Massage device

Abstract

We provide a massage device that is easy for anyone to use and can effectively relieve stiff shoulders. [Solution] The massage device 1 comprises a pressing part 3, a handle part 4 extending from the pressing part 3, and a belt part 5 connected to the pressing part 3 so as to form an annular shape including at least a part of the pressing part 3. The massage device 1 is configured to place the pressing part 3 on the shoulder, wear the belt part 5 diagonally over the shoulder, and with the handle part 4, which is positioned in front of the pressing part 3, held in the hand on the side where the pressing part 3 is located, apply weight to the belt part 5 using a part of the body, thereby pressing the shoulder with the pressing part 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various massage devices for relieving stiff shoulders have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a massage device in which a weight portion is connected to a strap, and a shoulder pressing portion is provided at an intermediate portion of the strap. In this massage device, with the strap worn in a cross-body manner, a user applies a load to the weight portion with the elbow on one side, and presses the shoulder on the other side with the shoulder pressing portion.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-described massage device requires a user to apply a load to the weight portion with the elbow, which is not easy for elderly people or other people with weak strength to do so. In addition, if an appropriate load is not applied, the shoulder cannot be sufficiently pressed by the shoulder pressing portion. That is, the massage device cannot be said to be excellent in usability, and cannot effectively relieve stiff shoulders.

[0005] The present invention provides a massage device that is easy for anyone to use and can easily and effectively relieve stiff shoulders.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A massage device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a pressing portion, a handle portion extending from the pressing portion, and a belt portion connected to the pressing portion so as to form an annular shape including at least a part of the pressing portion. The massage device is configured such that the pressing portion is placed on the shoulder, the belt portion is slung diagonally over the shoulder, and the handle portion, which is positioned in front of the pressing portion, is held in the hand on the side where the pressing portion is located, and a load is applied to the belt portion using a part of the body, thereby pressing the shoulder with the pressing portion.

[0007] According to the massage device described above, the pressure point is placed on the shoulder, the belt is worn diagonally across the shoulder, and the handle, positioned in front of the pressure point, is held in the hand on the same side as the pressure point. Then, weight is applied to the belt using a part of the body. Therefore, by applying weight to the belt using, for example, the hands or feet, the shoulder can be easily pressed with the pressure point.

[0008] In particular, by providing a handle portion extending from the pressing portion, the load applied to the belt portion can be efficiently transmitted to the pressing portion by gripping the handle portion with the hand. Furthermore, in addition to the load applied to the belt portion, load can also be applied to the pressing portion by the hand gripping the handle portion.

[0009] This allows for easy and effective pressure on the shoulders experiencing stiffness, even for those with limited strength, thanks to its simple design and easy operation. By targeting areas with poor circulation, it promotes blood flow and alleviates shoulder stiffness. Therefore, it provides a massage device that is easy for anyone, young or old, to use and effectively relieves shoulder stiffness.

[0010] In the above-described massage device, the pressing portion may be provided with one or more protrusions for pressing on the shoulder. In this case, the protrusions can press on the shoulder more effectively. This makes it possible to relieve stiff shoulders more thoroughly and effectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the handle portion may be integrally constructed with the pressing portion. In this case, it becomes easier to apply load to the pressing portion with the hand gripping the handle portion. This allows for more effective pressure on the shoulder with the pressing portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the belt portion may be equipped with a load-bearing section that allows the user to apply weight using a part of their body. In this case, the load can be applied to the belt portion via the load-bearing section. This makes it easier for people with less strength to apply weight to the belt portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the belt portion may be provided with an adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the belt. In this case, the length of the belt can be appropriately adjusted using the adjustment mechanism. This makes it easier to apply load to the belt portion using, for example, hands or feet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the overall configuration of the massage device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) is a front view and (B) is a side view showing the configuration of the main body of the massage device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] (A) is a front view and (B) is a side view showing the configuration of the load-bearing section in the massage device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the massage device of this embodiment in use. [Figure 5] This is a side view showing the state of use of the massage device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the massage device 1 of this embodiment includes a main body 2. The main body 2 has a pressing part 3 and a handle part 4. The massage device 1 further includes a belt part 5.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1 and Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), the pressing portion 3 is rod-shaped and is a portion for pressing the shoulder. The pressing portion 3 is formed into an octagonal prism shape having eight side surfaces 31. A cross section of the pressing portion 3 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (axial direction) is octagonal. The pressing portion 3 is made of wood. Note that the length, shape and material of the pressing portion 3 may be changed as appropriate.

[0017] The pressing portion 3 is provided with a plurality of convex portions 32 for pressing the shoulder. The convex portions 32 are hemispherical and are provided so as to protrude from the surface of the pressing portion 3. A surface of each convex portion 32 is formed in a spherical shape.

[0018] In this embodiment, a spherical concave portion is formed on the surface of the pressing portion 3, a spherical body is disposed in the concave portion, and a part of the spherical body protrudes from the surface of the pressing portion 3 to form the convex portion 32. In addition, the convex portion 32 (the spherical body including the convex portion 32) is made of wood. Note that the shape, protruding height and material of the convex portion 32 may be changed as appropriate.

[0019] The convex portions 32 are provided on three adjacent side surfaces 31 among the eight side surfaces 31. Of the three side surfaces 31, eight convex portions 32 are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the middle side surface 31, and seven convex portions 32 are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the two side surfaces 31 on both sides. Note that the position and number of the convex portions 32 may be changed as appropriate.

[0020] Through holes 33 penetrating in the radial direction are respectively provided at both ends of the pressing portion 3. The two through holes 33 are provided so as to penetrate between the side surfaces 31 that face each other in the radial direction. The two through holes 33 are for inserting a belt portion 5 to be described later therethrough.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1 and Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the handle portion 4 is rod-shaped and is a portion to be gripped by a hand. The handle portion 4 is formed in an octagonal column shape having eight side surfaces 41. The handle portion 4 has an octagonal cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (axial direction). The handle portion 4 is made of wood. Note that the length, shape and material of the handle portion 4 may be changed as appropriate. For example, irregularities, grooves or the like may be provided on the surface, or an anti-slip member may be provided to make it easier to grip by hand.

[0022] The handle portion 4 extends from the pressing portion 3. Specifically, the handle portion 4 is provided so as to extend from one end of the pressing portion 3 in the longitudinal direction. The length of the handle portion 4 is set to be slightly shorter than the length of the pressing portion 3.

[0023] The handle portion 4 is integrally formed with the pressing portion 3. That is, the main body portion 2 is integrally configured by the pressing portion 3 and the handle portion 4. The pressing portion 3 and the handle portion 4 are made of the same material (wood), have the same shape (octagonal column shape, with an octagonal cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction), and have the same outer diameter.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the belt portion 5 is formed of belt-shaped resin fibers having a predetermined width, and is a portion for applying a load using a part of the body. The belt portion 5 is inserted through two through holes 33 provided in the pressing portion 3. The belt portion 5 is connected to the pressing portion 3 so as to form an annular shape including at least a part of the pressing portion 3 (substantially the entire pressing portion 3 in the present embodiment). The belt portion 5 itself is formed into an annular shape by sewing both ends thereof together. Note that the material of the belt portion 5 may be changed as appropriate.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1 and Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the belt portion 5 is provided with a load applying portion 6 for applying a load using a part of the body. The load applying portion 6 is a portion for applying a load by hand. The load applying portion 6 is formed into a shape that resembles an octagonal column split in half along the axial direction. The load applying portion 6 is made of wood. Note that the shape and material of the load applying portion 6 may be changed as appropriate.

[0026] Through holes 61 are provided at both ends of the load-bearing section 6, each extending through the thickness direction. The belt section 5 is inserted through the two through holes 61. The load-bearing section 6 is configured to be movable along the belt section 5.

[0027] Next, the method of using the massage device 1 of this embodiment will be described. This section explains how to use massage device 1 to relieve stiffness in the right shoulder, which is a source of discomfort.

[0028] First, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the user stands and places the main body 2 of the massage device 1 on their shoulder (right shoulder). Specifically, the handle 4 faces forward, and the pressing part 3 of the main body 2 is placed on the shoulder. At this time, the side 31 with the protrusion 32 is facing downwards when the pressing part 3 is placed on the shoulder.

[0029] Then, the belt portion 5 is worn diagonally across the shoulder (diagonally across from the right shoulder to the left hip), and the load portion 6 provided on the belt portion 5 is grasped with the left hand. Meanwhile, the handle portion 4 is grasped with the hand on the side where the pressing portion 3 is located, that is, the right hand.

[0030] With the pressure part 3 (protrusion 32) firmly against the shoulder muscle (trapezius muscle) and gripping the handle part 4 with the right hand, apply downward pressure (in the direction of arrow A in Figure 4) to the load part 6 with the left hand. In other words, apply downward pressure to the belt part 5 via the load part 6. At this time, since the handle part 4 is gripped with the right hand, the load can be applied to the belt part 5 in a stable manner.

[0031] This applies a downward load to the pressing part 3 to which the belt part 5 is connected, allowing the pressing part 3 to press the shoulder downwards. At this time, since the handle part 4 is held with the right hand, a load can be applied to the pressing part 3 in a stable position, and the pressing part 3 can press the shoulder. Maintain this state for a certain period of time (for example, 10 to 30 seconds), pressing the shoulder with the pressing part 3. If necessary, change the point where the pressing part 3 (convex part 32) is applied to the shoulder muscle (trapezius muscle) and press in the same way.

[0032] Furthermore, in addition to applying a downward load to the load-bearing part 6 with the left hand, an additional downward load can be applied to the pressing part 3 by applying a downward load (in the direction of arrow B in Figure 5) with the right hand gripping the handle part 4.

[0033] In other words, simply applying downward pressure with the right hand gripping the handle 4 causes the handle 4 to lower and the pressing part 3 on the opposite side to rise, making it difficult to apply pressure to the pressing part 3. However, by applying pressure to the load part 6 with the left hand to maintain balance (equilibrium of force) so that the handle 4 does not lower (and the pressing part 3 does not rise), it becomes possible to apply further downward pressure to the pressing part 3. This allows for stronger pressure on the shoulder, enabling access to the deeper muscles of the shoulder (trapezius muscle).

[0034] Furthermore, by slowly moving the neck from side to side while pressing the shoulder with the pressing part 3 (as shown in Figure 4), the point at which the pressing part 3 (protrusion 32) makes contact with the shoulder muscle (trapezius muscle) can be slightly shifted, thereby further enhancing the effect of pressing on the shoulder.

[0035] In this embodiment, we have described the actions used to relieve stiffness in the right shoulder, where shoulder stiffness is a concern, using the massage device 1. However, by reversing the left and right sides, the actions can be used to relieve stiffness in the left shoulder.

[0036] Next, the effects and benefits of the massage device 1 of this embodiment will be described. According to the massage device 1 of this embodiment, the pressing part 3 is placed on the shoulder, the belt part 5 is draped diagonally over the shoulder, and the handle part 4, which is positioned in front of the pressing part 3, is held in the hand on the side where the pressing part 3 is placed, while applying pressure to the belt part 5 with the hand opposite to the hand holding the handle part 4. Therefore, the shoulder can be easily pressed with the pressing part 3.

[0037] In particular, by providing a handle portion 4 extending from the pressing portion 3, the load applied to the belt portion 5 can be efficiently transmitted to the pressing portion by gripping the handle portion 4 with the hand while applying load to the belt portion 5. Furthermore, in addition to the load applied to the belt portion 5, load can also be applied to the pressing portion 3 with the hand gripping the handle portion 4.

[0038] This allows for easy and effective pressure on the shoulders experiencing stiffness, even for those with limited strength, thanks to its simple design and operation. By targeting areas with poor circulation, it promotes blood flow and alleviates shoulder stiffness. Therefore, it provides a massage device 1 that is easy for anyone, regardless of age or gender, to use and effectively relieves shoulder stiffness.

[0039] Furthermore, a key feature of massage device 1 is that it can simulate the shoulder stiffness relief method using a wooden rod that the applicant has been using for some time. This method involves placing a wooden rod on the patient's shoulder and having the practitioner apply pressure using their body weight to alleviate the symptoms of shoulder stiffness. By using massage device 1, the aforementioned shoulder stiffness relief method can be easily performed by oneself without the need for a practitioner, and the same effects as the aforementioned method can be obtained.

[0040] In the massage device 1 of this embodiment, the pressing section 3 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 32 for pressing on the shoulder. Therefore, the shoulder can be pressed more effectively by the plurality of protrusions 32. As a result, shoulder stiffness can be relieved more thoroughly and effectively.

[0041] Furthermore, the handle portion 4 is integrally formed with the pressing portion 3. This makes it easier to apply load to the pressing portion 3 with the hand gripping the handle portion 4. As a result, the shoulder can be pressed more effectively with the pressing portion 3.

[0042] Furthermore, the belt section 5 is equipped with a load-bearing section 6 for applying load by hand. Therefore, a load can be applied to the belt section 5 via the load-bearing section 6. This makes it easier for people with less strength to apply load to the belt section 5.

[0043] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0044] (1) In the above embodiment, the pressing portion 3 is octagonal, but it may be any other polygonal, cylindrical, or elliptical, or any other shape. Also, although the cross-section of the pressing portion 3 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (axial direction) is octagonal, it may be any other polygonal, circular, or elliptical, or any other shape. The same applies to the handle portion 4.

[0045] (2) In the above embodiment, the pressing part 3 is made of wood, but it may be made of metal, resin, or the like. The same applies to the handle part 4.

[0046] (3) In the above embodiment, the pressing portion 3 and the handle portion 4 are made of the same material, have the same shape and have the same outer diameter, but they may be made of different materials, have different shapes and have different outer diameters.

[0047] (4) In the above embodiment, the pressing part 3 and the handle part 4 are integrally formed, but the pressing part and the handle part may be formed separately. For example, the pressing part and the handle part may be formed separately and connected together.

[0048] (5) In the above embodiment, the pressing portion 3 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 32, but the pressing portion may be configured without protrusions.

[0049] (6) In the above embodiment, the belt portion 5 is inserted through the two through holes 33 of the pressing portion 3 and connected to the pressing portion 3 so as to be annular including almost the entire pressing portion 3. However, for example, one end of the belt portion may be connected to one end of the pressing portion and the other end of the belt portion may be connected to the other end of the pressing portion.

[0050] (7) In the above embodiment, the load is applied to the belt portion 5 by hand, but the load may also be applied to the belt portion by foot, or by using another part of the body. For example, the load may be applied by hooking the belt portion around the knee. Also, although the load is applied to the belt portion 5 while standing, the load may also be applied to the belt portion while sitting on a chair or on the floor.

[0051] (8) In the above embodiment, the belt portion 5 is provided with a load portion 6, and a load is applied to the belt portion 5 via the load portion 6. However, the belt portion may not be provided with a load portion, and the load may be applied directly to the belt portion.

[0052] (9) In the above embodiment, an annular belt portion 5 with both ends sewn together was used, but an adjustment portion for adjusting the length of the belt portion may be provided on the belt portion. This allows the length of the belt portion to be appropriately adjusted by the adjustment portion. This makes it easier to apply load to the belt portion and improves usability. Conventional adjustment means can be used as the adjustment portion.

[0053] (10) The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to, substituted for, or otherwise used in the configuration of other above embodiments. Any aspect of the technical concept specified by the wording of the claims is an embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1...Massage device, 3...Pressing part, 4...Handle part, 5...Belt part, 6...Loading part, 32...Convex part

Claims

1. Pressing part and A handle portion extending from the pressing portion, The belt portion is connected to the pressing portion so as to be annular, including at least a part of the pressing portion, The pressing portion is positioned on the shoulder, the belt portion is worn diagonally across the shoulder, and the handle portion, positioned in front of the pressing portion, is held in the hand on the same side as the pressing portion. The configuration is such that a load is applied to the belt portion using a part of the body, and the pressing portion presses against the shoulder. Massage device.

2. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is provided with one or more protrusions for pressing on the shoulder.

3. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion is integrally formed with the pressing portion.

4. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the belt portion is provided with a load-bearing section for applying load using a part of the body.

5. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the belt portion is provided with an adjustment portion for adjusting the length of the belt portion.

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