Massage apparatus

Abstract

To provide a massage device that can generate slipperiness on the surface by bringing a liquid such as water into contact with the application part during use and has a good user experience. 【Solution means】In the massage device 1 of the present invention, a water-absorbing resin is contained in the elastic polymer as the constituent material of the main body part 2 where the application part 21 is arranged. By bringing a liquid such as water into contact with the application part 21, an appropriate degree of wetness, slipperiness, etc. can be generated on the surface. As a result, even when the application part 21 of the massage device 1 is pressed or rubbed against the user's application site, since there is an appropriate degree of wetness and slipperiness, the user does not feel discomfort due to the application site being overly stimulated by friction between the application part 21 and the user's application site, etc., and the massage can be carried out comfortably with a good user experience. Further, the massage device 1 of the present invention does not require separately preparing a lubricant or the like to impart an appropriate degree of wetness or the like to the application part 21. In addition, it can be used repeatedly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage device. More specifically, it relates to a massage device for massaging each part of the body.

Background Art

[0002] To relax and refresh the mind and body, each part of the body such as the face, head, arms (hands), shoulders, chest, abdomen, waist, feet (legs), etc. may be massaged. When massaging such parts, it may be done by kneading and loosening with the hands or fingers, but in terms of effectively performing the massage, etc., the massage is often performed by pressing a massage device (also called a massage tool or massage implement) against the body.

[0003] Generally, as a device for massaging each part of the body, there is provided a massage device having a gripping part (holding part) for the user to grip (hold) and a massage part where the massaging part is disposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to effectively perform a massage, users etc. often grasp the gripping part of the massage device and press or rub the massage part of the massage device against the application site while keeping it in contact with the application site. Further, the massage part of the massage device is generally formed of a relatively soft synthetic resin, rubber, etc., and in addition, protrusions may be formed on the surface in order to increase the contact efficiency or efficiently transmit the stimulation.

[0006] As described above, while the massage part of the massage device is pressed or rubbed against the user's application site, due to the friction etc. between the massage part of the massage device and the user's application site, the stimulation received by the user's application site may be too strong, and as a result, there have been problems such as a poor feeling of use and the massage not being effectively performed, or the user feeling discomfort. In order to prevent such problems, it is ideal if there is appropriate lubrication or slipperiness etc. in the massage part, but for that purpose, it has been necessary to separately apply a lubricant etc.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a massage device that can generate slipperiness on the surface by bringing a liquid such as water into contact with the application part during use, and has a good feeling of use, in view of the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above problems, the massage device according to the present invention includes a main body part including an application part that comes into contact with the part where the user applies the massage, and a gripping part that is gripped during use and is integrated with the main body part, the constituent material of the main body part contains a water-absorbing resin with respect to an elastic polymer, contains 1 to 100 parts by mass of the water-absorbing resin with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer constituting the main body part, the elastic polymer constituting the main body part is a thermoplastic elastomer and used by bringing a liquid into contact with a portion including the application part during useIt is characterized by the following.

[0010] In the massage device according to the present invention, in the above-described present invention, it is characterized in that 3 to 10 parts by mass of the water-absorbing resin is contained with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer constituting the main body part.

[0011] In the massage device according to the present invention, in the above-described present invention, the water-absorbing resin constituting the main body part is sodium polyacrylate a It is characterized by the following.

[0012] In the massage device according to the present invention, in the above-described present invention, the application part is characterized by having at least one protrusion.

[0013] In the massage device according to the present invention, in the above-described present invention, the integration of the main body part and the gripping part is achieved by a part of the main body part entering into the hole formed in the gripping part.

[0014] In the massage device according to the present invention, in the above-described present invention, the hole is a slit-shaped through-hole, and a part of the main body part enters into the through-hole from both sides of the through-hole.

[0015] In the massage device according to the present invention, in the above-described present invention, a part of the main body part that has entered into the through-hole from both sides of the through-hole is joined and integrated with each other.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] The massage device according to the present invention contains a water-absorbing resin in an elastic polymer as a constituent material of a main body portion where an application portion to which a user's massage is applied is arranged. Therefore, by bringing a liquid such as water into contact with the application portion, it is possible to generate an appropriate moist feeling, slipperiness, etc. on the surface. As a result, even when the application portion of the massage device is pressed or rubbed against the user's application site, since there is an appropriate moist feeling and slipperiness, the user does not feel discomfort due to excessive stimulation received by the user's application site due to friction between the application portion and the user's application site, etc., and the massage can be carried out comfortably with a good feeling of use.

[0017] Also, in order to impart an appropriate moist feeling, slipperiness, etc. to the application portion, it is sufficient to simply bring a liquid such as water into contact with the application location of the main body portion of the massage device, and there is no need to separately prepare a lubricant or the like. In addition, since the massage device according to the present invention returns to the state before use when it dries after use, it can be used repeatedly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (I) Basic Configuration of Massage Device 1: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one aspect of the massage device 1 according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view showing one aspect of the massage device 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing one aspect of the massage device 1 according to the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one aspect of the gripping portion 3, FIG. 5 is a front view showing one aspect of the gripping portion 3, FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing one aspect of the gripping portion 3, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which a part of the gripping portion 3 is cut. In FIGS. 1 to 7, 1 is a massage device, 2 is a main body portion, 21 is an application portion, 22 is a protrusion, 23 is a recess, 3 is a gripping portion, 31 is a grip, 32 is a coupling portion, and 33 is a hole (through hole). Note that the reference numerals are not attached to all of the target members and the like.

[0021] The massage device 1 according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a main body portion 2 including an application portion 21 that comes into contact with a portion where a user applies a massage, a gripping portion 3 that is gripped during use and integrated with the main body portion 2, and is basically configured to include the above.

[0022] Regarding the massage device 1 according to the present invention, in order to cause slippage during use, it can be used by bringing it into contact with a liquid such as water on the main body portion 2 including the portion where the application portion 21 is formed. Hereinafter, the main body portion 2 and the gripping portion 3 constituting the massage device 1 will be described.

[0023] (II) Configuration of Main Body Portion 2: The main body part 2 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front, and a substantially bun shape or a substantially dome shape when viewed from the side. It gently rises towards the center and has an overall rounded shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body part 2 is integrated with the gripping part 3 described later.

[0024] The main body part 2 includes an application part 21 that comes into contact with the part (typical examples include the face, head, arm (hand), shoulder, chest, abdomen, waist, foot (leg), buttocks, thigh, etc., but are not limited to these) where the user (not shown. The same applies hereinafter) applies massage during use. In this embodiment, it shows a configuration in which the application part 21 with a plurality of protrusions 22 is formed.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 (especially FIG. 3), the main body part 2 has a substantially bun shape or a substantially dome shape. The application part 21 formed and included in the main body part 2 has protrusions 22 each having a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front. Three protrusions 22 are provided per side, and a total of 19 protrusions 22 form a substantially hexagonal shape (see FIG. 3).

[0026] In this embodiment, the tip of the protrusion 22 is flat and angled obliquely towards the center of the main body part 2. However, the shape of the tip of the protrusion 22 can be arbitrarily shaped, for example, rounded at the tip for safety, cone-shaped with a rounded tip, or semi-circular in cross-section.

[0027] It is preferable that at least one protrusion 22 is formed in the application part 21, and it is more preferable that a plurality of protrusions 22 are formed. For example, it is particularly preferable that they are formed in the range of 2 to 30, but the number of protrusions 22 is not particularly limited.

[0028] In addition, the protrusions 22 constituting the application part 21 are formed inside the concave part 23 (depression) formed in the main body part 2. The periphery of such a concave part 23 is formed in a substantially semi-circular shape between each of the three protrusions 22 that form each side of the substantially regular hexagon among the 19 protrusions 22 disposed inside.

[0029] Next, the constituent materials of the main body 2 (such as the resin material constituting the main body 2) will be described. As the material constituting the main body 2 that is capable of elastic deformation (among the deformations that occur when a force is applied to an object, the deformation (elastic deformation) that completely returns to its original shape when the force is removed is freely (as desired)), it is preferable to use a material having appropriate elasticity, stretchability, and flexibility, and it is preferable to use an elastic polymer (also called a soft resin).

[0030] As such an elastic polymer, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer, an elastomer, a gel-like rubber, a silicone-based resin, a polystyrene-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, a soft polyolefin-based resin, etc. can be used. These elastic polymers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0031] As the elastic polymer, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic elastomer in terms of good moldability, low cost, and good usability when used as a molded article. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), (hydrogenated) styrene-ethylene-propylene block copolymer (SEP), (hydrogenated) styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS), (hydrogenated) styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS), (hydrogenated) styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEEPS), styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SBR), (hydrogenated) styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SEB), styrene-isoprene block copolymer (SIR), (hydrogenated) styrene-isoprene block copolymer (SEP), styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS), etc. of styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers are particularly preferably used (note that the description of "(hydrogenated)" indicates that the compound described later may be hydrogenated). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0032] In addition, for example, natural rubber, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polyisobutylene, neoprene, polysulfide rubber, thiokol rubber, acrylic rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), butadiene-acrylonitrile-styrene-core shell rubber (ABS), methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene-core shell rubber (MBS), methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate-styrene-core shell rubber (MAS), octyl acrylate-butadiene-styrene-core shell rubber (MABS), alkyl acrylate-butadiene-acrylonitrile-styrene core shell rubber (AABS), butadiene-styrene-core shell rubber (SBR), methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate-siloxane and other siloxane-containing core shell rubbers, and other core shell type particulate elastomers, or rubbers modified therefrom, etc. may be mentioned. These may also be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0033] In the present invention, as the constituent material of the main body portion 2, a water-absorbing resin (also called a water-absorbing polymer or a water-absorbing polymer) is contained with respect to the above-described elastic polymer. By combining and using an elastic polymer and a water-absorbing resin as the constituent material of the main body portion 2, it can be dispersed in the elastic polymer that becomes the base material when formed as the main body portion 2, and water absorption can be imparted to the main body portion 2. By bringing a liquid such as water (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "water, etc.") into contact with the main body portion 2, slipperiness can be generated on the surface of the main body portion 2 including the application portion 21.

[0034] The water-absorbing resin is not particularly limited. For example, polyacrylic acid-based salts such as sodium polyacrylate (including cross-linked products of polyacrylic acid-based salts), polyacrylamide, hydrolyzates of starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose, acrylic acid (salt)-vinyl alcohol copolymers, polyoxyethylene cross-linked products, thermoplastic resins containing polyalkylene oxide units, etc. may be mentioned.

[0035] Generally, since polymers of acrylic acid have a large number of carboxyl groups, they are very hydrophilic. As a water-absorbing resin, it is preferable to contain polyacrylic acid-based salts. Further, if necessary, it is crosslinked into a network structure and formed into the form of a sodium salt, it becomes a gel having high water absorption and exhibits excellent properties. Therefore, it is particularly preferable to use sodium polyacrylate. Sodium polyacrylate may be a crosslinked product (crosslinked sodium polyacrylate). Sodium polyacrylate is also known as a superabsorbent resin (superabsorbent polymer) and can absorb a large amount of water with a small amount of addition, so it is suitable for the purpose of the present invention.

[0036] As the water-absorbing resin, a liquid, powder (including powder and granular) or the like can be used, and it is preferable to use a powder. By making it into a powder form, the surface area also becomes large, the water absorption ability is further improved, and it is well dispersed in the elastic polymer serving as the base material. The average particle size is not particularly limited, but it is preferably, for example, 1 to 1000 μm. Also, as the shape, known shapes such as spherical shape, plate shape, fluidized body, and irregular shape can be used.

[0037] The content of the water-absorbing resin with respect to the elastic polymer as the constituent material of the main body 2 can be appropriately determined according to the type of the elastic polymer used, the type of the water-absorbing resin, the required properties (such as the degree of slipperiness), etc. If the content of the water-absorbing resin is increased, it can be considered that slipperiness occurs with a small amount of water. Generally, it is preferably 1 part by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer, and more preferably contains 1 to 100 parts by mass. If the content of the water-absorbing resin is less than 1 part by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer, slipperiness may not occur even when contacted with water or the like. If it is more than 100 parts by mass, it may exceed the content of the elastic polymer and affect the elastic deformation, and may also result in a slight increase in cost.

[0038] Incidentally, by increasing the content of the water-absorbing resin, while the cost of the water-absorbing resin slightly increases, there is an advantage that the number of times of gelation increases and the number of times of use can be increased. The content of the water-absorbing resin with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer is more preferably 3 to 100 parts by mass, and in order to achieve a low cost and enjoy a good feeling of use, it is even more preferably 3 to 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer, particularly preferably 5 to 10 parts by mass, and most preferably 5 to 8 parts by mass.

[0039] The main body 2 may be colored. In order to color the main body 2, a conventionally known coloring agent may be added to the constituent material of the main body 2, or the outer surface of the main body 2 may be colored by painting or the like. Considering the simplification of the production of the main body 2, in coloring the main body 2, it is preferable to add a pigment or a coloring agent such as an organic pigment or an inorganic pigment to the constituent material of the main body 2.

[0040] As the constituent material of the main body 2, in addition to the materials described above, within a range that does not prevent the objects and effects of the present invention, various additives such as pigments, coloring agents, stabilizers such as inorganic stabilizers, lubricants, impact resistance improvers, processing aids, crystal nucleating agents, reinforcing agents, flame retardants, crosslinking agents, crosslinkable monomers, weather resistance improvers, ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, hydrolysis resistance improvers, fungicides, antibacterial agents, light stabilizers, antistatic agents, oil components such as softening oils, antiblocking agents, mold release agents, fragrances, conventionally known cosmetic components, fillers, coupling agents, crosslinking agents, foaming agents, etc. can be added as necessary.

[0041] Among the above additives, as the constituent material of the main body 2, it is preferable to contain a softening oil. The softening oil has a function of softening a thermoplastic elastomer serving as a base material (particularly, a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, etc.), and can impart appropriate flexibility to the main body 2 by containing it, and the softness (softness) of the main body 2 can be adjusted by adjusting the content (the more the content, the more softness can be imparted to the main body 2).

[0042] As the softening oil, conventionally known softening oils capable of softening thermoplastic elastomers and the like can be used. For example, liquid paraffin and paraffin oil known as hydrocarbon oils (hereinafter may be collectively referred to as "paraffin-based softeners"), naphthenic oils (naphthenic softeners), and aromatic oils (aromatic softeners) can be used. Among these, from the viewpoint of good affinity with thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers and being less likely to cause bleeding, it is preferable to use paraffin-based softeners such as liquid paraffin and paraffin oil.

[0043] The content of the softening oil with respect to the elastic polymer when using the softening oil is not particularly limited, and in addition to the required softness, it may be appropriately determined according to the types and contents of the above-mentioned elastic polymer and water-absorbing resin. However, considering the degree of elastic deformation and flexibility of the elastic polymer as the molded body, etc., it is preferable that the softening oil is 300 to 1100 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer, and particularly preferably 500 to 900 parts by mass.

[0044] (III) Configuration of the gripping part 3: Next, the gripping part 3 that constitutes the massage device 1 by being fixedly integrated with the above-mentioned main body part 2 will be described.

[0045] In this embodiment, the gripping part 3 is integrally formed by two grippers 31 that spread symmetrically on both sides like blades (or double leaves), and a coupling part 32 that is coupled to and fixedly integrated with the above-mentioned main body part 2. Further, the grippers 31 are formed to spread symmetrically on both sides (left and right), and have a curved shape with an appropriate R (radius) to make them easy to grip. Also, the tip of the gripper 31 has no corners and is rounded to make it easy to grip and safe in shape.

[0046] In this embodiment, the joint portion 32 is pedestal-shaped and is substantially circular in a front view, similar to the above-described main body portion 2. Further, a plurality of linear slit-shaped through holes 33 are formed in the joint portion 32 so as to penetrate the joint portion 32 (the gripping portion 3). In this embodiment, a mode in which seven through holes 33 are formed is shown. In this embodiment of the massage device 1, a part of the main body portion 2 (the constituent material of the main body portion 2) enters the inside of the through hole 33, so that the main body portion 2 and the gripping portion 3 are fixedly integrated.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, both ends of the slit-shaped through hole 33 are formed with an oblique inclination. By being formed in this way, a part of the main body portion 2 (the constituent material of the main body portion 2) easily enters the inside of the through hole 33 from both sides of the through hole 33, which is useful for integrating the main body portion 2 and the gripping portion 3. In this embodiment, the through hole 33 is formed so as to be parallel to the top surface of the gripping portion 3 (see FIG. 5).

[0048] Further, FIG. 7 (which is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 5) shows a state in which a part of the gripping portion 3 is cut. Since the through holes 33 are linearly connected from both sides, a part of the main body portion 2 easily enters from both sides of the through hole 33. In the case where such a part is a constituent material in a molten state, it is also easily joined and integrated (joined and integrated) inside the through hole 33.

[0049] Since the gripping portion 3 is gripped (held) by the user with a predetermined force, it is preferably formed of a hard material. For example, if it is a synthetic resin, it is a synthetic resin (plastic) of a thermoplastic resin such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin), polypropylene resin, or polycarbonate resin. If it is a metal material, it is aluminum or stainless steel that is not easily rusted. If it is an inorganic material, it can be easily manufactured by a known manufacturing method using ceramics, silicone, etc. as constituent materials. Among these, considering moldability, workability, strength, weight (light weight), etc., it is preferable to use a synthetic resin.

[0050] (IV) Manufacturing method of the massage device 1: The massage device 1 is configured by integrally fixing the above-described main body portion 2 and the gripping portion 3. In the present embodiment, a part of the main body portion 2 (the constituent material of the main body portion 2) enters the inside of the through hole 33 formed in the gripping portion 3, whereby the main body portion 2 and the gripping portion 3 are integrally fixed (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "integrated").

[0051] Further, the massage device 1 is obtained simply by attaching the gripping portion 3 to an injection mold (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "mold") (not shown in the drawings) in advance, forming the shape of the main body portion 2 by so-called insert molding, and inserting a part of the main body portion 2 (the constituent material of the main body portion 2) into the hole 33 (slit-shaped through hole 33) formed in the gripping portion 3 to integrate the main body portion 2 and the gripping portion 3.

[0052] That is, the gripping portion 3 is attached to an injection mold (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "mold") (not shown in the drawings), and the constituent material of the main body portion 2 in a molten state is injected from the side where the material injection port of the mold is formed, and the material is cooled and solidified.

[0053] Note that the mold may be a split mold, and the gripping portion 3 may be attached to a split mold (mold) (not shown in the drawings) and closed with the other split mold (not shown in the drawings). In this state, when the molten constituent material is injected (injected) into the inside of the mold from a resin injection port (not shown in the drawings), inside the mold, the constituent material of the main body portion 2 in a molten state enters from both sides of the through hole 33 on the slit of the gripping portion 3 attached to the mold.

[0054] Figures 8 to 10 are views showing a state in which a part of the massage device is cut. Here, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 2, and is cut along the same cross-section as Figure 7 described above. It is possible to confirm a state in which a part of the main body 2 inside the through hole 33 of the gripping part 3 is joined and integrated. Further, Figures 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views taken along line B-B of Figure 3 (Figure 9) and cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 3 (Figure 10), and it is possible to confirm a state in which a part of the main body 2 has entered inside the through hole 33 of the gripping part 3.

[0055] When the constituent material of the main body 2 in a molten state is injected into the mold, the constituent material enters from both sides of the through hole 33, and as shown in Figure 8 and the like, the constituent material inside the through hole 33 is joined and integrated. Further, by cooling in a state where the constituent material thus enters from both sides of the through hole 33, the constituent material of the main body 2 is solidified. In the present embodiment, since the through hole 33 is linearly connected from both sides, a part of the main body 2 (the constituent material of the main body 2) can easily enter from both sides of the through hole 33, and the parts of the main body 2 can be easily joined and integrated (joined and integrated).

[0056] After the constituent material is solidified, the mold is opened and the molded body is taken out, whereby the main body 2 is attached to the gripping part 3, and the massage device 1 in which the main body 2 and the gripping part 3 are integrated can be obtained.

[0057] Note that the above-described manufacturing method is merely an example, and there is no problem in manufacturing the massage device 1 using other means.

[0058] (V) Method of using the massage device 1: Hereinafter, an example of the method of using the massage device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, an appropriate amount of water is brought into contact with a portion including the application part 21 of the main body 2 of the massage device 1. By bringing water into contact with the portion including the application part 21 of the main body 2, an appropriate amount of slipperiness is generated on the surface of the main body 2 including the application part 21.

[0059] Next, a user (note that it may also be a third party who is not a user) not shown grabs the grip 31 of the gripping part 3 and presses or rubs the application part 21 (especially the protrusion 22) of the main body part 2 of the massage device 1 against the part (application part) where the user wants to apply the massage, thereby performing the massage.

[0060] Here, although a plurality of protrusions 22 are formed on the application part 21 of the massage device 1, even when the application part of the massage device 1 is pressed or rubbed against the user's application part, due to appropriate lubrication and slipperiness, etc., the stimulation received by the user's application part due to friction between the application part 21 and the user's application part is not too strong, so the user does not feel discomfort, and a massage with a good usability of the massage device 1 can be comfortably performed.

[0061] In addition, when the massage device 1 is not in use, etc., in order to prevent drying of the main body part 2, etc., the protective cover 5 may be attached. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the protective cover 5 is attached to the massage device 1.

[0062] In this embodiment, the protective cover 5 is formed by combining and integrating two split protective covers 51 and 52 and attached to the massage device 1. FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which one of the protective covers 5 (protective cover 51) is removed (for easy viewing, the massage device 1 is shown in a cut-away manner). Note that the protective cover 5 can be formed of, for example, the same material as the constituent material of the above-described gripping part 3.

[0063] (VI) Effects of the present invention: In the massage device 1 according to the present invention described above, since the water-absorbing resin is contained in the elastic polymer as the constituent material of the main body portion 2 where the application portion 21 to which the massage of the user is applied is arranged, by bringing a liquid such as water into contact with the application portion 21, it is possible to generate an appropriate moist feeling, slipperiness, etc. on the surface. As a result, even when the application portion 21 of the massage device 1 is pressed or rubbed against the application site of the user, since there is an appropriate moist feeling, slipperiness, etc., the user does not feel discomfort due to the stimulation received by the application site of the user being too strong due to friction between the application portion 21 and the application site of the user, etc., and the massage can be carried out comfortably with a good feeling of use. Further, in order to impart an appropriate moist feeling, slipperiness, etc. to the application portion 21, it is sufficient to simply bring a liquid such as water into contact with the application location of the main body portion 2 of the massage device, and there is no need to separately prepare a lubricant or the like.

[0064] And, even if the main body portion 2 of the massage device 1 according to the present invention comes into contact with a liquid such as water during use and causes an appropriate slipperiness, etc. on the application portion 21, etc., it returns to the state (original state) before use when it dries after use, so it can be used repeatedly. In this regard, the massage tool disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-124164 has a problem that since the main body is composed of a gel having water such as agar as a dispersion medium, it is necessary to suppress the evaporation of water from the main body, and it is enclosed inside a packaging container having high airtightness and is limited to single-use after opening. On the other hand, the massage device 1 according to the present invention does not have such a problem and can be used repeatedly as described above, and this is also an advantage of the present invention.

[0065] (VII) Modification of the embodiment: Note that the aspect described above shows one aspect of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that modifications and improvements within the range that includes the configuration of the present invention and can achieve the object and effect are included in the content of the present invention. Also, the specific structure, shape, etc. when implementing the present invention are to achieve the object and effect of the present invention and the like. Within the achievable range, there is no problem with other structures, shapes, etc. The present invention is not limited to the above-described respective embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the range that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0066] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the shapes of the main body part 2 and the gripping part 3 constituting the massage device 1 (and the shape of the massage device 1, etc.) were described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like. However, the shape of the massage device 1 (main body part 2 and gripping part 3) is not limited thereto, and a massage device 1 in which the main body part 2 and the gripping part 3 having arbitrary shapes are fixedly integrated within the range of having the requirements of the above-described basic configuration may be used.

[0067] Also, in the above-described embodiment, as a means for fixedly integrating the main body part 2 and the gripping part 3, a slit-shaped through hole 33 is formed in the coupling part of the gripping part 3, and the gripping part 3 is attached to an injection molding die in advance and injection molding is performed. Using so-called insert molding, a part of the main body part 2 (the constituent material of the main body part 2) enters the inside from both sides of such a slit-shaped through hole 33, and thus the state in which the main body part 2 is attached to the gripping part 3 and fixedly integrated was described. However, the means for fixedly integrating the main body part 2 and the gripping part 3 is not limited to such a state, and the main body part 2 and the gripping part 3 may be integrated by a conventionally known means such as bonding them together. In addition, the specific structure, shape, etc. during the implementation of the present invention may be other structures, etc. within the range that can achieve the object of the present invention.

Example

[0068] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on examples and reference examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0069] [Examples 1 to 10, Reference Example 1] ​Following the content described in the above-mentioned "Manufacturing method of the massage device (IV):", using the following manufacturing method (insert injection molding), massage devices (Examples 1 to 10) having the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 were manufactured.

[0070] In addition, as a reference (blank), a massage device having the same shape as that of Example 1 etc. and not adding powdery sodium polyacrylate (superabsorbent resin) as a constituent material of the main body part was also manufactured as Reference Example 1.

[0071] (Manufacturing method of the massage device) The gripping part having the shape shown in FIG. 4 etc. formed of ABS resin was attached to a split mold (mold) not shown in the figure and closed with the other split mold not shown in the figure. From the side where the material injection port of the mold was formed, the molten constituent material of the main body part (resin material etc. constituting the main body part) was injected.

[0072] The molten constituent material that becomes a part of the main body part entered inside from both sides of the hole (slit-shaped through hole) of the gripping part, and the constituent materials were joined and integrated inside. After cooling the mold to cool and solidify such constituent materials, the split mold was opened and the molded body was taken out from the mold, thereby obtaining the massage devices of Examples 1 to 10 (and Reference Example 1) in which the main body part was attached to the gripping part and the main body part and the gripping part were fixedly integrated as shown in FIG. 1.

[0073] In addition, as shown in Table 1, the constituent material of the main body part is a material having a configuration in which the content of powdery sodium polyacrylate (water-absorbing resin) is as shown in Table 1 with respect to 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer (hydrogenated (hydrogenated) styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (SEBS)) which is an elastic polymer, and no water-absorbing resin was added to Reference Example 1.

[0074] In addition, a softening oil (liquid paraffin) was added to the constituent material of the main body part (as shown in Table 1, the softening oil was 700 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer (thermoplastic elastomer)), and the molding temperature was appropriately adjusted between 180 and 200 °C for molding.

[0075] Also, 0.4 parts by mass of a colorant (organic pigment) was added to 100 parts by mass of an elastic polymer (thermoplastic elastomer) as the constituent material of the main body portion to color the main body portion white. The constituent material of the main body portion is shown in Table 1.

[0076] (Constituent material of the main body portion) [Table 1]

[0077] [Test Example 1] (Evaluation of slipperiness and usability) Regarding the massage apparatuses of Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Example 1 obtained, an appropriate amount of water was brought into contact with the portion including the application portion where a plurality of protrusions of the main body portion were formed. Then, the slipperiness of the main body portion of the massage apparatus and the usability when the protrusions of the main body portion were gently rubbed against the massage portion of the user in a state where an appropriate amount of water was in contact were compared and evaluated using the following evaluation criteria.

[0078] The test was evaluated on a 5 - point scale, with 5 to 2 being a pass (5 is the best, and then in the order of 4→2), and 1 being a fail. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0079] (Evaluation criteria) Evaluation content 5: The slipperiness of the surface of the application portion etc. is very good, and the stimulation of the protrusions is optimally transmitted to the massage portion of the user. 4: The slipperiness of the surface of the application portion etc. is good, and the stimulation of the protrusions is moderately transmitted to the massage portion of the user. 3: The slipperiness of the surface of the application portion etc. is good, and the stimulation of the protrusions is moderately transmitted to the massage portion of the user (slightly more slippery than 4). 2: The slipperiness of the surface of the application portion etc. is good, and the stimulation of the protrusions is moderately transmitted to the massage portion of the user (slightly less slippery than 4). 1: There was no slipperiness on the surface of the applicable part etc. (It is considered that a separate lubricant is required to create slipperiness.) There was sometimes a slight sense of discomfort in the stimulation of the protrusions against the massage part of the user.

[0080] (Result) [Table 2]

[0081] As shown in Table 2, for Examples 1 to 10 in which sodium polyacrylate was contained in the thermoplastic elastomer as the constituent material of the main body part, slipperiness was generated in all cases by contacting with water. In particular, the results of Examples 3 to 5 were good.

[0082] The feeling of use was also in accordance with the slipperiness results shown in Table 2. On the other hand, for Reference Example 1 where there was no slipperiness, the stimulation of the protrusions against the massage part of the user was slightly uncomfortable as it was.

[0083] In addition, in the massage instruments of Examples 1 to 10 and Reference Example 1, a part of the main body part (the constituent material of the main body part) enters the hole (slit-shaped through hole) of the gripping part, so that the main body part and the gripping part are integrated. Specifically, a part of the main body part (the constituent material of the main body part) enters from both sides of the slit-shaped through hole into the inside, and the parts of the main body part are combined and integrated (combined and integrated). Therefore, the main body part and the gripping part are firmly fixed and integrated, and they did not separate not only during use but also when gently pulled in the opposite direction to try to separate them. Also, the degree of elastic deformation of the main body part of the massage instruments of Examples 1 to 10 (and Reference Example 1) was recognized to be freely elastically deformable. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The present invention provides a massage instrument capable of relaxing and refreshing the mind and body by massaging each part of the body, and its industrial applicability is extremely high.

Description of Symbols

[0085] 1 …… Massage instrument 2 …… Main body part 21 …… Application part 22 …… Protrusion 23 …… Recess 3 …… Gripping part 31 …… Grip 32 …… Coupling part 33 …… Hole (through hole) 5 …… Protection cover 51, 52 …… Protection cover

Claims

1. A main body portion including an application portion that is brought into contact with the part of the body where the user applies massage; a gripping portion that is gripped during use and is integrated with the body portion; The material of the main body contains a water-absorbent resin in addition to an elastic polymer, The water-absorbent resin is contained in an amount of 1 to 100 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer constituting the main body, the elastic polymer constituting the main body is a thermoplastic elastomer; A massage tool characterized in that when in use, a liquid is brought into contact with a portion including the application portion.

2. 2. The massage tool according to claim 1, wherein the water-absorbent resin is contained in an amount of 3 to 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the elastic polymer constituting the main body.

3. 3. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the water-absorbent resin constituting the main body is sodium polyacrylate.

4. 3. The massage tool according to claim 1, wherein the application portion has at least one protrusion.

5. 3. The massage tool according to claim 1, wherein the main body and the gripping portion are integrated by inserting a part of the main body into a hole formed in the gripping portion.

6. The hole is a slit-shaped through hole, The massage tool according to claim 5, wherein a portion of the main body extends into the through hole from both sides of the through hole.

7. 7. The massage tool according to claim 6, wherein parts of the main body that extend into the through hole from both sides are joined together to be integrated.

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