3D Disposable Serving Utensils Created by Folding and Bending 2D Bendable Materials and Boxes Incorporating Disposable Serving Utensils

Abstract

Disposable three dimensional serving utensils that can be incorporated into a pizza box, a cake box or other container, via incised and scored blanks, from which disposable utensils, such as spatulas and knives, can be formed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top left front perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a pizza box lid and blank that can be used to form a blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil.

FIG. 2 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a flat blank that can be used to form a blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil.

FIG. 3 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a flat blank in the process of being formed into a blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil.

FIG. 4 is a left top perspective view of an embodiment, in one form, of a flat blank in the process of being formed into a blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil.

FIG. 5 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil being used to serve a portion of food.

FIG. 6 is a top front perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that is configured to also be used as a support for the lid of product packaging that consists of a sheet of bendable material.

FIG. 7 is a top left front perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a lid support pylon.

FIG. 8 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a lid support pylon and a method for creating the lid support pylon.

FIG. 9 is an upper right rear perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a pattern for creating a pie-shaped embodiment and an illustration of the process of forming a pie-shaped embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top left perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a pie-shaped embodiment being used to serve a portion of food.

FIG. 11 is a top left front perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging.

FIG. 12 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil after the pattern has been punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging.

FIG. 13 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil that is in the process of being formed into a non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a left top perspective view of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil in the process of being formed into a non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil.

FIG. 15 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil being used to serve a portion of food.

FIG. 16 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 17 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil that is in the process of being formed into a semi-serrated embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a left top perspective view of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil in the process of being formed into a semi-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil.

FIG. 19 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a semi-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil being used to serve a portion of food.

FIG. 20 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 21 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil that is in the process of being formed into a pointed non-serrated embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a left top perspective view of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil in the process of being formed into a pointed non-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil.

FIG. 23 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a pointed non-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil being used to serve a portion of food.

FIG. 24 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a dull pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 25 is a top left rear perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a dull pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 26 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a dull pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 27 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a second pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 28 is a top left perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a second pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil and the process of creating a second pointed non-serrated embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a second pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 30 is a front upper left perspective exploded view of an embodiment, in one form, of a box incorporating a flat blank that can be used to form a primitive embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 31 is a front upper left perspective exploded view of an embodiment, in one form, of a box incorporating a flat blank that can be used to form a curved blade knife embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 32 is a front upper left perspective exploded view of an embodiment, in one form, of a box incorporating a flat blank that can be used to form a pizza machete embodiment of a serving utensil.

FIG. 33 is a front upper left perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a pizza box lid and blank that can be used to form a squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil.

FIG. 34 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a serving utensil, and of the process for forming the squeeze-only blunt embodiment for use.

FIG. 35 is a top left perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a squeeze-only blunt embodiment formed and ready for use.

FIG. 36 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a squeeze-only blunt embodiment being used to serve a portion of food.

FIG. 37 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a squeeze-only semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil, and of the process for forming the squeeze-only semi-serrated embodiment for use.

FIG. 38 is a top left perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a squeeze-only semi-serrated embodiment formed and ready for use.

FIG. 39 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a squeeze-only semi-serrated embodiment being used to serve a portion of food.

FIG. 40 is top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil, and of the process for forming the squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment for use.

FIG. 41 is a bottom left elevational view of a squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil, formed and ready for use.

FIG. 42 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment being used to serve a portion of food.

FIG. 43 is a top left front perspective of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging.

FIG. 44 is a top plan of an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil, and of the process for forming the squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment for use.

FIG. 45 is a bottom left elevational view of a squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment of a serving utensil, formed and ready for use.

FIG. 46 is a left elevational view of an embodiment, in one form, of a squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment being used to serve a portion of food.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Claim of Priority

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62537932, filed Jul. 27, 2017.

This application discloses novel 3D serving utensils which can be created out of boxes and containers.

The disclosed embodiments and the methods associated therewith have applicability to any area of food service. They are also applicable to any situation where it would be convenient, desirable or cost effective to dispose of the serving utensils after serving food.

Although the embodiments disclosed in the figures use cardboard, any bendable material could be used that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to or greater than that of cardboard, including, but not limited to corrugated fiberboard, paper, nylon, plastic, foil, aluminum or other metals, paperboard, wood veneer, palm fronds, leaves, compostable paperboard or other composite material without departing from the disclosures contained in and claimed by this application.

This application discloses 14 embodiments of blanks that can be used to create disposable serving utensils that can be incorporated into pizza boxes or other food packaging. Additionally this application discloses exemplary embodiments showing how the embodiments of the disposable serving utensils disclosed can be incorporated into boxes, containers or other items.

Each of the disclosed and claimed embodiments may be used to serve and cut food. In this regard, it is to be understood that the word food is used in its broadest possible meaning and includes foods of all types.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 1 depicts a blunt embodiment (11) of a disposable serving utensil in packaging which is a pizza delivery box, that contains a pizza box lid and blank (10) and box front (12). However, other forms of packaging could also be used without departing from the disclosure as claimed, including, but not limited to, a cake box lid [container lid and blank, (40)] as shown in FIGS. 11 and 43 and a sheet of bendable material that is configured to also be used as a support for a product packaging lid as shown in FIG. 6 [lid support and blank, (41)].

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment, in one form, of a flat blank that can be used to form a blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil (11). The blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil disclosed in FIG. 2 is comprised of an incised center crease line (21) that is designed to make it easy for the flexible bendable material of which the flat blank is composed to crease; a center handle cut (22) which is cut through the flexible bendable material of which the flat blank is composed; a right folding handle (23); a left folding handle (24); a right handle cut (25); a left handle cut (26); a right handle angling cut (27); a left handle angling cut (28); a right incised flex line (29); and a left incised flex line (30).

FIG. 3 depicts the first step in readying the blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil (11). That Figure shows that the right folding handle (23) is folded over the right handle cut (25) and the left folding handle (24) is folded over the left handle cut (26).

FIG. 4 depicts the user's fingers (31) pressing together the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) and the end of the right folding handle fitting into the right handle angling cut (27) and the end of the left folding handle (24) fitting into the left handle angling cut (28) so that the blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil (11) will remain in the shape in which it has been placed. The assembled blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil may then be used to slide underneath a portion of food (32) to be served and to serve that portion as desired, as shown by FIG. 5. The blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil may optionally be disposed of after use or may be kept for later additional uses if desired.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 6 depicts a pie-shaped embodiment (44) of a serving utensil that is embedded in a lid support and blank (41). An incised punch out line (43) allows the pie-shaped embodiment to be punched out of the lid support and blank without tearing the flexible and bendable material from which the lid support and blank is formed. FIG. 6 shows a box lid with viewing portal (35) that allows visualization of the pie-shaped embodiment from outside of the box. FIG. 6 further shows that the lid support and blank contains a plurality of support pylons (42) that protrude downward into a food item (48), which is shown as a pizza in this Figure. The purpose of the support pylons is to prevent the lid support and blank from collapsing onto the food item.

FIG. 7 is a call out show detail of a support pylon (42). FIG. 7 discloses that the support pylon is formed by punching out the support pylon along the cut lines for support pylon (34). FIG. 8 shows a side cut-away perspective of the support pylon (42).

FIG. 9 shows the pattern to make the pie-shaped embodiment (44) of a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of foldable and bendable material that comprises product packaging. This embodiment is comprised of an incised center crease line (21); a right folding handle (23); a left folding handle (24); a right handle cut (25); a left handle cut (26); a right handle angling cut (27); a left handle angling cut (28); a right incised flex line (29); a left incised flex line (30); a right embankment (45); and a left embankment (46). The right folding handle and the left folding handle fold in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9, with the right folding handle folding across the right handle cut (27) and the left folding handle folding across the left handle cut (28). The right folding handle (23) tucks into the right handle angling cut (27), and the left folding handle (24) tucks into the left handle angling cut (28). FIG. 10 shows that once this has been done, the user's fingers (31) are used to squeeze the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) upward and together to form the pie-shaped embodiment (44), which can then be used to pick up a portion to be served (32) of a food item (48) from off of an underlying surface (47).

Third Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 11 illustrates still another embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 11 depicts a non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment (60) circumscribed by an incised punch out line (43) in a container lid and blank (40) in a box that contains a food item (48), shown as a cake in FIG. 11. The incised punch out line (43) allows the non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment (60) to be punched out of the lid support and blank (40) without tearing the flexible and bendable material from which the lid support and blank is formed.

FIG. 12 shows the pattern to make the non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment (60). This embodiment is comprised of an incised center crease line (21); a center handle cut (22); a right folding handle (23); a left folding handle (24); a right handle cut (25); a left handle cut (26); a right handle angling cut (27); a left handle angling cut (28); a right incised flex line (29); a left incised flex line (30); serrated edges suitable for cutting (51); a plurality of non-serrated edges (52); and a plurality of points (61).

The right folding handle and the left folding handle fold in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13, with the right folding handle folding across the right handle cut (27) and the left folding handle folding across the left handle cut (28). The right folding handle (23) tucks into the right handle angling cut (27) and the left folding handle (24) tucks into the left handle angling cut (28). FIG. 14 shows that once this has been done, the user's fingers (31) are used to squeeze the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) upward and together to form the non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment (60). The non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment can then be used to pick up a portion of food (32) to be served, as in FIG. 15 where the food item is shown as a piece of cake.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 16 illustrates still another embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 16 depicts a semi-serrated embodiment (50) and shows the pattern to make the semi-serrated embodiment. The semi-serrated embodiment is comprised of an incised center crease line (21), a center handle cut (22), a right folding handle (23), a left folding handle (24), a right handle cut (25), a left handle cut (26), a right handle angling cut (27), a left handle angling cut (28), a right incised flex line (29), a left incised flex line (30), a curved serrated edge suitable for cutting (161) and a curved non-serrated edge (162). The purpose of all incised lines is to create lines where the foldable, bendable material from which the pattern is created will bend.

The right folding handle and the left folding handle fold in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 17, with the right folding handle (23) folding across the right handle cut (25) and the left folding handle (24) folding across the left handle cut (26). The right folding handle (23), tucks into the right handle angling cut (27) and the left folding handle (24) tucks into the left handle angling cut (28). FIG. 18 shows that once this has been done, the user's fingers (31) are used to squeeze the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) upward and together to form the semi-serrated embodiment (50). The semi-serrated embodiment can then be used to pick up a portion of food (32) to be served as shown in FIG. 15, where the food item is shown as a piece of pie.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 20 illustrates still another embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 20 depicts a pointed non-serrated embodiment, (70) and shows the pattern to make the pointed non-serrated embodiment. The pointed non-serrated embodiment is comprised of an incised center crease line (21), a center handle cut (22), a right folding handle (23) that contains a right handle adhesive (71), a left folding handle (24) that contains a left handle adhesive (72), an incised handle fold line (73), a right handle angling cut (27), a left handle angling cut (28), a right incised flex line (29), a left incised flex line (30), a plurality of points (61) and a plurality of straight edges (200). The left handle adhesive and the right handle adhesive are preferably located on both sides of each handle.

The right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) fold in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 21, with the right folding handle folding across the incised handle fold line (73) and the adhesive on each handle causing the handles to stick as folded. The right folding handle (23) tucks into the right handle angling cut (27) and the left folding handle (24) tucks into the left handle angling cut (28). FIG. 22 shows that once this has been done, the user's fingers (31) are used to squeeze the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) upward and together to form the pointed non-serrated embodiment (70); the right handle adhesive (71) and the left handle adhesive (72) causes the right folding handle (23) to stick to the left folding handle (24). The pointed non-serrated embodiment (70) can then be used to pick up a portion of food (32) to be served, as shown in FIG. 23 where the food item is depicted as a piece of cake.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 24 illustrates still another embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 24 depicts a dull pointed non-serrated embodiment (80) and shows the pattern to make the dull pointed non-serrated embodiment. The dull pointed non-serrated embodiment is comprised of an incised center crease line (21), a right folding handle (23), a left folding handle (24), a right incised flex line (29), a left incised flex line (30), an incised handle fold line (73), a plurality of dull points (81), a plurality of exterior tabs (82), a plurality of tab slots (83) and a plurality of non-straight edges (240).

FIG. 24 shows that the dull pointed non-serrated embodiment (80) is formed by squeezing together the right folding handle (23) and left folding handle (24) and then passing the exterior tabs (82) into the tab slots (83) to affix the folding of the embodiment. The resulting utensil is depicted from an upper left perspective in FIG. 25 and from a left elevational view in FIG. 26.

Seventh Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 27 illustrates still another embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 27 depicts a second pointed non-serrated embodiment (90) and shows the pattern to make the second pointed non-serrated embodiment. The second pointed non-serrated embodiment (90) is comprised of an incised center crease line (21), a center handle cut (22), a right folding handle (23), a left folding handle (24), a right incised flex line (29), a left incised flex line (30), a plurality of points (61), an incised handle fold line (73), a right tab (91), a right interior insertion slot (92), a left tab (93), a left interior insertion slot (94), a plurality of straight edges (200), an incised right handle flex line (270) and an incised left handle flex line (271).

FIG. 28 shows that the second pointed non-serrated embodiment (90) is created by folding the right folding handle (23) and left folding handle (24) across the incised handle fold line (73) and then slightly squeezing together the right folding handle (23) and left folding handle (24) so that the right tab (91) can be fitted through the right interior insertion slot (92) and the left tab (93) can be fitted through the left interior insertion slot (94). FIG. 29 depicts a left elevation of the formed second pointed non-serrated embodiment (90).

Eighth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 30 illustrates another embodiment, in one form, of a pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 30 depicts a primitive embodiment (300) and shows the pattern to make the primitive embodiment from a box. The primitive embodiment and the box from which it can be punched out are comprised of a primitive embodiment (300) that is bounded by either or both an open top (as shown in FIG. 30) and incised edges (303), as well as a plurality of sides (301) and a plurality of planar coverings (302).

FIG. 30 further shows how to create the primitive embodiment from the box. The incised edges (303) allow the primitive embodiment (300) to be easily removed from the box. The primitive embodiment can then be used to cut the contents of the box (i.e. to cut a pizza in the case of FIG. 30), as a spatula to serve the food in the box, or both. The primitive embodiment can then either be disposed of or kept for further use, as desired. The effect of removing the primitive embodiment from the box will also allow the box to be more easily broken down for disposal or recycling.

It is also possible to create primitive embodiments from a plurality of sides (301). Such embodiments are claimed by this application, even though not illustrated in the drawings.

Ninth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 31 illustrates another embodiment, in one form, of a pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 31 depicts a curved blade knife embodiment (310) and shows the pattern to make the curved blade knife embodiment from a box. The curved blade knife embodiment and the box from which it can be punched out are comprised of a curved blade knife embodiment (310) that contains at least one curved cutting surface (312), that is bounded by either or both an open top (as shown in FIG. 30) and incised edges (303), as well as a plurality of sides (301) and a plurality of planar coverings (302).

FIG. 31 further shows how to create the curved blade knife embodiment from the box. The incised edges (303) allow the curved blade knife embodiment (310) to be easily removed from the box. The curved blade knife embodiment can then be used to cut the contents of the box (i.e. to cut a pizza in the case of FIG. 31), as a spatula to serve the food in the box, or both. The curved blade knife embodiment can then either be disposed of or kept for further use, as desired. The effect of removing the curved blade knife embodiment from the box will also allow the box to be more easily broken down for disposal or recycling.

It is also possible to create curved blade knife embodiments from a plurality of sides (301). Such embodiments are claimed by this application, even though not illustrated in the drawings.

Tenth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment, in one form, of a pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 32 depicts a pizza machete embodiment (320) and shows the pattern to make the pizza machete embodiment from a box. The pizza machete embodiment and the box from which it can be punched out are comprised of a pizza machete embodiment (320) that contains at least one folding handle (322), at least one curved cutting surface (312), that is bounded by either or both an open top (as shown in FIG. 30) and incised edges (303), as well as a plurality of sides (301) and a plurality of planar coverings (302).

FIG. 32 further shows how to create the pizza machete embodiment from the box. The incised edges (303) allow the pizza machete embodiment (320) to be easily removed from the box. A folding handle (322) can then be folded down across an incised edge (321) to make the handle stronger, more robust and easier to grip, as shown in FIG. 32. The pizza machete embodiment can then be used to cut the contents of the box (i.e. to cut a pizza in the case of FIG. 32), as a spatula to serve the food in the box, or both. The pizza machete embodiment can then either be disposed of or kept for further use, as desired. The effect of removing the pizza machete embodiment from the box will also allow the box to be more easily broken down for disposal or recycling.

It is also possible to create pizza machete embodiments from a plurality of sides (301). Such embodiments are claimed by this application, even though not illustrated in the drawings.

Eleventh Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 33 illustrates an embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 33 depicts a squeeze-only blunt embodiment (111) of a disposable serving utensil in packaging which is a pizza delivery box, that contains a pizza box lid and blank (10) and box front (12). However, other forms of packaging could also be used without departing from the disclosure as claimed, including, but not limited to, a cake box lid [container lid and blank, (40)] as shown in FIGS. 11 and 43 and a sheet of bendable material that is configured to also be used as a support for a product packaging lid as shown in FIG. 6 [lid support and blank, (41)].

FIG. 34 shows an embodiment, in one form, of a flat blank that can be used to form a squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil (111). The squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil disclosed in FIG. 34 is comprised of an incised center crease line (21) that is designed to make it easy for the flexible bendable material of which the flat blank is composed to crease; a right folding handle (23); a left folding handle (24); a right incised flex line (29); and a left incised flex line (30).

FIG. 34 depicts the first step in readying the squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil (111). That Figure shows that the right folding handle (23) is squeezed toward the left folding handle (24) across the incised center crease line (21).

FIG. 35 depicts the user's fingers (31) pressing together the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) across the incised center crease line (21) in order to form the squeeze-only blunt embodiment. The squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil thus formed may then be used to slide underneath a portion of food (32) to be served and to serve that portion as desired, as shown by FIG. 36. The squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil may optionally be disposed of after use or may be kept for later additional uses if desired.

Twelfth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment, in one form, of a flat blank that can be used to form a squeeze-only semi-serrated embodiment (150) of a disposable serving utensil. The squeeze-only semi-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil disclosed in FIG. 37 is comprised of an incised center crease line (21) that is designed to make it easy for the flexible bendable material of which the flat blank is composed to crease; a right folding handle (23); a left folding handle (24); a right incised flex line (29); a left incised flex line (30); serrated edges suitable for cutting (51); and a non-serrated edge (52).

FIG. 37 further shows how to form the squeeze-only semi-serrated embodiment (150) of a disposable serving utensil for use. That Figure shows that the right folding handle (23) is squeezed toward the left folding handle (24) across the incised center crease line (21).

FIG. 38 depicts the user's fingers (31) pressing together the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) across the incised center crease line (21) in order to form the squeeze-only blunt embodiment. The squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil thus formed may then be used to slide underneath a portion of food (32) to be served and to serve that portion as desired, as shown by FIG. 39. The squeeze-only blunt embodiment of a disposable serving utensil may optionally be disposed of after use or may be kept for later additional uses if desired.

Thirteenth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 40 shows an embodiment, in one form, of a flat blank that can be used to form a squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment (170) of a disposable serving utensil. The squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil disclosed in FIG. 40 is comprised of an incised center crease line (21) that is designed to make it easy for the flexible bendable material of which the flat blank is composed to crease; a right folding handle (23) that contains a right handle adhesive (71); a left folding handle (24) that contains a left handle adhesive (72); a right incised flex line (29); a left incised flex line (30); a plurality of points (61) and a plurality of straight edges (200). The left handle adhesive and the right handle adhesive are preferably located only on the top sides of each handle.

FIG. 40 further shows how to form the squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment (170) of a disposable serving utensil for use. That Figure shows that the right folding handle (23) is squeezed toward the left folding handle (24) across the incised center crease line (21), thus causing the right handle adhesive (71) to make contact with the left handle adhesive (72) and thereby cause the right folding handle (23) to stick to the left folding handle (24).

FIG. 41 depicts the user's fingers (31) pressing together the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) across the incised center crease line (21) in a formed squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment. The squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil thus formed may then be used to slide underneath a portion of food (32) to be served and to serve that portion as desired, as shown by FIG. 42. The squeeze-only pointed non-serrated embodiment of a disposable serving utensil may optionally be disposed of after use or may be kept for later additional uses if desired.

Fourteenth Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 43 illustrates still another embodiment, in one form, of a foldable and bendable pattern for creating a disposable serving utensil that can be punched out of an incised sheet of bendable material that comprises product packaging. FIG. 43 depicts a squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment (160) circumscribed by an incised punch out line (43) in a container lid and blank (40) in a box that contains a food item (48), shown as a cake in FIG. 43. The incised punch out line (43) allows the squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment (160) to be punched out of the lid support and blank (40) without tearing the flexible and bendable material from which the lid support and blank is formed.

FIG. 44 shows the pattern to make the squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment (160). This embodiment is comprised of an incised center crease line (21); a right folding handle (23); a left folding handle (24); a right incised flex line (29); a left incised flex line (30); a plurality of serrated edges suitable for cutting (51); a plurality of non-serrated edges (52); and a plurality of points (61).

The right folding handle and the left folding handle fold in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 44, with the right folding handle folding across the incised center crease line (21) onto the left folding handle (24). FIG. 45 shows that once this has been done, the user's fingers (31) are used to squeeze the right folding handle (23) and the left folding handle (24) upward and together to form the squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment (160). The squeeze-only non-blunt semi-serrated embodiment can then be used to pick up a portion of food (32) to be served, as in FIG. 46 where the food item is shown as a piece of cake.

Other Possible Variants of the Disclosed Embodiments

Other possible variants of the disclosed embodiments can be created wherein the bendable material (from which the disclosed embodiments can be formed) is made of materials that are either or both:

• • A. Resistant to liquids, such as hydrophobic paper or cardboard that has self-assembled silicon-oxide nanoparticles with functional silane groups and fluorocarbonated compounds linked directly to cellulose fibers of at least one of the surfaces thereof, with a Cobb value of 8 to 25 g/m2 and water contact angles of 100 to 140 degrees [such as that taught by Marroquin in EP Application 2837736A1 (which is hereby incorporated by reference)] and similar; or
  • B. coated with materials that are resistant to liquids, including, but not limited to, waterproof film laminated to cardboard, polyethylene, waxes, fluor-derivatives, biopolymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and polyesters, biopolymer nanoparticles and nanofillers such as nanoclay and nanocellulose.

All such embodiments are claimed by this application.

Other additional embodiments are also possible as to each of the Exemplary Embodiments previously described. All such embodiments are claimed by this application.

Wherever reference is made in this disclosure to separating any portion of the sheet of bendable material from any other portion of the sheet of bendable material along any incised line or any score and fold mark, the separation may be achieved by bending the bendable material back and forth until it breaks along the incised line or the score and fold mark, by tearing the material down the incised line or the score and fold mark, by cutting the bendable material along the incised line or the score and fold mark with any sort of tool or by any other means of separating the bendable material along the incised line or the score and fold mark; all such methods of separation are claimed by this application.

Wherever incised lines are mentioned in this disclosure it is understood that all such incised lines are designed to make it easy for the flexible bendable material of which the flat blank is composed to crease.

In the event that any of the patent documents that are incorporated by reference herein define or use a term in a manner that is inconsistent with either the non-incorporated disclosure of the present application or with any of the other incorporated patent documents, the non-incorporated disclosure of the present application shall control with respect to the present application, and the term or terms as used in an incorporated patent document shall only control with respect to the document in which the term or terms are defined or used.

The various disclosed elements of apparatuses and steps of methods disclosed herein are not required as to all apparatuses and methods set forth in the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Moreover, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein may define independent inventive subject matter that is separate and apart from the whole of a disclosed apparatus or method. Accordingly, such inventive subject matter is not required to be associated with the specific apparatuses and methods that are expressly disclosed herein; such inventive subject matter may find utility in future apparatuses and/or methods and may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application.

The specific alternatives, embodiments, and methods thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible. The present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, properties, methods, and/or steps disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, properties, methods, and/or steps may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

While the description of several embodiments has been presented and while the exemplary embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Applicant intends by this application to cover all possible embodiments that are described by the claims, even if such embodiments are not specifically shown or described in the Figures or in the Description of the Embodiments. That is, the claims in their broader aspects are therefore not limited to any of the specific details or to any of the representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described in the Figures and the specification. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general concept as claimed.

Claims

1) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by a center handle cut that extends from the short end to a right handle cut;one longer end that is approximately parallel to the one short end anddivided bilaterally by one incised center crease line that extends from the longer end to a right handle cut;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to the one longer end;are approximately mirror images of each other along both the center handle cut and the incised center crease line;are approximately parallel to each other from the short end to a point on both sides defined by the line that would extend across the ends of a left folding handle and a right folding handle if drawn through a right handle cut and a left handle cut;are approximately straight edges from the point on both sides defined by the line that would extend across the ends of a left folding handle and a right folding handle if drawn through a right handle cut and a left handle cut tothe point on both sides defined by the line that would extend from one side to the other side drawn through the end of a right handle angling cut that is proximally closer to the right side and a left handle angling cut that is proximally closest to the left side;are approximately straight edges from the point on both sides defined by the line that would extend from one side to the other side drawn through the end of a right handle angling cut that is proximally closer to the right side and a left handle angling cut that is proximally closest to the left side tothe longer end;a right folding handle, extending from the short end to a right handle cut;a left folding handle; extending from the short end to a left handle cut;a right handle cut that extends orthogonally from the junction of the incised center crease line and the center handle cut to approximately half the distance to the right side;a left handle cut that extends orthogonally from the left sideapproximately half the distance to the junction of the incised center crease line and the center handle cut;a right handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the right side and to the longer end;that is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the right folding handle;a left handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the left side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the left folding handle;a right incised flex line that extends from the right handle angling cut toapproximately the junction of the right side with the longer end; anda left incised flex line that extends from the left handle angling cut toapproximately the junction of the left side with the longer end.

2) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by a center handle cut that extends from the short end to a right handle cut;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to a junction of the right side with the left side;are approximately mirror images of each other along both the center handle cut and the incised center crease line;are approximately parallel to each other from the short end to a point on both sides farther from the short side than the line defined by the line that would run approximately parallel to the short side and through the end of a right handle cut that is proximally closest to the right side and a left handle cut that is proximally closest to the left side;extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point prior to their junction with each other;converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point where they join with each other;a right folding handle, extending from the short end to a right handle cut;a left folding handle; extending from the short end to a left handle cut;a right handle cut that extends orthogonally from the junction of the incised center crease line and the center handle cut to approximately half the distance to the right side;a left handle cut that extends orthogonally from the left sideapproximately half the distance to the junction of the incised center crease line and the center handle cut;a right handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the right side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the right folding handle;a left handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the left side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the left folding handle;an incised center crease line that runs from approximately the end of the center handle cut tothe junction of the right side with the left side;a central point through which all incised lines pass, that lies on the incised center crease line between the line through the end of the right handle angling cut that is proximally closest to the right side andthe end of the left handle angling cut that is proximally closest to the left side andthe line through the points where the right side and the left side converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically;a right embankment that is an incised line that is parallel to the right side from the point where the right side and the left side extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point on the right side;extends from the central point through which all incised lines pass toa point on the right side;a left embankment that is an incised line that is parallel to the left side from the point where the right side and the left side extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically toa point on the left side;extends from the central point through which all incised lines pass toa point on the left side;a right incised flex line that extends from the central point through which all incised lines pass toa point on the right side that is in between the junction of the right side and the left side andthe point where the right embankment reaches the right side; anda left incised flex line that extends from the central point through which all incised lines pass toa point on the left side that is in between the junction of the right side and the left side andthe point where the right embankment reaches the right side.

3) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by a center handle cut that extends from the short end to a right handle cut;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to a junction of the right side with the left side;are approximately parallel to each other from the short end to a point on both sides farther from the short side than the line defined by the line that would run approximately parallel to the short side and through the end of a right handle cut that is proximally closest to the right side and a left handle cut that is proximally closest to the left side;extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point prior to their junction with each other;converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point where they join with each other;are approximately mirror images of each other along both the center handle cut and the incised center crease line, except that from the junction of the right side and the left side to before the line formed between the point of the right handle angling cut that is proximally closest to the right side andthe point of the left handle angling cut that is proximally closest to the left side,most or all of the left side is comprised of serrated edges suitable for cutting andthe right side is comprised of non-serrated edge;a right folding handle, extending from the short end to a right handle cut;a left folding handle; extending from the short end to a left handle cut;a right handle cut that extends orthogonally from the junction of the incised center crease line and the center handle cut to approximately half the distance to the right side;a left handle cut that extends orthogonally from the left sideapproximately half the distance to the junction of the incised center crease line and the center handle cut;a right handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the right side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the right folding handle;a left handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the left side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the left folding handle;a right incised flex line that extends from the right handle angling cut toapproximately the point where the right side begins to converge toward the left side before both sides join with each other;a left incised flex line that extends from the left handle angling cut toapproximately the point where the left side begins to converge toward the right side before both sides join with each other; andan incised center crease line that extends from the interior end of the center handle cut tothe junction of the right side with the left side.

4) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by a center handle cut that extends from the short end to a right handle cut;an incised center crease line that extends in an approximately straight line from the interior end of the center handle cut tothe most distant point from the interior end of the center handle cut to the arc that connects a right side and a left side;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to a junction of the right side with the left side at the incised center line;are approximately mirror images of each other along both the center handle cut and the incised center crease line, except that from the junction of the right side and the left side at the incised center crease line to before the line formed between the point of the right handle angling cut that is proximally closest to the right side andthe point of the left handle angling cut that is proximally closest to the left side,most or all of the left side is comprised of serrated edges suitable for cutting andthe right side is comprised of non-serrated edge;are approximately parallel to each other from the short end to a point on both sides farther from the short side than the line defined by the line that would run approximately parallel to the short side and through the end of a right handle cut that is proximally closest to the right side and a left handle cut that is proximally closest to the left side;extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point prior to their junction with each other;converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point where they join with each other;a right folding handle, extending from the short end to a right handle cut;a left folding handle; extending from the short end to a left handle cut;a right handle cut that extends orthogonally from the junction of the incised center crease line and the center handle cut to approximately half the distance to the right side;a left handle cut that extends orthogonally from the left sideapproximately half the distance to the junction of the incised center crease line and the center handle cut;a right handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the right side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the right folding handlea left handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the left side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the left folding handlea right incised flex line that extends from the right handle angling cut toapproximately the point where the right side begins to converge toward the left side before both sides join with each other; anda left incised flex line that extends from the left handle angling cut toapproximately the point where the left side begins to converge toward the right side before both sides join with each other.

5) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by a center handle cut that extends from the short end to an incised handle fold line;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to a junction of the right side with the left side;are approximately parallel to each other from the short end to a point on both sides to the incised handle fold line;extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point prior to their junction with each other;converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point where they join with each other;are approximately mirror images of each other along both the center handle cut and the incised center crease line;a right folding handle, extending from the short end to the incised handle fold line comprising, a right handle adhesive on both sides of the planar surface;a left folding handle, extending from the short end to the incised handle fold line, comprising a left handle adhesive on both sides of the planar surface;an incised handle fold line, extending approximately orthogonally from the right side to the left side, between the right handle adhesive and the left handle adhesive anda right handle angling cut and a left handle angling cut;a right handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the right side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the right folding handle;a left handle angling cut that has one end that is proximally closer to both the incised center crease line and to the short end;has one end that is proximally closer to both the left side and to the longer end;is capable of receiving the portion of the short end that is part of the left folding handle;a right incised flex line that extends from the right handle angling cutto approximately the point where the right side begins to converge toward the left side before both sides join with each other;a left incised flex line that extends from the left handle angling cutto approximately the point where the left side begins to converge toward the right side before both sides join with each other; andan incised center crease line that extends from the interior end of the center handle cut tothe junction of the right side with the left side.

6) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by an incised center crease linea right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to a junction of the right side with the left side;are approximately parallel to each other from the short end to a point on both sides to the incised handle fold line;extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point prior to their junction with each other;converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point where they join with each other;are approximately mirror images of each other along the incised center crease line except that the right folding handle and the portion of the right side that is overlapped by the right folding handle when the right folding handle is folded across the incised handle fold line, contains a plurality of tab slots that are conformably configured to receive exterior tabs located on the left side;the left folding handle and the portion of the left side that is overlapped by the left folding handle when the left folding handle is folded across the incised handle fold line, contains a plurality of exterior tabs that are conformably configured to fit into a plurality of tab slots located on the right side;a right folding handle, extending from the short end to the incised handle fold line;a left folding handle, extending from the short end to the incised handle fold line;an incised handle fold line, extending approximately orthogonally from the right side to the left side, between a plurality of tab slots on the right side anda plurality of exterior tabs on the left side;a right incised flex line that extends from a point on the incised center crease line that is located between the furthest exterior tab from the short end andapproximately the point where the right side begins to diverge away from the left side before both the sides join with each otherto approximately the point where the right side begins to converge toward the left side;a left incised flex line that extends from a point on the incised center crease line that is located between the furthest exterior tab from the short end andapproximately the point where the right side begins to diverge away from the left side before both the sides join with each otherto approximately the point where the left side begins to converge toward the right side; andan incised center crease line that extends from approximately the midpoint of the short end tothe junction of the right side with the left side.

7) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by a center handle cut that extends most of the way to an incised handle fold line;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to a junction of the right side with the left side;contain a right tab that is a mirror image to a left tab;converge toward each other to form the right tab and the left tab and which then diverge away from each other until they reach the approximate end of the center handle cut;are approximately parallel to each other from the approximate end of the center handle cut to the approximate intersection of the incised center line with the right incised flex line and the left incised flex line;extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point prior to their junction with each other;converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point where they join with each other;are approximately mirror images of each other along the incised center crease line and the center handle cut;a right folding handle, extending from the short end to the incised handle fold line;a left folding handle, extending from the short end to the incised handle fold line;an incised handle fold line, extending approximately orthogonally from the right side to the left side, between an interior end of the center handle cut anda right interior insertion slot and a left interior insertion slot;a right incised flex line that extends from a point on the incised center crease line that is located between the right interior insertion slot andapproximately the point where the right side begins to diverge away from the left side before both the sides join with each otherto approximately the point where the right side begins to converge toward the left side;a left incised flex line that extends from a point on the incised center crease line that is located between the left interior insertion slot andapproximately the point where the left side begins to diverge away from the right side before both the sides join with each otherto approximately the point where the left side begins to converge toward the right side;an incised center crease line that extends from the interior end of the center handle cutto the junction of the right side with the left side;a right tab, on the short end, conformably made to be inserted into a right interior insertion slot;a left tab, on the short end, conformably made to be inserted into a left interior insertion slot;a right interior insertion slot located conformably made to receive a right tab and located approximately between the point where the right incised flex line intersects the incised center crease line andthe point where the incised handle fold line intersects the right side;a left interior insertion slot located conformable made to receive a left tab and located approximately between the point where the left incised flex line intersects the incised center crease line andthe point where the incised handle fold line intersects the left side;an incised right handle flex line extending from the right tab to a point proximally located to the right interior insertion slot; andan incised left handle flex line extending from the left tab to a point proximally located to the left interior insertion slot;

8) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: a box for serving food, such as pizza or cake, comprising a plurality of approximately planar box sides;an approximately planar covering;an approximately planar bottom;one or more box sides as to which every side of the box side is either unconnected to any planar covering orconnected to any other planar bottom and planar sides with incised edges thereby allowing said side to be easily removed from the box without tearing.

9) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: a box for serving food, such as pizza or cake, comprising a plurality of box sides;an approximately planar covering;an approximately planar bottom;a bladed knife embedded in some or all of one or more of the box sides;an approximately planar covering;an approximately planar bottom;comprising a plurality of incised edges circumscribing a handle comprising two corners of a box side; part of a box side connecting the two corners of a box side; two approximately parallel box sides, one short and one longer; anda blade comprising a cutting surface spanning the distance between the short parallel box side and the longer parallel box side.

10) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard, said apparatus comprising: a box for serving food, such as pizza or cake, comprising a plurality of box sides;an approximately planar covering;an approximately planar bottom;a pizza machete embedded in some or all of one or more of the box sides;an approximately planar covering;an approximately planar bottom;comprising a plurality of incised edges circumscribing a folding handle comprising two corners of a box side; part of a box side connecting the two corners of a box side; two approximately parallel box sides, one short and one longer; a folding handle that folds across an incised folding edge; anda blade comprising a cutting surface spanning the distance between the short parallel box side and the longer parallel box side.

11) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by an incised center crease line;one longer end that is approximately parallel to the one short end anddivided bilaterally by one incised center crease line;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to the one longer end;are approximately mirror images of each other along the incised center crease line;initially run parallel to each other to form a handle, but thereafter diverge from each other until they reach the longer end;a right folding handle, conformably made to be able to flex toward a left folding handle along the incised center crease line;a left folding handle, conformably made to be able to flex toward the right folding handle along the incised center crease line;a right incised flex line that extends from any point chosen along the incised center crease line that also intersects with a left incised flex lineto approximately the junction of the right side with the longer end;a left incised flex line that extends from any point chosen along the incised center crease line that also intersects with the right incised flex lineto approximately the junction of the left side with the longer end; andan incised center crease line that extends from the approximate midpoint of the short endto the approximate midpoint of the longer end.

12) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by an incised center crease line;an incised center crease line that extends in an approximately straight line from the approximate midpoint of the short end tothe most distant point from the interior end of the center handle cut to the arc that connects a right side and a left side;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to a junction of the right side with the left side at the incised center line;are approximately mirror images of each other along the incised center crease line, except that from a point along the left side that is further from the short end than the point where the incised center crease line intersects a right incised flex line and a left incised flex linemost or all of the left side is comprised of serrated edges suitable for cutting andthe right side is comprised of non-serrated edge;a right folding handle, conformably made to be able to flex toward a left folding handle along the incised center crease line;a left folding handle, conformably made to be able to flex toward the right folding handle along the incised center crease line;a right incised flex line that extends from any point chosen along the incised center crease line that also intersects with a left incised flex lineto any point on the right side that is located past the final point where the right side and the left side begin to converge; anda left incised flex line that extends from any point chosen along the incised center crease line that also intersects with a right incised flex lineto any point on the left side that is located past the final point where the right side and the left side begin to converge.

13) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by an incised center crease line;an incised center crease line that extends in an approximately straight line from the approximate midpoint of the short endto a junction of the right side with the left side;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to the junction of the right side with the left side;are approximately parallel to each other from the short end to a point just beyond the ends of the right handle adhesive and left handle adhesive that are farthest away from the short end;extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point prior to their junction with each other;converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point where they join with each other;are approximately mirror images of each other along the incised center crease line;a right folding handle, extending from the short end to an intersection of the center crease line with a right incised flex line and a left incised flex line and comprising a right handle adhesive;a left folding handle, extending from the short end to the intersection of the center crease line with a right incised flex line and a left incised flex line and comprising a left handle adhesive;a right incised flex line that extends from the intersection of the center crease line with a right incised flex line and a left incised flex lineto approximately the point where the right side begins to converge toward the left side before both sides join with each other; anda left incised flex line that extends from the intersection of the center crease line with a right incised flex line anda left incised flex lineto approximately the point where the left side begins to converge toward the right side before both sides join with each other.

14) A disposable serving utensil apparatus comprised of bendable material that can be incised, scored and folded and whose stiffness is approximately equivalent to cardboard and which is approximately planar, said apparatus comprising: one short end, divided bilaterally by an incised center crease line that extends in an approximately straight line from the approximate midpoint of the short endto a junction of the right side with the left side;an incised center crease line that extends in an approximately straight line from the approximate midpoint of the short endto a junction of the right side with the left side;a right side and a left side that extend from the one short end to the junction of the right side with the left side;are approximately parallel to each other from the short end to a point before the intersection of the incised center crease line with a right incised flex line and a left incised flex line;extend away from each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point prior to their junction with each other;converge toward each other bilaterally and approximately symmetrically to a point where they join with each other;are approximately mirror images of each other along both the center handle cut and the incised center crease line, except that from a point along the left side that is further from the short end than the point where the incised center crease line intersects a right incised flex line and a left incised flex linemost or all of the left side is comprised of serrated edges suitable for cutting andthe right side is comprised of non-serrated edge;a right folding handle, conformably made to be able to flex toward a left folding handle along the incised center crease line;a left folding handle, conformably made to be able to flex toward the right folding handle along the incised center crease line;a right incised flex line that extends from any point chosen along the incised center crease line that also intersects with a left incised flex lineto any point on the right side that is located past the final point where the right side and the left side begin to converge; anda left incised flex line that extends from any point chosen along the incised center crease line that also intersects with a right incised flex lineto any point on the left side that is located past the final point where the right side and the left side begin to converge.

15) A box for serving food, such as pizza or cake, comprising a plurality of box sides;an approximately planar covering;an approximately planar bottom;and at least one of the apparatuses of claims 1 through 7 or claims 11 through 14.

16) A lid support and blank comprising an approximately planar surface comprising a plurality of support pylons defined by an incised punch out line which allows a portion of the planar surface to be punched out and reoriented approximately orthogonally as to the approximately planar surface; andat least one of the apparatuses of claims 1 through 7 or claims 11 through 14.

17) The apparatus of claims 1 through 7 or claims 11 through 14 in which any portion of the flat sheet of bendable material is formed of materials that are resistant to liquids, such as hydrophobic paper or cardboard that has self-assembled silicon-oxide nanoparticles with functional silane groups and fluorocarbonated compounds linked directly to cellulose fibers of at least one of the surfaces thereof, with a Cobb value of 8 to 25 g/m2 and water contact angles of 100 to 140 degrees.

18) The apparatus of claims 1 through 7 or claims 11 through 14 in which any portion of the flat sheet of bendable material is coated with materials that are resistant to liquids, including, but not limited to, waterproof film laminated to cardboard, polyethylene, waxes, fluor-derivatives, biopolymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and polyesters, biopolymer nanoparticles and nanofillers such as nanoclay and nanocellulose.