US20100164242A1 - Chopstick Holder - Google Patents
Chopstick Holder Download PDFInfo
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- US20100164242A1 US20100164242A1 US11/922,138 US92213805A US2010164242A1 US 20100164242 A1 US20100164242 A1 US 20100164242A1 US 92213805 A US92213805 A US 92213805A US 2010164242 A1 US2010164242 A1 US 2010164242A1
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- breakthrough
- pair
- resilient
- chopsticks
- portions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/10—Sugar tongs; Asparagus tongs; Other food tongs
- A47G21/103—Chop-sticks
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/32—Articulated members
- Y10T403/32606—Pivoted
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks. It furthermore relates to a chopstick arrangement comprising a resilient element and one pair of chopsticks which are resiliently connected together by means of said resilient element.
- Chopstick holders are previously known. These chopstick holders are often rather large devices and some of them tend to not give necessary stability to the chopsticks. In addition, known chopstick holders can often be considered as aids to disabled persons and can therefore also be considered as negative devices. Furthermore, some users find the chopstick holders to be complicated to assemble with the chopsticks, even necessitating an elaborate user's guide. In addition, today, it is not always easy for the users to get hold of a chopstick holder. However, it should be noted that it is important for users not to loose their face, especially when the user are sitting among strangers, such as at a restaurant. Therefore, a chopstick holder, easy to assemble and easy to use, is desirable. Accordingly, it is desirable that the chopstick holders are found where the needs are and it is desirable that the chopstick holders are not being considered as negative devices, such as only for disabled persons.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an improved resilient connecting element which at least partly eliminates at least some of the above mentioned problems.
- a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks
- said resilient connecting element comprises a resilient flexible plate and two pairs of breakthrough portions wherein each pair of breakthrough portions consist of a first and a second breakthrough portion, wherein each second breakthrough portion is positioned at a unidirected distance perpendicularly from an imaginary line extending between each first breakthrough portion, wherein the distance between said second breakthrough portions is equal or shorter than the distance between said first breakthrough portions.
- the stiffness is helping the user to keep the chopsticks in an adequate position for eating and to separate them again after the release of a gripped food product. Accordingly, a suitable path for the gripping part of the chopsticks, between an initial position and an food gripping position, is achieved. Hence, this helps the user to grip the food and to keep the food between the chopsticks, without the need for the necessary dexterity.
- said distance between said second breakthrough portions is shorter than said distance between said first breakthrough portions.
- said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are equally distanced from said imaginary line.
- said two pairs of breakthrough portions are through holes.
- said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are interconnected to form one continuous breakthrough portion.
- said resilient connecting element is made of resilient plastic material.
- the resilient connecting element is provided with an improved back spring effect. Accordingly, the element will strive to achieve its initial position, when the resilient connecting element is assembled with the chopsticks and the assembly is used.
- the invention could be produced by for example punching at a very low price.
- said resilient connecting element is detachably connected to a food package.
- the resilient connecting element is easily available for the users.
- all of the chopstick users who are receiving the packages will also receive the resilient connecting element.
- the users that have a need for the resilient connecting element can have them close at hand.
- the users do not have to loose their face, since the users do not, for example, have to ask separately for the resilient connecting element.
- a connecting element easy and inexpensive to distribute such as to take-away restaurants and users, is achieved.
- An easy user's manual can also be printed on the packages, and therefore there is no need for extra or separate guidance.
- said resilient connecting element is integrated with said package suitable for food.
- the resilient connecting element is formed by the food package.
- the contour of said resilient connecting element is formed of an indication of fracture in said package suitable for food, whereby said connecting element can be broken out of said package.
- the chopstick arrangement comprises a resilient element and one pair of chopsticks which are resiliently connected together by means of said resilient element wherein said resilient element comprises a plate of flexible material, comprising two pairs of breakthrough portions of which each pair is penetrated by one of said chopsticks, wherein said resilient element is bent into an essentially U-shaped form, wherein one of the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions is arranged to be positioned at one side of the bend and the other one of the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions is positioned at the opposite side of said bend.
- the stiffness is helping the user to keep the chopsticks in an adequate position for eating and to separate them again after the release of a gripped food product. Accordingly, a suitable path for the gripping part of the chopsticks, between an initial position and an food gripping position, is achieved. Hence, this helps the user to grip the food and to keep the food between the chopsticks, without the need for the necessary dexterity.
- said resilient element is bent against the resiliency of its material into said essentially U-shaped form.
- the resilient element is bent against the resiliency of its material, the spring action in the element maintaining the desirable position of the chopsticks. Accordingly, the chopsticks are connected steadily to the resilient element and the chopstick arrangement will be more stable for the user.
- the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions that are positioned closest to an end of said chopsticks for gripping food have a larger distance in relation to one another than the distance between the other breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions, wherein said chopsticks diverge towards said ends for gripping food.
- Another aspect of the present invention is the use of a resilient connecting element in combination with chopsticks for eating food.
- FIG. 1 a is a front view showing a chopstick arrangement, when the chopsticks are in a food gripping position, according to the present invention
- FIG. 1 b is a side view showing a chopstick arrangement, when the chopsticks are in a initial position, according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 a is a front view showing a chopstick arrangement, when the chopsticks are in a food gripping position, according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 b is a side view showing a chopstick arrangement, when the chopsticks are in a food gripping position, according to the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing a resilient connecting element, according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate a chopstick arrangement 1 according to the present invention, when the chopsticks 3 are in a initial position.
- the chopstick arrangement 1 comprises a chopstick holder 2 and a pair of chopsticks 3 .
- the chopstick holder 2 exemplifies a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks 3 , according to the present invention.
- the chopstick holder comprises two pairs of holes, a first pair of holes 4 and 8 , and a second pair of holes 5 and 8 .
- Each pair of holes comprises a first hole, 4 and 5 , and a second hole 8 .
- the second hole 8 of each pair of holes is according to this embodiment interconnected to form one continuous hole 8 .
- FIG. 3 For a further description of the holes, consult FIG. 3 .
- the chopsticks 3 comprises two ends, the first end is the end for gripping food and the second end is the opposite end of the food gripping end.
- the chopstick holder 2 is assembled with the chopsticks 3 by way of inserting the food gripping end of one chopstick 3 , first through the ingoing hole 8 and then through the outgoing hole 5 , and as a second step inserting the food gripping end of the other chopstick 3 , first through the ingoing hole 8 and then through the outgoing hole 4 .
- the chopsticks are often conically formed.
- the diameter of the outgoing holes 4 , 5 is larger than the smallest diameter of the chopsticks 3 but smaller than the largest diameter of the chopsticks 3 .
- the user can adjust the distance between the ends for food gripping of the chopsticks 3 , and thereby also adjust the resistance which generates when operating the chopsticks 3 from the initial position to the food gripping position. Accordingly, it is easy for the user to adjust the chopstick arrangement 1 and thus the distance between the end for gripping of the chopsticks 3 , depending on what kind of food the user is eating and the size of the food.
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate a chopstick arrangement 1 according to the present invention, when the chopsticks 3 are in a food gripping position.
- the chopsticks 3 When the user is holding the chopsticks 3 in his or her hand 9 and pushes the chopsticks 3 towards each other from the initial position, the chopsticks 3 get into the gripping position.
- the distance between the ends for food gripping of the chopsticks 3 is smaller than in the initial position and thereby adjusted for gripping food.
- the chopstick holder 2 bends between the hole 5 and 4 and this creates a buckling deformation of the material.
- the outgoing holes 4 , 5 are compressed in their inner part, i.e. the part of the holes 4 , 5 that are located towards one another.
- the outer parts of the hole 8 are expanded, i.e. the parts facing away from one another.
- desirable stability of the movement of the chopsticks is created since the deformation of the material, i.e. the back spring effect of the holder 2 is at all times working to resume the initial position of the holder 2 and thereby of the chopsticks 3 .
- the distance between the ends for food gripping of the chopsticks 3 becomes larger again due to the back spring effect of the chopstick holder 2 .
- the chopsticks 3 are following the desirable path of motion and are still being stable in the hand 9 of the user.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the chopstick holder 2 with two pairs of holes 4 , 6 ; 5 , 7 .
- the second holes of each pair of holes constitute two separate holes 6 and 7 , instead of the single hole 8 according to the first embodiment.
- Each second hole 6 , 7 are ingoing holes, when inserting the ends for gripping food of the chopsticks 3 through the chopstick holder 2 .
- the first pair of holes 4 and 6 comprise a first hole 4 and a second hole 6 .
- the second pair of holes 5 , 7 comprise a first hole 5 and a second hole 7 .
- Each first holes 4 , 5 are outgoing holes, when inserting the ends for gripping food of the chopsticks 3 through the chopstick holder 2 .
- an imaginary, i.e. not visible line extends, with a length b.
- the second hole 6 is positioned at a distance c′ from the imaginary line.
- the second hole 7 is positioned at a distance c′′ from the imaginary line.
- Each second hole 6 , 7 is positioned at a unidirected distance perpendicularly from the imaginary line extending between each first hole 4 , 5 .
- the meaning of unidirected distance is, according to the present invention, that each second hole 6 , 7 , 8 lie on the same side of the above mentioned imaginary line.
- a distance a is the distance between the centres of the holes 6 and 7 .
- the distance a between the second holes 6 and 7 of each pair of holes is, according to this embodiment, shorter than the distance b between the holes 4 and 5 . Accordingly, the desirable angle between the chopsticks 3 is achieved, when assemble the chopstick holder 2 with the chopsticks 3 .
- the chopsticks 3 diverge towards the ends for gripping food.
- Chopsticks 3 have usually a length of 15-25 cm and they are preferably inserted in the chopstick holder 2 so as to provide an angle between the chopsticks 3 when assembled with the holder 2 that is 15°-25°.
- the chopstick holder shall be considered as a disposable article, i.e. a single use article that can be produced at low costs.
- the plate is preferably approximately 0.5-2 mm thick and the diameter of the round holder 2 is preferably 35-50 mm, with a suitable diameter of 40 mm in the preferred embodiment.
- the dimensions of the holder 2 is however dependent on the length of the chopsticks 3 and of the material used for the holder 2 . Any other outer contour than rounded may be used, for example that of a heart, in combination possibly with a colour of red for use at valentines day, to create a specific effect or reaction.
- the distance c′ and c′′ could be unequal in length.
- the distance a and b could be equal, positioning the chopsticks 3 in a parallel relationship to one another.
- the chopstick holder 2 could also be decorated in different ways.
- the hole 8 could be formed as a happy mouth and the holes 4 , 5 could represent eyes in a happy face. Accordingly, the invention is intended to not be considered as an aid for helping disabled persons, rather a humorous chopstick holder and the users would not have to loose their face when using it.
- the resilient connecting element can be attached to the food package by glue or adhesive tape.
- the breakthrough portions could have the cross sectional form of for example a triangle or a polygon.
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Abstract
At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks. The resilient connecting element includes a resilient flexible plate and two pairs of breakthrough portions, each pair of breakthrough portions including a first and a second breakthrough portion. Each second breakthrough portion is positioned at a unidirected distance perpendicularly from an imaginary line extending between each first breakthrough portion. The distance (a) between the second breakthrough portions is equal or shorter than the distance (b) between said first breakthrough portions. At least one embodiment of the present invention also relates to a chopstick arrangement including a resilient element and one pair of chopsticks and to the use of the resilient connecting element in combination with chopsticks for eating food.
Description
- The present invention relates to a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks. It furthermore relates to a chopstick arrangement comprising a resilient element and one pair of chopsticks which are resiliently connected together by means of said resilient element.
- Every day all over the world plenty of portions of Chinese food, Sushi an other oriental food are served at restaurants and take-aways. These kinds of food are often served and eaten with chopsticks, and it is common today even in the Western World to eat with chopsticks. But all people can not operate or use the chopsticks, especially when they are not yet used to it. The people in the Western World have instead been learning to eat with a fork and a knife. In this operation you are using both of your hands and therefore you do not need a very good dexterity. When you are using chopsticks, you have both chopsticks in the same hand and this operation does need a good dexterity. Therefore, some kind of device to facilitate or allow the use of chopsticks is sometimes desired, at least as a learning tool. Furthermore, in the Asian countries, where eating with chopsticks is an everyday occurrence, the younger people and children are beginners as well and have to learn to operate the chopsticks. Thus, in those situations, some kind of device to facilitate or allow the using of chopsticks, is desirable as well.
- Chopstick holders are previously known. These chopstick holders are often rather large devices and some of them tend to not give necessary stability to the chopsticks. In addition, known chopstick holders can often be considered as aids to disabled persons and can therefore also be considered as negative devices. Furthermore, some users find the chopstick holders to be complicated to assemble with the chopsticks, even necessitating an elaborate user's guide. In addition, today, it is not always easy for the users to get hold of a chopstick holder. However, it should be noted that it is important for users not to loose their face, especially when the user are sitting among strangers, such as at a restaurant. Therefore, a chopstick holder, easy to assemble and easy to use, is desirable. Accordingly, it is desirable that the chopstick holders are found where the needs are and it is desirable that the chopstick holders are not being considered as negative devices, such as only for disabled persons.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an improved resilient connecting element which at least partly eliminates at least some of the above mentioned problems.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, this and other objects are achieved by a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks, wherein said resilient connecting element comprises a resilient flexible plate and two pairs of breakthrough portions wherein each pair of breakthrough portions consist of a first and a second breakthrough portion, wherein each second breakthrough portion is positioned at a unidirected distance perpendicularly from an imaginary line extending between each first breakthrough portion, wherein the distance between said second breakthrough portions is equal or shorter than the distance between said first breakthrough portions. When the distance between said second breakthrough portions is equal to the distance between said first breakthrough portions, the chopsticks are in a parallel relationship to one another, when the resilient connecting element are assembled with the chopsticks. When the distance between said second breakthrough portions is shorter than the distance between said first breakthrough portions, a desirable angle between the chopsticks is achieved when the resilient connecting element is assembled with the chopsticks and the assembly is used. The combination of the resilient flexible plate and the position of the two pairs of breakthrough portions on the resilient flexible plate, through which breakthrough portions the chopsticks at usage are passed, will achieve a gripping action with the chopsticks to be more stable for the users, as well as provide the resilient connecting element to be easy to assemble with the chopsticks. The combination of the resilient flexible plate and the position of the two pairs of breakthrough portions also creates the desirable stiffness between the chopsticks, when they are used. The stiffness is helping the user to keep the chopsticks in an adequate position for eating and to separate them again after the release of a gripped food product. Accordingly, a suitable path for the gripping part of the chopsticks, between an initial position and an food gripping position, is achieved. Hence, this helps the user to grip the food and to keep the food between the chopsticks, without the need for the necessary dexterity.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, said distance between said second breakthrough portions is shorter than said distance between said first breakthrough portions.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are equally distanced from said imaginary line.
- Further, said two pairs of breakthrough portions are through holes.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are interconnected to form one continuous breakthrough portion. By providing a continuous breakthrough portion in this way, it will be easier for the users to assemble the chopsticks with the resilient connecting element, especially when the chopsticks are formed conically. By interconnection the two breakthrough portions this way, it is also possible to give the resilient connecting element a contour that resembles for example a happy face in order to limit the experience of using an aid for disabled.
- Preferably, said resilient connecting element is made of resilient plastic material. By using a resilient plastic material, the resilient connecting element is provided with an improved back spring effect. Accordingly, the element will strive to achieve its initial position, when the resilient connecting element is assembled with the chopsticks and the assembly is used. Furthermore, by using a resilient plastic material, the invention could be produced by for example punching at a very low price.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, said resilient connecting element is detachably connected to a food package. By providing the resilient connecting element in this way to a food package, the resilient connecting element is easily available for the users. Hence, all of the chopstick users who are receiving the packages, will also receive the resilient connecting element. Thus, the users that have a need for the resilient connecting element, can have them close at hand. Accordingly, the users do not have to loose their face, since the users do not, for example, have to ask separately for the resilient connecting element. Further on, a connecting element easy and inexpensive to distribute such as to take-away restaurants and users, is achieved. An easy user's manual can also be printed on the packages, and therefore there is no need for extra or separate guidance.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, said resilient connecting element is integrated with said package suitable for food. By providing the resilient connecting element in this way to a food package, the resilient connecting element is formed by the food package.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, the contour of said resilient connecting element is formed of an indication of fracture in said package suitable for food, whereby said connecting element can be broken out of said package. By providing the resilient connecting element in this way to a food package, the connecting element can be supplied to the users easily and naturally. Hence, the users can easily press the resilient connecting element out of the package, with no need for extra tools.
- According to another aspect of the present invention the chopstick arrangement comprises a resilient element and one pair of chopsticks which are resiliently connected together by means of said resilient element wherein said resilient element comprises a plate of flexible material, comprising two pairs of breakthrough portions of which each pair is penetrated by one of said chopsticks, wherein said resilient element is bent into an essentially U-shaped form, wherein one of the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions is arranged to be positioned at one side of the bend and the other one of the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions is positioned at the opposite side of said bend. By providing the chopstick arrangement in this way, a desirable angle between the chopsticks is achieved. Thus, the desirable stiffness between the chopsticks is created. The stiffness is helping the user to keep the chopsticks in an adequate position for eating and to separate them again after the release of a gripped food product. Accordingly, a suitable path for the gripping part of the chopsticks, between an initial position and an food gripping position, is achieved. Hence, this helps the user to grip the food and to keep the food between the chopsticks, without the need for the necessary dexterity.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, said resilient element is bent against the resiliency of its material into said essentially U-shaped form. When the resilient element is bent against the resiliency of its material, the spring action in the element maintaining the desirable position of the chopsticks. Accordingly, the chopsticks are connected steadily to the resilient element and the chopstick arrangement will be more stable for the user.
- According to an embodiment of the invention, the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions that are positioned closest to an end of said chopsticks for gripping food have a larger distance in relation to one another than the distance between the other breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions, wherein said chopsticks diverge towards said ends for gripping food. By providing the chopstick arrangement: in this way, a suitable and stable handle position for gripping pieces of food, is achieved.
- Another aspect of the present invention is the use of a resilient connecting element in combination with chopsticks for eating food.
- The invention will be described in the following in more detail by means of one embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
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FIG. 1 a is a front view showing a chopstick arrangement, when the chopsticks are in a food gripping position, according to the present invention -
FIG. 1 b is a side view showing a chopstick arrangement, when the chopsticks are in a initial position, according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 a is a front view showing a chopstick arrangement, when the chopsticks are in a food gripping position, according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 b is a side view showing a chopstick arrangement, when the chopsticks are in a food gripping position, according to the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing a resilient connecting element, according to the present invention. - A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in the following. The examples described should not be regarded as restricting but merely as illustrative examples.
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FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate achopstick arrangement 1 according to the present invention, when thechopsticks 3 are in a initial position. Thechopstick arrangement 1 comprises achopstick holder 2 and a pair ofchopsticks 3. Thechopstick holder 2 exemplifies a resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair ofchopsticks 3, according to the present invention. The chopstick holder comprises two pairs of holes, a first pair ofholes holes second hole 8. Thesecond hole 8 of each pair of holes is according to this embodiment interconnected to form onecontinuous hole 8. For a further description of the holes, consultFIG. 3 . Thechopsticks 3 comprises two ends, the first end is the end for gripping food and the second end is the opposite end of the food gripping end. Thechopstick holder 2 is assembled with thechopsticks 3 by way of inserting the food gripping end of onechopstick 3, first through theingoing hole 8 and then through theoutgoing hole 5, and as a second step inserting the food gripping end of theother chopstick 3, first through theingoing hole 8 and then through theoutgoing hole 4. The chopsticks are often conically formed. By providing thechopstick holder 2 according to this embodiment, it will be easy for the user to assemble thechopstick holder 2 with thechopsticks 3, since thehole 8 is larger than the cross sectional area of thechopstick 3. In the preferred embodiment the diameter of theoutgoing holes chopsticks 3 but smaller than the largest diameter of thechopsticks 3. This way a natural “stop” is created in order to help the user during the assembly to find a good position for thechopsticks 3 relative theholder 2. By choosing a suitable length which the food gripping ends of thechopsticks 3 are inserted in thechopstick holder 2, the user can adjust the distance between the ends for food gripping of thechopsticks 3, and thereby also adjust the resistance which generates when operating thechopsticks 3 from the initial position to the food gripping position. Accordingly, it is easy for the user to adjust thechopstick arrangement 1 and thus the distance between the end for gripping of thechopsticks 3, depending on what kind of food the user is eating and the size of the food. -
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate achopstick arrangement 1 according to the present invention, when thechopsticks 3 are in a food gripping position. When the user is holding thechopsticks 3 in his or herhand 9 and pushes thechopsticks 3 towards each other from the initial position, thechopsticks 3 get into the gripping position. Thus, the distance between the ends for food gripping of thechopsticks 3, is smaller than in the initial position and thereby adjusted for gripping food. During this operation, thechopstick holder 2 bends between thehole outgoing holes holes hole 8 are expanded, i.e. the parts facing away from one another. Thus, desirable stability of the movement of the chopsticks, is created since the deformation of the material, i.e. the back spring effect of theholder 2 is at all times working to resume the initial position of theholder 2 and thereby of thechopsticks 3. Then, when the user stops pushing thechopsticks 3 together, the distance between the ends for food gripping of thechopsticks 3 becomes larger again due to the back spring effect of thechopstick holder 2. During this operation, thechopsticks 3 are following the desirable path of motion and are still being stable in thehand 9 of the user. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of thechopstick holder 2 with two pairs ofholes separate holes single hole 8 according to the first embodiment. Eachsecond hole chopsticks 3 through thechopstick holder 2. The first pair ofholes first hole 4 and asecond hole 6. The second pair ofholes first hole 5 and asecond hole 7. Eachfirst holes chopsticks 3 through thechopstick holder 2. Between the centres of thefirst holes second hole 6 is positioned at a distance c′ from the imaginary line. Thesecond hole 7 is positioned at a distance c″ from the imaginary line. Eachsecond hole first hole second hole holes second holes holes chopsticks 3 is achieved, when assemble thechopstick holder 2 with thechopsticks 3. Thus, thechopsticks 3 diverge towards the ends for gripping food.Chopsticks 3 have usually a length of 15-25 cm and they are preferably inserted in thechopstick holder 2 so as to provide an angle between thechopsticks 3 when assembled with theholder 2 that is 15°-25°. The chopstick holder shall be considered as a disposable article, i.e. a single use article that can be produced at low costs. For this reason and to make an environmentally friendly product at the same time as giving theholder 2 above described characteristics, it is advantageous to produce it from a plastic material by injection moulding and by punching the contour out of a larger thin plate. The plate is preferably approximately 0.5-2 mm thick and the diameter of theround holder 2 is preferably 35-50 mm, with a suitable diameter of 40 mm in the preferred embodiment. The dimensions of theholder 2 is however dependent on the length of thechopsticks 3 and of the material used for theholder 2. Any other outer contour than rounded may be used, for example that of a heart, in combination possibly with a colour of red for use at valentines day, to create a specific effect or reaction. - The preferred embodiment described above is to be understood as exemplary only and the scope protection of the claims should not be limited by those teachings.
- There are many other embodiments that lie within the protection sought. As an example the distance c′ and c″ could be unequal in length. In addition, the distance a and b could be equal, positioning the
chopsticks 3 in a parallel relationship to one another. Furthermore, thechopstick holder 2 could also be decorated in different ways. For example, thehole 8 could be formed as a happy mouth and theholes
Claims (22)
1. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks, comprising:
a resilient flexible plate; and
two pairs of breakthrough portions, each pair of breakthrough portions including a first and a second breakthrough portion, each second breakthrough portion being positioned at a unidirected distance perpendicularly from an imaginary line extending between at least one first breakthrough portion, wherein a distance (a) between said second breakthrough portions is equal to or shorter than the distance (b) between said first breakthrough portions and wherein said second breakthrough portions are interconnected to form one continuous breakthrough portion.
2. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 1 , wherein said distance (a) between said second breakthrough portions is shorter than said distance (b) between said first breakthrough portions.
3. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 1 , wherein said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are equally distanced from said imaginary line.
4. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 1 , wherein said two pairs of breakthrough portions are through holes.
5. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 1 , wherein said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are interconnected to form one continuous breakthrough portion.
6. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 1 , wherein said resilient connecting element is made of resilient plastic material.
7. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 1 , wherein said resilient connecting element is detachably connected to a food package.
8. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 7 , wherein said resilient connecting element is integrated with said package suitable for food.
9. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 7 , wherein the contour of said resilient connecting element is formed of an indication of fracture in said package suitable for food, and whereby said connecting element can be broken out of said package.
10. Chopstick arrangement, comprising:
a resilient element; and
one pair of chopsticks, resiliently connected together by said resilient element, said resilient element including a plate of flexible material including two pairs of breakthrough portions, each pair of breakthrough portions being penetrated by one of said chopsticks, wherein said resilient element is bent into an essentially U-shaped form, wherein one of the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions is arranged to be positioned at one side of the bend and the other one of the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions is positioned at the opposite side of said bend and wherein one of said pairs of breakthrough portions is interconnected to form one continuous breakthrough portion.
11. Chopstick arrangement according to claim 10 , wherein said resilient element includes
a resilient flexible plate; and
two pairs of breakthrough portions, each pair of breakthrough portions including a first and a second breakthrough portion, each second breakthrough portion being positioned at a unidirected distance perpendicularly from an imaginary line extending between at least one first breakthrough portion, wherein a distance (a) between said second breakthrough portions is equal to or shorter than the distance (b) between said first breakthrough portions and wherein said second breakthrough portions are interconnected to form one continuous breakthrough portion.
12. Chopstick arrangement according to claim 10 , wherein said resilient element is bent against the resiliency of its material into said essentially U-shaped form.
13. Chopstick arrangement according to claim 10 , wherein the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions that are positioned closest to an end of said chopsticks for gripping food have a larger distance (b) in relation to one another than the distance (a) between the other breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions and wherein said chopsticks diverge towards said ends for gripping food.
14. A method, comprising:
using the resilient connecting element according to claim 1 in combination with chopsticks for eating food.
15. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 1 , wherein said second breakthrough portions form the outer portions of said one continuous breakthrough portion.
16. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 2 , wherein said distance (a) between said second breakthrough portions is shorter than said distance (b) between said first breakthrough portions.
17. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 15 , wherein said distance (a) between said second breakthrough portions is shorter than said distance (b) between said first breakthrough portions.
18. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 2 , wherein said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are equally distanced from said imaginary line.
19. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 15 , wherein said second breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions are equally distanced from said imaginary line.
20. Resilient connecting element for connecting together a pair of chopsticks according to claim 8 , wherein the contour of said resilient connecting element is formed of an indication of fracture in said package suitable for food, and whereby said connecting element can be broken out of said package.
21. Chopstick arrangement according to claim 11 , wherein said resilient element is bent against the resiliency of its material into said essentially U-shaped form.
22. Chopstick arrangement according to claim 11 , wherein the breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions that are positioned closest to an end of said chopsticks for gripping food have a larger distance (b) in relation to one another than the distance (a) between the other breakthrough portions of each pair of breakthrough portions and wherein said chopsticks diverge towards said ends for gripping food.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE2005/001037 WO2007004920A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2005-06-30 | Chopstick holder |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100164242A1 true US20100164242A1 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
Family
ID=37604691
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/922,138 Abandoned US20100164242A1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2005-06-30 | Chopstick Holder |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100164242A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1895877B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101212920B (en) |
AT (1) | ATE474479T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602005022501D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007004920A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8870254B2 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2014-10-28 | Edward E. Marshall, III | Chopsticks utensil |
CN107028461A (en) * | 2016-07-18 | 2017-08-11 | 金华职业技术学院 | A kind of throwaway chopsticks for carrying chopsticks support |
KR102366008B1 (en) * | 2021-04-05 | 2022-02-23 | 이승은 | Connector for chopsticks, disposable chopsticks using the same, and disposable chopsticks set using the same |
Citations (11)
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US3239262A (en) * | 1963-02-01 | 1966-03-08 | Rines Joseph | Chop-stick hinge |
US3280665A (en) * | 1966-04-08 | 1966-10-25 | Block Harold | Tweezers |
US3323825A (en) * | 1965-06-25 | 1967-06-06 | Thomas N Arima | Chopstick manipulator |
US3501191A (en) * | 1967-12-28 | 1970-03-17 | Leslie Darr | Tong sticks for use as chopsticks and the like |
US4199180A (en) * | 1978-05-10 | 1980-04-22 | Kelly Joe L | Resiliently biased implement holder |
US4768288A (en) * | 1986-08-25 | 1988-09-06 | World Tableware International, Inc. | Salad tongs |
WO1993003626A1 (en) * | 1991-08-19 | 1993-03-04 | Sjoedin Tore | Means for holding and manipulating a pair of chopsticks |
US5697659A (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 1997-12-16 | Calagui; Juanito | Eating utensil |
US6749239B2 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2004-06-15 | Joon T. Choi | Chopstick manipulator |
US20050085855A1 (en) * | 2003-10-17 | 2005-04-21 | Forsberg Andrew T. | Automatic suture locking device |
US20050082855A1 (en) * | 2003-08-01 | 2005-04-21 | Baxter Brent A. | Chopsticks fix - a holding and manipulation aid |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR2641592A1 (en) * | 1989-01-12 | 1990-07-13 | Ferrero Alexandre | Novel type of spring |
CN2100152U (en) * | 1991-07-27 | 1992-04-01 | 赵宗春 | Automatic resetting chopsticks |
CH690981A5 (en) * | 1996-05-22 | 2001-03-30 | Pierre Come | Holding device for chopsticks. |
JP2002229443A (en) | 2001-01-31 | 2002-08-14 | Motokichi Itou | Chopsticks practicing sheet |
FR2862361A1 (en) * | 2003-11-13 | 2005-05-20 | Distrib I | Spring for food product gripping tongs, has metallic strip with one end having slit which has clearance area placed opposite to free end of strip, where free end has lug sliding in area when spring is compressed to close tongs |
-
2005
- 2005-06-30 EP EP05755026A patent/EP1895877B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-06-30 AT AT05755026T patent/ATE474479T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-06-30 DE DE602005022501T patent/DE602005022501D1/en active Active
- 2005-06-30 CN CN200580050910XA patent/CN101212920B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-06-30 WO PCT/SE2005/001037 patent/WO2007004920A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-06-30 US US11/922,138 patent/US20100164242A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3239262A (en) * | 1963-02-01 | 1966-03-08 | Rines Joseph | Chop-stick hinge |
US3323825A (en) * | 1965-06-25 | 1967-06-06 | Thomas N Arima | Chopstick manipulator |
US3280665A (en) * | 1966-04-08 | 1966-10-25 | Block Harold | Tweezers |
US3501191A (en) * | 1967-12-28 | 1970-03-17 | Leslie Darr | Tong sticks for use as chopsticks and the like |
US4199180A (en) * | 1978-05-10 | 1980-04-22 | Kelly Joe L | Resiliently biased implement holder |
US4768288A (en) * | 1986-08-25 | 1988-09-06 | World Tableware International, Inc. | Salad tongs |
WO1993003626A1 (en) * | 1991-08-19 | 1993-03-04 | Sjoedin Tore | Means for holding and manipulating a pair of chopsticks |
US5697659A (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 1997-12-16 | Calagui; Juanito | Eating utensil |
US6749239B2 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2004-06-15 | Joon T. Choi | Chopstick manipulator |
US20050082855A1 (en) * | 2003-08-01 | 2005-04-21 | Baxter Brent A. | Chopsticks fix - a holding and manipulation aid |
US20050085855A1 (en) * | 2003-10-17 | 2005-04-21 | Forsberg Andrew T. | Automatic suture locking device |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8870254B2 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2014-10-28 | Edward E. Marshall, III | Chopsticks utensil |
CN107028461A (en) * | 2016-07-18 | 2017-08-11 | 金华职业技术学院 | A kind of throwaway chopsticks for carrying chopsticks support |
KR102366008B1 (en) * | 2021-04-05 | 2022-02-23 | 이승은 | Connector for chopsticks, disposable chopsticks using the same, and disposable chopsticks set using the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1895877A1 (en) | 2008-03-12 |
WO2007004920A1 (en) | 2007-01-11 |
CN101212920A (en) | 2008-07-02 |
CN101212920B (en) | 2012-06-06 |
ATE474479T1 (en) | 2010-08-15 |
DE602005022501D1 (en) | 2010-09-02 |
EP1895877B1 (en) | 2010-07-21 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CHOPSTICKFACE INTERNATIONAL AB,SWEDEN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BJORLUND, JOHN;REEL/FRAME:020298/0336 Effective date: 20071116 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |