Air Stretch Exercise Device

Abstract

To provide an air stretch exercise device for performing stretch exercise in which a jaw part side of the user's head is lifted in a state that the user is lying with his or her head placed on a pillow part, and stretched with respect to the parts to be treated such as the user's neck and shoulder.SOLUTION: An air stretch exercise device 1 of the present invention includes: a pillow part 2 on which the head of a user can be placed; a first air bag 16 disposed below the pillow part 2 for raising the pillow part 2 by expanding, and executing stretch exercise for the head to the neck of the user, and an air pump 8 for supplying air to the first air bag 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air stretching exercise device that can be placed on a substantially horizontal surface such as a floor or a bed, allowing the user to perform stretching exercises while lying on their back. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, people have fewer opportunities to move their bodies and often remain in the same position for long periods of time. As a result, the muscles and tendons of the body often become contracted and stiff. Devices that can perform stretching exercises on such bodies (treatment areas) are commercially available. Patent Document 1, for example, discloses an exercise machine that can perform stretching exercises on treatment areas such as the back from the shoulders to the waist and the buttocks. The stretching exercise machine in Patent Document 1 is a seat-type machine in which the user lies supine on the seat and stretches the back, buttocks, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7054919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows sufficient stretching exercises for the back, including the shoulders, back, and waist, as well as the buttocks, and can provide a high stretching effect.

[0005] In recent years, it is common for people to maintain a hunched posture for long periods of time when using smartphones, tablets, or doing office work using computers. In this type of forward-tilted posture, the weight of the head places stress on the neck and shoulders, causing symptoms such as stiffness in the neck and shoulders and a stiff neck.

[0006] For these reasons, there is a demand for a device that can perform stretching exercises on areas to be treated, such as the back, lower back, and buttocks, as well as on the neck and shoulders. In other words, there is a demand for a device that can perform stretching exercises on various areas, not just on areas to be treated, such as the back and lower back, as with conventional devices.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an air stretching exercise device that allows the user to lie supine with the head placed on a pillow, lifting the chin side of the head and performing stretching exercises to stretch the treatment areas such as the neck and shoulders. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical means.

[0009] The air stretching exercise device according to the present invention comprises: a pillow portion on which a user's head can be placed; a first airbag that, when inflated, raises the pillow portion and stretches the user's head and neck; Airbags an air pump for supplying air to the The upper surface side of the pillow part is convex, a rest surface is provided below the pillow part, the rear side of the lower surface of the pillow part is pivotally supported on the rest surface so as to be rotatable, and when the first airbag inflates between the pillow part and the rest surface, the front part of the pillow part rotates upward around the pivot shaft and is raised, and when the first airbag inflates with air supplied from the air pump, it lifts the pillow part upward, and pulls the head of the user placed on the pillow part upward and backward, thereby producing a stretching motion that stretches the neck. It is characterized by:

[0010] Preferably, It is preferable that the pillow further includes a seat portion connected to the front side of the pillow portion and on which the user can lie on his or her back.

[0011] Preferably, The seat portion is provided with a second airbag that causes the user to stretch the treatment area. It is good.

[0012] Preferably, The pillow portion is stored in the case body and can be freely protruded and retracted from the case body, the seat portion is formed of a flexible material, and an air pump, an air supply hose that guides air from the air pump to a second air bag arranged in the seat portion, and a connector that connects the air supply hose to the second air bag are stored in the case body, so the seat portion can be wrapped around the outer periphery of the case body. It's good to have one. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the head of the user placed on the pillow can be raised, and stretching exercises can be performed on the areas to be treated, such as the neck and shoulders of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the air stretching exercise device of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air stretching exercise device of the present invention, showing the first airbag in a deflated state. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air stretching exercise device of the present invention, showing the first airbag in an inflated state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a schematic overview of the air stretching exercise device of the present invention, showing the first airbag in an inflated state (a perspective view from a different direction than FIG. 2B). [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a side view showing how the air stretching exercise device of the present invention is used, with the first airbag in a deflated state. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a side view showing how the air stretching exercise device of the present invention is used, with the first airbag inflated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of an air stretching exercise device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this specific example. Also, in the drawings, some of the components are omitted for clarity.

[0016] In explaining this embodiment, the directions of the sheet-type air stretch exercise device 1 are defined as follows for the sake of convenience.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, in the longitudinal direction of the sheet-type air stretch exercise device 1, the side of the pillow 2 is the "rear side" of the device, and the end side of the sheet 5, opposite the pillow 2, is the "front side" of the device. Furthermore, when a user U lies on their back on the sheet-type air stretch exercise device 1, the direction in which the user U looks up (towards the ceiling) is the "upper side" of the air stretch exercise device 1. The left and right directions of the air stretch exercise device 1 are as shown in the drawing.

[0018] 1 to 4B show the configuration and usage of the air stretching exercise device according to the present invention.

[0019] 1, the sheet-type air stretching exercise device 1 of this embodiment can be placed on a flat surface such as a floor F or a bed, and applies a stretching motion to treatment areas such as the scapulae (underside of the shoulders), back, lower back, buttocks, or lower limbs of a supine user U. In addition, the air stretching exercise device 1 of this embodiment can apply a stretching motion to the treatment areas from the neck to the shoulders of the user U.

[0020] The air stretching exercise device 1 of this embodiment has a pillow part 2 on which the head of a user U lying on their back can be placed, and a first airbag 16 that is disposed below the pillow part 2 and that, when inflated, lifts the pillow part 2 upward, causing a stretching exercise from the head to the neck of the user U. Furthermore, the air stretching exercise device 1 is stored inside the pillow part 2 and has a first airbag 16. Airbags 16. Airbags The pillow 16 is provided with an air pump 8) that supplies air to the pillow 16, and a seat 5 that is connected to the front side of the pillow 2 and on which the user U can lie down.

[0021] To give an example of the size of the air stretch exercise device 1 of this embodiment, when unfolded, the left-right length (width) of the seat portion 5 is slightly larger than the shoulder width of the user U. Furthermore, when unfolded, the length in the front-to-back direction of this air stretch exercise device 1 corresponds roughly to the length from the head of the user U through the back and waist to the buttocks. In other words, the air stretch exercise device 1 is large enough to rest the upper body on.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pillow section 2 is capable of supporting the head of a user U lying on their back on the seat section 5. The upper surface of the pillow section 2 may have, for example, a rounded shape or a flat shape. The lower surface of the pillow section 2 is made to be a substantially horizontal surface so that the pillow section 2 can be placed on a flat surface such as the floor. A first airbag 16, which will be described later, is disposed below this horizontal surface.

[0023] The pillow section 2 is arranged so as to be able to move up and down from the left-right central portion of the case body 6 (storage body). Specifically, the case body 6 is a member that is long in the left-right direction and is a housing with an interior that is hollow. A space of a predetermined size is formed inside the case body 6, and the first airbag 16 and the drive mechanism 4 that drives the first airbag 16 are stored therein.

[0024] An opening large enough to fit the pillow section 2 is formed in the center of the left and right of the case body 6. The pillow section 2 fits loosely into this opening, allowing it to move in and out freely in the vertical direction. The case body 6 has a flat cutout on the bottom surface and an upwardly protruding shape (a semi-cylindrical shape), and has a space inside, making it possible to store the drive mechanism 4 in this internal space. Preferably, a soft cushion member 7 is provided on the upper surface side of the pillow section 2 that comes into contact with the user's head. The shape of the pillow section 2 is not limited to the shape exemplified in this embodiment.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the case body 6 contains an air pump 8 (compressor) that constitutes the drive mechanism 4, a first air hose that guides air sent out from the air pump 8 to the first airbag 16, a first connector that connects the first air hose to the first airbag 16, an electromagnetic valve 11 that controls the amount of air supplied to the first airbag 16, and a control unit 12 that controls this electromagnetic valve 11.

[0026] An opening 13 that opens toward the front is formed in the lower part of the case body 6. The opening 13 puts the inside and outside of the pillow part 2 in communication. The opening 13 is provided so as to protrude toward the front from the lower part of the case body 6 in a side view. This opening 13 is opened in a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction, and the rear side (base end side) of the seat part 5 is connected to it.

[0027] Furthermore, a flat mounting surface 14 is provided within the opening 13, and air hoses and other components of the drive mechanism 4 are arranged on the mounting surface 14. By arranging the air hoses and other components of the drive mechanism 4 inside the case body 6 on the inside of the opening 13, they are not exposed to the outside through the opening 13. This prevents the air hoses and other components from getting caught or pinched and broken when the flexible sheet portion 5 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the case body 6 and secured in place.

[0028] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, etc., in this embodiment, a first Airbags 16. This first Airbags The first cushion 16 is disposed at a position facing the underside of the pillow portion 2, and is inflated by driving the air pump 8. Airbags The pillow part 2 placed on the support 16 moves upward and backward, thereby lifting the back of the user U's head and neck and stretching the back of the head and neck, thereby performing a stretching exercise.

[0029] No. 1 Airbags 16 is a structure in which air-impermeable fabric bodies are placed above and below, and the edges are joined together in an airtight state by welding or the like (welded structure). AirbagsThe air pump 8 is configured to store pressurized air, and the air pump 8 is configured to be expandable and contractible so that it can be greatly expanded. Airbags 16 may be a bag body having a rectangular shape elongated in the left-right direction in a plan view, as in this embodiment. Airbags The bag 16 may be, for example, an oval shape that is long in the left-right direction. Airbags 16 is the second Airbags It is configured to be able to expand and contract independently of 17.

[0030] No. 1 Airbags A first connector is attached to the air pump 8. A first air hose is connected to the first connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the first air hose and the first connector, and the air is supplied to the first Airbags 16 expands.

[0031] As mentioned above, the upper surface side of the pillow part 2 has, for example, a rounded shape or a shape with a flat surface (a mountain shape, a shape that is convex upward). As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, an L-shaped support part 20 that is bent backward is provided hanging down on the rear side of the lower surface of the pillow part 2, and the side opposite the pillow of this support part 20 (the side facing backward) is a pivot part 21. Specifically, a pivot body 22 is provided upright on the mounting surface 14 of the case body 6, and the tip of the L-shaped support part 21 is pivoted to this pivot body 22 so as to be rotatable about a left-right axis. Therefore, the front part of the pillow part 2 rotates upward around this pivot axis and is lifted. Therefore, the first Airbags When air is supplied to 16, it expands and lifts up the pillow part 2, causing it to protrude outward from the case body 6 through the opening of the case body 6.

[0032] When this happens, the convex shape of the pillow part 2 comes into contact with the user's cervical vertebrae, causing the pillow part 2 to lift upward, stretching the user's cervical vertebrae and providing a comfortable massage. It also helps to straighten the user's cervical vertebrae and counteract straight neck.

[0033] 2, a drive mechanism 4 is housed inside the case body 6. The drive mechanism 4 has an air pump 8 that supplies pressurized air to inflate the first airbag 16 and the like, air hoses that guide the air delivered from the air pump 8 to the airbags 16, 17 and the like, connectors that connect the air hoses to the airbags 16, 17, solenoid valves 11 that control the amount of air supplied to the airbags 16, 17, and a control unit 12 that controls the solenoid valves 11.

[0034] The air pump 8 is provided on the left side inside the case body 6 and is connected to the solenoid valve 11 via an air hose. The air pump 8 sends pressurized air to the solenoid valve 11. The solenoid valve 11 is provided on the right side of the case body 6 and is connected to a first air hose that supplies air to the first airbag 16 and a second air hose that supplies air to the second airbag 17 (details will be described later). The solenoid valve 11 is controlled by the control unit 12 and switches between introducing air into the first airbag 16, the second airbag 17, etc.

[0035] The first air hose is connected to a first connector provided on the first airbag 16. The second air hose is connected to a second connector provided on the second airbag 17. It is preferable to use, for example, a flexible rubber tube as the first air hose and the second air hose.

[0036] The control unit 12 is provided on the right side of the case body 6. A program for performing a plurality of stretching exercises is installed in this control unit 12, and the program controls the inflation of the first airbag 16 and the second airbag 17, etc.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air stretch exercise device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a seat 5 that is connected to the front side of the pillow 2 and on which the user U can lie supine. The seat 5 is positioned so that it is spread out under the area to be treated of the user U (for example, the shoulders, back, waist, buttocks, etc.).

[0038] To give an example of the size of the seat 5 of this embodiment, the length (width) in the left-right direction of the seat 5 when unfolded is slightly larger than the shoulder width of the user U. Furthermore, the length in the front-to-back direction of the seat 5 when unfolded corresponds to approximately the length from the shoulders of the user U through the back and waist to the buttocks. In other words, the seat 5 is large enough to allow the upper body to rest on it.

[0039] The sheet portion 5 has a second stretching device for stretching the treatment area of ​​the user U. Airbags 17 are deployed. Airbags 17 is expanded to the second Airbags By pushing up the treatment area (for example, back, lower back, buttocks, lower limbs, etc.) of the user U on 17 and twisting the user's body, a stretching exercise is given to the treatment area.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 1, four second airbags 17 of this embodiment are arranged in the seat portion 5. These second airbags 17 have a structure in which air-impermeable fabric bodies are arranged above and below, and the peripheries thereof are joined in an airtight state by welding or the like (welded structure).

[0041] The second airbag 17 of this embodiment includes a right rear airbag 17c arranged on the right rear side of the seat portion 5, a right front airbag 17d arranged on the right front side, a left rear airbag 17e arranged on the left rear side, and a left front airbag 17f arranged on the left front side.

[0042] The right rear airbag 17c to the left front airbag 17f are configured to be able to store pressurized air from the air pump 8 and are configured to be freely inflatable and deflatable so as to be able to inflate greatly. The right rear airbag 17c to the left front airbag 17f are bags that are long in the front-to-rear direction and may be bags that are shaped, for example, rectangular or elliptical. The right rear airbag 17c to the left front airbag 17f are configured to be able to inflate and deflate independently of each other.

[0043] The right rear airbag 17c of this embodiment is a bag body that has an elliptical shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view, and is disposed on the right rear side of the seat portion 5. The right rear airbag 17c is disposed in a position that corresponds to the right shoulder, back, etc. of a user U who is lying on his / her back on the seat portion 5.

[0044] A right rear connector is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the right rear airbag 17c. A right rear air hose is connected to the right rear connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the right rear air hose and the right rear connector, and is supplied to the right rear airbag, causing it to inflate. As the right rear airbag inflates upward from the seat portion 5, it provides stretching exercises to the treatment areas, such as the right shoulder and back, of the user U lying on his back on the seat portion 5.

[0045] The right front airbag 17d of this embodiment is a bag body that is substantially circular in plan view, and is disposed on the right front side of the seat portion 5. The right front airbag 17d is disposed in a position corresponding to the waist and buttocks on the right side of a user U who is lying on his / her back on the seat portion 5.

[0046] The right front airbag 17d is provided with an air passage 18d through which air supplied from the air pump 8 passes. The air passage 18d is provided so as to pass through the right outer side of the right rear airbag 17c.

[0047] A right front connector is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the air passage 18d. A right front air hose is connected to the right front connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the right front air hose and the right front connector and then through the air passage 18d, and is supplied to the right front airbag 17d, causing it to inflate.

[0048] The right front airbag 17d inflates upward from the seat 5, thereby providing stretching exercises to the treatment areas such as the lower back and buttocks on the right side of the user U lying on his back on the seat 5.

[0049] The left rear airbag 17e is a mirror image of the right rear airbag 17c. That is, the left rear airbag 17e and the right rear airbag 17c are bilaterally symmetrical. The left rear airbag 17e of this embodiment is disposed on the left rear side of the seat 5, and is positioned to correspond to the left shoulder, back, etc. of a user U lying face up on the seat 5.

[0050] A left rear connector is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the left rear airbag 17e. A left rear air hose is connected to the left rear connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the left rear air hose and the left rear connector, and is supplied to the left rear airbag 17e, causing it to inflate. The left rear airbag 17e inflates upward from the seat 5, thereby providing stretching exercises to the treatment areas, such as the left shoulder and back, of the user U lying on his back on the seat 5.

[0051] The left front airbag 17f is the right front airbag 17d flipped over to the left and disposed therein. That is, the left front airbag 17f and the right front airbag 17d are bilaterally symmetrical. The left front airbag 17f of this embodiment is disposed on the left front side of the seat 5, and is disposed in a position corresponding to the waist, buttocks, etc. on the left side of the user U lying face up on the seat 5.

[0052] The left front airbag 17f is provided with an air passage 18f through which air supplied from the air pump 8 passes. The air passage 18f is provided so as to pass through the left outer side of the left rear airbag 17e.

[0053] A left front connector is attached to the rear side (base end side) of the air passage 18f. A left front air hose is connected to the left front connector. Air from the air pump 8 passes through the left front air hose and the left front connector, and then through the air passage 18f, and is supplied to the left front airbag 17f, causing it to inflate. As the left front airbag 17f inflates upward from the seat 5, it provides a stretching exercise to the treatment areas, such as the lower back and buttocks, on the left side of the user U, who is lying on his back on the seat 5.

[0054] The shape of the second airbags 17c to 17f is not particularly limited as long as it allows the user U lying on his back on the seat 5 to perform stretching exercises on the area to be treated.

[0055] The second airbags 17c to 17f are configured to be able to inflate and deflate independently and alternately. For example, the right rear airbag 17c and the right front airbag 17d, which are disposed on the right side of the seat 5, may be controlled to inflate and deflate together, and at the same time, the left rear airbag 17e and the left front airbag 17f, which are disposed on the left side of the seat 5, may be controlled to start inflating together.

[0056] In addition, the right rear airbag 17c and the left front airbag 17f, which are arranged in a cross direction in the seat portion 5, may be inflated together, and while they are being deflated, the right front airbag 17d and the left rear airbag 17e, which are arranged in the opposite cross direction, may also be controlled to begin inflating together.

[0057] Alternatively, the right rear airbag 17c and the left rear airbag 17e arranged on the rear side of the seat portion 5 may be inflated together, and at the same time as these airbags are deflated, the right front airbag 17d and the left front airbag 17f arranged on the front side of the seat portion 5 may be controlled to start inflating together. Note that the timing of inflation and deflation of each of the airbags 17c to 17f can also be controlled to be individually delayed or advanced. [Operation mode] Next, the operation of the air stretching exercise device 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0058] For example, the state shown in Fig. 2A, Fig. 4A, etc. is set. Specifically, the user U lies on his / her back on the seat part 5, places his / her head on the pillow part 2, and Airbags 16 is set to a state in which it is to be used. Here, the switch 19 provided on the upper left of the pillow portion 2 is operated to drive the air pump 8 (drive mechanism 4).

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 4B, the first Airbags When the first airbag 16 is driven, pressurized air is sent from the air pump 8 to the solenoid valve 11. The pressurized air passes through the solenoid valve 11, the first air hose and the first connector, and is supplied to the first airbag 16. The first airbag 16 begins to inflate.

[0060] As the first airbag 16 inflates upward, the pillow part 2 placed on the first airbag 16 rises, and the head of the user U is pulled upward and backward, stretching the neck (nape of the neck), effectively providing a stretching exercise to the neck and shoulders. When the second airbag 17 of the seat part 5 is inflated, as described above, the upper body of the user U is moved in a twisting manner, providing a stretching exercise to the user U.

[0061] Furthermore, the air stretching exercise device 1 of the present invention can also perform the following stretching exercise. When the first airbag 16 for the head is inflated while the second airbag 17 corresponding to the user U's back is inflated, the inflation of the second airbags 17 (particularly the inflation of the right rear airbag 17c and left rear airbag 17e) lifts the back and arches the chest, resulting in a posture with the chin raised even more. This action allows stretching exercises for the sternocleidomastoid muscle (the muscle that runs from the back of the head to the collarbone), etc.

[0062] The user lies sideways on the seat 5, places the upper arm (more specifically, slightly toward the hand tip from the armpit) on the first airbag 16 on which the head rests, and inflates the second airbag 16, allowing the armpit to be stretched.

[0063] A person can perform stretching exercises for the lower back by placing their buttocks on the second airbag 17 corresponding to their back, placing their lower back against the pillow 2 as a stopper, raising their upper body by placing their elbows (or hands) on the floor, and inflating the second airbag 17. It is also possible to lie on the air stretching exercise device 1 with their lower back against the pillow 2, but if they feel a little pain, it is preferable to perform stretching exercises with their upper body raised.

[0064] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In particular, matters not explicitly stated in the embodiments disclosed herein, such as operating conditions, operation conditions, dimensions and weights of components, etc., do not deviate from the scope of ordinary practice by a person skilled in the art, and are matters that can be easily assumed by a person skilled in the art.

[0065] For example, the first Airbags The size, shape, and other configurations of the first embodiment can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment area. Airbags 16, No. 2 Airbags The arrangement and shape of 17, the rhythm of expansion and contraction, the order of expansion, etc. can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment area. Airbags Regarding 17, it is possible to use a single piece that fits within the sheet portion 5. Airbags 17 may be provided so that it is placed on the top surface of the seat part 5 without the upper cloth. In other words, the configuration of the air stretch exercise device 1 can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment area. It is also possible to have an air stretch exercise device that does not have the seat part 5 and is composed only of the case body 6 (pillow part 2 and first airbag 16). [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Air stretch exercise device 2 Pillow part 4. Drive mechanism 5 Seat section 6 Case body 7 Cushion material 8. Air pump 11 Solenoid valve 12 Control Unit 13 Opening 14 Placement surface 16 First airbag 17 Second airbag U user

Claims

1. a pillow portion on which the user's head can be placed; The device includes a first airbag that inflates to raise the pillow portion and stretch the user's head and neck, and an air pump that supplies air to the first airbag, The upper surface side of the pillow part is convex, a support surface is provided below the pillow part, and the rear side of the lower surface of the pillow part is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable relative to the support surface, and when the first airbag is inflated between the pillow part and the support surface, the front part of the pillow part rotates upward around the pivot shaft and is lifted up, When the first airbag is inflated by air supplied from the air pump, it lifts the pillow part upward, and pulls the head of the user placed on the pillow part upward and backward, thereby producing a stretching motion that stretches the neck. An air stretching exercise device characterized by:

2. 2. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 1, further comprising a seat portion connected to the front side of the pillow portion and on which the user can lie on his / her back.

3. 3. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 2, wherein the seat portion is provided with a second airbag for stretching the treatment area of ​​the user.

4. The pillow portion is stored in the case body and can be freely moved out and retracted from the case body. The sheet portion is formed of a flexible material, The case body contains an air pump, an air supply hose that guides air from the air pump to a second air bag disposed in the seat section, and a connector that connects the air supply hose to the second air bag, so that the seat section can be wrapped around the outer periphery of the case body.

4. The air stretching exercise device according to claim 3.

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