EATING UTENSIL

Abstract

 An eating utensil (99) comprising: a utensil head (11) and a handle (12) comprising two housing parts (1), (2) pivotably attached to the utensil head (11). Each housing part (1), (2) has a recess (21) for receiving at least part of the utensil head (11) therein. The housing parts (1), (2) are configured to be pivotable from a first position, in which the utensil head (11) is exposed and the housing parts (1), (2) are for holding in use when eating, to a second position, in which the recesses (21) interengage around the utensil head (11) so as to define a closed container for the utensil head (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an eating utensil, in particular a spork device, more particularly, but not exclusively, a device for a portable spork.

[0002] Increasing numbers of people enjoy being out of the home, and at the same time there is a growing awareness of sustainability in many societies.

[0003] As a result of this awareness, it is frequently undesirable to have single-use items, but when eating outside the home it can be difficult to transport reusable or non-disposable eating utensils.

[0004] CN 206 473 133 (WU et al) discloses a foldable soup spoon and fork, a serial communication port, include: the handle, soup spoon portion, the tail end of soup spoon portion with the one end of handle is articulated, forms first pin joint, fork portion, the tail end of fork portion in first pin joint, simultaneously with the one end of handle and the tail end of soup spoon portion is articulated, the handle extension, the one end of handle extension with the handle is relative the other end of first pin joint is articulated. Use the utility model discloses a foldable soup spoon and fork, independence in the time of can effectively improving soup spoon and fork and use increases the effective length of handle under the user state simultaneously, and then the convenient degree when guaranteeing that the user has meal.

[0005] CN 204 467 696 (GAI) discloses a folding spoon for medical care. The folding spoon for medical care comprises two handles which are identical with each other in shape and are vertically distributed, the two handles are spliced together through four rivets, a separation gasket is arranged between the two handles, the two rivets in front of the handles are each movably connected with a half spoon body, two opposite inner surfaces of the two half spoon bodies are both provided with sealing strips, and the two rivets behind the handles are movably connected with a fork and a knife respectively. The folding spoon for medical care is simple in structure and high in practicability.

[0006] CN 204 336 521 (HUANG) discloses a foldable spoon. The foldable spoon comprises a spoon body and a foldable handle, wherein the foldable handle consists of a left handle body and a right handle body, lower ends of the left handle body and the right handle body are hinged to the tail end of a spoon handle, the left and right handle bodies can be rotated around respective hinge shafts, when the left and right handle bodies are rotated to the extension line direction of the tail end of the spoon handle, the foldable spoon is in an unfolded state, the foldable handle is combined with the spoon handle, an integral spoon handle is formed, and the length is increased, and the spoon is convenient to use; when the left and right handle bodies are rotated to be overlapped with the spoon body, the spoon handle is arranged in a spoon handle cavity, a spoon head is arranged in a spoon head position, the foldable spoon is in a folded state, the length of the integral spoon handle is decreased, and the spoon is convenient to carry. When the foldable spoon is in the unfolded or folded state, the left and right handle bodies are inserted in opposite mortises through tenons to be combined with each other and cannot be separated easily; when the spoon is in the folded state, the spoon handle is arranged in the spoon handle cavity of the foldable handle, the spoon head is arranged in the spoon head position of the foldable handle, the spoon handle and the spoon head position are covered, the spoon head and the spoon handle can be prevented from being stained, and the foldable spoon is clean and sanitary.

[0007] However, when the spoon head of CN 204 336 521 is received in the handle parts, the handle parts themselves do not define a closed container for the spoon. Instead, there are gaps at the side through which waste food could leak or contaminants could ingress. Separate sealing members which are not part of the handle are required to cover the protruding parts of the spoon. The requirement for the user to keep separate sealing members would be a clear inconvenience.

[0008] The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an eating utensil comprising: a utensil head; and a handle comprising two housing parts pivotably attached to the utensil head, each housing part having a recess for receiving at least part of the utensil head therein; the housing parts configured to be pivotable from a first position, in which the utensil head is exposed and the housing parts are for holding in use when eating, to a second position, in which the recesses interengage around the utensil head so as to define a closed container for the utensil head.

[0010] By providing a closed container around the utensil head, leakage of waste food from the utensil head is prevented or limited. Additionally, contamination of the utensil head is prevented or limited, which may be particularly relevant before use of the utensil. Since the housing parts of the handle provide the closed container, the eating utensil is convenient to use when away from the home. The term utensil head will be understood to refer to the bowl of a spoon; the tines and root of a fork; the blade of a knife; the bowl, tines and/or cutting edge of a spork; or any other eating utensil.

[0011] Preferably, the utensil head may comprise a bowl.

[0012] Advantageously, the utensil head may comprise tines.

[0013] Beneficially, the utensil head may comprise a bowl and tines. A utensil head comprising a bowl and tines may otherwise be referred to as a spork.

[0014] In a preferable embodiment, the utensil head may comprise a cutting edge.

[0015] Preferably, the eating utensil may further comprise at least one sealing strip for sealing the closed container, the sealing strip projecting from at least one of the recesses. The sealing strip provides improved closure between the two housing parts, since it may allow the overlapping of the housing parts. The sealing strip may alternatively be referred to as a sealing element, and may not necessarily have a strip form.

[0016] Advantageously, the sealing strip may project from a longitudinal side of the recess and overlaps with the other housing part.

[0017] Beneficially, the sealing strip may extend along at least a majority of the longitudinal extent of the recess.

[0018] Additionally, there may be a sealing strip at two sides of the recess. As such, a top and bottom of the closed container may have an improved closure means.

[0019] Optionally, both sealing strips may be on one housing part.

[0020] In a preferable embodiment, the sealing strips may comprise metal. This allows for improved durability as well as convenient construction or formation, since the remainder of the utensil is preferably formed from metal.

[0021] Additionally, the eating utensil may consist or consist essentially of metal. This may permit convenient construction and improved durability compared to other materials.

[0022] Advantageously, the eating utensil may further comprise a neck between the utensil head and the handle. The neck allows the utensil head to be spaced from the folding or pivoting mechanism so that the head may not impinge or clash therewith.

[0023] Beneficially, the neck may be tapered. The tapered neck reduces the risk of impinging or clashing with the folding or pivoting mechanism.

[0024] In a preferable embodiment, in the first position the housing parts are interengaged along an entirety or substantially an entirety of a longitudinal extent thereof. The housing parts are therefore closely engaged and thus the handle is slimmer, which may assist with use thereof.

[0025] Preferably, the eating utensil may further comprise a catch for holding the housing parts in the first position and/or the second position. Thus, the risk of unintentional separation of the housing parts is reduced.

[0026] Advantageously, the catch may comprise a stop pivotably attached to one of the housing parts, said stop configured to pivot to engage the other of the housing parts to arrest pivoting of the other housing part relative to said one of the housing parts. A pivoting attachment provides the option of the stop being pivotable in either direction to allow for holding of the housing parts in either of the first and second positions.

[0027] Additionally, the catch may comprise a lock and/or the catch may be attached to one of the housing parts and may be lockable to the other of the housing parts. Here the lock is provided by an interference fit between the stop and a projection on the housing part.

[0028] Preferably, the catch may have a rounded catch end and may be attached to one of the housing parts, a stud projecting from the other housing part for the rounded catch end to lock therebehind via an interference fit.

[0029] Optionally, the housing parts may be configured to pivot relative to the utensil head about a pivot axis which is aligned or substantially aligned with a vertical direction of the utensil in use. In other words, the housing parts close around the utensil head from the sides.

[0030] Alternatively, the housing parts may be configured to pivot relative to the utensil head about a pivot axis which is aligned or substantially aligned with a horizontal direction of the utensil in use. In other words, the housing parts close around the utensil head from the top and the bottom.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a spork device, with moveable parts providing a spork extending from a handle in a first position for usage for eating, and a housing into which the spork is moved for transport in a second position.

[0032] In some embodiments the device may comprise a folding spork device, the device comprising a combined fork and spoon spork, a pair of arms and a pivot, wherein the spork is arranged to extend from the pivot and the arms are arranged to pivot about the pivot and provide the housing in the second position.

[0033] In other embodiments the device may comprise a single housing, wherein the housing may be slid over or rotated on a pivot to cover the spork in the second position.

[0034] The spork may extend from the pivot so as to provide a usable part distal the pivot.

[0035] In this way the pivot may be used to displace the arms away from the spork into a usage first position.

[0036] The arms may subsequently be pivoted about the pivot so as to be coplanar and parallel the spork in a storage second position.

[0037] The arms may be elongated so as to provide easy manipulation of the device when in the first position.

[0038] The spork may comprise a basal portion, which basal portion is attached to the pivot or which provide the pivot. The basal portion of the spork may be interposed between the arms.

[0039] The arms may therefore have a base that is capable of passing over the basal portion of the spork, so as to allow the bases to pivot past the basal portion, and allow the arms to move between positions.

[0040] The arms may provide bases at either end, which bases may be provided by blocks and/or spacers so as to define a space between them.

[0041] In some embodiments the basal portion or bases are arranged to interact if the arms or spork are pivoting excessively about the pivot, so as to provide a preferred orientation of the arms and spork, in particular reference to the first position, for example providing a stop to rotation.

[0042] In some embodiments the arms comprise an indented central space. Such space may thereby enable the spork to be fit within the arms when in the second position.

[0043] The device may be envisaged to be formed substantially or wholly in metal or alloy, so as to be robust, sustainable and reusable indefinitely.

[0044] The device may alternatively or additionally comprise robust thermoplastics.

[0045] The spork may comprise a bowl and a number of tines, which tines may extend from a perimetric location of the bowl. The spork may further comprise serrations, for example along a perimetric edge of the bowl.

[0046] The handle may comprise two U shaped arms, each turned through 90 degrees to provide a mating indentation that provides the space for tbe spork, such that the spork is inserted in the second position into a resulting space between the arms.

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the eating utensil according to a first aspect of the present invention in a first position;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 in the first position;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 in the second position;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 in the second position;

Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 7 and 8 show diagrammatic views of the first embodiment;

Figure 9 shows a top view of a second embodiment of the eating utensil in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a side view of the eating utensil of Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a bottom view of the eating utensil of Figure 9;

Figure 12 shows a first perspective view of the eating utensil of Figure 9; and

Figure 13 shows a second perspective view of the eating utensil of Figure 9.

[0048] With reference to figures 1 to 8 there is shown a first embodiment of the device or eating utensil according to the present invention generally comprising a folding spork device 99, the device comprising a combined fork and spoon spork 11, or utensil head, a pair of arms 1,2, or housing parts, and a mount 8 or body, wherein the spork 11 is arranged to extend from the mount 8 and the arms 1,2 are arranged to pivot about the mount 8.

[0049] The first embodiment thereby comprises a spork 11 and a handle 12 that doubles as arms 1,2 or a housing for the spork in a second position.

[0050] A mechanism similar to a butterfly knife allows the arms to form a housing to enclose the spork preventing any food from getting into the user's bag or pocket before it is washed and reused.

[0051] The housing is provided by the arms in the second position, and in the first position the arms act as a handle for the spork with the spork exposed.

[0052] In particular reference to the pictured first embodiment the device comprises a compact spork designed for eating on the go that can be carried in the user's pocket or bag until used.

[0053] The arms 1,2 are elongated and rigid and comprise two flat rails joined by an orthogonal back 16 and forming an internal space 21 providing the housing. The internal space 21 may be considered to be a recess which has an opening. There is preferably no hole in the rails or back 16 of the arms so that when the arms 1,2 are interengaged or joined they form a closed container. The closed container prevents leaks of waste food from the utensil head 11 and/or prevents contamination of the utensil head 11 from the external environment.

[0054] The arms 1,2 are joined together at the mount 8, and are attached to the mount 8 at either side of the spork. In the first position the arms and spork extend in substantially opposite directions away from the mount. In the second position the spork 11 and arms 1, 2 extend in substantially the same direction wherein the spork is sandwiched between, or enclosed by, the arms 1,2.

[0055] The folding spork device 99 has a neck 7 between the spork 11 and the arms 1, 2, and/or between the spork 11 and the mount 8. The neck includes a lateral crossbar that, in the first position, enters the sides of the arms. The lateral crossbar may assist with forming a closed container.

[0056] The mount has two pivot points in the pictured first embodiment. The two pivot points are located in the mount 8 at either side of the head of the spork.

[0057] The arms have two parallel faces, an open side and a closed side, and closed ends distal the mount.

[0058] Each arm 1, 2 is pivotably attached to the mount 8 via a bolt or pin 6. Each bolt 6 extends through the mount 8 via hole and through a corresponding hole in a first end portion 14 of each arm 1, 2. Each first end portion 14 is here rounded, which may prevent or limit impingement between the arms.

[0059] The two arms 1,2 can be opened out to form the handle and expose the spork 11 in the first position. The arms 1, 2 can then be folded over the spork 11 in a second position covering it to prevent food leaking or contamination of the spork.

[0060] One of the arms comprises a catch for the other arm. Such a catch is provided by a pivoting looped lever 4, which loops around the opposing arm. The lever 4 is arranged with rounded catch ends 5. At least one rounded catch end 5 passes over an opposing stud or projection on the opposing arm and travels over and past the stud to provide a lock. The catch is thus lockable via an interference fit. Since the lever can rotate in either direction, the opposing arm may have a stud or projection on both lateral sides thereof to permit locking in both of the first and second positions. The stud which permits locking in the second position may be received in a hole of the other arm so that in the first position a close engagement between the two arms is not limited by the presence of the stud.

[0061] The lever is used to lock the device in both the first and second positions.

[0062] Whilst described as a looped lever, it will be appreciated that a complete loop may not be necessary, and instead the catch may simply be L-shaped or substantially L-shaped, with a stop extending from a pivotable arm.

[0063] An overhanging lip 15 from one arm 1 over the space 21 is overlapped with the opposing arm 2 in the second position so as to provide a seal. The overhanging lip 15 may otherwise be referred to as a sealing strip. There are here two overhanging lips 15, each lip 15 extending along and projecting from a longitudinal extent of the opening of the recess or internal space 21 of the arm 1. As such, there are top and bottom lips 15. In the second position, the lips 15 are thus partly received into the recess 21 of the opposing arm 2, and thereby cover any gap between the two arms which helps to seal the closed container. In the first position, the lips 15 are on the opposing side of the arm 1 to the other said arm 2, and therefore these do not impact a close engagement between the arms 1, 2 in the first position.

[0064] The lips 15 are preferably formed from the same material as the remainder of the device, which is preferably metal such as aluminium or stainless steel, although hard plastics may also be considered. However, it will be appreciated that a seal formed from a different material, such as an elastomeric seal, may additionally or alternatively be used.

[0065] The bowl 9 of the spork is preferably 30mm wide to allow the user to hold more food than conventional designs. The tines 10 are separate from the curvature of the spoon to make it easier for the user to pick up their food. A side edge 18 of the bowl is a cutting edge and is here preferably serrated to allow the user to cut their food.

[0066] The laterally extending crossbar of the neck portion 7 below the spork helps seal the device in its second position, where in the pictured first embodiment the mount 8 of the spork also forms a lid over the space in the second position. In particular the crossbar neck portion is located at or near one end of the space with a basal portion further extending to internally provide an end of the space 21.

[0067] Two largely circular disc spacers 17 are used to support the ends of the housings. The spacers 17 are pinned to the housing using stainless steel rods 3 and the circular form is cut to dovetail the rear wall of the arms 1,2. Whilst described as being largely circular, it will be appreciated that the spacers may in fact only have rounded edges.

[0068] In the case that the crossbar portion of the neck 7 is omitted, the spacers 17 should be in contact with each other in the second position to provide sealing or closure of the device 99 around the spork 11. To allow an improved seal, each spacer 17 preferably has a flat portion 17a which interengages with the flat portion 17a of the other spacer 17 in the second position.

[0069] The two bolts 6 are used to allow the arms 1,2 to pivot around the spork to provide the housing in the second position. The bolts 6 define a pivot axis of the arms 1, 2. The bolts 6 here are aligned with a vertical direction, which may be defined in use with the device flat on a surface with a concave surface of the bowl 9 facing upwardly. The bolts 6 can be tightened by the user depending on how much resistance wanted, when opening and closing the first embodiment.

[0070] Whilst the arms 1, 2 here pivot about an axis which is aligned with a vertical direction, it will be appreciated that they may instead pivot around an axis aligned with a horizontal direction. In other words, the arms 1, 2 may approach the spork 11 from the top and bottom. The horizontal direction may be defined orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0071] A bolt 6 is also used to allow the locking lever 4 to pivot. The bolt passes through blocks 13 formed at the distal ends of the arms from the spork 11 wherein the blocks form the ends of the housing's space for the spork in the second position of the first embodiment.

[0072] The blocks 13 have lateral side faces arranged to interfit such that an interfit projection may be utilised for the catch.

[0073] The device 99 preferably has a longitudinal extent of substantially 150 mm when in the first position, in particular 152 mm. In the second position, the device 99 preferably has a longitudinal extent of substantially 100 mm from end to end, and in particular 96.5 mm. The width of the device 99 is preferably substantially 45 mm, in particular 43.5 mm. The depth of the device 99 is preferably substantially between 15 mm and 20 mm, in particular 17.5 mm. Such dimensions permit portability.

[0074] Referring now to Figures 9 to 13, there is shown a second embodiment of the eating utensil or spork device 199. The second embodiment is similar or identical to the first embodiment, and similar or identical reference numerals are used, with 100 added.

[0075] The second embodiment 199 differs from the first embodiment in that the neck 107 has no laterally extending cross bar. Instead, the neck 107 tapers, and preferably smoothly tapers, from the mount 108 to the spork 111.

[0076] Since there is no cross bar of the neck 107, the spacers 117 provide the closure or sealing around the spork 111 at a neck-adjacent portion when the device 199 is in the second position. As such, the spacers 117 are in contact with each other in the second position and have flat portions which interengage to facilitate this, as per the first embodiment.

[0077] The omission of the laterally extending cross bar allows for easier accommodation of the arms 101, 102 around the spork 111.

[0078] Whilst both embodiments of the eating utensil are described as having a spork, and a spork is preferred for convenience, it will be appreciated that other utensil heads may be considered, such as spoons, forks or knives.

[0079] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. An eating utensil (99; 199) comprising:

a utensil head (11); and

a handle (12) comprising two housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102) pivotably attached to the utensil head (11), each housing part (1, 2; 101, 102) having a recess (21) for receiving at least part of the utensil head (11) therein;

the housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102) configured to be pivotable from a first position, in which the utensil head (11) is exposed and the housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102) are for holding in use when eating, to a second position, in which the recesses (21) interengage around the utensil head (11) so as to define a closed container for the utensil head (11).

2. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the utensil head (11) comprises a bowl (9) and tines (10).

3. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sealing strip (15) for sealing the closed container, the sealing strip (15) projecting from at least one of the recesses (21).

4. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing strip (15) projects from a longitudinal side of the recess (21) and overlaps with the other housing part (1, 2; 101, 102).

5. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sealing strip (15) extends along at least a majority of the longitudinal extent of the recess (21).

6. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein there is a sealing strip (15) at two sides of the recess (21).

7. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in claim 6, wherein both sealing strips (15) are on one housing part (1; 101).

8. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in any one or claims claim 3 to 7, wherein the or each sealing strip (15) comprise metal.

9. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eating utensil consists or consists essentially of metal.

10. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a neck (107) between the utensil head (11) and the handle (12).

11. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first position the housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102) are interengaged along an entirety or substantially an entirety of a longitudinal extent thereof.

12. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a catch for holding the housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102) in the first position and/or the second position.

13. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the catch comprises a stop pivotably attached to one of the housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102), said stop configured to pivot to engage the other of the housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102) to arrest pivoting of the other housing part (1, 2; 101, 102) relative to said one of the housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102).

14. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the catch is attached to one of the housing parts is lockable to the other of the housing parts.

15. An eating utensil (99; 199) as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the catch having a rounded catch end (5) and being attached to one of the housing parts (1, 2; 101, 102), a stud projecting from the other housing part (1, 2; 101, 102) for the rounded catch end (5) to lock therebehind via an interference fit.

Drawing