Forward bending exercise equipment

Abstract

This invention provides a device for performing forward bending exercises that can facilitate forward bending. [Solution] The forward bending exercise device 10 comprises a main body 12 having a seat 14 on which a user M sits, configured to swing on a flat base surface F; electrically operated vibrators 16a to 16d that vibrate in contact with the buttocks or thighs of the user M; and support members 18a and 18b provided on the main body 12 to support the vibrators 16a to 16d on the seat 14 so that they can vibrate. The main body 12 has a curved surface Q that is curved so as it moves forward, gradually moving away from the base surface F, in order to allow it to swing on the base surface F. The support members 18a and 18b are composed of belts 58 and 64 that are wrapped around and attached to the main body 12.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a forward bending exercise device for assisting a forward bending exercise that stretches the muscles of the buttocks and thighs.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, forward bending exercises have been widely performed to adjust the position of the pelvis, improve posture, and alleviate low back pain, coldness, or swelling. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, there is provided a seating surface on which a user sits, and a bottom portion formed in a spherical shape below the seating surface and placed on the floor surface. By tilting the seating surface in all directions while the user is seated on the seating surface, rotational or torsional movements can be applied to the muscles around the waist. An exercise assist device is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] However, in the exercise assist device described in Patent Document 1 above, it causes rotational or torsional movements in the muscles around the waist, and is not necessarily suitable for forward bending exercises. There is also a problem that it is difficult for people with a stiff body or the elderly to perform forward bending exercises themselves.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a forward bending exercise device that can facilitate forward bending exercises.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the forward bending exercise device according to the present invention is characterized by being a forward bending exercise device used when placed on a flat base surface, comprising: a main body that is configured to swing on the base surface and has a seat on which the user sits; an electrically operated vibrating body that vibrates in contact with the user's buttocks or thighs; and a support provided on the main body that supports the vibrating body so as to vibrate on the seat.

[0007] According to this, the forward bending exercise device allows the user to sit on the seat of the main body and activate a vibrating element to vibrate the user's buttocks or thighs. This promotes blood flow in the buttocks or thighs, making it easier to perform flexion and extension movements around the waist or hip joint, thus facilitating forward bending exercises.

[0008] Another feature of the forward bending exercise apparatus according to the present invention is that the seat portion has a vibrating body placement space formed with an opening at the top, in which the vibrating body is placed, and the support is configured to support the vibrating body in the vibrating body placement space, away from the main body portion.

[0009] In this configuration, the support body holds the vibrating body away from the main body, preventing the vibration of the vibrating body from being hindered by the main body, and allowing for efficient stimulation of the user's buttocks or thighs.

[0010] Another feature of the forward bending exercise device according to the present invention is that the support has a belt that is wrapped around and attached to the main body, and the vibrating body is attached to the belt.

[0011] In this configuration, the vibrating element can be easily attached to the main body simply by wrapping the belt to which the vibrating element is attached around the main body.

[0012] Another feature of the forward bending exercise device according to the present invention is that at least the connecting portion of the belt connected to the vibrating body is elastic.

[0013] In this configuration, the belt connection is elastic, which prevents the vibration of the vibrating body from being obstructed by the belt, allowing for efficient stimulation of the user's buttocks or thighs.

[0014] Another feature of the forward bending exercise device according to the present invention is that the seat has a first part and a second part that receive the left and right parts of the user's buttocks, and the first part and the second part have spaces for arranging the vibrating body, and when the vibrating body arranged in the space for arranging the vibrating body of the first part is called the first vibrating body, and the vibrating body arranged in the space for arranging the second part is called the second vibrating body, the first vibrating body and the second vibrating body are attached to a common belt.

[0015] In this configuration, the first and second vibrators can be easily attached to the main body simply by wrapping the belt to which the first and second vibrators are attached around the main body.

[0016] Another feature of the forward bending exercise apparatus according to the present invention is that the seat has a third part and a fourth part that receive the user's left and right thighs, and the third part and the fourth part have spaces for arranging the vibrators, and when the vibrator arranged in the space for arranging the vibrators of the third part is called the third vibrator and the vibrator arranged in the space for arranging the vibrators of the fourth part is called the fourth vibrator, the third vibrator and the fourth vibrator are attached to a common belt, and the distance between the third vibrator and the fourth vibrator is set to be wider than the distance between the first vibrator and the second vibrator.

[0017] In this configuration, the third and fourth vibrators can be easily attached to the main body simply by wrapping a belt to which they are attached around the main body. Furthermore, since the distance between the third and fourth vibrators is set wider than the distance between the first and second vibrators, the user's left and right thighs can be properly positioned relative to the third and fourth vibrators even when performing a straddle forward bend exercise.

[0018] Another feature of the forward bending exercise device according to the present invention is that, when the vibrating body arrangement space of the third part is designated as the third vibrating body arrangement space and the vibrating body arrangement space of the fourth part is designated as the fourth vibrating body arrangement space, guide projections are provided on the upper surface of the main body portion in front of the third vibrating body arrangement space and the fourth vibrating body arrangement space, and between the third part and the fourth part, for guiding the user's left and right thighs along the third part and the fourth part.

[0019] In this configuration, the user's left and right thighs can be guided along the third and fourth sections by guide projections, so the position of the left and right thighs is stable on the seat, making it easier for the user to perform forward bending movements.

[0020] Another feature of the forward bending exercise apparatus according to the present invention is that the space in which the vibrating body is placed is provided with a spacer that allows the vibration of the vibrating body to occur while ensuring a gap between the wall surface of the main body and the vibrating body.

[0021] In this configuration, the spacer reliably prevents the vibrating element from contacting the wall surface of the main body, thus suppressing interference of the vibration element's vibrations with the main body and allowing for efficient stimulation of the user's buttocks or thighs.

[0022] Another feature of the forward bending exercise apparatus according to the present invention is that the main body has a bottom that contacts the base surface, and when the state of the main body when the user is seated on the seat is taken as the reference state, the bottom has a reference contact surface formed to contact the base surface in the reference state, and a curved surface formed to curve so as to gradually move away from the base surface as it extends forward from the reference contact surface.

[0023] In this configuration, when the user sits on the seat of the main body and bends their upper body forward, the reference contact surface separates from the base surface and the main body tilts forward. At this time, the curved surface contacts the base surface, causing the main body to move forward as if rolling along the base surface, thus avoiding undue strain on the user and making it easier for the user to perform the forward bending exercise.

[0024] Another feature of the forward flexion exercise device according to the present invention is that the reference contact surface is located vertically below the center of gravity of the upper body of the user in the reference state.

[0025] With this configuration, when the user sits on the seat portion of the main body portion, it is possible to suppress the main body portion from tilting forward or backward, and the main body portion can be stabilized.

[0026] Another feature of the forward flexion exercise device according to the present invention is that when assuming a virtual vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the upper body of the user in the reference state, a tilt prevention portion that contacts the base surface when the main body portion tends to tilt backward is provided in a portion of the main body portion behind the virtual vertical line.

[0027] With this configuration, even when the center of gravity of the upper body of the user moves backward from the virtual vertical line, the tilt prevention portion can suppress the main body portion from tilting backward, so the user can perform the forward flexion exercise with confidence.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the state during use of the forward flexion exercise device according to the embodiment, (A) is a perspective view showing the state when the user sits on the seat portion of the main body portion, and (B) is a perspective view showing the state when the user bends the upper body forward. [Figure 2] It is a first exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the forward flexion exercise device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a second exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the forward flexion exercise device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a plan view showing the configuration of the forward flexion exercise device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vibrating body. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the forward flexion exercise device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]The diagram shows the state of use of the forward bending exercise device according to the embodiment, where (A) is a front view showing the state when the user places the forward bending exercise device on the base surface and when the user sits on the seat of the main body, and (B) is a front view showing the state when the user bends their upper body forward. [Figure 8] (A) is a front view showing a modified version of the main body, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing a modified version of the support. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The forward bending exercise device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 shows the state of use of the forward bending exercise device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 1(A) is a perspective view showing the state when user M is seated on the seat portion 14 of the main body 12, and Figure 1(B) is a perspective view showing the state when user M bends their upper body forward.

[0031] The forward bending exercise device 10 of this embodiment, shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B), is a forward bending exercise aid for safely and effectively performing forward bending exercises on a user M, and is used by placing it on a flat base surface F. Specifically, the flat base surface F is the floor surface of a room, and if a mat or the like is laid on the floor, the top surface of the mat or the like becomes the base surface F.

[0032] The symbol G shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B) indicates the center of gravity of the upper body of a user M with a standard build. As shown in Figure 1(A), when user M is seated on the seat 14 of the main body 12, the center of gravity G is located directly above the contact surface (hereinafter referred to as the "reference contact surface") S that contacts the base surface F on the bottom surface of the main body 12. As shown in Figure 1(B), when user M bends their upper body forward, the center of gravity G moves forward, and the main body 12 tilts forward.

[0033] (Configuration of forward bending exercise equipment) Figure 2 is a first exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the forward bending exercise device 10. Figure 3 is a second exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the forward bending exercise device 10. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the forward bending exercise device 10. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vibrating body 16a. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the forward bending exercise device 10. Figure 7 shows the state of the forward bending exercise device 10 when in use. Figure 7(A) is a front view showing the state when user M places the forward bending exercise device 10 on the base surface F and when user M (Figure 1(A)) is seated on the seat 14 of the main body 12. Figure 7(B) is a front view showing the state when user M (Figure 1(B)) bends their upper body forward.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the forward bending exercise device 10 comprises a main body 12, four electrically powered vibrators 16a to 16d, two support bodies 18a and 18b, and four spacers 20a to 20d. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the forward bending exercise device 10 also comprises a control device 22 that controls the operation of the four vibrators 16a to 16d, an operating unit 24 for operating the control device 22, and a battery 26 that supplies power to the four vibrators 16a to 16d and the control device 22.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the forward bending exercise device 10 includes a first cushioning material 28 that covers the front part of the upper surface of the main body 12 (i.e., the upper surface of the seat 14), a second cushioning material 30 that covers the entire upper surface of the main body 12 (i.e., the upper surface of the seat 14), and a bag-shaped cover 32 that houses the above components with a part of the operating section 24 exposed to the outside. As shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), the part that directly contacts the base surface F is the cover 32, and the bottom surface of the main body 12 indirectly contacts the base surface F via the cover 32.

[0036] The main body 12 shown in Figure 2 is a component that supports the weight of the user M (Figures 1(A), (B)) and is configured to swing on the base surface F. It has a seat portion 14 on which the user M sits and a bottom portion 34 that contacts (indirectly contacts) the base surface F. The main body 12 in this embodiment is integrally formed from a lightweight, non-deforming foamed resin such as expanded polystyrene.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the seat portion 14 has a first portion 36a and a second portion 36b that receive the left and right parts of the buttocks of the user M (Figure 1(A), (B)), and a third portion 36c and a fourth portion 36d that receive the left and right thighs of the user M. The seat portion 14 has four vibrator placement spaces 38a to 38d that open upward to accommodate each of the four vibrators 16a to 16d. That is, the first portion 36a, the second portion 36b, the third portion 36c, and the fourth portion 36d each have a first vibrator placement space 38a, the second vibrator placement space 38b, the third vibrator placement space 38c, and the fourth vibrator placement space 38d that open upward to accommodate each of the four vibrators 16a to 16d. In this embodiment, the vibrator placement spaces 38a to 38d are rectangular bottomed holes in plan view, and are configured to receive spacers 20a to 20d at the bottom of the holes.

[0038] Furthermore, guide projections 40 are provided on the upper surface of the main body 12 (i.e., the upper surface of the seat 14) in front of the third vibrator arrangement space 38c and the fourth vibrator arrangement space 38d, and between the third portion 36c and the fourth portion 36d, to guide the user M's left and right thighs along the third portion 36c and the fourth portion 36d of the seat 14. Therefore, the user M can stabilize their left and right thighs and easily maintain a spread-legged position.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7(A), when considering the state when user M places the forward bending exercise device 10 on the base surface F, the bottom 34 has an initial contact surface T that is smoothly formed to contact the base surface F, a curved surface Q that is smoothly curved and gradually moves away from the base surface F as it extends forward from the initial contact surface T, and a rear surface R that is smoothly formed and extends backward from the initial contact surface T.

[0040] Furthermore, the state of the main body 12 when user M is seated on the seat 14 is defined as the "reference state," and when focusing on this reference state, the bottom 34 has a reference contact surface S that is smoothly formed to contact the base surface F, a curved surface Q that is smoothly curved and gradually moves away from the base surface F as it extends forward from the reference contact surface S, and a rear surface R that is smoothly formed and extends backward from the reference contact surface S.

[0041] In this embodiment, the main body 12 is configured such that the initial contact surface T and the reference contact surface S coincide. Therefore, when a user M sits on the seat portion 14 of the main body 12 placed on the base surface F, the tilting of the main body 12 forward or backward can be suppressed, making it easier for the user M to sit on the seat portion 14.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(A), in this embodiment, the reference contact surface S is located vertically below (directly below) the center of gravity G of the user M's upper body in the reference state. In other words, when the user M sits on the seat 14, the virtual vertical line P passing through the center of gravity G of the user M's upper body intersects with the reference contact surface S on the bottom surface of the main body 12. Therefore, tilting of the main body 12 forward or backward can be suppressed, and the main body 12 can be stabilized.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, recesses 42a to 42e are formed on the side of the main body 12 to accommodate the two supports 18a and 18b shown in Figure 2, the operating section 24, the battery 26, and electrical wiring (not shown). Therefore, these components can be prevented from protruding from the side of the main body 12, and the entire set of components can be easily housed in the cover 32 (Figure 2).

[0044] Each of the four vibrating bodies 16a to 16d shown in Figure 2 is a vibrating device that vibrates in contact with the buttocks or thighs of the user M. Since the configuration of the four vibrating bodies 16a to 16d is the same, the following explanation will focus on one of the vibrating bodies 16a and describe its configuration.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, the vibrating body 16a includes a housing 44, a vibration motor 46, and a motor holder 48. The housing 44 has an upper housing 44a and a lower housing 44b, which are connected to each other using four fixing screws 50. On both the left and right sides of the upper housing 44a, there are rod-shaped winding portions 52 around which the connecting portions 60a and 62a of the support 18a are wrapped and connected.

[0046] The vibration motor 46 has a motor body 54 having a rotating shaft 54a, and a rotating plate 56 that is mounted eccentrically on the rotating shaft 54a. The motor holder 48 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The vibration motor 46 is housed inside the motor holder 48, and the entire vibration motor 46 and motor holder 48 are housed inside the housing 44. The vibration motor 46 housed inside the housing 44 is electrically connected to the control device 22 (Figure 6) via electrical wiring and is driven by power supplied from a battery 26 or an AC power supply 72.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, each of the four vibrating bodies 16a to 16d is positioned in one of the four vibrating body placement spaces 38a to 38d. Specifically, the first vibrating body 16a is positioned in the first vibrating body placement space 38a, the second vibrating body 16b is positioned in the second vibrating body placement space 38b, the third vibrating body 16c is positioned in the third vibrating body placement space 38c, and the fourth vibrating body 16d is positioned in the fourth vibrating body placement space 38d.

[0048] When the support 18a shown in Figure 3 is referred to as the "first support 18a," the first support 18a is provided on the main body 12 and is a member that supports the vibrating bodies 16a and 16b so that they can vibrate. It is configured to support the vibrating bodies 16a and 16b in the vibrating body arrangement spaces 38a and 38b, separated from the main body 12.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the first support 18a has a belt 58 that is wrapped around and attached to the main body 12, and the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b are attached to the common belt 58.

[0050] The belt 58 includes a first belt 60 that connects the winding portions 52 (Figure 5) provided on opposite sides of the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b, and a second belt 62 that connects the winding portions 52 (Figure 5) provided on opposite sides of the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b. The first belt 60 and the second belt 62 are formed in a strip shape from an elastic material such as rubber. The length of the first belt 60 is set to the shortest possible length to connect the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b, and the length of the second belt 62 is set to the length to connect the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b along the top, side and bottom surfaces of the main body 12.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, one end of the first belt 60 is provided with an annular first connecting portion 60a that is wound around and connected to the winding portion 52 (Figure 5) of the first vibrating body 16a, and the other end of the first belt 60 is provided with an annular second connecting portion 60b that is wound around and connected to the winding portion 52 (Figure 5) of the second vibrating body 16b. One end of the second belt 62 is provided with an annular first connecting portion 62a that is wound around and connected to the winding portion 52 (Figure 5) of the first vibrating body 16a, and the other end of the second belt 62 is provided with an annular second connecting portion 62b that is wound around and connected to the winding portion 52 (Figure 5) of the second vibrating body 16b. The connecting portions 60a, 60b, 62a, and 62b of the first support 18a are parts of the first belt 60 and the second belt 62 and are elastic.

[0052] With the vibrating bodies 16a and 16b supported by the first support 18a, the vibrating bodies 16a and 16b are suspended above the bottom of the holes in the vibrating body placement spaces 38a and 38b.

[0053] When the support 18b shown in Figure 3 is referred to as the "second support 18b," the second support 18b is provided on the main body 12 and is a member that supports the vibrating bodies 16c and 16d so that they can vibrate. It is configured to support the vibrating bodies 16c and 16d at a distance from the main body 12 in the vibrating body arrangement spaces 38c and 38d.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the second support 18b has a belt 64 that is wrapped around and attached to the main body 12, and the third vibrator 16c and the fourth vibrator 16d are attached to the common belt 64. The distance between the third vibrator 16c and the fourth vibrator 16d is set to be wider than the distance between the first vibrator 16a and the second vibrator 16b.

[0055] The belt 64 includes a first belt 66 that connects the winding portions 52 (Figure 5) provided on opposite sides of the third vibrating body 16c and the fourth vibrating body 16d, and a second belt 68 that connects the winding portions 52 (Figure 5) provided on opposite sides of the third vibrating body 16c and the fourth vibrating body 16d. The first belt 66 and the second belt 68 are formed in a strip shape from an elastic material such as rubber. The length of the first belt 66 is set to be the shortest possible length to connect the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b, and the length of the second belt 68 is set to be the length to connect the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b along the top, side and bottom surfaces of the main body 12.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, one end of the first belt 66 is provided with an annular first connecting portion 66a that is wound around and connected to the winding portion 52 (Figure 5) of the third vibrating body 16c, and the other end of the first belt 66 is provided with an annular second connecting portion 66b that is wound around and connected to the winding portion 52 (Figure 5) of the fourth vibrating body 16d. One end of the second belt 68 is provided with an annular first connecting portion 68a that is wound around and connected to the winding portion 52 (Figure 5) of the third vibrating body 16c, and the other end of the second belt 68 is provided with an annular second connecting portion 68b that is wound around and connected to the winding portion 52 (Figure 5) of the fourth vibrating body 16d. The connecting portions 66a, 66b, 68a, and 68b of the second support 18b are parts of the first belt 66 and the second belt 68 and are elastic.

[0057] With the vibrating bodies 16c and 16d supported by the second support 18b, the vibrating bodies 16c and 16d are suspended above the bottom of the holes in the vibrating body placement spaces 38c and 38d.

[0058] Each of the four spacers 20a to 20d shown in Figure 3 is a component that prevents each of the four vibrating bodies 16a to 16d from coming into contact with the main body 12. Since the configurations of the four spacers 20a to 20d are almost the same, the following explanation will focus on one spacer 20a and describe its configuration.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the spacer 20a is formed in a U-shape in plan view using a cushioning material such as sponge, so as to follow the three walls of the main body 12 in the first vibrating body arrangement space 38a, which is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. In other words, when the side closer to the outer surface of the main body 12 is considered the outside and the opposite side is considered the inside in plan view, the spacer 20a has a plate-shaped first cushion portion 70a formed to follow the inner wall surface of the main body 12, a plate-shaped second cushion portion 70b formed to follow the front wall surface of the main body 12, and a plate-shaped third cushion portion 70c formed to follow the rear wall surface of the main body 12.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, each of the four spacers 20a to 20d is positioned in each of the four vibrating body placement spaces 38a to 38d. Specifically, the first spacer 20a is positioned in the first vibrating body placement space 38a, the second spacer 20b is positioned in the second vibrating body placement space 38b, the third spacer 20c is positioned in the third vibrating body placement space 38c, and the fourth spacer 20d is positioned in the fourth vibrating body placement space 38d.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, at least a portion of the first vibrating body 16a is placed in the space enclosed by the first spacer 20a located in the first vibrating body placement space 38a. This ensures that the first vibrating body placement space 38a has gaps to prevent the first vibrating body 16a from coming into contact with the inner wall surface, front wall surface, and rear wall surface of the main body 12, while allowing the vibration of the first vibrating body 16a to occur. In the other vibrating body placement spaces 38b to 38d, gaps are also ensured by the spacers 20b to 20d to prevent the vibrating bodies 16b to 16d from coming into contact with the inner wall surface, front wall surface, and rear wall surface of the main body 12, respectively.

[0062] In other words, each vibrating body placement space 38a to 38d is provided with spacers 20a to 20d that allow the vibration of the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d while ensuring a gap between the inner wall surface, front wall surface, and rear wall surface of the main body 12 and the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d, respectively.

[0063] The control device 22 shown in Figure 6 is a device for selectively executing various massage actions by controlling the operation of the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d, and is composed of a microcomputer consisting of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The control device 22 is electrically connected to the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d (specifically, the vibrating motor 46), the operating unit 24, the battery 26, and the AC power supply 72. The control device 22 also incorporates a power supply circuit 74 that generates output power from the input power from the battery 26 or the AC power supply 72.

[0064] The operation unit 24 is an operation panel for inputting various information to the control device 22, and includes an operation start switch, an operation stop switch, a massage operation selection switch, and the like. The control device 22 in this embodiment is configured to selectively execute the following four massage operations based on the information input from the operation unit 24.

[0065] The first massage action involves vibrating the four vibrating bodies 16a to 16d in a clockwise direction in sequence, and the second massage action involves vibrating the four vibrating bodies 16a to 16d in a counterclockwise direction in sequence. The third massage action involves vibrating the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b with particular emphasis, and the fourth massage action involves vibrating the third vibrating body 16c and the fourth vibrating body 16d with particular emphasis. Note that the types of massage actions are not limited to these and may be changed as appropriate.

[0066] (How to use forward bending exercise equipment) When performing a forward bending exercise using the forward bending exercise device 10, as shown in Figure 7(A), the user M (Figure 1(A)) places the forward bending exercise device 10 on the base surface F. Then, the initial contact surface T of the bottom 34 of the main body 12 comes into contact with the base surface F.

[0067] Next, user M sits on the seat 14 of the main body 12, positioning their buttocks on the first part 36a and the second part 36b, and positioning their left and right thighs on the third part 36c and the fourth part 36d. Then, they operate the control unit 24 (Figure 6) to drive the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d to perform the necessary massage action. When the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d are driven, these vibrations are transmitted to user M's buttocks or thighs, stimulating the muscles locally.

[0068] When user M sits on the seat 14, the reference contact surface S that contacts the base surface F is located vertically below the center of gravity G of user M's upper body, thus preventing the main body 12 from tilting forward or backward and stabilizing the main body 12. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 12 is configured such that the initial contact surface T and the reference contact surface S coincide, so the main body 12 is less likely to tilt when user M sits on the seat 14.

[0069] Subsequently, user M bends their upper body forward, stretching the muscles of their buttocks and thighs. As user M bends their upper body forward, the reference contact surface S of the main body 12 separates from the base surface F, causing the main body 12 to tilt forward, as shown in Figure 7(B).

[0070] During forward bending exercises, the main body 12 moves forward as if rolling along the base surface F when the curved surface Q comes into contact with the base surface F, thus avoiding undue strain on the user M and making it easier for the user M to perform forward bending exercises. Furthermore, as the main body 12 tilts forward, it can support the user M's pelvic tilt posture, allowing them to maintain a wide-legged posture with their back muscles and knees extended. In addition, the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d can locally stimulate the muscles of the user M's buttocks or thighs.

[0071] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment, the above configuration can produce the following effects. Specifically, the forward bending exercise device 10 stimulates the buttocks or thighs with vibrations from the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d, thereby promoting blood flow in the buttocks or thighs, making it easier to perform flexion and extension movements around the waist or hip joint, and thus facilitating forward bending exercises.

[0072] Since the supports 18a and 18b support the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d away from the main body 12, the vibrations of the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d are prevented from being inhibited by the main body 12, and the buttocks or thighs of the user M can be stimulated efficiently.

[0073] The first vibrators 16a and 16b can be easily attached to the main body 12 simply by wrapping the belt 58 of the first support 18a, to which the first vibrators 16a and 16b are attached, around the main body 12. Similarly, the third vibrators 16c and 16d can be easily attached to the main body 12 simply by wrapping the belt 64 of the second support 18b, to which the third vibrators 16c and 16d are attached, around the main body 12.

[0074] Since the distance between the third vibrator 16c and the fourth vibrator 16d is set to be wider than the distance between the first vibrator 16a and the second vibrator 16b, even when user M performs a leg-spreading forward bend exercise, user M's left and right thighs can be appropriately positioned on the third vibrator 16c and the fourth vibrator 16d.

[0075] Since the connection points 60a, 60b, 62a, and 62b of the belt 58 of the first support 18a are elastic, the vibration of the vibrators 16a and 16b can be suppressed from being inhibited by the belt 58, allowing the buttocks or thighs of the user M to be stimulated efficiently. Furthermore, since the connection points 66a, 66b, 68a, and 68b of the belt 64 of the second support 18b are elastic, the vibration of the vibrators 16c and 16d can be suppressed from being inhibited by the belt 64, allowing the buttocks or thighs of the user M to be stimulated efficiently.

[0076] The guide projections 40 can guide the user M's left and right thighs along the third section 36c and the fourth section 36d, so that the position of the left and right thighs is stable on the seat 14, making it easier for the user M to maintain a leg-spread position and perform forward bending movements.

[0077] In the vibrating body placement spaces 38a to 38d, the spacers 20a to 20d reliably prevent the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d from contacting the wall surface of the main body 12. This suppresses the interference of the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d with the main body 12, allowing for efficient stimulation of the user M's buttocks or thighs.

[0078] (modified version) In carrying out the present invention, the invention is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they do not depart from the purpose of the invention. That is, in the above embodiment, the main body 12 is formed of foamed resin, but the material of the main body 12 may be changed as appropriate, for example, wood may be used.

[0079] In the above embodiment, a curved surface Q is formed on the bottom 34 of the main body 12. However, the configuration for making the main body 12 pivotable is not limited to this, and for example, the main body 12 may be supported in a way that allows it to rotate (pivot) on a pivot shaft.

[0080] In the above embodiment, vibrators 16a and 16b that contact the user M's buttocks and vibrators 16c and 16d that contact the user M's left and right thighs are provided, but one of these may be omitted. Also, the number of these vibrators may be changed as appropriate; for example, there may be only one vibrator that contacts the buttocks. Furthermore, the driving method for the vibrators is not limited to a driving method using a vibration motor 46, but may also be a driving method using an electromagnet or a piezoelectric element.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the supports 18a and 18b are configured to support the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d away from the main body 12. However, the supports 18a and 18b may also be configured to support the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d in contact with the main body 12. When the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d are in contact with the upper surface of the main body 12, the vibrating body placement spaces 38a to 38d may be omitted.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the distance between the third vibrating body 16c and the fourth vibrating body 16d is set to be wider than the distance between the first vibrating body 16a and the second vibrating body 16b, but these distances may be set to be the same.

[0083] In the above embodiment, guide projections 40 are provided to guide the left and right thighs of the user M along the third portion 36c and the fourth portion 36d, but the guide projections 40 may be omitted.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the spacers 20a to 20d are configured to secure gaps between the inner wall surface, front wall surface, and rear wall surface of the main body 12 and the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d, respectively. However, the position and size of the gaps may be changed as appropriate. In other words, the spacers 20a to 20d only need to be configured to secure gaps between at least one of the inner wall surface, outer wall surface, front wall surface, and rear wall surface of the main body 12 and the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d. For example, they may be configured to secure gaps around the entire circumference of the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the entire belts 58 and 64 constituting the supports 18a and 18b are formed of an elastic material such as rubber. However, it is sufficient that at least the connecting portions of the belts 58 and 64 that are connected to the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d are elastic, and the portions other than the connecting portions do not need to be elastic. Furthermore, the shape of the connecting portion is not limited to annular. For example, the connecting portion may be formed in the shape of a hook that can be hooked onto the winding portion 52, or it may be formed in the shape of a plate with a through hole through which fixing screws that are fixed to the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d are inserted.

[0086] Figure 8(A) is a front view showing a modified example of the main body 12. In the above embodiment, the initial contact surface T (i.e., the reference contact surface S), the curved surface Q, and the rear surface R that constitute the bottom surface of the main body 12 are formed smoothly and continuously without any steps. However, steps or protrusions may be provided on the rear surface R. For example, as shown in Figure 8(A), when a virtual vertical line P passing through the center of gravity G of the upper body of the user M (Figure 1(A)) is assumed in the reference state, the portion of the main body 12 behind the virtual vertical line P (rear surface R) may be provided with a tilt prevention portion 76 that contacts the base surface F when the main body 12 tries to tilt backward.

[0087] The tilt prevention section 76 shown in Figure 8(A) is a linear projection formed on the rear surface R along the entire length of the main body 12 in the left-right direction. The end of the tilt prevention section 76 in the protruding direction contacts the base surface F, preventing the main body 12 from tilting backward. Therefore, even if the center of gravity G of the user M's upper body moves behind the virtual vertical line P, the main body 12 can be prevented from tilting backward, allowing the user M to perform forward bending exercises with confidence.

[0088] The shape of the tilt prevention portion 76 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the tilt prevention portion 76 may be intermittently provided in the left-right direction of the main body portion 12, or it may be formed as at least one point.

[0089] Figure 8(B) is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the supports 18a and 18b. In the above embodiment, the supports 18a and 18b that support the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d are formed in a strip shape from an elastic material such as rubber, but the type of support is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in Figure 8(B), the supports 18a and 18b may be formed in the shape of a coil spring that receives the vibrating bodies 16a to 16d from below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] F...Base surface, G...Center of gravity, M...User, P...Vibratory vertical line, S...Reference contact surface, T...Initial contact surface, Q...Curved surface, R...Rear surface, 10...Forward bending exercise device, 12...Main body, 14...Seat, 16a~16d...Vibrating body, 18a,18b...Support, 20a~20d...Spacer, 22...Control device, 24...Operating unit, 26...Battery, 28...First cushioning material, 30...Second cushioning material, 32...Cover, 34...Bottom, 36a...First part, 36b...Second part, 36c...Third part, 36d...Fourth part, 38a~38d...Vibrating body placement space, 40...Guide projection, 42a~42e...Recess, 44...Housing, 44a...Upper housing, 44b...Lower housing, 46...Vibration motor, 48...Motor holder, 50...Fixing screw, 52...Wrapping part, 54...Motor body, 54a...Rotating shaft, 56...Rotating plate, 58...Belt, 60...First belt, 60a...First connection part, 60b...Second connection part, 62...Second belt, 62a...First connection part, 62b...Second connection part, 64...Belt, 66...First belt, 66a...First connection part, 66b...Second connection part, 68...Second belt, 68a...First connection part, 68b...Second connection part, 70a...First cushion part, 70b...Second cushion part, 70c...Third cushion part, 72...AC power supply, 74...Power supply circuit, 76...Tilt prevention part.

Claims

1. A forward bending exercise device that is placed on a flat base surface for use, The main body is configured to swing on the base surface and has a seat on which the user sits, An electrically operated vibrating body that vibrates in contact with the user's buttocks or thighs, A device for bending forward, comprising a main body and a support that provides vibration-receiving support for the vibrating body on the seat.

2. The seat portion has a space for arranging the vibrating body that opens upward, The forward bending exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the support is configured to support the vibrating body at a distance from the main body in the vibrating body arrangement space.

3. The support has a belt that is wrapped around and attached to the main body, The vibrating body is attached to the belt, as described in claim 2, for use as a forward bending exercise device.

4. The forward bending exercise device according to claim 3, wherein at least the connecting portion of the belt connected to the vibrating body is elastic.

5. The seat portion has a first portion and a second portion that support the left and right portions of the user's buttocks. The first and second portions have the vibrating body arrangement space formed therein. When the vibrating body arranged in the vibrating body arrangement space of the first part is designated as the first vibrating body, and the vibrating body arranged in the vibrating body arrangement space of the second part is designated as the second vibrating body, The forward bending exercise device according to claim 4, wherein the first vibrator and the second vibrator are attached to a common belt.

6. The seat portion has a third portion and a fourth portion that support the user's left and right thighs. The third and fourth portions have the vibrating body arrangement spaces formed therein. When the vibrating body arranged in the vibrating body arrangement space of the third part is designated as the third vibrating body, and the vibrating body arranged in the vibrating body arrangement space of the fourth part is designated as the fourth vibrating body, The third and fourth vibrators are attached to a common belt. The forward bending exercise device according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the third vibrating body and the fourth vibrating body is set to be wider than the distance between the first vibrating body and the second vibrating body.

7. When the vibrating body arrangement space in the third portion is designated as the third vibrating body arrangement space, and the vibrating body arrangement space in the fourth portion is designated as the fourth vibrating body arrangement space, The forward bending exercise device according to claim 6, wherein a guide projection is provided on the upper surface of the main body portion, forward of the third vibrator arrangement space and the fourth vibrator arrangement space, and between the third portion and the fourth portion, for guiding the user's left and right thighs along the third portion and the fourth portion.

8. The forward bending exercise device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the space for arranging the vibrating body is provided with a spacer that allows vibration of the vibrating body while ensuring a gap between the wall surface of the main body and the vibrating body.

9. The main body portion has a bottom portion that contacts the base surface, When the state of the main body when the user is seated on the seat is considered the reference state, The forward bending exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bottom portion has a reference contact surface formed to contact the base surface in the reference state, and a curved surface formed to curve so as to gradually move away from the base surface as it extends forward from the reference contact surface.

10. The forward bending exercise device according to claim 9, wherein the reference contact surface is located vertically below the center of gravity of the user's upper body in the reference state.

11. In the aforementioned standard state, assuming a virtual vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the user's upper body, The forward bending exercise apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the portion of the main body behind the virtual vertical line is provided with a tilt prevention portion that contacts the base surface when the main body attempts to tilt backward.

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