Method for making self-help utensil for eating and drinking

Abstract

To relatively easily make a self-help utensil suitable for a person who uses the self-help utensil.SOLUTION: A self-help utensil for eating and drinking is made by winding a self-fusing tape 1 around a handle part of an eating and drinking utensil such as a fork 30 at least once. The self-help utensil suitable for a user can be made by changing the number of times of winding and a position of winding of the self-fusing tape 1. The self-help utensil may be changed into an easy-to-use self-help utensil by layering the self-fusing tape 1 after the use thereof even when a user's hand or finger condition is changed or after the change, thus allowing the self-help utensil to develop.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for making a self-help device for eating and drinking. [Background technology]

[0002] People with congenital hand or finger disabilities, people who have injured their hands or fingers, or people with limited hand or finger strength, such as young children and the elderly, may have difficulty using spoons, forks, chopsticks, etc. In such cases, it may be difficult to eat using spoons or other implements, or they may be unable to properly hold the handle of a mug, making it difficult to drink. For this reason, self-help devices for eating and drinking have been developed to supplement eating and drinking (including both drinking and eating) as an alternative to eating and drinking implements (including implements used only for drinking, implements used only for eating, and implements used for both drinking and eating) (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6735057 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because these self-help devices are sold as a single product, they are inevitably relatively expensive. Furthermore, people who need self-help devices have different levels of disability or injury, and the range of motion of their hands and fingers also varies from person to person. Although self-help devices that are tailored to each individual are needed, only uniform products are considered.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to manufacture a self-help device suited to each person who needs one. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The method for making a self-help device according to this invention involves wrapping self-adhesive tape (a tape that adheres by self-fusing simply by overlapping the tape without using adhesive) around the handle of an eating utensil such as a fork, spoon, chopsticks, or mug (including eating utensils used only for drinking, eating utensils used only for eating, and eating utensils used for both drinking and eating) at least once to make a self-help device for eating and drinking.

[0007] Preferably, an auxiliary member is provided at the portion of the eating tool that is held, and the portion of the eating tool that is held and the auxiliary member are wrapped together with self-fusing tape so that the portion of the eating tool that is held and the auxiliary member are integrated to produce a self-help tool for eating and drinking.

[0008] For example, a self-adhesive tape may be placed between the portion of the eating utensil that is held and the auxiliary member, and the self-adhesive tape may be wrapped around the portion of the eating utensil that is held and the auxiliary member to create a self-aiding device for eating and drinking.

[0009] Furthermore, a self-help device for eating and drinking may be produced by wrapping the self-fusing tape around the holding portion of the eating and drinking tool and peeling off at least a portion of the self-fusing tape that has not hardened but is wrapped around the holding portion of the eating and drinking tool and rewinding it.

[0010] After using the self-help device for eating and drinking produced by the above method, a self-help device for eating and drinking may be produced by wrapping more self-fusing tape around the hardened, wrapped self-fusing tape.

[0011] After using the self-help tool for eating and drinking made by the above method, the self-help tool for eating and drinking may be made by wrapping self-fusing tape around the part of the eating and drinking tool that is held, excluding the part where the solidified self-fusing tape is wrapped.

[0012] After using the self-help tool for eating and drinking made by the above method, the hardened self-fusing tape wrapped around the gripping portion of the eating and drinking tool can be scraped off to produce a self-help tool for eating and drinking.The self-fusing tape can also be wrapped around the part freed up by scraping off the self-fusing tape to produce a self-help tool for eating and drinking.

[0013] A self-help device for eating and drinking may be produced by wrapping the self-fusing tape around the grip portion of the eating and drinking tool so that at least a portion of the self-fusing tape overlaps with another self-fusing tape.

[0014] The tip portion of the self-fusing tape may be cut at a non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal direction of the self-fusing tape and wrapped around the portion of the eating tool that is held from the tip portion to produce a self-help tool for eating and drinking.

[0015] It is preferable to prepare a self-help device for eating and drinking by wrapping the self-fusing tape around the holding portion of the eating and drinking tool while applying tension to the tape.

[0016] A self-help device for eating and drinking may be produced by wrapping the self-fusing tape around the portion of the eating and drinking utensil that is held while applying tension to the self-fusing tape so that the width of the self-fusing tape is between 2 / 3 and 1 / 2 of the width before tension is applied.

[0017] The self-help device for eating and drinking of this invention has a self-fusing tape wrapped around the handle of an eating and drinking utensil such as a fork, spoon, chopsticks, or mug at least once, and the wrapped self-fusing tape is hardened.

[0018] An auxiliary member is provided at the portion of the eating tool that is held, and the portion of the eating tool that is held and the auxiliary member are preferably wrapped together with a self-fusing tape so that the portions are integrated.

[0019] The holding portion of the eating utensil and the auxiliary member may be wrapped with a self-fusing tape between them.

[0020] The handle portion of eating and drinking utensils such as forks, spoons, chopsticks, and mugs may be formed with a first tape layer having a single piece of self-fusing tape wrapped around it, and a second self-fusing tape layer having a single piece of self-fusing tape wrapped around the self-fusing tape of the first self-fusing tape layer.

[0021] The handle portion of eating and drinking utensils such as forks, spoons, chopsticks, and mugs may be formed with a first self-fusing tape portion wrapped with self-fusing tape, and a second self-fusing tape portion of the handle portion wrapped with self-fusing tape so as not to overlap with the first self-fusing tape portion.

[0022] The self-fusing tape may be wrapped around the handle portion of the eating utensil so that at least a portion of the self-fusing tape overlaps with another self-fusing tape.

[0023] The tip portion of the self-fusing tape may be formed at a non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal direction of the self-fusing tape, and the tip portion may be wrapped around the portion of the eating utensil that is held by the eating utensil.

[0024] The self-fusing tape is, for example, a silicone self-fusing tape. If it is made of silicone, it can be used for a long time without losing its adhesiveness even when washed in a dishwasher or the like. It also has an anti-slip effect. The above self-help devices can be combined in any way, or any self-help devices can be selected and combined in any way. The above self-help devices can also be combined in any way, or any self-help devices can be selected and combined in any way. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to this invention, a self-help device for eating and drinking is made by wrapping self-fusing tape around the handle portion of an eating and drinking utensil at least once, so by wrapping the self-fusing tape and forming it into a shape suitable for the person using the self-help device, it can be made to suit that person. In particular, the self-help device can be made relatively easily, since it can be made simply by wrapping the self-fusing tape around the eating and drinking utensil. Furthermore, since self-fusing tape is used, unlike tapes that use adhesives, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from spilling out of the tape when the self-help device is washed. This also prevents the adhesive on the surface of the self-help device from being accidentally eaten. Furthermore, since the self-help device for eating and drinking is made by wrapping self-fusing tape around the handle portion of the eating and drinking utensil, it is possible to make the self-help device using, for example, the eating and drinking utensil that you normally use and like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] This is an example of a self-fusing tape. [Figure 2] This shows how the tip of the self-fusing tape is being cut. [Figure 3] The release film on the back of the self-fusing tape is being peeled off. [Figure 4] This shows how the self-fusing tape is wrapped around the substrate. [Figure 5] This shows how the self-fusing tape is wrapped around the substrate. [Figure 6] This shows the self-fusing tape wrapped around it. [Figure 7] This shows the self-fusing tape being wrapped in layers. [Figure 8] This shows how multiple components are wrapped together with self-fusing tape. [Figure 9] This shows multiple components bundled together and wrapped with self-fusing tape. [Figure 10] This shows the beginning of wrapping the self-fusing tape around the spoon. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12]FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] This shows how to make a self-help device using a plastic bottle cap. [Figure 18] This is an example of a self-help device. [Figure 19] This shows how to make a self-help device using a plastic bottle cap. [Figure 20] This is an example of a self-help device. [Figure 21] This shows a sponge attached to the handle of a spoon. [Figure 22] This is an example of a self-help device. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view of a rice bowl. [Figure 24] FIG. [Figure 25] This is an example of a self-help device. [Figure 26] This is an example of a self-fusing tape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Figures 1 to 6 show an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating how self-fusing tape (any self-fusing tape such as silicone self-fusing tape or butyl-based self-fusing tape will do, but silicone self-fusing tape is preferred) is wrapped around the handle of an eating utensil.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the tip portion 4 of the self-fusing tape 1. FIG.

[0029] The self-fusing tape 1 has a width W, and a tip surface 2 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the self-fusing tape 1. If the self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped around the part of the eating utensil that is being held in this state, the adhesion between the part of the eating utensil that is being held and the self-fusing tape 1 may be weakened. For this reason, in this embodiment, the self-fusing tape 1 is cut so that the tip surface (tip) 2 forms a surface (side) 3 that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the self-fusing tape 1.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2, the tip 4 of the self-fusing tape 1 is held between the thumb Lt and index finger Li of the left hand Lh, and the tip surface 2 is cut using scissors Sc so that the angle becomes a non-right-angle surface 3.

[0031] Referring to Figure 3, the back surface (or the front surface) of the self-fusing tape 1 has a transparent release film 11 attached, so while holding the self-fusing tape 1 between the thumb Rt and index finger Ri of the right hand Rh, hold the tip 4 of the self-fusing tape 1 between the thumb Lt and index finger Li of the left hand Lh, and then hold the release film 11 between the thumb Lt and index finger Li of the left hand Lh and peel off the release film 11.

[0032] Referring to Figure 4, the non-right-angled surface 3 portion of the tip of the self-fusing tape 1 from which the release film 11 has been peeled off and the handle portion 20A of the eating utensil 20 onto which the self-fusing tape 1 is to be wrapped are pressed together with the thumb Lt and index finger Li of the left hand Lh, and the portion of the self-fusing tape 1 that is more proximal than the tip portion 4 of the self-fusing tape 1 is held with the thumb Rt and index finger Ri of the right hand Rh, and while pulling the self-fusing tape 1 with the right hand Rh, the self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped around the handle portion 20A of the eating utensil 20, fusing the surface of the non-right-angled surface 3 portion with the back surface of the self-fusing tape 1 that has been wrapped around.

[0033] 5, after fusing (adhering) the surface of the non-right-angled surface 3 and the back surface of the self-fusing tape 1 around the entire circumference, the thumb Lt and index finger Li of the left hand Lh hold the handle portion 20A of the eating utensil 20 around which the self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped, while the thumb Rt and index finger Ri of the right hand Rh hold the self-fusing tape 1 and pull the self-fusing tape so that tension is generated in the self-fusing tape 1, and wrap the self-fusing tape so that it partially overlaps the self-fusing tape 1 wrapped around the handle portion 20A of the eating utensil 20. For example, if the width W of the self-fusing tape 1 when no tension is applied is W0, the self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped under tension so that the width W is between 2W0 / 3 and W0 / 2 (2 / 3 to 1 / 2).

[0034] FIG. 6 shows the self-fusing tape 1 wrapped around the handle portion 20A of the eating utensil 20.

[0035] The base end of the self-fusing tape 1 is held and pulled, and the entire base end is pressed onto the already wrapped self-fusing tape 1. The position where the self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped and the number of times it is wrapped are adjusted so that it forms an appropriate shape for the person using the self-fusing device.

[0036] After wrapping the self-fusing tape 1, it begins to fuse within a few tens of seconds to 5 or 6 minutes (the time it takes for fusing to begin depends on the force applied to the self-fusing tapes), and continues to fuse after that, until the fuse stabilizes and becomes fixed after about 24 hours. For this reason, it is relatively easy to peel off the tape and rewind it before fusing begins.

[0037] 7 shows how, after the self-fusing tape 1 has been wrapped around the handle portion 20A of the eating utensil 20 as shown in FIG. 6, another self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped around the previously wrapped self-fusing tape 1. Rather than wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 all at once in this way, the self-fusing tape 1 can be wrapped in layers in multiple steps. Another self-fusing tape 1 can be wrapped any number of times over the self-fusing tape 1 that has been stably fused and fixed, or the self-fusing tape 1 can be wrapped any number of times over before the fusion is stabilized.

[0038] 8 and 9 show how the self-fusing tape 1 is wound around a handle portion 20A of an eating utensil 20 by attaching an auxiliary member 21 to the handle portion 20A and integrating the handle portion 20A with the auxiliary member 21. Figures 8 and 9 correspond to Figures 4 and 6, respectively.

[0039] 8, for example, the outer peripheral surface of handle portion 20A of eating utensil 20 is aligned with the side surface of auxiliary member 21, and while holding eating utensil 20 and auxiliary member 21 with thumb Lt and index finger Li of left hand Lh, tip portion 4 of self-fusing tape 1 is sandwiched between thumb Lt of left hand Lh, auxiliary member 21, and thumb Lt. The proximal end of self-fusing tape 1 is held with right hand Rh, and tension is applied to the self-fusing tape as it is wound around eating utensil 20 and auxiliary member 21 to integrate them.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 9, the base end portion of the self-fusing tape 1 is held and pulled, and the entire base end portion is pressed onto the already wound self-fusing tape 1.

[0041] 10 to 16 show how a self-help tool is made by wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 around the handle of a spoon.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, a spoon 30 is composed of a spoon handle butt 31, a spoon handle 32, a spoon base 33 and a spoon tip 34.

[0043] The handle 32 of the spoon 30 closest to the spoon's base 33 is held between the thumb Lt and index finger Li of the left hand Lh. The self-fusing tape 1, from which the release film has been removed, is held between the thumb Rt and index finger Ri of the right hand Rh, and the tip 4 of the self-fusing tape 1 is sandwiched between the spoon's handle 32 and the thumb Lt of the left hand Lh. While the tip 4 of the self-fusing tape 1 is pressed against the spoon's handle 32 with the left hand Lh, the self-fusing tape 1 is wound around the spoon's handle 32 while applying the tension described above to the self-fusing tape 1. When the self-fusing tape 1 has been wound around the spoon's handle 32 up to its base end, the base end is pressed against the self-fusing tape 1 that has already been wound, marking the end of the winding.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a self-help device produced by wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 around the handle 32 of a spoon as described with reference to FIG.

[0045] Self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped around the spoon handle 32, with the number of wraps of self-fusing tape 1 increasing as one approaches the spoon handle end 31, and the width and thickness of the first self-fusing tape portion 41 on which the self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped increasing as one approaches the spoon handle end 31. By wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 around the spoon handle 32, it is possible to form the first self-fusing tape portion 41 having such a shape, and a self-help device Sh1 having a shape suitable for the user is produced. By changing the way the self-fusing tape is wrapped, it is possible to produce a self-help device for eating and drinking having a desired shape suitable for the user.

[0046] Also, while the first self-fusing tape portion 41 is not yet solidified, the self-fusing tape 1 can be peeled off and rewound to modify the shape of the first self-fusing tape portion 41 to the desired shape.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another self-help device.

[0048] The self-help device Sh2 shown in FIG. 12 has a second self-fusing tape portion 42 formed by wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 over the first self-fusing tape portion 41 formed on the self-help device Sh1 shown in FIG. 11. The second self-fusing tape portion 42 is even thicker than the first self-fusing tape portion 41. For this reason, for example, even if a person using the self-help device Sh1 shown in FIG. 11 loses grip strength and can no longer hold the self-help device Sh1 shown in FIG. 11, they can still hold the self-help device Sh2, which has the thick second self-fusing tape portion 42 as shown in FIG. 12, and enjoy eating and drinking on their own. In this way, the self-help device Sh2 can be made from the self-help device Sh1 using the spoon 30 used in the self-help device Sh1, allowing the self-help device to evolve.

[0049] After the fusion of the first self-fusing tape portion 41 of the self-help device Sh1 shown in Fig. 11 has stabilized and hardened, the self-help device Sh1 can be used to make the self-help device Sh2 shown in Fig. 12, but it is also possible to make the self-help device Sh2 shown in Fig. 12 using the self-help device Sh1 shown in Fig. 11 before the fusion of the first self-fusing tape portion 41 of the self-help device Sh1 shown in Fig. 11 has stabilized. A self-help device with a shape suitable for the person using the self-help device can be made by trying out the self-help device during the process.

[0050] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing still another example of the self-help device, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13.

[0051] The self-help device Sh3 shown in Figure 13 has a third self-fusing tape portion 43 formed by wrapping self-fusing tape 1 over the second self-fusing tape portion 42 formed on the self-help device Sh2 shown in Figure 12.

[0052] As shown in Figure 14, there is a spoon handle 32 in the center, a first self-fusing tape portion 41 (first tape layer) is formed around the spoon handle 32, a second self-fusing tape portion 42 (second tape layer) is formed around the first self-fusing tape portion 41, and a third self-fusing tape portion 43 is formed around the second self-fusing tape portion 42.

[0053] The third self-fusing tape portion 43 is even wider than the second self-fusing tape portion 42. Therefore, for example, even if a person using the self-help device Sh2 shown in Fig. 12 loses further grip strength and can no longer hold the self-help device Sh2 shown in Fig. 12, they can still hold the self-help device Sh3 having the even wider third self-fusing tape portion 43 as shown in Fig. 13, and enjoy eating and drinking on their own. In this way, self-help device Sh2 can be made from Sh1 using the spoon 30 used in self-help device Sh1, and further self-help device Sh3 can be made from Sh2, allowing self-help devices to be further evolved and improved.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing yet another self-help device.

[0055] The self-help device Sh4 shown in Figure 15 has a recess 44 formed by cutting out the central portion of the third self-fusing tape portion 43 formed in the self-help device Sh3 shown in Figure 13, thereby forming a fourth self-fusing tape portion 43A.

[0056] For example, if the self-help device Sh3 shown in Fig. 13 is too thick and difficult to hold, the central portion of the fourth self-fusing tape portion 43A can be shaved off with a knife or the like to make the central portion thinner than the area before and after it, thereby producing a self-help device Sh4 with a shape suitable for the user. Furthermore, the self-fusing tape 1 can be further wrapped around the recess 44 created by the shaving to make the self-help device Sh3 easier to handle.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing yet another self-help device.

[0058] In the self-help device Sh5 shown in Figure 16, a first self-fusing tape portion 41 is formed on the handle end 31 side of the spoon handle 32 by wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 around the spoon handle 32, and a fifth self-fusing tape portion 45 (second self-fusing tape portion) is formed on the spoon base 33 side of the spoon handle 32 by wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 around the spoon handle 32. The first self-fusing tape portion 41 and the fifth self-fusing tape portion 45 are not in contact (do not overlap), and the spoon handle 32 is exposed.

[0059] In the case of the self-help device Sh5 shown in Fig. 16, by forming the fifth self-fusing tape portion 45 after producing and using the self-help device Sh1 shown in Fig. 11, the self-help device can evolve and change into a more user-friendly self-help device in response to changes in the user's condition (such as a decrease in grip strength). However, the self-help device Sh1 shown in Fig. 11 may be produced by forming the first self-fusing tape portion 41 to produce the self-help device Sh1, and then the fifth self-fusing tape portion 45 may be formed before using the self-help device Sh1 to produce the self-help device Sh5.

[0060] 17 to 20 show how to make a self-help device using auxiliary members.

[0061] 17, for example, a plastic bottle cap 51 is prepared, and the spoon handle end 31 and the plastic bottle cap 51 are held between the thumb Lt and index finger Li of the left hand Lh so that the top surface of the plastic bottle cap 51 is in contact with the underside of the spoon handle end 31. The tip 4 of the self-fusing tape 1 is sandwiched between the index finger Li and the top surface of the spoon handle end 31, and the self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped around the spoon handle end 31 and the plastic bottle cap 51 from the outside while pulling the self-fusing tape 1 so that the spoon handle end 31 and the plastic bottle cap 51 are integrated together.

[0062] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the self-help device Sh6 after the self-fusing tape 1 has been wound.

[0063] A self-fusing tape portion 46 is formed on the end 31 of the spoon handle, extending downward from the underside of the spoon handle 32. Even if a person has difficulty using their hands or fingers, they can hold the self-help device Sh6 and eat or drink by themselves by grasping this self-fusing tape portion 46. In this way, in addition to eating and drinking tools such as the spoon 30, it is also possible to make a self-help device using auxiliary parts such as a plastic bottle cap 51.

[0064] In Figure 17, a self-fusing tape portion 46 may be formed by placing a self-fusing tape 1 between the underside of the spoon handle end 31 and the top surface of the plastic bottle cap 51, and aligning the underside of the spoon handle end 31 with the top surface of the plastic bottle cap 51.

[0065] FIG. 19 shows how the help device Sh7 shown in FIG. 18 is evolved.

[0066] The underside of self-fusing tape portion 46 formed on self-help device Sh7 and the upper surface of plastic bottle cap 52 are held between thumb Lt and index finger Li of the left hand so that the underside of self-fusing tape portion 46 contacts the upper surface of plastic bottle cap 52. Tip portion 4 of self-fusing tape 1 is sandwiched between index finger Li and the upper surface of self-fusing tape portion 45, and self-fusing tape portion 45 and plastic bottle cap 52 are wound around them from the outside while pulling the self-fusing tape 1 so that tension is applied as described above so that self-fusing tape portion 45 and plastic bottle cap 52 become one.

[0067] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the self-help device Sh7 after the self-fusing tape 1 has been wrapped around it.

[0068] A self-fusing tape portion 47 is formed at the end 31 of the spoon handle, extending downward from the back surface of the spoon handle 32. The self-fusing tape portion 47 shown in Fig. 20 extends downward further than the self-fusing tape portion 46 shown in Fig. 18, so even people who have difficulty holding the self-help device Sh6 because the self-fusing tape portion 46 is short can easily hold the self-fusing tape portion 47, making it easier to use the self-help device Sh7. In this way, the self-help device Sh6 can be evolved into the self-help device Sh7.

[0069] FIG. 21 illustrates the steps for producing yet another self-help device.

[0070] A cylindrical sponge 60 extending in the longitudinal direction has a hole 61 formed along the longitudinal centerline. The handle 32 of the spoon 30 fits into hole 61 formed in the longitudinal direction of this sponge 60. Hole 61 does not necessarily have to be hollow, as long as it has a cut formed therein that allows the handle 32 of the spoon 30 to fit into it. Alternatively, self-fusing tape 1 may be wrapped around handle 32 of spoon 30, and the handle of spoon 30 wrapped with self-fusing tape 1 may be passed through hole 61 in sponge 60.

[0071] As shown in Figure 21, the handle 32 of the spoon 30 is inserted along the hole 61 of the sponge 60. In this state, start wrapping the tip 4 of the self-fusing tape 1 from the exposed part of the handle 32 of the spoon 30 and wrap it around the outer periphery of the sponge 60. When the self-fusing tape 1 finishes wrapping around the end 31 of the handle of the spoon 30, the self-help tool is complete. In addition to plastic bottle caps 51, 52, things like the sponge 60 can also be used as auxiliary parts to make self-help tools.

[0072] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the mug 70. As shown in FIG.

[0073] The self-help device Sh8 is produced by wrapping self-fusing tape 1 around the handle 71 of the mug 70 to form a self-fusing tape portion 81. The self-fusing tape portion 81 is formed by wrapping self-fusing tape from the top to the bottom of the handle 71, but the number of wraps may be increased to thicken part or all of the self-fusing tape portion 81 depending on the condition of the hand or fingers of the person using the mug 70. As described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 , the number of wraps may initially be reduced to thin part or all of the self-fusing tape portion 81, and then, depending on the change in the condition of the hand or fingers of the person using the mug 70, more self-fusing tape 1 may be wrapped around the self-fusing tape portion 81 to thicken part or all of the self-fusing tape portion 81, thereby evolving the self-help device Sh8. Furthermore, the self-fusing device Sh8 may be further improved by thinning part or all of the thick self-fusing tape portion 81 by shaving off part or all of the self-fusing tape portion 81.

[0074] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a rice bowl 90 used during meals.

[0075] 23, the rice bowl 90 is viewed from the base 91 side (bottom), and in addition to the outer surface 92 of the base 91, the inner base 94 inside the base 91 is also visible.

[0076] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a platform cover 100 made using the self-fusing tape 1. As shown in FIG.

[0077] The base cover 100 has a short cylindrical shape overall, similar to a petri dish. The height of the wall 101 of the base cover 100 is approximately the same as the height of the base 91, and the inner diameter of the wall 101 of the base cover 100 is approximately the same as the outer shape of the base 91 of the rice bowl 90. A hole 104 having a diameter approximately two-thirds the inner diameter of the wall 101 of the base cover 100 is drilled in the bottom surface 103 of the base cover 100.

[0078] 25 is a perspective view of a self-help device Sh9 produced by attaching a base cover 100 to a base 91 of a rice bowl 90. FIG.

[0079] The self-fusing tape 1 is wrapped around the outer peripheral surface 92 of the rice bowl 90 so that the outer peripheral surface 92 of the foot 91 of the rice bowl 90 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface (back surface) of the self-fusing tape 1. Next, the lower half 1A of the self-fusing tape 1 in the short (width) direction protrudes downward from the tatami mat 93 of the foot 91 of the rice bowl 90, and the upper half 1B of the self-fusing tape 1 in the short (width) direction is wrapped around the self-fusing tape 1 that is wrapped around the outer peripheral surface 92 of the foot 91 above the tatami mat 93 of the foot 91 of the rice bowl 90. One of the lower halves 1A of the self-fusing tape 1 in the short direction, which protrudes downward from the tatami mat 93 of the base 91 of the rice bowl 90, is cut short, and the self-fusing tape 1 on both sides of the cut section is attached to each other, whereby a base cover 100 having a hole 102 formed therein is attached to the base 91 of the rice bowl 90, as shown in Figure 25, to create the self-help device Sh9.

[0080] When winding the self-fusing tape 1 around the outer peripheral surface 92 of the base 91, the self-fusing tape 1 is wound without pulling too much (for example, the self-fusing tape 1 is formed into a ring shape so that it has an outer circumference of about 80% of the outer circumference of the outer peripheral surface 92, and the ends of the self-fusing tape 1 are fused together), thereby preventing the self-fusing tape 1 from fusing to the outer peripheral surface 92, and even when the base cover 100 is attached to the base 91 of the rice bowl 90, the base cover 100 can be relatively easily removed from the base 91 of the rice bowl 90 without cutting the base cover 100. Furthermore, by winding the self-fusing tape 1 with tension as described above when winding it around the outer peripheral surface 92 of the base 91, the self-fusing tape 1 is fused to the outer peripheral surface 92, and the base cover 100 adheres tightly to the base 91 of the rice bowl 90, making it difficult for the base cover 100 to come off from the base 91 of the rice bowl 90.

[0081] By attaching such a base cover 100 to the base 91 of the rice bowl 90, the rice bowl 90 can be prevented from slipping and the sound made when the rice bowl 90 is placed on a table can be reduced.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the self-help device is made by wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 around the base 91, but the self-fusing tape 1 may also be wrapped around the body or waist portion 95 of the rice bowl 90 more than once.

[0083] In the above-described embodiments, self-help devices are made in any shape using examples of eating and drinking utensils such as a spoon 30, a mug 70, and a rice bowl 90, or self-help devices can be made by wrapping the self-fusing tape 1 around other eating and drinking utensils such as a fork, chopsticks, cup, and plate, or by changing the shape of the self-fusing tape 1 that has self-fused and hardened.

[0084] 1 to 9 show the self-fusing tape 1 wrapped around eating utensils 20, but the self-fusing tape 1 may also be wrapped around handrails or the like instead of eating utensils 20. For example, the self-fusing tape may be wrapped around handrails for beds, entrances, toilets, hallways, stairs, etc. (handrails inside and outside homes and facilities). People with disabilities in their hands or fingers can still firmly grip the handrail. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: self-fusing tape, 1A: lower half of self-fusing tape, 1B: upper half of self-fusing tape, 2: tip surface, 3: non-right-angled surface, 4: tip, 11: release film, 20: eating utensil, 20A: handle part, 21: auxiliary part, 30: spoon, 31: handle end, 32: handle, 33: spoon tip, 34: spoon tip, 41: first self-fusing tape part, 42: second self-fusing tape part, 43: third self-fusing tape part, 43A: fourth self-fusing tape, 44: recess, 45: fifth self-fusing tape part, 46: self-fusing tape part, 47: self-fusing tape part, 51: PET Bottle cap, 52: Plastic bottle cap, 60: Sponge, 61: Hole, 70: Mug, 81: Self-adhesive tape part, 90: Rice bowl, 91: Base, 92: Outer surface, 93: With tatami mat, 94: Inside base, 95: Torso or waist area, 100: Base cover, 101: Wall, 102: Hole, 103: Bottom, 104: Hole, Lh: Left hand, Li: Index finger, Lt: Thumb, Rh: Right hand, Ri: Index finger, Rt: Thumb, Sh1: Self-help device, Sh2: Self-help device, Sh3: Self-help device, Sh4: Self-help device, Sh5: Self-help device, Sh6: Self-help device, Sh7: Self-help device, Sh8: Self-help device, Sh9: Self-help device

Claims

1. This method involves wrapping a self-fusing tape around the handle of eating and drinking implements such as a fork, spoon, chopsticks, mug, etc., at least once around the implement to be used for eating and drinking, thereby producing a self-help implement for eating and drinking.

2. The method described in claim 1, in which an auxiliary member is provided on the holding portion of the eating and drinking utensil, and the holding portion of the eating and drinking utensil and the auxiliary member are wrapped together with self-fusing tape so that the holding portion of the eating and drinking utensil and the auxiliary member become one unit, thereby producing a self-help device for eating and drinking.

3. The method described in claim 2, wherein a self-fusing tape is interposed between the holding portion of the eating utensil and the auxiliary member, and the self-fusing tape is then wrapped around the holding portion of the eating utensil and the auxiliary member to create a self-help device for eating and drinking.

4. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the self-help device for eating and drinking is produced by wrapping the self-fusing tape around the holding portion of the eating and drinking device and peeling off the self-fusing tape that is wrapped around the holding portion but not hardened.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein after using the self-help device for eating and drinking made by the above method, a self-fusing tape is further wrapped around the hardened, wound self-fusing tape to make a self-help device for eating and drinking.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein after using the eating and drinking aid made by the above method, the self-fusing tape is wrapped around the part of the eating and drinking aid that is held by the eating and drinking aid, excluding the part where the solidified self-fusing tape is wrapped, to make the eating and drinking aid.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein after using the eating and drinking aid made by the above method, the self-fusing tape wrapped around the handle of the eating and drinking aid is scraped off to make the eating and drinking aid.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the self-fusing tape is further wrapped around the portion created by scraping the self-fusing tape to produce a self-help device for eating and drinking.

9. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the self-fusing tape is wrapped around the handle of the eating implement so that at least a portion of the self-fusing tape overlaps with another self-fusing tape to produce a self-help implement for eating and drinking.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the tip portion of the self-fusing tape is cut at a non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal direction of the self-fusing tape and wrapped around the handle of the eating and drinking utensil to produce a self-help device for eating and drinking.

11. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the self-fusing tape is wound around the handle of the eating implement while tension is applied to the tape to produce a self-help implement for eating and drinking.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the self-fusing tape is wrapped around the handle of the eating and drinking implement while applying tension to the self-fusing tape so that the width of the self-fusing tape is between 2 / 3 and 1 / 2 of the width before tension is applied, thereby producing a self-help device for eating and drinking.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the self-fusing tape is a silicone self-fusing tape.

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