TUBE BODY PERFORMANCE COMPARISON DISPLAY UNIT
TECHNICALFIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a tube body performance comparison display unit (a
tube body performance comparison display) for visually comparing a shape retention
ability of an elastically deformable tube body such as a hose or a tube.
Specifically, the present invention relates to a tube body performance comparison
display unit capable of visually comparing, for example, folding or twisting of a tube
body through a simple manipulation.
BACKGROUNDART
[0002]
In the prior art, as such a type of the tube body performance comparison apparatus,
there is known an apparatus for testing a dynamic property of a test hose by repeatedly
generating a bending motion in the middle portion of the test hose. The apparatus
includes a fixing member that holds one-side ends of a plurality of test hoses and a
movable member that holds opposite-side ends of the hoses. The fixing member and
the movable member are arranged to face each other along a straight line. The
movable member has a movement axis line lying on a bisector with the fixing member,
and has angle/movement width adjustment means capable of swaying in a circular arc
manner with a predetermined width from a predetermined angle (for example, refer to
Patent Literature 1).
CITATIONLIST
PATENTLITERATURE
[0003]
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. S59-046836
SUMMARYOFINVENTION
TECHNICALPROBLEM
[0004]

Out of various types of elastically deformable tube bodies, some of the tube bodies
have an inferior folding or twisting resistance, by which, if the tube bodies are
elastically bent, the tube bodies are folded or twisted to generate a flat squashing as a
bending force is concentrated on a part of the tube bodies, so that a kink state in which
its internal path is perfectly blocked is easily generated. Some of the tube bodies have
excellent shape retention abilities such as a folding or twisting resistance, by which a
flat squashing caused by folding or twisting a part of the tube bodies is not generated,
and the tube body is resistant to a kink state even by elastically bending the tube bodies
having the same length with the same curvature.However, although the tube bodies
have excellent shape retention abilities, it is difficult to advertise superiority in a
folding or twisting resistance and the like to consumers.
In this regard, there is a demand for a tube body performance comparison display
unit (a tube body performance comparison display) capable of simply comparing shape
retention abilities in practice in front of consumers between a tube body having a
superior shape retention ability and a typical tube body serving as a comparison sample
by performing a bending test or the like under the same condition.
However, in the tube body performance comparison apparatus of the prior art
described above, a middle portion of the hose held in a straight shape is bent by swaying
the opposite-side end of the hose using the movable member. Therefore, in order to
bend the tube body until a kink state in which a middle portion of the hose is squashed,
and the internal path is perfectly blocked, it is necessary to move the opposite-side end
of the hose with a large sway angle, and it also takes time. Therefore, the tube body
performance comparison apparatus of the prior art is not suitable for an apparatus for
quickly comparing the tube bodies regarding whether or not a kink state is generated.
In addition, since, for example, a crank mechanism, a piston mechanism, and a
driving power source thereof are necessary as a mechanism for swaying the movable
member, a size of the entire apparatus increases. Therefore, the tube body
performance comparison apparatus of the prior art is not suitable for a hose
performance comparison display furnished in a shop or the like.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to address such problems and simply and
clearly compare shape retention abilities such as a folding or twisting resistance of tube
bodies serving as a comparison sample.
SOLUTIONTOPROBLEM

[0006]
In order to address the problems, according to an aspect of the invention, there is
provided a tube body performance comparison display unit including: a first holding
part where one-side ends of a plurality of elastically deformable tube bodies having the
same length and different shape retention abilities are respectively installed;a second
holding part where opposite-side ends of said plurality of tube bodies are respectively
installed by bending said plurality of tube bodies installed in said first holding part with
the same curvature; and a shifting means for relatively shifting one of or both of said
first and second holding parts,wherein said shifting means has a straight track, said
first holding part and said second holding part are respectively arranged such that an
axis direction of said track intersects with a direction of installing said one-side ends of
said tube bodies to said first holding part and a direction of installing said opposite-side
ends of said tube bodies to said second holding part, said one-side ends and said
opposite-side ends of said tube bodies are juxtaposed along the axis direction of said
track, and bent portions of said tube bodies protrude in the same direction to intersect
with the axis direction of said track, and said tube bodies are further bent in respective
bending directions with the same amount at the same time by relatively shifting said
first and second holding parts to approach to each other using said shifting means.
ADVANTAGEOUSEFFECTSOFINVENTION
[0007]
According to the invention having the aforementioned characteristics, the tube
bodies arefurther bent in respective bending directions with the same amount at the
same time by installing one-side ends of a plurality of tube bodies having the same
length and different shape retention abilities in the first holding part, installing the
opposite-side ends thereof in the second holding part to respectively bend the tube
bodies with the same curvature, and relatively shifting one of or both of the first and
second holding parts using the shifting means, so that squashing section caused by
folding or twisting is created in somewhere of the tube bodies.
Therefore, it is possible to simply and clearly compare shape retention abilities such
as a folding or twisting resistance of the tube bodies serving as a comparison sample.
As a result, in comparison with the tube body performance comparison apparatus of
the prior art in which a middle portion of the hose held in a straight shape is bent by
swaying the opposite-side end of the hose using the movable member, the tube bodies

are set in a bent state in advance and are then further bent. Therefore, even when an
angle of further bending is relatively small, it is possible to visually quickly recognize
whether or not there is a kink or a phenomenon similar to a kink, in which the inner
path is perfectly blocked, by generating a flat squashing caused by folding or twisting.
In addition, it is possible to compare a flat squashing state caused by folding or
twisting even in a portion close to the one-side ends held by the first holding part and a
portion close to the opposite-side ends held by the second holding part as well as the
middle portion of the tube bodies where a bending force is easily concentrated.
Therefore, it is possible to simulate a field condition under which the tube bodies are
fitted in practice.
Furthermore, it is possible to allow a consumer to bend a plurality of tube bodies as
desired and actually experience which of the tube bodies suffers from a flat squashing
and internal path blocking caused by folding and twisting, easily understand a
difference of shape retention abilities between tube bodies, and simplify a structure of
the entire apparatus. Therefore, the tube body performance comparison display unit
according to the invention is optimally used as a tube body performance comparison
display furnished in a shop or the like.
Therefore, it is possible to advertise superiority of a shape retention ability of a tube
body to consumers and effectively promote sales.
BRIEFDESCRIPTIONOFDRAWINGS
[0008]
Figs. 1(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the entire configuration of a
tube body performance comparison display unit according to an embodiment of the
invention, in which Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view illustrating a tube body setting state,
and Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view illustrating a comparison state of tube bodies.
Figs. 2 (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the entire configuration of
the tube body performance comparison display unit according to another embodiment of
the invention, in which Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view illustrating a tube body setting
state, and Fig. 2(b) is a reduced perspective view illustrating a comparison state of the
tube bodies during the shifting.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a comparison state of tube bodies when the
shifting is completed.
DESCRIPTIONOFEMBODIMENTS

[0009]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
A tube body performance comparison display unit A according to an embodiment of
the invention is used to visually compare the shape retention ability of tube bodies by
setting a plurality of elastically deformable tube bodies having different shape retention
abilities such as a folding resistance or a twisting resistance and applying bending
deformation to the tube bodies under the same condition in practice as illustrated in
Figs. 1(a) to 3. The tube body performance comparison display unit is used as a display
for comparing performance of the tube bodies in practice in front of consumers.
As a specific example of the tube body performance comparison display unit A, a
description will be made for a case where a pair of tube bodies B and C are set, and their
folding resistances are compared.
More specifically, as illustrated in Figs. 1(a) to 2(b), the tube body performance
comparison display unit A includes as main constituting elements: a first holding part 1
where one-side ends B1 and C1 of a plurality of tube bodies B and C having the same
length and different shape retention abilities are installed; a second holding part 2
where opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C are installed by bending
(curving) a plurality of tube bodies B and C installed in the first holding part 1 with the
same curvature; and a shifting means 3 that relatively shifts one of or both of the first
and second holding parts 1 and 2.
[0010]
The first holding part 1 is provided to face outer or inner peripheries of one-side ends
Bl and C1 of the tube bodies B and C. The first holding part 1 immovably supports
one-side ends Bl and C1 of the tube bodies B and C as one-side ends B1 and C1 of the
tube bodies B and C are installed in the first holding part l.When the tube bodies B and
C are removed from the first holding part 1 for exchange, the one-side ends B1 and C1
become detachable by separating (pulling off) the tube bodies B and C oppositely to the
installation direction of one-side ends B1 and C1.
As a specific example, the first holding part 1 is preferably formed in tubular shapes
such as cylindrical or polygonaltube shapes detachably fitted to the outer peripheries of
the one-side ends B1 and C1 of the tube bodies B and C, or incolumnar shapes such as
circular or polygonal column shapes, or cylindrically shapes, detachably fitted to the
inner peripheries of one-side ends Bl and C1 of the tube bodies B and C.Furthermore,

as necessary, the first holding part 1 may be formed in double tubular shapes arranged
in a concentric manner or as a combination of cylindrical and columnar shapes,
detachably fitted to the outer or inner peripheries of one-side ends B1 and C1 of the
tube bodies B and C. Alternatively, recessed and projected parts for not pulling off the
tube bodies may also be integratedly formed.
[0011]
The second holding part 2 is provided to face outer or inner peripheries of
opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C and approximately in parallel
with the first holding part 1. As the outer or inner peripheries of the opposite-side
ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C are installed in the second holding part 2, the
opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C are immovably supported.
The second holding part 2 is mounted in the same direction as the installation direction
of the one-side ends B1 and C1 of the tube bodies B and C with respect to the first
holding part 1 or oppositely to the installation direction of the one-side ends B1 and C1
of the tube bodies B and C with respect to the first holding part l.When the tube bodies
B and C are removed from the second holding part 2 for exchange, the opposite-side
ends B2 and C2 becomes detachable by separating (pulling off) the tube bodies B and C
oppositely to the installation direction of the opposite-side ends B2 and C2.
As a specific example of the second holding part 2, the second holding part 2 is
preferably formed in tubular shapes such as cylindrical or polygonaltube shapes
detachably fitted to the outer peripheries of the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the
tube bodies B and C, or in columnar shapes such as circular or polygonal column
shapes,or cylindrical shapes, detachably fitted to the inner peripheries of the
opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C.Furthermore, as necessary, the
second holding part 2 may be formed in double tubular shapes arranged in a concentric
manner or as a combination of cylindrical and columnar shapes, detachably fitted to the
outer or inner peripheries of the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and
C. Alternatively, recessed and projected parts for not pulling off the tube bodies may
also be integratedly formed.
[0012]
The first and second holding parts 1 and 2 are arranged to change an interval
therebetween by the shifting means 3 as described below.
Both the tube bodies B and C are set in a bent (or curved) state approximately in
asemicircular shape, aU-shape or a circular shape by installing the one-side ends B1

and C1 of the tube bodies B and C in the first holding part 1 and installing the
opposite-side ends B2 and C2 in the second holding part 2 in an initial state in which
the first and second holding parts 1 and 2 separate or approachfrom each other using
the shifting means 3.
[0013]
The shifting means 3 relatively shifts the first and second holding parts 1 and 2 to
approachor separate from each other in order to furtherbend the tube bodies B and C in
respective bending directions with the same amount at the same time.That is, the
shifting means 3 is configured to displace the one-side ends B1 and C1 of the tube bodies
B and C held in the first holding part 1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube
bodies B and C held in the second holding part 2 to approach or separate from each
other and bend both the tube bodies B and C in respective bending directions with the
same amount at the same time by relatively shifting the first and second holding parts 1
and 2 to approach or separate from each other, so that the situation change of the tube
bodies B and C caused by such a displacement can be compared.
That is, the tube bodies B and C having different shape retention abilities are
further bent from the initial setting state to generate a flat squashing caused by folding
or twisting in somewhere of the tube bodies B and C by approaching or separating the
one-side ends Bl and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 to/from each other using
the shifting means 3.
[0014]
As a specific example of the shifting means 3, the shifting means 3 is provided across
the first and second holding parts 1 and 2. The shifting means 3 is configured to make
a displacement such that the tube bodies B and C set in the first and second holding
parts 1 and 2 are further bent (curved) in respective bending (curve) directions with the
same amount at the same time by shifting any one of the first and second holding parts
1 and 2 to approach or separate from the other one.
Alternatively, the shifting means 3 may be configured to make a displacement such
that the tube bodies B and C are further bent in respective bending directions with the
same amount at the same time by shifting both the first and second holding parts 1 and
2 to approach or separate from each other.
[0015]
Preferably, the shifting means 3 has a straight track 3a by which one of or both of the

first and second holding parts 1 and 2 are reciprocatably supported in a straight
direction.
For example, as illustrated in Figs. l(a) and 1(b), the straight track 3a of the shifting
means 3 is preferably arranged to intersect with the installation direction of the
one-side ends B1 and C1 of the tube bodies B and C to the first holding part 1 and the
installation direction of the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C to
the second holding part 2.As a result, one of or both of the first and second holding parts
1 and 2 shift with respect to each other straightly in a direction intersecting with the
installation directions of the one-side ends Bl and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and
C2 of the tube bodies B and C along the track 3a.
The shifting means 3 preferably has a manual operation portion 3b provided in one
of or both of the first and second holding parts 1 and 2.
That is, using the manual operation portion 3b provided in the shifting means 3,
one of or both of the first and second holding parts 1 and 2 are relatively shifted.
[0016]
Meanwhile, the tube bodies B and C having different shape retention abilities such
as a folding resistance or a twisting resistance are prepared by cutting in a
predetermined length.
As a specific example of the tube body B havingan excellentshape retention ability, a
laminated hose is prepared, in which a first helical reinforcing wire formed of
monofilament and a second helical reinforcing wire formed of multifilament are wound
reversely to each other between inner and outer layers formed of a soft synthetic resin.
The laminated hose is resistant to a flat squashing caused by folding or twisting a part
of the tube bodies even when the tube bodies are elastically bent (curved).
As a specific example of the tube body C serving as a comparison sample and having
a folding resistance of a twisting resistance lower than that of the tube body B, a
laminated hose is prepared, in which a plurality of helical reinforcing wires formed of
synthetic resin strings are wound to cross each other between inner and outer layers
formed of a soft synthetic resin. The laminated hose as a comparison sample is
susceptible to a flat squashing caused when a bending force generated by elastically
bending (curving) the tube bodies is concentrated on a part of the tube bodies to
generate folding or twisting.
Alternatively, although not illustrated in the drawings, a hose, a tube or the like
having a single layer structure unlike the laminated hose described above may also be
used as the tube bodies B and C.

[0017]
In the tube body performance comparison display unit A according to the
embodiment of the invention described above, first, the setting is performed by
respectively installing the one-side ends B1 and C1 of a plurality of tube bodies B and C
having the same length and different shape retention abilities in the first holding part 1,
and respectively installing the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C
in the second holding part 2 such that both the tube bodies B and C are respectively
bent approximately in a semicircular shape, a U-shape, or a circular shape with the
same curvature as illustrated in Fig. l(a) or 2(a).
In this setting state, as illustrated in Fig. 1(b) or 2(b), using the shifting means 3, the
one-side ends B1 and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and
C are displaced to approach or separate from each other by relatively shifting one of or
both of the first and second holding parts 1 and 2, so that both the tube bodies B and C
are furtherbent in respective bending directions with the same amount at the same
time.
Accordingly, squashing is generated as somewhere of the tube bodies B and C is
folded or twisted.
For example, since a bending force is easily concentrated on the middle portions B3
and C3 of the tube bodies B and C, folding or twisting is generated in any of the middle
portions B3 and C3 in many cases.
Furthermore, the bending force is also applied to portions of the tube bodies B and C,
corresponding to a fitting connection portion, close to the one-side ends B1 and C1 of the
tube bodies B and C installed in the first holding part 1 or close to the opposite-side ends
B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C installed in the second holding part 2. Therefore,
folding or twisting is generated therefrom in some cases.
[0018]
In the illustrated example, as the tube body B having an excellent shape retention
ability such as a folding resistance or a twisting resistance, a laminated hose is set, in
which a first helical reinforcing wire formed of monofilament and a second helical
reinforcing wire formed of multifilament are wound reversely to each other between
inner and outer layers.In this case, it was possible to visually quickly recognize that a
flat squashing caused by partial folding or twisting is not generated, and the tube body
B does not suffer from a kink or a phenomenon similar to a kink, in which the inner
path is perfectly blocked, even when the middle portion B3 is further bent.

In addition, it was possible to visually quickly recognize that the tube body B having
an excellent shape retention ability does not suffer from a flat squashing caused by
folding or twisting and from a kink or a phenomenon similar to a kink, in which the
inner path is perfectly blocked, even in a portion close to one-side end B1 installed in the
first holding part 1 and a portion close to the other end side B2 installed in the second
holding part 2.
In comparison, when the laminated hose obtained by winding a plurality of helical
reinforcing wires formed of synthetic resin strings to cross each other between inner
and outer layers is set as the tube body C having an inferior shape retention ability such
as a folding resistance or a twisting resistance, and the middle portion C3 thereof is
further bent, it was possible to visually quickly recognize that a bending force is
concentrated on a part thereof, a flat squashing is caused by folding or twisting, and a
kink or a phenomenon similar to a kink, in which the inner path is perfectly blocked, is
generated.
In the tube body C having an inferiorshape retention ability, it was possible to
visually quickly recognize that a flat squashing caused by folding or twisting is not
generated, and a kink or a phenomenon similar to a kink, in which the inner path is
perfectly blocked, is not generated in a portion close to the one-side end C1 installed in
the first holding part 1 and a portion close to the opposite-side end C2 installed in the
second holding part 2.
[0019]
Therefore, it is possible to simply and clearly discriminate shape retention abilities
such as a folding resistance or a twisting resistance between the tube bodies B and C
serving as a comparison sample.
In addition, it is possible to compare a flat squashing condition caused by folding or
twisting in a portion close to the one-side ends B1 and C1 held by the first holding part 1
and a portion close to the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 held by the second holding part
2, corresponding to the fitting connection portions of the tube bodies B and C, as well as
the middle portions B3 and C3 where a bending force is easily concentrated in the tube
bodies B and C. Therefore, it is possible to simulate a field condition under which the
tube bodies B and C are fitted in practice.
Furthermore, it is possible to allow a consumer to bend a plurality of tube bodies B
and C at the same time as desired and actually experience which of the tube bodies
suffers from a flat squashing and internal path blocking caused by folding and twisting,
easily understand a difference of shape retention abilities between tube bodies, and

simplify a structure of the entire apparatus. Therefore, the tube body performance
comparison display unit described above is optimally used as a tube body performance
comparison display furnished in a shop or the like.
[0020]
In particular, if the first holding part 1 is formed in tubular or columnar shapes
detachably fitted to the one-side ends B1 and C1 of the tube bodies B and C, and the
second holding part 2 is formed in a tubular or columnar shape detachably fitted to the
opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C, it is possible to prevent a
positional deviation, rattling, or erroneous removal of the tube bodies B and C when the
tube bodies B and C are set by fitting the one-side ends B1 and C1 of the tube bodies B
and C to the first holding part 1 and fitting the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube
bodies B and C to the second holding part 2.
Accordingly, it is possible to easily set and exchange the tube bodies B and C with a
simple structure.
As a result, it is possible to further simplify a structure of the entire apparatus and
reduce cost.
[0021]
If the shifting means 3 has a straight track 3a, and the track 3a is arranged to
intersect with the installation direction of the one-side ends B1 and C1 of the tube
bodies B and C to the first holding part 1 and the installation direction of the
opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C to the second holding part 2,
the one-side ends B1 and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B
and C approach or separate from each other by straightly shifting the first and second
holding parts 1 and 2 along the track 3a with respect to each other, so that the tube
bodies B and C are bent to intersect with the respective installation directions at the
same time.
Accordingly, it is possible to keephigh pulling-out strength of the one-side ends Bl
and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C to the first and
second holding parts 1 and 2.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the one-side ends B1 and C1 and the
opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C from falling off from the first
and second holding parts 1 and 2 during the bending test for the tube bodies B and
C.Hence the bending test for the tube bodies B and C can be implemented safely.

[0022]
If the shifting means 3 has a manual operation portion 3b provided in one of or both
of the first and second holding parts 1 and 2, the first and second holding parts 1 and 2
are relatively displaced using the manual operation portion 3b.
Accordingly, it is possible to repeatedly compare shape retention abilities while
recognizing the bending states of the tube bodies B and C in a powerless manner.
As a result, it is possible to allow a consumer to gain actual experience until the
consumer is convinced.
Moreover, since no power source is necessary, it is possible to compare shape
retention abilities between tube bodies B and C in any place and implement a light
weight and a compact structure. Therefore, in particular, the tube body performance
comparison display unit described above is optimally used as a tube body performance
comparison display furnished in a shop or the like.
Next, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[Embodiment l]
[0023]
In Embodiment 1, in addition to the straight track 3a by which one of the first
holding part land the second holding part 2 is reciprocatably supported, a fixing
member 4 by which the other one of the first and second holding parts 1 and 2 is
immovably fixed is provided as illustrated in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), so that one of the first
holding part land the second holding part 2 is reciprocated with respect to the other one
of the first and second holding parts 1 or 2 along the track 3a.
Accordingly, the tube bodies B and C are further bent in respective bending
directions with the same amount at the same time by shifting the one-side ends B1 and
C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C to approach each
other.
[0024]
In the embodiment of Fig. 1(a), the setting is performed by arranging the first and
second holding parts 1 and 2 to intersect with (to be orthogonal to) the track 3a of the
shifting means 3 and protrude in the same direction, and installing the tube bodies B
and C in the first and second holding parts 1 and 2 such that the tube bodies B and C
are bent (curved) approximately in a semicircular shape or a U-shape with the same
curvature in general.

In addition, in the embodiment of Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), the first holding part 1 is fixed
to the fixing member 4, and the second holding part 2 where the manual operation
portion 3b is integrated is reciprocated along the track 3a in a manual manner.
[0025]
Specifically, each of the first and second holding parts 1 and 2 has a pair of tubular
fittings la and 2a formed in a cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than those of
the one-side ends B1 and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B
and C. The tube bodies B and C are detachably held by inserting the one-side ends B1
and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C into the
cylindrical fittings la and 2a.
As necessary, recessed and projected parts for not pulling off the tube bodies (not
illustrated) fitted to the inner peripheries of the one-side ends B1 and C1 and the
opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C may also be integratedly
formed in the inner peripheries of the tubular fittings la and 2a.
[0026]
The track 3a and the fixing member 4 are formed by bars or poles and are connected
approximately in parallel by a plurality of (a pair of) connecting members 5.The first
holding part 1 is interposed between an annular stopper 4a provided in the fixing
member 4 and the connecting member 5 and is fixed immovably with respect to the
fixing member 4.
The track 3a and the fixing member 4 have approximately the same length and come
close to each other such that the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 are juxtaposed with the
one-side ends Bl and C1 of the tube bodies B and C in a width direction orthogonal to
the shifting direction thereof as illustrated in Fig. 1(b) by shifting the second holding
part 2 from the setting state of Fig. l(a) to approach the first holding part 1 along the
track 3a.
The first and second holding parts 1 and 2 are formed by connecting a plurality of (a
pair of) T-type branch pipes (T-type tees) 6 and 7 made of a synthetic resin or metal
material and commercially available as a plumbing component.
The track 3a and the fixing member 4 are formed by using a pipe made of a synthetic
resin or metal material and commercially available as a plumbing component such that
the pipe penetrates through the through-holes 6a and 7a of the T-type branch pipes 6
and 7 in a loose fitting state and has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner
diameter of the through-holes 6a and 7a.The tube bodies B and C are detachably held by

inserting the one-side ends B1 and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube
bodies B and C into the branching holes 6b and 7b of the T-type branch pipe.
Alternatively, although not illustrated in the drawings, the opposite-side ends B2
and C2 of the tube bodies B and C may further shift over the fixed positions of the
one-side ends Bl and C1 by lengthening the track 3a to be longer than the fixing
member 4. Alternatively, instead of the T-type branch pipes 6 and 7, the first and
second holding parts 1 and 2 may be manufactured by juxtaposing a plurality of (a pair
of) tubular bodies or columnar bodies to approach each other.
[0027]
In the tube body performance comparison display unit A according to Embodiment 1
of the invention, it is possible to shift the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 to approach the
fixed positions of the one-side ends Bl and Cl of the tube bodies B and C such that they
are juxtaposed in a width direction orthogonal to the shifting direction thereof even
when T-type branch pipes 6 and 7 are used as the first and second holding parts 1 and 2
in a comparison state of the tube bodies B and C in which the first holding part 1 and
the second holding part 2 are relatively shifted to approach to each other as illustrated
in Fig. 1(b). Alternatively, it is possible to bend the tube bodies B and C with a larger
curvature by further shifting the opposite-side ends B2 and C2.
As a result, it is possible to use commercially available components. Therefore,
advantageously, it is possible to remarkably reduce the manufacturing cost.
[Embodiment 2]
[0028]
Embodiment 2 is different from Embodiment 1 illustrated in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) in
that, as illustrated in Figs. 2(a) to 3, a single track 3a supports both the first and second
holding parts 1 and 2, and the one-side ends Bl and Cl and the opposite-side ends B2
and C2 of the tube bodies B and C are shifted to separate from each other by
reciprocating one of the first and second holding parts 1 and 2 along the track 3a, so
that tube bodies B and C are further bent with the same amount in respective bending
directions at the same time. Other configurations are similar to those of Embodiment
1 illustrated in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b).
[0029]
The track 3a is formed to have a length approximately the same as or slightly
shorter than that of the cut lengths of the tube bodies B and C.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2(a), the setting is performed by arranging the first and
second holding parts 1 and 2 to protrude approximately in parallel with the track 3a of
the shifting means 3 and face each other in the opposite direction such that the tube
bodies B and C are bent (curved) in an approximately circular (cursive script of "e")
shape with the same curvature in general with respect to the first and second holding
parts 1 and 2.
In addition, in the embodiment of Figs. 2(a) to 3, the first holding part 1 is fixed to
the track 3a, and the second holding part 2 having the manual operation portion 3b
integratedly formed is reciprocated along the track 3a in a manual manner.
[0030]
Specifically, each of the first and second holding parts 1 and 2 has a pair of nipples
lb and 2b formed in a circular cylinder or column shape having a diameter smaller than
those of the one-side ends B1 and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube
bodies B and C. Each of the tube bodies B and C is detachably held by inserting the
nipples lb and 2b into the one-side ends B1 and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and
C2 of the tube bodies B and C As necessary, it is preferable that recessed and projected
parts for not pulling off the tube bodies (not illustrated) engaged with the inner
peripheries of the one-side ends B1 and C1 and the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the
tube bodies B and C be integratedly formed in the outer peripheries of the nipples lb
and 2b.
A pair of nipples lb where the one-side ends B1 and C1 of the tube bodies B and C
are fitted are installed to have a predetermined gap in a width direction orthogonal to
the axis direction of the track 3a with respect to the first support member 8 A pair of
nipples 2b where the opposite-side ends B2 and C2 of the tube bodies B and C are fitted
are installed to have a predetermined gap in a width direction orthogonal to the axis
direction of the track 3a with respect to the second support member 9.
[0031]
The first support member 8 and the second support member 9 have through-holes 8a
and 9a where the track 3a made of a synthetic resin or metal pipe is inserted in a loose
fitting state. The nipples 1b and 2b are installed using stop means 8b and 9b such as a
screw or a nail.The first support member 8 is immovably fixed to the track 3a using a
first stopper 8c such as a screw or a bolt.In the second support member 9, a shifting
range of the second support member 7 is restricted by the second stopper 9c such as a
cap fixed to a distal end of the track 3a.

Alternatively, although not illustrated in the drawings, the nipples lb and 2b, the
first support member 8, the second support member 9, the fixing means 8b and 9b, or
the first and second stoppers 8c and 9c may be modified to have a structure different
from those shown in the drawings.
[0032]
In such a tube body performance comparison display unit A according to
Embodiment 2 of the invention, both the tube bodies B and C are further bent in
respective bending directions with the same amount at the same time as in the
situation illustrated in Fig. l(b) when one of the first holding part 1 and the second
holding part 2 is shifted to the vicinity of the middle position of the track 3a as
illustrated in Fig. 2(b).As a result, in the tube body C in the illustrated embodiment, the
middle portion C3 thereof is partially folded so that the inner path squashes.
Then, by shifting one of the first holding part 1 and the second holding part 2 to the
vicinity of the distal end of the track 3a as illustrated in Fig. 3, both the tube bodies B
and C are further bent in respective bending directions with the same amount at the
same time.As a result, in the tube body C in the illustrated embodiment, the middle
portion C3 thereof is partially twisted, and the internal path perfectly squashes.On the
contrary, the tube body B in the illustrated embodiment is smoothly twisted in general,
but the internal path does not squash anywhere.
Therefore, advantageously, it is possible to bend the tube bodies B and C with a
larger curvature in comparison with Embodiment 1 illustrated in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b).
[0033]
It is noted that, although the embodiments described above show a case where the
tube bodies B and C are compared in regard to shape retention abilities such as a
folding resistance or a twisting resistance, the invention is not limited thereto. Instead,
three or more tube bodies may be set and compared in regard to the shape retention
ability.
REFERENCESIGNSLIST
[0034]
1 first holding part
2 second holding part
3 shifting means

3a track
3b manual operation portion
B, C tube body
B1, C1 one-side end
B2, C2 opposite-side end

CLAIMS
[Claim 1]
A tube body performance comparison display unit comprising:
a first holding part where one-side ends of a plurality of elastically deformable tube
bodies having the same length and different shape retention abilities are respectively
installed;
a second holding part where opposite-side ends of said plurality of tube bodies are
respectively installed by bending said plurality of tube bodies installed in said first
holding part with the same curvature; and
ashifting means for relatively shifting one of or both of said first and second holding
parts,
wherein said shifting means has a straight track,
said first holding part and said second holding part are respectively arranged such
that an axis direction of said track intersects with a direction of installing said one-side
ends of said tube bodies to said first holding part and a direction of installing said
opposite-side ends of said tube bodies to said second holding part, said one-side ends
and said opposite-side ends of said tube bodies are juxtaposed along the axis direction of
said track, and bent portions of said tube bodies protrude in the same direction to
intersect with the axis direction of said track, and said tube bodies are further bent in
respective bending directions with the same amount at the same time by relatively
shifting said first and second holding parts to approach to each other using said shifting
means.
[Claim 2]
The tube body performance comparison display unit according to Claim 1, wherein
said first holding part is formed in tubular or columnar shapes detachably fitted to said
one-side ends of said tube bodies, and said second holding part is formed in tubular or
columnar shapes detachably fitted to said opposite-side ends of said tube bodies.
[Claim 3]
The tube body performance comparison display unit according to Claim 1 or 2,
further comprising a fixing member immovably fixing eitherone of said first and second
holding parts, wherein said track reciprocatably supports the other one of said first and
second holding parts, and the one of said first and second holding parts is reciprocated
toward the other one of said first and second holding parts along said track.

[Claim 4]
The tube body performance comparison display unit according to any one of Claims 1
to 3, wherein said shifting means has a manual operation portion provided in one of or
both of said first and second holding parts.