Chair-type massage machine with footrest

Abstract

To provide a chair type massage machine having a foot rest, having a configuration of capable of changing a position of a foot rest by only the foot part of a user without using the hand of the user, namely, capable of moving the foot rest to a front side in linkage to an operation of kicking out the foot part of the user in a cross direction, thereby properly adjusting positioning of the foot rest by even a user who is small.SOLUTION: A chair type massage machine 1 comprises: a seat part 2 on which a user can be seated; a backrest part 3 provided on a rear side of the seat part 2; and a foot rest 4 which has an insertion recess part 5 into which the lower extremity of the user can be inserted, and has therein, a massage mechanism. The foot rest 4 is movable in a cross direction in linkage with an operation of kicking the foot part F of the user in a cross direction, and on a front side of the insertion recess part 5, there is provided a foot part engaging member 6 in which the foot part F of the user kicked out is caught, for moving the foot rest 4 in the cross direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair-type massage machine equipped with a footrest. [Background technology]

[0002] Chair-type massage machines have a seat where the user can sit, a backrest provided behind the seat, and a footrest in front of the seat. Some chair-type massage machines are equipped with a leg massage mechanism (leg massaging device) that massages the user's lower legs from the feet to the calves.

[0003] Furthermore, some chair-type massage machines are equipped with a forward / backward movement mechanism that allows the footrest to move forward and backward, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. With this chair-type massage machine, the user can recline the backrest backward and move the footrest forward, allowing them to receive a massage in a relaxed position while lying on their back. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-75252 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, users have expressed the following desire: When using a chair-type massage machine with a mechanism that automatically moves the footrest forward, the footrest may move far away as it moves forward.

[0006] For example, when a short and petite user uses a chair-type massage machine that automatically moves the footrest forward, the footrest may be too far away, making it impossible for the toes of the user to reach the bottom of the footrest (the bottom of the insertion recess), and the user's feet may be in danger of slipping out of the insertion recess of the footrest. In particular, short and petite users may feel that the footrest is too far away when it moves forward.

[0007] This phenomenon of the feet not being able to reach the bottom of the footrest is particularly noticeable in chair-type massage machines in which the footrest moves forward in conjunction with the reclining of the backrest. In other words, chair-type massage machines in which the backrest and footrest are linked may be difficult to use for some users.

[0008] For this reason, there has been a demand for a system that allows even short and petite users to properly adjust the position of the footrest.

[0009] In addition, most commercially available chair-type massage machines have an electric reclining mechanism. In this case, the user must manually operate the included remote control to move the footrest forward, which can make it difficult for some users to move the legs inside the footrest.

[0010] In response to the above problems and requests, we considered a structure that separates the footrest from the backrest and allows the footrest to be moved forward independently and manually (for example, a structure in which the user can move the footrest forward using their own feet).

[0011] In view of the above problems and market needs, the present invention aims to provide a chair-type massage machine equipped with a footrest that has a structure that allows the user to change the position of the footrest using only the feet without using the hands, that is, a structure that allows the footrest to move forward in conjunction with the user's kicking action of the feet forward or backward, thereby enabling even a short and petite user, for example, to properly adjust the position of the footrest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical means.

[0013] The chair-type massage machine with footrest of the present invention has a seat on which a user can sit, a backrest provided behind the seat, and a footrest with an insertion recess into which the user's lower legs can be inserted and equipped with a massage mechanism inside, characterized in that the footrest is movable in the forward and backward directions in conjunction with the user's kicking out of their feet in the forward and backward directions, and a foot engaging member is provided in front of the insertion recess so that the user's kicked-out feet can catch on to move the footrest in the forward and backward directions.

[0014] Preferably, the insertion recess is open upward and forward so that the lower leg can be inserted from the front, and the foot engaging member is provided on the lower front side of the insertion recess so that the foot of the user who has kicked out can be hooked onto and pushed, thereby allowing the footrest to be moved forward.

[0015] Preferably, the foot engagement member is made of a cloth body that is arranged to span the lower front side of the insertion recess in the left-right direction, and is shaped so that the tip of the user's foot inserted into the insertion recess can engage with it.

[0016] Preferably, the foot engaging member is structured so that the front side of the insertion recess is covered by a case body that constitutes the footrest, and a flexible protective member is attached to the front side of the insertion recess and inside the case body.

[0017] Preferably, the foot engaging member is provided on the lower front side of the insertion recess and comprises a protrusion having a height that allows the tip of the user's foot inserted into the insertion recess to engage therewith.

[0018] Preferably, the footrest is movable between a first position in front of the seat and a second position further forward than the first position, and is configured to move from the first position to the second position by the user's foot inserted into the insertion recess hitting the foot engaging member and extending it forward in a kicking motion.

[0019] Preferably, a rolling member movable in the front-rear direction is provided on the rear side of the bottom of the footrest.

[0020] Preferably, the footrest is provided with a spring member that biases the footrest toward the first position.

[0021] Preferably, the footrest is provided with a second spring member that absorbs impact when the footrest is returned from the second position to the first position. More preferably, the chair-type massage machine with footrest of the present invention is a chair-type massage machine having a seat portion on which a user can sit, a backrest portion provided on the rear side of the seat portion, and a footrest having an insertion recess into which the user's lower legs can be inserted and having a massage mechanism inside, wherein a rolling member is provided on the rear side of the bottom of the footrest, allowing the footrest to move in the forward and backward directions, and the footrest is made movable in the forward and backward directions by the rolling member rolling in conjunction with the action of the user kicking out the feet in the forward and backward directions, and a foot engaging member, which is a kicking aid that catches the kicked-out feet of the user, is provided on the front side of the insertion recess, allowing the footrest to move in the forward and backward directions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The chair-type massage machine equipped with the footrest of the present invention is structured so that the user can change the position of the footrest using only their feet without using their hands, that is, the footrest can be moved forward in conjunction with the user's kicking action of their feet forward or backward, making it possible for even a short and petite user to properly adjust the position of the footrest. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the chair-type massage machine of the present invention in a "first position" in which the footrest is returned to the seat side. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic overview of the chair-type massage machine of the present invention in a "second position" in which the footrest is moved forward. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the foot rest is being moved forward from the "first position" in which the foot rest is returned to the seat side by using the foot engaging member. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the foot rest is pushed forward and moved to the "second position" by using the foot engaging member. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view of a situation in which the foot rest is being moved forward from the "first position" in which the foot rest has returned to the seat side by using the foot engaging member. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the foot rest is pushed forward and moved to the "second position" by using the foot engaging member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from below of the chair-type massage machine in the "second position" with the footrest moved forward. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a chair-type massage machine equipped with a footrest according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] The embodiment described below is an example of the present invention, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this specific example. In addition, in the drawings, some components are omitted and drawn using virtual lines, etc., for ease of understanding.

[0026] The directions of the chair-type massage machine 1 equipped with the footrest 4, such as front-back and left-right, are as shown in the drawings. These directions correspond to the directions seen by a user of the chair-type massage machine 1 seated on the seat 2 with their lower limbs inserted into the footrest 4, from their feet F to their calves C.

[0027] That is, in the following description, the directions shown in the drawings are the directions when explaining the chair-type massage machine 1 equipped with the footrest 4 of the present invention. Also, the lower limbs in this embodiment are defined as the area from the user's calves C below the knees to the feet F (toes).

[0028] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the chair-type massage machine 1 of the present invention in a "first position" where the footrest 4 is returned to the seat 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the chair-type massage machine 1 of the present invention in a "second position" where the footrest 4 is moved forward.

[0029] Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the foot rest 4 is being moved forward from the "first position" in which it has returned to the seat 2 side by using the foot engaging member 6 described below. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the foot rest 4 is being pushed forward by using the foot engaging member 6 to move it to the "second position."

[0030] Fig. 5 is a side view of the situation where the foot rest 4 is being moved forward from the "first position" where it has returned to the seat 2 side by using the foot engaging member 6 described below. Fig. 6 is a side view of the situation where the foot rest 4 is being pushed forward by using the foot engaging member 6 to move it to the "second position."

[0031] 7 is a perspective view of the chair-type massage machine 1 in the "second position" where the footrest 4 has been moved forward, as seen from below. The positions of the footrest 4 in the "first position" and "second position" will be described in detail later.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the chair-type massage machine 1 of the present invention has a seat 2 on which a user can sit, a backrest 3 provided on the rear side of the seat 2, and a footrest 4 provided with an insertion recess 5 into which the user's lower limbs from the calf C below the knee to the foot F can be inserted and which has a massage mechanism inside.

[0033] In the chair type massage machine 1 of the present invention, the footrest 4 and the backrest 3 are separated from each other so that they can operate independently, and the footrest 4 is structured so that it can move forward and backward in conjunction with the action of the user kicking out the feet F in the forward and backward directions.

[0034] The chair-type massage machine 1 of the present invention is characterized in that a foot engaging member 6 is provided at the front lower portion of the insertion recess 5 of the footrest 4, which allows the footrest 4 to be moved forward by hooking and pushing the user's feet F. The configuration of the foot engaging member 6 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The seat 2 is wide and thick enough for a user to sit on. A buttocks massage mechanism (not shown) that performs massage actions such as kneading, tapping, or vibration may be provided inside the seat 2. This buttocks massage mechanism may be mechanical or airbag type.

[0036] A tower-shaped leg frame 7 is provided below the seat 2. That is, the seat 2 is supported from below by the leg frame 7 placed on the floor surface Y. The leg frame 7 is made of multiple steel bars assembled in a tower shape.

[0037] The width of the leg frame 7 is approximately the same as the width of the seat 2. The length of the leg frame 7 in the front-to-rear direction is approximately the same as the length of the seat 2 in the front-to-rear direction. The height of the leg frame 7 is slightly longer than the length from the user's knee to the heel (approximately the same as the height of the footrest 4, which will be described later).

[0038] The backrest 3 is wide and thick enough for a user to lean against. A backrest frame (not shown) is provided inside the backrest 3 to support the backrest 3. The lower end (base end) of the backrest 3 is supported by the rear of the leg frame 7 in a state where it can swing freely in the front-to-rear direction.

[0039] Inside the backrest 3, a back massage mechanism (not shown) that performs massage actions such as kneading, tapping, and vibration is provided and is movable up and down. This back massage mechanism may be mechanical or airbag type. The backrest 3 can also be reclined by a reclining mechanism (not shown), such as a linear actuator mechanism, disposed inside the leg frame 7.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, an advancing / retreating mechanism 8 for moving the footrest 4 in the front-rear direction is provided inside the leg frame 7 (below the seat 2). The advancing / retreating mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes a link 9 that supports the footrest 4 so that it can move in the front-rear direction. The links 9 of this embodiment are provided in pairs on the left and right, and are support parts that support the footrest 4 from both the left and right sides so that it can move in the front-rear direction.

[0041] The link 9 has a swing arm 10 that is supported on the underside of the upper part of the leg frame 7 so that it can swing freely in the front-to-back direction, a support arm 11 that supports the footrest 4 so that it can move in the front-to-back direction, a first connecting portion 12 that connects the swing arm 10 and the support arm 11, and a second connecting portion 13 that connects the support arm 11 and the footrest 4.

[0042] The swing arm 10 is a long rod member that is suspended from the upper part (below the seat 2) within the leg frame 7. A pair of swing arms 10 are provided on the left and right sides with the same spacing as the width of the footrest 4.

[0043] The rear end (base end) of the swing arm 10 is rotatably supported by a frame support part 14 provided on the upper front side of the leg frame 7. The axis of the frame support part 14 faces the left-right direction (the width direction of the footrest 4). The swing arm 10 is supported by the frame support part 14 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction around the axis of the frame support part 14.

[0044] A through hole 10a is provided at the front end (tip) of the swing arm 10, and a connecting shaft 12a is provided in the through hole 10a. A through hole 10b is also provided at the midpoint in the longitudinal direction (tip side) of the swing arm 10, and a connecting shaft 12b is provided in the through hole 10b.

[0045] The connecting shafts 12a and 12b have their shaft centers oriented in the left-right direction (the width direction of the footrest 4). These connecting shafts 12a and 12b are members that constitute the first connecting portion 12 that connects the support arms 11 together.

[0046] The support arm 11 is a long rod member that is disposed so that its long axis faces the front-rear direction. The rear end (base end) of the support arm 11 is rotatably connected to a first connecting portion 12 provided on the swing arm 10.

[0047] Meanwhile, the front end (tip) of the support arm 11 is rotatably connected to a second connecting part 13 attached to the footrest 4. A pair of support arms 11 are provided on the left and right sides with the same spacing as the width of the footrest 4. In addition, two support arms 11 are provided in parallel, one above the other.

[0048] A through-hole is provided at the rear end (base end) of the upper support arm 11a, and the connecting shaft 12a of the first connecting part 12 is inserted into the through-hole. The rear end of the upper support arm 11a is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 12a of the first connecting part 12. In other words, the rear end of the upper support arm 11a is rotatably connected to the tip of the swing arm 10 via the connecting shaft 12a.

[0049] A through-hole is provided at the rear end (base end) of the lower support arm 11b, and the connecting shaft 12b of the first connecting part 12 is inserted into this through-hole. The rear end of the lower support arm 11b is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 12b of the first connecting part 12. In other words, the rear end of the lower support arm 11b is rotatably connected to the midpoint in the longitudinal direction (tip side) of the swing arm 10 via the connecting shaft 12b. The first connecting part 12 is covered by a cover body.

[0050] A through-hole is provided at the front end (tip) of the upper support arm 11a, and the connecting shaft 13a of the second connecting part 13 is inserted into the through-hole. The front end of the upper support arm 11a is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 13a of the second connecting part 13. In other words, the front end of the upper support arm 11a is rotatably connected to the stay member 15 via the connecting shaft 13a.

[0051] A through-hole is provided at the front end (tip) of the lower support arm 11b, and the connecting shaft 13b of the second connecting part 13 is inserted into the through-hole. The front end of the lower support arm 11b is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 13b of the second connecting part 13. In other words, the front end of the lower support arm 11b is rotatably connected to the stay member 15 via the connecting shaft 13b.

[0052] The stay member 15 is provided at the rear of the footrest 4. The stay member 15 has two upper and lower through-holes 15a and 15b. The upper through-hole 15a is provided with the connecting shaft 13a. The lower through-hole 15b is provided with the connecting shaft 13b.

[0053] The connecting shafts 13a and 13b have their axes oriented in the left-right direction (the width direction of the footrest 4). These connecting shafts 13a and 13b are members that constitute the second connecting portion 13 that connects the support arm 11. The second connecting portion 13 is covered with a cover body.

[0054] That is, the support arms 11 form a parallel link mechanism because both are connected to the first connecting portion 12 and the second connecting portion 13. Also, the support arms 11 appear to be arranged in a floating state between the swing arm 10 and the footrest 4.

[0055] When the footrest 4 is moved forward by the user's foot F, the link 9 of the advancing / retreating mechanism 8 moves forward. The link 9 moves as if it is opening from a folded state. The swing arm 10 in the suspended state swings forward, and the two support arms 11 move forward.

[0056] The footrest 4 tilts obliquely upward, and the two support arms 11 move from an inclined state to a parallel state. The footrest 4 remains inclined obliquely upward and moves to a position where the user can relax.

[0057] A guide member 16 that guides the footrest 4 forward is provided at the center of the rear bottom of the footrest 4. The guide member 16 is a long rod member that is disposed so that its axis faces the front-to-rear direction.

[0058] This guide member 16 is housed in the leg frame 7 when the footrest 4 is returned to the seat 2. In other words, the guide member 16 guides the footrest 4 in the front-to-rear direction, and cooperates with the forward pushing action of the advancing / retreating mechanism 8 (link 9).

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the footrest 4 of this embodiment is capable of independently moving forward and backward in conjunction with the forward and backward kicking action of the user's foot F by means of a forward and backward movement mechanism 8 (link 9).

[0060] The footrest 4 is movable between a "first position" in which it is positioned in front of (directly in front of) the seat, and a "second position" in which it is positioned further forward than the first position. The "first position" and "second position" will be explained later.

[0061] The footrest 4 includes a case body 17 that houses a massage mechanism (not shown) and into which the lower legs from the feet F to the calves C can be fitted from the front. The case body 17 is a rectangular housing when viewed from the front and a roughly boot-shaped housing when viewed from the side. The case body 17 is a plastic housing into which the left and right lower legs from the feet F to the calves C can be fitted from the front.

[0062] The width of the case body 17 is approximately the same as the width of the seat portion 2. The length of the case body 17 in the front-to-rear direction is longer than the length of the user's feet F. The height of the case body 17 is slightly longer than the length from the user's knees to their heels (approximately the same height as the leg frames 7).

[0063] The front surface of the case body 17 (footrest 4) is provided with insertion recesses 5 that are open upward and forward and into which the user's lower legs from the feet F to the calves C can be inserted. The insertion recesses 5 are generally boot-shaped so that the lower legs from the feet F to the calves C can be inserted from the front, and are arranged side by side on the front side of the case body 17, spaced apart from each other on the left and right.

[0064] The left and right lower legs from the feet F to the calves C can be inserted from the front into the pair of left and right insertion recesses 5. In other words, the insertion recesses 5 of this embodiment are of a front-opening type that allows the feet F to the calves C to be inserted from the front.

[0065] A flexible lining material (not shown) is provided inside the insertion recess 5. The lining material is preferably made of a flexible material such as a cloth body made of urethane or synthetic leather, or a cloth body made of canvas or leather.

[0066] In detail, the insertion recess 5 has a horizontal insertion recess 5a into which the area from the toes to the heel of the foot F can be inserted from the front, and a vertical insertion recess 5b into which the area from above the heel to the calf C can be inserted from the front.

[0067] The horizontal insertion recess 5a is provided on the bottom side of the case body 17. The vertical insertion recess 5b communicates with the rear side of the horizontal insertion recess 5a and is provided on the rear wall surface side of the case body 17.

[0068] A foot engaging member 6 (details described later) is provided at the tip of the horizontal insertion recess 5a (front side of the insertion recess 5a) to hook onto the user's foot F that is kicked out, allowing the footrest 4 to move in the forward and backward directions.

[0069] The case body 17 (footrest 4) of this embodiment houses a lower leg massage mechanism (not shown) that massages both the left and right feet F from the left and right sides, as well as the left and right sides and rear (back) sides of the calves C. This lower leg massage mechanism performs massage actions such as kneading, tapping, or vibration on the feet F and calves C. This lower leg massage mechanism may be mechanical or airbag type.

[0070] The footrest 4 (case body 17) of this embodiment has a "first position" and a "second position" as positions where it is arranged in front of the seat portion 2 (leg frame 7).

[0071] The "first position" refers to a position in which the chair-type massage machine 1 is positioned immediately in front of (adjacent to) the front of the seat 2 (leg frame 7) (positioned adjacent to the front of the seat 2), as shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, etc. This "first position" is the normal state of the chair-type massage machine 1. Even in the "first position," the user can use the massage mechanism of the footrest 4 to massage the lower limbs from the feet F to the calves C.

[0072] In the "first position," the bottom surface of the footrest 4 is approximately parallel to the floor surface Y (the installation surface). In this "first position," which is the normal state, the bottom surface of the footrest 4 is arranged parallel to the floor surface Y, making it difficult to push the footrest 4 forward with the foot F. Therefore, the chair-type massage machine 1 equipped with the footrest 4 of the present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by providing a foot engagement member 6 (details will be described later) in front of the horizontal insertion recess 5a (at a position corresponding to the tip of the foot F).

[0073] Furthermore, the "second position" of the footrest 4 (case body 17) described above refers to a position in which the footrest 4 is positioned forward and away from the seat 2 (leg frame 7) due to the forward pushing action of the advancing / retreating mechanism 8 (link 9) and the guide member 16, as shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, etc. (positioned further forward than the first position).

[0074] This "second position" is a state in which the user is kicked forward in the chair-type massage machine 1. In the "second position," the user can assume a more relaxed position in the chair-type massage machine 1, and the massage mechanism of the footrest 4 can massage the lower limbs from the feet F to the calves C.

[0075] The footrest 4 can be moved between a "first position" and a "second position" by the forward pushing action of the advancing / retreating mechanism 8 (link 9) and the guide member 16. However, the footrest 4 can also be stopped at any position desired by the user between the "first position" and the "second position."

[0076] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the footrest 4 of this embodiment is characterized by having a foot engagement member 6 on the lower front side of the insertion recess 5 to catch the user's foot F that has been kicked out.

[0077] The foot engaging member 6 allows the footrest 4 to move independently in the forward and backward directions in conjunction with the kicking action of the user's foot F in the forward and backward directions. That is, in this embodiment, the footrest 4 can be moved forward by hooking the user's foot F inserted into the insertion recess 5 onto the foot engaging member 6 and pushing it forward.

[0078] Specifically, in this embodiment, the footrest 4 is configured to move from the normal "first position" to the forward "second position" by hitting the tip of the user's foot F inserted into the insertion recess 5 against the foot engaging member 6 and extending it in a kicking motion.

[0079] The foot engaging member 6 (kick-off assisting device 6) is provided at the tip of the horizontal insertion recess 5a. More specifically, the foot engaging member 6 is provided so as to bridge from the right edge to the left edge of the tip of the horizontal insertion recess 5a.

[0080] More specifically, the right edge of the foot engaging member 6 is sewn to the right edge of the tip of the right horizontal insertion recess 5a, and the left edge of the foot engaging member 6 is sewn to the left edge of the tip of the right horizontal insertion recess 5a.

[0081] In addition, the right edge of the foot engaging member 6 is sewn to the right edge of the tip of the left horizontal insertion recess 5a, and the left edge of the foot engaging member 6 is sewn to the left edge of the tip of the left horizontal insertion recess 5a.

[0082] That is, the foot engaging member 6 is provided in a portion of the horizontal insertion recess 5a that corresponds to the tip (toe) of the foot F. Therefore, the height of the foot engaging member 6 provided in the horizontal insertion recess 5a (insertion recess 5) in a front view is the same as or slightly higher than the height of the toes of the foot F. The foot engaging member 6 may also be something like a cover that covers the toes of the foot F.

[0083] The foot engaging member 6 is made of a fabric body that is provided so as to span the lower front side of the insertion recess 5 in the left-right direction. The foot engaging member 6 is shaped so that it can be engaged with the tip of the user's foot F inserted into the insertion recess 5, and is preferably made of a stretchy material that feels pleasant against the skin.

[0084] The foot engaging member 6 is preferably made of a flexible material such as a cloth body made of urethane or synthetic leather, or a cloth body made of canvas or leather. Preferably, the foot engaging member 6 is made of the same material as the above-mentioned lining material.

[0085] The tip of the foot F inserted into the insertion recess 5 is pressed against the foot engaging member 6, and the foot F is extended forward as if kicking out, so that the tip of the foot F gets caught on the foot engaging member 6 and the case body 17 is pushed forward, thereby moving the body of the footrest 4 forward.

[0086] If the foot engaging member 6 is made of the fabric material described above, the fabric material stretches, so the foot F is not hurt and the footrest 4 can be moved forward smoothly.

[0087] In other words, in the footrest 4 of this embodiment, the foot engaging member 6 is provided at the tip of the horizontal insertion recess 5a, so that the tip of the user's foot F inserted into the insertion recess 5 can be moved forward to the ``second position'' by hitting the foot engaging member 6 and extending it in a kicking motion.

[0088] As described above, the footrest 4 of this embodiment has a foot engagement member 6 at the tip of the horizontal insertion recess 5a (front side of the insertion recess 5), so that when the user kicks their foot F forward or backward, the foot F gets caught on the foot engagement member 6, allowing the foot F to move forward or backward in conjunction with the forward kicking action.

[0089] In this embodiment, the foot engaging member 6, which the tip of the foot F contacts (the toes) of the foot F to push out the footrest 4, is made of a stretchable fabric, as an example, but the following modified examples may also be used.

[0090] As an example of a modified example of the foot engaging member 6, for example, the foot engaging member 6 may consist of a protrusion provided on the front side of the lower part (bottom) of the insertion recess 5 and having a height that allows the tip of the user's foot F inserted into the insertion recess 5 to engage.

[0091] Specifically, some of the insertion recesses 5 have protrusions on the front side of the bottom (horizontal insertion recesses 5a) that apply pressure and massage to the front soles of the feet. By making the protrusions high enough to be pushed forward with the tips of the feet F, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the foot engaging member 6 made of fabric described above (the effect of enabling the footrest 4 to be kicked forward and backward).

[0092] For example, the foot engaging member 6 may be formed into a cup shape (protector-like shape) using plastic or urethane to cover the tip of the foot F, so that the tip of the foot F rests against it, and may be arranged to cover the front side of the horizontal insertion recess 5a (front side of the bottom of the insertion recess 5).

[0093] As an example of a modified example of the foot engaging member 6, a structure may be adopted in which the case body 17 constituting the footrest 4 covers the front side of the insertion recess 5 (horizontal insertion recess 5a), and a flexible protective member is attached to the front side of this insertion recess 5 (horizontal insertion recess 5a) and inside the case body 17.

[0094] The structure of the foot engaging member 6 may be such that, for example, when the case body 17 (a resin housing) is formed from a hard material such as resin, it is molded to cover the entire front side of the horizontal insertion recess 5a corresponding to the tip (toe) of the foot F (in a shape like a toe cover), and a flexible protective member (made of a soft material such as cloth) is attached to the inside of the case body 17 covering the front side of the horizontal insertion recess 5a to protect the tip of the foot F.

[0095] The shape, material, and other configuration of the foot engagement member 6 are not limited to those exemplified in this embodiment, as long as the tip of the foot F can engage without causing pain when the user kicks the foot F forward or backward in conjunction with the action.

[0096] As shown in Figures 2, 6, etc., a rolling member 18 that can move in the front-to-rear direction is provided on the rear side of the bottom (the lower rear corner) of the footrest 4. The rolling member 18 is intended to reduce friction with the floor surface Y when the footrest 4 is pushed forward.

[0097] The rolling members 18 (rolling wheels 18) are provided at the lower end of the back surface of the footrest 4 (case body 17). That is, the rolling members 18 are provided at the corners between the bottom surface and the back surface in a side view.

[0098] The rolling members 18 are provided side by side, spaced apart from each other on the left and right, on the rear bottom side of the footrest 4. The footrest 4 is held by the rolling members 18 so as to be movable on the floor surface Y in the front-rear direction.

[0099] The wheel portion (tire portion) on the outer periphery of the rolling member 18 is preferably formed from hard rubber or the like, which has both vibration absorption properties and the ability to roll easily on the floor surface Y. The rolling member 18 allows the footrest 4 to move smoothly in the front-rear direction between the first position and the second position.

[0100] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the footrest 4 is provided with a first spring member 19 that urges the footrest 4 toward the first position (rearward). That is, in the first position, which is the normal state, the first spring member 19 urges the footrest 4 toward the seat 2. The first spring member 19 is disposed in the lower part of the leg frame 7.

[0101] The first spring member 19 is connected to an engagement hole 20 provided at the tip of the swing arm 10 and an engagement portion 21 provided on the lower rear side of the leg frame 7. In other words, the first spring member 19 is connected to a link 9 (advancing and retreating mechanism 8) arranged inside the leg frame 7.

[0102] In the normal state, the first spring member 19 biases the footrest 4 toward the seat surface 2. In other words, the first spring member 19 is normally biased to a contracted state. The footrest 4 is normally biased by the first spring member 19 to return to the seat surface 2.

[0103] The first spring member 19 has a role of positioning the footrest 4 (leg unit 4) toward the seat surface 2, for example, when there is no user in the chair-type massage machine 1 or when the foot engaging member 6 is not being used to push the footrest 4 forward (first position). In other words, the reaction force of the first spring member 19 causes the footrest 4 in an unloaded state to automatically return to the first position.

[0104] The footrest 4 is also provided with a second spring member 22 that biases the footrest 4 toward the second position (forward). When the footrest 4 is moved forward (to the second position), the second spring member 22 assists the forward movement of the footrest 4. The second spring member 22 is a spring that biases the footrest 4 (leg unit 4) forward.

[0105] The second spring member 22 assists the force of the foot F when the user pushes off the footrest 4 forward using the foot engaging member 6. In other words, the foot engaging member 6 is intended to make it easier to push off.

[0106] The reaction force of the second spring member 22 reduces the load when kicking off the footrest 4. Since the second spring member 22 assists in kicking off the footrest 4, it is made to be a weaker spring than the first spring member 19.

[0107] The second spring member 22 is intended to act when the footrest 4 is close to the seat surface 2 (when the footrest 4 begins to be pushed forward), and is not connected to the footrest 4 (see FIG. 7). In other words, the second spring member 22 is provided in a free state (unconstrained state) on the guide member 16 and is movable in the front-to-rear direction.

[0108] In addition, the second spring member 22 also serves to absorb the impact (as a cushion that reduces the impact) caused by contact with the leg frame 7 when the footrest 4 is returned from the front toward the seat 2 (from the second position to the first position). [Operation mode] Next, the operation of the chair-type massage machine 1 equipped with the footrest 4 of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0109] The advancing operation of the footrest 4 using the foot engaging member 6 (the procedure for moving the footrest 4 from the "first position" to the "second position") will be described below.

[0110] As shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, etc., the user sits on the seat 2 of the chair-type massage machine 1 and leans against the backrest 3. The user inserts the left and right lower limbs (calves C to feet F) below the knees into the insertion recesses 5 of the left and right footrests 4 from the front.

[0111] Specifically, the part from the calf C to the ankle is inserted into the vertical insertion recess 5b from the front, and the part from the ankle to the tip of the foot F (the entire foot F) is inserted into the horizontal insertion recess 5a from the front. Normally, the footrest 4 (case body 17) is biased in the return direction (towards the seat 2) by the reaction force of the first spring member 19 connected to the link 9, and is positioned in the "first position."

[0112] When moving the footrest 4 from the "first position" to the "second position," the user seated on the seat 2 kicks the lower leg (calf C to foot F) forward, causing the tip (toe) of the foot F in the insertion recess 5 to come into contact with and engage with the foot engaging member 6.

[0113] As shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, etc., when the lower leg is pushed out further in an arc, the tip of the foot F rises. This pushing off of the foot F causes the leg member 23 provided on the front side of the bottom of the footrest 4 to rise, and the rolling member 18 on the rear side of the bottom begins to roll forward. The footrest 4 moves forward while tilting upward, and moves to the "second position."

[0114] When the foot F starts to push off the footrest 4, the second spring member 22 provided on the guide member 16 expands, and the footrest 4 can be pushed off easily due to the auxiliary reaction force of the second spring member 22.

[0115] When the foot F engages with the foot engaging member 6 and the rolling member 18 rolls, the footrest 4 moves forward, and the link 9 of the advancing / retreating mechanism 8 moves forward from within the leg frame 7 (below the seat 2).

[0116] When the footrest 4 moves forward, the links 9 move from a folded state in which they overlap vertically to a state in which they open substantially parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the swing arm 10 in the suspended state swings forward, and the two support arms 11 move forward. In addition, the first spring member 19 connected to the link 9 expands.

[0117] When the foot F engaged with the foot engaging member 6 is kicked further forward, the rolling member 18 rolls forward, and the link 9 (advancing / retreating mechanism 8) is pushed out and the guide member 16 is guided forward, causing the front side of the footrest 4 (the tip of the foot F) to rise further, and the insertion recess 5 of the footrest 4 faces diagonally upward and forward. That is, the insertion recess 5 faces diagonally upward and forward.

[0118] In this way, when the footrest 4 (insertion recess 5) tilts obliquely upward and forward, the two support arms 11 transition from an inclined state to a substantially parallel state. As the swing arm 10 swings forward, the upper and lower support arms 11a and 11b push the footrest 4 forward.

[0119] The lower support arm 11b connected to the tip of the swing arm 10 moves further forward than the upper support arm 11a, pushing the lower side of the footrest 4 further forward. As a result, the upper part of the stay member 15 (second connecting part 13) tilts backward, so that the footrest 4 is pushed forward while tilted diagonally upward, and assumes the "second position."

[0120] As described above, a foot engagement member 6 capable of engaging the tip (toe) of the foot F is provided at the lower front side of the insertion recess 5 (the tip of the horizontal insertion recess 5a). By engaging the foot F with the foot engagement member 6 and kicking the footrest 4 (case body 17) forward, the footrest 4 is maintained in a diagonally upward tilted position, and the user can move the footrest 4 to a position where they can relax.

[0121] The retracting operation of the footrest 4 (the procedure for returning the footrest 4 from the "second position" to the "first position") can be performed by reversing the procedure for the advancing operation of the footrest 4. When retracting the footrest 4, the footrest 4 (case body 17) moves in a direction returning to the seat 2 side due to the reaction force of the first spring member 19 connected to the link 9.

[0122] Furthermore, when returning the footrest 4 from the front toward the seat 2, there is a possibility of an impact due to contact with the leg frame 7, but the second spring member 22 acts as a cushion to soften and absorb the impact, allowing the footrest 4 to be safely returned to the "first position."

[0123] As described above, the present invention provides a chair-type massage machine 1 having a structure that allows the user to change the position of the footrest 4 using only the foot F without using their hands (without operating an attached remote control device or the like).

[0124] That is, according to the chair-type massage machine 1 equipped with the footrest 4 of the present invention, a foot engaging member 6 that can engage with the tip (toes) of the foot F is provided at the lower front side of the insertion recess 5 (the tip of the horizontal insertion recess 5a), so that even a short and petite user can engage the tip of the foot F with the foot engaging member 6 and move the footrest 4 forward in conjunction with the user's kicking action of the foot F forward and backward, thereby making it possible to appropriately adjust the position of the footrest 4. Furthermore, the chair-type massage machine 1 equipped with the footrest 4 of the present invention can be used by users of all sizes.

[0125] Furthermore, in the chair-type massage machine 1 of the present invention, the foot engaging member 6 is provided at the front end of the horizontal insertion recess 5a, which simplifies the device structure for moving the footrest 4 forward, and is advantageous in terms of manufacturing costs.

[0126] 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.

[0127] For example, the shape, material, and other configuration of the foot engagement member 6 can be modified as appropriate, and are not limited to those exemplified in this embodiment, as long as the toe of the foot F can engage without causing pain when linked to the action of kicking the foot F forward or backward.

[0128] Furthermore, although the advancing / retreating mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes the link 9, the link 9 is not limited to the example provided that it supports the footrest 4 so that it can move in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the links 9 support the footrest 4 from both the left and right sides so that it can move in the front-rear direction, but a configuration in which the footrest 4 is supported by a single arm-shaped link extending from the center so that it can move in the front-rear direction may also be used.

[0129] The massage mechanisms (for the back, buttocks, and lower legs) may be mechanical or airbag-type, and various mechanisms can be employed without any particular limitations. The shape of the footrest 4 and the insertion recess 5 can also be modified as appropriate. However, the foot engaging member 6 is applied to the insertion recess 5 that is open forward.

[0130] In addition, the length of the massage plates (massage members) that massage the lower legs and are provided in the massage mechanism inside the footrest 4, the inclination angle of the massage plates relative to the rotation drive shaft, and the distance between the massage plates on the left and right can be changed as appropriate taking into account the treatment range.

[0131] The footrest 4 described above, which can move forward and backward in conjunction with the action of kicking forward and backward with the foot F, i.e., the footrest 4 equipped with the foot engaging member 6 of the present invention, can also be equipped on a chair such as a sofa that does not have a lower leg massage mechanism. Also, the foot engaging member 6 of the present invention can be applied to a sofa or the like equipped with the footrest 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1. Chair massage machine 2 Seat part 3 Backrest 4 Footrest 5 Insertion recess 5a Horizontal insertion recess 6 Foot engagement member (kicking aid) 8 Advancement / retraction mechanism 9 Links 10 Swing arm 11 Support arm 12 1st connection part 13 2nd connection part 16 Guide member 18 Rolling members 19 First spring member 22 second spring member F Foot C calf

Claims

1. a seat portion on which a user can sit; a backrest portion provided on the rear side of the seat portion; A chair-type massage machine having a footrest provided with an insertion recess into which the user's lower legs can be inserted and having a massage mechanism therein, A rolling member is provided on the rear side of the bottom of the footrest, allowing the footrest to move in the front-rear direction, The footrest is movable in the front-rear direction by the rolling member rolling in conjunction with the kicking action of the user's feet in the front-rear direction, A foot engaging member, which is a kicking aid that allows the user's kicked-out feet to be caught and move the footrest in the front-rear direction, is provided on the front side of the insertion recess. A chair-type massage machine equipped with a footrest.

2. the insertion recess is open upward and forward so that the lower leg can be inserted from the front, The foot engaging member is provided on the lower front side of the insertion recess, and hooks and pushes the user's kicked-out feet, thereby allowing the footrest to move forward. A chair-type massage machine equipped with the footrest according to claim 1.

3. The foot engaging member is made of a fabric body provided so as to span the lower front side of the insertion recess in the left-right direction, and is shaped so that the tip of the user's foot inserted into the insertion recess can engage with it. A chair-type massage machine equipped with the footrest according to claim 2.

4. The foot engaging member is structured so that the front side of the insertion recess is covered by a case body constituting the footrest, and a flexible protective member is attached to the front side of the insertion recess and inside the case body. A chair-type massage machine equipped with the footrest according to claim 2.

5. The foot engaging member is provided on the lower front side of the insertion recess and is composed of a protrusion having a height that allows the tip of the user's foot inserted into the insertion recess to engage with it. A chair-type massage machine equipped with the footrest according to claim 2.

6. The footrest is movable between a first position in front of the seat and a second position in front of the first position, The footrest is configured to move from the first position to the second position by the user's feet, which are inserted into the insertion recesses, hitting the foot engaging members and stretching them forward in a kicking motion. A chair-type massage machine equipped with the footrest according to claim 2.

7. The footrest is provided with a spring member that biases the footrest toward the first position. A chair-type massage machine equipped with the footrest according to claim 6.

8. The footrest is provided with a second spring member that absorbs impact when the footrest is returned from the second position to the first position. A chair-type massage machine equipped with the footrest according to claim 6.

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