Assist device

Abstract

To provide an auxiliary device capable of practically sufficiently suppressing loss of portability and effectively assisting in convenience of portable equipment.SOLUTION: An auxiliary device for assisting in use of portable equipment by a user includes: a first member having a first abutting part brought into contact with the front of a user; a second member having a second abutting part brought into contact with the front of a user; a third member having a support part for supporting a user's hand at predetermined distance from the first abutting part and the second abutting part; a connection part for connecting the first member, the second member, and the third member; a fastening part for fastening a belt used by hanging from a user's body. The second member and the third member can be developed at a predetermined angle relative to the first member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device, and is suitable for use as an auxiliary device that assists in the use of a mobile device such as a smartphone when the mobile device is held in one hand. The present invention is also suitable for use as an auxiliary device for users who need care, such as elderly people with weak arms or people with disabilities, to hold mobile devices, remote controls, books, etc. in their hands. Furthermore, the present invention is suitable for use as an auxiliary device for immobilizing an arm when the arm is injured, sprained, or broken. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a means for assisting the use of a portable small computer, for example, a stand for placing a small computer that is worn around the user's neck has been considered (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] This assistive device has a belt attached to a plate-shaped base on which a small computer is placed, and the user wears the belt around their neck to support the base in front of their body.

[0004] Such an auxiliary device allows the small computer to be supported in front of the user, allowing the user to operate the screen and input data with both hands without having to support the small computer with their hands. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3197784 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, some portable terminal devices, such as smartphones, are held by the user in one hand. In such portable devices, the user holds the device in one hand and operates key buttons or a touch-type liquid crystal display with the thumb or the like to perform a predetermined input operation.

[0007] Such portable devices are formed to a size that allows them to be carried in a user's pocket, bag, or the like, thereby making it possible to further improve portability.

[0008] When using such a portable device that places importance on portability, carrying and using an auxiliary device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 impairs the portability of the portable device.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an auxiliary device that can effectively assist in the use of a portable device while sufficiently minimizing the impairment of portability in practical terms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The auxiliary device of the present invention is an auxiliary device that assists a user in using a portable device, and comprises a first member having a first contact portion to be brought into contact with the front of the user, a second member having a second contact portion to be brought into contact with the front of the user, a third member having a support portion to support the user's hand at a predetermined distance from the first contact portion and the second contact portion, a connecting portion connecting the first member, the second member, and the third member, and a fastening portion to fasten a belt to be worn around the user's body, and is characterized in that the second member and the third member are capable of being deployed at a predetermined angle relative to the first member.

[0011] According to this assisting device, since there are a plurality of contact portions that come into contact with the front surface of the user, the assisting device can be used stably.

[0012] In the above assisting device, the second member may be configured to be rotatable in a state in which the third member is not deployed relative to the first member.

[0013] According to this configuration, since the third member is not deployed relative to the first member, the portability of the assist device can be further improved.

[0014] In addition, in the above-mentioned auxiliary device, the second member and the third member can be maintained in a deployed state at an angle of 90° relative to the first member, and the first member may be provided with an anti-slip means.

[0015] According to this configuration, the auxiliary device can be placed on a desk or the like, and further, a portable device or the like can be leaned against the auxiliary device at an angle of the user's choice.

[0016] In the above auxiliary device, the second member may include an attachment portion for attaching a fourth member capable of holding another device.

[0017] According to this configuration, a device such as a portable electric fan can be attached to the auxiliary device, eliminating the need for the user to hold the device themselves. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an auxiliary device that can stably assist the use of a portable device while sufficiently suppressing impairment of portability in practical terms. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an auxiliary device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the storage state of the assisting device of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the assisting device of the present invention is used. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the storage state of the assisting device of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the storage state of the assisting device of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the storage state of the assisting device of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the assist device of the present invention in a substantially 90° deployed state. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first state of use of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention in a first state of use. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention in a first state of use. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention in a first state of use. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention in a first state of use. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention in a first state of use. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention in a first state of use. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of use of an auxiliary device according to the present invention in a first use state. [Figure 20] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of use of the assist device of the present invention in the first use state. FIG. [Figure 21] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a usage example of another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention in a usage state 1. FIG. [Figure 22] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a usage example of another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention in a usage state 1. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second state of use of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a second state of use of the assist device of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a second state of use of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 26] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of use of a second use state of the assist device of the present invention; [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a third state of use of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a third state of use of the assist device of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a third state of use of the assist device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the auxiliary device 10 in this embodiment is composed of a first member 20 having a first contact portion 21 that contacts the front surface (for example, abdomen) of the user, a second member 30 that is rotatable with respect to the first member 20 and has the same shape as the first member 20 and has a support portion 31 for placing the user's hand or arm, an auxiliary contact member 40 having a second contact portion 41 that contacts the front surface (for example, chest) of the user, and a belt 50 for hanging the auxiliary device 10 from the user's shoulder or the like. The width W of the support portion 31 is formed to the minimum width (for example, 10 cm) required for placing one hand or arm of the user on the support portion 31 in accordance with the width of the user's hand or arm placed on the support portion 31. Note that this width can be applied in various sizes depending on the user's physique, age, etc. In this embodiment, the first member 20 and the second member 30 are made of a resin material (for example, polypropylene). The first member 20 and the second member 30 are made of a transparent resin material, but are not limited to this. They may also be made of a material other than a resin material (for example, a metal material).

[0021] In this embodiment, the length of the belt 50 is variably adjustable within a range of 70 cm to 120 cm, but the belt length is not limited to this, and belts of various lengths can be applied according to the physique and the like.

[0022] The belt 50 is hooked onto hook holes 43c and 43d of hooks 43a and 43b provided on the auxiliary contact member 40 by hooks 51a and 51b provided on both ends.

[0023] Here, the general configuration of the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary abutment member 40 will be described. First, the use state and the storage state will be described. FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 show the state in which the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary abutment member 40 are rotatably connected to each other. FIG. 3 shows the state in which the second member 30 is deployed at an angle of approximately 180° relative to the first member 20, and is called the use state in describing the configuration of the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary abutment member 40. Since the first member 20 and the second member 30 are members of the same shape, the same state will be obtained even if the first member 20 is deployed at an angle of approximately 180° relative to the second member 30. When the auxiliary device 10 is in the use state, the auxiliary abutment member 40 extends approximately perpendicularly from the deployment surface formed by deploying the first member 20 and the second member 30. 4 and 5, a state in which the first member 20 and the second member 30 are not deployed is referred to as a stored state. In the stored state, the auxiliary contact member 40 is located at the openings 23 and 33 described below.

[0024] 120, a general configuration of the second member 30 will be described. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary abutment member 40. The first member 20 is provided with connecting portions 22a and 22b for connecting the second member 30 via the auxiliary abutment member 40 at an end opposite to the end where the first abutment portion 21 is provided, and the second member 30 is similarly provided with connecting portions 32a and 32b for connecting the first member 20 via the auxiliary abutment member 40 at an end opposite to the end where the support portion 31 is provided.

[0025] The connecting portion 22a is provided with a shaft hole 22c, the connecting portion 22b is provided with a shaft hole 22d, the connecting portion 32a is provided with a shaft hole 32c, and the connecting portion 32b is provided with a shaft hole 32d. In addition, the auxiliary abutting member 40 is provided with fitting protrusions 44 and 45, which will be described in detail later. This makes it possible, for example, to fit the fitting protrusion 44 into the shaft hole 22b and the shaft hole 32a, and further to fit the fitting protrusion 45 into the shaft hole 22a and the shaft hole 32b, thereby connecting the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary abutting member 40. The shaft holes 22c, 22b, 32c, and 32d are circular holes that are approximately perfect circles, and the fitting protrusions 44 and 45 that fit therein have a cylindrical shape with a cross section that is approximately perfect circle, so that the first member 20 and the second member 30 can rotate relative to each other by using the fitting protrusions 44 and 45 as rotation axes.

[0026] The positions at which the axial holes 22c and 22d and the axial holes 32c and 32d are provided are such that, when the auxiliary device 10 is in use, the length L1 (Figure 1) to the tip end (contact portion 21) of the first member 20 and the length L2 (Figure 1) to the tip end (support portion 31) of the second member 30 are approximately the same.

[0027] The first member 20 is composed of a first contact portion 21 and connecting portion support portions 21a and 21b, and the shape of the first member 20 is generally U-shaped with an opening 23 provided in the center and the above-mentioned connecting portions 22a and 22b provided at the end of the opening side of the U. The first member 20 is formed so that the width gradually narrows from the first contact portion 21 toward the connecting portions 22a and 22b.

[0028] The second member 30 has the same shape as the first member 20. Specifically, the second member 30 is composed of a support portion 31 and connecting portion support portions 31a and 31b, and the second member 30 has a generally U-shaped shape with an opening 33 at the center and the above-mentioned connecting portions 32a and 32b at the end of the U-shaped opening. The second member 30 is formed so that its width gradually narrows from the support portion 31 toward the connecting portions 32a and 32b.

[0029] The first contact portion 21 is curved in an arc toward the opening 23, forming a smooth arc shape. This makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable when the contact portion 21 is brought into contact with the front surface of the user (for example, the abdomen).

[0030] Like the tip of the first contact portion 21, the support portion 31 is curved in an arc toward the opening 33, forming a smooth arc shape. This allows a stable support when the user places his / her hand or arm on the support portion 31.

[0031] Furthermore, steps 24a and 24b are provided at both ends in the width direction of the first contact portion 21, i.e., at two corners of the first member 20. In detail, a step is formed in the thickness direction of the first member 20, and the substantially lower half side of the first member 20 protrudes more than the substantially upper half side in the thickness direction of the first member 20.

[0032] Steps 34a and 34b are provided at both ends in the width direction of the support portion 31, i.e., at two corners of the second member 30, similar to both ends in the width direction of the first contact portion 21. In detail, a step is formed in the thickness direction of the second member 30, and the second member 30 has a shape in which the approximately lower half side protrudes more than the approximately upper half side in the thickness direction.

[0033] 20, the steps 24a and 24b and the steps 34a and 34b are formed in this manner, and while holding the portable device 100 (FIG. 20) with both hands, the user can place the portable device 100, for example, on the steps 34a and 34b, making it possible to stably hold the portable device 100 with both hands. Also, when the auxiliary device 10 is in the stored state, the first contact portion 21 and the support portion 31 are not in complete contact with each other, and a space is provided, so that when the auxiliary device 10 is deployed from the stored state to the use state, a finger can be inserted into the space and the finger can be easily hooked on the support portion 31 (first contact portion 21), and the auxiliary device 10 can be easily put into the use state.

[0034] Furthermore, a plurality of projections and recesses 25a and 25b are formed in approximately intermediate portions of the surfaces of the connecting portion support portions 21a and 21b that are approximately perpendicular to the first abutment portion 21 of the first member 20. The plurality of projections and recesses 25a and 25b are formed by providing a plurality of recesses and protrusions in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion support portions 21a and 21b, each having the same width as the width of the connecting portion support portions 21a and 21b in the short side direction.

[0035] Similar to the surface of the first member 20, multiple irregularities 35a and 35b are formed in the approximate middle of the surfaces of the connecting portion supports 31a and 31b that are approximately perpendicular to the support portion 31 of the second member 30. The multiple irregularities 35a and 35b are formed by providing multiple recesses and protrusions in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion supports 31a and 31b, each having the same width as the width of the connecting portion supports 31a and 31b in the short direction.

[0036] As will be described in more detail below, the connecting portion support portions 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b of the first member 20 and the second member 30 are provided with a plurality of projections and recesses 25a, 25b, 35a, 35b. For example, when an end of a portable device such as a smartphone is fitted into a recess in the plurality of projections and recesses 25a, 25b, 35a, 35b, the projections in the plurality of projections and recesses 25a, 25b, 35a, 35b prevent the end of the portable device from slipping, so that the auxiliary device 10 can be used as a stand for holding a portable device such as a smartphone.

[0037] In addition, recesses 21c and 21d are formed on the connecting portion support portions 21a and 21b closer to the connecting portions 22a and 22b than the multiple unevennesses 25a and 25b. The recesses 21c and 21d are thinner than the portions where the multiple unevennesses 25a and 25b are formed in the thickness direction of the first member 20. Since the second member 30 has the same shape as the first member 20, recesses 31c and 31d are also formed on the connecting portion support portions 31a and 31b closer to the connecting portions 32a and 32b than the multiple unevennesses 35a and 35b. The recesses 31c and 31d are thinner than the portions where the multiple unevennesses 35a and 35b are formed in the thickness direction of the second member 30.

[0038] By forming the recesses 21c, 21d and the recesses 31c, 31d, when the auxiliary device 10 is in a stored state, that is, when the surface on which the unevenness 25a, 25b of the connecting portion support parts 21a, 21b is formed is in contact with the surface on which the plurality of unevenness 35a, 35b of the connecting portion support parts 31a, 31b is formed (for example, in a stored state), a space is formed between the connecting portion support parts 21a, 21b and the connecting portion support parts 31a, 31b, and the hooking parts 51a, 51b of the belt 50 can be passed through the space. As a result, even if the hooking parts 51a, 51b of the belt 50 are fitted into the auxiliary abutment member 40, when the auxiliary device 10 is in a stored state as shown in FIG. 2, the hooking parts 51a, 51b do not come into contact with the connecting portion support parts 21a, 21b and the connecting portion support parts 31a, 31b.

[0039] Here, the auxiliary abutment member 40 will be described. The auxiliary abutment member 40 is substantially T-shaped, and is provided so as to extend substantially perpendicularly from the developed surface formed by developing the first member 20 and the second member 30 as described above when the auxiliary device 10 is in use. The auxiliary abutment member 40 is also composed of a third member 42a and a fourth member 42b having the same shape as the third member 42a.

[0040] The third member 42a will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 7, the third member 42a is composed of a short side portion 42c and a long side portion 42d that is approximately perpendicular to the short side portion 42c, and is approximately L-shaped. The short side portion 42c extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the long side portion 42d, and has an abutment surface 42e that abuts against the front surface (for example, the abdomen) of the user when the assist device 10 is in use. By combining the third member 42a and the fourth member 42b, the abutment surface 42e and an abutment surface 42j described later form a second abutment portion 41. In addition, side portions 42f and 42g are provided by bending two sides of the abutment surface 42e that are approximately perpendicular to the long side portion 42d in the direction of the long side portion 42d. The contact surface 42e and the side portions 42f, 42g are approximately perpendicular to each other, and the approximately perpendicular portions have a smooth shape, so that the user is prevented from feeling uncomfortable when the contact surface 42e is brought into contact with the front of the user (e.g., the abdomen).

[0041] The long portion 42d is provided with an adapter attachment portion 48a for attaching an adapter 60 that allows devices such as a handheld fan to be held, which will be described later. The adapter attachment portion 48a is provided in an approximately intermediate portion of the side surface of the long portion 42d that is approximately perpendicular to the side surface portions 42f and 42g, and is specifically formed by recessing an end portion of the long portion 42d, which is on the opposite side to the extension direction of the short portion 42c, in the approximately intermediate portion of the side surface of the long portion 42d, so as to form an approximately semicircular shape toward the extension direction of the short portion 42c. Note that the end portion of the side surface of the long portion 42d opposite to the end portion formed with the approximately semicircular shape protrudes in the extension direction of the short portion 42c by the amount of the approximately semicircular recess.

[0042] As will be described in more detail below, the fourth member 42b also has an adapter mounting portion 48b. By combining the third member 42a and the fourth member 42b, it is possible to form a circular adapter mounting hole 48c with the semicircular adapter mounting portion 48a and the semicircular adapter mounting portion 48b, and it becomes possible to mount an adapter 60 in the adapter mounting hole 48c.

[0043] In addition, the hooking portion 43a is provided on the side of the adapter attachment portion 48a opposite to the side where the short portion 42c is provided in the long portion 42d. The hooking portion 43a is a substantially U-shaped member provided on the side of the long portion 42d in the extension direction of the short portion 42c, and two parallel sides of the substantially U-shaped member are substantially parallel to the extension direction of the short portion 42c. In addition, the hooking portion 51a of the belt 50 can be hooked into the hooking hole 43c, which is a space formed by the substantially U-shaped member.

[0044] A positioning protrusion 49a is provided on the side of the hooking portion 43a opposite to the side on which the short portion 42c is provided in the long portion 42d. The positioning protrusion 49a protrudes from the side surface of the long portion 42d in the extension direction of the short portion 42c, and more specifically, when the short portion 42c is viewed upward and the side surface of the long portion 42d in the extension direction of the short portion 42c is viewed forward, the positioning protrusion 49a protrudes forward from a position close to the left side of the side surface. When the short portion 42c is viewed upward and the side surface of the long portion 42d in the extension direction of the short portion 42c is viewed forward, a step portion 49b is provided on the right side of the positioning protrusion 49a. Since a gap is provided between this step portion 49b and the positioning protrusion 49a, the positioning protrusion 49a can be deflected in the direction of the step portion 49b or in a direction away from the step portion 49b. With this configuration, it is possible for the positioning protrusion 49a to abut against the first protrusion 22k, the second protrusion 22l, the third protrusion 22m, and the fourth protrusion 22n provided on the connecting portion 22b described later, and it is also possible for the positioning protrusion 49a to ride over each of the protrusions, so that it is possible to adjust the angle of the first member 20 or the second member 30 when the auxiliary device 10 is in a usable state.

[0045] A generally cylindrical fitting protrusion 44 is provided on the side of the positioning protrusion 49a opposite to the side on which the short arm 42c is provided on the long arm 42d. When the short arm 42c is viewed upward and the side surface of the long arm 42d in the extending direction of the short arm 42c is viewed forward, the fitting protrusion 44 extends forward and is provided with generally U-shaped cutouts 44a, 44b at the top and bottom. Furthermore, flanges 44c, 44d are provided at the end of the fitting protrusion 44 in the extending direction of the short arm 42c. As a result, when the fitting protrusion 44 is fitted into, for example, the axial hole 22d provided in the connecting portion 22b and the axial hole 32c provided in the connecting portion 32a to connect the first member 20 and the second member 30, the fitting protrusion 44 can be bent to have a smaller diameter than the axial holes 22d and 32c, making it easy to fit them together, and since the flange portions 44c, 44d are provided, the fitting protrusion 44 can be prevented from coming out after being fitted into the axial holes 22d and 32c.

[0046] The periphery of the base of the fitting projection 44 functions as a sliding contact surface 49e that comes into sliding contact with a sliding contact surface 22i of the connecting portion 22b, which will be described later. Specifically, there are a sliding contact surface 49e and a sliding contact surface 22i that come into sliding contact with each other, the fitting projection 44, which is a protruding shaft portion, is formed on the sliding contact surface 49e, and a shaft hole 22d for rotatably supporting the fitting projection 44 is formed on the sliding contact surface 22i.

[0047] Furthermore, since the longitudinal portion 42d is provided with an abutment protrusion 46 that acts as a stopper, when the second member 30 is rotated and unfolded during use of the auxiliary device 10, the device can be maintained in an open state of approximately 180°, as will be described in more detail below.

[0048] Further, the vicinity of the fitting protrusion 44 on the side surface of the long portion 42d that is approximately perpendicular to the side surface portions 42f, 42g functions as a second support portion 49g. The second support portion 49g can support the hand of the user of the assist device 10, as will be described in detail later.

[0049] The fourth member 42b will be described in detail. The fourth member 42b is composed of a short side portion 42h and a long side portion 42i that is approximately perpendicular to the short side portion 42h, and is approximately L-shaped. The short side portion 42h extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the long side portion 42i, and has a contact surface 42j that contacts the front surface (e.g., abdomen) of the user when the assist device 10 is in use. In addition, side portions 42k and 42l (not shown) are provided by bending the two sides of the contact surface 42j that are approximately perpendicular to the long side portion 42i in the direction of the long side portion 42i. The contact surface 42j and the side portions 42k and 42l are approximately perpendicular to each other, and the approximately perpendicular portions have a smooth shape, so that the user can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable when the contact surface 42j contacts the front surface (e.g., abdomen) of the user.

[0050] The long portion 42i is provided with an adapter attachment portion 48b for attaching an adapter 60 that allows the holder to hold devices such as a handy fan, which will be described later. The adapter attachment portion 48b is provided in the approximate middle of the side surface of the long portion 42i that is approximately perpendicular to the side surface portions 42k and 42l, and is specifically formed by recessing an end portion of the long portion 42i, which is on the opposite side to the extension direction of the short portion 42h, in the approximate middle of the side surface of the long portion 42i, so as to form an approximately semicircular shape toward the extension direction of the short portion 42h. Note that the end portion of the side surface of the long portion 42i opposite to the end portion formed with the approximately semicircular shape protrudes in the extension direction of the short portion 42h by the amount of the approximately semicircular recess.

[0051] As described above, the third member 42a is provided with the adapter mounting portion 48a, and by combining the third member 42a and the fourth member 42b, it is possible to form a circular adapter mounting hole 48c with the semicircular adapter mounting portion 48a and the semicircular adapter mounting portion 48b, and it becomes possible to mount the adapter 60 in the adapter mounting hole 48c.

[0052] In addition, the hooking portion 43b is provided on the side of the adapter attachment portion 48b of the long portion 42i opposite to the side on which the short portion 42h is provided. The hooking portion 43b is a substantially U-shaped member provided on the side surface of the long portion 42i in the extension direction of the short portion 42h, and two parallel sides of the substantially U-shaped member are substantially parallel to the extension direction of the short portion 42h. The space formed by the substantially U-shaped member serves as a hooking hole 43d, and the hooking portion 51b of the belt 50 can be hooked into the hooking hole 43d.

[0053] A positioning protrusion 49c is provided on the side of the hooking portion 43b opposite to the side on which the short portion 42h is provided. The positioning protrusion 49c protrudes from the side surface of the long portion 42i in the extension direction of the short portion 42h, and more specifically, when the short portion 42h is viewed upward and the side surface of the long portion 42i in the extension direction of the short portion 42h is viewed forward, the positioning protrusion 49c protrudes forward from a position close to the left side of the side surface. In addition, when the short portion 42h is viewed upward and the side surface of the long portion 42i in the extension direction of the short portion 42h is viewed forward, a step portion 49d (not shown) is provided on the right side of the positioning protrusion 49c. Since a gap is provided between this step portion 49d and the positioning protrusion 49c, the positioning protrusion 49c can be deflected in the direction of the step portion 49d or in a direction away from the step portion 49d. With this configuration, it is possible for the positioning protrusion 49c to abut against the first protrusion 32h, the second protrusion 32i, the third protrusion 32j, and the fourth protrusion 32k provided on the connecting portion 32b described later, and it is also possible for the positioning protrusion 49c to ride over each of the protrusions, so that it is possible to adjust the angle of the first member 20 or the second member 30 when the auxiliary device 10 is in a usable state.

[0054] A generally cylindrical fitting protrusion 45 is provided on the side of the positioning protrusion 49c opposite to the side on which the short arm 42h is provided on the long arm 42i. When the short arm 42h is viewed upward and the side surface of the long arm 42i in the extending direction of the short arm 42h is viewed forward, the fitting protrusion 45 extends forward and is provided with generally U-shaped notches 45a, 45b (not shown) at the top and bottom. Furthermore, flanges 45c and 45d (not shown) are provided at the end of the fitting protrusion 45 in the extending direction of the short arm 42h. As will be described in detail later, when the fitting protrusion 45 is fitted into, for example, axial hole 22c provided in connecting portion 22a and axial hole 32d provided in connecting portion 32b to connect first member 20 and second member 30, it is possible to flex the fitting protrusion 45 to have a smaller diameter than axial holes 22c and 32d, making it easier to fit the fitting protrusion 45, and the provision of flange portions 45c, 45d makes it possible to prevent the fitting protrusion 45 from coming loose after being fitted into axial holes 22c and 32d.

[0055] The periphery of the base of the fitting projection 45 functions as a sliding contact surface 49f (not shown) that comes into sliding contact with a sliding contact surface 32f of the connecting portion 32b described later. Specifically, there are a sliding contact surface 49f and a sliding contact surface 32f that come into sliding contact with each other, the fitting projection 45 that is a protruding shaft portion is formed on the sliding contact surface 49f, and a shaft hole 32d for rotatably supporting the fitting projection 45 is formed on the sliding contact surface 32f.

[0056] Furthermore, since the longitudinal portion 42i is provided with an abutment protrusion 47 that acts as a stopper, when the second member 30 is rotated and deployed during use of the auxiliary device 10, the device can be maintained in an open state of approximately 180°, as will be described in more detail below.

[0057] Further, the vicinity of the fitting protrusion 45 on the side surface of the long portion 42i, which is approximately perpendicular to the side surface portions 42k and 42l, functions as a second support portion 49h. The second support portion 49h can support the hand of the user of the assist device 10, as will be described in detail later.

[0058] Here, the details of the connecting parts 22a, 22b, 32a, and 32b provided between the first member 20 and the second member 30 will be described. Figures 8 and 9 are exploded perspective views showing detailed configurations of the connecting parts 22a, 22b, 32a, and 32b of the first member 20 and the second member 30. As described above, the first member 20 and the second member 30 are connected by fitting the fitting protrusions 44 and 45 provided on the auxiliary abutment member 40 into the shaft holes 22c and 22d and the shaft holes 32c and 32d, and the first member 20 and the second member 30 are rotatable relative to each other with the fitting protrusions 44 and 45 serving as rotation axes.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 9, a sliding surface 22e is provided on the connecting portion 22a of the first member 20, and as shown in Fig. 8, a sliding surface 32e capable of sliding contact with the sliding surface 22e is provided on the connecting portion 32b of the second member 30. Specifically, the opening sides of the U-shape of the first member 20 and the second member 30 (the sides on which the connecting portions 22a, 22b, 32a, and 32b are provided) are opposed to each other, and the sliding surface 32e is brought into contact with the sliding surface 22e, thereby enabling the sliding surface 22e to be in sliding contact with the sliding surface 32e.

[0060] 9, the connecting portion 22a has a step on the surface facing the connecting portion 22b, and the surface protruding toward the connecting portion 22b due to the step is the sliding surface 22e that can slide against the sliding surface 32e (FIG. 8). Furthermore, the surface receding in a direction away from the connecting portion 22b is the contact-projection sliding surface 22f, and for example, the contact projection 47 of the auxiliary contact member 40 slides on the contact-projection sliding surface 22f.

[0061] The abutment protrusion sliding surface 22f is formed with a first abutment protrusion stopper 22g and a second abutment protrusion stopper 22o. When the surface of the first member 20 on which the multiple irregularities 25a and 25b are provided is considered to be the upper side, the first abutment protrusion stopper 22g is located below the shaft hole 22c provided in the connecting portion 22a, and the second abutment protrusion stopper 22о is located above the shaft hole 22c. Specifically, the first abutment protrusion stopper 22g and the second abutment protrusion stopper 22о are provided on a step between the sliding surface 22e and the abutment protrusion sliding surface 22f. In addition, the end of the connecting portion 22a forms a substantially right angle, so that the auxiliary device 10 can be stably placed on a desk or the like when used as a stand for a smartphone or the like described later.

[0062] The sliding surface 32e is provided on the surface of the connecting portion 32b opposite to the surface facing the connecting portion 32a. The surface of the connecting member 32b facing the connecting portion 32a functions as the sliding surface 32f that is in slidable contact with the sliding surface 49f of the auxiliary abutment member 40. The connecting member 32b further includes an abutment protrusion stopper 32g. When the surface of the second member 30 on which the multiple projections and recesses 35a, 35b are provided is considered to be the upper side, the abutment protrusion stopper 32g is located below the shaft hole 32d provided in the connecting portion 32b.

[0063] Here, when the surface of the second member 30 on which the multiple projections and recesses 35a, 35b are provided is considered as the upper side, multiple projections are provided on a part of the upper side of the connecting portion 32b. Specifically, each projection is provided on a circumference centered on the shaft hole 32d in the connecting portion 32b, and the first projection 32h is provided at the end of the multiple projections on the opening side of the second member 30. The second projection 32i is provided closer to the support portion 31 than the first projection 32h, the third projection 32j is provided closer to the support portion 31 than the second projection 32i, and the fourth projection 32k is provided closer to the support portion 31 than the third projection 32j.

[0064] Since the first member 20 and the second member 30 have the same shape, the connecting portion 22b has the same shape as the connecting portion 32b, and the connecting portion 32a has the same shape as the connecting portion 22a. In detail, as shown in Fig. 8, the connecting portion 32a in the second member 30 is provided with a sliding surface 32l, and as shown in Fig. 9, the connecting portion 22b in the first member 20 is provided with a sliding surface 22h that can be in sliding contact with the sliding surface 32l. Specifically, the opening sides (sides on which the connecting portions 22a, 22b, 32a, and 32b are provided) of the U-shape in the first member 20 and the second member 30 are opposed to each other, and the sliding surface 22h is brought into contact with the sliding surface 32l, so that the sliding surface 32l and the sliding surface 22h can be in sliding contact with each other.

[0065] 8, the connecting portion 32a has a step on the surface facing the connecting portion 32b, and the surface protruding toward the connecting portion 32b due to the step is the sliding contact surface 32l capable of sliding contact with the sliding contact surface 22h. Furthermore, the surface receding in the direction away from the connecting portion 32b is the abutment projection sliding surface 32m, and for example, the abutment projection 46 of the auxiliary abutment member 40 slides on the abutment projection sliding surface 32m.

[0066] The abutment protrusion sliding surface 32m is formed with a first abutment protrusion stopper 32n and a second abutment protrusion stopper 32о. When the surface of the second member 30 on which the multiple projections and recesses 35a and 35b are provided is considered as the upper side, the first abutment protrusion stopper 32n is located below the shaft hole 32c provided in the connecting portion 32a, and the second abutment protrusion stopper 32о is located above the shaft hole 32c. Specifically, the first abutment protrusion stopper 32n and the second abutment protrusion stopper 32о are provided on a step between the sliding surface 32l and the abutment protrusion sliding surface 32m. In addition, the end of the connecting portion 32a forms a substantially right angle, so that the auxiliary device 10 can be stably placed on a desk or the like when used as a stand for a smartphone or the like described later.

[0067] The sliding surface 22h is provided on the surface of the connecting portion 22b opposite to the surface facing the connecting portion 22a. The surface of the connecting member 22b facing the connecting portion 22a functions as a sliding surface 22i that is in slidable contact with the sliding surface 49e of the auxiliary abutment member 40. The connecting portion 22b further includes an abutment protrusion stopper 22j. When the surface of the first member 20 on which the multiple projections and recesses 25a, 25b are provided is considered to be the upper side, the abutment protrusion stopper 22j is located below the shaft hole 22d provided in the connecting portion 22b.

[0068] In addition, when the surface of the first member 20 on which the multiple projections and recesses 25a, 25b are provided is considered as the upper side, multiple projections are provided on a part of the upper side of the connecting portion 22b. Specifically, each projection is provided on a circumference centered on the shaft hole 22d in the connecting portion 22b, and the first projection 22k is provided at the end of the multiple projections on the opening side of the first member 20. The second projection 22l is provided on the first contact portion 21 side from the first projection 22k, the third projection 22m is provided on the first contact portion 21 side from the second projection 22l, and the fourth projection 22n is provided on the first contact portion 21 side from the third projection 22m.

[0069] Here, a specific connection state between the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary contact member 40 will be described. As described above, the fitting protrusions 44 and 45 fit into the axial holes 22c, 22d, 32c, and 32d provided in the connecting portions 22a, 22b, 32a, and 32b, and connect the first member 20 and the second member 30 together.

[0070] In the state where the opening sides (the sides where the connecting parts 22a, 22b, 32a, and 32b are provided) of the U-shape of the first member 20 and the second member 30 are opposed to each other, the sliding surface 32e is in contact with the sliding surface 22e, and the sliding surface 32k is in contact with the sliding surface 22h, the shaft hole 22c and the shaft hole 32d overlap, and the shaft hole 22d and the shaft hole 32c overlap. When the fitting protrusion 44 is fitted into the shaft hole 22d and the shaft hole 32c, for example, to connect the first member 20 and the second member 30, the flange parts 44c and 44d of the fitting protrusion 44 are bent in a direction approaching each other. As described above, the fitting protrusion 44 has the cutout parts 44a and 44b formed therein, so that the fitting protrusion 44 can be bent. By bending the fitting protrusion 44, the diameter of the fitting protrusion 44 becomes smaller than the diameters of the shaft holes 22d and 32c, making it easier to fit them together. After the fitting protrusion 44 is inserted from the shaft hole 22d side and fitted into the shaft holes 22d and 32c, the flanges 44c, 44d are caught around the shaft hole 32c, so that the fitting protrusion 44 can be prevented from slipping out of the shaft holes 22d and 32c.

[0071] In addition, when the fitting protrusion 45 is fitted into the shaft hole 22c and the shaft hole 32d, for example, to connect the first member 20 and the second member 30, the flanges 45c and 45d of the fitting protrusion 45 are bent in a direction in which they approach each other. As described above, the fitting protrusion 45 has the cutouts 45a and 45b formed therein, which allows the fitting protrusion 45 to be bent. By bending the fitting protrusion 45, the diameter of the fitting protrusion 45 becomes smaller than the diameters of the shaft hole 22c and the shaft hole 32d, which makes it easier to fit them together. After the fitting protrusion 45 is inserted from the shaft hole 32d side and fitted into the shaft hole 22c and the shaft hole 32d, the flanges 45c and 45d are caught around the shaft hole 22c, which prevents the fitting protrusion 45 from slipping out of the shaft hole 22c and the shaft hole 32d.

[0072] In other words, the sliding contact relationship of the third member 42a in the connecting portion 22b, the connecting portion 32a and the auxiliary abutment member 40 is such that the sliding contact surface 22h slides against the sliding contact surface 32l, and further, the sliding contact surface 22i slides against the sliding contact surface 49e, and the sliding contact relationship of the fourth member 42b in the connecting portion 22a, the connecting portion 32b and the auxiliary abutment member 40 is such that the sliding contact surface 32e slides against the sliding contact surface 22e, and further, the sliding contact surface 32f slides against the sliding contact surface 49f.

[0073] Next, a specific sliding configuration of each of the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary abutment member 40 will be described. As described above, the connection state of the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary abutment member 40 is such that the opening sides of the U-shape of the first member 20 and the second member 30 (the sides where the connecting portions 22a, 22b, 32a, and 32b are provided) are opposed to each other, the sliding surface 32e is in contact with the sliding surface 22e, and the sliding surface 32k is in contact with the sliding surface 22h, and the fitting protrusion 45 is fitted into the shaft holes 22c and 32d, and the fitting protrusion 44 is fitted into the shaft holes 22d and 32c.

[0074] There are three usage states of the auxiliary device 10: usage state 1 in which the first member 20 and the second member 30 are deployed at 180°; usage state 2 in which the first member 20 and the second member 30 are closed and only the auxiliary contact member 40 stands; and usage state 3 in which the auxiliary device 10 functions as a stand for supporting a mobile device such as a smartphone on a desk. The auxiliary device 10 is in a common storage state before being placed in the usage states 1, 2, and 3. The storage state is a state in which the auxiliary contact member 40 is positioned at the openings 23 and 33 in a state in which the surfaces on which the unevenness 25a and 25b of the connecting portion support parts 21a and 21b are formed are in contact with the surfaces on which the multiple unevenness 35a and 35b of the connecting portion support parts 31a and 31b are formed. First, the usage state 1 will be described.

[0075] (Usage state 1) 10, 11, and 12 are side views of the auxiliary device 10, showing the auxiliary device 10 from the stored state to the use state 1. Figures 10(a) and (b) show the stored state of the auxiliary device 10. In Figures 10(a) and (b), the lower side will be described as the first member 20 and the upper side as the second member 30.

[0076] As shown in Figure 10(a), in the stored state, the positioning protrusion 49a provided on the auxiliary abutment member 40 is located on the upstream side of the third protrusion 22m in the rotation direction indicated by arrow a1, thereby preventing the auxiliary abutment member 40 from rotating in the direction of arrow a1 from the stored state shown in Figure 10(a), and thereby enabling the auxiliary abutment member 40 to be positioned and held.

[0077] Also, Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing a side surface opposite to the side surface in the stored state shown in Fig. 10(a). In the stored state shown in Fig. 10(b), the positioning protrusion 49c provided on the auxiliary abutting member 40 is located on the downstream side of the third protrusion 32j with respect to the rotation direction indicated by the arrow a1, so that the auxiliary abutting member 40 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction to the rotation direction indicated by the arrow a1 from the stored state shown in Fig. 10(b), and therefore the auxiliary abutting member 40 can be positioned and held. Due to the action of the positioning protrusions 49a and 49c, the auxiliary abutting member 40 can be held in a positioned state in the stored state shown in Figs. 10(a) and (b) so as not to easily rotate in the direction of the arrow a1 or the opposite direction thereto.

[0078] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing a state where the second member 30 and the auxiliary abutment member 40 are deployed at approximately 90° with respect to the first member 20 (hereinafter, referred to as the approximately 90° deployed state). When the second member 30 and the auxiliary abutment member 40 are deployed at approximately 90° with respect to the first member 20 from the stored state shown in FIG. 10(a), the positioning protrusion 49a slides in a direction approaching the first protrusion 22k, and after climbing over the third protrusion 22m, it further climbs over the second protrusion 22l and climbs over the first protrusion 22k. As a result, the positioning protrusion 49a reaches the downstream side of the first protrusion 22k in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow a2, so that the positioning protrusion 49a is caught by the first protrusion 22k, and the auxiliary abutment member 40 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction to the arrow a2 shown in FIG. 11(a) (the direction toward the stored state), so that the auxiliary abutment member 40 can be positioned at a position of approximately 90° with respect to the first member 20. Therefore, when the auxiliary device 10 is in the usage state 1 (FIGS. 12(a) and (b)), the auxiliary contact member 40 can be brought into contact with the front of the user (e.g., the chest) at an appropriate position.

[0079] Furthermore, when the auxiliary device 10 is changed from the stored state to the deployed state by approximately 90°, the contact protrusion 46 moves in the direction toward the location of the contact protrusion stopper 22j in accordance with the rotation of the auxiliary contact member 40, and comes into contact with the contact protrusion stopper 22j. This prevents the auxiliary contact member 40 from rotating in the direction of arrow a2 by approximately 90° or more relative to the second member 30. Therefore, since the auxiliary contact member 40 is not deployed by approximately 90° or more relative to the first member 20, when the auxiliary device 10 is in the usage state 1, it becomes possible to bring the auxiliary contact member 40 into contact with the front surface of the user (for example, the chest) at an appropriate position.

[0080] FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing a side surface opposite to the side surface shown in FIG. 11(a). When the second member 30 and the auxiliary contact member 40 are expanded from the stored state shown in FIG. 10(b) to a state at approximately 90° with respect to the first member 20, the positioning protrusion 49c shown in FIG. 11(b) maintains a positional relationship with the third protrusion 32j in the same state as in the stored state, that is, in a state in which the third protrusion 32j is positioned on the downstream side with respect to the rotation direction indicated by the arrow a2. As a result, the positioning protrusion 49c is caught by the third protrusion 32j, and the auxiliary contact member 40 is prevented from rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow a2 (the direction toward the stored state), so that the auxiliary contact member 40 can be positioned at a position at approximately 90° with respect to the first member 20. Therefore, when the auxiliary device 10 is in the use state 1 (FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)), the auxiliary contact member 40 can be brought into contact with the front surface of the user (for example, the chest) at an appropriate position.

[0081] Furthermore, when the auxiliary device 10 is changed from the stored state to the approximately 90° deployed state, the abutment protrusion 47 slides on the abutment protrusion sliding surface 22f and abuts against the first abutment protrusion stopper 22g. This prevents the auxiliary abutment member 40 from rotating in the direction of the arrow a2. Therefore, since the auxiliary abutment member 40 is not deployed to approximately 90° or more relative to the first member 20, when the auxiliary device 10 is in the usage state 1, it is possible to make the auxiliary abutment member 40 abut against the front of the user (for example, the chest) at an appropriate position.

[0082] FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the second member 30 is deployed at approximately 180° relative to the first member 20, that is, a usage state 1, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing a side surface opposite to the side surface shown in FIG. 12(a). When deployed from the approximately 90° deployed state to the usage state 1, the positioning protrusion 49a shown in FIG. 12(a) is kept in the same position as in the approximately 90° deployed state shown in FIG. 11(a). Meanwhile, the positioning protrusion 49c shown in FIG. 12(b) changes from a state in which it was in contact with the third protrusion 32j in the approximately 90° deployed state to a state in which it is in contact with the first protrusion 32h. Specifically, as the second member 30 rotates, the third protrusion 32j passes over the positioning protrusion 49c, then the second protrusion 32i passes over the positioning protrusion 49c, and finally the first protrusion 32h passes over the positioning protrusion 49c. As a result, the positioning protrusion 49c is positioned on the upstream side of the first protrusion 32h in the rotation direction indicated by arrow a2 in Figure 11(b), so that the positioning protrusion 49c gets caught on the first protrusion 32h, preventing the second member 30 from rotating in the direction opposite to arrow a2 shown in Figure 11(b) (the direction toward an approximately 90° deployed state or a stored state), and the second member 30 can be held in an deployed state at a position of approximately 180° relative to the first member 20.

[0083] In addition, when the auxiliary device 10 is changed from the approximately 90° unfolded state to the use state 1, the abutment protrusion 46 shown in FIG. 12(a) abuts against the first abutment protrusion stopper 32n. Specifically, as the third member 20 rotates, the abutment protrusion sliding surface 32m slides on the abutment protrusion 46, so that the abutment protrusion 46 abuts against the first abutment protrusion stopper 32n. Furthermore, when the auxiliary device 10 is changed from the approximately 90° unfolded state to the use state 1, the abutment protrusion stopper 32g shown in FIG. 12(b) moves in the direction in which the abutment protrusion 47 is located as the second member 30 rotates, and abuts against the abutment protrusion 47. This prevents the second member 30 from unfolding approximately 180° or more relative to the first member 20, and makes it possible to hold the support part 31 in an appropriate position when the user uses the auxiliary device 10.

[0084] With this configuration, it becomes possible to hold the second member 30 in a state expanded at approximately 180° relative to the first member 20, and further, it becomes possible to position and hold the auxiliary abutment member 40 in a state in which it is erected at an angle of approximately 90° from the expanded surface formed when the first member 20 and the second member 30 are expanded at approximately 180°.Therefore, in the usage state 1, it becomes possible to abut the first abutment portion 21 of the first member 20 and the second abutment portion 41 of the auxiliary abutment portion 40 at appropriate positions against the front of the user, and the support portion 31 can support the user's hand or arm in an appropriate position.

[0085] We will now explain the device attachment state in which a device such as a portable electric fan 70 is attached and used in the usage state 1. The device attachment state is a state in which, as shown in Fig. 13, when the auxiliary device 10 is in the usage state 1, the portable electric fan 70 is attached to the auxiliary device 10 using the adapter 60, so that the user can be blown with air without having to hold the portable electric fan 70 by himself / herself.

[0086] The adapter 60 will be described. The adapter 60 is a member that is attached to the adapter attachment hole 48c provided in the auxiliary abutment member 40 as shown in FIG. 14. The adapter 60 is composed of a main body 61 and an attachment portion 62. The main body 61 is a substantially elliptical ring-shaped member, and since a bellows-shaped portion 63 is formed at both ends of the major axis of the substantially ellipse, it is expandable. Therefore, the size of the main body 61 can be changed. The diameter of the main body 61 before the portable fan 70 is attached is smaller than the diameter of the handle of the portable fan 70, but since the bellows-shaped portion 63 is provided, the main body 61 expands when the handle of the portable fan 70 is inserted into the main body 61. This makes it possible to attach the portable fan 70 to the adapter 60. In addition, after the portable fan 70 is inserted, a force acts on the main body 61 to shrink it, and the portable fan 70 can be held by the elastic force. Furthermore, since the portable fan 70 is rotatable with respect to the substantially annular main body 61, the user can fix the portable fan 70 at an appropriate angle.

[0087] The mounting portion 62 has a generally cylindrical shape and has a diameter that allows it to be attached to the adapter mounting hole 48c provided in the auxiliary abutment member 40. A plurality of notches 64 are formed at the end of the mounting portion 62 opposite the main body portion 61, which allows the mounting portion 62 to bend smaller than the diameter of the mounting hole 48c, making it possible to easily insert the mounting portion 62 into the mounting hole 48c.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 14, the adapter 60 is attached to the auxiliary device 10 by inserting the attachment portion 62 into the attachment hole 48c provided in the auxiliary contact member 40. The angle of the adapter 60 can be adjusted by friction between the attachment portion 62 and the inside of the attachment hole 48c, and the fixed angle of the portable fan 70 can be adjusted relative to the main body 61, so that the adapter 60 and the portable fan 70 can each be fixed at any angle. This makes it possible for the user to fix the portable fan 70 in a position appropriate for the user.

[0089] In addition, devices other than the portable fan 70 can also be attached to the adapter 60. For example, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, a flashlight 80 can be attached. As described above, the adapter 60 allows the angle to be adjusted by friction between the mounting portion 62 and the inside of the mounting hole 48c, and the portable fan 70 allows adjustment of a fixed angle relative to the main body 61. Similarly, when attaching the flashlight 80, the flashlight 80 can be attached to the auxiliary device 10 while fixing the light source 81 at any angle.

[0090] The adapter 90 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 is a modified version of the adapter 60. The adapter 90 is composed of a main body 91 and an attachment part 92. The main body 91 is an annular member, and is expandable due to the bellows-shaped part 93 formed thereon. Therefore, the size of the main body 91 can be changed. The diameter of the main body 91 before the portable fan 70 is attached is smaller than the diameter of the handle of the portable fan 70, but the bellows-shaped part 93 causes the main body 91 to expand when the handle of the portable fan 70 is inserted into the main body 91. This makes it possible to attach the portable fan 70 to the adapter 90, and after the portable fan 70 is inserted into the main body 91, a force acts on the main body 91 to shrink it, so that the portable fan 70 can be held by the elastic force. Furthermore, since a protrusion 95 is provided at a portion of the bellows-shaped portion 93 that protrudes inward from the main body portion 91, when a force acts on the main body portion 91 to shrink the portable fan 70 after the portable fan 70 is inserted into the main body portion 91, the protrusion 95 presses the handle of the portable fan 70, thereby enabling the portable fan 70 to be held. Note that since the portable fan 70 is rotatable relative to the substantially annular main body portion 91, the portable fan 70 can be fixed at an angle appropriate for the user.

[0091] The adapter 90 is attached to the auxiliary device 10 by inserting the attachment portion 92 into the attachment hole 48c provided in the auxiliary abutment member 40. The attachment portion 92 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a diameter that allows attachment to the adapter attachment hole 48c provided in the auxiliary abutment member 40. A notch portion 94 is formed at the end of the attachment portion 92 opposite the main body portion 91, allowing the attachment portion 92 to bend smaller than the diameter of the attachment hole 48c, making it possible to easily insert the attachment portion 92 into the attachment hole 48c.

[0092] 18, the angle of the adapter 90 can be adjusted by friction between the mounting part 92 and the inside of the mounting hole 48c, and the fixed angle of the portable fan 70 can be adjusted relative to the main body 91, so the adapter 90 and the portable fan 70 can be fixed at any angle. This makes it possible for the user to fix the portable fan 70 in a position appropriate for the user.

[0093] Here, a state in which the auxiliary device 10 in the usage state 1 is actually used by a user will be described. When using the auxiliary device 10 in the usage state 1, as shown in FIG. 19, first, the belt 50 is hung around the shoulder (neck) so that the auxiliary device 10 is positioned in front of the user, and passed under one armpit of the user. Next, the second member 30 is rotated to unfold the auxiliary device 10 in an open state, and the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 41 are brought into contact with the front of the user. Then, the user places his / her hand holding the portable device 100 on the support portion 31. At this time, by adjusting the angle of the auxiliary device 10 so that the support part 31 is located farther from the user and higher than the shaft holes 22c and 22d and the shaft holes 32c and 32d, and the first contact part 21 is located closer to the user and lower than the shaft holes 22c and 22d and the shaft holes 32c and 32d, the weight of the user's hand holding the portable device 100 placed on the support part 31 presses the first contact part 21 against the user's abdomen and the second contact part 41 against the user's chest, and the belt 50 is pulled diagonally downward in front of the user. This makes it possible to stably support the user's hand holding the portable device 100 at a predetermined distance from the front of the user. Also, when the auxiliary device 10 is used in the use state 1, the user can visually check the road surface and the like below through the openings 23 and 33 while using the auxiliary device 10. This makes it easier for the user to grasp obstacles. Also, the angle between the second member 30 and the auxiliary contact member 40 (angle A shown in FIG. 19) and the angle between the first member 20 and the auxiliary contact member 40 (angle B shown in FIG. 19) are positioned to be approximately 90°. As a result, when the user places the hand holding the portable device 100 on the support part 31, the hand can be brought closer to the height of the user's line of sight when facing forward, compared to when the angle A is greater than 90°, making it easier for the user to use the portable device 100. Also, when the user places the hand holding the portable device 100 on the support part 31, the portable device 100 does not come too close to the user's eyes, compared to when the angle A is smaller than 90°, so the user can see the portable device 100 from a moderate distance, and further, the stability when the user places the hand on the support part 31 can be improved.

[0094] Furthermore, by wearing the belt 50 around the shoulder (neck) and also passing it under one armpit of the user, the belt 50 is prevented from coming off the body while the assist device 10 is in use, so that the assist device 10 can be used stably.

[0095] In addition, since the overall length of the auxiliary device 10 is longer in the usage state 1 than in the stored state, when the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 41 are brought into contact with the front of the user, the position of the support portion 31 becomes closer to the eye level of the user. In other words, when the user places the hand holding the portable device 100 on the support portion 31, it becomes possible to operate the portable device 100 while viewing it closely.

[0096] Since the first member 20 and the second member 30 have the same shape, the support portion 31 of the second member 30 may be abutted against the front of the user (e.g., the abdomen), and the first abutment portion 21 of the first member 20 may be used as a support portion that supports the user's hand or arm.

[0097] Also, as shown in FIG. 20, when the auxiliary device 10 is in the use state 1, the user can place the portable device 100 held by both hands on the auxiliary device 10. Specifically, the portable device 100 can be placed on the steps 34a and 34b. This allows the portable device 100 to be stably held by both hands, and also reduces arm fatigue. In addition, since the steps 34a and 34b are provided on the tip of the support part 31 side of the second member 30, when the user wears the auxiliary device 10 in the use state 1 on his / her body, the steps 34a and 34b are located at a position close to the user's line of sight. As a result, when the portable device 100 is placed on the steps 34a and 34b and used, it is possible to prevent the user's neck from turning downward, and to reduce neck fatigue.

[0098] When used in the state shown in FIG. 20, the object placed on the steps 34a and 34b is not limited to the portable device 100, and may be, for example, a book. The place on which the portable device 100 is placed is not limited to the steps 34a and 34b. Specifically, instead of providing the steps 34a and 34b on the auxiliary device 10, a hook-shaped object may be provided or a hook-shaped object may be attached later, and the portable device 100 may be placed on the hook. In addition, since the first member 20 and the second member 30 have the same shape, when the support portion 31 is abutted against the front of the user and the first abutment portion 21 is used as the support portion, the auxiliary device can be used in the state shown in FIG. 20 by placing the portable device 100 on the steps 24a and 24b.

[0099] 21, even when the portable fan 70 is fixed to the auxiliary device 10, the support part 31 can support the hand of the user holding the portable device 100. In this state, the user can place the hand holding the portable device 100 on the support part 31 while receiving the wind even without holding the portable fan 70, so that the user can operate the portable device 100 comfortably even when it is hot, for example.

[0100] 22, even when the flashlight 80 is fixed to the auxiliary device 10, the support part 31 can support the hand of the user holding the portable device 100. In this state, even if the user does not hold the flashlight 80, the user can place the hand holding the portable device 100 on the support part 31 with the light emitted by the light source 81 directed, for example, forward of the user, and therefore it becomes possible to safely operate the portable device 100 even in the dark, for example.

[0101] (Usage status 2) Next, the use state 2 will be described. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the use state 2 of the auxiliary device 10 with the belt omitted, FIG. 24 is a side view of the auxiliary device 10 showing the use state 2 of the auxiliary device 10, and FIG. 25 is a side view showing the side opposite to the side shown in FIG. 24. Regarding the positional relationship between the first member 20 and the second member 30 in FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 25, the member located in the standing direction of the auxiliary abutting member 40 is the second member 30, and the member in contact with the second member 30 and located in the storing direction of the auxiliary abutting member 40 (the direction in which the auxiliary abutting member 40 is accommodated in the openings 23 and 33) is the first member 20. Regarding the auxiliary abutting member 40, the member on the side shown in FIG. 24 is the fourth member 42b, and the member on the side shown in FIG. 25 is the third member 42a.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 23, the use state 2 indicates a state in which only the auxiliary abutment member 40 is rotated to a standing position where the auxiliary abutment member 40 stands at a predetermined angle without unfolding the second member 30 from a storage state (for example, the state shown in FIG. 10(a) and (b)) in which the first member 20, the second member 30, and the auxiliary abutment member 40 are closed. In this state, the first abutment portion 21 of the first member 20 or the support portion 31 of the second member 30 is abutted against the front of the user (for example, the abdomen), and the second abutment portion 41 of the auxiliary abutment member 40 is abutted against the front of the user (for example, the chest). To change from the storage state to the use state 2, in the storage state, only the auxiliary abutment member 40 is pulled up to a position above the second member 30, for example, so that it is at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the second member 30. The sliding state of the auxiliary abutment member 40 with respect to the first member 20 and the second member 30 at this time will be specifically described.

[0103] The stored state, which is the state before the auxiliary device 10 is put into the use state 2, is the same as the stored state before the above-mentioned use state 1 is reached. Specifically, the positioning protrusion 49c shown in FIG. 24 is located on the downstream side of the third protrusion 32j in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow b. On the other hand, the positioning protrusion 49a shown in FIG. 25 is located on the upstream side of the third protrusion 22m in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow b. This prevents the auxiliary contact member 40 from rotating in the direction of the arrow b from the stored state shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, and the auxiliary contact member 40 can be positioned and held at the positions of the openings 23 and 33.

[0104] When the auxiliary abutment member 40 is raised to an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the second member 30, the positioning protrusion 49c shown in Fig. 24 moves toward the fourth protrusion 32k, climbs over the fourth protrusion 32k, and is positioned on the downstream side of the fourth protrusion 32k in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow b. This causes the positioning protrusion 49c to get caught on the fourth protrusion 32k, preventing the auxiliary abutment member 40 from rotating in the opposite direction to the rotation direction indicated by the arrow b.

[0105] Furthermore, when the positioning protrusion 49c is positioned on the downstream side of the fourth protrusion 32k in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow b, the contact protrusion 47 contacts the first protrusion 32h, making it possible to prevent the auxiliary contact member 40 from rotating by approximately 45° or more relative to the second member 30. This makes it possible to bring the auxiliary contact part 40 into contact with the front surface (for example, the chest) of the user at an appropriate position.

[0106] 25 moves over the third protrusion 22m toward the second protrusion 22l and is positioned on the upstream side of the second protrusion 22l in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow b. This causes the positioning protrusion 49a to be caught by the second protrusion 22l, making it possible to prevent the first member 20 from rotating in the opposite direction to the arrow b, and allows the first contact portion 21 of the first member 20 to be brought into contact with the front surface of the user (e.g., the abdomen) at an appropriate position.

[0107] Furthermore, when the positioning protrusion 49a is positioned on the upstream side of the second protrusion 22l in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow b, the contact protrusion 46 contacts the second contact protrusion stopper 32o, making it possible to prevent the auxiliary contact member 40 from standing upright at an angle of approximately 45° or more relative to the second member 30. This makes it possible to bring the auxiliary contact portion 40 into contact with the front surface (for example, the chest) of the user at an appropriate position.

[0108] With this configuration, it becomes possible to hold the auxiliary abutment member 40 at approximately 45° relative to the second member 30, and in usage state 2, it becomes possible to abut the first abutment portion 21 of the first member 20 or the support portion 31 of the second member 30 and the second abutment portion 41 of the auxiliary abutment portion 40 at an appropriate position against the front of the user.

[0109] Also, in the use state 2, it is possible to attach a device such as a portable electric fan 80 using the adapter 60.

[0110] Here, a case where the auxiliary device 10 is used in the use state 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 26, first, the user places the belt 50 over either the left or right arm so that the auxiliary device 10 is located in front of the user, and the belt 50 is placed over either the left or right shoulder. Next, the auxiliary contact member 40 is pulled out from the openings 23 and 33 of the first member 20 and the second member 30 so as to be at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the second member 30, and the second contact portion 41 and the first contact portion 21 of the first member 20 or the support portion 31 of the second member 30 are brought into contact with the front of the user. By bringing both the first contact portion 21 and the support portion 31 into contact with the abdomen of the user, stable contact can be achieved. Then, the user places the hand of the user holding the portable device 100 on the second support portions 49g and 49h. At this time, by adjusting the angle of the auxiliary device 10 so that the second support parts 49g, 49h are located farther from the user and higher than the hook parts 43a and 43b provided on the auxiliary contact member 40, and the first contact part 21 or the support part 31 is located closer to the user and lower than the hook parts 43a and 43b provided on the auxiliary contact member 40, the first contact part 21 or the support part 31 is pressed against the user's abdomen and the second contact part 41 is pressed against the user's chest by the weight of the user's hand holding the portable device 100 placed on the second support parts 49g, 49h, and the belt 50 is pulled diagonally downward in front of the user. This makes it possible to stably support the user's hand holding the portable device 100 at a predetermined distance from the front of the user. Also, when the auxiliary device 10 is used in the use state 2, the user can visually check the road surface and the like below through the openings 23 and 33 while using the auxiliary device 10. This makes it easier for the user to grasp obstacles.

[0111] In addition, the assist device 10 can be used smoothly by passing either the left or right arm through the belt 50 and hanging it on the shoulder.

[0112] In the usage state 2, the second member 30 is folded so that the angle with respect to the first member 20 is 0°, which can prevent the auxiliary device 10 from getting caught on a doorknob, etc. Therefore, the auxiliary device 10 can be used without taking up space even in a small space.

[0113] In addition, since the first member 20 and the second member 30 have the same shape, the auxiliary contact member 20 may be used in a state where it is pulled up at approximately 45° relative to the first member 20.

[0114] (Usage status 3) Next, the use state 3 will be described. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the use state 3, and FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are side views of the auxiliary device 10 showing the use state 3 of the auxiliary device 10. The use state 3 is a state in which the auxiliary device 10 is placed on a desk or the like and can be used as a stand for a mobile device 100 such as a smartphone. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, the second member 30 and the auxiliary abutting member 40 are rotated from the stored state to a state in which they stand at an angle of 90° with respect to the first member 20. The mobile device 100 in FIG. 28 shows a side surface on the long side (vertical placement), and the mobile device 100 in FIG. 29 shows a side surface on the short side (horizontal placement). Regarding the positional relationship between the first member 20 and the second member 30 in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, the member standing together with the auxiliary abutting member 40 located in the standing direction of the auxiliary abutting member 40 is the second member 30, and the member located at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the second member is the first member 20. In addition, the process of changing the auxiliary device 10 from the stored state to the usage state 3 is omitted because it is the same as the process of changing from the stored state (Figures 10(a) and (b)) to the approximately 90° deployed state (Figures 11(a) and (b)), as explained in the process up to the usage state 1.

[0115] When the auxiliary device is deployed at approximately 90°, the positioning protrusion 49c shown in Figure 11(b) maintains its positional relationship with the third protrusion 32j in the same state as when it is in the stored state, i.e., positioned on the downstream side of the third protrusion 32j in the rotation direction indicated by arrow a2. This prevents the second member 30 from rotating in the direction of arrow a2 shown in Figure 11, making it possible to maintain the second member 30 deployed at approximately 90° relative to the first member 20.

[0116] Furthermore, as described above, the connecting portion 32a provided on the second member 30 has a portion formed at an approximately right angle, so that the auxiliary device 10 in the usage state 3 can be stably placed on a desk or the like.

[0117] With this configuration, the second member 30 and the auxiliary abutment member 40 can be positioned at approximately 90° relative to the first member 20, so that, for example, when the first member 20 is placed on a desk or the like in usage state 3 and a portable device 100 such as a smartphone is leaned against the auxiliary device 10, the portable terminal can be stably supported.

[0118] A specific method of using the auxiliary device 10 in the usage state 3 will be described. When the portable device 100 is leaned against the auxiliary device 10, it is necessary to use the multiple projections and recesses 25a, 25b or the multiple projections and recesses 35a, 35b. In the above description of usage state 3, the second member 30 and the auxiliary abutment member 40 are in an upright position, so a case in which the multiple projections and recesses 25a, 25b provided on the first member 20 are used will be described as an example.

[0119] When the portable device 100 is placed vertically, the side surface (lower side) of the short side of the portable device 100 that contacts the first member 20 is placed in any of the recesses of the multiple projections and recesses 25a, 25b. This makes it possible to hold the lower side surface of the portable device 100 so that it does not slip. Then, by tilting the portable device 100 toward the second member 30 and the auxiliary contact member 40, the portable device 100 can be stably leaned against the auxiliary device 10. Also, by changing the position of the recess on the lower side surface of the portable device 100, it becomes possible to lean the portable device 100 against the auxiliary device 10 at an angle appropriate for the user.

[0120] When the portable device 100 is placed horizontally, it can be leaned against the auxiliary device 10 in the same manner as when it is placed vertically. Therefore, the portable device 100 can be stably leaned against the auxiliary device 10 at an angle appropriate for the user whether the portable device 100 is placed vertically or horizontally.

[0121] In addition, a means for preventing the portable device 100 from slipping when it is leaned against the auxiliary device 10 is not limited to providing multiple projections and recesses 25a, 25b (or multiple projections and recesses 35a, 35), but may also be applied to the part where the portable device 100 is placed to increase frictional resistance.

[0122] In addition, since the first member 20 and the second member 30 have the same shape, the first member 20 and the auxiliary abutment member 40 may be used in a state in which they stand at an angle of 90° with respect to the second member 30.

[0123] In the above configuration, the auxiliary device 10 supports the hand of the user holding the portable device 100 from behind. In this case, the size of the auxiliary device 10 is formed to a length that corresponds to the position of the hand when the user holds the portable device 100 in his / her hand and uses it (when the display screen and operation keys of the portable device 100 can be seen by the user) as the total length of the first member 20 and the second member 30 when the second member 30 is in a use state 1 in which the second member 30 is opened at approximately 180° relative to the first member. Note that the total length can be various sizes according to the physique, age, etc. of the user.

[0124] This allows a user holding the portable device 100 in his / her hand to place his / her hand on the support portion 31 while maintaining that posture. In this case, the width of the second member 30 on which the support portion 31 for placing the hand is provided is set to the minimum width required for the user to place one hand thereon, thereby preventing the auxiliary device 10 used in front of the user from being an obstacle to the user.

[0125] Furthermore, by setting the width of the support portion 31 of the second member 30 to the minimum width required for the user to place one hand on it, the width of the second member 30 (first member 20) is prevented from becoming large, thereby maintaining the portability of the auxiliary device 10.

[0126] Furthermore, since the first member 20 and the second member 30 are configured to have the same shape, it is possible to use the auxiliary device 10, for example, with the first abutment portion 21 as a support portion for the user to place their hand or arm on, and the support portion 31 as an abutment portion that abuts against the front of the user (e.g., the abdomen). Therefore, there is no need to worry about the up / down or front / back orientation of the auxiliary device 10 when putting the auxiliary device 10 into use, and the auxiliary device 10 can be smoothly deployed into use.

[0127] Furthermore, the size of the auxiliary device 10 when it is in the use state 2 is such that the length of the first member 20 or the second member 30 is set to a length that matches the position of the hand when the user holds the portable device 100 in his / her hand and uses it (a state in which the display screen and operation keys of the portable device 100 can be seen by the user). Note that various sizes can be applied to the overall length according to the physique, age, etc. of the user.

[0128] In this manner, the assist device 10 of the present embodiment can support the user's hand and thereby assist the user in holding the portable device 100. This makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling fatigued even when holding the portable device 100 for a long period of time.

[0129] In addition, the portable device 100 can be leaned against the auxiliary device 10. This allows the user to place the portable device 100 at an angle and position that is easy to view, without having to hold the portable device 100 in his / her hands.

[0130] Furthermore, since the auxiliary device 10 of the present invention is configured by combining the first member 20 and the second member 30 which have the same shape, and the auxiliary abutment member 40 which is formed by combining the third member 42a and the fourth member 42b which have the same shape, only two types of parts are used, thereby making it possible to reduce manufacturing costs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 10 Auxiliary equipment 20 First member 21 1st contact part 30 Second member 31 Support part 40 Auxiliary abutment member 41 Second contact part 42a Third member 42b Fourth member 50 Belt 60 Adapter 70 Portable Fan 80 Flashlight 90 Adapter 100 Mobile Devices

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for assisting a user in using a portable device, comprising: a first member having a first contact portion that is brought into contact with a front surface of a user; a second member including a second contact portion that is brought into contact with a front surface of a user; a third member having a support portion for supporting a user's hand at a predetermined distance from the first contact portion and the second contact portion; a connecting portion that connects the first member, the second member, and the third member; A fastener for fastening a belt that is hung around the user's body; Equipped with Assist device, characterized in that the second member and the third member are deployable at a predetermined angle relative to the first member.

2. 2. The assist device of claim 1, wherein the second member is rotatable when the third member is not deployed relative to the first member.

3. 2. The assist device according to claim 1, wherein the second member and the third member are capable of being maintained in an expanded state at an angle of 90° relative to the first member, and the first member is provided with an anti-slip means.

4. 2. The auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein the second member includes a mounting portion for mounting a fourth member capable of holding another device.

Images