WO2023148156A1

WO2023148156A1 - Foldable cutlery

Info

Publication number: WO2023148156A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/052293
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fanny CHEVET-DOUELLE; Jorge REYNOSO ARANA; Juan Francisco Garcia Cendejas
Original assignee: Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
Priority date: 2022-02-02
Filing date: 2023-01-31
Publication date: 2023-08-10

Abstract

A foldable cutlery (1) integrally made of moulded pulp material. Its head portion (2) and handle portion (4) are directly connected to each other by a transverse fold (5) so that the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) are pivotable between an unfolded state, and a folded state. The foldable cutlery (1) further comprises a support flap (6) which continuously extends along both the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) across the transverse folding line (50). The flap (6) is directly connected to both the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) by a longitudinal fold (7) which intersects the transverse fold, so that, only in the unfolded state, the support flap (6) is foldable between an expanded state, in which the pivoting of the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) about the transverse folding line (50) is enabled, and an operating state, in which the pivoting of the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) about said transverse folding line (50) is blocked.

Description

Foldable Cutlery

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a foldable cutlery. The foldable cutlery is integrally made of moulded pulp material, i.e. moulded pulp or moulded fibre, and comprises a head portion with a cutlery head for handling food, and a handle portion for handling the cutleiy by a user.

2. Technical Background

Cutlery includes any hand implement used in preparing, serving, and especially eating food. The major items of cutlery are knife, fork and spoon. Also hybrid versions of cutlery are known combining the functionality of different eating implements, including spork (spoon/fork), spife (spoon/knife), and knork (knife/fork), or the sporf which combines all three.

Cutlery is known to be made from many different materials. The traditional material is metal, including silver and steel, usually for high quality cutlery. These materials are long-lasting but comparably heavy.

Plastic cutlery is usually made for disposable use. Plastic has the advantages that the cutlery can be made lightweight, its hygiene can easily be ensured, and it can be easily produced, e.g. by injection moulding. Thus, despite deriving a number of benefits from using plastic for cutlery, there are disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration. In particular, disposal of plastic waste can be problematic. Although different types of plastic exist that are recyclable, they often are not recycled correctly, but the plastic lands up in landfill or seawater, thereby having a negative impact on the environment.

Known alternatives to plastic, which are recyclable and environmentally less problematic, are materials such as wood. However, disadvantages of these materials are their comparatively high weight. Also, wood materials restrain the freedom of designing cutlery. For example, if manufactured from one piece of wood, the making of a cutlery item will require a lot of raw material. Similarly, if the cutlery is made from several pieces of wood, somehow these wood pieces would have to be joined together, for example by using a glue. However, the provision of the glue increases the risk that the environment or the food is contaminated. Also, the connection via glue may lead to gaps between the individual pieces, which may impair the hygiene of the cutlery. Moreover, edible cutlery is known, e.g. made from dried grains. However, these cutlery items are comparably high in weight and brittle.

Furthermore, cutlery items made from a sheet of paper are known, which, however, require a complex series of folding actions, while having a very low stability. Moreover, once being folded, the cutlery needs to be continuously compressed by the user to retain its cutlery shape during use. Alternatively, the so folded cutlery may be fixed by a glue with the disadvantages already presented herein above.

Because cutlery items usually have a quite long extension due to the head portion and the handle portion extending somehow longitudinally, they are difficult to transport or store, e.g. during travels or in food boxes. Hence, there is a need to provide cutlery which can be selectively reduced in size.

For instance, a multi-piece cutlery exists which can be selectively connected and disconnected, e.g. via a plug connection. However, such cutlery requires the provision of a number of pieces, which may result in the cutlery becoming unusable if one of the pieces got lost.

There is also known foldable cutlery, e.g. used for outdoor purposes like camping or travelling. Foldable cutlery can be made, for instance, from a metal material having two or more parts being connected by a hinge-joint. For instance, a screw can be used for connecting these parts, which defines a pivoting axis about which the parts can be pivoted. Such cutlery, however, is comparably high in number of separate pieces, thus difficult to assemble, and also comparably high in costs and weight.

3. Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a foldable cutlery made of an environmentally friendly material, being comparably low in weight, and that preferably can be used repeatedly and frequently.

The above objects are to be accomplished by means of the independent claim. The dependent claims advantageously study further the central idea of the present invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a foldable cutlery is provided which is integrally made of moulded pulp material, i.e. of moulded pulp / moulded fibre. The foldable cutlery comprises a head portion with a cutlery head for handling food, and a handle portion for holding the cutlery by a user, the handle portion extending from the head portion opposite to the cutlery head. The head portion and the handle portion are directly connected to each other by a transverse fold in the moulded pulp material extending along a transverse folding line so that the head portion and the handle portion are pivotable relative to each other about said transverse folding line between an unfolded state, in which the head portion and the handle portion extend from the transverse folding line in substantially opposite directions, and a folded state, in which the head portion and the handle portion extend from the transverse folding line in substantially the same direction so as to extend at least partially adjacent to each other. The foldable cutlery further comprises a support flap which continuously extends along both the head portion and the handle portion across the transverse folding line. Moreover, the support flap is directly connected to both the head portion and the handle portion by a longitudinal fold in the moulded pulp material extending along a longitudinal folding line, which longitudinal folding line intersects the transverse folding line, so that, only in the unfolded state, the support flap is foldable about said longitudinal folding line between an expanded state, in which the pivoting of the head portion and the handle portion relative to each other about the transverse folding line is enabled, and an operating state, in which the pivoting of the head portion and the handle portion relative to each other about said transverse folding line is blocked.

The present invention thus provides cutlery that is integrally made of moulded pulp fibre. Thus, the cutlery can be made as a single piece (i.e. a one-piece). Moreover, the cutlery can be made with a known moulding process. Thereby, it is possible to provide cutlery that is recyclable and biodegradable - and preferably even compostable - and that is thus made from a sustainable material. The transverse fold being provided in the moulded pulp material allows for an easy and integral as well as well defined provision of a folding function to thus easily reduce the size of the cutlery, e.g. for storage reasons. The provision of the support flap allows the foldable cutlery for having a high stability in the unfolded state even though the foldable cutlery comprises the integral transverse fold in the moulded pulp material. The explicit provision of the transverse fold and the longitudinal fold, which folding lines intersect each other, allows for the cutlery having the mentioned high stability in the operating state. Thus, the mechanical resilience, flexibility, and environmental friendliness of the cutlery are improved. Moreover, the integral provision of the folds further allows for a reduction in number of pieces (namely one-piece) while having a highly accurate fold ability.

Thus, the dosing device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and achieves the objectives set out above. The term “moulded pulp material” as used herein, and which is also known as “moulded pulp” or “moulded fibre”, may refer to a fibrous material comprising lignocellulosic fibres. Typically, moulded pulp material can be obtained through pulping or by chemically or mechanically separating cellulose fibres from plant material, like wood, fibre crops or wastepaper. Further details of preferred material characteristics as well as a method for manufacturing the foldable cutlery are described in more detail herein below.

It is understood by definition that a folding action via a fold in the comparably unflexible moulded pulp material about its folding line can only be performed in a state in which the folding line of said fold linearly extends along a longitudinal extension or axis. That is why a folding action of a fold about its folding line can be blocked in the present cutlery when this folding line is bent or folded due to a folding action of another fold about its folding line which crosses the (to be) bent folding line.

In the unfolded state, the head portion and the handle portion may extend along a longitudinal axis. Hence, the foldable cutlery can be designed similar to known cutlery in their state of use, and allow for an easy handling of the cutlery head.

The longitudinal folding line preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; i.e. in the unfolded state. Hence, the layout of the foldable cutlery can be simplified, and an intuitive folding action can be obtained. Moreover, this parallel extension allows for an easy folding operation and layout of the overall cutlery.

The longitudinal folding line may extend substantially orthogonal to the transverse folding line. The folding lines substantially orthogonally crossing each other results in an easy design and intuitive handling of the folding function of the foldable cutlery. Moreover, this orientation of folding lines - particularly in combination with the longitudinal folding line preferably extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis - may allow for the foldable cutlery be most compact in the folded state.

In the expanded state, the support flap may protrude laterally outwardly away from the head portion and the handle portion, this preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis. Hence, the cutlery can be easily provided with simple sections in a comparably flat manner. Hence, the cutlery is simply designed and thus easily producible, while allowing for an intuitive and easy handling by a user.

In the operating state, the support flap may approach the head portion and the handle portion, and preferably may approach the longitudinal axis, compared to the expanded state. By this feature, the cutlery can have a compact and user-friendly design, while having a high stability in the operating state.

The support flap may comprise at least two flap sections. One of the flap sections can then be directly connected to both the head portion and the handle portion by the longitudinal fold. Another one of the flap sections (or, if there are only two flap sections, the other flap section) can then be directly connected to a part of the foldable cutlery by another longitudinal fold in the moulded pulp material extending along another longitudinal folding line, so as to preferably form a continuous and interconnected configuration of the support flap at least in the operating state. By the provision of the plurality of flap sections, the number of folds can be increased, thus likewise increasing the overall stability of the cutlery. As the flap sections allow for a continuous and interconnected configuration of the support flap at least in the operating state, the overall stability of the cutlery can be further improved. The interconnected configuration can be obtained by the flap sections simply touching each other in the operating state; or even be structurally connected or fixed, as will be further discussed exemplarily herein below.

The other longitudinal folding line preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal folding line or the longitudinal axis. Hence, the overall design of the foldable cutlery can be simplified, while an intuitive operation by a user be increased. Also, the parallel orientation results in a good balance between an easy and intuitive use on the one hand, and a simple design on the other hand.

The other longitudinal folding line may preferably extend substantially orthogonal to the transverse folding line. Hence, the advantages as already defined for “the longitudinal folding line and the transverse folding line extending substantially orthogonal” apply likewise for “the other longitudinal folding line extending substantially orthogonal to the transverse folding line”.

Preferably, the other one of the flap sections may continuously extend along both the head portion and the handle portion across the transverse folding line. Also, in this case the other longitudinal folding line may further intersect the transverse folding line so that, only in the unfolded state, the flap sections are foldable about said longitudinal folding line and said other longitudinal folding line, respectively, between the expanded state, in which the pivoting of the head portion and the handle portion relative to each other about the transverse folding line is enabled, and the operating state, in which the pivoting of the head portion and the handle portion relative to each other about said transverse folding line is blocked. Hence, both flap sections alike bring the mentioned advantages to the foldable cutlery, thus further increasing stability of the cutlery in the operating state. Also, the two flap sections preferably allow for a uniform distribution of the stabilising action, thus resulting in strains being uniformly distributed within the foldable cutlery particularly in the operating state, which further results in a positive influence on the persistence of the cutlery item, i.e. the foldable cutlery.

The other one of the flap sections may be directly connected to the head portion and/or the handle portion, as the mentioned part of the foldable cutlery, by the other longitudinal fold being opposite to the longitudinal fold with respect to the head portion and/or the handle portion, and further preferred with respect to the longitudinal axis. This results in a small overall size of the foldable cutlery even in the unfolded and expanded state. Also, stresses on the foldable cutlery - particularly in the operating state - can be most accurately distributed in a uniform manner.

Alternatively, the other one of the flap sections may also extend from the one flap section, as the part of the foldable cutlery, at a distal end thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line, wherein the flap sections are directly connected to each other by the other longitudinal fold. Hence, the support flap can be provided in a stable manner. As it is already integrally formed, a three-dimensional stabilising layout can be easily obtained by simply operating the flap sections of the one integral but pivotable support flap.

The support flap may comprise a first connection structure, and the foldable cutlery may further comprise a second connection structure configured to structurally cooperate with the first connection structure, in the operating state, so as to fix the support flap in the operating state. Hence, the operating state can be easily maintained, thus increasing user-friendliness of the cutlery as the user does not need to observe or actively force the cutlery to maintain in the operating state once being interconnected.

The support flap may comprise the first connection structure preferably at a distal flap end thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line. Hence, the stresses in the connection structure can be reduced, while obtaining a most secure interconnection between the two connection structures.

Preferably, the first connection structure and the second connection structure structurally cooperate in the operating state so as to releasably fix the support flap in the operating state. Hence, the foldable cutlery can be selectively transferred back from the operating state into the expanded state and thus even further into the folded state - and vice versa -, if desired, thus increasing the usability of the cutlery. Hence, the cutleiy can be easily stored at minimum size between multiple uses.

Preferably, the structural cooperation between the first and second connection structures comprises at least one or a combination of a form fit connection and a frictional connection. Hence, the interconnection of the connection structures can be designed as desired. While a frictional connection allows for an easy connection and release of the interconnection, a form fit connection may allow for a more stable and resistant interconnection of the connection structures and thus maintenance of the operating state.

In case of the support flap having the flap sections be connected at opposite sides with respect to the head portion and/or the handle portion, preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis, the one flap section may comprise the first connection structure, preferably at the distal flap end thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line, and the other one of the flap sections may comprise the second connection structure, preferably at another distal flap end thereof with respect to the other longitudinal folding line. Hence, the flap sections can be easily united to form the (inter-)connected support flap. Moreover, in case of the connection structures be provided at distal flap ends of the respective flap sections with respect to the corresponding (other) longitudinal folding lines, stresses in the interconnection and thus the support flap as a whole can be minimised, while allowing for a permanently stable interconnection, as desired, in the operating state.

In case of the support flap having the flap sections being directly connected to each other by the other longitudinal fold, the other one of the flap sections may comprise the first connection structure, preferably at the distal flap end thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line and more preferred further with respect to the other longitudinal folding line. Moreover, the head portion and/or the handle portion, preferably at a side opposite to the longitudinal folding line, may then comprise the second connection structure. Hence, a stable and resistant interconnection of the two connection structures can be obtained. Because one of the connection structures is provided at the head portion and/or the handle portion itself, the stability of the interconnection can be further increased, as desired.

One of the first and second connection structures may comprise protrusions, and the other one of the first and second connection structures may comprise receptions for receiving the protrusions to structurally cooperate with a first connection structure in the operating state so as to fix, preferably releasably fix, the support flap in the operating state. Hence, simple structures with effective connection ability can be provided. Such structural elements can also be easily incorporated in the pulp material upon the moulding process. The foldable cutlery may preferably further comprise a reinforcement portion protruding from the support flap in a direction away from the transverse folding line and adjacent to at least part of the head portion, preferably of the cutlery head, so as to rest against the said portion of the head portion in the operating state, to reinforce the head portion against forces acting upon the head portion in a direction towards the reinforcement portion. With the mentioned reinforcement portion, the stability of the cutlery during use can be considerably increased. This comes about since the portion of the foldable cutlery being most intensively stressed during use, namely the head portion or even further the cutlery head, can be easily supported by an integral feature of the foldable cutlery. Of course, to even further increase the stability of the reinforcement portion, cooperating connection structures, similar to the first and second connection structures as discussed herein above, can also be provided at the reinforcement portion and the cooperating part or section of the head portion, respectively, to cooperate with each other in the operating state.

Any of the transverse fold, the longitudinal fold, and/or the other longitudinal fold, if present, can be provided as or comprising a section of reduced material thickness in the moulded pulp material. Hence, the respective fold can be easily provided in the pulp material in a defined manner during the moulding process. If desired and required, the section of reduced material thickness may also be refined or even be produced in a separate step after the moulding step of the pulp material to allow for a most effective fold ability.

Any of the transverse fold, the longitudinal fold, and/or the other longitudinal fold, if present, can be provided as or comprising a groove in the moulded pulp material. Hence, the respective fold can be easily provided in the pulp material in a defined manner during the moulding process.

The transverse fold may extend along the transverse folding line continuously or discontinuously. Likewise, the longitudinal fold may extend along the longitudinal folding line continuously or discontinuously. Likewise, the other longitudinal fold, if present, may also extend along the other longitudinal folding line continuously or discontinuously. A continuous extension allows for an easy structure of the fold while allowing a very stable fold. On the other hand, the discontinuous extension of the fold may allow for a reduction in material and thus resulting in reduced weight. Also, only desired sections for the fold can be provided, e.g. like hinge sections, to thus increase the folding function and, if desired, reduce the folding forces required to move the respective sections of the cutlery about the corresponding folding lines. Moreover, a discontinuous fold may allow for a desired fold ability even without having a section of reduced material thickness, thus further simplifying the layout of the fold and thus of the cutlery item.

The reduced material thickness, if present, preferably is in a range of 0.3mm to 0.6mm, more preferred it is about 0.4mm. These preferred thicknesses allow for a good balance between a secure connection of the moulded pulp material of the foldable cutlery particularly at the folds even after multiple folding actions, while allowing for an easy fold ability. In a preferred embodiment, the reduced material thickness can be in a range of 20-80% of the average material thickness of the foldable cutlery, more preferred in the range of 40-60%. The average material thickness of the foldable cutlery may preferably be in the range of 0.4mm to 1.5mm, more preferred in the range of 0.5mm to 1.0mm, even more preferred the average material thickness is about 0.7mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the support flap may extend in a flap plane, preferably at least when being both in the unfolded state and the operating state. Hence, the support flap can have an easy and flat design, so that the cutlery can be easily produced. Also, the sections of a flat support flap, when being in the folded state, can lie flat on each other, thus resulting in a most compact layout of the cutlery in any desired foldable state.

At least part of the head portion, preferably a head rim portion at least partially surrounding the head portion, may extend in a head plane. Similarly, at least part of the handle portion, preferably a handle rim portion at least partially surrounding the handle portion, may extend in a handle plane. These parts - and preferably the corresponding rim portions - allow for an increased stability (due to the defined 3D shaped layout) and easy produce ability of the foldable cutlery.

Preferably, in the unfolded and/or in the folded state, the head plane and the handle plane extend substantially parallel to each other. Hence, the overall design of the cutlery can be simplified, while the cutlery allows for bearing effectively forces usually applied to a cutlery during its use.

Preferably, in the unfolded state, the head plane and the handle plane are identical. Hence, the cutlery can be easily produced in a pulp moulding process with a simple mould design. Also, demoulding can be simplified.

Preferably, when being both in the unfolded state and the expanded state, the head plane and the handle plane and the flap plane are all parallel and preferably identical. Hence, the same advantages as discussed before can be likewise obtained or even further improved, namely a simple design, simplified moulding process, simplified demoulding, and minimised dimensions, while allowing for an easy and intuitive fold ability with high stability of the cutlery during use.

The head portion and/or the handle portion may comprise reinforcement sections, respectively, provided by 3D-shaping of the pulp material. For instance, the reinforcement sections can be sections, which protrude out of the corresponding head plane or handle plane, so as to increase stability of the respective head portion and/or handle portion. Moreover, the reinforcement section(s) of the head portion may also comprise functional sections for defining the cutlery head, like a recession to form a spoon section and the like.

For instance, the reinforcement sections may be pyramid-shaped or dome-shaped. Hence, the reinforcement sections can have a simple layout and can thus be easily produced integrally of pulp material in a pulp moulding process, while allowing for a high stability. Also, the mentioned structures allow for an easy demoulding.

Preferably, in the operating state, the support flap and the reinforcement sections at least partially extend adjacent to each other or even lie flat on each other or contact each other in any other way. Hence, the cutlery can be provided with respective functions, particularly by the reinforcement sections for increasing overall stability, while hiding the same under the support flap, so that the overall size and appearance of the foldable cutlery is not affected at least in the operating state. If lying flat on each other or contacting each other in any other way, the overall stability of the foldable cutlery in the operating state can be further increased.

The reinforcement sections of the head portion and the reinforcement sections of the handle portion may at least partially extend on the same side or on opposite sides, preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis or the mentioned planes. Hence, the cutlery can be designed as desired, while allowing for increased stability obtained by the reinforcement sections.

In the operating state, the reinforcement sections may at least partially be covered by the support flap. Hence, the aesthetical appearance of the cutlery can be enhanced, while its overall size can be minimised at least in the operating state.

In the folded state, the reinforcement sections of one of the head portion and the handle portion at least partially receives the reinforcement sections of the other one of the head portion and the handle portion. Hence, even though the reinforcement sections are provided as three-dimensional structures/extensions, the size of the foldable cutlery at least in the folded state can be further minimised by interleaving these sections.

The cutlery head may comprise at least one or a combination of a spoon section, a fork section, a knife section, a spork section, a spife section, a knork section, and a sporf section. Hence, the foldable cutlery can be provided for any desired use, as known.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing the foldable cutlery according to the aspect of the present invention as described herein above. The method for manufacturing the foldable cutleiy may comprise the following steps: dewatering pulp material; pressing the dewatered pulp material into the form of the foldable cutlery; and drying the formed foldable cutlery.

The term “pulp material” or “pulp” may refer to any material that comes from a fibre source and that can be used as starting material for the (finished) “moulded pulp material” that is described above.

Preferably, the method for manufacturing may optionally comprise a final step of trimming the foldable cutlery along external edges, so as to finish the foldable cutlery.

4. Brief Description of Drawings

Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent for the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention and when taken in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.

In case numerals have been omitted from a figure, for example for reasons of clarity, the corresponding features may still be present in the figure.

Fig. 1 shows a flat top view of a foldable cutlery according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded and expanded state,

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 1 in viewing direction II,

Fig. 3 shows perspective top views of three different operational states of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 1 in the unfolded and expanded state (A), in a semi-folded state (B), and in the folded state (C), Fig. 4 shows perspective top views of different operational states of the foldable cutlery of Fig. t in the unfolded and expanded state (A), and in the operating state (B),

Fig. 5 shows a side view of a foldable cutlery according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the operating state,

Fig. 6 shows a perspective top view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 shows a perspective top view of a foldable cutlery according to a third embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded and expanded state,

Fig. 8 shows a perspective bottom view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 7,

Fig. 9 shows a flat top view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 7,

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 9 along line F-F,

Fig. 11 shows a flat bottom view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 7,

Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 11 along line D-D,

Fig. 13 shows Detail E of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 12,

Fig. 14 shows a side view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 7,

Fig. 15 shows Detail C of the foldable cutieiy of Fig. 14,

Fig. 16 shows Detail A (at the transverse fold) of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 14,

Fig. 17 shows a front view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 14 in viewing direction XVII,

Fig. 18 shows Detail B (at the longitudinal fold) of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 17,

Fig. 19 shows a side view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 7 in the operating state,

Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of a front part of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 19, Fig. 21 shows another perspective view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 19,

Fig. 22 shows a rear view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 19 at the reinforcement portions with one flap section in the expanded state and the other flap section in the operating state, and

Fig. 23 shows another perspective rear view of the foldable cutlery of Fig. 19 at the reinforcement portions with both the flap sections and thus the support flap being in the operating state and (releasably) interconnected with each other by the first and second connection structures.

5. Detailed Description

The figures show different views of different embodiments of a foldable cutlery 1 according to the present invention.

The foldable cutlery 1 is integrally made of moulded pulp material, i.e. preferably of moulded pulp or moulded fibre. The foldable cutlery 1 is thus made as a single piece, part or component; i.e. as a one-piece. As being a on-piece, the foldable cutlery 1 may be easily recyclable. The foldable cutlery 1 may be made from recycled material. As being made from pulp material, the foldable cutlery 1 may even be biodegradable and/or compostable.

Moulded pulp material (also known as “moulded pulp” or “moulded fibre”) may be made from pulp comprising cellulosic fibrous material that is prepared by chemically and/or mechanically separating cellulose fibres from material containing cellulose fibres. The material containing cellulose fibres may be selected from the group consisting of bamboo, sugar cane, sugar beet root, wood, fibre crops, waste paper, and/or rags, or combinations thereof.

The material containing cellulose fibres may comprise a defined ratio between long fibres and short fibres. In particular, the material may comprise not less than 20 vol.-% of softwood long fibres, not less than 15 vol.-% of softwood long fibres, or not less than 10 vol.-% of softwood long fibres. The remaining fibres may be hardwood fibres, non -wood short fibres, or a combination thereof.

The pulp used for the foldable cutlery t may comprise cellulose, hemicellulose and/or lignin. Hemicellulose provides a better adhesion between cellulose nanofibrils, thereby it may contribute to enhanced tensile properties of the foldable cutlery 1. Thus, preferably the foldable cutlery 1 may be made from pulp with an increased hemicellulose content as experiments pointed towards a higher stiffness and tensile strength for this composition in comparison to pulp with a lower hemicellulose content. Lignin in the pulp has an influence on the texture and flexibility of the foldable cutlery 1.

Accordingly, the ratio of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin of the pulp for the foldable cutlery 1 may be configured (i.e. adjusted) such that the resulting foldable cutlery 1 has appropriate mechanical properties, such as bending stiffness. Preferably, a ratio of 80:19:1 for cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin may be used.

The pulp used for the foldable cutlery 1 may further comprise a compound selected from the group consisting of alkyl ketene dimer wax, a fluorine containing polymer moiety, sodium silicate, or combinations thereof.

Alkyl ketene dimer wax may be used for modifying surface properties of the foldable cutlery 1. Typically, the use of alkyl ketene dimer wax in the pulp may provide the foldable cutlery 1 with an increased and lasting hydrophobicity.

A fluorine containing polymer moiety in the pulp may impart to the foldable cutlery 1 an improved resistance to low surface tension fluids, leading for example to an improved grease, oil, wax and solvent repellence. The fluorine containing polymer moiety may be a fluorine containing polymer moiety approved for use in contact with food products, for example. For example, the fluorine containing polymer moiety may be a copolymer comprising carbon and fluorine moieties, a polymer comprising phosphate and fluorine moieties, or a fluoroalkyl polymer. Examples may be selected from the group consisting of perfluoroalkylethylphosphate diethanolamine, ammonium di-[2-(N-ethyl- heptadecafhiorosulfonamidojethyl] phosphate, poly(2-(N-methyl- heptadecafhiorosulfonamidojethyl acrylate)-co-(2,3-epoxypropylacrylate)-co-(2- ethoxyethyIacryIate)-co-(2-(2 -methylpropenyloyloxyjethyl-trimethylammonium chloride), or combinations thereof.

A configuration of the pulp used for the foldable cutlery 1 including sodium silicate may lead to increased mechanical strength. Sodium silicate may also be used as additive in the pulp during a bleaching process, for example with hydrogen peroxide. The foldable cutlery 1 may have an overall average material thickness in the range of 400 pm to 1.5mm, preferably 500pm to 1.0mm, more preferred about 700pm.

The foldable cutlery 1 comprises a head portion 2 with a cutlery head 3 for handling food, as exemplarily shown in Figures 1 to 11, 14 and 19 to 23. In the shown embodiments, the cutlery head 3 here comprises a spork section 30, i.e. combining the functions of a spoon and a fork. The cutlery head 3 may, in general, comprise at least one or a combination of a spoon section, a fork section, a knife section, the shown spork section 30, a spife section, a knork section, and a sporf section.

The foldable cutlery 1 further comprises a handle portion 4 for handling the cutlery 1 by a user. The handle portion 4 extends from the head portion 2 opposite to the cutlery head 3, as exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 6 and 7.

As exemplarily derivable from Figures 2, 5, 14 and 19, at least part of the head portion 2, preferably a head rim portion 20 at least partially surrounding the head portion 2 or at least the cutlery head 3, preferably extends in a head plane Pl. Similarly, at least part of the handle portion 4, preferably a handle rim portion 40 at least partially surrounding the handle portion 4, may extend in a handle plane P2.

As exemplarily shown in Figures 2, 6 and 14, the head portion 2 and/or the handle portion 4 comprise reinforcement sections 21, 31, 41 provided by 3D-shaping of the pulp material. As shown in the embodiments, part of the reinforcement sections 21, 41 are pyramid-shaped. The reinforcement sections 21, 31, 41 may also have any other shape, as desired, like a domeshape. Moreover, also the cutlery head 3 may comprise such a reinforcement section 31, here being part of the functional section of the cutlery head 3 being defined by a corresponding recession forming a dent to allow for the spoon function (see Figures 4B, 6 and 21.

As exemplarily shown in the embodiments of Figures 5 to 23, the reinforcement sections 21, 31 of the head portion 2 and the reinforcement sections 41 of the handle portion 4 may at least partially extend on the same side of the cutlery 1, here a lower side thereof.

As exemplarily shown in the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the reinforcement sections 21, 31 of the head portion 2 and the reinforcement sections 41 of the handle portion 4 may at least partially extend on opposite sides of the foldable cutlery 1; here from upper and lower sides thereof. The term “upper side of the foldable cutlery t” may refer to a side of the foldable cutlery t - at least in an operating state as described in more detail below - that faces a user of the foldable cutlery 1 during use; e.g. when comprising a spoon function, with the dent facing - i.e. being opened - upwards, so that the foldable cutlery t is oriented such that material (e.g. food) carried by the cutlery head 3 is retained. The term “lower side of the foldable cutlery 1” may refer to the underside of the foldable cutlery t at least in the operating state as described in more detail below, i.e. a side opposite to the “upper side of the dosing device”.

As exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 6, 7 and 9, the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 are directly connected to each other by a transverse fold 5 in the moulded pulp material extending along a transverse folding line 50 so that the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 are pivotable relative to each other about said transverse folding line 50 between an unfolded state (see Fig. 1, 2, 3A, 4A, 7 to 9, 11 and 14), in which the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 extend from the transverse folding line 50 in substantially opposite directions, and a folded state (see Fig. 3C), in which the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 extend from the transverse folding line 50 in substantially the same direction so as to extend at least partially adjacent to each other.

The transverse fold 5 may be provided as or comprising a section 52 of reduced material thickness in the moulded pulp material, as exemplarily shown in Fig. 16 showing in detail the reduced material thickness in the moulded pulp material. This reduced material thickness allows for a defined fold and thus folding action about the transverse folding line 50.

The reduced material thickness of the transverse fold 5 may preferably be in a range of 0.3mm to 0.6mm, more preferred it is about 0.4mm. In a preferred embodiment, the reduced material thickness of the transverse fold 5 can be in a range of 20-80% of the average material thickness of the foldable cutlery 1, more preferred in the range of 40-60% of the average material thickness of the foldable cutlery 1.

In the shown embodiments, the transverse fold 5 extends along the transverse folding line 50 continuously. However, the transverse fold 5 may also extend along the transverse folding line 50 discontinuously, as it may have interruptions or the like, as long as it is still directly connected to both the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4.

The foldable cutlery 1 further comprises a support flap 6, which continuously extends along both the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 across the transverse folding line 50. This is exemplarily derivable from Figures 1, 6 and 9. The support flap 6 is directly connected to both the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 by a longitudinal fold 7 in the moulded pulp material extending along a longitudinal folding line 70. The longitudinal folding line 70 intersects the transverse folding line 50, so that, only in the unfolded state, the support flap 6 is foldable about said longitudinal folding line 70 between an expanded state (see Figures 1, 2, 3A, 4A, 7 to 9, 11 and 14), in which the pivoting of the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 relative to each other about the transverse folding line 50 is enabled (see the consecutive steps from an unfolded state in Fig. 3A via an intermediate folding state in Fig. 3B to the folded state in Fig. 3C), and an operating state (see Figures 4B, 5, 6, 19-21 and 23), in which the pivoting of the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 relative to each other about said transverse folding line 50 is blocked. This blocking is mainly obtained by restricting the fold ability about the transverse folding line 50 as here the transverse folding line 50 does not any longer extend longitudinally along a longitudinal extension or axis, but is bent due to the support flap 6 being folded, thus restricting the ability of the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 to be folded into the folded state.

Preferably, also the longitudinal fold 7 may be provided as a section of reduced material thickness in the moulded pulp material. In this case, the reduced material thickness of the longitudinal fold 7 may also preferably be in a range of 0.3mm to 0.6mm, more preferred it is about 0.4mm. In a preferred embodiment, the reduced material thickness of the longitudinal fold 7 can be in a range of 20-80% of the average material thickness of the foldable cutlery 1, more preferred in the range of 40-60% of the average material thickness of the foldable cutlery 1.

As exemplarily shown in Figures 16 and 18 showing in detail the transverse fold 5 and the longitudinal fold 7, it can be seen that the respective folds 5, 7 may alternatively (see longitudinal fold 7 in Figure 18) or additionally (see fold 5 in Figure 16) to the section 52 of reduced material thickness be obtained by a corresponding structure in the moulded pulp material, this structure preferably extending along the respective folding lines 50, 70 and here being obtained by an offset 0 with respect to the surrounding mould pulp material resulting in the fold 5, 7 being provided as or comprising a longitudinal groove 51, 71 in the moulded pulp material.

As shown in the embodiments and particularly in Figures 1, 6 and 9, the longitudinal fold 7 may extend along the longitudinal folding line 70 continuously. However, the longitudinal fold 7 may also extend along the longitudinal folding line 70 discontinuously, e.g. the moulded pulp material may be perforated along the longitudinal folding line as long as the support flap 6 remains directly connected to both the head portion 2 and the handle portion

4-

As exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 9 and 11, in the unfolded state, the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 may extend along a longitudinal axis X. In this unfolded state, the longitudinal folding line 70 preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

As exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 9, the longitudinal folding line 70 may extend substantially orthogonal to the transverse folding line 50.

As also exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 9, in the expanded state, the support flap 6 protrudes laterally outwardly away from the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4, preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis X. This allows for a substantially flat configuration of the cutlery 1 in the expanded state, as is exemplarily illustrated in Figures 2 and 14.

In the operating state, the support flap 6 may approach the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4, and more preferred the longitudinal axis X, compared to the expanded state. This is exemplarily shown in all the Figures showing the operating state, namely Figures 4B, 5, 6, 19-21, and 23.

As particularly shown in Figures 1, 3A, 4A, 5, 7 to 9, 11, and 19 to 23, the support flap 6 may comprise at least two flap sections 61, 62. One of the flap sections 61 can be directly connected to both the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 by the longitudinal fold 7, as exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 9. Another one of the flap sections 62 (here the other one of the flap sections 62) can be directly connected to a part of the foldable cutlery 1 by another longitudinal fold 8 in the moulded pulp material extending along another longitudinal folding line 80, so as to preferably form a continuous and interconnected configuration of the support flap 6 at least in the operating state (e.g., see Figures 4B, 6, 19 to 21 and 23).

In the shown embodiments, the other one of the flap sections 62 is here directly connected to the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4, as the part of the foldable cutlery 1, by the other longitudinal fold 8 here being opposite to the longitudinal fold 7 with respect to the head portion 2 and/or the handle portion 4, and more preferred with respect to the longitudinal axis X. Alternatively, the other one of the flap sections 62 may also extend from the one flap section 61, as the part of the foldable cutlery 1, at a distal end thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line 70, wherein the flap sections 61, 62 are directly connected to each other by the other longitudinal fold 8, as not exemplarily depicted in any of the shown embodiments but easily understandable from the present description.

The other longitudinal folding line 8o may preferably extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal folding line 70 or the longitudinal axis X, as exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 6 and 9.

The other longitudinal folding line 80 may preferable extend substantially orthogonal to the transverse folding line 50, as exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 9.

The other longitudinal fold 8 may be laid out and provided similar to the longitudinal fold 7. In particular, the other longitudinal fold 8 may also be provided as a section of reduced material thickness in the moulded pulp material, as exemplarily depicted in Figures 1 and 9. The reduced material thickness of the other longitudinal fold 8 may preferably be in a range of 0.3mm to 0.6mm, more preferred it is about 0.4mm. In a preferred embodiment, the reduced material thickness of the other longitudinal fold 8 can be in a range of 20-80% of the average material thickness of the foldable cutlery 1, more preferred in the range of 40-60% of the average material thickness of the foldable cutlery 1. Moreover, the other longitudinal fold 8 may be provided as or may comprise a longitudinal groove in the moulded pulp material, or be otherwise obtained by a corresponding structure in the moulded pulp material. Furthermore, the other longitudinal fold 8 may also extend along the other longitudinal folding line 80 continuously (as shown) or discontinuously.

Preferably, the other one of the flap sections 62 may continuously extend along both the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 across the transverse folding line 50, similar to the one flap section 61. Moreover, the other longitudinal folding line 80 may then preferably also intersect the transverse folding line 50 so that, only in the unfolded state, the flap sections 61, 62 are foldable about said longitudinal folding line 70 and said other longitudinal folding line 80, respectively, between the expanded state, in which the pivoting of the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 relative to each other about the transverse folding line 50 is enabled, and the operating state, in which the pivoting of the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 relative to each other about said transverse folding line 50 is blocked. Transfer from the expanded state into the operating state is exemplarily shown in Figures 4A and 7 (expanded state) as well as 4B and 21 (operating state).

The support flap 6 may comprise a first connection structure 63, preferably at a distal flap end 65 thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line 70. The foldable cutlery 1 further comprises a second connection structure 64 configured to structurally cooperate with the first connection structure 63, in the operating state, so as to fix - and preferably releasably fix - the support flap 6 in the operating state.

In case of the support flap 6 having the flap sections 61, 62 be connected at opposite sides with respect to the head portion 2 and/or the handle portion 4, preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis X, as exemplarily shown in all of the embodiments, the one flap section 61 may comprise the first connection structure 63, preferably at the distal flap end 65 thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line 70, and the other one of the flap sections 62 may comprise the second connection structure 64, here preferably at another distal flap end 68 thereof with respect to the other longitudinal folding line 80. In Figure 17, a possible folding angle A is shown for the other one of the flap sections 62, which folding angle preferably also applies for the one flap section 61 so that their distal ends 65, 68 can meet for connection in the operating state.

Alternatively, in case of the support flap 6 having the flap sections 61, 62 being directly connected to each other by the other longitudinal fold 8, the other one of the flap sections 62 may comprise the first connection structure 63, preferably at the distal flap end 68 thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line 70 and more preferred further with respect to the other longitudinal folding line 80. Moreover, the head portion 2 and/or the handle portion 4, preferably at a side opposite to the longitudinal folding line 70, may then comprise the second connection structure 64. This alternative embodiment is not explicitly shown in the embodiments, but easily derivable from the description given herein above.

The structural cooperation between the first and second connection structures 63, 64 may comprise at least one or a combination of a form fit (see the embodiment of Figures 7 to 23) and a frictional connection (see the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4).

One of the first and second connection structures (here the first connection structure 63) comprises protrusions 66, and the other one of the first and second connection structures (here the second connection structure 64) may comprise receptions 67 for receiving the protrusions 66 to structurally cooperate with the first connection structure 63 in the operating state so as to fix, preferably releasably fix, the support flap 6 in the operating state, as exemplarily shown in Fig. 4B, 5, 6, 19-21 and 23.

As can be derived from Fig. 1, the first and second connection structures 63, 64 can be designed to allow for a frictional connection. On the other hand, as derivable from Figure 9 and in more detail from Figures 22 and 23, the protrusions 66 may be longer in its width W than the length L of the corresponding receptions 67, so that the protrusions 66 with here opposite protruding locking sections 66o can snap into the corresponding receptions 67 for a form fit connection (see Fig. 23).

As exemplarily shown in the embodiment of Figures 7-23, the foldable cutlery 1 may further comprise a reinforcement portion 9 here protruding integrally from the support flap 6 in a direction away from the transverse folding line 50 and adjacent to at least part 29 of the head portion 2, preferably of the cutlery head 3, so as to rest against the said part 29 of the head portion 2 in the operating state, to reinforce the head portion 2 against forces acting upon the head portion 2 in a direction F towards the reinforcement portion 9, as exemplarily shown in Fig. 23. Here, the part 29 is at a lower side of the foldable cutlery 1.

As derivable from the combination of Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 9 and 14, the support flap 6 may extend in a flap plane P3, preferably at least when being both in the unfolded state and the operating state. The flap sections 61, 62 may similarly extend in a (or the) flap plane P3.

As shown in the preferred embodiments, the flap sections 61, 62 are not foldable. However, they may also comprise sub-sections being connected by further folds so as to allow the flap sections 61, 62 be further foldable it itself about a so defined further folding line.

In the unfolded and/or in the folded state, the head plane Pt and the handle plane P2 may extend substantially parallel to each other, as can be seen exemplarily in Figures 2, 3A, 3C, 4, 5, 14 and 19. Preferably, in the unfolded state, the head plane Pt and the handle plane P2 can be identical, as can be derived from Figures 2, 5 14 and 19.

Preferably, when being both in the unfolded state and the expanded state, the head plane Pt and the handle plane P2 and the flap plane P3 can all be parallel and preferably identical, as exemplarily derivable from Figures 2 and 14.

Preferably, in the operating state, the support flap 6 and the reinforcement sections 21, 41 at least partly extend adjacent to each other and/or at least partly contact each other or he flat on each other. This can be derived from Figures 4B, 6 and 21, in which the corresponding reinforcement sections 21, 41 protrude similar to the flap sections 61, 62 here in a most compact manner and further preferred to increase stability of the cutlery 1 by being in (flat) contact with each other.

As mentioned, the reinforcement sections 21, 31 of the head portion 2 and the reinforcement sections 41 of the handle portion 4 at least partially extend on the same or opposite sides, this preferably with respect to the mentioned longitudinal axis X. In the operating state, the reinforcement sections 21, 41 are at least partially covered by the support flap 6 and here the flap sections 61, 62. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 4B, the support flap 6 - or better its flap sections 61, 62 - here completely cover the reinforcement section 41 protruding towards a rear side of the foldable cutlery 1. In the embodiments of Figures 6 and 21, the reinforcement sections 21, 41 of both the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 are at least partially covered by the support flap 6; and here by its flap sections 61, 62.

As can be derived from Figures 3A-C, in the folded state, the reinforcement sections 21, 31, 41 of one of the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 (here the reinforcement section 41 of the handle portion 4) at least partially receives the reinforcement sections 21, 31, 41 of the other one of the head portion 2 and the handle portion 4 (here the reinforcement section 21 of the head portion 2).

The foldable cutlery 1 is produced by pulp moulding. A method for manufacturing a foldable cutlery 1 as described above may comprise the following steps:

The pulp material is dewatered. For this, the pulp material may be collected on a grid that has the (negative) shape of the foldable cutlery 1. Vacuum suction may be applied. The dewatered pulp material is pressed into the form/shape of the foldable cutlery 1. A drying step is completed thereafter. Then, optionally, trimming of the foldable cutlery 1 along external edges of the foldable cutlery 1 may be completed.

The method may include additional treatment steps, for example to increase the smoothness or water resistance of the foldable cutlery 1. Such steps may comprise the application of heat and pressure. Furthermore, a treatment step may include the colouring of the pulp material by adding colours to the pulp material. The foldable cutlery 1 may include a further treatment step that includes embossing and/or debossing it for adding a brand name such as decoration elements. This is not only useful in brand communication, but can also increase the safety of the foldable cutlery 1 by reducing the risk of accidental use for a different purpose. Also, an anti-slip surface pattern may be added to the foldable cutlery 1, for example to its handle portion 4.

The invention is not limited by the embodiments as described herein above, as long as being covered by the appended claims. All the features of the embodiments described herein above can be combined in any possible way and be provided interchangeably.

Claims

1. A foldable cutlery (1) integrally made of moulded pulp material, comprising:

- a head portion (2) comprising a cutlery head (3) for handling food,

- a handle portion (4) for holding the cutlery by a user, the handle portion (4) extending from the head portion (2) opposite to the cutlery head (3), wherein the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) are directly connected to each other by a transverse fold (5) in the moulded pulp material extending along a transverse folding line (50) so that the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) are pivotable relative to each other about said transverse folding line (50) between an unfolded state, in which the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) extend from the transverse folding line (50) in substantially opposite directions, and a folded state, in which the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) extend from the transverse folding line (50) in substantially the same direction so as to extend at least partially adjacent to each other, wherein the foldable cutlery (1) further comprises a support flap (6) which continuously extends along both the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) across the transverse folding line (50), wherein the support flap (6) is directly connected to both the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) by a longitudinal fold (7) in the moulded pulp material extending along a longitudinal folding line (70), which longitudinal folding line (70) intersects the transverse folding line (50), so that, only in the unfolded state, the support flap (6) is foldable about said longitudinal folding line (70) between an expanded state, in which the pivoting of the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) relative to each other about the transverse folding line (50) is enabled, and an operating state, in which the pivoting of the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) relative to each other about said transverse folding line (50) is blocked.

2. The foldable cutlery (1) according to claim 1, wherein, in the unfolded state, the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) extend along a longitudinal axis (X), wherein the longitudinal folding line (70) preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), and/or wherein the longitudinal folding line (70) extends substantially orthogonal to the transverse folding line (50).

3. The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the expanded state, the support flap (6) protrudes laterally outwardly away from the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4), preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), and/or wherein, in the operating state, the support flap (6) approaches the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4), preferably the longitudinal axis (X), compared to the expanded state. The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support flap (6) comprises at least two flap sections (61, 62), wherein

• one of the flap sections (61, 62) is directly connected to both the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) by the longitudinal fold (7), and

• another one of the flap sections (62, 61) is directly connected to a part of the foldable cutlery (1) by another longitudinal fold (8) in the moulded pulp material extending along another longitudinal folding line (80), so as to preferably form a continuous and interconnected configuration of the support flap (6) at least in the operating state, wherein the other longitudinal folding line (80) preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal folding line (70) or the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the other longitudinal folding line (80) preferably extends substantially orthogonal to the transverse folding line (50), wherein preferably the other one of the flap sections (62, 61) continuously extends along both the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) across the transverse folding line (50), and wherein the other longitudinal folding line (80) intersects the transverse folding line (50) so that, only in the unfolded state, the flap sections (61, 62) are foldable about said longitudinal folding line (70) and said other longitudinal folding line (80), respectively, between the expanded state, in which the pivoting of the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) relative to each other about the transverse folding line (50) is enabled, and the operating state, in which the pivoting of the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) relative to each other about said transverse folding line (50) is blocked. The foldable cutlery (1) according to claim 4, wherein the other one of the flap sections (62. 61)

• is either directly connected to the head portion (2) and/or the handle portion (4), as the part of the foldable cutlery (1), by the other longitudinal fold (8) being opposite to the longitudinal fold (7) with respect to the head portion (2) and/or the handle portion (4), preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), or • extends from the one flap section (61, 62), as the part of the foldable cutlery (1), at a distal end thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line (70), wherein the flap sections (61, 62) are directly connected to each other by the other longitudinal fold (8). The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support flap (6) comprises a first connection structure (63), preferably at a distal flap end (65) thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line (70), and the foldable cutlery (1) further comprises a second connection structure (64) configured to structurally cooperate with the first connection structure (63), in the operating state, so as to fix, preferably releasably fix, the support flap (6) in the operating state, wherein preferably the structural cooperation between the first and second connection structures (63, 64) comprises at least one or a combination of a form fit connection and a frictional connection. The foldable cutlery (1) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein in case of the support flap (6) having the flap sections (61, 62) be connected at opposite sides with respect to the head portion (2) and/or the handle portion (4), preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis (X),

• the one flap section (61, 62) comprises the first connection structure (63), preferably at the distal flap end (65) thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line (70), and

• the other one of the flap sections (61, 62) comprises the second connection structure (64), preferably at another distal flap end (68) thereof with respect to the other longitudinal folding line (80), or in case of the support flap (6) having the flap sections (61, 62) being directly connected to each other by the other longitudinal fold (8),

• the other one of the flap sections (62, 61) comprises the first connection structure (63), preferably at the distal flap end (65) thereof with respect to the longitudinal folding line (70) and more preferred further with respect to the other longitudinal folding line (80), and

• the head portion (2) and/or the handle portion (4), preferably at a side opposite to the longitudinal folding line (70), comprises the second connection structure (64). The foldable cutlery (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein one of the first and second connection structures (63, 64) comprises protrusions (66), and the other one of the first and second connection structures (64, 63) comprises receptions (67) for receiving the protrusions (66) to structurally cooperate with the first connection structure (63) in the operating state so as to fix, preferably releasably fix, the support flap (6) in the operating state. The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reinforcement portion (9) protruding from the support flap (6) in a direction away from the transverse folding line (50) and adjacent to at least part (29) of the head portion (2), preferably of the cutlery head (3), so as to rest against the said part (29) of the head portion (2) in the operating state, to reinforce the head portion (2) against forces acting upon the head portion (2) in a direction (F) towards the reinforcement portion (9). The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transverse fold (5) is provided as a section (52) of reduced material thickness in the moulded pulp material, and/or wherein the transverse fold (5) is provided as a structure, preferably a longitudinal groove (51), in the moulded pulp material, and/or wherein the transverse fold (5) extends along the transverse folding line (50) continuously or discontinuously, and/or the longitudinal fold (7) is provided as a section of reduced material thickness in the moulded pulp material, and/or wherein the longitudinal fold (7) is provided as a structure, preferably a longitudinal groove (71), in the moulded pulp material, and/or wherein the longitudinal fold (7) extends along the longitudinal folding line (70) continuously or discontinuously, wherein the other longitudinal fold (8), if present, is provided as a section of reduced material thickness in the moulded pulp material, and/or wherein the other longitudinal fold (8), if present, is provided as a structure, preferably a longitudinal groove, in the moulded pulp material, and/or wherein the other longitudinal fold (8), if present, extends along the other longitudinal folding line (80) continuously or discontinuously, wherein the reduced material thickness preferably is in a range of 0.3mm to 0.6mm, more preferred the reduced material thickness is about 0.4mm, and/or wherein the reduced material thickness is in a range of 20-80%, more preferred in the range of 40-60%, of an average material thickness of the foldable cutlery (1). The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support flap (6) extends in a flap plane (P3), preferably at least when being both in the unfolded state and the operating state. 12. The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the head portion (2), preferably a head rim portion (20) at least partially surrounding the head portion (2), extends in a head plane (Pl), and/or wherein at least part of the handle portion (4), preferably a handle rim portion (40) at least partially surrounding the handle portion (4), extends in a handle plane (P2), wherein preferably, in the unfolded and/or in the folded state, the head plane (Pt) and the handle plane (P2) extend substantially parallel to each other, wherein preferably, in the unfolded state, the head plane (Pt) and the handle plane (P2) are identical, wherein preferably, when being both in the unfolded state and the expanded state, the head plane (Pt) and the handle plane (P2) and the flap plane (P3) are all parallel and preferably identical.

13. The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head portion (2) and/or the handle portion (4) comprise reinforcement sections (21, 31, 41) provided by 3D shaping of the pulp material, wherein preferably the reinforcement sections (21, 31, 41) are pyramide-shaped or dome-shaped, wherein preferably, in the operating state, the support flap (6) and the reinforcement sections (21, 31, 41) at least partly extend adjacent to each other and/or at least partly contact each other or lie flat on each other.

14. The foldable cutlery (1) according to claim 13, wherein the reinforcement sections (21, 31) of the head portion (2) and the reinforcement sections (41) of the handle portion (4) at least partially extend on the same or on opposite sides, preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), and/or wherein, in the operating state, the reinforcement sections (21, 31, 41) are at least partially covered by the support flap (6), and/or wherein, in the folded state, the reinforcement sections (21, 31, 41) of one of the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4) at least partially receives the reinforcement sections (21, 31, 41) of the other one of the head portion (2) and the handle portion (4).

15. The foldable cutlery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutlery head (3) comprises at least one or a combination of a spoon section, a fork section, a knife section, a spork section (30), a spife section, a knork section, and a sporf section.