Foldable Chopstick Device with Tension Connection Point and Pin

Abstract

A pair of hinged chopsticks is disclosed. The pair includes a first chopstick and a second chopstick, each having a main stick with a tapered end and an opposite thicker end. The thicker ends are joined by a pin, functioning as a hinge, allowing the chopsticks to pivot between a flat folded position and an unfolded V-shaped position. A tension provides a biasing force that maintains the chopsticks in the unfolded position. The chopsticks can be squeezed together by the user to bring the tapered ends closer for picking up food items. The device is designed to facilitate use by individuals with limited dexterity, offering ease of operation through a simplified squeezing motion and enabling easy storage by folding the chopsticks flat when not in use.

Claims

1. A hinged chopstick comprising: a first chopstick comprised of: a first main stick comprised of a first opening; and a first secondary stick; and a second chopstick comprised of: a second main stick comprised of a second opening; and a second secondary stick.

2. The hinged chopstick of claim 1, wherein the first secondary stick attaches to the second main stick.

3. The hinged chopstick of claim 2, wherein the first secondary stick attaches to the second main stick via a hinge.

4. The hinged chopstick of claim 3, wherein the pin is comprised of a hinge.

5. The hinged chopstick of claim 1, wherein the first secondary stick attaches to the second main stick.

6. The hinged chopstick of claim 1, wherein the first chopstick and the second chopstick are comprised of a wood material.

7. A hinged chopstick comprising: a first chopstick comprised of: a first main stick comprised of a first opening and a first tapered end; and a first secondary stick; and a second chopstick comprised of: a second main stick comprised of a second opening and a second tapered end; and a second secondary stick.

8. The hinged chopstick of claim 7, wherein the first secondary stick attaches to the second main stick.

9. The hinged chopstick of claim 8, wherein the first secondary stick attaches to the second main stick via a pin.

10. The hinged chopstick of claim 9, wherein the first secondary stick is comprised of a first aperture.

11. The hinged chopstick of claim 9, wherein the second main stick is comprised of a second aperture.

12. The hinged chopstick of claim 9, wherein the pin is comprised of a hinge.

13. The hinged chopstick of claim 7, wherein the first secondary stick attaches to the second main stick.

14. The hinged chopstick of claim 7, wherein the first chopstick is comprised of a metal material.

15. The hinged chopstick of claim 7, wherein the first chopstick is comprised of a metal material.

16. A hinged chopstick comprising: a first chopstick comprised of: a first main stick comprised of a first opening and a first tapered end; and a first secondary stick; and a second chopstick comprised of: a second main stick comprised of a second opening and a second tapered end, the second main stick attached to the first secondary stick; and a second secondary stick positioned within the first opening.

17. The hinged chopstick of claim 16, wherein the second secondary stick attaches to the first main stick via a pin.

18. The hinged chopstick of claim 17, wherein the pin is comprised of a hinge.

19. The hinged chopstick of claim 16, wherein the first chopstick is comprised of a wood material.

20. The hinged chopstick of claim 16, wherein the second chopstick is comprised of a wood material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of hinged chopsticks of the present invention in a flat and folded position in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of hinged chopsticks of the present invention in an unfolded and V-shaped position in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing a user holding the hinged chopsticks in the unfolded state in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a user using the hinged chopsticks in the unfolded state for holding a food item in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0019] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0020] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a uniquely designed chopsticks that people can easily learn to use. There is also a long-felt need in the art for novel chopsticks that can be easily used by people with limited dexterity and strength in their hands. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for chopsticks that can be mastered by all individuals, especially people with physical ailments and a lack of hand coordination. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for chopsticks that can be conveniently used for eating, manipulating, cooking, or serving food. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for chopsticks that are designed to provide comfort to the users and enhance their self-confidence while using them. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for chopsticks that ensures that people properly use these utensils while cooking food and do not get embarrassed in public places. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for chopsticks that are easy to use and enhance the self-esteem of people with limited hand dexterity.

[0021] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a hinged chopstick device. The hinged chopstick device comprises a pair of chopsticks including a first chopstick and a second chopstick, a pin acting as a hinge, the pin passes through aligned apertures in the thicker ends of the chopsticks, the pin allows the pair of chopsticks to pivot between a folded position wherein the chopsticks lie flat against each other, and an unfolded position wherein the chopsticks are in a V-shape, a tension connection point is configured to provide a biasing force that maintains the chopsticks in the unfolded position and allows the user to squeeze the chopsticks to pick up items using the tapered ends.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0023] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of hinged chopsticks 100 of the present invention in a flat and folded position in accordance with the disclosed structure. The hinged chopsticks 100 of the present invention are designed as an innovative pair of chopsticks that are easy to use and can be used by people with limited strength and dexterity. More specifically, the pair of chopsticks 100 includes a first chopstick 102 and a second chopstick 104. The first chopstick 102 includes a main stick 106 and a secondary stick 108. The main stick 106 is comprised of a tapered end 110 to an opposite thicker end 112. The secondary stick 108 extends outwards from an opening 114 of the main stick 106.

[0024] The second chopstick 104 includes a corresponding main stick 116 and a corresponding secondary stick 118. The main stick 116 of the second chopstick 104 has a tapered end 120 and the secondary stick 118 extends from an opening 122 of the main stick 116. The secondary stick 118 of the second chopstick 104 has a thicker end 124. The openings 114,122 may be in the form of a channel, a groove, a slotted opening, etc.

[0025] As best seen in FIG. 2, the secondary stick 108 of the first chopstick 102 attaches to the thicker end of the second chopstick 124 via at least one pin 130 placed through both 108,124. The pin 130 functions as the hinge and joins the two chopsticks 102,104 together. The pin 130 allows the two chopsticks 102,104 to pivot (in the direction shown by arrows A and B) around the hinge 130. Specifically, the pin 130 allows the chopsticks 102,104 to rotate around the pin 130, enabling a user to open and close the chopsticks 102,104 in a controlled manner. It should be appreciated that the pin 130 may be any type of rotating fastener that allows the chopsticks 102,104 to move in the manner described. In a further embodiment, the secondary stick of the second chopstick 118 and the thicker ender 112 of the first chopstick 102 may be connected via the pin 130 in the same manner to form a tension point 136.

[0026] The tapered ends 110,120 are used for picking up food items during use. The thicker ends 112,124 are joined and hold the chopsticks 102,104 together. The hinged chopsticks 100 can be made from lightweight and durable material like a wood, a metal, or a toxin-free plastic. In the preferred embodiment, the hinged chopsticks 100 are made from myrtle wood.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of easy-use hinged chopsticks 100 of the present invention in an unfolded and V-shaped position in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the unfolded position, the chopsticks 102,104 are rotated around the pin 130 to transition the hinged chopsticks 100 from the folded state to the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the tapered ends 110,120 are spaced apart while the thicker ends 112,124 remain connected using the pin 130. The bottom end 132 of the secondary stick 108 of the first chopstick 102 and the bottom end 134 of the main stick 116 of the second chopstick 104 are engaged using a tension connection point 136 that helps the chopsticks 102,104 in the unfolded position. The tension connection point 136 also makes it easy for a user to squeeze the chopsticks 102,104 to pick up a food item using the tapered ends 110,120. After use, the chopsticks 102,104 can be rotated back around the pivot point 130 so that the chopsticks 102,104 lay flat against each other as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing a user holding the hinged chopsticks in the unfolded state in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the hinged chopsticks 100 can be held by a user using one hand with one chopstick (102 in the present embodiment) supported by thumb 302 and the other chopstick held in one or more fingers 304. The chopsticks 102,104 can be squeezed to pick up a food item for eating and then, the pressure can be released causing the tension connection point 136 to relax enabling the foldable spring-loaded chopsticks 100 to return to its original shape, forcing the chopsticks 102,104 apart again. The pin 130 and the tension connection point 136 make it easier to grasp and release objects without needing precise finger movements as required with conventional chopsticks.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a user using the foldable spring-loaded chopsticks in the unfolded state for holding a food item in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the chopsticks 102,104 are squeezed by the user by applying pressure which compresses the tension connection point 136 to push the tapered ends 110,120 towards each other such that the food item 402 is held between the tapered ends 110,120. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the thicker ends 112,124 remain engaged and fastened to make use of the hinged chopsticks 100 easier. The tension connection point 136 allows the chopsticks 102,104 to move apart easily when the user releases the pressure to transition the chopsticks into the unfolded state.

[0030] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein foldable spring-loaded chopsticks, hinged chopsticks, pair of hinged chopsticks, and easy-use hinged chopsticks are interchangeable and refer to the foldable and hinged chopsticks 100 of the present invention.

[0031] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the foldable and hinged chopsticks 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foldable and hinged chopsticks 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the foldable and hinged chopsticks 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the foldable and hinged chopsticks 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the foldable and hinged chopsticks 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0032] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0033] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.