Foot health devices

Abstract

We provide a foot health device that enables foot stretching and other similar activities. [Solution] A health device comprising a footrest (2) whose posture can be changed between a horizontal posture (P1) and an upwardly inclined inclined posture (P2, P3), a support arm (3) which rotates in conjunction with the change in posture of the footrest between a folded posture (Q1) along the lower surface of the footrest and an extended posture (Q2) protruding from the lower surface, and a control mechanism (4) which has a guide path (16) for moving a locking part (12) provided at the tip of the support arm (3), wherein the A return path (17) is formed above the guide path (16), and a restart path (19) is formed that connects the return path to the starting end of the guide path, and a turnaround path (18) is formed that connects the end of the guide path to the return path. When the footrest plate is rotated from the inclined position to a reset position (P4) that is further upward, the locking part (12) is configured to enter the return path (17) from the turnaround path (18) and move toward the restart path (19).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot health device that enables a user to stretch their feet by standing on a footrest board.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a footrest board pivotally connected to an installation base installed on the floor is changed in posture from a horizontal posture to an inclined posture, and a user stands on it to enable stretching exercises for the ankles, shins, etc. A health device is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, the footrest board is configured to be able to change the inclination angle step by step. When the user pulls up the footrest board from the horizontal posture, the support arm pivotally connected to the footrest board is pulled, and the locking portion at the tip of the support arm is locked step by step with respect to the locked portion. First, it is locked in a gently inclined posture, and in that state, the support arm supports the footrest board from below. Next, when the footrest board is further pulled up, it is locked in a steeply inclined posture, and in that state, the support arm supports the footrest board from below.

[0005] When returning the footrest from an inclined position to a horizontal position after using the exercise equipment, rotating the footrest from the inclined position towards an upward reset position will cause the locking part of the support arm to disengage from the locking part. Therefore, by placing your hand on the support arm to hold it in place so as not to engage with the locking part, you can fold it and return the footrest to a horizontal position.

[0006] Thus, in the conventional technology, when changing the orientation of the footrest plate from a horizontal position to an inclined position, the locking part of the support arm locks into the locking part in stages, and the locking is performed automatically, making the work simple and easy.

[0007] However, when changing the footrest from an inclined position to a horizontal position, as described above, it is necessary to hold the support arm in place to prevent it from engaging with the locking part while folding it, which is cumbersome. In other words, if you do not hold the support arm in place, the support arm will automatically engage the locking part with the locking part, causing the support arm to become immobile.

[0008] Furthermore, while the user has their hands on the support arm, rotating the footrest plate to a horizontal position while simultaneously rotating the support arm to a folded position may cause the user's fingers to get pinched and is therefore dangerous.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a foot health device that solves the problems of the prior art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Therefore, the means configured in the present invention consists of a mounting base installed on the floor, a footrest pivotally connected to the mounting base and capable of changing its orientation between a horizontal position and an upwardly inclined inclined position, a support arm pivotally connected to the footrest and capable of rotating between a folded position along the lower surface of the footrest and an extended position protruding from the lower surface when the footrest is rotated between the horizontal position and the inclined position, a locking portion provided at the tip of the support arm, and a control mechanism having a guide path that moves the locking portion when the support arm rotates, wherein when the support arm is rotated from the folded position to the extended position, the locking portion moves from the start end to the end end of the guide path. In a health device configured to support a footrest from below by moving it toward a predetermined locking part and locking it in place, the control mechanism is configured such that a return path is formed above the guide path, a restart path is formed that connects the return path to the starting end of the guide path, and a return path is formed that connects the end of the guide path to the return path, and when the footrest is rotated from the inclined position toward a reset position that is further upward, the locking part enters the return path, and when the footrest is rotated from the reset position toward the horizontal position, the locking part enters the return path and moves along the return path toward the restart path.

[0011] Preferably, the return path forms a downward slope from the turnaround path toward the restart path.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control mechanism is provided with a return support means facing the return path, and the return support means is configured to cause the locking portion of the support arm, which is pulled upward by the footrest plate and moves upward, to enter the return path when the footrest plate is rotated toward the reset position by applying an upward force, and to guide the locking portion toward the return path when the footrest plate is released from the upward force.

[0013] Preferably, the control mechanism is provided with a return support means equipped with a spring facing the return path, and the return support means is configured such that when the footrest plate is rotated toward the reset position by applying an upward force, the locking portion of the support arm, which is pulled upward by the footrest plate, enters the return path against the biasing force of the spring, and when the footrest plate is released from the upward force, the locking portion is resiliently released toward the return path by the biasing force of the spring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the process of returning the footrest to a horizontal position after using it in an inclined position is simple and easy, and there is no risk of the user pinching their fingers during the process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a foot health device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing an example of how to use a foot health device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a first embodiment relating to a support arm and a control mechanism. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the interaction between the guide path of the control mechanism and the locking part of the support arm. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the sequence of movement of the locking portion of the support arm in relation to the control mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the state when the footrest plate is in a horizontal position, relating to the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the state when the footrest plate is in a gently sloping position, relating to the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the state when the footrest plate is in a steeply inclined position, relating to the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 9]Regarding the operation of the first embodiment, it is a front view showing the state where the footrest plate is in the reset position and the locking portion has entered the folding path against the biasing force of the spring. [Figure 10] Regarding the operation of the first embodiment, it is a front view showing the state where the locking portion is elastically bounced toward the return path by the biasing force of the spring. [Figure 11] Regarding the operation of the first embodiment, it is a front view showing the state where the locking portion is moving in the return path. [Figure 12] Regarding the operation of the first embodiment, it is a front view showing the state where the locking portion has entered the restart path from the return path. [Figure 13] The second embodiment is shown. (A) is a front view showing the state until the locking portion moves in the guide path and enters the folding path. (B) is a front view showing the state where the locking portion enters the folding path against the biasing force of the spring. (C) is a front view showing the state until the locking portion is elastically bounced by the biasing force of the spring, moves in the return path, and enters the restart path.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following drawings.

[0017] (First Embodiment) Figs. 1 to 12 show an embodiment of a foot health device according to the present invention.

[0018] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the foot health device is composed of an installation base 1, a footrest plate 2, a support arm 3, and a control mechanism 4.

[0019] The installation base 1 is provided with a seat body 6 on a pipe frame 5 bent in a substantially U shape and is stably installed on the floor surface. [[ID=XXX]]

[0020] [[ID=XXX]] It should be noted that the text seems to have some incomplete or incorrect tag references (such as the repeated use of <0000XXX> in a way that might not be standard). If this is a formatting issue in the original, it's best to double-check the source for accurate translation. The above translation is based on the best understanding of the provided text.The footrest plate 2 is made up of a disc-shaped body with a contour shape that follows the pipe frame 5, and its tail end is pivotally connected to brackets 7 erected at both ends of the pipe frame 5 via a pivot 8 so as to be rotatable, and a handle 9 made of bent wire is provided at the tip.

[0021] Therefore, the footrest plate 2 can be rotated upward from a horizontal position P1 by the user pulling up the handle 9, and its position can be changed sequentially to a gently sloping position P2 and then to a steeply sloping position P3. When returning to the horizontal position P1, as will be described later, it is first pulled up further from the steeply sloping position P3 to reset to the upward position P4.

[0022] With the footrest 2 positioned in a gently sloping position P2 or a steeply sloping position P3, the user can stand on the footrest 2 as shown in Figure 2 to perform stretching exercises for the ankles, calves, etc. In the example shown, the user is standing facing an uphill slope with their toes pointing upwards, but it is also possible to use it in the opposite way, standing facing a downhill slope with the toes pointing downwards.

[0023] Preferably, the support arm 3 is composed of a pair of left and right support arms 3, 3 as shown in the figure, and is pivotally connected to the lower side of the footrest plate 2 via a pivot 10 so as to be rotatable.Therefore, when the footrest plate 2 rotates between a horizontal position P1 and an inclined position (a gently inclined position P2 or a steeply inclined position P3), the support arm 3 is rotated between a folded position Q1 along the lower surface of the footrest plate 2 and an unfolded position Q2 protruding from the lower surface.

[0024] In this configuration, a rod 11 is mounted across the tips of the left and right support arms 3, 3, and a locking portion 12 is formed by the protruding ends of the rods that extend toward the outer surfaces of each support arm 3, 3.

[0025] The control mechanism 4 is constructed by combining a control plate 14 having a window opening 13 and an auxiliary plate 15. By inserting the canopy portion of the auxiliary plate 15 into the window opening 13, the window opening 13 is divided into a lower guide path 16 and an upper return path 17. The ends of the guide path 16 and the return path 17 are connected by a return path 18 and a restart path 19, respectively, forming a loop-shaped passage overall.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, when the footrest plate 2 is in a horizontal position P1, the support arm 3 is in a folded position Q1, and the locking portion 12 is positioned at the starting end 16a of the guide path 16.

[0027] When the handle 9 is pulled up, the footrest plate 2 is rotated to a gently inclined position P2, as shown in Figure 7. At this time, the support arm 3 rotates toward the deployed position Q2, moving the locking portion 12 along the guide path 16, and stops by fitting the locking portion 12 into the first locking portion 16b which is recessed in the guide path 16. As a result, the footrest plate 2 is supported from below by the support arm 3 in the gently inclined position P2. In other words, it enables the user to stand on the footrest plate 2.

[0028] When the handle 9 is pulled up further from this position, the locking portion 12 of the support arm 3 disengages from the first locked portion 16b, and the footrest plate 2 is rotated to a steeply inclined position P3, as shown in Figure 8. At this time, the support arm 3 rotates further, moving the locking portion 12 along the guide path 16, and stops by fitting the locking portion 12 into the second locked portion 16c which is recessed in the end portion 16d of the guide path 16. As a result, the footrest plate 2 is supported from below by the support arm 3 in the steeply inclined position P3. In other words, it enables the user to stand on the footrest plate 2.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the inclination position of the footrest plate 2 is possible in two stages: a gently inclined position P2 and a steeply inclined position P3. However, it may be configured to allow for three or more stages, or it may be configured to allow for only one stage.

[0030] Incidentally, when returning the footrest plate 2 from the inclined position to the horizontal position P1, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the footrest plate 2 is rotated toward the reset position P4, which is even more upward than the steeply inclined position P3. At this time, the support arm 3 is pulled by the footrest plate 2, which causes the locking part 12 to move upward and enter the return path 18.

[0031] For example, if the user pushes the support arm 3 with their fingertip in the direction of the folded position Q1, the locking part 12 enters the return path 17. Therefore, after that, simply by rotating the footrest plate 2 downwards under its own weight, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the support arm 3 rotates toward the folded position Q1, moving the locking part 12 along the return path 17 and entering the starting end 16a of the guide path 16 via the restart path 19. As a result, the footrest plate 2 assumes the horizontal position P1, and the support arm 3 assumes the folded position Q1.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the movement of the locking portion 12 along the return path 17, it is preferable to form a downward slope in the return path 17 from the reversal path 18 toward the restart path 19.

[0033] (Means of support for return) Preferably, the control mechanism 4 faces the return path 18 and is provided with a return support means 20 for causing the locking portion 12 to enter the return path 17.

[0034] The return support means 20 is configured such that when the footrest plate 2 is rotated toward the reset position P4 by applying an upward force, the locking portion 12 of the support arm 3, which is pulled upward by the footrest plate 2, enters the return path 18, and then when the footrest plate 2 is released from the upward force, the locking portion 12 is guided toward the return path 17. Therefore, as described above, it is not necessary for the user to push the support arm 3 toward the folded position Q1 with their fingertips.

[0035] The means for guiding such a locking portion 12 toward the return path 17 may be formed, for example, by a cam surface that forms the path of the locking portion 12 toward the return path 17 from the return path 18, but in the illustrated embodiment, the locking portion 12 is pushed by a spring 21.

[0036] (First Embodiment) Figures 1 to 12 show a first embodiment of the return support means 20, in which a swing arm 22 is provided facing the turnaround path 18. The lower end of the swing arm 22 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 23 at a position below the turnaround path 18, and a coil spring 21a is connected to the upper end, thereby biasing it to enter the turnaround path 18 under normal circumstances.

[0037] Therefore, as described above, when an upward force is applied to the footrest plate 2, causing the footrest plate 2 to rotate toward the reset position P4, the support arm 3 moves upward, pulled by the footrest plate 2. This causes the locking portion 12 to push the swing arm 22 against the biasing force of the coil spring 21a, and it enters the return path 18.

[0038] When the footrest plate 2 is released from the upward force, the oscillating arm 22 enters the return path 18 again due to the coil spring 21a, thereby flicking the locking part 12 and moving it towards the return path 17.

[0039] Subsequently, as described above, simply by rotating the footrest plate 2 downwards under its own weight, the support arm 3 rotates toward the folded position Q1, causing the locking portion 12 to enter the starting end 16a of the guide path 16 via the return path 17 and the restart path 19, thereby setting the footrest plate 2 to the horizontal position P1.

[0040] (Second Embodiment) Figure 13 shows a second embodiment of the return support means 20, in which a spring piece 21b such as a coil spring is provided facing the turnaround path 18.

[0041] In the second embodiment, when the footrest plate 2 is rotated toward the reset position P4, the support arm 3 is pulled upward by the footrest plate 2, and the locking portion 12 elastically deforms the spring piece 21b, pushing it away from the return path 18, thereby causing the locking portion 12 to enter the return path 18.

[0042] Therefore, when the footrest plate 2 is released from the upward force, the spring piece 21b returns to its original position, flicking the locking portion 12 and moving it towards the return path 17.

[0043] Therefore, even without providing a swinging arm 22 as in the first embodiment, a support means can be configured to move the locking portion 12 from the return path 18 to the return path 17 and return it to the guide path 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1 Installation stand 2 Footrests P1 Horizontal posture P2 Slightly inclined posture P3 Steep tilt posture P4 Reset Stance 3. Support Arm Q1 Folding posture Q2 Deployment posture 4. Control mechanism 5 Pipe frame 6 Seat 7 Brackets 8 Axis 9 handles 10 Axis 11 rods 12 Locking part 13 Window openings 14 Control Panel 15 Auxiliary plate 16 Guide Route 16a Starting end 16b First locking portion 16c Second locking part 16d Termination section 17 The return journey 18 Turnaround point 19 Reopening road 20. Means of support for return 21 Spring 21a Coil spring 21b Spring piece 22 Swivel Arm 23 Spindle

Claims

1. A mounting base (1) installed on the floor, A footrest plate (2) is pivotally connected to the aforementioned mounting base and can change its orientation between a horizontal position (P1) and an upwardly inclined inclined position (P2, P3), A support arm (3) is pivotally connected to the footrest plate, and when the footrest plate is rotated between a horizontal position and an inclined position, the support arm (3) rotates between a folded position (Q1) along the lower surface of the footrest plate and an extended position (Q2) protruding from the lower surface. It consists of a locking portion (12) provided at the tip of the support arm (3) and a control mechanism (4) that has a guide path (16) for moving the locking portion when the support arm rotates. In a health device configured such that when the support arm (3) is rotated from a folded position (Q1) to an unfolded position (Q2), the locking portion (12) moves from the starting end (16a) to the ending end (16d) of the guide path (16) and locks into predetermined locking portions (16b, 16c) to support the footrest plate (2) from below, The control mechanism (4) comprises a return path (17) above the guide path (16), a restart path (19) connecting the return path to the starting end of the guide path, and a return path (18) connecting the end of the guide path to the return path. When the footrest plate (2) is rotated from the inclined position to a reset position (P4) that is further upward, the locking portion (12) enters the return path (18), A foot health device characterized in that when the footrest plate (2) is rotated from the reset position (P4) to the horizontal position (P1), the locking portion (12) is moved into the return path (17) and moves along the return path toward the restart path (19).

2. The foot health device according to claim 1, characterized in that the return path (17) forms a downward slope from the turnaround path (18) to the restart path (19).

3. The control mechanism (4) is provided with a return support means (20) facing the turnaround path (18), When the return support means (20) rotates toward the reset position (P4) by applying an upward force to the footrest plate (2), it causes the locking portion (12) of the support arm, which is pulled upward by the footrest plate, to enter the return path (18), The foot health device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the footrest plate (2) is released from the upward force, the locking portion (12) is guided toward the return path (17).

4. The control mechanism (4) is provided with a return support means (20) equipped with a spring (21) facing the return path (18), When the return support means (20) rotates toward the reset position (P4) by applying an upward force to the footrest plate (2), it causes the locking portion (12) of the support arm, which is pulled upward by the footrest plate, to enter the return path (18) against the biasing force of the spring (21), The foot health device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the footrest plate (2) is released from the upward force, the locking portion (12) is resilient toward the return path (17) by the biasing force of the spring (21).

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