according to the given needs.

[0030] The sheet comprises at least three, or four, or five, or six, or eight side wall sections. The less side wall sections are provided, the simpler is the folding action and the higher is the stability of the head. The more side wall sections are provided, the higher the flexibility is to form an accurate head and to fold the flat sheet material in an intermediate flat state with different layers when folded along a respective folding line to reduce the dimensions in the flat plane in a desired manner.

[0031] In the folded state, all folding lines which directly connect the sections may meet at the same point at a bottom of the head or of the volume. Hence, the measuring spoon can be designed in an easy manner in which the side wall sections preferably completely delimit the volume. This allows for an easy layout of the measuring spoon or a corresponding sheet of predetermined shape, while giving the head and thus the measuring spoon an overall high stiffness in the folded state.

[0032] The sheet may further comprise a bottom section, which bottom section can be directly connected to one of the side wall sections by a bottom folding line at a side of the respective side wall section that is distant from the arc towards a centre of the arc. Hence, a bottom section can be easily provided which, in the folded state, can be easily bent about the respective bottom folding line to close a bottom of the head. The bottom section is preferably designed such that, in the folded state of the measuring spoon, the bottom section is folded to cover a bottom of the head opposite to the opening to define the volume together with the side wall (sections). Hence, an easy and effective way can be provided to cover a bottom section of the volume, as desired, to accurately delimit the volume in the folded state.

[0033] The bottom section may comprise a locking extension and one of the other side wall sections may comprise a receiving section to catch the locking extension in the folded state to lock the bottom section. Hence, the bottom section can be easily and effectively held in place during use of the measuring spoon. Hence, ease of use can be improved.

[0034] A perimeter of the side wall defining the opening may extend in a plane. This allows for easily levelling off a food product received in the volume to thus result in a highly accurate volume of food product. The measuring spoon or the sheet maybe made of a cellulose-based material. The cellulose- based material may comprise an amount of cellulose fibres greater than 70%, or greater than 75%, or greater than 80%, or greater than 85%, or greater than 90%, or greater than 95%. Preferably, the measuring spoon or the sheet is made of paper or cardboard, as desired. The sheet may have a thickness in the range of 150 to 600 microns, or in the range of 250 to 550 micros, or in the range of 350 to 500 micros, or of around 450 microns. The sheet may comprise a grammage in the range of too g / m2to 600 g / m2, or in the range of 200 g / m2to 550 g / m2, or in the range of 300 g / m2to 500 g / m2, or of around 400 g / m2. The invention, however, is neither limited by the given ranges of the thickness nor of the given ranges of the grammage of the sheet material.

[0035] The sheet of the predetermined shape can be made by being die-cut from a blank sheet of material, like a blank sheet of paper or a blank sheet of cardboard.

[0036] The (preferably max. unfolded) sheet, measured in the plane of extension of the sheet, has a maximum extension - in the unfolded state - of less than 100mm, or less than 50mm, or less than 40mm, or less than 30mm. This maximum extension may also be obtained in an intermediate folded - and thus preferably multi-layered - flat state of the sheet.

[0037] The volume of the head preferably is in a range of between 2ml to 100ml, preferably between 5ml to 50ml, more preferred between 7ml to 20ml.

[0038] 4. Brief description of drawings

[0039] Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent for the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention and when taking in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.

[0040] In case numerals have been omitted from a figure, for example for reasons of clarity, the corresponding features may still be present in the figure.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a sheet - here an integral flat sheet of material - of a predetermined shape to form by folding a foldable measuring spoon according to a first embodiment of the present invention (i.e. the foldable measuring spoon according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded state); Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the foldable measuring spoon according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the folded state;

[0042] Fig. 3 shows perspective views of different operational states of the foldable measuring spoon of Fig. 2 as follows:

[0043] Fig. 3A in the unfolded state showing the unfolded sheet of Fig. 1,

[0044] Fig. 3B in a first semi-folded state (i.e. first intermediate folding state) with the handle sections slightly folded,

[0045] Fig. 3C in a second semi-folded state (i.e. second intermediate folding state) in which the handle sections are folded towards each other,

[0046] Fig. 3D in the folded and thus possible operating state with the handle sections folded to lie flat on each other with their folding lines being aligned to form the handle and the side wall sections forming the circumferentially closed side wall and thus the head of the foldable measuring spoon, and

[0047] Fig. 3E in the final folded and thus operating state with the integral locking sections being locked;

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a top view of a sheet - here an integral flat sheet of material - of another predetermined shape to form by folding a foldable measuring spoon according to a second embodiment of the present invention (i.e. the foldable measuring spoon according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded state);

[0049] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the foldable measuring spoon according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the folded state;

[0050] Fig. 6 shows perspective views of different operational states of the foldable measuring spoon of Fig. 5 Fig. 6A in a first semi-folded state (i.e. first intermediate folding state) with the handle sections folded to lie flat on each other with their folding lines being aligned to form the handle, and half of the side wall sections lying flat on the other half of the side wall sections so that the sheet is folded into half resulting in a two-layered flat sheet of material, and with the integral locking sections being locked,

[0051] Fig. 6B in a second semi-folded state (i.e. second intermediate folding state) in which the side wall sections are folded, respectively, to expand the volume of the head, and

[0052] Fig. 6C in the folded and thus operating state of the measuring spoon;

[0053] Fig. 7 shows a top view of a sheet - here an integral flat sheet of material - of another predetermined shape to form by folding a foldable measuring spoon according to a third embodiment of the present invention (i.e. the foldable measuring spoon according to the third embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded state);

[0054] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the foldable measuring spoon according to the third embodiment of the present invention in the folded state; and

[0055] Fig. 9 shows perspective views of different operational states of the foldable measuring spoon of Fig. 8

[0056] Fig. 9A in a first semi-folded state (i.e. first intermediate folding state) with the handle sections folded to lie flat on each other with their folding lines being aligned to form the handle, and half of the side wall sections lying flat on the other half of the side wall sections so that the sheet is folded into half with the bottom section being folded inwards to lie between the two outermost side wall sections resulting in a thin layered flat sheet of material, and with the integral locking sections being locked, Fig. 9B in a second semi-folded state (i.e. second intermediate folding state) in which the side wall sections are folded, respectively, to expand the volume and create a box-like shape of the head,

[0057] Fig. 9C in a third (semi-folded) state (i.e. third (intermediate) folding state) in which the bottom section is folded to cover a bottom of the head opposite to the opening to define and delimit the volume together with the side wall, and

[0058] Fig. 9D in the folded and thus operating state of the measuring spoon in which the locking extension of the bottom section here is caught by the receiving section to lock the bottom in the folded state.

[0059] 5. Detailed description

[0060] The figures show different views of different embodiments of a foldable measuring spoon 1 according to the present invention.

[0061] The foldable measuring spoon 1 is to be formed by folding a sheet 10 - preferably an integral flat sheet of material - of a predetermined shape (see Figs. 1, 3A, 4 and 7) into a folded state (see Figs. 2, 3E, 5, 6C, 8, and 9D). The sheet 10 of the predetermined shape can be made by being die-cut from a blank sheet of material.

[0062] The measuring spoon 1 - and thus also the sheet 10 - can be made of any desired material, preferably of a cellulose-based material. Preferably, the measuring spoon 1 - and thus also the sheet 10 - can be made of paper or cardboard. The preferred cellulose-based material can have an amount of cellulose fibres of more than 70%, or more than 75%, or more than 80%, or more than 85%, or more than 90%, or more than 95%. The sheet 10 may have a thickness in the range of 150 to 600 microns, or in the range of 250 to 550 micros, or in the range of 350 to 500 micros, or of around 450 microns. The sheet 10 may comprise a grammage in the range of too g / m2to 600 g / m2, or in the range of 200 g / m2to 550 g / m2, or in the range of 300 g / m2to 500 g / m2, or of around 400 g / m2. The invention, however, is not limited to these ranges. The measuring spoon 1 could also be made of any other suitable material, like a plastic material. The measuring spoon 1 can be made of a multi-layered sheet of material, e.g. comprising a cellulose-based layer and at least one or a plurality of oxygen and / or moisture barrier layers. The measuring spoon may also comprise a printing or an embossing, e.g., for providing instructions for use or a folding instruction. The measuring spoon 1 comprises a head 2 defining a volume V with an opening 20 for receiving a food product (see, for instance, Figs. 2, 5 and 8). The volume V can be in the range of between 2-iooml, preferably between 5-5oml, more preferred between 7-2oml.

[0063] The measuring spoon 1 further comprises a handle 3 extending from the head 2 to carry the head 2 and the food product; i.e. the food product received in the volume V or carried by the head 2, e.g., in case of a heaped spoon.

[0064] The sheet 10, as exemplarily depicted in Figs. 1, 4 and 7, comprises a plurality of sections 4, 5 being consecutively arranged side-by-side in a (single) row.

[0065] The sections 4, 5 comprise two handle sections 4 being arranged at two opposite ends of the row, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 7.

[0066] The handle sections 4 may all have the same shape or at least the same outer contour or are even identical, as exemplarily shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 7.

[0067] The sections 4, 5 further comprise a plurality of side wall sections 5. In the first embodiment, the sheet 10 comprises three side wall sections 5 (see Fig. 1), in the second embodiment the sheet 10 comprises six side wall sections 5 (see Fig. 4), and in the third embodiment the sheet 10 comprises four side wall sections 5 (see Fig. 7). Preferably, the sheet 10 may comprise at least three, or four, or five, or six, or eight side wall sections 5.

[0068] The side wall sections 5 may all have the same shape or are even identical. With reference to the first two embodiments, the side wall sections 5 may all have a triangular shape. With reference to the third embodiment, the side wall sections 5 may also all have a rectangular shape or, as shown, a trapezoidal shape; here preferably a symmetric trapezoidal shape or isosceles trapezoidal shape.

[0069] The plurality of side wall sections 5 are consecutively arranged between the two handle sections 4 in the row along an arc A to define a circumferentially closed side wall 50 delimiting the volume V when the sheet 10 is folded into the folded state to form the measuring spoon 1. For illustration purposes only, the arc A is exemplarily shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 7 as a solid line. The arc A is usually not provided as a visible line on the sheet 10 or measuring spoon 1, but shall - in the shown figures - simply visualize the arcuate consecutive arrangement of the side wall sections 5 in / along the row. Each of the side wall sections 5 is directly connected to each of the two adjacent sections 4, 5 in the row by a folding line 6 so that each handle section 4 is directly connected only to one other of the two side wall sections 5 being outermost in the row (the outermost side wall sections are also denoted by reference numeral 5’) by one of the folding lines 6 (in other words: one of the two handle sections 4 is directly connected only to one of the two side wall sections 5 (5’) being outermost in the row by one of the folding lines 6, and the other one of the two handle sections 4 is directly connected only to the other one of the two side wall sections 5 (5’) being outermost in the row by another one of the folding lines 6; i.e. the two handle sections 4 are not directly connected to each other, e.g., by a folding line 6), and the one or more side wall section(s) 5 being arranged in the row between the two outermost side wall sections 5 (5’) (this / these intermediate side wall section(s) are also denoted by reference numeral 5”) are each directly connected to each of the two adjacent side wall sections 5 by one of the folding lines 6, respectively, as exemplarily shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 7.

[0070] The folding lines 6 are preferably arranged at opposite sides of the respective side wall section 5 with respect to an extension direction of the arc A.

[0071] As exemplarily shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 7, each folding line 6 may extend orthogonal to a tangent T of the arc A at an intersection point P of the arc A with the respective folding line 6.

[0072] The folding lines 6 may each comprise a fold, a perforated line, an embossed line, a weakened line, and / or a printed line and the like.

[0073] Each of the side wall sections 5 may share with the respective adjacent one of the sections 4, 5 in the row exactly two of the folding lines 6, these folding lines 6 being positioned at opposite ends of the respective side wall section 5 with respect to the extension direction of the arc A.

[0074] The sheet 10 is designed such that, when the handle sections 4, preferably with their respective face 40 being directed to the same (surface) side of the sheet 10, are folded to lie flat on each other - preferably with their folding lines 6 being aligned - to form the handle 3 (see, for instance, Figs. 3A-D, the state in Fig. 6A, and the state in Figs. 9A and 9B), the side wall sections 5 are - preferably simultaneously - folded about the respective folding lines 6 to form the circumferentially closed side wall 50 of the head 2, thus circumferentially delimiting the volume V, as exemplarily shown in Figs. 2, 3D, 3E, 5, 6C, 8, and 9D. The handle sections 4 may comprise respective integral locking sections 7, 8 which can be relatively fixed to each other to lock the measuring spoon 1 - or at least the handle 3 - at least in the folded state, as exemplarily shown in Figs. 2, 3E, 5, 6C, 8, and 9D, and preferably also in at least some of the intermediate folding states towards the folded state, as exemplarily shown in Figs. 6A-B, and Figs. 9A-C.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally to the locking sections 7, 8, the handle sections 4 may also be glued together when lying flat on each other to form the handle 3 to fix and thus lock the foldable spoon 1; preferably at least in the folded state, as exemplarily shown in Figs. 2, 3D, 3E, 5, 6C, 8, and 9D, or even in an intermediate folding state, as exemplarily shown in Figs. 6A-B, and Figs. 9A-C.

[0076] One of the integral locking sections may comprise a flap 7, and the other one of the integral locking sections may comprise a receiving opening 8. The flap 7 and the receiving opening 8 can be aligned when the handle sections 4 lie flat on each other such that the flap 7 can be folded, preferably about a flap folding line 76, to reach through the receiving opening 8 to lock the measuring spoon 1 - or at least the handle 3 - at least in the folded state. This is exemplarily shown in Figs. 2, 3E, 5, 6C, 8, and 9D.

[0077] A parameter 80 of the receiving opening 8 may define a protrusion section 88 extending flat into the receiving opening 8 to define a latching section 87 to lock the flap 7 in the receiving opening 8 when being folded to reach through the receiving opening 8, as can be best seen in Figs. 2, 6C, and 8.

[0078] Each integral locking section 7, 8 may extend from the respective folding line 6, which directly connects the respective handle section 4 and the adjacent outermost side wall section 5 in the row. Preferably, the respective folding line 6 shares the flap folding line 76, which may thus preferably be identical.

[0079] In the folded state, all folding lines 6, which directly connect the sections 4, 5, meet at the same point X at a bottom 21 of the head 2 or of the volume V. This can be best seen in the unfolded state of the measuring spoons 1 showing the sheet 10 in Figs. 1, 4 and 7.

[0080] In some embodiments as exemplarily shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the circumferentially closed side wall 50 closes the complete head 2 apart from the opening 20; and may thus also close a bottom 21 of the head 2. There may also be embodiments in which the side wall 50 does not or not fully close the bottom 21. In such cases, the bottom 21 may remain open if a suitable food product - e.g. a coarse food product - is intended to be measured by the measuring spoon i. In these cases, the food product can have a size that it may not fall through the open bottom 21 upon a measuring action. In other cases (as exemplarily shown in Figs. 7 and 8), the sheet 10 may further comprise a bottom section 9. The bottom section 9 maybe directly connected to one of the side wall sections 5 by a bottom folding line 96 at a side of the respective side wall section 5 that is distant from the arc A towards a center C of the arc A, as can be best seen in Fig. 7. The bottom section 9 is preferably designed such that, in the folded state of the measuring spoon 1, the bottom section 9 is preferably folded to cover the bottom 21 of the head 2 opposite to the opening 20 to define or delimit the volume V together with the side wall 50. This can be best seen in Figs. 8 and 9D.

[0081] The bottom section 9 may comprise a locking extension 90 and one of the other side wall sections 5 may comprise a corresponding receiving section 59 to catch the locking extension 90 in the folded state to lock the bottom section 9, as exemplarily derivable from the combination of Figs. 9C and 9D and as also shown in Fig. 8.

[0082] As can be particularly seen in Figs. 2, 5 and 8, a perimeter 52 of the side wall 50 defining the opening 20 may extend in a plane, to allow an accurate levelling off of a food product received in the volume V.

[0083] Figs. 3, 6 and 9 show some or all folding steps to form a measuring spoon 1 according to the present invention from the sheet 10, i.e. from the unfolded state, by folding into the folded - i.e. functional or operating - state.

[0084] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the sheet 10 comprises three side wall sections 5; namely two outermost side wall sections 5’ and one intermediate side wall section 5”. In Fig. 3A, the sheet 10 is provided in its original flat configuration; thus showing the measuring spoon 1 in the unfolded state. The side wall sections 5 have a triangular shape and are all identical. In Fig. 3A, the sheet 10 is provided in its original flat configuration; thus showing the measuring spoon 1 in the unfolded state. In Fig. 3B, the handle sections 4 are slightly folded about the respective folding lines 6, which directly connects the respective handle section 4 and the adjacent outermost side wall section 5’. In Fig. 3C, the handle sections 4 are further folded towards each other so that finally they lie - here with their respective face 40 being directed to the same side of the sheet 10 - flat on each other to form the handle 3, as shown in Fig. 3D. In the folded state, the folding lines 6 of the handle sections 4 are aligned, as can be best seen in Fig. 3D. During said folding action, the respective sections 4, 5 - including the side wall sections 5 - are all folded about their respective folding line(s) 6 so that the side wall sections form the circumferentially closed side wall 50 of the head 2. In the shown embodiment, the folding lines 6 - at least in the folded state but also in the unfolded state - meet at the same point X at the bottom 21 of the head 2 or of the volume V. In this embodiment, the volume V of the head 2 is completely delimited (i.e. covered or closed) by the side wall sections 5 apart from the opening 20. In a final step, as shown in the combination of Figs. 3D and 3E, the flap 7 is folded about the flap folding line 76 to reach through the receiving opening 8 to lock the measuring spoon 1 in the folded state (see Fig. 3E). The flap 7 is here preferably locked in the receiving opening 8 by the latching section 87. Alternatively (or additionally), the two handle sections 4 may also be glued together in the folding configuration of Fig. 3D to fix or lock the folded state of the measuring spoon 1.

[0085] In the embodiment of Figs 4 and 6, the sheet 10 comprises six side wall sections 5; namely two outermost side wall sections 5’ and four intermediate side wall section 5”. In Fig. 4, the sheet 10 is provided in its original flat configuration; thus showing the measuring spoon 1 in the unfolded state. The side wall sections 5 have a triangular shape and are all identical. In Fig. 6A, the handle sections 4 are folded; here about a folding line 6, which directly connects two adjacent intermediate side wall sections 5”. In the so formed intermediate folding state of Fig. 6A, the handle sections 4 are folded to lie - here with their respective face 40 being directed to the same side of the sheet 10 - flat on each other to form the handle 3. During said folding action, the side wall sections 5 are relatively folded so that they form the circumferentially closed side wall 50 of the head 2; yet in a flat manner. In this intermediate folding configuration, half of the side wall sections 5 lie flat on the other half of the side wall sections 5 so that the sheet 10 is folded into half resulting in a two-layered flat sheet of material. In this configuration having reduced dimensions compared to the unfolded state of the sheet 10, the measuring spoon 1 may be easily provided in a food container in a space saving manner. In this state, the integral locking sections 7, 8 may already be locked, as indicated in Fig. 6A. In particular, here the flap 7 is folded about the flap folding line 76 to reach through the receiving opening 8 to lock the measuring spoon 1; here particularly at least the handle 3. The flap 7 is here preferably locked in the receiving opening 8 by the latching section 87. Alternatively (or additionally), the two handle sections 4 may also be glued together in the folding configuration of Fig. 6A to fix / lock the handle 3; i.e. the handle sections 4 lying flat on each other. As is exemplarily shown in the following folding step of Fig. 6B, the side wall sections 5 are further folded, respectively, to expand the volume V of the head 2; thus resulting in the final folded state. In the shown intermediate folding states of Figs. 6A and 6B as well as in the (final) folded state of Fig. 6C, the folding lines 6 of the handle sections 4 are aligned, as can be best seen in Fig. 6C. In the shown embodiment, the folding lines 6 - at least in the folded state but also in the unfolded state - meet at the same point X at the bottom 21 of the head 2 or of the volume V. In this embodiment, the volume V of the head 2 is completely delimited (i.e. covered or closed) by the side wall sections 5 apart from the opening 20.

[0086] In the embodiment of Figs 7 and 9, the sheet 10 comprises four side wall sections 5; namely two outermost side wall sections 5’ and two intermediate side wall section 5”. In Fig. 7, the sheet 10 is provided in its original flat configuration; thus showing the measuring spoon 1 in the unfolded state. The side wall sections 5 have a symmetric and isosceles trapezoidal shape. The three side wall sections 5 on the left handed side of Fig. 7 are all identical. The sheet 10 further comprises a bottom section 9, which is directly connected to the right-most side wall section 5 by a bottom folding line 96 at a side of the respective side wall section 5 that is distant from the arc A towards a center C of the arc A. In Fig. 9A, the handle sections 4 are folded; here about a folding line 6, which directly connects the two adjacent intermediate side wall sections 5”. In the so formed intermediate folding state of Fig. 9A, the handle sections 4 are folded to lie - here with their respective face 40 being directed to the same side of the sheet 10 - flat on each other to form the handle 3. During said folding action, the side wall sections 5 are relatively folded so that they form the circumferentially closed side wall 50 of the head 2; yet in a flat manner. In this intermediate folding configuration, half of the side wall sections 5 lie flat on the other half of the side wall sections 5. Also, the bottom section 9 is here preferably folded inwards to lie flat between the two outermost side wall sections 5’. Hence, the sheet 10 is folded into half with the bottom section 9 folded inwards, thus resulting in a thin layered flat sheet of material. In this configuration having reduced dimensions compared to the unfolded state of the sheet 10, the measuring spoon 1 may be easily provided in a food container in a space saving manner. In this state, the integral locking sections 7, 8 may already be locked, as indicated in Fig. 9A. In particular, here the flap 7 is folded about the flap folding line 76 to reach through the receiving opening 8 to lock the measuring spoon 1; here particularly at least the handle 3. The flap 7 is here preferably locked in the receiving opening 8 by the latching section 87. Alternatively (or additionally), the two handle sections 4 may also be glued together in the folding configuration of Fig. 9A to fix / lock the handle 3; i.e. the handle sections 4 lying flat on each other. As is exemplarily shown in the following folding step of Fig. 9B, the side wall sections 5 are further folded, respectively, to expand the volume V of the head 2; here exemplarily resulting in a box-like shape of the side wall 50 or head 2. As is derivable from the combination of Figs. 9C and 9D, the bottom section 9 is folded to cover the bottom 21 of the head 2 opposite to the opening 20 to define and delimit the volume V together with the side wall 50. Here, a locking extension 90 of the bottom section 9 is caught by a receiving section 59 of another one of the side wall sections 5 (here the side wall section 5 being opposite to the side wall section 5 from which the bottom section 9 extends with respect to the side wall 50) in the final folded state as indicated in Fig. 9D to lock the bottom section 9. In the shown intermediate folding states of Figs. 9A to 9C as well as in the final folded state of Fig. 9D, the folding lines 6 of the handle sections 4 are aligned, as can be best seen in Fig. 9D.

[0087] The invention is not limited by the embodiments as described herein above, as long as being covered by the appended claims. All the features of the embodiments described herein above can be combined in any possible way and be provided interchangeably.

Claims

Claims i. A foldable measuring spoon (i) to be formed by folding a sheet (to) of a predetermined shape into a folded state, wherein the measuring spoon (i) comprises:• a head (2) defining a volume (V) with an opening (20) for receiving a food product, and• a handle (3) extending from the head (2) to carry the head (2) and the food product, wherein the sheet (10) comprises a plurality of sections (4, 5) being consecutively arranged in a row, the sections (4, 5) comprising:• two handle sections (4) being arranged at two opposite ends of the row, and• a plurality of side wall sections (5; 5’, 5”) being consecutively arranged in the row between the two handle sections (4) along an arc (A) to define a circumferentially closed side wall (50) delimiting the volume (V) when the sheet (10) is folded to form the measuring spoon (1), wherein each side wall section (5; 5’, 5”) is directly connected to each of the two adjacent sections (4, 5) in the row by a folding line (6), respectively, so that• one of the handle sections (4) is directly connected only to one of the two side wall sections (5; 5’) being outermost in the row by one of the folding lines (6), and the other one of the handle sections (4) is directly connected only to the other one of the two side wall sections (5; 5’) being outermost in the row by another one of the folding lines (6), and• the one or more side wall section(s) (5; 5”) being arranged in the row between the two outermost side wall sections (5; 5’) are each directly connected to each of the two adjacent side wall sections (5) by one of the folding lines (6), respectively, wherein each side wall section (5) shares with the respective adjacent one of the sections (4, 5) in the row exactly two of the folding lines (6) being positioned at opposite ends of the respective side wall section (5) with respect to an extension direction of the arc (A), and wherein the sheet (10) is designed such that, when the handle sections (4) are folded to lie flat on each other to form the handle (3), the side wall sections (5) are folded about the folding lines (6) to form the circumferentially closed side wall (50) of the head (2).

2. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sheet (10) is designed such that, when the handle sections (4), with their respective face (40) being directed to the same side of the sheet (10), are folded to lie flat on each other, preferably with their folding lines (6) being aligned, to form the handle (3), the sidewall sections (5) are folded about the folding lines (6) to form the circumferentially closed side wall (50) of the head (2).

3. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each folding line (6) extends orthogonal to a tangent (T) of the arc (A) at an intersection point (P) of the arc (A) with the respective folding line (6).

4. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each folding line (6) comprises a fold, a perforated line, an embossed line, a weakened line, and / or a printed line.

5. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle sections (4) comprise respective integral locking sections (7, 8) which can be relatively fixed to each other to lock the measuring spoon (1) or the handle (3) at least in the folded state.

6. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein one of the integral locking sections (7, 8) comprises a flap (7), and the other one of the integral locking sections (7, 8) comprises a receiving opening (8), which are aligned when the handle sections (4) lie flat on each other so that the flap (7) can be folded, preferably about a flap folding line (76), to reach through the receiving opening (8) to lock the measuring spoon (1) or the handle (3) at least in the folded state.

7. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a perimeter (80) of the receiving opening (8) defines a protrusion section (88) extending flat into the receiving opening (8) so as to define a latching section (87) to lock the flap (7) in the receiving opening (8) when being folded to reach through the receiving opening (8).

8. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein each integral locking section (7, 8) extends from the respective folding line (6) directly connecting the respective handle section (4) and the adjacent outermost side wall section (5) in the row, wherein preferably the respective folding line (6) shares the flap folding line (76).

9. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle sections (4) all have the same shape or at least the same outer contour or are identical, and / or wherein the side wall sections (5) all have the same shape or are identical.

10. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall sections (5) all have a triangular shape or a rectangular shape or a trapezoidal shape, preferably a symmetric trapezoidal shape or isosceles trapezoidal shape, and / or wherein the sheet (10) comprises at least three, or four, or five, or six, or eight side wall sections (5).

11. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the folded state, all folding lines (6) which directly connect the sections (4, 5) meet at the same point (X) at a bottom (21) of the head (2) or of the volume (V).

12. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to claims 1-10, wherein the sheet (10) further comprises a bottom section (9), which bottom section (9) is directly connected to one of the side wall sections (5) by a bottom folding line (96) at a side of the respective side wall section (5) that is distant from the arc (A) towards a center (C) of the arc (A), wherein the bottom section (9) is designed such that, in the folded state of the measuring spoon (1), the bottom section (9) is folded to cover a bottom (21) of the head (2) opposite to the opening (20) to define the volume (V) together with the side wall (50).

13. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the bottom section (9) comprises a locking extension (90) and one of the other side wall sections (5) comprises a receiving section (59) to catch the locking extension (90) in the folded state to lock the bottom section (9).

14. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a perimeter (52) of the side wall (50) defining the opening (20) extends in a plane.

15. The foldable measuring spoon (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring spoon (1) or the sheet (10) is made of a cellulose-based material, preferably made of paper or cardboard, and / or wherein the sheet (10) of the predetermined shape is made by being die-cut from a blank sheet.

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