Sleeve for operating pointing devices

Abstract

To provide a sleeve configured to sufficiently protect a hand of a person who operates a pointing device and prevent motion of a player from being encumbered.SOLUTION: A sleeve 2 for operating pointing devices has a palm cover 4, an arm cover 6, and a band 8. The palm cover 4 covers a palm heel 39 of a palm 36 of a player. The arm cover 6 is continuous with the palm cover 4. The arm cover 6 covers a forearm of the player. The band 8 is sewn tightly to the cover 4. The band 8 prevents the palm cover 4 from slipping off the palm 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a sleeve suitable for operating a pointing device of a computer or the like.

Background Art

[0002] As a pointing device of a computer, the mouse has become widespread. An operator moves the mouse pointer on the screen by moving the mouse on a mouse pad (or a table). The hand or arm of the operator rubs against the mouse pad. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-265529 discloses a protective device for suppressing damage to the hand of an operator who operates a mouse.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] E-sports are classified into seven genres: shooting (FPS / TPS), MOBA (Multiplayer online battle arena), RTS (Real Time Strategy), fighting games, sports video games, DCG (Digital Card Game), and puzzle games. Players of shooting games operate a mouse and participate in the game. High agility is required for these players. The hands of the players rub violently against the mouse pad. The protective device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-265529 is not suitable for protecting the hands of e-sports players. Moreover, this protective device hinders the movements of these players.

[0005] The applicant's intention is to provide a sleeve that adequately protects the hands of the person operating the pointing device while minimizing interference with the player's movements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A preferred sleeve for operating a pointing device is: Palm covers that can cover the palm and base of the hand. An arm cover that is continuous with the palm cover and can cover at least a portion of the forearm, and A stopper to prevent the palm cover from slipping away from the palm of the hand. It has. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This pointing device sleeve is suitable for protecting the hands of e-sports players. The sleeve does not significantly hinder the player's movements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing a sleeve for operating a pointing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a left side view showing the sleeve for operating the pointing device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing the pointing device operating sleeve from Figure 1 together with the player's upper limb. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the pointing device operating sleeve from Figure 5, along with the player's hand. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an enlarged rear view showing a part of the sleeve for operating the pointing device of FIG. 5 together with the player's hand. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a part of the sleeve for operating the pointing device of FIG. 5 together with the player's hand. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the zone indicated by reference numeral X in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a part of the sleeve for operating the pointing device of FIG. 5 together with the player's hand. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the zone indicated by reference numeral XII in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a sleeve for operating a pointing device according to another embodiment together with the player's upper limb. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view showing a sleeve for operating a pointing device according to still another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the sleeve for operating the pointing device of FIG. 14 together with the player's hand. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an enlarged rear view showing a part of the sleeve for operating the pointing device of FIG. 14 together with the player's hand.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail while appropriately referring to the drawings.

[0010] The sleeve 2 for operating the pointing device shown in FIGS. 1-4 has a palm cover 4 and an arm cover 6. This sleeve 2 further has a band 8 as a stopper. As will be described in detail later, this sleeve 2 is worn on the right upper limb of the player. Although not shown, the sleeve for the left upper limb has a shape in which the shape shown in FIG. 1 is reversed left and right. In FIG. 1, the right side is the outside and the left side is the inside.

[0011] As is clear from FIG. 3, the palm cover 4 is cylindrical. The palm cover 4 has a first opening 10. This first opening 10 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction (i.e., the width direction) of FIG. 1. Specifically, the first opening 10 extends in a direction from the right direction to the upward direction in FIG. 1.

[0012] As is clear from FIG. 4, the arm cover 6 is cylindrical. The arm cover 6 is continuous with the palm cover 4. In this embodiment, the arm cover 6 is integral with the palm cover 4. Therefore, there is no visible boundary line between the palm cover 4 and the arm cover 6 in this sleeve 2. The arm cover 6 has a second opening 12.

[0013] The band 8 is attached to the palm cover 4. This attachment is achieved by sewing the vicinity of both ends of the band 8 to the palm cover 4. The band 8 may be attached to the palm cover 4 by means other than sewing. By this band 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a hole 14 is formed in the sleeve 2.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the sleeve 2 for operating the pointing device of FIG. 1 together with the upper limb 16 of the player. In FIG. 5, the hand 18 is passed through the palm cover 4. As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 5, the palm cover 4 has a diameter that increases from the wrist toward the fingertips. The palm cover 4 having this shape fits the hand 18.

[0015] The forearm 20 (see Figure 6) is placed inside the arm cover 6. The arm cover 6 covers the entire forearm 20. A portion of the upper arm 22 is also placed inside the arm cover 6. The arm cover 6 covers a portion of the upper arm 22. As is clear from Figures 1 and 5, the arm cover 6 tapers in diameter from the elbow to the wrist. This shape of the arm cover 6 fits the forearm 20.

[0016] Figure 7 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the pointing device operating sleeve 2 from Figure 5 together with the player's hand 18. Figure 7 shows the back of the hand 18 24, thumb 26, index finger 28, middle finger 30, ring finger 32, and little finger 34. As mentioned above, the first opening 10 is inclined with respect to the width direction. Specifically, the first opening 10 extends from the inside to the outside towards the fingertips. In Figure 7, the little finger 34 is passed through the hole 14 (see Figure 2). The sleeve 2 may have a hole 14 through which the ring finger 32 can be passed. The sleeve 2 may have a hole 14 through which both the little finger 34 and the ring finger 32 can be passed. A hole 14 through which only the little finger 34 can be passed is preferred.

[0017] Figure 8 is an enlarged rear view showing a portion of the pointing device operating sleeve 2 from Figure 5 together with the player's hand 18. Figure 8 shows the palm 36. In Figure 8, reference numeral 38 represents the wrist seam of the palm 36, and reference numeral 39 represents the base of the palm. This wrist seam 38 coincides with the boundary between the forearm 20 and the palm 36. The base of the palm 39 is located on the fingertip side of the wrist seam 38. As is clear from Figure 8, the palm cover 4 covers the base of the palm 39. In this embodiment, the palm cover 4 covers the entire base of the palm 39.

[0018] In Figure 8, reference numeral 40 denotes the thenar eminence. The thenar eminence 40 is a raised zone located at the base of the thumb 26 within the palm 36. As is clear from Figure 8, the palm cover 4 covers a portion of the thenar eminence 40. The palm cover 4 may cover the entire thenar eminence 40.

[0019] In Figure 8, reference numeral 42 represents the hypothenar eminence. The hypothenar eminence 42 is a raised zone located at the base of the little finger 34 on the palm 36. As is clear from Figure 8, the palm cover 4 covers the entire hypothenar eminence 42. The palm cover 4 may cover only a portion of the hypothenar eminence 42.

[0020] Figure 9 shows the sleeve 2 as seen from the inside. Figure 9 also shows the player's hand 18, mouse 44, and mousepad 46. Figure 9 shows the thumb 26, index finger 28, and middle finger 30 of the hand 18. The mouse 44 is placed on the mousepad 46. The player is holding the mouse 44 with hand 18.

[0021] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the zone indicated by the symbol X in Figure 9. Figure 10 shows the ball of the thumb 40, the palm cover 4, and the mouse pad 46. As is clear from Figure 10, the palm cover 4 is located between the ball of the thumb 40 and the mouse pad 46. When the player moves the mouse 44 vigorously, this palm cover 4 suppresses direct friction between the ball of the thumb 40 and the mouse pad 46. This palm cover 4 protects the ball of the thumb 40.

[0022] Figure 11 shows sleeve 2 as seen from the outside. Figure 11 also shows the player's hand 18, mouse 44, and mousepad 46. Figure 11 shows the middle finger 30, ring finger 32, and little finger 34 of this hand 18. The mouse 44 is placed on the mousepad 46. The player is holding the mouse 44 with hand 18.

[0023] Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the zone indicated by the symbol XII in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows the hypothenar eminence 42, palm cover 4, and mousepad 46. As is clear from Figure 12, the palm cover 4 is located between the hypothenar eminence 42 and the mousepad 46. When the player moves the mouse 44 vigorously, this palm cover 4 suppresses direct friction between the hypothenar eminence 42 and the mousepad 46. This palm cover 4 protects the hypothenar eminence 42.

[0024] As shown in Figure 11, the band 8 is attached to the web 48 between the ring finger 32 and the little finger 34. Because the band 8 is attached to the palm cover 4, it prevents the palm cover 4 from moving to the left in Figure 11. In other words, the band 8 prevents the palm cover 4 from slipping away from the palm 36. With this sleeve 2, the thenar eminence 40 and the hypothenar eminence 42 are less likely to be exposed. Furthermore, with this sleeve 2, interference with the player's movements due to slippage of the palm cover 4 is less likely to occur.

[0025] Since the little finger 34 or ring finger 32 is passed through hole 14, the band 8 is separated from the thumb 26, index finger 28, and middle finger 30. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first opening 10 is inclined. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, the thumb 26, index finger 28, and middle finger 30 are all fully exposed. This sleeve 2 does not hinder the movement of the player's thumb 26, index finger 28, and middle finger 30. The player can easily operate the buttons of the mouse 44 with their thumb 26, index finger 28, or middle finger 30.

[0026] In Figure 1, arrow Lo represents the length of the outside of sleeve 2, and arrow Li represents the length of the inside of sleeve 2. Lengths Lo and Li are measured excluding band 8. As mentioned above, the first opening 10 extends from the inside to the outside in the direction toward the fingertip. Therefore, distance Lo is greater than distance Li.

[0027] In Figure 1, arrow D represents the height difference between the outside and inside of the first opening 10. From the viewpoint of ensuring that the palm cover 4 adequately protects the hypothenar eminence 42 and that the sleeve 2 does not hinder the movement of the thumb 26, index finger 28, and middle finger 30, a difference D of 5 mm or more is preferable, 10 mm or more is more preferable, and 15 mm or more is particularly preferable. The difference D is measured with nothing passed through the sleeve 2. The difference D is measured with no forces other than gravity acting on the sleeve 2.

[0028] In Figure 1, arrow W represents the width of band 8. From the viewpoint of minimizing interference with the movement of the player's hand 18 by band 8, the width W is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 12 mm or less, and particularly preferably 8 mm or less.

[0029] In this embodiment, the material of the arm cover 6 is the same as the material of the palm cover 4. The arm cover 6 may be made of a different material than the palm cover 4. The palm cover 4 and the arm cover 6 may be made from woven fabric or knitted fabric.

[0030] A stretchable palm cover 4 is preferred. This palm cover 4 fits the player's hand 18. Examples of preferred materials for the palm cover 4 include polyester, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, and acrylic. It may also be a mixture of multiple materials. The material of the palm cover 4 may also be spandex.

[0031] An arm cover 6 made of elastic material is preferred. An arm cover 6 that is elastic and has an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the player's forearm 20 will moderately constrict the forearm 20. This constriction can suppress fatigue of the forearm 20. Examples of preferred materials for the arm cover 6 include polyester, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, and acrylic. It may also be a material made of a mixture of multiple materials. The material of the arm cover 6 may also be spandex.

[0032] The material of band 8 may be elastic or non-elastic. Cotton is an example of a non-elastic material.

[0033] A palm cover 4 having low friction is preferred. This palm cover 4 does not hinder the movement of the player's hand 18. A palm cover 4 that is more slippery on the mouse pad 46 than the hand 18 (i.e., human skin) is preferred.

[0034] An arm cover 6 having low friction properties is preferred. This arm cover 6 does not hinder the movement of the player's forearm 20. An arm cover 6 that is more slippery on the mouse pad 46 than the forearm 20 (i.e., human skin) is preferred. An arm cover 6 that is more slippery on the desk than the forearm 20 (i.e., human skin) is preferred.

[0035] e-sports players can be broadly categorized into low-sensitivity players and high-sensitivity players based on their playing style. Low-sensitivity players operate the mouse 44 with their palm 36 near the heel and forearm 20 resting on the mousepad 46. For these low-sensitivity players, sleeves 2 with low friction, such as palm covers 4 or arm covers 6, are useful.

[0036] The palm cover 4 and arm cover 6 may be made of a material that absorbs sweat. This sleeve 2 can reduce the effect of sweat on mouse operation. This sleeve 2 may contribute to athletic performance. The palm cover 4 and arm cover 6 may also be made of a material that does not allow sweat to pass through.

[0037] The band 8 may be attached to the palm cover 4 by hook-and-loop fasteners. The band 8 is detachable from the palm cover 4. The player can wear the sleeve 2 with the band 8 detached from the palm cover 4. Furthermore, the player can adjust the attachment position of the band 8 to the palm cover 4 so that the holes 14 are of the desired size. The detachable band 8 to the palm cover 4 may be achieved by means other than hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0038] This sleeve 2 is also suitable for operating pointing devices other than the mouse 44. For example, this sleeve 2 is also suitable for operating sticks and trackballs.

[0039] Figure 13 is a front view showing a pointing device operating sleeve 50 according to another embodiment, together with the player's upper limb 16. This sleeve 50 has a palm cover 54, an arm cover 56, and a band 58. The structure of the palm cover 54 is the same as the structure of the palm cover 4 of the sleeve 2 shown in Figure 5. The structure of the band 58 is the same as the structure of the band 8 of the sleeve 2 shown in Figure 5.

[0040] As is clear from the comparison in Figures 5 and 13, the arm cover 56 is short. This arm cover 56 covers a portion of the forearm 20. This arm cover 56 does not cover the upper arm 22. This sleeve 50 can also contribute to the protection of the thenar eminence 40 and hypothenar eminence 42. This sleeve 50 can also contribute to the smooth movement of the player's hand 18 and forearm 20.

[0041] Figure 14 is a front view showing a pointing device operating sleeve 60 according to yet another embodiment, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along the line XV-XV in Figure 14. This sleeve 60 has a palm cover 62 and an arm cover 64. The structure of the palm cover 62 is the same as the structure of the palm cover 4 of the sleeve 2 shown in Figure 5. The structure of the arm cover 64 is the same as the structure of the arm cover 6 of the sleeve 2 shown in Figure 5.

[0042] The sleeve 60 further has a tube 66 that acts as a stopper. This tube 66 is integrated with the palm cover 62. As shown in Figure 15, the tube 66 has a hole 68.

[0043] Figure 16 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the sleeve 60 from Figure 14 together with the player's hand 18, and Figure 17 is its rear view. In Figures 16 and 17, the little finger 34 is inserted through the hole 68 (see Figure 15). The tube 66 covers a portion of the little finger 34. Since the tube 66 is integrated with the palm cover 62, the tube 66 prevents the palm cover 62 from slipping away from the palm. The sleeve 60 may have a hole 68 through which the ring finger 32 can be inserted. The sleeve 60 may have holes 68 through which both the little finger 34 and the ring finger 32 can be inserted. A hole 68 through which only the little finger 34 can be inserted is preferred.

[0044] As is clear from Figure 17, the palm cover 62 covers the entire base of the palm 39. The palm cover 62 further covers a portion of the thenar eminence 40 and the entire hypothenar eminence 42. This palm cover 62 protects the thenar eminence 40 and the hypothenar eminence 42. The palm cover 62 may cover the entire thenar eminence 40. The palm cover 62 may cover a portion of the hypothenar eminence 42. [Examples]

[0045] The effects of the present invention will be demonstrated below by the examples, but the present invention should not be interpreted restrictively based on the description in these examples.

[0046] [Example 1] A sleeve for operating a pointing device, as shown in Figure 1-12, was obtained. This sleeve has a band that acts as a stopper. The dimensions of each part were as follows: Distance Lo: 400mm Distance Li:370mm Difference D: 30mm Width W:8mm

[0047] [Example 2] The sleeve of Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the stopper was constructed as shown in Figure 14-17.

[0048] [Comparative Example] A comparative example sleeve was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a stopper was not provided.

[0049] [evaluation] Low-sensitivity players were given sleeves to wear while playing e-sports (shooting). While the comparative sleeve showed some misalignment, the sleeves of Examples 1 and 2 did not. The player rated the sleeve of Example 1 as "the least interfering to play." This result clearly demonstrates the superiority of the sleeves in each example.

[0050] [Disclosure items] Each of the following items is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0051] [Item 1] Palm covers that can cover the palm and base of the hand. An arm cover that is continuous with the palm cover and can cover at least a portion of the forearm, and A stopper to prevent the palm cover from slipping away from the palm of the hand. A sleeve for operating a pointing device, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0052] [Item 2] The sleeve described in item 1, wherein the palm cover can cover at least a portion of the thenar eminence and at least a portion of the hypothenar eminence of the palm.

[0053] [Item 3] The sleeve described in item 1 or 2, wherein the stopper described above forms a hole through which the little finger or ring finger can be inserted.

[0054] [Item 4] The palm cover is a sleeve as described in any of items 1 to 3, wherein the palm cover is a tube that expands in diameter from the wrist to the fingertips.

[0055] [Item 5] The above-mentioned arm cover is a sleeve as described in any of items 1 to 4, which is a tube that narrows in diameter from the elbow to the wrist.

[0056] [Item 6] The above-mentioned arm cover is a sleeve as described in any of items 1 to 5, which can cover at least a portion of the upper arm.

[0057] [Item 7] The palm cover or arm cover described above is a sleeve as described in any of items 1 to 6, which is elastic.

[0058] [Item 8] The palm cover or arm cover described above is a sleeve according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the palm cover or arm cover described above has low friction properties.

[0059] [Item 9] A sleeve as described in any of items 1 through 8, whose outside length is greater than its inside length.

[0060] [Item 10] The palm cover described above has an opening, A sleeve as described in any of items 1 to 9, wherein the above-mentioned opening extends from the inside outward toward the fingertips.

[0061] [Item 11] The sleeve described in item 10, wherein the height difference D between the outside and inside of the above-mentioned opening is 5 mm or more.

[0062] [Item 12] A sleeve as described in any of items 1 to 11, wherein the stopper described above is detachable from the palm cover described above. [Industrial applicability]

[0063] The sleeves described above are suitable for various e-sports players. These sleeves are also suitable for uses other than e-sports. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 2 sleeves 4. Palm cover 6. Arm covers 8 bands 10...first opening 12...Second opening 14 halls 32...Ring finger 34...Little finger 38... Wrist strap 39... sole of palm 40...thenar eminence 42. Hypothenar eminence 50 sleeves 54. Palm cover 56... Arm covers 58 bands 60 sleeves 62... Palm cover 64... Arm covers 66... ​​Tube 68...Hall

Claims

1. Palm covers that can cover the palm and base of the hand. An arm cover that is continuous with the palm cover and can cover at least a portion of the forearm, and A stopper to prevent the palm cover from slipping away from the palm of the hand. It is equipped with, A sleeve for operating a pointing device, with a stopper forming a hole through which the little finger or ring finger can be inserted.

2. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the palm cover is a tube that expands in diameter from the wrist to the fingertips.

3. The sleeve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arm cover is a tube that narrows in diameter from the elbow to the wrist.

4. The sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the arm cover can cover at least a portion of the upper arm.

5. The sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the palm cover or arm cover is elastic.

6. The sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the palm cover or arm cover has low friction properties.

7. The sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the length of its outside is greater than the length of its inside.

8. The palm cover described above has an opening, The sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the opening extends from the inside outward toward the fingertips.

9. The sleeve according to claim 8, wherein the palm cover can cover the entire hypothenar eminence of the palm.

10. The sleeve according to claim 9, wherein the palm cover can cover the entire hypothenar eminence of the palm and a portion of the thenar eminence of the palm.

11. The sleeve according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the palm cover can cover the entire base of the palm.

12. The sleeve according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the stopper forms a hole through which only the little finger can be passed.

13. The sleeve according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the height difference D between the outside and inside of the above-mentioned opening is 5 mm or more.

14. The sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the stopper is detachable from the palm cover.

15. The sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is for mouse operation, stick operation or trackball operation.

16. The sleeve according to claim 15, which is for mouse operation.

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