Eating utensil formed using sheet material

Abstract

Provided is an eating utensil that has a cushiony, pliable handle portion that, when substantial stress is applied during eating or the like, can flexibly deform to relieve the stress and keep from breaking. The eating utensil is formed using a sheet material and comprises a grasping part that includes at least a handle portion. The grasping part is formed by intertwining two or more belt-like portions, preferably such that the belt-like portions curve in the thickness direction but are not twisted around the longitudinal axis.

Description

Eating utensils made from sheet material

[0001] The present invention relates to eating utensils formed using a sheet material, and more particularly to eating utensils with improved grips such as handles.

[0002] Conventionally, simple eating utensils that are not intended to be reused, such as spoons, forks, knives, etc., used for eating food and drink have been provided. For example, disposable simple eating utensils that can be disposed of after use are provided for takeout food and drink and in-flight meals.

[0003] As such simple eating utensils, products made by folding a sheet of paper or resin have also been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 (Registered Utility Model No. 3052291) proposes a folding spoon that can reduce storage volume by folding the sheet member and prevent pollution during waste disposal. The folding spoon proposed in this document is a sheet member made of approximately rectangular paperboard, with scoop fold lines provided at one longitudinal end of the sheet member in a flared shape toward the outer periphery, and handle fold lines extending from the inner ends of the scoop fold lines toward the other longitudinal end of the sheet member. Non-folded sections are provided between each tip of the scoop fold line and the outer periphery of the sheet member, and between each inner end of the scoop fold line and the tip of the handle fold line. The handle portion is formed by folding the handle fold lines, and the scoop portion is formed between the scoop fold lines by folding the scoop fold lines.

[0004] Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a demand to reduce plastic waste (so-called "plastic-free") in order to reduce the environmental impact. For this reason, interest in paper eating utensils has been growing in recent years. However, although the folding spoon disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be used as a spoon for stirring coffee, etc., it has problems such as difficulty in obtaining sufficient strength and rigidity for eating food sold in fast food restaurants, convenience stores, etc., and difficulty in forming a deep scooping portion.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 2 (JP 2005-40285 A) proposes economical paper cutlery that is strong and rigid enough to eat any food sold at fast food restaurants, convenience stores, etc., yet has a relatively simple structure, does not require strong bending forces, etc., can be easily handled by anyone, is not bulky during storage, is easy to dispose of, is easy to manufacture, is suitable for mass production, and reduces costs. This paper cutlery is made of a handle portion formed in a substantially flat plate shape and has multiple linear fold lines extending from the tip to the base end, arranged close to each other and sandwiching a center line, and a main portion, the main portion having curved fold lines arranged away from the center point and curving out away from the center point, and is formed into a curved surface by a press means, so that the part of the main portion near the center point is the lowest part, and the curved fold lines are arranged higher than the center point.

[0006] Registered Utility Model No. 3052291 JP 2005-40285 A

[0007] As mentioned above, Patent Document 1 proposes a folding spoon that reduces storage volume by folding a sheet member. However, this folding spoon is difficult to obtain sufficient strength and rigidity for eating food appropriately, so Patent Document 2 proposes paper cutlery that exhibits sufficient strength and rigidity for eating food appropriately, which is sold at fast food restaurants, convenience stores, etc.

[0008] However, in the paper cutlery proposed in Patent Document 2, the handle is formed in a generally flat plate shape with multiple linear creases that are arranged close to each other and sandwich the center line of the handle from the tip to the base end of the handle, and during use, these linear creases are used to smoothly fold the handle (for example, by bending each linear crease at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, so that the entire handle is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees), making it easier to grip with the fingers and increasing the strength and rigidity of the handle (and the entire paper cutlery). That is, the handle is designed to have linear creases along its length and bend in the width direction to increase the rigidity and strength of the handle. However, with this configuration, if the handle is bent longitudinally by food being picked up during eating, its rigidity and strength will be significantly reduced, making it difficult to use thereafter. Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a simple eating tool that is used by folding a sheet body, but whose handle portion is not likely to break even when food or drink is lifted up.

[0009] Furthermore, the handles of the folding spoon of Patent Document 1 and the paper cutlery of Patent Document 2 are ensured to have strength and rigidity by bending them widthwise along the length of the handle, so that if a certain level of stress is applied during eating or the like, the handle will suddenly bend without any prior warning, making it difficult for the user to predict in advance that the handle will break during eating. Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide an eating utensil that can prevent the handle from breaking by imparting flexibility or cushioning to the handle, so that if a large amount of stress is applied during eating or the like, the handle will flexibly deform, thereby releasing the stress and preventing the handle from breaking.

[0010] Furthermore, when eating, stress acts on the handle portion of the eating utensil from various directions, both vertically and horizontally, but when folded along its length in a cross section that is roughly "V" shaped, as in the folding spoon of Patent Document 1 and the handle portion of the paper cutlery of Patent Document 2, strength and rigidity are increased against vertical stress, but it is difficult to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity against horizontal stress. Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide an eating utensil that can increase the rigidity and strength of the handle portion against stress from any direction.

[0011] Furthermore, in the simple eating implements made of a sheet of paper or the like that have been provided up until now, the handle portion has always been folded widthwise along the length, so there is room for improvement in terms of design. Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide an eating implement with an improved design for the handle portion.

[0012] In order to solve at least one of the above problems, the inventor broke away from the conventional concept of the handle portion of eating utensils formed using a sheet body, and completed the present invention by focusing on improving the rigidity and strength of the gripping portion that becomes the handle portion by a configuration other than folding the handle portion widthwise along the length of the handle portion.

[0013] That is, in order to solve at least one of the above problems, the present invention provides an eating utensil formed using a sheet material, which has at least a gripping portion, and which is formed by twisting two or more strip-shaped portions.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to solve at least one of the above problems, the present invention provides an eating utensil formed using a sheet material, which has an eating portion that holds food and drink when eating, and a gripping portion that extends from the eating portion, and the gripping portion consists of a main band-shaped portion that forms a handle, and a sub-band-shaped portion that engages with the main band-shaped portion, and by engaging the sub-band-shaped portion with the main band-shaped portion, the eating portion is conical in shape.

[0015] The eating implement according to the present invention further includes an eating portion for holding food and drink during eating, and the two or more strip-shaped portions constituting the gripping portion can be formed to extend from the eating portion. In this case, the eating portion and the strip-shaped portions are continuous, and can be formed by punching a sheet material. Furthermore, the base ends of the strip-shaped portions extending from the eating portion are integrated with the eating portion, ensuring strength and rigidity against bending during eating. Furthermore, it is also desirable to provide an engaging portion at the tip ends of the two or more strip-shaped portions extending from the eating portion, which engages the ends of the twisted strip-shaped portions. Forming such an engaging portion can prevent the twisted strip-shaped portions from unraveling.

[0016] In the eating implement according to the present invention, the strip-shaped portions are preferably twisted together by bending them in the thickness direction. In this case, the strip-shaped portions are preferably twisted together without being twisted in the length direction. In other words, the twisted strip-shaped portions are preferably curved in different directions but are not twisted in a spiral.

[0017] The sheet material constituting the eating implement according to the present invention can be formed using a resin sheet, a metal sheet, a wood sheet, or the like, but is preferably formed using a paper sheet. Forming the eating implement using a paper sheet eliminates the need for reuse and allows for disposal, while reducing waste plastic. The paper sheet is preferably formed from paper having a thickness of 0.3 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, particularly 0.5 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less. Using paper having a thickness of 0.3 mm or more ensures strength and rigidity during eating, while using paper having a thickness of 3.0 mm or less improves the ease of folding when forming the eating implement. Furthermore, since the gripping portion, such as the handle portion, of the eating implement according to the present invention does not require folding, the gripping portion can be formed using a thick paper sheet, for example, a thick paper sheet of 0.5 mm or more.

[0018] The present invention also provides a sheet-like member for forming the eating implement, namely, a sheet-like member for manufacturing the eating implement according to the present invention, which comprises two or more strip-like portions extending from an eating portion that holds food or drink during eating, and at the ends of the strip-like portions, engaging portions are provided for engaging the ends of the twisted strip-like portions with each other.

[0019] It is desirable that such sheet-like members for manufacturing eating utensils are formed from paper sheets in order to reduce waste plastic, while being disposable as they do not require reuse.Furthermore, in order to increase strength and rigidity during eating, while also facilitating folding when using the eating utensil, it is desirable that they are formed from paper with a thickness of 0.3 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, particularly paper with a thickness of 0.7 mm or more and 1.3 mm or less.

[0020] The eating utensils according to the present invention are products used when eating food and drink, and include table knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, etc., also known as cutlery. In particular, the present invention is characterized by the handle portion of the eating utensil, and therefore targets products with a gripping portion such as a handle, but the technical scope of the present invention also includes eating utensils with enhanced design by having a decorative portion formed by twisting two or more strip-shaped portions other than the gripping portion such as a handle.

[0021] The eating implement according to the present invention has a grip portion including at least a handle portion, and the grip portion is formed by twisting two or more strip-shaped portions. Therefore, the twisted strip-shaped portions allow the grip portion, such as the handle portion, to be flexible and to deform flexibly in response to the load applied during eating. As a result, even though the eating implement is a simple eating implement that is used by folding a sheet body, the handle portion of the eating implement is resistant to breaking even when food or drink is lifted. In particular, the eating implement according to the present invention has a flexible or cushioned grip portion, such as the handle portion, which can flexibly deform when subjected to large stresses during eating, thereby dissipating the stress and preventing the handle portion from breaking.

[0022] Furthermore, the two or more strip-shaped portions that make up the grip extend from the eating portion, and their tips are provided with engaging portions that engage the ends of the twisted strip-shaped portions, so the grip will not come undone during eating, resulting in an eating tool that allows for stable eating. Furthermore, by forming the sheet material from paper with a thickness of 0.3 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, the grip portion, such as the handle portion of the eating tool, can be formed without requiring force, and the eating tool can have increased strength and rigidity during use. In other words, the grip configuration of the present invention makes it possible to manufacture eating tools using thick paper sheets (i.e., paper sheets with high bending stress).

[0023] Furthermore, since the band-shaped portions that make up the grip are curved in a wave-like shape in the thickness direction and twisted together, the rigidity and strength of the grip, such as the handle portion, can be evenly increased against stress from any direction, and the structure of the grip makes it possible to provide an eating utensil with an improved design for the handle portion.

[0024] The sheet-like member for manufacturing the eating implement according to the present invention has two or more strip-like portions extending from the eating portion that holds food and drink during eating, and therefore can be manufactured by punching, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the ends of the strip-like portions are provided with engaging portions that engage the ends of the twisted strip-like portions, so that even when the eating implement is manufactured from the sheet-like member, the twisted strip-like portions do not unravel, and the eating implement can be used stably.

[0025] [Correction based on Rule 91 26.06.2023] (A) Plan view showing a sheet-like member of a eating utensil according to a first embodiment, (B) Plan view showing an eating utensil formed from the sheet-like member. A perspective view of the belt-like portion of the eating utensil shown in Figure 1, seen from the side. (A) Plan view showing a sheet-like member of a eating utensil according to a second embodiment, (B) Plan view showing an eating utensil formed from the sheet-like member. A plan view showing an eating utensil (paper spoon) according to a third embodiment. (A) Plan view showing a sheet-like member of a eating utensil (paper spoon) according to a fourth embodiment, (B) Plan view showing an eating utensil formed from the sheet-like member. A perspective view showing an eating utensil according to a fifth embodiment. A plan view showing a sheet-like member for manufacturing an eating utensil according to the fifth embodiment and an assembly process for the eating utensil. A perspective view showing an eating utensil according to a sixth embodiment. A plan view showing a sheet-like member for manufacturing an eating utensil according to the sixth embodiment and an assembly process for the eating utensil.

[0026] The eating utensil 10 according to this embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. In particular, this embodiment shows an example of an eating utensil 10 formed using a paper sheet, and further shows an embodiment embodied as a paper spoon or a paper fork. However, it is also possible to form the eating utensil 10 using a sheet material made of other materials such as resin or metal, and it is also possible to embody the eating utensil 10 as an eating utensil other than a spoon or a fork, such as a knife or a lotus leaf.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing (A) a sheet-like member 20 of an eating implement 10 according to a first embodiment, and (B) a plan view showing an eating implement 10 formed from the sheet-like member 20. FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the eating implement 10, particularly an oblique view of the belt-like portion 13 as seen from the side.

[0028] The eating implement 10 according to the first embodiment can be formed from a sheet-like member 20 shown in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the sheet-like member 20 can be formed using a paper sheet having a thickness of 0.3 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, for example, approximately 1 mm, and can be formed particularly by punching or cutting. However, the sheet-like member can also be formed from other sheet materials, such as resin sheets, metal sheets, or wood sheets. In particular, when using a resin sheet, if the resin sheet is formed from biodegradable plastic, it can alleviate the problem of environmental destruction caused by waste plastic, just like a paper sheet. Furthermore, when forming using a paper sheet, the paper sheet can be subjected to surface treatments such as waterproofing and sterilization.

[0029] The sheet-like member 20 is composed of an eating portion 11 that holds food and drink when used as an eating utensil 10, and two band-like portions 13 that extend from the eating portion 11 and form a grip portion 12 such as a handle portion. In this embodiment, the grip portion 12 is composed of two band-like portions 13, but it may also be formed of three or four band-like portions 13, and the grip portion 12 that becomes the handle portion can be formed by twisting these multiple band-like portions 13. Furthermore, the band-like portions 13 that form the grip portion 12 can also be composed of a main band-like portion 131 that forms the handle portion and a sub-band-like portion 132 that engages with the main band-like portion 131, as shown in Figure 6 described below.

[0030] 1, the eating portion 11 has a plurality of branches 14 formed at its tip so that it can be used as a fork, and two strip-shaped portions 13 extend from the eating portion 11, with a slit 15 between them extending to a scooping portion 16 of the eating portion 11. In this embodiment, the strip-shaped portions 13 extending from the eating portion 11 are curved outward at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction to such an extent that a gap 17 is formed between the two strip-shaped portions 13. By forming this gap 17, mutual interference between the strip-shaped portions 13 is avoided when twisting, making twisting easier and allowing the gripping portion to be extended linearly after twisting.

[0031] An engaging portion 18 is formed at the tip end of each strip-shaped portion 13 (i.e., the end of the handle) to allow the ends of the twisted strip-shaped portions 13 to engage with each other. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 18 is formed as a complementary engaging or mating recess, particularly a U-shaped recess formed on the outward edge. Forming such a U-shaped recess ensures that the ends of the strip-shaped portions 13 can be securely engaged with each other even if they are slightly misaligned when twisted. However, the engaging portion 18 can also be formed with other structures, such as a hole formed in the end of one strip-shaped portion 13 that fits into a hole formed in the end of the other strip-shaped portion 13. The ends of the twisted strip-shaped portions 13 may also be joined together with adhesive, adhesive tape, or staples.

[0032] The sheet-like member 20 formed as described above is used to form the eating implement 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(B). In this eating implement 10 (particularly a paper fork), the handle portion 12, such as the handle, is formed by twisting the band-like portion 13. This configuration increases the strength and rigidity of the handle portion 12. When forming this grip portion 12, the band-like portion 13 may be twisted any number of times. In addition to twisting one and a half times as shown in FIG. 1(B), each band-like portion 13 may be twisted one full turn, or even two or more turns. The number of twists of the band-like portion 13 can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the ease of holding and the required strength and rigidity. The tip portions of the twisted band-like portions 13 are interlocked with each other by the engaging portion 18, preventing the twist from unraveling.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1B, in the grip portion 12 formed by twisting strip-shaped portions 13, the strip-shaped portions are twisted together by curving in the thickness direction rather than being wound (twisted) around a center along the length direction. That is, the strip-shaped portions 13 are twisted together in a spiral shape. FIG. 2 shows the twisted strip-shaped portions 13, with (A) a side view of one strip-shaped portion 13 and (B) a side view of the other strip-shaped portion 13. As shown in FIG. 2, each strip-shaped portion 13 is curved in a wave-like shape in the thickness direction, and the curvature in the thickness direction causes the twisted strip-shaped portions 13 to weave through the other strip-shaped portion 13. As a result of curving each strip-shaped portion 13 in this wave-like shape, the twisted strip-shaped portions 13 can deform and move relative to each other, thereby achieving the flexibility of the grip portion 12. Note that the strip-shaped portions 13 may also be twisted spirally and then twisted as shown in FIG. 2. This is because, if each strip-shaped portion 13 is made of a sheet material that lacks strength or rigidity, twisting it can improve the strength and rigidity.

[0034] In the eating implement 10 formed as described above, the grip portion 12, which serves as the handle, is formed by twisting the band-like portions 13, which increases its strength and rigidity, and furthermore, flexibility can be exhibited by mutual deformation and displacement of the band-like portions 13. As a result, even if a large load is applied by food or drink held in the eating implement, the user can know that a large load is being applied before the grip portion 12 bends, and the grip portion 12 can be prevented from bending, allowing the user to enjoy eating with peace of mind.

[0035] 3A is a plan view showing a sheet-like member 20 of an eating tool 10 according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a plan view showing an eating tool 10 formed from the sheet-like member 20. The eating tool 10 according to this embodiment is particularly a paper spoon, and therefore the eating portion 11 is formed in a circular shape to form a "pot 19" for scooping liquid food or drink. Even in this paper spoon, the slits 15 between the band-like portions 13 that form the gripping portion 12, such as the handle, are extended to the eating portion 11. As a result, when the band-like portions 13 are twisted as described above, the eating portion 11 is recessed into a conical shape, which can function as the "pot 19."

[0036] In addition, the handle 12 of the paper spoon according to this embodiment can also be formed by twisting two or more strip-shaped portions 13 together, and an engagement portion 18 is provided on the tip side of the handle 12 (i.e., the end of the handle) for engaging the twisted strip-shaped portions 13.

[0037] 4 is a plan view showing an eating tool 10 (paper spoon) according to a third embodiment related to the eating tool 10 (paper spoon) according to the second embodiment. In the eating tool 10 according to this embodiment, U-shaped recesses that function as the engaging portions 18 are formed on the inner and outer edge portions of each strip-shaped portion 13, particularly on the tip side (handle end side) of the grip portion 12, which forms the handle. By forming engaging portions 18 in two locations in this manner, the strip-shaped portion 13 can be securely engaged even if the number of twists of the strip-shaped portion 13 is adjusted as desired, and can also be securely engaged even if the strip-shaped portion 13 is twisted clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0038] Furthermore, in the eating implement 10 according to the third embodiment, the eating portion 11 is provided with a fold line, as shown by the dashed line in the figure. By providing such a fold line, it is possible to easily form the "pot 19." In particular, since the eating implement 10 according to this embodiment is formed from a thick paper sheet having a thickness of about 1 mm, forming such a fold line makes it easy to bend the eating portion 11.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows (A) a plan view of a sheet-like member 20 for a paper spoon 10 according to a fourth embodiment, and (B) a plan view of the eating tool 10 formed from the sheet-like member 20. In particular, the eating tool 10 according to this embodiment has a handle-forming holding portion in which the two strip-like portions 13 are twisted only once, making the eating tool 10 simple to construct. The eating tool 10 according to this embodiment is particularly advantageous when formed using a sheet material with high bending rigidity. Specifically, when a sheet-like member 20 for manufacturing the eating tool 10 is formed using a paper sheet material with a thickness of 1.2 mm or more and then used to make the eating tool 10, the number of twists of the strip-like portion 13 is reduced, which is advantageous. Furthermore, because the strip-like portion 13 is formed from a thick sheet material, the bending strength and rigidity of the grip portion 12 can be increased.

[0040] In particular, in the eating implement 10 according to this embodiment, the strip-shaped portion 13 forming the grip portion extends in a V-shaped direction from the eating portion 11. By separating the leading ends of each strip-shaped portion in this manner, even thick paper sheets can be twisted smoothly.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an eating tool 10 according to a fifth embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a sheet-like member for manufacturing the eating tool 10 according to the fifth embodiment and an assembly process for the eating tool 10. In the eating tool 10 according to this embodiment, the grip portion 12 is particularly composed of a main band-like portion 131 constituting a handle portion and a sub-band-like portion 132 engaging with the main band-like portion 131. More specifically, the eating tool 10 is composed of two band-like portions 13: the main band-like portion 131 extending widely from the eating portion 11 that holds (or scoops) food and drink during eating, and the sub-band-like portion 132 twisted and wrapped around the main band-like portion 131. By twisting and wrapping the sub-band-like portion 132 around the main band-like portion 131, the eating portion 11 can be recessed into a cone shape, which can function as the "pot 19." Therefore, the sub-band portion 132 can function to make the "pot 19" concave in a conical shape.

[0042] In particular, in this embodiment, the main band portion 131 is formed wide and folded back along a crease in the longitudinal direction, thereby increasing the bending strength of the handle portion. At this time, the sub-band portion 132 wrapped around the main band portion 131 functions to hold the folded-back main band portion 131 in place. Specifically, the tip of the sub-band portion 132 is formed with a recessed engaging portion 18, which can clamp and hold the edges of the folded-over main band portion 131 together.

[0043] Furthermore, the slit 15 between the main band portion 131 and the sub-band portion 132 extends from the edge of the main band portion 131 toward approximately the center of the eating portion 11. As a result, by wrapping the sub-band portion 132 around the main band portion 131, the eating portion 11 can be recessed into a conical shape. Then, by engaging the hook-shaped engaging portion 18 at the tip of the sub-band portion 132 with the main band portion 131, the conical recessed shape of the eating portion 11 can be maintained.

[0044] Furthermore, the eating portion 11 and the main band portion 131 of the sheet-like member used to manufacture the eating implement 10 are provided with fold lines 133, shown by chain lines in Figure 6. In particular, the fold line 133 provided in the main band portion 131 is provided so as to intersect with the slit 15 that separates the main band portion 131 from the sub-band portion 132. As a result, the base end side of the slit 15 is located eccentrically from the fold line provided in the main band portion 131.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an eating tool 10 according to a sixth embodiment, and Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a sheet-like member for manufacturing the eating tool 10 according to the sixth embodiment and an assembly process for the eating tool 10. In this embodiment, the eating tool 10 is particularly shown as a knife. In the eating tool 10 according to this embodiment, the eating portion 11 forms the blade of a knife, and the gripping portion 12 extending from the eating portion 11 is formed by two band-like portions 13: a main band-like portion 131 constituting the gripping portion 12 and a sub-band-like portion 132 engaging with the main band-like portion 131. In particular, the sub-band-like portion 132 is twisted so that a recessed engaging portion 18 provided at its tip engages with the main band-like portion 131.

[0046] The main band-shaped portion 131 extends from the eating portion 11, and its widthwise central portion has a region that forms the spine when the main band-shaped portion 131 is folded widthwise. That is, the main band-shaped portion 131 forms the gripping portion 12, which becomes the handle of the knife. It is composed of side regions 121 that form the sides of the gripping portion 12 when folded, and a spine region 122 that is provided between the side regions 121. A half-cut fold line is provided between the side regions 121 and the spine region 122. A half-cut fold line is provided from the base end of the half-cut fold line that separates the spine region 122, i.e., the end on the eating portion 11 side, toward the center of the eating portion 11, and a fold line is provided at the tip end. The sub-band-shaped portion 132 extends from one of the side regions 121 of the main band-shaped portion 131. The secondary band-like portion 132 is formed to a length that allows it to be engaged with the spine portion by folding it back, and has a recessed engaging portion 18 at its tip.

[0047] The eating portion 11 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the folding line. That is, in Fig. 9, the upper first region 111 has a wide curved shape, and the lower second region 112 has a narrow curved shape with respect to the folding line. As a result, when folded back and overlapped at the folding line, the contour of the upper first region forms the blade length, and the second region abuts against the first region to reinforce the blade. It is also possible to form a saw blade on the curved portion of the first region.

[0048] The eating implement 10 used as a knife is folded back at the center in the width direction and overlapped as shown in Figure 9. As a result, the half-cut portion that separates the spine opens to reveal a wider spine, increasing the bending strength of the grip portion 12. Then, by folding back the secondary band-like portion 132 and hooking the engaging portion 18 at the tip of the secondary band-like portion 132 onto the spine, the folded shape of the main band-like portion 131 can be maintained.

[0049] While the present embodiment has described an example of the eating implement 10 according to the present invention with reference to the drawings, appropriate modifications and additional configurations may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, appropriate design or technical modifications may be made, such as displaying a company logo on the grip portion 12 according to the embodiment.

[0050] The eating utensils of the present invention can be used as cutlery such as spoons, forks, and knives used when eating food and drink. Furthermore, the configuration of the gripping portion embodied in the eating utensils of the present invention, i.e., the configuration in which the band-like portions are twisted, can also be used in parts and products other than eating utensils, particularly paper parts and products.

[0051] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Eating implement 11 Eating portion 12 Grip portion 13 Belt-shaped portion 14 Branch portion 15 Slit 16 Scooping portion 17 Gap 18 Engagement portion 20 Sheet-like member

Claims

1. An eating tool formed using a sheet material, The eating tool has at least a gripping part, The eating utensil is characterized in that the gripping portion is formed by twisting two or more strip-shaped portions.

2. An eating tool formed using a sheet material, The device has an eating portion that holds food and drink when eaten, and a gripping portion that extends from the eating portion, The grip portion is made up of a main band-like portion constituting a handle portion and a sub-band-like portion that engages with the main band-like portion, The tip side of the secondary band-shaped portion is formed with a concave engaging portion, and this engaging portion clamps and engages the edges of the overlapping main band-shaped portion, thereby forming the eating portion into a cone shape and maintaining the main band-shaped portion in a folded and overlapped state.

3. Further, the device includes an eating portion for holding food and drink during eating, The eating utensil according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two or more strip-shaped portions constituting the gripping portion extend from the eating portion, and at least one of the strip-shaped portions has an engaging portion at the tip thereof for engaging the ends of the twisted strip-shaped portions.

4. The eating utensil described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the band-shaped portions are twisted together and curved in the thickness direction without being twisted around a longitudinal axis, and the sheet material is formed of paper having a thickness of 0.3 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.

5. A sheet-like member for producing the eating tool according to claim 1 or 2, The device has two or more strip-shaped portions extending from an eating portion that holds food and drink during eating, A sheet-like member for manufacturing eating utensils, wherein at least one of the ends of the strip-like portions is provided with an engaging portion for engaging the ends of the twisted strip-like portions with each other.