JP4194042B2 - Chopsticks with auxiliary tools - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a chopstick for sandwiching food, and more particularly to a chopstick with an auxiliary tool.

Conventional chopsticks are used by users such as elderly people who are experiencing functional retreat of their fingers and arms, users with impaired hand function, and children who cannot move their fingers well. An assisting tool or the like has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).
That is, as shown in FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1, an elastic member made of a rubber band is disposed at the upper end of the chopstick 1, and the tip of the chopstick 1 is formed by a distribution piece 4 formed on the pair of clamping plates 2 and 2. The parts are spaced apart. When the user holds the middle of the chopsticks 1 and operates the chopsticks 1 close to each other, each chopstick 1 rotates around the distribution piece 4 and the rubber band at the upper end of the chopsticks 1 is separated. It will move in the direction to do. After moving the chopsticks 1 in this way and sandwiching the food, the food is carried to the lips.
Then, conversely, when the user moves the chopsticks 1 so that the tip of the chopsticks 1 is opened, the food is placed in the oral cavity. At this time, since the biasing force is applied to the chopsticks 1 in the opening direction by the rubber band, even if the user does not forcibly open the chopsticks 1, the user simply pulls out the force of the finger holding the chopsticks 1. Can open chopsticks 1 smoothly.
Thus, the clamping plates 2, 2, etc. mounted on the chopsticks 1 of Patent Document 1 are urged in the direction of opening the chopsticks 1 using rubber bands, thereby making it easy for the user to open and close the chopsticks 1. It is the composition to do.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-20391 (FIG. 5 etc.)

  However, the urging force applied in the opening direction of the chopsticks 1 as shown in Patent Document 1 is constant regardless of the force of the finger of the chopsticks user. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is impossible to select an appropriate urging force according to the degree of functional retreat of fingers or arms of the elderly or the like, or an appropriate urging force according to the growth of the child.

This object is achieved according to the invention of claim 1 includes a distal chopsticks, chopsticks body having a proximal chopsticks, an auxiliary means for assisting the operation of the chopsticks body, wherein the auxiliary means, Connecting means for rotatably connecting the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks, biasing means for moving the distal chopsticks and the distal end portions of the proximal chopsticks in a direction away from each other, and An urging means arrangement section for arranging the urging means, and the urging means arrangement section can change the extended state of the urging means by moving the relative position of the urging means. This is achieved by a chopstick with an auxiliary tool characterized in that it consists of a composition.
According to the structure of Claim 1 , the said biasing means arrangement | positioning part can change the expansion | extension state of a biasing means by the movement of the relative position of the said biasing means. That is, the urging means arrangement portion is configured so that the amount of extension of the urging means is relatively different, and the urging means is operated by operating the urging means arrangement portion and the urging means. The urging force, which is the tension, is strong or weak.
Therefore, when the same expansion / contraction means is relatively separated, the tension increases and the urging force increases. Conversely, if they are relatively close to each other, the tension is reduced and the biasing force is weakened.
In this way, since the strength of the urging force of the urging means can be easily adjusted simply by changing the arrangement state of the urging means, the urging force can be easily adjusted.
From the above, since it is possible to adjust the urging force for moving the distal chopsticks and the distal end portions of the proximal chopsticks in the direction away from each other, elderly people with functional retreats of fingers and arms have occurred. Can provide chopsticks with appropriate biasing force for users such as the elderly and developing children.
That is, the chopsticks are provided with easy-to-use aids that can adjust the urging force applied when opening and closing the chopsticks according to the function status of the fingers of the elderly and children.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect , a plurality of the biasing means arranging portions are arranged at different positions in a direction away from the connecting means. Achieved with chopsticks with aids.
According to the configuration of claim 2 , a plurality of the urging means arranging portions are arranged at different positions in a direction away from the coupling means. That is, since the distance between the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks increases as the distance from the connecting means increases, the expansion / contraction means that are the same urging means can be provided at different positions. By selectively disposing it in one of the plurality of urging means disposing portions, the urging means has strength in the urging force that is its tension.
Therefore, if the same expansion / contraction means is arranged in the urging means arrangement portion in a direction further away from the connection means, the tension increases and the urging force becomes stronger. Conversely, if the arrangement is arranged in the urging means arrangement portion close to the connection means, the tension is increased. Decreases and the force is weakened.

This object is achieved according to the invention of claim 3, in the configuration of claim 1, wherein the biasing means arrangement portion is formed in the proximal end of the proximal chopsticks and the distal chopsticks, and said connecting means A distance changing means for changing the distance between the proximal end portion of the distal chopsticks and the proximal end portion of the proximal chopsticks is formed between the urging means arranging portions. Achieved with chopsticks with tools.
According to the configuration of claim 3, the biasing means arrangement portion is formed on the proximal end side of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick, and the proximal end portion of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick Distance changing means for changing the distance from the base end is formed. For this reason, it is possible to easily adjust the strength of the urging force of the urging means by moving the distance changing means without moving the urging means arranged in the urging means arranging portion.
That is, the distance changing means is configured to change the distance between the proximal end portion of the distal chopsticks and the proximal end portion of the proximal chopsticks. The biasing force is weak when the two are close to each other, and the biasing force can be adjusted to be strong when the distance between the two is increased.
As described above, since the urging force for moving the distal chopsticks and the distal end portions of the proximal chopsticks in the direction away from each other can be adjusted, the function of the finger or arm is retracted. It is possible to provide chopsticks having an appropriate biasing force for users such as elderly people and developing children.
In other words, the chopsticks are provided with easy-to-use aids that can adjust the urging force applied when opening and closing the chopsticks according to the function status of the fingers of the elderly and children.

According to the invention of claim 4 , the subject includes a chopstick body having a distal chopstick and a proximal chopstick, and auxiliary means for assisting in the operation of the chopstick body, and the auxiliary means includes: Connecting means for rotatably connecting the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks, biasing means for moving the distal chopsticks and the distal end portions of the proximal chopsticks in a direction away from each other, and An urging means arrangement portion for arranging the urging means, and the urging means has a plurality of urging means having different urging forces, and the urging means arrangement portion has different urging forces. This is achieved by an chopstick with an auxiliary tool characterized in that a plurality of urging means can be attached and detached.
According to the configuration of claim 4 , the urging means has a plurality of urging means having different urging forces, and the urging means having different urging forces can be attached to and detached from the urging means arranging portion. It has become a structure. For this reason, the strength of the urging force of the urging means can be easily adjusted by replacing a plurality of urging means having different urging forces or changing the number of urging means.
As described above, since the urging force for moving the distal chopsticks and the distal end portions of the proximal chopsticks in the direction away from each other can be adjusted, the function of the finger or arm is retracted. It is possible to provide chopsticks having an appropriate biasing force for users such as elderly people and developing children.
That is, the chopsticks are provided with easy-to-use aids that can adjust the urging force applied when opening and closing the chopsticks according to the function status of the fingers of the elderly and children.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fourth aspect , the urging means arrangement portion is achieved by a chopstick with an auxiliary tool characterized in that a plurality of the urging means can be arranged. The
According to the structure of Claim 5 , it has the structure which can arrange | position several said urging means in the said urging means arrangement | positioning part. Therefore, the urging force of the urging means can be easily adjusted simply by selecting the number of the urging means arranged in the same urging means arrangement portion. That is, by increasing the number of attachment of the urging means, the urging force of the urging means can be increased, and conversely, by reducing the number of urging means attached, the urging force of the urging means can be weakened. An appropriate biasing force can be selected according to the situation of the user.

According to the invention of claim 6 , the subject includes a chopstick body having a distal chopstick and a proximal chopstick, and auxiliary means for assisting in the operation of the chopstick body. Connecting means for rotatably connecting the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks, biasing means for moving the distal chopsticks and the distal end portions of the proximal chopsticks in a direction away from each other, and An urging means arrangement portion for arranging the urging means, and the urging force of the urging means arranged in the urging means arrangement portion can be adjusted stepwise from a weak state to a strong state. In the weak state where the urging force is the weakest, the urging force of the arranged urging means is set to be included in the range of 0.2 N (Newton) to 0.4 N (Newton), and the urging force is the strongest. In the strong state, the urging force of the urging means arranged is 0.45 N (Newton) to 0.85 N ( It is achieved by aid with chopsticks, characterized in that is configured to be in the range of Yuton).

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 6 , it is possible to adjust the urging force of the urging means arranged in the urging means arrangement portion stepwise from a weak state to a strong state.

Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, in the weak state where the urging force is the weakest, the urging force of the arranged urging means is included in the range of 0.2 N (Newton) to 0.4 N (Newton). In the strong state where the urging force is the strongest, the urging force of the arranged urging means is set to fall within the range of 0.45 N (Newton) to 0.85 N (Newton).
As a result of the inventor actually verifying the biasing force in the separation direction of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopsticks by actually using various subjects, the user has the lowest biasing force in the separation direction. It has been found that the biasing force that is easy to use is in the range of 0.2N to 0.4N.
Further, it has been found that the urging force that is easy for the user to use when the urging force in the separation direction is the strongest is in the range of 0.45N to 0.85N.
For this reason, the chopsticks with an auxiliary tool of the present invention are configured to be easy to use even when the user adjusts and uses the biasing means.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the configuration of the sixth aspect of the invention, the biasing means is constituted by an elastic body, and the hardness of the elastic body is set within a range of 20 degrees to 70 degrees. It is a chopstick with an auxiliary tool characterized by being made.
According to the configuration of the invention of claim 7 , the urging means is constituted by an elastic body, and the hardness of the elastic body is set to be included in a range of 20 degrees to 70 degrees.
For this reason, the urging | biasing force in the separation direction of a distal chopstick and a proximal chopstick becomes an appropriate range, and becomes a chopstick with an auxiliary tool which a user can use easily.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the connecting means connects the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick by the biasing means. It is a chopstick with an assisting tool characterized by being made.
According to the structure of Claim 8 , since the said connection means becomes a structure which connects the said distal chopsticks and the said proximal chopsticks by the said urging | biasing means, only removing the said urging | biasing means, The distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks can be separated. For this reason, the chopsticks with auxiliary tools are easy to disassemble and easy to clean.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the connecting means has a sliding surface on the distal chopstick side and a sliding surface on the proximal chopstick side. The distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks are configured so that the distal ends of the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks approach or separate from each other by sliding on the sliding surfaces of the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks. The width of the sliding surface on the chopstick side and the sliding surface on the proximal chopstick side is substantially equal to the width of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick, and a wall surface is formed on the side of the sliding surface. It is a chopstick with an auxiliary tool characterized by the above.
According to the configuration of claim 9 , the width of the sliding surface on the distal chopstick side and the sliding surface on the proximal chopstick side is substantially equal to the width of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick. Since the wall surface is formed on the side of the sliding surface, the sliding surfaces of both the distal chopstick side and the proximal chopstick side are securely held by the wall surface, and the sliding is performed by the sliding. Even when the distal chopsticks and the tip of the proximal chopsticks are particularly close to each other and a solid object or the like is sandwiched between them, the risk of twisting between the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks is reduced. For this reason, even a user or the like who has a functional retreat such as a finger hand can stably open and close the tip of the chopsticks, and is easy to operate.

According to the invention of claim 1 0, in the configuration of claims 1 to 9, said connecting means, regulating means for regulating the rotational position of the distal end portion of the proximal chopsticks and the distal chopsticks are formed It is a chopstick with an auxiliary tool characterized by the above.
According to the first aspect 0, to the connecting means, the regulating means for regulating the rotational position of the distal end portion of the proximal chopsticks and the distal chopsticks are formed, the said distal chopsticks near When the tip portion of the chopstick is moved in the proximity direction, it is possible to prevent the two from crossing further from the contact position.
That is, it is possible to prevent the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks from crossing each other to make it difficult for the user to pinch food or the like with the chopsticks.

According to the invention of claim 1 1, in the construction of claims 1 to 1 0, at least the inner surface side at the distal end of the proximal chopsticks and the distal chopsticks, the tip portion from the base end When bent, the distance between the inner surface sides of the distal end portions of the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks becomes equal when the distal end portions approach each other. It is a chopstick with an auxiliary tool characterized by being comprised.
According to the first aspect 1, at least the inner surface side is formed by bending in a direction away toward the tip portion from the base end side of the distal end of the proximal chopsticks and the distal chopsticks. And, when the tip portion is close, the distance between the inner side of the tip portion of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick is equal, so the tip portion is close In this state, the distal end portions of the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks are parallel to each other, and each distal end portion sandwiches food or the like with equal force, so that food or the like can be sandwiched more stably with chopsticks. .

According to the invention of claim 1 2, in the construction of claims 1 to 1 1, the contact portion is formed at the distal end of the proximal chopsticks and the distal chopsticks, the contact portion In addition, the central portion becomes a concave portion, both end portions of the contact portion arranged along the longitudinal direction of the contact portion become convex portions, and the cross-sections of the central portion and both end portions of the contact portion are A chopstick with an auxiliary tool characterized by being formed in a substantially U-shape.
According to the first aspect 2, wherein the abutment portion and the the tip of the proximal chopsticks distal chopsticks are formed, the contact portion is made the central portion and the recess, the longitudinal direction of the contact portion Both end portions of the abutting portion arranged along the surface become convex portions, and the cross section of the central portion and the both end portions of the abutting portion is formed in a substantially U shape.
For this reason, when food or the like is sandwiched between chopsticks, the food or the like is sandwiched between the convex portions on the both end sides, that is, a plurality of convex portions, and the chopsticks with auxiliary tools are easily sandwiched without dropping the food or the like.

  The present invention has an advantage that it is possible to provide an easy-to-use chopstick with an auxiliary tool capable of adjusting the biasing force applied when opening and closing the chopsticks according to the function status of the fingers of elderly people and children.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a chopstick 100 that is a chopstick with an auxiliary tool. As shown in FIG. 1, the chopstick 100 has a distal chopstick 110 and a proximal chopstick 150. The proximal chopsticks 150 are chopsticks on the side to be pressed and fixed by the thumb when a user such as a care recipient holds the chopsticks 100.
The distal chopsticks 110 are chopsticks on the side that can be moved away from or in the proximity of the proximal chopsticks 150 with an index finger or the like. The distal chopsticks 110 and the proximal chopsticks 150 constitute a chopstick body.
These chopsticks 110 and 150 can be made of various plastic resins, bamboo, ebony, purple sand, cocoon, beech and other metals, silver and stainless steel, etc., but not only the strength and weight in use, but also high temperature Considering the use of a dishwasher or the like, a heat-treated AS resin, ABS resin, PET resin, polyamide, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or other plastic resin is preferable.
The chopstick 100 also has auxiliary means for assisting the operation of the chopstick body including the distal chopstick 110 and the proximal chopstick 150. In other words, it is difficult for users such as elderly people who are regressing the function of their fingers and arms, users with impaired hand function, and children who are still developing to use chopsticks normally, unlike normal adults. is there. In other words, compared to a spoon, the chopsticks are composed of two stick-shaped members, and the movement of the proximal chopsticks is minimized, and the distal chopsticks are operated to grip and carry foods. However, it is difficult to use it in a state where the hand function is retreated or underdeveloped, but it is preferable that it can also be used to lead a rich diet.
Therefore, even if it is difficult to use ordinary chopsticks, auxiliary means are provided to make it easier for elderly people to operate the chopstick body to pinch foods and the like.

The auxiliary means has connecting means for rotatably connecting the distal chopsticks 110 and the proximal chopsticks 150. This connection means is the connection part 180 of FIG. 1, for example. Hereinafter, the connecting part 180 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a state where the connecting portion 180 of FIG. 1 is disassembled into the distal chopstick 110 side and the proximal chopstick side. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 180 is formed on the distal chopsticks 110 side, and has a width substantially the same as that of the distal chopsticks 110 and slightly smaller than the width of the distal chopsticks 110. A sliding surface 181 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the distal sliding surface 181 has a concave side surface and an arc shape.
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the proximal chopstick 150 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portion 180 is formed on the proximal chopstick 150 side, and has a proximal sliding surface 182 having a width substantially equal to the width of the proximal chopstick 150. Since the proximal side sliding surface 182 contacts and slides on the distal side sliding surface 181 in FIG. 2, the side surface shape is convex and arcuate, contrary to the distal side sliding surface 181. It has become. The arc R has the same radius as the distal sliding surface 181.
That is, the distal slidable surface 181 and the proximal slidable surface 182 come into contact with each other and slide with each other, so that the distal chopstick 110 and the proximal chopstick 150 shown in FIG. It is configured to rotate.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the distal chopstick 110 has a distal end, for example, a distal chopstick tip 120 and a proximal end, for example, a distal chopstick butt 130, and the proximal chopstick 150 is similarly proximal. A chopstick tip 160 and a proximal chopstick butt 170 are provided. For this reason, when the connecting part 180 of FIG. 1 slides and rotates as described above, the distal chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 move in a direction approaching or separating.
In this sliding operation, the widths of the distal sliding surface 181 and the proximal sliding surface 182 are substantially the same as those of the distal chopsticks 110 and the proximal chopsticks 150. The distal chopsticks 110 and the proximal chopsticks 150 are displaced relative to each other, so that the distal chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 do not properly come into contact with each other, so-called “twisting” is unlikely to occur. .
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, sliding guides 183 a and 183 b functioning as wall surfaces 183 are disposed on both sides of the proximal sliding surface 182. For this reason, the distal chopstick 110 and the proximal chopstick 150 slide along the sliding guides 183a and 183b, so that the distal chopstick tip 120 of the distal chopstick 110 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 of the proximal chopstick 150 “Twist” is less likely to occur. Moreover, since the width of the wall surface 183 (the width of the proximal sliding surface 182) is the same as that of the distal sliding surface 181, the distal chopstick 110 and the proximal chopstick 150 are twisted by the wall surface 183. Is surely prevented.
Therefore, the chopsticks 100 are easy to use for elderly people and children.
The distal chopsticks 110 and the proximal chopsticks 150 may be used in an inverted manner, and the distal sliding surface 181 is on the proximal chopstick 150 side, and the proximal sliding surface 182 is on the distal chopstick 110. Of course, it may be arranged on the opposite side.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, between the connecting portion 180 and the distal chopstick butt 130, there is urging arrangement means for arranging, for example, an elastic ring 200 made of silicone rubber, which is urging means described later. Is formed. The biasing arrangement means is, for example, a distal arrangement groove 111 in which a distal chopstick 110 is formed as shown in FIG. The elastic ring 200 can use not only silicone but also elastic bodies such as elastomers and various natural rubbers.
Similarly, the proximal chopstick 150 is also formed with a proximal-side arrangement groove 151 which is an example of an urging arrangement means.
As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic ring 200 arranged in the distal arrangement groove 111 and the proximal arrangement groove 151 preferably has a hardness in the range of 20 degrees to 70 degrees. Here, the silicone rubber having a hardness of 30 is used. Etc. are formed. When the elastic ring 200 is disposed on the chopstick 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the elastic ring 200 has a biasing force such that the distal chopstick butt 130 and the proximal chopstick butt 170 abut or approach each other with the connecting portion 180 as a fulcrum. Selected.
Here, the hardness is, for example, the hardness by an A-type durometer in JIS-K6253 (ISO07619).
The elastic ring 200 is given an appropriate expansion and contraction force by appropriately adjusting not only the hardness but also the thickness and length.
In other words, in the present embodiment, a state where the urging force attached as a ring shape is weak and a state where the urging force attached as an 8-character shape is strong can be selected so that it can be selected according to the situation of the user. In the state where the urging force is weak, the repulsive force is set to be included in the range of 0.7N to 1.2N, and in the state where the urging force is strong, the repulsive force is included in the range of 1.3N to 2.0N. It is preferable that the setting is as follows.
Note that the repulsive force shown here is a numerical value measured corresponding to the gripping state of the user, and the proximal chopstick 150 is fixed, and a push-pull gauge is used. The measurement result of the maximum value is shown when the distal chopstick tip 120 is pressed from above until the distal chopstick tip 120 contacts the proximal chopstick tip 160 at a position 30 mm away from the outer surface of the distal chopstick 110 (upper side in FIG. 1).

Accordingly, it is not necessary for an elderly person or the like who uses the chopstick 100 of FIG. 1 to apply force by the biasing force of the elastic ring 200 when the distal chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 are separated from each other. In other words, by putting a force on the index finger side from the state where the chopstick butts 130 and 170 are close to each other, food or the like can be held with the chopsticks 100 simply by rotating around the connecting portion 180 described above. The food can be ingested by simply pulling out the index finger with the food placed in the chopstick tips 120, 160 taken into the mouth.
FIG. 4 is a schematic right side view showing a state where the elastic ring 200 is attached to the chopsticks 100 of FIG. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the elastic ring 200 is attached in a ring shape, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which the elastic ring 200 is twisted and attached in an approximately 8 shape.
In this way, by changing the elastic ring 200 into a plurality of different forms, the strength of the urging force can be adjusted. In other words, the urging force of the elastic ring 200 can be strengthened in the shape of approximately 8 than the ring shape. That is, the same elastic ring 200 is in a ring shape. Since the state of the figure 8 is extended, the urging force is strong.
Therefore, the strength of the user who uses the chopsticks 100 can be adjusted according to the state of functional retreat of the fingers and arms of the user so that the urging force is suitable for the user. Further, the adjustment of the urging force can be easily performed because the elastic ring 200 is removed and its form is deformed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, since the distal chopstick buttocks 130 and the proximal chopstick buttocks 170 are open ends, the elastic ring 200 can be connected to the distal chopsticks without releasing the connecting portion 180 of the chopsticks 100. It can be removed from the buttocks 130 etc. side, and the crossing part at the time of arrange | positioning at 8 character shape can be arrange | positioned. For this reason, the elastic ring 200 for deforming the form of the elastic ring 200 can be easily attached and detached. That is, when the user wears and uses the ring-shaped elastic ring 200 and finds that the urging force is too weak, the user can easily remove the elastic ring 200 and deform it into an approximately eight-letter shape. The chopsticks 100 can be attached again, and the urging force of the elastic ring 200 can be easily adjusted. Further, in FIG. 4B, the elastic ring 200 is twisted once, so that it is in an 8-shaped state. However, by increasing the number of twists, the urging force can be further increased. It can also be mounted to further strengthen as a double winding in a ring-like state. The elastic ring 200 is an example of an expansion / contraction means, and the expansion / contraction indicates a movement in which the elastic body in an expanded state or a compressed state tries to return. A rod shape, a string spring shape, a lump shape, or the like can also be selected.
As described above, the distal-side arrangement groove 111 and the proximal-side arrangement groove 151 in FIG. 1 have a configuration in which the elastic ring 200 that is changed into a plurality of different shapes such as a ring shape or a substantially 8-character shape can be arranged. Yes.
In addition, a ring holding portion 112 having an opening 113 that is thinner than the thickness of the elastic ring 200 is formed in the upper portion of the distal side arrangement groove 111. That is, the ring holding portion 112 has an opening 113 between the front holding portion 112a and the rear holding portion 112b, and can be arranged in the distal arrangement groove 111 by pushing the elastic ring 200 so as to deform. It is configured.
This ring holding part 112 is provided on the distal chopsticks 110 side so as not to hinder the operation of the chopsticks, and prevents the elastic ring 200 from shifting during use and adjusts the urging force at the time of washing. When the elastic ring 200 is removed, the elastic ring 200 is temporarily fixed to the distal chopsticks 110 to prevent loss.

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a state in which the connecting portion 180 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is sliding. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state where the distal chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 of FIG. 1 are brought into contact with each other.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a distal contact portion 184 is formed on the distal chopstick 120 side of the distal sliding surface 181. On the other hand, a proximal abutting portion 185 is formed on the proximal chopstick 160 side of the proximal sliding surface 182 of FIG. 3 as shown in FIG.
FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the distal contact portion 184 and the proximal contact portion 185 in the state of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the distal abutment portion 184 and the proximal abutment portion 185 are spaced apart from each other, corresponding to the chopstick tip portions 120 and 160 being separated. .
On the other hand, FIG.5 (b) is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the distal side contact part 184 and the proximal side contact part 185 in the state of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), corresponding to the proximity of the chopstick tips 120 and 160, the distal contact portion 184 and the proximal contact portion 185 contact each other, and the distal end is further increased. The chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 are restricted so as not to come close to each other. Here, when each chopstick tip 120,160 contacts, each contact part 184,185 is also contacted.
Therefore, even if the user tries to bring the distal chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 closer to each other from the state shown in FIG. For this reason, the distal chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 of FIG.
Therefore, when the user tries to pinch a solid object or the like, too much force is applied, and the distal chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 cross each other, so that food or the like cannot be pinched by the chopstick 100. It is configured not to be made.
That is, the distal contact portion 184 and the proximal contact portion 185 are an example of a restricting unit that restricts the rotational position of the distal chopstick 110 and the proximal chopstick 150.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connecting portion 180 has a mechanism for maintaining the connection state between the distal sliding surface 181 and the proximal sliding surface 182, although they contact each other. Absent. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the elastic ring 200 also functions to maintain the connection state between the two. For this reason, the distal chopstick 110 and the proximal chopstick 150 can be separated by removing the elastic ring 200 from the open ends of the distal chopstick butt 130 and the proximal chopstick butt 170.
Therefore, since the user can easily disassemble and clean the chopsticks 100 after use, the structure is excellent in terms of hygiene.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main part of a chopstick 300, which is a modification of the chopstick 100 according to the first embodiment. Since this modification has many configurations in common with the chopsticks 100 of the first embodiment, the description of common parts will be omitted by using the same reference numerals and the like, and the following description will focus on the differences.
As shown in FIG. 7, in this modification, the distal chopstick tip 320 and the proximal chopstick tip 360 are bent from the distal chopstick butt 130 and proximal chopstick butt 170 side of FIG. That is, at least the inner side of each chopstick tip 320, 360 is bent in a direction away from the tip. The distance L between the distal chopstick tip 320 and the proximal chopstick tip 360 on the tip side from the bent portion K in FIG. 7 is configured to be substantially the same. In addition, the substantially equivalent said here also includes the contacted state in which the distance L is zero.
For this reason, when sandwiching food or the like on the tip side from the bent portion K in FIG. 7, the force for sandwiching the food or the like in the whole between these tip sides becomes equal. Therefore, when the food is sandwiched, the strength of the sandwiching does not occur depending on the portion, so that the food can be stably sandwiched and held.
In addition, the chopsticks 310 and 350 can be configured to be bent slightly to achieve the same effect. However, considering the functions of the user's hand, the chopstick tip portions 320 and 360 can be bent. preferable. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the distal chopstick tip 120 and the proximal chopstick tip 160 are not in point contact at the tip side but are in contact with a certain width because of the same configuration. Then, only the contact surface side of each chopstick tip 120, 160 is configured to be bent in the same manner as the modified example shown in FIG.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a chopstick 400 according to the second embodiment. Since many configurations of the chopsticks 400 according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the chopsticks 100 according to the first embodiment, the description of common portions will be omitted by using the same reference numerals and the like, and differences will be mainly described below.
Unlike the elastic ring 200 of the first embodiment, the urging means used in the chopsticks 400 of the present embodiment is not formed as an integral ring, but is a string-like expansion / contraction means having both ends. For example, the elastic string 210 is formed.
As shown in FIG. 8, the elastic string 210 includes, for example, an adjustment tool 211 that is an adjusting unit that adjusts the length of the elastic string 210. For this reason, when the user changes the strength of the urging force of the chopsticks 400, the urging force of the elastic string 210 can be easily and continuously adjusted by operating the adjusting tool 211. ing. That is, the elastic string 210 and the adjustment tool 211 function as expansion / contraction means that varies the urging force that can change the shape of the urging means.
Specifically, the adjustment tool 211 is configured to connect and fix or open both ends of the elastic string 210. For this reason, the diameter of the ring formed by the elastic string 210 changes by changing the length of the end of the elastic string 210 in the arrow Y direction in FIG. And it is the structure which brings about the change of the urging | biasing force by the change of the diameter of the elastic string 210 similarly to the diameter of the elastic ring 200 changing and the urging | biasing force changing by this.

In the present embodiment, the adjustment tool 211 is provided on the elastic string 210, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided integrally with the distal chopstick 410 or the proximal chopstick 450.
The distal chopstick buttocks 430 side of the distal chopsticks 410 and the proximal chopstick buttocks side 470 of the proximal chopsticks 450 are provided with a distal side placement groove 411 and a proximal side placement groove 451 for placing the elastic string 210. Is formed. This is an example of the urging means arrangement part.
As described above, according to the chopsticks 400 of the present embodiment, the urging force of the elastic string 210 can be adjusted in a stepless manner. (Strength) can be adjusted, and the tension most appropriate for the user can be obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the rotation shaft of the connecting portion 480 is arranged on the distal chopstick 410 side. Usually, when operating a chopstick, the proximal chopstick 450 is pressed with a thumb to suppress the movement, and the distal chopstick 410 is moved to sandwich food or the like. For this reason, when the rotation shaft of the connecting portion 480 is disposed on the distal chopstick 410 side, the movement of the chopstick 400 becomes smoother, and even a user who uses the chopsticks according to the present invention has a normal chopstick. Thus, the operability of the chopsticks 400 is improved.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a chopstick 500 according to the third embodiment. Since many configurations of the chopsticks 500 according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the chopsticks 100 according to the first embodiment, the description of common portions will be omitted by using the same reference numerals and the like, and differences will be mainly described below.
As shown in FIG. 9, unlike the chopsticks 100 of the first embodiment, the chopsticks 500 of the present embodiment are biasing means arrangement portions on the distal chopstick buttocks 130 side and the proximal chopstick 170 side. For example, a second distal arrangement groove 511 and a second proximal arrangement groove 551 are arranged so that the extension state can be changed by moving the relative position of the biasing means. The second distal arrangement groove 511 and the second proximal arrangement groove 551 are arranged in a direction away from the connecting portion 180 and are more distal than the distal arrangement groove 111 and the proximal arrangement groove 151. The chopstick buttocks 130 and the proximal chopstick buttocks 170 are formed in different positions.
For this reason, by changing the same elastic ring 200 to the distal-side arrangement groove 111 and the like and the second distal-side arrangement groove 511 and the like that are different positions, the biasing force that is the tension of the elastic ring is increased or decreased. That is, when the elastic ring 200 is moved from the distal arrangement groove 111 or the like in FIG. 9 to the second distal arrangement groove 511 or the like, the urging force is increased. Conversely, when the elastic ring 200 is moved from the second distal arrangement groove 511 or the like to the distal arrangement groove 111 or the like, the urging force of the elastic ring 200 is weakened.
That is, by moving the elastic ring 200, the elastic ring 200 is extended or contracted in the direction of the arrow R in FIG. And if it is extended, the urging force as a repulsive force will become strong, and if it is contracted, the urging force will become weak.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the elastic ring 200 is removed as in the first embodiment, and the position of the elastic ring 200 is simply changed without being deformed into a substantially 8 shape and mounted again. The chopsticks 500 can adjust the urging force of the elastic ring 200. Each of the second arrangement grooves 511 and 551 may be arranged not in the vicinity of the chopstick butts 130 and 170 but in the vicinity of the arrangement grooves 111 and 151.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a chopstick 600 according to the fourth embodiment. Since many configurations of the chopsticks 600 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the chopsticks 100 of the first embodiment, the description of common portions will be omitted with the same reference numerals and the like, and differences will be mainly described below.
In the chopsticks 600 of the present embodiment, a plurality of, for example, two elastic rings 200, which are urging means arrangement portions, for example, a wide distal arrangement portion 611 and a wide proximal arrangement portion 651 are arranged. It has. For this reason, the urging force can be changed by changing the number of the elastic rings 200 arranged in the wide distal arrangement part 611 and the wide proximal arrangement part 651. That is, the same effect as changing the thickness of the elastic ring 200 can be exhibited.
In the present embodiment, each of the placement portions 611 and 651 is wide, and the number of the elastic rings 200 to be installed is selected at a close position. However, as in the third embodiment, the positions are separated from each other. The second arrangement grooves 511 and 551 may be provided in the first and second arrangement grooves 511 and 551, and the number of elastic rings 200 attached thereto may be changed so that the urging force can be changed more finely. The strength may be adjusted by disposing the urging means 200 on either the connecting portion 180 side or the chopstick bottom portion side.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a chopstick 700 according to the fifth embodiment. Since many configurations of the chopstick 700 according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the chopstick 100 according to the first embodiment, the description of common portions will be omitted by using the same reference numerals and the like, and description will be made focusing on differences.
In the chopsticks 700 of the present embodiment, for example, a distal arrangement groove 711 and a proximal arrangement groove 751 which are urging means arrangement portions for arranging the elastic ring 200 include a distal chopstick butt 130 and a proximal chopstick butt. It is arranged on the 170 side. And the distance Y (refer FIG. 11) between the distal side arrangement | positioning groove | channel 711 and the proximal side arrangement | positioning groove | channel 751 arrange | positioned in this way becomes a structure which spaces apart or adjoins.
That is, the distance Y between the distal placement groove 711 and the proximal placement groove 751 is relatively changed on the distal chopstick butt 130 and proximal chopstick butt 160 side of the distal chopstick 710 and the proximal chopstick 750. For example, a distal side moving case 790a and a proximal side moving case 790b are provided. The distal side movement case 790a and the proximal side movement case 790b are configured to move along the distal chopsticks 710 and the proximal chopsticks 750 in the direction of the arrow X in FIG.
Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the distal movement case 790a and the proximal movement case 790b are moved along the distal chopstick 710 and the proximal chopstick 750 in the right direction of the arrow X (direction away from the connecting means 180). ), The distal arrangement groove 711 and the proximal arrangement groove 751 provided in the distal movement case 790a and the proximal movement case 790b also move in the right direction.

At the same time, the distal-side arrangement groove 711 and the proximal-side arrangement groove 751 move both in the Y direction and in the direction away from each other. By the movement in the separation direction, the elastic ring 200 is extended and the urging force is increased. Conversely, when the distal side movement case 790a and the proximal side movement case 790b are moved in the left direction in the X direction (the direction close to the connecting means 180) in the figure, the distal side arrangement groove 711 and the proximal side The arrangement groove 751 moves both in the Y direction in the drawing and in the adjacent direction. Due to the movement in the proximity direction, the elastic ring 200 is contracted, and the urging force is weakened.
Therefore, according to the chopsticks 700 of the present embodiment, the user can move the distal movement case 790a and the proximal movement case 790b without directly moving or changing the elastic ring 200. The urging force of the elastic ring 200 can be easily adjusted.

12 is a schematic sectional view taken along line BB ′ of FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the proximal chopsticks 750 have two engaging convex portions 791 at, for example, opposite positions. The distal chopsticks 710 are similarly formed. On the other hand, the proximal side movement case 790b is formed with an engagement hole 792 that engages with the engagement convex portion 791. As shown in FIG. 11 and the like, a plurality of engagement holes 792 are provided at different positions on the connecting portion 180 side and the proximal chopstick buttocks 170 side of the proximal chopstick 750. Similarly, an engagement projection and an engagement hole are provided on the distal chopstick 710 side.
Therefore, when the user engages the engagement hole 792 on the right side of the drawing such as the proximal side movement case 790b and the engagement convex portion 791 such as the proximal chopstick 750, the distal arrangement groove 711 and the proximal side The arrangement groove 751 is fixed in the proximity direction. On the other hand, when the user engages the engagement hole 792 on the left side of the drawing such as the proximal side moving case 790b and the engagement convex portion 791 such as the proximal chopstick 750, the distal side arrangement groove 711 and the proximal side arrangement The groove 751 is fixed in the separating direction.
In this way, the engagement convex portion 791 and the engagement hole 792 are engaged with each other and the movement is restricted, so that the proximal-side moving case 790b and the like move while the user is using the chopsticks 700. It is possible to prevent the intensity of the biasing force of the selected elastic ring 200 from changing once.
Note that the engaging convex portion 791 and the engaging hole 792 may be formed by reversing the arrangement relationship between the chopsticks 710 and 750 and the moving cases 790 and 790.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a chopstick 800 according to the sixth embodiment. Since many configurations of the chopsticks 800 of this embodiment are the same as those of the chopsticks 100 of the first embodiment, the description of the common parts will be omitted by using the same reference numerals and the like, and the differences will be mainly described below.
In the chopsticks 800 of the present embodiment, for example, swing mechanisms 830 and 870 are formed as distance changing means for moving the position of the urging means relative to the distal chopstick buttocks 130 and the proximal chopstick buttocks 170 side. Has been. That is, the swing mechanisms 830 and 870 are configured to swing the distal chopstick buttocks 130 and the proximal chopstick buttocks 170 in the direction of arrow S in FIG. 13 around the swing mechanisms 830 and 870. .
FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line CC ′ of FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the swing mechanism 870 is configured to swing while movement is restricted in the arrow S direction, which is the swing direction of FIG.
Further, on the distal chopstick buttocks 130 side and the proximal chopstick buttocks side 170, a distal side disposition groove 111 and a proximal side disposition groove 151 for disposing the elastic ring 200 are formed.

For this reason, for example, the user swings the distal chopstick buttocks 130 side of the distal chopsticks 810 upward in the direction of arrow S in FIG. By swinging downward in the direction of arrow S in FIG. 13, the distance between the distal-side placement groove 111 and the proximal-side placement groove 151 moves in the separation direction in the direction of arrow Y in FIG. Thereby, the urging force of the elastic ring 200 is strengthened. On the other hand, when the distal chopstick buttocks 130 side is moved downward in the direction of arrow S and the proximal chopstick buttocks 170 is moved upward in the direction of arrow S, the distal placement groove 111 and the proximal placement groove 151 The interval moves in the proximity direction of the arrow Y direction in FIG. Thereby, the biasing force of the elastic ring 200 is weakened.
Therefore, the user can easily adjust the urging force (tension) of the elastic ring 200 steplessly by operating the swing mechanisms 830 and 870 provided on the chopsticks 800.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the distal chopstick tip 820 and the proximal chopstick tip 860 are formed with a plurality of distal pinching protrusions 824 and proximal pinching protrusions 864, respectively. The proximal pinching protrusion 864 is formed so as to be disposed between the distal pinching protrusions 120 when the proximal chopstick tip 860 and the distal chopstick tip 820 are close to each other.
For this reason, even when noodles or the like that are slippery when sandwiched between the chopsticks 100 are sandwiched, the noodles and the like are sandwiched between the distal-side sandwiching projection 824 and the proximal-side sandwiching projection 864 and the like. Even a user who has a problem such as noodles can be sandwiched with chopsticks 100 without dropping noodles.
Instead of forming each of the projections 824 and 864, the surface is treated with a matte finish, an anti-slip member made of an elastic material is disposed on the surface, and a groove along the outer periphery is formed. Further, it may be configured to be easily gripped by each tip portion.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a chopstick 900 according to the seventh embodiment. Since many configurations of the chopsticks 900 of this embodiment are the same as those of the chopsticks 100 of the first embodiment, the description of the common parts will be omitted by using the same reference numerals and the like, and differences will be mainly described below.
In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the biasing means is not the elastic ring 200 but a leaf spring 220 formed of an elastic body such as silicone. 16A is a front view of the leaf spring 220, and FIG. 16B is a left side view of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the leaf spring 220 has a leaf spring main body 222 and holding portions 221 and 221 for attaching to the distal chopstick 910 and the proximal chopstick 950 at both ends thereof. This holding part 221 is an example of an urging means arrangement part. As shown in FIG. 16 (b), notches 221a and 221a are formed in the holding portion 221, and each chopstick is inserted by pushing a distal chopstick 910 or the like into the inside from the notches 221a and 221a. 910 and 950 are accommodated and can be attached to the distal chopsticks 910 or the like.

A plurality of types of leaf springs 220 shown in FIG. 16 having different hardnesses are prepared, but all have the same shape. For this reason, the user can easily increase or decrease the urging force of the leaf spring 220 by replacing the leaf spring 220 with one having a different hardness. That is, the leaf spring 220 is configured to be detachable from the distal chopsticks 910 and the proximal chopsticks 950. In addition, you may prepare beforehand what changed the thickness and thickness of the leaf | plate spring main body 222 by making the leaf | plate spring 220 into the same hardness. Also, instead of preparing a plurality of leaf springs 220 as urging means, it is possible to adjust the length of the leaf spring main body 222 and to attach the leaf springs 220 to different positions so that the chopsticks 910 and 950 can be attached to each chopstick. It is possible to adjust the strength by providing the biasing means arrangement portion.
In the present embodiment, the leaf spring 220 applies a biasing force in a direction in which the distal chopsticks 910 and the proximal chopsticks 950 are separated. In other words, when the expansion / contraction means is arranged closer to the chopstick tip than the connecting portion, the force that the biasing means in a compressed state tries to return to the original shape is used, and the chopstick buttocks portion rather than the connecting portion. When the expansion / contraction means is disposed on the side, the force that the urging means in the extended state tries to return to the original shape is used.
17 is a schematic right side view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, the connecting portion 980 that is a connecting means includes a distal chopstick side convex portion 982 that protrudes from the distal chopstick 910 and a proximal portion that protrudes from the proximal chopstick 950. A chopsticks side convex portion 983 is provided. Then, the circular protrusion 982a provided on the distal chopstick side convex portion 982 is inserted from the opening notch 983b of the circular concave portion 983a provided on the proximal chopstick side convex portion 983, thereby forming a connecting portion 980. Yes. At this time, the outer diameter of the circular protrusion 982a is formed to be larger than the width of the opening notch 983b within a range that can be attached and detached.
With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the leaf spring 220 forces the distal chopstick side convex portion 982 and the proximal chopstick side convex portion 983 of the connecting portion 980 to separate. Therefore, the circular protrusion 982a of the distal chopstick side convex portion 982 accommodated in the circular concave portion 983a provided in the proximal chopstick side convex portion 983 is held so as not to come out.

That is, when connecting the distal chopstick side convex portion 982 and the proximal chopstick side convex portion 983, a force is applied so as to get over the opening notch 983b. Also when separating, a force is applied so as to get over the opening notch 983b. As described above, in the present embodiment, by arranging the circular recess 983a that cannot be overcome by the urging force of the leaf spring 220, the connection portion 980 is easily separated and not released during use by the user.
Here, leaf springs 220 having different hardnesses are used, but coil springs having different hardnesses may be used as long as they are detachable. You may comprise so that it can do.
Further, the connecting portion 180 may be formed in a so-called tongue shape that is disposed on each chopstick buttocks 130, 170, and a telescopic means such as a leaf spring 220 may be disposed on each chopstick tip portion 920, 960 side. .
As shown in FIG. 15, the distal chopstick tip 920 and the proximal chopstick tip 960 of the chopstick 900 have a distal guide projection 923 and a proximal guide projection 963 that are positioning means. For this reason, unlike the above-described embodiments, even if the caregiver or guardian uses the food F with the chopsticks 100 and inserts it into the oral cavity for the cared person or child, this distal reference By preventing the chopstick tips 920 and 960 from being inserted into the oral cavity behind the protrusion 123 and the proximal guide protrusion 163, it is possible to prevent the tip of the chopstick 100 from being excessively inserted into the oral cavity. be able to.

18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. The distal chopstick tip 920 and the proximal chopstick tip 960 shown in FIG. 15 are formed with contact portions for contacting food, and as shown in FIG. And a proximal recess 961 is formed.
Further, along the lateral direction (longitudinal direction) of FIG. 17 of the contact portion, the distal convex portions 922a and 922b and the proximal convex portions 962a and 962b in FIG. It is arranged on both sides of the side recess 961. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the cross section of the distal concave portion 921 and the distal convex portions 922a and 922b, and the proximal concave portion 961 and the proximal convex portions 962a and 962b are formed in a substantially U shape. Yes.
For this reason, when the food is sandwiched between the chopsticks 100, the food is sandwiched by a plurality of convex portions composed of the distal convex portions 922a and 922b and the proximal convex portions 962a and 962b formed in the contact portion. In particular, the noodles such as udon are easy to pinch and difficult to drop, and since the convex portions 922a, 922b, 962a, 962b are along the longitudinal direction of the chopstick tip, the chopsticks 900 are easy to use in the lips. .

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a chopstick 1000 according to the eighth embodiment. Since many configurations of the chopsticks 1000 according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the chopsticks 100 according to the first embodiment, the description of the common portions will be omitted by using the same reference numerals, and the following description will be focused on the differences.
As shown in FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, a distal sliding surface 1081 is formed on the distal chopstick 1010 side, and this distal sliding surface 1081 is formed in the concave shape of the first embodiment. Unlike the distal sliding surface 181, the side surface shape is convex and formed in an arc shape.

On the other hand, a proximal sliding surface 1082 is formed on the proximal chopstick 1050 side, and this proximal sliding surface 1082 is different from the convex proximal sliding surface 182 of the first embodiment, The side surface shape is concave and formed in an arc shape. And the connection part 1080 is formed by arrange | positioning these distal side sliding surfaces 1081 and proximal side sliding surfaces 1082 so that it may mutually contact | abut.
That is, in the present embodiment, the unevenness of the sliding surface has a reverse relationship to that of the first embodiment. However, the other structure of the connection part 1080 is the same as that of the connection part 180 of 1st Embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the biasing means is disposed on the distal chopstick buttocks 130 side in the vicinity of the distal sliding surface 1081 of the distal chopstick 1010, for example, disposed on the distal side A groove 1011 is formed.
The distal placement groove 1011 has an inner distal placement groove 1011a on the distal sliding surface 1081 side, and an outer distal placement groove 1011b on the distal chopstick buttocks 130 side.
The proximal chopstick 1050 is also provided with a proximal-side arrangement groove 1051, similar to the distal chopstick 1010. The proximal arrangement groove 1051 has an inner proximal arrangement groove 1051a on the proximal sliding surface 1082 side and an outer proximal arrangement groove 1051b on the proximal chopstick buttocks 170 side.

That is, the inner distal placement groove 1011a and the inner proximal placement groove 1051a are examples of weak condition adjustment regions, and the outer distal placement groove 1011b and the outer proximal placement groove 1051b are examples of strong condition adjustment regions.
Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the inner distal placement groove 1011a and the outer distal placement groove 1011b are disposed adjacent to each other. Similarly, the inner proximal placement groove 1051a and the inner proximal placement groove 1051b are also disposed adjacent to each other.

20 is assembled so that the distal sliding surface 1081 and the proximal sliding surface 1082 of the chopsticks 1000 of FIG. 19 are in contact with each other, and the elastic ring 1200 is placed over the inner distal positioning groove 1011a and the inner proximal positioning groove 1051a. It is the schematic which shows the state which showed the state arrange | positioned with a continuous line, and has arrange | positioned the elastic ring 1200 in each outer arrangement | positioning groove | channel 1011b, 1051b.
In FIG. 20, a tension gauge 1300 for measuring the urging force between the distal chopsticks 1010 and the proximal chopsticks 1050 of the chopsticks 1000 (overseaskin tension gauge full scale 300 g) is arranged.
The tension gauge 1300 has its tip abutted against the distal chopsticks 1010 from a substantially right angle direction, presses the distal chopsticks 1010 at a constant speed to approach the proximal chopsticks 1050, and attaches the tension gauge 1300 at that time. It is configured to measure power. Therefore, the proximal chopstick 1050 is fixed by the vise 1301 in order to prevent the proximal chopstick 1050 from moving due to the pressure of the tension gauge 1300 and being difficult to measure.

  The portion where the tip of the tension gauge 1300 abuts on the distal chopstick 1010 is a portion moved from the approximate center of the connecting portion 1080 to 40 mm (L1) toward the tip of the distal chopstick 1010, as shown in FIG. In actual use, it is a position where the index finger (indicating finger) touches.

Further, the elastic ring 1200 shown in FIG. 20 is made of silicone rubber or the like. When the elastic ring 1200 is disposed in the inner distally disposed groove 1011a and the inner proximally disposed groove 1051a in FIG. 20, the tension gauge 1300 in FIG. 20 is in the range of 0.2N (Newton) to 0.4N. Is set as follows.
Further, preferably, the tension gauge 1300 in FIG. 20 is set to be in a range of 0.2N to 0.3N.

When the elastic ring 1200 is disposed in the outer distally disposed groove 1011b and the outer proximally disposed groove 1051b, the tension gauge 1300 in FIG. 20 is set to be in the range of 0.45N to 0.85N. The
Preferably, the tension gauge 1300 in FIG. 20 is set to be in the range of 0.45N to 0.6N.

Thus, when the elastic ring 1200 is arranged in the inner distal arrangement groove 1011a or the like, the tension gauge 1300 is set so as to display a numerical value in the range of 0.2N to 0.4N, and the elastic ring 1200 is set near the outer side. The tension gauge 1300 is set to display a numerical value in the range of 0.45N to 0.85N when it is arranged in the position arrangement groove 1051b or the like. This is because, as a result of monitoring surveys according to the user's condition regarding the strength of the urging force of the elastic ring 1200, these ranges are the most easy to use for each user.
Such an elastic ring 1200 is set to have a hardness of 20 to 45 degrees. Here, the hardness is a hardness by an A-type durometer in JIS-K6253 (ISO07619) as described above.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a state where the user has pinched food using the chopsticks 1000. In general, when holding the chopsticks correctly, place the distal chopsticks on the index finger flexion side, bring the separated position into contact with the index finger palm side and middle finger flexion side, and place the center finger area on the center of the thumb. The proximal chopsticks are placed on the flexure side of the middle metacarpal bone, and the separated positions are passed to the ring finger end flexure side and flexure back side, and fixed on the thumb base joint palm side.
On the other hand, when the chopstick 1000 with an auxiliary function is used, as shown in FIG. 21, the distal chopstick 1010 is placed on the indexing base flexure side (a), and a position about 40 mm away from it is indicated. The distal finger pad (a) is brought into contact, and one portion of the distal chopstick 1010, which is a substantially intermediate region thereof, is lightly pressed by the thumb finger pad (c).
On the other hand, the proximal chopstick 1050 is passed from the index finger metacarpal flexion side (D) to the middle finger terminal joint side (O) in FIG. A substantially central region of the proximal chopsticks 1050 between (d) and (v) is fixed on the thumb base side (f).
In this way, it is possible to selectively hold the chopsticks in a manner that is not significantly different from a state of having normal chopsticks, and it is possible to select and use a more convenient usage state according to the state of the user.
When the user has the chopsticks 1000, the distal chopsticks 1010 and the proximal chopsticks 1050 are initially spread by the elastic ring 1200 as shown in FIG. A user who has the spread distal chopsticks 1010 and the proximal chopsticks 1050 as shown in FIG. 21 first applies force to the finger in a direction in which the distal chopsticks 1010 and the proximal chopsticks 1050 are brought close to each other (initial state). At this time, it is desirable that the biasing force applied to the user's finger is weak.
Next, the distal chopstick 1010 approaches the proximal chopstick 1050, and both are substantially parallel (medium state). From the initial state to the intermediate state, it is desirable that the urging force applied to the user's finger gradually increases.
Next, the distal chopsticks 1010 and the proximal chopsticks 1050 come closer (late state). In the intermediate state to the late state, it is desirable that the urging force applied to the user's finger is further increased, but the amount of change from the intermediate state is preferably smaller than the amount of change from the initial state to the intermediate state.

The chopsticks 1000 of this embodiment were measured with a tension gauge 1300 as follows.
The elastic ring 1200 is made of silicone rubber having a hardness of 30 degrees, has a substantially circular cross section, has a diameter of 2.4 mm, and has an inner diameter of 13.8 mm. A tension gauge 1300 is used. Used 300 g in full scale.
When such an elastic ring 1200 is arranged in the inner distally arranged groove 1011a or the like in FIG. 20, for example, 0.07N in the initial state, 0.25N in the middle state, and 0.29N in the late state. The urging force of the elastic ring 1200 gradually increased.
For this reason, when the user brings the distal chopstick 1010 and the proximal chopstick 1050 close together, a sudden change in the biasing force that hinders the operation is avoided, and the chopstick 1000 is easy to use because it becomes a gradual change. It becomes.

  Further, when the elastic ring 1200 is disposed in the outer distal disposition groove 1011b or the like in FIG. 20, for example, 0.17N in the initial state, 0.26N in the intermediate state, and 0.41N in the late state gradually. The biasing force of the elastic ring 1200 is strong. In addition, the degree of increase in the urging force is large in the change from the initial state where the operation is started to sandwich the food to the intermediate state, and is small in the intermediate state from the state where the food is sandwiched to the late state. It became the most ideal change to go.

  As described above, the elastic ring 1200 disposed in the distal-side disposition groove 1011 or the like of the present embodiment has not only a biasing force within a range that is most easily used by the user, but also the distal chopstick 1010 and the proximal chopstick. In the process of approaching 1050, the urging force of the elastic ring 1200 is increased according to the operation state, so that an excessive force is not applied to the user's finger, and the chopstick 1000 is easy to use for the user.

Moreover, in this Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the inner side distal arrangement | positioning groove | channel 1011a and the outer side distal arrangement | positioning groove | channel 1011b are arrange | positioned adjacently. Further, the inner proximal placement groove 1051a and the outer proximal placement groove 1051b are also disposed adjacent to each other.
Therefore, even if the elastic ring 1200 is moved from the inner distal arrangement groove 1011a or the like to the outer distal arrangement groove 1011b or the like and the urging force applied to the chopsticks 100 is increased, the elastic ring 1200 does not rapidly increase. The chopsticks 1000 are easy to use for the user. On the other hand, when the elastic ring 1200 is moved from the outer distal groove 1011b or the like to the inner distal groove 1011b or the like, the urging force can be weakened similarly.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the elastic ring 1200 is disposed on the inner distal disposition groove 1011a or the like side in FIG. 20 or the outer distal disposition groove 1051a or the like has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, two elastic rings 1200 may be used to be arranged in the inner distal arrangement groove 1011a and the outer distal arrangement groove 1011b.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The above-described embodiments may be configured in combination with each other.

It is the schematic which shows the chopsticks which are chopsticks with an auxiliary tool. It is the schematic which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the connection part of FIG. 1 into the distal chopstick side and the proximal chopstick side. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the proximal chopsticks of FIG. 2. It is a schematic right view which shows the state which attached the elastic ring to the chopsticks of FIG. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the state which the connection part of FIG.1 and FIG.2 is sliding. It is the schematic which shows the state which contacted the distal chopstick tip and the proximal chopstick tip of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the principal part of the chopsticks which are the modifications of the chopsticks of 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the chopsticks concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the chopsticks concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the chopsticks concerning 4th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the chopsticks which concern on 5th Embodiment. It is a B-B 'line schematic sectional drawing of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the chopsticks concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a C-C 'line schematic sectional drawing of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the chopsticks concerning 7th Embodiment. (A) is a front view of a leaf | plate spring, (b) is a left view of (a). FIG. 16 is a schematic right side view of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 15. It is the schematic which shows the chopsticks concerning 8th Embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a state in which the distal side sliding surface and the proximal side sliding surface of the chopsticks of FIG. 19 are assembled so as to contact each other, and an elastic ring is arranged over the inner distal placement groove and the inner proximal placement groove. . It is the schematic which shows the state where the user pinched food using chopsticks.

Explanation of symbols

100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 ... chopsticks, 110, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010 ... distal chopsticks, 111, 711, 1011 ... Distal groove, 112 ... Ring holder, 112a ... Front holder, 112b ... Rear holder, 113 ... Opening, 120, 320, 820, 920 ...・ Distal chopstick tip, 150, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850... Proximal chopstick, 151, 751, 1051... Proximally arranged groove, 160, 260, 360, 860, 960 ..Proximal chopstick tip, 170, 470 ... Proximal chopstick buttocks, 180, 480, 980, 1080 ... Connection part, 181, 1081 ... Distal sliding surface, 182, 1082 ... Proximal sliding surface 183 ... Wall surface, 183a, 183b ... Slide guide, 184 ... Distal contact part, 185 ... Proximal contact part, 200, 1200 ... Elastic ring, 210 ... -Elastic string, 211 ... adjuster, 220 ... leaf spring, 221 ... holding portion, 221a ... notch, 222 ... leaf spring body, 11, 1011 ... distal side Arrangement groove, 451, 1051 ... Proximal arrangement groove, 511 ... Second distal arrangement groove, 551 ... Second proximal arrangement groove, 611 ... Wide distal side Arrangement part, 651... Wide proximal arrangement part, 790a ... Distal movement case, 790b ... Proximal movement case, 791 ... Engagement convex part, 792 ... Engagement Hole, 824 ... distal pinching protrusion, 864 ... proximal pinching protrusion, 830, 870 ... swing mechanism, 21: Distal concave part, 922a, 922b ... Distal convex part, 923 ... Distal guide protrusion, 961 ... Proximal concave part, 962a, 962b ... Proximal convex part Part, 963 ... proximal guide protrusion, 982 ... distal chopstick side convex part, 982a ... circular protrusion, 983 ... proximal chopstick side convex part, 983a ... circular concave part, 983b ... Opening notch, 1011 ... Inner distal placement groove, 1011b ... Outer distal placement groove, 1051a ... Inner proximal placement groove, 1051b ... Outer proximal placement groove, 1300 ...・ Tension gauge, 1301 ... Vise, K ... Bent part, L ... Distance, A ... Indicating finger base flexion side, A ... Indicating finger tip node palm side and middle finger end flexion side, .. thumb finger pad, d ... metacarpal bone flexion side, o ... ring pointing joint flexion side or flexion back side, f ... thumb joint base Palm side.

Claims (12)

With the distal chopsticks,
A chopstick body having a proximal chopstick;
Auxiliary means for assisting the operation of the chopstick body,
The auxiliary means includes
Connecting means for rotatably connecting the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks;
A biasing means for moving the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks in a direction away from each other;
An urging means arrangement portion for arranging the urging means,
The chopsticks with an assisting tool, wherein the urging means arrangement portion is configured to be able to change the extended state of the urging means by moving the relative position of the urging means. 2. The chopsticks with an auxiliary tool according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the urging unit arrangement portions are arranged at different positions in a direction away from the connection unit. The biasing means arrangement portion is formed on the proximal end side of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick,
A distance changing means for changing a distance between the proximal end portion of the distal chopsticks and the proximal end portion of the proximal chopsticks is formed between the connecting means and the biasing means arrangement portion. The chopsticks with auxiliary tools according to claim 1, With the distal chopsticks,
A chopstick body having a proximal chopstick;
Auxiliary means for assisting the operation of the chopstick body,
The auxiliary means includes
Connecting means for rotatably connecting the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks;
Biasing means for moving the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks in a direction away from each other;
An urging means arrangement portion for arranging the urging means,
The biasing means has a plurality of biasing means having different biasing forces,
A chopstick with an auxiliary tool, wherein the urging means arrangement portion is configured such that a plurality of urging means having different urging forces can be attached and detached. 5. The chopsticks with an assisting tool according to claim 4, wherein the urging means arranging portion is configured to be able to arrange a plurality of the urging means. With the distal chopsticks,
A chopstick body having a proximal chopstick;
Auxiliary means for assisting the operation of the chopstick body,
The auxiliary means includes
Connecting means for rotatably connecting the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks;
A biasing means for moving the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks in a direction away from each other;
An urging means arrangement portion for arranging the urging means,
The urging force of the urging means arranged in the urging means arrangement part can be adjusted stepwise from a weak state to a strong state,
In the weak state where the urging force becomes weakest most, the urging force of the arranged urging means is set to be included in the range of 0.2 N (Newton) to 0.4 N (Newton),
In the strong state where the urging force is the strongest, the urging force of the urging means arranged is set to fall within a range of 0.45 N (Newton) to 0.85 N (Newton). Chopsticks with aids. 7. The chopsticks with an assisting tool according to claim 6, wherein the biasing means is made of an elastic body, and the hardness of the elastic body is set to fall within a range of 20 degrees to 70 degrees. . The said connection means becomes a structure which maintains the connection state of the said distal chopsticks and the said proximal chopsticks by the said biasing means, The Claim 1 thru | or 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. Chopsticks with aids. The coupling means has a sliding surface on the distal chopstick side and a sliding surface on the proximal chopstick side, and sliding by sliding of both sliding surfaces on the distal chopstick side and the proximal chopstick side , The distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks are configured to approach or separate from each other,
The width of the sliding surface on the distal chopstick side and the sliding surface on the proximal chopstick side is substantially equal to the width of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick, and a wall surface on the side of the sliding surface. The chopsticks with an auxiliary tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the chopsticks are formed. 10. The chopsticks with auxiliary tools according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means is formed with a restricting means for restricting a rotational position of a tip portion of the distal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks. . At least the inner surface side of the distal end portion of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick is formed to bend in a direction away from the proximal end portion toward the distal end portion, and when the distal end portion approaches the distal chopstick The auxiliary tool according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein distances between the inner surface sides of the tip portions of the proximal chopsticks and the proximal chopsticks are equal to each other. chopsticks. A contact portion is formed at the distal end portion of the distal chopstick and the proximal chopstick,
The abutting portion has a concave portion at the center, and both end portions of the abutting portion arranged along the longitudinal direction of the abutting portion become convex portions,
The chopsticks with an assisting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a cross section of the center portion and the both end portions of the contact portion is formed in a substantially U shape.

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