CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/449,606 filed on Mar. 3, 2023 and CN 2023116839010 filed on Dec. 8, 2023, the full disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND
Technical Field

The present invention relates to the technical field of tableware structures, particularly to a spork structure.

Related Art

In the existing technology, due to the rising environmental awareness and the large number of people eating out, many portable and eco-friendly tableware options have emerged in the market, allowing people to use them when dining outside. The more common portable tableware sets typically is a combination of chopsticks and a spoon, stored in a box or bag. However, the rich and diverse culinary culture in our contrary means that chopsticks and a spoon are not sufficient for all types of dishes. Yet, increasing the variety of utensils would enlarge the size of the tableware set, making it inconvenient to carry. In light of this, how to provide a diverse range of tableware while ensuring the convenience of carrying the entire set has become one of the crucial design directions for such products.

SUMMARY

The embodiments of the present application provide a spork structure to address the inconvenience of carrying variety of utensils simultaneously.

To solve the abovementioned technical issues, the present application is implemented as follows.

A spork structure is provided, comprising a holding part, a flexible part and a spork part. The holding part has an end. The flexible part has two ends, a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. One end of the flexible part is connected to the end of the holding part, the first surface presents a convex surface, and the second surface presents a concave surface. The spork part having multiple tines with respective two ends and respective two lateral sides. Each of one end of the multiple tines is connected to the other end of the flexible part in parallel, the other end of multiple tines is mutually away from each other. When pressing the first surface of the flexible part, the first surface presents a concave surface, the second surface presents a convex surface, the other end of multiple tines is mutually close to each other, and the lateral sides of multiple tines adhere to each other.

In one embodiment, the flexible part has multiple through holes, the multiple through holes penetrate from the first surface to the second surface.

In one embodiment, the multiple tines include two lateral tines and multiple inner tines disposed between the two lateral tines.

In one embodiment, the lateral tines have a maximum outer diameter greater than that of the multiple inner tines.

In one embodiment, each of the lateral tines has a lateral tine end part and a lateral connection part, one end of the lateral connection part is connected to the flexible part, the lateral tine end part is connected to the other end of the lateral connection part, the lateral tine end part bends toward one side of the first surface, the lateral tine end part and the lateral connection part present a bent structure, each of the multiple inner tines has an inner tine end part and an inner connection part, one end of the inner connection part is connected to the flexible part, the inner tine end part is connected to the other end of the inner connection part, the inner tine end part bends toward one side of the first surface, and the inner tine end part and the inner connection part present a bent structure.

In one embodiment, the lateral sides of the multiple tines adhere to each other, the multiple tines form an accommodating recess, the multiple tines with the accommodating recess have a side the same as one side of the first surface of the flexible part.

In one embodiment, the lateral sides of the multiple tines adhere to each other, the multiple tines form an accommodating recess, the multiple tines with the accommodating recess have a side the same as one side of the first surface of the flexible part.

In one embodiment, the holding part and the flexible part have a pivot part therebetween, the holding part has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the holding part and the flexible part rotates via the pivot part, when the first surface of the holding part pivots toward the first surface of the flexible part, the holding part and the flexible part are folded; when the first surface of the holding part is relatively far from the first surface of the flexible part, the first surface of the holding part and the first surface of the flexible part unfold into the same surface.

In one embodiment, the holding part has a first connection component configured on the second surface of the holding part and adjacent one end of the flexible part, the flexible part has a second connection component configured on the second surface of the flexible part and adjacent one end of the holding part, when the first surface of the holding part and the first surface of the flexible part unfold to the same surface, the first connection component is fixed with the second connection component.

In one embodiment, the flexible part has a thickness less than that of the holding part.

In one embodiment, the flexible part and the spork part respectively have a material composed of plastic, silicone, acrylic, metal or stainless steel.

The present invention provides a spork structure, which transforms into a fork or a spoon by changing the first surface of the flexible part to a convex or concave state. Specifically, when the first surface of the flexible part is in a convex state, the other ends of multiple tines of the spork part move away from each other, forming a fork. Alternatively, when the first surface of the flexible part is in a concave state, the other ends of multiple tines of the spork part move closer to each other, forming a spoon. This facilitates the transformation of the spork structure into a fork or spoon for practical use.

It should be understood, however, that this summary may not contain all aspects and embodiments of the present invention, that this summary is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner, and that the invention as disclosed herein will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to encompass obvious improvements and modifications thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the exemplary embodiments believed to be novel and the elements and/or the steps characteristic of the exemplary embodiments are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The Figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The exemplary embodiments, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the spork structure in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the spork structure in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the spork structure in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is another side view of the spork structure in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the spork structure in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is another top view of the spork structure in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the bent spork structure in the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the spork structure in the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is another schematic diagram of the spork structure in the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the spork structure in the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is another schematic diagram of the spork structure in the third embodiment of the present invention.

The following is a detailed description in conjunction with the drawings:

- 1: spork structure; 11: holding part; 12: flexible part; 120: through hole; 121: first surface; 122: second surface; 13: spork part; 131: tines; 1310: accommodating recess; 1311: lateral tine; 13111: lateral tine end part; 13112: lateral connection part; 1312: inner tine; 13121: inner tine end part; 13122: inner connection part; 14: pivot part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this present invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

Certain terms are used throughout the description and following claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, manufacturers may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but function. In the following description and in the claims, the terms “include/including” and “comprise/comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”. “Substantial/substantially” means, within an acceptable error range, the person skilled in the art may solve the technical problem in a certain error range to achieve the basic technical effect.

The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustration of the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.

Moreover, the terms “include”, “contain”, and any variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. Therefore, a process, method, object, or device that comprises a series of elements not only include these elements, but also comprises other elements not specified expressly, or may include inherent elements of the process, method, object, or device. If no more limitations are made, an element limited by “include a/an . . . ” does not exclude other same elements existing in the process, the method, the article, or the device which comprises the element.

In the following embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements throughout the invention.

Please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the spork structure in the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram; FIG. 3 is a side view; FIG. 4 is another side view; FIG. 5 is a top view; and FIG. 6 is another top view. As shown in the figures, the present application provides a spork structure 1, comprising a holding part 11, a flexible part 12 and a spork part 13. The flexible part 12 has a first surface 121 and a second surface 122 opposite to the first surface 121, one end of the flexible part 12 is connected to one end of the holding part 11, the first surface 121 presents a convex surface, and the second surface 122 presents a concave surface. The spork part 13 has multiple tines 131, each of one end of the multiple tines 131 is connected to the other end of the flexible part 12 in parallel, and the other end of multiple tines 131 is mutually away from each other. When pressing the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12, the first surface 121 presents a concave surface, the second surface 122 presents a convex surface, the other end of multiple tines 131 is mutually close to each other, and the lateral sides of multiple tines 131 adhere to each other.

As the abovementioned, the multiple tines 131 of the spork part 13 include two lateral tines 1311 and multiple inner tines 1312 disposed between the two lateral tines 1311, and the lateral tines 1311 have a maximum outer diameter greater than that of the multiple inner tines 1312. Each of the lateral tine 1311 has a lateral tine end part 13111 and a lateral connection part 13112, one end of the lateral connection part 13112 is connected to the flexible part 12 and the lateral connection part 13112 extends along the flexible part 12. The lateral tine end part 13111 is connected to the other end of the lateral connection part 13112, and the lateral tine end part 13111 bends toward one side of the first surface 121, the lateral tine end part 13111 and the lateral connection part 13112 form a bent structure, and the lateral tine end part 13111 has an outer diameter less than that of the lateral connection part 13112 to form a fork head. Each of the inner tines 1312 has an inner tine end part 13121 and inner connection part 13122, one end of the inner connection part 13122 is connected to the flexible part 12 and the inner connection part 13122 extends along the flexible part 12, the inner tine end part 13121 is connected to the other end of the inner connection part 13122, and the inner tine end part 13121 bends toward one side of the first surface 121. The inner tine end part 13121 and the inner connection part 13122 form a bent structure, and the inner tine end part 13121 has an outer diameter less than that of the inner connection part 13122 to form the fork head.

In this embodiment, the spork part 13 is composed of two lateral tines 1311 and two inner tines 1312. The two lateral tines 1311 are configured outside the two inner tines 1312. Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in this embodiment, when the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12 of the spork structure 1 protrudes in the direction away from the second surface 122, the second surface 122 curves downward toward the direction of the first surface 121. The multiple tines 131 are arranged in a row on the side of the flexible part 12, and the multiple tines 131 extend outward along the surface of the flexible part 12. At the meanwhile, the multiple tines 131 are in an unfolded state, with two lateral tines 1311 and two inner tines 1312 in a separated state (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5), i.e. the lateral sides of the adjacent multiple tines 131 are not adhered to each other. Individual lateral tine 1311 and inner tine 1312 form independent tips, maintaining the fork state of the spork structure 1, providing users with the ability to use it as a fork.

Please refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 again, the user presses the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12 of the spork structure 1, and the first surface 121 is concave towards the direction of the second surface 122, while the second surface 122 protrudes in the direction away from the first surface 121. When the inner structure of the flexible part 12 is compressed and concaved, the outer structure of the flexible part 12 will protrude in the opposite direction due to the compression of the inner structure (as shown in FIG. 5). At the meanwhile, the multiple tines 131 are in a contracted state, with two lateral tines 1311 and two inner tines 1312 in a tightly closed state (as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6), i.e. the lateral sides of adjacent multiple tines 131 are in a state of mutual close contact. Furthermore, the lateral sides of adjacent inner tines 1312 are in mutual close contact, while the lateral tines 1311 are in contact with the outer sides of multiple inner tines 1312. In this way, an accommodating recess 1310 is formed through the bent structure of multiple tines 131, allowing the spork part 13 of the spork structure 1 to maintain a spoon state, providing the user with a spoon for soup usage. The side of multiple tines 131 with the accommodating recess 1310 is the same side as the side of the flexible part 12 with the first surface 121.

In this embodiment, the flexible part 12 of the spork structure 1 is a deformable structure, and the spork part 13 changes its structural form into a fork or a spoon due to the deformation of the flexible part 12. The holding part 11, flexible part 12 and spork part 13 in this embodiment form an integral structure, the material of the holding part 11, flexible part 12 and spork part 13 include flexible materials such as plastic, silicone, acrylic, metal or stainless steel that are bendable. In addition to the advantageous deformation properties provided by the aforementioned materials, the flexible part 12 has multiple through holes 120. These through holes 120 penetrate from the first surface 121 to the second surface 122, reducing the structural strength of the flexible part 12. This facilitates the compression-induced concavity of the inner structure of the flexible part 12, causing the outer structure of the flexible part 12 to protrude in the opposite direction due to the compression of the inner structure, thus promoting structural deformation.

Please refer to FIG. 7 together, which is a schematic diagram of the bent spork structure in the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the holding part 11 and the flexible part 12 have a pivot part 14 therebetween, the holding part 11 has a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 opposite to the first surface 111, the holding part 11 and the flexible part 12 rotate via the pivot part 14, wherein the first surface 111 of the holding part 11 can pivot toward the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12, causing the holding part 11 and the flexible part 12 present a folded state. In other words, the first surface 111 of the holding part 11 is close to the first surface of the flexible part 12. At this time, the overall length of the spork structure 1 is shortened due to folding, making it convenient for storage. Furthermore, the first surface 111 of the holding part 11 is relatively far from the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12, and the first surface 111 of the holding part 11 and the first surface 121 of the unfold to form the same surface. In other words, the holding part 11 and the flexible part 12 are in a fully unfolded usage state.

Furthermore, the holding part 11 has a first connection component 113, and the first connection component 113 is configured on the second surface 112 of the holding part 11 and adjacent one end of the first connection component 113; the flexible part 12 has a second connection component 123, and the second connection component 123 is configured on the second surface 112 of the flexible part 12 and adjacent to one end of the holding part 11, wherein the first surface 111 of the holding part 11 and the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12 expand to the same surface. In other words, the second surface 112 of the holding part 11 and the second surface 122 of the flexible part 12 expand to the same surface as well, and the first connection component 113 is connected to and fixed on the second connection component 123. The first connection component 113 is a convex pillar 1131, the second connection component 123 is a connection piece 1231 with a connection hole 1232. The connection hole 1232 of the connection piece 1231 sleeves the convex pillar 1131 so that the first connection component 113 is connected to and fixed to the second connection component 123. The abovementioned first connection component 113 and second connection component 123 can be adjusted according to the user's requirement, and this embodiment does not limit the specific means for connection and fixation.

Please refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, which are a schematic diagram of the spork structure in the second embodiment of the present invention and another schematic diagram thereof. As shown in the figures, the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are the structures of the holding part 11 and the 12. In this embodiment, the holding part 11 and the flexible part 12 are designed to a one-piece long flexible structure, wherein the thickness of the flexible part 12 is less than that of the holding part 11, which is beneficial to change the structure of the flexible part 12, and change the structure of the spork structure 1 via the flexible part 12 in conjunction. Taking FIG. 8 as an example, the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12 exhibits a protruding arc structure, making the spork part 13 of the spork structure 1 a fork state. Taking FIG. 9 as an example, the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12 exhibits a concave arc structure, making the spork part 13 of the spork structure 1 maintain a spoon state.

Please refer to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, which are a schematic diagram of the spork structure in the third embodiment of the present invention and another schematic diagram thereof. As shown in the figures, the difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is the structure of the flexible part 12. In this embodiment, the flexible part 12 is additionally designed in a palisade shape, which can reduce structural strength, thereby facilitating the alteration of the structure of the flexible part 12 and, in turn, changing the structure of the spork structure 1. Taking FIG. 10 as an example, the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12 exhibits a protruding palisade structure, making the spork part 13 of the spork structure 1 maintain a fork state. Taking FIG. 11 as an example, the first surface 121 of the flexible part 12 exhibits a concave palisade structure, making the spork part 13 of the spork structure 1 maintain a spoon state.

In this embodiment, the spork structure 1 undergoes deformation by modifying the deformation structure of the flexible part 12. To facilitate this structural change in the flexible part 12, the structure of the flexible part 12 is designed with through holes (such as the first embodiment or the third embodiment) or with a thin thickness (such as the second embodiment). The abovementioned method can reduce the structural strength of the flexible part 12, which is beneficial to make the flexible part 12 a protruding state or a concave state, thereby in turn changing the spork part 13 via the flexible part 12. The user can adjust the structure of the flexible part 12 according to the abovementioned object, and the structure is not limited thereto.

In summary, a spork structure is provided in the present invention, which exhibits a protruding state or a concave state through the flexible part. When the first surface of the flexible part exhibits a protruding state, the other end of the multiple tines of the spork part separate from each other to form a fork shape. When the first surface of the flexible part exhibits a concave state, the other end of the multiple tines of the spork part are mutual close to each other to form a spoon shape. This is advantageous for the spork structure to transform into a fork or spoon for use. The present invention embodies a utensil structure that combines the functions of both a fork and a spoon, and can switch between them through a simple press deformation.

It is to be understood that the term “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variants thereof, is intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device of a series of elements not only include those elements but also comprises other elements that are not explicitly listed, or elements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, or device. An element defined by the phrase “comprising a . . . ” does not exclude the presence of the same element in the process, method, article, or device that comprises the element.

Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it does not intend to limit the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having regard to this present invention that other modifications of the exemplary embodiments beyond those embodiments specifically described here may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, such modifications are considered within the scope of the invention as limited solely by the appended claims.