Lower limb massage machine

Abstract

This prevents the lower limb inserted into the cylindrical member of the lower limb massage machine from becoming trapped in the closing section. [Solution] The lower limb massage machine 10 comprises a cylindrical member 21 formed in a cylindrical shape into which the user's lower limb L can be inserted, having a separation portion 25 extending in the direction of insertion of the lower limb and a closing portion 26 that closes the separation portion 25; a treatment member 30 provided on the cylindrical member 21 for performing treatment on the lower limb L; and a covering member 28 that covers the closing portion 26 from the inside of the cylindrical member 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lower limb massager.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a lower limb massager for massaging lower limbs such as the calf. This lower limb massager includes a cylindrical member having a plurality of air bags. The lower leg and foot (the part below the ankle) below the knee are inserted into the cylindrical member, and massage is performed by driving the air bags.

[0003] A cut portion along the insertion direction of the lower limb is formed on the back side (behind the calf) of the cylindrical member of this massager. This massager makes it easier to attach and detach the lower limb to and from the cylindrical member by expanding the cylindrical member through the cut portion. The cut portion is closed by a wire fastener (slide fastener).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0008] With this configuration, the closing portion is covered from the inside of the cylindrical member by the covering member, which prevents the lower limb inserted into the cylindrical member from getting caught in the closing portion.

[0009] (2) In the lower limb massage machine described in (1) above, the covering member is provided with a treatment member for performing treatment on the lower limb.

[0010] Conventionally, since no therapeutic components such as airbags were provided inside the closed portion of the cylindrical member, it was difficult to massage, for example, the calf of the lower limb. With the above configuration, the therapeutic components provided in the covering member can massage the lower limb even inside the closed portion.

[0011] (3) In the lower limb massage machine described in (2) above, the covering member is positioned behind the calf of the lower limb that is inserted into the cylindrical member.

[0012] This configuration allows for effective massage of the calves, which was difficult with conventional lower limb massage machines.

[0013] (4) In the lower limb massage machine described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the closing part is a slide fastener.

[0014] If the closure is a slide fastener, it is more likely to catch on the skin or clothing of the lower limbs. Therefore, adopting the configuration described in this disclosure is more effective.

[0015] (5) In the lower limb massage machine described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the cylindrical member and the covering member are formed integrally.

[0016] This configuration simplifies the structure of the cylindrical member and the covering member, thereby reducing the number of components in the lower limb massage machine.

[0017] (6) In the lower limb massage machine described in (2) above, the cylindrical member and the covering member are formed integrally, The treatment member provided on the cylindrical member and the treatment member provided on the covering member are integrated into one unit.

[0018] This configuration simplifies the structure of the treatment members provided on the cylindrical member and the covering member, thereby reducing the number of components in the lower limb massage machine.

[0019] (7) In the lower limb massage machine described in (5) or (6) above, the covering member extends in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member from one end of the cylindrical member separated by the separation part toward the other end, and overlaps the inside of the cylindrical member.

[0020] This configuration allows for the continuous formation of the cylindrical member and the covering member, further simplifying the structure. When treatment members are provided on both the overlapping portion of the cylindrical member and the covering member, the treatment members can also be arranged in a double layer, enhancing the massage effect.

[0021] (8) In the lower limb massage machine described in (7) above, the separation part is located in the middle of the cylindrical member in the left-right direction, The covering member extends circumferentially from the inner end in the left-right direction to the outer end in the left-right direction of the cylindrical member, and overlaps the inside of the cylindrical member.

[0022] According to this configuration, when inserting the lower limb into the cylindrical member and closing the separation part with the closing part, the operation of pulling the covering member outward in the left-right direction and causing the covering member to follow along the periphery of the lower limb can be easily performed from the outside in the left-right direction.

[0023] (9) In the lower limb massager according to (7) or (8) above, the covering member extends downward from the closing part.

[0024] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the entire covering member from being pulled out from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical member through the separation part.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the lower limb massager of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the lower limb inserted into the cylindrical member from being sandwiched by the closing part.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the lower limb massager according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a front perspective view showing the internal structure of the lower limb massager. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the internal structure of the lower limb massager. [Figure 4] It is a rear perspective view showing the internal structure of the lower limb massager. [Figure 5] It is a schematic plan view of the lower limb massager. [Figure 6] It is a schematic rear view of the lower limb massager. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing an enlarged upper treatment part of the lower limb massager. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing a state where the separation part of the cylindrical member in the upper treatment part of the lower limb massager is open. <00001​​​​ [Figure 11] This is a plan view showing the upper treatment area according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lower limb massage machine according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a front perspective view showing the internal structure of the lower limb massage machine. Figure 3 is a side view showing the internal structure of the lower limb massage machine. Figure 4 is a rear perspective view showing the internal structure of the lower limb massage machine. Figure 5 is a schematic top view of the lower limb massage machine. Figure 6 is a schematic rear view of the lower limb massage machine.

[0028] The lower limb massager 10 of this embodiment is a device for massaging the "lower limb L" of the human body, particularly the part below the knee. In the following explanation, terms such as "calf C," "ankle A," "foot F," "instep T," "sole B," and "heel H" are used to refer to parts of the lower limb L. These terms are used in a general sense, and the calf C, ankle A, and foot F are located in this order from the knee down. Therefore, the calf C refers to the part of the lower limb L below the knee and above the ankle A. The ankle A refers to the part of the lower limb L between the calf C and the foot F. The foot F refers to the part of the lower limb L below the ankle A. In addition, the instep T refers to the upper surface (front) of the foot F in front of the ankle A, and the sole B refers to the lower surface (back) of the foot F. The heel H refers to the part below the ankle A and the rear part of the sole B.

[0029] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the directions "left," "right," "front," "back," "up," and "down" used for the lower limb massager 10 correspond to "left," "right," "front," "back," "up," and "down" as seen from the perspective of the user wearing the lower limb massager 10. The arrows X, Y, and Z shown in Figure 1, etc., indicate the "left-right direction," "front-back direction," and "up-down direction," respectively. Each of the arrows X, Y, and Z is appended with "left," "right," "front," "back," "up," and "down" to indicate the direction of the lower limb massager 10. In addition, regarding the left-right direction, the side facing the left-right center C1 of the massager 10 (see Figures 5 and 6) is sometimes called the "inside" in the left-right direction, and the side away from the left-right center C1 is sometimes called the "outside" in the left-right direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the lower limb massager 10 massages the lower limbs (calf C, ankle A, foot F, etc.) of a user sitting in a chair or the like. The lower limb massager 10 comprises a treatment unit 11 and a casing 12. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the treatment unit 11 includes an upper treatment unit 13, a lower treatment unit 14, and a control device 15. The upper treatment unit 13 massages the calf C, ankle A, and instep T of the lower limb. The lower treatment unit 14 massages the sole B of the lower limb L.

[0031] The casing 12 houses at least a portion of the treatment unit 11. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the casing 12 houses the entire lower treatment unit 14, a portion of the upper treatment unit 13, and the control device 15. Figures 2 to 4 show the upper treatment unit 13, the lower treatment unit 14, and the bottom plate 12c of the casing 12, with a portion of the upper part of the casing 12 either omitted or indicated by dashed lines.

[0032] (Upper treatment area 13) The upper treatment section 13 has a cylindrical member 21 formed in a cylindrical shape. A pair of cylindrical members 21 are provided, one for each side, corresponding to the left and right lower limbs L. The cylindrical members 21 are made of a flexible material such as cloth. The upper end of the cylindrical member 21 is open. The cylindrical member 21 is configured so that the lower limbs L can be inserted through the opening at the upper end. The lower end of the cylindrical member 21 is closed.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the cylindrical member 21 is formed in a roughly L-shape when viewed from the side. The cylindrical member 21 has a vertical portion 22 extending in the vertical direction and a horizontal portion 23 extending forward from the lower part of the vertical portion 22. The calf C and ankle A are mainly inserted into the vertical portion 22. The foot F is mainly inserted into the horizontal portion 23.

[0034] The horizontal portion 23 of the cylindrical member 21 is housed within the casing 12. A portion of the vertical portion 22 of the cylindrical member 21 protrudes from the casing 12 and is exposed to the outside. As shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, and 6, the casing 12 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape in front and top views, and in a roughly trapezoidal or triangular shape in side views. At the rear of the casing 12, there are openings 12a (see Figure 5) for inserting the horizontal portion 23 and a portion (lower part) of the vertical portion 22 of the cylindrical member 21, and recesses 12b (see Figures 5 and 6) for exposing the other portion of the vertical portion 22, arranged side by side. The rear surface of the vertical portion 22 is largely exposed to the outside by the recess 12b. Most of the vertical portion 22, except for its upper end on the front and lower end on the rear, protrudes from the casing 12 and is exposed to the outside. The left and right sides of the vertical section 22 protrude from the casing 12 at their rear and upper ends, and are exposed to the outside.

[0035] Figure 7 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the upper treatment section of the lower limb massage machine. Figure 8 is a plan view showing the cylindrical member in the upper treatment section of the lower limb massage machine in an open state. Both Figures 7 and 8 show only one of the cylindrical members (left side). As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the rear surface of the vertical portion 22 of the cylindrical member 21 is separated to the left and right by a separation portion 25. The separation portion 25 is a notch extending downward from the upper end of the cylindrical member 21. The separation portion 25 is mainly formed in the vertical range of the cylindrical member 21 that is exposed from the casing 12. As shown in Figure 8, the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 21 can be increased by widening the separation portion 25 in the left and right directions, making it easier to insert the lower limb L into the cylindrical member 21.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the separation portion 25 of the cylindrical member 21 is closed by a closing portion 26 so as to be openable and closable. In this embodiment, the closing portion 26 is a slide fastener (wire fastener). The slide fastener 26 has a pair of engaging members 26a and a slider 26b. The pair of engaging members 26a are each formed in a linear shape and are provided at the left and right ends 21a and 21b of the cylindrical member 21 separated by the separation portion 25. The pair of engaging members 26a close the separation portion 25 by engaging with each other and open the separation portion 25 by releasing the engagement. The slider 26b is used to operate the engagement and release of the pair of engaging members 26a. The slider 26b is movable up and down along the engaging members 26a. The slider 26b engages the pair of engaging members 26a by moving upward and releases the engagement of the pair of engaging members 26a by moving downward.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the upper treatment section 13 has a covering member 28 in addition to the cylindrical member 21 described above. The covering member 28 covers the closing portion 26 provided on the cylindrical member 21 from the inside of the cylindrical member 21. In this embodiment, the covering member 28 is formed integrally with the cylindrical member 21. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the covering member 28 extends circumferentially from one end 21a to the other end 21b of the cylindrical member 21 separated by the separation portion 25.

[0038] More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, in the left cylindrical member 21, the covering member 28 extends circumferentially from the right end 21a to the left end 21b of the cylindrical member 21 separated by the separation portion 25. Similarly, in the right cylindrical member 21, the covering member 28 extends circumferentially from the left end 21a to the right end 21b of the cylindrical member 21 separated by the separation portion 25. In other words, the covering member 28 extends circumferentially from the inner end 21a to the outer end 21b in the left-right direction of the cylindrical member 21.

[0039] The covering member 28 extends circumferentially from the end 21a of the cylindrical member 21 and overlaps the inside of the cylindrical member 21. In other words, the upper treatment section 13 has a portion where the cylindrical member 21 and the covering member 28 overlap in a double layer. The circumferential length of the covering member 28 is, for example, 1 / 4 or less of the circumferential length of the cylindrical member 21. As will be described later, the covering member 28 is equipped with an airbag, which is a treatment member 30, to apply pressure and massage the calf C of the lower limb L from back to front. Therefore, the circumferential length of the covering member 28 is set within a range that allows for this pressure massage.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the covering member 28 is formed in a long, vertical strip shape. The upper end of the covering member 28 is approximately at the same position as the upper end of the cylindrical member 21. The lower end P of the covering member 28 is approximately at the same position as the lower end of the cylindrical member 21. Furthermore, the lower end P of the covering member 28 is located below the lower ends of the separation portion 25 and the closing portion 26 of the cylindrical member 21. Therefore, the covering member 28 covers the entire closing portion 26 from the inside of the cylindrical member 21. Also, because the lower end P of the covering member 28 is below the separation portion 25, the lower part of the covering member 28 is kept inside the cylindrical member 21. As a result, it is possible to prevent the entire covering member 28 from being pulled out to the outside of the cylindrical member 21 through the separation portion 25.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the upper treatment unit 13 further includes a treatment member 30 provided on the cylindrical member 21 and the covering member 28, and a drive unit 31 (see Figure 2) that drives the treatment member 30. The treatment member 30 massages the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21. The treatment member 30 in this embodiment is an airbag (air bladder) configured to store air. The airbag 30 inflates when air is supplied and deflates when air is released. The airbag 30 applies pressure and massage to the lower limb L by inflating.

[0042] The cylindrical member 21 and the covering member 28 have an internal space covered by an outer layer and an inner layer, and the airbag 30 is housed in this internal space.

[0043] The drive unit 31 includes a pump 32 and a valve 33. The pump 32 generates compressed air. The valve 33 switches the supply of compressed air to the airbag 30 on and off, causing the airbag 30 to inflate and deflate. The valve 33 is an on / off valve, such as a solenoid valve, that opens and closes the airflow path to the airbag 30. The valve 33 may also be a flow control valve that adjusts the airflow rate. The pump 32 is positioned inside the casing 12, utilizing the space between the left and right cylindrical members 21. The valve 33 is positioned inside the casing 12, in front of the left and right cylindrical members 21, and on the bottom plate 12c of the casing 12. The pump 32 and the valve 33 are connected by an air hose.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the airbag 30 includes a first airbag 30a, a second airbag 30b, a third airbag 30c, a fourth airbag 30d, and a fifth airbag 30e. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first airbag 30a is provided on the upper surface of the horizontal portion 23 of the cylindrical member 21. Specifically, the first airbag 30a is provided in an area extending from one end to the other in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the horizontal portion 23. In other words, the first airbag 30a is provided in an area excluding the lower surface of the horizontal portion 23. Therefore, the first airbag 30a covers the entire instep T of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21.

[0045] The first airbag 30a and the valve 33 are connected by an air hose 35a. Compressed air from the pump 32 is supplied to the first airbag 30a via the valve 33 through this air hose 35a. As a result, the first airbag 30a massages the instep T and toes of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21.

[0046] The second airbags 30b are provided in pairs on both the left and right sides of the vertical portion 22 of the cylindrical member 21. Furthermore, the second airbags 30b are provided in a range below the midpoint in the vertical direction of the vertical portion 22. As shown in Figure 7, of the left and right second airbags 30b, the airbag 30b1, positioned on the outside in the left-right direction, is provided in a range extending from the front to the rear of the vertical portion 22. The second airbag 30b2, positioned on the inside in the left-right direction, is provided in a range extending from the front to the rear of the vertical portion 22 and up to the covering member 28. Therefore, on the rear surface of the vertical portion 22, the left and right second airbags 30b1 and 30b2 overlap each other. On the front surface of the vertical portion 22, the left and right second airbags 30b1 and 30b2 are spaced apart from each other.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the second airbag 30b and the valve 33 are connected by an air hose 35b. Compressed air from the pump 32 is supplied to the second airbag 30b via the valve 33 through this air hose 35b. As a result, the second airbag 30b presses and massages the lower side of the calf C, ankle A, heel H, etc., of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21 from both sides. In particular, the second airbag 30b2, which is provided in the area from the inside of the vertical section 22 in the left-right direction to the covering member 28, presses and massages the lower side of the calf C, ankle A, heel H, etc., from back to front (indicated by a white arrow in Figure 5).

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the front end of the second airbag 30b and the rear end of the first airbag 30a overlap each other. Therefore, the first and second airbags 30a and 30b can evenly press and massage the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21, from the ankle A to the toes.

[0049] The third airbags 30c are provided in pairs on both the left and right sides of the vertical section 22. Furthermore, the third airbags 30c are located in the area above the midpoint of the vertical section 22. As shown in Figure 7, of the left and right third airbags 30c, the airbag 30c1, located on the outside in the left-right direction, is provided in the area extending from the front to the rear of the vertical section 22. The third airbag 30c2, located on the inside in the left-right direction, is provided in the area extending from the front to the rear of the vertical section 22 and up to the covering member 28. Therefore, on the rear surface of the vertical section 22, the left and right third airbags 30c1 and 30c2 overlap each other. On the front surface of the vertical section 22, the left and right third airbags 30c1 and 30c2 are spaced apart from each other.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the third airbag 30c and the valve 33 are connected by an air hose 35c. Compressed air from the pump 32 is supplied to the third airbag 30c via the valve 33 through this air hose 35c. As a result, the third airbag 30c presses and massages the upper side of the calf C of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21 from both the left and right sides. In particular, the third airbag 30c2, which is provided from the inside in the left-right direction of the vertical section 22 and extends across the covering member 28, presses and massages the upper side of the calf C of the lower limb L from back to front.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the fourth airbag 30d is provided on the rear surface of the vertical section 22. Specifically, the fourth airbag 30d is provided around the covering member 28 and one end 21a of the cylindrical member 21 that is continuous with the covering member 28. Furthermore, the fourth airbag 30d is provided in a range above the midpoint in the vertical direction of the covering member 28 and the cylindrical member 21. The fourth airbag 30d is provided, for example, within the width in the left-right direction of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21. As shown in Figure 7, this fourth airbag 30d and the third airbag 30c2, which is positioned inward in the left-right direction, are arranged in an overlapping manner.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the fourth airbag 30d and the valve 33 are connected by an air hose 35d. Compressed air from the pump 32 is supplied to the fourth airbag 30d via the valve 33 through this air hose 35d. As a result, the fourth airbag 30d applies pressure and massage to the upper side of the calf C of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21, moving from back to front (indicated by a white arrow in Figure 5). In this respect, the fourth airbag 30d acts similarly to the third airbag 30c2.

[0053] The fifth airbag 30e is provided on the rear surface of the vertical section 22. Specifically, the fifth airbag 30e is provided around the covering member 28 and around one end 21a of the cylindrical member 21 that is continuous with the covering member 28. Furthermore, the fifth airbag 30e is provided in a range below the midpoint in the vertical direction of the covering member 28 and the cylindrical member 21. The fifth airbag 30e is provided, for example, within the width in the left-right direction of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21. This fifth airbag 30e and the second airbag 30b2, which is positioned inward in the left-right direction, are arranged in an overlapping manner.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the fifth airbag 30e and the valve 33 are connected by an air hose 35e. Compressed air from the pump 32 is supplied to the fifth airbag 30e via the valve 33 through this air hose 35e. As a result, the fifth airbag 30e applies pressure and massage to the lower side of the calf C and the ankle A of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21, moving from back to front (indicated by a white arrow in Figure 5). In this respect, the fifth airbag 30e operates similarly to the second airbag 30b2.

[0055] The first airbag 30a to the fifth airbag 30e can each be operated independently. Therefore, when applying pressure massage only to the instep T, only the first airbag 30a can be operated, and when applying pressure massage to the calf C, the second airbag 30b to the fifth airbag 30e can be operated. The operation of these airbags 30 is controlled by a control device 15, which will be described later.

[0056] (Lower treatment area 14) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lower treatment section 14 includes a treatment member 40 provided on the bottom plate 12c of the casing 12 and a drive unit 41 that drives the treatment member. The treatment member 40 massages the sole B of the foot of the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21. The treatment member 40 has a rotating shaft 42 and a rotating roller 43. The rotating shaft 42 extends in the left-right direction between the bottom plate 12c of the casing 12 and the left and right cylindrical members 21 in the vertical direction. Both the left and right ends of the rotating shaft 42 are rotatably supported by support members 44 provided on the bottom plate 12c.

[0057] The rotating rollers 43 are provided in pairs, one on each side, corresponding to the lower parts of the left and right cylindrical members 21. The left and right rotating rollers 43 are formed in a cylindrical shape. A rotating shaft 42 passes through the rotating rollers 43, and the rotating rollers 43 and the rotating shaft 42 rotate together. The rotating rollers 43 have an outer diameter that is large enough to support the arch of the sole of the foot B in a surface contact manner, and have an outer circumferential surface that is concentric or eccentric with the rotating shaft 42. Multiple protrusions 43a and 43b are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating rollers 43. The multiple protrusions 43a and 43b are arranged at intervals in the circumferential or axial direction of the rotating rollers 43. The multiple protrusions 43a and 43b include a first protrusion 43a that protrudes a large amount from the rotating roller 43 and a second protrusion 43b that protrudes a small amount. The tips of each of the protrusions 43a and 43b are curved in an arc shape. The lower treatment section 14 performs massage by rotating the rotating roller 43 and pressing the sole of the foot B with multiple protrusions 43a and 43b.

[0058] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drive unit 41 includes an electric motor 46 and a reduction unit 47. The electric motor 46 generates rotational power. The reduction unit 47 reduces the rotational power generated by the electric motor 46 and transmits it to the rotating shaft 42. The electric motor 46 and the reduction unit 47 are arranged, for example, between the left and right cylindrical members 21. The reduction unit 47 is, for example, a worm gear, and includes a worm fixed to the output shaft of the electric motor 46 and rotating, and a worm wheel fixed to the rotating shaft 42 and meshing with the worm. The rotating shaft 42 is supported by the reduction unit 47 as well as the support member 44.

[0059] (Control device 15) The control device 15 controls the upper treatment unit 13 and the lower treatment unit 14. Specifically, the control device 15 controls the operation of the pump 32 and valve 33, which are the drive unit 31 of the upper treatment unit 13, and the operation of the electric motor 46, which is the drive unit 41 of the lower treatment unit 14. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the control device 15 is located on the rear side of the bottom plate 12c of the casing 12.

[0060] The control device 15 includes a processor such as a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores programs for controlling the upper treatment unit 13 and the lower treatment unit 14, as well as data used for control. The control device 15 causes the upper treatment unit 13 and the lower treatment unit 14 to perform predetermined massage operations by having the processor execute the programs stored in the memory. For example, the control device 15 supplies compressed air to a predetermined airbag 30 by controlling the valve 33 and rotates the rotating roller 43 by controlling the electric motor 46. In addition, the memory stores multiple programs according to the operating mode, and the control device 15 causes the treatment unit 11 to perform different massage operations for each program.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, an operation panel 50 is provided on the upper surface of the casing 12, between the left and right cylindrical members 21. This operation panel 50 includes switches for turning the lower limb massage machine 10 on and off. The operation panel 50 also includes switches for switching the massage intensity and the type of massage operation.

[0062] (How to use the lower limb massager 10) The following describes how to use the lower limb massager 10. When the lower limb massage machine 10 is turned off by the control panel 50, the first airbags 30a to the fifth airbags 30e of the upper treatment section 13 contract, and the rotating rollers 43 of the lower treatment section 14 stop.

[0063] With the lower limb massager 10 turned off, the lower limb L is inserted into the cylindrical member 21. At this time, by lowering the slider 26b of the slide fastener 26 on the cylindrical member 21, the separation portion 25 of the cylindrical member 21 is widened to the left and right, and the upper end opening of the cylindrical member 21 is enlarged, making it easier to insert the lower limb L. After inserting the lower limb L into the cylindrical member 21, the separation portion 25 is closed by raising the slider 26b of the slide fastener 26 to fix the lower limb L in place. At this time, since the inside of the slide fastener 26 is covered by the covering member 28, it is possible to prevent the skin or clothing of the lower limb L from getting caught in the slide fastener 26. The covering member 28 extends circumferentially from the inner end 21a to the outer end 21b in the left-right direction of the cylindrical member 21 separated by the separation portion 25. Therefore, by holding the covering member 28 from the left-right outer side of the lower limb massager 10 and pulling the covering member 28 outward in the left-right direction, the covering member 28 can be made to conform to the lower limb L, making it easier to raise the slider 26b. The left-right outer side of the cylindrical member 21 has more space than the inside, so the action of conforming the covering member 28 to the lower limb can be easily performed.

[0064] After inserting and securing the lower limb L into the cylindrical member 21, the operation is turned on using the control panel 50, which activates the pump 32, valve 33, and electric motor 46. As a result, compressed air generated by the pump 32 is supplied to the first airbags 30a to the fifth airbags 30e via the valve 33, and rotational power generated by the electric motor 46 is transmitted to the rotating roller 43 via the reduction unit 47. Therefore, the first airbags 30a to the fifth airbags 30e and the rotating roller 43 operate in conjunction.

[0065] When the first airbag 30a inflates, the instep T of the foot is pressed; when the second and third airbags 30b and 30c inflat, the calf C, ankle A, and heel H are pressed from both sides; and when the third airbags 30c to 5th airbags 30e inflat, the calf C, ankle A, and heel H are pressed from back to front. This allows for a pressure massage of the entire lower limb L. In particular, the upper treatment section 13 of this embodiment is equipped with the third to fifth airbags 30c to 30e on the rear surface of the cylindrical member 21 where the slide fastener 26 is located, so it is possible to effectively perform a pressure massage from the rear, which was difficult with conventional massage machines (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0066] Furthermore, the rotation of the rotating roller 43 applies pressure massage to the sole of the foot B. In this way, the calf C, ankle A, instep T, and sole of the foot B of the lower limb L are massaged simultaneously or sequentially, enabling a more effective massage. The lower limb L is pressed from both sides and the rear by the second airbag 30b to the fifth airbag 30e, which increases the holding force of the lower limb L, and consequently allows the massage of the sole of the foot B by the rotating roller 43 to be performed more effectively.

[0067] The first airbag 30a to the fifth airbag 30e may perform pressure massage simultaneously, or they may perform pressure massage at staggered timings. For example, pressure massage may be performed by driving the airbags sequentially from bottom to top, or by driving the airbags sequentially from top to bottom. Pressure massage may also be performed by driving the first airbag 30a to the fifth airbag 30e at random timings.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the cylindrical member 21 and the covering member 28 are formed integrally. Therefore, the structure can be simplified and the number of parts can be reduced compared to when they are constructed as separate components.

[0069] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the second airbag 30b, the third airbag 30c, the fourth airbag 30d, and the fifth airbag 30e are all provided spanning the cylindrical member 21 and the covering member 28. In other words, the airbag provided in the cylindrical member 21 and the airbag provided in the covering member 28 are integrated. Therefore, the structure can be simplified and the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where separate airbags are provided for each. However, the lower limb massage machine 10 of this disclosure may also be provided with separate airbags for the covering member 28 and the cylindrical member 21.

[0070] [Other embodiments] Figure 9 is a plan view showing the upper treatment section according to the second embodiment. The upper treatment section 13 of this embodiment has a cylindrical member 21 and a covering member 28, similar to the first embodiment, but the fourth airbag 30d and fifth airbag 30e, which were inserted into the covering member 28 in the first embodiment, are omitted. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0071] In this embodiment, the covering member 28, which is positioned inside the closing portion 26 of the cylindrical member 21, is equipped with second and third airbags 30b2 and 30c2. These second and third airbags 30b2 and 30c2 can apply pressure and massage to the calf C and ankle A of the lower limb L from back to front.

[0072] Figure 10 is a plan view showing the upper treatment section according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the upper treatment section 13 is composed of a cylindrical member 21 and a covering member 28 as separate components. The covering member 28 is positioned inside the slide fastener 26 of the cylindrical member 21 and covers the slide fastener 26 from the inside. The center of the covering member 28 in the left-right direction is positioned on the slide fastener 26. Inside the covering member 28, a fourth airbag 30d and a fifth airbag 30e are provided, similar to the first embodiment.

[0073] In this embodiment, the separation portion 25 can be widened to the left and right by lowering the slider 26b of the slide fastener 26, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 21 can be increased by moving the covering member 28 backward. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to easily insert the lower limb L into the cylindrical member 21.

[0074] In this embodiment, one or both ends of the covering member 28 in the left-right direction may be connected to the end of the cylindrical member 21 via a flexible connecting member (not shown). Adopting such a configuration makes it possible to prevent the covering member 28 from being wrapped inside the cylindrical member 21 when inserting the lower limb L into the cylindrical member 21.

[0075] Figure 11 is a plan view showing the upper treatment section according to the fourth embodiment. The upper treatment section 13 of this embodiment has a cylindrical member 21 and a covering member 28 similar to those of the first embodiment, but the covering member 28 is not provided with an airbag. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0076] In this embodiment, it is difficult to apply pressure and massage the lower limb L inserted into the cylindrical member 21 from the rear, but the covering member 28 can prevent the skin or clothing of the lower limb L from getting caught in the slide fastener 26.

[0077] Incidentally, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0078] For example, in the above embodiment, the separation portion 25 and the closing portion 26 were provided on the rear surface of the cylindrical member 21, but the separation portion 25 and the closing portion 26 may be provided on the side or front surface of the cylindrical member 21.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the second airbag 30b and the third airbag 30c, which are arranged vertically side by side, can be made up of a single airbag. Similarly, the fourth airbag 30d and the fifth airbag 30e, which are arranged vertically side by side, can be made up of a single airbag.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the airbag 30 was provided on the cylindrical member 21 and the covering member 28 as treatment members of the upper treatment section 13, but other treatment members may be provided besides the airbag 30. Similarly, the rotating roller 43 was provided as a treatment member of the lower treatment section 14, but other treatment members may be provided besides the rotating roller 43. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 10: Lower limb massage machine 21: Cylindrical member 21a: End 21b: End 25: Separation section 26: Slide fastener (closure part) 28: Covering member 30: Airbag (treatment component) C: Swelling of the shins L: Lower limb

Claims

1. A cylindrical member formed in a cylindrical shape into which the user's lower limb can be inserted, having a separation portion extending in the direction of insertion of the lower limb, and a closing portion that closes the separation portion, A treatment member provided on the cylindrical member for performing treatment on the lower limb, A lower limb massage machine comprising a covering member that covers the closing portion from the inside of the cylindrical member.

2. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the covering member is provided with a treatment member for performing treatment on the lower limb.

3. The lower limb massager according to claim 2, wherein the covering member is positioned behind the calf of the lower limb that is inserted into the cylindrical member.

4. The lower limb massager according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing part is a slide fastener.

5. The lower limb massager according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cylindrical member and the covering member are integrally formed.

6. The cylindrical member and the covering member are formed integrally, The lower limb massage machine according to claim 2, wherein the treatment member provided on the cylindrical member and the treatment member provided on the covering member are integrated.

7. The lower limb massager according to claim 5, wherein the covering member extends in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member from one end of the cylindrical member separated by the separation portion toward the other end, and overlaps the inside of the cylindrical member.

8. The separation portion is positioned in the middle of the cylindrical member in the left-right direction. The lower limb massager according to claim 5, wherein the covering member extends circumferentially from the inner end in the left-right direction of the cylindrical member toward the outer end in the left-right direction and overlaps the inside of the cylindrical member.

9. The lower limb massager according to claim 7, wherein the covering member extends below the closing portion.

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