US20090108600A1

US20090108600A1 - Chopsticks

Info

Publication number: US20090108600A1
Application number: US11/902,988
Authority: US
Inventors: Kunio Ichinose
Original assignee: Pepper Food Service Co Ltd
Current assignee: Pepper Food Service Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-09-27
Filing date: 2007-09-27
Publication date: 2009-04-30

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide chopsticks that are hard to roll, can be aligned easily in a pair on a table, and are hard to damage through repeated use by teeth marks and so on, and in which heat is not easily conducted to the handle portion when used in hot soups or the like. In the chopsticks, a handle portion is formed from wood (including bamboo) or a synthetic resin, a tip portion is formed from a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum or the like, holes are formed in the lower end of the handle portion in the length direction from this lower end, and rod-like permanent magnets are arranged in these holes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to chopsticks, and more particularly to reusable chopsticks designed to be able to be used repeatedly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Chopsticks may be broadly divided into two types. One is a reusable type used for the daily meals eaten at home and the other is the disposable or what is known as the splittable chopsticks type.
While splittable chopsticks are normally made of wood or bamboo, with consideration to environmental conservation and forest conservation and, furthermore, to the associated problem of the garbage created thereby, people have been encouraged to refrain from using disposable chopsticks in recent years, and presumably the use of reusable chopsticks designed to be able to be repeatedly used will continue to increase in places other than the home such as restaurants, Japanese eating houses, schools and hospitals and so on.
However, unlike splittable chopsticks which prior to being used can be set easily in an aligned state on a table because the two chopsticks are integrated, there are problems associated with the use of reusable chopsticks in restaurants and traditional Japanese eating houses and so on in that, unless the two chopsticks are placed very carefully in alignment they will separate and, in addition, just a slight amount of vibration will result in misalignment of the chopsticks from this position, and chopsticks misalignment is regarded as poor etiquette.
In addition, while widely used reusable chopsticks include wooden chopsticks painted with lacquer and chopsticks made of metal such as stainless steel, with chopsticks made of wood teeth marks are left by the teeth in the tip thereof and they are liable to become damaged through repeated use and, in addition, because they do not dry easily and absorb moisture in periods of high temperature and high humidity, this stimulates the growth of bacteria. On the other hand, while chopsticks made of metal such as stainless steel are hygienic and do not damage easily, there are inherent problems associated therewith in that the weight thereof precludes ease of use and, in addition, in that because they conduct heat easily, when used in soups of high temperature and so on the handle portion thereof quickly heats up and the chopsticks cannot be held.
Furthermore, while it is preferable from the viewpoint of hygiene and the like for a chopsticks rest on which the tip portion of the chopstick is rested to be used rather than the chopsticks being directly placed on the table, because of the time and effort required to set the chopsticks rest on the table in addition to the chopsticks, the time and effort required to put away the chopsticks rest and, in addition, the time and effort required to wash the chopsticks rest, they are something of a nuisance to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing problems of the conventional art described above in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide chopsticks that are hard to roll and which can be placed easily in alignment on a table. It is an additional object to provide chopsticks which, in addition to the above, are hard do damage by teeth and so on even after repeated use, and in which heat is not easily conducted to the handle portion thereof even when used in soups and the like. It is a further object thereof to provide chopsticks in which, in addition to the above, the tip portion of the chopsticks can be elevated from the table without need to use a chopsticks rest.
In the pair of chopsticks of a first embodiment for achieving the objects described above, a hole is formed in the same position on each of the pair of chopsticks in a length direction thereof, and a permanent magnet is arranged in each of the holes.
In the pair of chopsticks of a second embodiment according to the pair of chopsticks of the first embodiment, the aforementioned holes are formed from the upper end of the chopsticks along the length direction thereof.
In addition, in the pair of chopsticks of a third embodiment according to the pair of chopsticks of the first embodiment, the handle portion of the aforementioned chopsticks is formed from wood including bamboo or a synthetic resin, and the tip portion is formed from a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum or the like.
Furthermore, in the pair of chopsticks of a fourth embodiment according to the pair of chopsticks of the third embodiment, the aforementioned holes are formed along the length direction from the lower end of the handle portion, and these holes are covered as a result of connection of the tip portion to the handle portion.
Furthermore, in the pair of chopsticks of a fifth embodiment according to the pair of chopsticks of any of first to fourth embodiment, protrusions for elevating the tip portion of chopsticks from the table are respectively formed in the same position on each of the pair of chopsticks.
According to the present invention of the first embodiment described above, because permanent magnets are arranged in the same position of each chopstick of the pair of chopsticks, the chopsticks can be correctly aligned by simply bringing the individual chopsticks together and, thereafter, because a slight amount of vibration does not result in misalignment of the chopsticks from this position, the chopsticks are hard to roll and can be placed easily in correct alignment on a table. In addition, because the permanent magnets are arranged in holes formed along the length direction of the chopsticks, these permanent magnets cannot be seen from the exterior and, in addition, for example, should a child display an interest in using the chopsticks it will be easier for them to become proficient in holding the chopsticks. Furthermore, as the configuration thereof is based simply on the provision of holes in the chopsticks and permanent magnets being embedded therein, the manufacture of these chopsticks is simple and, in addition, there is no inherent disadvantage inherent therewith from the viewpoint of cost.
In addition, according to the present invention of the second embodiment described above, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment described above, the manufacture thereof is further simplified because the holes in which the permanent magnets are arranged are formed along the length direction from the upper end of the chopsticks and, in addition, because this causes only a slight weakening of the strength of the chopsticks, chopsticks whose exterior form is essentially unchanged can be produced.
In addition, according to the present invention of the third embodiment described above, chopsticks can be provided in which, in addition to the effect of the invention of the first embodiment described above, because the handle portion is formed from a wood (including bamboo) or a synthetic resin of pleasant texture that does not conduct heat easily and moreover, the tip portion is formed from a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum or the like which is hygienically easy to maintain, the tip portion is hard to damage through repeated use, and heat is not conducted easily to the handle portion when used in hot soups or the like.
Furthermore, according to the present invention of the fourth embodiment described above, chopsticks can be provided in which, in addition to the effect of the invention of the third embodiment described above, because the holes in which the permanent magnets are arranged are formed along the length direction from the lower end of the handle portion and these holes are covered as a result of connection of the tip portion to the handle section, the provision of a separate member for covering the holes is unnecessary and, accordingly, the manufacturing costs can be kept low and, in addition, because the permanent magnets are arranged in the vicinity of the center in the length direction of the chopsticks, this does not impact on the ease of use of the chopsticks.
Furthermore, according to the present invention of the fifth embodiment described above, chopsticks can be provided in which, in addition to the effect of the invention according to first to fourth embodiment described above, because protrusions that elevate the tip portion of the chopsticks from the table are provided, the chopsticks can be hygienically placed on the table without need for the use of a chopsticks rest and, in turn, as a natural outcome thereof, the time and trouble required to set the chopsticks rest on the table, the time and trouble required to put away the chopsticks rest, and the time and trouble required to wash the chopstick rest and so on is eliminated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of chopsticks pertaining to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the chopsticks of FIG. 1 have been placed in alignment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of chopsticks pertaining to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of chopsticks pertaining to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the chopsticks of FIG. 4 have been placed in alignment; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a supplementary embodiment of a preferred configuration of the chopsticks pertaining to the present invention of which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a side view thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The chopsticks pertaining to the present invention described above will be hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of chopsticks pertaining to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the chopsticks of FIG. 1 have been placed in alignment. In addition, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of chopsticks pertaining to the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of chopsticks pertaining to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the chopsticks of FIG. 4 have been placed in alignment. In addition, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a preferred configuration of a supplementary embodiment of the chopsticks pertaining to the present invention.
The chopsticks 1 pertaining to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 have an overall rod-like shape of circular cross-section narrowing towards the tip. While there are no particular limitations to the material used therefore, from the viewpoint of texture, low heat conductivity and, furthermore, ease of production and so on, the chopsticks are formed from wood (including bamboo) or synthetic resin and, in accordance with need, the surface thereof is coated with a lacquer or the like.
Holes 2 are formed in the upper end of the chopsticks 1 in the length direction from the upper end. The holes 2 are formed in a diameter of the order of 2 to 5 mm and a length of the order of 5 to 15 mm. In addition, a female screw 3 is engraved in the vicinity of the opening of the holes 2.
Rod-like permanent magnets 4 are inserted in these holes 2. There are no particular limitations to the type of permanent magnet 4. In addition, the shape dimension of the permanent magnet 4 is designed as appropriate with consideration to the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 4, as well the type of material from which the pair of chopsticks 1 is made, and the shape dimension of the holes 2.
The holes 2 into which the permanent magnets 4 are inserted are blocked by a cover 6 in which, to prevent fall-out of the permanent magnet 4 and to improve the external appearance characteristics, a male screw 5 that screws into the female screw 3 is provided.
A structure in which the permanent magnets 4 are fixed to the holes 2 using an adhesive or the like rather than being covered by the cover 6 may be adopted, and a structure in which a male screw is machined in the permanent magnet 4 themselves and screwed into the female screw 3 of the holes 2 may also be adopted.
In the chopsticks 1 pertaining to the present invention of the configuration described above, because the permanent magnets 4, 4 are arranged in the same position in each chopstick of the pair of chopsticks 1, 1, they can be aligned easily and correctly by the attraction at a position where the S pole and N pole thereof are opposing by simply being brought together and, as shown in FIG. 2, because the pair of chopsticks 1, 1 are integrated by this magnetic force, they are hard to roll despite being circular in shape and, thereafter, because a slight amount of vibration will not upset the chopsticks from this position, the pair of chopsticks 1, 1 can be placed easily in correct alignment on a table.
Chopsticks 11 pertaining to a second embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3 have a rod-like body narrowing towards the tip such that the handle portion is square in cross-section and the cross section becomes gradually circular toward the tip. While there are no particular limitations to the material used therefor, from the viewpoint of texture, low heat conductivity and, furthermore, ease of production and so on, the chopsticks are formed from wood (including bamboo) or synthetic resin and, in accordance with need, the surface thereof is coated with a lacquer or the like.
Holes 12 are formed in the upper end of the chopsticks 11 in the length direction from the upper end, and a female screw 13 is engraved in the vicinity of the opening of the holes 12. Rod-like permanent magnets 14 are inserted in these holes 12 which are blocked by a cover 16 in which a male screw 15 that screws into the female screw 13 is formed. In this embodiment as well, a structure in which the permanent magnet 14 is fixed to the holes 12 using an adhesive or the like rather than being covered by the cover 16 may be adopted.
In the chopsticks 11 pertaining to the present invention of the configuration described above, in the same way as the previously described configurations, because the pair of chopsticks 11, 11 can be correctly aligned simply by being brought together and, thereafter, because a slight amount of vibration will not result in misalignment of the chopsticks from this position, the pair of chopsticks can be placed easily in correct alignment on a table.
In chopsticks 21 of the present invention pertaining to a third embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a handle portion (about 60% of the total) 21 a and a tip portion (remaining 40%) 21 b are formed of different materials, the handle portion 21 a being formed from a wood (including bamboo) or synthetic resin of pleasant texture, while the tip portion 21 b is formed from a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum which does not damage easily and which is hygienically easy to maintain. In addition, these chopsticks have a rod-like body narrowing towards the tip in which the handle portion is square in cross-section and in which the cross section becomes gradually circular toward the tip. In accordance with need, a lacquer or the like may be coated on the handle portion 21 a.
Holes 22 are formed in the lower end of the handle portion 21 a in the length direction from the lower end, and a female screw 23 is engraved in the vicinity of the opening of the holes 22. Rod-like permanent magnets 24 are inserted into these holes 22. A male screw 25 that screws into the female screw 23 is protrudingly provided in the upper end of the tip portion 21 b, the holes 22 being covered and fall-out of the permanent magnets 24 being prevented as a result of the tip portion 21 b being screwed into the handle portion 21 a.
The handle portion 21 a and the tip portion 21 b may be connected using an adhesive material or the like rather than by the use of a screw connection.
In the chopsticks 21 pertaining to the present invention of the configuration described above, in the same way as the previously described configurations, because the pair of chopsticks 21, 21 can be correctly aligned simply by being brought together and, thereafter, because a slight amount of vibration will not result in misalignment of the chopsticks from this position, the pair of chopsticks can be placed easily in correct alignment on a table as shown in FIG. 5.
In addition, because the handle portion 21 a is formed from a wood (including bamboo) or synthetic resin of pleasant texture that does not conduct heat easily and, in addition, the tip portion 21 b is formed from a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum which is hygienically easy to maintain, chopsticks that are hard to damage by teeth marks due to repeated use and, in addition, in which heat is not easily conducted to the handle portion when used in hot soups or the like can be provided.
Furthermore, because the holes 22 in which the permanent magnets 24 are arranged are formed in the length direction from the lower end of the handle portion 21 a, and these holes 22 are covered as a result of connection of the tip portion 21 b to the handle portion 21 a, the need for provision of a separate member to cover the holes 22 is eliminated and, accordingly, chopsticks for which the manufacturing costs can be kept low and, in addition, and in which the permanent magnets 24 do not impact on the use thereof because they are arranged in the vicinity of the center in the length direction of the holes 21, can be provided.
FIG. 6 shows a preferred supplementary configuration of chopsticks 31 of the present invention in which protrusions 32 for elevating the tip portion of the chopsticks 31 from the surface of the table are provided in the same position (a part a little toward the tip from the center in the length direction of the chopsticks) in each chopstick of the pair of chopsticks 31, 31. These protrusions 32 may be integrally formed with the chopsticks main body or may be affixed as a separate member by an adhesive or the like.
In addition, serrations 33 for ensuring that the food grasped by the chopsticks does not slip off easily are formed in the tip portion of the chopsticks 31. These serrations 33 may be provided as recessed grooves or protruding ridges and, furthermore, they may be imparted by the use of sandpaper, sandblasting, or provision of zigzags in the surface thereof.
Apart from the configuration described above, the configuration of this pair of chopsticks 31 is identical to the pair of chopsticks shown in FIG. 3 and, accordingly, identical symbols are assigned to sections of the configuration identical therewith and the explanation thereof has been omitted.
Because identical effects to those obtained with the pair of chopsticks 11 pertaining to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 can be achieved with the pair of chopsticks 31 pertaining to the present invention of the configuration described above and, in addition thereto, protrusions 32 are provided to elevate the tip portion of the pair of chopsticks 31 from the table, the chopsticks can be hygienically placed on the table without need for the use of a chopsticks rest and, in turn, the time and trouble required set the pair of chopsticks rest on the table, the time and trouble required to put away the pair of chopsticks rest, and the time and trouble required to wash the chopstick rest and so on is eliminated. In addition, foods can be easily grasped by the chopsticks as a result of the provision of the serrations 33 in the tip portion.
While a variety of embodiments of the chopsticks pertaining to the present invention are described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and, accordingly a variety of modifications and alterations can be made thereto within the scope of the technical gist of the present invention as described by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pair of chopsticks, wherein a hole is formed in the same position on each of the pair of chopsticks in a length direction thereof, and a permanent magnet is arranged in each of the holes.

2. The pair of chopsticks according to claim 1, wherein said holes are arranged along the length direction from an upper end of the chopsticks.

3. The pair of chopsticks according to claim 1, wherein a handle portion of said chopsticks is formed from wood including bamboo or a synthetic resin, and a tip portion thereof is formed from a metal.

4. The pair of chopsticks according to claim 3, wherein said holes are formed in the length direction from a lower end of the handle portion, these holes being covered by connecting the tip portion to the handle portion.

5. The pair of chopsticks according to claim 1 wherein protrusions that elevate the tip portion of the chopsticks from a table are respectively provided in the same position on each of the pair of chopsticks.

6. The pair of chopsticks according to claim 2, wherein protrusions that elevate the tip portion of the chopsticks from a table are respectively provided in the same position on each of the pair of chopsticks.

7. The pair of chopsticks according to claim 3, wherein protrusions that elevate the tip portion of the chopsticks from a table are respectively provided in the same position on each of the pair of chopsticks.

8. The pair of chopsticks according to claim 4, wherein protrusions that elevate the tip portion of the chopsticks from a table are respectively provided in the same position on each of the pair of chopsticks.