Apparatus for supporting four limbs

Abstract

To provide a limb supporting device which can easily and quickly adjust the positions for supporting the upper arm and the lower leg in the vertical and front-rear directions, leaves no marks on contact points even when supported for a long time, and hardly causes pain. [Solution] The present invention provides a limb support device 100 comprising a limb support net 1 for supporting the limbs of a user, and frame members 101-103 for fixing the limb support net 1, the limb support net 1 having a plurality of first supports and second supports extending in strips and formed in a lattice shape perpendicular to each other, the first supports and second supports having a main surface in the width direction and a side surface in the thickness direction, both main surfaces facing in different directions and integrated at an orthogonal position, the frame members comprising a horizontal frame member 101 extending horizontally relative to the floor surface, a vertical frame member 102 extending vertically, and a connecting member 103 connecting both members, and the edges of the limb support net 1 are fixed to the horizontal frame member 101.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an appliance for supporting limbs such as the upper arm and the lower leg.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as appliances for supporting or fixing limbs such as the upper arm and the lower leg, those using cloth bands or rigid support materials are widely known. Such appliances are used, for example, for preventing injuries during sports and for medical purposes such as fractures and muscle injuries. In addition, adjustable products using hook-and-loop fasteners or buckles to enhance the fixing force are also commercially available.

[0003] As a specific prior art, Patent Document 1 provides a structure having a mesh structure and describes that it can be assembled and its shape can be changed. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a device for supporting a user's body during bathing or caregiving, and its configuration takes flexibility and convenience into consideration. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a device for assisting a user's posture when using a bed, and it is designed to provide a comfortable feeling of use.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, conventional devices for supporting the four limbs of the arms (upper arms) and legs (lower legs) still have problems in terms of improving comfort while having sufficient fixing power. Specifically, the operation of adjusting the supporting position is cumbersome, and when the upper arm or lower leg is supported, marks may remain on the contact part with the device, or pain may occur due to compression. Also, when the improvement regarding the breathability and lightweight of the device is insufficient, there is a problem that it is not suitable for long-term use.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the following problems. That is, to provide a four-limb support device that can easily and quickly adjust the position for supporting the upper arm and lower leg, and even when supported for a long time, no marks remain on the contact part and pain is unlikely to occur.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The four-limb support device of the present invention has a four-limb support net including a support body for supporting the four limbs of a user, and a frame member for fixing the four-limb support net. The four-limb support net is formed in a lattice shape by arranging a plurality of first support bodies extending in a belt shape and a plurality of second support bodies extending in a belt shape so as to be orthogonal to each other. The first support body and the second support body each include a main surface corresponding to the width direction and a side surface corresponding to the thickness direction. The main surfaces of the first support body and the second support body face different directions from each other, and the first support body and the second support body are integrated at positions where they are orthogonal to each other. The frame member includes a horizontal frame member extending in a horizontal direction with respect to the floor surface, a vertical frame member extending in a vertical direction with respect to the floor surface, and a connecting member connecting the horizontal frame member and the vertical frame member. The four-limb support device is configured such that the edge of the four-limb support net is fixed to the horizontal frame member.

[0008] Also, in the invention of the four-limb support device, either the first support body or the second support body can be made of natural fiber or chemical fiber.

[0009] Furthermore, in the invention of the limb support device, the frame member can be made of any of metal, resin, or wood.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] In the limb support device of the present invention, the limb support net that forms a part of it is integrated at the position where the first support and the second support are orthogonal, and the main surfaces of each are directed in different directions. By combining the limb support net and the frame members (a horizontal frame member extending horizontally with respect to the floor surface and a vertical frame member extending in the vertical direction), stable support performance can be exhibited while maintaining the strength of the entire limb support net evenly. As a result, while firmly fixing and supporting the user's limbs, a comfortable feeling of use due to pressure dispersion can be realized.

[0011] Also, by making either the first support or the second support of natural fiber or chemical fiber, various properties such as flexibility and stretchability can be optimized. Furthermore, by making the frame member of either metal, resin, or wood, an appropriate material selection can be made that conforms to the installation environment and durability conditions, and the diverse needs of users can be met.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the same elements in all the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, in the description in the text, the reference numerals described previously are used as necessary.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the four - limb support device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The four - limb support device 100 of the present invention is a device mainly designed for supporting the four limbs, and by combining the four - limb support net 1 described later and the frame members 101 - 103 for fixing the four - limb support net 1, it provides a stable support function when installed indoors. In addition to the four - limb support net 1, the four - limb support device 100 includes a horizontal frame member 101 extending in the horizontal direction with respect to the floor surface on which it is installed as shown in FIG. 1, a vertical frame member 102 extending in the vertical direction with respect to the floor surface, and a connecting member 103 connecting the horizontal frame member 101 and the vertical frame member 102 to each other.

[0015] The edge of the four - limb support net 1 is fixed in a manner of being suspended with respect to the horizontal frame member 101 as shown in FIG. 1. By fixing the four - limb support net 1 evenly to the horizontal frame member 101, stable support performance can be exhibited without the load concentrating on a part. As a specific method of suspension, in addition to the method of directly suspending the edge of the four - limb support net 1 to the horizontal frame member 101 as shown in FIG. 1, connectors such as hooks, clips, or ropes can also be used.

[0016] In addition, by applying anti-slip treatment to the portion where the horizontal frame member 101 and the four-limb support net 1 come into contact, unexpected movement (displacement) of the four-limb support net 1 during use can be prevented. Furthermore, the material of the four-limb support net 1 can be subjected to antibacterial treatment to maintain a hygienic state even after long-term use. For example, in order to improve maintainability, the four-limb support net 1 is structured to be easily removable from the horizontal frame member 101, enabling easy cleaning and replacement operations.

[0017] The horizontal frame member 101 and the vertical frame member 102 can be selected from any of metal, resin, or wood materials. This allows for the selection of an appropriate frame member according to the use environment and purpose. For example, when made of metal, it has higher strength and durability compared to other materials and is optimal for long-term use. When made of resin, it is lightweight and easy to move, making it suitable for indoor use. Furthermore, when made of wood, it is environmentally friendly and can be suitable for those who prefer a natural appearance.

[0018] Next, an overall perspective view of the four-limb support net 1 forming a part of the four-limb support device 100 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2, an enlarged view of part A of the four-limb support net 1 shown in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3, and an enlarged view of part B of the four-limb support net 1 shown in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 4, respectively. The four-limb support net 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is roughly divided as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and a plurality of first supports 10 (11 to 14) extending in a band shape and a plurality of second supports 20 (21 to 28) arranged so as to be orthogonal to the first supports and extending in a band shape are formed in a lattice pattern. As the material of each support, natural fibers such as cotton and hemp, chemical fibers such as polyester, or a composite material using stretchable natural rubber or the like as a core material and winding natural fibers such as cotton around the core material can be used.

[0019] The first support 10 (11 to 14) is such that, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of first supports 11 to 14 extend in a strip shape in the X direction shown in FIG. 2, and adjacent first supports are arranged parallel to each other (in the Z direction shown in FIG. 2) with an arbitrary interval therebetween. Similarly to the first support, the second support 20 (21 to 28) has a plurality of second supports 21 to 28 extending in a strip shape in the Z direction shown in FIG. 2, and adjacent second supports are arranged parallel to each other (in the X direction shown in FIG. 2) with an arbitrary interval therebetween and orthogonal to the first support 10 (11 to 14).

[0020] Since the first support 10 (11 to 14) and the second support 20 (21 to 28) are orthogonal to each other, a lattice-shaped opening K with a predetermined interval as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is formed in the four-limbed support net 1. The size of this opening K, that is, in the form shown in FIG. 3, the interval H between adjacent first supports 12, 13 and the interval W between adjacent second supports 26, 27 can be designed in various sizes according to the size and shape of the user's limbs.

[0021] For example, when the user is mainly a child, the distance between adjacent first supports 10 or second supports 20 can be arranged at intervals of 10 to 20 cm, and when the user is mainly an adult, the distance can be adjusted at intervals of 20 to 50 cm. In addition, designs can be made according to the uses such as for arms, legs, wrists, etc., and the width and thickness of the first support 10 and the second support 20 can also be freely adjusted according to the purpose of use.

[0022] Next, a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first support 12 shown in FIG. 4 (a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 4) is shown in FIG. 5, and a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second support 22 shown in FIG. 4 (a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 4) is shown in FIG. 6. The cross-sectional shape of the first support 12 is rectangular (quadrilateral) as shown in FIG. 5, and includes a first main surface 12A and a second main surface 12B corresponding to the width direction of the first support 12, and a first side surface 12C and a second side surface 12D corresponding to the thickness direction. Similarly to the case of the first support 12, the cross-sectional shape of the second support 22 is rectangular (quadrilateral) as shown in FIG. 6, and includes a first main surface 22A and a second main surface 22B corresponding to the width direction of the second support 22, and a first side surface 22C and a second side surface 22D corresponding to the thickness direction.

[0023] The four-limbed support net 1 has a structure in which these first support 10 and second support 20 are orthogonal and have main surfaces facing in different directions, thereby stably holding the user's limbs. For example, in the embodiment of the four-limbed support net 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first and second main surfaces 12A and 12B of the first support 12 face the Z direction as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 except for the above-described intersection position (orthogonal position), and the first and second main surfaces 22A and 22B of the second support 22 are arranged in a positional relationship facing the Y direction.

[0024] In other words, by setting the main surfaces of the first support and the second support to face in different directions, the upper arm and lower leg of the user of the four-limbed support device 100 of the present invention can be supported by the main surface of any one of the supports, so that the load applied to the limbs is shared by each support, and an efficient supporting force can be exerted as a whole for the four-limbed support net.

[0025] Next, at the position where the first support 10 and the second support 20 are orthogonal to each other, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, by providing a sewing portion C by sewing, the first support 10 and the second support 20 are integrated and fixed to each other. As a method of integrating the first support 10 (11 to 14) and the second support 20 (21 to 28), means such as an adhesive or heat welding can be used in addition to sewing. In particular, when integrating by sewing, by applying reinforcing stitches, the durability against wear and damage can be further improved.

[0026] From the above, in the limb support device of the present invention, the main surfaces of the first support and the second support of the limb support net constituting a part thereof face different directions from each other, and the first support and the second support are integrated at the orthogonal position. Therefore, by using the main surface (the surface corresponding to the width direction of the support) of either the first support or the second support in the vertical direction, the upper arm or lower leg of the user can be supported by the main surface of the support, and the load on the limbs can be efficiently supported by a plurality of supports.

[0027] As a result, the supporting force by the limb support device is improved, and even when supporting for a long time, no trace remains at the contact portion and pain is unlikely to occur. In addition, since each support complements each other, the stability is enhanced, and a design corresponding to limbs of various sizes and shapes can be made. Therefore, it can be used in various fields such as the medical field, the nursing field, and the sports rehabilitation field.

[0028] Next, different embodiments of the limb support device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A perspective view of the limb support device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7, and a perspective view of the limb support device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8.

[0029] For example, regarding the four - limb support device 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lengths of the horizontal frame member 101 and the vertical frame member 102, and the combination of each frame member can be variously customized according to the installation location and the user's requirements. Specifically, by forming the four - limb support device 200 with the length of the vertical frame member 202 longer than the length of the horizontal frame member 201 as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to support the upper arm in a standing state for a user with a tall stature or to support only one foot. In addition, for the four - limb support net 2 used in this embodiment, it is necessary to use one with a height - direction dimension larger than the width - direction dimension (for example, width 1 m × height 2 m).

[0030] Also, by using two four - limb support nets 3 and 4 of the same form as a set, and arranging them oppositely using separate horizontal frame members 301A, 301B and vertical frame members 302A, 302B, and connecting them with three connecting frame members 303A - 303C, the four - limb support device 300 shown in FIG. 8 can be formed, which can support all four limbs for use.

[0031] From the above, the four - limb support device of the present invention is assumed to be used for various purposes. For example, it can be used as an auxiliary device to support the four limbs of the elderly or those with physical disabilities who need care at home, or as a device for fixing and holding the four limbs in an operating table or a rehabilitation facility in a medical field. Furthermore, in the sports field, it can also be used as a support tool to stabilize the four limbs during first - aid treatment of injuries.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0032] 1 - 4 Four - limb support nets 10, 11 - 14 First support body 12A, 12B, 22A, 22B Main surface 12C, 12D, 22C, 22D Side surface 20, 21 - 28 Second support body 100, 200, 300 Four - limb support devices 101, 201, 301A, 301B Horizontal frame members (frame members) 102, 202, 302A, 302B Vertical frame members (frame members) 103, 203, 303A - 303C Connecting members (frame members) C Stitching part K Opening H Spacing between adjacent first supports W Spacing between adjacent second supports

Claims

1. A limb support net having a support body for supporting the limbs of a user; A frame member for fixing the limb support net; With The limb supporting net is A plurality of first supports extending in a band shape; A plurality of second supports extending in a band shape; are arranged perpendicular to each other to form a lattice shape, The first support and the second support are A main surface in the width direction; The side surface that contacts in the thickness direction, Each of them has the main surface of the first support and the main surface of the second support face in different directions; The first support body and the second support body are integrated with each other at the orthogonal position, The frame member includes: A horizontal frame member extending horizontally relative to the floor surface; A vertical frame member extending in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface; a connecting member connecting the horizontal frame member and the vertical frame member; Equipped with A limb supporting device, characterized in that the edges of the limb supporting net are fixed to the horizontal frame member.

2. 2. The limb support device according to claim 1, 13. A limb supporting device, wherein either the first support body or the second support body is made of a natural fiber or a chemical fiber.

3. 2. The limb support device according to claim 1, 13. A device for supporting limbs, wherein the frame member is made of any one of metal, resin, and wood.

Images