Coupling ring

Abstract

To provide a coupling ring capable of mounting an article thereinside, and capable of easily supporting an article with a clip.SOLUTION: A coupling ring has a frame with an opening part, an opening / closing part that is connected to one end part of the frame and opens and closes the opening, and a clip provided on a thickness direction (X direction) side of the frame. The clip has a fastening part movable toward and away from the frame, and a biasing mechanism that biases the fastening part in a direction toward the frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting ring.

Background Art

[0002] As a connector for connecting ropes or attaching key holders, tools, etc. to bags, belts, etc., for example, there is a connecting ring having a C-shaped frame with an opening, an opening / closing part for opening and closing the opening, and a spring mechanism for biasing the opening / closing part in a direction to close the opening (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a means of carrying a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, straps such as shoulder straps, neck straps, and hand straps are used. In addition, the number of users who further attach a connecting ring with an article (hereinafter simply referred to as "article") such as a key, key holder, or accessory to the strap and carry it is increasing. However, when both the connecting ring with the article attached and the mobile terminal are attached to the strap, the connecting ring moves in conjunction with the movement of the strap, so there is a risk that the mobile terminal and the article attached to the connecting ring may collide.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a connecting ring capable of suppressing interference between attached articles by attaching some articles inside and supporting other articles with clips.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0007] (1) The connecting ring according to the present invention includes a frame having an opening, an opening / closing part connected to one end of the frame for opening and closing the opening, and a clip provided on the thickness direction (X direction) side of the frame, and the clip has a fastening part movable in a direction approaching and separating from the frame, and a biasing mechanism for biasing the fastening part in a direction approaching the frame.

[0008] (2) In the configuration described in (1) above, it is preferable that the biasing mechanism is a spring means connected to the fastening part.

[0009] (3) In the configuration described in (2) above, the fastening part and the torsion spring-like spring means are integrally formed by a bent linear elastic material, the fastening part has a frame-shaped first fastening piece a1 extending from one end of the spring means and a frame-shaped second fastening piece b1 extending from the other end of the spring means, and it is preferable that the first fastening piece a1 is connected to the frame, and one end of the second fastening piece b1 is biased in a direction approaching the frame, so that the first fastening piece a1 and the second fastening piece b1 are configured to grip an article.

[0010] (4) In the configuration described in (2) above, the spring means is torsion spring-like, and The above-mentioned fastening part has a plate-shaped first fastening piece a2 connected to one end of the above-mentioned spring means and a plate-shaped second fastening piece b2 connected to the other end of the above-mentioned spring means. It is preferable that the first fastening piece a2 is connected to the frame, and one end of the second fastening piece b2 is biased in a direction approaching the frame, so that the first fastening piece a2 and the second fastening piece b2 are configured to grip an article.

[0011] (5) In the configuration described in (2) above, The above-mentioned spring means is formed of a bent plate-shaped elastic material. The above-mentioned fastening part has a plate-shaped first fastening piece a3 connected to one end of the above-mentioned spring means and a plate-shaped second fastening piece b2 connected to the other end of the above-mentioned spring means. It is preferable that the first fastening piece a3 is connected to the frame, and one end of the second fastening piece b3 is biased in a direction approaching the frame, so that the first fastening piece a3 and the second fastening piece b3 are configured to grip an article.

[0012] (6) In the configuration described in (1) above, The above-mentioned fastening part is a bent plate-shaped elastic body having a plate-shaped first fastening piece a4 and a plate-shaped second fastening piece b4, and functions as the above-mentioned biasing mechanism. It is preferable that the first fastening piece a4 is connected to the frame, and one end of the second fastening piece b4 is biased in a direction approaching the frame, so that the first fastening piece a4 and the second fastening piece b4 are configured to grip an article.

[0013] (7) In the configuration described in (1) above, The above-mentioned fastening part is a bent plate-shaped elastic body having a flat part substantially rectangular in plan view and a first fastening piece a5 and a second fastening piece b5 respectively extending from two opposite sides of the flat part, and functions as the above-mentioned biasing mechanism. It is preferable that the first fastening piece a5 is connected to the frame, and one end of the second fastening piece b5 is biased in a direction approaching the frame, so that the first fastening piece a5 and the second fastening piece b5 are configured to sandwich an article.

[0014] (8) In the configuration described in the above (1), The fastening portion has a first side portion and a second side portion, is substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped in a front view, and is substantially V-shaped in a side view, the first side portion is longer than the second side portion, and has an inwardly directed first protrusion at an end that does not connect to the second side portion, the second side portion has an inwardly directed second protrusion at an end that does not connect to the first side portion, The frame has a first hole portion into which the first protrusion is rotatably inserted and a second hole portion into which the second protrusion is rotatably inserted, It is preferable that the first protrusion is rotatably inserted into the first hole portion and the second protrusion is rotatably inserted into the second hole portion, so that the fastening portion serves as the biasing mechanism.

[0015] (9) In the configuration described in the above (8), it is preferable that the fastening portion is integrally formed by bending a linear elastic material.

[0016] (10) In the method of supporting an article with the connecting ring of the present invention, the connecting ring has a frame having an opening, an opening / closing portion connected to one end of the frame for opening and closing the opening, a clip having a fastening portion provided on the thickness direction (X direction) side of the frame and movable in a direction approaching and away from the frame, and a biasing mechanism for biasing the fastening portion in a direction approaching the frame, a step of applying a force to the clip in a direction to move the fastening portion away from the frame, a step of arranging the article at a predetermined position on the frame, a step of stopping applying a force to the clip, and a step of biasing the fastening portion in a direction approaching the frame by the biasing mechanism so that the fastening portion supports the article.

[0017] (11) In the method of supporting an article with the above connecting ring, it is preferable that the connecting ring is the connecting ring according to any one of (3) to (9) above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the connecting ring of the present invention, by attaching some articles inside and supporting other articles with clips, interference between the attached articles can be suppressed.

[0019] Also, even when attaching a shoulder strap or the like to which an article is attached and another article to the connecting ring, according to the connecting ring of the present invention, since the shoulder strap or the like attached inside can be further supported by a clip, it is possible to prevent the articles from colliding with each other in conjunction with the movement of the shoulder strap or the like.

[0020] In addition, the connecting ring of the present invention can separate the article attached inside the connecting ring and the article supported by a clip according to the shape and size of the article. Also, in this case, the article can be easily removed from the connecting ring.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] 1. First Embodiment Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] <Configuration of Connecting Ring 10> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connecting ring 10 of the present embodiment includes a frame 100, an opening / closing portion 200, and a clip 300.

[0024] The frame 100 is a metal member having an opening 110 and presenting a substantially C-shaped form. At one end 100a of the frame 100, a rivet pin 120 for supporting the opening / closing part 200 is provided. Also, at the other end 100b of the frame 100, a hanging part 130 for hanging the opening / closing part 200 in a state where the opening 110 is closed is integrally provided. The shape of the hanging part 130 may be any shape as long as it can hang the opening / closing part 200 in a state where the opening 110 is closed.

[0025] The opening / closing part 200 is a metal rod-shaped member. One end 200a of the opening / closing part 200 is rotatably supported by the rivet pin 120 at one end 100a of the frame 100. The opening / closing part 200 rotates about the central axis of the rivet pin 120 as the rotation axis to open and close the opening 110 of the frame 100. Also, as described above, when the opening / closing part 200 closes the opening 110, the other end 200b of the opening / closing part 200 is fixed to the hanging part 130. Note that the frame 100 further has a spring mechanism (not shown). By the spring mechanism, the other end 200b of the opening / closing part 200 is biased toward the hanging part 130. Note that the mode of the spring mechanism may be any mode as long as it can bias the other end 200b of the opening / closing part 200 toward the hanging part 130.

[0026] The clip 300 has a fastening part 310 and a torsion spring 320, and is provided on the side in the thickness direction (X direction, see FIG. 2) of the frame 100. The fastening part 310 and the torsion spring 320 are integrally formed of a bent linear elastic material, for example, metal. The fastening part 310 has a frame-shaped first fastening piece 312 extending from one end 320a of the torsion spring 320 and a frame-shaped second fastening piece 314 extending from the other end 320b of the torsion spring 320. FIG. 3 shows the clip 300 in a state where it is not provided on the frame 100.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the clip 300 is provided on the frame 100 such that a part of the first fastening piece 312 is connected to the frame 100. One end 314a of the second retaining piece 314 is biased in a direction approaching the frame 100 (direction D1 in FIGS. 1 and 2) by the biasing force of the torsion spring 320. That is, one end 314a of the second retaining piece 314 is biased toward one end 312a of the first retaining piece 312, whereby the first retaining piece 312 and the second retaining piece 314 function to sandwich the article. Note that the other end 314b side of the second retaining piece 314 functions as an operation portion 330 for applying a force to move one end 314a of the second retaining piece 314 in a direction away from the frame 100 (direction D2 in FIGS. 1 and 2) with respect to the retaining portion 310.

[0028] <Function> When attaching an article (for example, a strap, not shown) inside the connecting ring 10 of the present embodiment, first, the user rotates the opening / closing portion 200 so as to separate the other end 200b of the opening / closing portion 200 from the hanging portion 130 of the frame 100 to open the opening 110. Then, the user positions the strap inside the frame 100 through the opened opening 110. Then, the user rotates the opening / closing portion 200 so as to close the opening 110. Note that the opening / closing portion 200 is configured such that the other end 200b is biased toward the hanging portion 130 by a spring mechanism. Therefore, when the user releases a finger or the like from the opening / closing portion 200, the opening / closing portion 200 rotates in a direction to close the opening 110 by the repulsive force acting on the spring mechanism. Thereby, the strap is attached to the connecting ring 10.

[0029] When supporting the strap attached inside the connecting ring 10 with the clip 300, first, a force is applied to the operation portion 330 to move one end 314a of the second retaining piece 314 in the D2 direction. Then, a part of the strap is positioned near one end 312a of the first retaining piece 312. Then, when the force applied to the operation portion 330 is released, one end 314a of the second retaining piece 314 moves in the D1 direction by the biasing force of the torsion spring 320, whereby the strap is sandwiched between the first retaining piece 312 and the second retaining piece 314 and supported by the connecting ring 10.

[0030] Incidentally, the strap previously supported by the clip 300 may be attached inside the connecting ring 10. Also, the strap supported by the connecting ring 10 does not necessarily have to be attached inside the connecting ring 10. Also, when releasing the support of the strap by the connecting ring 10, the user may move one end 314a of the second retaining piece 314 in the D2 direction.

[0031] <Effect> The connecting ring 10 of the present embodiment can attach a strap inside the connecting ring 10 and can also support the strap with the clip 300. That is, by supporting the strap with the clip 300, the connecting ring 10 is in a state of being substantially fixed to a part of the strap. Therefore, even when the strap attached to the connecting ring 10 is hung on the user's neck or shoulder or hung on a hook such as a wall, the connecting ring 10 is less likely to move from the position where it supports the strap. Thus, for example, even when a strap to which a mobile terminal is attached is attached to the connecting ring 10 and a key holder is further attached to the connecting ring 10, if a part of the strap is supported by the clip 300, it is possible to prevent the mobile terminal and the key holder from colliding with each other. Also, in the connecting ring 10, since the clip 300 is provided on the thickness direction (X direction) side of the frame 100, it is possible to support the strap in a substantially straight state and firmly.

[0032] Also, for example, the mode of attachment to the connecting ring 10 can be selected according to the article, such as supporting an article that is planned to be removed immediately with the clip 300 and attaching an article that is planned to be attached for a long time inside the connecting ring 10. Also, the connecting ring 10 can attach (support) an article that can be supported by the clip 300 even if it is an article that is not attached inside the connecting ring 10. In this way, the connecting ring 10 can select the mode of attachment to the connecting ring 10 according to the use, type, size, mode, carrying time, etc. of the article. In addition, since the connecting ring 10 can attach an article inside the connecting ring 10 and further support the article with the clip 300, it is possible to further prevent the article from falling off the connecting ring 10.

[0033] 2. Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] <Configuration of Connecting Ring 20> As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the connecting ring 20 of the present embodiment includes a frame 100, an opening / closing part 200, and a clip 400.

[0035] The clip 400 has a fastening part 410 and a torsion spring 420, and is provided on the thickness direction (X direction, see FIG. 5) side of the frame 100. The fastening part 410 has a resin-made plate-shaped first fastening piece 412 and a resin-made plate-shaped second fastening piece 414. The first fastening piece 412 is connected to one end 420a of the torsion spring 420, and the second fastening piece 414 is connected to the other end 420b of the torsion spring 420. FIG. 6 shows the clip 400 in a state where it is not provided on the frame 100.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the clip 400 is provided on the frame 100 such that a part of the first fastening piece 412 is connected to the frame 100. One end 414a of the second fastening piece 414 is biased in a direction approaching the frame 100 (direction D1 in FIGS. 4 and 5) by the biasing force of the torsion spring 420. That is, one end 414a of the second fastening piece 414 is biased toward one end 412a of the first fastening piece 412, whereby the first fastening piece 412 and the second fastening piece 414 function to sandwich the article. Note that the other end 414b side of the second fastening piece 414 functions as an operation part 430 for applying a force to move one end 414a of the second fastening piece 414 in a direction away from the frame 100 (direction D2 in FIGS. 4 and 5) with respect to the fastening part 410.

[0037] <Function> The procedure for attaching an article (e.g., a strap, not shown) inside the connecting ring 20 of this embodiment is the same as the procedure for attaching a strap inside the connecting ring 10 in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0038] When supporting the strap attached inside the connecting ring 20 with the clip 400, first, by applying a force to the operation portion 430, one end portion 414a of the second fastening piece 414 is moved in the D2 direction. Then, a part of the strap is positioned near one end portion 412a of the first fastening piece 412. Then, when the force applied to the operation portion 430 is released, due to the biasing of the torsion spring 420, one end portion 414a of the second fastening piece 414 moves in the D1 direction, whereby the strap is sandwiched between the first fastening piece 412 and the second fastening piece 414 and is supported by the connecting ring 20.

[0039] Note that the strap previously supported by the clip 400 may be attached inside the connecting ring 20. Also, the strap supported by the connecting ring 20 does not necessarily have to be attached inside the connecting ring 20. Also, when releasing the support of the strap by the connecting ring 20, the user may move one end portion 414a of the second fastening piece 414 in the D2 direction.

[0040] <Effect> The effect exhibited by the connecting ring 20 of this embodiment is the same as the effect of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the clip is different, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0041] 3. Third Embodiment Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0042] <Configuration of Connecting Ring 30> As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the connecting ring 30 of this embodiment includes a frame 100, an opening / closing portion 200, and a clip 500.

[0043] The clip 500 has a fastening portion 510 formed by bending a leaf spring, and is provided on the thickness direction (X direction, see FIG. 8) side of the frame 100. The fastening portion 510 has a plate-shaped first fastening piece 512 and a plate-shaped second fastening piece 514, and functions as a biasing mechanism.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, the clip 500 is provided on the frame 100 such that the first fastening piece 512 is connected to the frame 100. One end portion 514a of the second fastening piece 514 is biased in a direction approaching the frame 100 (direction D1 in FIGS. 7 and 8) by the function of the biasing mechanism of the fastening portion 510. That is, one end portion 514a of the second fastening piece 514 is biased toward one end portion 512a of the first fastening piece 512, whereby the first fastening piece 512 and the second fastening piece 514 function to sandwich an article. FIG. 9 shows the clip 500 in a state where it is not provided on the frame 100.

[0045] <Function> The procedure for attaching an article (for example, a strap, not shown) inside the connecting ring 30 of the present embodiment is the same as the procedure for attaching a strap inside the connecting ring 10 in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

[0046] When supporting a strap attached to the connecting ring 30 with the clip 500, first, by applying a force to the second fastening piece 514, one end portion 514a of the second fastening piece 514 is moved in the D2 direction. Then, a part of the strap is positioned near one end portion 512a of the first fastening piece 512. Then, when the force applied to the second fastening piece 514 is released, one end portion 514a of the second fastening piece 514 moves in the D1 direction due to the biasing of the fastening portion 510, whereby the strap is sandwiched between the first fastening piece 512 and the second fastening piece 514 and supported by the connecting ring 30.

[0047] Note that the strap previously supported by the clip 500 may be attached inside the connecting ring 30. Also, the strap supported by the connecting ring 30 does not necessarily have to be attached inside the connecting ring 30. Also, when releasing the support of the strap by the connecting ring 30, the user may move one end portion 514a of the second fastening piece 514 in the D2 direction.

[0048] <Effect> Among the effects exerted by the connecting ring 30 of the present embodiment, for those that are the same as the effects of the first embodiment, detailed description will be omitted. Since the fastening portion 510 itself serves as a biasing mechanism in the connecting ring 30, the connecting ring 30 can have a simple structure. Also, the connecting ring 30 can easily support an article and release the support by simply moving the second fastening piece 514. That is, the connecting ring 30 can easily attach and detach the article.

[0049] 4. Fourth Embodiment As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the connecting ring 40 of the present embodiment includes a frame 100, an opening / closing portion 200, and a clip 600.

[0050] The frame 100 is a metal member having an opening 110 and presenting a substantially C shape. A rivet pin 120 for supporting the opening / closing portion 200 is provided at one end portion 100a of the frame 100. Also, a hanging portion 130 for hanging the opening / closing portion 200 in a state where the opening 110 is closed is integrally provided at the other end portion 100b of the frame 100. The shape of the hanging portion 130 may be any shape that can hang the opening / closing portion 200 in a state where the opening 110 is closed. Also, the frame 100 is provided with a first hole portion 140a and a second hole portion 140b for connecting a fastening portion 610 described later. As shown in FIG. 11, the second hole portion 140b opens in a direction opposite to the opening direction of the first hole portion 140a. Also, the central axis of the first hole portion 140a and the central axis of the second hole portion 140b have a certain distance (L1) in the Y direction (see FIG. 11). The opening diameter Φ1 of the first hole portion 140a is adjusted within a range in which the first protrusion portion 614a of the fastening portion 610 described later can be rotatably inserted, and the opening diameter Φ2 of the second hole portion is adjusted within a range in which the second protrusion portion 616b of the fastening portion 610 can be rotatably inserted.

[0051] Since the opening / closing part 200 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] The clip 600 includes a fastening part 610, and as will be described later, the fastening part 610 functions as a biasing mechanism. Fig. 12 shows the clip 600 in a state where it is not provided on the frame 100. As shown in Fig. 12, the fastening part 610 is a metal frame member that is substantially U-shaped in front view and substantially V-shaped in side view. The fastening part 610 has a tip part 612, a first side part 614, and a second side part 616. The first side part 614 is longer than the second side part 616, and the difference (L2) between the length of the first side part 614 and the length of the second side part 616 is substantially equal to the distance (L1) described above. Also, a first protrusion 614a is provided at the end of the first side part 614 (on the side opposite to the tip part 612), and a second protrusion 616b is provided at the end of the second side part 616 (on the side opposite to the tip part 612). As shown in Fig. 11, for the fastening part 610, the first protrusion 614a is rotatably inserted into the first hole part 140a of the frame 100, and the second protrusion 616b is rotatably inserted into the second hole part 140b of the frame 100. Thereby, the clip 600 is in a state of being provided on the frame 100. When the clip 600 is provided on the frame 100, with the central axes of the first protrusion 614a and the second protrusion 616b as rotation axes respectively, it rotates in a direction approaching the frame 100 (direction D1 in Figs. 10 and 11) and a direction away from the frame 100 (direction D2 in Figs. 10 and 11). And the fastening part 610 becomes a biasing mechanism that biases the fastening part 610 in the D1 direction when the first side part 614 and the second side part 616 become substantially parallel. However, if the fastening part 610 functions as a biasing mechanism, the first side part 614 and the second side part 616 do not necessarily have to be substantially parallel. Also, in the stationary state, the tip 612 of the fastening portion 610, a part of the first side portion 614, and a part of the second side portion 616 are in contact with the frame 100. However, it is only necessary to be able to sandwich the article between the frame 100 and the fastening portion 610, and the tip 612 of the fastening portion 610, a part of the first side portion 614, and a part of the second side portion 616 do not necessarily have to be in contact with the frame 100.

[0053] <Function> The procedure for attaching an article (for example, a strap, not shown) inside the connecting ring 40 of the present embodiment is the same as the procedure for attaching a strap inside the connecting ring 10 in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0054] When supporting the strap attached inside the connecting ring 40 with the fastening portion 610, the user applies a force to rotate the fastening portion 610 in the D2 direction to the fastening portion 610. Then, the user arranges a part of the strap at a predetermined position and releases the finger or the like from the fastening portion 610 (releases the force applied to the fastening portion 610). As a result, the fastening portion 810 rotates in the D1 direction by the biasing of the fastening portion 610, and the strap is sandwiched between the frame 100 and the fastening portion 610 and supported by the connecting ring 40.

[0055] Note that the strap previously supported by the connecting ring 40 may be attached inside the connecting ring 40. Also, the strap supported by the connecting ring 40 does not necessarily have to be attached inside the connecting ring 40.

[0056] Also, when releasing the support of the strap by the connecting ring 40, the user may rotate the fastening portion 610 in the D2 direction.

[0057] <Effect> Among the effects exhibited by the connecting ring 40 of the present embodiment, for the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Since the fastening portion 810 itself serves as the biasing mechanism for the connecting ring 40, the connecting ring 40 can have a simple structure. Also, the connecting ring 40 can easily support an article and release the support by simply rotating the fastening portion 610. That is, the connecting ring 40 can easily attach and remove the article.

[0058] <Other Embodiments and Variations>

[0059] Other Embodiment (1) The connecting ring of Other Embodiment (1) has a frame, an opening / closing portion, and a clip. Note that the frame has the same configuration as the frame 100 of the first embodiment, and the opening / closing portion has the same configuration as the opening / closing portion 200 of the first embodiment.

[0060] The clip has a fastening portion and a leaf spring, and is provided on the side in the thickness direction (X direction, the same as the first embodiment) of the frame. The fastening portion has a resin-made plate-shaped first fastening piece and a resin-made plate-shaped second fastening piece. The first fastening piece has an opening a and a recess a for fitting one end portion of the leaf spring. Also, the second fastening piece has an opening b and a recess b for fitting the other end portion of the leaf spring. Then, one end portion of the leaf spring is connected to the first fastening piece by being fitted into the recess a through the opening a of the first fastening piece, and the other end portion is connected to the second fastening piece by being fitted into the recess b through the opening b of the second fastening piece.

[0061] Also, the clip is provided on the frame such that a part of the first fastening piece is connected to the frame. And one end portion of the second fastening piece is biased in the direction approaching the frame (the same D1 direction as the first embodiment) by the biasing of the leaf spring. That is, one end portion of the second fastening piece is biased toward one end portion of the first fastening piece, and thereby, the first fastening piece and the second fastening piece function to sandwich the article. Note that the other end portion side of the second fastening piece functions as an operation portion for applying a force to move one end portion of the second fastening piece in the direction away from the frame (the same D2 direction as the first embodiment) with respect to the fastening portion.

[0062] <Function> The procedure for attaching an article (e.g., a strap) inside the connecting ring of Other Embodiment (1) is the same as the procedure for attaching a strap inside the connecting ring 10 in the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0063] When supporting the strap attached to the connecting ring with a clip, first, by applying a force to the operation part, one end part of the second fastening piece is moved in the D2 direction. Then, a part of the strap is positioned near one end part of the first fastening piece. Then, when the force applied to the operation part is released, one end part of the second fastening piece moves in the D1 direction, whereby the strap is sandwiched between the first fastening piece and the second fastening piece and supported by the connecting ring.

[0064] In addition, the strap previously supported by the clip may be attached inside the connecting ring. Further, the strap supported by the connecting ring does not necessarily have to be attached inside the connecting ring. Also, when releasing the support of the strap by the connecting ring, the user may move one end part of the second fastening piece in the D2 direction.

[0065] <Effect> The effect exhibited by the connecting ring of Other Embodiment (1) is the same as the effect of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the clip is different, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0066] Other Embodiment (2) The connecting ring of Other Embodiment (2) has a frame, an opening / closing part, and a clip. Note that the frame has the same configuration as the frame 100 of the first embodiment, and the opening / closing part has the same configuration as the opening / closing part 200 of the first embodiment.

[0067] The clip has a fastening part formed by bending a leaf spring and a metal operation part, and is provided on the side in the thickness direction (X direction, the same as in the first embodiment) of the frame. The fastening part has a flat part having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, a plate-shaped first fastening piece extending from two opposing sides of the flat part, and a plate-shaped second fastening piece, and functions as a biasing mechanism. The operation part has a U-shaped cross section in plan view and has inward protrusions at both ends. The protrusions are respectively fitted into two receiving parts provided at one end of the second fastening piece.

[0068] The clip is provided on the frame such that a part of the first fastening piece is connected to the frame. One end of the second fastening piece is biased in a direction approaching the frame (the same D1 direction as in the first embodiment) by the function as a biasing mechanism of the fastening part. That is, one end of the second fastening piece is biased toward one end of the first fastening piece, whereby the first fastening piece and the second fastening piece function to sandwich the article. Further, the operation part is for applying a force to move one end of the second fastening piece in a direction away from the frame (the same D2 direction as in the first embodiment) with respect to the fastening part.

[0069] <Function> The procedure for attaching an article (for example, a strap) inside the connecting ring of the other embodiment (2) is the same as the procedure for attaching a strap inside the connecting ring 10 in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

[0070] When supporting the strap attached to the connecting ring with the clip, first, by applying a force to the operation part, one end of the second fastening piece is moved in the D2 direction with respect to the frame. Then, a part of the strap is positioned near one end of the first fastening piece. Then, when the force applied to the second fastening piece is released, one end of the second fastening piece moves in the D1 direction, whereby the strap is sandwiched between the first fastening piece and the second fastening piece and is supported by the connecting ring.

[0071] Note that the strap previously supported by the clip may be attached inside the connecting ring. Also, the strap supported by the connecting ring does not necessarily have to be attached inside the connecting ring. Also, when releasing the support of the strap by the connecting ring, the user may move one end of the second fastening piece in the D2 direction.

[0072] <Effect> The effects of the connecting ring in Other Embodiment (2) are the same as those of the First Embodiment except for the different clip configurations, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0073] Other Modifications The frame may have a shape other than a substantially C shape as long as it has an opening and the opening can be opened and closed by an opening / closing part. Also, the frame may be made of a material other than metal, such as resin, wood, etc., and combinations thereof. Further, the hanging part does not have to be integrally formed with the frame. In this case, the material of the frame and the material of the hanging part may be different materials.

[0074] The opening / closing part may have a shape other than a rod shape as long as it can open and close the opening. Also, the opening / closing part may be made of a material other than metal, such as resin, wood, etc., and combinations thereof. Further, the opening / closing part only needs to be rotatably supported by the frame so that it can open and close the opening, and the support method is not particularly limited. Also, the position where the opening / closing part is supported by the frame is not particularly limited.

[0075] The clip only needs to be provided on the thickness direction (X direction) side of the frame, and within this range, the installation position can be changed as appropriate. Also, the method and manner of providing the clip on the frame only need to be a method and manner that can move the fastening part in the direction approaching the frame and the direction away from the frame, and are not particularly limited. The fastening part may be made of metal, resin, wood, etc., and combinations thereof. Also, the detailed shape of the fastening part is not particularly limited. The biasing mechanism may use a material other than metal, such as resin, etc., as long as it can bias the fastening part in the direction approaching the frame.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0077] 10, 20, 30, 40... connecting rings 100... frame 200... opening / closing part 300, 400, 500, 600... clips

Claims

1. a frame having an opening; an opening / closing part connected to one end of the frame and opening / closing the opening; a clip provided on the thickness direction (X direction) side of the frame, and having: a fastening part movable in a direction approaching and away from the frame, and a biasing mechanism biasing the fastening part in a direction approaching the frame, a connecting ring.

2. The connecting ring according to claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism is a spring means connected to the fastening part.

3. The fastening part has: a first side part and a second side part, and is substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped in a front view and substantially V-shaped in a side view; the first side part is longer than the second side part and has an inwardly directed first protrusion at an end not connected to the second side part; the second side part has an inwardly directed second protrusion at an end not connected to the first side part; the frame has: a first hole into which the first protrusion is rotatably inserted, and a second hole into which the second protrusion is rotatably inserted; The connecting ring according to claim 1, wherein the first protrusion is rotatably inserted into the first hole and the second protrusion is rotatably inserted into the second hole, so that the fastening part serves as the biasing mechanism.

4. A method of supporting an article with a connecting ring, comprising: the connecting ring having: a frame having an opening; an opening / closing part connected to one end of the frame and opening / closing the opening; a clip provided on the thickness direction (X direction) side of the frame, and having a fastening part movable in a direction approaching and away from the frame, and a biasing mechanism biasing the fastening part in a direction approaching the frame; applying a force to the clip to move the fastening part in a direction away from the frame; placing the article at a predetermined position on the frame; stopping applying the force to the clip; and biasing the fastening part in a direction approaching the frame by the biasing mechanism so that the fastening part supports the article. A method of supporting an article with a connecting ring.

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