finger manipulation tools

Abstract

This invention provides a finger-operated device that offers a moderate sense of control through magnetic force, while also utilizing the slack in the string to achieve a feel that can be adjusted to the user's muscle strength and preferences. [Solution] The finger operating tool 10 of the present invention includes a plurality of beads 20 having through holes 22 and a plurality of magnets 30 arranged on their circumferential surfaces, and a non-annular string-like member 40 having both ends, which is inserted through the through holes of the plurality of beads and connects the plurality of beads in a series, wherein the plurality of beads can attract each other by the magnetic force of the magnets, the length L40 of the string-like member is longer than the sum of the lengths (L20) of the through holes 22 (beads 20) when the plurality of beads are arranged in the closest possible position to each other (L20 × number of beads 20), and has play S that allows relative movement or rotation of the beads, and both ends have retainers to prevent the beads from falling out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating tool for fingers that can be used for playing by connecting a plurality of beads with a string and deforming them in the hand, or for rehabilitation and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In order to relieve boredom in the hand or for rehabilitation to enhance finger dexterity, various tools that can be operated in the hand have been proposed. For example, a puzzle in which a plurality of blocks are connected and toys that utilize the adsorption force of magnets are known. In addition, an object in which a plurality of balls are passed through a string like a rosary has also been popular since ancient times.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the case of block toys using magnets, if the magnetic force is too strong, a strong force is required to deform them, which poses a problem in that it is difficult to handle for elderly people with weak grip strength or users during rehabilitation. In addition, for those that simply adsorb with magnets, the members may scatter when dropped.

[0004] On the other hand, in the case of rosary-like articles, since they are simply beads passed through a string, they may lack the function of maintaining their shape and the sense of moderation (feel in the hand) when deformed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an operating tool for fingers that can achieve an operating feeling according to the muscle strength and preferences of a user by utilizing the play of the string while having an appropriate sense of moderation by magnetic force.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The operating tool for fingers of the present invention is a plurality of beads having through holes and a plurality of magnets disposed on the peripheral surface, a non-annular string-like member having both ends, which is inserted through the through holes of the plurality of beads and connects the plurality of beads in series. Includes, The plurality of beads are able to attract each other by the magnetic force of the magnet, The length of the string-like member is longer than the sum of the lengths of the through holes when the plurality of beads are arranged in the closest possible position to each other, and has play to allow relative movement or rotation of the beads, and both ends have retainers to prevent the beads from falling out.

[0007] The aforementioned beads can be spherical, polyhedral, or ellipsoidal in shape.

[0008] Preferably, the aforementioned beads are connected in groups of 4 to 8.

[0009] The magnet can be exposed on the surface of the bead or embedded inside it.

[0010] The magnet is preferably a neodymium magnet.

[0011] By adjusting the length of the aforementioned play, the ease with which the multiple beads can be deformed when being manipulated can be changed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the play provided in the string-like member allows for a degree of freedom in the relative movement and rotation of the beads. As a result, when the beads are gripped or deformed, the force that moves the beads against the magnetic attraction is dispersed, making it possible to create an overall soft or hard feel.

[0013] For example, increasing the amount of play makes it easier for the beads to separate, allowing even users with weak grip strength to easily enjoy the deformation, making it suitable as a rehabilitation tool. Conversely, shortening the play increases the restraining force, providing a firmer feel.

[0014] Furthermore, in the finger manipulation device of the present invention, the beads move or rotate within the range of play of the string-like member in response to the user's gripping, or changes in the position and direction of gripping, and the connected state changes freely. This diverse change in shape, combined with the unique sense of tactile feedback when the magnets attract and detach, provides the user with a stimulating experience that never becomes boring. Therefore, this manipulation device is not only effective in relieving idleness, but also ideal as a rehabilitation tool to improve finger dexterity, as it induces various finger movements.

[0015] Furthermore, since the beads are connected in a series by a non-annular string-like member and have a stopper to prevent them from coming loose, the parts will not get scattered even while enjoying the magnetic attachment and detachment process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a photograph showing a finger-operated device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a finger-operated device, showing the arrangement of beads and magnets, the string-like member, and the amount of play. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a photograph showing a user holding a hand-operated device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a photograph showing several examples (a) to (c) of changes in the connection state of the finger-operated device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows finger-operated devices with varying string lengths, with (a) showing the state with short slack, (b) showing the state with medium slack, and (c) showing the state with long slack. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a photograph showing an example of how a hand-operated device is used. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a photograph showing an example where the shape of the bead is a truncated hexahedron (polyhedron). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] <Configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the finger operating tool 10 of the present embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of beads 20 in series by a single string-like member 40.

[0019] <Bead 20> The bead 20 is a three-dimensional object formed of, for example, wood such as ebony, synthetic resin, rubber, glass, metal, or ceramic. The outer diameter of the bead 20 is preferably about 15 mm to 25 mm, and most preferably about 20 mm so that a plurality of beads 20 can be grasped by the user's hand.

[0020] The number of beads 20 is preferably in the range of 4 to 8 as a size feeling suitable for being grasped and operated with one hand. This is because if the number is less than 4, there are few variations in deformation, and if it is 9 or more, it is too long to be handled with one hand and the operability decreases.

[0021] The shape of the bead 20 is, for example, a sphere as shown in FIG. 1. The spherical bead 20 has the advantage that it is smooth when rolled in the hand and is easily deformed without choosing a direction. As another example of the shape, a polyhedron shape as shown in FIG. 7 may be adopted. In the case of a polyhedron shape, the shape is likely to be stabilized by magnetic adhesion between the flat surfaces, and an operation feeling like that of building blocks can also be enjoyed.

[0022] A through hole 22 for passing the string-like member 40 is formed in the center of each bead 20. The through hole 22 can have a diameter through which the string-like member 40 can be inserted slidably. By reducing the diameter of the through hole 22, the sliding resistance of the bead 20 can be increased to make it difficult to move the bead 20, which is suitable for users whose grip strength has recovered to some extent or users who prefer a firm feeling of hand contact. Conversely, by increasing the diameter of the through hole 22, the bead 20 can be easily moved, which is suitable for elderly people with weak grip strength or users in the initial stage of rehabilitation.

[0023] A magnet 30 is provided on the bead 20. In this embodiment, the magnet 30 is arranged on the circumferential surface of the bead 20. The circumferential surface here refers to the outer surface of the bead 20 or its vicinity. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 30 is arranged so as to be exposed at multiple locations on the surface of the bead 20. This provides a satisfying click when the beads 20 are attracted to each other. The arrangement of the magnet 30 can include not only a configuration in which the end face of the magnet 30 is embedded so as to be flush with the surface of the bead 20, a configuration in which the magnet 30 is exposed but recessed from the surface of the bead 20, a configuration in which it is embedded just below the surface and not visible from the outside, or a configuration in which it is covered with a thin coating layer such as silicone rubber.

[0024] One or more magnets 30 can be placed on each bead 20. In the illustration, four magnets 30 are placed on each bead 20 at equal intervals on a large circle perpendicular to the through hole 22. The number of magnets 30 is not limited to this, and their arrangement may be random or otherwise.

[0025] It is preferable to use a neodymium magnet 30, which has a strong magnetic force. The size of the magnet 30 depends on the outer diameter of the bead 20, but an outer diameter of about 3 mm to 8 mm is preferable, with about 5 mm being the most preferable.

[0026] On the surface side of each bead 20, it is preferable that the magnetic poles of the multiple magnets 30 arranged therein are not all the same poles, i.e., all N poles or all S poles, but rather opposite poles, i.e., N poles and S poles are mixed in a balanced manner. This increases the probability that opposite poles will attract each other between opposing magnets 30, even if the finger manipulation tool 10 deforms and the beads 20 come into contact with each other in various orientations, allowing them to be suitably attracted to other beads 20.

[0027] <String-like member 40> The string-like member 40 is a non-annular linear member having both ends, and can be made of, for example, braided cord, elastic cord, or resin cord. Both ends of the string-like member 40 are provided with retainers 42 to prevent the beads 20 from falling out of the through holes 22. The retainers 42 may be knots on the string-like member 40 itself, or they may be separately attached rings, keychain fittings, or stopper members. For example, the retainer 42 may be a ring that can be worn on the user's finger during use to prevent the finger operating device 10 from falling. Note that the ring or keychain fitting may be attached as a fall prevention device 44 in the middle of the string-like member 40, as shown in Figure 7, instead of as a retainer 42.

[0028] Furthermore, without providing a separate component, the string-like member 40 can be secured to the bead 20 (20a) at the outermost end using an adhesive or the like to prevent it from coming loose. In this case, the secured portion corresponds to the retainer 42. As best shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the through hole 22 of the end bead 20a is chamfered to enlarge its diameter, and knots are formed at both ends of the string-like member 40 and secured with an adhesive to form the retainer 42.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the effective length of the string-like member 40, that is, the length between the retaining clips 42, is set to be longer than the sum of the lengths L20 of the through-holes 22 (beads 20) when the multiple beads 20 are arranged in a line in the closest possible position, i.e., in a tightly packed state (L20 × number of beads 20). This difference, that is, the difference between the effective length L40 of the string-like member 40 and the sum of the lengths (L20 × number of beads 20), is the play length S. In other words, the string-like member 40 is intentionally provided with an excess length that allows gaps to be formed between the beads 20.

[0030] Due to the existence of this play S, the beads 20 are connected to each other by the attractive force of the magnets 30, while also being allowed to move relative to each other, rotate, or bend or otherwise deform.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the user uses the finger manipulation device 10 by gripping it in their hand or rolling it with their fingertips. In this process, the beads 20 separate from each other against magnetic force and then reattach, depending on the force applied. As a result, the overall connection state of the finger manipulation device 10 changes freely, as an example is shown in Figure 4. For example, it can change from an almost straight line to being arranged in two rows (Figure 4(a)), to being irregularly clustered together in a ball shape (Figure 4(b)), or to being bent into an S-shape or loop shape (Figure 4(c)). This variety of shape changes, along with the moderate tactile feedback provided by the magnets, offers the user a stimulating experience that never becomes boring.

[0032] The play S is at least the length of one bead 20, L20 or more, preferably the length of two to three beads 20. By adjusting the length of play S, the stiffness and ease of operation felt by the user can be changed. Play S can be set by changing the length of the string-like member 40 during manufacturing, or by allowing the user to adjust the position of the retaining clip 42.

[0033] Figure 5 shows finger-operated devices 10 with varying lengths of play S. Each finger-operated device 10 uses six spherical beads 20 with an outer diameter L20 of 20 mm. Figure 5(a) shows an example where the play S is 50 mm to 55 mm, i.e., the length L40 of the string-like member 40 is 170 mm to 175 mm. Figure 5(b) shows an example where the play S is 60 mm to 65 mm, i.e., the length L40 of the string-like member 40 is 180 mm to 185 mm. Figure 5(c) shows an example where the play S is 70 mm to 75 mm, i.e., the length L40 of the string-like member 40 is 190 mm to 195 mm.

[0034] By setting the play S to a short length, the restraining force between the beads 20 becomes stronger, requiring a little more force or technique to deform the finger manipulation tool 10. This results in a firm feel, which is particularly suitable for users whose grip strength has recovered to some extent or for users who prefer a firm feel. On the other hand, by setting the play S to a long length, the finger manipulation tool 10 can create a large gap between the beads 20, making the string-like member 40 easier to bend, allowing the orientation of the beads 20 to be freely changed and deformed with little force. This results in a soft feel, which is particularly suitable for elderly people with weak grip strength or users in the early stages of rehabilitation.

[0035] In this finger manipulation tool 10, the beads 20 move or rotate within the range of play S of the string-like member 40 in response to the user's gripping, changes in gripping position and direction, and the connected state changes freely. This diverse shape change, combined with the unique tactile sensation when the magnets attract and detach, provides the user with a stimulating experience that never becomes boring. Therefore, by manipulating the finger manipulation tool 10 of the present invention in the hand, it is possible to alleviate idleness, refresh oneself, and perform rehabilitation to improve finger dexterity.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 6, one way to use the finger-operated tool 10 is to extend the bead 20 at one end of the finger between the little finger and ring finger, the middle finger and index finger, etc., and hold the string-like member 40 between the fingers, thereby gripping the finger-operated tool 10 without dropping it.

[0037] The above description is for the purpose of explaining the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting or restricting the scope of the invention described in the claims. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0038] For example, it should be understood that the material, dimensions, and number of each component of the finger-operated device 10 are not limited to those described above.

[0039] As an example of a different shape for the beads 20 of the finger-operated device 10, as shown in Figure 7, a truncated hexahedron with 14 faces formed by cutting off the corners of a cube can be exemplified. The shape and size of the beads 20 may be standardized for a single finger-operated device 10, or beads 20 of different shapes and sizes may be included in a single finger-operated device 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, a ring is attached in the middle of the string-like member 40 as a fall prevention device 44. By wearing the ring on the middle finger, etc., the finger-operated device 10 can be prevented from falling.

[0040] Furthermore, when using metal for the beads 20, a non-magnetic material is preferred, but a ferromagnetic material may also be used. In the case of a non-magnetic material, the magnet 30 can be designed to attract the magnets 30 of other beads 20, while in the case of a ferromagnetic material, the magnet 30 can attract not only the magnets 30 of other beads 20 but also any surface of the bead 20, providing different tactile sensations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10 Hand controls 20 beads 22 Through hole 30 magnets 40 String-like member 42 Retaining 44 Fall prevention device L20 Bead outer diameter L40 Length of the string-like member S Play

Claims

1. Multiple beads having through holes and having multiple magnets arranged on their circumferential surfaces, A non-annular string-like member having both ends, which is inserted through the through holes of the plurality of beads and connects the plurality of beads in a series; Includes, The plurality of beads are able to attract each other by the magnetic force of the magnet, The length of the string-like member is longer than the sum of the lengths of the through holes when the plurality of beads are arranged in the closest possible position to each other, and has play to allow relative movement or rotation of the beads, and both ends have retainers to prevent the beads from falling out. Hand control device.

2. The aforementioned beads are spherical, polyhedral, or ellipsoidal in shape. A finger-operated device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned beads are connected in groups of four to eight. The finger operating device according to claim 2.

4. The magnet is exposed on the surface of the bead or embedded inside it. A finger operating device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned magnet is a neodymium magnet. A finger operating device according to claim 4.

6. The length of the aforementioned play is adjusted to change the ease with which the multiple beads can be deformed when being manipulated. The finger operating device according to claim 5.

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