Electrode pad attachment aid

Abstract

An implement for assisting in mounting an electrode pad, the implement being for assisting in mounting an electrode pad on the back-surface side of the lumbosacral area of a person, wherein: the implement includes an elongated plate-form body that has a first surface and a second surface on the side opposite from the first surface and also has a securing part for securing the electrode pad to the first surface, and a grip part that is formed on the longitudinal-direction end section of the plate-form body and is for gripping the plate-form body, the grip part having a line-form finger-catch part for catching a finger on the hand of a user; and the finger-catch part extends in a direction that is inclined toward the inner side of the plate-form body with respect to the vertical direction of the plate-form body, which intersects the longitudinal direction of the plate-form body.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assisting device for assisting in the attachment of an electrode pad to the dorsal side of the lumbosacral region of the human body. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose auxiliary devices for applying patches.

[0003] For example, the auxiliary device in Patent Document 1 comprises a plate-like body having a patch holding portion on which a patch is placed and held, the patch holding portion being bendable between a flat shape and a mountain shape, and a maintaining means is provided for maintaining the patch holding portion folded into a mountain shape. In this configuration, when a patch is placed on the patch holding portion folded into a mountain shape, the ridge of the mountain shape presses the cutting line of the release sheet, making it easy to peel it off. In addition, at this time, the support of the patch is held by the patch holding portion, so it does not wrinkle.

[0004] The auxiliary device of Patent Document 2 comprises a holding part for holding a patch and handle parts connected to both edges of the holding part in a foldable manner, and the holding part and the handle part each have a removable adhesive part. In this configuration, when the handle part is folded so as to overlap the holding part and the patch is sandwiched between them, the adhesive part of the handle part is attached to the partial release sheet of the patch. Therefore, it is possible to peel off the partial release sheet by simply opening the handle part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5442112 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6434119 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] By the way, there is a method for alleviating symptoms of diseases such as urinary disorders by applying electrical stimulation to the lumbosacral region of the human body. In this case, it is necessary to accurately attach an electrode pad for electrical stimulation to the treatment area of ​​the lumbosacral region of the human body, but the patient must turn his / her arm backward to attach it, which is a problem that the attachment work is difficult. In particular, it is difficult for elderly patients and patients who have difficulty turning their arms backward to attach the electrode pad to the treatment area by themselves.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode pad attachment aid that enables electrode pads to be easily attached to treatment areas for electrical stimulation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electrode pad attachment aid for aiding in the attachment of an electrode pad to the dorsal side of the lumbosacral region of the human body, and includes a long, plate-like body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and having a fixing portion for fixing the electrode pad to the first surface, and a gripping portion formed at the longitudinal end of the plate-like body, for gripping the plate-like body, and having a linear finger hook portion for hooking the fingers of a user's hand, and the finger hook portion extends in a direction inclined toward the inside of the plate-like body with respect to the vertical direction of the plate-like body which intersects with the longitudinal direction of the plate-like body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad (with an electrode pad) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad (without an electrode pad) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the auxiliary tool for attaching the electrode pad. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the auxiliary tool for attaching the electrode pad. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the auxiliary tool for attaching the electrode pad. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a development view of the auxiliary tool for attaching the electrode pad. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view (front side) of the electrode pad. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view (rear side) of the electrode pad. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a procedure for using the auxiliary tool for attaching the electrode pad. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9B. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9C. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9D. [Figure 9F] FIG. 9F is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 9E. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the auxiliary device of FIG. 10 in a folded state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for electrode pad attachment according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool for attaching an electrode pad according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a front view of the electrode pad attachment aid of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the electrode pad attachment aid of FIG. [Diagram 23] 23 is a side view of the electrode pad attachment aid of FIG. 19. FIG. [Figure 24] 24 is a rear view of the electrode pad attachment aid of FIG. 19. FIG. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A is a diagram for explaining a procedure for using the auxiliary tool for attaching electrode pads shown in FIG. [Figure 25B] FIG. 25B is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25A. [Figure 25C] FIG. 25C is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25B. [Figure 25D] FIG. 25D is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25C. [Figure 25E] FIG. 25E is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25D. [Figure 25F] FIG. 25F is a diagram for explaining the next step after FIG. 25E. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <Embodiments of the present invention> First, the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

[0011] An electrode pad attachment aid according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electrode pad attachment aid for aiding in the attachment of an electrode pad to the dorsal side of the lumbosacral region of the human body, and includes a long, plate-like body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and having a fixing portion for fixing the electrode pad to the first surface, and a gripping portion formed at the longitudinal end of the plate-like body, for gripping the plate-like body, and having a linear finger hook portion for hooking the fingers of a user's hand, and the finger hook portion extends in a direction inclined toward the inside of the plate-like body with respect to the vertical direction of the plate-like body which intersects with the longitudinal direction of the plate-like body.

[0012] To attach an electrode pad using this electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool, for example, the electrode pad is fixed to the plate-shaped main body by utilizing the fixing portion of the plate-shaped main body. Next, the auxiliary tool with the electrode pad is turned to the back side, and the arm is turned to the back side to hook the finger on the finger hook portion, and the auxiliary tool is grasped. Next, the auxiliary tool is lifted, the position of the electrode pad is adjusted to the treatment part, and then, for example, the arm is turned to the front side to sandwich the electrode pad between the treatment part and the plate-shaped main body and attach the electrode pad. Note that a conductive adhesive gel that can be attached to the skin of the human body may be attached to the electrode pad in advance. This attachment method is merely one example. For example, as described later, in the case where a foamed resin sheet is formed on the plate-shaped main body, the plate-shaped main body may first be attached to the wall surface via the foamed resin sheet, and in the attached state, the operations of fixing the electrode pad, grasping the auxiliary tool, and attaching the electrode pad may be performed.

[0013] According to the electrode pad attachment aid of the embodiment of the present invention, the finger hook is inclined with respect to the up-down direction of the plate-shaped body, so that when the patient turns his / her arm backward to grasp the aid, the patient can grasp the aid without twisting the wrist too much. Therefore, even elderly patients and patients who have difficulty turning their arm backward can easily apply force and easily attach the electrode pad.

[0014] In the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inclination angle of the finger hook with respect to the up-down direction of the plate-like main body may be 30° to 90°.

[0015] In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary device of the present invention, a long, narrow opening is formed at the end of the plate-shaped main body, and the finger hook portion may be formed using an edge portion along the longitudinal direction of the opening.

[0016] According to this configuration, the auxiliary tool can be directly grasped by hooking a finger into the elongated opening formed by processing the plate-shaped body, so that the auxiliary tool does not become unsteady when attaching the electrode pad. Therefore, the electrode pad can be accurately aligned with the treatment part of the human body, so that the electrode pad can be easily attached.

[0017] In the electrode pad attachment auxiliary device of one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio (L2 / L1) of the length L2 of the side of the opening along the short side direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening to the length L1 of the side along the longitudinal direction of the opening may be 1 / 6 to 1 / 2.5.

[0018] In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment aid according to the present invention, the plate-shaped body may be provided with a mark for aligning the plate-shaped body in the vertical direction with the user's iliac crest when the user attaches the electrode pad to the back side of the lumbosacral region.

[0019] According to this configuration, by attaching the electrode pad while aligning the mark with the user's iliac crest, the electrode pad can be accurately positioned in the up-down direction.

[0020] An electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pad placement portion formed on the first surface of the plate-shaped body for placing the electrode pad, and the pad placement portion may be formed thicker than the portions on both sides of the pad placement portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body.

[0021] According to this configuration, when the arm is turned to the front side to sandwich the electrode pad between the treatment part and the plate-like body, the electrode pad can be brought into contact with the treatment part preferentially compared to the part of the plate-like body other than the pad placement part. This allows the force of the plate-like body to be concentrated on the electrode pad, so that the electrode pad can be attached more securely.

[0022] An electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pad placement portion formed on the first surface of the plate-shaped body for placing the electrode pad, and a guide portion formed on both sides of the pad placement portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and formed thicker than the pad placement portion.

[0023] According to this configuration, when fixing the electrode pad to the pad arrangement part, the electrode pad can be easily set by utilizing the guide parts on both sides of the pad arrangement part. Also, since the electrode pad is sandwiched laterally (in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped main body) by the guide parts on both sides of the pad arrangement part, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation of the electrode pad in the lateral direction.

[0024] An electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention is for an electrode pad having an attachment portion at its upper end with an opening formed therein, and the fixing portion may be formed at the upper end of the pad placement portion and include an insertion portion for fixing the electrode pad by inserting it into the opening of the attachment portion.

[0025] According to this configuration, the electrode pad can be fixed simply by inserting the insertion portion of the plate-shaped body into the opening of the electrode pad, which simplifies the preparation for attaching the electrode pad.

[0026] In an electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped body may include a center portion that holds the electrode pad, and a pair of side portions that are arranged on either side of the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and are integrally connected to the center portion so as to be freely foldable.

[0027] According to this configuration, the assisting device can be made compact by folding the pair of side parts when not in use, thereby improving the storability of the assisting device.

[0028] In an electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side portions include a first side portion and a second side portion arranged at a different level from the first side portion in the vertical direction of the plate-shaped main body, and the first side portion and the second side portion may have shapes that do not overlap with each other when folded onto the center portion.

[0029] According to this configuration, the first side portion and the second side portion can be folded so as not to overlap each other, so that the thickness of the auxiliary device can be kept relatively thin even after the first side portion and the second side portion are folded, thereby further improving the storability of the auxiliary device.

[0030] In the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped main body may be made of cardboard.

[0031] According to this configuration, since the auxiliary tool is made of cardboard and is relatively lightweight, the electrode pads can be easily attached using the auxiliary tool, and the auxiliary tool can be easily carried.

[0032] An electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention is for an electrode pad having an attachment portion at its upper end with an opening formed therein, and includes a folded portion that is integrally connected to the plate-shaped main body via a connecting portion and folded back toward the first surface side of the plate-shaped main body, and the folded portion may include a pad placement portion for placing the electrode pad, and an insertion portion formed at the upper end of the pad placement portion and for fixing the electrode pad by inserting it into the opening in the attachment portion.

[0033] According to this configuration, the pad placement portion is formed at a higher position with respect to the first surface than the portion of the plate-shaped body other than the pad placement portion due to the folding structure of the folding portion. Therefore, when the arm is turned to the front side to sandwich the electrode pad between the treatment portion and the plate-shaped body, the electrode pad can be brought into contact with the treatment portion preferentially compared to the portion of the plate-shaped body other than the pad placement portion. This allows the force of the sandwiching from the plate-shaped body to be concentrated on the electrode pad, so that the electrode pad can be attached more reliably. In addition, the electrode pad can be fixed simply by inserting the insertion portion of the plate-shaped body into the opening of the electrode pad, so that the preparation for attaching the electrode pad can be simplified.

[0034] In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to the present invention, the plate-shaped body may include a line-shaped marker formed on the upper edge of the plate-shaped body along the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and in a color different from that of other parts of the plate-shaped body.

[0035] According to this configuration, the electrode pad can be attached while aligning the linear mark with the iliac crest of the user, so that the electrode pad can be accurately positioned in the vertical direction. In addition, the linear mark is formed in a color different from the other parts of the plate-like body and is formed on the upper edge of the plate-like body. Therefore, the linear mark can be easily seen while holding the auxiliary device.

[0036] In the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped main body may be made of foamed plastic.

[0037] According to this configuration, since the auxiliary tool is made of foamed plastic and is relatively lightweight, the electrode pads can be easily attached using the auxiliary tool, and the auxiliary tool can be easily carried.

[0038] The electrode pad attaching auxiliary device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a foamed resin sheet formed on the second surface of the plate-shaped main body.

[0039] According to this configuration, the auxiliary device can be attached and fixed to a wall surface, so that the user can easily attach the electrode pads by himself or herself.

[0040] In one embodiment of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to the present invention, an opening is formed at the lower end of the plate-shaped body, and the opening may include an opening for attaching an elongated height adjustment member for adjusting the height of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary device from the floor surface.

[0041] According to this configuration, the height of the auxiliary device can be easily adjusted by aligning the end of the height adjustment member (for example, a linear member such as a string) attached to the opening with the floor surface and adjusting the length of the height adjustment member, and then adjusting the height so that the end of the height adjustment member touches the floor surface from the next time onwards. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention (First embodiment) Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are schematic perspective views of an auxiliary device 100 for wearing an electrode pad 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows the auxiliary device 100 with the electrode pad 2 attached, and Fig. 2 shows the auxiliary device 100 alone. Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of the auxiliary device 100. Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the auxiliary device 100. Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the auxiliary device 100.

[0043] The auxiliary tool 100 assists in the attachment of an electrode pad 2 used in, for example, electrical stimulation treatment. Electrical stimulation treatment using the electrode pad 2 can treat urinary and defecation disorders, for example, by applying electrical stimulation to the sacral plexus and pudendal nerves of the person being treated 3 (see Figs. 9C to 9F). Therefore, the electrode pad 2 needs to be attached to a certain area (treatment portion 4 described below) facing the sacrum on the back side of the lumbosacral region of the person being treated 3.

[0044] The auxiliary device 100 includes a plate-shaped body 1 having a first surface 5 and a second surface 6 opposite to the first surface 5. The first surface 5 is a surface on which the electrode pads 2 are placed (the surface facing the treatment area 4 of the person being treated 3), and the second surface 6 is an outer surface of the plate-shaped body 1. The first surface 5 and the second surface 6 of the plate-shaped body 1 may be referred to as the inner surface and the outer surface of the plate-shaped body 1, respectively.

[0045] The plate-shaped main body 1 can be formed from various sheet-shaped industrial materials. Examples of such sheet-shaped materials include cardboard such as cardboard paper and coated cardboard, plastic sheets, plastic cardboard, and foamed resin sheets. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body 1 is formed by overlapping a first plate member 7 and a second plate member 8 made of cardboard paper. The outer surface of the first plate member 7 forms the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1, and the outer surface of the second plate member 8 forms the second surface 6 of the plate-shaped main body 1. The inner surfaces of the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8 face each other.

[0046] The plate-shaped body 1 may be formed by stacking a plurality of different industrial sheets. The thickness of the plate-shaped body 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has the strength to maintain the shape of the plate-shaped body 1 after the electrode pads 2 are fixed, and is, for example, about 3 mm to 15 mm. When a plurality of sheets are stacked as in this embodiment, the thickness of the plate-shaped body 1 may be the total thickness of the plurality of sheets. For example, in this embodiment, the thickness of each of the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8 is about 5 mm, and the total thickness of the plate-shaped body 1 is about 10 mm.

[0047] The plate-like body 1 is formed in an elongated shape with a horizontal length longer than a vertical length, and is used by aligning the longitudinal direction X (horizontal direction) of the plate-like body 1 around the lumbosacral region of the person to be treated 3. When in use, the short side direction (vertical direction) of the plate-like body 1 becomes the up-down direction Y that is almost parallel to the spinal direction A (see Figs. 9C to 9F) of the person to be treated 3, so in the following description, the short side direction of the plate-like body 1 may be referred to as the "up-down direction Y of the plate-like body 1." The length La of the plate-like body 1 in the longitudinal direction X is, for example, 80 cm to 100 cm, and the length Lb of the plate-like body 1 in the up-down direction Y is, for example, 15 cm to 30 cm.

[0048] In this embodiment, the plate-like main body 1 is formed in a long strip shape with the upper portions of both ends in the longitudinal direction X cut. More specifically, the plate-like main body 1 has a pair of long sides 9, 10 that are parallel to each other and extend along the longitudinal direction X, and a pair of short sides 11 that are parallel to each other and extend along the up-down direction Y. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of long sides 9, 10 includes a relatively short upper long side 9 and a relatively longer lower long side 10 than the upper long side 9, and includes a pair of oblique sides 12 connecting the upper long side 9 and the pair of short sides 11. The pair of oblique sides 12 are inclined at an angle θ1 of, for example, 30° to 60° with respect to the short side 11.

[0049] A first opening 13 is formed at each end of the plate-shaped main body 1 in the longitudinal direction X. The first opening 13 is formed penetrating the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8. The portion of the plate-shaped main body 1 sandwiched between the first opening 13 and the oblique side portion 12 is a grip portion 14.

[0050] The person to be treated 3 (user of the auxiliary tool 100) can hold the auxiliary tool 100 by gripping the gripping portion 14 with four fingers of the hand through the first opening 13. In this embodiment, the first opening 13 is formed in an elongated shape and is defined by a pair of long side portions 15 along the longitudinal direction of the first opening 13 and a pair of short side portions 16 along the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The ratio (L2 / L1) of the length L2 of the short side portion 16 of the first opening 13 to the length L1 of the long side portion 15 of the first opening 13 is, for example, 1 / 6 to 1 / 2.5. Since the first opening 13 is formed in an elongated shape, the auxiliary tool 100 is easy for the person to be treated 3 to hold.

[0051] The elongated first opening 13 is formed to extend along the oblique side portion 12 of the plate-shaped body 1. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the first opening 13 is parallel or nearly parallel to the oblique side portion 12. More specifically, the first opening 13 is formed to extend from the lower side to the upper side of the plate-shaped body 1 and to be inclined toward the inside of the plate-shaped body 1 from the lower end (one short side portion 16) to the upper end (the other short side portion 16). As a result, of the pair of long sides 15 of the first opening 13, the upper long side portion 15 (finger hook portion 17) on which four fingers are hooked during use extends in a direction inclined toward the inside of the plate-shaped body 1 with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1.

[0052] Finger hook portion 17 is inclined at an angle θ2 of 30° to 60° with respect to short side portion 11 of plate-shaped main body 1. In this embodiment, lower long side portion 10 intersects with each short side portion 11 at a right angle, and since short side portions 11 are approximately parallel to spinal direction A (see Figs. 9C to 9F) of subject 3 when electrode pad 2 is attached, angle θ2 is defined based on short side portions 11.

[0053] However, in addition to being defined with respect to the short side 11, the angle θ2 may also be defined with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1 (for example, a direction parallel to the spinal direction A of the person to be treated 3 when the electrode pad 2 is attached using the auxiliary tool 100). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a virtual axis 18 that is parallel to the spinal direction A of the person to be treated 3 during use may be set, and the angle θ2 may be defined with respect to the virtual axis 18. Note that, although the angle θ2 is set to 30° to 60° in this embodiment, it is not particularly limited as long as it is inclined (including 90°) with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped body 1.

[0054] The first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1 is folded back at an upper long side 9 of the plate-shaped main body 1 to form a folded back portion 21 that is integrally connected to the upper long side 9 via a connecting portion 20 .

[0055] The folded portion 21 is a plate integral with the plate-shaped main body 1. As a result, the area of ​​the plate-shaped main body 1 where the folded portion 21 is arranged is formed thicker than the portions on both sides of the folded portion 21 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1. Note that the configuration for selectively thickening the plate-shaped main body 1, such as the folded portion 21, does not have to be integral with the plate-shaped main body 1, and may be, for example, an industrial sheet laminated by adhesion or the like on the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1. In addition, the laminated industrial sheet and the folded portion 21 are portions that selectively protrude from the plate-shaped main body 1, and may therefore be referred to as convex portions.

[0056] In this embodiment, the folded portion 21 integrally includes a pad placement portion 22 and an insert portion 23 as an example of a fixing portion of the present invention.

[0057] The pad placement portion 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and the connecting portion 20 is integrally connected to a part of the upper end portion of the pad placement portion 22. Meanwhile, the insert portion 23 extends from another part of the upper end portion of the pad placement portion 22 separately from the connecting portion 20. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 20 extends from the center of the upper end portion of the pad placement portion 22, and a pair of insert portions 23 extend from both sides of the connecting portion 20 at the upper end portion of the pad placement portion 22. The connecting portion 20 is sandwiched between the pair of insert portions 23 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-like main body 1. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 20 and the pair of insert portions 23 are separated by a linear slit 24.

[0058] A claw portion 26 is integrally formed at the lower end of the pad arrangement portion 22 and inserted into a second opening 25 formed in the lower long side portion 10 of the plate-like main body 1. By inserting the claw portion 26 into the second opening 25 and folding the claw portion 26 back upward to hook it, the folded-back portion 21 can be prevented from separating from the first surface 5 of the plate-like main body 1.

[0059] The plate-shaped main body 1 also includes a center portion 27 and a pair of side portions 28, 29 integrally connected to the center portion 27 so as to be freely bendable. The pair of side portions 28, 29 are disposed on both sides of the center portion 27 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1. For example, the side portion on the left side as viewed from the front is the first side portion 28, and the side portion on the right side as viewed from the front is the second side portion 29. The first side portion 28 and the second side portion 29 are connected over the entire side edge portion 30 of the center portion 27, and have a shape symmetrical with respect to the center portion 27. The folded portion 21 is formed in the center portion 27, and one grip portion 14 is formed in each of the side portions 28, 29.

[0060] A first fold line 31 that connects the upper long side 9 and the lower long side 10 of the plate-shaped main body 1 is formed between the center portion 27 and the pair of side portions 28, 29. The first fold line 31 coincides with the side portion 30 of the center portion 27.

[0061] Each of the pair of side portions 28, 29 can be folded inwardly at the first folding line 31 so as to face the first plate member 7. In this embodiment, the length Lc of the center portion 27 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-like main body 1 is longer than the length Ls of each of the side portions 28, 29. For example, the length Lc of the center portion 27 may be 29 cm to 34 cm, and the length Ls of each of the side portions 28, 29 may be 25 cm to 30 cm.

[0062] A mark 32 is formed on the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1. The mark 32 is an indicator for aligning the position of the plate-shaped body 1 in the up-down direction Y by aligning it with the iliac crest 33 (see FIG. 9D) of the patient 3 when the patient 3 attaches the electrode pad 2 to the back side of the lumbosacral region.

[0063] In this embodiment, the mark 32 is formed in a line shape (strip shape) extending on each side portion 28, 29 along the longitudinal direction X of the plate-like body 1. The line-shaped mark 32 is formed so as to extend from the first fold line portion 31 to both ends in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-like body 1 (in this embodiment, a pair of oblique sides 12). Therefore, when wearing the electrode pad 2, the patient 3 can align the line-shaped mark 32 visible near the oblique sides 12 with his / her own iliac crest 33, thereby aligning the position of the plate-like body 1 in the up-down direction Y.

[0064] 6 is a development view of the assistive device 100. Next, a method for producing the assistive device 100 will be described.

[0065] To manufacture the above-described assistive device 100, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, a single material sheet 34 is prepared, which includes a first plate member 7, a second plate member 8, and a folded-back portion 21 that are integrally connected to one another. In this embodiment, the material sheet 34 is prepared by punching a cardboard into a predetermined shape.

[0066] Next, by bending the connecting portion 20, the folded-back portion 21 is folded toward the first surface 5 of the first plate member 7, and the claw portion 26 is inserted into the second opening 25 of the first plate member 7 and folded back upward. As a result, the claw portion 26 is caught on the first plate member 7, and the folded-back portion 21 is fixed to the first plate member 7.

[0067] Next, the second plate member 8 is folded in the opposite direction to the folded-back portion 21, with the second folding line portion 35 between the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8 as the boundary.

[0068] Finally, the insertion portion 23 of the folded-back portion 21 is folded forward so that the insertion portion 23 stands upright on the surface of the pad placement portion 22. In this way, the above-mentioned auxiliary device 100 is obtained.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view (front side) of the electrode pad 2. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view (rear side) of the electrode pad 2. Next, an example of the electrode pad 2 that can be used in the above-mentioned assistive device 100 will be shown.

[0070] The electrode pad 2 includes a sheet body 36, an indifferent electrode 37, and a pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B.

[0071] The sheet body 36 is made of a flexible material that can bend in accordance with the bending of the patient 3 when the patient 3 bends (moves). In this embodiment, the sheet body 36 is made of an insulating flat sheet member having a first surface 39 that faces the skin of the patient 3 and a second surface 40 opposite to the first surface 39.

[0072] Examples of materials for the sheet body 36 include insulating materials such as resin films, nonwoven fabrics, and paper. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In this embodiment, the sheet body 36 is formed of a single injection-molded sheet made of silicone resin.

[0073] A recess 41 and recesses 42A, 42B are formed on the first surface 39 of the sheet body 36, in which the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are respectively placed. The indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are respectively placed in the recess 41 and the recesses 42A, 42B. On the first surface 39 of the sheet body 36, a protrusion 43 and protrusions 44A, 44B are formed around the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B, respectively.

[0074] The protruding portion 43 is formed at an appropriate position along the outer edge of the indifferent electrode 37, and surrounds the indifferent electrode 37. As a result, a region 45 surrounded by the protruding portion 43 is formed on the indifferent electrode 37, and a conductive adhesive pad (not shown) can be placed in the region 45.

[0075] The protrusions 44A and 44B are formed at appropriate positions along the outer edges of the stimulation electrodes 38A and 38B, respectively, and surround the stimulation electrodes 38A and 38B. As a result, regions 46A and 46B surrounded by the protrusions 44A and 44B are formed on the stimulation electrodes 38A and 38B, and conductive adhesive pads (not shown) can be placed in the regions 46A and 46B.

[0076] A first terminal 47 is integrally provided on the second surface 40 of the sheet body 36. The first terminal 47 is electrically connected to the indifferent electrode 37 on the first surface 39 of the sheet body 36, for example, by a lead wire (not shown). Second terminals 48A, 48B are integrally provided on the second surface 40 of the sheet body 36. The second terminals 48A, 48B are electrically connected to a pair of stimulation electrodes 38A, 38B on the first surface 39 of the sheet body 36, for example, by a lead wire (not shown).

[0077] An attachment portion 49 is provided integrally with the upper end portion of the sheet body 36. A total of two attachment portions 49 are provided, one on each end of the upper end portion of the sheet body 36. Each attachment portion 49 is formed in a square ring shape having an opening 50. The electrode pad 2 can be fixed to the auxiliary device 100 by inserting the insertion portion 23 of the auxiliary device 100 described above into the opening 50 of the attachment portion 49.

[0078] To manufacture the electrode pad 2 as described above, for example, first, the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are molded by compression molding. Next, the obtained indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are inserted into a mold as insert members, and the material of the sheet body 36 (silicone resin in this embodiment) is filled into the mold. This allows the electrode pad 2 to be obtained as an insert molded product.

[0079] However, the method of manufacturing the electrode pad 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned insert molding, and may be, for example, a method in which the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B, and the sheet body 36 are manufactured as separate molded products, and then the indifferent electrode 37 and the pair of stimulating electrodes 38A, 38B are fitted into the recess 41 and the recesses 42A, 42B of the sheet body 36, respectively.

[0080] 9A to 9F are diagrams for explaining the procedure for using the auxiliary tool 100 for attaching the electrode pad 2. Fig. 9C and Fig. 9E show the back side of the person to be treated 3, and Fig. 9D and Fig. 9F show the front side of the person to be treated 3.

[0081] To attach the electrode pad 2 to the patient 3 using the above-mentioned auxiliary tool 100, for example, first, as shown in Fig. 9A, the insertion part 23 of the folded part 21 is folded forward so that the insertion part 23 stands upright on the surface of the pad placement part 22. This operation may be performed when assembling the auxiliary tool 100, in which case it is possible to omit standing the insertion part 23 upright when using the auxiliary tool 100.

[0082] Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, the opening 50 of the attachment portion 49 of the electrode pad 2 is inserted into the insertion portion 23 of the auxiliary device 100 to fix the electrode pad 2 to the auxiliary device 100. At this time, the electrode pad 2 is firmly inserted into the insertion portion 23 until the back surface of the electrode pad 2 hits the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1. The electrode pad 2 is fixed to the auxiliary device 100 at its upper end, while its lower end is free and separable from the auxiliary device 100. In other words, the electrode pad 2 may be fixed in a state where it is hooked on the auxiliary device 100. A cable (not shown) for connecting to an electrical stimulation treatment device (not shown) may be connected to the electrode pad 2 in advance.

[0083] In this way, the electrode pad 2 can be fixed simply by inserting the electrode pad 2 into the insertion portion 23 of the plate-shaped body 1, which simplifies the preparation for attaching the electrode pad 2. Note that a conductive adhesive gel or the like that can be attached to the skin of the person to be treated 3 is attached in advance to the electrode pad 2, for example, in the areas 45, 46A, and 46B (see FIG. 8).

[0084] Next, as shown in FIG. 9C , the auxiliary device 100 with the electrode pad 2 is placed on a table 67 such as a desk, and the arm is turned to the back side, four fingers 51 are placed on the finger hook portion 17, and the auxiliary device 100 is grasped by gripping the gripping portion 14.

[0085] Next, as shown in Fig. 9D, the auxiliary tool 100 is lifted, and with a space 66 provided between the auxiliary tool 100 and the buttocks, the electrode pad 2 is aligned with the electrical stimulation treatment area 4. In this embodiment, the position of the plate-shaped main body 1 in the vertical direction Y is aligned by aligning the linear mark 32 with the patient's own iliac crest 33. By attaching the electrode pad 2 while aligning the mark 32 with the iliac crest 33 of the patient 3, the position of the electrode pad 2 in the vertical direction Y can be accurately aligned.

[0086] Next, as shown in FIG. 9E, the pair of side portions 28, 29 are folded and pressed against the lumbosacral region, and the center 68 in the spinal direction A of the person being treated 3 is aligned with the center 69 of the central portion 27, thereby aligning the position of the electrode pad 2 in the left-right direction X.

[0087] 9F, the arm is pushed forward to pull the auxiliary tool 100 forward, and the electrode pad 2 is sandwiched between the treatment part 4 and the plate-like main body 1 to press down the electrode pad 2. This causes the electrode pad 2 to be attached (attached) to the treatment part 4.

[0088] 1 to 3, the finger hook 17 of the auxiliary tool 100 is inclined with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-like main body 1, so that when the patient turns his / her arm backward to grasp the auxiliary tool 100 as shown in Figs. 9C to 9F, the patient can grasp the auxiliary tool 100 without twisting the wrist too much. Therefore, even elderly patients and patients who have difficulty turning their arms backward can easily apply force and can easily attach the electrode pad 2.

[0089] In addition, the auxiliary tool 100 can be directly grasped by hooking the four fingers 51 into the first opening 13 formed by punching the plate-like body 1, which prevents the auxiliary tool 100 from wobbling when attaching the electrode pad 2. Therefore, the electrode pad 2 can be accurately aligned with the treatment area 4, so that the electrode pad 2 can be easily attached.

[0090] 1 and 2, the pad placement portion 22 is a convex portion that selectively protrudes from the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1. Therefore, when the arm is pushed forward to sandwich the electrode pad 2 between the treatment portion 4 and the plate-shaped body 1 as shown in FIG. 9F, the electrode pad 2 can be brought into contact with the treatment portion 4 preferentially compared to the portion of the plate-shaped body 1 other than the pad placement portion 22. This allows the force of the plate-shaped body 1 to be concentrated on the electrode pad 2, so that the electrode pad 2 can be attached more reliably.

[0091] 1 to 3, the plate-like main body 1 includes a center portion 27 and a pair of side portions 28, 29 integrally connected to the center portion 27 so as to be freely foldable. Therefore, when the auxiliary device 100 is not in use, the auxiliary device 100 can be made compact by, for example, folding the first side portion 28 onto the center portion 27 and then folding the second side portion 29 onto the first side portion 28. This improves the storability of the auxiliary device 100.

[0092] Furthermore, since the pair of side portions 28, 29 are formed to be the same length on the left and right, the center 68 in the spinal direction A of the subject 3 can be easily aligned with the center 69 of the central portion 27 by simply bending the pair of side portions 28, 29 and pressing them against the lumbosacral region as shown in Figure 9E.

[0093] Furthermore, since the auxiliary tool 100 is made of cardboard and is relatively lightweight, the electrode pad 2 can be easily attached using the auxiliary tool 100, and the auxiliary tool 100 can be easily carried around. Second embodiment Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 10 in a folded state.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the first side portion 28 and the second side portion 29 are connected to the entire side portion 30 of the center portion 27, and have a shape symmetrical with respect to the center portion 27.

[0095] 10, the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are arranged at different levels in the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1. In addition, the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are shaped so that they do not overlap with each other when folded onto the center portion 27.

[0096] More specifically, the center portion 27 has a pair of long sides 54 along the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1, and a pair of side edges 55, 56 connecting the pair of long sides 54. The pair of side edges 55, 56 includes a first side edge 55 on the first side portion 52 side and a second side edge 56 on the second side portion 53 side.

[0097] For example, the first side portion 52 is connected to a part of the first side edge portion 55, and the second side portion 53 is connected to a portion of the second side edge portion 56 that does not face the first side edge portion 55, thereby forming a step between the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53. In this embodiment, the first side portion 52 is connected to approximately the upper half of the first side edge portion 55, and the second side portion 53 is connected to approximately the lower half of the second side edge portion 56. The first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are formed in the same rectangular shape.

[0098] 11, when the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are folded onto the center portion 27, they do not overlap each other. Therefore, the thickness of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 after folding is equivalent to three material sheets 34 in the above-mentioned embodiment, whereas in this embodiment, it is equivalent to two material sheets 34. As a result, the thickness of the auxiliary device 100 can be kept relatively thin, and the storability of the auxiliary device 100 can be further improved.

[0099] Moreover, since the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are arranged at different levels, the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 may overlap in the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1, the area for the first side portion 52 and the area for the second side portion 53 can be secured over the entire length from the first side edge portion 55 to the second side edge portion 56 of the center portion 27. As a result, the degree of freedom in the length of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 is increased, so that the length of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 can be adjusted according to the body type, range of motion of the arm, etc. of the person to be treated 3.

[0100] Furthermore, in this case, the side edges 57, 58 of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 in the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1 may protrude from the first side edge portion 55 and the second side edge portion 56 of the center portion 27 when folded. In other words, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the length Lc of the center portion 27 in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1 was longer than the length Ls of each of the side portions 28, 29, but in this embodiment, the length Ls of each of the side portions 52, 53 may be longer than the length Lc of the center portion 27.

[0101] Meanwhile, by arranging the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 at different levels, the length of the side edges 57, 58 of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 in the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1 is shorter than the combined length (height) of the short side portion 11 and the oblique side portion 12 in the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, each first opening 13 is formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped main body 1. Therefore, the finger hook portion 17 is inclined at an angle θ2 of 90° with respect to the side edges 57, 58 of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53.

[0102] Under the condition that the lengths of the side portions 57, 58 of the first side portion 52 and the second side portion 53 are restricted, the first opening 13 can be formed along the longitudinal direction X of the plate-shaped body 1, thereby forming a first opening 13 large enough to insert all four fingers of the person to be treated 3. Third embodiment FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the pad placement portion 22 is a protrusion that selectively protrudes from the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1 .

[0104] 12, a pair of folded-back portions 59 spaced apart from each other are formed on the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1, and a pad placement portion 60 is formed between the pair of folded-back portions 59. The pair of folded-back portions 59 may be integrally connected to the upper end portion of the plate-shaped body 1 as shown in FIG. 12, for example, or may be formed on the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped body 1 by adhesion or the like. In this case, the insertion portion 23 may be directly connected to the upper end portion of the plate-shaped body 1, separate from the pair of folded-back portions 59.

[0105] As a result, in the plate-shaped main body 1, the arrangement area of ​​the pair of folded-back portions 59 is formed thicker than the pad arrangement portion 60. In other words, the pad arrangement portion 60 is a recess that is selectively recessed in the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1.

[0106] As a result, when the electrode pad 2 is fixed to the pad arrangement section 60, the electrode pad 2 can be easily set using the folded-back sections 59 on both sides of the pad arrangement section 60 as guide sections. In addition, since the electrode pad 2 is sandwiched laterally (in the longitudinal direction X of the plate-like main body 1) by the folded-back sections 59, it is possible to reduce positional deviation of the electrode pad 2 in the lateral direction. (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the line-shaped mark 32 is formed as a mark for aligning the plate-shaped main body 1 in the up-down direction Y.

[0108] In contrast, in the auxiliary tool 100 shown in Fig. 13, the second marks 61 are formed by cutting out the outer ends of the linear marks 32. When attaching the electrode pad 2, the patient 3 can align the position of the plate-like body 1 in the up-down direction Y by, for example, placing his or her thumb on the second mark 61 and aligning the thumb with his or her own iliac crest 33. Note that, although both the linear marks 32 and the second marks 61 are formed in Fig. 13, when the second marks 61 are formed, the linear marks 32 may be omitted. Fifth embodiment FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the plate-like main body 1 is formed in a long strip shape with the upper portions of both ends in the longitudinal direction X cut off.

[0110] In contrast, in the assistive device 100 shown in Fig. 14, the upper portions of both ends of the plate-shaped main body 1 are not cut, and the plate-shaped main body 1 is formed in a rectangular shape. Even with this configuration, the finger hook portion 17 is inclined with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1, so that when the arm is turned toward the back side to grasp the assistive device 100 as shown in Figs. 9C to 9F, the assistive device 100 can be grasped without twisting the wrist too much. Sixth embodiment FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] 15, a reinforcing member 62 is attached to the edge of the first opening 13. The reinforcing member 62 may be a molded product made of general-purpose plastic (resin) such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, etc., such as a tape used for reinforcement, such as a cloth adhesive tape.

[0112] In the case of a molded product, the reinforcing member 62 is formed in a ring shape that matches the first opening 13, and a groove is formed over the entire outer periphery. The reinforcing member 62 can be fixed to the first opening 13 by fitting this groove into the sides (long side 15 and short side 16) of the first opening 13. On the other hand, in the case of a tape, the tape can be cut into an appropriate shape and attached so as to span both sides of the sides of the first opening 13. As a result, the finger hook 17 is covered and reinforced with the reinforcing member 62. In this case, the person to be treated 3 indirectly hooks his / her finger on the finger hook 17 via the reinforcing member 62 in FIG. 9C. Seventh embodiment FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] In the assistive device 100 shown in Fig. 16, a claw portion 19 is integrally formed on the upper long side portion 15 (finger hook portion 17) of the first opening 13 of the first plate member 7. In this embodiment, the claw portion 19 has the same shape as the first opening 13. By extending the claw portion 19 to the outside of the second plate member 8 through the first opening 13 and folding the claw portion 19 back upward to hook it, the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8 can be prevented from separating from each other. Eighth embodiment FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] 17, a plate-shaped magnet 63 is attached to the second surface 6 (rear surface) of the plate-shaped main body 1. The plate-shaped magnet 63 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape, and is fixed to the plate-shaped main body 1 by inserting each corner of the plate-shaped magnet 63 into four notches 65 formed in the plate-shaped main body 1. This allows the auxiliary device 100 to be attached to a refrigerator, a steel shelf, or the like via the magnet 63 and stored when the auxiliary device 100 is not in use, for example. Ninth embodiment FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary tool 100 for attaching an electrode pad 2 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] In the auxiliary device 100 shown in Fig. 18, a usage procedure 64 for the auxiliary device 100 is attached to the first surface 5 (rear surface) of the plate-shaped main body 1. The usage procedure 64 may illustrate, for example, the procedures shown in Figs. 9A to 9F. Since the usage procedure 64 is attached to the first surface 5 side of the plate-shaped main body 1, the person to be treated 3 can attach the electrode pad 2 while looking at the usage procedure 64. Tenth embodiment Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of an electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the insertion portion 23 is folded. Fig. 21 is a front view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 19. Fig. 22 is a plan view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 19. Fig. 23 is a side view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 19. Fig. 24 is a rear view of the electrode pad attachment auxiliary tool 100 of Fig. 19.

[0116] 19 to 24, the plate-shaped main body 1 is formed of a plate-shaped foamed plastic. Examples of foamed plastic materials include various foamed plastics such as foamed propylene and foamed polyethylene that can be folded at the first fold line 31. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped main body 1 is composed of a single plate-shaped member 70, unlike the first to ninth embodiments in which the plate-shaped main body 1 includes a first plate-shaped member 7 and a second plate-shaped member 8.

[0117] The plate-shaped body 1 may include, in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body 1, a first region 71 in which the pad arrangement portion 22 is arranged, a second region 72 in which the grip portion 14 is arranged, and a third region 73 between the first region 71 and the second region 72. The first region 71 may be the center portion 27 in this embodiment.

[0118] An upper edge 731 of the third region 73 is recessed toward the lower end side of the plate-shaped body 1 with respect to an upper edge 711 of the first region 71 and an upper edge 721 of the second region 72. In other words, the first region 71 and the second region 72 of the plate-shaped body 1 may have a first convex portion 712 and a second convex portion 722, respectively, that selectively protrude with respect to the upper edge 731 of the third region 73. The third region 73 may have a recess 732 that is selectively recessed with respect to the upper edge 711 of the first region 71 and the upper edge 721 of the second region 72.

[0119] The line-shaped mark 32 is formed on the upper edge 731 of the third region 73. In this embodiment, the line-shaped mark 32 is selectively formed on the first surface 5 side of the plate-shaped body 1, and its upper end coincides with the upper edge 731 of the third region 73. As described above, the line-shaped mark 32 is an indicator for aligning the position of the plate-shaped body 1 in the up-down direction Y by aligning it with the iliac crest 33 of the patient 3 when the patient 3 attaches the electrode pad 2 to the back side of the lumbosacral region. On the other hand, the height of the iliac crest 33 (the height of the mark 32) is lower than the height of the upper end (the position of the attachment part 49) of the electrode pad 2 in the state attached to the patient 3. Therefore, by forming a recess 732 in the third region 73 of the plate-shaped body 1, the line-shaped mark 32 can be exposed as a part of the upper edge of the plate-shaped body 1. This makes it easier to visually recognize the mark 32 from above even when the auxiliary tool 100 is held.

[0120] Moreover, the linear mark 32 may be formed in a color different from that of the other parts of the plate-shaped body 1. The other parts of the plate-shaped body 1 may mean, for example, a flat portion 74 in the plate-shaped portion 1 where three-dimensional structures such as the pad placement portion 22 and the grip portion 14 are not formed. In this embodiment, the flat portion 74 is formed in white, and the mark 32 is formed in blue.

[0121] In addition, in the auxiliary tool 100, a reinforcing member 75 is attached to the edge of the first opening 13. The reinforcing member 75 may be a molded product made of a general-purpose plastic (resin) such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride. The reinforcing member 75 is formed in a ring shape that matches the first opening 13, and a groove is formed over the entire outer periphery. The reinforcing member 75 can be fixed to the first opening 13 by fitting this groove into the first opening 13 (see FIG. 23). When the reinforcing member 75 is provided, the person to be treated 3 indirectly puts his / her finger on the finger hook portion 17 via the reinforcing member 75 in FIG. 25D described later. In addition, the reinforcing member 75 may be called a handle because it is a part that the person to be treated 3 holds directly.

[0122] An opening 76 is formed at the lower end of the pad placement portion 22. The opening 76 is an opening for attaching a string 77 for adjusting the height of the assistive device 100 from the floor surface, as shown in Fig. 25C described later.

[0123] The auxiliary device 100 of Figs. 19 to 24 further includes a foamed adhesive sheet 78 formed on the second surface 6 of the plate-shaped main body 1. As the foamed adhesive sheet 78, any known foamed adhesive sheet such as an acrylic resin or an ethylene resin can be used as long as it is a resin sheet that can be repeatedly attached to and removed from a smooth surface. The foamed adhesive sheet may also be called a foamed adsorption sheet. In this embodiment, the foamed adhesive sheet 78 is formed on the second surface 6 of the center portion 27 of the plate-shaped main body 1 as shown in Fig. 24. The foamed adhesive sheet 78 faces the pad placement portion 22 across the plate-shaped main body 1.

[0124] 25A to 25F are diagrams for explaining a procedure for using the assistive device 100 according to the tenth embodiment.

[0125] To attach the electrode pad 2 to the patient 3 using the auxiliary tool 100 according to the tenth embodiment, for example, first, as shown in Fig. 25A, the insertion part 23 of the folded part 21 is folded forward so that the insertion part 23 stands upright on the surface of the pad placement part 22. This operation may be performed when assembling the auxiliary tool 100, in which case it is possible to omit standing the insertion part 23 upright when using the auxiliary tool 100.

[0126] Next, as shown in FIG. 25B, the opening 50 of the attachment portion 49 of the electrode pad 2 is inserted into the insertion portion 23 of the auxiliary device 100 to fix the electrode pad 2 to the auxiliary device 100. At this time, the electrode pad 2 is firmly inserted into the insertion portion 23 until the back surface of the electrode pad 2 hits the first surface 5 of the plate-shaped main body 1. The electrode pad 2 is fixed to the auxiliary device 100 at its upper end, while its lower end is free and separable from the auxiliary device 100. In other words, the electrode pad 2 may be fixed in a state where it is hooked on the auxiliary device 100. A cable (not shown) for connecting to an electric stimulation treatment device (not shown) may be connected to the electrode pad 2 in advance.

[0127] In this way, the electrode pad 2 can be fixed simply by inserting the electrode pad 2 into the insertion portion 23 of the plate-shaped body 1, which simplifies the preparation for attaching the electrode pad 2. Note that a conductive adhesive gel or the like that can be attached to the skin of the person to be treated 3 is attached in advance to the electrode pad 2, for example, in the areas 45, 46A, and 46B (see FIG. 8).

[0128] Next, as shown in FIG. 25C, the auxiliary tool 100 with the electrode pad 2 is attached to a wall surface 79 via a foamed adhesive sheet 78 to be fixed. The wall surface 79 is not particularly limited as long as it has a smooth surface to which the foamed adhesive sheet 78 can be attached so that the auxiliary tool 100 does not fall off. For example, the wall surface 79 may be the surface of an aluminum or steel partition wall, or the surface of a refrigerator door. At this time, the string 77 is threaded through the opening 76. By aligning the end of the string 77 with the floor surface 80 and adjusting the length of the string 77, the height of the auxiliary tool 100 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the height so that the end of the string 77 touches the floor surface 80 from the next time onwards. The fixing position of the auxiliary tool 100 may be a position where the height of the iliac crest 33 (see FIG. 25D) of the treated person 3 matches the height of the linear mark 32 when the treated person 3 is standing.

[0129] Next, as shown in FIG. 25D, with the assistive device 100 fixed to the wall surface 79, the arm is turned to the back side, four fingers 51 are hooked on the reinforcing member 75, and the assistive device 100 is grasped by gripping the gripping portion 14.

[0130] Next, as shown in Fig. 25E, the pair of side parts 28, 29 are folded and pressed against the lumbosacral region, and the center 68 in the spinal direction A of the subject 3 is aligned with the center 69 of the central part 27 to align the left-right position of the electrode pad 2. For example, by pressing the pair of reinforcing members 75 (handles) against the waist, the subject can stand in the center without shifting relative to the electrode pad 2. At this time, the vertical position can be aligned by aligning the heights of the left and right linear marks 32 and the iliac crest 33 (see Fig. 25D).

[0131] 25F, the person being treated 3 leans against the wall surface 79, thereby pinching the electrode pad 2 between the wall surface 79 and the treatment area 4 of the person being treated 3, and pressing down the electrode pad 2. This positions the electrode pad 2 with respect to the treatment area 4. Thereafter, by releasing the hand from the reinforcing member 75 (handle) and moving the body away from the wall surface 79, the electrode pad 2 can be attached to the treatment area 4 while removing it from the auxiliary device 100. In this manner, the electrode pad 2 is attached (attached) to the treatment area 4.

[0132] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

[0133] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the plate-shaped main body 1 is formed by overlapping the first plate member 7 and the second plate member 8, but the plate-shaped main body 1 may be formed from a single material sheet.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the finger hook 17 is formed by utilizing the long side 15 of the first opening 13, but for example, a handle inclined with respect to the up-down direction Y of the plate-shaped main body 1 may be attached to the plate-shaped main body 1 so that the fingers can be hooked on the handle. In this case, the finger hook and the grip have a common structure.

[0135] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the auxiliary device 100 was produced by folding and assembling a single material sheet 34, but the auxiliary device 100 may also be produced, for example, by preparing the plate-shaped main body 1, the folded-back portion 21 (convex portion), the insertion portion 23, etc. as separate sheets and fixing or gluing these together with adhesive tape, glue, etc.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the plug-in portion 23 is formed as a member for fixing the electrode pad 2, but if the electrode pad 2 does not have an opening, a separate fixing portion may be provided on the plate-shaped main body 1. Such a fixing portion may be, for example, a double-sided tape or a claw portion for clamping the electrode pad 2. In addition, the plug-in portion 23 is selectively formed only on the upper end portion of the plate-shaped main body 1 to hook the electrode pad 2, but it may also be formed on the lower end portion of the plate-shaped main body 1, and the electrode pad 2 may be fixed by both the upper and lower plug-in portions 23.

[0137] In addition, various design modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

[0138] This application corresponds to Patent Application No. 2019-238034 filed with the Japan Patent Office on December 27, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 Plate-shaped body 2 Electrode pads 3 Treated person 4 Treatment Department 5 (Plate-shaped body) First surface 6 (Plate-shaped body) 2nd surface 13 First opening 14 Gripping part 15 (First opening) Long side 16 (First opening) Short side 17 Finger rest 22 Pad placement section 23 Insertion part 27 Center Section 28 First side section 29 Second side section 32 Landmark 33 Iliac crest 34 Material Sheet 49 Mounting part 50 aperture 52 First side section 53 Second side section 59 Folded part 60 Pad placement section 61 Second Landmark 70 Plate-shaped members 71 First area 72 Second area 73 Third area 74 Flat area 75 Reinforcement members 76 Open hole 77 String 78 Foam adhesive sheet 79 Wall 80 Floor 100 Assistive Devices 711 Upper edge 712 First protrusion 721 Upper edge 722 Second convex part 731 Upper edge 732 Recess X (Longitudinal direction of plate body) Y (of the plate-shaped body) vertical direction θ2 tilt angle L1 length L2 length

Claims

1. An electrode pad attachment aid for assisting in attaching an electrode pad to the back side of the lumbosacral region of a human body, comprising: a long plate-like main body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the long plate-like main body having a fixing portion for fixing the electrode pad to the first surface; a gripping portion formed at an end portion of the plate-shaped main body in the longitudinal direction, for gripping the plate-shaped main body, and having a linear finger hook portion for hooking the fingers of a user's hand; The finger hook portion extends in a direction inclined toward the inside of the plate-shaped body with respect to the up-down direction of the plate-shaped body that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body.

2. 2. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 1, wherein an inclination angle of said finger hook portion with respect to the vertical direction of said plate-like body is 30° to 90°.

3. An elongated opening is formed at the end of the plate-like body, 3. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 1, wherein the finger hook portion is formed by utilizing a side portion along a longitudinal direction of the opening.

4. The length L of the side portion along the longitudinal direction of the opening １ The length L of the side of the opening along the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening ２ The ratio (L ２ / L １ 4. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the electrode pad to the thickness of the electrode is 1 / 6 to 1 / 2.

5.

5. The electrode pad attachment aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate-shaped body is formed with a mark for aligning the plate-shaped body in the vertical direction with the user's iliac crest when the user attaches the electrode pad to the back side of the lumbosacral region.

6. a pad placement portion formed on the first surface of the plate-shaped body, for placing the electrode pad thereon; 6. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 1, wherein the pad placement portion is formed to be thicker than both side portions of the pad placement portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like main body.

7. a pad placement portion formed on the first surface of the plate-shaped body, for placing the electrode pad; An electrode pad attachment aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a guide portion formed on both sides of the pad placement portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and formed thicker than the pad placement portion.

8. The electrode pad attachment aid is for an electrode pad having an attachment part with an opening formed at an upper end thereof, 8. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 6, wherein the fixing portion includes an insertion portion formed at an upper end of the pad placement portion and configured to fix the electrode pad by being inserted into the opening of the attachment portion.

9. The electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plate-shaped body includes a center portion that holds the electrode pad, and a pair of side portions that are arranged on either side of the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and are integrally connected to the center portion so as to be freely foldable.

10. The pair of side portions includes a first side portion and a second side portion disposed at a different level from the first side portion in the up-down direction of the plate-like main body, 10. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 9, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are shaped so as not to overlap each other when folded onto the center portion.

11. 11. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 1, wherein the plate-shaped main body is made of cardboard.

12. The electrode pad attachment aid is for an electrode pad having an attachment part with an opening formed at an upper end thereof, a folded-back portion that is integrally connected to the plate-like main body via a connecting portion and folded back toward the first surface side of the plate-like main body, The electrode pad attachment auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the folded portion includes a pad placement portion for placing the electrode pad, and an insertion portion formed at an upper end of the pad placement portion and for fixing the electrode pad by inserting it into the opening of the mounting portion.

13. The electrode pad attachment aid of claim 12, wherein the plate-shaped body includes a line-shaped mark formed on the upper edge of the plate-shaped body along the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped body and in a color different from that of other parts of the plate-shaped body.

14. 14. The electrode pad attachment aid according to claim 1, wherein the plate-shaped main body is made of foamed plastic.

15. The electrode pad attachment aid according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a foamed resin sheet formed on the second surface of the plate-shaped body.

16. The electrode pad attachment aid according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein an opening is formed at the lower end of the plate-shaped body, and the opening includes an opening for attaching an elongated height adjustment member for adjusting the height of the electrode pad attachment aid from a floor surface.

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