EP1895877B1 - Essstäbchenhalter - Google Patents

Essstäbchenhalter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1895877B1
EP1895877B1 EP05755026A EP05755026A EP1895877B1 EP 1895877 B1 EP1895877 B1 EP 1895877B1 EP 05755026 A EP05755026 A EP 05755026A EP 05755026 A EP05755026 A EP 05755026A EP 1895877 B1 EP1895877 B1 EP 1895877B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
chopsticks
resilient
breakthrough
pair
connecting element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP05755026A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1895877A1 (de
Inventor
John Gunnar BJÖRLUND
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Chopstickface International AB
Original Assignee
Chopstickface International AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Chopstickface International AB filed Critical Chopstickface International AB
Publication of EP1895877A1 publication Critical patent/EP1895877A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1895877B1 publication Critical patent/EP1895877B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G21/00—Table-ware
    • A47G21/10—Sugar tongs; Asparagus tongs; Other food tongs
    • A47G21/103—Chop-sticks
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/32—Articulated members
    • Y10T403/32606—Pivoted

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks. It furthermore relates to a chopstick arrangement comprising a resilient element and one pair of chopsticks which are resiliently connected together by means of said resilient element.
  • Chopstick holders are previously known. These chopstick holders are often rather large devices and some of them tend to not give necessary stability to the chopsticks. In addition, known chopstick holders can often be considered as aids to disabled persons and can therefore also be considered as negative devices.
  • a way of helping a user at least to practice holding chopsticks is disclosed in JP-A-2002 229443 .
  • the practicing sheet disclosed therein is however not intended for actually using together with the chopsticks during eating, but rather only for the initial practicing step. Furthermore, some users find the chopstick holders to be complicated to assemble with the chopsticks, even necessitating an elaborate user's guide. In addition, today, it is not always easy for the users to get hold of a chopstick holder.
  • a chopstick holder easy to assemble and easy to use, is desirable. Accordingly, it is desirable that the chopstick holders are found where the needs are and it is desirable that the chopstick holders are not being considered as negative devices, such as only for disabled persons.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an improved resilient connecting element which at least partly eliminates at least some of the above mentioned problems.
  • a resilient connecting element as defined in claim 1.
  • the chopsticks are in a parallel relationship to one another, when the resilient connecting element are assembled with the chopsticks.
  • the distance between said second breakthrough portions is shorter than the distance between said first breakthrough portions, a desirable angle between the chopsticks is achieved when the resilient connecting element is assembled with the chopsticks and the assembly is used.
  • the combination of the resilient flexible plate and the position of the two pairs of breakthrough portions on the resilient flexible plate, through which breakthrough portions the chopsticks at usage are passed, will achieve a gripping action with the chopsticks to be more stable for the users, as well as provide the resilient connecting element to be easy to assemble with the chopsticks.
  • the combination of the resilient flexible plate and the position of the two pairs of breakthrough portions also create the desirable stiffness between the chopsticks, when they are used. The stiffness is helping the user to keep the chopsticks in an adequate position for eating and to separate them again after the release of a gripped food product. Accordingly, a suitable path for the gripping part of the chopsticks, between an initial position and a food gripping position, is achieved. Hence, this helps the user to grip the food and to keep the food between the chopsticks, without the need for the necessary dexterity.
  • said distance between said second breakthrough portions is shorter than said distance between said first breakthrough portions.
  • said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are equally distanced from said imaginary line.
  • said two pairs of breakthrough portions are through holes.
  • said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are interconnected to form one continuous breakthrough portion.
  • said resilient connecting element is made of resilient plastic material.
  • the resilient connecting element is provided with an improved back spring effect. Accordingly, the element will strive to achieve its initial position, when the resilient connecting element is assembled with the chopsticks and the assembly is used.
  • the invention could be produced by for example punching at a very low price.
  • said resilient connecting element is detachably connected to a food package.
  • the resilient connecting element is easily available for the users.
  • all of the chopstick users who are receiving the packages will also receive the resilient connecting element.
  • the users that have a need for the resilient connecting element can have them close at hand.
  • the users do not have to loose their face, since the users do not, for example, have to ask separately for the resilient connecting element.
  • a connecting element easy and inexpensive to distribute such as to take-away restaurants and users, is achieved.
  • An easy user's manual can also be printed on the packages, and therefore there is no need for extra or separate guidance.
  • said resilient connecting element is integrated with said package suitable for food.
  • the resilient connecting element is formed by the food package.
  • the contour of said resilient connecting element is formed of an indication of fracture in said package suitable for food, whereby said connecting element can be broken out of said package.
  • the chopstick arrangement comprises a resilient element and one pair of chopsticks as defined in claim 10.
  • the chopstick arrangement By providing the chopstick arrangement in this way, a desirable angle between the chopsticks is achieved.
  • the desirable stiffness between the chopsticks is created. The stiffness is helping the user to keep the chopsticks in an adequate position for eating and to separate them again after the release of a gripped food product. Accordingly, a suitable path for the gripping part of the chopsticks, between an initial position and an food gripping position, is achieved. Hence, this helps the user to grip the food and to keep the food between the chopsticks, without the need for the necessary dexterity.
  • said resilient element is bent against the resiliency of its material into said essentially U-shaped form.
  • the resilient element is bent against the resiliency of its material, the spring action in the element maintaining the desirable position of the chopsticks. Accordingly, the chopsticks are connected steadily to the resilient element and the chopstick arrangement will be more stable for the user.
  • the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions that are positioned closest to an end of said chopsticks for gripping food have a larger distance in relation to one another than the distance between the other breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions, wherein said chopsticks diverge towards said ends for gripping food.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is the use of a resilient connecting element in combination with chopsticks for eating food, as defined in claim 14.
  • Fig 1 a and 1 b illustrate a chopstick arrangement 1 according to the present invention, when the chopsticks 3 are in a initial position.
  • the chopstick arrangement 1 comprises a chopstick holder 2 and a pair of chopsticks 3.
  • the chopstick holder 2 exemplifies a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks 3, according to the present invention.
  • the chopstick holder comprises two pairs of holes, a first pair of holes 4 and 8, and a second pair of holes 5 and 8.
  • Each pair of holes comprises a first hole, 4 and 5, and a second hole 8.
  • the second hole 8 of each pair of holes is interconnected to form one continuous hole 8.
  • consult fig 3 For a further description of the holes, consult fig 3 .
  • the chopsticks 3 comprise two ends, the first end is the end for gripping food and the second end is the opposite end of the food gripping end.
  • the chopstick holder 2 is assembled with the chopsticks 3 by way of inserting the food gripping end of one chopstick 3, first through the ingoing hole 8 and then through the outgoing hole 5, and as a second step inserting the food gripping end of the other chopstick 3, first through the ingoing hole 8 and then through the outgoing hole 4.
  • the chopsticks are often conically formed.
  • the diameter of the outgoing holes 4, 5 is larger than the smallest diameter of the chopsticks 3 but smaller than the largest diameter of the chopsticks 3. This way a natural "stop" is created in order to help the user during the assembly to find a good position for the chopsticks 3 relative the holder 2.
  • the user can adjust the distance between the ends for food gripping of the chopsticks 3, and thereby also adjust the resistance which generates when operating the chopsticks 3 from the initial position to the food gripping position. Accordingly, it is easy for the user to adjust the chopstick arrangement 1 and thus the distance between the end for gripping of the chopsticks 3, depending on what kind of food the user is eating and the size of the food.
  • Fig 2a and 2b illustrate a chopstick arrangement 1 according to the present invention, when the chopsticks 3 are in a food gripping position.
  • the chopsticks 3 When the user is holding the chopsticks 3 in his or her hand 9 and pushes the chopsticks 3 towards each other from the initial position, the chopsticks 3 get into the gripping position.
  • the distance between the ends for food gripping of the chopsticks 3 is smaller than in the initial position and thereby adjusted for gripping food.
  • the chopstick holder 2 bends between the hole 5 and 4 and this creates a buckling deformation of the material.
  • the outgoing holes 4, 5 are compressed in their inner part, i.e. the part of the holes 4, 5 that are located towards one another.
  • the outer parts of the hole 8 are expanded, i.e. the parts facing away from one another.
  • desirable stability of the movement of the chopsticks is created since the deformation of the material, i.e. the back spring effect of the holder 2 is at all times working to resume the initial position of the holder 2 and thereby of the chopsticks 3.
  • the distance between the ends for food gripping of the chopsticks 3 becomes larger again due to the back spring effect of the chopstick holder 2.
  • the chopsticks 3 are following the desirable path of motion and are still being stable in the hand 9 of the user.
  • Fig. 3 is only used for illustrative purposes. It shows a chopstick holder 2 with two pairs of holes 4, 6; 5, 7. According to this illustration, the second holes of each pair of holes constitute two separate holes 6 and 7, instead of the single hole 8 according to the invention.
  • Each second hole 6, 7 are ingoing holes, when inserting the ends for gripping food of the chopsticks 3 through the chopstick holder 2.
  • the first pair of holes 4 and 6 comprise a first hole 4 and a second hole 6.
  • the second pair of holes 5, 7 comprise a first hole 5 and a second hole 7.
  • Each first holes 4, 5 are outgoing holes, when inserting the ends for gripping food of the chopsticks 3 through the chopstick holder 2. Between the centres of the first holes 4 and 5 of each pair of holes, an imaginary, i.e.
  • not visible line extends, with a length b.
  • the second hole 6 is positioned at a distance c' from the imaginary line.
  • the second hole 7 is positioned at a distance c" from the imaginary line.
  • Each second hole 6, 7 is positioned at a unidirected distance perpendicularly from the imaginary line extending between each first hole 4, 5.
  • the meaning of unidirected distance is, according to the present invention, that each second hole 6, 7, 8 lie on the same side of the above mentioned imaginary line.
  • a distance a is the distance between the centres of the holes 6 and 7.
  • the distance a between the second holes 6 and 7 of each pair of holes is, according to this embodiment, shorter than the distance b between the holes 4 and 5.
  • the desirable angle between the chopsticks 3 is achieved, when assemble the chopstick holder 2 with the chopsticks 3.
  • the chopsticks 3 diverge towards the ends for gripping food.
  • Chopsticks 3 have usually a length of 15-25 cm and they are preferably inserted in the chopstick holder 2 so as to provide an angle between the chopsticks 3 when assembled with the holder 2 that is 15° - 25°.
  • the chopstick holder shall be considered as a disposable article, i.e. a single use article that can be produced at low costs. For this reason and to make an environmentally friendly product at the same time as giving the holder 2 above described characteristics, it is advantageous to produce it from a plastic material by injection moulding and by punching the contour out of a larger thin plate.
  • the plate is preferably approximately 0,5 - 2 mm thick and the diameter of the round holder 2 is preferably 35-50 mm, with a suitable diameter of 40 mm in the preferred embodiment.
  • the dimensions of the holder 2 is however dependent on the length of the chopsticks 3 and of the material used for the holder 2. Any other outer contour than rounded may be used, for example that of a heart, in combination possibly with a colour of red for use at Valentines day, to create a specific effect or reaction.
  • the distance c' and c" could be unequal in length.
  • the distance a and b could be equal, positioning the chopsticks 3 in a parallel relationship to one another.
  • the chopstick holder 2 could also be decorated in different ways.
  • the hole 8 could be formed as a happy mouth and the holes 4, 5 could represent eyes in a happy face. Accordingly, the invention is intended to not be considered as an aid for helping disabled persons, rather a humorous chopstick holder and the users would not have to loose their face when using it.
  • the resilient connecting element can be attached to the food package by glue or adhesive tape.
  • the breakthrough portions could have the cross sectional form of for example a triangle or a polygon.

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  • Table Equipment (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander, wobei das elastische Verbindungselement (2) eine elastische flexible Platte (2) und zwei Paare Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 6; 5, 7) umfasst, wobei jedes Paar Durchbruchabschnitte aus einem ersten und einem zweiten Durchbruchabschnitt besteht, wobei jeder zweite Durchbruchabschnitt (6, 7) in einer unidirektionalen Entfernung senkrecht von einer gedachten Linie angeordnet ist, die zwischen jedem ersten Durchbruchabschnitt (4, 5) verläuft, wobei die Entfernung (a) zwischen den zweiten Durchbruchabschnitten (6, 7) gleich oder kürzer ist als die Entfernung (b) zwischen den ersten Durchbruchabschnitten (4, 5), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweiten Durchbruchabschnitte (6, 7) zu einem einzigen durchgängigen Durchbruchabschnitt (8) miteinander verbunden sind.
  2. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander nach Anspruch 1, wobei die zweiten Durchbruchabschnitte (6, 7) die äußeren Abschnitte des einen einzigen durchgängigen Durchbruchabschnitts (8) bilden.
  3. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Entfernung (a) zwischen den zweiten Durchbruchabschnitten (6, 7) kürzer ist als die Entfernung (b) zwischen den ersten Durchbruchabschnitten (4, 5).
  4. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei die zweiten Durchbruchabschnitte (6, 7) jedes Paares Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 6; 5, 7) die gleiche Entfernung von der gedachten Linie haben.
  5. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei die zwei Paare Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 6; 5, 7) Durchgangslöcher sind.
  6. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei das elastische Verbindungselement (2) aus elastischem Kunststoffmaterial besteht.
  7. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei das elastische Verbindungselement (2) abnehmbar an einer Lebensmittelverpackung angebracht ist.
  8. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander nach Anspruch 7, wobei das elastische Verbindungselement (2) in die für Lebensmittel geeignete Verpackung integriert ist.
  9. Elastisches Verbindungselement (2) zum Verbinden eines Essstäbchenpaares (3) miteinander nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, wobei die Kontur des elastischen Verbindungselements (2) aus einer Bruchlinienmarkierung in der für Lebensmittel geeigneten Verpackung gebildet wird, wodurch das Verbindungselement aus der Verpackung herausgebrochen werden kann.
  10. Essstäbchenanordnung (1), die ein elastisches Element (2) und ein Paar Essstäbchen (3) umfasst, die elastisch mittels des elastischen Elements (2) miteinander verbunden sind, wobei das elastische Element (2) eine Platte aus flexiblem Material umfasst, die zwei Paare Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 6; 5, 7) umfasst, von denen jedes Paar durch eines der Essstäbchen (3) durchdrungen wird, wobei das elastische Element (2) im Wesentlichen zu einer U-Form gebogen wird, wobei einer der Durchbruchabschnitte jedes Paares Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 6; 5, 7) dafür konfiguriert ist, auf einer Seite der Biegung angeordnet zu werden, und der andere der Durchbruchabschnitte jedes Paares Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 6; 5, 7) auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Biegung angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweiten Durchbruchabschnitte (6; 7) zu einem einzigen durchgängigen Durchbruchabschnitt (8) miteinander verbunden sind.
  11. Essstäbchenanordnung (1) nach Anspruch 10, wobei das elastische Element (2) ein elastisches Verbindungselement (2) nach einem der Ansprüche 1-9 ist.
  12. Essstäbchenanordnung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 10-11, wobei das elastische Element (2) entgegen der Elastizität seines Materials im Wesentlichen zu einer U-Form gebogen ist.
  13. Essstäbchenanordnung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 10-12, wobei die Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 5) jedes Paares Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 6) und (5, 7), die dem Ende der Essstäbchen (3) zum Ergreifen einer Speise am nächsten liegen, eine größere Entfernung (b) in Bezug aufeinander haben als die Entfernung (a) zwischen den anderen Durchbruchabschnitten (6, 7) jedes Paares Durchbruchabschnitte (4, 6; 5, 7), wobei die Essstäbchen (3) in Richtung der Enden zum Ergreifen einer Speise divergieren.
  14. Verwendung eines elastischen Verbindungselements (2) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1-9 in Verbindung mit Essstäbchen (3) zum Verzehren von Speisen.
EP05755026A 2005-06-30 2005-06-30 Essstäbchenhalter Expired - Lifetime EP1895877B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/SE2005/001037 WO2007004920A1 (en) 2005-06-30 2005-06-30 Chopstick holder

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1895877A1 EP1895877A1 (de) 2008-03-12
EP1895877B1 true EP1895877B1 (de) 2010-07-21

Family

ID=37604691

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05755026A Expired - Lifetime EP1895877B1 (de) 2005-06-30 2005-06-30 Essstäbchenhalter

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20100164242A1 (de)
EP (1) EP1895877B1 (de)
CN (1) CN101212920B (de)
AT (1) ATE474479T1 (de)
DE (1) DE602005022501D1 (de)
WO (1) WO2007004920A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013019971A2 (en) 2011-08-02 2013-02-07 Marshall Edward E Chopsticks utensil
CN107028461B (zh) * 2016-07-18 2019-09-27 金华职业技术学院 一种自带筷托的一次性筷子
KR102366008B1 (ko) * 2021-04-05 2022-02-23 이승은 젓가락 커넥터와, 이를 포함하는 일회용 젓가락 포장지 및 일회용 젓가락 세트

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3239262A (en) * 1963-02-01 1966-03-08 Rines Joseph Chop-stick hinge
US3323825A (en) * 1965-06-25 1967-06-06 Thomas N Arima Chopstick manipulator
US3280665A (en) * 1966-04-08 1966-10-25 Block Harold Tweezers
US3501191A (en) * 1967-12-28 1970-03-17 Leslie Darr Tong sticks for use as chopsticks and the like
US4199180A (en) * 1978-05-10 1980-04-22 Kelly Joe L Resiliently biased implement holder
US4768288A (en) * 1986-08-25 1988-09-06 World Tableware International, Inc. Salad tongs
FR2641592A1 (fr) * 1989-01-12 1990-07-13 Ferrero Alexandre Nouveau type de ressort
CN2100152U (zh) * 1991-07-27 1992-04-01 赵宗春 自动复位筷子
SE469871B (sv) * 1991-08-19 1993-10-04 Tore Sjoedin Hållare för ätpinnar
US5697659A (en) * 1996-05-13 1997-12-16 Calagui; Juanito Eating utensil
CH690981A5 (fr) * 1996-05-22 2001-03-30 Pierre Come Dispositif de maintien pour baguettes alimentaires.
JP2002229443A (ja) 2001-01-31 2002-08-14 Motokichi Itou 箸練習用シート
US6749239B2 (en) * 2002-04-18 2004-06-15 Joon T. Choi Chopstick manipulator
US20050082855A1 (en) * 2003-08-01 2005-04-21 Baxter Brent A. Chopsticks fix - a holding and manipulation aid
US8007514B2 (en) * 2003-10-17 2011-08-30 St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico Llc Automatic suture locking device
FR2862361A1 (fr) * 2003-11-13 2005-05-20 Distrib I Ressort destine au maintien et a l'articulation de branches d'une pince

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE602005022501D1 (de) 2010-09-02
WO2007004920A1 (en) 2007-01-11
CN101212920B (zh) 2012-06-06
CN101212920A (zh) 2008-07-02
US20100164242A1 (en) 2010-07-01
ATE474479T1 (de) 2010-08-15
EP1895877A1 (de) 2008-03-12

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