Patent Publication Number: US-2022221386-A1

Title: Object Hardness Measuring Device and Method

Description:
This non-provisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-004055 filed on Jan. 14, 2021, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-001381 filed on Jan. 7, 2022, with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an object hardness measuring device and an object hardness measuring method. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     Conventionally, the hardness of a catching tool for baseball or softball as an example of a measurement object is evaluated by feeling when a user wears the catching tool for baseball or softball and opens and closes the catching tool for baseball or softball. Therefore, some sporting goods stores provide a service of adjusting the hardness of a catching tool by hitting or stretching the catching tool until hardness desired by a user is obtained. 
     However, for a product evaluated by the user&#39;s sense, it is difficult for the user himself/herself or the store side to appropriately determine how much adjustment should be performed. That is, in a case where the hardness of the measurement object is evaluated by an individual sense, there is no appropriate method for quantitatively evaluating the hardness. Therefore, it is not possible to prepare a product for each user in advance, and there is a problem that it takes time for adjustment with a customer for each store. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an object hardness measuring device and an object hardness measuring method, both of which are capable of quantitatively evaluating hardness of a measurement object. 
     An object hardness measuring device of the present invention is a measuring device for measuring hardness of a measurement object. An object hardness measuring device includes a first side portion, a second side portion, a pedestal unit, a load unit, a measuring unit, and a holding unit. The first side portion presses one side surface of the measurement object. The second side portion presses a symmetrical side surface of the measurement object, the symmetrical side surface being symmetrical with the one side surface of the measurement object. The pedestal unit includes a bottom plate and a slide rail unit attached to a top surface of the bottom plate. The pedestal unit is movable on the second side portion with respect to the first side portion. The load unit applies a load to the measurement object by moving the second side portion with respect to the first side portion via the pedestal unit such that the first side portion presses the one side surface and the second side portion presses the symmetrical side surface. The measuring unit is able to measure, in a state where the load acts on the measurement object, at least one of a movement distance of the second side portion with respect to the first side portion and a change amount of the load when the second side portion is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position. The holding unit is connected onto the slide rail unit of the pedestal unit. The holding unit is able to hold the measurement object, and is movable between the first side portion and the second side portion by the slide rail unit. 
     An object hardness measuring method of the present invention is a measuring method for measuring hardness of a measurement object. The object hardness measuring method includes the following steps. A second side portion is moved with respect to a first side portion by a pedestal unit including a bottom plate and a slide rail unit attached to a top surface of the bottom plate such that the first side portion is in contact with one side surface of the measurement object and the second side portion is in contact with a symmetrical side surface of the measurement object, the symmetrical side surface being symmetrical with the one side surface of the measurement object. The measurement object is held by a holding unit connected onto the slide rail unit of the pedestal unit, and moving the holding unit between the first side portion and the second side portion by the slide rail unit. A load acting on the measurement object by the first side portion and the second side portion when the second side portion is moved with respect to the first side portion such that the first side portion presses the one side surface and the second side portion presses the symmetrical side surface, and at least one of a movement distance of the second side portion with respect to the first side portion and a change amount of the load when the second side portion is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position are measured. 
     According to the object hardness measuring device and the object hardness measuring method of the present invention, the hardness of the measurement object can be quantitatively evaluated. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of an object hardness measuring device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the object hardness measuring device according to the embodiment, from a side of a first side portion. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the object hardness measuring device according to the embodiment, from a side of a second side portion. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view schematically illustrating a configuration of the object hardness measuring device according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a holding unit of the object hardness measuring device according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an object hardness measuring method according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view schematically illustrating the object hardness measuring method according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which a measurement object is attached to a holding unit of an object hardness measuring device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view schematically illustrating a configuration of a modification of the object hardness measuring device according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration of another object hardness measuring device according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view schematically illustrating configurations of a slide unit, a rotation table, and the holding unit of another object hardness measuring device according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view illustrating a state in which a position of a first protrusion on a first side portion is adjusted with respect to a measurement object in another object hardness measuring device according to the embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , a configuration of a hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of a measurement object  100  according to an embodiment will be described. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , hardness measuring device  1  of the present invention is a measuring device for measuring hardness of measurement object  100 . In the present embodiment, a catching tool for baseball or softball is taken as an example of measurement object  100 . Hardness of the catching tool for baseball or softball is a value the device of the present invention indicates a bending resistance felt by a user when the catching tool is opened and closed as an objective numerical value. Measurement object  100  is not limited to a catching tool for baseball or softball, and may be a bag, shoes, a pillow, and the like. 
     Object hardness measuring device  1  according to the embodiment mainly includes a first side portion  10 , a second side portion  20 , a pedestal unit  30 , a load unit  40 , a measuring unit  50 , and a holding unit  60 . 
     First side portion  10  and second side portion  20  are arranged to face each other. First side portion  10  includes a first protrusion  11  and a first side plate  12 . First side portion  10  is for pressing one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  (see  FIG. 6 ) of measurement object  100 . 
     One side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  of measurement object  100  is a side surface of measurement object  100  on a side of the thumb in the present example. One side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  of measurement object  100  is a side surface of a thumb portion into which the thumb of measurement object  100  is inserted and on a side opposite to the little finger. 
     First side plate  12  is formed in a rectangular plate shape. First side plate  12  includes a first inner surface  12   a  facing second side portion  20  and a first outer surface  12   b  disposed on a side opposite to first inner surface  12   a  First protrusion  11  is attached to first inner surface  12   a  of first side plate  12 . First protrusion  11  presses one side surface (thumb side surface)  101  of measurement object  100 . First protrusion  11  is disposed according to the shape and deformation during pressing of the measurement object. 
     First protrusion  11  protrudes from first side plate  12  toward second side portion  20 . First protrusion  11  includes a first tip  11   a  and a first root  11   b . First tip  11   a  protrudes from first root  11   b  toward second side portion  20 . First tip  11   a  is formed in a columnar shape. First root  11   b  is attached to first inner surface  12   a  of first side plate  12 . First root  11   b  is provided such that its outer diameter increases from first tip  11   a  toward first side plate  12 . First root  11   b  is formed in a truncated cone shape. First root  11   b  on a root side is thick so that a force is stably applied at the time of pressing. 
     First protrusion  11  is attached to first side plate  12  in a positionally changeable manner. First protrusion  11  is detachably attached to first inner surface  12   a  of first side plate  12  facing a second side plate  22  using an adhesive. First protrusion  11  may be detachably attached to first side plate  12  by being inserted into and removed from any of a plurality of holes provided in first inner surface  12   a.    
     Second side portion  20  is movable with respect to first side portion  10 . Second side portion  20  includes a second protrusion  21  and second side plate  22 . Second side portion  20  is for pressing a symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  (see  FIG. 6 ) of measurement object  100 . Symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100  is disposed on the symmetric side with respect to one side surface (thumb side surface)  101 . 
     Symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100  is a side surface on the little finger side of measurement object  100 . Symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100  is a side surface of a little finger portion into which the little finger of measurement object  100  is inserted and on a side opposite to the thumb. 
     Similarly to first side plate  12 , second side plate  22  is formed in a rectangular plate shape. Both first side plate  12  and second side plate  22  may have any size and any shape, including a disk shape, with which first protrusion  11  and second protrusion  21  may be brought into contact with measurement object  100 . Second side plate  22  includes a second inner surface  22   a  facing first side portion  10  and a second outer surface  22   b  disposed on a side opposite of second inner surface  22   a . Second protrusion  21  is attached to second inner surface  22   a  of second side plate  22 . Second protrusion  21  presses symmetrical side surface (little finger side surface)  102  of measurement object  100 . 
     Second protrusion  21  protrudes from second side plate  22  toward first side portion  10 . Second protrusion  21  includes a second tip  21   a  and a second root  21   b . Second tip  21   a  protrudes from second root  21   b  toward first side portion  10 . Second tip  21   a  is formed in a columnar shape. Second root  21   b  is attached to second inner surface  22   a  of second side plate  22 . Second root  21   b  has an outer diameter that increases from second tip  21   a  toward second side plate  22 . Second root  21   b  is formed in a truncated cone shape. 
     Second protrusion  21  is attached to second side plate  22  in a positionally changeable manner. Second protrusion  21  is detachably attached to second inner surface  22   a  of second side plate  22  facing first side plate  12  using an adhesive. Second protrusion  21  may be detachably attached to second side plate  22  by being inserted into and removed from any of a plurality of holes provided in second inner surface  22   a . First protrusion  11  and second protrusion  21  are disposed according to the shape and change during pressing of measurement object  100 . 
     Each of first side plate  12  and second side plate  22  is attached to pedestal unit  30 . First side plate  12  and second side plate  22  are attached to pedestal unit  30  such that a distance therebetween changes on pedestal unit  30 . 
     Pedestal unit  30  is able to move second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10 . Pedestal unit  30  includes a bottom plate  31  and a slide rail unit  32 . A bottom surface of bottom plate  31  is a surface on which pedestal unit  30  is placed on the ground or the like. Slide rail unit  32  is attached to atop surface of bottom plate  31 . Slide rail unit  32  includes a first slide rail  32   a , a second slide rail  32   b , a third slide rail  32   c , and a fourth slide rail  32   d . The slide rails are for specifying a moving direction of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10 , and is not limited to the slide rails of this example. The number of slide rails may be one as long as the moving direction can be limited. 
     First side plate  12  is fixed to the top surface of bottom plate  31  of pedestal unit  30 . In the present embodiment, first side plate  12  is fixed to the top surface of bottom plate  31  of pedestal unit  30  by an L-shaped fitting. Therefore, first side plate  12  does not move with respect to pedestal unit  30 . 
     Second side plate  22  is fixed to first slide rail  32   a  and second slide rail  32   b  attached to the top surface of bottom plate  31  of pedestal unit  30 . In the present embodiment, second side plate  22  is fixed to first slide rail  32   a  and second slide rail  32   b  attached to the top surface of bottom plate  31  of pedestal unit  30  by L-shaped fittings. First slide rail  32   a  and second slide rail  32   b  are able to move second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  in a direction in which first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  face each other. Therefore, second side plate  22  is movable with respect to first side plate  12 . 
     Load unit  40  applies a load to measurement object  100  by moving second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  via pedestal unit  30  such that first side portion  10  presses one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  (see  FIG. 6 ) of measurement object  100 , and second side portion  20  presses symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  (see  FIG. 6 ) of measurement object  100 . 
     Load unit  40  includes a fixing base  41 , a shaft unit  42 , a pair of pulleys  43 , a string  44 , a force gauge  45 , and a locking unit  46 . String  44  of load unit  40  can be substituted by a wire or the like. Force gauge  45  can be substituted by a plurality of weights (constant loads). 
     Fixing base  41  is fixed to first outer surface  12   b  of first side plate  12 . Fixing base  41  is formed in a plate shape. Shaft unit  42  is fixed to a top surface of fixing base  41 . Shaft unit  42  is formed in a cylindrical shape. Both ends of shaft unit  42  project outward from fixing base  41 . Each of the pair of pulleys  43  is attached to each of the both ends of shaft unit  42 . The pair of pulleys  43  is rotatable about shaft unit  42 . A through hole is provided at the center of each of the pair of pulleys  43 . Shaft unit  42  is inserted into the through hole of each of the pair of pulleys  43 . A groove is provided on an outer peripheral surface of each of the pair of pulleys  43 . The grooves of the pair of pulleys  43  are provided such that string  44  is fitted. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , string  44  is formed in a ring shape. In the present embodiment, both ends of string  44  are tied together, so that string  44  is formed into a ring shape. String  44  surrounds first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . String  44  is locked to locking unit  46  attached to second outer surface  22   b  of second side plate  22 . String  44  is placed on a top surface of locking unit  46 . Locking unit  46  is disposed at substantially the same height position as fixing base  41 . 
     Force gauge  45  is attached to string  44  between the pair of pulleys  43 . Force gauge  45  includes a main body portion  45   a  and a hook  45   b . Main body portion  45   a  is able to display a load acting on hook  45   b . Hook  45   b  is attached to string  44 . Further, a weight may be attached to string  44  instead of force gauge  45 . 
     Measuring unit  50  is able to measure, in a state where a load acts on measurement object  100 , at least one of a movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10 , and a change amount of the load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position. Measuring unit  50  is able to measure a distance between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . 
     In the present embodiment, measuring unit  50  is a linear scale. Measuring unit  50  includes a scale  51 , a detector  52 , and a display unit  53 . Scale  51  extends along the direction in which first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  face each other. Detector  52  is able to detect position information from scale  51 . Display unit  53  displays a change in the distance between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  from the position information detected by detector  52 . In the present embodiment, display unit  53  is placed on a top surface of fixing base  41 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , holding unit  60  is disposed between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . Holding unit  60  is connected to pedestal unit  30 . Holding unit  60  is connected onto slide rail unit  32  of pedestal unit  30 . Holding unit  60  is able to hold measurement object  100 . Holding unit  60  is able to hold measurement object  100  in a state being inserted into a hand insertion portion  103  (see  FIG. 6 ) of measurement object  100 . 
     Holding unit  60  is movable by slide rail unit  32  between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . Holding unit  60  is fixed to third slide rail  32   c  and fourth slide rail  32   d  attached to the top surface of bottom plate  31  of pedestal unit  30 . Third slide rail  32   c  and fourth slide rail  32   d  are able to move holding unit  60  in the direction in which first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  face each other. The moving direction of holding unit  60  is parallel to the moving direction of second side portion  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , holding unit  60  includes a base portion  61  and a protrusion  62 . Base portion  61  is formed in a plate shape. Base portion  61  is formed in a rectangular shape. Base portion  61  is attached to third slide rail  32   c  and fourth slide rail  32   d . Base portion  61  is movable along third slide rail  32   c  and fourth slide rail  32   d.    
     Protrusion  62  protrudes from base portion  61 . Specifically, protrusion  62  protrudes from base portion  61  to a side opposite to pedestal unit  30 . Protrusion  62  is bent. Protrusion  62  includes a straight portion  62   a  and an inclined portion  62   b . Straight portion  62   a  is connected to base portion  61 . Inclined portion  62   b  is connected to straight portion  62   a  on a side opposite to base portion  61 . Inclined portion  62   b  is inclined with respect to base portion  61 . Inclined portion  62   b  is inclined toward a back surface side of measurement object  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 to 9 , a state in which measurement object  100  is attached to hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , measurement object  100  is held by holding unit  60  between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . First protrusion  11  is disposed so as to press thumb-side outer surface  101  of measurement object  100 . Second protrusion  21  is disposed so as to press little-finger-side outer surface  102  of measurement object  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , protrusion  62  of holding unit  60  is inserted from hand insertion portion  103  of measurement object  100 . Protrusion  62  of holding unit  60  is inserted into measurement object  100  from hand insertion portion  103  of measurement object  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , protrusion  62  is disposed such that a gap G is provided between protrusion  62  and hand insertion portion  103  in a state being inserted into hand insertion portion  103  of measurement object  100 . Protrusion  62  is movable in an opening of hand insertion portion  103  in a state being inserted into hand insertion portion  103  of measurement object  100 . 
     Next, a hardness measuring method for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     The hardness measuring method for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment is a measuring method for measuring the hardness of measurement object  100 . 
     The hardness measuring method for measuring the hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment includes the following steps. 
     Second side portion  20  is moved with respect to first side portion  10  by pedestal unit  30  including bottom plate  31  and slide rail unit  32  attached to the top surface of bottom plate  31  such that first side portion  10  is in contact with one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  of measurement object  100  and second side portion  20  is in contact with symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100 . Measurement object  100  is held by holding unit  60  connected onto slide rail unit  32  of pedestal unit  30 . Holding unit  60  is moved by slide rail unit  32  between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . In the present embodiment, first protrusion  11  of first side portion  10  is in contact with one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  of measurement object  100 , and second protrusion  21  of second side portion  20  is in contact with symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100 . 
     A load acting on measurement object  100  by first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  when second side portion  20  is moved with respect to first side portion  10  such that first side portion  10  presses one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  and second side portion  20  presses symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102 , and at least one of a movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  and a change amount of the load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position are measured. 
     Next, the hardness measuring method for measuring the hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment will be described more specifically. 
     Protrusion  62  of holding unit  60  is inserted from hand insertion portion  103  of measurement object  100 . In this state, measurement object  100  is held by holding unit  60 . Measurement object  100  is disposed such that thumb-side outer surface  101  of measurement object  100  faces first side portion  10  and little-finger-side outer surface  102  of measurement object  100  faces second side portion  20 . 
     A position of first protrusion  11  of first side portion  10  is changed so as to be in contact with thumb-side outer surface  101  of measurement object  100 . Since a thumb of measurement object  100  is easily moved inward by inserting a hard core and fixing it with a leather string, the position of first protrusion  11  is set so as to be in contact with a position below an upper part of the leather string by 10 mm, for example. A diameter of a tip of first protrusion  11  is, for example, 15 mm. A position of second protrusion  21  of second side portion  20  is changed so as to be in contact with little-finger-side outer surface  102  of measurement object  100 . Since a little finger of measurement object  100  is easily moved inward by inserting a hard core and fixing it with a leather string, the position of second protrusion  21  is set so as to be in contact with a position below an upper part of the leather string by 10 mm, for example. A diameter of a tip of second protrusion  21  is, for example, 15 mm. 
     First side portion  10  and second side portion  20  are disposed such that first protrusion  11  of first side portion  10  is in contact with thumb-side outer surface  101  of measurement object  100  and second protrusion  21  of second side portion  20  is in contact with little-finger-side outer surface  102  of measurement object  100 . 
     String  44  is passed through second outer surface  22   b  of second side portion  20  and through the grooves of the pair of pulleys  43 . In a state where first protrusion  11  of first side portion  10  is in contact with thumb-side outer surface  101  of measurement object  100 , where second protrusion  21  of second side portion  20  is in contact with little-finger-side outer surface  102  of measurement object  100 , and where no load is applied, an initial value of the linear scale as measuring unit  50  is set to 0. Further, an initial value of force gauge  45  is set to 0. 
     When second side portion  20  is moved with respect to first side portion  10  from this state, such that first protrusion  11  presses thumb-side outer surface  101  and second protrusion  21  presses little-finger-side outer surface  102 , a load acting on measurement object  100  by first protrusion  11  and second protrusion  21  and a movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  are measured. The movement at this time may be performed manually or automatically as long as the movement distance and the force can be simultaneously measured. 
     The load acting on measurement object  100  is, for example, 0 g or more and 1000 g or less. Here, the load acting on measurement object  100  may be a constant load. When the measurement is performed using a plurality of constant loads, the measurement is performed after deformation of measurement object  100  becomes constant. 
     While string  44  is pulled by force gauge  45 , a value of force gauge  45  is read and a value of the linear scale is read. The value of force gauge  45  and the value of the linear scale may be recorded in video. In the case of video recording, the force at the time of pressing is measured from force gauge  45 , and the movement distance is measured from the linear scale. 
     Next, a modification of hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , in the modification of hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the present embodiment, the configurations of load unit  40  and measuring unit  50  are mainly different from those of above hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100 . 
     Load unit  40  is attached to second side portion  20  and pedestal unit  30 . Load unit  40  includes a main body  40   a  and a moving unit  40   b . Main body  40   a  is placed on pedestal unit  30 . Moving unit  40   b  is movable with respect to main body  40   a . Moving unit  40   b  is attached to second side portion  20 . Moving unit  40   b  is movable in the direction in which first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  face each other. Moving unit  40   b  is moved by a motor. 
     Measuring unit  50  is able to measure a change amount of a load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position. Measuring unit  50  is attached to first side portion  10  and load unit  40 . Measuring unit  50  includes a detector  50   a  and a pressure sensor  50   b . Detector  50   a  is connected to load unit  40 . Detector  50   a  is connected to pressure sensor  50   b . Detector  50   a  detects the moving speed or the movement distance of second side portion  20  under the control of the motor of moving unit  40   b . Measuring unit  50  is able to measure the moving speed or the movement distance of second side portion  20  under the control of the motor of moving unit  40   b.    
     Pressure sensor  50   b  is attached to first side portion  10 . Pressure sensor  50   b  detects a change amount of a load acting on first side portion  10  from load unit  40  via measurement object  100 . Measuring unit  50  is able to measure a change amount of the load acting on first side portion  10  by pressure sensor  50   b.    
     Next, a modification of the hardness measuring method for measuring the hardness of measurement object  100  according to the present embodiment will be described. 
     In the modification of the hardness measuring method for measuring the hardness of measurement object  100  according to the present embodiment, the change amount of the load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position is measured. Specifically, moving unit  40   b  of load unit  40  is moved by the motor and moves second side portion  20  to which moving unit  40   b  is attached either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position. The change amount of the load at this time is measured by measuring unit  50 . 
     Next, operational effects according to the present embodiment will be described. 
     According to hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment, measuring unit  50  is able to measure, in a state where a load acts on measurement object  100 , at least one of a movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10 , and a change amount of the load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position. As a result, the hardness of measurement object  100  can be measured by measuring device  1 , instead of the user&#39;s sense. Therefore, the hardness of measurement object  100  can be quantitatively evaluated. 
     In addition, holding unit  60  is movable by slide ail unit  32  between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . As a result, the direction of the force acting on measurement object  100  can be made constant along the direction in which slide rail unit  32  extends. 
     According to hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, first protrusion  11  presses one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  of measurement object  100 , and second protrusion  21  presses symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100 . As a result, it is possible to limit a portion to be measured. Since measurement object  100  is pressed from side surfaces, there is no influence of gravity when measurement object  100  is measured. In addition, since a deformed portion of measurement object  100  can be specified with precision, it is possible to perform more accurate evaluation as compared to the case in which pressing is carried out with a surface or the like. 
     According to hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, the moving direction of holding unit  60  is parallel to the moving direction of second side portion  20 . Therefore, when measurement object  100  is held by holding unit  60 , it is easy to adjust a position of measurement object  100 . In addition, since the moving direction is parallel and the moving direction is constrained in one direction, friction is small, and measurement can be accurately performed. 
     According to hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, first protrusion  11  is attached to first side plate  12  in a positionally changeable manner, and second protrusion  21  is attached to second side plate  22  in a positionally changeable manner. Therefore, positions of first protrusion  11  and second protrusion  21  can be changed according to measurement object  100 . By changing the positions, portions to be pressed can be adjusted according to the shape and deformation of measurement object  100 . In addition, since a portion to be deformed can be pressed with precision, more accurate measurement can be performed. 
     According to hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, measurement object  100  is a catching tool for baseball or softball. As a result, hardness of the catching tool for baseball or softball can be quantitatively evaluated. 
     According to hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, protrusion  62  is disposed such that gap G is provided between protrusion  62  and hand insertion portion  103  in a state being inserted into hand insertion portion  103  of the catching tool for baseball or softball. Therefore, when the catching tool for baseball or softball is held by holding unit  60 , it is easier to adjust the position of the catching tool for baseball or softball. 
     According to the hardness measuring method for measuring the hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, a load acting on measurement object  100  by first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  when second side portion  20  is moved with respect to first side portion  10  such that first side portion  10  presses one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  of measurement object  100  and second side portion  20  presses symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100 , and at least one of a movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  and a change amount of the load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position are measured. As a result, the hardness of measurement object  100  can be measured not by the user&#39;s sense but by the load acting on measurement object  100  by first protrusion  11  and second protrusion  21  and the movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10 . Therefore, the hardness of measurement object  100  can be quantitatively evaluated. 
     Next, another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  and the hardness measuring method for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment will be described. Unless otherwise specified, another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  and the hardness measuring method for measurement object  100  according to the embodiment have the same configuration, the same measurement method, and the same effects as those of hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  and the hardness measuring method for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the above embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  and the hardness measuring method for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will not be repeated. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a configuration of another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment will be described. In  FIG. 11 , for convenience of description. Measurement object  100  is schematically indicated by a broken line. 
     In another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment, first side portion  10  includes first protrusion  11 , first side plate  12 , a first slide member  13 , and a second slide member  14 . First protrusion  11  is attached to first side plate  12  via first slide member  13 . First side plate  12  includes a fixing portion  121  and a movable portion  122 . Fixing portion  121  is connected to movable portion  122  via second slide member  14 . 
     First slide member  13  is, for example, a linear guide. First slide member  13  includes a first guide rail  13   a  and a first block  13   b . First guide rail  13   a  extends in the vertical direction. First block  13   b  is movable in the vertical direction along first guide rail  13   a.    
     First protrusion  11  is attached to first block  13   b  of first slide member  13 . First protrusion  11  protrudes from first block  13   b  toward measurement object  100 . First protrusion  11  is disposed on a side opposite of first block  13   b  with respect to first guide rail  13   a . First protrusion  11  can move in the vertical direction by first block  13   b  moving in the vertical direction along first guide rail  13   a.    
     Second slide member  14  is, for example, a linear guide. Second slide member  14  includes a second guide rail  14   a  and a second block  14   b . Second guide rail  14   a  extends in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface). Second block  14   b  is movable in the front-rear direction along second guide rail  14   a.    
     Fixing portion  121  is fixed to the top surface of bottom plate  31  of pedestal unit  30 . Movable portion  122  is movable with respect to the fixing portion  121  by second guide rail  14   a . Second guide rail  14   a  is attached to an upper surface of fixing portion  121 . Second block  14   b  is attached to a lower surface of movable portion  122 . Movable portion  122  is movable in the front-rear direction by second block  14   b  moving in the front-rear direction along second guide rail  14   a . First protrusion  11  can move in the front-rear direction by movable portion  122  moving in the front-rear direction. Therefore, first protrusion  11  can be moved in the vertical direction by first slide member  13 , and can be moved in the front-rear direction by second slide member  14 . 
     Pedestal unit  30  includes bottom plate  31  and a slide unit  33 . Slide unit  33  is attached to the top surface of bottom plate  31 . Bottom plate  31  includes a first bottom plate member  31   a  and a second bottom plate member  31   b  First bottom plate member  31   a  is disposed above second bottom plate member  31   b . Fixing portion  121  of first side plate  12  and slide unit  33  are attached to a top surface of first bottom plate member  31   a.    
     Slide unit  33  includes a first slide portion  33   a , a second slide portion  33   b , and a third slide portion  33   c . First slide portion  33   a  and second slide portion  33   b  are disposed at intervals in the left-right direction. 
     First slide portion  33   a , second slide portion  33   b , and third slide portion  33   c  are, for example, linear guides. Each of first slide portion  33   a  and second slide portion  33   b  includes a lower guide rail LG and a lower block LB. Third slide portion  33   c  includes an upper guide rail UG and an upper block UB. Upper block UB is separated into two in the left-right direction along upper guide rail UG. 
     Lower guide rail LG of each of first slide portion  33   a  and second slide portion  33   b  extends in the front-rear direction. Lower block LB of each of first slide portion  33   a  and second slide portion  33   b  is movable in the front-rear direction along lower guide rail LG. Lower block LB of each of first slide portion  33   a  and second slide portion  33   b  is attached to upper guide rail UG of third slide portion  33   c . Upper guide rail UG of third slide portion  33   c  extends in the left-right direction. Upper block UB of third slide portion  33   c  is movable in the left-right direction along upper guide rail UG. 
     Pedestal unit  30  further includes a rotation table  34 . Rotation table  34  rotates along the top surface of bottom plate  31 . Rotation table  34  includes a lower portion  34   a  and an upper portion  34   b . Lower portion  34   a  and upper portion  34   b  rotate relative to each other. Rotation table  34  is disposed on slide unit  33 . Lower portion  34   a  of rotation table  34  is attached to upper block UB of third slide portion  33   c . Upper portion  34   b  of rotation table  34  is attached to holding unit  60 . Rotation table  34  may freely rotate by 360° without specifying an angle. Further, rotation table  34  may rotate at a designated angle with an angular scale. 
     Holding unit  60  is connected onto slide unit  33  of pedestal unit  30 . Holding unit  60  is able to hold measurement object  100 . Holding unit  60  is movable by slide unit  33  between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . Holding unit  60  can be moved in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction by slide unit  33 . Holding unit  60  is connected onto slide unit  33  via rotation table  34 . Holding unit  60  can be rotated in the in-plane direction of the top surface of bottom plate  31  by rotation table  34 . 
     Second side portion  20  includes second protrusion  21  and second side plate  22 . Second protrusion  21  is attached to second side plate  22 . Second protrusion  21  protrudes from second side plate  22  toward measurement object  100 . Second protrusion  21  protrudes toward first side portion  10  more than load unit  40  when symmetrical side surface (little finger side surface)  102  of measurement object  100  is pressed. 
     Second side plate  22  of second side portion  20  is connected to load unit  40 . Load unit  40  moves second side portion  20  in the left-right direction. Load unit  40  applies a load to measurement object  100  by moving second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  such that first side portion  10  presses one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  and second side portion  20  presses symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102 . Second protrusion  21  can move in the left-right direction by load unit  40  moving second side portion  20  in the left-right direction. 
     Measuring unit  50  is able to measure, in a state where a load acts on measurement object  100 , at least one of the movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10 , and the change amount of the load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position. Measuring unit  50  may include a monitor for displaying at least one of the movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10 , and the change amount of the load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position. 
     An existing compression testing machine may be used as second side portion  20 , load unit  40 , and measuring unit  50 . 
     A lift stage  200  is attached to a top surface of second bottom plate member  31   b . Lift stage  200  includes a table  201  and a handle  202 . Table  201  is vertically movable by operating handle  202 . An existing lifting unit may be used as lift stage  200 . Second side portion  20 , load unit  40 , and measuring unit  50  are placed on table  201  of lift stage  200 . When an existing compression testing machine is used as second side portion  20 , load unit  40 , and measuring unit  50 , the existing compression testing machine may be placed on table  201  of lift stage  200 . Second protrusion  21  can move in the vertical direction by lift stage  200  moving up and down in the vertical direction by operating handle  202 . Therefore, second protrusion  21  can be moved in the left-right direction by load unit  40 , and can be moved in the up-down direction by lift stage  200 . 
     Next, another hardness measuring method for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
     The another hardness measuring method for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment is a measurement method for measuring the hardness of measurement object  100 . 
     The another hardness measuring method for measuring the hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment includes the following steps. 
     Load unit  40  moves second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  such that first side portion  10  is in contact with one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  of measurement object  100  and second side portion  20  is in contact with symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100 . Measurement object  100  is held by holding unit  60  connected onto slide unit  33  attached to the top surface of bottom plate  31  of pedestal unit  30 . Holding unit  60  is moved by slide unit  33  between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20 . First protrusion  11  of first side portion  10  is in contact with one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  of measurement object  100 , and second protrusion  21  of second side portion  20  is in contact with symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102  of measurement object  100 . 
     A load acting on measurement object  100  by first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  when load unit  40  moves second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  such that first side portion  10  presses one side surface (thumb-side outer surface)  101  and second side portion  20  presses the symmetrical side surface (little-finger-side outer surface)  102 , and at least one of a movement distance of second side portion  20  with respect to first side portion  10  and a change amount of the load when second side portion  20  is moved either at a predetermined speed or to a predetermined position are measured by measuring unit  50 . 
     First slide member  13  and second slide member  14  adjust the position of first protrusion  11  in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. Slide unit  33  adjusts the position of measurement object  100  in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. 
     Next, effects of another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  and the hardness measuring method for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment will be described. 
     According to another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, holding unit  60  is able to hold measurement object  100 , and is movable between first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  by slide unit  33 . As a result, first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  can be brought into contact with appropriate positions on measurement object  100  by slide unit  33 . 
     According to another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, slide unit  33  adjusts the position of measurement object  100  in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. As a result, measurement object  100  can be disposed at an appropriate position in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. 
     According to another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  of the embodiment, holding unit  60  is connected onto slide unit  33  via rotation table  34 . As a result, the direction of measurement object  100  can be changed by the rotation of rotation table  34 . Accordingly, first side portion  10  and second side portion  20  can be brought into contact with more appropriate positions on measurement object  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 13 , in another hardness measuring device  1  for measuring hardness of measurement object  100  according to the embodiment, the position of first protrusion  11  can be adjusted in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction by first slide member  13  and second slide member  14 . As a result, directions of the loads acting on measurement object  100  from first protrusion  11  and second protrusion  21  can be made coincident with each other. 
     Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.