US20110169286A1 - Chopstick retaining device - Google Patents
Chopstick retaining device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110169286A1 US20110169286A1 US12/986,245 US98624511A US2011169286A1 US 20110169286 A1 US20110169286 A1 US 20110169286A1 US 98624511 A US98624511 A US 98624511A US 2011169286 A1 US2011169286 A1 US 2011169286A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- casing
- chopstick
- retaining device
- resilient member
- passage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/10—Sugar tongs; Asparagus tongs; Other food tongs
- A47G21/103—Chop-sticks
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a chopstick retaining device, and more particularly to an auxiliary device to use chopsticks.
- chopsticks are an essential eating utensil. More and more foreign people like Chinese food. Foreign people are used to knives and forks. It is difficult for foreign people to learn using chopsticks in a short time. Besides, children and elders may have difficulty in using chopsticks. Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has devoted himself based on his many years of practical experiences to solve this problem.
- the primary object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device for insertion of two chopsticks, assisting the beginner in using the chopsticks with ease.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device, which not only assists in holding the chopsticks but also assures the hygiene of the chopsticks which are suspended, not in contact with the table.
- a chopstick retaining device to assist in holding chopsticks.
- the device comprises a casing and a resilient member disposed in the casing. Two sides of the resilient member relative to the casing form a first passage and a second passage to receive two chopsticks. Through the resilient member, one chopstick is pivoted to approach or to leave the other chopstick.
- the casing is composed of a first casing and a second casing.
- the first casing comprises a plurality of locking members on a lower end surface thereof.
- the second casing comprises a plurality of engaging members corresponding to the locking members. The locking members are engaged with the engaging members to connect the first casing with the second casing.
- the inner side of the second casing is provided with at least one pillar.
- the resilient member has a through hole for connection of the pillar.
- the resilient member is in an X-like shape and comprises two symmetrical first extension portions which are disposed at one side thereof, a second extension portion and a third extension portion which are disposed at an opposing side thereof.
- the second extension portion has a length shorter than that of the third extension portion.
- the third extension portion is curved and has elasticity.
- the second housing has an inner side provided with a first connection portion and a second connection portion.
- the inside of the first casing and the second casing relative to the two sides of the resilient member forms two passages to receive two chopsticks.
- the inner side of the second casing has a slide slot in a Z-like shape, and the slide slot is provided with a slide block.
- the slide block By the movement of the slide block to change the width of one passage, the position of the chopstick in the passage is limited.
- the slide block is used to control the resilient member in a curved state or in a restoring state.
- the chopstick retaining device further comprises a counterweight block on a rear edge of one end surface thereof.
- the counterweight block has a certain weight to assure that the two ends of the chopstick are suspended, not in contact with the table, providing a hygienic effect.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view to show movement of the slide block of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is another exploded view to show movement of the slide block of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view to show that the present invention is connected with chopsticks
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view to show that the present invention is connected with chopsticks and the slide block is moved;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the present invention when in use.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view to show that the present invention is provided with a counterweight block.
- a chopstick retaining device 1 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , a chopstick retaining device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a casing 2 and a resilient member 3 disposed in the casing 2 .
- the casing 2 is composed of a first casing 21 and a second casing 22 .
- the first casing 21 comprises a plurality of locking members 211 , 212 , 213 on a lower end surface thereof.
- the second casing 22 comprises a plurality of engaging members 221 , 222 , 223 corresponding to the locking members 211 , 212 , 213 .
- the second housing 22 has an inner side provided with a first connection portion 224 and a second connection portion 225 .
- the first connection portion 224 is located between the two second engaging members 221 and 222 .
- the second connection portion 225 is located between the two engaging members 222 and 223 .
- the inner side of the second casing 22 is provided with at least one pillar 226 .
- the resilient member 3 is made of a resilient material, which can restore its original shape.
- the resilient member 3 has a through hole 31 for connection of the pillar 226 .
- the resilient member 3 is in an X-like shape.
- the resilient member 3 comprises two symmetrical first extension portions 32 which are disposed at one side thereof, a second extension portion 33 and a third extension portion 34 which are disposed at an opposing side thereof.
- the second extension portion 33 has a length shorter than that of the third extension portion 34 .
- the third extension portion 34 is curved and has elasticity, providing a better restoring function.
- the space among the two first extension portions 32 , the engaging portion 222 and the first connection portion 224 is defined as a first passage 51 .
- the space among the second extension portion 33 , the third extension portion 34 , the engaging portion 223 and the second connection portion 225 is defined as a second passage 52 .
- the width of the second passage 52 is larger than that of the first passage 51 .
- the inner side of the second casing 22 has a slide slot 227 in a Z-like shape.
- the slide slot 227 is provided with a slide block 4 .
- the slide block 4 can be slid within the slide slot 227 , as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 .
- Two chopsticks 61 , 62 are inserted through the first passage 51 and the second passage 52 .
- the chopstick 61 located in the first passage 51 is confined by the two first extension portions 32 , the engaging portion 222 and the first connection portion 224 .
- the chopstick 61 is positioned in the first passage 51 .
- the chopstick 62 located in the second passage 52 is confined by the second extension portion 33 , the third extension portion 34 , the engaging portion 223 and the second connection portion 225 .
- the chopstick 62 is positioned in the second passage 52 .
- the third extension portion 34 has a curved design and the width of the second passage 52 is larger.
- the two chopsticks 61 , 62 are connected in the chopstick retaining device 1 , so they can be held with ease.
- the user just applies a force with his/her fingers to slightly push the front end of the chopstick 62 inward, the front end of the chopstick 62 will be pivoted toward the other chopstick 61 for clipping food.
- the user releases the chopstick 62 which is biased by the third extension portion 34 to its original position. It is very convenient to use the chopsticks.
- the chopstick retaining device 1 of the present invention has a function to hold the chopsticks.
- the slide block 4 in the slide slot 227 is moved to the position close to the third extension portion 34 , as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 , such that the chopstick 62 is held inward.
- the present invention can be used as a chopstick holder.
- the chopstick retaining device 1 of the present invention further comprises a counterweight block 7 .
- the counterweight block 7 can be disposed on an outer edge of the casing 2 or inside the casing 2 .
- the counterweight block 7 can be integrally formed with the casing 2 or connected to the casing 2 .
Abstract
A chopstick retaining device includes a casing and a resilient member disposed in the casing. Two sides of the resilient member relative to the casing form a first passage and a second passage to receive two chopsticks. Through the resilient member, one chopstick is pivoted to approach or to leave the other chopstick. The chopstick retaining device further includes a counterweight block to hold and suspend the chopsticks. The present invention can help the beginner to use the chopsticks with ease.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a chopstick retaining device, and more particularly to an auxiliary device to use chopsticks.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- In Chinese culture, chopsticks are an essential eating utensil. More and more foreign people like Chinese food. Foreign people are used to knives and forks. It is difficult for foreign people to learn using chopsticks in a short time. Besides, children and elders may have difficulty in using chopsticks. Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has devoted himself based on his many years of practical experiences to solve this problem.
- The primary object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device for insertion of two chopsticks, assisting the beginner in using the chopsticks with ease.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device, which not only assists in holding the chopsticks but also assures the hygiene of the chopsticks which are suspended, not in contact with the table.
- In order to achieve the aforesaid objects, there is provided a chopstick retaining device to assist in holding chopsticks. The device comprises a casing and a resilient member disposed in the casing. Two sides of the resilient member relative to the casing form a first passage and a second passage to receive two chopsticks. Through the resilient member, one chopstick is pivoted to approach or to leave the other chopstick.
- Preferably, the casing is composed of a first casing and a second casing. The first casing comprises a plurality of locking members on a lower end surface thereof. The second casing comprises a plurality of engaging members corresponding to the locking members. The locking members are engaged with the engaging members to connect the first casing with the second casing.
- Preferably, the inner side of the second casing is provided with at least one pillar. The resilient member has a through hole for connection of the pillar.
- Preferably, the resilient member is in an X-like shape and comprises two symmetrical first extension portions which are disposed at one side thereof, a second extension portion and a third extension portion which are disposed at an opposing side thereof. The second extension portion has a length shorter than that of the third extension portion. The third extension portion is curved and has elasticity.
- Preferably, the second housing has an inner side provided with a first connection portion and a second connection portion.
- Preferably, the inside of the first casing and the second casing relative to the two sides of the resilient member forms two passages to receive two chopsticks.
- Preferably, the inner side of the second casing has a slide slot in a Z-like shape, and the slide slot is provided with a slide block. By the movement of the slide block to change the width of one passage, the position of the chopstick in the passage is limited.
- Preferably, the slide block is used to control the resilient member in a curved state or in a restoring state.
- Preferably, the chopstick retaining device further comprises a counterweight block on a rear edge of one end surface thereof. When the chopstick retaining device with the chopstick is placed on a table, the counterweight block has a certain weight to assure that the two ends of the chopstick are suspended, not in contact with the table, providing a hygienic effect.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view to show movement of the slide block of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is another exploded view to show movement of the slide block of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view to show that the present invention is connected with chopsticks; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic view to show that the present invention is connected with chopsticks and the slide block is moved; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the present invention when in use; and -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view to show that the present invention is provided with a counterweight block. - Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , achopstick retaining device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises acasing 2 and aresilient member 3 disposed in thecasing 2. - The
casing 2 is composed of afirst casing 21 and asecond casing 22. Thefirst casing 21 comprises a plurality oflocking members second casing 22 comprises a plurality ofengaging members locking members locking members engaging members first casing 21 and thesecond casing 22 are connected together. Thesecond housing 22 has an inner side provided with afirst connection portion 224 and asecond connection portion 225. Thefirst connection portion 224 is located between the two secondengaging members second connection portion 225 is located between the twoengaging members second casing 22 is provided with at least onepillar 226. - The
resilient member 3 is made of a resilient material, which can restore its original shape. Theresilient member 3 has a throughhole 31 for connection of thepillar 226. Theresilient member 3 is in an X-like shape. Theresilient member 3 comprises two symmetricalfirst extension portions 32 which are disposed at one side thereof, asecond extension portion 33 and athird extension portion 34 which are disposed at an opposing side thereof. Thesecond extension portion 33 has a length shorter than that of thethird extension portion 34. Thethird extension portion 34 is curved and has elasticity, providing a better restoring function. - The space among the two
first extension portions 32, theengaging portion 222 and thefirst connection portion 224 is defined as afirst passage 51. The space among thesecond extension portion 33, thethird extension portion 34, theengaging portion 223 and thesecond connection portion 225 is defined as asecond passage 52. The width of thesecond passage 52 is larger than that of thefirst passage 51. - The inner side of the
second casing 22 has aslide slot 227 in a Z-like shape. Theslide slot 227 is provided with aslide block 4. Theslide block 4 can be slid within theslide slot 227, as shown inFIG. 3 andFIG. 4 . - Two
chopsticks first passage 51 and thesecond passage 52. Referring toFIG. 6 , thechopstick 61 located in thefirst passage 51 is confined by the twofirst extension portions 32, the engagingportion 222 and thefirst connection portion 224. Thechopstick 61 is positioned in thefirst passage 51. Thechopstick 62 located in thesecond passage 52 is confined by thesecond extension portion 33, thethird extension portion 34, the engagingportion 223 and thesecond connection portion 225. Thechopstick 62 is positioned in thesecond passage 52. Particularly, thethird extension portion 34 has a curved design and the width of thesecond passage 52 is larger. When thethird extension portion 34 is in contact with thechopstick 62, thethird extension portion 34 provides an elastic force to push thechopstick 62 outward. - The two
chopsticks chopstick retaining device 1, so they can be held with ease. The user just applies a force with his/her fingers to slightly push the front end of thechopstick 62 inward, the front end of thechopstick 62 will be pivoted toward theother chopstick 61 for clipping food. After the food is placed in the bowl or in the mouth, the user releases thechopstick 62 which is biased by thethird extension portion 34 to its original position. It is very convenient to use the chopsticks. - The
chopstick retaining device 1 of the present invention has a function to hold the chopsticks. Theslide block 4 in theslide slot 227 is moved to the position close to thethird extension portion 34, as shown inFIG. 3 andFIG. 6 , such that thechopstick 62 is held inward. Byprotrusions first casing 21 and thesecond casing 22, the present invention can be used as a chopstick holder. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , thechopstick retaining device 1 of the present invention further comprises acounterweight block 7. Thecounterweight block 7 can be disposed on an outer edge of thecasing 2 or inside thecasing 2. Thecounterweight block 7 can be integrally formed with thecasing 2 or connected to thecasing 2. When thechopstick retaining device 1 with thechopstick 62 is placed on a table, thecounterweight block 7 has a certain weight to assure that the two ends of the chopstick are suspended, not in contact with the table, providing a hygienic effect. - Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. A chopstick retaining device, comprising a casing and a resilient member disposed in the casing, two sides of the resilient member relative to the casing forming a first passage and a second passage to receive two chopsticks.
2. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first passage is used to position one of the two chopsticks and the second passage is used to position the other chopstick which is pivoted by the resilient member.
3. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the casing is composed of a first casing and a second casing; the first casing comprises a plurality of locking members on a lower end surface thereof; the second casing comprises a plurality of engaging members corresponding to the locking members; the locking members are engaged with the engaging members to connect the first casing with the second casing.
4. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the second housing has an inner side provided with a first connection portion and a second connection portion.
5. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the inner side of the second casing is provided with at least one pillar; and the resilient member has a through hole for connection of the pillar.
6. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the resilient member is in an X-like shape and comprises two symmetrical first extension portions which are disposed at one side thereof, a second extension portion and a third extension portion which are disposed at an opposing side thereof; the second extension portion has a length shorter than that of the third extension portion and the third extension portion is curved and has elasticity.
7. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the resilient member is made of a resilient material.
8. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the inner side of the second casing has a slide slot in a Z-like shape, and the slide slot is provided with a slide block.
9. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 3 , wherein outer sides of the first casing and the second casing are provided with protrusions.
10. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the slide block is used to control the resilient member in a curved state or in a restoring state.
11. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a counterweight block, wherein the counterweight block is disposed on an outer edge of the casing or inside the casing.
12. The chopstick retaining device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the counterweight block is integrally formed with the casing or connected to the casing.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TW099200419U TWM387487U (en) | 2010-01-11 | 2010-01-11 | Two-way chopsticks helper |
TW099200419 | 2010-01-11 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110169286A1 true US20110169286A1 (en) | 2011-07-14 |
Family
ID=44257969
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/986,245 Abandoned US20110169286A1 (en) | 2010-01-11 | 2011-01-07 | Chopstick retaining device |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110169286A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TWM387487U (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104023596A (en) * | 2011-12-20 | 2014-09-03 | 泽明创新工业有限公司 | Chopsticks |
US10136745B1 (en) | 2017-12-25 | 2018-11-27 | Vista Mountain Gear, Llc | Eating utensil |
WO2018235603A1 (en) * | 2017-06-22 | 2018-12-27 | コンビ株式会社 | Chopsticks and assistance tool for chopsticks |
US20220039579A1 (en) * | 2020-08-07 | 2022-02-10 | Ming-Tien Pai | Object disposing structure |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3323825A (en) * | 1965-06-25 | 1967-06-06 | Thomas N Arima | Chopstick manipulator |
US5810411A (en) * | 1997-10-14 | 1998-09-22 | Major; Mark L. | Training device for using chopsticks |
US6749239B2 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2004-06-15 | Joon T. Choi | Chopstick manipulator |
US7182378B2 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2007-02-27 | Combi Corporation | Assist tool for chopsticks |
US7520548B1 (en) * | 2007-10-08 | 2009-04-21 | Ming-Huang Liu | Chopsticks gripper |
-
2010
- 2010-01-11 TW TW099200419U patent/TWM387487U/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2011
- 2011-01-07 US US12/986,245 patent/US20110169286A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3323825A (en) * | 1965-06-25 | 1967-06-06 | Thomas N Arima | Chopstick manipulator |
US5810411A (en) * | 1997-10-14 | 1998-09-22 | Major; Mark L. | Training device for using chopsticks |
US6749239B2 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2004-06-15 | Joon T. Choi | Chopstick manipulator |
US7182378B2 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2007-02-27 | Combi Corporation | Assist tool for chopsticks |
US7520548B1 (en) * | 2007-10-08 | 2009-04-21 | Ming-Huang Liu | Chopsticks gripper |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104023596A (en) * | 2011-12-20 | 2014-09-03 | 泽明创新工业有限公司 | Chopsticks |
US20140367988A1 (en) * | 2011-12-20 | 2014-12-18 | Charming Innovative Industries Co., Limited | Chopsticks |
US9155411B2 (en) * | 2011-12-20 | 2015-10-13 | Chat Ming Woo | Chopsticks |
WO2018235603A1 (en) * | 2017-06-22 | 2018-12-27 | コンビ株式会社 | Chopsticks and assistance tool for chopsticks |
US10136745B1 (en) | 2017-12-25 | 2018-11-27 | Vista Mountain Gear, Llc | Eating utensil |
US20220039579A1 (en) * | 2020-08-07 | 2022-02-10 | Ming-Tien Pai | Object disposing structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TWM387487U (en) | 2010-09-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11253091B2 (en) | Spoon | |
US9155411B2 (en) | Chopsticks | |
US20110169286A1 (en) | Chopstick retaining device | |
US4576408A (en) | Chopstick holder | |
US20110003273A1 (en) | teaching aid for correct use of cutlery by children | |
USD474653S1 (en) | Elastomeric chopstick retaining device | |
US20100164242A1 (en) | Chopstick Holder | |
CN101090656A (en) | Chopsticks with embedded toothpicks | |
US20210212489A1 (en) | Chopsticks | |
JP5183813B1 (en) | Skewer food pusher | |
JP2017113346A (en) | Chopstick self-help tool combined with chopstick rest | |
KR101012813B1 (en) | A betterment type chopstics | |
JP2012095941A (en) | Eating/drinking tool | |
JP2017153732A (en) | Chopstick and connecting chopstick | |
KR200359789Y1 (en) | multipurpose chopsticks for publicity | |
KR20190050152A (en) | Chopsticks | |
KR100890777B1 (en) | Chopsticks for training | |
JP3212348U (en) | Chopstick rest and chopsticks self-help tool | |
KR200307040Y1 (en) | Pair of chopsticks | |
KR20110088863A (en) | A dining device of finger inserting type | |
KR20090009092U (en) | Learning chopsticks | |
KR200248506Y1 (en) | Learning chopsticks | |
KR200233449Y1 (en) | to useful chopsticks | |
JP3014437U (en) | Skewer | |
KR200329375Y1 (en) | Palm dish |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |