US20180360247A1 - Self-Elevating Chopsticks - Google Patents
Self-Elevating Chopsticks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180360247A1 US20180360247A1 US16/110,885 US201816110885A US2018360247A1 US 20180360247 A1 US20180360247 A1 US 20180360247A1 US 201816110885 A US201816110885 A US 201816110885A US 2018360247 A1 US2018360247 A1 US 2018360247A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- section
- chopstick
- eating
- component
- distal end
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- 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
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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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G2400/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A47G19/00-A47G23/16
- A47G2400/02—Hygiene
- A47G2400/025—Avoiding contact with unclean surfaces
Definitions
- Various embodiments described herein relate eating utensils.
- a pair of chopsticks are commonly used as eating utensils.
- Each chopstick commonly has two sections, one section for picking up food that can be referred to as an eating section and the other end for holding by a user that can be referred to as a handling section.
- the section for picking up food also the chopstick eating section, may become covered with bits of food or sauce.
- chopsticks may be placed flat on a horizontal surface, such as a tabletop commonly causing an area of the chopstick eating section to contact the horizontal surface.
- a user may rest or lean the chopsticks on a chopstick rest or other item to prevent undesired eating section contamination. It may be inconvenient and wasteful to employ a separate object to rest a chopstick.
- the present invention eliminates the need for a separate rest object.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified isometric diagram of a first embodiment of a chopstick in an exploded view positioned along a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 2 is a simplified isometric diagram of the first embodiment of a chopstick positioned along a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the first embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is a left side diagram of the first embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 5A is a simplified isometric diagram of a second embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 5B is a left side, isometric diagram of the second embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 5C is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the second embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 6A is a simplified isometric diagram of a third embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 6B is a left side, isometric diagram of the third embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 6C is a left side diagram of the third embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 7A is a simplified isometric diagram of a fourth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 7B is a left side, isometric diagram of the fourth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 7C is a left side diagram of the fourth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 8A is a simplified isometric diagram of a fifth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 8B is a left side, isometric diagram of the fifth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 8C is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the fifth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 9A is a simplified isometric diagram of a sixth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 9B is a left side, isometric diagram of the sixth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 9C is a left side diagram of the sixth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 10A is a simplified isometric diagram of a seventh embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 10B is a left side, isometric diagram of the seventh embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 10C is a left side diagram of the seventh embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 11A is a simplified isometric diagram of a eighth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 11B is a left side, isometric diagram of the eighth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 11C is a left side diagram of the eighth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 12A is a simplified isometric diagram of a ninth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 12B is a left side, isometric diagram of the ninth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 12C is a left side diagram of the ninth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 12D is a simplified isometric diagram of area AA of the ninth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments.
- chopsticks 1 , 1 A- 1 H of the present invention eliminates the previously described problems by providing an eating section self-elevating feature regardless of side placement of a handling section on a horizontal surface 32 (when a chopstick is rested by a User).
- a chopstick 1 , 1 A-H may have an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 , 18 A-H including a pivot point 17 , 17 A-H, an eating section 10 , 10 A-H on a left side of the pivot point 17 , 17 A-H, and a handling section 12 , 12 A-H on the right side of the pivot point 17 , 17 A-H.
- the pivot point 17 , 17 A-H may be partially in eating section 10 , 10 A-H or the handling section 12 , 12 A-H. Further in an embodiment, the mass of the handling section 12 , 12 A-H right of the pivot point 17 , 17 A-H may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 , 10 A-H left of the pivot point 17 , 17 A-H at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 12 , 12 A-H, 10 , 10 A-H). In such an embodiment, the eating section 10 , 10 A-H may remain and become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 , 1 A-H) elevated about a horizontal resting surface 32 when placed on the horizontal surface 32 .
- an area (or all) of a handling section 12 , 12 A-H of a chopstick 1 , 1 A-H in addition to the pivot point 17 , 17 A-H may contact a horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon by a User.
- a desired area (generally near the distal end 13 , 13 A-H) or all of the eating section 10 , 10 A-H may not contact the horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon, preventing or limiting contamination of the desired area (distal section of eating section) or all of the eating section 10 , 10 A-H and the horizontal surface 32 .
- the elevation of eating section 10 , 10 A-H may reduce the risk of bacteria or dirt from contacting the eating section 10 , 10 A-H, in particular the distal end 13 , 13 A- 13 H, which may come in contact with the user's mouth when in use.
- a chopstick's 1 , 1 A-H eating section 10 , 10 A-H length along the longitudinal axis 18 may be longer than the handling section 12 , 12 A-H length. In another embodiment, a chopstick's 1 , the handling section 12 , 12 A-H length along the axis 18 may be longer than or equal to the eating section 10 , 10 A-H length. In an embodiment, a chopstick's 1 , 1 A-H eating section 10 , 10 A-H length along the axis 18 may be slightly greater than the handling section 12 , 12 A-H length. In other embodiments the handling section 12 , 12 A-H length relative to the 1 A-H eating section 10 , 10 A-H length along the axis 18 may vary in order to be more ergonomically accommodating to different users.
- the eating section 10 , 10 A-H may be formed from a less dense (lower mass/area) material (the component 4 in FIG. 1 ) than the handling section 12 , 12 A-H material (the component 2 ).
- the eating section 10 , 10 A-H and the handling section 12 , 12 A-H may be formed from the same material but the eating section 10 , 10 A-H may be still have less mass than handling section 12 , 12 A-H due to physical differences between the sections.
- the eating section 10 , 10 A-H may include hollow regions ( 20 A, FIG. 5C ), fins ( 24 F, FIG. 10A ) or a reduced relative diameter ( FIG. 6A ) in an embodiment.
- any reference to direction or orientation is intended for convenience of description and is not intend in any way to limit the scope of the present invention.
- Terms such as “attached”, “connected” refer to a relationship wherein parts are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening parts wherein the parts may be removably or permanently coupled together in an embodiment.
- a chopstick 1 ( FIGS. 1-4 ) and 1 H ( FIGS. 12A-D ) may include multiple components 2 , 4 that are coupled to form the chopstick 1 , 1 H.
- Another chopstick 1 A- 1 G ( FIGS. 5A-11C ) may include a single component 3 A-G. It is noted that chopsticks 1 A- 1 G may also be formed from multiple components while still providing the desired eating section elevation or contamination protection.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified isometric diagram of a first embodiment of a multi-component chopstick 1 in an exploded view positioned along a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 2 is a simplified isometric diagram of the first embodiment of a multi-component chopstick 1 as assembled according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the first embodiment of a multi-component chopstick 1 according to various embodiments and
- FIG. 4 is a left side diagram of a system 30 including the first embodiment of a multi-component chopstick 1 resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- the chopstick 1 may include a first component 2 and a second component 4 that may be coupled together via a coupling mechanism 11 .
- the first component 2 and second component 4 when coupled as shown FIGS. 2-4 may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 of the chopstick.
- the chopstick's 1 elongated or longitudinal axis 18 may include an eating section 10 and a handling section 12 in an embodiment with a pivot point 17 formed there between due to the shape of chopstick's 1 eating section 10 and handling section 12 .
- the mass of the handling section 12 right of the pivot point 17 may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 left of the pivot point 17 at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 , 12 ).
- the eating section 10 may remain and become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 ) elevated about a horizontal resting surface 32 when placed on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the chopstick's 1 first component 2 may form the handling section 12 of the axis 18 and the second component 4 may form the eating section 10 of the axis 18 .
- the first component's 2 handling section 12 may include a proximal end 15 near the pivot point 17 and a distal end 16 .
- the second component's 4 eating section 10 may include a proximal end 14 near the pivot point 17 and a distal end 13 where the distal end 13 may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements.
- the first component's 2 handling section 12 may be tapered from the proximal end 15 near the pivot point 17 to the distal end 16 .
- the second component's 4 eating section 10 may be tapered from the proximal end 14 near the pivot point 17 to the distal end 13 .
- the respective tapering of the first component's 2 handling section 12 and the second component's 4 eating section 10 may form the pivot point 17 in an embodiment.
- the elongated tapered sides of the first component's 2 handling section 12 may be mirror images of each other and all elongated tapered sides of the second component's 4 eating section 10 may be mirror images of each other.
- the first component's 2 handling section 12 or of the second component's 4 eating section 10 may include undulations or inward indentations.
- the second component's 4 eating section 10 may be formed substantially of first material and the first component's 2 handling section 12 may be formed substantially of a second, different material.
- the second material may have a greater density than the first material.
- the second component's 4 eating section 10 and the first component's 2 handling section 12 may be formed substantially of same material or element.
- the first and second materials may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- first component's 2 handling section 12 and the second component's 4 eating section 10 may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- the chopstick 1 components 2 , 4 may each have four sides along the longitudinal axis 18 of the chopstick 1 .
- the first component's 2 handling section 12 may be securely coupled to the second component's 4 eating section 10 via a coupling mechanism.
- the coupling mechanism 11 may include a pin and the proximal ends of the first component's 2 handling section 12 and the second component's 4 eating section 10 may have holes or fenestrations sized to receive and hold the pin 11 in a secure and fixed position.
- the first component's 2 handling section 12 may be securely but removably coupled to the second component's 4 eating section 10 via a coupling mechanism 11 .
- the coupling mechanism 11 may include a threaded component and one or both of the first component's 2 handling section 12 and the second component's 4 eating section 10 may include a receiving, mating thread.
- Such a configuration may enable the first component's 2 handling section 12 to be securely and removably coupled to the second component's 4 eating section 10 .
- a User may be able to remove the second component's 4 eating section 10 from the chopstick 1 and replace it with another the second component's 4 eating section 10 while reusing the first component's 2 handling section 12 .
- FIG. 5A is a simplified isometric diagram of a second embodiment of a chopstick 1 A according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 5B is a left side, isometric diagram of a system 30 A including the second embodiment of a chopstick 1 A resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 5C is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the second embodiment of a chopstick 1 A according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 5A-C , the chopstick 1 A may include a single component 3 A.
- the single component may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 A of the chopstick 1 A.
- the chopstick's 1 A elongated or longitudinal axis 18 A may include an eating section 10 A and a handling section 12 A in an embodiment with a pivot point 17 A formed there between due to the shape of chopstick's 1 A eating section 10 A and handling section 12 A.
- the mass of the handling section 12 A right of the pivot point 17 A may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 A left of the pivot point 17 A at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 A, 12 A of the component 3 A).
- the eating section 10 A may remain and become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 A) elevated about a horizontal resting surface 32 when placed on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIG. 5B .
- the handling section 12 A may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 A and a distal end 16 A.
- the eating section 10 A may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 A and a distal end 13 A where the distal end 13 A may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements.
- the handling section 12 A may be tapered from the proximal end near the pivot point 17 A to its distal end 16 A.
- the eating section 10 A may be tapered from its proximal end near the pivot point 17 A to its distal end 13 A.
- the respective tapering of the handling section 12 A and the eating section 10 A may form the pivot point 17 A in an embodiment.
- the eating section 10 A and the handling section 12 A may be sections of a single component 3 A.
- the single component 3 A may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment.
- the single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- the chopstick 1 A components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made.
- the handling section 12 A and the eating section 10 A may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 A including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- a region of the eating section 10 A of the component 3 A may be hollow 20 A as shown in FIG. 5C .
- the handing section 12 A may not be hollow 22 A or include a smaller hollow region.
- the component 3 A eating section 10 A hollow region 20 A may enable the eating section 10 A mass to be less than the handling section 12 A mass, enabling at least a distal region 13 A of the component 3 A eating section 10 A to be elevated above a horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon.
- FIG. 6A is a simplified isometric diagram of a third embodiment of a chopstick 1 B according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 6B is a left side, isometric diagram of a system 30 B including the third embodiment of a chopstick 1 B resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 6C is a left side diagram of the third embodiment of a chopstick 1 B according to various embodiments.
- the chopstick 1 B may include a single component 3 B.
- the single component 3 B may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 B of the chopstick 1 B.
- the chopstick's 1 B elongated or longitudinal axis 18 B may include an eating section 10 B and a handling section 12 B in an embodiment with a pivot point 17 B formed on a proximal end of the handling section due to the shape of chopstick's 1 B eating section 10 B and handling section 12 B.
- the mass of the handling section 12 B right of the pivot point 17 B may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 B left of the pivot point 17 B at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 B, 12 B of the component 3 B).
- the mass differential may be due to the increased cross sectional diameter of the handling section 12 B relative to the cross-sectional diameter of the eating section 10 B as shown in FIGS. 6A-C .
- the eating section 10 B may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 B) and remain elevated on a horizontal surface 32 when placed on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIG. 6B .
- the handling section 12 B may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 B and a distal end 16 B.
- the eating section 10 B may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 B and a distal end 13 B where the distal end 13 B may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements.
- the handling section 12 B may be tapered from the proximal end near the pivot point 17 B to its distal end 16 B.
- the eating section 10 B may be tapered from its proximal end near the pivot point 17 B to its distal end 13 B.
- the handling section's 12 B larger cross sectional diameter relative to the eating section's 10 B cross sectional diameter may form the pivot point 17 B in an embodiment.
- the eating section 10 B and the handling section 12 B may be sections of a single component 3 B.
- the single component 3 B may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment.
- the single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- the chopstick 1 B components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made.
- the handling section 12 B and the eating section 10 B may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 B including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- a region of the eating section 10 B of the component 3 B may be hollow 20 B.
- the handing section 12 B may not be hollow or include a smaller hollow region.
- the component's 3 B eating section 10 B smaller cross sectional diameter may enable the eating section's 10 B mass to be less than the handling section's 12 B mass, enabling at least a distal region 13 B of the component's 3 B eating section 10 B to be elevated above a horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon.
- FIG. 7A is a simplified isometric diagram of a fourth embodiment of a chopstick 1 C according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 7B is a left side, isometric diagram of the fourth embodiment of a chopstick 1 C according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 7C is a left side diagram of a system 30 C including a fourth embodiment of a chopstick 1 C resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- the chopstick 1 C may include a single component 3 C.
- the single component 3 C may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 C of the chopstick 1 C.
- the chopstick's 1 C elongated or longitudinal axis 18 C may include an eating section 10 C and a handling section 12 C in an embodiment with a pivot point 17 C formed on a proximal end of the handling section 12 C due to the shape of chopstick's 1 C eating section 10 C and handling section 12 C.
- the mass of the handling section 12 C right of the pivot point 17 C may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 C left of the pivot point 17 C at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 C, 12 C of the component 3 C).
- the mass differential may be due to the increased effective cross sectional diameter of the handling section 12 C relative to the effective cross-sectional diameter of the eating section 10 C as shown in FIGS. 7A-C .
- the eating section 10 C may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 C) and remain elevated on a horizontal surface 32 when placed on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIG. 7C .
- the handling section 12 C may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 C and a distal end 16 C.
- the eating section 10 C may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 C and a distal end 13 C where the distal end 13 C may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements.
- the handling section 12 C may be tapered from the proximal end near the pivot point 17 C to its distal end 16 C and form a number of sides 26 C, four sides in an embodiment.
- the eating section 10 C may be tapered from its proximal end near the pivot point 17 C to its distal end 13 C and form a number of sides 24 C, four sides in an embodiment.
- the handling section's 12 C larger effective cross sectional diameter relative to the eating section's 10 C effective cross sectional diameter may form the pivot point 17 C in an embodiment.
- the eating section 10 C and the handling section 12 C may be sections of a single component 3 C.
- the single component 3 C may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment.
- the single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- the chopstick 1 C components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made.
- the handling section 12 C and the eating section 10 C may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 C including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- a region of the eating section 10 C of the component 3 C may be hollow.
- the handing section 12 C may not be hollow or include a smaller hollow region.
- the component's 3 C eating section 10 C smaller effective cross sectional diameter may cause the eating section's 10 C mass to be less than the handling section 12 C mass, enabling the at least a distal region 13 C of component's 3 C eating section 10 C to be elevated above a horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon.
- FIG. 8A is a simplified isometric diagram of a fifth embodiment of a chopstick 1 D according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 8B is a left side, isometric diagram of a system 30 D including the fifth embodiment of a chopstick 1 D resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 8C is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the fifth embodiment of a chopstick 1 D according to various embodiments.
- the chopstick 1 D may include a single component 3 D in an embodiment.
- the single component 3 D may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 D of the chopstick 1 D.
- the chopstick's 1 D elongated or longitudinal axis 18 D may include an eating section 10 D and a handling section 12 D in an embodiment with a pivot point 17 D formed in a proximal section of the handling section 12 D due to the shape of chopstick's 1 D eating section 10 D and handling section 12 D.
- the mass of the handling section 12 D right of the pivot point 17 D may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 D left of the pivot point 17 D at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 D, 12 D of the component 3 D).
- the mass differential may be due to the increased effective cross sectional diameter of the handling section 12 D relative to the effective cross-sectional diameter of the eating section 10 D as shown in FIGS. 8A-C .
- the eating section 10 D may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 D) and remain elevated on a horizontal surface 32 when placed or rested on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIG. 8B .
- the handling section 12 D may include a proximal section forming the pivot point 17 D and a distal end 16 D.
- the eating section 10 D may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 D and a distal end 13 D where the distal end 13 D may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements.
- the handling section 12 D may be first tapered from the proximal section pivot point 17 D to its distal end 16 C and second tapered from the pivot point 17 D to its intersection with the eating section 10 D proximal end in an embodiment. Such a configuration may make the handling section 12 D more comfortable to be held by a User.
- the eating section 10 D may be tapered from its proximal end near the handling section's 12 D second taper to its distal end 13 D.
- the handling section's 12 D larger effective cross sectional diameter relative to the eating section's 10 D effective cross sectional diameter and the handling section's 12 D second taper may form the pivot point 17 D in an embodiment.
- the eating section 10 D and the handling section 12 D may be sections of a single component 3 D.
- the single component 3 D may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment.
- the single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- the chopstick 1 D components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made.
- the handling section 12 D and the eating section 10 D may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 D including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- a region of the eating section 10 D of the component 3 D may be hollow 20 D.
- the handing section 12 D may not be hollow or include a smaller hollow region 22 D.
- the component's 3 D eating section 10 D smaller effective cross sectional diameter may cause the eating section's 10 D mass to be less than the handling section 12 D mass, enabling at least a distal region 13 D of the component's 3 D eating section 10 D to be elevated above a horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon.
- FIG. 9A is a simplified isometric diagram of a sixth embodiment of a chopstick 1 E according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 9B is a left side, isometric diagram of a system 30 E including the sixth embodiment of a chopstick 1 E resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 9C is a left side diagram of a system 30 E including the sixth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- the chopstick 1 E may include a single component 3 E in an embodiment.
- the single component 3 E may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 E of the chopstick 1 E.
- the chopstick's 1 E elongated or longitudinal axis 18 E may include an eating section 10 E, a pivot point 17 E, and a handling section 12 E in an embodiment where the pivot point 17 E is located between the eating section 10 E and the handling section 12 E.
- the mass of the handling section 12 E right of the pivot point 17 E may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 E left of the pivot point 17 E at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 E, 12 E of the component 3 E).
- the eating section 10 E may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 E) and remain elevated on a horizontal surface 32 when placed or rested on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C .
- the handling section 12 D may include a proximal section adjacent the pivot point 17 E and a distal end 16 E.
- the eating section 10 E may include a proximal end adjacent the pivot point 17 E and a distal end 13 E where the distal end 13 E may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements.
- the handling section 12 E may be tapered from its proximal section to its distal end 16 E and form a plurality of sides 26 E, including four sides 26 E in an embodiment.
- the pivot point 17 E may have a greater effective diameter than the effective diameters of the eating section 10 E and handling section 12 E.
- the pivot point 17 E may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 E including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- the eating section 10 E may be tapered from its proximal end adjacent the pivot point 17 E to its distal end 13 E and form a plurality of sides 24 E, including four sides 24 E in an embodiment.
- the handling section's 12 E effective cross sectional diameter may be the same is similar to the eating section's 10 E effective cross sectional diameter.
- the eating section 10 E, the pivot point 17 E, and the handling section 12 E may be sections of a single component 3 E.
- the single component 3 E may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment.
- the single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- the chopstick 1 E components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made.
- the handling section 12 E and the eating section 10 E may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 E including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- a region of the eating section 10 E of the component 3 E may be hollow.
- the handing section 12 E may not be hollow or include a smaller hollow region.
- the eating section's 10 E lower mass relative to the handling section's 12 E mass may enable at least a distal region 13 E of the component's 3 E eating section 10 E to be elevated above a horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon.
- FIG. 10A is a simplified isometric diagram of a seventh embodiment of a chopstick 1 F according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 10B is a left side, isometric diagram of the seventh embodiment of a chopstick 1 F according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 10C is a left side diagram of a system 30 F including the seventh embodiment of a chopstick 1 F resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- the chopstick 1 F may include a single component 3 F in an embodiment.
- the single component 3 F may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 F of the chopstick 1 F.
- the chopstick's 1 F elongated or longitudinal axis 18 F may include an eating section 10 F and a handling section 12 F in an embodiment where the pivot point 17 F is located between the eating section 10 F and the handling section 12 F.
- the mass of the handling section 12 F right of the pivot point 17 F may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 F left of the pivot point 17 F at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 F, 12 F of the component 3 F).
- the eating section 10 F may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 F) and remain elevated on a horizontal surface 32 when placed or rested on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIG. 10C .
- the handling section 12 E may include a proximal section at the pivot point 17 F and a distal end 16 F.
- the eating section 10 F may include a proximal end at the pivot point 17 F and a distal end 13 F where the distal end 13 F may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements.
- the handling section 12 F may be tapered from its proximal section to its distal end 16 F and form a plurality of sides 26 F, including four sides 26 F in an embodiment.
- the eating section 10 F may be tapered from its proximal end at the pivot point 17 F to its distal end 13 F and form a plurality of fins 24 F, including four fins 24 F in an embodiment.
- the handling section's 12 F effective cross sectional diameter may be the same is similar to the eating section's 10 F effective cross sectional diameter.
- the eating section 10 F and the handling section 12 F may be sections of a single component 3 F.
- the single component 3 F may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment.
- the single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- the chopstick 1 F components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made.
- the handling section 12 F and the eating section 10 F may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 F including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- the eating section 10 F may have a plurality of fins 24 F having a lower mass than sides 26 F of the handling section 12 F.
- the eating section's 10 E lower mass relative to the handling section's 12 F mass due to the fins 24 F may enable at least a distal region 13 F of the component's 3 F eating section 10 F to be elevated above a horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon.
- FIG. 11A is a simplified isometric diagram of a eighth embodiment of a chopstick 1 G according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 11B is a left side, isometric diagram of the eighth embodiment of a chopstick 1 G according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 11C is a left side diagram of a system 30 G including the eighth embodiment of a chopstick 1 G resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments.
- the chopstick 1 G may include a single component 3 F in an embodiment.
- the single component 3 G may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 G of the chopstick 1 G.
- the chopstick's 1 G elongated or longitudinal axis 18 G may include an eating section 10 G and a handling section 12 G in an embodiment where the pivot point 17 G is located between the eating section 10 G and the handling section 12 F.
- the mass of the handling section 12 G right of the pivot point 17 G may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 G left of the pivot point 17 G at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 G, 12 G of the component 3 G).
- the eating section 10 G may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 G) and remain elevated on a horizontal surface 32 when placed or rested on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIG. 11C .
- the handling section 12 F may include a proximal section at the pivot point 17 G and a distal end 16 G.
- the eating section 10 G may include a proximal end at the pivot point 17 G and a distal end 13 G.
- the eating section 10 G distal end 13 G may include a different enclosed region 25 G along the longitudinal axis 18 G than the remainder of the eating section 10 G.
- the eating section 10 G may include a plurality of fins 24 G extending from its proximal end to its distal end 13 G enclosed region 25 G.
- the distal enclosed region 25 G may include enclose the fins 24 G to form side walls or other shapes to make it easier for a User to grip food or other elements versus fins 24 G extending to the distal end 13 G as in chopstick 1 F.
- the handling section 12 G may be tapered from its proximal section to its distal end 16 G and form a plurality of sides 26 G, including four sides 26 G in an embodiment.
- the eating section 10 G may be tapered from its proximal end at the pivot point 17 G to its distal end 13 F and form a plurality of fins 24 G, including four fins 24 G in an embodiment up to its distal end 13 G enclosed region 25 G.
- the handling section's 12 G effective cross sectional diameter may be the same is similar to the eating section's 10 G effective cross sectional diameter.
- the eating section 10 G and the handling section 12 G may be sections of a single component 3 G.
- the single component 3 G may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment.
- the single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- the chopstick 1 G components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made.
- the handling section 12 G and the eating section 10 G may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 G including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- the eating section 10 G may have a plurality of fins 24 G having a lower mass than sides 26 G of the handling section 12 G.
- the eating section's 10 G lower mass relative to the handling section's 12 G mass due to the fins 24 G may enable at least the distal enclosed region 25 G of the component's 3 G eating section 10 G to be elevated above a horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon.
- FIG. 12A is a simplified isometric diagram of a ninth embodiment of a chopstick 1 H according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 12B is a left side, isometric diagram of the ninth embodiment of a chopstick 1 H according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 12C is a left side diagram of a system 30 H including the ninth embodiment of a chopstick 1 H resting on a horizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 12D is a simplified isometric diagram of area AA of the ninth embodiment of a chopstick 1 H according to various embodiments.
- the chopstick 1 H may include a first component 2 H and a second component 4 H that may be coupled together via elements 27 H and 25 H of the first component 2 H and a second component 4 H, respectively.
- the first component 2 and second component 4 when coupled as shown FIGS. 12A-D may extend along an elongated or longitudinal axis 18 H of the chopstick.
- the chopstick's 1 H elongated or longitudinal axis 18 H may include an eating section 10 H and a handling section 12 H in an embodiment with a pivot point 17 H formed there between due to the shape of elements 27 H and 25 H of the first component 2 H and a second component 4 H.
- the mass of the handling section 12 H right of the pivot point 17 H may be greater than the mass of the eating section 10 H left of the pivot point 17 H at all times (mass is fixed in both sections 10 H, 12 H).
- At least a region of the distal end 13 H of the eating section 10 H may remain and become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1 H) elevated about a horizontal resting surface 32 when placed on the horizontal surface 32 as shown in FIG. 12C .
- the chopstick's 1 H first component 2 H may include the handling section 12 H of the longitudinal axis 18 H and the second component 4 may include the eating section 10 H of the longitudinal axis 18 H.
- the first component's 2 H handling section 12 H may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 H and a distal end 16 H.
- the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H may include a proximal end near the pivot point 17 H and a distal end 13 H where the distal end 13 H may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements.
- the first component's 2 H handling section 12 H may be tapered from its proximal end near the pivot point 17 H to its distal end 16 H and form a plurality of surfaces 26 H, including four surfaces 26 H in an embodiment.
- the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H may be tapered from its proximal end near the pivot point 17 H to its distal end 13 H and form a plurality of surfaces 26 H, including four surfaces 26 H in an embodiment.
- the elongated tapered sides 26 H of the first component's 2 H handling section 12 H may be mirror images of each other and all elongated tapered sides 24 H of the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H may be mirror images of each other.
- the first component's 2 H handling section 12 H or of the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H may include undulations or inward indentations.
- the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H may be formed substantially of first material and the first component's 2 H handling section 12 H may be formed substantially of a second, different material.
- the second material may have a greater density than the first material.
- the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H and the first component's 2 H handling section 12 H may be formed substantially of same material or element.
- the first and second materials may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others).
- first component's 2 H handling section 12 H and the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H may have various cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis 18 H including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon.
- first component's 2 H handling section 12 H may be securely and removably coupled to the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H via the elements 27 H and 25 H of the first component 2 H and a second component 4 H, respectively.
- the first component's 2 H elements 27 H may be sized and shaped to securely (and releaseably in an embodiment) snap over or engage a section of the second component's 4 H distal end including the elements 25 H.
- the first component 2 H may include a plurality of the elements 27 H including one on each side 26 H in an embodiment and further including four elements 27 H in an embodiment.
- Such a configuration may enable the first component's 2 H handling section 12 H to be securely and removably coupled to the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H.
- a User may be able to remove the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H from the chopstick 1 H and replace it with another the second component's 4 H eating section 10 H while reusing the first component's 2 H handling section 12 H.
- inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed.
- inventive concept any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.
- This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
Abstract
An eating utensil including a chopsticks 1, 1A-1H that includes a self-elevating eating section 10, 10A-H feature regardless of placement of a handling section 12, 12A-12H on a horizontal surface 32 (when a chopstick is rested by a User). Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of the application entitled “Gravity Chopstick”, assigned application Ser. No. 14/991,837, filed Jan. 9, 2016, which is incorporated by reference.
- Various embodiments described herein relate eating utensils.
- A pair of chopsticks are commonly used as eating utensils. Each chopstick commonly has two sections, one section for picking up food that can be referred to as an eating section and the other end for holding by a user that can be referred to as a handling section. In use the section for picking up food, also the chopstick eating section, may become covered with bits of food or sauce. When not in use, chopsticks may be placed flat on a horizontal surface, such as a tabletop commonly causing an area of the chopstick eating section to contact the horizontal surface. To avoid contaminating a chopstick eating section or a selected horizontal resting surface area (i.e. table), a user may rest or lean the chopsticks on a chopstick rest or other item to prevent undesired eating section contamination. It may be inconvenient and wasteful to employ a separate object to rest a chopstick. The present invention eliminates the need for a separate rest object.
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FIG. 1 is a simplified isometric diagram of a first embodiment of a chopstick in an exploded view positioned along a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 2 is a simplified isometric diagram of the first embodiment of a chopstick positioned along a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the first embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 4 is a left side diagram of the first embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 5A is a simplified isometric diagram of a second embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 5B is a left side, isometric diagram of the second embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 5C is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the second embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 6A is a simplified isometric diagram of a third embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 6B is a left side, isometric diagram of the third embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 6C is a left side diagram of the third embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 7A is a simplified isometric diagram of a fourth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 7B is a left side, isometric diagram of the fourth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 7C is a left side diagram of the fourth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 8A is a simplified isometric diagram of a fifth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 8B is a left side, isometric diagram of the fifth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 8C is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the fifth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 9A is a simplified isometric diagram of a sixth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 9B is a left side, isometric diagram of the sixth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 9C is a left side diagram of the sixth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 10A is a simplified isometric diagram of a seventh embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 10B is a left side, isometric diagram of the seventh embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 10C is a left side diagram of the seventh embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 11A is a simplified isometric diagram of a eighth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 11B is a left side, isometric diagram of the eighth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 11C is a left side diagram of the eighth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 12A is a simplified isometric diagram of a ninth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 12B is a left side, isometric diagram of the ninth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 12C is a left side diagram of the ninth embodiment of a chopstick resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 12D is a simplified isometric diagram of area AA of the ninth embodiment of a chopstick according to various embodiments. - The embodiments of
chopsticks 1, 1A-1H of the present invention eliminates the previously described problems by providing an eating section self-elevating feature regardless of side placement of a handling section on a horizontal surface 32 (when a chopstick is rested by a User). In an embodiment, achopstick 1, 1A-H may have an elongated orlongitudinal axis pivot point section pivot point handling section pivot point - In an embodiment, the
pivot point section handling section handling section pivot point section pivot point sections section chopstick 1, 1A-H) elevated about ahorizontal resting surface 32 when placed on thehorizontal surface 32. - In particular due to the mass differential between a
handling section section handling section chopstick 1, 1A-H in addition to thepivot point horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon by a User. A desired area (generally near thedistal end 13, 13A-H) or all of the eatingsection horizontal surface 32 when placed thereon, preventing or limiting contamination of the desired area (distal section of eating section) or all of the eatingsection horizontal surface 32. The elevation of eatingsection section distal end 13, 13A-13H, which may come in contact with the user's mouth when in use. - In an embodiment, a chopstick's 1, 1A-
H eating section longitudinal axis 18 may be longer than thehandling section handling section axis 18 may be longer than or equal to theeating section H eating section axis 18 may be slightly greater than thehandling section handling section H eating section axis 18 may vary in order to be more ergonomically accommodating to different users. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 1A -H and described below in an embodiment, the eatingsection component 4 inFIG. 1 ) than thehandling section section handling section eating section handling section section FIG. 5C ), fins (24F,FIG. 10A ) or a reduced relative diameter (FIG. 6A ) in an embodiment. - In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended for convenience of description and is not intend in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Terms such as “attached”, “connected” refer to a relationship wherein parts are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening parts wherein the parts may be removably or permanently coupled together in an embodiment.
- Features and benefits of the invention are not be limited to the exemplary embodiments nor the scope of the invention being defined by the claims stated herein. In an embodiment, a chopstick 1 (
FIGS. 1-4 ) and 1H (FIGS. 12A-D ) may includemultiple components chopstick 1, 1H. Anotherchopstick 1A-1G (FIGS. 5A-11C ) may include asingle component 3A-G. It is noted thatchopsticks 1A-1G may also be formed from multiple components while still providing the desired eating section elevation or contamination protection. -
FIG. 1 is a simplified isometric diagram of a first embodiment of a multi-component chopstick 1 in an exploded view positioned along a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system according to various embodiments.FIG. 2 is a simplified isometric diagram of the first embodiment of a multi-component chopstick 1 as assembled according to various embodiments.FIG. 3 is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the first embodiment of a multi-component chopstick 1 according to various embodiments andFIG. 4 is a left side diagram of asystem 30 including the first embodiment of a multi-component chopstick 1 resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 1-4 , the chopstick 1 may include afirst component 2 and asecond component 4 that may be coupled together via a coupling mechanism 11. - In an embodiment, the
first component 2 andsecond component 4 when coupled as shownFIGS. 2-4 , may extend along an elongated orlongitudinal axis 18 of the chopstick. The chopstick's 1 elongated orlongitudinal axis 18 may include aneating section 10 and ahandling section 12 in an embodiment with apivot point 17 formed there between due to the shape of chopstick's 1eating section 10 andhandling section 12. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12 right of thepivot point 17 may be greater than the mass of the eatingsection 10 left of thepivot point 17 at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections 10, 12). In such an embodiment, the eatingsection 10 may remain and become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting on chopstick 1) elevated about ahorizontal resting surface 32 when placed on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIG. 4 . - As shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , the chopstick's 1first component 2 may form thehandling section 12 of theaxis 18 and thesecond component 4 may form theeating section 10 of theaxis 18. The first component's 2handling section 12 may include a proximal end 15 near thepivot point 17 and a distal end 16. Similarly, the second component's 4eating section 10 may include a proximal end 14 near thepivot point 17 and a distal end 13 where the distal end 13 may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements. As shown inFIGS. 1-4 , the first component's 2handling section 12 may be tapered from the proximal end 15 near thepivot point 17 to the distal end 16. - Similarly, the second component's 4
eating section 10 may be tapered from the proximal end 14 near thepivot point 17 to the distal end 13. The respective tapering of the first component's 2handling section 12 and the second component's 4eating section 10 may form thepivot point 17 in an embodiment. In an embodiment the elongated tapered sides of the first component's 2handling section 12 may be mirror images of each other and all elongated tapered sides of the second component's 4eating section 10 may be mirror images of each other. In addition, the first component's 2handling section 12 or of the second component's 4eating section 10 may include undulations or inward indentations. - In an embodiment, the second component's 4
eating section 10 may be formed substantially of first material and the first component's 2handling section 12 may be formed substantially of a second, different material. The second material may have a greater density than the first material. In another embodiment, the second component's 4eating section 10 and the first component's 2handling section 12 may be formed substantially of same material or element. In an embodiment, the first and second materials may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). - In an embodiment, the first component's 2
handling section 12 and the second component's 4eating section 10 may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18 including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. In an embodiment, the chopstick 1components 2, 4 (eating section/handling section) may each have four sides along thelongitudinal axis 18 of the chopstick 1. In an embodiment, the first component's 2handling section 12 may be securely coupled to the second component's 4eating section 10 via a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism 11 may include a pin and the proximal ends of the first component's 2handling section 12 and the second component's 4eating section 10 may have holes or fenestrations sized to receive and hold the pin 11 in a secure and fixed position. - In another embodiment, the first component's 2
handling section 12 may be securely but removably coupled to the second component's 4eating section 10 via a coupling mechanism 11. The coupling mechanism 11 may include a threaded component and one or both of the first component's 2handling section 12 and the second component's 4eating section 10 may include a receiving, mating thread. Such a configuration may enable the first component's 2handling section 12 to be securely and removably coupled to the second component's 4eating section 10. In such an embodiment, a User may be able to remove the second component's 4eating section 10 from the chopstick 1 and replace it with another the second component's 4eating section 10 while reusing the first component's 2handling section 12. -
FIG. 5A is a simplified isometric diagram of a second embodiment of achopstick 1A according to various embodiments.FIG. 5B is a left side, isometric diagram of asystem 30A including the second embodiment of achopstick 1A resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.FIG. 5C is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the second embodiment of achopstick 1A according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 5A-C , thechopstick 1A may include asingle component 3A. - In an embodiment, the single component may extend along an elongated or
longitudinal axis 18A of thechopstick 1A. The chopstick's 1A elongated orlongitudinal axis 18A may include aneating section 10A and ahandling section 12A in an embodiment with apivot point 17A formed there between due to the shape of chopstick's1 A eating section 10A andhandling section 12A. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12A right of thepivot point 17A may be greater than the mass of theeating section 10A left of thepivot point 17A at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections component 3A). In such an embodiment, theeating section 10A may remain and become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting onchopstick 1A) elevated about ahorizontal resting surface 32 when placed on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIG. 5B . - The
handling section 12A may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17A and adistal end 16A. Similarly, theeating section 10A may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17A and adistal end 13A where thedistal end 13A may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements. As shown inFIGS. 5A-5C , thehandling section 12A may be tapered from the proximal end near thepivot point 17A to itsdistal end 16A. - Similarly, the
eating section 10A may be tapered from its proximal end near thepivot point 17A to itsdistal end 13A. The respective tapering of thehandling section 12A and theeating section 10A may form thepivot point 17A in an embodiment. As noted, theeating section 10A and thehandling section 12A may be sections of asingle component 3A. Thesingle component 3A may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment. The single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). In an embodiment, thechopstick 1A components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made. - In an embodiment, the
handling section 12A and theeating section 10A may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18A including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. In an embodiment, a region of theeating section 10A of thecomponent 3A may be hollow 20A as shown inFIG. 5C . Thehanding section 12A may not be hollow 22A or include a smaller hollow region. Thecomponent 3 A eating section 10Ahollow region 20A may enable theeating section 10A mass to be less than thehandling section 12A mass, enabling at least adistal region 13A of thecomponent 3 A eating section 10A to be elevated above ahorizontal surface 32 when placed thereon. -
FIG. 6A is a simplified isometric diagram of a third embodiment of achopstick 1B according to various embodiments.FIG. 6B is a left side, isometric diagram of asystem 30B including the third embodiment of achopstick 1B resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.FIG. 6C is a left side diagram of the third embodiment of achopstick 1B according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 6A-C , thechopstick 1B may include asingle component 3B. - In an embodiment, the
single component 3B may extend along an elongated orlongitudinal axis 18B of thechopstick 1B. The chopstick's 1B elongated orlongitudinal axis 18B may include aneating section 10B and ahandling section 12B in an embodiment with apivot point 17B formed on a proximal end of the handling section due to the shape of chopstick's1 B eating section 10B andhandling section 12B. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12B right of thepivot point 17B may be greater than the mass of theeating section 10B left of thepivot point 17B at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections component 3B). The mass differential may be due to the increased cross sectional diameter of thehandling section 12B relative to the cross-sectional diameter of theeating section 10B as shown inFIGS. 6A-C . In such an embodiment, theeating section 10B may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting onchopstick 1B) and remain elevated on ahorizontal surface 32 when placed on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIG. 6B . - The
handling section 12B may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17B and adistal end 16B. Similarly, theeating section 10B may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17B and adistal end 13B where thedistal end 13B may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements. As shown inFIGS. 6A-C , thehandling section 12B may be tapered from the proximal end near thepivot point 17B to itsdistal end 16B. - Similarly, the
eating section 10B may be tapered from its proximal end near thepivot point 17B to itsdistal end 13B. The handling section's 12B larger cross sectional diameter relative to the eating section's 10B cross sectional diameter may form thepivot point 17B in an embodiment. As noted, theeating section 10B and thehandling section 12B may be sections of asingle component 3B. Thesingle component 3B may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment. The single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). In an embodiment, thechopstick 1B components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made. - In an embodiment, the
handling section 12B and theeating section 10B may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18B including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. In an embodiment, a region of theeating section 10B of thecomponent 3B may be hollow 20B. Thehanding section 12B may not be hollow or include a smaller hollow region. As noted, the component's3 B eating section 10B smaller cross sectional diameter may enable the eating section's 10B mass to be less than the handling section's 12B mass, enabling at least adistal region 13B of the component's3 B eating section 10B to be elevated above ahorizontal surface 32 when placed thereon. -
FIG. 7A is a simplified isometric diagram of a fourth embodiment of achopstick 1C according to various embodiments.FIG. 7B is a left side, isometric diagram of the fourth embodiment of achopstick 1C according to various embodiments.FIG. 7C is a left side diagram of asystem 30C including a fourth embodiment of achopstick 1C resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 7A-C , thechopstick 1C may include asingle component 3C. - In an embodiment, the
single component 3C may extend along an elongated orlongitudinal axis 18C of thechopstick 1C. The chopstick's 1C elongated orlongitudinal axis 18C may include aneating section 10C and ahandling section 12C in an embodiment with apivot point 17C formed on a proximal end of thehandling section 12C due to the shape of chopstick's1 C eating section 10C andhandling section 12C. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12C right of thepivot point 17C may be greater than the mass of theeating section 10C left of thepivot point 17C at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections component 3C). The mass differential may be due to the increased effective cross sectional diameter of thehandling section 12C relative to the effective cross-sectional diameter of theeating section 10C as shown inFIGS. 7A-C . In such an embodiment, theeating section 10C may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting onchopstick 1C) and remain elevated on ahorizontal surface 32 when placed on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIG. 7C . - The
handling section 12C may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17C and adistal end 16C. Similarly, theeating section 10C may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17C and adistal end 13C where thedistal end 13C may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements. As shown inFIGS. 7A-C , thehandling section 12C may be tapered from the proximal end near thepivot point 17C to itsdistal end 16C and form a number ofsides 26C, four sides in an embodiment. - Similarly, the
eating section 10C may be tapered from its proximal end near thepivot point 17C to itsdistal end 13C and form a number ofsides 24C, four sides in an embodiment. The handling section's 12C larger effective cross sectional diameter relative to the eating section's 10C effective cross sectional diameter may form thepivot point 17C in an embodiment. As noted, theeating section 10C and thehandling section 12C may be sections of asingle component 3C. Thesingle component 3C may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment. The single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). In an embodiment, thechopstick 1C components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made. - In an embodiment, the
handling section 12C and theeating section 10C may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18C including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. In an embodiment, a region of theeating section 10C of thecomponent 3C may be hollow. Thehanding section 12C may not be hollow or include a smaller hollow region. As noted, the component's3 C eating section 10C smaller effective cross sectional diameter may cause the eating section's 10C mass to be less than thehandling section 12C mass, enabling the at least adistal region 13C of component's3 C eating section 10C to be elevated above ahorizontal surface 32 when placed thereon. -
FIG. 8A is a simplified isometric diagram of a fifth embodiment of achopstick 1D according to various embodiments.FIG. 8B is a left side, isometric diagram of asystem 30D including the fifth embodiment of achopstick 1D resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.FIG. 8C is a cross sectional diagram along the left side of the fifth embodiment of achopstick 1D according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 8A-C , thechopstick 1D may include asingle component 3D in an embodiment. - In an embodiment, the
single component 3D may extend along an elongated orlongitudinal axis 18D of thechopstick 1D. The chopstick's 1D elongated orlongitudinal axis 18D may include aneating section 10D and ahandling section 12D in an embodiment with apivot point 17D formed in a proximal section of thehandling section 12D due to the shape of chopstick's1 D eating section 10D andhandling section 12D. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12D right of thepivot point 17D may be greater than the mass of theeating section 10D left of thepivot point 17D at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections component 3D). The mass differential may be due to the increased effective cross sectional diameter of thehandling section 12D relative to the effective cross-sectional diameter of theeating section 10D as shown inFIGS. 8A-C . In such an embodiment, theeating section 10D may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting onchopstick 1D) and remain elevated on ahorizontal surface 32 when placed or rested on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIG. 8B . - The
handling section 12D may include a proximal section forming thepivot point 17D and adistal end 16D. Similarly, theeating section 10D may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17D and adistal end 13D where thedistal end 13D may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements. As shown inFIGS. 8A-C , thehandling section 12D may be first tapered from the proximalsection pivot point 17D to itsdistal end 16C and second tapered from thepivot point 17D to its intersection with theeating section 10D proximal end in an embodiment. Such a configuration may make thehandling section 12D more comfortable to be held by a User. - Similarly, the
eating section 10D may be tapered from its proximal end near the handling section's 12D second taper to itsdistal end 13D. The handling section's 12D larger effective cross sectional diameter relative to the eating section's 10D effective cross sectional diameter and the handling section's 12D second taper may form thepivot point 17D in an embodiment. As noted, theeating section 10D and thehandling section 12D may be sections of asingle component 3D. Thesingle component 3D may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment. The single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). In an embodiment, thechopstick 1D components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made. - In an embodiment, the
handling section 12D and theeating section 10D may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18D including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. In an embodiment, a region of theeating section 10D of thecomponent 3D may be hollow 20D. Thehanding section 12D may not be hollow or include a smallerhollow region 22D. As noted, the component's3 D eating section 10D smaller effective cross sectional diameter may cause the eating section's 10D mass to be less than thehandling section 12D mass, enabling at least adistal region 13D of the component's3 D eating section 10D to be elevated above ahorizontal surface 32 when placed thereon. -
FIG. 9A is a simplified isometric diagram of a sixth embodiment of achopstick 1E according to various embodiments.FIG. 9B is a left side, isometric diagram of asystem 30E including the sixth embodiment of achopstick 1E resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.FIG. 9C is a left side diagram of asystem 30E including the sixth embodiment of a chopstick resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 9A-C , thechopstick 1E may include asingle component 3E in an embodiment. - In an embodiment, the
single component 3E may extend along an elongated orlongitudinal axis 18E of thechopstick 1E. The chopstick's 1E elongated orlongitudinal axis 18E may include aneating section 10E, apivot point 17E, and ahandling section 12E in an embodiment where thepivot point 17E is located between the eatingsection 10E and thehandling section 12E. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12E right of thepivot point 17E may be greater than the mass of theeating section 10E left of thepivot point 17E at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections component 3E). Theeating section 10E may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting onchopstick 1E) and remain elevated on ahorizontal surface 32 when placed or rested on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIGS. 9B and 9C . - The
handling section 12D may include a proximal section adjacent thepivot point 17E and adistal end 16E. Similarly, theeating section 10E may include a proximal end adjacent thepivot point 17E and adistal end 13E where thedistal end 13E may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements. As shown inFIGS. 9A-C , thehandling section 12E may be tapered from its proximal section to itsdistal end 16E and form a plurality ofsides 26E, including foursides 26E in an embodiment. - As also shown in
FIGS. 9A-C , thepivot point 17E may have a greater effective diameter than the effective diameters of theeating section 10E andhandling section 12E. Thepivot point 17E may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18E including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. - Similarly, the
eating section 10E may be tapered from its proximal end adjacent thepivot point 17E to itsdistal end 13E and form a plurality ofsides 24E, including foursides 24E in an embodiment. The handling section's 12E effective cross sectional diameter may be the same is similar to the eating section's 10E effective cross sectional diameter. As noted, theeating section 10E, thepivot point 17E, and thehandling section 12E may be sections of asingle component 3E. Thesingle component 3E may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment. The single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). In an embodiment, thechopstick 1E components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made. - In an embodiment, the
handling section 12E and theeating section 10E may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18E including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. In an embodiment, a region of theeating section 10E of thecomponent 3E may be hollow. Thehanding section 12E may not be hollow or include a smaller hollow region. As noted, the eating section's 10E lower mass relative to the handling section's 12E mass, may enable at least adistal region 13E of the component's3 E eating section 10E to be elevated above ahorizontal surface 32 when placed thereon. -
FIG. 10A is a simplified isometric diagram of a seventh embodiment of achopstick 1F according to various embodiments.FIG. 10B is a left side, isometric diagram of the seventh embodiment of achopstick 1F according to various embodiments.FIG. 10C is a left side diagram of asystem 30F including the seventh embodiment of achopstick 1F resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 10A-C , thechopstick 1F may include asingle component 3F in an embodiment. - In an embodiment, the
single component 3F may extend along an elongated orlongitudinal axis 18F of thechopstick 1F. The chopstick's 1F elongated orlongitudinal axis 18F may include aneating section 10F and ahandling section 12F in an embodiment where thepivot point 17F is located between the eatingsection 10F and thehandling section 12F. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12F right of thepivot point 17F may be greater than the mass of theeating section 10F left of thepivot point 17F at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections component 3F). Theeating section 10F may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting onchopstick 1F) and remain elevated on ahorizontal surface 32 when placed or rested on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIG. 10C . - The
handling section 12E may include a proximal section at thepivot point 17F and adistal end 16F. Similarly, theeating section 10F may include a proximal end at thepivot point 17F and adistal end 13F where thedistal end 13F may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements. As shown inFIGS. 10A-C , thehandling section 12F may be tapered from its proximal section to itsdistal end 16F and form a plurality ofsides 26F, including foursides 26F in an embodiment. - Similarly, the
eating section 10F may be tapered from its proximal end at thepivot point 17F to itsdistal end 13F and form a plurality offins 24F, including fourfins 24F in an embodiment. The handling section's 12F effective cross sectional diameter may be the same is similar to the eating section's 10F effective cross sectional diameter. As noted, theeating section 10F and thehandling section 12F may be sections of asingle component 3F. Thesingle component 3F may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment. The single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). In an embodiment, thechopstick 1F components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made. - In an embodiment, the
handling section 12F and theeating section 10F may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18F including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. As noted, theeating section 10F may have a plurality offins 24F having a lower mass thansides 26F of thehandling section 12F. The eating section's 10E lower mass relative to the handling section's 12F mass due to thefins 24F may enable at least adistal region 13F of the component's3 F eating section 10F to be elevated above ahorizontal surface 32 when placed thereon. -
FIG. 11A is a simplified isometric diagram of a eighth embodiment of achopstick 1G according to various embodiments.FIG. 11B is a left side, isometric diagram of the eighth embodiment of achopstick 1G according to various embodiments.FIG. 11C is a left side diagram of asystem 30G including the eighth embodiment of achopstick 1G resting on a horizontal surface according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 11A-C , thechopstick 1G may include asingle component 3F in an embodiment. - In an embodiment, the
single component 3G may extend along an elongated orlongitudinal axis 18G of thechopstick 1G. The chopstick's 1G elongated orlongitudinal axis 18G may include aneating section 10G and ahandling section 12G in an embodiment where thepivot point 17G is located between the eatingsection 10G and thehandling section 12F. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12G right of thepivot point 17G may be greater than the mass of theeating section 10G left of thepivot point 17G at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections component 3G). Theeating section 10G may become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting onchopstick 1G) and remain elevated on ahorizontal surface 32 when placed or rested on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIG. 11C . - The
handling section 12F may include a proximal section at thepivot point 17G and adistal end 16G. Similarly, theeating section 10G may include a proximal end at thepivot point 17G and adistal end 13G. As shown inFIGS. 11A-11C , theeating section 10Gdistal end 13G may include a differentenclosed region 25G along thelongitudinal axis 18G than the remainder of theeating section 10G. As noted below, theeating section 10G may include a plurality offins 24G extending from its proximal end to itsdistal end 13G enclosedregion 25G. The distalenclosed region 25G may include enclose thefins 24G to form side walls or other shapes to make it easier for a User to grip food or other elements versusfins 24G extending to thedistal end 13G as inchopstick 1F. As shown inFIGS. 11A-C , thehandling section 12G may be tapered from its proximal section to itsdistal end 16G and form a plurality ofsides 26G, including foursides 26G in an embodiment. - Similarly, the
eating section 10G may be tapered from its proximal end at thepivot point 17G to itsdistal end 13F and form a plurality offins 24G, including fourfins 24G in an embodiment up to itsdistal end 13G enclosedregion 25G. The handling section's 12G effective cross sectional diameter may be the same is similar to the eating section's 10G effective cross sectional diameter. As noted, theeating section 10G and thehandling section 12G may be sections of asingle component 3G. Thesingle component 3G may be comprised of one material or element in an embodiment. The single material may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). In an embodiment, thechopstick 1G components may be formed via an extrusion process where the single material is man-made. - In an embodiment, the
handling section 12G and theeating section 10G may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18G including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. As noted, theeating section 10G may have a plurality offins 24G having a lower mass thansides 26G of thehandling section 12G. The eating section's 10G lower mass relative to the handling section's 12G mass due to thefins 24G may enable at least the distalenclosed region 25G of the component's3 G eating section 10G to be elevated above ahorizontal surface 32 when placed thereon. -
FIG. 12A is a simplified isometric diagram of a ninth embodiment of achopstick 1H according to various embodiments.FIG. 12B is a left side, isometric diagram of the ninth embodiment of achopstick 1H according to various embodiments.FIG. 12C is a left side diagram of asystem 30H including the ninth embodiment of achopstick 1H resting on ahorizontal surface 32 according to various embodiments.FIG. 12D is a simplified isometric diagram of area AA of the ninth embodiment of achopstick 1H according to various embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 12A-D , thechopstick 1H may include afirst component 2H and asecond component 4H that may be coupled together viaelements first component 2H and asecond component 4H, respectively. - In an embodiment, the
first component 2 andsecond component 4 when coupled as shownFIGS. 12A-D , may extend along an elongated orlongitudinal axis 18H of the chopstick. The chopstick's 1H elongated orlongitudinal axis 18H may include aneating section 10H and ahandling section 12H in an embodiment with apivot point 17H formed there between due to the shape ofelements first component 2H and asecond component 4H. Further in an embodiment, the mass of thehandling section 12H right of thepivot point 17H may be greater than the mass of theeating section 10H left of thepivot point 17H at all times (mass is fixed in bothsections distal end 13H of theeating section 10H may remain and become instantly (subject to force of gravity acting onchopstick 1H) elevated about ahorizontal resting surface 32 when placed on thehorizontal surface 32 as shown inFIG. 12C . - As shown in
FIGS. 12A-D , the chopstick's 1Hfirst component 2H may include thehandling section 12H of thelongitudinal axis 18H and thesecond component 4 may include theeating section 10H of thelongitudinal axis 18H. The first component's2 H handling section 12H may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17H and adistal end 16H. Similarly, the second component's4 H eating section 10H may include a proximal end near thepivot point 17H and adistal end 13H where thedistal end 13H may be more likely employed by User to grip food or other elements. As shown inFIGS. 12A-D , the first component's2 H handling section 12H may be tapered from its proximal end near thepivot point 17H to itsdistal end 16H and form a plurality ofsurfaces 26H, including foursurfaces 26H in an embodiment. - Similarly, the second component's
4 H eating section 10H may be tapered from its proximal end near thepivot point 17H to itsdistal end 13H and form a plurality ofsurfaces 26H, including foursurfaces 26H in an embodiment. In an embodiment the elongatedtapered sides 26H of the first component's2 H handling section 12H may be mirror images of each other and all elongated taperedsides 24H of the second component's4 H eating section 10H may be mirror images of each other. In addition, the first component's2 H handling section 12H or of the second component's4 H eating section 10H may include undulations or inward indentations. - In an embodiment, the second component's
4 H eating section 10H may be formed substantially of first material and the first component's2 H handling section 12H may be formed substantially of a second, different material. The second material may have a greater density than the first material. In another embodiment, the second component's4 H eating section 10H and the first component's2 H handling section 12H may be formed substantially of same material or element. In an embodiment, the first and second materials may include natural and man-made elements including but not limited to metals, alloys, minerals, petroleum based materials (polymers and others), and plant based materials (wood and others). - In an embodiment, the first component's
2 H handling section 12H and the second component's4 H eating section 10H may have various cross sectional shapes relative to thelongitudinal axis 18H including round, elliptical, square, rectangular, or other polygon. In an embodiment, the first component's2 H handling section 12H may be securely and removably coupled to the second component's4 H eating section 10H via theelements first component 2H and asecond component 4H, respectively. In an embodiment the first component's2 H elements 27H may be sized and shaped to securely (and releaseably in an embodiment) snap over or engage a section of the second component's 4H distal end including theelements 25H. Thefirst component 2H may include a plurality of theelements 27H including one on eachside 26H in an embodiment and further including fourelements 27H in an embodiment. - Such a configuration may enable the first component's
2 H handling section 12H to be securely and removably coupled to the second component's4 H eating section 10H. In such an embodiment, a User may be able to remove the second component's4 H eating section 10H from thechopstick 1H and replace it with another the second component's4 H eating section 10H while reusing the first component's2 H handling section 12H. - The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
- Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
- The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.
Claims (21)
1-20. (canceled)
21. A chopstick having a length along a longitudinal axis comprising:
a component having a length along a longitudinal axis including a handling section adjacent an eating section between a proximal end and distal end, the component length about the chopstick length,
the handling section extending along a first part of the component longitudinal axis for a first length and including a proximal end and a distal end, its proximal end at the component proximal end;
the adjacent eating section extending along a second, different part of the longitudinal axis for a second length, including a proximal end and a distal end, its proximal end adjacent the handling section distal end, its distal end at the component distal end, the second length greater than the first length, and the sum of the first length and the second length equal to the component length; and
a pivot point located one of in the handling section near the handling section distal end, in the eating section near the eating section proximal end, and between the handling section distal end and the eating section proximal end;
wherein the handling section has a greater fixed mass than the eating section and the location of the pivot point causes at least the eating section distal end to be elevated above a horizontal surface when the chopstick is placed on the horizontal surface.
22. The chopstick as recited in claim 21 , wherein the handling section has a greater fixed mass than the eating section and the location of the pivot point causes a majority of the eating section to be elevated above a horizontal surface when the chopstick is placed on the horizontal surface.
23. The chopstick as recited in claim 21 , wherein the component is a monolithic component.
24. The chopstick as recited in claim 21 , wherein the eating section is tapered from about its proximal end to about its distal end.
25. The chopstick as recited in claim 24 , wherein the handling section is tapered from about its distal end to about its proximal end.
26. The chopstick as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the component is formed at least partially from wood.
27. The chopstick as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the component is formed at least partially from man-made materials.
28. The chopstick as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the component is formed at least partially from natural materials.
29. The chopstick as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the component is formed at least partially via an extrusion process.
30. The chopstick as claimed in claim 23 , wherein the component is formed via an extrusion process.
31. The chopstick as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the eating section includes a hollow area.
32. The chopstick as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the handling section includes a hollow area smaller in volume than the eating section hollow area.
33. The chopstick as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the handling section and the eating section are substantially rectangular in cross section.
34. The chopstick as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the handling section's largest effective outer diameter is greater than the eating section's largest effective outer diameter.
35. The chopstick as recited in claim 21 , wherein the handling section is tapered from about its distal end to about its proximal end and forms a plurality of sides.
36. The chopstick as recited in claim 24 , wherein the eating section is tapered from about its proximal end to about its distal end and forms a plurality of sides.
37. The chopstick as claimed in claim 25 , wherein the handling section has a greater effective outer diameter than the eating section's effective outer diameter.
38. The chopstick as recited in claim 22 , wherein the eating section is tapered from about its proximal end to about its distal end, and the handling section is tapered from about the pivot point to about the handling section proximal end.
39. The chopstick as recited in claim 21 , wherein the eating section is tapered from about its proximal end to about its distal end and forms a plurality of tapered fins extending from about the eating section's proximal end to about and before the eating section's distal end.
40. The chopstick as recited in claim 24 , wherein the eating section is tapered from about its proximal end to about its distal end and forms a plurality of tapered fins extending from about the eating section's proximal end to about the eating section's distal end.
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US16/110,885 US20180360247A1 (en) | 2016-01-09 | 2018-08-23 | Self-Elevating Chopsticks |
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US14/991,937 US9999309B2 (en) | 2016-01-09 | 2016-01-09 | Gravity chopsticks |
US15/145,338 US10058202B2 (en) | 2016-01-09 | 2016-05-03 | Self-elevating chopsticks |
US16/110,885 US20180360247A1 (en) | 2016-01-09 | 2018-08-23 | Self-Elevating Chopsticks |
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US20090302043A1 (en) * | 2008-06-10 | 2009-12-10 | Lianzhun Technology Corporation | Wash-free dinnerware with surface-mounted insulating layer |
US20090026782A1 (en) * | 2008-09-23 | 2009-01-29 | Lion Norman J | Dual use chopstick and chopstick assembly for grasping solid foods and drinking liquids |
US20120068487A1 (en) * | 2010-09-21 | 2012-03-22 | Alison Wong | Collapsible chopsticks with integrated case, clip, and stand |
US9259111B1 (en) * | 2011-03-18 | 2016-02-16 | Bly Management Limited Partnership | Chopsticks having elevating radial protrusion for preventing germs and contamination |
US20170049255A1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2017-02-23 | Ming-Sung Chen | Chopsticks |
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US20170196387A1 (en) | 2017-07-13 |
US10058202B2 (en) | 2018-08-28 |
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