Abstract: A tieless package is provided for displaying flatware pieces. The package has a rigid paperboard box. Sized to fit snugly within this box is a formed backer. The backer has a display panel surface and at least one recessed area and an insert recess running across the recessed area. A resilient foam insert is securely set into the insert recess. This insert has shaped slots for inserting individual flatware pieces. Each shaped slot has: a relatively narrow neck, and a relatively wider holding area under the narrow neck. An individual flatware piece is inserted into the slot by squeezing the piece through the relatively narrow neck to seat the piece in the wider holding area, and the foam of the slot's narrow neck recloses over the individual flatware piece after insertion to capture it in the holding area.

Abstract: A tieless package is provided for displaying flatware pieces. The package has a rigid paperboard box. Sized to fit snugly within this box is a formed backer. The backer has a display panel surface and at least one recessed area and an insert recess running across the recessed area. A resilient foam insert is securely set into the insert recess. This insert has shaped slots for inserting individual flatware pieces. Each shaped slot has: a relatively narrow neck, and a relatively wider holding area under the narrow neck. An individual flatware piece is inserted into the slot by squeezing the piece through the relatively narrow neck to seat the piece in the wider holding area, and the foam of the slot's narrow neck recloses over the individual flatware piece after insertion to capture it in the holding area.

Abstract: A locking utensil is provided. The utensil has a pair of pivoting spring-loaded arms each having a forward functional end and a rear attachment end. The utensil includes a locking assembly, featuring an eccentrically shaped cam disposed in a channel between the arms. One side of the cam has a projecting shoulder dimensioned to frictionally engage an inside surface of the channel when the shoulder side of the cam is rocked into contact with the inside surface. The cam can releasably retain the arms closed to lock them. An actuator tab that extends out of the channel is used to rock the cam into and out of locking engagement.