GB2065454A

GB2065454A - Eating utensil

Info

Publication number: GB2065454A
Application number: GB7943334A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: AU YEUNG KIT
Current assignee: AU YEUNG KIT
Priority date: 1979-12-17
Filing date: 1979-12-17
Publication date: 1981-07-01
Also published as: GB2065454B

Abstract

An eating utensil 1 comprises a pair of chopsticks 2 and 3 connected by a hinge or pivotal connection 4. Each chopstick 2 or 3 comprises a finger grip 7 or 8 respectively; a user's forefinger is intended to be inserted in one finger grip 7, while his thumb is intended to be inserted in the other grip 8 to facilitate control of the utensil. A guiding means 9 comprises stiff wire provided with an end hook 11 is mounted on one chopstick 3 to guide and limit the extent of the relative pivotal movement of the chopstick. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Eating utensil This invention relates to an eating utensil comprising a pair of chopsticks and also relates to a kit of parts for forming such a utensil.

Chopsticks are eating utensils from China which, as is well known, are used to convey food from a plate or bowl to the mouth. They are often formed of elongate ivory rods but, more recently, plastics material has frequently been used instead. A typical chopstick would be 20 to 25 cm long and would have a diameter or breadth in the order of 0.5 cm.

For many westeners who have been brought up to use a knife and fork, the use of chopsticks may prove difficult. The present invention provides an eating utensil which is intended not only to be useful in itself but which also may be used to teach people to become familiar with chopsticks.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an eating utensil comprising a pair of chopsticks, one of which chopsticks is hinged or pivota Ily connected to the other. Each chopstick is preferably provided with a respective support means for the support of the respective chopstick by a finger or thumb. The support means conveniently comprises material, which may be metal, forming at least part of a ring and may be integral with or attached to the respective chopstick. The ring or the part of the ring may be adjustable to allow fingers or thumbs of different sizes to be inserted therein.

To enable one chopstick to be pivoted with respect to the other chopstick, one chopstick is usefully provided with a protrusion having a pivot pin about which the other chopstick may pivot. Alternatively, there may be provided a connecting means which is adapted to engage with a first one of the chopsticks in such a way that the first chopstick cannot pivot with respect to the connecting means and which connecting means is adapted to engage with a second one of the chopsticks in such a way that the second chopstick can pivot with respect to the connecting means. This alternative arrangement again enables one chopstick to pivot with respect to the other. The bridge member preferably comprises a plate and two studs projecting from the plate.One of the studs advantageously has a cross section which is other than circular and which is preferably square, and is adapted to fit in a corresponding bore in the first chopstick. The other stud preferably has a circular cross section and is adapted to fit in a corresponding bore in the second chopstick. The pivot axis runs along the length of this stud. Each stud is conveniently provided with means for holding the stud in the respective corresponding bore.

As an aid for people who are not used to using chopsticks, at least part of the surface of each chopstick which faces the other chopstick may be rough.

This roughness is preferably provided by grooves or serrations formed in the surface.

Advantageously, a guide means may be provided on one chopstick for guiding the motion of one chopstick with respect to the other. The guide means, which is preferably adapted to help maintain the chopsticks in substantially the same plane, may comprise a stiff wire attached to one of the chopsticks. The wire preferably extends to one side of the chopstick on which it is provided; it is especially preferred that the wire extends substantially at right angles to a longitudinal axis of the chopstick on which it is provided.

Limit means may be provided for preventing excess pivotal movement of one chopstick with respect to the other chopstick. The limit means advantageously comprises a hook means integral with or attached to the wire forming the preferred guide means.

Although each chopstick may be made of any suitable material, materials normally used include plastics material, wood, ivory, animal bone and metal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for an eating utensil, which kit comprises a pair of chopsticks, at least one of which chopsticks is so adapted that the chopsticks have hingeable or pivotally connectable to each other.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an eating utensil which is an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a sectional view taken substantially along the line ll-ll of Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the eating utensil shown in Figure 1 held by a user, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of part of a pair of chopsticks forming part of an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5a shows a side elevational view of components which may be used to form a pivotal connection or hinge between the chopsticks shown in Figure 4, Figure Sb shows a plan view of the components shown in Figure 5a, Figure 6 shows a perspective view of part of an eating utensil in accordance with the present invention assembled from the chopsticks shown in Figure 4 and the components shown in Figures 5a and Sb, and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of part of an eating utensil which is an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, the utensil 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a pair of chopsticks 2 and 3. Each chopstick is an elongate rod which tapers slightly towards the particular end 2a which, in conjunction with the similar end 3a ofthe other chopstick, is used for picking up food. This end 2a or 3a of each chopstick 2 or 3, which will be referred to as "the food end", is substantially circular in crosssection whereas the other end 2b or 3b, of each chopstick 2 or 3 which will be referred to as "the holding end", substantially rectangular in crosssection.

Towards the holding end, a first chopstick 2 is provided with a pivotal connection 4 comprising a protrusion 5 which extends at right angles from the chopstick in the direction of the second chopstick 3.

The protrusion 5 forms a short arm which bridges the gap between the chopsticks and is provided with a pivot pin 6 which extends through the second chopstick 3 in such a manner that the second chopstick 3 can pivot, in a plane which contains the first chopstick 2, about the pivot pin 6. The pivot pin 6 has a retaining arm 6a for anchoring the pivot pin 6 to the protrusion 5. The protrusion 5 is preferably formed with a stem section extending from the first chopstick and a U-shaped portion having arms Se and 5b which embrace the second chopstick. The pivot pin 6 thus extends through an upper arm 5a of the U-shaped portion, the body of the second chopstick 3 and a lower arm 5b of the U-shaped portion, as can be seen from Figure 2.Where the second chopstick 3 is embraced by the U-shaped portion, the second chopstick 3 may be recessed so that the U-shaped portion may hold the second chopstick 3 without projecting unduly.

It will be appreciated that one face of the holding end of the first chopstick 2 is now held facing a par ticularface of the holding end of the second chopstick 3. At and near the holding ends, these opposed faces may be bevelled to avoid contact of the holding end of the first chopstick 2 with the holding end of the second chopstick 3 when the first chopstick 2 pivots with respect to the second chopstick 3, and for a more aesthetically attractive appearance ofthe utensil 1.

Thus, as has been described above one chopstick is pivotally connected to another chopstick, the pivotal connection being towards the holding end of each chopstick.

Between the food ends of the chopsticks 2 and 3 and the pivotal connection 4, there is provided on each chopstick a finger grip 7 and 8, respectively.

Each finger grip comprises a "ring" or part of a ring which is attached to the side of the respective chopstick furthest from the other chopstick in such a way that the plane of the "ring" is approximately at right angles to the plane in which one chopstick pivots relative to the other chopstick. The actual angles will naturally be chosen in relation to the actual shape of the "ring" and the actual position thereof on the chopstick. Each "ring" may be adjustable to cater for differently sized fingers and thumbs of users.It will be appreciated that when the utensil 1 is taken up in the right hand in substantially the same manner as a conventional pair of chopsticks, that is with the fore finger and thumb pointing substantially towards the food ends of the chopsticks 2 and 3, part of the thumb may be inserted in the finger grip 7 on the first chopstick 2 and part of the forefinger may be inserted through the finger grip 8 on the second chopstick 3. The two finger grips 7 and 8 are not necessarily opposite each other on the respective chopsticks 2 and 3 but are positioned for comfort and convenience of the user. Thus, the finger grip 7 for the thumb may be situated nearer the pivotal connection 4 than the finger grip 8 for the forefinger.

The holding ends of the chopsticks 2 and 3 conveniently rest on the hand of the user between the forefinger and thumb.

It will be seen that control of the pivotally connected chopsticks 2 and 3 may be much easierthan control of a conventional pair of chopsticks since the finger grips 7 and 8 enable easy and controlled pivotally motion of one chopstick with respect to the other.

When the eating utensil is taken up in the right hand and the thumb and forefinger are inserted in the finger grips 7 and 8, respectively, it will be found that there is a tendency for the second chopstick 3 which is controlled by the forefinger to be forced down and out of the plane in which the chopsticks pivot with respect to each other. Movement out of the plane is of course checked by the pivotal connection 4, but to prevent undue strain on the hinge a guide means 9 is provided on the second chopstick 3. The guide means 9 comprises a stiff metal wire 10 attached to the upper surface of, and extending at substantially right angles from the second chopstick 3. The metal wire 10 extends over the first chopstick 2 which is controlled by the thumb, so that the upper surface of the first chopstick 2 can slide in contact with the metal wire 10.At the end of the metal wire 10 is provided a hook 11 for preventing excess pivotal movement ofthefirst chopstick 2 away from the second chopstick 3. This helps to prevent the user losing control of the utensil.

The guide means 9 may be positioned at any convenient place between the pivotal connection 4 and the food ends of the chopsticks 2 and 3.

Although the above description has been given for an eating utensil intended to be used in the right hand, it will be understood that a utensil for use in the left hand could be simply constructed with the rod 10 of the guide means 9 extending from the first chopstick and possibly with the finger grips 7 and 8 being in slightly different positions.

An eating utensil in accordance with the present invention may be constructed so as to be suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users. Such a utensil may be provided with two stiff wires, each wire being attached at one end to a first chopstick, the arrangement being such that the second chopstick is pivotable between the two wires with respect to the first chopstick The two wires may be connected at the ends which are not attached to the first chopstick; therefore the guide means in this embodiment may take the forrn of a loop of wire.

Figure 3 shows in use the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The utensil 1, which comprises the first chopstick 2 and the second chopstick 3 pivotally connected by means of a hinge 4, is held in the right hand of a user whose thumb is partially inserted in the first finger grip 7 on the first chopstick 2 and whose forefinger is partially inserted in a second finger grip 8 on the second chopstick 3.

Figure 4 shows part of a first chopstick 18 and part of a second chopstick 19 which are adapted to be hinged or pivotally connected to one another. Towards the holding end of each ofthese chopsticks 18 and 19 there is formed a bore 20 and 21 respectively. Each bore extends through the respective chopstick in a direction which is perpendicularto the plane on which one chopstick is intended to pivot wth respect to the other. The bore 20 in the first chopstick 18 is substantially square in cross section, whereas there 21 in the second chopstick 19 has a substantially circular cross section; the significance of these different cross sections will shortly be made clear.

The components of a hinge or pivotal connection 22 for allowing one chopstick to pivot with respect to the other are shown in Figure 5a (in side elevation) and Figure Sb (in plan). The hinge or pivotal connection 22 comprises a thin rectangular plate 23 which forms a cross member or connecting means between the chopsticks 18 and 19. The plate 23 is provided with two studs 24 and 25 extending perpendicularly from the plate 23. The studs 24 and 25 are positioned on the plate 2-3 cm apart so that, when the plate 23 serves as a cross member between the chopsticks 18 and 19, a first of the two studs 24 is located in the bore 20 on the first chopstick 18 and the second stud 25 is located in the bore 21 of the second chopstick 19.Each stud comprises a stem portion 26 and 27, which is as long as the chopstick 18 or 19 is thick in the region of the respective bore 20 or 21, and a spherical portion 28 or 29 attached to the end of the stem portion 26 or 27. The stem portion 26 of the first stud 24 is substantially square in cross section so that it can fit within the corresponding bore 20 in the first chopstick 18; the stem portion 27 of the second stud 25 is circular in cross section for engagement with the corresponding bore 21 in the second chopstick 19. When the hinge or pivotal connection 22 is in position, as is shown in Figure 6, with the studs 24 and 25 being located in the bores 20 and 21 respectively, the spherical portions 28 and 29 will project beyond the back of the chopsticks 18 and 19 respectively.The pivotal connection 22 may then be secured in position by pushing a resilient washer 30 or 31 over the spherical portion of the respective stud 24 or 25. It will be appreciated that the first chopstick 18 can pivot with respect to the second chopstick 19 by virtue of the circular cross sections of the stem portion 27 of the second stud 25 and the bore 21 in the second chopstick 19. The plate 23 is held fixed with respect to the first chopstick 18 because the square cross sections of the stem portion 26 of the first stud 24 and the bore 20 in the first chopstick 18 prevent relative pivotal movement.

Figure 7 shows the food ends of two chopsticks 32 and 33 forming part of a utensil in accordance with the invention. A guide means 34, similar to the guide means 9 previously described, is provided on one of the chopsticks for guiding the relative pivotal movement of one chopstick with respect to the other. To aid the user of this utensil picking up food, the portion of the food end of each chopstick opposed to the food end of the other chopstick is serrated. The serrations may be grooves cut or formed into the chopstick. Alternatively, these opposed faces of the food ends may be roughened in other ways, for example by the use of abrasives.

Each of the above described embodiments of the present invention comprises a pivotal connection or hinge by means of which one chopstick pivots about a pivot pin with respect to the other chopstick.

Instead of such a connection, a pivotal connection or hinge of resilient material could be used. A strip of suitable material, such as metal or plastics material, may be bent so that the two ends of the strip are in substantially parallel planes and the strip is then substantially U-shaped. Each arm of the resulting U-shaped strip may be attached to or formed integral with a respective chopstick.

Claims

1. An eating utensil comprising a pair of chopsticks, one of which chopsticks is hinged or pivotally connected to the other.

2. A utensil according to Claim 1, wherein each chopstick is provided with a respective support means for the support of the respective chopstick by a finger or thumb.

3. A utensil according to Claim 2, wherein each support means comprises material forming at least part of a ring and is integral with or attached to the respective chopstick.

4. A utensil according to Claim 2, wherein the ring or the part of the ring is adjustable to allow fingers or thumbs of different sizes to be inserted therein.

5. A utensil according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the ring or the part of the ring is made of metal.

6. A utensil according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein one chopstick is provided with a protrusion provided with a pivot pin about which the other chopstick is pivotable.

7. A utensil according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, which utensil comprises a connecting means which is adapted to engage with a first one of the chopsticks in such a way that the first chopstick cannot pivot with respect to the connecting means and which connecting means is adapted to engage with a second one of the chopsticks in such a way that the second chopstick can pivot with respect to the connecting means.

8. A utensil according to Claim 7, wherein the connecting means comprises a plate and two studs extending from the plate.

9. A utensil according to Claim 8, wherein one of the studs has a cross section other than circular and is adapted to fit in a corresponding bore in the first chopstick.

10. A utensil according to Claim 9, wherein the said one of the studs has a square cross section.

11. A utensil according to Claim 8,9or10, wherein the other stud has a circular cross section and is adapted to fit in a corresponding bore in the second chopstick.

12. A utensil according to any one of Claims 8 to 11, wherein each stud is provided with means for holding the stud in the respective corresponding bore.

13. A utensil according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, which utensil is provided with a guide means for guiding the motion of one chopstick with respect to the other.

14. A utensil according to Claim 13, wherein the guide means is adapted to help maintain the chopsticks in substantially the same plane.

15. A utensil according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein the guide means comprises a stiff wire attached to one of the chopsticks, which wire extends to one side ofthe chopstick on which it is provided.

16. A utensil according to Claim 15, wherein the wire extends substantially at right angles to a lon- gitudinal axis of the chopstick on which it is pro vided.

17. A utensil according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein a limit means is provided for preventing excess pivotal movement of one chopstick with respect to the other chopstick.

18. A utensil according to Claim 17, when dependent on Claim 15 or 16, wherein the limit means comprises a hook means integral with or connected to the wire.

19. A utensil according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, wherein each chopstick is at least partially made of plastics material.

20. A utensil according to any one of Claims 7 to 18, wherein each chopstick is at least partially made of wood.

21. A utensil according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, wherein each chopstick is at least partially made of ivory.

22. A utensil according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, wherein each chopstick is at least partially made of animal bone.

23. A utensil according to any one of Claims 7 to 18, wherein each chopstick is at least partially made of metal.

24. A utensil according to any one of Claims 1 to 23, wherein at least part of the surface of each chopstick which faces the other chopstick is rough.

25. w A utensil according to Claim 24, wherein the roughness is provided by grooves or serrations in the surface.

26. A kit of parts for an eating utensil, which kit comprises a pair of chopsticks, at least one of which chopsticks is so adapted that the chopsticks are hingeable or pivotally connectable to each other.

27. A pair of chopsticks substantially as herein before described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1,2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

28. A pair of chopsticks substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1,2 and 3, as modified by figures 4,5a,5b and 6 of the accompanying drawings.

29. A pair of chopsticks substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1,2 and 3, as modified by Figure 7, of the accompanying drawings.

30. A pair of chopsticks substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in Figures 1,2 and 3, as modified by Figures 4, Se, Sb, 6 and 7, of the accompanying drawings.

31. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.