Aluminum chopsticks

Abstract

To provide reusable and eco-friendly chopsticks with magnets built therein, the two chopsticks prevented from attracting each other in use, but attracting other in non-use.SOLUTION: Aluminum chopsticks are so configured that when the handle sides and the pinching sides of the chopsticks are alternately aligned, a pair of magnet bodies is arranged to attract each other on the surfaces facing each other, and when the handle sides are aligned, the plurality of pairs of magnet bodies is arranged at positions not facing each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to aluminum chopsticks that are not affected by magnets when in use, but can be attached by magnet attraction when not in use. [Background technology]

[0002] Chopsticks are a pair of two sticks of the same length that can be held in one hand to pick up and move food, and are often made of bamboo or wood. In cafeterias and restaurants, disposable chopsticks are often used, in which one chopstick is cut into one piece of material along its length, leaving only a small portion, and the remaining portion is cut off just before use. They are usually discarded as disposables and are not reused.

[0003] In some countries and regions, stainless steel chopsticks and ivory chopsticks are used, and some of them can be washed and reused. However, they fall apart when washed, and are easily lost. Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-206542 discloses chopsticks in which permanent magnets with opposing poles are embedded near the center of the two chopsticks. These chopsticks are not easily separated when not in use, and are not unsightly. Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3158567 discloses chopsticks with built-in magnets, in which holes are drilled near the top end of each chopstick and at the same position on the side of the central part, and permanent magnets are embedded in the holes with magnetic flux extending perpendicular to the side and with magnetic poles that attract each other when the two chopsticks are lined up, so that once a pair of chopsticks is aligned, they will not easily separate even with a small force. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP-A-11-206542 (Claim 1) [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3158567 (Claim 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, according to the chopsticks in the prior art documents, when in use, the pair of magnets are in opposing positions, so when the two chopsticks come close to each other, they become stuck together due to magnetic attraction and cannot be used. Also, there is a problem that it is troublesome to separate the two chopsticks in the middle of a meal.

[0006] Additionally, disposable bamboo or wooden chopsticks cannot be reused, and although they are considered carbon neutral, they have a significant impact on the global environment.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide chopsticks with built-in magnets that do not attract each other when in use but attract each other when not in use, are reusable, and are environmentally friendly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In light of this situation, the inventor conducted extensive research and discovered that the above problem could be solved by using chopsticks made of aluminum with a pair of magnetic bodies positioned so that they do not pull together when in use, but are reversed when not in use and are attracted to each other by the magnets, thus completing the present invention.

[0009] In other words, the present invention (1) provides a pair of chopsticks made of aluminum, each of which is the same length, and which has a pair of magnetic bodies arranged on the opposing surfaces of the chopsticks so that they are attracted to each other when the handle and clamping sides of the chopsticks are aligned alternately, and when the handle sides are aligned opposite each other, the pair of magnetic bodies are arranged in positions where they do not face each other.

[0010] The present invention (2) also provides aluminum chopsticks as described in (1) above, in which a pair of magnetic bodies are arranged so as to attract each other on opposing surfaces and at multiple points along the length of the chopsticks when the handle and clamping sides of the chopsticks are aligned in an alternating manner.

[0011] The present invention (3) also provides aluminum chopsticks as described in (1) or (2) above, in which the pair of magnetic bodies is one of which is a magnet and the other of which is a magnetic body, or one of which is a first magnet and the other of which is a second magnet that is attracted to the first magnet.

[0012] The present invention (4) also provides aluminum chopsticks as described in (1) or (2) above, in which the surface on which the magnetic body is arranged is a flat surface.

[0013] The present invention (5) also provides the aluminum chopsticks described in (1) or (2) above, which have an anodized coating.

[0014] The present invention (6) provides chopsticks made of aluminum as described in (1) or (2) above, which have a taper from the handle side to the clamping side, and when the handle side and the clamping side of the chopsticks are aligned alternately, they form an approximately rectangular prism shape. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, when the chopsticks are used during a meal, the magnetic body does not affect the operability, and the chopsticks can be used comfortably. On the other hand, when not in use, the two chopsticks are attached by the magnetic body, so they do not separate. In addition, because they are made of aluminum, they are reusable and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, when not in use, the handle side and the clamping side of the chopsticks are attached alternately, allowing them to be made into a compact shape. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the position of the magnetic body in the chopsticks according to the embodiment of the present invention when in use. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the position of the magnetic body in the chopsticks according to the embodiment of the present invention when not in use. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of chopsticks according to an embodiment of the present invention in a glued state when not in use. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the chopsticks of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the chopsticks of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view of chopsticks according to a first modified example of the present invention in a glued state when not in use. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region Y of the chopstick 1a in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an enlarged right side view of the chopsticks of the second modified example of the present invention when not in use and in a glued state. [Figure 9] FIG. 13(A) is a front view of chopsticks according to a third modified example of the present invention in a glued state when not in use, and FIG. 13(B) is an enlarged view of the right side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Next, the chopsticks of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0018] The chopsticks of the present invention are made of aluminum. Examples of the material made of aluminum include aluminum and aluminum alloys. Wooden and bamboo chopsticks are incinerated when discarded, which releases carbon dioxide, but aluminum chopsticks can be melted and reborn as aluminum products, making them reusable.

[0019] Aluminum chopsticks are lighter than stainless steel chopsticks and are easy to carry. Aluminum chopsticks with an anodized coating are preferable because they have excellent corrosion resistance and impact resistance, are less likely to get scratched, and are hygienic. There are no particular restrictions on the tempering of the aluminum, but it is preferable that the aluminum has a strength that does not deform during use or washing.

[0020] In the present invention, the chopsticks may have a uniform thickness along their length, or may be thicker on the handle side and thinner on the pinching side. In other words, when the handle side and pinching side of the chopsticks are alternately aligned, it is sufficient that the adhesive surface near the magnet body is flat and the two chopsticks are strongly attached, and therefore the surfaces other than the adhesive surface on which the magnet body is located may be curved. A tapered shape is preferable for chopsticks that are thicker on the handle side and thinner on the pinching side.

[0021] The handle side of chopsticks is the side that is thicker than the pinching side, and the pinching side is the side that is thinner than the handle side. If the handle side and pinching side of chopsticks are the same thickness, that is, if the chopsticks have a uniform thickness along their length, one side along the length is the handle side and the other side is the pinching side.

[0022] In the present invention, the chopsticks have a taper from the handle side to the clamping side, and when the handle side and the clamping side of the chopsticks are arranged alternately, it is preferable that they have an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape, because this allows for compact storage. In particular, when used outdoors at a campsite, it is convenient because it does not create dead space when carrying them when moving. Note that the approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape when not in use includes a small rounded shape due to chamfering of the corners.

[0023] In the present invention, the pair of magnet bodies are arranged in positions where they attract each other on the opposing surfaces when the handle side and the clamping side of the chopsticks are arranged alternately, and are arranged in positions where they do not face each other when the handle sides are arranged. The pair of magnet bodies may be arranged on opposing surfaces when the two chopsticks are attached, and at multiple locations in the length direction. When the pair of magnet bodies are arranged at one location in the length direction, they may be arranged so that the magnetic body does not hang on the center of the length of the chopsticks, and the length of the magnetic body is preferably about 2 to 10, preferably about 3 to 5 times the length in the width direction of the surface on which they are arranged, in order that the two chopsticks do not shift even if a turning torque acts when they are attached when not in use. On the other hand, when the pair of magnet bodies are arranged at multiple locations in the length direction, they may be arranged so that the magnet bodies arranged at a distance from each other in the length direction of the chopsticks are not equidistant from the center of the length of the chopsticks. In addition, it is preferable to avoid arranging the pair of magnet bodies near the tip of the clamping side in order to prevent the magnetic body from entering the oral cavity.

[0024] In the chopsticks of the present invention, it is preferable that the surface on which the magnetic body is arranged is flat, since the adhesive force of the magnet is ensured. The surface on which the magnetic body is not arranged is not particularly limited, but if the side surface is also almost flat, when the handle side and the clamping side are turned in the opposite direction, when a pattern or logo mark is formed by the two chopsticks of a pair, not only does it look good, but the combination of the pair is clearly understood, and the risk of losing them is further reduced. Note that the side surface refers to the surface that is perpendicular to the surface on which the magnetic body is arranged. In the present invention, chopsticks having an anodized coating have excellent corrosion resistance and impact resistance, are less likely to be scratched, and are hygienic.

[0025] In the present invention, the pair of magnet bodies may be any that are magnetically attracted to each other without repelling each other when the handle side and the clamping side are placed in opposite directions, for example, one chopstick is a magnet and the other chopstick is a magnetic material, or one chopstick is a first magnet and the other chopstick is a second magnet that attracts each other. When attached, the pair of magnet bodies are located in one location or two or more locations (multiple locations) that are separated from each other in the length direction, and it is particularly preferable that they are located in two or three locations that are separated from each other. By having the pair of magnet bodies located in multiple locations in the length direction, the two chopsticks will not become misaligned even when a turning torque is applied.

[0026] In the present invention, the pair of magnetic bodies are arranged in positions (surfaces) that do not face each other in the length direction of the chopsticks when the handle sides are aligned. This allows the chopsticks to be used comfortably while eating without affecting the operability of the magnetic bodies. It is preferable that one side and the other side of the pair of magnetic bodies are separated by about 10 mm or more in the length direction when the handle sides are aligned, in order to reliably avoid the influence of the magnetic bodies.

[0027] In the present invention, the type of magnet is not particularly limited, but examples include ferrite magnets, alnico magnets, samarium-cobalt magnets, neodymium magnets, etc. Among these, non-corrosive magnets are preferred from a hygienic perspective. In addition, the magnetic material may be any material that can be attached to a magnet, but non-corrosive magnets are preferred from a hygienic perspective.

[0028] In the present invention, the shape of the magnet or magnetic body is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the magnets are positioned in positions that face each other when the handle side and the clamping side are in the opposite direction, and that they face each other with the same shape. The strength of the magnetic force of the magnet must be at least strong enough to hold a pair of chopsticks together and not separate them under natural gravity, and at most strong enough to separate the pair of chopsticks with the force of the hand.

[0029] When they are stuck together, they are firmly bonded, and when you can separate them with the force needed to break ordinary bamboo or wooden disposable chopsticks, you get the same sensation as if you were breaking the chopsticks. Ordinary bamboo or wooden chopsticks cannot be broken repeatedly after one use, but with the magnetic chopsticks of this invention, even after you have gotten the sensation of breaking the chopsticks once, you can still get the same sensation as if you were breaking the chopsticks again and again by reattaching them with a magnet.

[0030] Next, the method for manufacturing chopsticks of the present invention will be described with examples. In the first chopstick manufacturing method, aluminum alloy is first melted in a normal manner, and the composition is adjusted to produce a billet for extrusion molding. If necessary, a homogenization process is performed, and a rod-shaped material is produced by extrusion molding, which is then cut to a specified length to produce cut pieces. If necessary, cutting is performed to make the pinch side of the cut piece thinner, so that it has a tapered shape as necessary.

[0031] The ends of the roughly rod-shaped cut pieces are polished with abrasive paper or abrasive sand to remove any sharp edges. In particular, the tip of the chopsticks that is used to hold the chopsticks is rounded to reduce the risk of injury to the human body when using the chopsticks.

[0032] Next, anodizing is performed. The point where the magnetic body will be embedded in a later process is set as the current flow point for the anodizing. For the anodizing, alumite sulfate, alumite nitrate, alumite oxalate, etc. can be used. After anodizing, a coloring process can also be performed. Next, holes are drilled at the positions where the magnets will be embedded, and the magnets or magnetic bodies are embedded. The magnets or magnetic bodies may be embedded by bonding with an adhesive or by fitting.

[0033] The second method of manufacturing chopsticks is similar to the first method of manufacturing chopsticks, in that an aluminum alloy is first melted in a conventional manner, the components are adjusted, and a billet for extrusion molding is produced. If necessary, a homogenization process is performed, and the plate is formed by extrusion molding. Next, the plate is cut into strips perpendicular to the extrusion direction to obtain roughly rod-shaped cut pieces. The cross-sectional shape of the plate may be a flat rectangular cross-section, or may be a tapered cross-section plate with one end being slightly thicker and the opposite end being slightly thinner. If the plate is a flat rectangular cross-section, cutting is performed to narrow the sandwiched side of the cut piece to give it a tapered shape. On the other hand, if the plate is tapered, there is no need to perform cutting to narrow the sandwiched side of the cut piece, which is economical.

[0034] Furthermore, forming one or more grooves near the tip on the gripping side in the cross-sectional shape of the plate-shaped extruded material (cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction of the chopsticks) can prevent food from slipping, and forming one or more grooves near the tip on the handle side can prevent the hand from slipping.In the second chopsticks manufacturing method, the subsequent processes of polishing the ends of the rod-shaped cut pieces, anodizing, and embedding magnets or magnetic materials are the same as in the first chopsticks manufacturing method, and so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0035] Next, chopsticks according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The chopsticks 10 in Figure 1 are a pair of chopsticks (1a, 1b) of the same length, and when the handle sides (4a, 4b) and the clamping sides (5a, 5b) of the chopsticks 10 are aligned alternately (see Figures 2 and 3), a pair of magnet bodies (2a, 3b), (3a, 2b) are disposed on the opposing surfaces (6a, 6b) at two locations spaced apart in the length direction, and when the handle sides (4a, 4b) are aligned (see Figure 1), the pair of magnet bodies (2a, 3b), (3a, 2b) are disposed in positions not facing each other.

[0036] In chopsticks 10 (1a, 1b), the magnetic bodies are magnets indicated by symbols 2a and 3a in chopstick 1a, and magnetic bodies indicated by symbols 2b and 3b in chopstick 1b. The magnets and magnetic bodies have a circular cross-sectional shape and are embedded in holes that have been drilled. The length between magnet 2a and magnet 3a is the same as the length between magnetic bodies 2b and 3b, and the length from magnet 2a to the end of chopstick 1a is the same as the length from magnetic body 3b to the end of chopstick 1b. Furthermore, magnet 2a and magnet 3a in chopstick 1a are not positioned at equidistant positions from the center of chopstick 1a's length. Furthermore, magnetic bodies 2b and 3b in chopstick 1b are not positioned at equidistant positions from the center of chopstick 1b's length.

[0037] The surfaces on which the magnets (2a, 3a) of chopsticks 1a and the magnetic bodies (2b, 3b) of chopsticks 1b are arranged are both flat. The surfaces (6a, 6b) on which the magnets (2a, 3a) and the magnetic bodies (2b, 3b) of chopsticks 1b are arranged are tapered from the handle side to the clamping side with respect to the opposing distal surfaces (7a, 7b). As a result, when the handle side and the clamping side of the chopsticks are aligned alternately, they form an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape with a width dimension of X (see Figure 3). The chopsticks 10 are anodized except for the magnets (2a, 3a) and the magnetic bodies (2b, 3b).

[0038] When using chopsticks 10 during a meal, the magnets and magnetic bodies made of magnetic material do not affect the operability, allowing the chopsticks to be used comfortably. On the other hand, when not in use, the chopsticks become a rectangular parallelepiped shape due to magnetic attraction, and can be attached compactly. Conventionally, as in prior art documents, when the handle side of chopsticks is thick and the clamping side is slightly thinner, and the handle side and the clamping side are attached in the same direction by magnetic force, the thick side becomes thicker and the thin side becomes thinner, resulting in an uneven shape when stored, which causes problems with portability. However, chopsticks 10 are convenient in that they can be easily stored when traveling, especially when used outdoors at a campsite.

[0039] Additionally, because the chopsticks 10 have magnets at two locations along their length, the two chopsticks will not shift even when a turning torque is applied. Furthermore, the surfaces 6a and 6b on which the magnets are located are flat, ensuring a strong adhesive force from the magnets. Additionally, the surfaces of the chopsticks 10 are anodized, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and impact resistance, makes them less susceptible to scratches, and makes them hygienic. Additionally, because the chopsticks 10 are made of an aluminum alloy, they are reusable and environmentally friendly.

[0040] Next, modified chopsticks according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9. Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the axis of chopsticks 1a in Fig. 6. In chopsticks 10a in Figs. 6 and 7, which are the first modified example, the same components as those in Figs. 1 to 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. That is, the chopsticks 10a in Figs. 6 and 7 differ from the chopsticks 10 in Figs. 1 to 5 in that three grooves are formed on the pinching sides 5a and 5b of the chopsticks. By forming multiple grooves (three in the figures), it is possible to prevent food from slipping.

[0041] In chopsticks 10b in Fig. 8, which is the second modification, the same components as those in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 in the embodiment of the present invention are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted, and only the differences will be explained. That is, chopsticks 10b in Fig. 8 differ from chopsticks 10 in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 in that when the handle side and the clamping side of the chopsticks are aligned alternately, the side shape becomes elliptical. Therefore, the plan view of chopsticks 10b is shown in Fig. 3, and the front view is shown in Fig. 4.

[0042] In chopsticks 10c in Fig. 9, which is the third modified example, the same components as those in Figs. 1 to 5 in the embodiment of the present invention are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted, and only the differences will be explained. That is, chopsticks 10c in Fig. 9 differ from chopsticks 10 in Figs. 1 to 5 in that when the handle side and the clamping side of chopsticks 10c are alternately aligned, the surfaces other than the opposing surfaces 6a, 6b have a curved shape that is close to a circle. Therefore, the plan view of chopsticks 10c is as shown in Fig. 3. Also, the enlarged left side view of chopsticks 10c is symmetrical to the enlarged right side view of Fig. 9(B). Industrial application fields

[0043] They can be used without any discomfort during meals, and when not in use, they do not fall apart and can be stored compactly. They are also reusable and environmentally friendly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1a One of two chopsticks 1b The other of the two chopsticks 2a, 3a magnet 2b, 3b Magnetic material 4a, 4b Handle side 5a, 5b clamping side 6a, 6b Installation surface of magnet body

Claims

1. A pair of chopsticks of the same length, When the chopsticks are arranged with the handle and the clamping sides alternated, a pair of magnets are placed on the opposing sides so that they attract each other. These aluminum chopsticks are characterized in that a pair of magnets are arranged in positions where they do not face each other when the handles are aligned.

2. Aluminum chopsticks as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the handle and clamping sides of the chopsticks are aligned alternately, a pair of magnetic bodies are arranged so as to attract each other on opposing surfaces and at multiple points along the length.

3. Aluminum chopsticks as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pair of magnetic bodies is one of which is a magnet and the other of which is a magnetic body, or one of which is a first magnet and the other of which is a second magnet that is attracted to the first magnet.

4. The aluminum chopsticks according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface on which the magnet body is disposed is a flat surface.

5. The chopsticks made of aluminum according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chopsticks have an anodized coating.

6. The chopsticks have a taper from the handle side to the pinch side, 3. The aluminum chopsticks according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that they form an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape when the handle side and the clamping side of the chopsticks are aligned alternately.

Images