JP4687771B2 - Resin chopsticks - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention improves the basic performance and usability of the chopsticks by reviewing the function of the chopsticks for each part, facilitates the painting work, and can produce chopsticks with high designability. About.

  The required performance for chopsticks includes requirements from the aspect of appearance and requirements from the aspect of basic functions based on the use of chopsticks. However, since chopsticks have a very simple configuration, appearance requirements and functional requirements are closely related.

  As an appearance requirement for chopsticks, chopsticks used at festivals such as celebrations and events are required to have a reasonable design. In addition, chopsticks used in daily life are required to have a design that does not impair the atmosphere of the table. However, since chopsticks are a traditional eating tool, the use of an unusual design is accompanied by a visual discomfort. The design of a chopstick, which is a simple article that does not have a mechanical structure, is generally determined by the outer shape and the finished state including painting.

  Functional requirements for chopsticks can be divided into items related to basic performance, items related to usability, and items related to stability of alignment when not in use.

  The basic performance of chopsticks is that the operability is good and the food can be reliably gripped. The feeling of use of chopsticks is a sensitive matter regarding the presence or absence of discomfort when operating chopsticks. Also, the stability of the alignment is that the aligned state is maintained as it is when the pair of chopsticks are aligned.

As for chopsticks, various inventive ideas have been proposed in the past. For example, there are the following.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 54-138982 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-30082 JP-A-11-244118 JP 2007-565 A Design Registration No. 1319562 Design Registration No. 1312915 Design Registration No. 1286841

  Considering the above-mentioned conventional proposal, it seems unexpectedly difficult to satisfy a plurality of required performances for chopsticks simultaneously. This is because ingenuity for satisfying a specific requirement often results in harming other requirements.

  For example, with respect to operability as a basic performance item of chopsticks, a handle portion closer to the base end than the middle portion of chopsticks becomes a problem. The chopsticks cross-sectional shape formed in this part is a pentagon or less polygonal shape, but at the beginning of use, although it feels fresh, it feels more gritty and feels more comfortable as it is used for a long time. (Refer to Patent Documents 1, 3, 5, and 7). Further, in the case where the middle part near the center of gravity of the chopsticks is formed to be the thickest, the operability changes extremely depending on the individual position of the chopsticks, and the chopsticks are easily removed (see Patent Document 5). In addition, in a configuration in which two chopsticks with different cross-sectional shapes are made into one set, understand how to use which chopsticks should be picked up and in what posture unless otherwise explained in advance. It seems impossible (see Patent Document 2).

  For reliable grip of food, the tip side of the chopsticks is a problem. Although it is thought that the thing which forms the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks in this part in the square and pentagon which has a clear ridgeline is high in the gripping ability with respect to foodstuffs, there exists a problem that a coating will peel off in a short time (patent document 5). , 7). Moreover, although the device which forms the front-end | tip part of a chopstick helically and raises the holding | grip performance with respect to foodstuffs is also seen, there exists a tendency that a visually uncomfortable feeling is too strong (refer patent document 4).

  The stability of chopsticks alignment is usually handled by adopting a polygon less than a hexagon for the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks. This is due to the fact that an octagon or more polygon approximates a circular shape, and therefore the suppression force against rolling is reduced. However, it is the cross-sectional shape on the base end side of the chopsticks that contributes to prevention of rolling.

  In high-quality lacquerware-like products, manual painting by professional craftsmen is often performed as a means of enhancing the design, which is an external requirement for chopsticks. Has a problem that painting is extremely difficult. As the cross-sectional shape of chopsticks when painting, a circular shape is the best workability, and the decoration effect by painting is also effective.

  The present invention pays attention to the fact that each part of the chopsticks from the base end part to the tip part bears a different function, adopts the most ideal cross-sectional shape for each part of the chopsticks, and the base end part The chopsticks improve the operability, the certainty of gripping of food and the feeling of use, and make the painting work easier by making the change in the cross-sectional shape from the tip to the tip smooth and smooth. The purpose is to do.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.

The chopsticks of the present invention are a pair of resin chopsticks formed in a taper from the base end portion toward the tip end portion, and the cross-sectional shape between the base end portion and the tip end portion changes. The chopsticks are, in order from the base end portion toward the tip end portion, the first cross-sectional shape converting portion, the second cross-sectional shape converting portion, the third cross-sectional shape converting portion, and the fourth cross-sectional shape. In this case, the first cross-sectional shape converting unit converts the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks from a hexagonal shape to a circular shape at the base end of the chopsticks, and the second cross-sectional shape converting unit is configured to The cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks is converted from a circular shape to a hexagonal shape at the intermediate portion near the base end of the chopsticks. The fourth cross-sectional shape converting unit converts the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks from a square to a circle at the tip of the chopsticks. The diameter of the portion where the cross-sectional shape between the first cross-sectional shape converting portion and the second cross-sectional shape converting portion is circular is a hexagonal inscribed circle in the first cross-sectional shape converting portion. Formed and formed as a hexagonal circumscribed circle in the second cross-sectional shape converter, and required to convert the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks from the hexagon to the inscribed circle in the first cross-sectional shape converter By setting the length to be less than the diameter of the inscribed circle, a slope formed between the base end portion of the hexagon and the handle portion that is circular is formed steeply.

  The resin chopsticks in the above configuration are characterized by having a cross-sectional shape converting portion for changing the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks at four locations from the base end portion to the tip end portion, forming a new appearance can do. However, since the overall shape of each chopstick is a traditional tapered shape from the base end to the tip, there is no visual discomfort as a whole.

  The first cross-sectional shape converter is located at the base end of the chopsticks, and the fourth cross-sectional shape converter is located at the tip of the chopsticks. The third and fourth cross-sectional shape conversion units are sequentially located in the middle part of the chopsticks.

  The cross-sectional shape of the base end of the chopsticks is a hexagon, which prevents rolling when the chopsticks are aligned. This cross-sectional shape is converted into a circle by the first cross-sectional shape converter. The circular cross section has no directionality and has a sense of handiness that is stable for everyone. In addition, the workability is the best when painting. Note that the relationship between the size of the hexagon and the size of the circle at this time is a relationship in which the circle is a hexagonal inscribed circle. The cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks converted into a circle is converted into a hexagon again in the second cross-sectional shape conversion unit. The relationship between the size of the hexagon and the size of the circle at this time is a relationship in which the circle becomes a circumscribed circle of the hexagon. This is because the chopsticks are tapered toward the tip. A portion where the cross-sectional shape between the first cross-sectional shape converting portion and the second cross-sectional shape converting portion is circular is the handle portion of the chopsticks.

  The cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks converted into a hexagon by the second cross-sectional shape conversion unit is converted into a quadrangle by the third cross-sectional shape conversion unit. By converting to a square, it is possible to maintain a gripping function as a polygon for food. In other words, because the chopsticks are tapered, if the hexagonal shape is left as it is, the width of the hexagonal surface gradually decreases, and the significance of the polygonal shape is lost in relation to food. To prevent this, the number of corners is reduced to ensure the width of the component surface. In the second cross-sectional shape conversion unit, the circular shape is not changed to a square shape at once, if the conversion from a circular shape to a square shape is performed at a stroke, the unreasonableness of conversion becomes conspicuous and the visual natural feeling is impaired.

  The cross-sectional shape converted into a quadrangle in the third cross-sectional shape conversion unit is converted into a circle by the fourth cross-sectional shape conversion unit at the tip of the chopsticks, wiping away the mouthfeel that is unique to the polygonal cross section, and painting It is possible to prevent early peeling.

  The chopsticks having the above configuration can prevent the chopsticks from being accidentally slipped between the fingers while the chopsticks are being used. That is, in the hexagon, the diagonal distance is larger than the diagonal distance, but the hexagonal inscribed circle has the same hexagonal opposite side distance. Therefore, when converting the cross-sectional shape of the hexagon to a circle, it is necessary to narrow the diagonal distance of the hexagon to the diameter of the circle, and this portion is inclined to be inclined toward the base end side of the chopsticks. Become. The slope becomes a gentle slope when the required conversion length required to convert from a hexagon to an inscribed circle is increased, and conversely, when the required conversion length is shortened, the slope becomes steep. Therefore, by setting the required conversion length to be less than the diameter of the hexagonal inscribed circle as a reference and forming a steep slope, it is possible to prevent chopsticks from being removed.

  The resin chopsticks of the present invention are provided with cross-sectional shape conversion portions at four locations from the base end portion to the tip end portion, and the cross-sectional shape of each portion of the chopsticks is formed into an optimal cross-sectional shape for the function shared by each portion By doing so, it is possible to achieve both functional requirement performance and appearance requirement performance of chopsticks without a sense of incongruity. In other words, the hexagonal cross-sectional shape at the base end prevents rolling, ensures the function of maintaining the chopsticks aligned, ensures stable operability with the circular cross-sectional handle, and facilitates easy painting workability. Then, it is converted into a hexagonal cross-sectional shape that can be converted without difficulty from a circular shape to enhance the design, and a gripping function for food is ensured by converting from a hexagonal cross-sectional shape to a square cross-sectional shape that can be converted without difficulty. Furthermore, by converting the tip to a circular cross-sectional shape, the smooth tip surface feels good to the touch, and therefore it is possible to prevent an uncomfortable feeling on the mouth and early peeling of the paint, so as a whole, from the base end to the tip. Since there is a transformation of the shape, performance as a design is also improved.

  In addition, since processing such as providing cross-sectional shape conversion portions at four locations from the base end portion to the tip end portion is performed by a mold, the processing is possible, and since the mold is formed, the product is uniform. Despite the fact that the product is processed and has a complicated cross-sectional shape conversion part, the change in the shape is linear in the longitudinal direction of the chopsticks, so the injected molten resin also has fluidity in the mold. Well, maintain good quality with mass production.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the resin chopsticks of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The chopsticks are a set of two, and one of them will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The resin chopsticks 10 are obtained by injection-molding the chopstick fabric from a general-purpose resin material or a resin material for engineering use (FIG. 1). In some cases, a synthetic resin paint is applied to the chopstick fabric, and a finished color obtained by a colorant mixed with the resin may be used. The overall length and average thickness of the chopsticks 10 are industry standards. In other words, it does not claim a special length or thickness.

  Each part of the chopsticks 10 can be generally recognized by being divided into a base end part 10A, an intermediate part 10B and a front end part 10C, but there is no clear boundary between them due to the nature of the article. Functionally, the portion of the chopsticks 10 on the side of the base end 10A from the intermediate portion 10B is a handle portion 2 for the user to operate, and the thinly formed portion near the tip portion 10C grips food. It is a part to do.

  The chopsticks 10 have a unique configuration in which cross-sectional shape conversion units are set at four locations from the base end portion 10A to the tip end portion 10C, and the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks 10 is sequentially changed at this portion.

  A hexagonal shape is adopted as the planar shape D1 of the base end portion 10A of the chopsticks 10 (end surface shape of the base end portion 10A). This portion is the thickest portion of the end 10, and the cross-sectional shape of the base end portion 10A matches the planar shape D1. The purpose is to ensure the stability of the aligned state of the chopsticks 10 by adopting a hexagonal shape at the base end portion 10A.

  The hexagonal cross-sectional shape in the base end portion 10A is converted into a circular cross-sectional shape D2 in the first cross-sectional shape converting portion C1 set in the immediate vicinity of the base end portion 10A (FIGS. 1 and 2). The diameter R1 of the circular cross-sectional shape D2 is a diameter that becomes a hexagonal inscribed circle of the base end portion 10A. However, due to the nature of the article chopsticks 10, it is not a strict inscribed circle in a mathematical sense, but an inscribed circle including errors such as expansion and contraction of the resin material.

  That is, in the first cross-sectional shape converting portion C1, the shape is converted so that the hexagon is narrowed down to the circular cross-sectional shape D2 corresponding to the inscribed circle. The required conversion length F at this time is less than the diameter R1 of the inscribed circle. The idea is to narrow down rapidly without taking a long distance. For this reason, slopes 2S, 2S... In the direction in which the end portion is enlarged are formed in the vicinity of the base end portion 10A of the chopsticks 10, thereby preventing an inadvertent accident such that the chopsticks 10 fall out from the palm.

  The converted circular cross-sectional shape D2 is tapered while maintaining the same shape, and is converted from the circular cross-sectional shape D3 to the hexagonal cross-sectional shape D4 in the second cross-sectional shape converting unit C2, and the intermediate portion 10B of the chopstick 10 is It is composed of a hexagonal cross section (FIGS. 1 and 3). Note that the handle portion 2 is between the first cross-sectional shape converting portion C1 and the second cross-sectional shape converting portion C2.

  The position of the second cross-sectional shape converting portion C2 is about 1/3 of the full length of the chopsticks 10 on the base end 10A side, and the diameter of the circular cross-sectional shape D3 before conversion is the hexagonal cross-sectional shape D4 after conversion. Is a circumscribed circle. The conversion method from the circular cross-sectional shape D3 to the hexagonal cross-sectional shape D4 is a chamfering method in which steps are not conspicuous having slow cut surfaces 3S, 3S.

  The converted hexagonal cross-sectional shape D4 is tapered while maintaining the same shape, and is converted from the hexagonal cross-sectional shape D4 to the square cross-sectional shape D6 in the third cross-sectional shape converting part C3 (FIGS. 1 and 4). . The third cross-sectional shape converting portion C3 is set at a position about ¼ of the entire length from the distal end portion 10C of the chopsticks 10. The shape conversion technique at this time is a chamfering technique in which the step is not conspicuous and the six faces are reduced to four faces by the slow cutting surfaces 4S and 4S. The portion from the third cross-sectional shape converting portion to the tip portion 10C is the portion in charge of the function of gripping food.

  The converted square cross-sectional shape D6 is tapered while maintaining the same shape, and is converted from the square cross-sectional shape D4 to the circular cross-sectional shape D7 in the fourth cross-sectional shape converting unit C4 (FIGS. 1 and 5). . The fourth cross-sectional shape conversion part C3 is located immediately before the tip part 10C of the chopsticks 10. In this part, since the ridgelines of the square cross-sectional shape D6 gather so as to converge, it can be naturally converted into a circle without difficulty. The tip portion 10C of the chopstick 10 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape.

  In the second cross-sectional shape converting portion C2, a step can be intentionally made conspicuous by adopting a chamfering method using steep cut surfaces 2T, 2T... (FIG. 6). ). Although it is a slight thing, it has a hard finish in terms of design.

It is a corresponding figure of two side surfaces, a plane, and a section showing an embodiment of the chopsticks of the present invention. It is an expansion perspective view of the principal part of the chopsticks in the said embodiment. It is an expansion perspective view of the principal part of the chopsticks in the said embodiment. It is an expansion perspective view of the principal part of the chopsticks in the said embodiment. It is an expansion perspective view of the principal part of the chopsticks in the said embodiment. It is an expansion perspective view of the principal part which shows other embodiment of the chopsticks of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Chopsticks C1 1st cross-sectional shape conversion part C2 2nd cross-sectional shape conversion part C3 3rd cross-sectional shape conversion part C4 4th cross-sectional shape conversion part 10A Base end part 10B Intermediate | middle part 10C Tip part R1 Diameter of inscribed circle R2 Diameter of circumscribed circle 2 Handle part 2S Slope F Required length for conversion

Claims (2)

A pair of resin chopsticks formed in a taper from the base end portion toward the tip portion, the chopsticks whose cross-sectional shape changes from the base end portion to the tip portion ,
Each chopstick has a first cross-sectional shape conversion unit, a second cross-sectional shape conversion unit, a third cross-sectional shape conversion unit, and a fourth cross-sectional shape conversion unit sequentially from the base end portion toward the front end portion. And is composed of
The first cross-sectional shape converting unit converts the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks from a hexagonal shape to a circular shape at the base end portion of the chopsticks, and the second cross-sectional shape converting unit is a chopsticks at an intermediate portion near the base end portion of the chopsticks. The cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks is converted from a circular shape to a hexagonal shape, and the third cross-sectional shape converting unit converts the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks from a hexagonal shape to a quadrangle at an intermediate portion near the tip portion of the chopsticks. The conversion unit is formed to convert the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks from a square to a circle at the tip of the chopsticks,
The diameter of the portion where the cross-sectional shape between the first cross-sectional shape converting portion and the second cross-sectional shape converting portion is circular is formed as a hexagonal inscribed circle in the first cross-sectional shape converting portion. And formed as a hexagonal circumscribed circle in the second cross-sectional shape converting portion,
In the first cross-section conversion unit, by setting the required conversion length required to convert the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks from a hexagon to an inscribed circle, the base end of the hexagon is set to be less than the diameter of the inscribed circle. A resin chopstick characterized by a steeply formed slope formed between a circular handle portion . In the first cross-sectional shape converting section, the base end portion of the hexagon is set by setting the required conversion length required to convert the cross-sectional shape of the chopsticks from a hexagon to an inscribed circle, less than the diameter of the inscribed circle. The resin chopsticks according to claim 1, wherein a slope formed between the handle and the circular handle portion is steeply formed.

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