Accessory

Abstract

[Problem] To achieve attachment to the body of a user and local application of pressure to the body of the user with a simpler structure. [Solution] An accessory comprising a main body part that is attached to the body of a user and at least one pressure application mechanism that is configured from at least one convex Conston spring which extends in one direction from the main body part, wherein when the convex Conston spring is in a Conston state, the pressure application mechanism applies pressure to the body between the main body part and an end part of the convex Conston spring which is at a position opposite from the main body part with the body therebetween.

Description

Accessories

[0001] The present disclosure relates to jewelry.

[0002] In recent years, it has become common for users to wear devices on their bodies to acquire data from the body or to apply stimulation to the body.

[0003] For example, in the healthcare field, pulse, blood pressure, or electrocardiogram data obtained from a user's body is recorded as a log to monitor the user's health condition or detect abnormalities in the health condition. Also, in the XR (Extended Reality) field, vibrations or the like are applied to the body to present a force or touch sensation to a user wearing a device.

[0004] Such devices can obtain data from and stimulate the user's body more reliably by being pressed more firmly against the body, so a method of locally pressing the device against the user's body using a pressure mechanism is being considered.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a device that is attached to the wrist with a band-like fastening structure. The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can press the user's wrist with a compression pad at the end of the screw shaft by rotating a knob and pushing a screw shaft in the axial direction.

[0006] Special Publication No. 2011-528569

[0007] However, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a screw shaft rotation mechanism to apply pressure locally to the body, which makes the device large and complicated, and therefore makes it difficult to attach the device to the body and apply pressure locally to the body, reducing convenience for the user.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a new and improved accessory that can be attached to the user's body and can apply local pressure to the body with a simpler structure.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an ornament comprising a main body portion to be worn on the body of a user, and at least one or more pressure mechanisms consisting of at least one or more convex constant springs extending in one direction from the main body portion, wherein the pressure mechanisms apply pressure to the body between the main body portion and an end of the convex constant spring that is positioned opposite the main body portion across the body when the convex constant spring is in a constant state.

[0010] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an ornament according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing another example of the configuration of the ornament according to the same embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing another example of the configuration of the ornament according to the same embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a specific example of an ornament worn by a user. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the convex constant spring of the ornament shown in FIG. 4 is in a constant state. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the convex constant spring of the ornament shown in FIG. 4 is in a convex state. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ornament according to a first modified example. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ornament according to a second modified example. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ornament according to a third modified example. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ornament according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ornament according to a fifth modified example. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ornament according to a sixth modified example.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] The description will be given in the following order: 1. Configuration 2. Specific example 3. Modifications 3.1. First modification 3.2. Second modification 3.3. Third modification 3.4. Fourth modification 3.5. Fifth modification 3.6. Sixth modification

[0013] 1. Configuration Example First, the configuration of a clothing accessory according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows an example of the configuration of a clothing accessory 100 according to this embodiment. Figures 2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams that schematically show other examples of the configuration of the clothing accessory 100 according to this embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the accessory 100 according to this embodiment includes a main body 110, a device 111, a pressure mechanism 120, and a cushion 130.

[0015] The accessory 100 is worn by a user by wrapping the pressure mechanism 120 around the user's body. This allows the main body 110 of the accessory 100 to be pressed locally against the user by pressure from the cushion part 130 provided at the end of the pressure mechanism 120 wrapped around the user. The accessory 100 is worn on the palm, fingertips, wrist, arm, shoulder, ankle, thigh, abdomen, chest, neck, forehead, or the like, for example.

[0016] The main body 110 is a main part that provides various functions of the accessory 100. For example, although not shown, the main body 110 may be equipped with a control device that controls the overall operation of the device 111, a power supply device that supplies power to the device 111, and a communication device that communicates with external devices.

[0017] The device unit 111 is a functional unit including a device that interacts with the user's body. The device unit 111 is provided on the main body 110 on the side that faces the user's body when the accessory 100 is worn by the user, and comes into contact with the user's body when the accessory 100 is worn by the user, and is pressed against the user's body.

[0018] For example, the device unit 111 may include a sensor that acquires biometric information from the user's body. The sensor included in the device unit 111 may be, for example, a pulse wave sensor, a blood pressure sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a blood glucose level sensor, a skin temperature sensor, or a blood oxygen concentration sensor. The device unit 111 may also include a vibration actuator that provides a force or touch sensation to the user's body through vibration. The vibration actuator included in the device unit 111 may be, for example, a linear vibration actuator, an eccentric motor, a voice coil motor, or a piezoelectric vibration actuator. Furthermore, the device unit 111 may also include a pressure sensor that detects whether the accessory 100 is securely attached to the user.

[0019] The accessory 100 according to this embodiment can locally press the main body 110 against the user's body by applying pressure from the pressure mechanism 120. This allows the device 111 to be tightly attached to the user's body, enabling highly accurate interaction with the user's body. For example, the sensor included in the device 111 can acquire highly accurate biometric information from the user's body. The vibration actuator included in the device 111 can present a highly accurate force or tactile sensation to the user's body.

[0020] The cushion portion 130 is made of a deformable material and is provided at the end of the pressure mechanism 120 extending from the main body portion 110. For example, the cushion portion 130 may be made of an elastomer such as urethane rubber, foamed urethane rubber, silicone rubber, or foamed silicone rubber. The cushion portion 130 can alleviate the feeling of oppression caused by the pressure by dispersing the pressure from the pressure mechanism 120 on the user's body.

[0021] The pressure mechanism 120 is composed of a convex constant spring extending in one direction from the main body 110. When the accessory 100 is worn on the user's body, the pressure mechanism 120 can apply a contracting force between both ends of the pressure mechanism 120. This allows the pressure mechanism 120 to apply pressure to the user's body between the main body 110 and the cushion part 130 provided at both ends of the pressure mechanism 120.

[0022] A plurality of pressure mechanisms 120 may be provided. By providing a plurality of pressure mechanisms 120, the accessory 100 can press the main body 110 against the user's body more stably. This prevents the main body 110 from shifting out of position or the accessory 100 from falling off the user's body, even when the user moves vigorously.

[0023] For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , two pressure mechanisms 120 may be provided. Specifically, the two pressure mechanisms 120 may be provided extending from opposite sides of the main body 110 and arranged symmetrically with a line passing through the center of the main body 110 as the axis of symmetry. For example, the pressure mechanisms 120 may be provided so that the angle formed by the two pressure mechanisms 120 each extending from the main body 110 is between 120° and 180°. Furthermore, the angle formed by the two pressure mechanisms 120 may be changeable. By changing the angle formed by the two pressure mechanisms 120 each extending from the main body 110, the jewelry 100 can change the position and strength of pressure applied by the cushion unit 130 according to the shape of the user's body.

[0024] 2, four pressure mechanisms 120 may be provided. Specifically, four pressure mechanisms 120 may be provided, each extending radially from the main body 110. In this case, the accessory 100 can press the main body 110 against the user's body more stably.

[0025] 3, only one pressure mechanism 120 may be provided. Even in this case, the accessory 100 can apply force between the cushion portion 130 and the main body portion 110 by wrapping the pressure mechanism 120 around the user's body.

[0026] However, if the number of pressure mechanisms 120 is excessively increased in order to increase the stability of wearing the jewelry 100, it will become more cumbersome to wear the jewelry 100. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of pressure mechanisms 120 be approximately two to four.

[0027] The convex Constant spring constituting the pressure mechanism 120 is a leaf spring that can be switched between a convex state in which it extends linearly and a convex state in which it is curled into an arc. Specifically, in the convex state, the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the convex Constant spring is flat, resulting in a roughly spiral-shaped curl with the extension direction as the circumferential direction. In the convex state, the convex Constant spring can exert a force that tries to return to the curled shape between both ends in the extension direction, repelling a force that tries to open the roughly spiral-shaped curl. Meanwhile, in the convex state, the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the convex Constant spring is curved, suppressing the change to the roughly spiral-shaped curl and allowing the spring to maintain its linear extension state.

[0028] The convex-Conston spring can be switched from a constant state to a convex state by expanding the roughly spiral-shaped convex-Conston spring into a linearly extended shape, while the convex-Conston spring can be switched from a constant state to a convex-Conston state by applying an impact or other force to transform the curved cross-section of the convex-Conston spring into a flat plate shape.

[0029] The accessory 100 according to this embodiment can wrap the pressure mechanism 120 around the user's body by placing the convex constant spring that constitutes the pressure mechanism 120 in a constant state. At this time, the accessory 100 wraps the pressure mechanism 120 around the user's body so that the end of the extending convex constant spring of the pressure mechanism 120 is positioned opposite the main body 110, sandwiching the user's body between them. This allows the convex constant spring that constitutes the pressure mechanism 120 to apply force between the main body 110 and the cushion 130, making it possible to locally press the main body 110 against the user's body.

[0030] The center of the pressure mechanism 120 wrapped around the user's body maintains its arch structure due to the rounded shape of the convex constant spring in the constant state, and therefore does not apply pressure to the user's body. Therefore, the accessory 100 according to this embodiment can reduce the burden on the user's body by preventing the pressure mechanism 120 from applying unnecessary pressure to the part of the user's body where it is wrapped around.

[0031] The strength of pressure applied by the convex constant spring in the constant state that constitutes the pressure mechanism 120 can be controlled by the plate thickness, width, and diameter in the constant state of the convex constant spring. Also, the position of pressure applied by the convex constant spring in the constant state that constitutes the pressure mechanism 120 can be controlled by the length in the extension direction of the convex constant spring and the diameter in the constant state.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the accessory 100 of this embodiment has a simpler structure that allows the main body 110 to be more stably attached to the user's body, and the main body 110 can be pressed against the user's body more stably and locally.

[0033] 2. Specific Examples Next, specific examples of the jewelry 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 5B. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a specific example of the jewelry 100 worn by a user UB. Figure 5A is a perspective view showing the state when the convex constant spring of the jewelry 100 shown in Figure 4 is in the constant state. Figure 5B is a perspective view showing the state when the convex constant spring of the jewelry 100 shown in Figure 4 is in the convex state.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the accessory 100 may be worn on the palm of the user UB. For example, the accessory 100 is worn by the user UB by wrapping the two pressure mechanisms 120 around the back of the user's hand toward the palm. The accessory 100 can also apply pressure to the hand of the user UB between the main body 110 and a cushion part 130 (not shown) by the two pressure mechanisms 120. This allows the accessory 100 to press the main body 110 against the back of the hand of the user UB.

[0035] Specifically, the accessory 100 shown in Fig. 4 can have the two pressure mechanisms 120 assume a rounded, arc-like shape by the convex constant springs that make up the two pressure mechanisms 120 entering a constant state as shown in Fig. 5A. Therefore, the user UB can wear the accessory 100 by passing their body between the arch shapes of the two pressure mechanisms 120. At this time, the extending ends of the convex constant springs that make up the two pressure mechanisms 120 are positioned opposite the main body 110, sandwiching the body of the user UB between them. This allows the accessory 100 to apply force between the main body 110 and the cushion 130, thereby pressing the main body 110 against the body of the user UB.

[0036] On the other hand, in the accessory 100 shown in Fig. 4, the convex constant springs that make up the two pressure mechanisms 120 can be brought into a convex state, as shown in Fig. 5B, so that the two pressure mechanisms 120 are spread apart in a linear fashion. The convex state of the convex constant springs is maintained unless an impact or the like is applied, so the user UB can easily remove the accessory 100 by bringing each of the convex constant springs that make up the two pressure mechanisms 120 into a convex state.

[0037] 3. Modifications First to sixth modifications of the accessory 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. FIG.

[0038] (3.1. First Modification) Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a body accessory 100A according to a first modification. As shown in Fig. 6, the body accessory 100A according to the first modification has a cushion device part 131, instead of the cushion part 130, at the end part extending from the main body part 110 of the pressure mechanism 120.

[0039] The cushion device section 131 is a functional section made of a deformable material and including a device that interacts with the user's body. That is, the cushion device section 131 has the function of the device section 111 and the function of the cushion section 130.

[0040] Specifically, the cushion device unit 131 may be made of a deformable elastomer such as urethane rubber, foamed urethane rubber, silicone rubber, or foamed silicone rubber. The cushion device unit 131 may also include a sensor or vibration actuator that is the same as or different from the device unit 111. For example, the cushion device unit 131 may include a biosensor such as a pulse wave sensor, a blood pressure sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a blood glucose level sensor, a skin temperature sensor, or a blood oxygen concentration sensor, or may include a vibration actuator such as a linear vibration actuator, an eccentric motor, a voice coil motor, or a piezoelectric vibration actuator.

[0041] In the accessory 100A according to the first modification, by applying a force between the cushion device units 131 provided on both ends of the pressure mechanism 120 and the main body unit 110, the cushion device units 131 can be pressed against the user's body in the same manner as the main body unit 110. This allows the accessory 100A to acquire biometric information from the user's body using the cushion device units 131, as well as the device units 111, and to present a force or a touch to the user's body through vibration. Therefore, the accessory 100A according to the first modification can acquire a wider variety of biometric information from the user's body and present a more complex force or touch to the user's body.

[0042] 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a body accessory 100B according to a second modified example. As shown in FIG. 7, the body accessory 100B according to the second modified example may transmit vibrations generated in the device portion 111B to the cushion portion 130 via the pressure mechanism 120.

[0043] Specifically, device section 111B includes a vibration actuator and is provided on main body section 110 so as not to come into contact with the body of a user wearing accessory 100B. The vibrations generated by device section 111B are transmitted to cushion section 130 via pressure mechanism 120, and are then transmitted to the user's body from cushion section 130, which applies pressure to the user's body.

[0044] The accessory 100B according to the second modification is capable of transmitting vibrations generated in the device section 111B to the user's body from the cushion section 130 on the side opposite to the main body section 110. Even in such a case, the accessory 100B according to the second modification is capable of presenting a force or touch sensation to the user.

[0045] (3.3. Third Modification) Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a personal ornament 100C according to a third modification. As shown in Fig. 8, the personal ornament 100C according to the third modification has a pressure mechanism 120C that is composed of a plurality of convex constant springs 121.

[0046] Specifically, the pressure mechanism 120C may be configured by stacking two convex constant springs 121. The two convex constant springs 121 that make up one pressure mechanism 120C have the same design, and apply pressure to the user's body against a cushion portion 130 provided at the end of the pressure mechanism 120C.

[0047] Accordingly, the personal ornament 100C according to the third modification can cause the sum of the forces generated by the multiple convex constant springs 121 that make up the pressure mechanism 120C to act between the main body 110 and the cushion 130. Therefore, the personal ornament 100C according to the third modification can apply a stronger force to the user's body between the main body 110 and the cushion 130, and can therefore press the device 111 more firmly against the user's body.

[0048] (3.4. Fourth Modification) Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a body accessory 100D according to a fourth modification. As shown in Fig. 9, the body accessory 100D according to the fourth modification is configured with a pressure mechanism 120D that is a convex constant spring that can be irreversibly switched from a convex state to a constant state.

[0049] Specifically, the pressure mechanism 120D is configured with a convex constant spring that is designed to fix its structure when switching from a convex state to a constant state. Therefore, after switching from a convex state to a constant state, the pressure mechanism 120D cannot return from the constant state to the convex state.

[0050] According to this, the accessory 100D according to the fourth modification can be used as a disposable item because the pressure mechanism 120D cannot be returned to the convex state after being worn by the user. Therefore, by avoiding reuse, the accessory 100D according to the fourth modification can be suitably used in applications where hygiene is a major consideration.

[0051] Furthermore, in the accessory 100D according to the fourth modification, the constant state structure of the convex constant spring that constitutes the pressure mechanism 120D can be optimized for a specific user. In such a case, the accessory 100D according to the fourth modification is suitable for use only by the optimized specific user, making it suitable for applications that require greater consideration of hygiene.

[0052] (3.5. Fifth Modification) Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a body accessory 100E according to a fifth modification. As shown in Fig. 10, the body accessory 100E according to the fifth modification is provided with a pressure mechanism 120E whose length is adjustable.

[0053] Specifically, the pressure mechanism 120E is composed of a convex constant spring that can be cut with a cutting tool CF such as scissors. For example, a user can remove the cushion part 130 from the pressure mechanism 120E, cut the convex constant spring that constitutes the pressure mechanism 120E, and then reattach the cushion part 130 to the pressure mechanism 120E after cutting.

[0054] This allows the user to adjust the position at which cushion portion 130 applies pressure to the user's body when wearing ornament 100E by adjusting the length of pressure mechanism 120E. Therefore, ornament 100E according to the fifth modification allows the user to adjust pressure mechanism 120E, thereby improving the stability of wearing and the wearing comfort.

[0055] (3.6. Sixth Modification) Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a body accessory 100F according to a sixth modification. As shown in Fig. 11, the body accessory 100F according to the sixth modification has two pressure mechanisms 120F extending from both sides of the main body 110, each of which is configured with a single convex constant spring.

[0056] Specifically, the two pressure mechanisms 120F are each composed of a single convex constant spring that penetrates the main body 110. Even in this case, the accessory 100F according to the sixth modification can apply pressure to the user's body between the two cushion parts 130 provided at the ends of the extensions of the two pressure mechanisms 120F and the main body 110. For example, the accessory 100F according to the sixth modification can apply pressure to the user's body between the two cushion parts 130 and the main body 110 by positioning the cushion parts 130 provided at the ends of the extensions of the pressure mechanisms 120F so that they face the main body 110 with the user's body in between.

[0057] The accessory 100F according to the sixth modification is capable of switching both of the two pressure mechanisms 120F from the convex state to the constant state at the same time by applying an impact to one of the two pressure mechanisms 120F.

[0058] For example, the body 110 on the side facing the user's body when the accessory 100F is worn may be provided with a button for pressing one of the convex constant springs that make up the two pressure mechanisms 120F. By pressing this button when the accessory 100F is worn, the one of the convex constant springs that make up the two pressure mechanisms 120F is switched from a convex state to a constant state. This causes the two pressure mechanisms 120F to automatically wrap around the user's body. This makes it easier for the accessory 100F of the sixth modification to be worn by the user.

[0059] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above-described effects.

[0061] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) An ornament comprising: a main body attached to the user's body; and at least one pressure mechanism composed of at least one convex constant spring extending in one direction from the main body, wherein the pressure mechanism applies pressure to the body between the main body and an end of the convex constant spring that is positioned opposite the main body across the body when the convex constant spring is in a constant state. (2) The ornament according to (1), further comprising a cushion portion made of a material that can be deformed by pressure at the end of the convex constant spring. (3) The ornament according to (1) or (2), further comprising a sensor or a vibration actuator on the main body. (4) The ornament according to (3), wherein the sensor or the vibration actuator is provided on the surface of the main body facing the body. (5) The accessory according to (4), wherein the sensor is a biosensor that acquires biometric information of the user from the body. (6) The accessory according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a sensor or a vibration actuator is further provided at the end of the convex constant spring. (7) The accessory according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the convex constant spring is a leaf spring that can switch between the constant state in which it is curled into an arc and a convex state in which it extends linearly. (8) The accessory according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein two pressure mechanisms are provided, and the two pressure mechanisms extend from opposite sides of the main body. (9) The accessory according to (8), wherein the two pressure mechanisms are provided in line symmetry with a straight line passing through the center of the main body as an axis of symmetry. (10) The accessory according to (8) or (9), wherein the two pressure mechanisms are formed by one convex conston spring that penetrates the main body. (11) The accessory according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the pressure mechanism is formed by stacking a plurality of the convex conston springs on top of each other.

[0062] 100: Accessory 110: Main body 111: Device 120: Pressure mechanism 130: Cushion UB: User

Claims

1. An ornament comprising: a main body to be worn on the body of a user; and at least one pressure mechanism consisting of at least one convex constant spring extending in one direction from the main body, wherein the pressure mechanism applies pressure to the body between the main body and an end of the convex constant spring that is positioned opposite the main body across the body when the convex constant spring is in a constant state.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the end of the convex constant spring is further provided with a cushion portion made of a material that can be deformed by pressure.

3. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion is further provided with a sensor or a vibration actuator.

4. The accessory according to claim 3, wherein the sensor or the vibration actuator is provided on the surface of the main body that faces the body.

5. The accessory according to claim 4, wherein the sensor is a biosensor that acquires biometric information of the user from the body.

6. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a sensor or vibration actuator provided at the end of the convex constant spring.

7. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the convex constant spring is a leaf spring that can be switched between the constant state in which it is curled into an arc and a convex state in which it extends in a straight line.

8. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein two pressure mechanisms are provided, the two pressure mechanisms extending from opposite sides of the main body.

9. The accessory according to claim 8, wherein the two pressure mechanisms are arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the main body.

10. The accessory according to claim 8, wherein the two pressure mechanisms are composed of a single convex constant spring passing through the main body portion.

11. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the pressure mechanism is constructed by stacking a number of the convex constant springs on top of each other.

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