JP3220198U - Health appliances - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a health equipment with a simple structure that can be used comfortably and appropriately by a user for a variety of purposes, such as stretching or massaging the user's own body.
[Solution] The fitness device (1) comprises a band-shaped body (10) and elastic spheres (30). The band has holding sections (11A, 11B) at its center and one end, each capable of housing and holding a single elastic sphere. An opening (11a) of each holding section (11) is provided with an opening closing means (12). The band also has a plurality of load marks (13A-13D) along its length that indicate when the user changes the grip position to vary the load, and holding section position marks (14A, 14B) that indicate the position of the holding section. The elastic spheres are integrally molded with a spherical main body (31) and a plurality of elastic protrusions (32) formed on the surface of the main body.
[Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

This invention relates to health equipment, and more particularly to health equipment that allows users to stretch and massage their own bodies.

Patent Document 1, for example, is known as a prior art related to health devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a health aid device characterized by a golf ball wrapped in soft terry cloth and further attached with a looped string. Patent Document 1 further describes a method of overlapping square terry cloths 1 and 2, sewing three sides together, and turning the bag inside out to form a bag. A golf ball is placed in the center of the bag, and a bottom cloth is sewn around it with a double circular stitch 5 (paragraph 0005). Patent Document 1 also describes a method of strengthening the plantar muscles by placing terry cloth 12 between the toes and pulling the looped string (paragraph 0006, arrow in Figure 10).

Utility Model Registration No. 3045987

The health aid described in Patent Document 1 above has a structure in which a golf ball is wrapped in the center of a square towel cloth, which limits how it can be used, and as a result, there is a problem that it cannot be used for a variety of purposes.
Furthermore, the health aid described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which the looped string is attached with stitches 5, which poses the problem that when a user holds a golf ball between their toes and pulls the looped string, the strength of the stitching of the looped string 4 to the towel fabrics 1 and 2 is likely to be insufficient. Furthermore, the length from the golf ball held between the toes to the looped string is insufficient, making it difficult for the user to use the aid with their knee properly extended without experiencing pain. This means that it cannot be used to stretch the back of the knee, etc., limiting its intended use.
Furthermore, the health aid described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a golf ball is wrapped in the center of a towel cloth and sewn together with stitch 5, which causes problems such as the golf ball not being easily replaced with a different one if the user does not like the hardness of the golf ball or if the golf ball becomes deformed, and the hardness (elasticity) cannot be easily adjusted to an appropriate level.

This invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a health device with a simple structure that can be used comfortably and appropriately for a variety of purposes, such as stretching or massaging the user's body.

In order to achieve the above object, the health device of claim 1 comprises a band-shaped body made of a flexible material and elastic spherical bodies, and at least one longitudinal end and the center of the band are provided with holding portions shaped like bags having openings through which the elastic spherical bodies can be inserted and removed, for containing and holding a single elastic spherical body.
In the invention of claim 1, a single elastic sphere can be inserted through an opening in one of the retaining sections provided at the center, both ends, or one end of the band's length, depending on the intended use. Depending on how it is used, the band with the single elastic sphere held in the retaining section at either the center or end can be clamped or held at a desired location on the user's body. Alternatively, the user can place the elastic sphere held in the band's retaining section against a desired location on the user's body and pull the band, or place the band on the floor and apply their weight to it, allowing the user to stretch or massage their body. Furthermore, because the band has a predetermined length and width, when used by pulling the band, the user can pull it with an appropriate load and in an appropriate posture without strain. Furthermore, since the pulling is done by the band itself, rather than a separately sewn loop as in conventional techniques, the band is durable. Furthermore, when used by placing it on the floor or the like, the height from the floor surface or the like can be adjusted by wrapping a strip around the elastic spherical body contained and held in the holding part, or by folding and stacking the strip.
Furthermore, when the band is used by pulling it, it is desirable that it be made of a material that is not only flexible but also substantially non-stretchable (i.e., not a stretchy material such as rubber, but a material that can tolerate slight stretching to the extent that it does not interfere with use by pulling it), so that it can be applied with an appropriate force to the user's body.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the health device of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, an opening closing means is provided to keep the opening closed.
In the invention of claim 2, the opening of the holding portion, which is molded into a bag-like shape on the band-shaped body, can be kept closed by the opening closing means, so that the elastic spherical bodies do not fly out of the opening of the holding portion to the outside, and the elastic spherical bodies can be securely contained and held within the holding portion.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the health equipment of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of either claim 1 or 2, the band has a plurality of load marks along the longitudinal direction of the band that indicate the load on the user.
In the invention of claim 3, when the band is pulled and used, the user can recognize the load being placed on their body based on the load marks provided along the length of the band, and therefore the band can be pulled with a reasonable amount of force.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 4 relating to the health device is characterized in that, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, the band-shaped body is provided with a holding part position mark that indicates the position of the holding part.
According to the invention of claim 4, the position of the holding part of the band-shaped body can be easily confirmed based on the holding part position mark, and the elastic spherical body can be reliably inserted and removed from the holding part in a position appropriate for the intended use.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 5 relating to a health device is characterized in that, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the elastic spherical body has a spherical main body and elastic protrusions formed integrally on the outer surface of the main body.
In the invention of claim 5, elastic protrusions are formed integrally on the outer surface of the main body, which provides appropriate stimulation to the user's body and makes it possible to appropriately adjust the elastic properties of the entire elastic spherical body.

This invention provides a durable health device with a simple structure that can be used comfortably and appropriately for a variety of purposes, such as stretching or massaging the user's body.

1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a fitness device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the strip shown in FIG. 1 . This figure illustrates an example of how to use the fitness device of the present invention, in which an elastic sphere is held at the end of a band, and the user sits on the floor and holds the vicinity of the elastic sphere held at one end of the band between their toes, and then pulls the band. This figure illustrates an example of how to use the fitness device of the present invention, in which elastic spherical bodies are held at the end of a band-shaped body, and the user sits in a chair and holds the elastic spherical bodies held at one end of the band between their toes, rolling the elastic spherical bodies with the soles of their feet. This figure illustrates an example of how to use the fitness device of the present invention, in which elastic spheres are held at the ends of a band-shaped body, and the band-shaped body is pulled by stepping on the elastic spheres while standing. This figure illustrates an example of how to use the fitness device of the present invention, in which an elastic sphere is held at the end of a band, and the user steps on the elastic sphere with their feet apart, pushing against the wall with both hands. As an example of how to use the fitness device of the present invention, this figure illustrates the case where an elastic sphere is held at the end of a band, and the user steps on the elastic sphere with their feet apart, spreading their toes and knees apart, and lowering their hips. This figure illustrates an example of how to use the fitness device of the present invention, in which an elastic sphere is contained and held in the center of a band-shaped body, and the elastic sphere contained and held in the center of the band is placed against the sole of the foot and the band-shaped body is pulled. This figure illustrates an example of how to use the fitness device of the present invention, in which an elastic spherical body is housed and held in the center of a band-shaped body, and the elastic spherical body housed and held in the center of the band-shaped body is placed against the back of the knee, and the knee is bent. This figure illustrates an example of how to use the fitness device of the present invention, in which the end of the band is grasped with one hand and turned upward on the back, while the other hand is turned downward on the back and grasped near the upper side of the central holding part where the elastic spherical bodies of the band are housed and held.

The fitness device of this invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the fitness device 1. The fitness device 1 comprises a band-shaped body 10 and elastic spherical bodies 30.

The band 10 can be made of a flexible material, such as a cloth product like terry cloth or hand towel. Furthermore, the band 10 is not made of a stretchy material like rubber, but rather of a substantially non-stretchy material, i.e., a material that can tolerate slight stretching without hindrance when pulled and is strong enough for use. The length, width, and thickness of the band 10 can be set arbitrarily, but it is desirable to set the length so that the user can grasp both ends of the band 10 and pull it comfortably with the band 10 placed approximately in the center of the user's foot and knees extended, as shown in FIG. 8, and the width and thickness so that the band 10 can be folded widthwise and passed between the toes, as shown in FIG. 3. The band 10 can be formed into a cylindrical shape by sewing together the side edges of two pieces of material, excluding the portion that will become the opening 11a of the holding portion 11 (described below), or by folding a piece of material whose width is a multiple of the width of the band across its width and sewing together one side edge.

The band-shaped body 10 has holding sections 11A and 11B at its center and one end, each capable of holding a single elastic sphere 30. Holding sections 11A and 11B can be formed into a bag-like shape with an opening 11a at one longitudinal edge by forming a seam 11b extending widthwise to divide the band-shaped body 10 along its length. Opening 11a is large enough (width) to accommodate a single elastic sphere 30, and is provided with opening closure means 12. Opening closure means 12 keeps opening 11a closed to prevent the elastic spheres 30 held within holding sections 11A and 11B from spilling out. It can be constructed, for example, by providing hook-and-loop fasteners at corresponding positions on the inner surface of opening 11a. The opening closure means 12 is not limited to hook-and-loop fasteners; it can be, for example, a snap button, a button and buttonhole, a zipper, or any other device capable of holding the elastic spheres 30 within holding section 11. An example of the specific dimensions of the band 10 is a length of 1000 mm, a width of 135 mm, a thickness of 8 mm, and a length of the holding portion of approximately 135 mm, but the band of this invention is not limited to these dimensions. Furthermore, the holding portion 11 can also be formed in the center or at both ends of the length of the band 10.

The band 10 is further provided with load marks 13 indicating the user's load. In this embodiment, the load marks 13 are composed of multiple dyed round marks arranged along the length of the band 10. The load mark 13A in the center of the band 10's length and the load mark 13D at one end are arranged to correspond to the holding portions 11A and 11B, respectively. The load marks 13A-13D arranged along the length of the band 10 are given different colors from the center to the ends of the band 10, and the same color is given to positions symmetrically from the center to both ends. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, seven load marks 13 are arranged along the length of the band 10. For example, the central load mark 13A is orange, the load marks 13B on either side of the central load mark 13A are blue, the load marks 13C adjacent to each end of the central load mark 13B are yellow, and the load marks 13D at both ends are pink. However, these colors, the order in which the colors are arranged, and the shape of the load marks 13 are described merely to explain one embodiment, and are not limited to this description. Furthermore, the load marks 13 are not limited to those made by dyeing, and may be made by printing, embroidery, weaving, or the like, as long as the band 10 is flexible.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the band 10 is provided with retaining portion position marks 14 (14A and 14B) that indicate the positions of the retaining portions 11A and 11B. In this embodiment, the retaining portion position marks 14A and 14B are configured by providing uncolored portions (white portions) in the above-mentioned central load mark 13A and the load mark 13D at one end, respectively. However, the retaining portion position marks 14 are not limited to this embodiment, and any other markings that can identify the positions of the retaining portions 11A and 11B may be used, such as by providing a different color on the inside or outside of the load marks 13A and 13D that correspond to the positions of the retaining portions 11A and 11B, or by varying the sizes of the load marks 13A and 13D.

The elastic sphere 30 is formed by integrally molding a spherical main body 31 and a plurality of elastic protrusions 32 formed on the surface of the main body 31. The main body 31 can be molded hollow or solid depending on the desired elasticity. The size of the elastic sphere 30 can be, for example, 50 mm in diameter on the surface of the main body 31, 65 mm in diameter between the tips of the elastic protrusions 32 (two elastic protrusions 32, 32 located on opposite sides of each other) passing through the center of the main body 30, 8 mm in axial length from the base end to the tip of the elastic protrusions 32 on the surface of the main body 31, and 5 mm in diameter at the base end of the elastic protrusions 32, but the elastic sphere 30 in this device is not limited to these sizes.
The size may be any appropriate size depending on the purpose. In addition, the elastic spherical body 30 of the present invention may have a main body 31 that is not only substantially spherical, but also includes an oblate oval sphere and a prolate sphere.

Next, how to use the fitness device 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 10. Figures 3 to 7 show an example of how to use the fitness device 1 when the elastic spherical bodies 30 are housed and held in the holding portion 11B at one end of the band-shaped body 10, while Figures 8 to 10 show an example of how to use the fitness device 1 when the elastic spherical bodies 30 are housed and held in the holding portion 11A at the center of the band-shaped body 10. Note that while Figures 3 to 9 explain how to use the fitness device 1 for one foot, the same procedure can be followed for the other foot, and Figure 10 can be followed in the same way with the left and right hands reversed.

First, we will explain an example of how to use the band-shaped body 10 when elastic spherical bodies 30 are housed and held in the holding portion 11B at one end of the band-shaped body 10. First, the opening closure means 12 of the holding portion 11B at one end of the band-shaped body 10 is released to expand the opening 11a, and elastic spherical bodies 30 are inserted into the bag-shaped holding portion 11B, with the opening closure means 12 maintaining the opening 11a of the holding portion 11B closed. Since the holding portion 11B at one end of the band-shaped body 10 has a corresponding holding portion position mark 14B, it is possible to reliably and easily identify the holding portion 11B at one end of the band-shaped body 10 and insert the elastic spherical bodies 30 into that holding portion 11B.

An example of usage is shown in Figure 3. In this example, the user sits on the floor and pinches the vicinity of the elastic spherical body 30, housed and held in the holding portion 11B at one end of the band 10, between the big toe and index toe of one foot. With the knee of one leg extended and the back straight (arrow S), the user grasps and pulls the other end of the band 10 with one hand, simultaneously protruding the heel forward and slightly raising it above the floor (positioning the heel slightly higher than the back of the knee). This stretches the user's legs, particularly the back of the knee, including the popliteus muscle, as well as the calf, Achilles tendon, and plantar muscles, such as the arch of the foot. Furthermore, by gripping the elastic spherical body 30 housed and held in the holding portion 11B with the toes, the arch of the foot can be adjusted. Furthermore, in this position, the heel can be twisted left and right, or the entire leg can be rocked by moving the toes left and right to stretch the adductor muscles. When using these methods, the user can adjust the load on their body by using the load mark 13 on the band 10 as an indicator and changing the grip position from one end to the other, thereby adjusting the load on their body. Furthermore, the multiple elastic protrusions 32 formed on the surface of the elastic sphere 30 appropriately stimulate and massage the area around the toes that are sandwiched between the band 10 on the sole of the foot.

The above-described usage can be performed not only while seated on the floor, but also while seated and standing, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In this case, the user first sits on chair C as shown in Figure 4, holds the band 10 between the big toe and index toe of one foot, and then grasps the other end of the band 10 and pulls it moderately, positioning the elastic spheres 30, housed and held in the holding portion 11B at the end of the band 10, between the toes via the band 10. In this case, the user rolls the elastic spheres 30 over the soles of their feet, thereby shaping the arches of the feet and massaging the soles. Next, the user stands up from chair C as shown in Figure 5. At this time, the user stands up from chair C while maintaining balance with the elastic spheres 30 positioned under one foot, thereby strengthening the core, abdominal muscles, and back muscles. Then, by pulling the band 10 to an appropriate tension (arrow P) and adjusting the elastic spheres 30 so that they contact the desired position on the sole of the foot, the user steps on the elastic spheres 30, which stretch the sole of the foot and straighten the arch, while the elastic protrusions 32 of the elastic spheres 30 stimulate and massage the sole of the foot. At this time, the elastic spheres 30, housed and held in the holding portion 11B at one end of the band 10, are held between the toes near the elastic spheres 30, so they will not accidentally come off the sole of the foot. Furthermore, by pulling up the band 10 with the knee extended and the heel on the floor, the back of the knee, including the popliteus muscle, can be stretched, just as in the usage shown in Figure 3.

Next, an example of usage shown in Figure 6 will be described. Explanations of similar or equivalent aspects to the usage described above will be omitted, and only differences will be described. In the example of usage shown in Figure 6, one end of the band-shaped body 10 containing and holding the elastic spheres 30 is placed on the floor near a wall (not shown). The user then stands in front of the wall, spreads their legs apart, bends the knee of the leg that is spread forward, and places that foot on the elastic spheres 30 contained and held in the holding portion 11B at one end of the band-shaped body 10. The user also straightens the knee of the leg that is spread backward, placing the entire sole of that foot on the floor and placing both hands on the wall. In this position, the user steps on the elastic spheres 30 with the front foot and maintains this position with both hands against the wall for a predetermined period of time to apply a static load. Stepping on the elastic spheres 30 at this time effectively engages the trunk to maintain balance, enhancing the training effect. Stepping on the elastic spheres 30 also stimulates and massages the soles of the feet.

Next, an example of usage shown in Figure 7 will be described. Explanations of similar or equivalent aspects to the usage described above will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. In the example of usage shown in Figure 7, the band 10 is placed on the floor with one end containing and holding the elastic spheres 30 positioned toward the user, and the other end positioned away from the user. The user then stands with their left and right sides parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band 10, their feet apart, and their feet placed on the elastic spheres 30 held in the holding portion at one end of the band 10. With their toes and knees apart, they maintain a lowered posture for a predetermined period of time. As a result, since one foot is resting on the elastic spheres 30 held in the holding portion 11, not only does this develop a sense of balance, but it also provides muscle training by applying a static load to maintain balance.

Next, we will explain how to use the band-shaped body 10 when elastic spherical bodies 30 are housed and held in the central holding portion 11A. Explanations of similar or equivalent parts to those described above will be omitted, and only differences will be explained. In this example of use, first, the opening closure means 12 of the central holding portion 11A in the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped body 10 is released to expand the opening 11a, and then elastic spherical bodies 30 are inserted into this central holding portion 11A, and the opening 11a of the central holding portion 11A is kept closed by the opening closure means 12. At this time, since the central holding portion 11A of the band-shaped body 10 is provided with a corresponding holding portion position mark 14A, the central holding portion 11A of the band-shaped body 10 can be easily and reliably identified and the elastic spherical bodies 30 can be inserted into the holding portion 11A.

Next, we will explain the usage example shown in Figure 8. In the usage example shown in Figure 8, the user sits on the floor and places the elastic spherical body 30, housed and held in the central holding portion 11A of the band 10, against the sole of one foot. With the knee of one leg extended and the back straight (arrow S), the band 10 is pulled, lifting the heel slightly off the floor. This stretches the user's leg, particularly the back of the knee, including the popliteus muscle, as well as the calf, Achilles tendon, and plantar muscles, including the arch of the foot. Furthermore, by applying the elastic spherical body 30, the multiple elastic protrusions 32 formed on its surface apply localized pressure to the sole of the foot, thereby massaging and stretching the sole. In this usage example shown in Figure 8, the band 10 is grasped at both ends, reducing the length of the band 10 by approximately half compared to the usage example shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the load applied by the user tends to be greater than that of the usage example shown in Figure 3. The load applied by the user can be adjusted by changing the grip position of the band 10 from both ends toward the center.

Next, an example of how to use the band-shaped device is shown in Figure 9. In the example shown in Figure 9, the user sits on the floor with one knee extended and their back straight (arrow S). The elastic spherical bodies 30 housed and held in the central holding portion 11A of the band-shaped device 10 are placed behind one of the user's knees, and the band-shaped device 10 is wrapped around the knee and the ends are tied together. When the user then grasps their ankle and pulls it toward their body, bending the knee, the elastic spherical bodies 30 housed and held in the central holding portion 11A of the band-shaped device 10 press against and stretch the back of the user's knee. Furthermore, the elastic protrusions 32 of the elastic spherical bodies 30 stimulate the back of the knee, relaxing the muscles behind the knee and improving circulation in the calf, thereby improving blood and bodily fluid circulation.

Next, an example of how to use the band 10 is described, as shown in Figure 10. In the example shown in Figure 10, one end of the band 10 is grasped with one hand (the right hand in Figure 10) and swung upward toward the user's back. The other hand (the left hand in Figure 10) is then swung downward toward the user's back, grasping the upper portion of the central holding portion 11A of the band 10, where the elastic spheres 30 are housed and held, with the other hand. The user then moves the other hand's grip on the band 10 closer to the first hand, ultimately aiming to achieve a handshake with both hands on the user's back. This allows the user to stretch muscles in the upper arms, shoulders, and around the shoulder blades. Because the other hand grasps the upper portion of the central holding portion 11A, where the elastic spheres 30 are housed and held, it is possible to reliably prevent the band 10 from shifting relative to the other hand, causing the other hand to move away from the first hand, thereby preventing an unintended reduction in the load applied to the user's body.

Also, although not shown, the user can grasp both ends of the band 10 with each hand and stretch both arms upward, then, while keeping one arm in the upward position, rotate the other arm backward and lower it. In this position, the user can move both arms so that the elastic spheres 30 housed and held in the central holding portion 11A of the band 10 rub against their back. This type of usage can also be achieved by gradually moving the position of the band 10 held in the other hand closer to the position held in one hand, until it passes the central holding portion 11A where the elastic spheres 30 of the band 10 are housed and held, and then continuing with the usage shown in Figure 10.

In this way, by rotating one arm backward when lowering it from above, the muscles around the shoulder blades can be relaxed, which can improve stiff shoulders.
By rubbing the back with the elastic spherical body 30 housed and held in the holding part 11A at the center of the belt-like body 10, the "Shenzhu" acupoint between the user's shoulder blades is stimulated, and as a result, stress can be relieved.

Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, by wrapping the band 10 around the back of the user's neck and grasping both ends and pulling them forward, the elastic spherical bodies 30 housed and held in the central holding portion 11A can be used to massage the neck.

Next, although not shown, we will explain an example of usage different from the above-described usage. In this example, the elastic spheres 30 are housed and held in the holders 11 provided at either the center or end of the band 10, and the band 10 is folded and stacked or wrapped around the elastic spheres, placed on the floor, and the back of the user's knee is placed on it to stimulate it. In this case, the intensity of the stimulation to the back of the user's knee can be adjusted by changing the height of the elastic spheres 30 from the floor by folding the band 10 or wrapping it around the elastic spheres 30, depending on the number of layers. Furthermore, if the user feels that the stimulation from the elastic protrusions 32 of the elastic spheres 30 is too strong, the stimulation from the elastic protrusions 32 of the elastic spheres 30 can be alleviated by covering the elastic spheres 30 with the band 10. In this usage, the elastic spherical bodies 30 may be housed and held in the holding portions 11 (11A, 11B) located either in the center or at the ends of the band-shaped body 10.

The health device of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned usage; for example, the user can use the band 10 and the elastic spherical body 30 separately to stretch and/or massage specific parts of the body.

1: Fitness device, 10: Band-shaped body, 11: Retaining portion, 11a: Opening, 12: Opening closing means, 13: Load mark, 14: Retaining portion position mark, 30: Stepped body, 31: Main body, 32: Elastic protrusion

Claims (5)

The device comprises a band-shaped body made of a flexible material and an elastic spherical body,
A health device characterized in that the band-shaped body has a holding section at at least one end and a center in the longitudinal direction, each of which is shaped like a bag having an opening through which the elastic spherical body can be inserted and removed, and which contains and holds a single elastic spherical body. The health device of claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with an opening closing means for maintaining the opening in a closed state. The fitness device described in either claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the band has multiple load marks along the longitudinal direction of the band that indicate the load being applied by the user. The fitness device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the band-shaped body is provided with a holding part position mark that indicates the position of the holding part. The health device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the single elastic spherical body has a spherical main body and multiple elastic protrusions formed integrally on the outer surface of the main body.