Abstract: A saloon-type door assembly that includes left and right door assemblies that each include a frame adapter having a curved inner surface with a first apex, a front portion and a rear portion, a door adapter that includes a curved outer surface with a second apex a front portion and a rear portion, a door panel associated with the door adapter, at least one front hinge strip secured along a front hinge strip path, and at least one rear hinge strip that is secured along a rear hinge strip path. The front hinge strip path extends from the front portion of the curved outer surface of the door adapter to the rear portion of the curved inner surface of the frame adapter. The rear hinge strip path extends from the rear portion of the curved outer surface of the door adapter to the front portion of the curved inner surface of the frame adapter. The door panels are movable between a front open position, a closed position and a rear open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closure cap for a container comprising a lid and a shell, and a hinge region for pivotally connecting the lid to the shell and for locking the lid in an open position thereof. The lid comprises a top panel having a tongue adjacent the hinge region and a cylindrical wall suspended from a bottom face of the top panel and connected to the shell via a plurality of bridges which break upon a first opening of the lid. The hinge region comprises a pair of elongate hinge elements spaced apart from each other, and a ratchet-like member disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A telescoping eating utensil capable of being stored in a collapsed configuration or extended to be used as an eating utensil. The utensil has a handle that can be extended or collapsed using an interlocking mechanism that can interlock the utensil in either the collapsed mode or in the extended mode. The interlocking system includes a locking button on a utensil tool part that engages with either an opening or a recess in the handle when the utensil tool part and the handle are slidably connected.

Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a frame adapter having a curved inner surface with a front portion and a rear portion, a door adapter having a curved outer surface with a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front hinge strip that is secured along a front hinge strip path, and at least one rear hinge strip that is secured along a rear hinge strip path. The front hinge strip path extends from the front portion of the curved outer surface of the door adapter to the rear portion of the curved inner surface of the frame adapter. The rear hinge strip path extends from the rear portion of the curved outer surface of the door adapter to the front portion of the curved inner surface of the frame adapter. The curved outer surface of the door adapter opposes the curved inner surface of the frame adapter and the door adapter is movable relative to the frame adapter between a front open position, a closed position and a rear open position.

Abstract: A flexural pivot is disclosed. The flexural pivot can include a first flexure support member, a second flexure support member rotatably coupled to the first flexure support member for relative rotation about a first axis, and a third flexure support member rotatably coupled to the second flexure support member for relative rotation about a second axis. In addition the flexural pivot can include a plurality of cross blade flexures rotatably coupling the flexure support members to one another. Each cross blade flexure can have first and second flexible blade units that have flexible blades arranged in a cross configuration. The flexible blade units can have blade supports disposed at opposite ends of the flexible blades to facilitate coupling the flexible blade units to the flexure support members. The flexible blade and the blade supports of each flexible blade unit can form a monolithic structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible-pivot mechanical component of the type with separate intersecting blades, particularly for timepieces. The mechanical component includes an attachment portion and a movable portion that are connected by first and second resilient blades that intersect in a contactless manner at an intersecting point. The flexible-pivot mechanical component is combined with an adjustment unit making it possible to adjust the position of the intersecting point.

Abstract: A platform (42) and lid (44) are connected and operated by a user according to a method of applying a substance (48) to a target region. The platform (42) has an outer side (56) and has an inner side (54) defining a substance support surface (55) on which the substance (48) is supported. The user holds the open lid (44) with one hand while extending a finger of that hand alongside the platform outer side (56) and exerts a force with the finger on the platform outer side (56) in a direction to urge the substance (48) against the target region.

Abstract: A movable panel such as an aileron is connected to a load-bearing structure such as a wing of an aircraft by hinges which comprise flexible, elastic plates which are juxtaposed and are provided at opposite angles so as to allow the panel to rotate in an easy manner in response to the movements of an actuator; the hinges are, however, rigid in regard to other loads, such as aerodynamic suction loads, such that inadmissible travel of the panel is avoided.

Abstract: A detachable guiding mechanism is selectively disposed inside an electronic device and located above a half-height expansion card of the electronic device. The detachable guiding mechanism includes a bridging component and a guiding component. The bridging component includes at least one connecting portion. The guiding component is detachably assembled with the bridging component. The guiding component includes a contacting surface, a first guiding surface, a second guiding surface and at least one fixing portion. The contacting surface contacts against or abuts adjacent to an upper edge of the half-height expansion card since the detachable guiding mechanism is located above the half-height expansion card. The first guiding surface and the second guiding surface are connected to the contacting surface to respectively form a first angle and a second angle. The fixing portion is disposed on the connecting portion to detachably assemble the guiding component with the bridging component.

Abstract: A variety of sets of interconnecting plane tiles having shapes, patterns on the faces of some of the tiles and interconnecting elements to be able to construct all 17 plane periodic patterns, the five Platonic solids and the thirteen Archimedean solids are described. The tiles include connectors that enable constructing plane patterns as well as three-dimensional solids.

Abstract: A hinge assembly with a moving axis is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes a shaft, a first bracket and a second bracket. The shaft includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion. The first bracket includes a first rotating portion and a first flexibly connecting portion. The first rotating portion is pivoted to the first rod portion of the shaft, and the first flexibly connecting portion extends from the first rotating portion. The second bracket is pivoted to the second rod portion of the shaft and for driving the shaft to activate the first rotating portion such that the first flexibly connecting portion is stretched and bent and the shaft is moved.

Abstract: According to various, but not necessarily all examples of the disclosure, there may be provided an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus comprises: a substrate configured to support a bendable display wherein the substrate comprises at least one bendable portion configured to enable the substrate to be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and wherein the at least one bendable portion comprises a plurality of rod members and the rod members comprise interlocking portions wherein the interlocking portions comprise a projection configured to fit into a corresponding recess on an adjacent rod member so as to restrict relative movement of the rod members when the substrate is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A self-driven articulation designed for automatically deploying the elements that it connects including two articulation fittings made to rotate under the action of at least one passive drive element. The articulation includes at least one flexible duct for regulating the speed at which it deploys.

Abstract: A dual-shaft synchronous motion device includes a first shaft and a second shaft; a first rotor disposed on the first shaft and turned synchronously; a second rotor disposed on the second shaft and turned synchronously; and a tractive member disposed between the first rotor and the second rotor. When the first shaft drives the first rotor to turn, the tractive member brings the second rotor to turn reversely relative to the first rotor so that the first and second shafts are turned synchronously.

Abstract: A dual-shaft synchronous movement device and an assembling method thereof. The dual-shaft synchronous movement device includes a first shaft and a second shaft, which are assembled with each other and synchronously rotatable. The invention includes providing an assembling device and arranging on the assembling device a first rotor and a second rotor (or a third rotor and a fourth rotor) between which a drive section is wound; winding the drive section onto the first and second rotors (or the third and fourth rotors) in a tensioned state; and pushing the first and second rotors (or the third and fourth rotors) onto the first and second shafts. Through the first and second rotors (or the third and fourth rotors) and the drive section, when the first shaft is rotated, the second shaft is synchronously rotated.

Abstract: An imaging window cover and slotted hinge assembly includes a cover and first hinge members rotatably and slideably coupled to second hinge members. The cover and slotted hinge assembly enables the cover to be attached to a housing so that the cover may be located in any position between a fully covering position and a rotated and stowed position. When rotated and stowed, the cover and hinge assembly are fully located below a plane of the imaging window, and fully out of the way so that large objects may be placed over the imaging window. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring abstracts, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A frictionless self-driven articulation designed to be mounted between two neighboring elements, including two cylindrical fittings rotationally driven through the action of a leaf spring, the ends of the leaf spring being fixed respectively to each of the fittings. The articulation includes means of retaining the fittings and load transfer means separate from the retention means.

Abstract: A joint arrangement connects a longitudinal edge of a first component with an upper surface of a second component. At least two cooperating bands are secured with their first ends respectively on opposite sides of the first component, and are secured with their second ends respectively on clamping elements arranged on the second component, so that the bands intersect the major center plane of the first component in the joint area between the components. A pressure element is positioned on at least one clamping element for supporting the first component, and the bands extend laterally next to the pressure element and crosswise relative to one another.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism (200) for a portable electronic device (100) is provided. The hinge mechanism includes a first shaft (202) that is capable of rotating about a first axis (206). The hinge mechanism also includes a second shaft (204) that is capable of rotating about a second axis (208), wherein the second axis in substantially parallel to the first axis. A link (210) connects the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the link enables the first shaft and the second shaft to rotate in opposite directions.

Abstract: A handheld communication device may comprise a first housing including a first keypad, a main printed circuit board, and a battery. A second housing may include at least one display, and the first and second housings may be rotatable relative to one another. The device may comprise a hinge barrel containing a biasing member and at least one cam follower. The hinge barrel may be rotatable relative to the first and second housings.

Abstract: A joint arrangement connects a longitudinal edge of a first component with an upper surface of a second component. At least two cooperating bands are secured with their first ends respectively on opposite sides of the first component, and are secured with their second ends respectively on clamping elements arranged on the second component, so that the bands intersect the major center plane of the first component in the joint area between the components. A pressure element is positioned on at least one clamping element for supporting the first component, and the bands extend laterally next to the pressure element and crosswise relative to one another.

Abstract: A joint for the connection of components (T1, T2) that are movable relative to one another, on respective longitudinal sides (L1, L2), includes at least two cooperating bands, which are secured with their first ends (E1) respectively on sides of the first component (T1) lying opposite one another and with their second ends (E2) respectively on sides of the second component (T2) lying opposite one another, so that the paths of the bands extend opposite one another in relation to the center axes (A1, A2) of the components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge mechanism for allowing relative movement between a first and a second member of a device, the hinge mechanism arranged to connect the first device member about a first pivot axis and the second device member about a second pivot axis, and wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a synchronization mechanism having a strap arranged to provide connection of the first and second device members across an imaginary line between the first and second pivot axes to provide joint movement about both first and second pivot axes during operation of the hinge.

Abstract: One or more coupling assemblies are located at each opposite end of a first part and a second part. Each coupling assembly includes an elongated slot formed in the first part and a corresponding latch device which projects from the second part and which is releasably receivable by the slot. The latch device includes a tab and a pair of spaced-apart fingers projecting from the second part. The tab is positioned between the fingers. The fingers project generally linearly and parallel with respect to each other, and define a plane. The tab has a base, a first leg and a second leg. The base extends generally parallel to the fingers. The first leg extends away from the plane and from a first end joined to the base to a second end joined to the second leg. The second leg and extends towards the plane and away from the second end of the first leg. The first and second legs form an apex which is spaced apart from the plane of the fingers. The first part forms a pair of ramp surfaces adjacent to the ends of each slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge appartus using an engagement structure between a rotating cam, and solves problems of a conventional hinge apparatus that the assembility has been deteriorated and the manufacture costs have been increased, by reducing the number of parts and improving their structures compared with the conventional hinge apparatus. Such a hinge apparatus has an advantage in that the number of parts can be reduced by allowing the rotation cam to be secured to the shaft by forming the engagement protrusions at the one longitudinal end of the shaft and forming the engagement passages and the engagement grooves in the rotating cam. Furthermore, the hinge apparatus according to the present invention has further advantages in that since the number of parts is reduced, the number of assembly processes can be reduced, and the unit cost and then the manufacture costs can be lowered.

Abstract: A releasable connection is provided between two adjoining components, particularly body shell parts of a vehicle body. A releasable connection ensuring an exact positioning of the two parts as well as a fast and simple mounting is provided. The releasable connection includes at least one base plate which is held in position on a first body shell component and has at least one projecting pin. A receiving device is fastened to an opposite second body shell component and has a rotatable slotted sleeve part. An end-side profiled head section of the at least one pin is guidable through openings of the second component, of the receiving device and of the sleeve part. As a result of radial rotation of the sleeve part about an angle &agr;, a fastening of the first and second body shell components with respect to one another takes place.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivotally connecting two parts. A profile member (2) is switchable from an open position to a closed position and is secured to the first part. A strip (1), formed of a flexible material, is secured to the second part and extends into the profile member (2) so as to be anchored in the profile member (2) after switching of the profile member (2) from the open position to the closed position. Two profile members can be used, one secured to each part, with the flexible strip extending between the profile members (2) and adapted to be anchored in the two profile members (2) after switching of the two profile members (2) from their open positions to their closed positions.

Abstract: The figure eight hinge of the present invention allows a gate to be quickly and safely attached to a support structure. The hinge includes two legs having two different radii of curvature. The legs also include a slot which allows the hinge to have the desired figure eight configuration. The present invention advantageously eliminates pinch points and minimizes the distance between the gate and the support structure. In particular, the hinge remains stationary with respect to the support structure while allowing the gate to rotate within one end of the hinge. The figure eight hinge is preferably used with animal enclosures such as kennels or pens because it reduces the risk that an animal will catching its feet or other body parts between the gate and the support structure.

Abstract: A thermal demand printer for printing on media is a novel system which includes a case structure including a hinged cover panel, easily removable guide structures and media hanger, and a single central support wall to which the various components are attached. The printer includes a power supply circuit for receiving power from an external source and conditioning it for operation of the printer. An input device is provided for receiving command signals related to the operation of the printer. A control circuit for processing the command signals and generating corresponding control signals for controlling the operation of the printer and a printhead assembly for processing the control signals and generating corresponding control signals for controlling the operation of the printer are mounted in the case structure and coupled to the input device and the power supply circuit. The printhead assembly includes a printhead support structure which controls the printhead.

Abstract: A snap-hinged cap includes a main body section of thermoplastic synthetic resin, a cap integrally molded with the main body section, a film hinge connecting the main body section and the cap, and straps arranged on both lateral sides of the film hinge. The straps are connected to the main body section and the cap at connecting sections. Each of the straps has a center line longer than a straight line between the connecting sections. The skirt section of the cap has a peripheral wall which includes a thin portion located adjacent to the film hinge and the straps and a remaining portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge connection which functions to connect a first structural part or panel with a second structural part or panel such that the two structural parts can pivot in relation to one another. The hinge connection includes a first hinge member which is attached to the first structural part and a second hinge member which is attached to the second structural part, and a band which extends between the hinge members, such as to form a hinge element. A first hinge element is intended to coact with one side part of the first structural part and the second side part of the second structural part, whereas a second hinge element is intended to coact with the one side part of the second structural part and the second side part of the first structural part. The band of the hinge element can be stretched to an adapted tension through the intermediary of one of the hinge members.

Abstract: A spring hinge between panels of a satellite panel array comprises a plurality of serially joined known flexural pivots of the type having two cylindrical members with tongues from each extending into the other joined by a flat spring. One panel has an abutment for limiting the rotation of the next panel with respect thereto such that the spring hinge remains partially stressed when the panels are deployed. In another embodiment, two pluralities of serially joined pivots act in parallel.

Abstract: A hatch for a boat or other application is provided. The hatch includes a frame for mounting in an opening in a panel and a hatch cover pivotally mounted thereto. The cover includes a hinge pin that pivotally engages a hinge receptable mounted on the frame. A handle is slidably mounted in the hatch cover and includes a latch that releasably engages the frame when the hatch is in a closed and latched position.

Abstract: In a door and door frame construction the door is hinged to the frame by one or more hinged structures, each hinged structure comprising a convex-surfaced support associated with the door and a convex-surfaced support associated with the door frame, at least two resilient strip-like S-shaped hinge members passing partially round each support and together with the other member forming a letter x or figure 8 configuration as seen in a direction along the supports, respective means being provided fastening together the ends of the members alongside each support so that the members are tensioned round the supports, wherein towards the lower end of the construction each support is provided with a surface raised from the general surface of the support and in contact with the raised surface on the other support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint connection (3) between two plastic parts (1 and 2), one part being at least partly rotatable in relation to the other part. According to the invention, the joint connection (3) consists of a shell-form outer element (4) on the one plastic part (1) and an inner element (5), at least partly supported in the outer element (4), on the other plastic part (2), both elements (4) and (5) being made by being injection molded one in the other, from one tool.

Abstract: In a sheet feed tractor, a lid confines a paper sheet on a frame surface when the paper sheet is conveyed on a belt. The lid is constructed so that it can overrun and return to its normal open position. The lid is constructed so as to include a lid member rotatable between a closed position spaced closely adjacent the surface of the frame so as to confine the paper sheet and an open position spaced away from the surface. The lid member has at one side edge thereof a pair of hinge pins disposed with a space therebetween and projecting over one side of the frame. The frame includes a pair of hinges projecting from one side of the frame and has the hinge pins of the lid member rotatably mounted thereto. The hinges of the frame include grooves opening towards the outside of the sheet feed tractor and are adapted to pivotally receive the hinge pins of the lid member.

Abstract: In order to connect two adjacent elements (E1,E2) joined, for example, onto a satellite solar panel, an antifriction joint (10) is used. The deployment kinematics of the joint enable deployment to be done extremely accurately. The joint comprises two braces (12,14) suitable for rolling one onto the other by two cylindrical surfaces (12a,14a). Guiding of rolling is ensured by two flexible members, such as rolling plates (16,28) extremities are secured to the braces and which pass by crossing between the cylindrical surfaces (12a,14a). A traction prestressing stored in the plates avoids any stray movement between the braces, especially at the time of deployment. The drive torque ensuring the automatic deployment of the joint and its end-of-travel locking are ensured by elastic bands (36) connecting the two braces and each formed of two superimposed plates. Successive joints may be joined using a synchronization deployment mechanism.

Abstract: A visor assembly including a pivoted cover for a vanity mirror which includes camming surfaces on the pivot socket for urging the cover between open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the visor is selectively illuminated by the operation of a cover controlled switch. In another embodiment, the mirror and cover assembly is snap fitted within the visor.

Abstract: A bi-stable hinge unit (10) of elastic material connects two inflexible end portions (12, 13) to take up two stable positions on either side of an intermediate unstable position. The hinge unit (10) comprises two equal elements (14, 15), each of which having two cantilever arms (18, 20), linked to each other by two folding lines (22) acting as a "living" hinge. A triangular rigid plate (16) is arranged between and defined by said folding lines (22). The elements (14, 15) are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a distance therebetween and forming the main hinge line between said end portions (12, 13). By swinging the end portions (12, 13) toward each other along the main hinge line, the four cantilever arms (18, 20) will start to deflect and act as springs and the two triangular plates (16) will rotate through approximately 180.degree. in a plane normal to the elements (14, 15).

Abstract: In a hinged structure in which two substantially cylindrical supports (1,2) are hinged together by means of one or more hinges so that they are parallel and closely adjacent, the or each hinge comprises at least two members (3,4) each made of resiliently flexible strip material, each member being S-shaped, passing partially around each support and together with one of the other members forming a letter "x" or figure "8" configuration as seen in a direction along the supports, the ends of the strips being crimped between plates (6,7,8,9) having opposed complementarily profiled surfaces, which plates are attached to the supports or extensions (14,15) of them whereby the strips are tensioned round the supports.

Abstract: There is described a hinged structure comprising two supports and one or more hinges hinging the supports together so that they are parallel and closely adjacent, the or each hinge comprising two hinge members, each hinge member being made of resilient strip material, each hinge member being S-shaped, passing partially round each support and together with the other hinge member forming a letter .chi. or FIG. 8 configuration as seen in a direction along the supports, wherein a releasable catch is provided for holding the supports in a predetermined relative angular position, the catch comprising two cam members each associated with a respective suport and the two being resiliently urged into engagement and so shaped and arranged that rotation away from the said predetermined relative angular position of the supports urges the cam members apart against the resilient urging.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending, or extendable, member is pivotally positioned by being snapped into a housing. The member includes a recess by which the member is snapped into the housing. A protuberance at the pivot position facilitates the pivoting of the member outwardly from the housing into position for receiving an item that is to be suspended by the member. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the housing is a frame with a rectangular opening and opposed protuberances for receiving, by snap action, the longitudinally extendable member. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a plurality of nested members are includable by snap action within the housing at the pivot position. The suspension members can be pivoted outwardly from the housing and used like a clamp to secure the item being suspended.

Abstract: A housing assembly has an upright back with side channels which carry a cartridge supporting bracket on which is mounted a removable liquid soap cartridge. A casing hinged at the bottom to the back and snapped to the top of the back, encompasses the cartridge and bracket when the casing is closed. A squeese nozzle connected to the cartridge protrudes out of the bottom of the casing and is activated when a plunger on the casing is depressed toward the bracket to squeeze the nozzle, therebetween.

Abstract: An improved two part snap hinge is disclosed, including a swinging hinge portion, a reference hinge portion, and a reduced connecting hinge portion, and in which the reduced connecting portion is integral with both the swinging and reference hinge portions and extends continuously between two points in a path which is displaced from the straight line therebetween, and which lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the reference hinge portion. In this manner, upon swinging the swinging portion about the reduced connecting portion, it swings through an intermediate position, on either side of which forces are created which tend to urge the swingable portion in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A composite array consists of plate-like elements or solid bodies interconnected by endless filaments. The front and rear surfaces of each element are provided with grooves, the grooves being divided in two groups, with grooves of each group running parallel with one another. The filaments lie within the grooves and are not attached to the elements. The filaments are arranged upon the elements so that each filament, upon reaching a lateral side of an element, is led into a groove on the opposite surface of the array. If the lateral side lies at the outmost edge of the array, the grooves are of different direction, while at lateral sides forming a line of contact, the grooves run in the same direction. On one or both surfaces of the elements, markings, numbers, letters, text or pattern elements may be found, for differentiating and determining the elements' positions.

Abstract: An array of plate-like elements is retained by endless filaments looped on the elements to form migrating hinges between individual elements and other elements adjoining same. Grooves are formed in the surfaces of each plate, the grooves being in two groups, with the members of each group being mutually parallel, and the grooves of each surface being in overlying registration. The filaments lie within the grooves in a selected pattern, with filaments forming anchor points at plate sides at which the filament wraps around the side of the plate to enter a groove from the other group of grooves on the opposite side of the plate, and hinge points at plate sides where the filament passes from one plate to an abutting plate, proceeding from one surface to the opposite surface in doing so. Manipulation of the resulting array allows two such plates to rotate mutually about an axis defined by hinge points lying on their abutting sides.

Abstract: A collapsible coat hanger formed entirely of molded polypropylene includes a hook supported by a body member having right and left hanger arms attached thereto by hinge straps. The body includes a stop member and outer stop shoulders. Right and left symmetrical hinged locking arms are connected by hinge straps to inner surfaces of the left and right hanger arms and are connected together at their upper inner edges by a center hinge strap. Each locking bar has an upper boss with a perpendicular bearing surface. The ends of a C-shaped integral spring are attached to the left and right locking arms, respectively, by hinge straps on either side of the center hinge. When the hanger is collapsed, the spring is in its relaxed configuration, and the center hinge strap is below the spring hinge straps. When the hanger is in its open configuration, the center hinge strap is above the spring hinge straps and engages the stop member.

Abstract: A two piece dispensing closure for a container in which one piece is a cap having means for attachment to the container such as internal threads which engage external threads on the container and a flat top having a dispensing orifice. The second piece of the closure is a lid connected to the cap by a detachable hinge. The hinge is constructed with a pair of posts projecting adjacent the perimeter of the cap or lid into slots in the other of the cap and lid to permit movement between a closed position in which the dispensing lid is covered to an open dispensing position. The hinge is hidden in the closed position providing a pleasing symmetrical appearance.

Abstract: A unitary snap hinge made of plastic with two hinge parts which are connected with each other by means of a main joint. A flexible connecting piece is connected with the hinge parts by means of secondary joints, whereby the secondary joints have a distance from the main joint transverse to the joint axis and that the joints are designed as film joints. The hinge parts have the tendency to snap into the one or other end position from a position of an unsteady balance within their own pivot range. The snap hinge is a separate structural element. The one hinge part supports a locking element for a removal opening, the other hinge part supports at least one adapter piece with arresting elements. Thereby, the snap hinge can be mounted on a container or on the locking piece of the same.

Abstract: This relates to a utensil such as a spoon which is collapsible to occupy a minimum of space. The utensil preferably has a handle formed in two parts joined together by a hinge with there being a releasable interlock between the two handle parts adjacent the hinge for maintaining the handle parts in longitudinal alignment and as an extension of one another. The handle parts may also be provided with cooperating interlocking structure for maintaining the handle parts in longitudinally aligned overlapping relation when the utensil is collapsed. This abstract is not to be constructed as limiting the claims of the application.