Apparatus for assisting in the use of chopsticks and method for making same

• US 4,721,334 A
• Filed: 04/07/1986
• Issued: 01/26/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel T. Nakatsu
• Original Assignee: Daniel T. Nakatsu
• Inventors: Nakatsu, Daniel T.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/849,179
• Time in Patent Office: 659 Days
• Field of Search: 294/99.2, 294/99.1, 294/16, 294/3, 294/8.5, 294/11, 294/33, 24/499, 24/500, 24/501, 24/511, 24/530, D 7/165
• US Class Current: 294/99.2
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 21/103 Chop-sticks

Abstract

A device for assisting in the use of chopsticks and a method of making same characterized by a band spring of single-piece, molded or formed construction, free of separate and joined members, to connect a pair of chopsticks at an adjustable distance from each other and enable their manipulation in a manner substantially identical and faithful to the proper holding and wielding of a pair of individual and unjoined chopsticks. The spring'"'"'s structure consists of a curved and bent band spring extending between and terminating in two sleeves with adjustable apertures through which the chopsticks are passed. Forward disposition of one sleeve relative to the other sleeve causes one chopstick to have an axial component of movement when pressed toward the other chopstick. The sleeves are self-securing in their attachment to the chopsticks and can accommodate chopsticks of varying size. The distal space between the chopsticks can be altered to adjust the spring for holding by hands of differing size.

Claims

1. A device for assisting in the use of chopsticks comprising

spring means, in the form of a resilient band;

attachment means comprising a chopstick receiving sleeve having a base formed at each end of said resilient band; and

securing means being a pressure means within each sleeve integral therewith and in addition thereto operable to engage and apply pressure against a chopstick inserted into said sleeve.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said securing means is an extension of said spring means band which extends through said sleeve at an angle to said sleeve base.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said spring means band of resilient material forms one acute angle and one obtuse angle.

4. The invention of claim 2 wherein said spring means and said attachment means are formed from a single piece of resilient material.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein each said sleeve comprises a pair of overlapping flanges attached to said base member.

6. The invention of claim 2 wherein said spring means band attaches to each said sleeve by a small loop.

7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said spring means including said attachment means are formed from a single piece of resilient material.

8. A method of forming a chopstick-assisting spring device comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a flat blank of resilient material in the shape of an "H" having transverse end members symmetrical about the axis of a center connecting band member wherein the midsections of said transverse end members are contiguous with said center band member;

(b) bending said center connecting band member at its juncture with each end member into a tight loop whereby the midsection of each said end member overlaps a portion of said connecting band;

(c) bending each said end member at right angles along lines parallel to and slightly spaced from said center connecting band member in a direction toward said band member; and

(d) bending in overlapping relation the free ends of said end members to form expandable sleeves.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of:

(e) bending said center band member near and outside one of said sleeves to form an obtuse angle; and

(f) bending said center band member near and outside the other sleeve to form an acute angle.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of:

(g) bending said center band along transverse lines adjacent each of the loops until said center band forms an angle with the midsections of said transverse end members.

11. A chopstick-assisting device according to the method of claim 10.