JP7655552B2 - Electrode pad attachment aid - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an auxiliary device for assisting in the attachment of an electrode pad to the dorsal side of the lumbosacral region of the human body.

Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose auxiliary devices for applying patches.

For example, the auxiliary device in Patent Document 1 comprises a plate-like body having a patch holding portion on which a patch is placed and held, the patch holding portion being bendable between a flat shape and a mountain shape, and a maintaining means is provided for maintaining the patch holding portion folded into a mountain shape. In this configuration, when a patch is placed on the patch holding portion folded into a mountain shape, the ridge of the mountain shape presses the cutting line of the release sheet, making it easy to peel it off. In addition, at this time, the support for the patch is held by the patch holding portion, so it does not wrinkle.

The auxiliary device in Patent Document 2 consists of a holding section that holds the patch, and handle sections that are foldably connected to both edges of the holding section, and each of the holding section and handle sections is provided with a removable adhesive section. In this configuration, when the handle section is folded so that it overlaps the holding section and the patch is sandwiched between them, the adhesive section of the handle section adheres to the partial release sheet of the patch. Therefore, it is possible to peel off the partial release sheet by simply opening the handle section.

Patent No. 5442112 Patent No. 6434119

There is a method for alleviating the symptoms of diseases such as urinary disorders by applying electrical stimulation to the lumbosacral region of the human body. In this case, it is necessary to accurately attach electrode pads for electrical stimulation to the treatment area in the lumbosacral region of the human body, but this requires turning one's arms behind one's back, making the attachment process difficult. In particular, it is difficult for elderly patients and patients who have difficulty turning their arms behind them to attach the electrode pads to the treatment area by themselves.

The object of the present invention is to provide an electrode pad attachment aid that allows electrode pads to be easily attached to treatment areas for electrical stimulation.

An electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electrode pad attachment aid for aiding in the attachment of an electrode pad to the dorsal side of the lumbosacral region of the human body, and includes an elongated plate-like body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a fixing portion for fixing the electrode pad to the first surface, and a gripping portion formed at the longitudinal end of the plate-like body, for gripping the plate-like body, and having a linear finger hook portion for hooking the fingers of a user's hand, the finger hook portion extending in a direction inclined inward of the plate-like body with respect to the vertical direction of the plate-like body that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the plate-like body.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad (with an electrode pad) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary device for attaching an electrode pad (without an electrode pad) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the electrode pad attachment aid. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the electrode pad attachment aid. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the electrode pad attachment aid. FIG. 6 is a development view of the auxiliary tool for attaching the electrode pad. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view (front side) of the electrode pad. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view (rear side) of the electrode pad. FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a procedure for using the auxiliary tool for attaching the electrode pad. FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9B. FIG. 9D is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9C. FIG. 9E is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9D. FIG. 9F is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9E. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the auxiliary device of FIG. 10 in a folded state. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. 21 is a front view of the electrode pad attachment aid of FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is a plan view of the electrode pad attachment aid of FIG. 19. FIG. 23 is a side view of the electrode pad attachment aid of FIG. 19. FIG. 24 is a rear view of the electrode pad attachment aid of FIG. 19. FIG. FIG. 25A is a diagram for explaining a procedure for using the auxiliary tool for attaching electrode pads shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 25B is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25A. FIG. 25C is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25B. FIG. 25D is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25C. FIG. 25E is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25D. FIG. 25F is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25E.

<Embodiments of the present invention>
First, the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

An electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electrode pad attachment aid for aiding in the attachment of an electrode pad to the dorsal side of the lumbosacral region of the human body, and includes an elongated plate-like body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a fixing portion for fixing the electrode pad to the first surface, and a gripping portion formed at the longitudinal end of the plate-like body, for gripping the plate-like body, and having a linear finger hook portion for hooking the fingers of a user's hand, the finger hook portion extending in a direction inclined inward of the plate-like body with respect to the vertical direction of the plate-like body that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the plate-like body.

To attach an electrode pad using this electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool, for example, the electrode pad is fixed to the plate-shaped main body using the fixing part of the plate-shaped main body. Next, the auxiliary tool with the electrode pad is turned to the back side, and the arm is turned to the back side to hook the finger on the finger hook part and grasp the auxiliary tool. Next, the auxiliary tool is lifted, the position of the electrode pad is adjusted to the treatment part, and then, for example, the arm is turned to the front side to sandwich the electrode pad between the treatment part and the plate-shaped main body and attach the electrode pad. Note that the electrode pad may be attached in advance with a conductive adhesive gel or the like that can be attached to the skin of the human body. This attachment method is merely one example. For example, as described later, in the case where a foamed resin sheet is formed on the plate-shaped main body, the plate-shaped main body may first be attached to the wall surface via the foamed resin sheet, and in the attached state, the operations of fixing the electrode pad, grasping the auxiliary tool, and attaching the electrode pad may be performed.

And, according to the electrode pad attachment aid of one embodiment of the present invention, the finger hook is inclined with respect to the up-down direction of the plate-shaped main body, so when turning the arm backward to grasp the aid, the aid can be grasped without twisting the wrist too much. Therefore, even elderly patients and patients who have difficulty turning their arm backward can easily apply force and easily attach the electrode pad.

In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment aid of the present invention, the inclination angle of the finger hook portion relative to the vertical direction of the plate-shaped body may be between 30° and 90°.

In an electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention, a long, narrow opening is formed at the end of the plate-shaped body, and the finger hook portion may be formed by utilizing an edge portion along the longitudinal direction of the opening.

With this configuration, the auxiliary device can be directly grasped by hooking a finger into the elongated opening formed by processing the plate-shaped body, preventing the auxiliary device from wobbling when attaching the electrode pad. This allows the electrode pad to be accurately aligned with the treatment area of the human body, making it easy to attach the electrode pad.

In the electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio (L 2 /L ₁ ) of the length L ₁ of the side portion along the longitudinal direction of the opening to the length L ₂ of the side portion along the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening may be _1/6 to 1/2.5.

In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment aid according to the present invention, the plate-shaped body may be provided with a mark for aligning the plate-shaped body in the vertical direction with the user's iliac crest when the user attaches the electrode pad to the back side of the lumbosacral region.

With this configuration, the electrode pad can be attached while aligning the mark with the user's iliac crest, allowing the electrode pad to be accurately positioned in the vertical direction.

An electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pad placement portion formed on the first surface of the plate-shaped body for placing the electrode pad, and the pad placement portion may be formed thicker than both sides of the pad placement portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body.

With this configuration, when the arm is turned to the front and the electrode pad is sandwiched between the treatment area and the plate-shaped body, the electrode pad can be brought into preferential contact with the treatment area compared to the portion of the plate-shaped body other than the pad placement portion. This allows the force of the plate-shaped body to be concentrated on the electrode pad, so the electrode pad can be attached more securely.

An electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pad placement portion formed on the first surface of the plate-shaped body for placing the electrode pad, and guide portions formed on both sides of the pad placement portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and thicker than the pad placement portion.

With this configuration, when fixing the electrode pad to the pad placement section, the electrode pad can be easily set using the guide sections on both sides of the pad placement section. In addition, since the electrode pad is sandwiched laterally (in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body) by the guide sections on both sides of the pad placement section, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation of the electrode pad in the lateral direction.

An electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention is for an electrode pad having an attachment portion at its upper end with an opening formed therein, and the fixing portion may be formed at the upper end of the pad placement portion and include an insertion portion for fixing the electrode pad by inserting it into the opening of the attachment portion.

With this configuration, the electrode pad can be fixed simply by inserting the insertion portion of the plate-shaped body into the opening of the electrode pad, simplifying the preparation for attaching the electrode pad.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped body may include a center portion that holds the electrode pad, and a pair of side portions that are arranged on either side of the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and are integrally connected to the center portion so as to be freely foldable.

With this configuration, the assistive device can be made compact by folding the pair of side sections when not in use, which improves the storability of the assistive device.

In an electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side portions includes a first side portion and a second side portion arranged at a different level from the first side portion in the vertical direction of the plate-shaped body, and the first side portion and the second side portion may have shapes that do not overlap with each other when folded onto the center portion.

With this configuration, the first side section and the second side section can be folded so that they do not overlap each other, so that the thickness of the assistive device can be kept relatively thin even after the first side section and the second side section are folded. This can further improve the storability of the assistive device.

In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment aid of the present invention, the plate-shaped body may be formed from cardboard.

With this configuration, the auxiliary device is made of cardboard and is relatively lightweight, so that the electrode pads can be easily attached using the auxiliary device, and the auxiliary device can also be easily carried.

An electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention is for an electrode pad having an attachment portion at its upper end with an opening formed therein, and includes a folded portion that is integrally connected to the plate-shaped main body via a connecting portion and folded back toward the first surface side of the plate-shaped main body, and the folded portion may include a pad placement portion for placing the electrode pad, and an insertion portion formed at the upper end of the pad placement portion and for fixing the electrode pad by inserting it into the opening in the attachment portion.

According to this configuration, the folded-back structure of the folded-back portion causes the pad placement portion to be formed at a higher position relative to the first surface than the portion of the plate-shaped body excluding the pad placement portion. Therefore, when the arm is turned to the front side to sandwich the electrode pad between the treatment portion and the plate-shaped body, the electrode pad can be brought into preferential contact with the treatment portion compared to the portion of the plate-shaped body excluding the pad placement portion. This allows the force of the sandwiching from the plate-shaped body to be concentrated on the electrode pad, so the electrode pad can be attached more reliably. In addition, the electrode pad can be fixed simply by inserting the insertion portion of the plate-shaped body into the opening of the electrode pad, simplifying the preparation for attaching the electrode pad.

In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment aid of the present invention, the plate-shaped body may include a line-shaped mark formed on the upper edge of the plate-shaped body along the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and in a color different from that of other parts of the plate-shaped body.

With this configuration, the electrode pad can be attached while aligning the linear mark with the user's iliac crest, allowing the electrode pad to be accurately positioned in the vertical direction. In addition, the linear mark is formed in a different color from the other parts of the plate-shaped body, and is formed on the upper edge of the plate-shaped body. Therefore, the linear mark can be easily seen while holding the assistive device.

In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment aid of the present invention, the plate-shaped body may be formed from foamed plastic.

With this configuration, the auxiliary device is made of foamed plastic and is relatively lightweight, so that the electrode pads can be easily attached using the auxiliary device, and the auxiliary device can also be easily carried.

The electrode pad attachment aid of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a foamed resin sheet formed on the second surface of the plate-shaped body.

With this configuration, the auxiliary device can be attached and fixed to a wall surface, allowing the user to easily attach the electrode pads by themselves.

In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment aid according to the present invention, an opening is formed at the lower end of the plate-shaped body, and the opening may include an opening for attaching an elongated height adjustment member for adjusting the height of the electrode pad attachment aid from the floor surface.

According to this configuration, the height of the auxiliary device can be easily adjusted by aligning the end of the height adjustment member (for example, a linear member such as a string) attached to the opening with the floor surface and adjusting the length of the height adjustment member, and then adjusting the height so that the end of the height adjustment member touches the floor surface from the next time onwards.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
First Embodiment
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of an auxiliary device 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the auxiliary device 100 with the electrode pad 2 attached, and Figure 2 shows the auxiliary device 100 alone. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the auxiliary device 100. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the auxiliary device 100. Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the auxiliary device 100.

The auxiliary device 100 assists in the attachment of the electrode pad 2 used in electrical stimulation treatment, for example. Electrical stimulation treatment using the electrode pad 2 can treat urinary and defecation disorders, for example, by providing electrical stimulation to the sacral plexus and pudendal nerve of the person being treated 3 (see Figures 9C to 9F). Therefore, the electrode pad 2 needs to be attached to a certain area (treatment area 4 described below) facing the sacrum on the dorsal side of the lumbosacral region of the person being treated 3.

The auxiliary device 100 includes a plate-shaped body 1 having a first surface 5 and a second surface 6 opposite the first surface 5. The first surface 5 is the surface on which the electrode pads 2 are placed (the surface facing the treatment area 4 of the person being treated 3), and the second surface 6 is the outer surface of the plate-shaped body 1. The first surface 5 and the second surface 6 of the plate-shaped body 1 may be referred to as the inner surface and the outer surface of the plate-shaped body 1, respectively.

The plate-shaped body 1 can be formed from various sheet-shaped industrial materials. Examples of such sheet-shaped materials include cardboard such as paper cardboard and coated cardboard, plastic sheets, plastic cardboard, and foamed resin sheets. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped body 1 is formed by overlapping a first plate member 7 and a second plate member 8 made of paper cardboard. The outer surface of the first plate member 7 forms the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1, and the outer surface of the second plate member 8 forms the second surface 6 of the plate-shaped body 1. The inner surfaces of the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8 face each other.

The plate-shaped body 1 may be formed by stacking multiple different sheets of the above-mentioned industrial sheets. The thickness of the plate-shaped body 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has the strength to maintain the shape of the plate-shaped body 1 after the electrode pads 2 are fixed, and is, for example, about 3 mm to 15 mm. When multiple sheets are stacked as in this embodiment, the thickness of the plate-shaped body 1 may be the total thickness of the multiple sheets. For example, in this embodiment, the thickness of each of the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8 is about 5 mm, and the total thickness of the plate-shaped body 1 is about 10 mm.

The plate-shaped body 1 is formed in an elongated shape with a horizontal length longer than its vertical length, and is used by aligning the longitudinal direction X (horizontal direction) of the plate-shaped body 1 around the lumbosacral region of the person to be treated 3. When in use, the short side direction (vertical direction) of the plate-shaped body 1 becomes the vertical direction Y that is almost parallel to the spinal direction A of the person to be treated 3 (see Figures 9C to 9F), so in the following explanation, the short side direction of the plate-shaped body 1 is sometimes referred to as the "vertical direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1." The length La of the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1 is, for example, 80 cm to 100 cm, and the length Lb of the vertical direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1 is, for example, 15 cm to 30 cm.

In this embodiment, the plate-like body 1 is formed in a long strip shape with the upper portions of both ends in the longitudinal direction X cut. More specifically, the plate-like body 1 has a pair of long sides 9, 10 that are parallel to each other and extend along the longitudinal direction X, and a pair of short sides 11 that are parallel to each other and extend along the up-down direction Y. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of long sides 9, 10 includes a relatively short upper long side 9 and a lower long side 10 that is relatively longer than the upper long side 9, and includes a pair of oblique sides 12 that connect the upper long side 9 and the pair of short sides 11. The pair of oblique sides 12 are inclined at an angle θ ₁ of, for example, 30° to 60° with respect to the short side 11.

A first opening 13 is formed at each end of the plate-shaped body 1 in the longitudinal direction X. The first opening 13 is formed penetrating the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8. The portion of the plate-shaped body 1 sandwiched between the first opening 13 and the oblique side portion 12 is the grip portion 14.

The person to be treated 3 (user of the auxiliary tool 100) can hold the auxiliary tool 100 by gripping the gripping portion 14 with four fingers of the hand through the first opening 13. In this embodiment, the first opening 13 is formed in an elongated shape and is defined by a pair of long side portions 15 along the longitudinal direction of the first opening 13 and a pair of short side portions 16 along the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The ratio (L ₂ /L ₁ ) of the length L ₂ of the short side portion 16 of the first opening 13 to the length L ₁ of the long side portion 15 of the first opening 13 is, for example, 1/6 to 1/2.5. Since the first opening 13 is formed in an elongated shape, the auxiliary tool 100 is easy for the person to be treated 3 to hold.

The elongated first opening 13 is formed to extend along the oblique side portion 12 of the plate-shaped body 1. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the first opening 13 is parallel or nearly parallel to the oblique side portion 12. More specifically, the first opening 13 is formed to extend from the lower side to the upper side of the plate-shaped body 1 and to incline toward the inside of the plate-shaped body 1 as it moves from the lower end (one short side portion 16) to the upper end (the other short side portion 16). As a result, of the pair of long sides 15 of the first opening 13, the upper long side portion 15 (finger hook portion 17) on which four fingers are hooked during use extends in a direction that inclines toward the inside of the plate-shaped body 1 with respect to the vertical direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1.

The finger hook portion 17 is inclined at an angle _θ2 of 30° to 60° with respect to the short side portion 11 of the plate-shaped main body 1. In this embodiment, the lower long side portion 10 and each short side portion 11 intersect at a right angle, and since the spinal direction A (see Figs. 9C to 9F) of the person to be treated 3 and the short side portions 11 are approximately parallel when the electrode pad 2 is attached, the angle _θ2 is defined based on the short side portions 11.

However, in addition to being defined based on the short side 11, the angle _θ2 may be defined with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-like body 1 (for example, a direction parallel to the spinal direction A of the person to be treated 3 when the electrode pad 2 is attached using the auxiliary tool 100). For example, as shown in Fig. 3, a virtual axis 18 that is parallel to the spinal direction A of the person to be treated 3 during use may be set, and the angle _θ2 may be defined with respect to the virtual axis 18. Note that, although the angle _θ2 is set to 30° to 60° in this embodiment, there is no particular limitation as long as it is inclined (including 90°) with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-like body 1.

The first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1 is folded back at the upper long side 9 of the plate-shaped body 1, and a folded back portion 21 is formed which is integrally connected to the upper long side 9 via a connecting portion 20.

The folded portion 21 is a plate integral with the plate-shaped main body 1. As a result, the area of the folded portion 21 in the plate-shaped main body 1 is formed thicker than the portions on both sides of the folded portion 21 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1. Note that the configuration for selectively thickening the plate-shaped main body 1, such as the folded portion 21, does not have to be integral with the plate-shaped main body 1, and may be, for example, an industrial sheet laminated by gluing or the like on the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1. In addition, the laminated industrial sheet and the folded portion 21 are portions that selectively protrude from the plate-shaped main body 1, and may therefore be referred to as convex portions.

In this embodiment, the folded portion 21 integrally has a pad placement portion 22 and an insertion portion 23 as an example of a fixing portion of the present invention.

The pad placement section 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, with the connecting section 20 integrally connected to a portion of its upper end. Meanwhile, the insert section 23 extends separately from the connecting section 20 from another portion of the upper end of the pad placement section 22. In this embodiment, the connecting section 20 extends from the center of the upper end of the pad placement section 22, and a pair of insert sections 23 extend from both sides of the connecting section 20 at the upper end of the pad placement section 22. The connecting section 20 is sandwiched between the pair of insert sections 23 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1. In this embodiment, the connecting section 20 and the pair of insert sections 23 are separated by a linear slit 24.

A claw portion 26 is integrally formed at the lower end of the pad arrangement portion 22 and inserted into a second opening 25 formed in the lower long side portion 10 of the plate-shaped main body 1. By inserting the claw portion 26 into the second opening 25 and folding the claw portion 26 upward and hooking it, the folded portion 21 can be prevented from separating from the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1.

The plate-shaped body 1 also includes a center portion 27 and a pair of side portions 28, 29 integrally connected to the center portion 27 so as to be freely bent. The pair of side portions 28, 29 are arranged on both sides of the center portion 27 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1. For example, the side portion on the left side as viewed from the front is the first side portion 28, and the side portion on the right side as viewed from the front is the second side portion 29. The first side portion 28 and the second side portion 29 are connected over the entire side edge portion 30 of the center portion 27, and have a shape symmetrical to the center portion 27. The fold-back portion 21 is formed in the center portion 27, and one grip portion 14 is formed in each of the side portions 28, 29.

A first fold line portion 31 is formed between the center portion 27 and the pair of side portions 28, 29, connecting the upper long side portion 9 and the lower long side portion 10 of the plate-shaped main body 1. The first fold line portion 31 coincides with the side portion 30 of the center portion 27.

Each of the pair of side portions 28, 29 can be folded inward at the first fold line 31 so as to face the first plate member 7. In this embodiment, the length Lc of the center portion 27 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1 is longer than the length Ls of each of the side portions 28, 29. For example, the length Lc of the center portion 27 may be 29 cm to 34 cm, and the length Ls of each of the side portions 28, 29 may be 25 cm to 30 cm.

A mark 32 is formed on the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1. The mark 32 is an indicator for aligning the position of the plate-shaped body 1 in the up-down direction Y by aligning it with the iliac crest 33 (see FIG. 9D) of the patient 3 when the patient 3 attaches the electrode pad 2 to the back side of the lumbosacral region.

In this embodiment, the mark 32 is formed in a line shape (strip shape) extending on each side portion 28, 29 along the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1. The line-shaped mark 32 is formed so as to extend from the first fold line portion 31 to both ends in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1 (in this embodiment, a pair of oblique sides 12). Therefore, when attaching the electrode pad 2, the patient 3 can align the line-shaped mark 32 visible near the oblique sides 12 with his or her own iliac crest 33, thereby aligning the position of the plate-shaped body 1 in the up-down direction Y.

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the auxiliary device 100. Next, a method for manufacturing the aforementioned auxiliary device 100 will be described.

To manufacture the above-mentioned assistive device 100, for example, as shown in Figure 6, a single material sheet 34 is prepared that includes a first plate member 7, a second plate member 8, and a folded portion 21 that are integrally connected to each other. In this embodiment, the material sheet 34 is prepared by punching a cardboard into a predetermined shape.

Next, by bending the connecting portion 20, the folded-back portion 21 is folded toward the first surface 5 of the first plate member 7, and the claw portion 26 is inserted into the second opening 25 of the first plate member 7 and folded back upward. As a result, the claw portion 26 is caught on the first plate member 7, and the folded-back portion 21 is fixed to the first plate member 7.

Next, the second plate member 8 is folded in the opposite direction to the folded portion 21, with the second fold line portion 35 between the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8 as the boundary.

Finally, the insertion portion 23 of the folded portion 21 is folded forward so that the insertion portion 23 stands upright against the surface of the pad placement portion 22. This results in the aforementioned auxiliary device 100.

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view (front side) of the electrode pad 2. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view (rear side) of the electrode pad 2. Next, an example of an electrode pad 2 that can be used with the aforementioned auxiliary device 100 is shown.

The electrode pad 2 includes a sheet body 36, an indifferent electrode 37 and a pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B.

The sheet body 36 is made of a flexible material that can bend in accordance with the bending of the patient 3 when the patient 3 bends (moves). In this embodiment, the sheet body 36 is made of an insulating, planar sheet member having a first surface 39 that faces the skin of the patient 3 and a second surface 40 opposite the first surface 39.

Materials for the sheet body 36 include, for example, insulating materials such as resin film, nonwoven fabric, and paper. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In this embodiment, the sheet body 36 is formed from a single injection-molded sheet made of silicone resin.

A recess 41 and recesses 42A, 42B are formed on the first surface 39 of the sheet body 36, in which the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are respectively installed. The indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are respectively arranged in the recess 41 and the recess 42A, 42B. On the first surface 39 of the sheet body 36, a protrusion 43 and protrusions 44A, 44B are formed around the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B, respectively.

The protrusions 43 are formed at appropriate locations along the outer edge of the indifferent electrode 37, and surround the indifferent electrode 37. This forms an area 45 on the indifferent electrode 37 that is surrounded by the protrusions 43, and a conductive adhesive pad (not shown) can be placed in this area 45.

The protrusions 44A and 44B are formed at appropriate locations along the outer edges of the stimulation electrodes 38A and 38B, respectively, and surround the stimulation electrodes 38A and 38B. As a result, areas 46A and 46B surrounded by the protrusions 44A and 44B are formed on the stimulation electrodes 38A and 38B, and conductive adhesive pads (not shown) can be placed in the areas 46A and 46B.

A first terminal 47 is integrally provided on the second surface 40 of the sheet body 36. The first terminal 47 is electrically connected to the indifferent electrode 37 on the first surface 39 of the sheet body 36, for example, by a lead wire (not shown). Second terminals 48A, 48B are integrally provided on the second surface 40 of the sheet body 36. The second terminals 48A, 48B are electrically connected to a pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B on the first surface 39 of the sheet body 36, for example, by a lead wire (not shown).

An attachment portion 49 is integrally provided on the upper end of the sheet body 36. Two attachment portions 49 are provided, one on each end of the upper end of the sheet body 36. Each attachment portion 49 is formed in a square ring shape having an opening 50. The electrode pad 2 can be fixed to the auxiliary device 100 by inserting the insertion portion 23 of the auxiliary device 100 described above into the opening 50 of the attachment portion 49.

To produce the electrode pad 2 as described above, for example, first, the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are molded by compression molding. Next, the obtained indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are inserted into a mold as insert members, and the material of the sheet body 36 (silicone resin in this embodiment) is filled into the mold. This allows the electrode pad 2 to be obtained as an insert molded product.

However, the method of manufacturing the electrode pad 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned insert molding, and may be, for example, a method in which the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B, and the sheet body 36 are manufactured as separate molded products, and then the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are fitted into the recess 41 and the recesses 42A, 42B of the sheet body 36, respectively.

Figures 9A to 9F are diagrams for explaining the procedure for using the auxiliary device 100 for attaching the electrode pad 2. Figures 9C and 9E show the rear side of the person being treated 3, and Figures 9D and 9F show the front side of the person being treated 3.

To attach the electrode pad 2 to the patient 3 using the above-mentioned auxiliary device 100, for example, first, as shown in Fig. 9A, the insertion portion 23 of the folded portion 21 is folded forward so that the insertion portion 23 stands upright against the surface of the pad placement portion 22. This operation may be performed when assembling the auxiliary device 100, in which case it is possible to omit standing the insertion portion 23 upright when in use.

9B, the electrode pad 2 is fixed to the auxiliary device 100 by inserting the opening 50 of the mounting portion 49 of the electrode pad 2 into the insertion portion 23 of the auxiliary device 100. At this time, the electrode pad 2 is firmly inserted into the insertion portion 23 until the back surface of the electrode pad 2 hits the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1. The electrode pad 2 is fixed to the auxiliary device 100 at its upper end, while its lower end is free and separable from the auxiliary device 100. In other words, the electrode pad 2 may be fixed in a state where it is hooked onto the auxiliary device 100. The electrode pad 2 may be connected in advance to a cable (not shown) for connecting to an electrical stimulation treatment device (not shown).

In this way, the electrode pad 2 can be fixed simply by inserting it into the insertion portion 23 of the plate-shaped body 1, which simplifies the preparation for attaching the electrode pad 2. Note that a conductive adhesive gel or the like that can be attached to the skin of the person to be treated 3 is attached in advance to the electrode pad 2, for example, in areas 45, 46A, and 46B (see FIG. 8).

Next, as shown in FIG. 9C, the auxiliary device 100 with the electrode pad 2 is placed on a table 67 such as a desk, and the arm is turned to the back side, four fingers 51 are placed on the finger hook portion 17, and the auxiliary device 100 is grasped by gripping the gripping portion 14.

Next, as shown in Figure 9D, the auxiliary device 100 is lifted, and with a space 66 provided between the auxiliary device 100 and the buttocks, the electrode pad 2 is aligned with the electrical stimulation treatment area 4. In this embodiment, the position of the plate-shaped body 1 in the vertical direction Y is aligned by aligning the linear mark 32 with the patient's own iliac crest 33. By attaching the electrode pad 2 while aligning the mark 32 with the iliac crest 33 of the patient 3, the position of the electrode pad 2 in the vertical direction Y can be accurately aligned.

Next, as shown in Figure 9E, the pair of side portions 28, 29 are folded and pressed against the lumbosacral region, and the position of the electrode pad 2 in the left-right direction X is aligned by aligning the center 68 in the spinal direction A of the subject 3 with the center 69 of the center portion 27.

9F, the arm is pushed forward to pull the auxiliary device 100 forward, and the electrode pad 2 is sandwiched between the treatment part 4 and the plate-like body 1 and pressed down. This causes the electrode pad 2 to be attached (adhered) to the treatment part 4.

According to this auxiliary device 100, as shown mainly in Figures 1 to 3, the finger hook portion 17 is inclined with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1, so that when the patient turns his/her arm backward to grasp the auxiliary device 100 as shown in Figures 9C to 9F, the patient can grasp the auxiliary device 100 without twisting the wrist too much. Therefore, even elderly patients and patients who have difficulty turning their arms backward can easily apply force and can easily attach the electrode pad 2.

In addition, the auxiliary device 100 can be directly grasped by hooking the four fingers 51 into the first opening 13 formed by punching the plate-shaped body 1, which prevents the auxiliary device 100 from wobbling when attaching the electrode pad 2. Therefore, the electrode pad 2 can be accurately aligned with the treatment area 4, so that the electrode pad 2 can be easily attached.

As shown mainly in Figures 1 and 2, the pad placement section 22 is a convex section that selectively protrudes from the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1. Therefore, when the arm is pushed forward to sandwich the electrode pad 2 between the treatment section 4 and the plate-shaped body 1 as shown in Figure 9F, the electrode pad 2 can be brought into preferential contact with the treatment section 4 compared to the portion of the plate-shaped body 1 other than the pad placement section 22. This allows the force of the plate-shaped body 1 to be concentrated on the electrode pad 2, so that the electrode pad 2 can be attached more securely.

As shown primarily in Figures 1 to 3, the plate-like main body 1 includes a center portion 27 and a pair of side portions 28, 29 that are integrally connected to the center portion 27 so as to be freely foldable. Therefore, when the auxiliary device 100 is not in use, the auxiliary device 100 can be made compact by, for example, folding the first side portion 28 onto the center portion 27 and then folding the second side portion 29 onto the first side portion 28. This improves the storability of the auxiliary device 100.

In addition, since the pair of side portions 28, 29 are formed to be the same length on the left and right, the center 68 of the spinal direction A of the subject 3 can be easily aligned with the center 69 of the central portion 27 by simply bending the pair of side portions 28, 29 and pressing them against the lumbosacral region as shown in Figure 9E.

Furthermore, since the auxiliary tool 100 is made of cardboard and is relatively lightweight, the electrode pad 2 can be easily attached using the auxiliary tool 100, and the auxiliary tool 100 can be easily carried around.
Second Embodiment
Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 10 in a folded state.

In the above-described embodiment, the first side portion 28 and the second side portion 29 were connected along the entire side edge portion 30 of the center portion 27 and had a shape symmetrical with respect to the center portion 27.

10, the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are arranged at different levels in the vertical direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1. Furthermore, the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are shaped so that they do not overlap with each other when folded onto the center portion 27.

More specifically, the center portion 27 has a pair of long sides 54 along the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1, and a pair of side edges 55, 56 connecting the pair of long sides 54. The pair of side edges 55, 56 includes a first side edge 55 on the first side portion 52 side and a second side edge 56 on the second side portion 53 side.

For example, the first side portion 52 is connected to a part of the first side edge portion 55, and the second side portion 53 is connected to a part of the second side edge portion 56 that does not face the first side edge portion 55, thereby forming a step between the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53. In this embodiment, the first side portion 52 is connected to approximately the upper half of the first side edge portion 55, and the second side portion 53 is connected to approximately the lower half of the second side edge portion 56. The first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are formed in the same rectangular shape.

11, when the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are folded onto the center portion 27, they do not overlap each other. Therefore, the thickness of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 after folding is equivalent to three sheets of material 34 in the above-mentioned embodiment, whereas in this embodiment, it is equivalent to two sheets of material 34. As a result, the thickness of the auxiliary device 100 can be kept relatively thin, and the storability of the auxiliary device 100 can be further improved.

Moreover, since the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are arranged at different levels, the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 may overlap in the vertical direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1, the area for the first side portion 52 and the area for the second side portion 53 can be secured over the entire length from the first side edge portion 55 to the second side edge portion 56 of the center portion 27. As a result, the length of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 has a high degree of freedom, so that the length of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 can be adjusted according to the body type and range of motion of the arm of the person to be treated 3.

Furthermore, in this case, the side edges 57, 58 of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 in the vertical direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1 may protrude from the first side edge portion 55 and the second side edge portion 56 of the center portion 27 when folded. In other words, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the length Lc of the center portion 27 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1 was longer than the length Ls of each of the side portions 28, 29, but in this embodiment, the length Ls of each of the side portions 52, 53 may be longer than the length Lc of the center portion 27.

Meanwhile, by arranging the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 at different levels, the length of the side edges 57, 58 of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 in the up-down direction Y of the plate-like body 1 is shorter than the combined length (height) of the short side portion 11 and the oblique side portion 12 in the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, each first opening 13 is formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction X of the plate-like body 1. Therefore, the finger hook portion 17 is inclined at an angle _θ2 of 90° with respect to the side edges 57, 58 of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53.

Under the condition that the lengths of the side portions 57, 58 of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are restricted, the first opening 13 can be formed along the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1, thereby forming a first opening 13 large enough to insert all four fingers of the person to be treated 3.
Third Embodiment
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the pad arrangement portion 22 was a protrusion that selectively protruded from the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1.

12, a pair of folds 59 spaced apart from each other are formed on the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1, and a pad placement section 60 is formed between the pair of folds 59. The pair of folds 59 may be integrally connected to the upper end of the plate-shaped body 1 as shown in FIG. 12, or may be formed on the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1 by adhesion or the like. In this case, the insertion section 23 may be directly connected to the upper end of the plate-shaped body 1, separate from the pair of folds 59.

As a result, in the plate-shaped body 1, the arrangement area of the pair of fold-back portions 59 is formed thicker than the pad arrangement portion 60. In other words, the pad arrangement portion 60 is a recess that is selectively recessed in the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1.

As a result, when the electrode pad 2 is fixed to the pad arrangement section 60, the electrode pad 2 can be easily set using the folded-back sections 59 on both sides of the pad arrangement section 60 as guide sections. In addition, since the electrode pad 2 is sandwiched laterally (in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1) by the folded-back sections 59, it is possible to reduce positional deviation of the electrode pad 2 in the lateral direction.
Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, a line-shaped mark 32 was formed as a mark for aligning the plate-shaped body 1 in the vertical direction Y.

In contrast, in the auxiliary tool 100 shown in Fig. 13, the second marks 61 are formed by cutting out the outer ends of the linear marks 32. When attaching the electrode pad 2, the patient 3 can align the position of the plate-like body 1 in the up-down direction Y by, for example, placing his or her thumb on the second mark 61 and aligning the thumb with his or her own iliac crest 33. Note that, although both the linear marks 32 and the second marks 61 are formed in Fig. 13, when the second marks 61 are formed, the linear marks 32 may be omitted.
Fifth Embodiment
FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the plate-shaped body 1 was formed in a long strip shape with the upper portions of both ends in the longitudinal direction X cut off.

In contrast, in the assistive device 100 shown in Fig. 14, the upper portions of both ends of the plate-shaped main body 1 are not cut, and the plate-shaped main body 1 is formed in a rectangular shape. Even with this configuration, the finger hook portion 17 is inclined with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1, so that when the arm is turned toward the back side to grasp the assistive device 100 as shown in Figs. 9C to 9F, the assistive device 100 can be grasped without twisting the wrist too much.
Sixth Embodiment
FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In the auxiliary device 100 shown in Fig. 15, a reinforcing member 62 is attached to the edge of the first opening 13. The reinforcing member 62 may be a molded product made of a general-purpose plastic (resin) such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, etc., such as a tape used for reinforcement, such as a cloth adhesive tape.

In the case of a molded product, the reinforcing member 62 is formed in a ring shape that matches the first opening 13, and a groove is formed over the entire outer periphery. The reinforcing member 62 can be fixed to the first opening 13 by fitting this groove into the sides (long side 15 and short side 16) of the first opening 13. On the other hand, in the case of a tape, the tape can be cut into an appropriate shape and attached so as to span both sides of the sides of the first opening 13. As a result, the finger hook 17 is covered and reinforced with the reinforcing member 62. In this case, the patient 3 indirectly hooks his/her finger on the finger hook 17 via the reinforcing member 62 in FIG. 9C.
Seventh Embodiment
FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In the assistive device 100 shown in Fig. 16, a claw portion 19 is integrally formed on the long side portion 15 (finger hook portion 17) on the upper side of the first opening 13 of the first plate member 7. In this embodiment, the claw portion 19 has the same shape as the first opening 13. By extending the claw portion 19 to the outside of the second plate member 8 through the first opening 13 and folding the claw portion 19 back upward to hook it, it is possible to prevent the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8 from separating from each other.
Eighth embodiment
FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

17, a plate-shaped magnet 63 is attached to the second surface 6 (back surface) of the plate-shaped main body 1. The plate-shaped magnet 63 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape, and is fixed to the plate-shaped main body 1 by inserting each corner of the plate-shaped magnet 63 into four notches 65 formed in the plate-shaped main body 1. This allows the auxiliary device 100 to be attached to a refrigerator, a steel shelf, or the like via the magnet 63 and stored when the auxiliary device 100 is not in use, for example.
Ninth embodiment
FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

In the auxiliary device 100 shown in Fig. 18, a usage procedure 64 for the auxiliary device 100 is attached to the first surface 5 (back surface) of the plate-shaped main body 1. The usage procedure 64 may illustrate, for example, the procedures shown in Figs. 9A to 9F. Since it is attached to the first surface 5 side of the plate-shaped main body 1, the person to be treated 3 can attach the electrode pad 2 while looking at the usage procedure 64.
Tenth embodiment
Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the insertion part 23 is folded. Fig. 21 is a front view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 19. Fig. 22 is a plan view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 19. Fig. 23 is a side view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 19. Fig. 24 is a rear view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 19.

In the auxiliary device 100 of Figures 19 to 24, the plate-shaped main body 1 is formed of a plate-shaped foamed plastic. Examples of foamed plastic materials include various foamed plastics that can be folded at the first fold line portion 31, such as foamed propylene and foamed polyethylene. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body 1 is composed of a single plate-shaped member 70, unlike the first to ninth embodiments in which the plate-shaped main body 1 includes a first plate-shaped member 7 and a second plate-shaped member 8.

The plate-shaped body 1 may include, in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body 1, a first region 71 in which the pad arrangement portion 22 is arranged, a second region 72 in which the grip portion 14 is arranged, and a third region 73 between the first region 71 and the second region 72. In this embodiment, the first region 71 may be the center portion 27.

The upper edge 731 of the third region 73 is recessed toward the lower end side of the plate-shaped body 1 relative to the upper edge 711 of the first region 71 and the upper edge 721 of the second region 72. In other words, the first region 71 and the second region 72 of the plate-shaped body 1 may have a first convex portion 712 and a second convex portion 722 that selectively protrude relative to the upper edge 731 of the third region 73, respectively. The third region 73 may have a recess 732 that is selectively recessed relative to the upper edge 711 of the first region 71 and the upper edge 721 of the second region 72.

The line-shaped mark 32 is formed on the upper edge 731 of the third region 73. In this embodiment, the line-shaped mark 32 is selectively formed on the first surface 5 side of the plate-shaped body 1, and its upper end coincides with the upper edge 731 of the third region 73. As described above, the line-shaped mark 32 is an indicator for aligning the position of the plate-shaped body 1 in the vertical direction Y by aligning it with the iliac crest 33 of the patient 3 when the patient 3 wears the electrode pad 2 on the back side of the lumbosacral region. On the other hand, the height of the iliac crest 33 (the height of the mark 32) is lower than the height of the upper end (the position of the mounting part 49) of the electrode pad 2 in the state worn on the patient 3. Therefore, by forming a recess 732 in the third region 73 of the plate-shaped body 1, the line-shaped mark 32 can be exposed as a part of the upper edge of the plate-shaped body 1. This makes it easier to see the mark 32 from above even when the auxiliary device 100 is held.

In addition, the linear mark 32 may be formed in a color different from the other parts of the plate-shaped body 1. The other parts of the plate-shaped body 1 may mean, for example, the flat portion 74 in the plate-shaped portion 1 where three-dimensional structures such as the pad placement portion 22 and the grip portion 14 are not formed. In this embodiment, the flat portion 74 is formed in white, and the mark 32 is formed in blue.

In addition, in the auxiliary device 100, a reinforcing member 75 is attached to the edge of the first opening 13. The reinforcing member 75 may be a molded product made of a general-purpose plastic (resin) such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride. The reinforcing member 75 is formed in a ring shape that matches the first opening 13, and a groove is formed over the entire outer periphery. The reinforcing member 75 can be fixed to the first opening 13 by fitting this groove into the first opening 13 (see FIG. 23). When the reinforcing member 75 is provided, in FIG. 25D described later, the treated person 3 indirectly hooks his/her finger on the finger hook portion 17 via the reinforcing member 75. In addition, since the reinforcing member 75 is a part that the treated person 3 directly holds, it may be called a handle.

An opening 76 is formed at the lower end of the pad arrangement section 22. As shown in FIG. 25C described later, the opening 76 is an opening for attaching a string 77 for adjusting the height of the assistive device 100 from the floor surface.

The auxiliary device 100 in Figures 19 to 24 further includes a foamed adhesive sheet 78 formed on the second surface 6 of the plate-shaped main body 1. As the foamed adhesive sheet 78, any known foamed adhesive sheet such as an acrylic resin or an ethylene resin can be used, as long as it is a resin sheet that can be repeatedly attached to and removed from a smooth surface. The foamed adhesive sheet may also be referred to as a foamed suction sheet. In this embodiment, the foamed adhesive sheet 78 is formed on the second surface 6 of the center portion 27 of the plate-shaped main body 1, as shown in Figure 24. The foamed adhesive sheet 78 faces the pad placement portion 22 across the plate-shaped main body 1.

Figures 25A to 25F are figures for explaining the procedure for using the assistive device 100 relating to the tenth embodiment.

To attach the electrode pad 2 to the patient 3 using the auxiliary device 100 according to the tenth embodiment, for example, first, as shown in Fig. 25A, the insertion portion 23 of the folded portion 21 is folded forward so that the insertion portion 23 stands upright against the surface of the pad placement portion 22. This operation may be performed when assembling the auxiliary device 100, in which case it is possible to omit standing the insertion portion 23 upright when in use.

25B, the electrode pad 2 is fixed to the auxiliary device 100 by inserting the opening 50 of the mounting portion 49 of the electrode pad 2 into the insertion portion 23 of the auxiliary device 100. At this time, the electrode pad 2 is firmly inserted into the back of the insertion portion 23 until the back surface of the electrode pad 2 hits the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1. The electrode pad 2 is fixed to the auxiliary device 100 at its upper end, while its lower end is free and separable from the auxiliary device 100. In other words, the electrode pad 2 may be fixed in a state where it is hooked on the auxiliary device 100. The electrode pad 2 may be connected in advance to a cable (not shown) for connecting to an electrical stimulation treatment device (not shown).

In this way, the electrode pad 2 can be fixed simply by inserting it into the insertion portion 23 of the plate-shaped body 1, which simplifies the preparation for attaching the electrode pad 2. Note that a conductive adhesive gel or the like that can be attached to the skin of the person to be treated 3 is attached in advance to the electrode pad 2, for example, in areas 45, 46A, and 46B (see FIG. 8).

Next, as shown in FIG. 25C, the auxiliary device 100 with the electrode pad 2 is attached to a wall surface 79 via a foamed adhesive sheet 78. The wall surface 79 is not particularly limited as long as it has a smooth surface to which the foamed adhesive sheet 78 can be attached so that the auxiliary device 100 does not fall off. For example, it may be the surface of an aluminum or steel partition wall, or the surface of a refrigerator door. At this time, the string 77 is threaded through the opening 76. By aligning the end of the string 77 with the floor surface 80 and adjusting the length of the string 77, the height of the auxiliary device 100 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the height so that the end of the string 77 touches the floor surface 80 from the next time onwards. The fixed position of the auxiliary device 100 may be a position where the height of the iliac crest 33 (see FIG. 25D) of the treated person 3 matches the height of the linear mark 32 when the treated person 3 is standing.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25D, with the auxiliary device 100 fixed to the wall surface 79, the arm is turned to the back side, four fingers 51 are hooked on the reinforcing member 75, and the gripping portion 14 is grasped to grasp the auxiliary device 100.

Next, as shown in Figure 25E, the pair of side sections 28, 29 are folded and pressed against the lumbosacral region, and the center 68 in the spinal direction A of the subject 3 is aligned with the center 69 of the central section 27 to align the left-right position of the electrode pad 2. For example, by pressing the pair of reinforcing members 75 (handles) against the lower back, the subject can stand in the middle without shifting relative to the electrode pad 2. At this time, the vertical position can be aligned by aligning the height of the left and right linear marks 32 and the iliac crest 33 (see Figure 25D).

25F, the patient 3 leans against the wall 79, thereby pinching the electrode pad 2 between the wall 79 and the treatment area 4 of the patient 3, thereby pressing down the electrode pad 2. This positions the electrode pad 2 relative to the treatment area 4. Thereafter, the patient releases the reinforcing member 75 (handle) and moves the body away from the wall 79, allowing the electrode pad 2 to be attached to the treatment area 4 while removing it from the auxiliary device 100. In this manner, the electrode pad 2 is attached (adhered) to the treatment area 4.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can also be embodied in other forms.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the plate-shaped body 1 was formed by overlapping the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8, but the plate-shaped body 1 may also be formed from a single sheet of material.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the finger hook 17 is formed by utilizing the long side 15 of the first opening 13, but for example, a handle that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1 may be attached to the plate-shaped main body 1, so that the fingers can be hooked on the handle. In this case, the finger hook and the grip have a common structure.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the auxiliary device 100 was produced by folding and assembling a single sheet of material 34, but the auxiliary device 100 may also be produced, for example, by preparing the plate-shaped main body 1, the folded portion 21 (convex portion), the insertion portion 23, etc. as separate sheets and fixing or gluing these together with adhesive tape, glue, etc.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the insertion portion 23 is formed as a member for fixing the electrode pad 2, but for example, if the electrode pad 2 does not have an opening, a separate fixing portion may be provided on the plate-shaped body 1. Such a fixing portion may be, for example, double-sided tape, a claw portion for clamping the electrode pad 2, etc. Also, the insertion portion 23 is selectively formed only on the upper end portion of the plate-shaped body 1 to hook the electrode pad 2, but it may also be formed on the lower end portion of the plate-shaped body 1, for example, and the electrode pad 2 may be fixed by both the upper and lower insertion portions 23.

In addition, various design changes may be made within the scope of the claims.

This application corresponds to Patent Application No. 2019-238034 filed with the Japan Patent Office on December 27, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Plate-shaped body 2 Electrode pad 3 Patient 4 Treatment area 5 (Plate-shaped body) first surface 6 (Plate-shaped body) second surface 13 First opening 14 Grip portion 15 (First opening) long side portion 16 (First opening) short side portion 17 Finger hook portion 22 Pad placement portion 23 Insertion portion 27 Center portion 28 First side portion 29 Second side portion 32 Mark 33 Iliac crest 34 Material sheet 49 Attachment portion 50 Opening 52 First side portion 53 Second side portion 59 Folded portion 60 Pad placement portion 61 Second mark 70 Plate-shaped member 71 First region 72 Second region 73 Third region 74 Flat portion 75 Reinforcing member 76 Opening 77 String 78 Foamed adhesive sheet 79 Wall surface 80 Floor surface 100 Auxiliary tool 711 Upper edge 712 First convex portion 721 Upper edge 722 Second convex portion 731 Upper edge 732 Concave portion X Longitudinal direction (of plate-shaped main body) Y Up-down direction (of plate-shaped main body) θ ₂ Incline angle L ₁ Length L ₂ Length

Claims (16)

An electrode pad attachment aid for assisting in attaching an electrode pad to the back side of the lumbosacral region of a human body, comprising:
a long plate-like main body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the long plate-like main body having a fixing portion for fixing the electrode pad to the first surface;
a gripping portion formed at an end portion of the plate-shaped main body in the longitudinal direction, for gripping the plate-shaped main body, and having a linear finger hook portion for hooking the fingers of a user's hand;
The finger hook portion extends in a direction inclined toward the inside of the plate-shaped body with respect to the up-down direction of the plate-shaped body that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body. An electrode pad attachment aid as described in claim 1, wherein the inclination angle of the finger hook portion relative to the vertical direction of the plate-shaped body is 30° to 90°. An elongated opening is formed at the end of the plate-like body,
3. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 1, wherein the finger hook portion is formed by utilizing a side portion along a longitudinal direction of the opening. 4. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 3, wherein a ratio (L ₂ /L ₁ ) of a length L ₁ of the side portion along the longitudinal direction of the opening to a length L ₂ of the side portion along the short side direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening is 1/6 to 1/2.5. An electrode pad attachment aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate-shaped body is provided with a mark for aligning the plate-shaped body in the up-down direction with the iliac crest of the user when the user attaches the electrode pad to the back side of the lumbosacral region. a pad placement portion formed on the first surface of the plate-shaped body, for placing the electrode pad thereon;
6. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 1, wherein the pad placement portion is formed to be thicker than both side portions of the pad placement portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like main body. a pad placement portion formed on the first surface of the plate-shaped body, for placing the electrode pad;
An electrode pad attachment aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a guide portion formed on both sides of the pad placement portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and formed thicker than the pad placement portion. The electrode pad attachment aid is for an electrode pad having an attachment part at an upper end part thereof with an opening formed therein,
8. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 6, wherein the fixing portion includes an insertion portion formed at an upper end of the pad placement portion and configured to fix the electrode pad by being inserted into the opening of the attachment portion. An auxiliary device for attaching an electrode pad according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plate-shaped body includes a center portion that holds the electrode pad, and a pair of side portions that are arranged on both sides of the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and are integrally connected to the center portion so as to be freely bent. The pair of side portions includes a first side portion and a second side portion disposed at a different level from the first side portion in the up-down direction of the plate-like main body,
10. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 9, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are shaped so as not to overlap each other when folded onto the center portion. An electrode pad attachment aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plate-shaped body is formed from cardboard. The electrode pad attachment aid is for an electrode pad having an attachment part at an upper end part thereof with an opening formed therein,
A folded-back portion is integrally connected to the plate-shaped main body via a connecting portion and folded back toward the first surface side of the plate-shaped main body,
The electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the folded portion includes a pad placement portion for placing the electrode pad, and an insertion portion formed at an upper end of the pad placement portion and for fixing the electrode pad by inserting it into the opening of the mounting portion. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 12, wherein the plate-shaped body includes a line-shaped mark formed on the upper edge of the plate-shaped body along the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and formed in a color different from that of other parts of the plate-shaped body. An electrode pad attachment aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plate-shaped body is formed from foamed plastic. An electrode pad attachment aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a foamed resin sheet formed on the second surface of the plate-shaped body. An electrode pad attachment aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein an opening is formed at the lower end of the plate-shaped body, and the opening includes an opening for attaching an elongated height adjustment member for adjusting the height of the electrode pad attachment aid from the floor surface.

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