Methods for repurposing used chopsticks and articles made from the same
AssigneeTrinity International Industries, L.L.C.
InventorCze-Chao TAM
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods for repurposing used chopsticks can be utilized to make various wooden products therefrom. The method can include sorting, stacking, pressing and finishing the product pressed product into a desired manufactured item. The method can include other steps, such as soaking, drying, polishing, and applying a finish. In some embodiments, the chopsticks, prior to pressing, may be modified by soaking, application of a finish or preservative, application of a binder, or the like. Such manufactured items can include furniture, houseware, storage products and the like.
Claims20
A method for forming a wood product, comprising:
- stacking chopsticks in a desired shape, the chopsticks being longitudinally aligned;
- pressing the stacked chopsticks to hold the stacked chopsticks together as an unfinished wood product;
- and
- finishing the unfinished wood product into the wood product.
A method for forming a wood product, comprising:
- stacking the used chopsticks, the stacked chopsticks being longitudinally aligned;
- pressing the stacked chopsticks at a pressure from 6 MPa to 35 MPa to hold the stacked chopsticks together as an unfinished wood product;
- heating the pressed chopsticks to a temperature from 65° C. to 200° C. during at least a portion of the pressing step;
- and
- finishing the unfinished wood product into the wood product.
A method for forming a wood product, comprising:
- drying chopsticks to a moisture content less than about 4 percent;
- stacking the dried chopsticks into a plurality of layers, the stacked chopsticks being longitudinally aligned;
- pressing the stacked chopsticks to hold the stacked chopsticks together as an unfinished wood product;
- heating the stacked chopsticks during at least a portion of the pressing;
- and
- finishing the unfinished wood product into the wood product.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.