GB2560650A

GB2560650A - Blank for forming a handheld tool

Info

Publication number: GB2560650A
Application number: GB1806729.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yin Lee Kar
Original assignee: Greentensil Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Greentensil Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-14
Filing date: 2017-03-14
Publication date: 2018-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-14
Also published as: GB2560650B; GB201806729D0

Abstract

A blank for forming a handheld tool includes a top surface 2, bottom surface 3, a first longitudinal end defining a rear cutting edge 6, a second longitudinal end defining a front edge 5 and a first and second side ends each defining first and second side edges 4, 4 respectively. The blank includes at least one upwardly bending line 11 extending between the two side edges and two upwardly bending segments 12, 12 foldable via lines extending obliquely from the endpoints 21 at the side edges of the blank, the lines extending towards the front edge and providing a vertex 13 with a rounded shape. The blank further comprises first and second downwardly bending lines 61, 61 each extending between the rear edge and the respective side edges, such that two corner wings 60 are provided adjacent the rear edge of the blank. In further aspects a bow feature 32 is included and a process for manufacturing the blank is defined.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

GB 2052246 A US 20140069933 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A47G, A47J, B65D

Other: WPI, EPODOC, Patents Fulltext (71) Applicant(s):

Greentensil Pte. Ltd.

South Bridge Road, #04-02 Kingly Building, Singapore 058679, Singapore (72) Inventor(s):

Kar Yin Lee (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Martin Schweiger

Elsenheimer Street, Munich 80687, Germany (54) Title of the Invention: Blank for forming a handheld tool

Abstract Title: Blank for forming handheld tool having corner wings (57) A blank for forming a handheld tool includes a top surface 2, bottom surface 3, a first longitudinal end defining a rear cutting edge 6, a second longitudinal end defining a front edge 5 and a first and second side ends each defining first and second side edges 4, 4’ respectively. The blank includes at least one upwardly bending line 11 extending between the two side edges and two upwardly bending segments 12, 12’ foldable via lines extending obliquely from the endpoints 21 at the side edges of the blank, the lines extending towards the front edge and providing a vertex 13 with a rounded shape. The blank further comprises first and second downwardly bending lines 61,61’ each extending between the rear edge and the respective side edges, such that two corner wings 60 are provided adjacent the rear edge of the blank. In further aspects a bow feature 32 is included and a process for manufacturing the blank is defined.

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BLANK FOR FORMING A HANDHELD TOOL

The technical field of the present application generally relates to handheld tools, in particular to the forming of handheld tools or utensils from a sheet-shaped blank.

Handheld tools or utensils made of sheet-shaped materials are used in general as low-cost alternatives to tools made from bulk materials.

US 20140238987 A1 describes a foldable spoon with a spoon cup section and a spoon handle. The spoon handle, including apex folds and valley folds, and the spoon cup section are formed from a single sheet of foldable material.

The object of the present application is to provide an improved user and environment friendly form-stable hand-held tool which can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured.

According to a first aspect, a blank for forming a handheld tool is provided. The blank has a flat, elongated shape. The blank can have an essentially symmetric shape, in particular with respect to a longitudinal symmetry axis. In the following, if not specified differently, a symmetry or symmetrical arrangement refers to a symmetry or symmetrical arrangement with respect to the symmetry axis of the blank.

The blank comprises a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first side end, and a second side end. A circumferential cutting edge of the blank comprises a rear edge at the first longitudinal end, a front edge at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge at the first side end and a second side edge at the second side end.

The blank further comprises at least one essentially continuous upward bending line extending between the side edges of the blank, with a first upward bending segment, a second upward bending segment, and a connecting segment. The upward bending segments extend at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints at the side edges of the blank, pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge of the blank and providing a vertex with a blunt and at least partially rounded shape.

Essentially continuous means in this context that the lines may also comprise continuous sections which are separated by breaks or discontinuities.

Due to the arrangement of the upward bending line, three main sections of the blank along the longitudinal direction can be distinguished: A handle section extending from the rear edge to the endpoints of the straight segments of the upward bending lines at the side edges, a functional section extending from the tip of the front edge to the vertex, and an intermediate section between the handle section and the functional section.

The shape of the functional section may be customized and may significantly vary depending on the specific purpose of the tool and/or intention of the customer.

In particular, the functional section of the blank may have an essentially smooth or rounded contour line for forming spoons or spoon-like tools like scoops, shovels, funnels or similar.

The functional section may also have a tined contour line for forming forks or forklike tools of various geometries.

The functional section may further comprise holes or perforations of different number and size for forming strainers or filters out of the blank.

The blank further comprises a first downward bending line extending between the rear edge and the first upward bending segment, and a second downward bending line extending between the rear edge and the second upward bending segment, as well as a middle area or middle lane extending between the downward bending lines, the upward bending line, and the rear edge.

The bending lines serve as bending aids which facilitate the bending or folding of the blank in a predetermined manner, facilitating the shaping of the blank into a handheld tool of the desired form.

Due to the middle area extending between the downward bending lines, the upward bending line, and the rear edge, an elongated middle lane between the downward bending lines is formed which is free of bending lines. After the tool is formed, the middle lane contributes to the stability of the tool since, in the folded state, the middle lane builds an elongated plateau between the two downwards bent portions of the blank, which serves as a carrying construction and gives a particular stability to the tool.

The blunt and at least partially rounded shape of the vertex serves for distributing the pressure from the frontal part of the tool over the perimeter of the vertex. This means that the risk of damaging the blank by the compression stress can be reduced. The risk of injuring of persons by the sharp edges at the vertex can be reduced as well.

In other embodiments, the first downward bending line extends between the rear edge and the first side edge and the second downward bending line extends between the rear edge and the second side edge in such a way that two corner wings at the rear edge of the blank are provided.

The corner wings at the rear edge of the blank can be used to form a comfortable handle for the handheld tool.

The downward bending lines may be arranged in such a way that a widening of the middle area at the connecting segment is provided. In particular, each one of the downward bending lines may comprise an essentially straight longitudinal segment and a curved segment, the curved segments forming the widening of the middle area or middle lane. The longitudinal arrangement of the straight segments of the downward bending lines in the region between the rear edge of the blank and the vertex provides a particularly good protection for this region which can serve as a carrying construction or spine of the tool.

The straight segments of the downward bending lines may extend to the rear edge of the blank. Extending the straight segments of the downward bending lines to the rear edge of the blank facilitates an accurate folding along the downward folding lines, especially in the region of the rear edge.

At the point or points of the rear edge where the straight segments of the downward bending lines end, one or more indentations in the rear edge can be provided.

The indentations at the end of the downwards bending lines can substantially facilitate the bending of the blank at the rear edge .

At the same time, the widening of the vertex can serve for local stress reduction in the vertex region and thus result in a more stable tool.

The angle between the first upward bending segment and the second upward bending segment may be chosen in a range of 20° to 66°, more specifically of 26° to 35°.

By choosing the angle between the upward bending segments in this range, a broad variety of customized useful tools can be formed.

Each one of the downward bending lines may meet the upward bending line at a respective junction point adjacent to the vertex .

By providing for the junction points between the downward bending lines and the upward bending line in the vicinity of the vertex, the forming of the tool out of the blank can be facilitated by improving the controlled foldability in the vertex area.

At the junction points, the angle between the upward bending line and the respective downward bending line may be essentially perpendicular or lie in the range of 60° to 90°, more specifically of 80° to 90°. Due to choosing or predefining the angle between the upward bending line and the respective downward bending line at the junction points, building of folds with sharp angles can be avoided, and the controllable foldability of the blank in the vertex region can be improved.

The blunt and at least partially rounded vertex may have an essentially smooth shape. In particular, the vertex may have a circular shape or a flat tip with rounded corners. The smooth shape of the vertex can smoothen the tension distribution in the blank such that local stress maxima in the vertex region can be reduced.

At least one of the bending lines may be provided by an essentially continuous bending groove formed on at least one surface of the blank.

Depending on the basic material of the blank different techniques for creating the groove can be applied.

In particular, the groove may be scored or coined in the respective surface of the blank. The grooves may also be formed by cutting, by laser ablation, or similar.

By scoring or coining of the grooves in the blank, the bending lines desired pattern can be easily provided.

For the downward bending lines, the groove may be provided on the top surface of the blank.

By providing the groove on the top surface of the blank, the blank can be weakened along the bending lines in such a way that the blank is particularly easily bendable or foldable downwards along the bending line.

For the upward bending line, the groove can be provided on the bottom surface of the blank.

By providing the groove on the bottom surface of the blank, the blank can be weakened along the bending lines in such way that the blank is particularly easily bendable or foldable upwards along the bending line.

The groove for the bending lines may have a rounded or essentially rectangular profile with an aspect ratio, i.e. the ratio of its depth to the width between 1 and 5, more specifically between 2 and 4. The depth of the score may be in the range of 10 to 30 per cent of the thickness of the blank, depending on the chosen materials.

At least one of the bending lines may be also formed by providing, in particular by printing, an additional material layer along the predefined paths of the bending lines. By providing the additional material layer, which in general can have mechanical characteristics different from those of the basic material of the blank, the bendability of the blank can be locally modified in such way that the blank is more easily bendable in one direction than in another direction thus facilitating the bending or folding of the blank.

The profile and the exact dimensions of the groove depends in general on the chosen material, on the thickness, and on the purpose of the blank.

The blank may comprise compostable and/or recyclable materials, in particular approved or certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) , American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) etc.

In the following, a non-exhaustive list of possible materials is provided:

- FSC/SFI certified - ASTM D6868 compliant for Compostability and Recyclable. Such materials (e.g. Yupo® paper) are durable, water-repellant, tear-resistant,

- BPA (Bisphenol A)-free, latex-free, TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer),

- Premium food grade Silicone (SR/LSR), an elastomer, characterized by a wide temperature resistance range of -103° F to 500° F. It is non-stick, non-toxic, highly tensile, flexible, and has a low compression set. Further, it is odorless, tasteless, mold and bacteria-resistant and hydrophobic .

The blank material can also comprise FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic), microlattice, Dyneema, Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polycarbonate (PC), nano-tubes etc.

In particular, for a paper-based blank, the material can have a material area density in the range from 230 g/m2 to 350 g/m2 .

For paper-based blank materials, the orientation of the paper grains can be chosen essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the blank.

Due to the longitudinal orientation of the paper grains, the robustness of the tool formed out of the blank can be increased .

At different positions, and in particular in the handle section, i.e. between the rear edge and the endpoints at the side edges of the blank, elevated portions or bumps of essentially round and/or elongated shapes can be provided.

Due to the bumps or elevated portions, the robustness of the tool can be improved. Furthermore, by providing the bumps or elevated portions in the handle section of the blank, the grip of the handle of the tool can be improved, such that the tool can be securely grasped.

The blank may have an essentially tapered shape, such that the width of the blank at the rear edge is smaller than the width of the functional section. In particular, the side edges can comprise essentially straight segments being arranged under an oblique angle with respect to the symmetry axis in such way that the width of the blank at the rear edge is smaller than the maximum width of the functional section, in particular between the tip of the front edge and the vertex.

Such a tapered form of the blank results in general in a tool with a narrower handle and a wider functional section. At the same time, the tapered form may be used to save material during the manufacturing of the blank. In particular, in the bulk production of the blanks out of the same worksheet, cutting the blanks with alternating orientation can lead to substantial material savings in the case of tapered shape of the blank.

In some embodiments, additional bending lines are provided, essentially parallel to the bending lines. In particular, additional downward bending lines can extend in parallel to the symmetry axis in the region of the middle lane.

By providing the additional bending lines, the bending may be shared over the plurality of the downward bending lines in such way that the bending angle at each of the bending line, and thus the stress of the blank, is reduced.

Further, a blank with an essentially flat, elongated shape for shaping a handheld tool is provided. The blank comprises two bendable side wings, in particular in a handle section of the blank, a middle lane or middle lane region arranged along a longitudinal symmetry axis of the blank, and a bow which partially circumvents one end of the middle lane. The bow can in particular at least partially comprise a function section or functional part of the tool which is to be formed.

The side wings and the middle lane are at least partially demarcated by downward bending lines, and the bow is demarcated from the middle lane and from the side wings by an upward bending line is such way that between the middle lane and the bow a vertex of the upward bending lines is formed. A bending of the side wings from the plane of the blank, in particular with respect to the middle lane, then results in a tensile stress along the circumference of the bow and in a compression stress in the vertex region of the bow.

In some embodiments, a middle channel or spine is formed from the middle lane or middle lane region in the course of bending of the side wings of the blank.

Due to the tensile stress and the compression stress caused by the bending of the side wings, the plane geometry of the bow is energetically not favorable, such that a mechanical fluctuation, such as a manual tilting of the tip of the bow in one or another direction from the initial plane can lead to at least partial release of the stress, thus leading to a stable three-dimensional shape of the tool.

In particular, the blank may comprise a rear edge and a tip, and the middle lane can extend in the region between the rear edge and the vertex, reaching the rear edge and/or the vertex.

The upward bending line may comprise two upward bending segments connecting endpoints at the side edges of the blank with the vertex. In particular, the upward bending segments can be formed as essentially symmetrically arranged and essentially continuous straight segments.

Due to the straight sections of the upward bending line between the endpoints and the vertex, the stress of the material introduced by bending of the blank for forming the tool can be reduced.

By simultaneously moving the side wings away from the plane of the blank, the endpoints at the side edges are moved or dragged with the side wings. This means that the endpoints leave the plane of the blank, in particular that of the middle lane, and move essentially in a plane perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the blank, causing a deformation of the bow.

The endpoints can be useful to see whether the side wings are bent correctly by checking whether, in the state of the formed tool, the endpoints meet.

The vertex can have a smooth, at least partially rounded or piecewise rounded shape. Due to such a shape of the vertex, local tensions in the blank material as well as the risk of injuring of the user can be reduced.

The middle lane can have a widening at an end proximal to the vertex .

By widening the middle lane at the vertex, the middle lane provides a wide support for the vertex to withstand the compression stress from the side of the bow.

In particular, due to the widening of the middle lane at the vertex and due to the blunt or rounded shape of the vertex, the pressure from the frontal part of the bow is distributed over the perimeter of the vertex in such way that the risk of damaging the blank by the compression stress in the vicinity of the vertex is reduced.

The blank, especially the side wings of the blank, may be equipped with magnets. In particular, stripes of magnetic material can be laminated on or embedded in the side wings of blank.

The magnets in the side wings can keep the side wings together or in a folded state even if the tool is not actually in use and hence no bending force is applied by the user.

According to another aspect, a process for manufacturing a blank for forming a handheld tool is provided. This process comprises providing a flat sheet of workpiece of worksheet.

For the worksheet, any material can be used which is suitable for the manufacturing process according to the aspect, and which is in particular suitable for usage according to any purpose of the tool which is to be formed out of the blank.

The worksheet can in particular be paper-based, siliconebased, metal-based, or similar.

In particular, the worksheet can comprise compostable and/or recyclable FDA-approved food-safe materials, including but not limited to paper, especially with an area density in the range from 230 g/m2 to 350 g/m2.

The process further comprises providing bending aids in the form of downward bending lines and in the form of at least one upward bending line at predefined positions of the workpiece of the workpiece, as well as cutting the workpiece according to a predefined pattern in such way that a blank of essentially symmetric elongated shape is cut out. By folding of the blank which along the upward bending line and along the downward bending lines a handheld tool of predetermined shape is formed.

For cutting out of the blank out of the workpiece, a die-cutting processes may be used. The die-cutting process is especially suitable for cutting many pieces of the same shape by using die-cutting tools.

The bending lines may be formed by providing surface grooves by scoring or coining of the worksheet. For cutting out the blank and/or for providing of the grooves laser cutting may be used. By using the laser cutting, the cutting pattern can be easily adjusted or modified.

Coining the grooves is especially suitable for mass production of blanks with fixed design.

By cutting out blanks with alternating orientation from the same worksheet a substantial amount of the worksheet material can be saved in the case of blanks with tapered shape.

The workpiece may comprise paper with a grain-orientation which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blanks .

Due to the longitudinal orientation of the paper grains, robustness of the tool formed out of the blank can be improved.

The process may further comprise formation of elevated portions in the blank. The elevated portions or bumps can serve for additional robustness of the handheld tool and can also improve the grip for grasping and holding by the user. The bumps can be coined or blind embossed in the blank. Thus, the bumps can be easily formed.

The process may further comprise providing a reinforcement in the form of one or more reinforcement layers of the blank. In particular, the reinforcement layer can comprise silicon, metal or plastic provided at critical areas of the blank which are exposed to the stress during forming or usage of the tool.

The reinforcement may comprise an embedded layer, i.e. a material layer which is embedded in the worksheet material. The reinforcement layer may comprise a molded, in particular an extrusion-molded, silicone layer.

The reinforcement may comprise one or more embossed structures, similar to those of the bumps formed in the blank.

The process may further comprise providing color marking of the blank. In particular, the color marking can be used for marking the folding lines as well as the functional sections for ease of usage.

The process may be carried out as a batch process in which two or more blanks are produced out of one workpiece.

By using a batch or bulk process, the time and material needed for manufacturing the blank can be reduced.

In particular, in a batch process the blanks may be produced from the workpiece in such an arrangement that the blanks are parallel to each other while adjacent blanks are oriented in opposite directions.

Due to such arrangement, in the case of blanks with tapered shape, more blanks can be accommodated side by side on the same area of the workpiece.

According to another aspect, a handheld tool is provided which is formed by folding the blank according to the first aspect.

The particular shape and dimensions may vary depending on the specific design and purpose of the tool, as well as on the chosen materials.

In particular, dependent on the specific design of the blank, different kinds of spoons may be formed, like teaspoons, coffee spoons, dessert spoons, salad spoons, tasting spoons, soup spoons, big spoons etc. Similarly, a vast variety of kitchen utensils or fork-like tools can be formed by designing the blank accordingly.

By changing the bending direction of the functional part, reverse spoons may be formed which can be used as a funnel or utensil for soft-foods such as yogurt, sorbet, soya beancurd etc. Such reversed tools are also characterized by robustness and form-stability, since an energetically favorable stable configuration can also be achieved when the front portion of the functional section is bent in the same direction with respect to the plan of the middle lane as the side wings.

The subject matter of the application is described in greater detail in the accompanying Figures, in which

Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to an embodiment,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to further embodiment,

Fig. 6 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

Fig. 7 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

Fig. 8 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

Fig. 9 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

Fig. 10 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

Fig. 11 shows handheld tool a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a according to another embodiment,

Fig. 12 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

Fig. 13 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment,

Fig. 14 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to sill another embodiment,

Fig. 15 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment,

Fig. 16 shows schematically a possible panel arrangement for producing a blank according an embodiment, and

Figs. 17 to 31 show different embodiments of the blank in its initial and in its folded state from different views.

In the following description, details are provided to describe embodiments of the application. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such details.

Some parts of the embodiments have similar parts. The similar parts may have the same names or same or similar part numbers. The description of one part applies by reference to another similar part, where appropriate, thereby reducing repetition of text without limiting the disclosure.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to an embodiment.

The blank 1 for shaping a handheld tool has a flat, elongated, and essentially symmetric shape, its symmetry axis being indicated as a dash-dotted line in the figure.

The blank 1 comprises a top surface 2, a bottom surface 3 opposite to the top surface 2, a first side edge 4, a second side edge 4' opposite to the first side edge 4, a front edge 5, and a rear edge 6.

The blank 1 essentially comprises three sections - a handle section 7, a functional section 8, as well as an intermediate section 9 which connects the handle section 7 with the functional section 8.

The blank 1 also comprises a bending aid in the form of downward bending lines 10, 10' and an upward bending line 11 for facilitating bending or folding of the blank 1 in a predefined manner for shaping the blank into the desired form of the handheld tool.

The upward bending line 11 which is shown as a dashed line has a shape of a smooth continuous line extending between two opposite edges 4 of the blank and comprising two essentially straight upward bending segments 12, 12'. Each one of the straight upward bending segments extends from a respective side edge 4, 4' at the handle section 7 of the blank 1 over the intermediate section 9 towards the functional section 8 under an oblique angle with respect to the symmetry axis of the blank 1 such that the both upward bending segments 12, 12' are connected over a middle or connecting segment 13 forming a blunt vertex at the functional segment 8 of the blank 1.

Depending on the specific embodiment, the shape of the vertex 13 may be different. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the vertex has an essentially circular shape with a curvature radius of approximately 5 mm.

The downward bending lines 10 comprise two symmetrically arranged smooth continuous lines which are shown as solid lines, each comprising a straight segment 14, 14', extending from the rear edge 6 of the blank 1 towards the vertex 13, and a curved portion 15, each one of the curved portion 15 of the downward bending lines 10 ending at a respective junction point 16 at the upward bending line 11 in the vicinity of the vertex 13.

The straight segments 14, 14' of the downward bending line 10 are extending longitudinally on both sides and close to the symmetry axis, such that a stripe extending from the rear edge 6 to the vertex 13 is formed.

In this embodiment, the straight portions 15 are parallel to each other and to the symmetry axis of the blank 1. Thus, the central stripe or middle channel has an essentially constant width over its whole length, except in the vertex region, in which the middle channel widens due to the curved portions 15 of the downward bending lines 10.

At the junction points 16, the downward bending lines 11 lie essentially perpendicular to the upward bending lines 10.

In some embodiments, the angle between the downward bending line 11 and the upward bending line 10 at the junction point 16 is between 60° and 90°, more specifically between 80° and 90° .

The upward bending segments 12, 12' of the upward bending line 11 build an angle of approximately 26°.

The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm and the width is 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 63 mm, and 27 mm, respectively.

Depending on the purpose and on the design of the tool, the angle between the upward bending segments 12, 12' of the upward bending line 11 may vary, in particular, from approximately 20° up to approximately 66°.

The vertex 13 of the upward bending line 11 and the curved portions 15 of the downward bending line 10 show a circular curvature with approximately the same curvature radius as the vertex 13. The curvature radius in this embodiment is approximately 5 mm.

In the handle section 7 of the blank 1, elevated portions or bumps 17 of essentially round shape are provided.

At the ends of the straight segments 14, 14' of the downward bending line 10, indentations 18 are provided in the rear edge 6 of the blank 1. The rear edge 6 is essentially straight and has rounded corners 19. The radius of curvature of the rounded corners is approximately 2 mm.

The side edges 4 of the blank 1 are straight and slightly inclined with respect to the symmetry axis of the blank in such a way that the width of the blank 1 at the rear edge 6 is smaller than the width of the functional section 8 of the blank 1.

In this embodiment, the front edge 5 has a circular shape with a curve diameter equal to the width of the functional section .

The depth of the indentations 18 in the rear edge are approximately 2 mm.

The length of the blank 1 is approximately 130 mm and the maximum width is 40 mm.

In the handle section 7 adjacent to the intermediate section 9 elongated transversal structures 20 are provided.

In this embodiment, the transversal structures 20 are provided in a shape of elongated bumps lying perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the blank 1.

The bending lines 10, 10', 11 are formed as bending grooves scored in a surface of the blank.

In the case of the downward bending line 10, 10', the bending groove is provided on the top surface 2 of the blank 1.

In the case of the upward bending line 11, the bending groove is provided on the bottom surface 3 of the blank 1.

Depending on the specific embodiment, the bumps and/or the bending aids may be provided with color marks in order to facilitate the recognition of the handle section and/or the bending aids .

In the present embodiment, the blank 1 is a blank for a disposable spoon made from paper which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The area density of the paper is approximately 300 g/m².

As a basic material of the blank various materials may be used, such as paper, cardboard, metal, silicone, or any other suitable material.

In particular, the blank may comprise compostable and/or recyclable FDA-approved food-safe materials, including but not limited to paper, especially with an area density in the range from 230 g/m² to 350 g/m².

The depth and the width of the bending scores depends in general on the material, thickness, and the purpose of the blank.

The blank 1 can be easily shaped into a handheld tool by manually bending it along the bending lines 10 and 11.

In particular, due to the bending scores provided on different surfaces of the blank 1 along the bending lines 10, 10' and 11, it is particularly easy to bend the blank 1 downwards along the downward bending lines 10 and upwards along the upward bending line 11.

The bending lines 10, 10' and 11 demarcate four separate areas of the blank 1, including two side wings 30 arranged symmetrically with respect to the symmetry axis of the blank 1, a middle lane 31 corresponding to the central channel along the symmetry axis, and a bow 32 which includes the functional section 8 and extends over the intermediate section 9 and partially circumvents the vertex 13. The side wings 30 extend from the rear edge 6 of the blank 1 over the handle section 7 and the intermediate section 9 to the vertex 13. At the side edges 4 of the blank, the side wings 30 and the bow meet at respective endpoints 21, 21' which are endpoints of the upward bending line 11.

The downward bending lines 10 demarcate the border between the side wings 30 and the middle lane 31.

In order to shape the blank 1 into a handheld tool, the side wings 30 of the blank 1 are bent downwards (away from the viewer) with respect to the middle lane 31. The downward movement of the side wings 30 is indicated by downward movement arrow symbols 33.

At the same time, by bending or folding the side wings 30 downwards with respect to the middle lane 31, an elevated plateau along the middle lane 31 is formed, which lies between two brinks resulting from the folding of the blank 1 along the downward folding lines 10.

Due to the form-stability of the middle lane 31, in the beginning of the bending process, the longitudinal dimensions of the blank remain essentially the same and the endpoints 21,

21' move essentially perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the blank 1 or to the middle lane 31. This means that along the circumference of the bow 32 a tensile stress or tension is building up, which extends along the front edge 5 and the side edge to the respective endpoint 21, 21' . The tensile stress along the circumference of the bow 32 is shown as bended arrows 40.

Simultaneously, with the bending of the side wings 30 downwards, the endpoints 21, 21' at the side edges 4 are also moved or dragged down. This means that the endpoints 21, 21' leave the plane of the drawing or the plane of the middle lane 31 and move down, travelling essentially in a plane perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the blank, resulting in a deformation of the bow 32.

In fact, due to the dragging down of the endpoints 21, 21' by the wings 30, the bow 32 ceases to be a plane or essentially two-dimensional object and it becomes a three-dimensional object instead.

With the formation of side brinks along the downward bending lines 11, the middle lane 31 provides a form-stable carrier construction of the tool.

By continuing the downward bending of the wings 30, the tensile stress along the circumference of the bow 32 grows, pulling the tip 22 of the blank 1 towards the vertex 13 against the middle lane 31, resulting in an essentially axial compression force (indicated by a wide arrow 41) in the region of the vertex 13.

With the widening of the middle lane 31 at the vertex 13 and due to the tapered shape of the vertex 13, the compression force from the frontal part of the bow 32 is distributed over the width of the vertex 13 in such way that the compression stress at the perimeter of the vertex 13 is reduced.

With the reduction of the compression stress at the vertex 13 damage to the vertex 13 or vertex region can be avoided.

With the tensile stress and the central compression stress caused by the bending of the side wings 30, the planar geometry of the frontal part, in which the frontal part or the tip 22 remains in the plane of the middle lane 31 , becomes energetically instable.

By manually tilting the tip 22 of the functional section 8 upwards, the frontal part of the bow 32 can flip upwards and can take a stable position, in which the circumferential tension along the tension lines 40 is minimized. The upward movement of the front part of the bow 32 is shown by an upward movement arrow symbol 34.

After flipping upwards, the frontal part of the bow 32, and accordingly the functional section 8, takes a stable position.

In particular, by flipping upwards, the frontal part of the bow 32, the functional section 8 obtains a cup shape, the vertex 13 being the deepest point of the cup, and the blank 1 becomes a form-stable tool which in this embodiment is a small spoon.

As long as the side wings are kept bent down, especially by holding the tool in the hand, any deviation from this final shape would be energetically unfavorable, since it would increase the tensile stress along the circumvention of the bow 32 .

Thus, by folding the side wings 30 downwards with respect to the middle lane 31, a form-stable handheld tool is formed.

The bumps 17 and the transversal structures 20 can serve as grip structures or grippers for easier handling of the tool by the user.

The blank of Fig. 1 can be easily manufactured. Firstly, a flat worksheet or workpiece comprising paper, cardboard, plastic, metal or any suitable material is provided.

The bending lines may be scored or coined in the blank sheet of the blank material at predefined positions in correspondence with the specific embodiment of the blank.

The bumps 17 and the transversal structures 20 may be embossed or coined, by pressing the worksheet between two complementary tools of appropriate shape. In some embodiments, the bumps and/or the transversal structures are blind-embossed in the worksheet.

The blank 1 is cut out of the worksheet, in particular by means of die-cutting.

The formation of the bending lines 10, 11, bumps 17, transversal structures 20, and/or die cutting can be performed on a bigger area of a worksheet in such way that more than one blank out of a single panel is produced. Such a batch or bulk production can save time and costs in the manufacturing process .

A rolling machine, in particular a die-cutting roller, may be used for carrying out at least one of the above-mentioned operations .

In some embodiments, one or more reinforcement layers are provided, in particular of the middle lane 31.

The reinforcement may be formed as an additional material layer provided along the middle lane. The additional material layer may comprise metal, thermoplastic or thermoset material. It may be laminated, especially glued, onto the on the top surface 2 or on the bottom surface 3 of the blank 1. In some embodiments, reinforcement is embedded in the blank 1.

The reinforcement may comprise fibers embedded in the blank material or applied on one of the surfaces of the blank material .

Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

The blank 1 of Fig. 2, in its structural and functional parts, essentially corresponds to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

One difference to the embodiment of Fig. 1 lies in the specific shape of the blank, in particular in the shape of the vertex 13 and of the tip 22. Further, different to Fig. 1, the straight sections 14 of the downward bending lines 10 are not parallel, but meet at a single indentation 18 at the rear edge 6 of the blank 1.

Due to the arrangement of the downward bending lines 10, the middle lane 31 narrows towards the rear edge 6 turning essentially into a single line at the rear edge 6.

The vertex 13 has a flat tip and rounded corners. The junction points 16 between the downward bending lines 10 and the upward bending line 11 lie slightly apart from the rounded corners of the vertex on the straight segments 12 of the upward bending line 11. The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 22°.

The blank 1 also comprises the transversal structure 20 and the bumps 17. The bumps 17 in this embodiment are elongated and transversally oriented.

The bumps 17 and the transversal structures 20 are colored in order to designate the handle section for ease of use.

The particular shape of the blank 1 is attributable to the particular shape of the handheld tool which is to be formed out of the blank 1. The tool formed out of the blank 1 of Fig. 2 is supposed to have a broad flat tip making it suitable for such tasks as scooping or shoveling.

The broad flat shape of the vertex may be helpful to reduce the compression stress at the vertex and also to obtain the desired three-dimensional shape of the functional section of the tool.

The narrowing of the middle lane 31 towards the rear edge 6 may be useful for saving material during mass production of the tool. In particular, due to the tapered shape of the blank, more blanks can be accommodated side by side on the same area by placing them in alternating orientation, and hence more blanks can be produced out of a single workpiece.

The weakening of the plateau or central carrying construction by the narrowing of the main lane 31 at the rear edge does not significantly deteriorate the overall stability of the tool, sincethe main tensions are distributed over the intermediate section 9 and the functional section 8, with a maximum of compression stress in the region of the vertex 13.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

In contrast to the previous embodiments, the blank 1 of Fig. 3 has two additional downward folding lines 10' in the form of straight lines parallel to the symmetry axis of the blank.

Each of the additional folding lines 10' extends from a respective junction point 6 the vertex 13 to a respective indentation 18 at the rear edge 6 of the blank 1.

The vertex 13 is slightly narrower as compared to the embodiment of Fig. 1. The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 31.50°.

In the handle section 7 of the blank, similar to the embodiment of Fig. 2, a plurality of elongated transversal bumps 17 are provided with color marking.

Different from the previous embodiments, the functional section 8 has a rounded, slightly elongated or elliptical shape, essentially defined for a specific purpose or intended use of the tool. In the present case, the tool to be formed is a spoon which, due to the sharper shape of the tip 22 and the additional downward bending lines 10' is suitable for handling harder materials, for example hard ice cream or similar.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

The blank 1 of Fig. 4, in its structural and functional parts, essentially corresponds to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

Different to Fig. 1, the blank 1 has a specifically shaped functional section 8 which has an elongated slightly elliptic shape. The reason for this specific shape is that the tool which is to be formed out of this blank 1 is a specific type of spoon, similar to a traditional Chinese spoon.

The handle section 7 is narrow as compared to the widest part of the blank 1. The widest part of the blank 1 is in the intermediate section 9, closer to the functional section 8.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 30.5°.

The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm, the width at the widest part and at the rear edge 6 are approximately 40 mm and 35 mm respectively. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 60 mm, and 30 mm respectively.

The middle lane 31 has an additional reinforcement 50 shown as a black stripe in the area of the middle lane 31.

A characteristic feature of the traditional Chinese spoon, besides its typical shape and proportions, is the shallowness of the spoon, or more precisely of the cup of the spoon. The shallowness of the cup has inter alia an advantage of allowing for rapid cooling of the content of the spoon whilst the spoon is in use.

Different from traditional Chinese spoons, the cup of the spoon made out the blank of Fig. 4 does not have a flat bottom. Instead the deepest portion of the cup is defined by the vertex 13.

The narrowness of the handle section results in a smaller tensile stress along the circumference of the bow 8 and accordingly in a smaller deformation of the bow from the initial plane geometry. Thus, a shallow form of the cup can be easily achieved.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to further embodiment. This embodiment corresponds essentially to the embodiment of Fig. 4 and represents a blank 1 for forming a bigger Chinese spoon. In particular, the functional section 8 and the intermediate section 9 are wider than in the embodiment of Fig. 4.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 34.50°.

The length of the tool is approximately 130 mm, the width at the widest part and at the rear edge 6 is approximately 50 mm and 35 mm, respectively. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 40 mm, 60 mm, and 30, respectively.

The middle lane 31 has an additional reinforcement 50 in the form of a reinforcement layer provided along the symmetry axis of the blank 1.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

The blank 1 of Fig. 6 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of Fig. 1, differing mainly in the front portion of the functional section 8. In particular, the contour line of the front edge 5 shows two recesses 51 arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the symmetry axis of the blank in such a way that three teeth in the functional section 8 are formed. The tip 22 of the bow 32 is at the same time the tip of the middle tooth of tine.

After forming the tool from the blank 1, these teeth can serve as fork tines and the tool itself can be used as a fork.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

The blank 1 of Fig. 7 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of Fig. 2, differing mainly in the shape of the front portion of the functional section 8 of the blank 1. In particular, the contour line of the front edge 5 shows two recesses 51 arranged symmetrically with respect to the symmetry axis of the blank 1 in such a way that three teeth in the functional section 8 are formed. The tip 22 of the bow 32 is at the same time the tip of the middle tooth of tine. Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 2, the tip 22 is flat and accordingly the middle tooth of the functional section 8 is flat as well.

Forming a handheld tool out of the blank 1 shown in Fig. 7 results in a tool with broad teeth, which can be used as both as a fork and as a spoon, and could be used for instance for eating cake or ice cream.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

The blank 1 of Fig. 8 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of Fig. 3, differing mainly in the shape of the front portion of the functional section 8 of the blank 1. In particular, similar to previous two embodiments, the contour line of the front edge 5 shows two recesses 51 arranged symmetrically with respect to the symmetry axis of the blank 1 in such a way that three teeth in the functional section 8 are formed. The tip 22 of the bow 32 is at the same time the tip of the middle tooth of tine. In contrast to the previous two embodiments, the three teeth are not blunted. Consequently, forming a handheld tool out of the blank 1 shown in Fig. 8 results in a fork with sharp teeth. In particular, due to the sharp teeth and due to the reinforcement structure in the middle lane, the fork can be used for handling relatively hard matter, like flower soil, or hard meal, like hard ice cream, or similar.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

In the functional section 8 of the blank 1, three teeth similar to the teeth of the embodiment of Fig. 6 are formed.

Characteristic for the embodiment of Fig. 9 is a broader middle lane 31 and a flat vertex 13, especially as compared with the embodiment of Fig. 6. Further, the angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 35.25°. This is relatively wide angle, resulting in a shorter intermediate section 9 and a longer handle section 7. Besides, the middle lane 31 is provided with a reinforcement which is indicated by the solid black color of the middle lane

31.

Forming a tool out of the blank 1 of Fig. 9 results in a fork of specific geometry which can be used for handling particularly hard matter. Indeed, the reinforcement of the middle lane 31 and the longer handle section 7 allows for the application of particularly large force on the tool without causing damage to the tool.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

This embodiment corresponds essentially to the embodiment of Fig. 4 showing a blank 1 for forming a spoon similar to a Chinese spoon. In the front part of the functional section 8, however, the blank 1 of Fig. 10 has two recesses 51 forming three teeth. Thus, by folding the blank a tool can be formed which essentially resembles a Chinese spoon, but which can be used as a fork.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

Different to the previous embodiments, in addition to the side wings 30 extending over the handle section 7 and over the intermediate section 9 on both sides of the symmetry axis, the blank 1 shown in Fig. 11 comprises two corner wings 60 or corner wings at two handle section corners adjacent to the rear edge 6 of the blank 1. The handle wings 60 are demarcated from respective side wings 30 by two handle bending lines 61. The handle bending lines 61 extend from the rear edge 6 of the blank 1 to the respective endpoint 21, 21' at the respective side edge 4, 4' of the blank 1. The handle bending lines 61 facilitate bending of the handle wings 60, in particular, bending down from the figure plane away from the viewer, as indicated by the downward movement symbols 33.

The basic material of the blank 1 of Fig. 11 is silicone. With silicone as its basic material, the blank 1 can be formed into a durable silicone-based tool, such as a reliable siliconebased kitchen utensil.

The blank 1 also comprises a middle lane 31 with a reinforcement in the form of an embedded metal sheet which is shown as a dark portion of blank along the symmetry axis. This extends along the symmetry axis from the vertex 13 towards the rear edge 6 and terminates in the handle section 7 before reaching the rear edge 6.

Due to this configuration of the middle lane 31 and the handle wings 60, a portion of the handle section between the handle wings 60 at the rear edge 6 can remain unfolded after shaping the tool. Thus, a comfortable handle with a kind of volumeeffect can be shaped.

Further, the embodiment of Fig. 11 comprises a reinforcement in the handle section 7, in particular in the handle wings 60. This is shown as dark triangles in the handle wings 60. In this embodiment, the reinforcement of the handle wings comprises extrusion molded silicone. In some embodiments, the reinforcement may comprise one or more metal layers embedded in the blank 1 in the region of the middle lane 31 and in the handle wings 60.

In other embodiments, the reinforcement may comprise surface layers laminated on the blank, particularly at locations which are exposed to increased strain, like the middle lane 31, especially in the vicinity of the vertex 13 or the handle section, which is grasped by the use while using the tool.

The front edge 5 is straight such that the tip 22 of the front portion is essentially flat.

The length of the tool is approximately 160 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 80 mm, and 40, respectively.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 25.90°.

The dimensions, especially the length of the intermediate section 9 and the functional section 8, as well as the angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines, 11 may vary significantly depending on the purpose of the tool.

The length of the tool is approximately 160 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have respective lengths of approximately 50 mm, 80 mm, and 30 mm. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 4 mm.

The blank 1 also comprises grip structures or grippers. The grippers in this embodiment are provided in the form of elongated structures or stripes of protruded silicone.

In some embodiments, the grippers with colored patterns are provided in the handle section 7. The color pattern and the geometry of the grippers may vary, depending on the specific design of tool.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

The blank 1 shown in Fig. 12 corresponds in its essential features to the embodiment of Fig. 11, and shows some differences as well, especially in the design of the handle section 7 and of the functional section. The bumps 17 in the handle section 7 are round or dot-shaped.

The front edge 5 has a circular shape such the tip 22 of the front portion or the function section 8 is essentially round.

The length of the tool is approximately 110 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 30 mm, and 30 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 2 mm.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 66.00°.

Due to its dimensions and shape, the blank 1 in the folded state results in a tool which is specifically suitable for using as a small scoop for ice-cream or rice.

In some embodiments, the blank comprises magnetized metal plates for ease of use.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

The embodiment of Fig. 13 differs from the embodiment of Fig. 12 by the lengthwise orientation of the bumps in the handle section 7 as well as in the dimensions.

The length of the tool is approximately 140 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 60 mm, and 30 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 4 mm.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 34.10°.

Such dimensions and shape of the blank 1 make the blank 1 suitable for forming a tool which can be used as a ladle or scoop .

Fig. 14 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to another embodiment.

This embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of Fig. 13 and differs mainly in the shape of the functional section 8. In particular, the tip 22 of the functional section 8 is flat such that the blank has essentially the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

A tool formed out of such a blank is particularly suitable for usage as a spade or shovel.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic top view of a blank for shaping a handheld tool according to a further embodiment.

The blank 1 of Fig. 15 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of Fig. 12 and differs mainly in the shape of the functional section 8 and in the proportions. In particular, the functional section 8 is longer and the tip 22 of the functional section 8 has a rounded elliptic shape. In the functional section 8, a plurality of holes 70 are provided. One of the holes is provided at the tip of the vertex 13.

The middle lane 31 with a reinforcement extends along the symmetry axis of the blank 1 over the intermediate section 9 and the handle section 7 without reaching the vertex 13 and the rear edge 6.

The length of the tool is approximately 140 mm, and the width approximately 40 mm. The handle section 7, the intermediate section 9, and the functional section have lengths of approximately 50 mm, 50 mm, and 40 mm, respectively. The width of the middle lane 31 is approximately 2 mm.

The angle between the straight segments 12 of the upward bending lines 11 is approximately 41°.

The hole 70 at the vertex can serve for stress release and can facilitate the forming of the tool.

The particular shape and the holes 70 make the blank 1 particularly suitable for forming tools which can be used as a strainer, scoop or similar.

The plurality of holes 70 can be die-cut in the blank 1. The holes are essentially round and have a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm.

The diameter of the holes can be varied, in particular in the range from 1 mm up to 3 mm, depending on the purpose of the tool.

In an embodiment, no holes in the functional section 8 and at the vertex 13 are provided. In the embodiment without holes, the middle lane and the reinforcement of the middle lane 31 can be extended to the vertex 13. Tools shaped out of such embodiments can be used for example as a scoop or ladle.

Fig. 16 shows schematically a possible panel arrangement for producing a blank according an embodiment.

In the upper part of Fig. 16 a row of blanks according to the embodiment of Fig. 2 is shown. The blanks in the upper row are arranged in alternating orientation. In particular, every second blank is oriented with its functional part up and with its handle part down.

In the lower part of Fig. 16 a row of rectangular blanks with the same lateral dimensions as the upper blanks is shown.

As can be seen from Fig. 16, due to the tapered shape of the blanks in the upper row, more blanks can be placed on the same area.

Thus, the tapered shape of blanks, along with the design's technical importance discussed above, has an advantage from the manufacturing point of view. In particular, in the bulk production of the blanks worksheet material and production costs can be saved by alternating the orientation of adjacent blanks in the worksheet. Thus, due to the tapered shape of the blank, a saving of more than 10 % in worksheet material in the bulk production can easily be achieved.

In this example, a material saving of 11.25 % has been achieved.

Even in bulk production with smaller panels, i.e. in the case of smaller workpieces, the alternating orientation of the blanks can still lead to considerable savings.

In some embodiments of the manufacturing process, two blanks are produced and die-cut out of a single workpiece or worksheet. Due to the tapered shape of the blank, up to approximately 6 % of material savings can be achieved, depending on the specific design of the blank.

In the central upper part of Figs. 17 to 26 a top view of a blank according to a respective embodiment in an unfolded or initial state is shown.

On the left-hand side of the upper row a top view of the respective tool is shown. On the right-hand side of the upper row a bottom view of the tool is shown.

In the lower part of the Figs. 17 to 30, perspective views of the formed tools under different view angles are shown.

The embodiments shown in Figs bodiments shown in Figs. 1 to to 26 above.

correspond to the emThe embodiments shown in Figs. 27 to 30 correspond essentially to the embodiments shown in Figs. 11 to 15 but also include some important modifications.

In particular, different to the embodiment of Figs 11 to 15, the embodiments of Figs 27 to 30 comprise a reinforcement in the form of an extrusion-molded silicone. This area with the reinforcement is shown in the figures as a dark in particular triangular area extending from the vertex to the handle section .

In some embodiments, an extrusion-molded rubber is used, as a reinforcement.

Further, in the embodiments of Figs. 27 to 30 a middle lane in the form of a stripe extending along the symmetry axis is missing. Instead, a middle lane or middle channel is created together with the folding of the side wings. Similar to the middle lane, the middle channel or tube has the same supporting effect and contributes to the robustness of the tool.

It is also worth mentioning that the tools formed out of the blanks according the embodiments can be in general easily modified or transformed by changing the bending direction of the functional part of the blank. In particular, an energetically favorable stable configuration can also be achieved when the front portion of the functional section is bent in the same direction with respect to the plane of the middle lane as the side wings.

The embodiments can also be described with the following lists of features or elements being organized into an item list. The respective combinations of features, which are disclosed in the item list, are regarded as independent subject matter, respectively, that can also be combined with other features of the application.

1. A blank for forming a handheld tool, having a flat, elongated shape with a top surface (2), a bottom surface (3), a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first side end, a second side end, and a circumferential cutting edge comprising a rear edge (6) at the first longitudinal end, a front edge (5) at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge (4) at the first side end, and a second side edge (4') at the second side end, the blank (1) comprising at least one upward bending line (11) extending between the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1), with a first upward bending segment (12), a second upward bending segment (12'), and a connecting segment (13), the upward bending segments (12, 12') extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints (21) at the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1), pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge (5) of the blank (1) and providing a vertex with a blunt, at least partially rounded shape, the blank (1) further comprising a first downward bending line (10) extending between the rear edge (4) and the first upward bending segment (12) and a second downward bending line (10' ) extending between the rear edge (4) and the second upward bending segment (12'), and a middle area (31) extending between the downward bending lines (10, 10'), the upward bending line (11) , and the rear edge (4) .

A blank for forming a handheld tool, having a flat, elongated shape with a top surface (2), a bottom surface (3), a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first side end, a second side end, and a circumferential cutting edge comprising a rear edge (6) at the first longitudinal end, a front edge (5) at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge (4) at the first side end, and a second side edge (4') at the second side end, the blank (1) comprising at least one upward bending line (11) extending between the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1), with a first upward bending segment (12), a second upward bending segment (12'), and a connecting segment (13), the upward bending segments (12, 12') extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints (21) at the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1), pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge (5) of the blank (1) and providing a vertex with a blunt, at least partially rounded shape, the blank (1) further comprising a first downward bending line (61) extending between the rear edge (4) and the first side edge (4) and a second downward bending line (61') extending between the rear edge (4) and the second side edge (4') is such way that two corner wings (60) at the rear edge (6) of the blank (1) are provided.

The blank according to item 1, wherein the downward bending lines (10) are arranged in such a way that a widening of the middle lane (31) at the connecting segment (13) is provided.

The blank according to item 1, 2, or 3, wherein the angle between the first upward bending segment (12) and the second upward bending segment (12') is in a range from 20° to 66°, more specifically from 26° to 35°.

5. The blank according to one of the items 1, 3, and 4, wherein each of the downward bending lines (10, 10') meet the upward bending line (11) at a respective junction point (16) adjacent to the connecting segment (13).

6. The blank according to item 5, wherein at the junction points (16), the angle between the upward bending line (11) and the respective downward bending line (10, 10') is essentially perpendicular or lies between 60° and 90°, more specifically between 80° and 90°.

7. The blank according to one of the previous items, wherein at least one of the bending lines (10, 11) is provided by a bending groove on at least one surface of the blank (1) ·

8. The blank according to one of the previous items, wherein elevated portions (17) between the rear edge (4) and the endpoints (21) at the side edges (4,4') of the blank (1) are provided.

9. The blank according to one of the previous items, wherein the blank (1) has an essentially tapered shape, such that the width of the blank at the rear edge (6) is smaller than the width of the blank (1) between the tip of the front edge (5) and the connecting segment (13).

10. A blank with an essentially flat, elongated shape for shaping a handheld tool, the blank having:

- two bendable side wings (30),

- a middle lane (31) arranged along a longitudinal symmetry axis of the blank, and

- a bow (32) partially circumventing one end of the middle lane (31), wherein the side wings (30) and the middle lane (31) are at least partially demarcated by downward bending lines (10), and wherein the bow (32) is demarcated from the middle lane (31) and from the side wings (30) by an upward bending line (11) in such way that between the middle lane (31) and the bow (32) a vertex (13) of the upward bending line (11) is provided, such that a bending of the side wings (30) from the plane of the blank (1) results in a tensile stress along the circumference of the bow (32) and in a compression stress in the vertex region of the bow (32).

11. The blank according to item 10, wherein the upward bending line (11) comprises two symmetrically arranged upward bending segments (12, 12') connecting respective endpoints (21) at the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1) with the vertex (13).

12. The blank according to item 10 or 11, wherein the vertex (13) is of smooth, at least partially or piecewise rounded shape.

13. The blank according to one of the items 10 to 12, wherein the middle lane (31) has a widening at an end proximal to the vertex (13) .

14. A process for manufacturing a blank for forming a handheld tool, the process comprising:

- providing a flat sheet of workpiece,

- providing bending aids in the form of downward bending lines and at least one upward bending line at predefined positions of the workpiece, and

- cutting the workpiece according to a predefined pattern in such a way that a blank of essentially symmetric elongated shape is cut out, by folding of which along the upward bending line and along the downward bending lines a handheld tool of predetermined shape is formed.

15. The process according to item 14, wherein the bending lines are formed through surface grooves provided by the scoring or coining of the worksheet.

16. The process according to item 14 or 15, wherein the workpiece comprises paper with a grain-orientation which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank.

17. Handheld tool formed by folding the blank according to one of the items 1 to 13.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exists. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments .

REFERENCE NUMBERS

4,

10,

12,

14,

21,

10'

12'

14'

21' blank top surface bottom surface side edge front edge rear edge handle section functional section intermediate section downward bending line upward bending line upward bending segment connecting segment straight segment of downward bending line curved segment of the downward bending pattern junction point bump indentation rounded corner of the rear edge transversal structure endpoint tip side wing middle lane bow downward movement arrow symbol upward movement arrow symbol tensile force compression force reinforcement recess

60	handle	wing
61	handle	bending line
70	hole

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A blank for forming a handheld tool, having a flat, elongated shape with a top surface (2), a bottom surface (3), a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first side end, a second side end, and a circumferential cutting edge comprising a rear edge (6) at the first longitudinal end, a front edge (5) at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge (4) at the first side end, and a second side edge (4') at the second side end, the blank (1) comprising at least one upward bending line (11) extending between the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1), with a first upward bending segment (12), a second upward bending segment (12'), and a connecting segment (13), the upward bending segments (12, 12') extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints (21) at the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1), pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge (5) of the blank (1) and providing a vertex with a blunt, at least partially rounded shape, the blank (1) further comprising a first downward bending line (61) extending between the rear edge (4) and the first side edge (4) and a second downward bending line (61' ) extending between the rear edge (4) and the second side edge (4') is such way that two corner wings (60) at the rear edge (6) of the blank (1) are provided. 2. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the first upward bending segment (12) and the second upward bending segment (12') is in a range from 20° to 66°, more specifically from 26° to 35°. 3. The blank according to claim 2, wherein each of the downward bending lines (10, 10') meet the upward bending line (11) at a respective junction point (16) adjacent to the connecting segment (13). 4. The blank according to claim 3, wherein at the junction points (16), the angle between the upward bending line (11) and the respective downward bending line (10, 10') is essentially perpendicular or lies be10 tween 60° and 90°, more specifically between 80° and 90°. 5. The blank according to one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the bending lines (10, 11) is provided by 15 a bending groove on at least one surface of the blank (1) · 6. The blank according to one of the previous claims, wherein 20 elevated portions (17) between the rear edge (4) and the endpoints (21) at the side edges (4,4') of the blank (1) are provided. 7. The blank according to one of the previous claims, 25 wherein the blank (1) has an essentially tapered shape, such that the width of the blank at the rear edge (6) is smaller than the width of the blank (1) between the tip of the front edge (5) and the connecting segment (13). 8. A blank with an essentially flat, elongated shape for shaping a handheld tool, the blank having: two bendable side wings (30), - a middle lane (31) arranged along a longitudinal symmetry axis of the blank, and - a bow (32) partially circumventing one end of the middle lane (31), wherein the side wings (30) and the middle lane (31) are at least partially demarcated by downward bending lines (10), and wherein the bow (32) is demarcated from the middle lane (31) and from the side wings (30) by an upward bending line (11) in such way that between the middle lane (31) and the bow (32) a vertex (13) of the upward bending line (11) is provided, such that a bending of the side wings (30) from the plane of the blank (1) results in a tensile stress along the circumference of the bow (32) and in a compression stress in the vertex region of the bow (32). 9. The blank according to claim 8, wherein the upward bending line (11) comprises two symmetrically arranged upward bending segments (12, 12') connecting respective endpoints (21) at the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1) with the vertex (13). 10. The blank according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the vertex (13) is of smooth, at least partially or piecewise rounded shape. 11. The blank according to one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein the middle lane (31) has a widening at an end proximal to the vertex (13). 12. A process for manufacturing a blank for forming a handheld tool, the process comprising: - providing a flat sheet of workpiece, - providing bending aids in the form of downward bending lines and at least one upward bending line at predefined positions of the workpiece, and - cutting the workpiece according to a predefined pattern in such a way that a blank of essentially symmetric elon5 gated shape is cut out, by folding of which along the upward bending line and along the downward bending lines a handheld tool of predetermined shape is formed. 13. The process according to claim 12, wherein 10 the bending lines are formed through surface grooves provided by the scoring or coining of the worksheet. 14. The process according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the workpiece comprises paper with a grain-orientation 15 which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank. 15. A handheld tool formed by folding the blank according to one of the claims 1 to 11. Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: CLAIMS

1. A blank for forming a handheld tool, having a flat, elongated shape with a top surface (2), a bottom surface (3), a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, a first side end, a second side end, and a circumferential cutting edge comprising a rear edge (6) at the first longitudinal end, a front edge (5) at the second longitudinal end, a first side edge (4) at the first side end, and a second side edge (4') at the second side end, the blank (1) comprising at least one upward bending line (11) extending between the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1), with a first upward bending segment (12), a second upward bending segment (12'), and a connecting segment (13), the upward bending segments (12, 12') extending at an oblique angle inwards from respective endpoints (21) at the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1), pointing along a longitudinal direction towards the front edge (5) of the blank (1) and providing a vertex with a blunt, at least partially rounded shape, the blank (1) further comprising a first downward bending line (61) extending between the rear edge (4) and the first side edge (4) and a second downward bending line (61' ) extending between the rear edge (4) and the second side edge (4') is such way that two corner wings (60) at the rear edge (6) of the blank (1) are provided.

2. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the first upward bending segment (12) and the second upward bending segment (12') is in a range from 20° to 66°, more specifically from 26° to 35°.

3. The blank according to claim 2, wherein each of the downward bending lines (10, 10') meet the upward bending line (11) at a respective junction point (16) adjacent to the connecting segment (13).

4. The blank according to claim 3, wherein at the junction points (16), the angle between the upward bending line (11) and the respective downward bending line (10, 10') is essentially perpendicular or lies be10 tween 60° and 90°, more specifically between 80° and 90°.

5. The blank according to one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the bending lines (10, 11) is provided by

15 a bending groove on at least one surface of the blank (1) ·

6. The blank according to one of the previous claims, wherein

20 elevated portions (17) between the rear edge (4) and the endpoints (21) at the side edges (4,4') of the blank (1) are provided.

7. The blank according to one of the previous claims,

25 wherein the blank (1) has an essentially tapered shape, such that the width of the blank at the rear edge (6) is smaller than the width of the blank (1) between the tip of the front edge (5) and the connecting segment (13).

8. A blank with an essentially flat, elongated shape for shaping a handheld tool, the blank having:

two bendable side wings (30),

9. The blank according to claim 8, wherein the upward bending line (11) comprises two symmetrically arranged upward bending segments (12, 12') connecting respective endpoints (21) at the side edges (4, 4') of the blank (1) with the vertex (13).

10. The blank according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the vertex (13) is of smooth, at least partially or piecewise rounded shape.

11. The blank according to one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein the middle lane (31) has a widening at an end proximal to the vertex (13).

12. A process for manufacturing a blank for forming a handheld tool, the process comprising:

- providing a flat sheet of workpiece,

- cutting the workpiece according to a predefined pattern in such a way that a blank of essentially symmetric elon5 gated shape is cut out, by folding of which along the upward bending line and along the downward bending lines a handheld tool of predetermined shape is formed.

13. The process according to claim 12, wherein

10 the bending lines are formed through surface grooves provided by the scoring or coining of the worksheet.

14. The process according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the workpiece comprises paper with a grain-orientation

15. Handheld tool formed by folding the blank according to one of the claims 1 to 11.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1806729.8 Examiner: Mr Henry Nevell

15 which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank.