DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gripping tool.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose gripping tools for holding objects to be gripped.
Hair tweezers and tweezers for thorns are examples of gripping tools.
[0003] A gripping tool of Patent Document 1 includes two elastic gripping parts. One of
the two gripping parts has a flat first gripping surface, and the other has a second gripping
surface having a smaller area than the first gripping surface.
[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a pair of tweezers as a gripping tool that includes first
and second arms elastically connected to each other at their proximal ends. The first and
second arms have first and second gripping portions, respectively, at their distal ends. The
first and second arms have a convex cross-sectional shape to obtain sufficient strength.
Additionally, the first arm includes first and second guide parts projecting toward the
second arm, and the second arm includes first and second guide portions projecting toward
the first arm. When the guide parts and the guide portions engage with one another, the
gripping portions hold a gripping object in a "proper state." The guide parts and the guide
portions also serve as stoppers that come into contact with the inner surfaces of the second
and first arms. The "proper state" refers to a state in which the stoppers stop the two
gripping portions from separating from each other. The rigidity of each gripping portion is
reinforced by a reinforcing plate. As such, the gripping portion itself does not have
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elasticity.
[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a pair of tweezers as a gripping tool that includes two
arm parts and a connecting portion that elastically connects the two arm parts. Each arm
part has a pinching portion at its distal end. One of the two arm parts includes a reinforcing
plate extending over its entire length, and the other has two gripping plates each extending
over approximately a half of the entire length. When the two arm parts are pressed toward
each other, the reinforcing plate is inserted between the two gripping plates, and reinforcing
walls reinforce the gripping plates. This provides a sufficient rigidity even when the
tweezers are made of synthetic resin.
[0006] Patent Document 4 discloses a pinching tool as a gripping tool that includes a
support portion and two action portions extending from the support portion. Each action
portion has a through-hole or a cutout section near its distal end.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
Patent Documents
[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2017-192458
Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model Publication No. 6-52806
Patent Document 3: Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model Publication No. 6-75416
Patent Document 4: Registered Utility Model No. 3178053
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems that the Invention is to Solve
[0008] Referring to Figs. 8A to 8D, a pair of hair tweezers, which is a typical gripping
tool, is now described. As shown in Fig. 8A, a typical pair of hair tweezers includes two
elastic arms 100 and 102, a connecting portion 103 elastically connecting the proximal ends
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of the arms 100 and 102 to each other, and gripping portions 104 and 105 located at the
distal ends of the respective arms 100 and 102. The gripping portions 104 and 105 have flat
gripping surfaces 104a and 105a, respectively. The gripping surfaces 104a and 105a face
each other.
[0009] As shown in Fig. 8A, when the arms 100 and 102 are not pressed, the gripping
portions 104 and 105 are spaced apart from each other. As shown in Fig. 8B, when the arms
100 and 102 are pressed in the closing directions, the connecting portion 103 is elastically
deformed, and the distal ends of the gripping surfaces 104a and 105a come into contact
with each other. As shown in Fig. 8C, when the arms 100 and 102 are further pressed in the
closing directions, the entire gripping surfaces 104a and 105a come into planar contact with
each other.
[0010] As shown in Fig. 8D, when the arms 100 and 102 are further pressed in the closing
directions, the gripping surfaces 104a and 105a are in contact with each other at their rear
ends. This occurs for the following reason.
[0011] The arms 100 and 102 are connected to the gripping portions 104 and 105,
respectively. After the arms 100 and 102 are pressed in the closing directions and the distal
ends of the gripping surfaces 104a and 105a come into contact with each other as shown in
Fig. 8B, the distal ends where the gripping portions 104 and 105 are in contact function as a
fulcrum point in the range in which the arms 100 and 102 can be elastically deformed.
Thus, a moment acts on the gripping portions 104 and 105 about the fulcrum point C. This
brings the gripping surfaces 104a and 105a into planar contact as shown in Fig. 8C.
[0012] As the arms 100 and 102 are further pressed in the closing directions, the fulcrum
point C moves toward the proximal ends of the gripping surfaces 104a and 105a in the
range in which the arms 100 and 102 can be elastically deformed. When a moment acts on
the gripping portions 104 and 105 about this fulcrum point, the distal ends of the gripping
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surfaces 104a and 105a are separated from each other as shown in Fig. 8D.
[0013] As a result, the gripping surfaces 104a and 105a cannot hold short hairs that do not
reach the proximal ends of the gripping portions 104 and 105. This is the first problem.
[0014] Furthermore, the proximal ends of the gripping portions 104 and 105 may pinch
and cut long hairs extending beyond the proximal ends of the gripping portions 104 and 105
toward the connecting portion 103. This is the second problem.
[0015] Patent Document 1 does not have the first problem because the front ends of the
gripping surfaces do not open when holding a gripping object. However, since the second
gripping surface is smaller in area than the first gripping surface, stress is concentrated on
the part in contact with the gripping object. The part of the gripping object held by the
second gripping surface may break depending on its material. Patent Document 1 therefore
fails to solve the second problem.
[0016] Patent Document 2 discloses, as an example that is not in a "proper state," that the
front ends of the gripping portions are not properly in contact with each other when there
are clearances between the inner surfaces of the arms and the guide portions and the guide
parts. Patent Document 2 presumably solves the first problem because the stopper
provides a "proper state."
[0017] However, although not described in Patent Document 2, if sections of the arms
between the stoppers and the gripping portions are further pressed in the closing directions,
the front ends of the gripping portions may fail to be properly in contact with each other. In
this case, the second problem is not solved.
[0018] Additionally, with Patent Document 2, it is difficult to set the guide portions and
the guide parts to come into contact with the inner surface of the corresponding arm. For
example, the thickness of the gripping object determines the distance between the gripping
portions holding the gripping object. For this reason, the "proper state" is not necessarily
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achieved with every gripping object.
[0019] Patent Documents 3 and 4 fail to disclose specific methods for solving the first
problem and the second problem.
[0020] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a gripping tool that is capable
of, when a gripping object is held between gripping portions, limiting the opening between
the front ends of the gripping portions and also limiting breaking of the gripping object held
between the gripping portions.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0021] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a gripping tool includes
first and second arms connected to each other at proximal ends thereof, a first gripping, a
first gripping portion at a distal end of the first arm, the first gripping portion having a first
gripping surface, and a second gripping portion at a distal end of the second arm, the first
gripping portion having a second gripping surface. The first and second arms are configured
such that the first and second gripping surfaces are in planar contact with each other when
the first and second arms are pressed in closing directions toward each other. At least one of
the first and second gripping portions is an elastic part extending toward the proximal end.
The elastic part is configured to, when the first and second arms are further pressed in the
closing directions from a state in which the first and second gripping surfaces are in planar
contact with each other, be elastically deformed while maintaining the planar contact
between the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a gripping tool according to a first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the gripping tool of Fig. 1.
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Figs. 3A to 3C are side views illustrating an operation of the gripping tool of Fig.
1.
Fig. 4A is a left side view of the gripping tool of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4B is a right side view of the gripping tool of Fig. 1.
Fig. 5A is a front view of the gripping tool of Fig. 1.
Fig. 5B is a rear view of the gripping tool of Fig. 1.
Fig. 6A is a plan view of the gripping tool of Fig. 1.
Fig. 6B is a bottom view of the gripping tool of Fig. 1.
Figs. 7A to 7C are side views illustrating a gripping tool according to a second
embodiment.
Figs. 8A to 8D are side views illustrating a conventional gripping tool.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0023] First Embodiment
Referring to Figs. 1 to 6B, a gripping tool 10 of a first embodiment according to
the present invention is now described. The gripping tool 10 can be used for any of the
purposes of plucking hairs, thorns, or fine fish bones, but is not limited to these
applications. As defined herein, the directions of front, rear, right, and left are based on a
state in which the user holds the gripping tool 10 and its distal end (front end) is directed
forward. Furthermore, the directions perpendicular to the front-rear directions and the rightleft directions are up-down directions. In the present embodiment, a first arm 12, which will
be described below, is located above a second arm 14.
[0024] As shown in Figs. 1, 4A, and 4B, the gripping tool 10 includes the first arm 12 and
the second arm 14. A proximal end (rear end) of the first arm 12 and a proximal end (rear
end) of the second arm 14 are elastically connected to each other. A portion where the arms
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are connected is a connecting portion 16. A distal end (front end) of the first arm 12 and a
distal end (front end) of the second arm 14 are free ends. The distal end of the first arm 12
and the distal end of the second arm 14 include a first gripping portion 20 and a second
gripping portion 22, respectively. The "front end" of the gripping tool 10 is the end in
which the gripping portions 20 and 22 of the arms 12 and 14 are located, and the "rear end"
is the end opposite to the "front end."
[0025] When the user presses the arms 12 and 14 toward each other, the distal ends of the
arms 12 and 14 are closed. This state is referred to as a closed state. When the pressing on
the arms 12 and 14 is cancelled, the distal ends of the arms 12 and 14 return to a state in
which they are separated from each other. This state is referred to as an open state. As used
herein, the expression that "the arms 12 and 14 are pressed" refers to a state in which the
arms 12 and 14 are pressed toward each other, that is, in closing directions.
[0026] As shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, as viewed in a plan view, the arms 12 and 14 extend
linearly and have the same width (the length in the right-left direction) from the proximal
end to the distal end. Hereinafter, the length in the right-left direction is simply referred to
as the width. As shown in Figs. 5B, 6A, and 6B, the width of the connecting portion 16 is
the same as the width of the arms 12 and 14. The gripping tool 10 may be made of
aluminum, for example. The metal gripping tool 10 may be formed through router
processing or stamping (not shown). The material of the gripping tool 10 is not limited to
metal and may be wood or synthetic resin.
[0027] As shown in Figs. 1, 4A, and 4B, the arm 12 is curved in an arcuate shape such that
the centers in the longitudinal direction is located farther from the second arm 14. A
substantially square wave-shaped groove 30 is defined, at least in an open state, between
the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 and between the connecting portion 16 and the distal
end. Specifically, the second arm 14 has a second bulging portion 32 defining the groove
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30. The second bulging portion 32 extends in a trapezoidal shape toward the first arm 12.
The second arm 14 has a trapezoidal stopper 18 defining the groove 30. The stopper 18 is
located between the second bulging portion 32 and the distal end.
[0028] The first arm 12 has a first bulging portion 34 defining the groove 30. The first
bulging portion 34 extends in a trapezoidal shape toward the second arm 14. The first
bulging portion 34 is located between the stopper 18 and the second bulging portion 32.
The stopper 18 comes into contact with the first arm 12 when the arms 12 and 14 are
pressed, thereby stopping the arms 12 and 14 from further coming closer to each other. That
is, the stopper 18 sets the amount of movement when the arms 12 and 14 are pressed. The
thickness (the dimension in the up-down direction) of the first arm 12 may be uniform
except for the first bulging portion 34.
[0029] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3A, the first arm 12 has an extension section extending
from the first bulging portion 34 to the distal end in a uniform thickness, and the extension
section includes the first gripping portion 20. The upper surface (outer surface) of the first
arm 12 is a curved surface continuous from the distal end to the proximal end. The lower
surface (inner surface) of the extension section is an arcuately curved surface along the
outer surface. The inner surface of the first gripping portion 20 serves as a first gripping
surface 20a. The first arm 12 has an arcuately curved surface extending from the first
bulging portion 34 toward the proximal end. The first gripping surface 20a may be flush
with the inner surface of the first arm 12 and have the same radius of curvature as the inner
surface of the first arm 12. The radius of curvature of the first gripping surface 20a may
differ from that of the inner surface of the first arm 12.
[0030] The second arm 14 has a first extension section, which extends between the second
bulging portion 32 and the stopper 18, and a second extension section, which extends
between the second bulging portion 32 and the connecting portion 16. The first and second
10
extension sections have the same thickness.
[0031] As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3A to 3C, 4A and 4B, the second arm 14 has an L-shaped
bent portion between the stopper 18 and the gripping portion 22. The bent portion includes
a section extending forward from the stopper 18 and a section 14a extending upward from
the front end of the section. The second gripping portion 22 extends rearward from the
upper end of the section 14a. The second gripping portion 22 is formed by an elastic part
24.
[0032] The elastic part 24 has a second gripping surface 22a. The second gripping surface
22a is substantially parallel to the first gripping surface 20a. The second gripping surface
22a faces the first gripping surface 20a. The second gripping surface 22a is a curved surface
having the same radius of curvature as the first gripping surface 20a. Specifically, the first
gripping surface 20a is a curved concave surface, and the second gripping surface 22a is a
curved convex surface. The elastic part 24 is thinner than the first gripping portion 20. The
gripping portion 20, which is thicker than the elastic part 24, has higher rigidity than the
elastic part 24.
[0033] As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3A, 4A, and 4B, when the arms 12 and 14 are in an open
state, the second gripping surface 22a is spaced apart from the first gripping surface 20a. As
shown in Fig. 3B, in an initial closed state, the first gripping surface 20a comes into planar
contact with the second gripping surface 22a. A state in which the gripping surfaces 20a
and 22a are in planar contact with each other and the constraining force on the gripping
object held between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a is significantly weak is hereinafter
referred to as a first closed state. In this state, the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are parallel
to each other.
[0034] When further pressed from the first closed state shown in Fig. 3B, the arms 12 and
14 are brought into a second closed state shown in Fig. 3C. During this displacement, the
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elastic part 24 is elastically deformed while maintaining the planar contact between the
gripping surfaces 20a and 22a. Specifically, the first arm 12 is deformed so as to have a
larger radius of curvature and is slightly moved in the direction of arrow b, but the planar
contact between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a is maintained. That is, the first arm 12 is
configured to slide along the second gripping surface 22a and therefore the elastic part 24
when the elastic part 24 is elastically deformed.
[0035] In the second closed state shown in Fig. 3C, the elastic part 24 and the first
gripping portion 20 receive a greater pressing force than in the first closed state shown in
Fig. 3B.
[0036] When the state transitions from the first closed state to the second closed state
occur, the stopper 18 comes into contact with the inner surface of the first arm 12 thereby
stopping the further movement of the arms 12 and 14. The stopper 18 is set to have a size
(protruding height) corresponding to a proper moving distance of the arms 12 and 14. The
stopper 18 is preferably arranged near the gripping portions 20, 22 or the elastic part 24 so
that an excessive pressing force is not applied to the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a and
therefore the gripping object held between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a.
[0037] As shown in Figs. 2, 4B, 5A, and 6B, the gripping portions 20 and 22 have first
and second inclined surfaces 26 and 28, respectively, each defined by a cut on one side (for
example, on the right side). As a result, the gripping portions 20 and 22 and therefore the
gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are tapered.
[0038] Operation of Embodiment
An operation of the gripping tool 10 configured as described above is now
described.
[0039] Figs. 3A and 4A show the gripping tool 10 in the open state. When the arms 12 and
14 are pressed from this state, the connecting portion 16 is elastically deformed, and the
12
arms 12 and 14 assume the first closed state shown in Fig. 3B. When the pressing is
cancelled in this state, the arms 12 and 14 return to the open state of Figs. 1 and 4A.
[0040] In the first closed state, the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are in planar contact with
each other. At this time, the elastic part 24 is not elastically deformed.
[0041] As shown in Fig. 3C, when the arms 12 and 14 are further pressed from the first
closed state, the first arm 12 is deformed so as to have a greater radius of curvature and
press the gripping portion 22, that is, the elastic part 24. The elastic part 24 is pressed by the
deforming gripping surface 22a particularly at its rear end and is thus elastically deformed
in the direction of arrow a. At this time, the planar contact between the gripping surfaces
20a and 22a is maintained. That is, even if the arms 12 and 14 are further pressed in the
closing directions, the planar contact of the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a is maintained.
[0042] A situation is now described in which the gripping tool 10 holds a gripping object
(not shown) such as a hair. When a hair is held between the gripping portions 20 and 22 in
the first closed state, the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are in a state close to planar contact.
The "state close to planar contact" refers to a state in which the gripping surfaces 20a and
22a are not in contact in part due to the presence of the gripping object. In this state, the
gripping object receives a weak constraining force. When the arms 12 and 14 are further
pressed from the first closed state, the elastic part 24 is elastically deformed. At this time,
the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a still hold the gripping object in a state close to planar
contact. That is, the front ends or the proximal ends of the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a do
not act as a fulcrum point, which would otherwise cause a moment about the fulcrum point.
[0043] Accordingly, the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a can sandwich the gripping object
with their entire extension in the front-rear direction. This limits the opening between the
distal ends of the gripping portions 20 and 22. Moreover, since a load is not concentrated on
any particular section of the gripping object, the gripping object held between the gripping
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portions is unlikely to break.
[0044] When deformed to have a greater radius of curvature, the first arm 12 may or may
not slide in the direction of arrow b. The gripping surfaces 20a and 22a maintains a state
close to planar contact with respect to the gripping object even when the first arm 12 slides
as well as when it does not slide.
[0045] As the arms 12 and 14 are further pressed from the first closed state, the groove 30
between the stoppers 18 becomes narrower as shown in Fig. 3C. Then, when the stopper 18
comes into contact with the inner surface of the first arm 12, the further movement of the
arms 12 and 14 is stopped.
[0046] The present embodiment has the following features.
[0047] (1) Of the arms 12 and 14, the gripping portion 22 of the arm 14 is formed by the
elastic part 24 extending toward the connecting portion 16. When the arms 12 and 14 are
further pressed in the closing directions from a state in which the gripping surfaces 20a and
22a are in planar contact, the elastic part 24 is elastically deformed while maintaining the
planar contact between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a.
[0048] As a result, when the gripping portions 20 and 22 hold the gripping object, the
distal ends of the gripping portions 20 and 22 are unlikely to open, and the gripping object
held between the gripping portions 20 and 22 does not break.
[0049] (2) The arms 12 and 14 are elastically connected by the connecting portion 16. As
such, when the pressing is cancelled, the arms 12 and 14 return from the closed state to the
open state.
[0050] (3) The first arm 12 is curved in an arcuate shape. When the elastic part 24 is
elastically deformed, the first arm 12 slides along the second gripping surface 22a. This
maintains the planar contact between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a. That is, even if the
arms 12 and 14 are elastically deformed while holding the gripping object, the gripping
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surfaces 20a and 22a are maintained in a state close to planar contact.
[0051] (4) The gripping portions 20 and 22 have the inclined surfaces 26 and 28, each
defined by an inclined cut on the right side. As a result, it is easy to insert the gripping
object between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a from the right side of the gripping
portions 20 and 22 having the inclined surfaces 26 and 28.
[0052] (5) The second arm 14 has the stopper 18. The stopper 18 limits excessive elastic
deformation of the arms 12 and 14. This reduces the likelihood that an excessive pressing
force is applied to the gripping object held between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a.
[0053] (6) The gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are curved surfaces. Since the gripping
surface 20a in contact with the elastic part 24 slides in a manner conforming to the elastic
deformation of the elastic part 24, the planar contact between the gripping surfaces 20a and
22a is easily maintained.
[0054] (7) The gripping tool 10 can also be used for the purposes of plucking thorns or
fine fish bones.
[0055] Second Embodiment
Referring to Figs. 7A to 7C, a gripping tool 10 of a second embodiment is now
described.
[0056] The following description mainly focuses on the configurations of the gripping tool
10 of the second embodiment that differ from those of the first embodiment. Same
reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment,
and the detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0057] As shown in Fig. 7A, the first arm 12 has an L-shaped bent portion at its distal end
in the same manner as the second arm 14. The bent portion includes a section extending
toward the distal end and a section 12a extending downward from the front end of the
section. The first gripping portion 20 extends rearward from the lower end of the section
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12a. The first gripping portion 20 is formed by an elastic part 25.
[0058] The elastic part 25 has a first gripping surface 20a substantially parallel to the
second gripping surface 22a. The first gripping surface 20a is a curved surface having the
same radius of curvature as the second gripping surface 22a. Specifically, as in the first
embodiment, the first gripping surface 20a is a curved concave surface, and the second
gripping surface 22a is a curved convex surface. The elastic part 25 is thinner than the
section of the first arm 12 excluding the bulging portion 34. The elastic part 25 has the
same thickness as the elastic part 24. As such, the elastic part 25 has a higher elasticity than
the other part of the first arm 12.
[0059] As shown in Fig. 7A, when the arms 12 and 14 are in an open state, the first
gripping surface 20a is spaced apart from the second gripping surface 22a. As shown in Fig.
7B, in a first closed state, the first gripping surface 20a is in planar contact with the second
gripping surface 22a. In the first closed state, the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are in
planar contact with each other, and the constraining force applied to the gripping object
held between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a is significantly weak. In this state, the
gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are substantially parallel to each other.
[0060] When further pressed from the first closed state, the arms 12 and 14 are brought
into a second closed state shown in Fig. 7C. In this state, the elastic parts 25 and 24 are
elastically deformed while maintaining the planar contact between the gripping surfaces 20a
and 22a. Furthermore, the sections 12a and 14a are in contact with each other. The gripping
surfaces 20a and 22a extending rearward from the sections 12a and 14a are in planar
contact with each other.
[0061] Although not shown, the distal ends of the arms 12 and 14 including the sections
12a and 14a of the second embodiment each have an inclined surface on the right side. That
is, as in the first embodiment, one side of each arm 12, 14 is cut, resulting in a smaller
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width (the dimension in the right-left direction).
[0062] Operation of Second Embodiment
An operation of the second embodiment is now described.
[0063] When pressed from the open state shown in Fig. 7A, the arms 12 and 14 are
brought into the first closed state shown in Fig. 7B. When the arms 12 and 14 are further
pressed in the closing directions from this state, the arms 12 and 14 are elastically deformed
as shown in Fig. 7C. The comparison between Figs. 7B and 7C indicates that this elastic
deformation slightly reduces the width of the groove 30, or the clearance, between the arms
12 and 14.
[0064] At this time, the L-shaped sections 12a and 14a in contact with each other receive
forces acting away from each other. Although not clearly shown in Fig. 7C, the sections 12a
and 14a in contact with each other may be separated from each other in some cases. Even in
those cases, the planar contact between the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a is maintained.
That is, even when the pressing force acting on the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are
increased from the first closed state, the planar contact between the gripping surfaces 20a
and 22a is maintained.
[0065] When the gripping tool 10 holds a gripping object (not shown) such as a hair, in
the first closed state, the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a are in a state close to planar contact.
In this state, however, the constraining force applied to the gripping object is weak. When
the arms 12 and 14 are further pressed from the first closed state, the elastic parts 24 and 25
are elastically deformed. In this state, the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a still hold the
gripping object in a state close to planar contact.
[0066] This allows the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a to sandwich the gripping object with
their entire extension in the front-rear direction. As such, unlike conventional
configurations, the distal ends of the gripping portions 20 and 22 are unlikely to open.
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Moreover, since a load is not concentrated on any particular section of the gripping object,
the gripping object held between the gripping portions is unlikely to break.
[0067] The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be
combined as long as the combined modifications remain technically consistent with each
other.
[0068] The arms 12 and 14 may be bent to form an obtuse angle between the proximal end
and the distal end.
[0069] As in the conventional example shown in Fig. 8B, a state in which the front ends of
the gripping portions 20 and 22 are in contact with each other and the rear ends of the
gripping portions 20 and 22 are spaced apart from each other may be defined as a first
closed state. In this case, when the arms 12 and 14 are further pressed in the closing
directions, the gripping surfaces 20a and 22a come into planar contact with each other as
shown in Fig. 3B.
[0070] The configuration of the connecting portion 16 may be modified. For example, a
shaft may rotationally support the rear ends of the arms 12 and 14, and an elastic member,
such as a coil spring, a leaf spring, or a torsion coil spring, may be arranged between the
arms 12 and 14. In this case, a stopper for limiting the opening of the arms 12 and 14 is
preferably provided to stop the arms 12 and 14 from opening more than necessary.
[0071] The arms 12 and 14 may extend linearly.
[0072] The arms 12 and 14 do not have to include inclined surfaces. Alternatively, the
arms 12 and 14 may have an inclined surface (tapered surface) on each of the right and left
sides, or may have an inclined surface only on the left side.
[0073] The gripping surfaces 20a and 22a may be flat.
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We Claim: -
1. A gripping tool (10) comprising:
first and second arms (12, 14) connected to each other at proximal ends thereof;
a first gripping portion (20) at a distal end of the first arm (12), the first gripping
portion (20) having a first gripping surface (20a); and
a second gripping portion (22) at a distal end of the second arm (14), the second
gripping portion (22) having a second gripping surface (22a), wherein
the first and second arms (12, 14) are configured such that the first and second
gripping surfaces (20a, 22a) are in planar contact with each other when the first and second
arms (12, 14) are pressed in closing directions toward each other,
at least one of the first and second gripping portions (20, 22) is an elastic part (24)
extending toward the proximal end, and
the elastic part (24) is configured to, when the first and second arms (12, 14) are
further pressed in the closing directions from a state in which the first and second gripping
surfaces (20a, 22a) are in planar contact with each other, be elastically deformed while
maintaining the planar contact between the first gripping surface (20a) and the second
gripping surface (22a).
2. The gripping tool (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximal ends of
the first and second arms (12, 14) are elastically connected to each other such that, when the
pressing on the first and second gripping portions (20, 22) in contact with each other in a
closed state is cancelled, the first and second gripping portions (20, 22) return to an open
state in which the first and second gripping portions (20, 22) are spaced apart from each
other.
3. The gripping tool (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
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the second gripping portion (22) is the elastic part (24), and
the first arm (12) is curved in an arcuate shape and configured to slide along the
second gripping surface (22a) when the elastic part (24) is elastically deformed.
4. The gripping tool (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the
first and second gripping portions (20, 22) has an inclined surface (26, 28) defined by an
inclined cut located on one side such that the first and second gripping surfaces (20a, 22a)
are tapered.
5. The gripping tool (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of
the first and second arms (12, 14) has a stopper (18) configured to set an amount of
movement of the arm for a case in which the arm is pressed.
6. The gripping tool (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and
second gripping surfaces (20a, 22a) are flat or curved surfaces.
7. The gripping tool (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 6, wherein the gripping
tool (10) is a pair of hair tweezers, a pair of tweezers for thorns, or a pair of tweezers for
fine fish bones.