Ring-shaped tool

Abstract

To provide a ring-shaped tool having a simple structure and capable of being easily operated.SOLUTION: The ring-shaped tool is used by attaching to a through hole of an object, the ring-shaped tool having a ring shape with a recess formed by a band-shaped member with free ends at both ends, an inner piece including an inner end which is an end on one end side, and an outer piece including an outer end which is an end on the other end side, at least partially overlap each other inside and outside in the recess to form an overlapping portion, the inner end being in contact with at least a portion of the outer piece, and when opposing first and second arc portions on both sides are pushed inward toward each other, the inner end leaves the outer piece and opens, and when the pushing is no longer performed, the ring-shaped tool returns to its original initial state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ring device. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a device that is attached to a through hole of an object, there is a fastener. A card ring has been proposed in the past, for example, in which "a synthetic resin card ring having locking portions at both ends is made up of two ring components (11) and (12), and these ring components (11) and (12) are attached to one end by a shaft to be rotatable, and at least one protrusion is provided on one or both of both ends (14) and (15) of the ring, and a hole that engages with this protrusion is formed on the other end, so that both ends (14) and (15) can be locked to each other by the protrusion engaging with the hole" (see claim 1 of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-254873 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The card ring can be used to bind or detach an object by releasing the locking at both ends.

[0005] However, in order to remove the bound object from the card ring, it is necessary to hold both ends of the card ring with both hands to release the interlocking, which is not necessarily convenient. In other words, the card ring is inconvenient in that it requires the user to change hands between the bound object and the tool when operating it.

[0006] Furthermore, the card ring is made up of two ring components that are connected by a shaft member, resulting in a large number of parts.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve at least one of the above problems, and aims to provide a ring-shaped device that has a simple structure and can be easily operated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a ring-shaped device that is attached to a through hole of an object, in which a band-shaped member with both free ends has the form of a ring with a recess, an inner piece including an inner end which is the end on one end, and an outer piece including an outer end which is the end on the other end overlap each other at least partially inwardly and outwardly in the recess to form an overlapping portion, the inner end is in contact with at least a portion of the outer piece, and when opposing first and second arc portions on both sides are pushed inward toward each other, the inner end leaves the outer piece and opens, and when it is no longer pushed, it returns to its original initial state.

[0009] Preferably, said inner end is in contact with said outer end.

[0010] Preferably, the inner piece includes an inner connecting portion connecting the inner end portion and the first arc portion, and the inner connecting portion has an inwardly recessed arc shape.

[0011] Preferably, the inner end is configured to enter within an imaginary inner circumference of the second arc portion when the first arc portion and the second arc portion are pushed inwardly so that the first arc portion and the second arc portion approach each other.

[0012] Preferably, the outer piece includes an outer connecting portion connecting the outer end portion and the second arc portion, and the inner end portion is in contact with at least a portion of the outer connecting portion.

[0013] Preferably, the inner connecting portion is formed such that an imaginary outer circumferential circle is circumscribed with an imaginary inner circumferential circle of the second arc portion.

[0014] Preferably, the inner end portion has a tapered shape in which one or both of a thickness and a depth width are gradually reduced toward the tip.

[0015] Preferably, an inner end side of the inner piece and an outer end side of the outer piece are engaged with each other at the overlapping portion.

[0016] Preferably, in the overlapping portion, a cross section of the outer end side of the outer piece has an outwardly convex arc shape, and the inner end is contained within the arc portion of the outer piece.

[0017] Preferably, the diameter of the imaginary inner circumference of the first arc portion and the imaginary inner circumference of the second arc portion is greater than 10.25 mm.

[0018] Preferably, a maximum inner circumferential width between an inner circumferential surface of the first arcuate portion and an inner circumferential surface of the second arcuate portion is greater than 20.5 mm. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a ring-shaped tool having a simple structure and being easily operable can be provided.

[0020] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a ring tool according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a ring tool according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an example of a ring tool according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an open state of the ring-shaped device in FIG. 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a fastener according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a fastener according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a fastener according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a fastener according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a fastener according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a fastener according to the first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a fastener according to Modification 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a fastener according to Modification 3. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a ring-shaped tool according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, examples of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components common to the following embodiments (and examples and modified examples) may be given the same reference numerals as those mentioned above, and descriptions thereof may be omitted. In addition, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or similar to the shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly different in principle.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a ring device according to the present invention.

[0024] The ring-shaped device 1 of the present invention is a device that is attached to a through hole of an object. As an example, the ring-shaped device 1 is a binding device used in stationery, for example, to pass through punched holes in paper to bind documents, cards, etc. The ring-shaped device 1 is not limited to this, and may be a fastener, a hook, a fixing device, etc.

[0025] The ring-shaped tool 1 has a ring shape with a recess in the band-shaped member with both free ends, and contains a space (hereinafter referred to as "internal space") U inside. In other words, the ring-shaped tool 1 has a roughly rounded shape with a recess in one place on the outer periphery. In other words, such a shape can be said to be bean-shaped or broad bean-shaped. As an example, the ring-shaped tool 1 has a uniform cross-sectional shape. The ring-shaped tool 1 may have a cross-sectional shape in one or more places different from the other places. The ring-shaped tool 1 preferably has a flat cross-sectional shape in which the depth width is greater than the thickness.

[0026] The annular device 1 has an inner piece M including an inner end 2 on one end side and an outer piece N including an outer end 3 on the other end side, which at least partially overlap each other in the recess V to form an overlapping portion W. The inner end 2 is in contact with at least a portion of the outer piece N. The contacting portions are preferably pressed against each other or in close contact with each other.

[0027] When the first and second arcuate portions 4 and 5 of the ring-shaped device 1, which are a pair of opposing arcuate portions on both sides, are pushed inward (toward the internal space U) so that they approach each other, the inner end portion 2 separates from the outer piece N and opens, and when the pushing is stopped, the ring-shaped device 1 returns to its original, initial state. Thus, the ring-shaped device 1 has the elasticity to return to its initial state even if it is pushed and deformed.

[0028] In the ring-shaped tool 1 of the present invention, the parts constituting the overlapping part W, which is the opening and closing part, are simply biased and come into contact with each other, and the ring-shaped tool 1 does not have an interlocking structure such as a protrusion and a hole. By configuring the ring-shaped tool 1 in this way, the ring-shaped tool 1 can be operated with one hand and an object can be grasped with the other hand, so that the ring-shaped tool 1 can be easily operated without having to switch between the object and the tool.

[0029] In the ring-shaped device 1 of the present invention, the overlapping portion W is provided in the recess V, so that when the first arc-shaped portion 4 and the second arc-shaped portion 5 on both sides are pressed inward, the outer piece N continuing from the second arc-shaped portion 5 presses the inner piece M continuing from the first arc-shaped portion 4 inward so as to intersect with it, so that an opening sufficient for the object to pass through can be obtained with a small force and a short movement (see Figure 4).

[0030] The position and length at which the inner piece M and the outer piece N overlap in the recess V of the ring-shaped device 1, i.e., the position and length of the overlapping portion W, are not particularly limited and can be set according to the size, material, etc. of the ring-shaped device 1 and the object.

[0031] The ring-shaped device 1 is not particularly limited in material or manufacturing method as long as it is shaped and biased as described above to have elasticity. As an example, it can be shaped by bending a band-shaped member made of elastic resin or metal while applying heat and pressure. As an example, it can be shaped by injection molding a resin material using a mold. Other materials and manufacturing methods may be used, such as shaping it from natural materials derived from plants and trees (wood-based, paper-based, etc.), modeling it with a 3D printer, or shaping it by cutting or rolling a metal material.

[0032] The ring-shaped device 1 has a flat cross-section and is shaped like an elastic material bent into a ring shape with a depression around the weak axis, and by placing the overlapping portion W in the depression V, the device can be opened and closed without directly touching the overlapping portion W by simply pressing the part away from the overlapping portion W as if pinching it.

[0033] Therefore, the ring tool 1 is extremely convenient since there is no risk of the operating fingers getting in the way and making it difficult to remove the object.

[0034] In addition, since the ring device 1 is composed of one material, rather than a combination of multiple materials, it has a small number of parts and is lightweight. Also, because of its simple structure, it is easy to process and mass-produce, which reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, if it is manufactured from natural materials, the environmental impact can be reduced.

[0035] <Embodiment 1> Fig. 2 is a front view showing an example of the ring-shaped device according to the first embodiment. In the figure, X indicates the left-right direction (horizontal direction), Y indicates the up-down direction (vertical direction), and Z indicates the depth direction (same in each of the following figures). The part below the dashed line in the figure is called a recess V (same in each of the following figures). Here, as an example, a case where the overlapping part W is provided at a position proximal to the second arc part 5 will be described.

[0036] The ring-shaped tool 1 of this embodiment preferably has a long shape with a maximum horizontal width D larger than a maximum vertical width E as shown in the figure. When the ring-shaped tool 1 is oriented with the depression V facing upward as shown in the figure, the first arc-shaped portion 4 is located on the right side and the second arc-shaped portion 5 is located on the left side.

[0037] The annular device 1 has, in this case, an inner end 2, an inner connecting portion 6, a first arcuate portion 4, a bottom portion 8, a second arcuate portion 5, and an outer end 3, in this order from one free end to the other free end, and adjacent portions are continuous with each other without any gaps. That is, here, the inner piece M includes the inner end 2 and the inner connecting portion 6, and the outer piece N includes the outer end 3.

[0038] It goes without saying that these parts have been divided for the sake of convenience in explaining the ring-shaped device 1, and they may be divided into smaller parts with a greater number of parts, or larger parts with a smaller number of parts (the same applies to each of the following embodiments, examples, and modified examples).

[0039] Here, the inner end 2 overlaps and contacts the outer end 3. When binding an object, the end of the object with the through hole is pressed against the inner connecting portion 6. Then, the inner end 2 moves inward together with the inner connecting portion 6, so that the outer end 3 can be passed through the through hole of the object and the object can be slid in while being pressed against it. When removing the object, the first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5 are pressed inward, so that the inner end 2 separates from the outer end 3 and opens, allowing the end of the object to be pulled out.

[0040] In this way, the ring device 1 is very easy to open and close, making it convenient for people with disabilities. Also, since the ring device 1 opens only when the main body is pressed, there is a low risk that documents or other objects will scatter even if they are accidentally dropped when attaching or detaching the objects.

[0041] The inner end 2 and the outer end 3 are preferably chamfered. More specifically, the inner end 2 is chamfered at a predetermined angle so that the thickness gradually decreases toward the tip, and has an inclined surface on the inside. The outer end 3 is chamfered at a predetermined angle so that the thickness gradually decreases toward the tip, and has an inclined surface on the outside. This configuration can prevent the overlapping portion W from getting caught in the through hole of the object.

[0042] The inner end 2 is preferably disposed outside the imaginary inner circumference circle O2 of the second arcuate portion 5 so as to be less likely to get caught in the through-hole of the object.

[0043] The first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5 have an outwardly convex arc shape, are located on both sides of the depression V, and face each other on the left and right sides. The first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5 may have the same radius of the imaginary inner circumference circle O1 and the imaginary inner circumference circle O2, or may have different radii. The first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5 may have the same center of the imaginary inner circumference circle O1 and the imaginary inner circumference circle O2, or may have different centers.

[0044] The inner connecting portion 6 is a portion between the inner end portion 2 and the first arc portion 4, and can also be said to be a portion that connects the two. The inner connecting portion 6 has an arc shape that is concave inward. By providing the inner connecting portion 6, the inner end portion 2 can be positioned closer to the center of the imaginary inner circumference circle O2 of the second arc portion 5 than to the center of the imaginary inner circumference circle O1 of the first arc portion 4.

[0045] Since the inner connecting portion 6 of the ring-shaped device 1 is not straight but has an arc shape that recesses inward, when the outer end portion 3 with a right-sloping shape is pressed, it slides and presses against the left-sloping base end side (the first arc portion 4 side) of the inner connecting portion 6, so that an opening sufficient for the object to pass through can be obtained with a small force and a short movement.

[0046] The inner end 2 is preferably configured so that, when the first arcuate portion 4 and the second arcuate portion 5 are pressed inward, it enters within the imaginary inner circumference circle O2 of the second arcuate portion 5. With this configuration, when the object is to be removed, the inner end 2 comes close to the end of the object, making it easier to remove.

[0047] The bottom portion 8 is a portion between the first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5, and can also be said to be a portion that connects the two. The bottom portion 8 may be linear as shown in the figure, or may be an outwardly convex arc shape. If the bottom portion 8 is linearly formed, the ring-shaped device 1 will stand on its own on the placement surface of a desk or the like, making it easier to attach and detach the object. If the bottom portion 8 is arc-shaped, it is formed into a gentle arc with a virtual inner circumference having a radius larger than the radii of the virtual inner circumferences of the first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5.

[0048] <Embodiment 2> 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an example of the ring-shaped device according to the second embodiment, with Fig. 2 being a front view showing the initial state (steady state), and Fig. 3 being a diagram showing an example of the open state (outlet open state). Here, as an example, an example in which the overlapping portion W is provided near the center will be described. Descriptions of the same configuration as above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0049] The ring device 1 here has, in series from one free end to the other free end, an inner end 2, an inner connecting portion 6, a first arcuate portion 4, a bottom portion 8, a second arcuate portion 5, an outer connecting portion 7, and an outer end 3, with adjacent portions continuing together without any gaps. That is, here, the inner piece M includes the inner end 2 and the inner connecting portion 6, and the outer piece N includes the outer end 3 and the outer connecting portion 7.

[0050] The outer connecting portion 7 is a portion between the outer end portion 3 and the second arc portion 5, and can also be said to be a portion that connects the two. The tip side of the outer connecting portion 7 continuing from the outer end portion 3 is formed in an inwardly convex arc shape so as to follow the arc shape of the inner connecting portion 6, and overlaps with the inner connecting portion 6 on the inside and outside. This overlapping portion may be in contact, or may be close to but not in contact with the inner connecting portion 6.

[0051] Here, by providing the outer connecting portion 7, the outer end portion 3 can be disposed at a position closer to the center of the imaginary inner circumference circle O1 of the first arcuate portion 4 than to the center of the imaginary inner circumference circle O2 of the second arcuate portion 5.

[0052] At least a part of the base end side (second arcuate portion 5 side) of the outer connecting portion 7 is in contact with the inner end portion 2 in an inner-outer overlapping manner. The contacting parts are preferably pressed against each other or in close contact with each other. The base end side part is formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner end portion 2.

[0053] The outer end portion 3 continuing to the tip side of the outer connecting portion 7 overlaps the inner connecting portion 6 on the inside and outside. This overlapping portion may be in contact with the inner connecting portion 6, or may be close to the inner connecting portion but not in contact with the inner connecting portion 6.

[0054] In the initial state of Figure 3, for example, if the first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5 on both sides are pinched with the thumb and index finger and pushed inward, as shown in Figure 4, the inner end portion 2, which was in contact with the outer connecting portion 7 in the initial state, will separate from the outer connecting portion 7, and an opening (hereinafter also referred to as the "outlet") Q1 will open between the two.

[0055] More specifically, when the first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5 are pinched and pressed, the inner end portion 2 and the inner connecting portion 6 move to the left, and the outer end portion 3 and the outer connecting portion 7 move to the right, and the outer end portion 3 presses against the base end side of the inner connecting portion 6 so as to cross, so that the inner end portion 2 is pushed down a sufficient distance to open the outlet Q1.

[0056] In addition, since the outer end 3 is located closer to the base end of the inner connecting portion 6 than in the first embodiment, the time until the outlet Q1 opens is shorter, and the outlet Q1 opens immediately when pinched. Thus, in this embodiment, with less movement of the outer piece N, the inner end 2 is immediately pushed down a sufficient distance to open the outlet Q1.

[0057] Although not shown, when binding objects, when the end of the object with the through hole is pressed against the inner connecting part 6, the inner connecting part 6 moves downward inward and separates from the outer connecting part 3, opening an entrance for binding the object between them. The inner end 2 also moves downward inward and separates from the outer connecting part 7, opening an exit Q1. The object can be pressed against the inner connecting part 6 while sliding through the passage from the entrance to the exit, so that the outer end 3 enters the through hole when the edge of the through hole of the object approaches the entrance, and the object can be bound.

[0058] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the overlapping portion W may be provided at the center of the first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5. The inner end portion 2 and the outer end portion 3 may overlap and contact each other at their centers. The first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5 may not be uniform arcs, but may be a smooth connection of multiple arcs with different central angles. A straight portion may be included in addition to the bottom portion 8.

[0059] <Example 1> Figures 5 to 9 are diagrams for explaining the binding device according to Example 1, where Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining punched holes in the paper surface which is the object, Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the usage state, the upper diagram in Figure 7 is a plan view, the lower diagram in Figure 7 is a front view, Figure 8 is a side view, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 7. Here, an example of embodiment 2 is described, but it goes without saying that the components of example 1 may be applied to embodiment 1 as long as they are not contrary to the spirit of the embodiment.

[0060] The ring-shaped device 1 of the first embodiment is a binding device for binding together documents with punched holes, etc. The details will be described below.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, a document is usually bound by punching holes P1 at the edge P2 of each page P that constitutes the document and then passing a binder through the punched holes P1. The punched holes P1 are usually punched using a hole puncher according to the ISO standard (ISO 838). This ISO standard specifies that the diameter of the punched holes P1 should be in the range of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm, and that the position should be in the range of 11 mm to 13 mm from the nearest edge of the paper (hereinafter also referred to as the "paper edge"). That is, the punched holes P1 are usually punched at a position where the distance S1 from the illustrated paper edge to the center of the punched holes P1 is 11 mm to 13 mm. In this case, the shortest distance S2 from the paper edge to the edge of the punched holes is 7.75 mm to 10.25 mm.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6, in use, the paper surface P moves along the annular tool 1 with the punch hole P1 engaged with the annular tool 1. In this embodiment, the annular tool 1 has a diameter of the imaginary inner circumference O1 of the first arc portion 4 and a diameter of the imaginary inner circumference O2 of the second arc portion 5 that are greater than 10.25 mm. As a result, the diameters of the imaginary inner circumference O1 and the imaginary inner circumference O2 are greater than the shortest distance S2 of the paper surface P, so that the edge of the paper does not hit the inner circumference surfaces of the first arc portion 4 and the second arc portion 5 when the document is turned over, and the document can be turned over smoothly.

[0063] The diameter of the imaginary inner circumference circle O1 of the first arc portion 4 and the imaginary inner circumference circle O2 of the second arc portion 5 is, for example, in the range of 10.3 mm to 20.0 mm, for example, about 10.5 mm. By configuring in this manner, the end P2 can be smoothly rotated and the entire device can be made compact.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the ring-shaped device 1 has a maximum inner circumferential width D1 between the inner circumferential surface of the first arcuate portion 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the second arcuate portion 5 that is greater than 20.5 mm. This makes the maximum inner circumferential width D1 greater than twice the shortest distance S2 of the paper surface P, so that when the document is turned over to open, the edges of the left and right pages do not interfere with each other and the document can be turned over smoothly. The document can also be turned over smoothly when folded back.

[0065] The maximum inner circumferential width D1 is, for example, within a range of 21 mm to 40 mm, for example, about 26.5 mm, which allows the book to be smoothly turned open and allows the entire device to be made compact.

[0066] The ring-shaped device 1 of this example is substantially elliptical in shape, with the center of one of the long sides being recessed inward to form a recess V, in which an overlapping portion W is disposed.

[0067] In the annular device 1 of this example, a first arc portion 4 and a second arc portion 5 are formed with imaginary inner circumference circles O1 and O2 of the same size, and the central angle of the arc shape is 90° or more, preferably 135° or more.

[0068] The ring-shaped tool 1 of this example is configured so that when the first arcuate portion 4 and the second arcuate portion 5 are pressed, the straight line connecting the tip of the inner end portion 2 and the center of the imaginary inner circumference circle O2 of the second arcuate portion forms an angle of approximately 30° with the vertical direction, thereby ensuring an angle sufficient for rotating and removing the end portion P2.

[0069] The ring-shaped device 1 in this example is made of a material such as plastic or metal, and the force required to push the left and right sides to open it is set to about 200 to 300 g.

[0070] 7, in the annular device 1 of this example, the outer end 3 is on the right side of the center line C between the left and right ends, and is located closer to the center of the imaginary inner circle O1 of the first arc portion 4 than to the center of the imaginary inner circle O2 of the second arc portion 5. On the other hand, the inner end 2 is on the left side of the center line C, and is located closer to the center of the imaginary inner circle O2 of the second arc portion 5 than to the center of the imaginary inner circle O1 of the first arc portion 4.

[0071] The annular device 1 in this example is configured so that the length from the uppermost end position I of the right side of the center line C (the portion on the side of the first arcuate portion 4) to the position K corresponding to the tip of the outer end portion 3 is 10 mm or more. This ensures the length necessary for pressing the paper P when binding.

[0072] In the annular device 1 of this example, the inner connecting portion 6 is configured so that its imaginary outer circumferential circle O3 is circumscribed with the imaginary inner circumferential circle O1 of the first arcuate portion 4. This ensures that, when pressed, the inner end portion 2 enters the imaginary inner circumferential circle O2 of the second arcuate portion 5. The inner connecting portion 6 of this example is preferably further configured so that the imaginary outer circumferential circle O3 is circumscribed with the imaginary inner circumferential circle O2 of the second arcuate portion 5. This allows the entire device to be well-balanced.

[0073] 8, the annular tool 1 of this embodiment has a uniform depth F. The depth F is smaller than the diameter of the punched hole P1, and is, for example, about 3.5 mm to 4.0 mm.

[0074] 9, the annular device 1 of this example has a rectangular cross section and a uniform thickness except for both ends. The thickness G of the overlapping portion W is smaller than the diameter of the punched hole P1, and is, for example, 2 mm or less.

[0075] <Variation 1> FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a binding device according to variant example 1, in which (a) is an oblique view observed from looking down on the overlapping portion, and (b) shows a cross-section of the mating state between the overlapping portion and the punched holes.

[0076] In this example, the inner end 2 has a tapered shape in which one or both of the thickness and the depth width gradually decrease toward the tip. For example, as shown in the figure, the inner end 2 has a tapered shape in which the thickness gradually decreases toward the tip and the depth width gradually decreases toward the tip.

[0077] By making the inner end 2 into a tapered shape that reduces the thickness, it is possible to reduce the overall thickness when overlapping with the outer piece N. Furthermore, by making the inner end 2 into a tapered shape that reduces the depth width, it is possible to make it possible for the inner end 2 to slip through the arc-shaped gap between the outer piece N and the punched hole P1, as shown in FIG. 10(b). This makes it possible to prevent the paper surface P from getting caught on the overlapping portion W when passing through the overlapping portion W from the second arc portion 5 side. In other words, by making it possible for the inner end 2 to be inserted into the gap between the outer piece N and the punched hole P1, it is possible to make it less likely for the paper surface P to get caught on the punched hole P1 when turning over the paper surface.

[0078] <Variation 2> FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fastener according to the second modified example, and is a diagram observed by looking down on the overlapping portion.

[0079] In the overlapping portion W of this example, the inner end side of the inner piece M and the outer end side of the outer piece N are engaged with each other. That is, as shown in the figure, the inner end 2 and the outer end 3 are overlapped with each other inside and outside with a part of the wall thickness cut out.

[0080] More specifically, in the overlapping portion W of this example, the inner end portion 2 and the outer end portion 3 overlap each other with a part of the wall thickness cut out, and further, a V-shaped groove of 90 degrees or more is formed on the inside and outside between the inner piece M and the outer piece N. As shown in the figure, the tip surface 21 of the inner end portion 2 and the tip surface 31 of the outer end portion 3 are chamfered at a predetermined angle to form an inclined surface. Furthermore, the tip surface 71 of the outer connecting portion 7 and the tip surface 61 of the inner connecting portion 6 are also chamfered at a predetermined angle so as to face this inclined surface, forming an inner angle α1 and an outer angle α2. The inner angle α1 is preferably 90 degrees or more, and the outer angle α2 is also preferably 90 degrees or more.

[0081] This allows the thickness of the overlapping portion W to be equal to or less than the thickness of the other portions, so that when turning over the paper P, it is less likely to get caught by the punched hole P1 no matter from which direction it is turned over. Also, it is possible to prevent the edge of the punched hole P1 from getting caught in the gap between the inner end portion 2 and the outer piece N.

[0082] <Modification 3> FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fastener according to the third modification, showing one cross section of a state in which overlapping portions and punched holes are engaged with each other.

[0083] In the overlapping portion W in this example, the cross section of the outer end side of the outer piece N is an outwardly convex arc shape, and at least the inner end 2 is contained inside the arc part of the outer piece N. For example, as shown in the figure, the cross section of the inner end 2 is formed into an arc shape corresponding to the outer piece N and has a smaller cross-sectional area, and overlaps and contacts the outer piece N from the inside and outside. The entire inner piece M overlapping with the outer piece N may be configured in this way. In this way, in this example, since the inner end 2 is enclosed by the outer piece N, it can slip through the arc-shaped gap between the outer piece N and the punched hole P1, and is less likely to get caught by the punched hole P1 when the paper is turned over. In addition, it is possible to prevent the edge of the punched hole P1 from being caught in the gap between the inner end 2 and the outer piece N.

[0084] As described above, the ring device 1 can be used as a binding device for binding documents. By using the ring device 1, documents can be bound while maintaining the order of the anteroposterior relationship. In addition, the pages can be quickly attached and detached from any position for scanning or replacement. In addition, the pages can be rotated 180 degrees and turned over to make it easier to write by hand on bound documents (such as A3 size) even in a small space.

[0085] The ring tool 1 has a flat cross section overall, so there are only two contact points with the punch hole P1, reducing the risk of the punch hole tearing and widening. Also, because it is not circular, there is no risk of it rolling away and getting lost if it is dropped. Also, if a sticker is attached or colored on the flat bottom 8, it can function as a mark to identify the document.

[0086] <Example 2> FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ring tool according to the second embodiment.

[0087] In addition to stationery, the ring-shaped device 1 can be used as a device that fits into a through hole of an object and detachably holds the object. For example, it may be a fastener, hook, or fixture that temporarily holds the object, or it may be a device used together with a fastener, hook, or fixture, or it may be used for other purposes.

[0088] As shown in the figure, the ring-shaped tool 1 of this example is used together with a suction cup 91. For example, the suction cup 91 is attached to the bottom portion 8 either detachably or non-detachably, and the ring-shaped tool 1 is used to hold cooking utensils or tableware by adhering the suction cup 91 to a kitchen wall.

[0089] Although not shown, the ring-shaped device 1 of this example may be used to suspend and hold other objects, and may be used for a wide range of suspending purposes. Needless to say, it may also be used for purposes other than suspending.

[0090] The above describes the embodiment, examples, and modifications of the ring device according to the present invention, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention includes combinations of the above embodiments and their modifications, as well as various modifications. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present invention derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...ring-shaped device, 2...inner end, 3...outer end, 4...first arcuate portion, 5...second arcuate portion, 6...inner connecting portion, 7...outer connecting portion, 8...bottom, D1...maximum inner periphery width, M...inner piece, N...outer piece, V...depression, W...overlap portion, P...paper surface, P1...punched hole.

Claims

1. A ring-shaped device that is attached to a through hole of an object, The belt-shaped member has a ring shape with a recess at both ends, an inner piece including an inner end portion which is an end portion on one end side and an outer piece including an outer end portion which is an end portion on the other end side are at least partially overlapped with each other inside and outside in the recess to form an overlapping portion; the inner end is in contact with at least a portion of the outer piece; When the first and second arcuate portions facing each other on both sides are pushed inward toward each other, the inner end portion separates from the outer piece and opens, and when the pressure is removed, the inner end portion returns to its original state. A ring-shaped device characterized by:

2. The inner end is in contact with the outer end.

2. The ring device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is

3. the inner piece includes an inner connecting portion connecting the inner end portion and the first arc portion, The inner connecting portion has an inwardly concave arc shape.

2. The ring device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is

4. The inner end portion is configured to enter within a virtual inner circumference of the second arc portion when the first arc portion and the second arc portion are pushed inward so that the first arc portion and the second arc portion approach each other.

4. The ring device according to claim 3, characterized in that it is

5. the outer piece includes an outer connecting portion connecting the outer end portion and the second arc portion, The inner end portion is in contact with at least a portion of the outer connection portion.

4. The ring-shaped device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that it is

6. The inner connecting portion is formed such that an imaginary outer circumferential circle is circumscribed with an imaginary inner circumferential circle of the second arc portion.

4. The ring device according to claim 3, characterized in that it is

7. The inner end portion has a tapered shape in which one or both of the thickness and the depth width are gradually reduced toward the tip. The ring-shaped device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

8. At the overlapping portion, the inner end side of the inner piece and the outer end side of the outer piece are engaged with each other. The ring-shaped device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

9. In the overlapping portion, a cross section of the outer end portion of the outer piece has an outwardly convex arc shape, The inner end is contained within the arc portion of the outer piece. The ring-shaped device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

10. The diameter of the imaginary inner circumference of the first arc portion and the imaginary inner circumference of the second arc portion is greater than 10.25 mm. The ring-shaped device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

11. The maximum inner circumferential width between the inner circumferential surface of the first arcuate portion and the inner circumferential surface of the second arcuate portion is greater than 20.5 mm. The ring-shaped device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

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