Abstract:
A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon, Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/528,161, filed 20 Jun. 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/559,518, filed 14 Nov. 2006 (Now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,381), the entireties of the contents thereof expressly incorporated by reference thereto for all purposes. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The invention relates to means and methods of creating folding eating utensils suitable for attachment to food covers, lids or containers. 
         [0006]    (2) Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    Several attempts to integrated eating utensils with food containers are known in the related art. However, the related art fails to provide the advantages of the present invention. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,39,988 to Burk discloses a deformable container-lid that includes a spoon. Unfortunately, the Burke lid cannot be molded in one piece, as the utensil member is attached perpendicularly to the lid, which renders it cost prohibitive for single serve containers. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,645 to Vaupotic discloses a separate removable spoon that is stored diagonally in a square storage lid. The Vaupotic spoon assembly is dependent upon the use of a square food container. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,324 to Torniainen discloses two spoon parts stored within a food lid. The Torniainen spoon requires assembly and is thus not well suited for children who are still developing their fine motor skills. The Tornianinen configuration requires three layers of material, a bottom cap to cover the food, a middle section compromising a two-part spoon, and a top section to cover the two spoon. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by combining a lid and eating utensil in a manner that is easy to use, requires minimal materials to manufacture and may be made from recycled and/or degradable material, such as a waxed or laminated paperboard (cardboard). 
         [0012]    The manufacturing and application of the present invention is based upon existing technology and the same technology that manufactures are already using to apply lids, so that the set-up is easily configured and application processes would be very cost efficient. The addition of the lid spoon on top of the existing hermetically sealed sheet serves as an additional tamper proofing device and additional protection of the inner sheet or film from breakage, and improves stackability. 
         [0013]    The present invention has a minimal impact on the environment due to the minimal amount of material used, the biodegradable option for material, both of which have less impact on the environment than use of a separate plastic spoon used in the related art. The use of a separate spoon is typical in a “take-away” situation where a single serving container is purchased and taken away for consumption at another location. 
         [0014]    Consumers, even children will find the two-step deformation and use of the utensil very easy and appealing. The disclosed utensil holds an appropriate amount of foodstuff with a semi solid viscosity, such as yogurt, and has a pleasing mouth feel. 
         [0015]    The invention is of service to busy parents and all others who utilize convenient take-away foods in cups or other containers which require a utensil for consumption, as the user will no longer have to seek-out and pack a separate utensil every time they pack the take-away item. 
         [0016]    The invention also makes life easier for consumers to utilize the utensil when at home, as the invention saves the steps of seeking out a utensil and washing the utensil after use. 
         [0017]    Unlike the related art, the present invention provides a score line along the intersection of the “scoop” and the lid edge such that the “scoop” is folded under the lid where it is kept sterile. The scoop is unfolded along the score area and deployed outwardly of the lid. The lid is then folded or bent perpendicularly to the score line, possible along a second score line running all or part of the diameter of what becomes the utensil “handle”. 
         [0018]    The bending of the lid causes a corresponding bending or curvature in the scoop portion creating a ridged, arched scoop for dispensing or scooping food held in the container. The adhesive which attaches the lid to the container may serve to hold the folded edges to each other, thereby keeping the scoop in the deployed position even when the invention is not being held by the user. The hermetically sealed lid that already exists on most single serve food products would remain in place, such that the “scoop” would be both sterile and uncontaminated by any foodstuff. 
         [0019]    The scoop creates both a ridged structure for scooping heavy foodstuffs and also a pleasing mouth feel. Because the lid is curved in the center, it is narrow enough to reach into relatively deep containers, such as standard yogurt containers. 
         [0020]    Since the structure of the deployed utensil is created by the inherent strength of the tension and compression of the inverted arch of the bent lid, very little material is required for strength. 
         [0021]    The invention is a simple and highly cost effective product to create and utilize due to the extreme simplicity of manufacturing and the ability to place the invention on top of existing packaging. The invention may be viewed as a secondary lid to be placed or attached upon food containers. The invention may be placed in or upon food containers by manufactures, or may be purchased by consumers as a stand-alone product that is later attached to containers as needed. The invention may also be integrated into sleeves that cover or contain multiple containers. 
         [0022]    The outer lid surface may include an easy to understand graphic to demonstrate the two easy steps required to implement the utensil: “1) unfold scoop. 2) Bend lid the other direction so that the two big red dots meet”, or some such direction so that even a small child may look at the picture and “get it”. 
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of this invention are to provide an eating utensil or scooping device which is capable of being attached to a container or integrated into packaging and used to scoop material within a food container, without the necessity of acquiring a separate utensil. 
         [0024]    It is yet a further object and advantage of the invention to provide a scooping device which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and attach to containers, due to the minimal amount of material used and simplicity of structure, as compared to the related art. The invention uses existing technologies to create a product that has a minimal impact on the environment. 
         [0025]    It is still a further object and advantage of the invention to provide a device in which the utensil portion of the device is sterile and, when needed, uncontaminated by the contents within the container. 
         [0026]    When the invention is deformed there is no likelihood that the contents of the container will be touched by the hands of the user when a sealing membrane is used. The utensil will be preferably remain in the deformed position by adhesive, without being held or pinched in place by the user. 
         [0027]    It is still a further object and advantage of the invention to provide a device in which the utensil is a structurally strong scoop due to the tension and compression force created by the inverted arching shape. 
         [0028]    It is still a further object and advantage of this invention to provide a device in which the deformation is easy to manipulate and readily understandable even by children, and the scoop formed by the deformation of the invention is suitably constructed to provide a reliable and pleasing utensil capable of withstanding usage as an eating utensil during the consumption of the entire contents of the container. 
         [0029]    These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a bottom, perspective view of the present invention shown with a typical yogurt style container and sealing membrane. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a sectional side view of the invention showing its placement on top of a container with a sealing membrane. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the underside of the invention showing the utensil in an unfolded condition and the lid and utensil prior to deforming (as in  FIG. 4 ) to final form for utilization as a scoop. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the utensil in final deployed condition, suitable for use as a scooping device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the invention with optional score lines on the scooping section. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the invention with means for attachment  7  which may be reusable glue lines or glue drops. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the invention in a square shape. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a plan view showing an extension section  12  for use with small lids with deep cups. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a is a perspective view showing an optional external cap or lid  11  ready for placement to secure the invention  1  to the container  9 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is an elevation view of the invention secured to the bottom of a container. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the invention that will sit below the lip of the container. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of the invention in a rolled position. 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the invention integrated into an overwrap sleeve. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Reference Numerals 
       [0000]    
       
           1 —lid utensil or the present invention 
           2 —utensil I scoop 
           3 —lid/handle/base 
           4 —score 
           5   a  and  5   b —edges of lid that come together to create scoop 
           6 —perpendicular score 
           7 —adhesive 
           8 —a sealing membrane (used as needed) 
           9 —a portable container 
           10   a  and  10   b —optional score lines starting from the base and ending at the scoop 
           11 —an external cap or external lid 
           12 —extension section 
           13 —an overwrap sleeve 
           14 —a side section of the overwrap sleeve containing a scooping  2  section. 
           15 —an alternative configuration wherein scooping section  2  is folded under the overwrap sleeve  13   
           16 —tab for identification of invention as the invention is integrated into various packaging configurations 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0059]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1  in a perspective view, and in  FIG. 2  in an elevation view, of a basic version of the present invention  1  in conjunction with a portable container  9  and its sealing membrane  8 . The invention may be placed anywhere upon a product or supplied separately, unattached to a product. 
         [0060]    The handle  3  section of the invention is shown as having a planar top and bottom surfaces, preferably with a re-stickable adhesive along the bottom rim, especially at points  5   a  and  5   b . The adhesive  7  attaches the lid to the membrane  8  and also attaches points  5   a  and  5   b  when devise is in final deployed position ( FIG. 4 ). The membrane  8  is attached to the container  9 . Adhesive  7  may be clear, opaque or any color. 
         [0061]    The utensil/scoop portion of the invention  2  shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , in conjunction with a portable container  9 , is folded under along score  4 , such that it is protected from contaminants from above by lid area  3 , and protected below, if needed, by membrane  8 . 
         [0062]    To use the present invention, the user peals the lid/handle  3  from the top of the membrane  8  and container  9  and then peals membrane  8  from container  9 . The user then unfolds utensil/scoop portion  2  along score  4  to a flattened position, shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0063]    The user then folds or rolls lid/handle  3  along score  6 , such that points  5   a  and  5   b  meet and the adhesive  7  keeps the lid/handle in the rolled or folded form, as shown in  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 12 . The arch of the rolled lid/handle creates a structurally strong scoop at utensil/scoop portion  2  due to the compression force created on the inside of the arching shape. The arch on the inside compression side, is very strong in compression and can therefore support a load, even the weaker areas such as score area  4  is negated by the strength of the inverted arch. Score  6 , which doesn&#39;t cross score  4 , is helpful for communicating more intuitively how to use the utensil. 
         [0064]    The utensil/scoop  2  created by rolling the invention also serves to help contain the foodstuff or other material and has the pleasing mouth feel of a spoon. 
         [0065]    The large surface area  3  may be used to illustrate the two simple steps involved in forming the utensil. A big colorful arrow may be printed on utensil/scoop  2  to show in a very intuitive way to unfold the utensil/scoop  2 . Two big colored dots, letters or the like could be used on the inside of areas  5   a  and  5   b  to show in a very intuitive way how these points come together. 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0066]    In an alternative embodiment, the invention is not fastened to any container. The invention may snap-on to the top of a container by use of an existing rim on the container or rest loose between a snap-on lid and sealing membrane. The invention may also use restickable glue dots or other means of attachment to be secured to food containers. 
         [0067]      FIG. 5  shows a variation with curved scores  10   a  and  10   b  that intersect score  6 , cross score  4  and end at the edges of the scoop portion  2 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  shows a variation with an identification tab  16  at the backside of the handle portion  3 . Tab  16  may be used for identification of the invention when the invention is integrated into other packaging, such as box sleeves.  FIG. 6  also shows one option for placement of glue stick points  7  which may be used to secure the invention to another object and/or used to fold or roll the handle portion  3 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 7  shows a square shaped variation with score  6  crossing over score  4 . Scores  10   a  and  10   b  help shape the scooping member  2  when the handle  3  is folded or rolled. The present invention is not limited to any particular shape. 
         [0070]      FIG. 8  shows a variation with an extra handle section  1   2  which may be used to add length to the deployed handle section  3 . The extra handle section  12  may be folded under section  3 . Score  6  may run thought section  12  and section  3 .  FIG. 8  is plan view of the invention with an extra extension section  12  for use with containers with small openings and greater depth. Sections  12  and  2  may fold under section  3  to allow the entire invention  1  to achieve a compact form. Section  12  acts as an extension to the handle  3 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment where a top cap or top lid  11  is used to hold the invention  1  to the container  9 . An optional membrane  8  may sit between the container  9  and the invention  1 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 10  is an elevation view of a container  9  with the invention  1  folded and placed at the bottom of the container. This embodiment is well suited for containers that have a bottom base bigger than the top opening. This placement of the invention allows for configuration of the spoon portion to be long enough to reach the bottom of the container. Points of adhesion  7  attach the invention to the bottom of the container. 
         [0073]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the invention  1  being placed on top of a container  9  such that the invention rests just inside of the lip of the container. 
         [0074]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of the invention in a rolled position. In this embodiment, reusable glue drops or glue points may secure the handle  3  portion of the invention. 
         [0075]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the invention  1  integrated into an overwrap sleeve  13 . A side  14  section of the overwrap sleeve  1   3  containing a scooping  2  section allows for an efficiency of material use as the entire invention is integrated into the sleeve. For the open ends of the sleeve,  15  shows a configuration where scooping section  2  is folded under the handle section  3 . The present invention may be integrated into other packaging. 
         [0076]    Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications are contemplated as being part of this invention as set forth hereinabove and as defined herein by the claims.