JP2024062674A - Air Stretch Exercise Equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an air stretching exercise device that can perform stretching exercises by lifting the chin side of the user's head while lying on their back with the head placed on the pillow, and stretching the areas to be treated such as the neck and shoulders. [Solution] The air stretching exercise device 1 of the present invention comprises a pillow part 2 on which the user's head can be placed, a first airbag 16 that is disposed below the pillow part 2 and inflates to raise the pillow part 2 and perform stretching exercises from the user's head to the neck, and an air pump 8 that supplies air to the first airbag 16. [Selected Figure] Figure 2B

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 have few opportunities to move their bodies and often 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 available on the market. 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 stretching 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 that inflates to raise the pillow section and perform a stretching exercise from the user's head to neck, and an air pump that supplies air to the first airbag.

Preferably, the first airbag has a size large enough to accommodate the pillow portion and is positioned below the pillow portion.

Preferably, when the first airbag is inflated by air supplied from the air pump, it lifts the pillow portion upward and exerts a stretching motion that pulls the head of the user placed on the pillow portion upward and backward.

Preferably, the upper surface of the pillow portion is convex, the rear lower surface of the pillow portion is pivotally supported relative to the case body, and the pillow portion is configured such that when the first airbag inflates, the front portion of the pillow portion rotates upward around the pivot shaft and is raised.

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

Preferably, the pillow portion is stored in the case body and can be freely inserted and removed from the case body, the sheet portion made of a flexible material is connected to the front side of the case body, and an air pump, an air supply hose that guides air from the air pump to a second airbag arranged in the sheet portion, and a connector that connects the air supply hose to the second airbag are stored in the case body, so that the sheet portion can be wrapped around the outer periphery of the case body.

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

According to the present invention, the user's head, which is placed on the pillow, can be raised and stretched for the treatment areas 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. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the air stretching exercise device of the present invention, showing the first airbag in a deflated state. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the air stretching exercise device of the present invention, showing the first airbag in an inflated state. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the air stretch exercise device of the present invention, showing the first airbag inflated state (a perspective view from a different direction than FIG. 2B). FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the first airbag is deflated, 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.

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

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 FIG. 1, 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. In addition, 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 drawing.

Figures 1 to 4B show the configuration and usage of the air stretch exercise device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, 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 (lower side of the shoulders), back, lower back, buttocks, or lower limbs of a user U lying on his/her 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 to the shoulders of the user U.

The air stretch exercise device 1 of this embodiment has a pillow section 2 on which the head of a user U lying on his back can be placed, and a first airbag 16 that is disposed below the pillow section 2 and inflates to lift the pillow section 2 upward and perform a stretching exercise from the head to the neck of the user U. The air stretch exercise device 1 further has a drive mechanism 4 (an air pump 8 that supplies air to the first airbag 16) that is stored inside the pillow section 2 and drives the first airbag 16, and a seat section 5 that is connected to the front side of the pillow section 2 and on which the user U can lie on his 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 through the back and waist to the buttocks. In other words, the air stretch exercise device 1 is large enough to allow the upper body to rest on it.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pillow section 2 is capable of supporting the head 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 a substantially horizontal surface so that the pillow section 2 can be placed on a flat surface such as the floor. A first airbag 16, which will be described later, is disposed below this horizontal surface.

The pillow section 2 is arranged so as to be freely movable in the vertical direction from the left-right center of the case body 6 (storage body). Specifically, the case body 6 is a member that is long in the left-right direction, and is a housing with a hollow interior. A space of a predetermined size is formed inside the case body 6, and the first airbag 16 and the drive mechanism 4 that drives the first airbag 16 are stored therein.

An opening large enough for the pillow section 2 to fit into is formed in the center of the left and right sides of the case body 6. The pillow section 2 fits loosely into this opening, allowing it to move in and out freely in the vertical direction. The case body 6 has a flat cut-out on the underside and an upwardly protruding shape (a kamaboko shape), and has a space inside, making it possible to store the drive mechanism 4 within this internal space. Preferably, a soft cushion member 7 is provided on the upper surface side of the pillow section 2 that comes into contact with the user's head. The shape of the pillow section 2 is not limited to the shape exemplified in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the case body 6 contains an air pump 8 (compressor) constituting the drive mechanism 4, a first air hose that guides air discharged from the air pump 8 to the first airbag 16, a first connector that connects the first air hose to the first airbag 16, a solenoid valve 11 that controls the amount of air supplied to the first airbag 16, and a control unit 12 that controls the solenoid valve 11.

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

In addition, a flat mounting surface 14 is provided within the opening 13, and the air hoses and other components that make up the drive mechanism 4 are arranged on the mounting surface 14. The air hoses and other components that make up the drive mechanism 4 are arranged inside the case body 6 on the inside of the opening 13, so they are not exposed to the outside through the opening 13. This prevents the air hoses and other components from getting entangled or pinched and broken when the flexible sheet portion 5 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the case body 6 and secured in place.

As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 4A, and 4B, in this embodiment, a first airbag 16 is provided below the pillow part 2. This first airbag 16 is placed in a position facing the underside of the pillow part 2, and is inflated by driving the air pump 8. The pillow part 2 placed on the first airbag 16 moves upward and backward, lifting the back of the user U's head and neck and stretching the back of the head and neck, thereby performing a stretching exercise.

The first airbag 16 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 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 able to expand greatly. The first airbag 16 may be a bag body having a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction in a plan view, as in this embodiment. The first airbag 16 may also be a bag body having a shape such as an oval shape that is long in the left-right direction. The first airbag 16 is structured to be able to inflate and contract independently of the second airbag 17 described below.

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

As described above, the upper surface side of the pillow part 2 has, for example, a rounded shape or a shape with a flat surface (mountain shape, upwardly convex shape). As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, an L-shaped support part 20 that bends backward is provided hanging down on the rear side of the lower surface of the pillow part 2, and the side opposite the pillow (the side facing backward) of this support part 20 is a pivot part 21. Specifically, a pivot body 22 is erected on the placement surface 14 of the case body 6, and the tip of the L-shaped support part 21 is pivoted to this pivot body 22 so that it can rotate freely around the left and right axis. Therefore, the front part of the pillow part 2 rotates upward around this pivot axis and lifts up. Therefore, air is supplied to the first airbag 16, which inflates and lifts up the pillow part 2, so that it protrudes outward from the opening of the case body 6.

Then, the convex shape of the pillow part 2 comes into contact with the user's cervical vertebrae and the pillow part 2 is lifted upward, stretching the user's cervical vertebrae and providing a comfortable massage. It also stretches the user's cervical vertebrae into a natural curve, helping to prevent straight neck.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drive mechanism 4 is housed inside the case body 6. The drive mechanism 4 has an air pump 8 that supplies pressurized air to inflate the first airbag 16 and the like, an air hose that guides the air sent out from the air pump 8 to each of the airbags 16, 17, and the like, a connector that connects the air hose to each of the airbags 16, 17, a solenoid valve 11 that controls the amount of air supplied to each of the airbags 16, 17, and a control unit 12 that controls the solenoid valve 11.

The air pump 8 is provided on the left side inside the case body 6 and is connected to the solenoid valve 11 via an air hose. The air pump 8 delivers pressurized air to the solenoid valve 11. The solenoid valve 11 is provided on the right side of the case body 6 and is connected to a first air hose that supplies air to the first airbag 16 and a second air hose that supplies air to the second airbag 17 (details will be described later). The solenoid valve 11 is controlled by the control unit 12 and switches the introduction of air to the first airbag 16, the second airbag 17, etc.

The first air hose is connected to a first connector provided on the first airbag 16. The second air hose is connected to a second connector provided on the second airbag 17. Note that it is preferable to use, for example, a flexible rubber tube as the first air hose and the second air hose.

The control unit 12 is provided on the right side of the case body 6. This control unit 12 has a program installed that performs multiple stretching exercises, and controls the inflation of the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 17, etc.

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 area to be treated of the user U (e.g., shoulders, back, waist, buttocks, 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 roughly to the length from the shoulders of the user U through the back and waist to the buttocks. In other words, the seat portion 5 is large enough to allow the upper body to rest on it.

The seat unit 5 is provided with a second airbag 17 that stretches the treatment area of the user U. When the second airbag 17 inflates, it pushes up the treatment area (e.g., back, lower back, buttocks, lower legs, etc.) of the user U on the second airbag 17 and moves the user's body in a twisting manner, thereby providing a stretching motion to the treatment area.

As shown in FIG. 1, four second airbags 17 are provided in the seat portion 5 in this embodiment. These second 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 second 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.

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

A right rear connector is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the right rear airbag 17c. A right rear air hose is connected to the right rear connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the right rear air hose and the right rear connector, and is supplied to the right rear airbag, causing it to inflate. The right rear airbag inflates upward from the seat portion 5, providing a stretching motion to the treatment areas, such as the right shoulder and back, of the user U lying on his back on the seat portion 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, buttocks, etc. 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 is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the air passage 18d. A right front air hose is connected to the right front connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the right front air hose and right front connector, and 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 and buttocks, 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, back, etc. of the user U lying on his/her back on the seat portion 5.

A left rear connector is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the left rear airbag 17e. A left rear air hose is connected to the left rear connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the left rear air hose and the left rear connector, 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 and back, of the user U lying on his back on the seat portion 5.

The left front airbag 17f is the right front airbag 17d, flipped over to the left. In other words, 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 positioned in a position corresponding to the waist, buttocks, etc. on the left side of the user U lying on his 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 is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the air passage 18f. A left front air hose is connected to the left front connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the left front air hose and left front connector, 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 and buttocks, of the user U lying on his back on the seat portion 5.

The shape of the second 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.

Now, the second airbags 17c to 17f described above 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 portion 5 may be controlled to inflate together and deflate them, while at the same time starting to inflate the left rear airbag 17e and left front airbag 17f located on the left side of the seat portion 5.

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 stretch exercise device 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

For example, the state shown in Fig. 2A, Fig. 4A, etc. is assumed. Specifically, the user U lies on his/her back on the seat portion 5, places his/her head on the pillow portion 2, and assumes a state in which the first airbag 16 is to be used. Then, the switch 19 provided on the upper left part of the pillow portion 2 is operated to drive the air pump 8 (drive mechanism 4).

As shown in Figures 2B and 4B, when the first airbag 16 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 and the first connector, and is supplied to the first airbag 16. The first airbag 16 begins to inflate.

When the first airbag 16 inflates upward, the pillow portion 2 placed on the first airbag 16 rises and the head of the user U is pulled upward and backward, stretching the neck (neck muscles) and effectively providing a stretching exercise to the neck and shoulders. When the second airbag 17 of the seat portion 5 is inflated, as described above, the upper body of the user U is moved in a twisting manner, providing a stretching exercise to the user U.

Furthermore, the air stretching exercise device 1 of the present invention can also perform the following stretching exercise. When the first airbag 16 for the head is inflated while the second airbag 17 corresponding to the user U's back is inflated, the inflation of the second airbag 17 (particularly the inflation of the right rear airbag 17c and the left rear airbag 17e) lifts the back and arches the chest, resulting in a posture with the chin raised even more. This action allows stretching exercises for the sternocleidomastoid muscle (the muscle that connects the back of the head to the clavicle) and other muscles.

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

You can perform stretching exercises for your lower back by placing your buttocks on the second airbag 17 that corresponds to your back, placing your lower back against the pillow section 2 as a stopper, raising your upper body by placing your elbows (or hands) on the floor, and inflating the second airbag 17. Note that you can also lie down on the air stretching exercise device 1 with your lower back against the pillow section 2, but if you feel some pain, it is preferable to perform stretching exercises with your upper body raised.

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 size, shape, and other configurations of the first airbag 16 can be appropriately changed in consideration of the treatment range. Also, the arrangement, shape, and other configurations of the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 17, the rhythm of inflation and deflation, and the order of inflation can be appropriately changed in consideration of the treatment range. The second airbag 17 can be a single piece that fits within the sheet portion 5. Also, the second airbag 17 can be provided so as to be placed on the upper surface of the sheet portion 5 without an upper cloth. That is, the configuration of the air stretch exercise device 1 can be appropriately changed in consideration of the treatment range. Also, it is possible to provide an air stretch exercise device that does not have a sheet portion 5 and is composed only of the case body 6 (the pillow portion 2 and the first airbag 16).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air stretch exercise device 2 Pillow section 4 Drive mechanism 5 Seat section 6 Case body 7 Cushion member 8 Air pump 11 Solenoid valve 12 Control section 13 Opening 14 Placement surface 16 First airbag 17 Second airbag U User

Claims (7)

A pillow portion on which a user's head can be placed;
A first airbag that, when inflated, raises the pillow portion and stretches the head and neck of the user;
and an air pump that supplies air to the first air bag. The air stretch exercise device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first airbag has a size large enough for the pillow to rest on and is placed below the pillow. The first airbag is
The air stretching exercise device according to claim 2, characterized in that when air is supplied from the air pump and the device expands, the pillow portion is lifted upward, and a stretching motion is generated in which the head of a user placed on the pillow portion is pulled upward and backward. The air stretch exercise device of claim 3, characterized in that the upper surface side of the pillow portion is convex in shape, the lower rear side of the pillow portion is pivotally supported relative to the case body so as to be freely rotatable, and when the first airbag is inflated, the front portion of the pillow portion rotates upward around the pivot axis and is lifted up. An air stretch exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 pillow portion is stored in the case body and can be freely moved out and retracted from the case body.
The sheet portion formed of a flexible material is connected to a front side of the case body,
The air stretch exercise device of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an air pump, an air supply hose that guides air from the air pump to a second airbag arranged in the seat portion, and a connector that connects the air supply hose to the second airbag are stored within the case body, so that the seat portion can be wrapped around the outer periphery of the case body. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 4, characterized in that the seat section is provided with a second airbag that stretches the treatment area of the user.

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