STACKABLE CUTLERY

A stackable cutlery utensil includes a utensil portion and a handle portion. The handle portion has opposing first and second ends, with the second end being adjacent the utensil portion. The handle portion further has opposing upper and lower surfaces. First and second protrusions project from the lower surface. A recess is included on the upper surface.

BACKGROUND

Cutlery products can include a variety of utensils, such as forks, knives, spoons, and the like. Cutlery utensils can be reusable or disposable and intended for a single use. Cutlery utensils can be formed of a variety of suitable materials, such as metal or plastics. In one example, disposable cutlery utensils are formed of plastic. Such cutlery utensils can be formed by a variety of suitable manufacturing methods, non-limiting examples of which include stamping, molding, or 3D printing. Regardless of the method of manufacture, it can be desirable for cutlery utensils to be stackable for improved arrangement and handling both during an automated manufacturing process and for packaging of the cutlery utensils. However, some stacking features can add complexity and cost to the manufacturing of the product and/or can negatively impact the usability or aesthetic design of the cutlery utensils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stackable cutlery utensil comprising a utensil portion, a handle portion, having opposing first and second ends, the second end being adjacent the utensil portion, and further having opposing upper and lower surfaces, first and second protrusions projecting from the lower surface and spaced from one another to define an intervening space, and a recess on the upper surface at the same axial location on the handle portion as at least one of the first and second protrusions.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stack of stackable cutlery utensils, each of the stackable cutlery utensils comprising a utensil portion, a handle portion, having opposing first and second ends, the second end being adjacent the utensil portion, and further having opposing first and second surfaces, first and second protrusions projecting from the first surface and spaced from one another to define an intervening space, and a recess on the second surface at the same axial location on the handle portion as at least one of the first and second protrusions, wherein the recess of a first utensil in the stack receives the at least one of the first and second protrusions of a second utensil in the stack to form a stacked configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a stackable cutlery product, such as a cutlery utensil, non-limiting examples of which can include forks, knifes, spoons, sporks, serving utensils, or any other suitable cutlery item or utensil. As illustrated inFIG. 1, a stackable cutlery utensil is illustrated in the form of a fork100. The fork100comprises a body102defining a utensil portion110and a handle portion120. In the present example of the fork100, the utensil portion110includes a plurality of spaced tines112. The plurality of spaced tines112can include any suitable number of tines112, including a single tine112or a pair of tines112.

The handle portion120has opposing first and second ends illustrated as an inner end122, located adjacent the utensil portion110, and an outer end124, located at the opposing end of the handle portion120, spaced from the utensil portion110. The handle portion120further defines a first surface, illustrated as an upper surface130, and an opposing second surface, illustrated as a lower surface140, forming opposing upper and lower surfaces130,140.

The upper surface130defines at least one recess, illustrated as at least one recessed area132, on the upper surface130that is recessed into or below the upper surface130. In one example, as illustrated, the recessed area132comprises a single, continuous recessed area132. However, it will be understood that the recessed area132is not limited to the single, continuous recessed area132, but can instead comprise first and second recessed areas132on the upper surface130of the handle portion120, which may be spaced from one another along the handle portion120as discrete recessed areas132. In either case, the at least one recessed area132comprises a bottom surface133. The bottom surface133can be smooth and free of texture or ornamentation, or the bottom surface133can include a texture, a pattern, or any suitable type of ornamental design. In one example, the recessed area132further comprises a sidewall134extending between the bottom surface133and the upper surface130along at least a portion of the recessed area132. Optionally, part or all of the sidewall134defines a perimeter of the recessed area132. The sidewall134can further optionally extend continuously about the periphery of the bottom surface133.

In one example, the recessed area132extends substantially along the entire length of the handle portion120, extending from and between the inner end122and the outer end124. In such an example, the recessed area132, such as specifically the sidewall134, further defines a first end136and a second end138. As illustrated, the first end136is located at the inner end122of the handle portion120, while the second end138is located at the outer end124of the handle portion120. Further, it will be understood that the at least one recessed area132need not extend along the entire length of the handle portion120, and can instead extend along only a portion of the length of the handle portion120, such as, by way of non-limiting example, along ¾ or less of the length of the handle portion120, further along half or less of the length of the handle portion120, further along ¼ or less of the length of the handle portion120.

Turning now toFIG. 2, the lower surface140of the handle portion120comprises at least a first protrusion142and a second protrusion144extending or projecting downwardly from the lower surface140. While the lower surface140is illustrated as including the first protrusion142and the second protrusion144, it will be understood that additional protrusions can also be included. The first and second protrusions142,144are positioned at the same axial location on the handle portion120as the at least one recessed area132. Further, the first protrusion142and the second protrusion144are spaced apart from one another along the handle portion120. In one non-limiting example as illustrated, the first and second protrusions142,144are spaced apart such that they are adjacent the inner end122and the outer end124, respectively, of the handle portion120, though it will be understood that the first and second protrusions142,144need not be spaced all the way to the opposing inner and outer ends122,124of the handle portion120. In one such example, in the case that first and second recessed areas132are included, one recessed area132can correspond to the first protrusion142while the other recessed area132corresponds to the second protrusion144, such that a discrete recessed area132is included to correspond to each of the protrusions142,144.

Alternatively, in the case that the single, continuous recessed area132is included, the first and second protrusions142,144are spaced apart from one another along the handle portion120, such that the first and second protrusions142,144both correspond to the single, continuous recessed area132. Further by way of non-limiting example, and as illustrated, the first protrusion142can be positioned opposite the first end136of the recessed area132and of the sidewall134, while the second protrusion144is positioned opposite the second end138of the recessed area132and of the sidewall134. As illustrated, the first and second protrusions142,144can be sized and positioned so as to be complementary in contour and in location with the first and second ends136,138. Specifically, the first protrusion142can define a contour that is complementary to the first end136, while the second protrusion144defines a contour that is complementary to the second end138. The first and second protrusions142,144can have the same shape and size as one another, or the first and second protrusions142,144can differ in shape and/or size. Further, it will be understood that the first and second protrusions142,144, while illustrated as complementary in shape with the first and second ends136,138, can have any suitable shape and size such that the first and second protrusions142,144can be at least partially received within and retained within the recessed area132when stacked on top of another fork100, non-limiting examples of which include a peg, a bump, or a nub, that can be circular, square, rectangular, oval, or any other suitable shape in cross-section.

Turning now toFIG. 3, the recessed area132can be better seen as extending along the length of the handle portion120from the inner end122to the outer end124, and defined by the sidewall134, including the first end136and the second end138. As illustrated, the sidewall134can have a substantially constant width along the entire perimeter of the recessed area132, though it will be understood that the sidewall134need not be constant in width, but instead could vary in width along the handle portion120.

Turning now toFIG. 4, the shape of the first protrusion142and of the second protrusion144can be better seen as corresponding to the shape, size, and the position of the first end136and the second end138, respectively. As illustrated, the first and second protrusions142,144have a generally U-shaped profile that is complementary to and configured to be at least partially received within and retained by the first and second ends136,138, respectively.

Turning now toFIG. 5, the first protrusion142and the second protrusion144can be seen as protruding downwardly from and beyond the lower surface140of the handle portion120adjacent the first and second ends136,138, respectively, as well as adjacent the inner end122and the outer end124, respectively. Specifically, the first protrusion142is aligned with the position of the first end136, while the second protrusion144is aligned with the position of the second end138. Further, it can be seen in the side view that the sidewall134located along the perimeter of the recessed area132, and thus also of the handle portion120, defines the upper surface130at the side edge of the fork100.

Turning now to the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 6, the recessed position of the bottom surface133of the recessed area132relative to the upper surface130of handle portion120can be seen, with the sidewall134extending substantially vertically between the bottom surface133and the upper surface130. The bottom surface133and the sidewall134can be thought of as collectively forming the recessed area132and defining the periphery of the recessed area132. The first end136and the second end138can be thought of as collectively defining the length of the recessed area132extending along the handle portion120between the inner end122and the outer end124. Further, the first protrusion142and the second protrusion144are better seen in cross-section as extending downwardly from and beyond the lower surface140of the handle portion120.

FIG. 7illustrates a stack150comprising two forks100stacked on top of one another. The first and second protrusions142,144of the top fork100extend downwardly beyond the lower surface140of the top fork100to extend into the recessed area132of the bottom fork100. Specifically, the first and second protrusions142,144of the top fork100are at least partially received within the recessed area132, such as received within the sidewall134, and extend downwardly into the recessed area132of the bottom fork100to rest upon and be supported by the bottom surface133of the bottom fork100. In the illustrated example, the first protrusion142is received within and abuts the first end136of the sidewall134, while the second protrusion144is received within and abuts the second end138of the sidewall134.

In one example, the first and second protrusions142,144are received within and abut the first and second ends136,138, but are not resiliently retained by the first and second ends136,138. By way of non-limiting example, a gap of0.003inches can be included between the first protrusion142and the first end136and between the second protrusion144and the second end138such that the first and second protrusions142,144are not resiliently retained, but still the forks100are nested together to form the stack150that is stable and is less likely to tip over relative to stacks of cutlery utensils that do not include the first and second protrusions142,144retained within the recessed area132. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the first and second protrusions142,144can be resiliently retained by the first and second ends136,138so as to form a snug fit, an interference fit, a locking fit, or a snap fit between forks100in the stack150.

Regardless of whether the forks100in the stack150are resiliently or non-resiliently retained relative to one another, the stacked forks100in the stack150nest together via the first and second protrusions142,144of the top fork100and the recessed area132, specifically the first and second ends136,138, of the bottom fork100to form a stable stack150having a nested or stacked configuration, such as during manufacturing and packaging. By spacing the first and second protrusions142,144apart from one another, greater stability for the stack150is achieved as compared to the use of only a single protrusion or by having first and second protrusions142,144that are not spaced apart from one another. Further, because the first and second protrusions142,144have a shape that is complementary to the first and second ends136,138, respectively, of the sidewall134, the stacked forks100are prevented from moving side-to-side relative to one another, as well as from moving forward or backward relative to one another. The inclusion of the sidewall134corresponding with the first and second protrusions142,144improves resistance to relative lateral movement between the forks100that can lead to unstacking of the forks100in the stack150. Thus, the forks100in the stack150are prevented from lateral movement relative to one another to form the stack150that is sufficiently stable to be moved around during manufacturing and packaging processes.

Further, locating the first and second protrusions142,144on the lower surface140leads to improved aesthetic and usability. First, the first and second protrusions142,144, being located on the lower surface140, are not seen from the top side of the fork100, which is the side generally visible to a user during use of the fork100. Thus, the inclusion of the first and second protrusions142,144do not interfere with the aesthetic of the fork100to the user during use. Second, the spacing apart of the first and second protrusions142,144defines an intervening space143between the first and second protrusions142,144along the length of the handle portion120that can be thought of as defining an index finger region between the first and second protrusions142,144within which a user's index finger normally would lie when holding the handle portion120, such that the first and second protrusions142,144do not interfere with the user's finger position and use of the fork100. Thus, the spacing between the first and second protrusions142,144and the length and positioning of the intervening space143for an index finger are specifically designed such that the first and second protrusions142,144are spaced and located so as to not lie in the area on the lower surface140where the user's index finger would normally rest during use of the fork100. According to an MIT Touch Lab study conducted in 2012, the average width of the index finger for most adults is between 1.6 to 2 centimeters (16 to 20 millimeters). Therefore, in one non-limiting example, the length of the intervening space143between the first and second protrusions142,144defining the index finger region can be at least 1.6 centimeters. Further by way of non-limiting example, the length of the intervening space143between the first and second protrusions142,144defining the index finger region can be at least 2 centimeters.

In another non-limiting example, the user's index finger may normally reside in at least the middle 60% of the length of the handle portion120. In such a case, the first and second protrusions142,144can therefore be located within the 20% or less of the length of the handle portion120adjacent the inner end122and the 20% or less of the length of the handle portion120adjacent the outer end124, respectively, which can be thought of as the first and last 20% or less of the length of the handle portion120. In this way, the intervening space143comprises at least the middle 60% of the length of the handle portion120and the first and second protrusions142,144are located outside of the intervening space143and outside of the length of the handle portion120within which the user's index finger would normally reside. Further by way of non-limiting example, the intervening space143can comprise at least the middle 80% of the length of the handle portion120, with the first protrusion142located within the 10% or less of the length of the handle portion120adjacent the inner end122and the second protrusion144located within the 10% or less of the length of the handle portion120adjacent the outer end124, which can be thought of as the first and last 10% or less of the length of the handle portion120. Further yet by way of non-limiting example, the intervening space143can comprise at least the middle 83% of the length of the handle portion120, with the first protrusion142located within the 10% or less of the length of the handle portion120adjacent the inner end122and the second protrusion144located within the 7% or less of the length of the handle portion120adjacent the outer end124, which can be thought of as the first 10% or less and the last 7% or less of the length of the handle portion120.

Further yet, while the fork100is illustrated as having the upper surface130comprising the recessed area132and the lower surface140comprising the first and second protrusions142,144, it will be understood that the structures for stacking the forks100can be switched. For example, the lower surface140instead can define the recessed area132recessed upwardly into the lower surface140of the handle portion120, while the upper surface130instead defines the first and second protrusions142,144. Stacking of the forks100could then be accomplished in the same manner, with the first and second protrusions142,144received and retained within the recessed area132.

FIGS. 8-9illustrate another example of a stackable cutlery utensil, illustrated as a knife200, according to the present disclosure. The knife200is similar to the fork100ofFIGS. 1-7, and shares many of the same features and components as the fork100, but differs in some aspects, such as in the shape and structure of a utensil portion210. Therefore, elements of the knife200that are similar to those of the fork100are identified with numerals increased by100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the fork100applies to the knife200, unless otherwise noted.

The knife200is similar to the fork100in most aspects, but differs from the fork100in that the knife200has a different utensil portion210. The arrangement and the description of a body202, a handle portion220with an inner end222and an outer end224, an upper surface230with a recessed area232, a bottom surface233, a sidewall234, a first end236, and a second end238, and a lower surface240with a first protrusion242and a second protrusion244, is still the same and can be illustrated in the same manner as in the fork100.

The knife200differs from the fork100in that the utensil portion210, instead of comprising the plurality of tines112, comprises a cutting blade214. In one example, the cutting blade214can be illustrated as a serrated cutting blade214. Other than the difference in the utensil portion210, the structure of the handle portion220can be identical to that of the handle portion120of the fork100, with stacking of the knives200also identical to stacking of the forks100via the handle portions120,220.

FIGS. 10-11illustrate another example of a stackable cutlery utensil, illustrated as a spoon300, according to the present disclosure. The spoon300is similar to the fork100ofFIGS. 1-7, and shares many of the same features and components as the fork100, but differs in some aspects, such as in the shape and structure of a utensil portion310. Therefore, elements of the spoon300that are similar to those of the fork100are identified with numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the fork100applies to the spoon300, unless otherwise noted.

The spoon300is similar to the fork100in most aspects, but differs from the fork100in that the spoon300has a different utensil portion310. The arrangement and the description of a body302, a handle portion320with an inner end322and an outer end324, an upper surface330with a recessed area332, a bottom surface333, a sidewall334, a first end336, and a second end338, and a lower surface340with a first protrusion342and a second protrusion344, is still the same and can be illustrated in the same manner as in the fork100.

The spoon300differs from the fork100in that the utensil portion310, instead of comprising the plurality of tines112, comprises a bowl316. In one example, the bowl316can be illustrated as a concave bowl316relative to the upper surface330. Other than the difference in the utensil portion310, the structure of the handle portion320can be identical to that of the handle portion120of the fork100, with stacking of the spoons300also identical to stacking of the forks100via the handle portions120,320.

Whether the cutlery utensil is illustrated as the fork100, the knife200, or the spoon300, it can be seen that the different utensil types can all include the same, identical handle portion120,220,320, but in combination with differing utensil portions110,210,310, specifically with the plurality of tines112for the fork100, the cutting blade214for the knife200, and the bowl316for the spoon300. It will also be understood that the cutlery utensil is not limited to including the plurality of tines112, the cutting blade214, or the bowl316, but instead can include any suitable utensil portion in combination with the identical handle portion120,220,320. Therefore, and turning now toFIG. 12, while the handle portions120,220,320allow for stacking of identical cutlery utensils of the same type, such as the stack150of forks100, as previously described, by including identical handle portions120,220,320between the forks100, knives200, and spoons300, cutlery utensils of different types can also be stacked together. Thus,FIG. 12illustrates another example of a stack350of cutlery utensils according to the present disclosure. The stack350is similar to the stack150ofFIG. 7, and shares many of the same features and components as the stack150, but differs in some aspects, such as in the inclusion of the fork100and the spoon300. Therefore, elements of the stack350that are similar to those of the stack150are identified with numerals increased by200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the stack150applies to the stack350, unless otherwise noted.

The stack350is similar to the stack150in most aspects, but differs from the stack150in that the stack350includes the fork100and the spoon300, rather than two forks100. The stacking of the fork100and the spoon300via the handle portions120,320is still the same and can be illustrated in the same manner as in the stack150. The stack350differs from the stack150in that the upper fork100is replaced by the spoon300with the utensil portion310comprising the bowl316, rather than the upper fork100as in the stack150with the utensil portion120comprising the tines112. Other than the difference in the utensil portion310, the structure of the handle portions120,320can be identical to that of the handle portions120of the forks100, with stacking of the spoon300on top of the fork100also identical to stacking of the forks100via the handle portions120in the stack150.

While the stack350is illustrated with the spoon300stacked on top of the fork100, it will be understood that other stacking combinations are also possible, such as by stacking the knife200, or a plurality of knives200, on top of the fork100, or on top of a plurality of stacked forks100. Further, any stacking combination of at least one fork100, at least one knife200, and at least one spoon300is contemplated and is possible according to the present disclosure, so long as the utensil portions110,210,310are shaped so as to accommodate the type of cutlery utensil100,200,300to be stacked on top.

The aspects described in the present disclosure set forth several types of stackable cutlery utensils that can be stacked to form stable stacks of utensils during manufacturing, such as for movement or manipulation within an automated manufacturing process, or in preparation for packaging of the stackable utensils. The stacking features, namely the first and second protrusions and the recessed area, are simple and low-profile, making them easier to manufacture than more complex stacking features, and also allowing for stable stacking of the utensils without having a negative impact on the usability and aesthetic design of the utensils. The receipt of the protrusions within the recessed area allows for stacking of the utensils by allowing the utensils to be nested with one another to form a more stable stack of utensils. Further, the specific structures of the stacking features described in the present disclosure restrict relative movement between utensils not just in one direction, but in all directions, by preventing or restricting movement of utensils in side-to-side directions relative to one another, as well as movement of utensils in front-to-back directions relative to one another. Further yet, the stacking features as described in the present disclosure also allow for stacking of the cutlery utensils, not only with identical utensils of the same type, such as stacking forks with forks, spoons with spoons, or knives with knives, but also allows for stacking between different utensil types, such as stacking a spoon on top of a fork or stacking a knife on top of a fork, which further benefits the automation and packaging processes.

It will also be understood that various changes and/or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, although the present disclosure is described for use with cutlery utensils such as forks, knives, and spoons, it will be recognized that the stacking features and handle portions as described in the present disclosure can be employed with various types of cutlery or utensils, including disposable or reusable cutlery or different structural types of cutlery or utensils, such as spatulas, serving utensils, or any other type of utensil that can be stacked.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature is not illustrated in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features described in the present disclosure are also covered by this disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While aspects of the disclosure have been specifically described in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims.