Abstract: Bend members making up a variable shape structure each have a central coupling point, a one-end coupling point, and an other-end coupling point that are arranged so as to form a V shape with a fixed bend angle. A central coupling point of the first bend member and a central coupling point of the second bend member are pivotally coupled together. A central coupling point of the third bend member and a central coupling point of the fourth bend member are pivotally coupled together. A one-end coupling point of the first bend member and a one-end coupling point of the third bend member are pivotally coupled together. A one-end coupling point of the second bend member and a one-end coupling point of the fourth bend member are pivotally coupled together. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth bend members are of the same shape and the same size.

Abstract: An extendable arm includes first and second rigid members forming a cross unit. Each rigid member includes one end portion including one of end coupling shafts, the other end portion including the other end coupling shaft, and a middle portion including a middle coupling shaft. The one end portion of each rigid member includes a bottom-side outer side surface that surface-contacts a base surface when the extendable arm in an extended state is placed thereon. The other end portion of each rigid member includes a top-side outer side surface extending parallel to the bottom-side outer side surface of each rigid member. The middle portion of each rigid member includes a middle strip region passing through a middle coupling shaft and perpendicular to the bottom-side outer side surface and the top-side outer side surface.

Abstract: A variable shape frame having a polygonal shape includes: extendable arms forming each side of a polygonal frame; and corner members located at at least two of the corners of the polygon. Each of the extendable arms includes cross units each formed by two rigid members in an X-shape and pivotally coupled by a middle coupling shaft, and an end coupling portion pivotally coupling ends of adjacent ones of the cross units. The end coupling portion includes inner end coupling shafts and outer end coupling shafts. Adjacent two of the extendable arms are pivotally coupled by a common one of the inner end coupling shafts at every corner of the polygon. The corner member includes a first guide portion linearly guiding the inner end coupling shafts of the first extendable arm, and a second guide portion linearly guiding the inner end coupling shafts of the second extendable arm.

Abstract: A variable shape frame includes: a plurality of extendable arms to form a frame; and a coupling mechanism that couples ends of adjoining extendable arms. Each extendable arm includes cross units having by two rigid members crossing in an X-shape and pivotally coupled by a middle coupling shaft, and an end coupling portion pivotally coupling ends of adjoining cross units. The end coupling portion includes inner and outer end coupling shafts. Each rigid member has a curved shape. The coupling mechanism includes first bent members each pivotally coupling the inner end coupling shaft of one extendable arm and the outer end coupling shaft of the other extendable arm, second bent members each pivotally coupling the outer end coupling shaft of the one extendable arm and the inner end coupling shaft of the other extendable arm, and bent portion coupling shafts each pivotally coupling the first and second bent members.

Abstract: A variable shape three-dimensional structure includes: an upper frame; a lower frame; and a longitudinal coupling member that couples the upper and lower frames. Each of the frames includes cross units and an end coupling portion. Each cross unit is formed by two rigid members crossing each other and pivotally coupled together. The end coupling portion pivotally couples the ends of the rigid members of the cross units. The longitudinal coupling member includes a bent unit comprising a first and second bent rigid members, and a bent portion coupling shaft. The first and second bent rigid members are bent in a V-shape. The bent portion coupling shaft pivotally couples the bent portions of the first and second bent rigid members. The upper end of the bent unit is coupled to the upper frame and the lower end of the bent unit is coupled to the lower frame.

Abstract: An extendable arm (30) is formed by a plurality of cross units (31) arranged in one direction and pivotally coupled to each other, and each of the cross units is formed by two rigid members (31a, 31b) that are pivotally coupled at a central coupling point (c) so as to cross over each other to form an X-shape. In order for the extendable arm (30) to follow a curved-line path when being extended and contracted, each of the rigid members (31a, 31b) has such a curved shape that coupling points (d, e) at both ends of the rigid member are shifted toward one side from a longitudinal axis passing through the central coupling point (c).

Abstract: An extendable arm (30) is formed by a plurality of cross units (31) arranged in one direction and pivotally coupled to each other, and each of the cross units is formed by two rigid members (31a, 31b) that are pivotally coupled at a central coupling point (c) so as to cross over each other to form an X-shape. In order for the extendable arm (30) to follow a curved-line path when being extended and contracted, each of the rigid members (31a, 31b) has such a curved shape that coupling points (d, e) at both ends of the rigid member are shifted toward one side from a longitudinal axis passing through the central coupling point (c).

Abstract: A viewing object retention device allows a viewing object to be arranged at an optimum position and enables an angle of the object to be adjusted so as to accord with a direction of a face of a viewer. The device includes a fixed base part, an arm part one end portion of which is turnably joined to the base part, and the other end portion of which extends along an axis line from this joining point toward a space above the viewer, a viewing object retention part located at the other end portion of the arm part to retain the object and a revolving mechanism that displaces the retention part angularly to the axis line with the turning of the arm part with the joining point.

Abstract: A viewing object retention device allows a viewing object to be arranged at an optimum position and enables an angle of the object to be adjusted so as to accord with a direction of a face of a viewer. The device includes a fixed base part, an arm part one end portion of which is turnably joined to the base part, and the other end portion of which extends along an axis line from this joining point toward a space above the viewer, a viewing object retention part located at the other end portion of the arm part to retain the object and a revolving mechanism that displaces the retention part angularly to the axis line with the turning of the arm part with the joining point.

Abstract: The inventive apparatus having page turning capability for reading assistance enables to easily turn over pages of a book by a simple operation and provides a more comfortable environment for the person who spends time on reading. To properly use an apparatus (50), set an open book on a supporting means (1), press the midsection over the right and left pages by a page-pressing means (2), and then press the edges of the right and left pages by page-turning-up means (3, 4). To turn over the page, activate an interlocking means by using a remote handling means, move either one of the right and left page-turning-up means (3, 4), and press the page surface to create a shearing force between the first and second pages so that the page can be turned up. After that, a page-turning-over means (5) starts moving and slips into the back of the page. The page-turning-over means (5) presses the page from behind and turns over the page to the other side.