Patent Application
20190365128
China uses 20 million trees each year to supply their demand for disposable, single-use chopsticks. At approximately 4,000 chopsticks per tree, that is roughly 80 billion chopsticks per year. Greenpeace has dedicated a campaign to the chopstick problem, blaming it for the destruction of 1.18 million square meters of forest every year.
As set forth by Erica Lee in DES 40A Winter 2018 University of California, Davis—Department of Design, via Design Life-Cycle website reproduced in part below: Disposable wooden chopsticks, a staple utensil at Asian restaurants, are often tossed in the trash without second thought. These seemingly harmless wooden sticks, treated with multiple chemicals and thus making them not biodegradable, take up a great deal of space in landfills. These disposable wooden chopsticks generate tons of waste in the duration of their life cycle, from their inception, to their transportation, and to the end of their lives. Although alternative methods to reuse wooden chopsticks have been devised, they still produce wastes and it will be a while before these methods are implemented on a larger scale.
In addition to the carbon dioxide emissions from the machinery used, the chemical processing of the wooden chopsticks produces hazardous chemical waste. Generally, the wooden chopsticks are bathed in a solution of different chemical compounds, but the most common ingredient used is sulfur dioxide (Nuwer).
Transportation of disposable wooden chopsticks from factory to restaurants around and across the Pacific has its economic benefits, but the thousands of miles traveled has its effect on the environment. Chinese made disposable chopsticks are both consumed in China and exported to Japan, Korea, and the United States (Newer).
Arguably, the transportation of the chopsticks produces the largest amount of waste in the whole life cycle of a pair of disposable chopsticks due to the sheer millions of tons of exhaust from cargo ships and trucks.
Once used, disposable wooden chopsticks are thrown away and into landfills they go. Since wooden chopsticks are bleached and treated with the chemical bath, they are not compostable. When people throw away the wooden chopsticks, they end up in landfills and eventually these wooden chopsticks will biodegrade over a few decades. The larger issue is that China goes through roughly forty-five billion pairs of disposable wooden chopsticks a year while the international market goes through over eighteen billion pairs of the wooden chopsticks and over ninety percent of these wooden chopsticks end up in landfills around the world (Gardener).
One solution to not using wooden chopsticks is for people to carry their own, reusable chopsticks. But the problem is that reusable chopsticks are often made out of metal or plastic, and by nature are long and inconvenient to carry around. If people are to bring reusable chopsticks everywhere, they will want somewhere clean to put the reusable chopsticks. That means keeping the reusable chopsticks in a case that's even bigger and bulkier than the reusable chopsticks in their current form.
Therefore, there exists a need for convenient reusable chopsticks that are easy to carry, store, and easy to clean.
Reusable chopsticks that are foldable into a compact configuration for storage and easily transportable in a storage case. The chopsticks each comprise a rigid external structure and at least one flexible internal member that permits the chopstick to be foldable to a compact configuration for storage. In a folded configuration, the reusable chopsticks have a significantly reduced length of approximately one-half to one-fourth or less of their extended length when in use. The external structure of the chopstick is preferably formed of multiple rigid segments connected by the flexible internal member(s) in the extended configuration during use as chopsticks. A storage case is provided to store the chopsticks in the folded configuration in a compact form.
The chopsticks of the present invention are collapsible chopsticks that self assemble. The chopsticks are in an extended configuration preferably when at least two of the segments are coupled together with the flexible internal member to form the rigid external structure of the chopstick. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling of the segments to one another via reciprocal interdigitating ends, such as with male and female configured ends, form a rigid structure once assembled. The flexible internal member being under tension within the chopstick to maintain the segments coupled together. The elastic nature of flexible internal member, returning from a stretched state in the folded configuration to a less-stretched state in the extended configuration, functions to essentially automatically extend and reconfigure the chopstick to the extended configuration.
The chopstick is in a folded configuration preferably when at least two of the segments are uncoupled from one another and moved apart along the flexible internal member by stretching the flexible internal member and folding the flexible internal member between at least two segments.
The present invention provides a convenient reusable chopsticks that are easy to carry and store.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from review of the following specification and the accompanying drawings.
The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.
The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure.
Referring to
Chopstick 100a preferably includes a front segment 102, a middle segment 104, and a rear segment 106. Chopstick 100a has a trailing end 108 and a tip 110 opposite trailing end 108 and a central longitudinal axis (CLA) passing through end 108 and tip 110. Each of segments 102, 104, 106 is configured to be coupled to at least another one of segments 102, 104, 106, respectively, when positioned adjacent to one another along the central longitudinal axis (CLA) to form chopstick 100a. Segments 102, 104, 106 may be at least in part hollow and are preferably sufficiently rigid to form an outer “shell” in the form of a chopstick 100a when assembled together.
Chopstick 100a preferably includes a first flexible member 120 connected to front segment 102 and middle segment 104 and a second flexible member 122 connected to middle segment 104 and rear segment 106. Flexible member 120 preferably terminates into tabs 124, 125 at opposite ends of flexible member 120. Similarly, flexible member 122 preferably terminates into tabs 126 and 127 at opposite ends of flexible member 122. Preferably, front segment 102 includes a recess 130 and middle segment 104 includes a recess 132 configured to receive tabs 124 and 125, respectively, of flexible member 120. Similarly, middle segment 104 preferably includes a recess 134 and rear segment 106 preferably includes a recess 136 configured to receive tabs 126 and 127, respectively, of flexible member 122.
As shown in
As shown in
Chopstick 100a is in a folded configuration (
In the extended configuration, segments 102, 104, 106 preferably are positioned coaxial to one another along the central longitudinal axis (CLA) and in the folded configuration segments 102, 104, 106 preferably are positioned generally parallel to one another.
Segments 102, 104, 106, as examples, generally can have a circular cross section, an oval cross section, a triangular cross section, or a rectangular cross section transverse to the central longitudinal axis (CLA) or any other configuration, size or shape that is suitable for use as a chopstick. Segments 102, 104, 106 are preferably formed of materials including at least one of stainless steel, titanium, other metals, carbon fiber, composite materials, wood, non-recycled plastics, plant-based plastics, and other recyclable and renewable materials. Stainless steel is a preferred material as it is biocompatible, does not rust, recyclable, strong, upcycled stainless steel, ability to be laser engraved in black. Titanium is also biocompatible, does not rust, recyclable, highly strong/weight ratio, upcycled titanium supplier, super strong, ability to have laser engraving in color. The metal segments 102, 104, 106 can be laser engraved with logos, designs and artwork. Alternatively, any sufficiently rigid material suitable for its intended purpose may be used including plastics and composite materials to form segments 102, 104, 106 or any other material suitable for use in chopsticks.
It is preferred that flexible members 120, 122 be sufficiently elastic and flexible to be stretchable (as indicated by arrows A in
Referring to
In other embodiments, a magnet closure 206 may be replaced with at least one primary attachment member that is adjoined to the lid, wherein the at least one primary attachment member locks the lid to the lower container. Further, in other embodiments, at least one secondary attachment member adjoined to the lower container, wherein the at least one secondary attachment member is configured to receive the at least one primary attachment member. The at least one primary attachment member and/or the at least one secondary attachment member is at least one member of a attachment set, by way of non-limiting example, consisting of: a magnet, a fastener, a snap fit, a Velcro member, a clamp, a latch, a elastic member, a tab, a spring or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the storage case includes a lower container. The lower container having a lower container rear wall joined to a lower container first side wall, a lower container second side wall, and a lower container bottom wall, and a lower container front wall joined to the lower container first side wall, the lower container second side wall, and the lower container bottom wall. The storage space exists between the lower container rear wall, the lower container front wall, the lower container first side wall, the lower container second side wall, and the lower container bottom wall. The storage space serving to house the chopsticks 100 within. In some embodiments, an internal wall, joined to the lower container front wall, the lower container rear wall, and the lower container bottom wall creating the first storage area and the second storage area. In some embodiments, the internal wall is approximately parallel to the lower container first side wall and the lower container second side wall. In other embodiments, the internal wall is angled or perpendicular in relation to the lower container first side wall and the lower container second side wall.
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the storage case can be made from and include materials including for example: recycled materials, bio-plastics, plant-based plastics, woods, metals, composite materials, plant-based composite such as for example a wheat-flaxseed-bamboo based composite and others, recycled ABS plastic injection molded materials, metal hinges, neodymium magnets, and glue. It is appreciated that other materials suitable for the intended purpose of forming chopsticks and a storage case are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.
In another preferred embodiment, a chopstick rest is provided supporting the chopsticks when placed on a surface such as a table. The chopstick rest can be built-in to the chopsticks themselves or the storage case or be a separate structure.
As the reusable chopstick being adapted for use with a food, the reusable chopsticks need to be cleaned periodically or as desired by the user. In some embodiments, the reusable chopstick 100a includes a storage case having a first plurality of internal wall protrusions arranged within the first storage area on the internal wall and a first plurality of container protrusions arranged within the first storage area on the lower container first side wall. A first removable basket (not shown) is then inserted into the first storage area between the first plurality of internal wall protrusions and the first plurality of container protrusions. The first removable basket adapted to house chopstick 100a. Next, a second plurality of internal wall protrusions arranged within the second storage area on the internal wall and a second plurality of container protrusions arranged within the second storage area on the lower container second side wall. Next, a second removable basket (not shown), inserted into the second storage area between the second plurality of internal wall protrusions and the second plurality of container protrusions. The second removable basket adapted to house chopstick 100b. The first basket and the second basket may be removed by the user and comprise a plurality of perforated openings or a mesh material for allowing air or water to freely move in and out of the first basket or the second basket during washing of the reusable chopstick 100.
In some embodiments, the storage case at least one member of an identification set consisting of: an alphanumeric identification, a human user's name, a symbolic shape, a company brand, a numeric identification number, a QR code, a barcode, and an RFID tag. The chopstick can comprise, in some configurations, an external texture to grip a hand of a user. The external texture may further comprise at least one member of a texture set consisting of: indentations, extrusions, knurling, a rough surface, and bumps.
It should be understood that aspects of the embodiments herein generally may be interchanged in whole or in part. The disclosure further includes the individual parts and/or combinations/subassemblies, methods of making the parts, methods of assembling the parts and methods of using the chopsticks and the storage case.
As used in this application, the term “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”
As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number.
As used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.
All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source mated al, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.
As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. In particular, any use of “step of” in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.
This application claims priority to provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 62/680,246 filed on Jun. 4, 2018, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference. The disclosure of prior U.S. Ser. No. 15/987,681 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,123,641 is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62680246 | Jun 2018 | US |
