Orthodontic appliances

Abstract

To provide a corrective appliance that solves the problem that the appliance itself has a complicated structure and becomes large because the structure is made up of many rod-like bodies. [Solution] The corrective device 100 is comprised of a rod-shaped shaft HN with portions near both ends that abut against the pillars H of a power rack P or other exercise equipment, and these portions have constricted portions 2 with different diameters. The user U places a bench B in the center of the pillars of the power rack and sits on the bench. Next, the user U holds the corrective device and raises both arms, bringing both ends of the corrective device, particularly the constricted portions, into contact with the pillars of the power rack. In this position, the head AT is positioned approximately below the corrective device, while the buttocks remain on the bench. In this position, the upper body J is slightly arched and the arms A are fully extended, stretching the spine and correcting the shoulder blades and spinal column.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a corrective device that prepares the skeleton for proper posture before training. [Background technology]

[0002] Ballet, dance, and gymnastics require relaxed, slender, long, strong, and flexible muscles. Strength training is performed using a power rack or similar equipment, and before training, it is recommended to increase the range of motion of the joints, activate the nervous system, and prepare to release unnecessary tension. Maintaining flexibility in the shoulder blades and spine is essential to achieve supple movement.

[0003] A conventional device used in the preparation stage is described in Patent Document 1. This posture adjustment device includes a hollow structure composed of a rod-shaped body extending vertically upward from a base and another rod-shaped body connected to the rod-shaped body and extending parallel to the base, as well as various exercise devices, which are located inside the hollow structure and on the base. This posture adjustment device allows for stretching of the body not only vertically but also in all other directions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-858 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the posture adjustment device described above has the problem that the structure is made up of many rod-shaped bodies, making the device itself large and complex in structure. The present invention has been made to solve this problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The orthotic device according to the present invention comprises a rod-shaped shaft having portions near both ends that contact the poles of a power rack or other exercise equipment, with a constricted portion formed by varying the diameter of the shaft. The rod-shaped shaft also has portions near both ends that contact the poles of a power rack or other exercise equipment, with chamfered portions near both ends consisting of a flat surface or a surface with a larger curvature than the shaft. Furthermore, the orthotic device is characterized in that it comprises a rod-shaped shaft having portions near both ends that contact the poles of a power rack or other exercise equipment, with sleeve-shaped grips near both ends where the user grips. It is preferable to provide flanges on both ends of the shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a correcting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a constricted portion. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing how to use this correction device. [Figure 5] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing how to use this correction device. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing how to use this correction device. [Figure 7] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing how to use this correction device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a correcting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of this correction device. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of this correction device. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of this correction device. [Figure 13]10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of this correction device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a correcting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a correcting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of this correction device. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of this correction device. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a correcting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing how to use this correction device. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of this correction device. [Figure 22] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing how to use this correction device. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram showing a correction system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of a correction system. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the correction system is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a corrective device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This corrective device 100 is used by abutting against a pillar H of a power rack P. The power rack P has a gate-shaped frame structure composed of metal pillars H. A bench B is placed on the floor near the center of the gate, and training such as bench presses and pull-ups is performed. The corrective device 100 consists of a rod-shaped shaft 1. As shown in FIG. 2, constricted portions 2 are formed near both ends. The axial length of this constricted portion 2 is 40 mm to 200 mm. The minimum radial diameter is 70% to 90% of the outer diameter. The corners of the pillars H of the power rack P abut against the constricted portions 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0009] The shaft 1 is made entirely of wood. A hard wood that is less prone to deformation is preferable, such as oak, cherry, Japanese oak, beech, or walnut. The constricted portion 2 is formed by turning using a wood lathe. The length of the shaft 1 is longer than the width of the pillars H of the power rack P, and specifically, it is preferable that it be approximately 100 mm. The spacing between the left and right constricted portions 2 is approximately the same as the spacing between the pillars H of the power rack P. The pillar spacing of the power rack P varies depending on the product, but is set based on the average pillar dimensions of the power rack P, and product differences in this spacing are absorbed by the width of the constricted portion 2. The end 1a is rounded or hemispherical in shape, assuming that it will be placed against the surroundings.

[0010] The constricted portion 2 preferably has a dish-shaped axial cross section to accommodate the column spacing and ensure stability when it abuts against the corners HE of the columns H. In other words, it is designed to have a certain length of straight section. Furthermore, since the columns H of the power rack P are made of metal, using a wooden shaft body 1 makes it less susceptible to scratches. Furthermore, a resin layer may be provided on the constricted portion 2 (not shown). Depending on the type of resin, it is possible to improve slippage or, conversely, to provide a non-slip surface. For example, using rubber prevents slippage, making it easier for the user to use. Furthermore, using a hard resin can also provide a more effective slippage.

[0011] The diameter of the shaft 1 is set to a value that is easy for the user to grip. Specifically, a diameter of 30 mm to 45 mm is preferable for men, and a diameter of 25 mm to 40 mm is preferable for women. The part that the user grips is inside the constricted portion 2 in the axial direction. It is even more preferable that this gripping part has a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface may be formed by applying a dimple finish or the like to the shaft surface. A thin, elastic resin layer may also be provided.

[0012] An example of a constricted portion 2 is shown in the axial cross section of Figure 3. If it is dish-shaped as shown in Figure 3(a), it will be stable even if it is misaligned with the pillar H. If it is curved as shown in Figure 3(b), it will be stable when the corner HE of the pillar H abuts against the smallest diameter part. In this case, the structure is such that the spacing between the pillars H and the spacing between the constricted portions 2 match. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3(c), two radial protrusions 2a may be formed to essentially form the constricted portion 2. In the present application, these are collectively referred to as the constricted portion 2.

[0013] 4 to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing how to use this corrective device. The user U places bench B in the center of the pillars H of the power rack P and sits on bench B. Next, the user raises both arms while holding corrective device 100, and abuts both ends of corrective device 100, particularly waisted portion 2, against the pillars H of the power rack P. In this state, as shown in FIG. 5, the head AT is positioned approximately below corrective device 100, while the buttocks remain on bench B. In this state, the upper body J is slightly arched and arms A are fully extended, forming a triangle together with corrective device 100, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0014] In this state, the head AT is pushed forward until it protrudes beyond the pillar H (forward as seen from the user U) as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this state, the spine is stretched, and the shoulder blades and spinal column are corrected. If necessary, the user U can self-adjust the degree of correction by raising the correction device 100 relative to the pillar H or by bending the body further.

[0015] When the user U grips the shaft 1, it may rotate slightly in the circumferential direction. It may also shift axially depending on the balance between the left and right hands. In this case, the constricted portion 2 functions to guide the rotation while abutting against the corner HE of the pillar H, and the edge of the constricted portion 2 engages the corner HE of the pillar H to prevent excessive axial shift, preventing further movement. This prevents the orthodontic device 100 from coming off the power rack P and makes it easier to adjust the left-right and front-to-back balance of the user U.

[0016] Even if the balance in height between the left and right arms A is lost (when one arm becomes higher and tilted), the edge of the constricted portion 2 prevents further movement, so the corrective device 100 does not come off the power rack P. Also, because it is made of wood, it is less likely to scratch the pillars H of the power rack P. In particular, if the constricted portion 2 is coated with resin or the like, the pillars H can be adequately protected.

[0017] The shaft 1 may be made of aluminum or chromoly steel, which is suitable for the orthodontic appliance 100 because it is strong and lightweight.

[0018] The shaft 1 may also be provided with a scale so that the position of the hand HN and the distance between the hands HN can be recognized. Furthermore, the shaft 1 may be made of wood, with a through-hole in its center and an iron core inserted inside. This prevents warping, provides a moderate sense of weight, and the wooden surface makes it comfortable to hold. It also provides a natural feel and is less likely to be damaged when hitting surrounding objects.

[0019] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a corrector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 8. This corrector 200 is characterized by the addition of a flat surface 201 to the configuration of the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same as those of the corrector 100 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the flat surface 201 is a strip-like shape that is long in the axial direction and is approximately 10 mm in the short direction. As shown in FIG. 9(b), a similar flat surface 201 is provided on the opposite side, 180 degrees from the axial center, in the circumferential direction.

[0020] The user can identify the gripping position by gripping the device so that the flat surface is in the palm of their hand. Furthermore, by being aware of the flat surface, the posture of the arm is semi-forcefully corrected, allowing the user to maintain correct posture. The width of the flat surface is preferably wide enough to stabilize the palm. Specifically, a width of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less is preferable. The axial length of the flat surface must be at least the width of the palm, and is preferably 150 mm or more and 250 mm or less to accommodate a wide range of users. As the flat surface only needs to be aware of the user, it may be a plane or a surface with a curvature greater than the radius of the shaft 1.

[0021] The flat surface 201 can also be used in place of the constricted portion 2 according to the first embodiment. In this case, the flat surface 201 shown in the figure is positioned closer to both ends of the shaft body 1 (not shown). When the flat surface 201 comes into contact with the pillar H of the power rack P, the circumferential rotation of the flat surface 201 is restricted by the flat surface 201. Therefore, by printing the grip position on the surface of the shaft body 1, the positional relationship between the pillar H of the power rack P and the hand can be determined in the circumferential direction, and the correct posture can be achieved.

[0022] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the shaft 1 may be tapered toward both ends. This tapered shape makes it easier to grip. In this case, the flat surface 201 is relatively long. By making the flat surface 201 long, it can be used to fix the position of the palm and also as a constricted portion. In this case, the flat surface 201 covers the range from the user's grip position to the area where it abuts against the pillar H of the power rack P.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11 , a flange portion 202 may be provided on the end edge. The size of the flange portion 202 can be set to between two and ten times the diameter of the shaft body 1. The outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 202 is protected by an elastic layer of resin or the like. When this correction tool 200 is brought into contact with a normal wall surface for correction, rather than a power rack P, the flange portion 202 maintains the distance between the wall surface and the shaft body 1, and the elastic layer of the flange portion 202 prevents damage to the wall. The flange portion 202 may be structured to be rotatable relative to the shaft body 1. The flange portion 202 can also prevent the correction tool 200 from coming off the column H. By chamfering or rounding the corners HE of the flange portion 202, damage when it hits a surrounding object is reduced.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the shaft 1 may be made thicker toward its ends. In this case, the change occurs from a position 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the way down from the edge of each end. The ends are about 1 to 5% thicker than the center. By gradually thickening the outside, the player can consciously use the little finger. The little finger plays an important role in holding the equipment steadily in tennis and golf, and this is ideal for training the little finger. Furthermore, when force is applied in the direction of spreading the arm A, it can be stabilized to prevent the arm A from spreading.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 13, a flange portion 202 may be provided on the edge, similar to the above.

[0026] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a corrective device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view thereof. This corrective device 300 is composed of a shaft body 1 made of wood, aluminum, or chromoly steel, and ring bodies 301 movably attached to both ends of the shaft body 1. A plurality of holes 302 are formed in the axial direction near the ends of both ends of the shaft body 1. The inner diameter of the ring body 301 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the shaft body 1, allowing the shaft body 1 to be inserted into the ring body 301. A hole 303 is also formed in the ring body 301. With the positions of the hole 303 in the ring body 301 and the hole 302 in the shaft body 1 aligned, a pin 304 is inserted to position and fix the ring body 301 to the shaft body 1.

[0027] The ring body 301 has a slope 301a on one side. The slope 301a allows it to come into soft contact with the hand of the user U. The other side has a vertical surface 301b in the axial direction. This vertical surface 301b abuts against the pillar H of the power rack P. The ring body 301 is made of resin, but it may also be made of wood. The outer diameter of the ring body 301 may be any size as long as it can abut against the pillar H of the power rack P.

[0028] By moving the ring body 301, it can be adjusted to fit the spacing between the pillars H of the power rack P. Also, multiple ring bodies 301 may be attached to one end. Two ring bodies, one for the pillars and one for the hands, may be attached to one end. In this case, it can be adjusted to fit the spacing between the pillars H and the physique of the user U. Furthermore, by providing two ring bodies 301 at one end of the shaft body 1, the constricted portion 2 of embodiment 1 can also be formed.

[0029] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a correction device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This correction device 400 has a configuration in which a sleeve serving as a grip portion 401 is inserted into a rod-shaped shaft 1, and the position is restricted by a stopper 402. As shown in FIG. 16(b), the shaft 1 is provided with a plurality of holes 403 in the axial direction, allowing the stopper 402 to be inserted and fixed. The stopper 402 may be a known fixing pin. The grip portion 401 and the shaft 1 are fitted together to the extent that they can rotate freely. In FIG. 16, the stopper 402 is positioned on the outside of the grip portion 401, but it may also be positioned on the inside.

[0030] In this correction tool 400, the user U grips the grip portion 401 and abuts the vicinity of the edge of the shaft 1 against the pillar H of the power rack P. The step at the end of the grip portion 401 restricts the shaft 1 from moving in the axial direction while abutting against the pillar H. This prevents the correction tool 400 from coming off the power rack P and makes it easier to adjust the left-right balance and front-back balance of the user U. By moving the grip portion 401, it can be adjusted to fit the spacing of the pillars H of the power rack P.

[0031] Furthermore, because the grip portion 401 is designed to rotate freely, the angle of the wrist can be easily changed even when the shaft body 1 is in contact with the pillar H. This makes it easier to naturally assume a corrective posture. In the figure, the stopper 402 is used on the outside, but it can also be used on the inside or on both sides. When used on the inside, axial movement is restricted on the outside by the pillar H and on the inside by the stopper 402, allowing for stable use. The same applies when stoppers 402 are used on both sides.

[0032] 17, flanges 404 may be provided on both ends of the grip portion 401. An inclined surface 404a is formed on the inside of the flange 404. This inclined surface 404a reduces strain on the hand. The outside of the flange 404 is a perpendicular surface 404b with respect to the axial direction. This also makes it easier to abut against the pillar H and facilitates regulation by the stopper 402.

[0033] As shown in Figure 18, an elastic body 405 such as rubber may be placed between the grip portions 401 so that a force is applied to the inside. When correcting posture, the grip portions 401 are held in the posture shown in Figures 4 to 7, and a force is applied so that the hands spread outward in the axial direction. The elastic body 405 restricts the spreading of the hands to resist this force. In other words, since the grip portions 401 will not move to the correct position unless a certain amount of force is applied, by consciously spreading them out, the user can naturally move to the correct posture. Instead of rubber, a spring may also be used.

[0034] (Embodiment 5) FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a corrective device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This corrective device 500 is equipped with a guide mechanism 501 that guides posture correction. The corrective device 500 is made of a rod-shaped shaft 1. At both ends, slide sections 502 are provided that are movable in the axial direction of the pillar H of the power rack P and serve as guides for up and down movement. The slide section 502 is composed of an L-shaped angle 503 that is provided at the end of the shaft 1 and perpendicular to the axial direction. The L-shaped angle 503 fits into the corner HE of the pillar H of the power rack P. A sliding layer such as felt may be provided on the contact surface to facilitate sliding along the pillar H.

[0035] The shaft body 1 is provided with the grip portion 401 and stopper 402 shown in embodiment 4. A posture correction guide mechanism 501 is provided in the center of the shaft body 1. An L-shaped arm 504 extends rearward from the shaft body 1 when in use, with the tip of the arm facing downward and a bending portion 505 provided in the middle that can be freely elastically deformed and bent. The bending portion 505 may have a known structure as long as it is capable of elastic deformation. A protrusion 506 is provided at the tip of the arm 504. The protrusion 506 is the portion that presses against the back of the user U. The length of the arm 504 can be adjusted by an adjustment portion 507. The adjustment portion 507 may have a double shaft structure that is fixed with a bolt.

[0036] The shaft 1 is preferably made of a metal such as aluminum or chromoly steel. The distance between the left and right slide sections 502 is approximately the same as the distance between the pillars of the power rack P. The distance between the pillars of the power rack P varies depending on the product, but is set based on the average pillar H dimension of the power rack P, with some adjustment range provided in the axial direction. Specifically, a known structure in which only one end has a double structure in the axial direction to allow for length adjustment may be used. For example, the inner pipe is fitted into the outer pipe in a normal fit state and secured in place with bolts (not shown).

[0037] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing how to use this corrective device. The corrective device 500 is held with the guide mechanism 501 facing the back. The slide portion 502 is abutted against the corner HE of the pillar H of the power rack P so that the corrective device 500 can be used as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 above. The slide portion 502 abuts against the corner HE of the pillar H, fixing the rotation of the shaft 1, so that the guide mechanism 501 is positioned at a fixed position at the rear. The protrusion 506 of the guide mechanism 501 is then brought into contact with the back of the user U. In this contact state, the bending portion 505 bends and presses against the back of the user U. The user U senses this pressure and determines the state of their posture. If the user senses pressure, it is determined that the upper body J is not sufficiently stretched, and the upper body J is pushed forward until the pressure disappears. This allows the user to determine that the desired posture has been achieved.

[0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a modified example of this corrective device. The guide mechanism 551 is composed of a protruding arm 552, a rotating shaft 553 that slides along the arm 552, a pendulum arm 554 attached to the rotating shaft 553, and a protrusion 555 attached to the tip of the pendulum arm 554. The pendulum arm 554 swings perpendicular to the shaft 1 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). In this configuration, the rotating shaft 553 positions the protrusion 555 at an appropriate position. The protrusion 555 pushes by its own weight. In the usage mode shown in FIG. 20, the user U moves and positions the rotating shaft 553 to fit their body shape, and sets it so that the protrusion 555 pushes their back by its own weight. When used in this state as shown in the figure, the user feels a sensation of the protrusion 555 hitting their back and pushing their back by its own weight. As the upper body J is pushed forward, the feeling of being pushed gradually disappears. In this state, the user U determines that he or she has assumed a desired posture.

[0039] According to the corrective device 500, posture can be checked automatically. In addition, the device is easy to adjust and can be used by any user U.

[0040] Furthermore, a cable attachment to connect to a lat pulldown cable may be provided at the center of the shaft body 1 in the above-described first to fifth embodiments. A specific example is shown in Fig. 22. When the orthodontic devices 100 to 500 are used for lat pulldown, they can be used for this purpose by attaching a cable to the metal fitting 560 for attachment provided at the center.

[0041] (Sixth embodiment) FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram showing a correction system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This correction system 600 includes an image acquisition unit 651 that acquires an image of the posture of the user U, a determination unit 652 that determines the posture of the user U from the image, and a storage unit 653 that stores information such as the acquired image. This correction system 600 is configured from programs for configuring each of the above units and hardware that has the programs installed. The correction system 600 includes a camera 601. The camera 601 may be installed in the hardware.

[0042] FIG. 24 is a layout diagram of the correction system. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the correction system in use. A camera 601 is installed on the right side as viewed from the front of the power rack P. A posture detection board 602 is installed on the left side as viewed from the front of the power rack P. A certain pattern 603 is provided on the surface of the board 602 to clearly define the boundary with the user U. For example, this may be a geometric pattern or dots. A mark consisting of a specific pattern is provided on the edge of the shaft 1 of the correction device 100 to 500 so that it can be easily recognized by the camera 601.

[0043] In this state, the camera 601 continuously captures images of the user U from the head AT to the ankles and the pillars H of the power rack P from the side. The image processing unit 651 acquires and analyzes the images. The boundary between the pattern 603 on the board 602 and the user U is identified to determine the posture of the user U. For posture correction, a vertical center line 604 is set, and this center line 604 is set based on the axial center of the correction device 100 in contact with the pillars H of the power rack P.

[0044] The determination unit 652 determines that the ankle is directly below the corrective devices 100 to 500. If the ankle is detected within a certain range below the shaft body 1, the determination unit 652 determines that the posture is correct. Note that, because the posture of the lower body is fixed, the lower body does not move to the area to the left of the pillar H in the figure (in front of the user U). As the upper body J leans forward using the corrective devices 100 to 500, mainly the head AT and the upper body J near the chest move to the opposite side of the pillar H.

[0045] The determination unit 652 determines how much area is present in the region to the left of the center line 604 in the drawing. In particular, it measures how much of the area around the head AT and chest of the upper body J is present in that region. The area used as the determination criterion is determined based on the proportion of the entire body and the distance from the pillar H.

[0046] When the determination by the determination unit 652 is complete, it can be determined that the user has achieved correct posture. This information is stored in the storage unit 653. The above information is also displayed on the display unit 606. The user can maintain this state for a certain period of time, or repeat the same movement several times. This will correct the user's posture, and the user will be ready for training. By using this correction system 600, the user U can correct their posture. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 100 Orthodontic Appliances 1 shaft body 2. Waist P Power Rack H pillar 600 Correction System

Claims

1. This orthodontic device is characterized by consisting of a rod-shaped shaft body having portions near both ends that abut against the pillars of a power rack or other exercise equipment, and having a narrowed portion formed by varying the diameter at said portions.

2. This orthodontic device is characterized by comprising a rod-shaped shaft body having portions near both ends that are abutted against the pillars of a power rack or other exercise equipment, and having chamfered portions near both ends that are flat or have a surface with a curvature larger than that of the shaft body.

3. This orthodontic device is characterized by comprising a rod-shaped shaft body having portions near both ends that are abutted against the pillars of a power rack or other exercise equipment, and having sleeve-shaped grip portions near both ends where the user grips.

4. 4. The orthodontic device according to claim 1, wherein flanges are provided on both ends of the shaft.

Images