Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a portable telephone holder. In the portable telephone holder, joint means is attached and detached with the use of a magnet.

<CIT> relates generally to cell phones and particularly to holding devices operative for securing or holding such articles.

This invention is defined by the claim set.

An attachment structure according to the present disclosure includes a bedclothes fitting instrument fitted to bedclothes and an instrument. The bedclothes fitting instrument includes a bedclothes fixed portion and a first contact portion. The bedclothes fixed portion is fixed to the bedclothes. The first contact portion includes a first magnetic element. The instrument includes a second contact portion. The second contact portion includes a second magnetic element. The bedclothes fitting instrument and the instrument are brought in contact as being rotatable relatively to each other around a magnetic force direction and attachable to and detachable from each other as a result of contact between the first contact portion and the second contact portion by magnetic force of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. The bedclothes fitting instrument and the instrument include a movement restriction portion. The movement restriction portion is configured to restrict movement of the first contact portion and the second contact portion relative to each other in a direction perpendicular the magnetic force direction while the first contact portion and the second contact portion are brought in contact with each other. The bedclothes fitting instrument and the instrument include a pivot restriction portion. The pivot restriction portion is configured to restrict pivot around a side opposite to a side of the bedclothes fixed portion with respect to the first contact portion, more than pivot around the side of the bedclothes fixed portion, when the first contact portion and the second contact portion pivot relatively to each other as moving away from each other in the magnetic force direction from a state that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are brought in contact with each other.

According to the attachment structure according to the present disclosure, pivot around the side opposite to the side of the bedclothes fixed portion with respect to the first contact portion is restricted more than pivot around the side of the bedclothes fixed portion. Therefore, during sleep or the like, while removal of the second apparatus by unintended pulling in a direction away from the bedclothes is suppressed, the second apparatus can readily be detached when force to pull toward the bedclothes is intentionally applied thereto.

According to the attachment structure, the instrument may include a projection that surrounds the second contact portion. The pivot restriction portion may be composed of a protrusion provided to surround a circumference of the first contact portion and an inner circumferential surface of the projection.

According to the attachment structure, in a cross-section perpendicular to the magnetic force direction, the protrusion may be in a C shape.

According to the attachment structure, the instrument may include a projection that surrounds the second contact portion. The pivot restriction portion may be composed of an outer circumferential surface of the first contact portion and an inner circumferential surface of the projection.

According to the attachment structure, in a cross-section perpendicular to the magnetic force direction, the first contact portion may have an arc longer than a semicircle.

According to the attachment structure, in a cross-section perpendicular to the magnetic force direction, the first contact portion may include a linear portion and an arc-shaped portion continuous to opposing ends of the linear portion. A central angle of the arc-shaped portion may be larger than <NUM>°.

According to the attachment structure, when the first contact portion and the second contact portion pivot relatively to each other as moving away from each other in the magnetic force direction from the state that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are brought in contact with each other, an angle at which pivot of the instrument is restricted when the instrument pivots around the side of the bedclothes fixed portion may be larger than an angle at which pivot of the instrument is restricted when the instrument pivots around the side opposite to the side of the bedclothes fixed portion with respect to the first contact portion. Thus, the second apparatus can more readily be detached from the first apparatus by tilting the second apparatus toward the bedclothes fixed portion than toward the side opposite to the side of the bedclothes fixed portion.

According to the attachment structure, when the first contact portion and the second contact portion pivot relatively to each other as moving away from each other in the magnetic force direction from the state that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are brought in contact with each other, the pivot restriction portion does not restrict pivot around the side of the bedclothes fixed portion but may restrict pivot around the side opposite to the side of the bedclothes fixed portion with respect to the first contact portion. Thus, the second apparatus can more readily be detached from the first apparatus by tilting the second apparatus toward the bedclothes fixed portion than toward the side opposite to the side of the bedclothes fixed portion.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding elements in the drawings have the same reference characters allotted and description thereof will not be repeated.

A construction of a connection structure <NUM> according to a first embodiment will initially be described.

<FIG> is an exploded schematic perspective view showing a construction of connection structure <NUM> according to the first embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, connection structure <NUM> according to the first embodiment mainly includes a first apparatus <NUM> and a second apparatus <NUM>. First apparatus <NUM> mainly includes a first contact portion <NUM>, an annular wall portion <NUM>, and a fastener <NUM>. First contact portion <NUM> is, for example, in such a shape that a part of an outer circumferential surface of a column is missing. Annular wall portion <NUM> is provided to surround first contact portion <NUM>. Fastener <NUM> includes a first pinch member <NUM> and a second pinch member <NUM>. First contact portion <NUM> and annular wall portion <NUM> are provided in first pinch member <NUM>. Second apparatus <NUM> mainly includes a hollow member <NUM>, a cord <NUM>, and a cord holder <NUM>. Cord <NUM> is attached to hollow member <NUM>. A part of cord holder <NUM> is arranged in a region surrounded by an inner circumferential surface of hollow member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a first schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of connection structure <NUM> according to the first embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, fastener <NUM> further includes a shaft member <NUM> and a spring member <NUM>. Spring member <NUM> is wound around shaft member <NUM>. Spring member <NUM> has one end attached to first pinch member <NUM>. Spring member <NUM> has the other end attached to second pinch member <NUM>. Fastener <NUM> includes a fixing portion <NUM>. Fixing portion <NUM> includes a first pressing member <NUM> and a second pressing member <NUM>. While no external force is applied to fastener <NUM>, fastener <NUM> is biased by spring member <NUM> such that first pressing member <NUM> and second pressing member <NUM> are brought closer to each other.

As shown in <FIG>, first apparatus <NUM> includes a first contact portion <NUM>. First contact portion <NUM> includes a first contact surface <NUM> and a first magnetic element <NUM>. Second apparatus <NUM> includes a second contact portion <NUM>. Second contact portion <NUM> includes a second contact surface <NUM> and a second magnetic element <NUM>. In first apparatus <NUM> and second apparatus <NUM>, first magnetic element <NUM> and second magnetic element <NUM> are attracted to each other by magnetic force. First contact surface <NUM> and second contact surface <NUM> are thus brought in contact with each other.

A direction in parallel to a direction in which first magnetic element <NUM> and second magnetic element <NUM> are attracted to each other by magnetic force is herein defined as a magnetic force direction Z. A direction from first contact portion <NUM> toward second contact portion <NUM> is defined as an upper side. In contrast, a direction from second contact portion <NUM> toward first contact portion <NUM> is defined as a lower side. A direction perpendicular to magnetic force direction Z is defined as an in-plane direction. A direction in parallel to a direction from first contact portion <NUM> toward fixing portion <NUM> in the in-plane direction is defined as a lateral direction X. A direction perpendicular to each of magnetic force direction Z and lateral direction X is defined as a front-rear direction Y (see <FIG>).

Each of a first direction <NUM> and a second direction <NUM> is a direction perpendicular to magnetic force direction Z. Each of first direction <NUM> and second direction <NUM> is a direction with first contact portion <NUM> being defined as a reference. From another point of view, each of first direction <NUM> and second direction <NUM> may be a direction radially extending from first contact portion <NUM>. Each of first direction <NUM> and second direction <NUM> is, for example, in parallel to lateral direction X. Second direction <NUM> is different from first direction <NUM>. Second direction <NUM> is, for example, a direction opposite to first direction <NUM>. Second direction <NUM> should only be different from first direction <NUM> and it is not limited to a direction opposite to first direction <NUM>.

First apparatus <NUM> and second apparatus <NUM> are connected to each other as being rotatable relatively to each other around magnetic force direction Z and attachable to and detachable from each other. Second contact surface <NUM> is slidable over first contact surface <NUM>. Second apparatus <NUM> is rotatable with respect to first apparatus <NUM>. A rotation axis of second apparatus <NUM> is, for example, perpendicular to second contact surface <NUM>. Second contact surface <NUM> may be circular. The rotation axis of second apparatus <NUM> passes, for example, through a center of second contact surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged schematic diagram of a region III in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, annular wall portion <NUM> includes a first wall surface <NUM>, a second wall surface <NUM>, and a first top surface <NUM>. First wall surface <NUM> is in a surrounding shape. First wall surface <NUM> may be in a circular surrounding shape or a prismatic surrounding shape. Similarly, second wall surface <NUM> is in a surrounding shape. Second wall surface <NUM> may be in a circular surrounding shape or a prismatic surrounding shape. Second wall surface <NUM> is located on the outside of first wall surface <NUM>. Second wall surface <NUM> surrounds first wall surface <NUM>. First top surface <NUM> is continuous to each of first wall surface <NUM> and second wall surface <NUM>.

First apparatus <NUM> includes a first bottom surface <NUM> and a first upper surface <NUM>. First bottom surface <NUM> is continuous to first wall surface <NUM>. First upper surface <NUM> is continuous to second wall surface <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, first bottom surface <NUM> is located below first upper surface <NUM>. From another point of view, in magnetic force direction Z, first upper surface <NUM> is located between first bottom surface <NUM> and first top surface <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, first bottom surface <NUM> may be located above first upper surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, first contact portion <NUM> protrudes from first bottom surface <NUM>. First contact portion <NUM> includes a first outer circumferential surface <NUM> and a top portion <NUM>. First outer circumferential surface <NUM> is continuous to first bottom surface <NUM>. First outer circumferential surface <NUM> extends upward from first bottom surface <NUM>. Top portion <NUM> includes first contact surface <NUM> and a third upper surface <NUM>. Third upper surface <NUM> is continuous to first contact surface <NUM>. First contact surface <NUM> is in contact with second contact surface <NUM>. Third upper surface <NUM> may be a portion not in contact with second contact surface <NUM>. First wall surface <NUM> protrudes from first bottom surface <NUM> above first contact surface <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, first top surface <NUM> is located above first contact surface <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, first contact surface <NUM> is located between first bottom surface <NUM> and first top surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, first pinch member <NUM> includes a first plate-shaped member <NUM> and a second plate-shaped member <NUM>. Each of first plate-shaped member <NUM> and second plate-shaped member <NUM> is made, for example, of a resin. First plate-shaped member <NUM> includes a first lower surface <NUM>. First lower surface <NUM> is located opposite to each of first bottom surface <NUM> and first upper surface <NUM>. First lower surface <NUM> is provided with a first recess <NUM>. First recess <NUM> is provided under first contact surface <NUM>.

First magnetic element <NUM> is composed, for example, of a magnet (a first magnet <NUM>). First magnet <NUM> is arranged in first recess <NUM>. Second plate-shaped member <NUM> is located under first plate-shaped member <NUM>. First magnet <NUM> lies between first plate-shaped member <NUM> and second plate-shaped member <NUM>. A yolk member (not shown) that suppresses a magnetic flux density may be provided on first contact surface <NUM> or between first contact surface <NUM> and first magnet <NUM>. The yolk member is made, for example, of iron. First contact surface <NUM> may be formed from the yolk member. First contact surface <NUM> may be composed, for example, of a resin or first magnet <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, second magnetic element <NUM> includes a yolk member <NUM> and a second magnet <NUM>. Yolk member <NUM> may be provided on second contact surface <NUM> or between second contact surface <NUM> and second magnet <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, second magnet <NUM> is located above second contact surface <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, second magnet <NUM> is provided between yolk member <NUM> and a reception plate <NUM>. Second contact surface <NUM> is formed, for example, from yolk member <NUM>. Second contact surface <NUM> may be composed, for example, of a resin or a magnet.

Second apparatus <NUM> includes a second bottom surface <NUM>. Second bottom surface <NUM> is formed from hollow member <NUM>. Second bottom surface <NUM> may be opposed to top portion <NUM>. Second bottom surface <NUM> may be opposed to first bottom surface <NUM>. Second contact portion <NUM> includes a second outer surface <NUM>. Second outer surface <NUM> is continuous to second contact surface <NUM>. Second outer surface <NUM> is, for example, in a shape of a circular tube. In magnetic force direction Z, second bottom surface <NUM> is located above second contact surface <NUM>. Second contact portion <NUM> may protrude from second bottom surface <NUM>. In the in-plane direction, second bottom surface <NUM> is located on the outside of second contact surface <NUM>. Second contact portion <NUM> does not have to protrude from second bottom surface <NUM>.

Hollow member <NUM> includes a main body portion <NUM> and a projection <NUM>. Projection <NUM> is continuous to main body portion <NUM>. Projection <NUM> is hollow. Projection <NUM> may be in a shape of an annular tube or a prismatic tube. Similarly, main body portion <NUM> is hollow. Main body portion <NUM> may be in a shape of an annular tube or a prismatic tube. Main body portion <NUM> and projection <NUM> may integrally be formed. Projection <NUM> is provided under main body portion <NUM>. Projection <NUM> may protrude from second bottom surface <NUM>.

Hollow member <NUM> includes a second inner circumferential surface <NUM>, a second outer circumferential surface <NUM>, and a second lower surface <NUM>. Second outer circumferential surface <NUM> is located on the outside of second inner circumferential surface <NUM>. Each of second inner circumferential surface <NUM> and second outer circumferential surface <NUM> is continuous to second lower surface <NUM>. Second inner circumferential surface <NUM> is provided with a second recess <NUM>. A part of yolk member <NUM> and a part of coil reception plate <NUM> may be inserted in second recess <NUM>. Each of yolk member <NUM> and coil reception plate <NUM> may be in contact with projection <NUM>.

Second inner circumferential surface <NUM> includes a first inner circumferential surface portion <NUM>, a second inner circumferential surface portion <NUM>, and a third inner circumferential surface portion <NUM>. First inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> is continuous to second lower surface <NUM>. First inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> is opposed to first outer circumferential surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, first inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> may be inclined with respect to magnetic force direction Z such that an interval in lateral direction X is greater toward the lower side. In magnetic force direction Z, second inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> is located above first inner circumferential surface portion <NUM>. Second inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> extends along magnetic force direction Z. Second inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> is in contact with second outer surface <NUM> of yolk member <NUM>.

In magnetic force direction Z, third inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> is located above second inner circumferential surface portion <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, second recess <NUM> is located between second inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> and third inner circumferential surface portion <NUM>. Second lower surface <NUM>, a part of second inner circumferential surface <NUM>, and a part of second outer circumferential surface <NUM> are defined by projection <NUM>. Projection <NUM> surrounds second contact portion <NUM>. Second contact portion <NUM> protrudes such that second contact surface <NUM> becomes lower than projection <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, second contact surface <NUM> is located above second lower surface <NUM> of projection <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, projection <NUM> is located between first wall surface <NUM> and first contact portion <NUM> with a clearance where the projection can be tilted in accordance with pulling including a direction component perpendicular to magnetic force direction Z being interposed. In lateral direction X, a gap is provided between projection <NUM> and first wall surface <NUM>. In lateral direction X, a gap is provided between projection <NUM> and first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a clearance (a first clearance C1) between top portion <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM> and projection <NUM> in first direction <NUM> is larger than a clearance (a second clearance C2) between top portion <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM> and projection <NUM> in second direction <NUM>. First clearance C1 may be a distance between a boundary between top portion <NUM> and first outer circumferential surface <NUM> and a boundary between second lower surface <NUM> and second inner circumferential surface <NUM> in first direction <NUM>. Second clearance C2 may be a distance between a boundary between top portion <NUM> and first outer circumferential surface <NUM> and a boundary between second lower surface <NUM> and second inner circumferential surface <NUM> in second direction <NUM>.

Though an example in which the gap is provided between projection <NUM> and first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM> is described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the construction above. In a connection structure according to a modification, no gap may be provided between projection <NUM> and first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a second schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of connection structure <NUM> according to the first embodiment. The cross-section shown in <FIG> is in parallel to each of magnetic force direction Z and front-rear direction Y. The cross-section shown in <FIG> is perpendicular to the cross-section shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, second apparatus <NUM> includes a coil spring <NUM> and reception plate <NUM>. Coil spring <NUM> is provided on reception plate <NUM>. Coil spring <NUM> is provided in a coil spring arrangement hole 6a provided in cord holder <NUM>. Cord holder <NUM> is biased upward by coil spring <NUM>. Reception plate <NUM> is arranged in a region surrounded by second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of hollow member <NUM>. Cord holder <NUM> is provided with a pair of third recesses 6b. The pair of third recesses 6b is provided on opposing sides of coil spring arrangement hole 6a. Cords <NUM> are arranged in the pair of third recesses 6b. Each of the pair of third recesses 6b is covered with second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of hollow member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic top view showing a construction of first apparatus <NUM> of connection structure <NUM> according to the first embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, when viewed in magnetic force direction Z, first wall surface <NUM> of annular wall portion <NUM> surrounds top portion <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM>. First wall surface <NUM> is distant from first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM> around the entire circumference of first wall surface <NUM>. A clearance (a third clearance C3) between first wall surface <NUM> and first outer circumferential surface <NUM> in first direction <NUM> is larger than a clearance (a fourth clearance C4) between first wall surface <NUM> and first outer circumferential surface <NUM> in second direction <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a construction of first contact portion <NUM>. The cross-section shown in <FIG> is perpendicular to magnetic force direction Z. As shown in <FIG>, first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM> includes, for example, a first arc-shaped portion <NUM> and a first linear portion <NUM>. First arc-shaped portion <NUM> is continuous to opposing ends of first linear portion <NUM>. In the cross-section perpendicular to magnetic force direction Z, first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM> is substantially in a D shape. A direction in which first linear portion <NUM> extends may be perpendicular to first direction <NUM>. From another point of view, first linear portion <NUM> may extend along front-rear direction Y.

As shown in <FIG>, in the cross-section perpendicular to magnetic force direction Z, first contact portion <NUM> may have an arc longer than a semicircle. Specifically, arc-shaped portion <NUM> has an arc longer than a semicircle. From another point of view, a central angle θ3 of first arc-shaped portion <NUM> is larger than <NUM>°. Though a lower limit of central angle θ3 of first arc-shaped portion <NUM> is not particularly limited, it may be, for example, not smaller than <NUM>° or not smaller than <NUM>°. Though an upper limit of central angle θ3 is not particularly limited, it may be, for example, not larger than <NUM>° or not larger than <NUM>°.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a state of second apparatus <NUM> tilted in first direction <NUM>. When a user pulls cord <NUM> in first direction <NUM>, second apparatus <NUM> is tilted toward first direction <NUM> with respect to first apparatus <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when projection <NUM> of second apparatus <NUM> is tilted in first direction <NUM>, projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>. An angle of tilting at the time when projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM> on the side of first direction <NUM> is defined as a first angle θ1. First angle θ1 is an angle formed between first wall surface <NUM> and second outer circumferential surface <NUM> at the time when projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM> on the side of first direction <NUM>.

When projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>, projection <NUM> may be distant from first contact portion <NUM>. When the user further pulls cord <NUM> on the side of first direction <NUM> after projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>, projection <NUM> pivots on the side of first direction <NUM> with a point of contact between first wall surface <NUM> and projection <NUM> being defined as a fulcrum. Second apparatus <NUM> is thus detached from first apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a state of second apparatus <NUM> tilted in second direction <NUM>. When the user pulls cord <NUM> in second direction <NUM>, second apparatus <NUM> is tilted on the side of second direction <NUM> with respect to first apparatus <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when projection <NUM> of second apparatus <NUM> is tilted in second direction <NUM>, projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>. An angle of tilting at the time when projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM> on the side of second direction <NUM> is defined as a second angle Θ2. Second angle Θ2 is an angle formed between first wall surface <NUM> and second outer circumferential surface <NUM> at the time when projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM> on the side of second direction <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>, projection <NUM> may come in contact with first contact portion <NUM>. In other words, when projection <NUM> is tilted on the side of second direction <NUM>, projection <NUM> may be in contact with both of first wall surface <NUM> and first contact portion <NUM>. When the user further pulls cord <NUM> on the side of second direction <NUM> after projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>, projection <NUM> pivots on the side of second direction <NUM> with a point of contact between first wall surface <NUM> and projection <NUM> being defined as a fulcrum. Second apparatus <NUM> is thus detached from first apparatus <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, regarding an angle of tilting at the time when projection <NUM> is titled and comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>, the angle (first angle θ1) at the time when projection <NUM> is tilted in first direction <NUM> may be larger than the angle (second angle Θ2) at the time when projection <NUM> is tilted in second direction <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the state of second apparatus <NUM> tilted in first direction <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>, projection <NUM> may come in contact with first contact portion <NUM>. In other words, when projection <NUM> is tilted on the side of first direction <NUM>, projection <NUM> may come in contact with both of first wall surface <NUM> and first contact portion <NUM>. Second outer circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM> comes in contact with first wall surface <NUM>. First inner circumferential surface portion <NUM> of projection <NUM> comes in contact with first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, regarding an angle of tilting at the time when projection <NUM> is tilted and comes in contact with both of first contact portion <NUM> and first wall surface <NUM>, the angle (first angle θ1) at the time when projection <NUM> is tilted in first direction <NUM> may be larger than the angle (second angle θ2) at the time when projection <NUM> is tilted in second direction <NUM>.

When projection <NUM> is titled, tilting may be stopped by contact of projection <NUM> with at least one of first contact portion <NUM> and first wall surface <NUM>. From another point of view, tilting of projection <NUM> may be stopped by contact with first contact portion <NUM>, by contact with first wall surface <NUM>, or by contact with both of first contact portion <NUM> and first wall surface <NUM>. Regarding an angle of tilting at the time when tilting of projection <NUM> is stopped, the angle (first angle θ1) at the time when projection <NUM> is tilted in first direction <NUM> may be larger than the angle (second angle Θ2) at the time when projection <NUM> is tilted in second direction <NUM>. When tilting of projection <NUM> is stopped, a distance between first magnetic element <NUM> and second magnetic element <NUM> becomes longer. Therefore, in pulling second apparatus <NUM> upward for detachment, force necessary for detachment can be weaker.

A construction of connection structure <NUM> according to a second embodiment will now be described. Connection structure <NUM> according to the second embodiment is different from connection structure <NUM> according to the first embodiment mainly in including a protrusion <NUM> in a C shape and otherwise similar to connection structure <NUM> according to the second embodiment. The construction different from connection structure <NUM> according to the first embodiment will mainly be described below.

<FIG> is a schematic top view showing a construction of first apparatus <NUM> of connection structure <NUM> according to the second embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, when viewed in magnetic force direction Z, first apparatus <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM> substantially in a C shape. Protrusion <NUM> is curved as being convex toward second direction <NUM>. Protrusion <NUM> opens on the side of first direction <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a construction of protrusion <NUM> according to the second embodiment. The cross-section shown in <FIG> is perpendicular to magnetic force direction Z.

As shown in <FIG>, protrusion <NUM> includes a second arc-shaped portion <NUM>, a third arc-shaped portion <NUM>, and a pair of connection portions <NUM>. One end of each of the pair of connection portions <NUM> is continuous to second arc-shaped portion <NUM> and the other end thereof is continuous to third arc-shaped portion <NUM>. Second arc-shaped portion <NUM> is located on the side of second direction <NUM> relative to third arc-shaped portion <NUM>. Third arc-shaped portion <NUM> is smaller in radius of curvature than second arc-shaped portion <NUM>. A center of curvature of third arc-shaped portion <NUM> may coincide with a center of curvature of second arc-shaped portion <NUM>. A central angle of each of second arc-shaped portion <NUM> and third arc-shaped portion <NUM> is set, for example, to <NUM>°. The central angle of each of second arc-shaped portion <NUM> and third arc-shaped portion <NUM> may be, for example, not smaller than <NUM>° and not larger than <NUM>°.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of connection structure <NUM> according to the second embodiment. The cross-section shown in <FIG> is in parallel to each of magnetic force direction Z and lateral direction X. <FIG> is an enlarged schematic diagram of a region XIII in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, in magnetic force direction Z, first contact surface <NUM> may be located as high as first bottom surface <NUM>. In magnetic force direction Z, second contact surface <NUM> may be located under second lower surface <NUM> of hollow member <NUM>. In lateral direction X, protrusion <NUM> is located on the side of second direction <NUM> relative to second outer surface <NUM> of second contact portion <NUM>.

When second apparatus <NUM> is pulled in second direction <NUM>, protrusion <NUM> may be in contact with second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM> on the side of second direction <NUM>. From another point of view, when projection <NUM> is tilted toward second direction <NUM>, pivot of projection <NUM> may be restricted by protrusion <NUM>. In contrast, when projection <NUM> is tilted toward first direction <NUM>, pivot of projection <NUM> does not have to be restricted by protrusion <NUM>. When second apparatus <NUM> pivots as moving away from first apparatus <NUM>, pivot of second apparatus <NUM> around the side of second direction <NUM> may be restricted more than pivot of second apparatus <NUM> around the side of first direction <NUM>.

A construction of an attachment structure according to a third embodiment will now be described. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of the attachment structure according to the third embodiment.

An attachment structure <NUM> according to the third embodiment includes a bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM> and an instrument <NUM>. Attachment structure <NUM> according to the third embodiment corresponds to connection structure <NUM> according to the first and second embodiments. Bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM> is fitted to bedclothes <NUM>. Bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM> corresponds to first apparatus <NUM> of connection structure <NUM> according to the first and second embodiments. As shown in <FIG>, bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM> includes a bedclothes fixed portion <NUM>, first contact portion <NUM>, fastener <NUM>, and annular wall portion <NUM>. Bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> is fixed to bedclothes <NUM>. For example, a pillow is provided as bedclothes <NUM>, however, the bedclothes is not limited to the pillow. Bedclothes <NUM> may be, for example, a comforter (top cover), a mattress, a blanket, a bed, or a sheet.

Bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> is composed of first pressing member <NUM> and second pressing member <NUM>. A left end of first pinch member <NUM> serves as first pressing member <NUM>. A left end of second pinch member <NUM> serves as second pressing member <NUM>. When the user pinches a right end of first pinch member <NUM> and a right end of second pinch member <NUM>, each of first pinch member <NUM> and second pinch member <NUM> pivot with shaft member <NUM> being defined as a fulcrum. An interval between first pressing member <NUM> and second pressing member <NUM> thus increases. Bedclothes <NUM> is arranged between first pressing member <NUM> and second pressing member <NUM>. Bedclothes <NUM> is pinched by first pressing member <NUM> and second pressing member <NUM>. Bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> is thus fixed to bedclothes <NUM>. Bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> is located, for example, on the side of first direction <NUM> when viewed from first contact portion <NUM>. Bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> is not located on an extension in magnetic force direction Z.

Instrument <NUM> corresponds to second apparatus <NUM> of connection structure <NUM> according to the first and second embodiments. Instrument <NUM> is, for example, a strap. Instrument <NUM> may be a game console <NUM> including a strap. Instrument <NUM> mainly includes second contact portion <NUM>, hollow member <NUM>, cord holder <NUM>, coil spring <NUM>, reception plate <NUM>, and cord <NUM>. Bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM> and instrument <NUM> are brought in contact as being rotatable relatively to each other around magnetic force direction Z and being attachable to and detachable from each other as a result of contact between first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> with magnetic force of first magnetic element <NUM> and second magnetic element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM> and instrument <NUM> include a movement restriction portion <NUM>. Movement restriction portion <NUM> restricts movement of first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to magnetic force direction Z while first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> are brought in contact with each other. Movement restriction portion <NUM> is defined, for example, by first outer circumferential surface <NUM> and second inner circumferential surface <NUM> (see <FIG>). First outer circumferential surface <NUM> is defined by first linear portion <NUM> and an arc of a length equal to or longer than a semicircular arc (first arc-shaped portion <NUM>) (see <FIG>). Wobbling in lateral direction X of instrument <NUM> is suppressed by first outer circumferential surface <NUM>. Movement restriction portion <NUM> may be defined by a combination of first wall surface <NUM> of annular wall portion <NUM> and second outer circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM> in addition to or instead of the construction above.

As shown in <FIG>, bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM> and instrument <NUM> include a pivot restriction portion <NUM>. Pivot restriction portion <NUM> restricts pivot around the side opposite to the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> with respect to first contact portion <NUM> more than pivot around the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> when first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> pivot relative to each other as being moving away from each other in magnetic force direction Z from the state that first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> are brought in contact with each other. As shown in <FIG>, pivot restriction portion <NUM> may be defined by first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM> and second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM>.

Pivot restriction portion <NUM> does not have to restrict pivot around the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> but may restrict pivot around the side opposite to the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> with respect to first contact portion <NUM> when first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> pivot relative to each other as being moving away from each other in magnetic force direction Z from the state that first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> are brought in contact with each other. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when second contact portion <NUM> pivots toward bedclothes fixed portion <NUM>, second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM> does not come in contact with first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM>, and when second contact portion <NUM> pivots toward the side opposite to the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM>, second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM> may come in contact with first outer circumferential surface <NUM> of first contact portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, pivot restriction portion <NUM> may be defined by protrusion <NUM> and second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM>. When second contact portion <NUM> pivots toward bedclothes fixed portion <NUM>, second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM> on the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> does not come in contact with protrusion <NUM>, and when second contact portion <NUM> pivots toward the side opposite to the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM>, second inner circumferential surface <NUM> of projection <NUM> on the side opposite to the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> may come in contact with protrusion <NUM> (see <FIG>).

An angle of restriction of pivot of instrument <NUM> at the time of pivot of instrument <NUM> around the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> when first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> pivot relative to each other as being moving away from each other in magnetic force direction Z from the state that first contact portion <NUM> and second contact portion <NUM> are brought in contact with each other may be larger than an angle of restriction of pivot of instrument <NUM> at the time of pivot of instrument <NUM> around the side opposite to the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> with respect to first contact portion <NUM>. From another point of view, an angle (first angle θ1) of restriction of pivot of instrument <NUM> at the time of pivot of instrument <NUM> around the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> may be larger than an angle (second angle Θ2) of restriction of pivot of instrument <NUM> at the time of pivot of instrument <NUM> around the side opposite to the side of bedclothes fixed portion <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

Though bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM> is described above by way of example of first apparatus <NUM>, first apparatus <NUM> is not limited to bedclothes fitting instrument <NUM>. First apparatus <NUM> may be an electronic device, a peripheral device of an electronic device, furniture, apparel, accessories, toys, or the like. Fixed portion <NUM> of first apparatus <NUM> is, for example, a clip, however, it is not limited to the clip. Fixed portion <NUM> of first apparatus <NUM> may be, for example, a suction cup, a hook, or the like. First apparatus <NUM> may be attached to an object other than bedclothes <NUM>. First apparatus <NUM> may be attached, for example, to clothing such as a shirt or furniture such as a desk.

Second apparatus <NUM> is, for example, a strap, however, it is not limited to the strap. Second apparatus <NUM> may be an electronic device, a peripheral device of an electronic device, furniture, apparel, accessories, toys, or the like. Second apparatus <NUM> may be an attachment tool such as a clip.

Pivot restriction portion <NUM> is not limited to such a construction as above that the wall surface abuts earlier in pivot toward one side than in pivot toward the other side. Pivot restriction portion <NUM> may be constructed, for example, such that greater force is required in pivot toward one side than in pivot toward the other side. In order to adjust force to restrict pivot, for example, a buffer material may be used. Alternatively, another magnet may further be provided such that stronger attraction force acts in pivot toward one side than in pivot toward the other side.

Game console <NUM> includes, for example, a storage (not shown), a processor (not shown), and/or a display (not shown). The storage is implemented, for example, by a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). An application program such as a game may be stored in the storage. The processor may be able to perform information processing by reading an application program. An image generated as a result of information processing performed, for example, by the processor may be shown on the display.

Claim 1:
An attachment structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a bedclothes fitting instrument (<NUM>) fitted to bedclothes; and
an instrument (<NUM>), wherein
the bedclothes fitting instrument includes
a bedclothes fixed portion (<NUM>) fixed to the bedclothes, and
a first contact portion (<NUM>) including a first magnetic element (<NUM>),
the instrument includes a second contact portion (<NUM>) including a second magnetic element (<NUM>),
the bedclothes fitting instrument and the instrument are brought in contact as being rotatable relatively to each other around a magnetic force direction and attachable to and detachable from each other as a result of contact between the first contact portion and the second contact portion by magnetic force of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element,
the bedclothes fitting instrument and the instrument include a movement restriction portion configured to restrict movement of the first contact portion and the second contact portion relative to each other in a direction perpendicular the magnetic force direction while the first contact portion and the second contact portion are brought in contact with each other, and
the bedclothes fitting instrument and the instrument include a pivot restriction portion configured to restrict pivot around a side opposite to a side of the bedclothes fixed portion with respect to the first contact portion, more than pivot around the side of the bedclothes fixed portion, when the first contact portion and the second contact portion pivot relatively to each other as moving away from each other in the magnetic force direction from a state that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are brought in contact with each other.