JP2024062673A - Air stretch exercise device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air stretch exercise device for performing stretch exercise in which a jaw part side of the user's head is lifted in a state that the user is lying with his or her head placed on a pillow part, and stretched with respect to the parts to be treated such as the user's neck and shoulder.SOLUTION: An air stretch exercise device of the present invention includes: a pillow part 2 on which the head H of a user U can be placed; a first air bag 3 connected to the pillow part 2, which is attached to the neck N of the user U for executing stretch exercise for the head H to the neck N, and an air pump 8 disposed in the pillow part 2 for supplying air to the first air bag 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an air stretching exercise device that can be placed on a substantially horizontal surface such as a floor or bed, allowing the user to perform stretching exercises while lying on their back.

In recent years, people often have few opportunities to move their bodies and stay in the same position for long periods of time. This often leads to muscles and tendons contracting and stiffening. Devices that can perform stretching exercises on such bodies (treatment areas) are commercially available. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an exercise machine that can perform stretching exercises on treatment areas such as the back from the shoulders to the waist and the buttocks. The stretching exercise machine in Patent Document 1 is a seat type, and the user lies on the seat and stretches the back, buttocks, etc.

Patent No. 7054919

Patent Document 1 discloses a device that allows sufficient stretching exercises for the shoulders, back, lower back, and other areas of the back and buttocks, and provides a high stretching effect.

Nowadays, it is common for people to spend long periods of time with their backs hunched (slouching) when using smartphones, tablet devices, or doing office work using a computer. In this type of forward-tilted head position, the head is heavy, which puts stress on the neck and shoulders, resulting in symptoms such as stiffness in the neck and shoulders and a so-called straight neck.

For these reasons, there is a demand for a device that can perform stretching exercises on treatment areas such as the back, lower back, and buttocks, as well as around the neck and shoulders. In other words, there is a demand for a device that can perform stretching exercises on various parts of the body, not limited to treatment areas such as the back and lower back, as with conventional devices.

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an air stretching exercise device that lifts the chin side of the user's head while lying on their back with the head placed on a pillow, allowing stretching exercises to be performed on the areas to be treated, such as the neck and shoulders.

To achieve the above objective, the present invention employs the following technical measures:

The air stretch exercise device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a pillow section on which the user's head can be placed, a first airbag connected to the pillow section and attached to the user's neck to perform a stretching exercise from the head to the neck, and an air pump arranged on the pillow section to supply air to the first airbag.

Preferably, the front end of the first airbag has a U-shaped cutout into which the user's neck can be inserted.

Preferably, the first airbag is large enough and flexible enough to accommodate the user's head, and is configured to be connected to the pillow and to be placed over the pillow from above.

Preferably, when the first airbag is inflated by air supplied from the air pump with the user's head placed on the pillow and the neck inserted in the cutout, the first airbag inflates and the cutout catches on the chin, lifting the chin side of the head and pulling the head toward the rear of the pillow, thereby performing a stretching exercise that stretches the neck.

It is preferable that the pillow portion is provided with a second airbag that is disposed in a position facing the first airbag and expands by driving the air pump to stretch the back of the user's head and neck.

Preferably, the second airbag cooperates with the inflation of the first airbag, and when it is inflated by air supplied from the air pump, it lifts the neck from below, and the inflation of the first airbag lifts the chin side of the head, pulling the head toward the rear of the pillow and performing a stretching exercise that stretches the neck.

Preferably, the pillow has a seat portion connected to the front side thereof on which the user can lie back.

Preferably, the seat portion is provided with a third airbag that stretches the area to be treated of the user.

According to the present invention, the user can perform stretching exercises by lifting the chin side of the head while lying on their back with the head placed on the pillow, stretching the areas to be treated, such as the neck and shoulders.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the air stretching exercise device of the present invention, illustrating the state in which the first airbag is placed on the pillow portion. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the air stretching exercise device of the present invention, showing the state in which the first airbag has been removed from the pillow portion. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a pillow section provided in an air stretching exercise device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state before the first airbag is inflated, illustrating how the air stretching exercise device of the present invention is used. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the first airbag is inflated, illustrating how the air stretching exercise device of the present invention is used. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the state in which the first airbag and the second airbag are inflated, illustrating how the air stretching exercise device of the present invention is used. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing how the air stretching exercise device of the present invention is used.

The following describes an embodiment of the air stretch exercise device 1 according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of the present invention, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this specific example. Also, in order to make the drawings easier to see, some of the components have been omitted and some have been drawn using virtual lines.

In explaining this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the directions of the sheet-type air stretch exercise device 1 are defined as follows:

As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-type air stretch exercise device 1, the side of the pillow section 2 is the "rear side" of the device, and the end side of the sheet section 5, which is opposite the pillow section 2, is the "front side" of the device. Also, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, when a user U lies on his/her back on the sheet-type air stretch exercise device 1, the direction that the user U looks up (towards the ceiling) is the "upper side" of the air stretch exercise device 1. The left-right direction of the air stretch exercise device 1 is as shown in the drawings.

Figures 1 to 7 show the configuration and usage of the air stretch exercise device 1 according to the present invention.

As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the sheet-type air stretch exercise device 1 of this embodiment can be laid on a flat surface such as a floor F or a bed, and applies a stretching action to treatment areas such as the scapula area (below the shoulders S), back K, lumbar region W, buttocks D, or lower limbs of a user U lying on his back. In addition, the air stretch exercise device 1 of this embodiment can apply a stretching action that stretches the treatment areas from the neck N to the shoulders S of the user U.

The air stretch exercise device 1 of this embodiment comprises a pillow section 2 on which the head H of a user U lying on his/her back can be placed, a first airbag 3 connected to the rear side of the pillow section 2 and performing a stretching exercise from the head H to the neck N of the user U, a drive mechanism 4 (an air pump that supplies air to the first airbag 3) stored inside the pillow section 2 and driving the first airbag 3, and a seat section 5 connected to the front side of the pillow section 2 and on which the user U can lie on his/her back.

To give an example of the size of the air stretch exercise device 1 of this embodiment, the left-right length (width) of the seat portion 5 when unfolded is slightly larger than the shoulder width of the user U. In addition, the front-to-back length of this air stretch exercise device 1 when unfolded corresponds roughly to the length from the user U's head H through the back K and waist W to the buttocks D. In other words, the air stretch exercise device 1 is large enough to accommodate the upper body B.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the pillow section 2 is capable of supporting the head H of a user U lying on his/her back on the sheet section 5. The upper surface side of the pillow section 2 may have, for example, a rounded shape or a flat surface. The lower surface side of the pillow section 2 is made to be approximately horizontal so that the pillow section 2 can be placed on a flat surface such as a floor surface F.

The pillow section 2 has a case body 6 (storage body), which is a member that is long in the left-right direction. The case body 6 is a housing that is hollow inside and long in the left-right direction. A space of a predetermined size is formed inside the case body 6, and the drive mechanism 4 that drives the first airbag 3 is stored therein.

The case body 6 is cylindrical and divided into two parts, an upper part and an lower part. In other words, the case body 6 has an upper cylinder with a semicircular cross section, and the opening side of the lower cylinder overlaps with the opening side facing each other, forming a space inside. The lower surface of the case body 6 is flatly cut out, giving it a shape that protrudes forward. This allows the pillow section 2 to be placed on a flat surface such as the floor surface F.

The entire outer periphery of the case body 6 is covered with the cushion member 7. In particular, the soft cushion member 7 is disposed on the upper surface side of the case body 6 that comes into contact with the head H. The case body 6 in this embodiment is a cylindrical member that is long in the left-right direction. Note that the shape of the pillow portion 2 (case body 6) is not limited to the shape exemplified in this embodiment.

When the user U sits down on the seat 5 and stretches his/her legs, the pillow 2 comes into contact with the buttocks D and acts as a stopper member to prevent backward movement.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pillow section 2 contains an air pump 8 (compressor) constituting the drive mechanism 4, a first air hose 9a that guides the air sent out from the air pump 8 to the first airbag 3, a first connector 10a that connects the first air hose 9a to the first airbag 3, a solenoid valve 11 that controls the amount of air supplied to the first airbag 3, and a control unit 12 that controls the solenoid valve 11.

The lower part of the pillow part 2 (case body 6) is formed with an opening 13 that opens toward the front. The opening 13 connects the inside and outside of the pillow part 2. In a side view, the opening 13 is provided so as to protrude forward from the lower part of the case body 6. This opening 13 is a rectangular opening that is long in the left-right direction, and is connected to the rear side (base end side) of the seat part 5.

In addition, a flat mounting surface 14 is provided within the opening 13, and the air hose 9 and connector 10 that constitute the drive mechanism 4 are disposed on the mounting surface 14. The connector 10 and air hose 9 that constitute the drive mechanism 4 are disposed inside the case body 6 inside the opening 13, so that they are not exposed to the outside through the opening 13. This prevents the connector 10, air hose 9, etc. from getting entangled or pinched and breaking when the flexible sheet part 5 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the pillow part 2 and secured in place.

As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the first airbag 3 is connected to the rear of the lower part of the pillow part 2 (case body 6). The first airbag 3 is attached to the neck part N of the user U, and when inflated, it stretches the head H to the neck N by pulling it in the height direction.

The first airbag 3 has a size and flexibility sufficient to accommodate the head H of the user U. To give an example of the size of the first airbag 3 in this embodiment, the length (width) in the left-right direction of the first airbag 3 when unfolded is approximately the same as the shoulder width of the user U. In addition, the length in the front-rear direction of the first airbag 3 when unfolded corresponds approximately to the length from the head H to the neck N of the user U. In other words, the first airbag 3 has a size sufficient to accommodate the entire head H.

As shown in Figures 1, 7, etc., the front end of the first airbag 3 is provided with a U-shaped cutout 15 into which the neck N of the user U can be inserted. The cutout 15 is shaped like a U cut out from the center of the front end of the first airbag 3 toward the rear in a plan view. The cutout 15 is sized to surround the neck N of the user U. In other words, the cutout 15 has a diameter larger than the thickness of the neck N. The cutout 15 has an open front end so that the neck N can be attached and detached. In other words, the first airbag 3 with the cutout 15 is a neck pillow type.

As shown in Figs. 1, 7, etc., the first airbag 3 is configured to be connected to the rear side of the pillow section 2 and to be able to cover the pillow section 2 from above. In other words, the first airbag 3 can be switched between a state in which the first airbag 3 is used as shown in Figs. 1, 7, etc., and a state in which the second airbag 16, which will be described later, is used without using the first airbag 3 as shown in Fig. 2.

For example, the "first state" shown in Figures 1, 7, etc. is a state in which the user U lies on his/her back on the seat portion 5, inserts the neck portion N into the cutout portion 15, places the head H on the first airbag 3, and places the head H on the pillow portion 2 via the first airbag 3, and uses the first airbag 3.

The "second state" shown in FIG. 2 is a state in which the user U lies on his/her back on the seat portion 5, flips up the first airbag 3 to remove it from the pillow portion 2, places the head H on the pillow portion 2, and uses the second airbag 16, which will be described later.

The first airbag 3 is structured by arranging air-impermeable fabrics above and below, and joining the periphery of the fabrics in an airtight state by welding or the like (welded structure). The first airbag 3 is formed to be able to store pressurized air from the air pump 8, and is formed to be freely inflated and contracted so as to be able to expand greatly. The first airbag 3 may be a bag body that is long in the front-rear direction in a plan view, as in this embodiment. The first airbag 3 may also be a bag body that is shaped, for example, elliptical. The first airbag 3 is structured to be able to inflate and contract independently of the second airbag 16 and the third airbag 17 described later.

A first connector 10a is attached to the first airbag 3. A first air hose 9a is connected to the first connector 10a. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the first air hose 9a and the first connector 10a, supplying air to inflate the first airbag 3.

When the first airbag 3 inflates upward, the head H (chin J side) of the user U placed on the first airbag 3 is pulled upward, stretching the neck N (neck muscles), effectively providing a stretching motion around the neck N and shoulders S.

In other words, when the first airbag 3 is inflated by air supplied from the air pump 8 with the user U's head H placed on the pillow 2 and the neck N inserted into the cutout 15, the inflation of the first airbag 3 and the cutout 15 catching on the chin J lifts the chin J side of the head H, pulling the head H towards the rear of the pillow 2 and providing an effective stretching exercise that stretches the neck N.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, in this embodiment, a second airbag 16 is provided in the upper center of the pillow section 2. This second airbag 16 is placed in a position facing the first airbag 3 of the pillow section 2, and when inflated by driving the air pump 8, it lifts the back of the head Hb to the back of the neck N of the user U placed on the second airbag 16, stretching the back of the head Hb to the back of the neck N to perform a stretching exercise.

The second airbag 16 is structured such that air-impermeable fabric bodies are arranged above and below, and the periphery of the airbag is joined in an airtight state by welding or the like (welded structure). The second airbag 16 is formed to be capable of storing pressurized air from the air pump 8, and is formed to be freely inflated and contracted so as to be greatly inflated. The second airbag 16 may be a bag body having a rectangular shape elongated in the left-right direction in a plan view, as in this embodiment. The second airbag 16 may also be a bag body having a shape such as an ellipse elongated in the left-right direction. The second airbag 16 is structured such that it can be inflated and contracted independently of the first airbag 3 and a third airbag 17 described later.

A second connector 10b is attached to the second airbag 16. A second air hose 9b is connected to the second connector 10b. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the second air hose 9b and the second connector 10b, supplying air to inflate the second airbag 16.

By expanding this second airbag 16 in an upward direction, the head H (chin J side) of the user U placed on the first airbag 3 is pulled further upward as the first airbag 3 expands, so that the neck N (nape) is stretched more greatly, providing a more effective stretching motion to the neck N and shoulders S.

In other words, the second airbag 16 cooperates with the inflation of the first airbag 3, and when it is inflated by air supplied from the air pump 8, it lifts the neck N from below, and the chin J side of the head H is lifted more significantly by the inflation of the first airbag 3, pulling the head H toward the rear of the pillow part 2 and providing a more effective stretching exercise that stretches the neck N.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drive mechanism 4 is stored inside the case body 6 (pillow portion 2). The drive mechanism 4 has an air pump 8 (compressor) that supplies pressurized air to inflate the first airbag 3, an air hose 9 that guides the air sent out from the air pump 8 to each airbag 3, 16, 17, etc., a connector 10 that connects the air hose 9 to each airbag 3, 16, 17, an electromagnetic valve 11 that controls the amount of air supplied to each airbag 3, 16, 17, and a control unit 12 that controls the electromagnetic valve 11.

The air pump 8 is provided on the right side of the case body 6 and is connected to the solenoid valve 11 via an air hose (not shown). The air pump 8 delivers pressurized air to the solenoid valve 11. The solenoid valve 11 is provided in the center of the case body 6 and is connected to a first air hose 9a that supplies air to the first airbag 3, a second air hose 9b that supplies air to the second airbag 16, and third air hoses 9c to 9f that supply air to the third airbag 17. The solenoid valve 11 is controlled by a control unit 12 and switches the introduction of air to the first airbag 3, the second airbag 16, the third airbag 17, etc.

The first air hose 9a is connected to a first connector 10a provided on the first airbag 3. The second air hose 9b is connected to a second connector 10b provided on the second airbag 16. The third air hoses 9c to 9f are connected to third connectors 10c to 10f provided on the third airbag 17. It is recommended that the third air hoses 9c to 9f be made of flexible rubber tubes, for example.

The first connector 10a is an L-shaped cylindrical member and is attached to the first airbag 3. The second connector 10b is a straight cylindrical member and is attached to the second airbag 16. The third connectors 10c to 10f are L-shaped cylindrical members and are attached to the third airbag 17.

The control unit 12 is provided on the right side of the case body 6. This control unit 12 has programs for performing multiple stretching exercises built in, and controls the inflation of the first airbag 3, the second airbag 16, and the third airbag 17 for each program.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air stretch exercise device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a seat section 5 that is connected to the front side of the pillow section 2 and on which the user U can lie supine. The seat section 5 is positioned so that it is spread out under the treatment area of the user U (e.g., shoulders S, back K, waist W, buttocks D, etc.).

To give an example of the size of the seat portion 5 in this embodiment, the length (width) in the left-right direction of the seat portion 5 when unfolded is slightly larger than the shoulder width of the user U. In addition, the length in the front-to-back direction of the seat portion 5 when unfolded corresponds to the length from the shoulders S of the user U through the back K and waist W to the buttocks D. In other words, the seat portion 5 is large enough to accommodate the upper body B.

The seat portion 5 is provided with a third airbag 17 for stretching the treatment area of the user U.
The third airbag 17 is inflated to push up the treatment area (e.g., the back K, the lower back W, the buttocks D, the lower legs, etc.) of the user U on the third airbag 17, thereby providing a stretching motion to the treatment area.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, four third airbags 17 are provided in the seat portion 5 in this embodiment. These third airbags 17 are constructed by arranging air-impermeable fabric bodies above and below each other, and joining the periphery of the fabric bodies in an airtight state by welding or the like (welded structure).

In this embodiment, the third airbag 17 includes a right rear airbag 17c arranged on the right rear side of the seat portion 5, a right front airbag 17d arranged on the right front side, a left rear airbag 17e arranged on the left rear side, and a left front airbag 17f arranged on the left front side.

The right rear airbag 17c to the left front airbag 17f are formed to be capable of storing pressurized air from the air pump 8, and are formed to be freely inflated and contracted so as to be able to expand greatly. The right rear airbag 17c to the left front airbag 17f are bags that are long in the front-to-rear direction, and may be bags that are shaped, for example, rectangular or elliptical. The right rear airbag 17c to the left front airbag 17f are each configured to be able to inflate and contract independently.

In this embodiment, the right rear airbag 17c is an elliptical bag that is long in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view, and is disposed on the right rear side of the seat portion 5. The right rear airbag 17c is disposed in a position that corresponds to the right shoulder S, back K, etc. of a user U lying on his/her back on the seat portion 5.

A right rear connector 10c is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the right rear airbag 17c. A right rear air hose 9c is connected to the right rear connector 10c. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the right rear air hose 9c and the right rear connector 10c, and is supplied to the right rear airbag 17c, causing it to inflate.

The right rear airbag 17c inflates upward from the seat 5, providing a stretching motion to the treatment areas, such as the right shoulder S and back K, of the user U lying on his/her back on the seat 5.

In this embodiment, the right front airbag 17d is a bag body that is substantially circular in plan view and is disposed on the right front side of the seat portion 5. The right front airbag 17d is disposed in a position that corresponds to the lower back W and buttocks D on the right side of a user U lying on his/her back on the seat portion 5.

The right front airbag 17d is provided with an air passage 18d through which air supplied from the air pump 8 passes. The air passage 18d is arranged to pass through the right outer side of the right rear airbag 17c.

A right front connector 10d is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the air passage 18d. A right front air hose 9d is connected to the right front connector 10d. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the right front air hose 9d and the right front connector 10d, and then through the air passage 18d, and is supplied to the right front airbag 17d, causing it to inflate.

The right front airbag 17d inflates upward from the seat 5, providing a stretching motion to the treatment areas, such as the lower back W and buttocks D, on the right side of the user U who is lying on his/her back on the seat 5.

The left rear airbag 17e is the right rear airbag 17c that has been flipped to the left (mirror image). In other words, the left rear airbag 17e and the right rear airbag 17c are symmetrical. The left rear airbag 17e in this embodiment is disposed on the left rear side of the seat portion 5, and is disposed in a position that corresponds to the left shoulder S, back K, etc. of a user U lying on his/her back on the seat portion 5.

A left rear connector 10e is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the left rear airbag 17e. A left rear air hose 9e is connected to the left rear connector 10e. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the left rear air hose 9e and the left rear connector 10e, and is supplied to the left rear airbag 17e, causing it to inflate. The left rear airbag 17e inflates upward from the seat portion 5, providing a stretching motion to the treatment areas, such as the left shoulder S and back K, of the user U lying on his back on the seat portion 5.

The left front airbag 17f is the right front airbag 17d that is inverted and disposed to the left. That is, the left front airbag 17f and the right front airbag 17d are symmetrical. The left front airbag 17f in this embodiment is disposed on the left front side of the seat portion 5, and is disposed in a position corresponding to the waist W, buttocks D, etc., on the left side of the user U lying on his/her back on the seat portion 5.

The left front airbag 17f is provided with an air passage 18f through which air supplied from the air pump 8 passes. The air passage 18f is arranged to pass through the left outer side of the left rear airbag 17e.

A left front connector 10f is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the air passage 18f. A left front air hose 9f is connected to the left front connector 10f. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the left front air hose 9f and the left front connector 10f, and then through the air passage 18f, and is supplied to the left front airbag 17f, which inflates it. The left front airbag 17f inflates upward from the seat portion 5, providing a stretching motion to the treatment areas, such as the left lumbar region W and buttocks D, of the user U lying on his back on the seat portion 5.

The shape of the third airbags 17c to 17f is not particularly limited as long as it allows the user U lying on his/her back on the seat 5 to perform stretching movements on the treatment area.

The third airbags 17c to 17f are configured to be capable of being inflated and deflated independently and alternately. For example, the right rear airbag 17c and right front airbag 17d located on the right side of the seat 5 may be inflated together, and at the same time, the left rear airbag 17e and left front airbag 17f located on the left side of the seat 5 may be controlled to start inflating together.

In addition, the right rear airbag 17c and the left front airbag 17f, which are arranged in a cross direction in the seat portion 5, may be inflated together, and while they are being deflated, the right front airbag 17d and the left rear airbag 17e, which are arranged in the opposite cross direction, may also be controlled to begin inflating together.

Also, the right rear airbag 17c and the left rear airbag 17e arranged on the rear side of the seat portion 5 may be inflated together, and at the same time as deflating them, the right front airbag 17d and the left front airbag 17f arranged on the front side of the seat portion 5 may be controlled to start inflating together. Note that the timing of inflation and deflation of each of the airbags 17c to 17f may also be controlled to be individually delayed or advanced.
[Operation mode]
Next, the operation of the air stretching exercise device 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

For example, the "first state" shown in Figures 1 and 4 is used. Specifically, the user U lies on his/her back on the seat 5, inserts the neck N into the cutout 15, places the head H on the first airbag 3, and places the head H on the pillow 2 via the first airbag 3, putting the first airbag 3 into a state in which it is in use. Then, the switch 19 provided on the upper left of the pillow 2 is operated to drive the air pump 8 (drive mechanism 4).

As shown in FIG. 5, when only the first airbag 3 is driven, pressurized air is sent from the air pump 8 to the solenoid valve 11. The pressurized air passes through the solenoid valve 11, the first air hose 9a and the first connector 10a, and is supplied to the first airbag 3. The first airbag 3 begins to inflate.

When the first airbag 3 inflates upward, the head H (chin J side) of the user U placed on the first airbag 3 is pulled upward, stretching the neck N (neck muscles), effectively providing a stretching motion around the neck N and shoulders S.

In other words, when the first airbag 3 is inflated by air supplied from the air pump 8 with the user U's head H placed on the pillow section 2 and the neck N inserted into the cutout section 15, the inflation of the first airbag 3 and the cutout section 15 catching on the chin J lifts the chin J side of the head H, pulling the head H towards the rear of the pillow section 2 and performing a stretching exercise that effectively stretches the neck N.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 16 are driven, pressurized air is sent from the air pump 8 to the solenoid valve 11. The pressurized air passes through the solenoid valve 11, the first air hose 9a and the first connector 10a, and is supplied to the first airbag 3. The first airbag 3 begins to inflate. The pressurized air also passes through the solenoid valve 11, the second air hose 9b and the second connector 10b, and is supplied to the second airbag 16. The second airbag 16 also begins to inflate.

When the second airbag 16 inflates upward, the head H (toward the chin J) of the user U placed on the first airbag 3 is pulled further upward as the first airbag 3 inflates, so that the neck N (navel) is stretched more greatly, providing a more effective stretching motion to the neck N and shoulders S.

That is, the second airbag 16 cooperates with the inflation of the first airbag 3, and when it is inflated by air supplied from the air pump 8, it lifts the neck N from below, and the chin J side of the head H is lifted more significantly by the inflation of the first airbag 3, pulling the head H more toward the rear of the pillow part 2 and performing a more effective stretching exercise that stretches the neck N. This allows the user U to select the desired stretching exercise for the treatment area such as the neck N or shoulders S.

In addition, when the third airbag 17 of the seat portion 5 is inflated, pressurized air is sent from the air pump 8 to the solenoid valve 11. The pressurized air passes through the solenoid valve 11, the third air hoses 9c to 9f and the third connectors 10c to 10f, and is supplied to the third airbags 17c to 17d. The third airbags 17c to 17d inflate. As the third airbags 17c to 17d inflate upward from the seat portion 5, stretching exercises are applied to the treatment areas such as the shoulders S, back K, waist W, and buttocks D of the user U lying on his back on the seat portion 5. This allows the user U to select the desired stretching exercise for the treatment areas such as the shoulders S, back K, waist W, and buttocks D in addition to the neck N and shoulders S.

Furthermore, the air stretching exercise device 1 of the present invention can also perform the following stretching exercises:

When the first airbag 3 and/or the second airbag 16 for the head H are inflated while the third airbag 17 for the back K is inflated, the inflation of the third airbag 17 (particularly the inflation of the right rear airbag 17c and the left rear airbag 17e) lifts the back K, causing the chest to arch, resulting in a posture that lifts the chin J even more. This action allows for a stretching exercise of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (the muscle that connects the back of the head to the clavicle).

The person lies sideways on the seat 5, places the upper arm (more specifically, slightly toward the hand tip from the armpit) on the first airbag 3 or the second airbag 16 on which the head H rests, and inflates the first airbag 3 or the second airbag 16, allowing the armpit to be stretched.

By placing the buttocks D on the third airbag 17 corresponding to the back K, placing the lower back W against the pillow 2 as a stopper, raising the upper body B by placing the elbows (or hands) on the floor F, and inflating the third airbag 17, the lower back W can be stretched. Note that it is also possible to lie down on the air stretching exercise device 1 with the lower back W against the pillow 2, but if some pain is felt, it is preferable to perform the stretching exercise with the upper body B raised.

As described above, the air stretching exercise device 1 of the present invention allows the user U to perform stretching exercises by lifting the chin J side of the head H of the user U in a supine position with the head H placed on the pillow 2, thereby stretching the treatment areas such as the neck N and shoulders S of the user U.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In particular, matters not explicitly stated in the embodiments disclosed herein, such as operating conditions, control conditions, dimensions of components, weights, etc., do not deviate from the scope of what a person skilled in the art would normally do, and are matters that a person skilled in the art would easily imagine.

For example, the configurations of the first airbag 3 and the cutout portion 15, such as the size and shape, can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment range. Similarly, the configurations of the second airbag 16, such as the size and shape, can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment range. Furthermore, the configurations of the first airbag 3, the second airbag 16, and the third airbag 17, such as the arrangement and shape, the rhythm of inflation and deflation, and the order of inflation, can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment range. The third airbag 17 can be a single airbag that fits within the seat portion 5. Furthermore, the third airbag 17 may be provided so as to be placed on the upper surface of the seat portion 5 without an upper cloth. That is, the configuration of the air stretch exercise device 1 can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment range.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air stretch exercise device 2 Pillow section 3 First airbag 4 Drive mechanism 5 Seat section 6 Case body 7 Cushion member 8 Air pump 9 Air hose 10 Connector 11 Solenoid valve 12 Control section 13 Opening 14 Placement surface 15 Cutout section 16 Second airbag 17 Third airbag U User H Head Hb Back of head N Neck J Chin

Claims (8)

A pillow portion on which a user's head can be placed;
a first airbag connected to the pillow and attached to the neck of the user to perform a stretching motion from the head to the neck;
an air pump disposed on the pillow portion and supplying air to the first air bag. 2. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 1, wherein a U-shaped cutout portion into which the neck of the user can be inserted is provided at a front end side of the first airbag. The air stretch exercise device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first airbag is large enough and flexible enough for the user's head to rest on, and is configured to be connected to the pillow portion and to be placed over the pillow portion from above. The first airbag is
When the user's head is placed on the pillow portion and the neck portion is inserted into the notch portion, air is supplied from the air pump to inflate the pillow,
When the first airbag inflates and the notch catches on the chin, the chin side of the head is lifted up,
4. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 3, characterized in that the head is pulled toward the rear side of the pillow to perform a stretching exercise that stretches the neck. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 4, further comprising a second airbag that is disposed in a position facing the first airbag of the pillow portion and expands by driving the air pump to perform a stretching exercise from the back of the head to the back of the neck of the user. The second airbag cooperates with the inflation of the first airbag,
When air is supplied from the air pump and the nozzle expands, it lifts the neck portion from below,
The inflation of the first airbag lifts the chin side of the head,
6. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 5, wherein the head is pulled toward the rear side of the pillow to perform a stretching exercise that stretches the neck. The air stretch exercise device according to claim 3, characterized in that it is provided with a seat section connected to the front side of the pillow section and on which the user can lie on his/her back. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 7, characterized in that the seat section is provided with a third airbag that stretches the treatment area of the user.

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