Gripping aid for work tool

Abstract

To provide a gripping aid for a work tool that is easy to attach and detach, is less prone to deformation that impairs usability, and is compatible with work tools of different diameters and lengths.SOLUTION: A gripping aid for a work tool for assisting in the gripping of a work tool includes a sheet-like member made of a flexible material and a locking portion provided on the sheet-like member, the locking portion being disposed at a position where the sheet-like member can be maintained folded in half. The present invention provides a simple configuration that can function as a gripping aid for a work tool. Furthermore, since the work tool is sandwiched (wrapped) by the folded sheet-like member, the gripping of the work tool is assisted, making it easy to attach and detach, and less prone to deformation that impairs usability. Furthermore, the tool can be used with a wide range of work tools, regardless of their diameter or length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripping aid for a work tool. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various types of implements (hereinafter collectively referred to as "work implements") that are used for various tasks, such as stationery and tools, and are held by users (workers). In order to smoothly perform tasks using these implements, gripping aids that assist users in gripping the implements are also known.

[0003] A specific example of such a gripping aid is a gripping aid that assists in the grip of a writing implement used in writing (drawing) letters, figures, pictures, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "writing work").

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a gripping aid (writing instrument holder and cap) that is attached to a shortened writing instrument, consisting of a cylindrical body with openings at both ends through which the writing instrument can be inserted, with a tapered portion formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical body.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes an easily attachable and detachable gripping aid (pencil or ballpoint pen holder) that has a cylindrical or polygonal tube made from an elastic material with a cut section cut vertically, and has a shape memory material embedded in part or the entire material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3153201 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-170759 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As shown in Patent Document 1, a gripping aid for a work tool (writing implement) is cylindrical with openings on both ends, and when inserting a writing implement, the structure of the opening (particularly the inner diameter dimension) requires high precision, and depending on the material, it can be difficult to insert or remove the writing implement. Another issue is that it can only be applied to writing implements that fit the inner diameter of the opening, resulting in low versatility.

[0008] Furthermore, as shown in Patent Document 2, if a gripping aid for a work tool (writing tool) has a cutout (notch) in a cylindrical structure, it can be easily attached to and detached from the writing tool, but over time the cutout may widen from its original shape (or the area around the cutout may warp), changing its shape and impairing the feel of gripping the writing tool.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gripping aid for work tools that is easy to put on and take off, is resistant to deformation that impairs usability, and can be used with work tools of different diameters and lengths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a result of thorough research into the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that by making a gripping aid for a work tool from a member that clamps (wraps) the work tool and has a structure that forms a gripping area, the tool is easy to put on and take off, is less likely to deform in a way that impairs usability, and can be used with work tools of different diameters and lengths, and thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention is a gripping assisting tool for the following working tools.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the work tool gripping aid of the present invention is a work tool gripping aid for assisting in gripping a work tool, and is characterized in that it comprises a sheet-like member made of a flexible material and a locking portion provided on the sheet-like member, and the locking portion is positioned in a position that allows the sheet-like member to be maintained in a folded state. The gripping aid for work tools of the present invention has a simple structure in which a sheet-like member made of a flexible material is provided with a locking portion for maintaining the sheet-like member in a folded state, and can function to assist in gripping of the work tool. Furthermore, the gripping aid for work tools of the present invention assists in gripping of the work tool by sandwiching (wrapping) the work tool in the folded (double-folded) sheet-like member, making it easy to attach and detach and less prone to deformation that would impair usability. Furthermore, because the gripping aid for work tools of the present invention is configured so that the work tool is placed in the space formed by the folded (double-folded) sheet-like member, it is applicable to work tools of any diameter or length. In other words, the gripping aid for work tools of the present invention can be widely applied to work tools of different diameters and lengths.

[0012] In one embodiment of the gripping aid for a work tool of the present invention, the sheet-like member is characterized in that it has a substantially square or diamond shape. This feature makes it possible to simplify the work involved in designing the shape of the sheet-like member and to reduce the cost of manufacturing it.

[0013] In addition, one embodiment of the gripping aid for a work tool of the present invention is characterized in that the engaging portion is arranged at a position where the shape of the sheet-like member when folded in half is triangular. According to this feature, when a substantially square or diamond-shaped sheet-like member is folded in half, the shape formed is triangular. In other words, the point where the sheet-like member is folded in half is the diagonal line of the sheet-like member, so the work tool can be supported by the longest straight line of the work tool gripping aid. This improves the sense of stability when gripping the work tool when the work tool gripping aid is applied (used). Furthermore, because the shape formed when the sheet-like member is folded in half is triangular, the area of ​​the sheet-like member that comes into contact with the user's hand other than the area where the user grips it is reduced, which improves the user's comfort in various tasks.

[0014] In one embodiment of the gripping aid for work tools of the present invention, the sheet-like member is made of leather. This feature allows the use of leather, which is flexible, strong, and abrasion-resistant, allowing it to be used repeatedly as a gripping aid for work tools. Furthermore, when the sheet-like material is folded in half, the raised surface (back) of the leather can be placed on the inside, providing a non-slip function for the work tool. Furthermore, using leather waste (scrap), in particular, can reduce costs and broaden the range of uses for leather as a material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gripping aid for work tools that is easy to put on and take off, is resistant to deformation that impairs usability, and is compatible with work tools of different diameters and lengths. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a gripping aid for a work tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a gripping assisting tool for a work tool according to an embodiment of the present invention when applied to various work tools (writing tools). [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory view showing another embodiment of a gripping assisting tool for a work tool according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory view showing another embodiment of a gripping assisting tool for a work tool according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory view showing another embodiment of a gripping assisting tool for a work tool according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the gripping assisting tool for a work tool according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The gripping aids for work tools described in the embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of explaining the gripping aids for work tools according to the present invention, and are not limited to these.

[0018] The "work tool" to which the work tool gripping assisting device of the present invention applies refers to all tools (implements) that are held by a user (worker) to perform various tasks. Suitable examples of work tools to which the working tool gripping aid of the present invention can be applied include rod-shaped members or cylinders with a working part at the tip. More specifically, suitable examples of work tools to which the working tool gripping aid of the present invention can be applied include rod-shaped members or cylinders with a working part at the tip designed for writing (writing implements), and rod-shaped members or cylinders with a working part at the tip designed for various processing tasks (cutting, decorating, etc.) (tools). A suitable example of a work tool to which the gripping aid of the present invention is applied is a rod-shaped member or a cylindrical member that is held by pinching (picking) it between two fingers (mainly the thumb and index finger) of the user. Furthermore, a more suitable example of a work tool to which the gripping aid of the present invention is applied is a pencil, which is held by pinching a rod-shaped member or a cylindrical member.

[0019] Furthermore, the term "writing implement" in this invention refers to all work implements used for writing, and more specifically, to writing implements for writing (drawing) letters, figures, and pictures, as well as correction implements for correcting what has been written (drawn). In other words, the term "writing implement" in this invention refers to work implements whose working part at the tip is designed for writing (drawing) or for correcting what has been written (drawn). Specific examples of writing implements in the present invention include pens (general writing implements that use ink), pencils, brushes, mechanical pencils, chalk, crayons, drawing charcoal, erasers (pencil-shaped erasers, sand erasers, etc.), etc. Specific examples of writing implements in the present invention also include pen-type input devices (touch pens, stylus pens, etc.), which are one of the input devices for information terminals such as PCs and tablets. In particular, the gripping aid for work tools of the present invention is suitably used for writing implements that have a small diameter (e.g., 8 mm or less) and / or a short length (e.g., 100 mm or less).

[0020] In addition, the term "tool" in the present invention refers to all work implements used for various processing tasks, including those with a working tip designed for cutting or decorating. Specific examples of tools in the present invention include design knives, chisels for engraving, etc. As with the writing implements described above, the gripping aid for working tools of the present invention is particularly suitable for use with tools that have a small diameter (e.g., 8 mm or less) and / or a short length (e.g., 100 mm or less).

[0021] In the following description of the gripping aid for work tools of the present invention, the application to a writing tool will be mainly taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of a gripping aid for a work tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gripping aid for a work tool in this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "gripping aid 1") comprises a sheet-like member 10 and a locking portion 20, as shown in FIG.

[0023] The gripping aid 1 is used in combination with a work tool (in this embodiment, a writing tool T) to assist the user in gripping the work tool during various tasks. Here, "assisting in the grip of the work tool" includes improving the feel of the work tool when in use and improving the stability of the grip of the work tool (especially the grip of a short work tool). Furthermore, the gripping aid 1 of this embodiment will be mainly described as one that assists in gripping a writing utensil, but here, "assisting in gripping a writing utensil" includes, as mentioned above, improving the feel of using the writing utensil when writing and improving the stability of gripping the writing utensil (especially gripping a short writing utensil), as well as enabling the user to grip writing utensils that would stain the user's hands if gripped directly, such as chalk, crayons, and charcoal, without getting their hands dirty, and reducing fatigue caused by holding small-diameter writing utensils, such as fine brushes, for long periods of time. Hereinafter, each component of the gripping aid 1 will be described in detail.

[0024] The sheet-like member 10 is made of a flexible material, and in Figure 1A it is shown to have the shape of a square abcd, and in Figure 1B it is shown to have the shape of a rectangle (rounded rectangle) where the four corners of the square abcd in Figure 1A are rounded. Hereinafter, a square and a square with modified corners, such as a rounded rectangle or a rounded corner, will be referred to as a "substantially square". As shown in Fig. 1A, by making the sheet-shaped member 10 square, it becomes easier to design and manufacture the shape. Also, by making the corners of the square as the sheet-shaped member 10 deformed as shown in Fig. 1B, in addition to improving the design, it becomes softer to the touch of the user, and it becomes possible to improve the feeling of use.

[0025] The flexible material constituting the sheet-shaped member 10 in this embodiment refers to a material that has the property of being able to be bent without breaking under external force, and examples thereof include flexible polymer resins and rubbers, paper and cloth made of plant fibers, leather, etc. Furthermore, the sheet-shaped member 10 may be made of a composite material that combines these flexible materials with other materials (metal, etc.). As will be described later, the sheet-like member 10 is used in a folded state, but on the other hand, in consideration of the ease of storage and portability of the gripping aid 1 as a tool (aid) attached to a work implement, it is preferable that the sheet-like member 10 be in a sheet shape (thin, flat plate shape) before and after use. Therefore, the flexible material that constitutes the sheet-like member 10 is preferably a material that has flexibility and elasticity that allows it to easily assume a sheet shape and a folded state, and examples of such materials include rubber, cloth, and leather. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use leather, which has excellent strength and abrasion resistance, as the sheet-like member 10 from the viewpoint of durability for repeated use. In this case, when the sheet-like member 10 is folded in half, the raised surface (back surface) of the leather is placed on the inside (the part that comes into contact with the writing implement), which also makes it possible to exert the non-slip function of the writing implement. Furthermore, when using leather as the sheet-like member 10, it is particularly preferable to use leather waste (offcuts). This not only reduces costs but also has the effect of broadening the range of uses for leather as a material.

[0026] Although the size of the sheet-shaped member 10 is not particularly limited, it is preferable that the sheet-shaped member 10 be sized appropriately to enable a user to stably grip even a short writing implement when using the gripping aid 1. Specifically, for example, the portion where the sheet-shaped member 10 is folded in half (the length of the diagonal line ac in FIG. 1 ) should be long enough to contact the back of the user's hand (or the area from the second joint of the index finger to the back of the hand). More specifically, the portion where the sheet-shaped member 10 is folded in half (the length of the diagonal line ac in FIG. 1 ) should be 30 mm or more, more preferably 40 mm or more. Note that, in consideration of the ease of storage and portability of the gripping aid 1, it is not preferable for the sheet-shaped member 10 to be excessively large. Therefore, the portion where the sheet-shaped member 10 is folded in half (the length of the diagonal line ac in FIG. 1 ) should be 100 mm or less, more preferably 80 mm or less.

[0027] The locking portion 20 is provided on the sheet-like member 10 and is disposed at a position that allows the sheet-like member 10 to be maintained in a state where it is folded in half. The locking portion 20 is sufficient if it can secure the sheet-like member 10 in a folded state (folded state), and it is also preferable that it is easy to operate (so-called fastening and unfastening) between the locked state and the open state. 1, a specific example of the locking portion 20 is a pair of recessed and raised fasteners (buttons) provided near points b and d on the sheet-like member 10. A suitable example of the fastener used in this case is a snap button, which is easy to operate between the locked state and the released state. Other examples of the fastening portion 20 include a combination of a buttonhole and a button, a pair of magnets, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0028] The gripping aid 1 is used in a state in which the sheet-like member 10 is folded in half along the folding line L shown in FIG. Fig. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the gripping aid 1 of this embodiment applied to various writing implements T. Figs. 2A to 2C show the cases where the writing implements T are a pencil, a fine brush, and a piece of chalk, respectively. Gripping of the writing implement T using the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, a writing instrument T is placed on the portion where the gripping aid 1 (sheet-like member 10) is folded in half (the diagonal line ac of the sheet-like member 10), and the sheet-like member 10 is folded in half and locked (fixed) by the locking portion 20, so that the writing instrument T is sandwiched (wrapped) by the folded (folded in half) sheet-like member 10 (left diagram in FIGS. 2A to 2C). That is, the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment is configured so that the writing instrument T is placed in the space formed by the folded (folded in half) sheet-like member 10, so that the diameter and length of the applicable writing instrument do not matter, and as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, it can be widely applied to writing instruments T (pencils, fine brushes, chalk) of different diameters and lengths. When the user grips the writing instrument T in this state, the user's hand (fingers) can be placed on the overlapping surface of the sheet-like members 10 of the gripping aid 1, enabling the user to grip a wider area than the diameter (thickness) or length of the writing instrument T (right diagrams in FIGS. 2A to 2C). This improves the stability of gripping the writing instrument T. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, applying the gripping aid 1 of this embodiment to a writing instrument T with a small diameter (fine brush) or a short writing instrument (chalk) makes it easier to grip the writing instrument T and reduces fatigue caused by holding it for a long period of time. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2C, when gripping a short writing instrument T that would stain the user's hands if held directly, the gripping aid 1 of this embodiment enables stable gripping without the user's hand coming into contact with the writing instrument T (without soiling the user's hand).

[0030] Furthermore, after use, by releasing (disengaging) the locking by the locking portion 20, the gripping aid 1 returns to its original shape (sheet-like) and can be separated from the writing instrument T. In other words, the gripping aid 1 can be easily attached to and detached from the writing instrument T. Furthermore, the gripping aid 1 only takes two forms: a sheet-like form and a folded state locked via the locking portion 20, making it less likely to deform in a way that would impair usability.

[0031] 2, it is preferable for the user to place a finger on the locking portion 20 when gripping the writing instrument T. That is, the locking portion 20 serves as a guide for the user to place their finger when gripping the writing instrument T, and serves to correct the way the user holds the writing instrument T. Furthermore, by gripping the locking portion 20 in a state in which the sheet-like member 10 is folded in half and locked, the thickness of the locking portion 20 also has the effect of making it easier for users with weak grip strength to grip the writing instrument T.

[0032] Regarding the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment, Figure 1 shows a sheet-like member 10 consisting of an approximately square (square or rounded rectangle) abcd, a locking portion 20 consisting of a pair of fasteners, and further, a fold line L that is a diagonal line ac, but this is not limited to this. Other aspects of the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0033] 3 and 4 are schematic explanatory views showing other aspects of the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment. Figure 3 shows another example of the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment, in which the fold line L for the approximately square abcd sheet-like member 10 is not the diagonal line ac, but a line ef connecting the midpoint e of side ab and the midpoint f of side cd. The gripping aid 1 shown in Figure 3 makes it easy to enclose the writing instrument T in a wide area (surface) when folded in half, making it suitable for situations where it is desirable to avoid direct contact between the user's hand and the writing instrument T. Also, while Figure 3A shows one pair of fasteners (one set) as the locking portion 20, as shown in Figure 3B, multiple pairs of fasteners (two sets) may be provided to maintain the locked state more firmly.

[0034] 1 and 3, the shape of the sheet-like member 10 is not limited to a substantially square shape, as long as the sheet-like member 10 overlaps when folded in half along the fold line L. In other words, the shape of the sheet-like member 10 may be symmetrical with respect to the fold line L. FIG. 4 shows an example of a shape of the sheet-like member 10 other than a substantially square shape. As shown in Figures 4A to 4D, the shape of the sheet-shaped member 10 may be a rhombus, a triangle, a circle, a semicircle, or the like. Furthermore, when the shape of the sheet-shaped member 10 is a polygon (rhombus or triangle), as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, it may be an approximately polygonal shape (approximately a rhombus or an approximately triangular shape) including shapes with modified corners. Furthermore, the shape of the sheet-shaped member 10 may be other polygonal shapes (pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.), shapes based on figures such as a star or a heart, as well as highly decorative shapes with animal or plant motifs.

[0035] It is particularly preferable that the shape of the sheet-shaped member 10 is substantially square or substantially diamond-shaped. This makes it easy to design the shape and also reduces costs by reducing waste when cutting the sheet-shaped member 10 from a large sheet material.

[0036] In this case, it is preferable that the locking portion 20 is disposed at a position where the shape of the sheet-like member 10 when folded in half will be a triangle, as shown in Figures 1 and 4A. In other words, it is preferable that the fold line L at which the sheet-like member 10 is folded in half be set to be a diagonal line of a substantially square or substantially diamond shape. This allows the writing instrument T to be supported by the longest straight line of the gripping aid 1 (for example, the diagonal line ac in FIG. 1). Therefore, it is possible to improve the sense of stability in gripping the writing instrument T when applying (using) the gripping aid 1. Furthermore, because the shape formed when the sheet-like member 10 is folded in half is triangular, the area of ​​the sheet-like member 10 that comes into contact with the user's hand is reduced in areas other than the area where the user grips it, and it is also possible to improve the user's usability during writing work.

[0037] Furthermore, the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment may be further provided with a configuration for further improving the sense of stability associated with gripping the work tool. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another aspect of the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, one of the other aspects of the gripping aid 1 in this embodiment is that a core material 30 is provided on or near the folding line L of the sheet-like member 10.

[0038] Here, the core material 30 has a certain strength and is intended to maintain the shape of the sheet-like member 10 in a folded state when the work tool to which the gripping assisting tool 1 is applied is in use, and in particular, it is sufficient if it can increase the strength of the part folded along the fold line L. Examples of the core material 30 include structures made of rigid materials, and more specifically, rod-shaped structures or plate-shaped structures made of metal or rigid polymer resin. Furthermore, by using a structure made of a magnetic substance (magnet) as the core material 30, in addition to assisting in gripping the work tool, it is possible to achieve the effect of temporarily placing or storing the work tool on a surface (place) where it can be fixed (locked) by magnetic force.

[0039] By providing the core material 30 to the gripping aid 1, when the work tool comes into contact with the back of the user's hand (or the area from the second joint of the index finger to the back of the hand), the gripping aid 1 itself does not deform further, allowing for a more stable grip. The gripping aid 1 provided with the core material 30 functions well, especially when applied to short work tools.

[0040] Furthermore, a structure made of a conductive material may be used as the core material 30. In this case, when the work tool held by the gripping aid 1 requires connection to an external device, the effect is achieved that the external device and the work tool can be easily connected while the gripping aid 1 is in place. More specifically, when the work tool held by the gripping aid 1 is an input device for an information terminal (such as a stylus pen), the work tool can be easily connected to an external device (such as a charging device) while the gripping aid 1 is in place, making it possible to perform work smoothly.

[0041] Furthermore, in the gripping aid 1 of this embodiment, letters, figures, pictures, etc. may be written on the outside of the sheet-like member 10 (the side that does not come into direct contact with the work tool) to provide a design. Letters, figures, pictures, etc. may also be written for the purpose of clarifying the user or distinguishing the intended use (such as the type of work tool). More specifically, examples include writing the user's affiliation and name, or writing marks to distinguish between the work tool (writing tool T) to be used, such as chalk and drawing charcoal, which will cause staining when in contact with the inside of the sheet-like member 10, and pencils, brushes, and erasers, which will not cause staining when used. In this case, it also serves as a marker indicating the preferred position for the user's fingers (thumb, index finger, etc.) when gripping the work tool, and by writing letters, figures, pictures, etc. on the sheet-like member 10, it is possible to give it the function of correcting the way the work tool (especially the writing tool T) is held.

[0042] The above-described embodiment shows an example of a gripping aid for a work tool. The gripping aid for a work tool according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the gripping aid for a work tool according to the above-described embodiment may be modified within the scope of the gist of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0043] The gripping aid for work tools of the present invention is preferably used as one of the aids that assist in gripping work tools, and is particularly preferably used for stably gripping work tools with small diameters or short lengths. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 Work tool gripping aid, 10 Sheet-like member, 20 Locking portion, 30 Core material, L Fold line, T Writing implement

Claims

1. A gripping aid for a work tool for assisting in gripping a work tool, a sheet-like member made of a flexible material; a locking portion provided on the sheet-like member, A gripping aid for a work tool, characterized in that the engaging portion is arranged in a position that allows the sheet-like member to be maintained in a folded state.

2. 2. The gripping aid for a work tool according to claim 1, wherein the sheet-like member has a substantially square or diamond shape.

3. 3. The gripping aid for a work tool according to claim 2, wherein the engaging portion is arranged at a position where the shape of the sheet-like member when folded in half is triangular.

4. The gripping aid for a work tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sheet-like member is made of leather.

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