EP1570829A1 - Leg massage unit - Google Patents

Leg massage unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1570829A1
EP1570829A1 EP05004736A EP05004736A EP1570829A1 EP 1570829 A1 EP1570829 A1 EP 1570829A1 EP 05004736 A EP05004736 A EP 05004736A EP 05004736 A EP05004736 A EP 05004736A EP 1570829 A1 EP1570829 A1 EP 1570829A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
massage unit
calf
foot
massage
leg
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05004736A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Takamasa Suzuki
Takashi Nakamura
Toyohiko Tsunemine
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sanyo Electric Co Ltd filed Critical Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Publication of EP1570829A1 publication Critical patent/EP1570829A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H9/00—Pneumatic or hydraulic massage
    • A61H9/005—Pneumatic massage
    • A61H9/0078—Pneumatic massage with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0119—Support for the device
    • A61H2201/0138—Support for the device incorporated in furniture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0119—Support for the device
    • A61H2201/0138—Support for the device incorporated in furniture
    • A61H2201/0149—Seat or chair
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
    • A61H2201/0207—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled heated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
    • A61H2201/0221—Mechanism for heating or cooling
    • A61H2201/0228—Mechanism for heating or cooling heated by an electric resistance element
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
    • A61H2201/0221—Mechanism for heating or cooling
    • A61H2201/0242—Mechanism for heating or cooling by a fluid circulating in the apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
    • A61H2201/0221—Mechanism for heating or cooling
    • A61H2201/025—Mechanism for heating or cooling by direct air flow on the patient's body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/14—Special force transmission means, i.e. between the driving means and the interface with the user
    • A61H2201/1409—Hydraulic or pneumatic means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
    • A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
    • A61H2203/0425—Sitting on the buttocks
    • A61H2203/0431—Sitting on the buttocks in 90°/90°-position, like on a chair
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
    • A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
    • A61H2203/0443—Position of the patient substantially horizontal
    • A61H2203/0456—Supine
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/10—Leg
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/10—Leg
    • A61H2205/106—Leg for the lower legs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/12—Feet

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to leg massage units adapted to massage the feet and calves of the user.
  • Leg massage units are available which comprise a foot massage unit for the user to insert his or her feet thereinto for massaging the feet and a calf massage unit for inserting the calves thereinto for giving a massage to the calves so that the parts of the legs below the knees can be massaged (see, for example, the publication of JP-A No. 2002-238963).
  • the calf massage unit is fixed to the foot massage unit and can not therefore be positioned at varying angles or at varying levels as desired by the user. Accordingly the legs assuming an unnatural posture are likely to become tired during massaging, or a massage can not be given to the desired affected part to result in a lower massage effect.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a leg massage unit comprising a calf massage unit which is made tiltable and/or slidable upward or downward so as to give an enhanced massage effect to the user.
  • the present invention provides a leg massage unit comprising a foot massage unit for massaging the feet of the user, and a calf massage unit tiltably coupled to a base end of the foot massage unit by a connecting mechanism and adapted to massage the calves of the user.
  • the connecting mechanism exerts torque acting to move the calf massage unit toward an upright position relative to the foot massage unit.
  • the calf massage unit is made tiltable relative to the foot massage unit, and the connecting mechanism couples the calf massage unit to the foot massage unit so as to exert toque acting to move the calf massage unit toward an upright position relative to the foot massage unit. Accordingly when the calf is moved, the calf massage unit follows the movement of the calf and tilts rearward. Since the calf massage unit is always held in intimate contact with the calf by the torque acting to move the calf massage unit toward an upright position, an enhanced calf massage effect is available.
  • the calf massage unit is positioned at a variable angle with the foot massage unit, so that the leg is unlikely to become tired during massaging.
  • the calf massage unit can be tilted rearward through a large angle merely by lying on the floor with his or her legs placed into the calf massage unit without manipulating the unit in any way.
  • the calf massage unit is upwardly or downwardly slidably connected to the foot massage unit by the connecting mechanism.
  • the calf massage unit can then be positioned at the level of the calf of the user or a level desirable for the affected part to be massaged for the massage unit to give an effective massage.
  • leg massage unit 100 which is adapted to give a massage to the feet and calves of the user.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the leg massage unit 100 of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the same
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the same
  • FIG. 4 is a rear view of the same
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are side elevations showing the massage unit 100 in use.
  • the leg massage unit 100 comprises a foot massage unit 10 for massaging the feet of the user, more specifically the parts of the legs below the ankles, and a calf massage unit 80 coupled to the base end of the foot massage unit 10 by a connecting mechanism 90 tiltably and slidably for massaging the calves of the user.
  • the foot massage unit 10, the calf massage unit 80 and the connecting mechanism 90 for the two units 10, 80 will be described below in this order.
  • the foot massage unit 10 has a cover 12 made of a resin and having a pair of left and right recessed footrests 20, 20 each generally U-shaped in cross section for the user to insert his or her feet (the terminal ends of the legs below the ankles) thereinto.
  • a center wall 14 is formed as a partition to provide the recessed footrests 20, 20 on opposite sides thereof as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the inner surface of the resin cover 12 providing the footrests 20 is covered with a cloth cover 16.
  • the connecting mechanism 90 for tiltably supporting the calf massage unit 80 to be described later has a tilting portion 91 (to be described later) provided on each of opposite side walls of the rear end of the resin cover 12.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the foot massage unit 10 with the cloth cover 16 removed
  • FIG. 8 is a view in section taken along the line X1-X1 in FIG. 7
  • FIG. 9 is a view in section taken along the line X2-X2 in FIG. 7
  • FIG. 10 is a view in section taken along the line Y-Y in FIG. 7.
  • each recessed footrest 20 The opposite side walls of each recessed footrest 20 are provided with respective side air bags 21, 21, which are covered with the cloth cover 16 over the inner side surfaces thereof.
  • the side air bags 21, 21 are held in communication by a connecting hose 65, which is connected by air supply hoses 64 to a solenoid valve 62 and a pump 60.
  • the side air bags 21 are made by blow molding and have front and rear expansion portions 21a, 21b resembling pleats.
  • the air bags can be made from a nylon fabric laminated with a urethane sheet
  • the connecting hose 65 is disposed in a cavity 65a formed not on the heel side of the footrest 20 but in the front portion of the bottom wall of each footrest 20 (at a position where the hose will remain out of contact with the foot of common size and which is outside the range of movement of the acupressure rod 32 to be described later), and is positioned so close to the heater 50 to be described later as to be subjected to heat exchange therewith through the bottom wall of the footrest 20.
  • the connecting hose 65 thus positioned, the compressed air to be supplied to the side air bags 21 through the hose 65 can be heated to ensure an improved thermotherapeutic effect. Further this arrangement makes it possible to heat the compressed air without reducing the thermotherapeutic effect on the soles of the user.
  • the connecting hose 65 is allowed to extend through a portion to be in contact with the sole or heel, the heat from the heater 50 will be blocked by the hose 65 and encounters difficulty in being transferred to the sole to result in an impaired thermotherapeutic effect. Accordingly, the arrangement described above is desirable.
  • one of the side bags can be made from an elastic member, for example, of sponge, urethane or like material having elasticity.
  • the bottom wall of the footrest 20 is so slanted that the front end thereof is at a high level with the rear end thereof positioned at a low level as shown in FIG. 8. This slope assures the foot of stability when the user places his or her foot into the recessed footrest 20.
  • the footrest 20 is provided at its rear end with an upstanding wall 23 extending upward so as to prevent the foot from slipping off the footrest 20.
  • the upstanding wall 23 is recessed toward the rear at the heel portion in conformity with the shape of the heel.
  • the upstanding wall 23 is 20 to 50 mm in height.
  • each recessed footrest 20 is provided with massage means 30 for massaging the sole of the user.
  • the massage means 30 comprises, for example, means provided with illustrated acupressure rods 32, 32.
  • the acupressure rods 32, 32 have their upper ends projecting upward through respective two slots 25, 25 formed in the bottom wall of the footrest 20.
  • the slots 25, 25 extend longitudinally of the footrest 20.
  • Ribs 26 projecting downward are formed along the inner peripheries of slots 25.
  • the heater 50 is attached to the rear side of the bottom wall of the footrest 20.
  • the heater 50 comprises, for example, a heater wire enclosed with aluminum foil. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the heater 50 can be disposed around the slots 25, 25. When the slot 25 is provided with the rib 26, the heater 50 will not be exposed directly to water or the like even if the user spills such a liquid over the foot massage unit 10 in error.
  • the rib 26 provided for the slot 25 therefore serves to protect the heater 50 from water.
  • the massage means 30 is provided on the rear side of the bottom wall of the footrest 20 with the two acupressure rods 32, 32 made projectable from inside a case 36 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10.
  • a case 36 Disposed inside the case 36 is a rectangular plate 33 provided with the two acupressure rods 32, 32 having a circular cross section and extending upward therefrom.
  • the plate 33 is placed on a bottom air bag 34 positioned in a lower portion of the case 36.
  • the case 36 has an upper opening, which is closed with the mount plate 40 to be described below.
  • the acupressure rods 32 extend upward through holes 42 formed in the mount plate 40.
  • a spring 35 is provided between the mount plate 40 and the upper surface of the plate 33 for biasing the plate 33 downward. With the bottom air bag 34 contracted, the plate 33 is pushed downward to minimize the amount of projection of the acupressure rods 32, 32.
  • the bottom air bag 34 can be made, for example, from a nylon fabric laminated with a urethane sheet. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom air bag 34 is connected by the air supply hose 64 to the solenoid valve 62 and the pump 60 which are arranged inside the foot massage unit 10. When compressed air is supplied from the pump 60 by actuating the solenoid valve 62, the bottom air bag 34 is inflated, moving the acupressure rods 32 upward. When the air is removed from the bag 34, the rods 32 are moved down by the force of the spring 35.
  • the bottom wall of the resin cover 12 is raised upward at portions close to the left and right ends to form rail portions 28, 28 for slidably supporting the massage means 30.
  • the rail portions 28 have their front parts positioned at a high level and their rear parts at a low level in conformity with the slope of the bottom walls of the recessed footrests 20.
  • the mount plate 40 is made of a metal plate elongated in the left-right direction and is provided at opposite ends thereof with respective guides 41, 41 fitting to and slidable on the rail portions 28, 28.
  • the cases 36, 36 for the left and right massage means 30 are fastened with screws to the mount plate 40, and the holes 42, 42 for the acupressure rods 32, 32 to project therethrough are formed in the mount plate 40.
  • a feed nut 43 is secured to the center of the mount plate 40 on the upper surface thereof by a nut fixing member 44.
  • the feed screw 45 to be described later extends through the feed nut 43 in screw-thread engagement therewith.
  • the mount plate 40 is movable forward or rearward on the rail portions 28, 28 by the rotation of the feed screw 45, whereby the massage means 30, 30 mounted on the plate 40 are reciprocatingly movable forward or rearward.
  • the feed screw 45 extending forward or rearward for moving the massage means 30 forward or rearward is provided between the recessed footrests 20, 20, i.e. , inside the center wall 14 of the resin cover 12 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
  • the feed screw 45 is supported by a frame 46 provided inside the resin cover 12 so as to be slanted in conformity with the slope of the bottom walls of the footrests 20 as shown in FIG. 9.
  • a pulley 45a mounted on the rear end of the screw 45 is coupled to a pulley 47b on a motor 47 by a belt 47a for power transmission.
  • the feed screw 45 is rotated forward or reversely by rotating the motor 47 forward or reversely, moving the nut 43 on the screw 45 to reciprocatingly move the massage means 30, 30 forward and rearward.
  • a hose connector 85c for an air supply hose 85a for supplying compressed air to air bags of the calf massage unit 80 to be described later is attached to the rear end of the resin cover 12.
  • the hose connector 85c has a connection open end projecting rearward from the resin cover 12 and bent downward. When thus shaped, the connection open end permits the air supply hose 85a to be joined thereto as curved along a large circular arc, with the result that the hose is prevented from flexing, expanding or contracting even if the calf massage unit 80 is tilted or slidingly moved.
  • FIG. 11 is a front view of the calf massage unit 80 with a cloth cover 82a partly removed to show the unit 80 partly in section
  • FIG. 12 is a view in section taken along the line X-X in FIG. 11
  • FIG. 13 is a view in section taken along the line Y-Y in FIG. 11.
  • the calf massage unit 80 has a pair of left and right leg-rests 83, 83 formed in a resin cover 82 for the user to insert his or her calves thereinto.
  • a center wall 84 is disposed between the leg-rests 83, 83 to provide these portions 83 on opposite sides thereof as shown in FIGS. 1, 11 and 12.
  • the cloth cover 82a covers the inner surface of each leg-rest 83.
  • each leg-rest 83 is provided on opposite side walls thereof with respective side air bags 85, 85, and the inner surfaces of the bags are covered with the cloth cover 82a.
  • the side air bags 85, 85 are connected together by a bellows connecting hose 85f and connected to the common air supply hose 85a.
  • the side air bags 85 are connected to the pump 60 provided for the foot massage unit 10 by the air supply hose 85a through a hose connector 85b (see FIG. 4) extending through the lower end of the resin cover 82, the hose connector 85c (see FIG. 4) provided on the rear wall of the foot massage unit 10 and the solenoid valve 62 (see FIG. 9).
  • one of the side bags 85, 85 are arranged respectively on opposite side walls of the leg-rest 83, one of the side bags can be made from an elastic member, for example, of sponge, urethane or like material having elasticity.
  • An air bag 86 is disposed also on the bottom wall of the leg-rest 83.
  • the bottom air bag 86 can be, for example, the one shown in FIG. 13 and provided with an acupressure projection 86a at the portion thereof to be brought into contact with the calf of the user.
  • the bottom air bag 86 is also connected by an air supply hose 86b to the pump 60 for the foot massage unit 10 through hose connectors 86c, 86d and the solenoid valve 62.
  • the acupressure projection 86a can be formed integrally with the bottom air bag 86 or attached to the bag 86 as by adhesion.
  • the hose connectors 85b, 86c extend downward and are bent rearward. Further as shown in FIG. 4, the hose connectors 85b, 86c are arranged preferably as shifted from the position of the hose connectors 85c, 86d on the foot massage unit 10 so as not to be in register therewith with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the air supply hoses 85a, 86b interconnecting the hose connectors 85b, 85c and interconnecting the hose connectors 86c, 86d, respectively can be made less likely to flex even when the calf massage unit 80 is tilted or slidingly moved relative to the foot massage unit 10.
  • the calf massage unit 80 is coupled to the foot massage unit 10 by the connecting mechanism 90.
  • the connecting mechanism 90 can be composed of the tilting portions 91 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) provided at opposite sides of the rear end of the resin cover 12 of the foot massage unit 10, tilting rods 94, 94 (see FIGS. 13, 15 and 16) rotatably supported by the tilting portions 91, sliders 99 arranged on the calf massage unit 80 and supporting the upper ends of the respective tilting rods 94 slidably and positionably in place as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, and a slide rail 97.
  • the calf massage unit 80 is tiltable forward or rearward, slidable upward or downward and positionable in place by the connecting mechanism 90 relative to the foot massage unit 10
  • each tilting portion 91 is arranged at opposite sides of the rear end of the resin cover 12 of the foot massage unit 10.
  • Each tilting portion 91 comprises a generally U-shaped screw mount 93 attached to the resin cover 12 and a center pivot 92 secured to the mount 93 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
  • the tilting rod 94 has a base end forwardly or rearwardly tiltably fitted around the center pivot 92.
  • the tilting rod 94 has at its base end a mount plate 95 in the form of a generally elliptical flat plate, and is a metal tube having a circular cross section and extending continuously from the mount plate 95.
  • the mount plate 95 of the tilting rod 94 has a hole 95b formed in its center and fitting around the center pivot 92 as shown in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16.
  • the mount plate 95 has formed in its peripheral surface a cutout 95a for an arm of the torsion spring 98 to be described later to fit in.
  • the torsion spring 98 is fitted around the center pivot 92.
  • the torsion spring 98 has one arm fitting in the cutout 95a in the mount plate 95 and the other arm fitting in a cutout 93a in the U-shaped screw mount 93 and secured to the center pivot 92.
  • the torsion spring 98 is adapted to bias the tilting rod 94 toward the front.
  • the resin cover 12 has a surrounding portion 12b for enclosing the tilting portion 91 therewith.
  • the resin cover 12 has a groove 12a formed therein as shown in FIGS. 4, 7, 15 and 16 for permitting the tilting rod 94 to be tilted from an upwardly extending substantially vertically position rearward through a specified angle, i.e., through about 90 degrees, to a fallen position when the foot massage unit 10 is placed in a horizontal position.
  • each tilting rod 94 is held in a substantially vertical upright position relative to the foot massage unit 10 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 98 when free from any load.
  • the calf massage unit 80 tilts rearward along with the tilting rod 94 [see FIGS. 6 and 16(a)].
  • the rod 14 returns the calf massage unit 80 to the vertical position by virtue of the biasing force of the torsion spring 98 [see FIGS. 5 and 16(b)].
  • the calf massage unit 80 is fitted to the upper ends of the tilting rods 94, 94 slidably longitudinally of the rods 94 and positionably in place.
  • the tilting rods 94, 94 penetrate into the resin cover 82 of the calf massage unit 80 through holes 87, 87 formed in opposite sides of the lower end of the resin cover 82.
  • the upper ends of the left and right tilting rods 94, 94 are interconnected by a mount plate 94a, which has mounted thereon the sliders 99, 99 made of resin, positioned inwardly of the respective tilting rods 94, 94 and each having a hard ball 99a biased rearward by a spring 99b.
  • the resin slider 99 is slidably fitted in the slide rail 97 which is fastened with screws to a thick portion inside the resin cover 82.
  • a plurality of positioning holes 97a, 97a are formed in the slide rail 97, as arranged longitudinally of the rail at equal intervals (see FIG. 14).
  • the hard ball 99a When positioned in register with one of the positioning holes 97a in the slide rail 97, the hard ball 99a fits into the hole 97a by being biased by the spring 99b, preventing the tilting rod 94 and the calf massage unit 80 from moving relative to each other. Further when the user pulls up the unit 80 or pushes down the unit, the ball 99a slips out of the positioning hole 97a against the force of the spring 99b, rendering the massage unit 80 movable upward or downward until the ball fits into another lower or upper positioning hole 97a.
  • the calf massage unit 80 is coupled to the foot massage unit 10 by the connecting mechanism 90 described, whereby the massage unit 80 is made tiltable relative to the foot massage unit 10 to move upward or downward and to be positioned in place relative to the unit 10.
  • the calves When the user as seated in a chair places his or her legs into the leg massage unit 100, the calves bear on the bottom walls of the leg-rests 83 of the calf massage unit 80 in a substantially vertical position relative to the foot massage unit 10 as shown in FIG. 5 and can be given a massage. Further if the user lying on the floor places his or her legs into the leg massage unit 100 with the knees drawn up, the calves force the calf massage unit 80 rearward, allowing the user to be given a massage, with the calf massage unit 80 rearwardly tilted relative to the foot massage unit 10 as shown in FIG. 6. Incidentally, the center of gravity of the foot massage unit 10 is positioned toward the front so that the foot massage unit 10 will not be positioned as raised off the floor even when the calf massage unit 80 is tilted to the rearmost position.
  • the user When inserting the legs into the leg massage unit 100, the user can move the calf massage unit 80 upward or downward in conformity with the position of the calves. Further a massage can be given to a wide range by moving the calf massage unit 80 upward and downward.
  • the leg massage unit 100 can be manipulated in any mode by using a control panel (not shown) provided at a suitable location on the massage unit 100 or in the form of a remote control.
  • the massage unit 100 is controlled by control means 18 disposed inside the foot massage unit 10 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).
  • the leg massage unit 100 of the construction described above is used by the person to be massaged by placing his or her feet into the recessed footrests 20 and his or her calves into the leg-rests 83.
  • the user places the feet into the footrests 20 and presses the heels against the upstanding walls 23.
  • the feet of the user are securely held in the footrests 20 by the upstanding walls 23 and unlikely to move forward or rearward.
  • the calf massage unit 80 is biased into contact with the calves of the user by the springs 98, the calves are securely held to the leg-rests 83.
  • the user can be massaged in various modes by manipulating the control panel (not shown).
  • An example of massage operation will be described below.
  • the heaters 50 can be energized at the same time.
  • the footrests 20 are heated up before the user places his or her feet into the recessed footrests 20.
  • the footrests 20 are therefore unlikely to feel cold when the feet are inserted into the footrests.
  • the heaters 50 may be so set that the passage of current therethrough will be completed upon lapse of a predetermined period of time (e.g., 15 minutes).
  • the user places his or her feet into the footrests 20 with the heaters 50 held in operation.
  • the user may place the feet into the footrests with the heaters 50 only energized, whereby the soles of the user are warmed by a thermotherapeutic effect to result in improved circulation of the blood.
  • Foot massages include, for example, an acupressure massage by the acupressure rods 32 of the massage means 30, a pressing massage by pressing the side parts of the feet from the end of each foot to the ankle with the side air bags 21, and a massage comprising the combination of these two modes of massages.
  • the pressing massage can be given by inflating and contracting the bottom air bag 34 and causing the acupressure rods 32 to project from and retract into the bottom wall of the recessed footrest 20.
  • a highly effective acupressure massage can be given to the sole, especially to the arch and the base parts of the toes, by causing the acupressure rods 32 to project and retract, and moving the rods 32 to a desired position or reciprocatingly moving the rods 32 (by applying a rolling massage) in combination with this movement of the rods 32.
  • the bottom air bag 34 can be inflated and contracted by closing and opening the solenoid valve 62 and driving the pump 60.
  • the acupressure rods 32 are movable forward and rearward by diving the motor 47.
  • the control panel may be provided with buttons for selecting different foot sizes for different users. This enables the user to select his or her foot size to determine the range of movement of the acupressure rods 32 in accordance with the foot size for control when applying an acupressure massage to the arch or the base parts of the toes. Indicated at 29 in FIG. 7 are examples of contours of feet of users.
  • the acupressure massage pushes up the sole with the acupressure rods 32, the user's foot will be raised off the footrest 20. In giving the acupressure massage, therefore, it is desirable to inflate the side air bags 21 to hold the foot between the side air bags 21, 21 and thereby prevent the foot from becoming raised.
  • the pressing massage is given by inflating and contracting the side air bags 21 and thereby holding the side parts of the foot from the end thereof to the ankle between the side air bags 21, 21 to press the foot.
  • the side air bags 21 can be inflated and contracted by closing and opening the solenoid valve 62 and driving the pump 60.
  • the connecting hose 65 for supplying compressed air to the side air bags 21 is in contact with the heater 50 and therefore heats the compressed air to be supplied, whereby warm air can be supplied to the side air bags 21.
  • the pressing massage produces the thermotherapeutic effect and a pressure therapeutic effect to thereby give an enhanced therapeutic effect.
  • the above movements may be performed at the same time.
  • the calf can be massaged by an acupressure massage with the projection 86a of the bottom air bag 86, and a pressing massage with the side air bags 85, 85.
  • the acupressure massage can be given by inflating and contracting the bottom air bag 86 and pressing the projection 86a against the calf.
  • the bottom air bag 86 can be inflated and contracted by closing and opening the solenoid valve 62 and driving the pump 60.
  • a highly effective acupressure massage can be given by holding the side air bag 85, 85 inflated at this time since the user's calf is then unlikely to be pushed out of the leg-rest 83.
  • the calf massage unit 80 is biased forward, i.e.
  • the unit 80 follows this movement in intimate contact with the calf, consequently eliminating the likelihood that the foot massage unit 10 will be raised off the floor by the reaction exerted by the calf.
  • the pressing massage is given by inflating and contracting the side air bags 85, 85 and thereby holding the calf between the side air bags 85, 85 to press the calf.
  • the side air bags 85 can be inflated and contracted by closing and opening the solenoid valve 62 and driving the pump 60.
  • the pressing massage given to the calf results in improved circulation of the blood.
  • the massage by the foot massage unit 10 and the massage by the calf massage unit 80 may of course be given in combination.
  • the acupressure massage, pressing massage and rolling massage by the foot massage unit 10 can be given according to a suitably determined program.
  • smoothly varying acupressures are available by inflating the bottom air bag 34 with the start of movement of the acupressure rods 32 to cause the rods 32 to project progressively, that is, by causing the acupressure rods 32 to gradually project during the movement to obliquely press the sole, continuing the movement after the rods are held projected to a constant amount, and starting to conversely discharge the air from the bottom air bag 34 upon the rods almost reaching the position of completing the movement to progressively retract the rods 32.
  • the oblique pressing movement also gives an acupressure massage resembling kneading, providing a comfortable rolling massage. The same effect is available also by the return movement of the acupressure rods 32.
  • the leg massage unit is so set as to automatically complete such various modes of massage upon lapse of a predetermined period of time.
  • the massage means 30 are not limited to those of the above embodiment but may comprise air bags only or means of the vibration type.
  • the leg massage unit 100 may be disposed at a low level in front of a chair for the user to sit in to provide a massage machine of the chair type.
  • a various massage means can be provided at a backrest, a seat portion or the like of the chair.
  • the heater 50 may be provided not only on the bottom wall of the recessed footrest 20 but also on the side wall thereof as indicated in dotted lines in FIG. 10, or may be disposed as bent so as to be in contact with both the bottom wall and the side wall, whereby not only the sole but also side parts of the foot can be warmed.
  • the heater 50a may be provided on the rear side of the outer side wall of the footrest 20, the heater 50a may be provided on the rear side of the center side wall.
  • FIG. 19 shows hose connectors 85b, 86c according to a different embodiment.
  • the resin cover 82 has a recessed portion 82b, in which hose connectors 85b, 86c facing downward are arranged for joining thereto the air supply hoses 85a, 86b.
  • the recessed portion 82b thus provided serves to render the air supply hoses 85a, 86b joined to the hose connectors 85b, 86c less likely to flex.
  • the leg massage unit of the invention comprises a calf massage unit made tiltable and/or upwardly or downwardly slidable, and is therefore useful for giving an enhanced massage effect to the user.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
EP05004736A 2004-03-05 2005-03-03 Leg massage unit Withdrawn EP1570829A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2004061700 2004-03-05
JP2004061700A JP4017608B2 (ja) 2004-03-05 2004-03-05 足用マッサージユニット

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1570829A1 true EP1570829A1 (en) 2005-09-07

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EP05004736A Withdrawn EP1570829A1 (en) 2004-03-05 2005-03-03 Leg massage unit

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EP (1) EP1570829A1 (enExample)
JP (1) JP4017608B2 (enExample)
KR (1) KR100572298B1 (enExample)
CN (1) CN100453060C (enExample)
TW (1) TWI245626B (enExample)

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GB2434318A (en) * 2006-01-23 2007-07-25 Chun-Chieh Yu Device for massaging feet and calves
CN101810537A (zh) * 2009-02-23 2010-08-25 徐克林 一种多功能理疗按摩椅
CN101234064B (zh) * 2007-01-31 2011-08-24 三洋电机株式会社 下肢用按摩机
WO2011150563A1 (zh) * 2010-06-02 2011-12-08 Wu Yi 美腿机
EP2076231A4 (en) * 2006-10-27 2012-04-11 Osim Int Ltd AIRBAG AND DEVICE AND SYSTEM THEREFORE
CN102499851A (zh) * 2011-10-19 2012-06-20 山东康泰实业有限公司 一种按摩椅的腿脚按摩装置
CN101455611B (zh) * 2008-12-31 2012-10-31 东莞市生命动力按摩器材有限公司 一种脚部按摩器及穴位按摩方式
WO2018169484A1 (en) * 2017-03-15 2018-09-20 Osim International Pte. Ltd. Lower limb massage systems and devices, and methods for controlling lower limb massage systems and devices
CN113018144A (zh) * 2021-03-09 2021-06-25 潘佳佳 一种下肢外胫夹康复训练方法
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JP6363368B2 (ja) * 2014-03-20 2018-07-25 マクセルホールディングス株式会社 マッサージ器
CN104606036A (zh) * 2015-02-28 2015-05-13 福建松典健康科技有限公司 一种隐藏式腿部按摩装置
JP6813190B2 (ja) * 2017-04-25 2021-01-13 大東電機工業株式会社 下肢用マッサージ機
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DE102007002915B4 (de) * 2006-01-23 2009-01-08 Yu, Chun-Chieh, Feng-Yuan Vorrichtung zur Massage von Füßen und Waden
GB2434318B (en) * 2006-01-23 2009-12-09 Chun-Chieh Yu Device for massaging feet and calves
GB2434318A (en) * 2006-01-23 2007-07-25 Chun-Chieh Yu Device for massaging feet and calves
EP2076231A4 (en) * 2006-10-27 2012-04-11 Osim Int Ltd AIRBAG AND DEVICE AND SYSTEM THEREFORE
CN101234064B (zh) * 2007-01-31 2011-08-24 三洋电机株式会社 下肢用按摩机
CN101455611B (zh) * 2008-12-31 2012-10-31 东莞市生命动力按摩器材有限公司 一种脚部按摩器及穴位按摩方式
CN101810537A (zh) * 2009-02-23 2010-08-25 徐克林 一种多功能理疗按摩椅
CN101810537B (zh) * 2009-02-23 2013-09-18 徐克林 一种多功能理疗按摩椅
WO2011150563A1 (zh) * 2010-06-02 2011-12-08 Wu Yi 美腿机
CN102499851A (zh) * 2011-10-19 2012-06-20 山东康泰实业有限公司 一种按摩椅的腿脚按摩装置
CN102499851B (zh) * 2011-10-19 2013-07-31 山东康泰实业有限公司 一种按摩椅的腿脚按摩装置
WO2018169484A1 (en) * 2017-03-15 2018-09-20 Osim International Pte. Ltd. Lower limb massage systems and devices, and methods for controlling lower limb massage systems and devices
CN110402130A (zh) * 2017-03-15 2019-11-01 傲胜国际私人有限公司 下肢按摩系统与装置、以及用于控制下肢按摩系统与装置的方法
CN110402130B (zh) * 2017-03-15 2022-09-02 傲胜国际私人有限公司 下肢按摩系统与装置、以及用于控制下肢按摩系统与装置的方法
CN113018144A (zh) * 2021-03-09 2021-06-25 潘佳佳 一种下肢外胫夹康复训练方法
CN113041116A (zh) * 2021-03-09 2021-06-29 潘佳佳 一种下肢康复训练用辅助器械
CN113041116B (zh) * 2021-03-09 2022-09-09 泰兴市康森爱特传动设备科技有限公司 一种下肢康复训练用辅助器械

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW200529801A (en) 2005-09-16
CN100453060C (zh) 2009-01-21
KR100572298B1 (ko) 2006-04-24
CN1663550A (zh) 2005-09-07
JP2005245803A (ja) 2005-09-15
JP4017608B2 (ja) 2007-12-05
TWI245626B (en) 2005-12-21
KR20050089737A (ko) 2005-09-08

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