JP2004298558A - Lower limb bathing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve inflammation-reducing, analgesic and relaxing effects of a lower limb bathing device and to promote recovery from fatigue by providing sufficient massage effect and heat transfer effect to the legs. <P>SOLUTION: The lower limb bathing device comprises a bathtub 1 for receiving the legs F, a support 10 for supporting the inserted legs F and shower nozzles N for spraying warm water to the legs F supported by the support 10. Each of the shower nozzles N comprises a sole shower nozzle NA for spraying warm water to the soles Fb of the legs F supported by the support 10 and an instep shower nozzle NB for spraying warm water to the insteps Fc of the legs supported by the support 10. The sole shower nozzle NA and the instep shower nozzle NB are configured so that the warm water spraying areas of the nozzles extend to the toes Fd. The support 10 is further provided with heel supporting sections 13 each comprising a recessed section 14 for holding the heel Fa to expose the legs F except the heels Fa within the bathtub 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lower limb bath apparatus that is useful to general people as well as elderly people and persons with disabilities in lower limbs, and more particularly to a lower limb bath apparatus for showering feet and bathing lower limbs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this kind of lower limb bathing device, for example, a device disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-197204) is known. As shown in FIG. 10, hot water is sprayed toward an open-top bathtub 101 in which a foot F is put, a support portion 102 for supporting the put foot F, and a calf (calf) La of a lower limb L. A shower nozzle 103 and a shower nozzle 104 for injecting hot water toward the shin (shin) Lb of the lower limb L are provided.
[0003]
Then, when using the lower limb bathing device 100, the user sits down on a seat 105 provided at the opening edge of the bathtub 101, puts the foot F into the bathtub 101, and places the foot F on the support portion 102. In this state, the flow valve 106 composed of a solenoid valve is opened. In this case, the temperature control valve 107 is adjusted to mix the hot water from the hot water supply pipe 108 with the water from the water supply pipe 109 to keep the hot water at an appropriate temperature. As a result, warm water is sprayed from the shower nozzles 103 and 104, and the warm water is applied to the calf La and the shin Lb of the lower limb L, thereby obtaining a sedative effect as a treatment and an effect of releasing muscle tension.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-197204 [0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in such a conventional lower limb bath apparatus 100, the hot water of the shower acts on the calf La and the shin Lb of the lower limb L, thereby increasing the blood flow to some extent, thereby achieving an analgesic effect and recovery from fatigue. However, there is a problem that the effect is not always sufficient because it does not easily act on peripheral blood vessels.
[0006]
That is, in general, a particulate shower has not only a physical massage effect but also a skin surface temperature transition layer (also referred to as a boundary layer or a boundary film) thinned due to kinetic energy of shower particles. (Heat flux) also increases, but in the conventional device, since there is no action on the foot F, the massage effect and the heat transfer effect become insufficient accordingly.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a massage effect and a heat transfer effect are sufficiently applied to a foot to further improve an anti-inflammatory analgesic effect, a recovery from fatigue, a relaxation effect, and the like. It is intended to provide a lower limb bathing device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, the lower limb bathing device of the present invention injects hot water toward the bathtub in which the foot is put, the support for supporting the put foot, and the foot supported by the support. In a lower limb bath apparatus provided with a shower nozzle, as the shower nozzle, a sole shower nozzle for injecting hot water toward the sole of the foot supported by the support, and a foot supported by the support It is configured to have an instep shower nozzle for injecting hot water toward the instep.
[0009]
Thus, when bathing the lower limbs, the feet are placed in the bathtub body and the feet are supported by the support. In this state, when hot water is jetted from the sole shower nozzle and the instep shower nozzle, the hot water hits the sole and the instep and is a shower, so that the sole and the instep are massaged well and the kinetic energy of the shower particles is increased. As a result, the skin surface temperature transition layer (also referred to as a boundary layer or a boundary membrane) becomes thin, so that the amount of heat transfer (heat flux) also increases, and the blood flow in peripheral blood vessels increases.
[0010]
If necessary, the hot water spray range of the sole shower nozzle and the instep shower nozzle is set to extend to the toes. In particular, since hot water is sprayed on the toes, the blood flow of the toes is also directly increased. The soles and toes are also referred to as a second heart, and an increase in blood flow at this site will greatly contribute to the recovery of body functions.
[0011]
In addition, if necessary, the support has a heel support portion for supporting the heel so that portions other than the heel of the foot are exposed in the bathtub. The foot is supported by the heel support at the heel, and since the part other than the heel of the foot is exposed in the bathtub, the shower hits the foot evenly, so that the massage is surely performed and the movement of the shower particles Energy is transmitted to increase blood flow in peripheral blood vessels.
[0012]
In this case, it is effective that the support is provided with a platform body protruding from the bottom of the bathtub, and the heel support portion is configured as a recess formed in the upper surface of the platform body and into which the heel is immersed. It is. Since the heel is immersed in the concave portion, the heel is securely held, and the foot is not easily moved, so that the heel is securely positioned. For this reason, the hot water is surely jetted toward the target. At this point, the massage is surely performed, the kinetic energy of the shower particles is transmitted, and the blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels is increased.
[0013]
In addition, a drain port for discharging water accumulated in the concave portion is provided at the bottom of the concave portion as necessary. Since the water remaining at the bottom of the recess is discharged from the drain port, there is no water in the recess at the time of next use, so that discomfort is prevented.
[0014]
Further, if necessary, the base body is molded from resin. Since the base body is manufactured separately from the bathtub, the manufacture becomes easy and the assembling becomes easy.
[0015]
Furthermore, if necessary, the bathtub is provided with an upwardly open bathtub body large enough to hold the lower part of the knee, and a lid provided to be openable and closable on the bathtub body, and a lower limb between the bathtub body and the lid. Is provided, the sole shower nozzle is provided in the bathtub body, and the instep shower nozzle is provided in the lid. Since the foot can be taken in and out by opening and closing the lid, use becomes easy.
[0016]
If necessary, a cushion member for supporting the back of the knee is provided at the edge of the opening on the side of the bathtub body. Problems such as pain in the back of the knee are prevented.
[0017]
Further, if necessary, the lower leg is provided with a calf shower nozzle for spraying hot water toward the calf. In addition to the hot water from both the shower nozzle for the sole and the shower nozzle for the instep, the calf is also exposed to the hot water sprayed from the calf shower nozzle, so the blood flow in peripheral blood vessels increases more synergistically. Can be
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a lower limb bath device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same components as those described above will be described with the same reference numerals.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the basic configuration of the lower limb bath apparatus S according to the embodiment includes a bathtub 1 in which a foot F is put, a support 10 that supports the put foot F, and a support 10. And a shower nozzle N for injecting hot water toward the feet F supported by the shower nozzle N.
[0019]
The bathtub 1 is configured to include an upwardly open bathtub body 2 large enough to hold the lower legs L of the knees, and a lid 3 provided on the bathtub body 2 so as to be openable and closable. The bathtub body 2 and the lid 3 are integrally formed of resin or the like. The lid 3 is rotatably provided on the bathtub main body 2 via a hinge 4 on the rear side. The bathtub body 2 is provided with a drain hole (not shown).
An opening 5 surrounding both lower limbs L is provided on the front side between the bathtub body 2 and the lid 3. A cushion member 6 for supporting the back of the knee is provided at an opening edge of the opening 5 on the side of the bathtub body 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the user puts the foot F into the bathtub 1 from the opening 5 by sitting on a chair T or the like.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the support 10 includes a base body 11 integrally formed of resin and provided on the bottom 1 a of the bathtub 1. The base body 11 is fixedly mounted via a washer 12c with a bolt 12a and a nut 12b to a mounting portion 12 projecting from the left and right of the bottom 1a of the bathtub body 2, and the lower side 11a of the base body 11 is drained. It is a channel. Since the base body 11 is manufactured separately from the bathtub 1, the manufacture is easy, and the assembling is also easy. The support body 10 includes a heel support portion 13 that supports the heel Fa so that portions other than the heel (heel) Fa of the foot F are exposed in the bathtub 1.
[0021]
The heel support portion 13 is formed of a concave portion 14 which is recessed on the upper surface of the base body 11 and in which the heel Fa is immersed. The recess 14 is formed in a shape substantially matching the shape of the heel Fa. At the bottom of the concave portion 14, a drain port 15 for discharging water accumulated in the concave portion 14 is provided.
[0022]
The inner portion 16 between the pair of recesses 14 is higher in height and rigidity than the outer portion 17 of the recess 14. Further, the inner portion 16 is formed so that the inner edge of the foot F can be brought into contact with the inner portion 16 so as to restrict the inward fall.
[0023]
As the shower nozzle N, a sole shower nozzle NA for injecting hot water toward the sole Fb of the foot F supported by the support 10 and hot water toward the instep Fc of the foot F supported by the support 10 And a calf shower nozzle NC that injects hot water toward the calf (calf) La of the lower limb L. The sole shower nozzle NA, the instep shower nozzle NB, and the calf shower nozzle NC are provided in a pair corresponding to both feet F.
[0024]
The sole shower nozzle NA and the calf shower nozzle NC are provided on the bathtub body 2, and the instep shower nozzle NB is provided on the lid 3.
Further, the hot water spray range of the sole shower nozzle NA and the instep shower nozzle NB is set to extend to the toe Fd.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the hot tub supply unit 20 is provided close to the bathtub 1. As shown in FIG. 9, hot water supply unit 20 includes hot water supply pump 21 for supplying hot water, water supply pump 22 for supplying water, and hot water from hot water supply pump 21 mixed with water from water supply pump 22 to supply hot water. It has a mixer 23 for adjusting the temperature and a pressure pump 24 for sending out hot water from the mixer 23. In FIG. 9, V1 is an electromagnetic valve downstream of the pressure pump 24, and V2 is a drain electromagnetic valve provided upstream of the electromagnetic valve V1. 25 is a decompressor provided on the pipe from the hot water supply pump 21, 26 is a pressure gauge, 27 is a thermometer, 28 is a decompressor provided on the pipe from the water supply pump 22, 29 is a pressure gauge, and 30 is a temperature gauge. Reference numeral 31 denotes a decompressor between the mixer 23 and the pressure pump 24.
[0026]
Therefore, when bathing the lower limb L by the lower limb bath apparatus S according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. And put the foot F into the bathtub body 2. At this time, the heel Fa of the foot F is placed on and supported by the heel support portion 13 of the support 10. Then, the lid 3 is closed. In this case, since the foot F can be taken in and out by opening and closing the lid 3, the use is facilitated.
[0027]
In this state, as shown in FIG. 9, a main switch (not shown) is turned on, and the hot water supply pump 21, the water supply pump 22, and the pressurizing pump 24 are driven. In this case, the electromagnetic valve V1 is closed, the electromagnetic valve V2 is opened, and a temperature adjustment operation is performed to set an appropriate temperature.
[0028]
The set temperature is a so-called insensitive temperature range (35 to 36 ° C.) or a very low temperature range (37 to 39 ° C.) because the skin surface temperature transition layer (also called a boundary layer or a boundary film) is thinned by the kinetic energy of shower particles. The low temperature, which is said to be enough, is enough and it feels warm.
[0029]
In an appropriate temperature state, the electromagnetic valve V1 is opened and the electromagnetic valve V2 is closed. Thereby, hot water is sprayed from the sole shower nozzle NA, the instep shower nozzle NB, and the calf shower nozzle NC.
The hot water jetted from the sole shower nozzle NA hits the sole Fb and is a shower, so that the sole Fb is massaged well and the skin surface temperature transition layer (boundary layer or boundary film) is generated by the kinetic energy of the shower particles. ), The amount of heat transfer (heat flux) also increases, and the blood flow in peripheral blood vessels increases. In particular, since the hot water jetting range of the sole shower nozzle NA is set to extend to the toes Fd, the blood flow volume of the toes Fd can be directly increased. The sole Fb and the toe Fd are also referred to as a second heart, and an increase in blood flow at this site will greatly contribute to improving health.
[0030]
In addition, the hot water injected from the shower nozzle NB for the instep hits the instep Fc and is a shower, so that the instep Fc is well massaged and the kinetic energy of the shower particles increases the amount of heat transfer as described above, The blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels is increased. In particular, since the hot water injection range of the instep shower nozzle NB is set so as to extend to the toes Fd, the blood flow volume of the toes Fd can be directly increased.
[0031]
Furthermore, since the hot water injected from the calf shower nozzle NC hits the calf La and is a shower, the calf La is well massaged, and the kinetic energy of the shower particles also increases the amount of heat transfer as described above, The blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels is increased.
[0032]
Since the foot F is exposed to the hot water from both the shower nozzle NA for the sole and the shower nozzle NB for the instep along with the toe Fd, the blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels is synergistically increased. In addition, since the calf La is also exposed to the hot water injected from the calf shower nozzle NC, the blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels is more synergistically increased.
[0033]
In this case, the foot F is supported by the heel support portion 13 at the heel Fa, and the portion other than the heel Fa of the foot F is exposed in the bathtub 1, so that the shower hits the foot F evenly, and therefore, the The kinetic energy of the shower particles is transmitted to increase the blood flow in peripheral blood vessels.
[0034]
Furthermore, since the heel support 13 is formed as a recessed portion on the upper surface of the base body 11 and in which the heel Fa is immersed, the heel Fa is securely held, and the foot F is difficult to move easily. Therefore, the positioning is ensured. For this reason, the hot water is surely jetted toward the target. At this point, the massage is surely performed, the kinetic energy of the shower particles is transmitted, and the blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels is increased.
[0035]
Further, since the cushion member 6 for supporting the back of the knee is provided at the edge of the opening 5 on the side of the bathtub body 2, trouble such as pain in the back of the knee is prevented.
[0036]
After use, in particular, the function of maintaining warmth is higher than that of ordinary bathing, the blood flow in peripheral blood vessels is increased for a long time, and the recovery from fatigue is promoted. Experiments have shown that blood flow and skin surface temperature are maintained significantly higher than in a normal warm bath. Therefore, the body and mind are refreshed, and the mental relaxation is guided.
[0037]
Further, the same operation as described above is performed for the next use, but since water remaining in the concave portion 14 is discharged from the drain port 15 provided at the bottom of the concave portion 14, the discomfort is prevented because there is no water in the concave portion 14. Is done.
[0038]
[Test example]
Next, the present apparatus was used by a panel, and the present apparatus was evaluated. The panel is 76 people aged 20-40. About 60% of them were women.
First of all, regarding the evaluation regarding fatigue recovery, it is very good, but it is the most at 50% or more, and slightly good, occupies nearly 40%. There is no evaluation that it is somewhat bad or bad. It became clear that there was.
In addition, the evaluation regarding relaxation was very good, but accounted for about 60%, and when combined with the evaluation that it was somewhat good, the evaluation was as high as nearly 90%. At the same time as recovery from fatigue, the effectiveness of the device, which brings the body and mind to a relaxed state, was proved.
Furthermore, as for the overall utilization effect, 85% or more of the users highly evaluated the utilization effect of the present apparatus similarly to the fatigue recovery and relaxation effects. It can be said that these evaluations strongly show the spread possibility of this device.
[0039]
In the above-described embodiment, the shower nozzles N are three types, ie, the sole shower nozzle NA, the instep shower nozzle NB, and the calf shower nozzle NC, but are not necessarily limited to these. For example, another shower nozzle may be provided, such as providing a shin shower nozzle for spraying hot water toward the shin (shin) Lb of the lower limb L.
Further, in the above embodiment, the bathtub is formed to have a size that accommodates the lower part of the knee, but the lower part of the thigh may be inserted, and the size may be appropriately changed.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the lower limb bath apparatus of the present invention, since the feet are exposed to the hot water from both the sole shower nozzle and the instep shower nozzle, the blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels increases synergistically. Can be achieved.
As a result, recovery from fatigue and health promotion can be achieved, and a relaxation function can be exhibited. Also good for beauty purposes. Furthermore, it is good for rehabilitation such as psychiatric treatment and stroke, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, and has an effect of falling asleep on sleep disorders, so that it is expected to be used in the medical field.
[0041]
When the hot water jetting range of the shower nozzle for the sole and the shower nozzle for the instep is set to extend to the toes, the blood flow rate of the toes can be directly increased, and the toes can be surely increased. The blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels can be increased. The soles and toes are also referred to as a second heart, and increase in blood flow at this site contributes to the recovery of the body's functions.
[0042]
Also, if the support has a heel support portion that supports the heel so that the part other than the heel of the foot is exposed in the bathtub, the shower will hit the feet evenly, so that the massage is surely performed. Then, the kinetic energy of the shower particles is transmitted, and the blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels can be increased.
In this case, if the heel support portion is constituted by a concave portion which is recessed on the upper surface of the base body and the heel is immersed, since the foot is difficult to move easily, it can be reliably positioned and the hot water is reliably jetted toward the target. Therefore, also in this respect, the massage is reliably performed, the kinetic energy of the shower particles is transmitted, and the blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels can be increased. .
[0043]
Further, when the use effect of the present invention is described in detail, various fields are assumed for use of the present device. Basically, the present device can be used for relaxation, fatigue recovery, cosmetic purposes, medical purposes, and the like, so that the fields where introduction is expected are very wide.
[0044]
As for the use of relaxation, the comfortable use properties of the healing system are fully utilized. Some facilities and commercial activities are aimed directly at relaxation, while other businesses are expected to provide relaxation functions along with other purposes.
Specifically, it is expected to be used in resort hotels, hotels and inns in cities, health lands, super public baths, and the like. Modern people are seeking relaxation functions in a wide range of senses, such as relieving mental and physical tension, recuperation, and change of mood.
[0045]
In addition, regarding the use of fatigue recovery, it is assumed that the recovery of body fatigue is promoted physiologically by the warm bath, and therefore, needs such as recovery of physical damage immediately after sports and physical refreshment in workplaces where long standing work is continued are expected. . It can also be introduced into health promotion and health promotion programs for middle-aged and elderly people. Specifically, introduction in sports facilities such as skiing areas and golf courses, membership-based sports clubs and health promotion facilities, department stores, and station buildings is effective. Furthermore, as relaxation of accumulated fatigue, utilization in various recreational facilities such as hot springs can be envisaged in addition to relaxation.
[0046]
For beauty purposes, this device itself has a cleaning effect due to the massage effect and a skin metabolism promoting effect (the effect of smoothing the skin), so using it in combination with various types of massages and lashes can provide beauty benefits. It is thought that it is possible. In addition, since it has a relaxation function, it can be said that compatibility with this business format is very good. Specifically, it is expected to be effectively used in esthetics and beauty salons.
[0047]
For medical purposes, the potential as a utilization device for performing pure medical activities is fully expected. In the future, it is expected to be used in the fields of psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation such as stroke, anti-inflammatory analgesia, and improvement of lower limb blood flow disorder. In addition, it is assumed that the hot water massage has an effect of falling asleep on sleep disorders, and is useful for maintaining and managing the health of middle-aged and elderly people. It can be used in various medical institutions and nursing homes.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a lower limb bath apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a use state of the lower limb bath device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a lower limb bath device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the lower limb bath apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a support of the lower limb bath apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5, showing a support for the lower limb bath apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 5 showing the support of the lower limb bathing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 5, showing a support for the lower limb bath apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a piping state of a hot water supply unit of the lower limb bath device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional lower limb bath device.
[Explanation of symbols]
S Lower limb bath device L Lower limb La Calf (calf)
Lb shin
F Foot Fa Heel (heel)
Fb Foot sole Fc Instep Fd Toe 1 Bathtub 2 Bathtub body 3 Lid 4 Hinge 5 Opening 6 Cushion member 10 Support body 11 Base body 12 Mounting part 13 Heel support part 14 Depression 15 Drain outlet N Shower nozzle NA Shower nozzle for sole NB Instep shower nozzle NC Calf shower nozzle 20 Hot water supply unit 21 Hot water supply pump 22 Water supply pump 23 Mixer 24 Pressure pumps V1, V2 Electromagnetic valves

Claims (9)

In a lower limb bath apparatus including a bathtub in which the feet are put, a support for supporting the put feet, and a shower nozzle that injects hot water toward the feet supported by the support,
As the shower nozzle, a sole shower nozzle for injecting hot water toward the sole of the foot supported by the support, and an instep shower for injecting hot water toward the instep of the foot supported by the support, A lower limb bath device comprising a nozzle. 2. The lower limb bathing device according to claim 1, wherein the hot water spray range of the sole shower nozzle and the instep shower nozzle is set so as to extend to the toes. 3. The lower limb bath apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support has a heel support portion for supporting the heel so that parts other than the heel of the foot are exposed in the bathtub. The support is provided with a base body protruding from the bottom of the bathtub, and the heel support is formed by a recess formed in the upper surface of the base body and into which the heel is immersed. Item 4. A lower limb bath apparatus according to Item 3. 5. The lower limb bathing device according to claim 4, wherein a drain port for discharging water accumulated in the concave portion is provided at a bottom of the concave portion. 6. The lower limb bath apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base body is molded from a resin. The bathtub is configured to include an upper open tub body large enough to hold the lower part of the knee, and a lid provided to be openable and closable on the bathtub body, and an opening surrounding the lower limb is provided between the bathtub body and the lid, 7. The lower limb bath apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sole shower nozzle is provided in a bathtub body, and the instep shower nozzle is provided in a lid. The lower limb bath apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a cushion member for supporting the back of the knee is provided at an opening edge of the opening on the side of the bathtub body. 9. The lower limb bath apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a calf shower nozzle for spraying hot water toward the lower limb calf.

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