Abstract: Training chopsticks are designed to guide beginners and lifelong users alike to adopt a proper chopstick grip, allowing learners to extend chopstick tips wide apart. They allow learners to focus first on mastering the twirling of chopsticks between the closed posture to the wide-open posture, based on principles of the planetary gear train, without having to simultaneously learn to secure chopsticks using the required thumb pose. Such thumb pose can be mastered later as a second step. Furthermore, a variation of training chopsticks provides an elevated thumb rest to accommodate learners suffering from anatomical limitations. As a result, a learner can wield these training chopsticks to embrace large food items with ease, manipulate these large items with dexterity and finesse in the same way she can small items, and generate enough compression force to hold all items firmly between training chopsticks.

Abstract: A pair of chopsticks is disclosed, each of which includes a first body, a second body, and a locking member. The first body has at least one positioning slot, a storage space, and an opening communicating with the storage space. The second body can be completely or partly received in the storage space through the opening of the first body, wherein an outer wall of the second body has at least one protrusion which enters the positioning slot when the second body is in a predetermined position in the storage space. The locking member has a locking portion engaged with the first body, wherein the locking member is controllable to make the locking portion enter the positioning slot to prevent the protrusion therein from leaving the positioning slot whereby the chopsticks are retractable and more portable.

Abstract: The multifunctional chopsticks comprise an intelligent control device having a sensor module, a pressure induction module, a timing module, a voice module, a communication module and a power module; the sensor module is arranged at one end of the chopstick body and connected with the timing module, the pressure induction module is arranged on the middle upper portion of the chopstick body and also connected with the timing module; the voice module, the communication module and the power module are arranged at the other end of the chopstick body; the voice module is connected with the sensor module, the timing module and the pressure induction module; and the voice module is connected with the communication module and the power module. The pair of multifunctional chopsticks for children can help the children to use the chopsticks correctly, enables parents to learn about the children's dining habits and obtain specific food information.

Abstract: Chopsticks comprise a lower chopstick member (20), an upper chopstick (10) and a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism comprises a hinge arranged on the lower chopstick member (20) and a hinge hole (102) in the upper chopstick member (10). The hinge comprises a hinge head (130) which can be received into the hinge hole (102), and the hinge hole (102) is provided with a pivot (164) that can be received within the inner chamber (132) of the hinge head (130), so that the hinge can turn around the pivot (164). The upper chopstick member (10) is provided with a swell portion (104), in which the hinge hole (102) is located, and the swell portion (104) extends from the front surface of the upper chopstick member (10) and/or the back surface of the upper chop stick member (10), therefore, the whole strength of the chopsticks is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of chopsticks, comprising: an upper chopstick, and a lower chopstick with a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein both of the first and second protrusions protrude from the back surface of the lower chopstick, so that at the holding status of the chopsticks, the first protrusion can touch the vicinity of the first joint of the ring finger of user and the second protrusion can touch the finger pad of the third section of the index finger of user. With the two protrusions coexisting in the lower chopstick, the chopsticks can be firmly held by hand of users.

Abstract: A one-piece construction chopsticks including a body having a first portion and a second portion conjoined by a U-shaped back end, the first and second portions having a respective S-shaped center portion and reverse-S shaped central portion disposed in a figure 8 position relative each other, that permits the separation of the front ends to pick up a food particle upon only the application of pressure on the center and central portions. A notch in each of the center and central portions helps to align the first and second portions and limits the size of the opening between the grasping ends.

Abstract: A pair of chopsticks that may be reversibly attached in a cooperating manner for providing a forceps- or tweezers-like spring action for grasping objects, such as food, or for being used in the conventional manner for using chopsticks, is described. Identical angled channels located in the vicinity of the non-grasping end of each chopstick and having a depth of about one-half the width of the chopstick, permit the opposing channels to be fitted together to join the chopsticks. A retaining member may be wrapped around the channel joint to stabilize the joint and hold the chopsticks together. In another embodiment, two shallow angled side indentations are cut into the width of each chopstick at diagonally opposing sides of the primary angled channel formed therein, creating compression surfaces which oppose rotation and opening of the channel joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of chopsticks, comprising: an upper chopstick, and a lower chopstick with a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein both of the first and second protrusions protrude from the back surface of the lower chopstick, so that at the holding status of the chopsticks, the first protrusion can touch the vicinity of the first joint of the ring finger of user and the second protrusion can touch the finger pad of the third section of the index finger of user. With the two protrusions coexisting in the lower chopstick, the chopsticks can be firmly held by hand of users.

Abstract: A wearable dining utensil comprises a rigid function portion for engaging food, a holder for holding the dining utensil, a shapeable connector having a third linking part and a fourth linking part for fixing a bendable portion, and a fifth linking part having an outlet for linking with the fourth linking part. One end of the rigid function portion also serves as a male linker and the opposite end has a first linking part. One end of the holder serves as a female linker for linking with the male linker, and the opposite end has a second linking part. When the female linker is linked with the male linker, the dining utensil forms a loop, and when the outlet is linked with the fourth linking part, the dining utensil forms a regular utensil. According to various connecting profiles, the dining utensils can form a bracelet, necklace or an ornament.

Abstract: A one-piece construction chopsticks including a body having a first portion and a second portion conjoined by a U-shaped back end, the first and second portions having a respective S-shaped center portion and reverse-S shaped central portion disposed in a figure 8 position relative each other, that permits the separation of the front ends to pick up a food particle upon only the application of pressure on the center and central portions.

Abstract: A pair of chopsticks that may be reversibly attached in a cooperating manner for providing a forceps- or tweezers-like spring action for grasping objects, such as food, or for being used in the conventional manner for using chopsticks, is described. Identical angled channels located in the vicinity of the non-grasping end of each chopstick and having a depth of about one-half the width of the chopstick, permit the opposing channels to be fitted together to join the chopsticks. A retaining member may be wrapped around the channel joint to stabilize the joint and hold the chopsticks together. In another embodiment, two shallow angled side indentations are cut into the width of each chopstick at diagonally opposing sides of the primary angled channel formed therein, creating compression surfaces which oppose rotation and opening of the channel joint.

Abstract: Provided are chopsticks indicating a finger acupuncture point stimulating a brain. The chopsticks include an elastic coupling means coupled to ends of a pair of chopsticks so that the other ends of the chopsticks become open, and a location indicating part that rubs an end of a forefinger which is a spot of a forefinger acupuncture point stimulating the brain and that indicates a forefinger spot for training to use the chopsticks and a thumb pressing part on a region of one chopstick which corresponds to the end of the forefinger.

Abstract: Chopsticks are provided including a first chopstick and a second chopstick which have been modified to be readily coupled together. Bores are formed in each of the chopsticks. A pin is supplied which passes through each of the bores. The pin has a friction fit within the bores such that the chopsticks are held together. The pin resiliently flexes when distal ends of the chopsticks are brought together, so that the pin provides a return force to the chopsticks. The bores and pin preferably have a non-circular cross-section so that the chopsticks are held within a common plane. The pin can have at least one tip that is pointed so that the pin can double as a toothpick.

Abstract: An implement (800) for use in the consumption of food includes a pair of elongate members (820, 822) having a first end for contacting the food and a second end for applying a pressure to operate the implement. The elongate members are pivotable with respect to each other. The implement is urged to a storing position in which the first ends of the elongate members are in close proximity to each other and the second ends are spaced apart so that as pressure is applied to the second ends of the elongate members (820, 822) the elongate members pivot with respect to each other separating the first ends and enabling food to be located there between. When the pressure is released the food is gripped by the first ends of the elongate members and can be lifted.

Abstract: Each of a pair of chopsticks includes a food-carrying portion formed on a first end thereof, and a magnetic portion formed on a second end thereof opposite to the first end. The magnetic portion has a receiving space defined therein and a magnet received in the receiving space. The magnetic portion has a tapered section disposed on an outer periphery thereof and corresponding to the magnet. The tapered section gradually tapered toward a distal end of the second end. When the two magnets of the chopsticks magnetically attract each other, the two tapered sections of the chopsticks contact with each other and the two food-carrying portions are separated automatically. The two food-carrying portions are able to pivotally move toward/outward each other.

Abstract: A pair of training chopsticks for developing intellectual faculties is described. The training chopsticks include a first stick and a second stick. The first stick has a thumb-inserting hole for inserting the thumb and a first pad for picking up solids. The thumb-inserting hole is formed on the upper side of the first stick and the first pad is formed on the lower end of the first stick. The second stick has a holding unit for inserting the forefinger and the second finger. The holding unit has a forefinger-inserting hole for inserting the forefinger and a second finger-inserting hole for inserting the second finger.

Abstract: A pair of training chopsticks comprises an upper chopstick member and a lower chopstick member. A thumb ergonomic device is provided, which does not directly contact the lower chopstick member, but fixed at the upside of the front surface of the lower chopstick member through a fixing element. The thumb ergonomic device is shaped in a curve, the opening of which substantially directs to the head of chopsticks, so that when the chopsticks are held, the curve opening touches a region of the ulnar side of the thumb not touching the lower chopstick member, for maintaining the correct relative position between the thumb and the lower chopstick members.

Abstract: Each of a pair of chopsticks includes a food-carrying portion formed on a first end thereof, and a magnetic portion formed on a second end thereof opposite to the first end. The magnetic portion has a receiving space defined therein and a magnet received in the receiving space. The magnetic portion has a tapered section disposed on an outer periphery thereof and corresponding to the magnet. The tapered section gradually tapered toward a distal end of the second end. When the two magnets of the chopsticks magnetically attract each other, the two tapered sections of the chopsticks contact with each other and the two food-carrying portions are separated automatically. The two food-carrying portions are able to pivotally move toward/outward each other.

Abstract: A loopable and wearable dining utensil comprises a rigid function portion for engaging food, a holder for holding the dining utensil, and a flexible connector for connecting the rigid function portion and the holder. One end of the rigid function portion also serves as a male linker and the opposite end has a first linking part. One end of the holder serves as a female linker for linking with the male linker, and the opposite end has a second linking part for linking with the first linking part. When the female linker is linked with the male linker, the dining utensil forms a loop, and when the second linking part is linked with the first linking part, the dining utensil forms a regular utensil. According to various connecting profiles, the multiple dining utensils can form a bracelet, necklace, belt or an ornament of handbag or hand-held mobile device.

Abstract: A collapsible chopstick includes a food-contact element and a hollow handle element having an open end. The food contact element is tapered and includes a securing section that is sized to create a press fit with the hollow open end of the handle so that the food-contact element and handle can be connected together with the food-contact element exposed for using the chopsticks for eating or with the food-contact element safely secured within the hollow handle for stowing. A resilient connector/support block is included with two side channels and a curved top surface. The channels are sized to snugly receive and hold the two handles parallel to each other for convenient stowing and carrying and may be used separately to effectively hold the tips of the chopsticks off an eating surface when in use.

Abstract: Chopsticks are provided including a first chopstick and a second chopstick which have been modified to be readily coupled together. Bores are formed in each of the chopsticks. A pin is supplied which passes through each of the bores. The pin has a friction fit within the bores such that the chopsticks are held together. The pin resiliently flexes when distal ends of the chopsticks are brought together, so that the pin provides a return force to the chopsticks. The bores and pin preferably have a non-circular cross-section so that the chopsticks are held within a common plane. The pin can have at least one tip that is pointed so that the pin can double as a toothpick.

Abstract: Chopsticks, used for eating, of the type that have a notch, to enable them to be coupled together, arranged in an oblique position on one of the surfaces close to the upper end of the chopsticks, with a suitable slope for assembling the chopsticks in the manner of pliers, with a depth equivalent to half the thickness of the chopstick and with a width equivalent to the width of the actual chopstick, provision having been made for each of the upper edges of said notch to end in ribs that emerge towards the inside of the notch in order for one chopstick to be snap-fitted together with the other.

Abstract: A chopstick with an illuminant function includes a chopstick body, a chopstick-cover, a light emitting diode, at least one connecting piece and a switch. A top end of the chopstick body has an accommodating slot formed on an inside thereof, and a first opening connected to the accommodating slot. The chopstick-cover is inserted into the accommodating slot of the chopstick body through the first opening. The chopstick-cover has at least one accommodating space formed on an inside thereof and in communication with the accommodating slot The light emitting diode is disposed on one end of the chopstick-cover. The connecting piece and the switch are arranged in the accommodating space of the chopstick-cover, and the connecting piece is electrically connected to the light emitting diode and the switch. Therefore, the chopstick adds an illuminant function.

Abstract: The invention relates to biodegradable nano-polymer compositions, or nanocomposites, comprising poly(lactic acid) and co-polyester polymer with adipic acid compounded with nanoparticles of a mineral material having a degree of purity of at least 99.9%, preferably 99.99%, selected from the group of silica and magnesium silicate. In addition, the present invention refers to a process for manufacturing the said compositions as well as biodegradable articles made on the basis of such compositions, such as molded, formed and extruded articles.