Chopstick training tool and chopstick writing tool combined training tool

Abstract

To provide a chopsticks practice tool that is easy to carry, use, and store without being bulky. [Solution] The chopstick training tool 100 is configured to include a training tool body 101. The training tool body 101 is equipped with a first fixing hole 110, a groove 111, a movable hole 112, a second fixing hole 113, a chopstick tip groove 114, and a gripping part 120, which are insertion parts for opening and closing operations with one or both of the fixed chopsticks 91 and movable chopsticks 92 of the chopsticks 90 inserted. The gripping part 120 is formed on the outer surface of the training tool body 101 in parts that face each other via the movable hole 112 or the part between the chopstick rest and the chopstick fitting part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chopstick training device for practicing opening and closing chopsticks, and a dual-purpose training device for both chopsticks and writing instruments for practicing opening and closing chopsticks and practicing how to hold a writing instrument. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been chopstick training devices for practicing the opening and closing operation of chopsticks formed of a pair of half chopstick bodies. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a chopstick usage training device including a plate-shaped main body formed with a small hole for penetrating and fixing one half chopstick body and a through hole for penetrating the other half chopstick body and restricting the movement thereof. In this case, in the chopstick usage training device, a handle for gripping the main body is provided to protrude from the main body. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-338863

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since the handle is formed to protrude from the main body of the training device, there is a problem that the training device is bulky and cannot be easily carried, used and stored.

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a chopstick training device and a dual-purpose training device for both chopsticks and writing instruments that are not bulky and can be easily carried, used and stored. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention features a chopsticks training tool for practicing opening and closing chopsticks, comprising a training tool body having a movable hole into which the tips of the chopsticks are inserted and a gripping part that is grasped by the person practicing with chopsticks, wherein the movable hole is a bottomed hole or through hole of a length that allows the chopsticks to be opened and closed with the tips of the chopsticks inserted, and the gripping part is formed on the outer surface of the training tool body on parts that face each other via the movable hole.

[0007] According to this, since the gripping parts of the chopsticks training tool are formed on the outer surface of the training tool body in parts that face each other via movable holes, the gripping parts do not protrude from the training tool body, allowing the chopsticks training tool to be made compact and easy to carry, use, and store.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention features a chopstick training tool for practicing opening and closing chopsticks, comprising a training tool body having a chopstick rest portion to which one chopstick tip of a pair of chopstick halves is placed, a chopstick fitting portion to which the other chopstick tip of the pair of chopstick halves is fitted, and a gripping portion to which the user of the chopsticks is grasped, wherein the chopstick rest portion is composed of a bottomed hole, through hole, or concave groove into which one chopstick half is fitted, the chopstick fitting portion is composed of a separate bottomed hole, through hole, or concave groove formed in a position that allows the other chopstick tip to be positioned near the chopstick tip that fits into the chopstick rest portion, and the gripping portion is formed on the outer surface of the training tool body on parts that face each other via the portion between the chopstick rest portion and the chopstick fitting portion.

[0009] According to this, the chopstick training tool has gripping parts formed on the outer surface of the training tool body, on parts that face each other via the portion between the chopstick rest and the chopstick fitting part. As a result, the chopstick training tool can be made compact without the gripping parts protruding from the training tool body, making it easy to carry, use, and store the chopstick training tool.

[0010] Here, a bottomed hole is a bottomed hole having an inner circumference that covers the entire circumference of the outer circumference of the chopstick half when it is inserted, and for example, its cross-sectional shape is circular or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, or hexagonal). A through hole is a through hole having an inner circumference that covers the entire circumference of the outer circumference of the chopstick half when it is inserted, and for example, its cross-sectional shape is circular (including elliptical) or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, or hexagonal). A concave groove is a recessed portion having an inner circumference that covers a part of the outer circumference of the chopstick half when it is inserted, while the other part is exposed to the outside or separated from the other part, and for example, it is formed in an elliptical or elongated shape in plan view.

[0011] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the chopstick training device, the chopstick rest portion is composed of a bottomed hole or a through hole.

[0012] According to this, since the chopstick training tool has a chopstick rest portion that is made up of a bottomed hole or a through hole, it can assist in opening and closing the chopsticks by restricting the movement (radially outward movement) of one half of the chopstick that fits into the chopstick rest portion.

[0013] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the chopstick training tool, the chopstick rest portion is composed of concave grooves.

[0014] According to this, the chopstick training aid has a concave groove in the chopstick rest area, which slightly restricts the movement of one half of the chopstick that fits into the rest area. This allows users to practice opening and closing chopsticks in a state close to normal use while assisting with the chopstick opening and closing operation.

[0015] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the chopstick training tool, the chopstick fitting portion is composed of a linearly extending bottomed hole or through hole formed to a length that allows the other chopstick tip inserted into the chopstick fitting portion to move closer to or further away from one chopstick tip that fits into the chopstick rest portion.

[0016] According to this, the chopstick training tool consists of a straight, bottomed hole or through-hole formed to a length that allows the tip of one chopstick inserted into the chopstick fitting portion to move closer to or further away from the tip of the other chopstick inserted into the chopstick fitting portion. Therefore, the chopstick training tool can assist in opening and closing chopsticks by restricting the movement of the other half of the chopstick inserted into the chopstick fitting portion.

[0017] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the chopstick training tool, the chopstick fitting portion is composed of a concave groove.

[0018] According to this, the chopstick training tool has a concave groove in the chopstick fitting part, which slightly restricts the movement of the other half of the chopstick that fits into the fitting part. This allows users to practice opening and closing chopsticks in a state close to normal use while assisting with the opening and closing operation. Furthermore, the chopstick training tool also allows users to practice fine motor skills of the chopstick tip by fitting the tip of the other half of the chopstick into the fitting part.

[0019] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the chopstick training tool, the chopstick rest portion is composed of concave grooves.

[0020] According to this, since the chopstick training tool has a chopstick fitting part and a chopstick resting part, both composed of concave grooves, the chopstick resting part can be used as the chopstick fitting part, and the chopstick fitting part can be used as the chopstick resting part, thus increasing the variety of training methods with a single chopstick training tool.

[0021] Specifically, the chopstick training tool can have a chopstick resting section and a chopstick fitting section, both constructed with concave grooves. The chopstick training tool can also have a chopstick resting section constructed with a bottomed hole or through hole having a concave end that restricts the movement of the tip of one half of a chopstick when it is placed against the resting section, and a chopstick fitting section constructed with a concave groove formed at a position that allows the tip of the other half of a chopstick to move closer to or further away from the tip of the other half of a chopstick that is placed against the resting section.

[0022] Another feature of the present invention resides in that, in the chopstick training tool described above, the training tool main body is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0023] According to this arrangement, since the training tool main body of the chopstick training tool is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, it can be easily gripped by the grip portion formed on the outer surface of the training tool main body, thus improving the usability. Furthermore, since the chopstick training tool is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, it is less likely to roll, and stability during transportation and storage can be ensured. In addition, the chopstick training tool has a shape that is not easily bulky and can be easily stacked, so a plurality of chopstick training tools can be efficiently transported and stored.

[0024] To achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized by being a chopstick training tool for practicing opening and closing of chopsticks, comprising: a training tool main body having a chopstick half fitting hole that is a bottomed hole or a through hole into which one of a pair of chopstick halves constituting a chopstick is inserted and fitted; wherein the training tool main body respectively includes a thumb rest portion against which the thumb of a trainee practicing opening and closing of chopsticks is placed, an index finger rest portion against which the trainee's index finger is placed, and a middle finger rest portion against which the trainee's middle finger is placed.

[0025] According to this arrangement, since the chopstick training tool is provided with the chopstick half fitting hole into which one chopstick half is inserted, the one chopstick half and the chopstick training tool can be integrated, which facilitates carrying, use and storage of the chopstick training tool.

[0026] Another feature of the present invention resides in that, in the chopstick training tool described above, the training tool main body is formed in a shape whose thickness gradually decreases from one end portion, which is on the opposite side to the chopstick tip side when one chopstick half is inserted into the chopstick half fitting hole, toward the other end portion, which is on the chopstick tip side.

[0027] According to this configuration, when one half-chopstick is inserted into the half-chopstick fitting hole of the training tool body, the chopstick training tool is formed in a shape that tapers from one end, which is located on the side opposite to the chopstick tip side (the chopstick head side), toward the other end located on the chopstick tip side. In other words, in the chopstick training tool, the training tool body is formed in a conical or frustoconical shape that narrows from the end on the chopstick head side toward the end on the chopstick tip side. Therefore, the chopstick training tool can restrict the movement of the thumb, index finger and middle finger toward the chopstick head side, allowing natural positioning of each finger. Furthermore, since the chopstick training tool has a shape that makes it difficult for the chopstick tip side portion of the training tool body mounted on one half-chopstick to come into contact with the other half-chopstick when closing the chopsticks, it also facilitates practice of opening and closing the chopsticks.

[0028] Another feature of the present invention resides in that, in the chopstick training tool described above, the thumb rest portion includes a convexly raised thumb wall on one end side that is opposite to the chopstick tip side when one half-chopstick is inserted into the training tool body.

[0029] According to this configuration, the chopstick training tool is provided with a convexly raised thumb wall at a portion on the side opposite to the chopstick tip side (the chopstick head side) of the thumb rest portion, so it can restrict the movement of the thumb placed on the thumb rest portion toward the chopstick head side, thereby stably holding the one half-chopstick. Furthermore, in the chopstick training tool, by placing the thumb on the thumb rest portion along the thumb wall, the thumb can be positioned at an appropriate position.

[0030] Another feature of the present invention is the chopstick training tool described above, wherein the half-chopstick fitting hole has a protrusion extending along the half-chopstick fitting hole formed on an inner peripheral surface of the half-chopstick fitting hole.

[0031] According to this configuration, in the chopstick training tool, the protrusion extending along the half-chopstick fitting hole is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the half-chopstick fitting hole, so the one half-chopstick inserted into the half-chopstick fitting hole can be stably held.

[0032] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the chopstick training tool, the chopstick half-fitting hole is also sized to accommodate a gripping portion of a writing instrument that is held by hand, instead of one half of the chopsticks.

[0033] According to this, the chopstick training tool is sized such that the chopstick half fitting hole can be replaced with the grip portion of a writing instrument that is held by the human hand. Therefore, by attaching it to a writing instrument, one can practice not only opening and closing chopsticks but also how to hold a writing instrument. Here, one of the pair of chopstick halves, which is supported and operated by the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, has the same grip as a writing instrument. Furthermore, the chopstick training tool according to the present invention is configured to include a thumb rest for the thumb of the person practicing opening and closing chopsticks, an index finger rest for the index finger of the person practicing, and a middle finger rest for the middle finger of the person practicing. Therefore, by attaching the chopstick training tool to a writing instrument via the chopstick half fitting hole, one can practice how to hold a writing instrument.

[0034] Furthermore, this invention can be implemented not only as a chopstick training tool, but also as a training tool that can be used as both a chopstick and a writing instrument.

[0035] Specifically, the chopsticks and writing instrument combined training tool is a chopsticks and writing instrument combined training tool for practicing opening and closing chopsticks and holding a writing instrument, and comprises a training tool body having a bottomed hole or through hole chopstick half fitting hole into which one of a pair of chopstick halves that make up chopsticks and the gripping part of the writing instrument that is held by the human hand are selectively inserted and fitted together, and the training tool body preferably has a thumb rest for the user's thumb, an index finger rest for the user's index finger, and a middle finger rest for the user's middle finger.

[0036] According to this, the chopsticks-writing practice tool is equipped with a chopstick half-fitting hole consisting of a bottomed hole or through hole into which one half of the chopsticks and the writing instrument can be selectively fitted. Therefore, one half of the chopsticks or the writing instrument can be integrated with the chopsticks-writing practice tool, making it easy to carry, use, and store the chopsticks-writing practice tool. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of using chopsticks while practicing operation with a chopstick training tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the general external configuration of the chopsticks training tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a diagonal direction from the front. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view from below showing a schematic of the external structure of the chopstick training aid. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the open state of chopsticks in practice method 3, which involves inserting chopsticks into the chopstick training device shown in Figure 2 to practice opening and closing chopsticks. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the closed chopsticks in practice method 3, as shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the open chopsticks in another practice method 4 of the chopstick training tool shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the closed chopsticks in practice method 4, as shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the open state of the chopsticks in another practice method 5 of the chopstick training tool shown. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the closed chopsticks in practice method 5, as shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the open chopsticks in another practice method 6 of the chopstick training tool shown in Figure 2. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the closed chopsticks in practice method 6. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the open chopsticks in a modified version of practice method 6 shown in Figure 10. [Figure 13] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the open chopsticks in another practice method 7 of the chopstick training tool shown in Figure 2. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the closed chopsticks in practice method 7. [Figure 15]Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the open chopsticks in another practice method 8 of the chopstick training tool shown in Figure 2. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the closed chopsticks in practice method 8. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the open chopsticks in another practice method 9 of the chopstick training tool shown in Figure 2. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the closed chopsticks in practice method 9, as shown in Figure 17. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a chopsticks training tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a right-side view showing a schematic of the external configuration of the chopstick training aid. [Figure 21] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the usage of the chopstick training aid. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a chopstick training tool according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a chopsticks training tool according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a chopsticks training tool according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a chopsticks training tool according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a chopsticks training tool according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a chopsticks training tool according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of use of a chopsticks-and-writing practice tool, which is a modified version of the second embodiment of the present invention, used to practice how to hold a writing instrument. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the chopstick training tool 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of use of chopsticks 90 used for practicing operation with the chopstick training tool 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the general external configuration of the chopstick training tool 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a diagonal direction from the front. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the general external configuration of the chopstick training tool 100 shown in Figure 2, viewed from the bottom side. In Figure 2, the thickness direction of the chopstick training tool 100 is the Y-axis direction, the longitudinal direction (up and down direction) is the Z-axis direction, and the width direction (short direction) perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, respectively, is the X-axis direction.

[0039] First, before explaining the chopstick training tool 100, let's explain the chopsticks 90 used for practicing chopstick operation with this training tool 100. The chopsticks 90 are tools used by people to grasp objects when cooking or eating, and as shown in Figure 1, they consist of a pair of chopstick halves 91 and 92, each formed into a long, slender rod shape. Specifically, the chopstick halves 91 and 92 are formed in a tapered shape, with the thickness gradually increasing from the chopstick tips 91a and 92a, which are the ends that grasp objects, to the chopstick heads 91b and 92b, which are the ends that are held by the user.

[0040] These chopstick halves 91 and 92 are used as fixed chopsticks, with one half supported on the ring finger and held between the thumb and index finger when using the chopsticks 90, and the other half used as movable chopsticks, supported and operated by the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the chopstick halves 91 and 92 may be referred to as "fixed chopsticks 91" and "movable chopsticks 92".

[0041] (Composition of the 100 chopstick training tools) The chopstick training tool 100 is a device for practicing the opening and closing operation of chopsticks 90, which involves bringing the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopsticks 91 and movable chopsticks 92 closer together or further apart. The chopstick training tool 100 can also be used as a device to promote physical development, maintenance or recovery of physical function (rehabilitation), intellectual development, or maintenance or improvement of cognitive ability through the opening and closing operation of chopsticks 90. As shown in Figure 2, the chopstick training tool 100 includes a training tool body 101.

[0042] The training tool body 101 is a component that includes an insertion portion (first fixing hole 110, groove 111, movable hole 112, second fixing hole 113, and chopstick tip groove 114) and a gripping portion 120 for performing opening and closing operations with one or both of the fixed chopsticks 91 and movable chopsticks 92 of the chopsticks 90 inserted. The training tool body 101 is constructed by forming a rectangular cuboid shape when viewed from the front from a hard resin material.

[0043] Here, as the hard resin material constituting the training device body 101, polyether ether ketone resin, polyimide resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, ABS resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyurethane resin, polystyrene resin, polypropylene resin, nylon resin, or acrylic resin can be used, all of which have a hardness that prevents them from being easily elastically deformed by human hands.

[0044] Furthermore, the training tool body 101 is formed to a size that fits in the palm of the user's hand. In this first embodiment, it is formed to have a length (length in the Z-axis direction in the illustration) of 68.5 mm, a width (length in the X-axis direction in the illustration) of 15.5 mm, and a thickness (length in the Y-axis direction in the illustration) of 12 mm. The training tool body 101 has six faces that constitute the rectangular parallelepiped: a front face 102, a back face 103, a left side face 104, a right side face 105, a top face 106, and a bottom face 107.

[0045] The front 102 and back 103 are the front and back surfaces, respectively, of the rectangular parallelepiped that constitutes the training aid body 101, and are composed of flat surfaces that face each other in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction in the illustration) of the training aid body 101. These front 102 and back 103 are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front (or back) in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the illustration) of the training aid body 101.

[0046] The left side 104 and the right side 105 are the left and right sides, respectively, of the rectangular parallelepiped that constitutes the training aid body 101, and are composed of surfaces that face each other in the width direction (X-axis direction in the illustration) of the training aid body 101. In this case, the left side 104 is composed of a flat surface, and the right side 105 is composed of a surface with irregularities. Furthermore, the width (length in the Y-axis direction in the illustration) of the left side 104 and the right side 105 is shorter than the width (length in the X-axis direction in the illustration) of the front 102 and back 103.

[0047] The upper surface 106 and the lower surface 107 are the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the rectangular parallelepiped that constitutes the training tool body 101, and are composed of surfaces that face each other in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the illustration) of the training tool body 101. In this case, the upper surface 106 is composed of a surface with a recess, and the lower surface 107 is composed of a flat surface. Furthermore, the width (length in the Y-axis direction in the illustration) of the upper surface 106 and the lower surface 107 is formed to be the same length as the width (length in the Y-axis direction in the illustration) of the left side surface 104 and the right side surface 105. In other words, the training tool body 101 is formed in the shape of a long plate. This training tool body 101 is equipped with a first fixing hole 110.

[0048] The first fixing hole 110 is a part for restricting the movement of the tip 91a of the fixed chopsticks 91 (movement in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 (Z-axis direction in the figure) and in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction (X-axis direction in the figure)) and fixing its position, and is composed of a through hole into which the fixed chopsticks 91 can be inserted. In this first embodiment, the first fixing hole 110 is formed in the widthwise center of the front 102 and back 103 of the training tool body 101 and near the end on the upper surface 106 side, penetrating the front 102 and back 103 in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction in the figure).

[0049] The first fixing hole 110 is sized to fit securely into a predetermined position on the tip 91a side of the fixed chopsticks 91. In this first embodiment, the first fixing hole 110 is a straight hole with a circular cross-sectional shape and a constant diameter. In this case, a groove 111 and a movable hole 112 are formed near the first fixing hole 110. This first fixing hole 110 corresponds to the chopstick rest portion according to the present invention.

[0050] The groove 111 is a portion into which one of the chopstick tips 91a, 92a of the fixed chopstick 91 and the movable chopstick 92 is fitted, and which restricts the movement of the fitted chopstick tip 91a, 92a (in the direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 (X-axis direction in the figure) and the movement on the lower surface 107 side in the same opening and closing direction). Specifically, the groove 111 is a concave groove into which the chopstick tips 91a, 92a of the fixed chopstick 91 and the movable chopstick 92 fit, and which extends straight in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) from the front surface 102 to the back surface 103. In this case, the width of the groove 111 is formed to a length such that a gap (for example, within 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably within 2 mm) is created in the width direction with respect to each chopstick tip 91a, 92a of the fixed chopstick 91 or the movable chopstick 92.

[0051] The groove 111 is formed parallel to the first fixing hole 110 and is concentric with the first fixing hole 110 in the X-axis direction shown in the figure. In this case, the groove 111 is formed in a position that allows the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92, which is placed against the groove 111, to align with the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 that fits into the first fixing hole 110. This groove 111 corresponds to the chopstick rest portion and the chopstick fitting portion according to the present invention, respectively.

[0052] The movable hole 112 is a part into which at least one of the fixed chopsticks 91 and the movable chopsticks 92 is inserted, and which restricts the movement of the tips 91a and 92a of the inserted fixed chopstick 91 and / or movable chopstick 92 in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 (X-axis direction in the figure) while performing the opening and closing operation of the chopsticks 90. Specifically, the movable hole 112 is composed of an elongated through-hole of a constant width that penetrates the front 102 and the back 103 in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) and extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the figure).

[0053] In this first embodiment, the movable hole 112 is formed to a length (for example, about 50 mm) that allows the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopstick 91 and the movable chopstick 92 to coincide or be separated when both tips are inserted. In this case, the width of the movable hole 112 is formed to a length that allows only one of the fixed chopstick 91 or the movable chopstick 92 to be inserted, and to create a gap in the width direction (for example, within 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably within 2 mm) between the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopstick 91 or the movable chopstick 92 inserted into the movable hole 112. Furthermore, both ends of the movable hole 112 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) are formed to be concave arc-shaped curved surfaces against which the fixed chopstick 91 or the movable chopstick 92 inserted into the movable hole 112 abuts.

[0054] The movable hole 112 is formed on the front surface 102 and the back surface 103, concentric with respect to the first fixing hole 110 in the X-axis direction shown, extending from the vicinity of the first fixing hole 110 to the vicinity of the end on the bottom surface 107. Specifically, the movable hole 112 is provided in a position where the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 inserted into the movable hole 112 can be aligned with the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 that fits into the first fixing hole 110, and where the tip 92a inserted into the movable hole 112 can be positioned near the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 that is placed against the groove 111. This movable hole 112 corresponds to the chopstick rest portion and the chopstick fitting portion according to the present invention, respectively.

[0055] The second fixing hole 113 is a part for restricting the movement of the tip 91a of the fixing chopstick 91 (in the opening and closing direction of the chopstick 90 (Z-axis direction in the figure) and in the direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction (X-axis direction in the figure)) and fixing its position, and is composed of a bottomed hole into which the fixing chopstick 91 can be inserted. The second fixing hole 113 is formed to a size that creates a gap (for example, within 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably within 2 mm) radially outward from the tip 91a of the fixing chopstick 91. In addition, the second fixing hole 113 is formed to a depth that secures the tip 91a of the fixing chopstick 91 over a wide area. Specifically, the second fixing hole 113 is formed to a depth of 30 mm or more, preferably 40 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or more.

[0056] In other words, the second fixing hole 113 penetrates the movable hole 112 in a perpendicular direction and reaches the first fixing hole 110, forming a bottomed hole with the inner circumferential surface of the first fixing hole 110 as its bottom, and this bottom portion is exposed to the outside through the first fixing hole 110. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the second fixing hole 113 is substantially composed of a chopstick head side fixing hole 113a formed between the lower surface 107 and the movable hole 112, and a chopstick tip side fixing hole 113b formed between the movable hole 112 and the first fixing hole 110. This second fixing hole 113 corresponds to the chopstick rest portion according to the present invention.

[0057] The chopstick head-side fixing hole 113a is sized to fit fixedly at a predetermined position spaced apart from the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 towards the chopstick head 91b. On the other hand, the chopstick tip-side fixing hole 113b is sized to fit the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 and has a smaller diameter than the first fixing hole 110 and the chopstick head-side fixing hole 113a. In this first embodiment, the chopstick head-side fixing hole 113a and the chopstick tip-side fixing hole 113b are straight holes with a circular cross-sectional shape and a constant diameter.

[0058] The chopstick tip groove 114 is a portion for positioning the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 relative to the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 inserted into the second fixing hole 113, and is formed as a concave recess so that the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 fits into it. Specifically, the chopstick tip groove 114 is formed to a width such that there is a slight gap in the width direction (for example, within 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably within 1 mm) relative to the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92. This chopstick tip groove 114 is formed in the portion between the first fixing hole 110 and the movable hole 112 on the front 102 and back 103 of the training tool body 101, respectively. In this case, the chopstick tip groove 114 is composed of a concave groove that extends parallel to the second fixing hole 113 and is concentric with the second fixing hole 113 in the X-axis direction shown. In this case, the bottom of the chopstick tip groove 114 is composed of an inclined surface that slopes downward from the movable hole 112 side toward the first fixing hole 110 side, corresponding to the tapered shape of the chopstick tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92.

[0059] The gripping portion 120 is the part that the user grips when using the chopsticks training tool 100, and is composed of parts that face each other on the outer surface of the training tool body 101 via the portion between the first fixing hole 110 and the movable hole 112 (in this first embodiment, the chopstick tip groove portion 114). Specifically, the gripping portion 120 is composed of the left side surface 104, the right side surface 105, the top surface 106, and the bottom surface 107 of the training tool body 101. A chopstick rest portion 121 and a writing portion 122 are formed in part of this gripping portion 120.

[0060] The chopstick rest portion 121 is a part for resting the tips 91a and 92a of the chopsticks 90, and is formed on the outer surface of the practice tool body 101. Specifically, the chopstick rest portion 121 is a curved surface that curves concavely toward the left side 104 on the right side 105 of the practice tool body 101. In this first embodiment, the chopstick rest portion 121 is formed at a position on the right side 105 that is closer to the upper surface 106.

[0061] The writing section 122 is a part for the user or owner of the chopstick training tool 100 to write (draw) any information, and is formed as a concave, recessed flat surface on the outer surface of the training tool body 101. In this first embodiment, the writing section 122 is formed on the right side surface 105, extending from a position adjacent to the chopstick rest section 121 toward the bottom surface 107.

[0062] The information written (drawn) in the entry section 122 may include, for example, owner information such as name or organization name, information to identify the chopstick training tool 100 such as numbers or symbols, user information (for example, user's name or "for Group A only"), purchase date, start date of use (start date of practice) or last use date, status of the chopstick training tool 100 (for example, usable, use with caution, or unusable), a message to the user or an illustration of the user's preference.

[0063] This chopstick training tool 100 is manufactured by integrally molding a first fixing hole 110, a groove 111, a movable hole 112, a second fixing hole 113, a chopstick tip groove 114, a gripping part 120, a chopstick rest part 121, and a writing part 122 using known molding methods such as injection molding of a resin material or cutting of a block-shaped resin material.

[0064] (Operation of chopstick training tool 100) Next, the operation of the chopstick training tool 100 configured in this way will be explained. First, a person practicing opening and closing chopsticks 90 using this chopstick training tool 100 will prepare both the chopsticks 90 and this chopstick training tool 100. Specifically, the person will prepare chopsticks 90 that are suitable for the size of their hand or that they prefer. In this case, the person practicing is not particularly limited to a child who is not yet proficient in opening and closing chopsticks 90, or to an elderly person who wishes to recover physical function or improve cognitive ability through the use of chopsticks 90.

[0065] Next, the trainee begins practicing opening and closing the chopsticks 90 using the chopstick training tool 100. Specifically, the trainee begins practicing by grasping the chopsticks 90 with one hand and the chopstick training tool 100 with the other hand. In this case, the trainee grasps the chopsticks 90 in the proper way. Specifically, the trainee holds the fixed chopstick 91 that makes up the chopsticks 90 between the thumb and index finger, supporting it on the ring finger in one hand, while grasping the movable chopstick 92 between the thumb, index finger, and middle finger to hold the chopsticks 90.

[0066] Furthermore, the user grasps two opposing surfaces of the left side 104, right side 105, top side 106, and bottom side 107 that constitute the gripping part 120 of the chopstick training tool 100 with their other hand. In this case, there are mainly six methods for practicing the opening and closing operation of chopsticks 90 using the chopstick training tool 100.

[0067] [Practice method 1] The trainee can practice using only the movable hole 112. This practice method 1 is suitable for beginners who are unfamiliar with operating the movable chopsticks 92. In practice method 1, the trainee inserts the movable chopsticks 92 into the movable hole 112 of the chopstick training tool 100 and operates the movable chopsticks 92 to move the chopstick tips 92a up and down (in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90). In this case, the trainee practices using only the movable chopsticks 92 and not the fixed chopsticks 91.

[0068] This practice allows the user to practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 while restricting their movement in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 by the movable hole 112. Furthermore, by moving the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 along the movable hole 112, the user can more easily grasp the movement and feel of the movable chopsticks 92. Alternatively, the user can practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 in a state close to normal use without the chopstick training tool 100 by moving the tip 92a up and down (in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90) in a position where the tip 92a does not touch the inner surface of the movable hole 112.

[0069] [Practice method 2] The trainee can practice using only the chopstick tip groove 114. This practice method 2 is suitable for practicing to improve the accuracy of opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92. In practice method 2, the trainee holds the chopstick training tool 100 with the front 102 or back 103 facing the chopstick tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 and moves the chopstick tip 92a up and down (in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90) so that the chopstick tip 92a fits into the chopstick tip groove 114. In other words, the trainee practices using only the movable chopsticks 92 without using the fixed chopsticks 91. Through this practice, the trainee can practice more accurate operation of the chopstick tip 92a by accurately fitting the chopstick tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 into the chopstick tip groove 114 so that the chopstick tip 92a does not come into contact with the front 102 or back 103 around the chopstick tip groove 114.

[0070] In this case, the trainee can practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 with the longitudinal direction of the movable chopsticks 92 aligned with the trainee's left-right direction, or with the longitudinal direction of the movable chopsticks 92 aligned with a direction perpendicular to the trainee's left-right direction (front-back direction) (with the chopstick tips 92b facing the trainee's chest). According to this, the trainee can practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 with the longitudinal direction of the movable chopsticks 92 aligned with the trainee's front-back direction, that is, in accordance with the manners when using chopsticks 90.

[0071] [Practice method 3] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the user can practice using the first fixed hole 110 and the movable hole 112, respectively. This practice method 3 is suitable for beginners who have just started to learn how to use chopsticks 90, and in particular, allows them to practice operating the movable chopsticks 92 while being aware of the positional relationship between the fixed chopsticks 91 and the movable chopsticks 92. In practice method 3, the user inserts the fixed chopsticks 91 into the first fixed hole 110 of the chopstick practice tool 100 and the movable chopsticks 92 into the movable hole 112, and then moves the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopsticks 91.

[0072] This allows the user to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 while the movement of the fixed chopsticks 91 is restricted and their position is fixed by the first fixing hole 110. In addition, the user can more easily grasp the movement and feel of the movable chopsticks 92 by moving the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 along the movable hole 112.

[0073] In this case, the trainee practices while holding the chopstick training tool 100, as shown in Figure 4. However, if the fixed chopsticks 91 are fitted into the first fixing hole 110 and the chopstick training tool 100 is attached to the fixed chopsticks 91, the trainee can also practice the opening and closing operation without holding the chopstick training tool 100. Furthermore, the trainee can practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 in a state close to the normal use of the chopsticks 90 without using the chopstick training tool 100 by moving the chopsticks 90 in the opening and closing direction at a position where the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 does not touch the inner surface of the movable hole 112. Note that in Figure 5, the trainee's hand holding the chopstick training tool 100 is omitted.

[0074] [Practice method 4] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the user can practice using the groove 111 and the movable hole 112, respectively. This practice method 4 is suitable for beginners who are just beginning to learn how to use chopsticks 90, and is particularly effective when beginners practice the operation of both the fixed chopsticks 91 and the movable chopsticks 92 simultaneously. In practice method 4, the user places the fixed chopsticks 91 in the groove 111 of the chopstick practice tool 100 and inserts the movable chopsticks 92 into the movable hole 112, while moving the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopsticks 91. In this case, the user can more stably fix the fixed chopsticks 91 by practicing while lightly pressing the chopstick practice tool 100 against the fixed chopsticks 91.

[0075] This practice allows the user to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 while the groove 111 gently restricts the movement of the fixed chopsticks 91 in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 (the depth direction shown in the figure). In addition, the user can easily grasp the movement and feel of the movable chopsticks 92 by moving the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 along the movable hole 112. In this case, the user can also practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 in a state close to the normal use of chopsticks 90 without using the chopstick training tool 100 by moving the chopsticks 90 in the opening and closing direction at a position where the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 does not touch the inner surface of the movable hole 112. Note that in Figures 6 and 7, the user's hand holding the chopstick training tool 100 is omitted.

[0076] [Practice method 5] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the trainee can practice using the second fixing hole 113 and the chopstick tip groove 114, respectively. This practice method 5 is suitable for practicing to improve the accuracy of opening and closing the movable chopstick 92 while holding the fixed chopstick 91. In practice method 5, the trainee inserts the fixed chopstick 91 into the second fixing hole 113 of the chopstick training tool 100 and fixes the chopstick tip 91a side, then moves the chopstick tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 closer to or further away from the chopstick tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91.

[0077] In this case, the user grasps the chopstick training tool 100 with the front 102 or back 103 facing the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92, and moves the tip 92a up and down (in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90) so that the tip 92a fits into the tip groove 114. This allows the user to practice more precise manipulation of the tip 92a by accurately fitting the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 into the tip groove 114 without it contacting the front 102 or back 103 around the tip groove 114.

[0078] Furthermore, the user can practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 with the long side of the chopsticks 90 aligned with the user's left-right direction or with the long side of the chopsticks 90 aligned with a direction perpendicular to the user's left-right direction (front-back direction) (with the chopstick tips 91b and 92b facing the user's chest). This allows the user to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 with the long side of the chopsticks 90 aligned with the user's front-back direction, that is, in accordance with proper etiquette when using chopsticks 90. Note that in Figure 9, the user's hand holding the chopstick training tool 100 is omitted.

[0079] [Practice method 6] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the trainee can practice using the chopstick head-side fixing hole 113a and the chopstick tip groove 114 in the second fixing hole 113, respectively. This practice method 6 is particularly suitable for practicing the opening and closing operation of the movable chopsticks 92. In practice method 6, the trainee moves the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopsticks 91, which is inserted from the chopstick head-side fixing hole 113a of the chopstick training tool 100 toward the opening of the movable hole 112 and fitted into the brush tip groove 114.

[0080] In this case, the user grasps the chopstick training tool 100 with the front 102 or back 103 facing the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92, and moves the tip 92a up and down (in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90) relative to the tip 91a that fits into the tip groove 114. Specifically, the user grasps the upper surface 106 side of the gripping part 120 of the chopstick training tool 100 with the hand opposite to the hand holding the chopsticks 90, and supports the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 from below so that it fits into the tip groove 114.

[0081] According to this practice method, the chopstick practice tool 100 allows the user to concentrate on operating the movable chopsticks 92 because the tips 91a of the fixed chopsticks 91 are fixed over a wide area. Furthermore, the chopstick practice tool 100 is fixed in a position where the tips 91a of the fixed chopsticks 91, which fit into the chopstick tip groove 114, are exposed (visible). This allows the user to visually observe the operation of the tips 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 relative to the tips 91a of the fixed chopsticks 91, making it easier to practice using the movable chopsticks 92.

[0082] In this case, as shown in Figure 12, the user can also practice operating the movable chopsticks 92 with the chopstick tips 91a exposed on the front surface 102 and positioned between the first fixing hole 110 and the groove 111 on the front surface 102. With this arrangement, the entire chopstick tip 91a of the fixed chopsticks 91 is exposed on the front surface 102, making it easier to see and thus making it easier to practice operating the chopstick tip 92a relative to the chopstick tip 91a. In this case, the user can hold the chopstick practice tool 100 on the outer circumference of the fixed chopsticks 91 by inserting the outer circumference of the fixed chopsticks 91 until it abuts into the opening of the chopstick head side fixing hole 113a, and then slightly embedding the outer circumference of the fixed chopsticks 91 into the opening of the chopstick head side fixing hole 113a. With this arrangement, the user can practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 without having to hold the chopstick practice tool 100 with their hand, as the chopstick practice tool 100 is held on the fixed chopsticks 91.

[0083] In addition, the trainee can also practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 in the same way as in training method 5, with the long direction of the chopsticks 90 aligned with the trainee's left-right direction or in the direction perpendicular to the trainee's left-right direction (front-back direction) (with the chopstick tips 91b and 92b facing the trainee's chest). Note that in Figures 10 and 11, the trainee's hand holding the chopstick training tool 100 is shown by a dashed line (imaginary line).

[0084] [Practice method 7] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the user can practice using the first fixing hole 110 and the groove 111, respectively. This practice method 7 is suitable for practicing in a state close to the normal use of chopsticks 90 without using the chopstick training tool 100. In practice method 7, the user inserts the fixed chopstick 91 into the first fixing hole 110 of the chopstick training tool 100 and fixes the tip 91a side, then moves the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91. In this case, the user moves the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 with the groove 111 of the training tool body 101 facing the movable chopstick 92.

[0085] This allows the user to practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 while the movement of the fixed chopsticks 91 is restricted and their position is fixed by the first fixing hole 110. In this case, the user practices while holding the chopstick training tool 100. Specifically, the user holds the lower surface 107 side of the gripping part 120 of the chopstick training tool 100 with the hand opposite to the hand holding the chopsticks 90 to prevent the fixed chopsticks 91 from moving.

[0086] According to this, the chopstick training tool 100 allows users to practice opening and closing the movable chopsticks 92 while the fixed chopsticks 91 are more securely fixed by restricting the movement of the fixed chopsticks 91 with the opposite hand, in addition to the first fixing hole 110. Therefore, the chopstick training tool 100 allows users to concentrate on practicing the operation of the movable chopsticks 92, making it easier to practice, especially for beginners who are unfamiliar with using chopsticks 90.

[0087] On the other hand, the chopstick practice tool 100 can be held on the outer circumference of the fixed chopsticks 91 by inserting the outer circumference of the fixed chopsticks 91 into the opening of the first fixing hole 110 until it abuts against the opening, and then slightly embedding the outer circumference of the fixed chopsticks 91 into the opening of the first fixing hole 110. As a result, the user can practice the opening and closing operation of the movable chopsticks 92 without having to grasp the chopstick practice tool 100 with their hand, because the chopstick practice tool 100 is held on the fixed chopsticks 91. Note that in Figures 13 and 14, the user's hand grasping the chopstick practice tool 100 is shown by a dashed line (imaginary line).

[0088] [Practice method 8] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the user can practice using the groove 111 and the movable hole 112, respectively. This practice method 8 is suitable for practicing in a state close to the normal use of chopsticks 90 without using the chopstick training tool 100, and is particularly effective when practicing the operations of the fixed chopstick 91 and the movable chopstick 92 simultaneously. In practice method 8, the user places the fixed chopstick 91 against the upper surface 106 side end of the movable hole 112 of the chopstick training tool 100, and moves the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91. That is, the upper surface 106 side end of the movable hole 112 corresponds to the chopstick rest portion according to the present invention.

[0089] In this exercise, the user moves the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91, with the groove 111 of the training tool body 101 facing the movable chopstick 92. This allows the user to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 while the movement of the fixed chopstick 91 in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 (the depth direction shown in the figure) is gently restricted by the upper surface 106 side end of the movable hole 112. It is also preferable for the user to practice while lightly pressing the chopstick training tool 100 against the fixed chopstick 91. This allows the fixed chopstick 91 to be fixed more stably. Note that in Figures 15 and 16, the user's hand holding the chopstick training tool 100 is omitted from the illustration.

[0090] [Practice method 9] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the trainee can practice using only the movable hole 112. This practice method 9 is suitable for practicing in a state that is almost the same as when using chopsticks 90. In practice method 9, the trainee inserts both ends 91a and 92a of the fixed chopstick 91 and the movable chopstick 92 into the movable hole 112 of the chopstick practice tool 100, and moves the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91.

[0091] This allows the user to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 while restricting the movement of the fixed chopsticks 91 and movable chopsticks 92 only in the direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 (the depth direction shown in the illustration) by the movable hole 112. In addition, the user can more easily grasp the movement and feel of the movable chopsticks 92 by moving the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 along the movable hole 112.

[0092] In this case, the trainee may practice the opening and closing operation by positioning the fixed chopstick 91 against the lower end 107 of the movable hole 112 and then operating the movable chopstick 92, or by maintaining the fixed chopstick 91 at a position away from the lower end 107 of the movable hole 112 and operating the movable chopstick 92 in a state that is almost the same as when using the chopsticks 90. Alternatively, the trainee can practice opening and closing the movable chopstick 92 in a state similar to when using the chopsticks 90 without the chopstick training tool 100 by moving the movable chopstick 92 in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 in a position where the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 does not touch the inner circumferential surface of the movable hole 112. Note that in Figures 17 and 18, the trainee's hand holding the chopstick training tool 100 is omitted from the illustration.

[0093] Through the manipulation of the chopsticks 90 in these practice methods 1 to 9, the practitioner can practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90, and at the same time promote physical development, maintenance or recovery of physical function (rehabilitation), intellectual development, or maintenance or improvement of cognitive ability.

[0094] On the other hand, when a user finishes practicing opening and closing chopsticks 90 using the chopstick training tool 100, they can use the chopstick training tool 100 as a chopstick rest. Specifically, the user can use the chopstick training tool 100 as a chopstick rest by placing the left side 104 of the chopstick training tool 100 on a table (not shown), and then placing the tips 91a and 92a of the chopsticks 90 on the curved surface of the chopstick rest portion 121 formed on the right side 105 of the chopstick training tool 100.

[0095] Furthermore, when a user finishes using the chopstick training tool 100, for example, when storing or transporting the chopstick training tool 100, they can store or transport the chopsticks 90 and the chopstick training tool 100 as a single unit. Specifically, the user can insert the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92 into the second fixing hole 113 of the chopstick training tool 100 and store or transport the chopstick training tool 100 attached to the chopsticks 90.

[0096] In this case, the user can store or transport the chopsticks training tool 100 with the fixed chopsticks 91 inserted into the second fixing hole 113, allowing them to immediately begin practicing opening and closing the chopsticks 90 (training method 3) the next time they use the training tool 100. Naturally, the user can store or transport the chopsticks 90 and the training tool 100 separately. Furthermore, the user can simplify the storage or transport of the training tool 100 by writing their name in the writing section 122 of the training tool 100.

[0097] As can be understood from the above description of operation, according to the first embodiment, the chopsticks training tool 100 has gripping portions 120 formed on the outer surface of the training tool body 101 on parts that face each other via movable holes 112 (in this first embodiment, the left side 104, right side 105, top surface 106, and bottom surface 107). Therefore, the chopsticks training tool 100 can be constructed compactly without the gripping portions 120 protruding from the training tool body 101, making it easy to transport, use, and store.

[0098] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the chopstick training tool according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. In Figure 19, the width direction (short side direction) of the chopstick training tool 200 is defined as the X-axis direction, the long side direction as the Z-axis direction, and the thickness direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction as the Y-axis direction.

[0099] (Composition of the chopstick training tool 200) The chopstick training tool 200 according to this second embodiment is a device that is attached to the movable chopsticks 92 to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90. This chopstick training tool 200 includes a training tool body 201.

[0100] The training tool body 201 is the part that is held by the user when attached to the movable chopsticks 92, and is constructed from a hard resin material formed into a cylindrical shape with a roughly triangular cross-section. In this case, the training tool body 201 is formed in a shape that tapers from one end, which becomes the chopstick head 92b side when attached to the movable chopsticks 92, to the other end, which becomes the chopstick tip 91a side.

[0101] Here, the hard resin material that constitutes the training tool body 201 can be polyether ether ketone resin, polyimide resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, ABS resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyurethane resin, polystyrene resin, polypropylene resin, nylon resin, or acrylic resin, all of which have a hardness that prevents them from being easily elastically deformed by hand. The training tool body 201 has a chopstick half-fitting hole 202 formed therein.

[0102] The chopstick half-fitting hole 202 is the part through which the movable chopstick 92 passes and is attached to the movable chopstick 92, and is composed of a through hole that penetrates the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) of the training tool body 201. This chopstick half-fitting hole 202 is sized to fit fixedly to the outer circumference of the movable chopstick 92 at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the movable chopstick 92 (the position where the movable chopstick 92 is grasped by the user). In this case, the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 is formed in a tapered shape in which the inner diameter gradually decreases from the chopstick head 92b side to the chopstick tip 92a side, corresponding to the tapered shape of the movable chopstick 92. A projection 203 is formed on the inner circumference of this chopstick half-fitting hole 202.

[0103] The projection 203 is a part for stably holding the movable chopstick 92 within the chopstick half fitting hole 202. The projection is formed as a convex projection that extends linearly along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole constituting the chopstick half fitting hole 202. In this second embodiment, three projections 203 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole constituting the chopstick half fitting hole 202. A thumb rest portion 204 and a two-finger support portion 208 are provided on the outer periphery of the chopstick half fitting hole 202, respectively.

[0104] The thumb rest portion 204 is the part where the user's thumb rests, and is formed along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) on one surface of the training tool body 201, which has a roughly triangular cross-sectional shape. This thumb rest portion 204 includes a thumb support portion 205 and a thumb wall portion 207, respectively.

[0105] The thumb support portion 205 is the part where the pad of the thumb rests, and is composed of an inclined surface that slopes downward from the chopstick tip 92a side to the chopstick head 92b side in the longitudinal center of the thumb rest portion 204. In this case, the thumb support portion 205 has a hook portion 206 which is composed of a through hole that penetrates the chopstick half fitting hole 202.

[0106] The hook portion 206 is a part that prevents the thumb from slipping by allowing a part of the pad of the thumb that rests against the thumb support portion 205 to catch on. In this second embodiment, the hook portion 206 is composed of a heart-shaped through hole when viewed from the front. In this case, the hook portion 206 is configured such that the movable chopsticks 92 inserted into the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 are exposed from the opening in the hook portion 206. With this configuration, the thumb can be directly placed against the movable chopsticks 92 exposed from the opening in the hook portion 206, and the movable chopsticks 92 can be gripped in a state close to the normal use state of the movable chopsticks 92 without using the chopstick training tool 200.

[0107] The thumb wall portion 207 is a part for supporting and positioning the thumb placed on the thumb rest portion 204, and is formed as a convex shape at the end of the thumb rest portion 204 on the chopstick head 92b side. Specifically, the thumb wall portion 207 is formed as a wall that rises sharply from a position adjacent to the thumb support portion 205 toward the chopstick head 92b side. In this case, the thumb wall portion 207 is most raised in the widthwise central part of the thumb rest portion 204 (the central part in the X-axis direction shown), and both sides of this central part are composed of downward sloping surfaces, making it easy to place the thumb on the thumb support portion 205 from both sides of the thumb wall portion 207 in the widthwise direction. Furthermore, the thumb wall portion 207 is formed to protrude at a height along the side of the first joint of the thumb placed on the thumb rest portion 204. In other words, the thumb wall portion 207 is formed to extend in the width direction (the radial direction of the movable chopsticks 92 to which the chopstick practice tool 200 is attached (the X-axis direction in the illustration)) which is perpendicular to the direction in which the practice tool body 201 extends (the Z-axis direction in the illustration).

[0108] The two-finger support portion 208 is the part on which the user's index finger or middle finger rests, and is formed along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) on the remaining two surfaces of the training tool body 201, which has a roughly triangular cross-sectional shape. In this second embodiment, the two-finger support portion 208 is formed to a thickness that allows the index finger and middle finger to be rested in a state close to the normal use of the movable chopsticks 92 without using the chopstick training tool 200, and is specifically formed to a thickness of about 0.5 to 1 mm. As shown in Figure 20, the two-finger support portion 208 is configured to include a first finger rest portion 209 and a second finger rest portion 210.

[0109] The first finger rest 209 is the part on which the pad of the practitioner's index finger or the side of the middle finger rests. This first finger rest 209 is composed of a flat front portion 209a that extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the practice tool body 201 from the end on the chopstick tip side 92a to the end on the chopstick head side 92b, and a sloping rear portion 209c that slopes upward from the bent portion 209b, with the chopstick head side end of the front portion 209a being a bent portion 209b. Here, the front portion 209a is mainly the part on which the side of the middle finger rests, and corresponds to the middle finger rest portion according to the present invention. The bent portion 209b and the rear portion 209c are mainly the parts on which the pad of the index finger rests, and correspond to the index finger rest portion according to the present invention.

[0110] The second finger rest portion 210 is a portion that supports the part of the index finger between the first and second joints, which is placed on the bent portion 209b and the rear portion 209c of the first finger rest portion 209, respectively, and is formed from the end of the first finger rest portion 209 toward the end on the chopstick head side 92b. Specifically, the second finger rest portion 210 is composed of an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the ridge line 211 (the ridge line located between the two two-finger support portions 208) formed between the two remaining faces of the training tool body 201, which has a roughly triangular cross-sectional shape. This second finger rest portion 210, together with the bent portion 209b and the rear portion 209c of the first finger rest portion 209, corresponds to the index finger rest portion according to the present invention.

[0111] These two two-finger support portions 208 are formed symmetrically with respect to the ridge line 211. Similarly, the thumb rest portion 204 is also formed symmetrically with respect to the center line in the width direction of the thumb rest portion 204. As a result, the chopstick training tool 200 can be attached to the movable chopsticks 92 in the same position regardless of whether the trainee holds the chopsticks 90 with their left or right hand. In other words, the chopstick training tool 200 is designed to be ambidextrous and can be used equally well by both left-handed and right-handed trainees.

[0112] This chopstick training tool 200 is manufactured by integrally molding the chopstick half-fitting hole 202, projection 203, thumb rest 204, and two-finger support 208 using known molding methods such as injection molding of resin material or cutting of a block-shaped resin material.

[0113] (Operation of chopstick training aid 200) Next, the operation of the chopstick training tool 200 configured in this way will be explained. First, a person practicing opening and closing chopsticks 90 using this chopstick training tool 200 prepares both chopsticks 90 and this chopstick training tool 200. Specifically, the person prepares chopsticks 90 that are suitable for the size of their hand or of their preference. The person also prepares the chopstick training tool 200, which has chopstick half-fitting holes 202 that correspond to the thickness and shape of the chopsticks 90 that they have prepared. In this case, the person practicing is not particularly limited to a child who is not yet proficient in opening and closing chopsticks 90, or to an elderly person who wishes to recover physical function or improve cognitive ability through the use of chopsticks 90.

[0114] Next, the user attaches the chopstick training tool 200 to the chopsticks 90. Specifically, the user inserts the movable chopsticks 92 into the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 of the chopstick training tool 200 from the opening on the thumb wall portion 207 side, thereby attaching the chopstick training tool 200 to the movable chopsticks 92. In this case, the user can fix the chopstick training tool 200 to the outer circumference of the movable chopsticks 92 by pushing the movable chopsticks 92 that have been inserted into the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 of the chopstick training tool 200.

[0115] Next, the trainee grasps the movable chopsticks 92 to which the chopstick training tool 200 is attached, and then begins practicing opening and closing the chopsticks 90 using the chopstick training tool 200. In this case, the trainee grasps the movable chopsticks 92 in the proper grip by placing the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of one hand on the chopstick training tool 200, respectively. Specifically, the trainee moves their thumb along the thumb wall 207 of the chopstick training tool 200 from one side in the width direction toward the thumb support part 205, and places the pad of their thumb against the thumb support part 205. In this case, the trainee places the pad of their thumb on the thumb support part 205 so that the side of the first joint of the thumb is aligned with the thumb wall 207.

[0116] Next, the user places their index finger across the first finger rest 209 and the second finger rest 210 on one side of the two-finger support portion 208 of the chopstick training tool 200, and places the side of their middle finger on the first finger rest 209 on the other side of the two-finger support portion 208. In this case, the user places the pad of their index finger on the bent portion 209b and the rear portion 209c of the first finger rest 209, and places the portion of the index finger between the first and second joints on the second finger rest 210 connected to the rear portion 209c. The user also places the side of their middle finger on the front portion 209a of the first finger rest 209 on the other side. That is, the user grasps the movable chopsticks 92 by pinching the chopstick training tool 200 with their thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

[0117] Afterward, the trainee practices how to operate the movable chopsticks 92 in the opening and closing operation of the chopsticks 90. Specifically, the trainee holds the movable chopsticks 92 between the pad of their index finger and the side of their middle finger, supporting it with their thumb, and then performs a chopstick-down operation to push down the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 and a chopstick-up operation to lift the tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92 by bending and straightening their index and middle fingers.

[0118] Next, as shown in Figure 21, the trainee grasps the fixed chopstick 91 in addition to the movable chopstick 92, and then practices opening and closing the chopsticks 90. In this case, the trainee grasps the fixed chopstick 91 and the movable chopstick 92 in the proper grip. Specifically, the trainee inserts the tip 91b side of the fixed chopstick 91 between the thumb and index finger of the hand that is grasping the movable chopstick 92 via the chopstick training tool 200, and holds the fixed chopstick 91 near the base of the index finger. Specifically, the trainee supports the fixed chopstick 91 on the ring finger, and while holding the tip 91b side of the fixed chopstick 91 between the base of the thumb and the base of the index finger, presses down on the fixed chopstick 91 with the thumb to support it. In this case, the trainee grasps the fixed chopstick 91 and the movable chopstick 92 with the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 aligned with the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92.

[0119] Subsequently, the trainee practices opening and closing the chopsticks 90 by holding the fixed chopsticks 91 with their thumb and ring finger and moving the movable chopsticks 92. Specifically, the trainee performs the lifting and lowering operations of the movable chopsticks 92 so that the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopsticks 91 and movable chopsticks 92 coincide with each other. In this case, the trainee can also practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 by using the chopstick training tool 100 from the first embodiment. Specifically, the trainee performs practice methods 1 to 9, respectively, using the fixed chopsticks 91 and the movable chopsticks 92 with the chopstick training tool 200 attached. This allows trainees unfamiliar with using chopsticks 90 to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 more easily.

[0120] On the other hand, when a user finishes using the chopstick training tool 200, for example, when storing or transporting the chopstick training tool 200, the chopsticks 90 and the chopstick training tool 200 can be stored or transported as a single unit. Specifically, the user can insert the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92 into the chopstick half-fitting holes 202 of the chopstick training tool 200 and store or transport the chopstick training tool 200 attached to the chopsticks 90. In this case, by storing or transporting the chopstick training tool 200 attached to the movable chopsticks 92, the user can immediately practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 when they next use the chopstick training tool 200.

[0121] Furthermore, when storing or transporting the chopsticks 90, chopstick training tool 100, and chopstick training tool 200 together, the fixed chopsticks 91 are inserted into the second fixing hole 113 of the chopstick training tool 100, and the chopstick training tool 200 is attached to the movable chopsticks 92. This allows the user to immediately begin practicing how to open and close the chopsticks 90 (training method 3) the next time they use them. Of course, the user can store or transport the chopsticks 90, chopstick training tool 100, and chopstick training tool 200 individually.

[0122] As can be understood from the above description of operation, according to the second embodiment, the chopstick training tool 200 is equipped with a chopstick half-fitting hole 202 into which the movable chopsticks 92 are inserted, so it can be attached to the movable chopsticks 92 to integrate the movable chopsticks 92 and the chopstick training tool 200, making it easy to transport, use, and store.

[0123] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they do not depart from the purpose of the present invention. In the description of each modified example, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in the embodiments described above, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0124] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the training tool bodies 101 and 201 are made of a hard resin material having a hardness that prevents them from being easily elastically deformed by human hands. However, the training tool bodies 101 and 201 can also be made of an elastomer material such as rubber or resin that has enough elasticity to be easily elastically deformed by pressing with a finger.

[0125] In this case, the elastomer material may be a thermosetting elastomer (e.g., vulcanized rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc.) or a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., styrene-based, olefin-based, PVC-based, urethane-based, or amide-based resins, etc.). In addition to these, the training equipment bodies 101 and 201 can also be constructed from ceramic, wood, or metal materials, respectively.

[0126] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the chopstick training tool 100 is configured by providing a first fixing hole 110, a groove 111, a movable hole 112, a second fixing hole 113, a chopstick tip groove 114, a gripping part 120, a chopstick rest part 121, and a writing part 122 on the training tool body 101. With this configuration, the chopstick training tool 100 can be used to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 using the methods described in training methods 1 to 9, thereby increasing the variety of training methods available for the chopstick training tool 100. However, as shown in Figure 22, the chopstick training tool 100 can also be configured by providing only a movable hole 112 and a gripping part 120 on the training tool body 101. In Figure 22, the thickness direction of the chopstick training tool 100 is defined as the Y-axis direction, the longitudinal direction or depth direction as the Z-axis direction, and the width direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction as the X-axis direction.

[0127] In other words, the chopstick training tool 100 can be constructed by omitting the first fixing hole 110, the groove 111, the second fixing hole 113, the chopstick tip groove 114, the chopstick rest 121, and the writing area 122. As a result, the chopstick training tool 100 can be constructed compactly without protruding from the training tool body 101, because the gripping part 120 is formed on the outer surface of the training tool body 101 in opposing parts via the movable hole 112, making it easy to transport, use, and store. In this case, the movable hole 112 can also be made of a bottomed hole of a length that allows the chopsticks 90 to be opened and closed with both chopstick tips 91a and 92a of the chopsticks 90 inserted.

[0128] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the training tool body 101 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped when viewed from the front. This allows the chopstick training tool 100 to be easily gripped by the gripping portion 120 formed on the outer surface of the training tool body 101, thereby improving the user experience. In addition, because the chopstick training tool 100 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, it is less likely to roll, ensuring stability during transport and storage. Moreover, because the chopstick training tool 100 is not bulky and is easy to stack, multiple chopstick training tools 100 can be efficiently transported and stored.

[0129] However, the training tool body 101 is not limited to the first embodiment, and only needs to have a shape that allows for the formation of an insertion portion (first fixing hole 110, groove portion 111, movable hole 112, second fixing hole 113, and chopstick tip groove portion 114) and a gripping portion 120 for opening and closing operations with one or both of the fixed chopsticks 91 and movable chopsticks 92 of the chopsticks 90 inserted. For example, the training tool body 101 can be formed in the shape of a flat plate, a cube, or a rod with a cross-sectional shape of a circle (including an ellipse) or polygon (triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc., excluding quadrilaterals).

[0130] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the first fixing hole 110 is configured as a through hole into which the fixed chopsticks 91 can be inserted. This allows the chopstick training tool 100 to restrict the movement of the fixed chopsticks 91 (movement in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 and in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction) and fix its position, making it easier to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90. However, the first fixing hole 110 can also be configured as a bottomed hole into which the fixed chopsticks 91 can be inserted, by providing a bottom to the through hole that constitutes the first fixing hole 110 in the first embodiment described above.

[0131] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the first fixing hole 110 is formed to a size that allows it to be fixedly fitted at a predetermined position on the tip 91a side of the fixed chopsticks 91. This allows the chopstick training tool 100 to be attached to the fixed chopsticks 91 via the first fixing hole 110, making it easy to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90. However, the first fixing hole 110 can also be formed to a size that allows it to be movably fitted to the fixed chopsticks 91, that is, to a size that allows it to slide when the fixed chopsticks 91 are inserted.

[0132] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the first fixing hole 110 was configured as a straight hole with a constant diameter. However, the first fixing hole 110 can be formed as a tapered shape in which the inner diameter gradually decreases in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction shown in Figure 2) of the training tool body 101, corresponding to the tapered shape of the fixing chopsticks 91.

[0133] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the first fixing hole 110 and the second fixing hole 113 were configured as through holes with a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the first fixing hole 110 and the second fixing hole 113 is not limited to the first embodiment, as long as it is a shape that allows the fixing chopsticks 91 to be inserted. For example, the first fixing hole 110 and the second fixing hole 113 can be configured as through holes or bottomed holes with an elliptical cross-sectional shape, or polygonal shapes such as triangles, squares, or hexagons.

[0134] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the groove 111 was formed to a width such that a gap was created in the width direction between it and the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92. However, the groove 111 can be formed to a width such that the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92 slide.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the groove 111 is configured as a concave groove that extends straight in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction as shown in Figure 2) from the front surface 102 to the back surface 103 of the training tool body 101. However, the groove 111 can be configured as a concave groove whose width and / or depth gradually change in either direction in the thickness direction of the training tool body 101, corresponding to the tapered shape of the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92.

[0136] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the movable hole 112 is configured as a through hole into which at least one of the fixed chopsticks 91 and the movable chopsticks 92 can be inserted. This allows the chopstick training tool 100 to restrict the movement of the fixed chopsticks 91 and / or the movable chopsticks 92 (movement in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90), making it easier to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90. However, the movable hole 112 can also be configured as a bottomed hole into which at least one of the fixed chopsticks 91 and the movable chopsticks 92 can be inserted.

[0137] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the movable hole 112 was formed to be long enough to insert only one of the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92, and to be long enough to create a gap in the width direction between the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92 that were inserted into the movable hole 112. However, the movable hole 112 only needs to be wide enough to insert only one of the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92, and can be formed to be wide enough for the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopsticks 91 or the movable chopsticks 92 to slide.

[0138] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the movable hole 112 is formed to a length that allows the tips 91a and 92a of the fixed chopstick 91 and the movable chopstick 92 to be aligned or separated when both chopstick tips 91a and 92a are inserted. This allows the chopstick training tool 100 to perform the training method 9 described above and to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 in a state that is almost the same as when using chopsticks 90.

[0139] However, the movable hole 112 can be formed to a length that allows the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 inserted into the movable hole 112 to move closer to or further away from the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 that fits into the first fixed hole 110 or groove 111. In this way, the chopstick training tool 100 can be made easier to practice with by restricting the movement of the movable chopstick 92 (movement in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90) with the movable hole 112.

[0140] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, both ends of the movable hole 112 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction shown in Figure 2) were each formed with a concave arc-shaped curved surface (concave groove) with a concave cross-sectional shape. However, the ends only need to be formed in a concave shape into which the fixed chopstick 91 or movable chopstick 92 can be fitted, and are not limited to the first embodiment described above. For example, the ends can be formed with a concave groove that is concave into which the fixed chopstick 91 or movable chopstick 92 can be fitted and has a flat bottom.

[0141] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the second fixing hole 113 is configured as a bottomed hole of a length that allows the chopstick tip 91a to be fixed over a wide area when the fixed chopstick 91 is inserted. This allows the chopstick training tool 100 to restrict the movement of the fixed chopstick 91 (movement in the opening and closing direction of the chopsticks 90 and in directions perpendicular to the opening and closing direction) over a wide area and fix its position, making it easier to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90.

[0142] Furthermore, the chopstick practice tool 100 can stably fix the position of the chopstick tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 in contact with the bottom of the second fixing hole 113 (in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the first fixing hole 110), making it easier to practice the opening and closing operation. However, the second fixing hole 113 can be configured as a through hole of a length that allows the chopstick tip 91a to be fixed over a wide area when the fixed chopstick 91 is inserted.

[0143] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the second fixing hole 113 was formed to a size that created a gap radially outward from the tip 91a of the fixing chopstick 91. However, the second fixing hole 113 can be formed to a width that allows the tip 91a of the fixing chopstick 91 to slide.

[0144] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the second fixing hole 113 was configured as a straight hole with a constant diameter. However, the second fixing hole 113 can be formed in a tapered shape, where the inner diameter gradually decreases from the fixing hole 113a on the chopstick head side to the fixing hole 113b on the chopstick tip side, corresponding to the tapered shape of the fixing chopstick 91.

[0145] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the chopstick tip groove 114 is formed as a concave shape with a width such that a small gap is created in the width direction relative to the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92. With this, the chopstick training tool 100 can accurately bring the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 close to the position of the tip 91a of the fixed chopstick 91 by fitting the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 into the chopstick tip groove 114, and practice fine manipulation of the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92. However, the chopstick tip groove 114 can be formed as a concave shape with a narrower width such that the tip 92a of the movable chopstick 92 slides.

[0146] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the chopstick training tool 100 is configured by providing a first fixing hole 110, a groove 111, a movable hole 112, a second fixing hole 113, a chopstick tip groove 114, a gripping part 120, a chopstick rest part 121, and a writing part 122 on the training tool body 101. With this configuration, the chopstick training tool 100 can be used to practice opening and closing the chopsticks 90 using the methods described in training methods 1 to 9, thereby increasing the variety of training methods available for the chopstick training tool 100.

[0147] However, the chopstick training tool 100 only needs to be configured to allow practice using at least one of the training methods 1 to 9. Therefore, the chopstick training tool 100 can be configured by providing the training tool body 101 with one or a combination of the following: the movable hole 112 used in training method 1 or training method 9, the chopstick tip groove 114 used in training method 2, the first fixed hole 110 and movable hole 112 used in training method 3, the groove 111 and movable hole 112 used in training method 4 or training method 8, the second fixed hole 113 and chopstick tip groove 114 used in training method 5, and the first fixed hole 110 and groove 111 used in training method 7.

[0148] For example, the chopstick training tool 100 can be constructed by providing only a first fixing hole 110, a movable hole 112, and a gripping part 120 on the training tool body 101, as shown in Figure 23. In Figures 23 to 27, the thickness direction of the chopstick training tool 100 is defined as the Y-axis direction, the longitudinal direction or depth direction as the Z-axis direction, and the width direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction as the X-axis direction.

[0149] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, the chopstick training tool 100 can be constructed by providing only a groove 111, a movable hole 112, and a gripping part 120 on the training tool body 101. In this case, the groove 111 and the movable hole 112 can be used as a chopstick resting part and a chopstick fitting part, respectively. Therefore, the chopstick training tool 100 can increase the variety of training methods.

[0150] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, the chopstick training tool 100 can be constructed by providing only a second fixing hole 113, a chopstick tip groove 114, and a gripping portion 120 on the training tool body 101. In this case, the second fixing hole 113 can be a bottomed hole with a length (depth) that extends in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) of the training tool body 101 to the vicinity of the end on the upper surface 106 side. The chopstick tip groove 114 can be formed at a position on the front surface 102 of the training tool body 101 that is closer to the upper surface 106 side. In this case, the chopstick tip groove 114 can be a sloping surface extending from the front surface 102 of the training tool body 101, with the bottom surface of the groove sloping downward from the lower surface 107 side to the upper surface 106 side, corresponding to the tapered shape of the chopstick tip 92a of the movable chopsticks 92.

[0151] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26, the chopstick training tool 100 can be constructed by providing only the first fixing hole 110, the groove 111, and the gripping portion 120 on the training tool body 101. In this case, the training tool body 101 can be formed in a substantially cubic shape with the first fixing hole 110, the groove 111, and the gripping portion 120 provided therein. The first fixing hole 110 can be formed on the training tool body 101 at the center of the front 102 and back 103 in the width direction (X-axis direction in the figure) and the center of the depth direction (Z-axis direction in the figure), penetrating the front 102 and back 103 in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction in the figure).

[0152] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, the chopstick training tool 100 can be constructed by providing grooves 111 on opposite faces of a cubic training tool body 101. These two grooves 111 can be made of concave grooves that are concentric and parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction shown in the figure. The two grooves 111 can also be positioned so that the tip 91a of a fixed chopstick 91 that fits into one groove 111 coincides with or approaches the tip 92a of a movable chopstick 92 that fits into the other groove 111. In this case, the two grooves 111 can be used as a chopstick rest and a chopstick fitting part, respectively. Therefore, the chopstick training tool 100 can increase the variety of training methods.

[0153] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the training tool body 201 is formed in a shape that gradually tapers from one end, which becomes the chopstick head 92b side when attached to the movable chopsticks 92, to the other end, which becomes the chopstick tip 92a side. This allows the chopstick training tool 200 to restrict the movement of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger toward the chopstick head 92b side, enabling each finger to be positioned naturally. Also, because the chopstick training tool 200 is formed with a tapered tip 92a side, it is less likely to come into contact with the fixed chopsticks 91 when closing the chopsticks 90, and the opening and closing operation of the chopsticks 90 can be easily practiced while attached to the movable chopsticks 92. However, the training tool body 201 may be formed with a tapered thickness from the end on the chopstick head 92b side to the end on the chopstick tip 92a side, or it may be formed with a constant thickness.

[0154] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 is configured as a through hole into which the movable chopstick 92 can be inserted. This allows the chopstick training tool 200 to be attached to and used with various chopsticks 90 regardless of their length. However, the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 can also be configured as a bottomed hole into which the movable chopstick 92 can be inserted. In this case, the chopstick training tool 200 can be used with chopsticks that are shorter in length, such as children's chopsticks. Alternatively, the chopstick training tool 200 can be formed in an elongated shape so that the chopstick head 92b of the movable chopstick 92 is inserted into the chopstick half-fitting hole 202, covering the portion of the movable chopstick 92 that the trainee grips.

[0155] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 is formed in a tapered shape, with the inner diameter gradually decreasing from the chopstick head 92b side to the chopstick tip 92a side, corresponding to the tapered shape of the movable chopstick 92. However, the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 can also be constructed as a straight hole with a constant diameter.

[0156] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 is configured to have a projection 203 on its inner circumferential surface. This allows the chopstick training tool 200 to stably hold the movable chopstick 92 inserted into the chopstick half-fitting hole 202. However, the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 can be configured without the projection 203.

[0157] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the thumb support portion 205 is configured as an inclined surface that slopes downward from the chopstick tip 92a side to the chopstick head 92b side at the longitudinal center of the thumb rest portion 204. This allows the chopstick training tool 200 to position the thumb by restricting the movement of the thumb resting on the thumb support portion 205 toward the chopstick tip 92a side. However, the thumb support portion 205 can also be configured as a flat surface extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the training tool body 201.

[0158] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the hook portion 206 is configured as a heart-shaped through-hole that penetrates the chopstick half-body fitting hole 202. With this configuration, the chopstick training tool 200 can prevent the thumb, which is placed on the thumb support portion 205 by the hook portion 206, from sliding on the thumb support portion 205, and the chopstick training tool 200 can be easily grasped. In addition, because the through-hole constituting the hook portion 206 of the chopstick training tool 200 is formed in a heart shape and is visually conspicuous, the front of the chopstick training tool 200 can be easily recognized, and the chopstick training tool 200 can be easily attached to the movable chopsticks 92 in an appropriate posture. However, the hook portion 206 only needs to be configured so that a part of the pad of the thumb placed on the thumb support portion 205 can catch on it, and is not limited to the second embodiment described above.

[0159] Therefore, the hook portion 206 can be made up of a circular (including elliptical) or polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, or hexagonal) through-hole that penetrates the chopstick half-body fitting hole 202. Alternatively, the hook portion 206 may be made up of a bottomed hole that opens onto the outer surface of the practice tool body 201, or it may be made up of an uneven surface formed by creating a convex or concave shape on a part of the thumb support portion 205.

[0160] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the thumb support portion 205 is configured to include a hook portion 206. With this configuration, the hook portion 206 prevents the thumb, which is placed on the thumb support portion 205, from sliding on the thumb support portion 205, making it easy to grip the chopsticks training tool 200. However, the thumb support portion 205 can be configured without the hook portion 206.

[0161] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the thumb wall portion 207 is formed in a convex shape with the central part in the width direction being the most raised at the end of the thumb rest portion 204 on the chopstick head 92b side, and both sides of this central part being downward sloping surfaces. This makes it easier to place the thumb on the thumb support portion 205 from both sides in the width direction of the thumb wall portion 207 of the chopstick training tool 200. In addition, the chopstick training tool 200 can also position the thumb in the appropriate position by placing the thumb on the thumb rest portion 204 along the thumb wall portion 207. However, the thumb wall portion 207 can be formed in a wall shape that rises to a substantially constant height along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movable chopsticks 92 at the end of the thumb rest portion 204 on the chopstick head 92b side.

[0162] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the thumb rest portion 204 is configured to include a thumb wall portion 207. With this configuration, the chopstick training tool 200 can position the thumb by restricting its movement toward the chopstick head 92b when the thumb is placed on the thumb rest portion 204, thereby stably holding the movable chopsticks 92. However, the thumb rest portion 204 can be configured without the thumb wall portion 207.

[0163] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the first finger support portion 209 is composed of a flat front portion 209a that extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the training tool body 201 from the end on the chopstick tip side 92a to the end on the chopstick head side 92b of the two-finger support portion 208, and a sloping rear portion 209c that slopes upward from the bent portion 209b, with the chopstick head side end of the front portion 209a being a bent portion 209b. With this configuration, the chopstick training tool 200 can support the middle finger with the front portion 209a and the index finger with the bent portion 209b and the rear portion 209c, allowing the chopstick training tool 200 to be held stably.

[0164] However, the first finger rest portion 209 can be configured by omitting the bent portion 209b and making the portion from the front portion 209a to the rear portion 209c (the portion from the chopstick tip 92a side end to the chopstick head 92b side end of the two-finger support portion 208) a flat surface extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the training tool body 201. Alternatively, the first finger rest portion 209 can be configured by omitting the bent portion 209b and making the portion from the front portion 209a to the rear portion 209c a curved surface extending in the axial direction of the training tool body 201.

[0165] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the second finger rest portion 210 is made up of an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the ridge line 211 from the end of the first finger rest portion 209 to the end on the chopstick head 92b side. With this configuration, the chopstick training tool 200 can be held stably by the second finger rest portion 210, which supports the portion of the index finger between the first and second joints. However, if the first finger rest portion 209 is made up of a flat surface, the second finger rest portion 210 can be made up of a flat surface that extends on the same plane as the plane that constitutes the first finger rest portion 209.

[0166] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the thumb rest portion 204 and the two-finger support portion 208 are formed symmetrically with respect to the ridge line 211. With these features, the chopstick training tool 200 can be attached to the movable chopsticks 92 in the same position regardless of whether the trainee holds the chopsticks 90 with their left or right hand, and the trainee can use it equally well with either their left or right hand (i.e., ambidextrous). However, the thumb rest portion 204 and the two-finger support portion 208 can be formed asymmetrically with respect to the ridge line 211 as the axis of symmetry. For example, the thumb rest portion 204 and the two-finger support portion 208 may be formed in a shape specifically suited to the right or left hand, depending on whether the chopstick training tool 200 is used with the right or left hand.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the chopstick practice tool 200 was configured as a device for practicing opening and closing chopsticks. However, as shown in Figure 28, the chopstick practice tool 200 may also be configured as a device for practicing how to hold a writing instrument by attaching it to the writing instrument. Here, a writing instrument is a rod-shaped tool used for writing (drawing) letters, symbols, figures, or pictures, and examples include pencils, mechanical pencils, ballpoint pens, fountain pens, markers, brushes, crayons, pastels, chalk, or stylus pens for screen operation. In Figure 28, the chopstick practice tool 200 is shown attached to a pencil, which is a writing instrument.

[0168] Specifically, the chopstick training tool 200 can be formed with a chopstick half-fitting hole 202 sized to fixate fitting at a predetermined longitudinal position on the outer circumference of the movable chopsticks 92 and the writing instrument (the position where the movable chopsticks 92 or the writing instrument is grasped by the user). In this case, the chopstick training tool 200 can also be constructed with an elastic material such as rubber or resin that elastically fits the projection 203 formed within the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 to the outer circumference of the movable chopsticks 92 and the writing instrument. This improves the compatibility of the chopstick training tool 200 with movable chopsticks 92 and writing instruments of different shapes and thicknesses.

[0169] Furthermore, the chopstick training tool 200 can also be constructed with an elastic material such as rubber or resin that elastically fits the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 to the movable chopsticks 92 and the outer circumference of the writing instrument. This allows the chopstick training tool 200 to be reliably attached to movable chopsticks 92 and writing instruments of different shapes and thicknesses. In this case, the chopstick half-fitting hole 202 may have a projection 203 made of an elastic material or a rigid material that does not elastically deform (for example, resin or metal), or it may be constructed without the projection 203. The chopstick training tool 200 constructed in these ways corresponds to the chopsticks and writing instrument combined training tool according to the present invention. The chopstick training tool 200 can also be constructed as a dedicated device for attaching to a writing instrument to practice how to hold the writing instrument. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0170] 90... chopsticks, 91... fixed chopsticks (half chopsticks), 91a... chopstick tips, 91b... chopstick heads 92...Movable chopsticks (half chopsticks), 92...Half chopsticks, 92a...Chopstick tips, 92b...Chopstick heads 100... Chopstick practice tool, 101... Practice tool body, 102... Front, 103... Back, 104... Left side, 105... Right side, 106... Top surface, 107... Bottom surface, 110...first fixing hole, 111...groove, 112...movable hole, 113...second fixing hole, 113a... Fixing hole on the head side of the chopsticks, 113b... Fixing hole on the tip side of the chopsticks, 114... Groove at the tip of the chopsticks, 120...Grip section, 121...Chopstick rest section, 122...Writing section, 200...Chopstick training tool, 201...Training tool body, 202...Chopstick half-body fitting hole, 203...Protrusion, 204...Thumb rest area, 205...Thumb support area, 206...Hooking area, 207...Thumb wall area, 208...Two-finger support section, 209...First finger support section, 209a...Front section, 209b...Flexion section, 209c...rear section, 210...second finger rest section, 211...ridge line.

Claims

1. This is a chopstick training tool for practicing opening and closing chopsticks. The training tool body comprises a movable hole into which the tips of the chopsticks are inserted and a gripping portion of the chopsticks that is grasped by the user, The aforementioned movable hole is The chopsticks are made up of a bottomed hole or through hole of a length that allows the chopsticks to be opened and closed while the tips of the chopsticks are inserted, The gripping portion is, A chopsticks training tool characterized in that the outer surface of the training tool body is formed on portions that face each other via the movable holes.

2. This is a chopstick training tool for practicing opening and closing chopsticks. The training tool body comprises a chopstick rest portion to which one of the pair of chopstick halves constituting the chopsticks is placed, a chopstick fitting portion to which the other chopstick tip of the pair of chopstick halves is fitted, and a gripping portion to which the chopsticks are held by the user practicing, The chopstick rest portion is, One half of the chopstick is fitted into a bottomed hole, through hole, or concave groove, The aforementioned chopstick fitting portion is It is formed in a position that allows the other chopstick tip to be positioned near the tip of one chopstick that fits into the chopstick rest portion, and is composed of a separate bottomed hole, through hole, or concave groove from the chopstick rest portion, The gripping portion is, A chopstick training tool characterized in that it is formed on the outer surface of the training tool body in portions that face each other via the portion between the chopstick rest portion and the chopstick fitting portion.

3. In the chopstick training device described in claim 2, The chopstick rest portion is, A chopstick practice tool characterized by being composed of the aforementioned bottomed hole or through hole.

4. In the chopstick training device described in claim 2, The chopstick rest portion is, A chopstick practice tool characterized by being composed of the aforementioned concave grooves.

5. In the chopstick training device described in claim 2, The aforementioned chopstick fitting portion is A chopstick training tool characterized by comprising a linearly extending bottomed hole or through hole, formed to a length that allows the other chopstick tip inserted into the chopstick fitting portion to move closer to or further away from the one chopstick tip that fits into the chopstick rest portion.

6. In the chopstick training device described in claim 2, The aforementioned chopstick fitting portion is A chopstick practice tool characterized by being composed of the aforementioned concave grooves.

7. In the chopstick training device described in claim 6, The chopstick rest portion is, A chopstick practice tool characterized by being composed of the aforementioned concave grooves.

8. In the chopstick training device described in claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned training device body is A chopsticks training aid characterized by its rectangular shape.

9. This is a chopstick training tool for practicing opening and closing chopsticks. The training tool body comprises a chopstick half fitting hole, which is a bottomed hole or a through hole, into which one of the pair of chopstick halves constituting the chopsticks is inserted and fitted, The aforementioned training device body is The thumb rest area where the user's thumb is placed when practicing opening and closing chopsticks, The index finger rest area where the practitioner's index finger is placed, A chopsticks training tool characterized by having a middle finger rest portion on which the middle finger of the user is placed.

10. In the chopstick training device described in claim 9, The aforementioned training device body is A chopstick training tool characterized in that, when one half of a chopstick is inserted into the chopstick fitting hole, it is formed in a shape that tapers from the end opposite to the tip side towards the other end which becomes the tip side of the chopstick.

11. In the chopstick training device described in claim 9, The aforementioned thumb rest portion is, A chopstick training tool characterized by having a thumb wall portion that is convexly raised on one end side opposite to the tip side when one half of the chopsticks is inserted into the training tool body.

12. In the chopstick training device described in claim 9, The aforementioned chopstick half-body fitting hole is, A chopstick training tool characterized in that a projection extending along the chopstick fitting hole is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chopstick fitting hole.

13. In a chopstick training device described in any one of claims 9 to 12, The aforementioned chopstick half-body fitting hole is, A chopstick practice tool characterized in that, in place of one half of the aforementioned chopsticks, it is also sized to allow the gripping part of a writing instrument, which is held by the human hand, to be inserted and fitted into it.

14. A chopsticks and writing instrument combined training tool for practicing opening and closing chopsticks and holding writing instruments, The training tool body comprises a bottomed hole or through hole for fitting one half of a pair of chopstick halves that constitute the chopsticks, and a gripping portion of the writing instrument that is held by the human hand, into which the chopstick half fitting hole is selectively inserted and fitted. The aforementioned training device body is The thumb rest area where the practitioner's thumb rests, The index finger rest area where the practitioner's index finger is placed, A chopsticks-writing and practice tool characterized by having a middle finger rest portion on which the middle finger of the user is placed.

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