Exercise aid device

Abstract

This invention provides an exercise assistance device that assists the user in moving their hip joint in multiple directions, thereby improving the effects of increased synovial fluid, stretching, and muscle training. [Solution] The exercise assist device comprises a base that is placed on the floor, a seat on which the user sits, and legs connecting the base and the seat, the legs having at least one of a first connecting portion that rotatably connects the lower end to the base and a second connecting portion that rotatably connects the upper end to the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exercise assistance device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device (joint flexion / extension exercise device) for training the flexion / extension movement of a patient's joint. The joint flexion / extension exercise device described in Patent Document 1 attaches an arm provided to bend about an axis to the patient's knee joint, and moves the arm by a motor and a ball screw, so that the flexion / extension movement can be performed passively.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a hip joint stretching tool for assisting the opening / closing movement of both left and right legs. The hip joint stretching tool of Patent Document 2 biases both legs of the user in the leg-opening direction by a leg-opening lever and a leg pressing plate, so that the hip joint can be stretched with a small load.

[0004] Also, as a method for improving the pain of osteoarthritis of the hip joint, it is known to perform zigring exercise.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The joint flexion and extension exercise device described in Patent Document 1 moves the hip joint only in the vertical direction of the body in conjunction with the flexion movement of the knee joint. The hip joint stretching device described in Patent Document 2 moves the hip joint (i.e., the leg) only in the horizontal direction of the body. Furthermore, jiggling is an exercise in which the hip joint (i.e., the leg) moves only in the vertical direction of the body while seated. However, since the hip joint has mobility in multiple directions, movement in only one direction as in the conventional technology may be insufficient.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above issues, and provides an exercise assist device that can assist in multi-directional movement of the user's hip joint and improve the effect of increasing synovial fluid, stretching, and muscle training. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise assist device comprises a base that is placed on the floor, a seat on which a user sits, and legs connecting the base and the seat, wherein the legs have at least one of a first connecting portion that connects the lower end to the base so as to be rotatable in at least one direction, and a second connecting portion that connects the upper end to the seat so as to be rotatable.

[0009] (2) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the exercise assist device according to the first aspect, the leg portion further has an extendable portion that extends and retracts in the direction of extension of the leg portion.

[0010] (3) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the exercise assist device according to the second aspect, the expandable portion is a spring.

[0011] (4) According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise assist device according to any one of the first to third aspects further comprises a backrest connected to the seat surface.

[0012] (5) According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the exercise assist device according to the fourth aspect, the back surface has a first fixing part that fixes the user's hip joint to the back surface.

[0013] (6) According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the motion assistance device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the seat surface has a second fixing portion for fixing the user's hip joint to the seat surface.

[0014] (7) According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the motion assistance device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the seat surface is formed such that the width on the front side is smaller than the width on the rear side.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the motion assistance device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to assist the motion of moving the user's hip joint in multiple directions, and improve the joint synovial fluid increase effect, stretch effect, and muscle training effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the motion assistance device of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a first diagram showing an example of the shape of the seat surface of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a second diagram showing an example of the shape of the seat surface of the present invention. [[ID=二十九]] [Figure 4] It is a first diagram for explaining the movement of the hip joint. [Figure 5] It is a second diagram for explaining the movement of the hip joint. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the movement of the hip joint when the motion assistance device of the present invention is used.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a motion assistance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] (Overall Configuration of the Motion Assistance Device) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the motion assistance device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the motion assist device 1 includes a base 2 placed on the floor surface, a seat surface 3 on which the user sits, a back surface 4 that supports the user's back, and legs 5 that connect the base 2 and the seat surface 3.

[0019] The leg 5 has a first connecting portion 51 that rotatably connects the lower end 5A to the base 2 and a second connecting portion 52 that rotatably connects the upper end 5B to the seat surface 3. The first connecting portion 51 and the second connecting portion 52 according to the present embodiment are, for example, ball joints and can rotate in any direction of 360 degrees. In other embodiments, the first connecting portion 51 and the second connecting portion 52 may be rotatable in only one direction.

[0020] The leg 5 can move in all directions of 360 degrees around the first connecting portion 51. Similarly, the seat surface 3 can move in all directions of 360 degrees around the second connecting portion 52.

[0021] In addition, the leg 5 further has a telescopic portion 53 that expands and contracts in the extending direction (±Z direction in FIG. 1). The telescopic portion 53 is, for example, a spring. Thereby, it becomes possible to move the seat surface 3 in the vertical direction (the extending direction of the leg 5) according to the movement of the user.

[0022] On the back surface 4, a first fixing portion 41 for fixing the user's hip joint to the back surface 4 when the user is seated is provided. For example, the first fixing portion 41 is a belt-shaped fixture that surrounds the vicinity of the user's hip joint. Thereby, since the seat surface 3 and the back surface 4 can move according to the movement of the user, it is possible to prevent the user's hip joint from floating from the seat surface 3 and the back surface 4. As a result, the seat surface 3 and the back surface 4 can stabilize the forward tilt posture of the user's pelvis and the position of the hip joint.

[0023] Furthermore, the seat surface 3 may be provided with a second fixing part 31 for securing the user's hip joints to the seat surface 3 when the user is seated. For example, the second fixing part 31 is a belt-shaped fixing device that is wrapped around the user's thighs. This can more reliably prevent the user's hip joints from lifting away from the seat surface 3 and backrest 4.

[0024] (Shape of the seat) Figure 2 is a first diagram showing an example of the shape of the seat surface of the present invention. Figure 3 is a second diagram showing an example of the shape of the seat surface according to the present invention. The seat surface 3 may be formed such that the width on the front side (+Y side) is smaller than the width on the rear side (-Y side), as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3.

[0025] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the front side (+Y side) of the seat surface 3 may have a notch 32A with a rectangular cutout at one end (-X side) and a notch 32B with a rectangular cutout at the other end (+X side). In other words, the seat surface 3 is formed in a T-shape when viewed from above (+Z side).

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the front side (+Y side) of the seat surface 3 may have a notch 33A formed by cutting out one end (-X side) corner and another notch 33A formed by cutting out the other end (+X side) corner. In other words, the seat surface 3 may have a shape similar to that of a bicycle saddle.

[0027] By shaping the seat 3 as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the user's leg movements will no longer be hindered by the seat 3, allowing for smoother movement.

[0028] (Regarding hip joint movement) Figure 4 is the first diagram illustrating the movement of the hip joint. As shown in Figure 4, the hip joint 9 is a ball-and-socket joint connecting the pelvis 7 and the femur 8, and is composed of the acetabulum 7A, which is a recess at the end of the pelvis 7, and the tip of the femur 8 (femoral head 8A) that is housed in the acetabulum 7A. Furthermore, the schematic diagram in Figure 4 represents the acetabulum 7A, femoral head 8A, and femur 8 with schematic configurations indicated by the symbols 7A', 8A', and 8', respectively. As shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 4, the hip joint 9 can move (rotate) in multiple directions: vertically, horizontally, and around its axis.

[0029] The acetabulum 7A and the femoral head 8A are each covered with articular cartilage, preventing the bones from rubbing against each other. The joint capsule 9A surrounds the acetabulum 7A and the femoral head 8A, and the inside of the joint capsule 9A is filled with synovial fluid, which acts as a synovial fluid.

[0030] Furthermore, wear and tear of the articular cartilage can lead to osteoarthritis of the hip, causing pain in the hip joint.

[0031] Figure 5 is a second diagram illustrating the movement of the hip joint. Jiggling exercises are known to be used as a preventative and conservative treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip. As shown in Figure 5, jiggling exercises involve moving the legs up and down while seated in a chair to move the hip joint 9.

[0032] However, in jiggling motion, as shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 5, the hip joint 9 can only be moved in one direction. Since the hip joint 9 is a joint with multidirectional mobility as shown in Figure 4, movement in only one direction may be insufficient.

[0033] Therefore, as described above, the exercise assistance device 1 according to the present invention has a structure that allows the user's hip joint 9 to move in multiple directions. The operation and effects of the exercise assistance device 1 will be described below.

[0034] (The function and effects of exercise assistance devices) Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the hip joint when using the exercise assistance device of the present invention. The following describes the effects and benefits of performing exercises using the exercise assistance device 1, with reference to Figure 6.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, when the user sits on the seat 3 with their knees bent, the first fixing part 41 of the backrest 4 is wrapped around the hip joint to secure the waist so that it does not separate from the seat 3 and backrest 4. If the seat 3 is provided with a second fixing part 31, the second fixing part 31 may be wrapped around the hip joint (thigh) to further secure the waist so that it does not separate from the seat 3.

[0036] At this time, the height of the seat 3 may be adjusted so that the user's pelvis is tilted forward and their knees are bent sufficiently deeply. For example, the legs 5 may have a mechanism such as a gas spring or ball screw, which is provided in existing chairs. In this case, the height of the seat 3 is adjusted by changing the length of the legs 5 in the extending direction (height in the ±Z direction).

[0037] Next, the user performs exercises that move their hip joints in multiple directions while seated on the seat 3. For example, the user can move their hip joints in multiple directions by performing exercises that rotate the waist (so-called hula dance exercises).

[0038] As a result, the leg portion 5 of the exercise assist device 1 rotates around the first connecting portion 51 in accordance with the user's movements. This allows the seat surface 3 of the exercise assist device 1 to move smoothly in multiple directions, including left-right (±X direction), front-back (±Y direction), and circumferential direction around the Z axis, in accordance with the user's movements. Furthermore, because the leg portion 5 is provided with an extendable portion 53, the seat surface 3 can also move up and down (±Z direction) in accordance with the user's movements.

[0039] By using the exercise assistance device 1, the user can easily perform exercises that move the hip joint in multiple directions. Furthermore, moving the hip joint in multiple directions significantly improves the effect of increasing synovial fluid, the dynamic stretching effect of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint capsule around the hip joint, and the muscle training effect of the surrounding muscles, compared to performing exercises that move in only one direction, such as jiggling.

[0040] Furthermore, since the seat 3 is movable due to the second connecting part 52, the user can easily maintain the correct posture with the pelvis tilted forward. This allows the user to properly obtain the benefits of exercise.

[0041] Furthermore, since the user can perform exercises with their body supported by the seat 3 and leg rests 5, the load (muscle fatigue) can be reduced compared to when the exercise assist device 1 is not used. As a result, the user can easily maintain a deeply bent knee position. In other words, the user can easily maintain a posture that allows for easy movement of the hip joint and is highly effective for exercise. In addition, even users who are unfamiliar with exercise or who do not have sufficient leg muscle strength can easily perform hip rotation exercises.

[0042] Furthermore, the first fixing part 41 provided on the backrest 4 secures the user's hip joint, preventing the user's hip joint from lifting off the seat 3 and backrest 4 during exercise. As a result, the seat 3 and backrest 4 can stabilize the user's pelvic tilt posture and hip joint position.

[0043] Furthermore, the user's hip joint may be further secured by the second fixing part 31 provided on the seat surface 3. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the user's hip joint from lifting off the seat surface 3 and backrest 4 during exercise.

[0044] Furthermore, the seat surface 3 may be formed so that the width on the front side (+Y side) is smaller than the width on the rear side (-Y side). By doing so, the user's leg movements will not be hindered by the seat surface 3, allowing them to move more smoothly.

[0045] As described above, several embodiments relating to this disclosure have been explained, but all of these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1 Exercise aid device 2 base 3 Seat 31 Second fixed part 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B Notches 4 Back 41 1st fixed part 5 Legs 51 1st connection part 52 2nd connection part 53 Telescopic part

Claims

1. A base that is placed on the floor surface, The seat on which the user sits, A leg portion connecting the base and the seat surface, Equipped with, The leg portion has a first connecting portion that connects its lower end to the base so as to be rotatable in at least one direction, and a second connecting portion that connects its upper end to the seat surface so as to be rotatable in at least one direction. Exercise aids.

2. The leg portion further has an expandable portion that extends and retracts in the direction of extension of the leg portion. The exercise assist device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned expandable part is a spring. The exercise assist device according to claim 2.

4. The seat surface is further provided with a backrest connected to the aforementioned seat surface. An exercise assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned back surface has a first fixing portion that fixes the user's hip joint to the back surface. The exercise assist device according to claim 4.

6. The seat surface has a second fixing portion that fixes the user's hip joint to the seat surface. An exercise assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned seat surface is formed such that the width at the front is smaller than the width at the rear. An exercise assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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