Covering device and covering

Abstract

To provide a cover device which can be easily stored and can stand on its own to partition a space on a placement surface from the outside. [Solution] The covering device includes at least a pair of bases and a covering spanning the at least pair of bases. The covering includes a soft sheet and a plurality of rigid members located on one side of the soft sheet and extending parallel to one another. The plurality of rigid members are continuously provided on the soft sheet in a direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the rigid members extend and on the surface of the soft sheet. Each of the plurality of rigid members includes a base end fixed to one side of the soft sheet. When the covering is curved about an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned inward of the soft sheet, at least some of the adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a covering device and a covering. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, covers have been used to surround a user. In particular, cover devices that are installed on a support surface, such as a desk, have been used to divide the space above the support surface. There is a demand for such cover devices that can be easily stored and can reliably divide the space above the support surface in a self-standing manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3220560 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3234956 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3231397 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-18207 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a cover device and a cover that can be easily stored, stand on its own, and reliably separate the space on the placement surface from the outside have not yet been developed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made with these points in mind, and aims to provide a cover device and a cover that can be easily stored, stand on its own, and separate the space on the placing surface from the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following [1] to

[15] .

[0007] [1] A covering device comprising at least a pair of bases and a covering body stretched between the at least a pair of bases, the covering body having a soft sheet and a plurality of rigid members located on one side of the soft sheet and extending parallel to each other, the plurality of rigid members being continuously provided on the soft sheet in a direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the rigid members extend and on the surface of the soft sheet, each of the plurality of rigid members including a base end fixed to the one side of the soft sheet, when the covering body is bent around an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned more inward than the soft sheet, at least some of the adjacent rigid members abut at a portion other than the base end.

[0008] [2] The covering device described in [1], wherein when the covering body is curved around an axis extending in the first direction so that the soft sheet is positioned inside the plurality of rigid members, at least some of the adjacent rigid members are spaced apart.

[0009] [3] The covering device according to [1] or [2], wherein the maximum dimension of the rigid member in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the soft sheet is 1 / 1000 to 1 / 20 of the dimension of the rigid member in a first direction.

[0010] [4] A covering device described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein a direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rigid member extends, and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, and the maximum value of the dimension of the rigid member in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the soft sheet is more than twice the dimension of the rigid member in the second direction.

[0011] [5] The covering device described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rigid members extend, and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, and the covering body includes a first end which is one end in the second direction, and a second end which is the other end in the second direction, and when the covering body is curved around an axis extending in the first direction so that the multiple rigid members are positioned inside the soft sheet and all adjacent rigid members abut at parts other than the base ends, the angle formed between the surface of the soft sheet at the first end and the surface of the soft sheet at the second end is 150° or more.

[0012] [6] A covering device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein when the covering is bent around an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned inside the soft sheet and so that all adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends, the covering has, when observed from the first direction, a pair of straight portions and a connecting portion spanning between the pair of straight portions.

[0013] [7] A covering device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein in a curved state in which the covering is curved about an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned inside the soft sheet and so that all adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends, at least a portion of the covering has the shape of a part of an ellipse when observed from the first direction.

[0014] [8] A covering device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the covering has a plurality of gap regions in which the rigid members are not provided, formed between adjacent rigid members in the second direction, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction in which the rigid members extend and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet, and the plurality of gap regions include a first gap region and a second gap region having a smaller dimension in the second direction than the first gap region.

[0015] [9] A covering device described in any one of [1] to [8], wherein a direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the rigid members extend and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, and each of the plurality of rigid members includes a tip located opposite the base end, the plurality of rigid members including a first rigid member and a second rigid member, and the second rigid member has a larger tip dimension in the second direction than the first rigid member.

[0016]

[10] The covering device described in any one of [1] to [9], wherein the plurality of rigid members include a first rigid member and a second rigid member, and the second rigid member has a larger maximum dimension in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the soft sheet than the first rigid member.

[0017]

[11] The covering device according to any one of [1] to [7] and [9], wherein at least some of the adjacent rigid members abut at the base ends.

[0018]

[12] Each of the plurality of rigid members includes a tip located opposite the base end, and the rigid member has a pair of side edges connecting the base end and the tip edge in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, and an angle formed by a first side edge, which is one of the pair of side edges, with respect to the base end is equal to an angle formed by a second side edge, which is the other of the pair of side edges, with respect to the base end. [1] to

[11] .

[0019]

[13] The covering device described in

[12] , wherein a direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rigid members extend, and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, and the covering has an arc region in at least a part of the second direction, and the covering is curved around an axis extending in the first direction so that the multiple rigid members are positioned inside the soft sheet and all adjacent rigid members abut at parts other than the base ends, the arc region of the covering has an arc shape with a central angle of α (°) when observed from the first direction, and the angle θ (°) that the pair of side edges of the rigid members located in the arc region of the covering form with respect to the base end is expressed by the following equation (1), where n is the number of rigid members located in the arc region of the covering.

number

[0020]

[14] The covering device described in

[12] , wherein the plurality of rigid members include a first rigid member and a second rigid member, and the angle θ (°) formed by the pair of side edges relative to the base end of the second rigid member is larger than that of the first rigid member.

[0021]

[15] A covering body comprising: a soft sheet; and a plurality of rigid members located on one side of the soft sheet and extending parallel to each other, the plurality of rigid members being continuously provided on the soft sheet in a direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the rigid members extend and on the surface of the soft sheet, each of the plurality of rigid members including a base end fixed to the one side of the soft sheet, and when the plurality of rigid members are bent around an axis extending in the first direction so as to be positioned more inward than the soft sheet, at least some of the adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, the cover device and cover according to the present disclosure can be easily stored and can stand on its own to separate the space above the placement surface from the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a covering device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a front view showing a covering device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front view showing the cover in a flat state. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a plan view showing the cover in a flat state. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the cross section of the covering device taken along line III-III in FIG. 2C. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the cover in a curved state. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a front view showing the flexible sheet of the covering body in a curved state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a front view showing the flexible sheet of the covering body in a curved state. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a front view showing the state in which the cover is rolled up. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a front view showing the cover folded up. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a front view showing the cover of Modification 1 in a curved state. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a rigid member of Modification 1. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a front view showing the cover of Modification 2 in a flat state. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a front view showing the cover of Modification 2 in a curved state. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a front view showing the cover of Modification 3 in a flat state. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a front view showing the cover of Modification 3 in a curved state. [Figure 10A]FIG. 10A is a front view showing the cover of Modification 4 in a flat state. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a front view showing the cover of the fourth modification example in a curved state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the cover of the fifth modification example in a curved state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the cover of the sixth modification in a flat state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the cover of the seventh modification in a flat state. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the cover of the seventh modification in a flat state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the cover of the seventh modification in a flat state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the covering device and covering body according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings accompanying this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the sake of ease of illustration and understanding.

[0025] To clarify the directional relationships between the drawings, common directions are indicated in several drawings by arrows with common symbols. Arrows pointing perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and toward the inside of the plane are indicated by a symbol of an X in a circle, as shown in Fig. 2B, for example. The number of rigid members 30 and gap regions 40 (described later) in the drawings may be varied as appropriate for each drawing in order to simplify the drawings.

[0026] Terms used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and their degrees, such as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "equal," as well as values ​​of lengths and angles, are not limited to their strict meanings but are interpreted to include a range of degrees within which similar functions can be expected.

[0027] In this specification, when multiple upper limit candidates and multiple lower limit candidate values ​​are listed for a certain parameter, the numerical range of the parameter may be constructed by combining any one upper limit candidate with any one lower limit candidate. As an example, consider the following statement: "Parameter B may be greater than or equal to A1, greater than or equal to A2, or greater than or equal to A3. Parameter B may be less than or equal to A4, less than or equal to A5, or less than or equal to A6." In this example, the numerical range of parameter B may be greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A5, greater than or equal to A1 and less than or equal to A6, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A5, greater than or equal to A2 and less than or equal to A6, greater than or equal to A3 and less than or equal to A4, greater than or equal to A3 and less than or equal to A5, or greater than or equal to A3 and less than or equal to A6.

[0028] 1-6B illustrate an embodiment of a covering device and covering according to the present disclosure.

[0029] First, the covering device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the covering device 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a front view showing the covering device 10 of the present embodiment. In FIGS. 1 and 2A, the structural details of the covering device 15 of the covering device 10, which will be described later, are omitted and only the outline is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the covering device 10 according to the present disclosure is placed on a placement surface. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the placement surface on which the covering device 10 is placed is the surface of a desk 1. That is, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the covering device 10 is placed on the desk 1. When a worker P at the desk 1 operates a device such as a PC 2 placed on the desk 1, the covering device 10 functions to separate a space 21 in which the worker P operates from the outside.

[0030] By partitioning off the space 21 on the surface on which the PC 2 is placed, such as the desk 1, from the outside in this way, the operator can concentrate on operating the PC 2 without worrying about being seen by others.

[0031] Such a covering device 10 includes at least a pair of bases and a covering body 15 that spans between the at least a pair of bases. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the covering device 10 includes a pair of bases 11, 11 that are placed on a desk 1, and a covering body 15 that spans between the pair of bases 11, 11. The covering body 15 can be curved. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the covering body 15 is curved so as to protrude toward the side opposite to the side where the placement surface is located (the upper side in FIG. 1).

[0032] First, we will describe the cover 15. When a worker P operates a PC 2 or the like placed on a mounting surface such as a desk 1, the cover 15 separates from the outside a space 21 on the mounting surface in which the worker P operates. When the cover 15 is placed between a pair of bases 11, 11, it has the function of being able to bend so as to protrude toward the side opposite the mounting surfaces of the pair of bases 11, 11.

[0033] That is, as shown in Fig. 1, when the cover 15 is placed between the pair of bases 11, 11, it curves upward in Fig. 1 to separate the space 21 on the placement surface from the outside. In this case, it also has the function of blocking the eyes of people outside looking into the space 21 so that the worker P can concentrate on operating the PC 2 and the like placed on the placement surface.

[0034] On the other hand, the space 21 above the placement surface partitioned by the cover 15 is the space 21 where the worker P operates the PC 2, etc., and therefore a certain degree of brightness is required in the space 21 partitioned by the cover 15. For this reason, the cover 15 also has the function of transmitting light from outside to a certain extent.

[0035] Furthermore, if the covering body 15 is crushed between the pair of bases 11, 11 when it is placed between the pair of bases 11, 11, it will not be possible to reliably form the space 21. For this reason, the covering body 15 also has the function of being structurally independent between the pair of bases 11, 11 when it is placed between the pair of bases 11, 11. The function of the covering body 15 being structurally independent means that when the covering body 15 is placed between the pair of bases 11, 11, it will not be structurally crushed due to the gravity of the covering body 15 itself and will maintain its shape.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cover 15 can be curved as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. On the other hand, the cover 15 of this embodiment can be flattened. FIG. 2B is a front view showing the flattened cover 15 of this embodiment as viewed from a first direction d1, which will be described later. FIG. 2C is a plan view showing the flattened cover 15 of this embodiment as viewed from a normal direction dn, which will be described later. FIG. 2C corresponds to a view showing the cover 15 shown in FIG. 2B as viewed from below in FIG. 2B. In the example shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the cover 15 is removed from the pair of bases 11 and then flattened. The flattened state of the cover 15 shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C is referred to as the flat state.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2B, the covering body 15 of this embodiment has a flexible sheet 20 and a plurality of rigid members 30 that are located on one surface (a first surface 20a described later) of the flexible sheet 20 and extend parallel to one another. The direction in which the rigid members 30 extend is referred to as a first direction d1. Each of the plurality of rigid members 30 is provided on the flexible sheet 20 such that the first direction d1 is parallel to the surface of the flexible sheet 20.

[0038] The flexible sheet 20 will now be described. The flexible sheet 20 is a sheet-like portion. The flexible sheet 20 has a surface parallel to the first direction d1. The "flexibility" of the flexible sheet 20 means that it has less rigidity than the rigid member 30. The rigidity of the flexible sheet 20 is less than the rigid member 30, and may be such that the shape of the covering body 15 is maintained when the covering body 15 is placed over a pair of bases 11, 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.

[0039] The rigidity of the flexible sheet 20 can be adjusted by selecting the material of the flexible sheet 20. The direction perpendicular to the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 is referred to as the normal direction dn. The rigidity of the flexible sheet 20 may be adjusted by adjusting the dimension w1 (thickness of the flexible sheet 20) of the flexible sheet 20 in the normal direction dn shown in FIG. 2B.

[0040] In this embodiment, the flexible sheet 20 has a first surface 20a and a second surface 20b facing the first surface 20a. In this embodiment, the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b are parallel to each other. The first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 is flattened in the flat state. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the flexible sheet 20 are flattened in the flat state.

[0041] Next, the rigid members 30 will be described. Each of the multiple rigid members 30 is provided on the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20. Each of the multiple rigid members 30 extends in a first direction d1. The multiple rigid members 30 are provided on the flexible sheet 20 continuously in a direction perpendicular to the first direction d1 on the surface of the flexible sheet 20. The direction perpendicular to the first direction d1 on the surface of the flexible sheet 20 is referred to as the second direction d2. In other words, the direction perpendicular to the first direction d1, which is the direction in which the rigid members 30 extend, and parallel to the surface of the flexible sheet 20 is referred to as the second direction d2. Because the multiple rigid members 30 extend parallel to one another and are provided on the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20, the multiple rigid members 30 are continuous in the second direction d2. The phrase "multiple rigid members 30 are continuous" in the direction (second direction d2) perpendicular to the first direction d1 on the surface of the flexible sheet 20 means that the multiple rigid members 30 are lined up in the direction (second direction d2) perpendicular to the first direction d1 on the surface of the flexible sheet 20. When multiple rigid members 30 are "continuous" in the direction (second direction d2) perpendicular to the first direction d1 on the surface of the flexible sheet 20, this includes a case where adjacent rigid members 30 abut, as shown in FIG. 2B . Furthermore, when multiple rigid members 30 are "continuous" in the direction (second direction d2) perpendicular to the first direction d1 on the surface of the flexible sheet 20, this includes a case where adjacent rigid members 30 are spaced apart, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 9A, and 10A described below. In other words, the phrase "multiple rigid members 30 are continuous" does not exclude the case where adjacent rigid members 30 are spaced apart.

[0042] The "rigidity" of the rigid member 30 means that it is more rigid than the soft sheet 20. The rigidity of the rigid member 30 should be greater than the rigidity of the soft sheet 20 and large enough to maintain the shape of the cover 15 when the cover 15 is placed over a pair of bases 11, 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.

[0043] The stiffness of the rigid member 30 can be adjusted by selecting the material of the rigid member 30. The stiffness of the rigid member 30 may also be adjusted by adjusting the dimensions of the rigid member 30.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2C , the covering body 15 in the flat state of this embodiment has an overall rectangular shape when viewed from the normal direction dn. In this embodiment, the covering body 15 includes a first end 15a, which is one end in the second direction d2, and a second end 15b, which is the other end in the second direction d2 different from the first end 15a. Furthermore, the covering body 15 includes a third end 15c, which is one end in the first direction d1, and a fourth end 15d, which is the other end in the first direction d1 different from the third end 15c. Each of the first end 15a, the second end 15b, the third end 15c, and the fourth end 15d forms one side of the rectangular shape when the covering body 15 in the flat state is viewed from the normal direction dn. In the example shown in FIG. 2C , the first end 15a and the second end 15b each form a pair of short sides of the rectangular shape. The third end 15c and the fourth end 15d each form a pair of long sides of the rectangle. Although not shown, the first end 15a and the second end 15b each may form a pair of long sides of the rectangle, and the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d each may form a pair of short sides of the rectangle. Although not shown, the rectangle may be a square.

[0045] In the flat state, the dimension of the covering body 15 in the first direction d1 is, for example, 60 cm or more and 160 cm or less, and in the flat state, the dimension of the covering body 15 in the second direction d2 is, for example, 30 cm or more and 130 cm or less.

[0046] 2C, each of the rigid members 30 extends from the third end 15c to the fourth end 15d. Although not shown, each of the rigid members 30 does not have to extend from the third end 15c to the fourth end 15d. In this case, the dimension w1 of the rigid member 30 in the first direction d1 only needs to be large enough to maintain the shape of the cover 15 when the cover 15 is placed across the pair of bases 11, 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 2C , the cover 15 has a first region 16 and a second region 17 aligned in the second direction d2. A plurality of rigid members 30 are provided in each of the first region 16 and the second region 17. In the example shown in FIG. 2C , the first region 16 is located at the center of the cover 15 in the second direction d2. The first region 16 is spaced apart from the first end 15a and the second end 15b. In the example shown in FIG. 2C , the second region 17 sandwiches the first region 16 in the second direction d2. The second region 17 is in contact with the first end 15a and the second end 15b. The positions of the first region 16 and the second region 17 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2C . The positions of the first region 16 and the second region 17 are not particularly limited as long as the cover 15 can be curved to protrude toward the side opposite the side where the mounting surface is located when the cover 15 is placed across the pair of bases 11.

[0048] Each of the multiple rigid members 30 includes a base end 31 fixed to one surface (first surface 20a) of the flexible sheet 20. In this embodiment, each of the multiple rigid members 30 includes a tip end 32 located opposite the base end 31. The base end 31 is the end of the rigid member 30 on the side where the flexible sheet 20 is located in the normal direction dn. The tip end 32 is the end of the rigid member 30 located opposite the base end 31 in the normal direction dn.

[0049] At least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 may abut at the base ends 31. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, all of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at the base ends 31. In this embodiment, the multiple rigid members 30 are aligned in the second direction d2. Therefore, the rigid members 30 are adjacent to each other in the second direction d2. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2 in which the multiple rigid members 30 are aligned abut at the base ends 31.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the cross section of the covering body 15 taken along line III-III in FIG. 2C. FIG. 3 corresponds to a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1 of a portion of the covering body 15 including the rigid member 30. FIG. 3 corresponds to a partial cross-sectional view of a range of the covering body 15 including a portion of the first region 16 and a portion of the second region 17. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the rigid member 30 has a pair of side edges 33 connecting the base end 31 and the tip end 32 in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. In this embodiment, the rigid member 30 has a trapezoidal shape including a lower base 31a formed by the base end 31 and an upper base 32a formed by the tip end 32 in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. The term "trapezoid" includes a rectangle. The term "rectangle" includes a square. The pair of side edges 33 connect the lower base 31a and the upper base 32a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the rigid member 30 has a shape that is line-symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry that is parallel to the normal direction dn in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1.

[0051] In at least some of the rigid members 30, the length of the upper base 32a and the length of the lower base 31a may be different. That is, in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1, at least some of the rigid members 30 may have a trapezoidal shape rather than a rectangular shape. In particular, in at least some of the rigid members 30, the length of the upper base 32a may be equal to or shorter than the length of the lower base 31a. In particular, in at least some of the rigid members 30, the length of the upper base 32a may be shorter than the length of the lower base 31a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the length of the upper base 32a of the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 is equal to or shorter than the length of the lower base 31a. In particular, the length of the upper base 32a of the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 is shorter than the length of the lower base 31a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the length of the upper base 32a of the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 is equal to the length of the lower base 31a. That is, the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 has a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1.

[0052] One of the pair of side edges 33 is referred to as the first side edge 331. The other of the pair of side edges 33 that is not the first side edge 331 is referred to as the second side edge 332. The angle that the first side edge 331 forms with respect to the base end 31 is referred to as the angle θ1. The angle that the second side edge 332 forms with respect to the base end 31 is referred to as the angle θ2. In this embodiment, the angle θ1 that the first side edge 331 forms with respect to the base end 31 is equal to the angle θ2 that the second side edge 332 forms with respect to the base end 31. When the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 are equal, the angle that the pair of side edges 33 form with respect to the base end 31 is referred to as the angle θ. As an example, the angle θ is 90° or less. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the angle θ of the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 is smaller than 90°. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the angle θ of the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 is 90°.

[0053] The plurality of rigid members 30 may include a first rigid member 34 and a second rigid member 35. The second rigid member 35 is a rigid member 30 having a different shape from the first rigid member 34. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 is different from the shape of the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the plurality of rigid members 30 provided in the first region 16 is the same. Furthermore, the shape of the plurality of rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17 is the same. In this case, either the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 or the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 can be considered the first rigid member 34, and the other can be considered the second rigid member 35.

[0054] The second rigid member 35 may have a larger dimension w5 of the tip 32 in the second direction d2 than the first rigid member 34. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 has a larger dimension w5 of the tip 32 in the second direction d2 than the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16. In this case, the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 can be considered the second rigid member 35. The rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 can be considered the first rigid member 34.

[0055] The angle θ (°) formed by the pair of side edges 33 of the second rigid member 35 relative to the base end 31 may be larger than that of the first rigid member 34. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the angle θ (°) formed by the pair of side edges 33 of the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 relative to the base end 31 is larger than that of the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16. From this perspective, the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 can be considered the second rigid member 35. The rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 can be considered the first rigid member 34.

[0056] The dimension w2 shown in FIG. 3 is the maximum dimension of the rigid member 30 in the direction perpendicular to the surface (first surface 20a) of the flexible sheet 20 (normal direction dn). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the dimension w2 of the first rigid member 34 and the dimension w2 of the second rigid member 35 are equal. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the dimension w2 of the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 and the dimension w2 of the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 are equal. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the dimension w2 of the multiple rigid members 30 is constant.

[0057] The dimension w3 shown in FIG. 2C is the dimension of the rigid member 30 in the first direction d1. As an example, the dimension w2 is 1 / 1000 to 1 / 20 of the dimension w3. The dimension w4 shown in FIG. 3 is the dimension of the rigid member 30 in the second direction d2. If the dimension of the rigid member 30 in the second direction d2 is not constant, the dimension w4 is the maximum dimension of the rigid member 30 in the second direction d2. As an example, the dimension w2 is larger than the dimension w3. The dimension w2 may be two or more times the dimension w3. The dimension w2 may be 2.5 or more times the dimension w3, or may be three or more times the dimension w3. As an example, the dimension w2 is 10 or less times the dimension w3.

[0058] The method for fixing the base end 31 of the rigid member 30 to the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the shape of the covering body 15 when the covering body 15 is placed over a pair of bases 11, 11 as shown in Figures 1 and 2A. Although not shown, the rigid member 30 may include a main body portion and an adhesive layer that adheres the main body portion to the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20. In this case, the surface of the adhesive layer that contacts the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 is considered to be the base end 31 of the rigid member 30.

[0059] 4 is a front view showing a state in which the covering body 15 is curved around an axis extending in the first direction d1 so that the multiple rigid members 30 are positioned more inward than the flexible sheet 20. When the covering body 15 is curved around an axis extending in the first direction d1 so that the multiple rigid members 30 are positioned more inward than the flexible sheet 20, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at portions other than the base ends 31. In the example shown in FIG. 4, all of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at portions other than the base ends 31. A state in which the covering body 15 is curved around an axis extending in the first direction d1 so that the multiple rigid members 30 are positioned more inward than the flexible sheet 20 and all of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at portions other than the base ends 31, as shown in FIG. 4, is referred to as a curved state.

[0060] In this embodiment, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at the base ends 31 regardless of the state of the cover 15. In particular, all of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at the base ends 31 regardless of the state of the cover 15. That is, the abutment of adjacent rigid members 30 at the base ends 31 is maintained both in the flat state shown in FIG. 2A and in the curved state shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, in the curved state, adjacent rigid members 30 abut at portions other than the base ends 31. In this embodiment, in the curved state, adjacent rigid members 30 abut at the tip ends 32. In this embodiment, in the curved state, the side edges 33 of adjacent rigid members 30 are in surface contact, so that adjacent rigid members 30 abut at portions other than the base ends 31.

[0061] 4 corresponds to a diagram showing the covering body 15 in a curved state as viewed from the first direction d1. When viewed from the first direction d1, the covering body 15 in the curved state has a pair of straight portions 18 and a connecting portion 19 extending between the pair of straight portions 18. The connecting portion 19 is formed from the first region 16 of the covering body 15. The straight portion 18 is formed from the second region 17 of the covering body 15.

[0062] As described above, in the present embodiment, the rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17 have a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. Furthermore, adjacent rigid members 30 abut at the base ends 31 regardless of the state of the cover 15. Therefore, in the curved state, adjacent rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17 abut at portions other than the base ends 31, thereby forming straight portions 18.

[0063] In the curved state, at least a portion of the covering body 15 may have the shape of a part of an ellipse when observed from the first direction d1. The term "ellipse" includes the concept of a perfect circle. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion 19 of the covering body 15 has the shape of a part of an ellipse when observed from the first direction d1. In particular, the connecting portion 19 of the covering body 15 has the shape of a part of a perfect circle when observed from the first direction d1. In this embodiment, the covering body 15 has an arc region 14 in at least a part of the second direction. In the curved state, the arc region 14 of the covering body 15 has the shape of an arc with a central angle α (°) when observed from the first direction d1. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first region 16 of the covering body 15 has the shape of a part of a perfect circle, i.e., the shape of an arc, when observed from the first direction d1. In this case, the first region 16 can be considered to be the arc region 14. Furthermore, the central angle of the arc formed by first region 16 of cover 15 can be considered to be central angle α (°). In the example shown in Fig. 4, central angle α (°) is 180°. That is, arc region 14 of cover 15 has a shape that is half of a perfect circle when observed from first direction d1.

[0064] Consider a covering region that occupies a part or the whole of the covering body 15. In this case, when observing the curved covering body 15 from the first direction d1, if an imaginary ellipse can be drawn that is inscribed in the base ends 31 of all the rigid members 30 located in the covering region, the covering region can be said to have the shape of a part of an ellipse. Similarly, if an imaginary perfect circle can be drawn that is inscribed in the base ends 31 of all the rigid members 30 located in the covering region, the covering region can be said to have the shape of a part of a perfect circle. In other words, the covering region can be said to have the shape of an arc. In other words, the covering region corresponds to the arc region 14.

[0065] The angle θ (°) formed by a pair of side edges 33 of a rigid member 30 located in the arc region 14 of the covering body 15 relative to the base end 31 is expressed by the following equation (1), where n is the number of rigid members 30 located in the arc region 14 of the covering body 15.

number

[0066] As an example, in the curved state, the angle formed between the surface (first surface 20a) of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the surface (first surface 20a) of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b is 150° or more. The angle formed between the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b may be 160° or more, or may be 170° or more. The angle formed between the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b may be 210° or less, 200° or less, or 190° or less.

[0067] 4, the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b are parallel to each other and face each other. In this case, the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b are considered to form an angle of 180°.

[0068] Fig. 5A is a diagram showing the flexible sheet 20 when a covering body 15 different from that shown in Fig. 4 is observed from the first direction d1 in a curved state. Fig. 5B is a diagram showing the flexible sheet 20 when a covering body 15 different from that shown in Figs. 4 and 5A is observed from the first direction d1 in a curved state. In the example shown in Fig. 5A, the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b form an angle β1. As shown in Fig. 5A, the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b may form an angle smaller than 180°. In the example shown in Fig. 5B, the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b form an angle β2. As shown in Fig. 5B, the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the first surface 20a of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b may form an angle greater than 180°.

[0069] The distance w6 between the first end 15a and the second end 15b of the covering body 15 in the curved state is, for example, 40 cm or more and 100 cm or less. The height H of the covering body 15 in the curved state is, for example, 40 cm or more and 80 cm or less. The height H of the covering body 15 in the curved state is the maximum value of the distance between an imaginary plane S1 that passes through the first end 15a and the second end 15b of the covering body 15 in the curved state and an imaginary plane S2 that is parallel to the imaginary plane S1 and passes through the covering body 15.

[0070] When the covering body 15 of the present embodiment is curved around an axis extending in the first direction d1 so that the flexible sheet 20 is positioned more inward than the rigid members 30, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 are spaced apart. In particular, when the covering body 15 of the present embodiment is curved around an axis extending in the first direction d1 so that the flexible sheet 20 is positioned more inward than the rigid members 30, all of the adjacent rigid members 30 can be spaced apart. Therefore, when the covering body 15 of the present embodiment is curved so that the flexible sheet 20 is positioned more inward than the rigid members 30, the degree of curvature of the covering body 15 is not limited by the rigid members 30. As a result, by curving the covering body 15 so that the flexible sheet 20 is positioned more inward than the rigid members 30, the covering body 15 can be rolled up as shown in FIG. 6A. By curving a portion of the covering body 15 so that the flexible sheet 20 is positioned more inward than the rigid members 30, the covering body 15 can also be folded as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0071] When the covering device 10 is not in use, the covering body 15 may be removed from the pair of bases 11, 11 and stored after being rolled up as shown in Fig. 6A or folded up as shown in Fig. 6B. In this case, the covering body 15 is flexible enough to be rolled up or folded up. In this case, the rolled up or folded covering body 15 may be stored in a storage box (not shown).

[0072] As described above, the covering body 15 of this embodiment has the functions of blocking the eyes of people outside, allowing a certain amount of light to pass through from the outside, being structurally independent between a pair of bases 11, 11, and being flexible enough to be rolled up or folded.

[0073] Materials that can be used to form the soft sheet 20 and rigid member 30 of the covering body 15 having such functions include, for example, acrylic (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE). These materials that form the soft sheet 20 and rigid member 30 of the covering body 15 may be foamed or may contain additives. The materials of the soft sheet 20 and rigid member 30 may be different or the same. By using different materials for the soft sheet 20 and rigid member 30, the rigid member 30 can be made more rigid than the soft sheet 20. When the soft sheet 20 and rigid member 30 are made of the same material, the rigid member 30 can be made more rigid than the soft sheet 20 by adjusting the dimensions of the soft sheet 20 and rigid member 30.

[0074] (Total light transmittance and haze value) The covering body 15 of this embodiment has the function of blocking the eyes of outsiders. The haze value of the covering body 15 is preferably large enough to block the eyes of outsiders. The haze value of the flexible sheet 20 when the rigid member 30 is removed from the covering body 15 is preferably 30% or more. This allows the haze value of the entire covering body 15 to be sufficiently large.

[0075] The cover 15 of this embodiment has the function of transmitting light to a certain extent. The total light transmittance of the cover 15 is preferably large enough to transmit light to a certain extent. The total light transmittance of the cover 15 at the portion where the base end 31 and the tip end 32 of the rigid member 30 overlap in the normal direction dn is preferably 60% or more. This allows the total light transmittance of the entire cover 15 to be sufficiently large.

[0076] The pair of bases 11, 11 will now be described. A first end 15a of the cover 15 in a curved state is held by one of the pair of bases 11, 11. A second end 15b of the cover 15 in a curved state is held by the other of the pair of bases 11, 11. This allows the cover 15 in a curved state to be structurally independent between the pair of bases 11, 11. In other words, the cover 15 maintains a curved state in which it protrudes toward the side opposite to the side where the mounting surfaces of the pair of bases 11, 11 are located.

[0077] The structure of the pair of bases 11, 11 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the first end 15a and the second end 15b. In the example shown in Fig. 2A, the pair of bases 11, 11 have slits 11a, 11a that open upward. The first end 15a of the cover 15 in the curved state is inserted into the slit 11a of one of the pair of bases 11, 11, and is thereby held by one of the pair of bases 11, 11. The second end 15b of the cover 15 in the curved state is inserted into the slit 11a of the other of the pair of bases 11, 11, and is thereby held by the other of the pair of bases 11, 11.

[0078] The material of the pair of bases 11, 11 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the first end 15 a and the second end 15 b. The pair of bases 11, 11 may be made of metal, such as aluminum or copper. The pair of bases 11, 11 may also be molded from synthetic resin.

[0079] Next, the operation of this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0080] A pair of bases 11, 11 is placed on a placement surface such as a desk 1. Next, a first end 15a of the curved cover 15 is inserted into the slit 11a of one of the pair of bases 11, 11. Furthermore, a second end 15b of the curved cover 15 is inserted into the slit 11a of the other of the pair of bases 11, 11. This allows the pair of bases 11, 11 to hold the curved cover 15. In this way, a covering device 10 is obtained that forms a space 21 on the placement surface where a worker P can operate.

[0081] In the covering body 15 and covering device 10 of the present embodiment, when the covering body 15 is curved about an axis extending in the first direction d1 so that the multiple rigid members 30 are positioned more inward than the flexible sheet 20, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at portions other than the base ends 31. This allows the covering body 15 to be structurally self-supporting in the curved state due to the abutment of the adjacent rigid members 30 at portions other than the base ends 31. Furthermore, by curving the covering body 15 so that the flexible sheet 20 is positioned more inward than the multiple rigid members 30, the covering body 15 can be deformed into a state that is easy to store. This allows the covering body 15 and the covering device 10 to be easily stored.

[0082] In particular, in the covering body 15 and covering device 10 of this embodiment, when the covering body 15 is curved about an axis extending in the first direction d1 so that the soft sheet 20 is positioned inside the plurality of rigid members 30, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 are spaced apart. This allows the covering body 15 to be rolled up or folded. This allows the covering body 15 to be deformed into a state that is particularly easy to store.

[0083] In particular, in this embodiment, the dimension w2 of the rigid member 30 in the normal direction dn can be 1 / 1000 to 1 / 20 of the dimension w3. Furthermore, the dimension w2 of the rigid member 30 in the normal direction dn can be 2 or more times the dimension w3. In this way, by increasing the dimension w2 of the rigid member 30 in the normal direction dn, the rigidity of the rigid member 30 can be sufficiently increased. Furthermore, the self-supporting ability of the cover 15 due to the abutment of adjacent rigid members 30 in the curved state can be more stabilized. In particular, when the side edges 33 of adjacent rigid members 30 are in surface contact in the curved state, increasing the dimension w2 increases the area of ​​the surface contact. This allows the self-supporting ability of the cover 15 due to the abutment of adjacent rigid members 30 in the curved state to be more stabilized.

[0084] In particular, in this embodiment, in the curved state, the angle formed between the surface (first surface 20a) of the flexible sheet 20 at the first end 15a and the surface (first surface 20a) of the flexible sheet 20 at the second end 15b can be 150° or more. This allows the curved covering body 15 to separate from the outside a space 21 suitable for the worker P to work on the placement surface.

[0085] In particular, in this embodiment, when observed from the first direction d1, the cover 15 in the curved state has a pair of straight portions 18 and a connecting portion 19 extending between the pair of straight portions 18. As a result, the cover 15 in the curved state can separate from the outside a space 21 suitable for the worker P to work on the placement surface.

[0086] In particular, in this embodiment, in the curved state, at least a part of the cover 15 has the shape of a part of an ellipse when observed from the first direction d1. As a result, the curved cover 15 can separate from the outside the space 21 suitable for the worker P to work on the placement surface.

[0087] In particular, in this embodiment, the multiple rigid members 30 include a first rigid member 34 and a second rigid member 35. The dimension w5 of the tip 32 of the second rigid member 35 in the second direction d2 is larger than that of the first rigid member 34. This allows the shape of the cover 15 in a curved state to differ between the region where the first rigid member 34 is provided and the region where the second rigid member 35 is provided. For example, a pair of straight line portions 18 can be formed from the region where the first rigid member 34 is provided, and a connecting portion 19 can be formed from the region where the second rigid member 35 is provided.

[0088] In particular, in this embodiment, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at the base ends 31. Therefore, in the curved state, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 abut at the base ends 31, and also abut at portions other than the base ends 31. This makes it possible to further stabilize the self-standing of the cover 15 due to the abutment of the adjacent rigid members 30 in the curved state.

[0089] In particular, in the present embodiment, the rigid member 30 has a pair of side edges 33 connecting the base end 31 and the tip end 32 in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. An angle θ1 formed by a first side edge 331, which is one of the pair of side edges 33, with respect to the base end 31 is equal to an angle θ2 formed by a second side edge 332, which is the other of the pair of side edges 33, with respect to the base end 31. Thus, by adjusting the angle θ formed by the pair of side edges 33 with respect to the base end 31, the shape of the cover 15 in the curved state can be made into a desired shape.

[0090] In particular, in this embodiment, the angle θ (°) formed by a pair of side edges 33 and the base end 31 of the rigid member 30 located in the arc region 14 of the covering body 15 is expressed by the above formula (1), where n is the number of rigid members 30 located in the arc region 14 of the covering body 15. By adjusting the angle θ as expressed by the above formula (1), the shape of the covering body 15 in the arc region 14 can be made into a desired arc shape.

[0091] In particular, in this embodiment, the multiple rigid members 30 include a first rigid member 34 and a second rigid member 35. The angle θ (°) formed by the pair of side edges 33 of the second rigid member 35 relative to the base end 31 is larger than that of the first rigid member 34. This allows the shape of the cover 15 in a curved state to differ between the region where the first rigid member 34 is provided and the region where the second rigid member 35 is provided. For example, the pair of straight line portions 18 can be formed from the region where the first rigid member 34 is provided, and the connecting portion 19 can be formed from the region where the second rigid member 35 is provided.

[0092] (Variation) Next, various modified examples of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7A to 11. In Figures 7A to 11, the same parts as those in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6B are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which at least a portion of the covering body 15 in the curved state has the shape of a part of a perfect circle when observed from the first direction d1. However, the shape of the covering body 15 in the curved state is not limited to this. FIG. 7A is a front view showing the covering body 15 of Modification Example 1 in the curved state when observed from the first direction d1. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, at least a portion of the covering body 15 in the curved state has the shape of a part of an ellipse that is not a perfect circle when observed from the first direction d1. In particular, the entire covering body 15 in the curved state has the shape of a part of an ellipse that is not a perfect circle when observed from the first direction d1. The protruding direction of the covering body 15 in the curved state is defined as the protruding direction d3. At least a portion of the covering body 15 in the curved state may have the shape of a part of an ellipse having a major axis extending in the protruding direction d3 when observed from the first direction d1. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the entire cover 15 in the curved state has the shape of a part of an ellipse having a major axis extending in the protruding direction d3 when observed from the first direction d1.

[0094] 7B is a cross-sectional view of the rigid member 30 indicated by reference numeral 36 in the example shown in FIG. 7A, taken along a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the angle θ1 that the first side edge 331 makes with respect to the base end 31 is different from the angle θ2 that the second side edge 332 makes with respect to the base end 31. The multiple rigid members 30 may include rigid members 30 having different angles θ1 and θ2, as in the rigid member 30 shown in FIG. 7B. The multiple rigid members 30 may have a shape that is not line-symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry parallel to the normal direction dn, as in the rigid member 30 shown in FIG. 7B.

[0095] 7A , the multiple rigid members 30 include a first rigid member 34 and a second rigid member 35, as well as a third rigid member 37 having a different shape from the first rigid member 34 and the second rigid member 35. Furthermore, the multiple rigid members 30 include a rigid member 30 having a different shape from the first rigid member 34, the second rigid member 35, and the third rigid member 37. The multiple rigid members 30 may include rigid members 30 having different shapes from each other so that the shape of the covering 15 in the curved state can be formed into a desired shape. In the covering 15 shown in FIG. 7A , the multiple rigid members 30 include rigid members 30 having different shapes from each other so that at least a portion of the covering 15 in the curved state has a shape that is not a perfect circle but a part of an ellipse when observed from the first direction d1.

[0096] In the covering body 15 shown in FIG. 7A , the dimension w5 of the tip 32 of the second rigid member 35 in the second direction d2 is larger than that of the first rigid member 34. In the covering body 15 shown in FIG. 7A , the dimension w5 of the tip 32 of the first rigid member 34, the second rigid member 35, and the third rigid member 37 in the second direction d2 differ from one another. In the covering body 15 shown in FIG. 7A , the multiple rigid members 30 include rigid members 30 whose dimension w5 of the tip 32 in the second direction d2 differs from one another. As a result, by adjusting the dimension w5 of each of the multiple rigid members 30, the shape of the covering body 15 in the curved state can be made into a desired shape. In particular, by adjusting the dimension w5 of each of the multiple rigid members 30, the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in the curved state observed from the first direction d1 can be adjusted. Specifically, by reducing the dimension w5 of the rigid member 30 provided in a portion of the covering body 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the covering body 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be increased. Conversely, by increasing the dimension w5 of the rigid member 30 provided in a part of the covering body 15, it is possible to reduce the curvature of the shape of the part of the covering body 15 observed from the first direction d1. The curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 is the curvature of a virtual ellipse inscribed in the base end 31 of the rigid member 30 located in the part of the covering body 15 where the curvature is specified.

[0097] In the covering body 15 shown in FIG. 7A , the first rigid member 34, the second rigid member 35, and the third rigid member 37 have mutually different angles θ1 and θ2. In the covering body 15 shown in FIG. 7A , the multiple rigid members 30 include rigid members 30 having mutually different angles θ1 and θ2. By adjusting the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 of each of the multiple rigid members 30, the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state can be formed into a desired shape. In particular, by adjusting the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 of each of the multiple rigid members 30, the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 can be adjusted. Specifically, by reducing the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 of the rigid members 30 provided in a portion of the covering body 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the covering body 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be increased. Conversely, by increasing the angles θ1 and θ2 of the rigid members 30 provided in a portion of the cover 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the cover 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be reduced.

[0098] In the example shown in FIG. 7A , the entire cover 15 in the curved state, when viewed from the first direction d1, has the shape of a portion of an ellipse having a major axis extending in the protruding direction d3. As a result, the curvature of the shape of the cover 15 in the curved state viewed from the first direction d1 is maximized at the vertex P1 in the protruding direction d3 and minimized at the first end 15a and the second end 15b. In this case, the shapes of the multiple rigid members 30 arranged in the second direction d2 may be gradually changed so that the curvature is maximized at the vertex P1 and minimized at the first end 15a and the second end 15b. For example, the dimension w5 may be gradually changed in the second direction d2 so that the curvature is maximized at the vertex P1 and minimized at the first end 15a and the second end 15b. The angles θ1 and θ2 may be gradually changed in the second direction d2 so that the curvature is maximized at the vertex P1 and minimized at the first end 15a and the second end 15b. The curvature may be adjusted by other adjustment methods described later so that the curvature is maximum at the apex P1 and minimum at the first end 15a and the second end 15b. This allows the entire cover 15 in a curved state to have the shape of a part of an ellipse having a major axis extending in the protrusion direction d3 when observed from the first direction d1.

[0099] Although not shown, the plurality of rigid members 30 may include rigid members 30 with different angles θ from each other, provided that the angles θ1 and θ2 of the plurality of rigid members 30 are equal and the angle between the pair of side edges 33 and the base end 31 can be expressed as angle θ. In this case, the plurality of rigid members 30 can be said to include a first rigid member 34 and a second rigid member 35, the angle θ (°) between the pair of side edges 33 and the base end 31 being larger than that of the first rigid member 34. In this case, by adjusting the angle θ of each of the plurality of rigid members 30, the shape of the covering body 15 in the curved state can be made into a desired shape. In particular, by adjusting the angle θ of each of the plurality of rigid members 30, the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in the curved state observed from the first direction d1 can be adjusted. Specifically, by reducing the angle θ of the rigid member 30 provided in a portion of the covering body 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the covering body 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be increased. Conversely, by increasing the angle θ of the rigid member 30 provided in a portion of the cover 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the cover 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be reduced.

[0100] (Variation 2) In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, examples have been described in which all adjacent rigid members 30 abut at the base ends 31 regardless of the state of the cover 15. However, the multiple rigid members 30 may include a combination of rigid members 30 that are adjacent in the second direction d2 but do not abut at the base ends 31. In other words, the cover 15 may include a gap region 40 in which no rigid member 30 is provided, formed between adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, examples have been described in which the multiple rigid members 30 have a trapezoidal shape other than a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. However, the multiple rigid members 30 do not have to include any rigid members 30 that have a trapezoidal shape other than a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1.

[0101] FIG. 8A is a front view showing the covering body 15 of Modification 2 in a flat state, as viewed from the first direction d1. FIG. 8B is a front view showing the covering body 15 of Modification 2 in a curved state, as viewed from the first direction d1. In the examples shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In particular, in the examples shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, all of the adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In particular, in the flat state shown in FIG. 8A, all of the adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the covering body 15 has a plurality of gap regions 40 where no rigid members 30 are provided, which are formed between adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, gap regions 40 are formed between all pairs of adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. As a result, the rigid member 30 has a plurality of gap regions 40. In the cover 15 in a flat state shown in Fig. 8A, the dimension w7 of the plurality of gap regions 40 in the second direction d2 is constant.

[0102] In Modification 2, the plurality of rigid members 30 does not include a rigid member 30 that is trapezoidal rather than rectangular in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. In Modification 2, the plurality of rigid members 30 all have a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1.

[0103] In Modification 2, the dimension w5 of the tip ends 32 of the multiple rigid members 30 in the second direction d2, each of which has a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1, is different from one another. In this covering body 15, as with the covering body 15 of Modification 1, the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state can be made into a desired shape by adjusting the dimension w5 of each of the multiple rigid members 30. In particular, by adjusting the dimension w5 of each of the multiple rigid members 30, the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 can be adjusted. As a result, in the covering body 15 of Modification 2 as well, at least a portion of the covering body 15 in a curved state can have the shape of a part of an ellipse when observed from the first direction d1, as shown in FIG. 8B .

[0104] Although not shown, the cover 15 may have the following features. The cover 15 has a first region 16 and a second region 17. The shape of the rigid members 30 provided in the first region 16 is different from the shape of the rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17. The shapes of the multiple rigid members 30 provided in the first region 16 are the same. The shapes of the multiple rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17 are the same. A gap region 40 is formed between every pair of adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. As a result, the rigid member 30 has multiple gap regions 40. In the cover 15 in a flat state, the dimension w7 of the multiple gap regions 40 in the second direction d2 is constant. All of the multiple rigid members 30 have a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. In such a cover 15, the dimension w5 of the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 and the dimension w5 of the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 may be different.

[0105] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment and each modified example, an example has been described in which the dimension w2 of the rigid member 30 is constant. However, the dimension w2 of the multiple rigid members 30 does not have to be constant. In other words, the multiple rigid members 30 may include a first rigid member 34 and a second rigid member 35, and the dimension w2 of the second rigid member 35 may be larger than that of the first rigid member 34. In other words, the maximum dimension of the rigid member 30 in the direction perpendicular to the surface (first surface 20a) of the flexible sheet 20 (normal direction dn) may be larger than that of the first rigid member 34.

[0106] Fig. 9A is a front view showing the covering body 15 of Modification Example 3 in a flat state, as viewed from the first direction d1. Fig. 9B is a front view showing the covering body 15 of Modification Example 3 in a curved state, as viewed from the first direction d1. In the example shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the multiple rigid members 30 include a first rigid member 34 and a second rigid member 35 having a shape different from that of the first rigid member 34.

[0107] In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the second rigid member 35 has a larger dimension w2 than the first rigid member 34. In other words, in the covering body 15 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the multiple rigid members 30 include rigid members 30 with different dimensions w2. This allows the covering body 15 to have a desired shape in a curved state by adjusting the dimension w2 of each of the multiple rigid members 30. In particular, adjusting the dimension w2 of each of the multiple rigid members 30 allows the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 to be adjusted. Specifically, by reducing the dimension w2 of a rigid member 30 provided in a portion of the covering body 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the covering body 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be increased. Conversely, by increasing the dimension w2 of a rigid member 30 provided in a portion of the covering body 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the covering body 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be reduced.

[0108] In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, at least some adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, all adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In particular, in the flat state shown in FIG. 9A, all adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the covering body 15 has a plurality of gap regions 40 where no rigid member 30 is provided, which are formed between adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, a gap region 40 is formed between all combinations of adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. As a result, the rigid member 30 has a plurality of gap regions 40. In the flat state covering body 15 shown in FIG. 9A, the dimension w7 in the second direction d2 of the plurality of gap regions 40 is constant. 9A and 9B, the dimension w5 of the tips 32 of the multiple rigid members 30 in the second direction d2 is constant. In the covering body 15 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the angles θ1 and θ2 of the multiple rigid members 30 are constant. In the covering body 15 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, all of the multiple rigid members 30 have a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. In this covering body 15 as well, the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 can be adjusted by adjusting the dimension w2 of each of the multiple rigid members 30.

[0109] Although not shown, the cover 15 may have the following features. The cover 15 has a first region 16 and a second region 17. The shape of the rigid members 30 provided in the first region 16 is different from the shape of the rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17. The shapes of the multiple rigid members 30 provided in the first region 16 are the same. The shapes of the multiple rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17 are the same. A gap region 40 is formed between every pair of adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. As a result, the rigid member 30 has multiple gap regions 40. In the cover 15 in a flat state, the dimension w7 of the multiple gap regions 40 in the second direction d2 is constant. All of the multiple rigid members 30 have a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. In such a cover 15, the dimension w2 of the rigid member 30 provided in the first region 16 and the dimension w2 of the rigid member 30 provided in the second region 17 may be different.

[0110] (Variation 4) In the above-described second and third modifications, examples have been described in which the dimension w7 of the plurality of gap regions 40 in the second direction d2 is constant in the covering body 15. However, the dimension w7 of the plurality of gap regions 40 does not have to be constant. In other words, the plurality of gap regions 40 may include a first gap region 41 and a second gap region 42 whose dimension w7 in the second direction d2 is smaller than that of the first gap region 41.

[0111] FIG. 10A is a front view showing the covering body 15 of Modification 4 in a flat state, as viewed from the first direction d1. FIG. 10B is a front view showing the covering body 15 of Modification 4 in a curved state, as viewed from the first direction d1. In the examples shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, at least some of the adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In particular, in the examples shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, all of the adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In particular, in the flat state shown in FIG. 10A, all of the adjacent rigid members 30 do not abut at the base ends 31. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the covering body 15 has a plurality of gap regions 40 where no rigid members 30 are provided, which are formed between adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, gap regions 40 are formed between all pairs of adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. As a result, the rigid member 30 has a plurality of gap regions 40 .

[0112] In the example shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the multiple gap regions 40 include a first gap region 41 and a second gap region 42 having a dimension w7 in the second direction d2 that is smaller than that of the first gap region 41. In other words, in the covering body 15 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the multiple gap regions 40 include gap regions 40 having different dimensions w7. By adjusting the dimension w7 of each of the multiple gap regions 40, the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state can be adjusted to a desired shape. In particular, by adjusting the dimension w7 of each of the multiple gap regions 40, the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 can be adjusted. Specifically, by increasing the dimension w7 of a gap region 40 provided in a portion of the covering body 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the covering body 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be increased. Conversely, by reducing the dimension w7 of the gap region 40 provided in a portion of the cover 15, the curvature of the shape of that portion of the cover 15 observed from the first direction d1 can be reduced.

[0113] In the covering body 15 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the dimension w5 of the tips 32 of the multiple rigid members 30 in the second direction d2 is constant. In the covering body 15 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the dimension w2 of the multiple rigid members 30 in the normal direction dn is constant. In the covering body 15 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the angles θ1 and θ2 of the multiple rigid members 30 are constant. In the covering body 15 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , all of the multiple rigid members 30 have a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1. In such a covering body 15, the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 can be adjusted by adjusting the dimension w7 of each of the multiple gap regions 40.

[0114] Although not shown, the cover 15 may have the following features. The cover 15 has a first region 16 and a second region 17. The shape of the rigid members 30 provided in the first region 16 is different from the shape of the rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17. The shapes of the multiple rigid members 30 provided in the first region 16 are the same. The shapes of the multiple rigid members 30 provided in the second region 17 are the same. A gap region 40 is formed between every pair of adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. As a result, the rigid members 30 have multiple gap regions 40. In such a cover 15, the dimension w7 of the gap region 40 provided in the first region 16 may be different from the dimension w7 of the gap region 40 provided in the second region 17. In this case, the gap region 40 provided in either the first region 16 or the second region 17 can be considered as the first gap region 41. The gap region 40 provided in the other of the first region 16 and the second region 17, which is different from the one considered to have the first gap region 41, can be considered as a second gap region .

[0115] Although not shown, the covering body 15 having multiple gap regions 40 may include a portion where no gap region 40 is formed between adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2. In this case, the covering body 15 in which the multiple gap regions 40 include a first gap region 41 and a second gap region 42 may include a portion where no gap region 40 is formed. The covering body 15 having multiple gap regions 40 with a constant dimension w7 in the second direction d2 may include a portion where no gap region 40 is formed. In this case, the curvature of the shape of the covering body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 can be adjusted by adjusting the range of the portion where no gap region 40 is formed. Specifically, the curvature can be made larger in the portion where no gap region 40 is formed than in the portion where a gap region 40 is formed between adjacent rigid members 30 in the second direction d2.

[0116] (Variation 5) The shape of the cover 15 in the curved state is not limited to the shapes described above in the above-described embodiment and each modified example. As the shape of the cover 15 in the curved state, any shape that separates from the outside the space 21 suitable for the worker P to work on the placement surface can be appropriately adopted.

[0117] Fig. 11 is a front view showing the curved covering body 15 of Modification Example 5 as viewed from the first direction d1. In Fig. 11, the detailed structure of the covering body 15 is omitted, and only the outline is shown. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the curved covering body 15 has a pair of straight line portions 18 and a connecting portion 19 spanning between the pair of straight line portions 18 when viewed from the first direction d1. The connecting portion 19 has a connecting straight line portion 191 extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of straight line portions 18 extend, and a pair of corners 192 connecting the connecting straight line portion 191 to each of the pair of straight line portions 18.

[0118] The structure of the cover 15 in the connecting straight portion 191 is similar to the structure of the cover 15 in the pair of straight portions 18, for example.

[0119] 11 , each of the pair of corners 192 has the shape of a portion of an ellipse. In particular, each of the pair of corners 192 has the shape of an arc with a central angle of 90°. In other words, each of the pair of corners 192 corresponds to the arc region 14 with a central angle α of 90°. This allows the pair of straight line portions 18 and the connecting straight line portion 191 to be connected via the pair of corners 192 so that the extending direction of the pair of straight line portions 18 and the extending direction of the connecting straight line portion 191 are perpendicular to each other.

[0120] As a method for adjusting the curvature of the pair of corners 192 so that each of the pair of corners 192 forms a part of an ellipse, particularly a circular arc with a central angle of 90°, a method for adjusting the curvature of the shape of the cover body 15 in a curved state observed from the first direction d1 described above can be adopted.

[0121] The cover 15 shown in FIG. 11 can also separate from the outside the space 21 suitable for the worker P to work on the placement surface.

[0122] (Variation 6) In the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the rigid members 30 are not divided in the first direction d1. However, each of the rigid members 30 may be divided in the first direction d1.

[0123] Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the covering body 15 of Modification 6 in a flat state, as viewed from the normal direction dn. In the example shown in Fig. 12, each of the multiple rigid members 30 is divided in the first direction d1. The rigid member 30 has multiple divided portions 30a aligned in the first direction d1. Each of the multiple divided portions 30a extends in the first direction d1. The shape of the multiple divided portions 30a is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the shape of the covering body 15 when the covering body 15 is placed over the pair of bases 11, 11.

[0124] In the example shown in Fig. 12, gaps 30b are provided between the multiple segments 30a aligned in the first direction d1. As a result, in the example shown in Fig. 12, when the cover 15 is in a flat state, the multiple segments 30a aligned in the first direction d1 do not abut against each other. Although not shown, gaps 30b do not have to be provided between the multiple segments 30a aligned in the first direction d1. When the cover 15 is in a flat state, the multiple segments 30a aligned in the first direction d1 may abut against each other.

[0125] When each of the multiple rigid members 30 has multiple divided portions 30a, one of the rigid members 30 is referred to as a first divided rigid member 301. Furthermore, one of the rigid members 30 different from the first divided rigid member 301 is referred to as a second divided rigid member 302. In this case, the arrangement of the multiple divided portions 30a in the first divided rigid member 301 and the arrangement of the multiple divided portions 30a in the second divided rigid member 302 may be the same or different. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the arrangement of the multiple divided portions 30a in the first divided rigid member 301 is the same as the arrangement of the multiple divided portions 30a in the second divided rigid member 302. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the arrangement of the multiple divided portions 30a is the same in all of the multiple rigid members 30.

[0126] When each of the plurality of rigid members 30 has a plurality of divided portions 30a, the divided portions 30a do not have to be located at the third end 15c. Furthermore, the divided portions 30a do not have to be located at the fourth end 15d. The arrangement of the plurality of divided portions 30a is not particularly limited as long as the shape of the cover 15 can be maintained when the cover 15 is placed over the pair of bases 11, 11.

[0127] The cross-sectional shape of a rigid member 30 having multiple divided portions 30a in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction d1 and passing through the divided portions 30a can be the cross-sectional shape of a rigid member 30 that is a member that is not divided in the first direction d1 described above in a plane perpendicular to the first direction d1.

[0128] (Variation 7) The relationship in size between the dimension of the cover 15 in the first direction d1 and the dimension of the base 11 in the first direction d1 is not particularly limited as long as the cover 15 can be placed between the pair of bases 11, 11.

[0129] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an example of the covering body 15 of Modification 7. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of the covering body 15 of Modification 7 that is different from FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an example of the covering body 15 of Modification 7 that is different from FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. In FIGS. 13 to 15, the structural details of the covering body 15 are omitted and only the general shape is shown. The dimension w8 in the first direction d1 of the central portion 15e of the covering body 15 may be larger than the dimension of the base 11 in the first direction d1. The dimension w8 may be smaller than the dimension of the base 11 in the first direction d1. The dimension w8 may be equal to the dimension of the base 11 in the first direction d1.

[0130] The definition of the central portion 15e of the covering body 15 will be explained. The central portion 15e is a part of the covering body 15 that extends in the second direction d2. As shown in FIG. 13, consider a center line C1 that passes through the center of the covering body 15 in the second direction d2. The range of the central portion 15e is defined so that the center line C1 passes through the center of the central portion 15e in the second direction d2. The dimension w9 of the central portion 15e in the second direction d2 is 50% of the dimension of the covering body 15 in the second direction d2.

[0131] When the dimension of the central portion 15e in the first direction d1 is not constant, the maximum value of the dimension of the central portion 15e in the first direction d1 is defined as the dimension w8.

[0132] If the dimension w8 is larger than the dimension in the first direction d1 of the base 11, even when the covering device 10 is placed on a narrow placing surface or a placing surface away from the user's body, the dimension in the first direction d1 of the central portion 15e can be made sufficiently large so that the covering body 15 can cover the upper part of the user's body.

[0133] If the dimension w8 is smaller than the dimension of the base 11 in the first direction d1, the dimension of the central portion 15e in the first direction d1 can be made small enough to make it less likely that the user's head will hit the edge of the covering device 15 when the user (worker P) faces the covering device 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the user can assume a posture in which their body is placed between the pair of bases 11, 11. This posture further reduces the gap between the user and the covering device 10, effectively blocking views into the space 21 from behind the user.

[0134] 13 and 14, the dimension of the cover 15 in the first direction d1 does not have to be constant. As shown in Fig. 13, the dimension w8 may be larger than the dimension of the first end 15a and the second end 15b in the first direction d1. As shown in Fig. 14, the dimension w8 may be smaller than the dimension of the first end 15a and the second end 15b in the first direction d1.

[0135] When the dimension w8 is larger than the dimension in the first direction d1 of the first end 15a and the second end 15b, the dimension in the first direction d1 of the central portion 15e can be made sufficiently large so that the upper part of the user's body can be covered by the covering body 15.

[0136] When the dimension w8 is smaller than the dimension of the first end 15a and the second end 15b in the first direction d1, the dimension of the central portion 15e in the first direction d1 can be made small enough to make it less likely that the user's head will hit the edge of the covering device 10 when the user faces the covering device 10. Furthermore, the user can assume a posture in which their body is placed between the first end 15a and the second end 15b. This posture further reduces the gap between the user and the covering device 10, effectively blocking views into the space 21 from behind the user.

[0137] As shown in Fig. 15, the dimension w8 may be equal to the dimension of the first end 15a and the second end 15b in the first direction d1. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the dimension of the cover 15 in the first direction d1 is constant.

[0138] The third end 15c and the fourth end 15d of the covering body 15 may or may not be straight. The third end 15c and the fourth end 15d of the covering body 15 may be curved. The third end 15c and the fourth end 15d of the covering body 15 may have a polygonal line shape, i.e., a shape in which multiple straight lines extending in different directions are connected.

[0139] At least one of the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d may have a shape that is recessed toward the center of the cover 15 near the center in the second direction d2. In the example shown in Figures 13 and 15, the fourth end 15d has a shape that is recessed toward the center of the cover 15 near the center in the second direction d2. Although not shown, both the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d may have a shape that is recessed toward the center of the cover 15 near the center in the second direction d2.

[0140] At least one of the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d may have a shape that protrudes away from the center of the covering body 15 near the center in the second direction d2. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the fourth end 15d has a shape that protrudes away from the center of the covering body 15 near the center in the second direction d2. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the third end 15c has a shape that protrudes away from the center of the covering body 15 near the center in the second direction d2. Although not shown, both the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d have a shape that protrudes away from the center of the covering body 15 near the center in the second direction d2.

[0141] By making third end 15c or fourth end 15d a curved line or a broken line, third end 15c or fourth end 15d may be shaped to protrude away from the center of cover 15 near the center in second direction d2. By making third end 15c or fourth end 15d a curved line or a broken line, third end 15c or fourth end 15d may be shaped to protrude away from the center of cover 15 near the center in second direction d2.

[0142] 15, third end 15c may have a shape that protrudes away from the center of cover 15 near the center in second direction d2, and fourth end 15d may have a shape that recesses toward the center of cover 15 near the center in second direction d2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the dimension of cover 15 in first direction d1 may be constant regardless of the position in second direction d2.

[0143] The shapes of the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d may be selected from the viewpoint of adjusting the dimension w8 described above. The shapes of the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d may be selected from the viewpoint of realizing the above-described usage manner of the covering device 10. For example, the shapes of the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d may be selected from the viewpoint of forming the covering 15 in a shape that can cover the upper part of the user's body. The shapes of the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d may be selected from the viewpoint of making it less likely that the user's head will hit the edge of the covering device 15 when the user faces the covering device 10. The shapes of the third end 15c and the fourth end 15d may be selected from the viewpoint of further reducing the gap between the user and the covering device 10 when the user faces the covering device 10, and effectively blocking the view into the space 21 from behind the user.

[0144] The components disclosed in the above-described embodiment and each modification may be combined as needed, or some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiment and each modification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 desk 2 PC 10 Covering device 11 Foundation 11a Slit 14 Arc Area 15 Covering Body 15a First end 15b Second end 18 Straight section 19 Connection part 20 Soft Sheet 21 Space 30 Rigid member 31 Proximal end 32 Tip 33 side 34 First rigid member 35 Second rigid member 40 Interstitial area 41 First gap area 42 Second gap area

Claims

1. In the covering device, At least one pair of bases; a cover body disposed between the at least one pair of bases; the cover body has a soft sheet and a plurality of rigid members located on one surface side of the soft sheet and extending parallel to each other, the plurality of rigid members are provided on the flexible sheet continuously in a direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the rigid members extend and on a surface of the flexible sheet, each of the plurality of rigid members includes a base end fixed to the one surface of the flexible sheet; A covering device in which, when the covering is curved around an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned inside the soft sheet, at least some of the adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends.

2. The covering device according to claim 1, wherein when the covering is curved around an axis extending in the first direction so that the soft sheet is positioned inside the plurality of rigid members, at least some of the adjacent rigid members are spaced apart.

3. The covering device according to claim 1 , wherein the maximum dimension of the rigid member in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the soft sheet is 1 / 1000 to 1 / 20 of the dimension of the rigid member in the first direction.

4. A direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rigid member extends, and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, The covering device according to claim 1 , wherein a maximum dimension of the rigid member in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the soft sheet is at least twice the dimension of the rigid member in the second direction.

5. A direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rigid member extends, and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, the cover includes a first end portion that is one end portion in the second direction and a second end portion that is the other end portion in the second direction, 2. The covering device of claim 1, wherein in a curved state in which the covering body is curved about an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned inward of the soft sheet and so that all adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends, the angle formed between the surface of the soft sheet at the first end and the surface of the soft sheet at the second end is 150° or more.

6. 2. The covering device according to claim 1, wherein when the covering is curved about an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned inside the soft sheet and so that all adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends, the covering has, when observed from the first direction, a pair of straight portions and a connecting portion spanning between the pair of straight portions.

7. 2. The covering device according to claim 1, wherein when the covering is curved about an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned inside the soft sheet and so that all adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends, at least a portion of the covering has the shape of a portion of an ellipse when observed from the first direction.

8. A direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rigid member extends, and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, the cover has a plurality of gap regions in which the rigid members are not provided, the gap regions being formed between the rigid members adjacent to each other in the second direction; The covering device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of gap regions include a first gap region and a second gap region having a smaller dimension in the second direction than the first gap region.

9. A direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rigid member extends, and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, Each of the plurality of rigid members includes a distal end located opposite the proximal end, the plurality of rigid members includes a first rigid member and a second rigid member; The covering device of claim 1 , wherein the second rigid member has a larger dimension at the tip in the second direction than the first rigid member.

10. the plurality of rigid members includes a first rigid member and a second rigid member; The covering device according to claim 1 , wherein the second rigid member has a larger maximum dimension in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the soft sheet than the first rigid member.

11. The covering device of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the adjacent rigid members abut at the proximal ends.

12. Each of the plurality of rigid members includes a distal end located opposite the proximal end, the rigid member has a pair of side edges connecting the base end and the tip end in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, The covering device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein an angle formed by a first side edge, which is one of the pair of side edges, relative to the base end is equal to an angle formed by a second side edge, which is the other of the pair of side edges, relative to the base end.

13. A direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rigid member extends, and parallel to the surface of the soft sheet is defined as a second direction, The cover has an arcuate region in at least a part of the second direction, when the covering body is curved about an axis extending in the first direction so that the plurality of rigid members are positioned more inward than the soft sheet and so that all adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends, the arc region of the covering body has an arc shape with a central angle of α (°) when observed from the first direction, The covering device of claim 12, wherein the angle θ (°) formed by the pair of side edges of the rigid member located in the arc region of the covering body relative to the base end is expressed by the following equation (1), where n is the number of the rigid members located in the arc region of the covering body. [Equation 1]

14. the plurality of rigid members includes a first rigid member and a second rigid member; The covering device according to claim 12 , wherein the angle θ (°) formed by the pair of side edges of the second rigid member relative to the base end is larger than that of the first rigid member.

15. The device has a flexible sheet and a plurality of rigid members located on one surface of the flexible sheet and extending parallel to each other, the plurality of rigid members are provided on the flexible sheet continuously in a direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the rigid members extend and on a surface of the flexible sheet, each of the plurality of rigid members includes a base end fixed to the one surface of the flexible sheet; A covering body in which, when the plurality of rigid members are curved so as to be positioned more inward than the soft sheet around an axis extending in the first direction, at least some of the adjacent rigid members abut at portions other than the base ends.

Images