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 wood-based product comprising:
- a plurality of chopsticks, stacked and pressed together to form a solid unfinished wood product, wherein
- one or more of the solid unfinished wood products are cut and/or assembled to form the wood-based product.
A wood-based product, comprising:
- a plurality of chopsticks, stacked and pressed together to form a solid unfinished wood product, wherein:
- the plurality of chopsticks are used chopsticks;
- the plurality of chopsticks are pressed at a pressure from 6 MPa to 35 MPa to hold the plurality of chopsticks together as the unfinished wood product;
- the plurality of chopsticks are heated to a temperature from 65° C. to 200° C. during at least a portion of a time the plurality of chopsticks are pressed;
- and
- one or more of the solid unfinished wood products are cut and/or assembled to form the wood-based product.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.