Cutlery

Abstract

To provide cutlery which achieves a reduction in waste materials and reduction in plastic usage of the waste materials and facilitates disposal operation of a disposable part.SOLUTION: Cutlery includes a disposal part having a head part and a neck part connected to the head part and a handle part where the disposal part is coupled through the neck part, and which is repeatedly used. The disposal part is formed by compressing a sheet material by press working, and the neck part is molded into a curved shape of a cross section. The handle part includes a thin and long lower side base part and an upper side cover part covering the lower side base part. On a tip end side of the lower side base part, a receiving part where a part of the neck part is placed and fit is provided. The upper side cover part can slide to a position where at least the receiving part is exposed in a longitudinal direction of the lower side base part. The disposal part and the handle part are coupled by positioning the upper side cover part on the neck part, after the neck part is fit to the receiving part exposed by sliding and moving the upper side cover part to a rear end side of the lower side base part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to cutlery such as spoons, forks, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Disposable cutlery, which is intended to be discarded after one or a few uses, is used in various food and beverage service locations, such as food courts in commercial facilities, fast food shops, take-out bento shops, food service providers on airplanes, food delivery and catering events, etc. Such disposable cutlery is required to be convenient and low-cost, as most of it is provided free of charge.

[0003] For this reason, plastic cutlery, which is easy to mold into the same shape as high-quality non-disposable metal cutlery and is also inexpensive and lightweight, is widely used (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, marine pollution caused by microplastics has attracted attention, and the move away from plastic is progressing worldwide from the viewpoint of environmental protection. In Japan, the "Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation Related to Plastics" was enacted, which, for example, requires certain businesses to reduce disposable plastic products. In addition, this "Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation Related to Plastics" specifies cutlery such as forks, spoons, and knives provided in certain industries such as accommodation, restaurants, and takeout and delivery food service businesses as "specific plastic-containing products," and there is an increasing demand for the move away from plastic in cutlery.

[0005] Technologies for replacing plastic cutlery with natural materials other than plastic are disclosed in the following Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4.

[0006] The technology of Patent Document 2 has the advantage that the container for storing food is formed by folding and gluing a sheet-shaped material, and therefore can be manufactured by procuring and processing a pre-formed sheet-shaped material. However, since it does not have a curved design like molded plastic cutlery or non-disposable metal cutlery, the feeling of use, such as the sensation when placed in the mouth, is different from that of plastic or metal cutlery.

[0007] On the other hand, the technologies of Patent Documents 3 and 4 use pulp molding technology to give the parts that are placed in the mouth a curved design like metal cutlery, and the surface is smooth, making the feel when placed in the mouth, etc., similar to that of plastic cutlery.

[0008] However, the pulp molding technologies of Patent Documents 3 and 4 directly mold wet pulp in a slurry state, so production requires equipment for handling wet pulp, and the production process and management are more complicated than those of Patent Document 2, which can be produced from a sheet material.In addition, with pulp molding technology, it is difficult to increase the density and water resistance of the molded product because wet pulp is molded.

[0009] Incidentally, in the case of cutlery, as shown in Patent Documents 5 and 6 below, in order to improve design and ease of use, it has been traditional to use different materials for the tip that comes into contact with food and the handle for gripping, and to combine or connect these into an integrated unit.

[0010] In the case of the above-mentioned disposable cutlery and cutlery made from natural materials, as shown in the following Patent Documents 7, 8, and 9, it is known that the tip that comes into contact with food and the handle for gripping are made of different materials, and these are combined or connected to form an integrated unit.

[0011] The technology in Patent Document 7 discloses an extension handle that can be connected to small spoons that come with instant foods, etc. This technology makes disposable small spoons, etc. easier to use, and since the tip is not shaped like high-end non-disposable metal cutlery, the feel when placed in the mouth, etc., is significantly different from conventional plastic cutlery provided in places where food and drink are served.

[0012] The technology in Patent Document 8 uses plastic for the tip that comes into contact with food and paper for the handle, thereby reducing the amount of plastic used while maintaining the same sensation when inserted into the mouth as conventional disposable plastic products.

[0013] The technology in Patent Document 9 is the opposite of the technology in Patent Document 8, in that the tip that comes into contact with food is made of paper and the handle is made of plastic. The handle can be reused, reducing plastic waste and costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-524498 [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-249963 A [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-29926 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2021-29924 [Patent Document 5] Jpn. Jpn. Published No. 50-000052 [Patent Document 6] Special Publication No. 3031371 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-029563 [Patent Document 8] Special Publication No. 3241113 [Patent Document 9] JP 2023-050731 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] As described above, the technologies of Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4 use natural materials as the main raw materials and are excellent in terms of being plastic-free, but they do not fully achieve the same design and usability as conventional plastic disposable cutlery. In addition, the technology of Patent Document 8 has a tip portion that has the same design and usability as conventional plastic disposable cutlery, but the plastic tip portion is also discarded, so it cannot be said to be plastic-free.

[0016] The technology of Patent Document 9 connects the handle by inserting the short handle protruding from the tip, or by clamping the short handle between upper and lower members. Therefore, when removing the tip from the handle after use, it is necessary to grab the dirty tip. Conventional disposable plastic cutlery can be thrown into a trash can without touching the dirty tip after use, but the technology of Patent Document 9 requires complicated operations to separate the handle and tip when discarding.

[0017] In addition, the technology of Patent Document 9 may deform the short handle protruding from the tip when connecting the tip and handle, for example by bending the short handle protruding from the tip or by forcing the protruding part into the short handle in the thickness direction, in which case the deformed part may unintentionally become weak during or after the deformation of the short handle, causing the tip to break. Also, the short handle that was bent during the connection may return to its original curve when it is removed, causing the dirty tip to fall off unintentionally.

[0018] Therefore, the main objective of the present invention is to provide cutlery that uses a disposable part made primarily from natural materials attached to a reusable handle, which can achieve plastic-free operation, waste reduction, and cost reduction, while providing a similar feel to conventional disposable cutlery made from molded plastic, and which further allows the disposable part to be manufactured from sheet material, making it easy to manufacture, has sufficient water resistance, and is easy to use when disposing of the disposable part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] The first means for solving the above problem is: a disposable part having a head part for contacting food and a neck part connected to the head part; a reusable handle portion to which the disposable portion is connected via a neck portion; The disposable portion is formed by compressing a sheet material made of pulp fibers through a press process, and at least the neck portion is formed into a curved cross-sectional shape. The handle portion includes an elongated lower base portion and an upper cover portion that covers the lower base portion, and has a receiving portion on a tip side of the lower base portion into which a part of the neck portion is fitted, and the upper cover portion is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the lower base portion at least to a position where the receiving portion is exposed, The upper cover part is slid toward the rear end of the lower base part to fit the neck part into the exposed receiving part, and then the upper cover part is positioned on the neck part, thereby connecting the disposable part and the handle part. This is a cutlery characterized by the above.

[0020] The second method is The cutlery according to the first means described above has a hole in the neck portion and a protrusion in the receiving portion, and the neck portion is fitted onto the receiving portion while the hole is being inserted into the protrusion.

[0021] The third method is The cutlery relates to the first or second means described above, wherein a convex piece is provided at the tip of the upper cover part, protruding toward the receiving part and having an arcuate edge that fits along the curved surface of the neck part.

[0022] The fourth measure is In the cutlery according to the third aspect, when the disposable part and the handle part are connected, the tip edge of the lower base part is located closer to the head part than the protruding piece of the upper cover part.

[0023] The fifth measure is: The disposable part has a density of 1.0 g / cm 3 This is the cutlery according to the first aspect.

[0024] The sixth method is: In the cutlery according to the first aspect, the neck portion has a ratio of the cross-sectional radius of curvature to the width of 1:0.4 to 1:0.8.

[0025] The seventh measure is: The cutlery according to the first aspect of the present invention contains a siloxane compound in the disposable part.

[0026] The eighth method is: The disposable part is the cutlery according to the first aspect, containing 90 to 100 mass % in total of softwood kraft pulp and hardwood kraft pulp as pulp fibers, and the blending ratio of softwood kraft pulp to hardwood kraft pulp is 5:95 to 30:70. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, cutlery is provided in which a disposable part made primarily of natural materials is connected to a reusable handle, which achieves the elimination of plastic, reduction in waste and cost, and provides a similar feel to conventional disposable cutlery made from molded plastic.Furthermore, the disposable part can be manufactured from sheet material, making it easy to manufacture, the cutlery has sufficient water resistance, and is easy to handle when disposing of the disposable part. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the cutlery according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining other cutlery according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a disposable part according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a top view of another disposable part according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a handle portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the handle portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view of a lower base portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a side view of the lower base according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a front view of the lower base portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a disposable part is placed and fitted in a receiving part according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper cover portion according to the embodiment, as viewed from below. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a front view of the upper cover part according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a manner in which the disposable part and the handle part are connected to each other according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for measuring the bending strength of the cutlery according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of multilayer paper according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cutlery according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 16. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0030] The cutlery 1 according to this embodiment includes a disposable part 10 that is expected to be discarded after one or several uses, and a handle part 20 that is expected to be washed, disinfected, and reused. The disposable part 10 includes a head part 11 that mainly comes into contact with food, and a neck part 12 that connects to the head part 11, and is connected to the handle part 20 via the neck part 12. The handle part 20 is mainly used for gripping and operating. In the description of the cutlery 1 according to this embodiment, the direction toward the head part 11 may be referred to as the tip direction, and the direction toward the handle part 20 may be referred to as the rear direction. In addition, the side that faces up when using the cutlery 1 may be referred to as the upside, and the direction that faces down may be referred to as the downside.

[0031] The cutlery 1 according to this embodiment includes, in particular, the spoon form shown in Fig. 1 and the fork form shown in Fig. 2, and the shape of the head 11 of the disposable part 10 can be changed depending on the specific use and function of the cutlery 1. For example, in the case of the spoon form shown in Fig. 1, the spoon head shape is shown in Fig. 3, and in the case of the fork form shown in Fig. 2, the fork head shape is shown in Fig. 4. Other examples of the cutlery 1 according to this embodiment include a knife, a lotus leaf, a stirrer, a spoon with a hole, etc. The shape of the head 11 of these also depends on the use and function.

[0032] On the other hand, the neck portion 12 of the cutlery 1 according to this embodiment is connected to the head portion 11, and is formed narrower than the head portion 11 so that when food or drink is put into the mouth through the head portion 11, the mouth can be easily closed and the liquid of the food or drink, in particular, does not drip toward the handle portion 20. Providing a neck portion 12 narrower than the head portion 11 increases the convenience of the cutlery 1. In addition, the neck portion 12 has a curved cross-sectional shape with a convex lower side, and is stronger than the head portion 11 despite being narrower. This curved cross-sectional shape can provide strength that does not break even when food or drink is placed on the head portion 11 or when the head portion 11 is used to scoop or stab the food or drink. The neck portion 12 in the illustrated form is preferably formed into a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, and in particular has a curved cross-sectional shape with a convex lower side, but is not necessarily limited to this shape.

[0033] On the other hand, the disposable part 10 of the cutlery 1 according to this embodiment is formed by compressing a sheet material made of pulp fibers by pressing, and in particular, at least the neck part 12 is formed into a curved cross-sectional shape with a convex lower side as described above. That is, the disposable part 10 is compressed and molded by pressing a mold, which is previously molded into a shape corresponding to the head part 11 corresponding to a spoon, fork, etc. and the neck part 12 having a curved cross-sectional shape, against the sheet material in the thickness direction, so that the mold shape is transferred to the sheet material. Of course, the cutlery may be formed into a desired shape by appropriately punching, cutting, etc. after pressing. The disposable part 10 of the cutlery 1 according to this embodiment may be formed by pressing a plurality of stacked sheet materials. However, since there is no risk of peeling between layers, it is preferable to press only one sheet material to form it.

[0034] Here, in the conventional pulp molding technology, like the casting technology in metal molding, a fluid raw material containing pulp fibers is pressed and compressed to form a complex shape, but it is difficult to increase the density, and since the molded product does not have fiber orientation, it is weak and prone to breakage and cracking. The disposable part 10 of the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is not pressed from a fluid raw material such as the pulp molding technology, but is compressed by pressing a sheet material that has been dried once to form hydrogen bonds and has a fixed fiber orientation in the thickness direction, like the forging technology in metal molding, so that it is densely compacted and has a suitable stickiness and flexibility like plastic despite its thinness, and has a high strength sufficient for use. In addition, by forming the neck part 12 into a curved cross section by this compression molding, it is possible to make the neck part 12 strong enough to be difficult to break even if it is formed narrower and thinner than the head part 11. In this way, compression molding by pressing can increase strength while making the surface smoother and reducing the thickness, compared to conventional pulp molding technology, and in particular, when combined with making the neck part into a curved cross-sectional shape, it is possible to mold the neck part into a shape similar to that of metal cutlery formed with a thin neck and smooth curves and surfaces, which also provides an excellent feel in the mouth when used. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that no fluid pulp slurry is required during production, making it easy to manufacture.

[0035] In addition, the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is composed of a disposable part 10 that is discarded after use and a handle part 20 that is reused, so the amount of waste is reduced compared to disposable cutlery in which the entire cutlery is discarded. In addition, since the disposable part 10 is formed of a sheet material made of pulp fiber instead of plastic, it is possible to achieve a plastic-free waste. From the viewpoint of achieving a plastic-free cutlery, it is preferable that the cutlery 1 according to this embodiment is not laminated with plastic made of non-biodegradable resin, and in particular, it is preferable that the cutlery 1 is not laminated with plastic regardless of whether the resin is non-biodegradable or biodegradable. In addition, since the disposable part 10 of the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is an aggregate of pulp fibers, it will not break in the mouth even if it is bitten with teeth during use, and therefore the safety during use can be sufficiently ensured.

[0036] On the other hand, the handle portion 20 of the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is composed of an elongated lower base portion 21 and an elongated upper cover portion 22 that covers the lower base portion 21, as shown in Figures 6 to 11. The specific overall shape of the handle portion 20 is not necessarily limited. It may have the shape of a handle portion of a known cutlery that is easy to grip and operate, as long as it does not impede the effects of the present invention.

[0037] The lower base 21 is characterized by having a receiving portion 31 on the tip side, on which all or a part of the neck portion 12 of the disposable part 10 is placed and fitted. In the cutlery 1 of this embodiment, the neck portion 12 of the disposable part 10 is placed and fitted on the receiving portion 31 so that the convex side faces downward. The upper cover part 22 is positioned on the neck portion 12 that fits into the receiving portion 31, thereby connecting the disposable part 10 and the handle part 20. The shapes of the lower base 21 and the receiving portion 31 are not necessarily limited. For example, as shown in Figs. 6 to 9, the lower base 21 may have a semi-cylindrical bottom portion 21B that is open at the top, and a lower edge portion 21E that extends upward from the side edge of the bottom portion 21B, and the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be substantially U-shaped. In particular, the receiving portion 31 may have any shape that is open at the top and matches part or all of the convex side of the curved portion of the neck portion 12, such as a semi-cylindrical shape with an open top whose cross section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is curved, or a shape that has a part that matches the convex side of the curved portion of the neck portion 12. The receiving portion 31 in the illustrated form has a semi-cylindrical shape with a curved cross section, and is shaped such that a pair of receiving portion ribs 31R, 31R extend along the longitudinal direction from its bottom portion, so that the neck portion 12 rests on the pair of receiving portion ribs 31R, 31R and fits between or near the upper edges (indicated by reference symbol 31T in the figure) of the semi-cylindrical portion.

[0038] On the other hand, in the cutlery 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the neck portion 12 of the disposable part 10 is provided with a through hole 12H, while the receiving portion 31 is provided with a convex portion 31P as shown in Figures 6 and 7, and it is preferable that the neck portion 12 is fitted to the receiving portion 31 while being inserted through the through hole 12H with respect to the convex portion 31P as shown in Figure 10. In particular, it is preferable that the outer peripheral edge of the convex portion 31P and the inner peripheral edge of the through hole 12H are configured to match, and the convex portion 31P is configured to be fitted into the through hole 12H. When the neck portion 12 is fitted to the receiving portion 31 while being inserted through the through hole 12H with respect to the convex portion 31P in this way, positioning when fitting the disposable part 10 to the receiving portion 31 is easy, and the disposable part 10 is less likely to move in the distal direction due to the engagement between the through hole 12H and the convex portion 31P, and the disposable part 10 is less likely to come off the handle portion 20 in the distal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, there is one protrusion 31P and one through hole 12H, but the number of protrusions 31P and the number of through holes 12H are not limited to one. Furthermore, the size and shape of the protrusions 31P and the through holes 12H are not limited.

[0039] Here, in the cutlery 1 of this embodiment, the neck portion 12 is configured to be mounted and fitted in its original shape without being substantially deformed. For example, when the neck portion 12 is mounted and fitted in the receiving portion 31, the neck portion 12 is not deformed so that the curvature of the curve of the neck portion 12 is increased. Since the neck portion 12 is configured to be mounted and fitted in the receiving portion 31 without being substantially deformed in shape, the neck portion 12 is easily fitted into the receiving portion 31 without pressing the neck portion 12 against the receiving portion 31 with a strong force, and the neck portion 12 can be easily removed from the receiving portion 31 without requiring excessive force. In addition, the neck portion 12 can be prevented from breaking or changing in strength due to deformation. Furthermore, since the neck portion is not simply mounted but is fitted into the receiving portion, it is possible to prevent the neck portion from falling due to the weight of the head portion when attaching the neck portion to the receiving portion. Note that the disposable portion 10 according to the present invention is formed by compression molding a sheet material made of pulp fiber, and therefore may be slightly deformed over time after molding due to manufacturing errors and the surrounding humidity and temperature. For example, the curved portion of the neck may be deformed so as to open due to deformation over time. Even if the shape of receiving portion 31 and the shape of neck portion 12 are designed to match, some unintended deformation may occur when neck portion 12 is fitted into receiving portion 31 due to such manufacturing errors and deformation over time caused by the nature of the material. Therefore, in regard to the fit between neck portion 12 and receiving portion 31, the above-mentioned "substantially no deformation" means that there is substantially no deformation during fitting caused by such manufacturing errors and deformation over time.

[0040] On the other hand, the upper cover part 22 of this embodiment is slidable toward the rear end side of the lower base part 21 along the longitudinal direction of the lower base part 21 at least to a position where the receiving part 31 is exposed, as shown in particular in Figs. 5 and 6. The sliding length of the upper cover part 22 relative to the lower base part 21 is not limited. It may be slidable until it is separated from the lower base part 21. The shape of the upper cover part 22 is not necessarily limited. It may be an appropriate shape within a range that does not impede the effects of the present invention. For example, as shown in the figure, it may have an upper part 22T whose upper surface is substantially flat, and upper edge parts 22E, 22E extending downward from the side edges of the upper part 22T, and may have a shape whose cross section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is substantially U-shaped.

[0041] The sliding mechanism of the lower base 21 and the upper cover part 22 in this embodiment is not necessarily limited. A known sliding mechanism can be adopted. Preferably, the mechanism allows the upper cover part 22 to be slid with one hand. In the illustrated embodiment, linear guide grooves 21G, 21G are formed along the longitudinal direction on both edges of the bottom part 21B of the lower base 21, and guide ribs 22R, 22R that engage with the guide grooves 21G, 21G are provided on the lower edges of the upper edges 22E, 22E of the upper cover part 22, and the upper cover part is configured to slide relative to the lower base by a sliding mechanism that allows the guide rib 22R to move along the guide groove 21G. In addition, the upper cover part 22 is configured not to slip out above the lower base 21 by the guide rib 22R engaging with the guide groove 21G. In this form, for example, by simply holding the upper part 22T of the upper cover part 22 and the bottom part 21B of the lower base part 21 with the thumb and index finger and shifting them toward each other in the front-to-rear direction, the upper cover part 22 can be slid to expose and cover the receiving part 31.

[0042] In the cutlery of this embodiment, the upper cover part 22 is slid toward the rear end of the lower base part 21 (X direction in the figure) as shown in Fig. 13(A) to expose the receiving part 31 located at the tip of the lower base part 21, and the neck part of the disposable part is fitted onto the receiving part so that the head part protrudes from the tip of the lower base part as shown in Fig. 13(B) and (C). Then, as shown in Fig. 13(D), the upper cover part 22 is slid toward the tip of the lower base part 21 (X' direction in the figure) to position the neck part 12 above the receiving part 31 in which it is fitted, and the neck part 12 is positioned between the lower base part 21 and the upper cover part 22, thereby connecting the disposable part 10 and the handle part 20.

[0043] In the cutlery 1 of this embodiment, the longitudinal length of the overlapping portion between the disposable part 10 and the handle part 20, i.e., the portion that fits into the receiving part 31 of the neck part 12 (range L7 shown in FIG. 16) is not necessarily limited, but is desirably 10 mm or more. It is preferably 20 mm or more. Within this range, the disposable part 10 and the handle part 20 can be easily and stably connected. The upper limit is not necessarily limited, but is desirably 30 to 50 mm from the viewpoint of reducing waste.

[0044] On the other hand, the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is used by the user with the disposable part 10 and the handle part 20 connected. After use, the upper cover part 22 is slid back again to the rear side of the lower base part 21 to expose the receiving part 31 located at the tip of the lower base part 21, and the disposable part 10 is removed from the handle part 20. In this removal, in the cutlery 1 of this embodiment, the neck part 12 is simply placed on the receiving part 31, so that the cutlery can be dropped by turning the handle part 20 upside down so that the receiving part 31 faces downward. For example, the cutlery can be dropped freely by simply turning the handle part 20 upside down so that the receiving part 31 faces downward, or the neck part 12 can be removed from the receiving part 31 by a simple operation such as lightly tapping the back part of the receiving part 31 or a part of the neck part 12 with a finger or the like, or shaking the handle part 20. Therefore, the disposable part 10 after use can be discarded from the handle part 20 into a trash can or the like without touching it. Therefore, for example, the disposable part 10 can be easily removed from the handle part 20 by an operation using only one hand. However, the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is not necessarily limited to one in which the disposable part can be removed from the handle part 20 using one hand. The cutlery 1 of this embodiment may be operated so that the disposable part 10 can be removed from the handle part 20 using both hands.

[0045] As described above, the cutlery 1 of this embodiment allows the disposable part 10 to be disposed of by a simple operation, and in particular, the disposable part disposal operation can be completed by operating only the handle part 20 or by operating only one hand. Therefore, for example, another person can throw the disposable part into a trash can or the like by operating only the handle part 20 without touching the disposable part on which the user's saliva or the like adheres. In addition, the disposable operation can be easily performed even by patients, elderly people, and the like who have weak hand strength. Furthermore, the disposable part 10 can be easily disposed of even by those who have limited physical movement due to congenital, acquired, or temporary reasons such as a fracture, especially those who can only use one hand. Therefore, the cutlery 1 of this embodiment can be particularly useful in medical facilities for infectious disease patients, hospitals, nursing homes, nursing homes, and the like.

[0046] On the other hand, the handle part 20 of this embodiment is preferably configured so that when the upper cover part 22 is slid in the distal direction to be positioned on the neck part 12 with the neck part 12 fitted on the receiving part 31, a part or all of the part of the upper cover part 22 facing the receiving part 31 is in flush contact with the disposable part 10 or is positioned with a very small gap of 1 mm or less. In the illustrated embodiment, both side edges 22e, 22e of the surface of the upper part 22T of the upper cover part 22 facing the receiving part 31 are configured to be flush with a part or all of the edges 12e, 12e of the neck part 12 or be positioned with a very small gap of 1 mm or less. Although not illustrated, the part of the upper part of the upper cover part 22 facing the receiving part 31 may be molded into a semi-cylindrical shape so as to approximately match the shape of the neck part 12 that is convex toward the receiving part 31, so that the receiving part 31 and the upper cover part 22 are flush with each other or the gap between them is 1 mm or less. In this manner, when all or part of the surface of the upper cover portion 22 facing the receiving portion 31 is configured to be in contact with the neck portion 12 or positioned with a very small gap therebetween, the neck portion 12 becomes less likely to move in the vertical direction, the disposable portion 10 is less likely to rattle when connected to the handle portion 20, and the disposable portion 10 does not wobble relative to the handle portion 20 when in use, which is preferable.

[0047] Furthermore, in the cutlery 1 in the illustrated form, as a more preferred form, a convex piece 22P is provided at the tip of the upper cover part 22, which protrudes toward the receiving part 31 and has an arcuate edge shaped to fit the curved surface of the neck part 12. This convex piece 22P is designed so that when the upper cover part 22 is positioned on the receiving part 31, the arcuate edge of the convex piece 22P and the receiving part 31 are flush with each other or have a small gap therebetween. In the cutlery 1 of this embodiment, the convex piece 22P and the neck part 12 are close to each other at the tip of the handle part 20, so that the disposable part 10 is prevented from wobbling relative to the handle part 20. At the same time, the convex piece 22P serves as a lid body, so that liquids from food and drink, etc., or food spills moving from the head part 11 toward the handle part 20 are prevented from flowing to the rear end of the neck part 12, and food residue and liquids are prevented from entering the handle part 20 unintentionally.

[0048] In the cutlery 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the above-mentioned convex piece 22P is provided, and the tip edge 21T of the lower base part 21 is configured to be located closer to the head part 11 than the convex piece 22P of the upper cover part 22 when the disposable part 10 and the handle part 20 are connected. In particular, it is desirable that the tip edge 21T has an arc shape that is convex toward the head part 11 as shown in the figures. The tip of the lower base part 21 protrudes in a convex arc shape toward the tip direction more than the tip of the upper cover part 22, and this protruding part can support the neck part 12, so that the neck part 12, especially the part sandwiched between the convex piece 22P of the upper cover part 22 and the receiving part, is less likely to break and the operability is improved. In addition, if it is an arc shape, it is more difficult to break and the discomfort when it touches the lips can be reduced, making it easier to use the cutlery 1.

[0049] Furthermore, as a more preferred embodiment, the cutlery 1 of this embodiment preferably has a convex portion 22C that protrudes from the upper cover portion 22 toward the lower base portion 21 and enters the curved portion of the neck portion 12, as shown in FIG. 11. The cutlery in the illustrated embodiment has two ribs 22C, 22C that protrude from the convex piece 22P toward the rear end side from the upper cover portion 22 toward the lower base portion 21, and is arranged to be positioned within the curved portion of the neck portion 12 when the upper cover portion 22 is positioned on the neck portion 12. It is preferable that the convex portions 22C, 22C such as these ribs are flush with the neck portion 12 or have a gap of 1 mm or less. The neck portion 12 is less likely to rattle relative to the handle portion 20, and the usability is improved. The number of ribs or convex portions 22C, 22C is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0050] On the other hand, the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is preferably configured so that, particularly when the neck portion 12 is fitted into the receiving portion 31, the disposable portion 10 is connected at a predetermined angle so as to be inclined upward toward the tip, and the tip of the head portion 11 is located above the upper surface 22T of the handle portion 20. The angle at which the head portion 11 is connected to the handle portion 20 is not necessarily limited, but it is preferable that the tip of the head portion 11 is connected at an angle that is about 1 to 30 mm above the upper portion 22T of the handle portion 20. With this configuration, the head portion 11 can be operated more easily.

[0051] The material of the lower base 21 and the upper cover 22 is not limited, but is a material that can withstand cleaning and disinfection and can be used repeatedly. Examples include metal materials, wood, and plastic materials. Plastic materials are preferable, and bioplastics containing dietary fiber, wood fiber, and pulp fiber are more preferable. Plastic materials are inexpensive, easy to mold into the intended shape, and easy to select from those that have excellent cleaning resistance and disinfection resistance. Furthermore, if a bioplastic material is used, the cutlery as a whole can reduce the use of resin, further reducing the amount of plastic used, and further reducing the environmental burden.

[0052] Here, the bending strength of the neck portion 12 in the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is not necessarily limited because the required bending strength differs depending on the shape and the use of the cutlery, but it is desirable that the strength in a two-point bending load test measured by a composite material testing machine (10 kN) type 5966 type or an equivalent machine is 0.5 N or more at a bending deflection of 15 mm. In this two-point bending test, as shown in FIG. 14, the handle portion 20 of the cutlery 1 is fixed to the support base 80A, and the center of the head portion 11 of the cutlery 1 is measured as the pushing position. For example, if the cutlery 1 is in the form of a spoon as shown in FIG. 14, the bottom position of the bowl shape is the pushing position. The holding length L20 from the rear end of the cutlery to the end of the support base is not limited depending on the type and shape of the cutlery 1, but it may be 25 to 30% of the total length of the cutlery. However, it is set so that at least the tip of the handle portion 20 is ahead of the wire end 80t of the support base 80A. The measurement is performed with a small load of 500N, a pressing speed of 40mm / min, and an indenter 81 with a semicircular tip. If the measurement sample is a spoon or a fork, the front side is set facing upward. Generally, a curry spoon or a table spoon weighs about 15 to 30g, and if the bending load at a bending deflection of 15mm is 0.5N or more by this measurement method, it can be said that the cutlery 1 has a particularly preferable strength sufficient for use with a general operation method. Furthermore, the cutlery of this embodiment is preferably 2N or more at a bending deflection of 30mm. Even if it has a relatively large shape like a table spoon, it has high deflection, and the risk of breaking or breaking during use is significantly lower, making it highly safe.

[0053] On the other hand, the cutlery 1 of the present embodiment is not necessarily limited, but it is preferable that the cutlery 1 has a water resistance of 3 minutes or more, more preferably 5 minutes or more. Here, the water resistance is such that the layers do not separate or disintegrate even when completely immersed in water. However, it is particularly preferable that the strength in the above-mentioned two-point bending load test, that is, the bending load at a bending deflection of 15 mm, is maintained at 0.5 N or more even when immersed for 5 minutes.

[0054] Furthermore, the disposable part 10 according to the present embodiment preferably contains a siloxane compound. When the disposable part 10 contains a siloxane compound, the rigidity, strength, water resistance, and surface smoothness are increased by siloxane bonds. The disposable part is composed of the head part 11, which is likely to come into contact with food and moisture in the oral cavity and is likely to come into contact with the oral cavity and lips, and the neck part 12, which is likely to be twisted or subjected to force during operation. The rigidity, strength, water resistance, and surface smoothness are improved by the inclusion of a siloxane compound, and the ease of use of the cutlery 1 is greatly improved.

[0055] Here, the siloxane compound is not necessarily limited as long as it has a siloxane bond, but since the disposable part 10 may come into contact with food or be placed in the oral cavity, it is assumed that the siloxane compound is non-toxic or low-toxic to living organisms. In addition, in order to make the disposable part 10 contain the siloxane compound, in addition to the mode of coating the disposable part 10 with the siloxane compound, the sheet material before molding may be impregnated with an appropriate alkoxysilane solution or an alkoxysilane solution processed product, and then heated or press processed. In addition, the disposable part 10 may be immersed in an appropriate alkoxysilane solution or an alkoxysilane solution processed product. In this way, the siloxane compound is contained in the pulp fiber itself or in a mode of coating the pulp fiber.

[0056] Here, the disposable part 10 of this embodiment is formed by pressing a sheet material, but the pressing pressure and pressing speed can be appropriately changed according to the type and shape of the sheet material and cutlery, and are not necessarily limited. However, in order to compact the sheet material in the thickness direction and develop sufficient strength, it is preferable to compress the sheet material with a pressing pressure of preferably 60 tons or more, more preferably 80 tons or more, and particularly preferably 100 tons or more. The upper limit may be designed within a range in which the sheet material does not break, but considering that the sheet material is made of pulp fibers, the upper limit is about 200 tons. In addition, when such a high pressing pressure is used in forming the disposable part 10 of this embodiment, it is more preferable in terms of ease of manufacture and strength to press the entire part rather than press a part of it. In addition, the disposable part of this embodiment may be formed by pressing the entire sheet material to compress it and integrating it with other members that are not pressed by partially adhering or pressing them. In addition, when performing the press working, heating may be performed during the press working, and the sheet material may be moistened to make it easier to deform. A solution containing the above-mentioned siloxane compound or a solution containing a substance that is a precursor of the siloxane compound may be used as a moistening agent. In addition, the heating temperature during heating is not necessarily limited.

[0057] The preferred basis weight of the disposable part 10 of this embodiment is 700 g / m 2 More preferably, 850 g / m 2 More preferably, 950 g / m 2 The basis weight is a value measured in accordance with "Paper and paperboard - Basis weight measurement method" described in JIS P 8124 (2011). The preferred density of the cutlery 1 of this embodiment is 0.70 g / cm 3 More preferably, 0.98 g / cm 3 More preferably, 1.1 g / cm 3 In particular, the density of the pressed part is preferably 1.0 g / cm 3 More preferably, 1.2 g / cm 3The density is calculated by (basis weight) / (paper thickness). The disposable part 10 of this embodiment can be said to have a sufficiently high density. In particular, with the above basis weight and density, the disposable part 10 is compacted with an appropriate mass, and although thin, has an appropriate stickiness and flexibility like plastic, and has a high strength sufficient for use. The thickness is not necessarily limited, but the thickness of the pressed part is 1.5 mm or less per one layer of the sheet, preferably 1.35 m or less, and particularly preferably 1.0 mm or less. The paper thickness is a value measured in accordance with "Paper and paperboard - Test method for thickness and density" described in JIS-P8118 (2014).

[0058] The pulp fibers constituting the disposable part 10 are not necessarily limited, but preferred constituent pulp fibers are softwood kraft pulps such as softwood unbleached kraft pulp (NUKP), softwood semi-bleached kraft pulp (NSBKP), and softwood bleached kraft pulp (NBKP), and hardwood kraft pulps such as hardwood unbleached kraft pulp (LUKP), hardwood semi-bleached kraft pulp (LSBKP), and hardwood bleached kraft pulp (LBKP). Other pulps may be used in appropriate combinations of various known pulps such as chemical pulps such as waste paper pulp, hardwood sulfite pulp, and softwood sulfite pulp, or pulps produced chemically or mechanically from non-wood fibers such as kenaf, hemp, and reed. However, since the disposable part 10 is used in applications where it comes into contact with food or is placed in the mouth, it is preferable that it is made of 100% virgin pulp and does not contain waste paper pulp. In addition, since it is virgin pulp and it is easy to balance the appearance and strength of the product after processing, it is preferable that the content of softwood kraft pulp and hardwood kraft pulp is 90 to 100 mass %. In this case, the blending ratio of softwood kraft pulp and hardwood kraft pulp is preferably 5:95 to 30:70. By increasing the blending ratio of hardwood kraft pulp with short fiber length, it is easy to compact by pressing, easy to develop strength, and easy to improve the texture of the surface. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable to use bleached softwood kraft pulp and bleached hardwood kraft pulp, since it is bleached pulp and has high whiteness, and the cutlery 1 has a design with a clean and hard feel.

[0059] The sheet material made from pulp fibers according to the present embodiment may be a dry-processed paper or a wet-processed paper. Preferably, the paper is made from a pulp slurry by wet-processing, and has a longitudinal direction (MD) and a transverse direction (CD). Such paper has fiber orientation, and therefore strength is easily increased. In particular, in a disposable part made by pressing a sheet material having such fiber orientation, it is preferable that the longitudinal direction from the head part 11 side to the neck part 12 side coincides with the longitudinal direction (MD) of the paper, although this is not necessarily limited thereto. By aligning the longitudinal direction (MD) of the paper with the longitudinal direction, the cutlery 1 is less likely to break and more likely to bend when the head part 11 is operated by the handle part 20.

[0060] As the sheet material according to this embodiment, a multi-layered paper 50 having three or more paper layers is particularly preferred. In particular, a high-density multi-layered paper is preferable, not a simple cardboard. It is particularly preferable that the sheet material of the disposable part 10 is the high-density multi-layered paper 50 and contains a siloxane compound. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the multi-layered paper 50 has a plurality of paper layers 51 and 52 laminated therein, so that it is easier to increase the strength when compacted in the thickness direction than a single layer of paper. In addition, the characteristics of each layer of the multi-layered paper 50 can be changed, and it is easy to ensure elasticity while being high density, and it is easy to impart water resistance. For example, by combining a pair of surface layers 51, which are excellent in water resistance but are hard but tend to break, with a flexible middle layer 52, it becomes excellent in water resistance, toughness, and durability. And, in the disposable part according to this embodiment, the sheet material is compression molded by pressing in the thickness direction, that is, from the layer stacking direction of the multi-layered paper 50, so that the characteristics of each layer in the multi-layered paper 50 are easily maintained. For this reason, even if the paper has a shape similar to that of the plastic disposable cutlery 1, such as the spoon shown in Figs. 1 and 3 or the fork shown in Figs. 2 and 4, in which the head 11 and the handle 20 are connected via a narrow neck 12, sufficient strength is easily achieved. In particular, the neck 12 is easily flexible, and the paper has a similar feel to that of the plastic disposable cutlery 1. The multilayer paper 50 can be manufactured by multi-layer papermaking. The multilayer paper 50 may be commercially available, such as Elipla Paper manufactured by Dainichi Paper Co., Ltd.

[0061] The multilayer paper 50, which is a preferred sheet material according to this embodiment, desirably has a tensile strength of at least 50 kN / m in both the longitudinal and transverse directions measured in accordance with JIS P 8113 (2006). If the multilayer paper has this tensile strength, it is easy to ensure sufficient strength in the non-press processed areas and after shaping by press processing.

[0062] Furthermore, the multilayer paper 50, which is a preferred sheet material according to this embodiment, has a Taber stiffness measured in accordance with JIS P 8125 (2000) of 125 mN·m or more, preferably 150 mN·m or more, in the longitudinal direction, and 40 mN·m or more, preferably 60 mN·m or more, in the transverse direction. This multilayer paper 50 has sufficient stiffness and strength, and it is easy to ensure sufficient strength in the non-press processed parts and after shaping by press processing.

[0063] Furthermore, the multi-layer paper 50 has a Z-axis strength of 400 kN / m as measured in accordance with JAPAN TAPPI Paper and Pulp Testing Method No. 18-1:2000. 2 More than 450kN / m 2 It is desirable that the above conditions be satisfied. It has excellent moldability by press working, and is easy to manufacture by punching such as Thomson processing before or after press working, or by cutting with a cutting plotter or the like.

[0064] The number of layers of the multilayer paper 50, which is a preferred sheet material according to this embodiment, is not limited, but is preferably five to nine layers, and the number of middle layers 52 is preferably three or more, especially five. In particular, the form shown in FIG. 15 has three middle layers 52. It is said that when the total number of middle layers 52 is three or more, the multilayer paper 50 is more likely to exhibit its toughness and durability. From the viewpoint of maintaining interlayer strength, the upper limit of the total number of middle layers 52 is preferably seven or less. Furthermore, three to seven layers make it easier to operate while maintaining interlayer strength when using a cylinder net multi-cylinder combined papermaking machine.

[0065] Here, the basis weight of the multi-layer paper 50, which is a preferred sheet material according to this embodiment, is preferably 700 g / m, similar to the disposable part after molding. 2 More preferably, 850 g / m 2 More preferably, 950 g / m 2That is all. Multilayer paper 50 with this basis weight can be easily consolidated in the thickness direction to provide sufficient rigidity and strength, and can be made to have a similar feel to the head and neck of disposable plastic cutlery. There is no upper limit to the basis weight of multilayer paper 50, but there is a risk that creases may easily occur due to the calendar rolls during papermaking, and from this point of view, the upper limit is set to 1,400 g / m 2 is preferred, and 1240 g / m 2 is more preferable. The thickness of the multilayer paper is preferably 900 μm or more and 1,500 μm or less, more preferably 1,000 μm or more and 1,350 μm or less. If the multilayer paper 50 having this thickness is pressed to have a thickness of 1.5 mm or less, preferably 1.35 mm or less, and particularly preferably 1.0 mm or less, it is easy to obtain the strength required for the disposable part of this embodiment. The basis weight is a value measured in accordance with "Paper and paperboard - Basis weight measurement method" described in JIS P 8124 (2011), and the paper thickness is a value measured in accordance with "Paper and paperboard - Thickness and density test method" described in JIS-P8118 (2014).

[0066] The basis weights of the surface layer 51 and the middle layer 52 in the multi-layer paper 50, which is a preferred sheet material according to this embodiment, can be adjusted within the range of the basis weight of the entire sheet material described above, and are not particularly limited. Preferably, the basis weight of the surface layer 51 is 60.0 g / m per layer. 2 More than 250.0g / m 2 Below 130~150g / m 2 The basis weight of the entire intermediate layer 52 is preferably 500 g / m 2 More than 900g / m 2 Below, especially 650g / m 2 More than 800g / m 2or less is preferable. Furthermore, the multi-layer paper 50 is preferably one in which the ratio of the total basis weight of the pair of surface layers 51, 51 to the basis weight of the entire multi-layer paper 50 is 20.0% or more and 35.0% or less. This is because the pair of surface layers 51 have high rigidity and the middle layer 52 has excellent flexibility. Furthermore, in the multi-layer paper 50, a multi-layer paper 50 in which the ratio of the total basis weight of the pair of surface layers 51 is in the above range has a characteristic of being difficult to bend. A preferred multi-layer paper 50 has a density of preferably 0.65 to 1.50 g / cm before compression molding by press working. 3 , more preferably 0.73 to 1.00 g / cm 3 , particularly preferably 0.76 to 0.96 g / cm 3 By having the density of the multilayer paper 50 fall within this range, the paper has a high basis weight and excellent rigidity, is less likely to break, and is more likely to have hardness and stiffness when molded by press processing.

[0067] The preferred pulp fibers constituting each layer of the multilayer paper 50 are the same as those constituting the disposable part, and are not necessarily limited to these, but are preferably softwood kraft pulps such as softwood unbleached kraft pulp (NUKP), softwood semi-bleached kraft pulp (NSBKP), and softwood bleached kraft pulp (NBKP), and hardwood kraft pulps such as hardwood unbleached kraft pulp (LUKP), hardwood semi-bleached kraft pulp (LSBKP), and hardwood bleached kraft pulp (LBKP). As other pulps, various known pulps such as chemical pulps such as waste paper pulp, hardwood sulfite pulp, and softwood sulfite pulp, or pulps chemically or mechanically produced from non-wood fibers such as kenaf, hemp, and reed may be used in appropriate combination. However, since the disposable part is a part that comes into contact with food and is used for purposes that are placed in the mouth, it is preferable that it is made of 100% virgin pulp and does not contain waste paper pulp. In addition, since it is virgin pulp and it is easy to balance the appearance and strength of the product after processing, it is preferable that the content of softwood kraft pulp and hardwood kraft pulp is 90 to 100 mass %. In this case, the blending ratio of softwood kraft pulp and hardwood kraft pulp is preferably 5:95 to 30:70. By increasing the blending ratio of hardwood kraft pulp with short fiber length, it is easy to compact by pressing, easy to develop strength, and easy to improve the texture of the surface. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable to use bleached softwood kraft pulp and bleached hardwood kraft pulp, since it is bleached pulp and has high whiteness, and it becomes a disposable part with a design with a clean and hard feel.

[0068] From the perspective of eliminating plastics, the multilayer paper 50, which is a preferred sheet material according to this embodiment, is desirably made only of fibers derived from natural materials and does not contain synthetic fibers including plastics. Preferably, it is made only of pulp fibers.

[0069] Regarding the blend of pulp fibers in each layer of this multilayer paper 50, the surface layer 51 preferably has a mass ratio (%) of softwood kraft pulp to the hardwood kraft pulp of 0 / 100 or more and 15 / 85 or less. The surface layer contains a large amount of hardwood kraft pulp, which is rigid and easily densified, and the surface layer has high density and rigid characteristics, resulting in a disposable part with excellent strength. Along with the surface layer 51 having this blend, the middle layer 52 preferably has a mass ratio (%) of softwood kraft pulp to the hardwood kraft pulp of 15 / 85 or more and 35 / 65 or less. If the middle layer 52 contains a large amount of softwood kraft pulp, which is more flexible than the surface layer, it is easier to compress and mold firmly in the thickness direction during press processing, making it easier to form a disposable part of the desired shape.

[0070] Moreover, it is preferable that at least one of a sizing agent and a paper strength agent is added to the multi-layer paper 50, which is a preferred sheet material according to this embodiment, as a papermaking additive. This makes it easy to adjust the strength to the desired level. The multi-layer paper 50 can contain various other additives within a range that does not impair the intended effect of the present invention. For example, polyvinyl alcohol, wax, etc. can be applied.

[0071] Examples of sizing agents include styrene-based sizing agents, alkyl ketene dimers (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), neutral rosin sizing agents, rosin sizing agents, modified rosin emulsion sizing agents, etc. Among these, rosin sizing agents and modified rosin emulsion sizing agents are preferred. The rosin sizing agent is not particularly limited. Examples of rosin-based substances include reinforced rosins obtained by modifying rosins such as gum rosin, wood rosin, and tall oil rosin with α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids or their anhydrides such as fumaric acid, maleic acid, and acrylic acid, and rosin esters obtained by reacting rosins with polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, and diglycerin. In addition, the rosin sizing agents include those obtained by emulsifying these alone or a mixture thereof, and those obtained by emulsifying these alone and then mixing them. In addition, those obtained by adding various polymers to the emulsions in order to further improve the size expression are also included.

[0072] As the paper strength enhancer, various known ones such as polyacrylamide resin, polyamide resin, polyamine resin, acrylic resin, melamine resin, urea resin, polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, etc. can be used. Among these, it is preferable to use an amphoteric paper strength enhancer. Examples of amphoteric polyacrylamides include copolymers of acrylamide with anionic monomers and cationic monomers, Mannich modified copolymers of acrylamide with anionic monomers, and Hoffman decomposition products. In particular, amphoteric polyacrylamides have a self-fixing function, so that even if they are added in an increased amount to improve the inter-paper strength, they do not become excessively cationic, and can be stably fixed by including them together with a modified rosin emulsion sizing agent.

[0073] The amount of sizing agent added is preferably 0.5 kg / t or more and 5.0 kg / t or less in terms of solids. The amount of paper strength agent added is preferably 12 kg / t or more and 30 kg / t or less in terms of solids. Note that "kg / t" indicates the mass (kg) per ton of pulp. If the amount of sizing agent added is within this range, water resistance can be sufficiently improved, resulting in a multi-layer paper that is particularly suitable for disposable parts.

[0074] Moreover, it is preferable that at least one of the above-mentioned sizing agent and paper strength enhancing agent is added as a papermaking additive to each of the surface layer 51 and the middle layer 52 of the multilayer paper 50. In this case, the amount of sizing agent added to the surface layer 51 is preferably 0.5 kg / t or more and 5.0 kg / t or less in solids. The amount of sizing agent added to the middle layer 52 is preferably 2.0 kg / t or more and 5.0 kg / t or less in solids. The amount of paper strength enhancing agent added to each layer is preferably 12 kg / t or more and 30 kg / t or less in solids. Within these ranges, it is easy to achieve various paper strengths, such as interlaminar strength of the multilayer paper, suitable for the disposable part.

[0075] Further, a more preferable specific shape of the cutlery 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. The cutlery shown in the figure is in the form of a table spoon, but the fork shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 may be used in the same way. The disposable part 10 is formed by compressing and molding the entire cutlery from the head part 11 to the handle part 20 by pressing a sheet material. The head part 11 that comes into contact with food is in the shape of a bowl with an open front side, like a general metal spoon or a conventional plastic disposable spoon, so that food of various shapes such as solid, powder, or liquid can be scooped up, and the neck part 12 connected to the head part 11 is formed narrow and smoothly continuous with a curve from the head part 11 when viewed from the front.

[0076] On the other hand, the neck portion 12 connected to the head portion 11 is formed narrow and smoothly continuous from the head portion 11 in a curved line in front view as described above, and in particular, the neck portion 12 is formed to have a curved cross section with an open upper side as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, and as shown in FIG. 16, the ratio of the radius of curvature R1 of the cross section to the width L9 is 1:0.4 to 1:0.8. Particularly preferably, it is 1:0.4 to 1:0.75. By making the ratio of the radius of curvature R1 of the cross section to the width of the neck portion 1:0.4 to 1:0.8, it is possible to remove the neck portion from the compression molded mold while increasing the strength. In general metal molding, if the ratio of the radius of curvature R1 of the cross section to the width is less than 1:0.5, the neck portion cannot be removed from the mold, but the disposable portion of this embodiment is made of a sheet material made of paper made of loop fiber, and the sheet material can be less than 1:0.5 because the sheet material bends to open the curved surface. However, since the handle part is easily fitted and connected to the receiving part, in particular, it is more desirable that the ratio of the radius of curvature of the cross section to the width is 1:0.5 to 1:0.8. Here, when the neck part 12 is formed to have a curved cross section, the bending strength is improved when the head part 11 is pressed from the front side or the back side, compared to when the neck part 12 is not formed. And, when the ratio of the radius of curvature of the cross section to the width is 1:0.4 to 1:0.8, the risk of the neck part breaking during use, for example, during a general operation of scooping food with a spoon, is significantly reduced. Also, when the neck part 12 is used, for example, during a general operation of stabbing food with a fork, is significantly reduced. Furthermore, in combination with the above-mentioned preferable high-density multilayer paper, sufficient strength can be ensured even when the disposable part 10 is connected to the receiving part 31 of the handle part 20 in a form of fitting through the neck part.

[0077] The specific size of the cutlery in the case of the spoon S is not limited, but in the case of the table spoon shown in FIG. 1 or the table fork shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 16, the total length L1 including the handle portion 20 can be 160-200 mm, the length L2 of the handle portion 20 can be 90-130 mm, the width L3 of the handle portion 20 can be 15-25 mm, the length L4 of the disposable portion 10 can be 90-120 mm, the length L5 of the head portion 11 can be 45-60 mm, the length L6 of the neck portion 12 can be 45-60 mm, the maximum width L8 of the head portion 11 can be 35-45 mm, and the width L9 of the neck portion 12 can be 8.5-22.0 mm. With this shape, when the disposable portion 10 and the handle portion 20 are connected, it can have the same feel in use as a disposable table spoon S made of plastic and available in general use. In addition, in this case, the length L7 of the neck portion 12 that fits into the receiving portion 31 is preferably 20-40 mm. When the width L9 of the neck portion 12 of the disposable part 10 and the length L7 into which it fits into the receiving portion are within the above-mentioned ranges, the neck portion 12 is extremely unlikely to break during use, particularly when the disposable part 10 is made of the above-mentioned multi-layer paper and further contains a siloxane compound.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape and size of the spoon S are described as an example, but when the cutlery of this embodiment is the spoon S, it is not limited to this and may be of any appropriate size within a range that does not impede the effects of the present invention and within a range that provides the effects in relation to the material, and may be of a size and shape suitable for use as a lotus spoon, a service spoon, a dessert spoon, a soup spoon, a fish spoon, a tea spoon, a coffee spoon, a demitasse spoon, or an ice cream spoon. Also, it may be a spoon with a bifurcated or trifurcated tip, such as a melon spoon or strawberry spoon.

[0079] The dimensions exemplified above for the table spoon can also be the same dimensions for the table fork shown in Fig. 2. The table fork in Fig. 2 has a head 11 with an open shallow bowl-like upper surface, a four-pronged comb-like tip for piercing and holding food, and a neck 12 connected to the head 11 is narrow and smoothly curved from the head 11 when viewed from above. The cutlery used as a fork is not limited to a table fork, and can be of any appropriate size within the scope of the present invention, and can be of any size and shape suitable for use as a service fork, dessert fork, fish fork, salad fork, fruit fork, cake fork, or small fork, for example.

[0080] In the cutlery 1 of this embodiment, other members may be added, such as a portion in which a sheet material that is not pressed is laminated and integrated in the disposable part 10. The method of joining the sheet materials together is not necessarily limited. As long as the effect of the present invention is not hindered, they can be joined by joining means such as adhesives, pressure means, rivet means, eyelet means, wedge means, staple means, and joining by a locking structure also called a coreless staple. In addition, multiple types of joining means may be used in combination. As adhesives for joining, starch, various modified starches, modified cellulose such as carboxymethyl cellulose, water-soluble polymer adhesives such as polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic esters, water-based emulsion resins such as vinyl acetate, etc. may be used. Starch and cellulose-based natural materials are preferable in terms of environmental load. Rivets and staple needles that constitute the rivets and eyelets for joining should be made of wood or metal other than plastic, and materials other than plastic are preferable.

[0081] Here, the cutlery 1 of this embodiment can be used in various food and beverage establishments, such as food courts in commercial facilities, fast food shops, take-out bento shops, in-flight food and beverage services, food delivery and catering events, hospitals, nursing homes, and senior citizens' homes.

[0082] The cutlery 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to a usage mode in which the disposable part 10 and the handle part 20 are provided in a connected state, and may be provided separately from the disposable part 10. There is also no limitation on who disposes of the disposable part 10 after use. Specific examples of usage modes include (1) a usage mode in which a food and drink provider hands over only the handle part 20 to a user together with the food and drink when providing the food and drink, and the user takes a disposable part from a container that contains a large number of disposable parts 10 installed in advance on the floor, connects it to the handle part 20 by himself, and after use, the user disposes of the disposable part 10 in a trash can or the like and returns the handle part 20 to the food and drink provider. Such a usage mode is suitable for, for example, a food court or a catering event. Also, there is an example of a usage form (2) in which a food and beverage provider hands over cutlery with the disposable part 10 connected to the handle part 20 to a user together with the food and beverage when providing the food and beverage, and the user discards the disposable part 10 in a trash can or the like after use and returns the handle part 20. Furthermore, there is an example of a usage form (3) in which, in the above (1) and (2), the user does not discard the disposable part 10 after use, but returns the cutlery 1 with the disposable part 10 and the handle part 20 connected after use to the food and beverage provider, and the food and beverage provider discards the disposable part 10. Such a usage form is suitable, for example, in hospitals, nursing facilities, and nursing homes. On the other hand, there is an example of a usage form (4) in which a user purchases one or more disposable parts 10 in advance, is lent only the handle part 20 by the food and beverage provider, and uses the disposable part 10 by connecting it to the handle part 20. (5) A user may purchase the handle portion 20 in advance and connect it to the disposable portion 10 that is distributed by a food and beverage provider together with the food and beverage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1...cutlery, 10...disposable part, 11...head part, 12...neck part, 12e...edge of neck part, 12H...through hole, 20...handle part, 21...lower base part, 21B...bottom part, 21E...lower edge part, 21G...guide groove, 22...upper cover part, 22C...rib part, 22T...upper part. 22E...upper edge part, 22e...side edge part, 22R...guide rib, 22P...rib part, 31...receiving part, 31P...projection, 31R...receiving part rib, 31T...upper edge of lower edge, 21t...tip edge of lower base, L1...total length of cutlery, L2...length of handle, L3 width of handle, L4 length of disposable part, L5 length of head, L6 length of neck, L7 length of neck that fits into receiving part, L8 maximum width of head, L9 minimum width of neck, 50...multi-layer paper, 51 surface layer, 52 middle layer. 80A...support, 80t line end of support, 81 indenter, L20 holding length.

Claims

1. a disposable part having a head part for contacting food and a neck part connected to the head part; a reusable handle portion to which the disposable portion is connected via a neck portion; The disposable portion is formed by compressing a sheet material made of pulp fibers through a press process, and at least the neck portion is formed into a curved cross-sectional shape. The handle portion includes an elongated lower base portion and an upper cover portion that covers the lower base portion, and has a receiving portion on a tip side of the lower base portion into which a part of the neck portion is fitted, and the upper cover portion is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the lower base portion at least to a position where the receiving portion is exposed, The upper cover part is slid toward the rear end of the lower base part to fit the neck part into the exposed receiving part, and then the upper cover part is positioned on the neck part, thereby connecting the disposable part and the handle part. The cutlery is characterized by the above.

2. 2. The cutlery according to claim 1, wherein the neck portion has a hole, the receiving portion has a protrusion, and the neck portion is fitted onto the receiving portion while the protrusion is inserted through the hole.

3. 3. The cutlery according to claim 1, wherein a protruding piece is provided at the tip of the upper cover portion, the protruding piece protruding toward the receiving portion and having an arcuate edge that fits along the curved surface of the neck portion.

4. 4. The cutlery according to claim 3, wherein, when the disposable part and the handle part are connected, the tip edge of the lower base part is located closer to the head part than the protruding piece of the upper cover part.

5. The disposable part has a density of 1.0 g / cm ３ The cutlery according to claim 1.

6. 2. The cutlery according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional radius of curvature of the neck portion to the width is 1:0.4 to 1:0.

8.

7. 2. The cutlery according to claim 1, wherein the disposable part contains a siloxane compound.

8. 2. The cutlery according to claim 1, wherein the disposable portion contains 90 to 100% by mass of softwood kraft pulp and hardwood kraft pulp as pulp fibers, and the blending ratio of softwood kraft pulp to hardwood kraft pulp is 5:95 to 30:70.

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