Neck support

Abstract

To provide a neck supporter capable of improving a fit in the state of being worn.SOLUTION: A neck supporter comprises a body part 10 for surrounding a user's neck in the state of being worn. The body part 10 has a plurality of support parts 20, and a connection part 30 for connecting the plurality of support parts 20 together. The plurality of support parts 20, which are arranged in line in a circumferential direction of the user's neck in the state of being worn, include types different in dimensions B1, B2, B3 and B4 in the circumferential direction of the user's neck.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a neck support. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, neck supports that are worn around the neck of a user are known. Neck supports support the neck of the user and prevent poor neck posture. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below describes a neck support that is wrapped around the neck. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3210961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for neck supports having the above-described structure to have a better fit when worn.

[0005] The present invention was developed in light of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a neck support that can improve the fit when worn. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The neck support of the present invention comprises a main body that surrounds the neck of a user when worn, the main body having a plurality of support parts and a connecting part that connects the plurality of support parts, the plurality of support parts being arranged in a line in the circumferential direction of the user's neck when worn, and including parts having different dimensions in the circumferential direction of the user's neck. The plurality of support parts may have a shape that bulges at least toward the user's neck. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by arranging the support parts with different circumferential dimensions to fit the space around the neck of the user, the support parts can be easily fitted to the neck, thereby improving the fit when worn. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a neck supporter in a worn state. [Figure 2] View of the neck support from the outside in the open position [Figure 3] View of the main body in the open state from above [Figure 4] A perspective view of the main body in the closed state, seen from the diagonally rear side [Figure 5] Rear view showing the neck support being worn [Figure 6] A side view showing the neck support being worn [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view showing the pump and the stopcock [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a view of the main body of the neck support according to other embodiments (1) to (3) in an open state, as seen from the outside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown below.

[0010] In the neck support of the present invention, the main body may be in the form of a belt having a length sufficient to encircle the neck of the user, and both longitudinal ends of the main body may be fastened to the front of the neck of the user when the neck support is worn. With this configuration, the neck support can be easily worn around the neck of the user.

[0011] In the neck support of the present invention, the plurality of support sections may include a front support section that is positioned in front of the neck when worn and a rear support section that is positioned behind the neck, and the front support section may have a smaller circumferential dimension around the user's neck than the rear support section. The space in front of the neck is narrower than the space behind the neck due to the presence of the chin. Because the front support section has a smaller circumferential dimension around the user's neck, it is easier to position it in the space in front of the neck. This can further improve the fit when worn.

[0012] In the neck support of the present invention, the plurality of support parts may include parts that have different heights when worn. With this configuration, by arranging the support parts with different heights to fit the space around the neck, the support parts can be easily placed against the neck. This improves the fit when worn.

[0013] In the neck support of the present invention, the plurality of support parts may include parts that have different inner and outer dimensions when worn. With this configuration, by arranging the support parts with different inner and outer dimensions to fit the space around the neck, the support parts can be easily placed against the neck. This improves the fit when worn.

[0014] In the neck support of the present invention, the plurality of support portions may include a rear support portion disposed behind the neck in the worn state, the rear support portion including a first rear support portion and a second rear support portion located on both sides of the first rear support portion in the circumferential direction of the user's neck, and the first rear support portion may have a smaller inward-outward dimension than the second rear support portion in the worn state. With this configuration, when a user wears the neck support and leans their backside against a chair back or the like, the first rear support portion can be prevented from contacting the chair back and pressing the center of the user's neck forward in the lateral direction. The second rear support portions support the back of the user's neck on both sides of the first rear support portion. This prevents the user's neck from tilting forward and backward.

[0015] In the neck support of the present invention, the main body may have a rear surface portion that is placed behind the neck when the support is worn, and two peaks may be provided on the upper edge of the rear surface portion to be positioned on both the left and right sides of the cervical vertebrae. With this configuration, the two peaks support the back of the user's head at two locations, left and right, thereby preventing the user's neck from tilting backward.

[0016] In the neck support of the present invention, the main body may have an inner sheet-like member that forms the inner peripheral surface and an outer sheet-like member that forms the outer peripheral surface when worn, and the upper edge of the inner sheet-like member may be fixed to the upper edge of the outer sheet-like member, and the lower edge of the inner sheet-like member may be fixed to the lower edge of the outer sheet-like member. A fixed portion formed by fixing two sheet-like members to each other has higher rigidity than a single sheet-like member. Therefore, the upper edge of the main body is less likely to deform when pressed downward, and the lower edge of the main body is less likely to deform when pressed upward. This makes it possible to make the main body less likely to deform when subjected to vertical forces.

[0017] In the neck support of the present invention, the main body may have a front portion that is positioned in front of the neck when worn and a rear portion that is positioned behind the neck, and the height position of the upper edge of the front portion may be lower than the height position of the upper edge of the rear portion when worn. With this configuration, the upper edge of the front portion easily supports the user's chin, and the upper edge of the rear portion easily supports the user's occipital region. This prevents the user's neck from tilting forward or backward.

[0018] In the neck support of the present invention, the support part may be formed by a bag that can be expanded and contracted by letting gas in and out. With this configuration, the bag can be made compact by letting the air out, making it easy to carry.

[0019] In the neck support of the present invention, the connecting parts may extend vertically between adjacent support parts when the support part is worn. With this configuration, the main body part can be easily bent at the connecting parts so that the support parts fit the user's neck.

[0020] In the neck support of the present invention, the main body may have an inner sheet-like member that forms the inner peripheral surface and an outer sheet-like member that forms the outer peripheral surface when worn, and the connecting portion may be formed by fastening the inner sheet-like member and the outer sheet-like member together. A fastening portion formed by fastening two sheet-like members together has higher rigidity than a single sheet-like member. Therefore, the connecting portion is less likely to deform when pressed downward, and is also less likely to deform when pressed upward. This makes it possible to make the main body less likely to deform when subjected to vertical forces.

[0021] <Example> An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. The neck support S in this embodiment is worn around the neck of a user, as shown in Fig. 1. When worn around the neck of a user (referred to as the "worn state"), the neck support S has a tubular shape that surrounds the neck of the user. The neck support S supports the neck of the user and keeps the neck in a correct posture.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the neck support S can be removed from the user's neck and folded into a belt. The neck support S has a length that allows it to encircle the user's neck. The neck support S is referred to as a closed state when it is closed into a cylindrical shape, similar to the worn state, and as an open state when it is opened into a belt shape. The closed state also includes a state where it is not wrapped around the user's neck.

[0023] In the following, for each component, the upper side of Figure 2 (the upper side in the attached state) will be referred to as the upper side, the lower side of Figure 2 (the lower side in the attached state) will be referred to as the lower side, the left side of Figure 2 will be referred to as the left side, the right side of Figure 2 will be referred to as the right side, the inside in the closed state will be referred to as the inside, and the outside in the closed state will be referred to as the outside.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the neck support S has a main body 10 that is cylindrical when worn. The main body 10 is covered by a cover member 11. The cover member 11 is bag-shaped and houses the main body 10. The cover member 11 is detachable from the main body 10.

[0025] Both longitudinal ends of the main body 10 (referred to as supporter end portions 12) are positioned in front of the user's neck when worn. When worn, the supporter end portions 12 overlap on the inside and outside. The supporter end portions 12 are secured in an overlapping state by fasteners. The fasteners are provided on the cover member 11. The fasteners are, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0026] 2, the main body 10 has a plurality of support parts 20 and a plurality of connecting parts 30. The plurality of support parts 20 are arranged on the main body 10 side by side in the left-right direction (the circumferential direction in the closed state).

[0027] The support section 20 has a rear support section 21, a front support section 24, and an intermediate support section 25. The rear support section 21 is positioned behind the user's neck when worn (see FIG. 5). The front support section 24 is positioned in front of the user's neck when worn (see FIG. 1). The intermediate support sections 25 are positioned on both the left and right sides of the user's neck when worn (see FIG. 6).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the rear support portion 21 is provided in the center of the main body 10 in the left-right direction. The rear support portion 21 has a first rear support portion 22 and a second rear support portion 23. The first rear support portion 22 is provided in the center of the rear support portion 21 in the left-right direction. The first rear support portion 22 is divided into three portions in the vertical direction. The three support portions 20 of the first rear support portion 22 are referred to as, from top to bottom, an upper support portion 22A, a middle support portion 22B, and a lower support portion 22C.

[0029] The second rear support portions 23 are provided on both the left and right sides of the first rear support portion 22. The second rear support portions 23 are long in the vertical direction. The second rear support portions 23 extend from the upper edge 17 of the main body portion 10 to the lower edge 18 of the main body portion 10. The center portion of the second rear support portion 23 in the vertical direction is connected to the middle support portion 22B of the first rear support portion 22.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the front support portion 24 is provided at a position closer to the end in the left-right direction of the main body portion 10. The front support portion 24 is adjacent to the supporter end portion 12. The intermediate support portion 25 is provided between the rear support portion 21 and the front support portion 24. The intermediate support portion 25 has a first intermediate support portion 25A and a second intermediate support portion 25B. The first intermediate support portion 25A and the second intermediate support portion 25B are arranged next to each other. The first intermediate support portion 25A is arranged next to the rear support portion 21. The second intermediate support portion 25B is arranged next to the front support portion 24.

[0031] The front support portion 24, the first intermediate support portion 25A, and the second intermediate support portion 25B are provided in pairs on the left and right sides of the main body portion 10. The front support portion 24, the first intermediate support portion 25A, and the second intermediate support portion 25B are symmetrical with respect to the center of the main body portion 10 in the left-right direction.

[0032] 2, the support parts 20 have different width dimensions (dimensions in the circumferential direction of the user's neck) B1, B2, B3, and B4. The width dimension B1 of the rear support part 21 and the width dimension B2 of the first intermediate support part 25A are larger than the width dimension B3 of the second intermediate support part 25B and the width dimension B4 of the front support part 24. The width dimensions B1, B2, B3, and B4 are the left-right dimensions of each support part 20 at approximately the center position in the up-down direction.

[0033] 2, the support portions 20 have different height dimensions (vertical dimensions) H1, H2, H3, and H4. The height dimension H1 of the rear support portion 21 and the height dimension H2 of the first intermediate support portion 25A are greater than the height dimension H3 of the second intermediate support portion 25B and the height dimension H4 of the front support portion 24. The height dimensions H1, H2, H3, and H4 are the vertical dimensions of each support portion 20 at approximately the center position in the left-right direction.

[0034] The support portion 20 is formed by a bag body 13. The bag body 13 is surrounded by an upper edge 17 of the main body portion 10, a lower edge 18 of the main body portion 10, and a connecting portion 30. The support portion 20 expands when air is introduced into the bag body 13, and contracts when air is released from the bag body 13. The inflated support portion 20 has cushioning properties. The thickness (inside-outside dimension), width (left-right dimension), and hardness of the support portion 20 can be adjusted by adjusting the internal pressure of the bag body 13. The main body portion 10 can be made into a sheet-like shape by contracting the support portion 20. The middle support portion 22B of the first rear support portion 22 and the left and right second rear support portions 23 are formed by a single bag body 13. The bag body 13 is connected in the left-right direction at the middle portion of the second rear support portion 23 in the up-down direction.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the neck support S is equipped with a pump 14 and a stopper 15. The pump 14 and stopper 15 are provided in the same bag body 13 (the bag body 13 of the first intermediate support part 25A) among the multiple bag bodies 13. The pump 14 is located in a position closer to the upper side of the bag body 13. The pump 14 sends air into the bag body 13 when pressed. Air is sent to all of the bag bodies 13 by one pump 14. The stopper 15 is located in a position closer to the lower side of the bag body 13. The stopper 15 closes the air vent hole 151 to prevent air from escaping from the bag body 13. Air can be vented from the bag body 13 by opening the stopper 15.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, the pump 14 is fixed to an outer sheet-like member 32, which will be described later. The pump 14 includes an outer portion 141 and an inner portion 142. The outer portion 141 protrudes outward from the bag body 13. The inner portion 142 is accommodated in the bag body 13.

[0037] The pump 14 has an air inlet 143 and an outlet 144. The inlet 143 is provided in the outer portion 141. The outlet 144 is provided in the inner portion 142. The inlet 143 and the outlet 144 are arranged in overlapping positions when the main body 10 is viewed from the outside in a plan view in the open state (see FIG. 2). The positions of the inlet 143 and the outlet 144 can be changed.

[0038] The inlet 143 and the outlet 144 are formed in recesses 145 provided in the outer portion 141 and the inner portion 142 of the pump 14, respectively. The inlet 143 and the outlet 144 are provided with check valves 146. The check valve 146 of the inlet 143 allows air to flow from the outside to the inside of the pump 14 and prevents air from flowing from the inside of the pump 14 to the outside. The check valve 146 of the outlet 144 allows air to flow from the inside of the pump 14 to the outside and prevents air from flowing from the outside to the inside of the pump 14. When the pump 14 is pressed, the pump 14 elastically deforms and its capacity decreases, and air is sent into the interior of the bag body 13 through the outlet 144. When the pump 14 is released from being pressed, the pump 14 returns to its original shape due to its elastic force, and air is taken into the interior of the pump 14 through the inlet 143.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, plug 15 is provided with plug member 152 that closes air vent hole 151. Plug member 152 is disposed inside a cylindrical member 153 with a bottom. Air vent hole 151 is formed at the bottom of cylindrical member 153. Plug member 152 keeps air vent hole 151 closed by the elastic force of spring 154. By pressing plug member 152, air vent hole 151 is opened. Cylindrical member 153 is provided with cap 155 that can freely open and close the inside of cylindrical member 153. Note that cap 155 is not necessarily provided.

[0040] When worn, pump 14 is positioned diagonally behind the user, rather than directly behind them (see Figure 5). Therefore, even if the user leans against the back of a chair or a wall while wearing neck support S, pump 14 will not hit the back of the chair or a wall and push the user's neck forward. The user can wear neck support S comfortably even when leaning against the back of a chair or a wall.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the bags 13 that do not have pumps 14 are connected to the pumps 14 via passages 16. The passages 16 are connected to the upper ends of the bags 13. The passages 16 connect adjacent bags 13 in the left-right direction along their upper edges 17. As a result, when the user's neck applies pressure to the upper edges 17 of the bags 13, the passages 16 narrow, making it difficult for air to move between the bags 13. This prevents the bags 13 from shrinking when the user's neck applies pressure to the upper edges 17, and allows the size to be maintained. By providing the passages 16 at a height close to the pumps 14, air can be efficiently pumped into the bags 13.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, one connecting portion 30 is provided between each adjacent bag body 13. The connecting portions 30 extend in the up-down direction on the left and right sides of the bag body 13. The connecting portions 30 are slender linear. The connecting portions 30 are arranged in a balanced manner in the left-right direction of the main body 10.

[0043] The connecting portion 30 has a first connecting portion 30A and a second connecting portion 30B. The first connecting portion 30A is provided between the rear support portion 21 and the first intermediate support portion 25A, between the first intermediate support portion 25A and the second intermediate support portion 25B, and between the second intermediate support portion 25B and the front support portion 24. The first connecting portions 30A are approximately parallel to each other. The upper ends of the first connecting portions 30A are spaced downward from the upper edge 17 of the main body portion 10. A passage 16 is formed between the upper end of the first connecting portion 30A and the upper edge 17 of the main body portion 10. The lower end of the first connecting portion 30A is continuous with the lower edge 18 of the main body portion 10.

[0044] The second connecting portions 30B are provided on the rear support portion 21. The second connecting portions 30B are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper support portion 22A and the left and right sides of the lower support portion 22C. The second connecting portions 30B separate the upper support portion 22A of the first rear support portion 22 from the second rear support portion 23. The second connecting portions 30B separate the lower support portion 22C of the first rear support portion 22 from the second rear support portion 23. The upper second connecting portion 30B is continuous with the upper edge 17 of the main body portion 10. The lower second connecting portion 30B is continuous with the lower edge 18 of the main body portion 10. A passage 16 is formed at the lower end of the upper second connecting portion 30B and at the upper end of the lower second connecting portion 30B. A middle support portion 22B is formed between the upper second connecting portion 30B and the lower second connecting portion 30B.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3 , the main body 10 has an inner sheet-like member 31 and an outer sheet-like member 32. The inner sheet-like member 31 and the outer sheet-like member 32 have the same shape. The area of ​​the inner sheet-like member 31 is equal to the area of ​​the outer sheet-like member 32. The inner sheet-like member 31 and the outer sheet-like member 32 may be made of, for example, an elastomer. Examples of elastomers that can be used include urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPU) and polyvinyl chloride-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPVC). The inner sheet-like member 31 forms the inner peripheral surface of the main body 10 when worn. The outer sheet-like member 32 forms the outer peripheral surface of the main body 10 when worn. The inner sheet-like member 31 and the outer sheet-like member 32 are partially bonded together to form an integrated body. The bonding is performed by welding.

[0046] The outer edges of the main body 10 (the upper edge 17, the lower edge 18, and both left and right edges of the main body 10) and the connecting portions 30 are formed by fastening portions that fasten the inner sheet-like member 31 and the outer sheet-like member 32 together. The fastening portions are more rigid than a single sheet-like member. The upper edge 17 and the lower edge 18 of the main body 10 are less likely to deform in the vertical direction due to their high rigidity. The connecting portions 30 are less likely to bend midway in the vertical direction due to their high rigidity.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the expanded support section 20 bulges inward (toward the user's neck) and outward (away from the user's neck). The support sections 20 have different thickness dimensions D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. The thickness dimension D1 of the first intermediate support section 25A is larger than the thickness dimension D2 of the second intermediate support section 25B. The thickness dimension D2 of the second intermediate support section 25B is larger than the thickness dimension D3 of the front support section 24. The thickness dimension D4 of the rear support section 21 is smaller than the thickness dimension D1 of the first intermediate support section 25A. The thickness dimensions D1, D2, D3, and D4 are the largest thickness dimension of the support sections 20 at the center position in the left-right direction. The thickness dimension D4 of the rear support section 21 is the thickness dimension of the middle support section 22B of the first rear support section 22. The thickness dimension D4 of the middle support section 22B is a maximum of 40 mm. The thickness dimension D4 of the middle support portion 22B is smaller than the thickness dimension D5 of the second rear support portion 23. The thickness dimension D5 of the second rear support portion 23 is the largest dimension among the thickness dimensions of the second rear support portion 23 at the center position in the left-right direction.

[0048] The upper support portion 22A, the middle support portion 22B, and the lower support portion 22C of the first rear support portion 22 form three mountain-like shapes aligned in the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 6. The thickness dimension of the second rear support portion 23 is greater at the center than at both ends in the vertical direction.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 4, the main body 10 has a front portion 33, a rear portion 34, and left and right side portions 35. The front portion 33 is placed on the front side of the user's neck when worn (see Fig. 1). The front portion 33 has the supporter end portion 12, the front support portion 24, and the connecting portion 30.

[0050] The rear portion 34 is positioned behind the user's neck when worn (see FIG. 5). The rear portion 34 has a rear support portion 21, a first intermediate support portion 25A, and a connecting portion 30. The upper edge of the rear portion 34 has two peaks 36. The upper edge of the rear portion 34 is part of the upper edge 17 of the main body portion 10. The second rear support portion 23 and the first intermediate support portion 25A are positioned below the peaks 36. The apexes of the peaks 36 are located within the range of the first intermediate support portion 25A. The two peaks 36 are located on both the left and right sides of the user's cervical vertebrae 50 when worn. The two peaks 36 are positioned near the lower part of the user's occiput when worn. The apexes of the two peaks 36 are approximately equal in height. A valley portion 37 is formed between the two peaks 36. The two peaks 36 are symmetrical with the lower end of the valley portion 37 as the center.

[0051] The lower edge of the rear portion 34 is located lower than the user's shoulders when worn. The lower edge of the rear portion 34 is part of the lower edge 18 of the main body 10. The lower edge of the rear portion 34 slopes downward from both the left and right sides toward the center. The center of the lower edge of the rear portion 34 in the left-right direction is located at the lowest point when worn. The lower edge of the rear portion 34 is located lower than the lower edge of the front portion 33 (see Figure 6).

[0052] When worn, the side portions 35 are positioned on both the left and right sides of the user's neck (see Figure 6). The side portions 35 have a first intermediate support portion 25A, a second intermediate support portion 25B, and a connecting portion 30. The second intermediate support portion 25B spans the side portions 35 and the rear portion 34. The upper edges of the side portions 35 gradually rise from the front portion 33 toward the rear portion 34. The upper edges of the side portions 35 are part of the upper edge 17 of the main body 10. When worn, the upper edge of the front portion 33 is positioned lower than the upper edge of the rear portion 34. The lower edges of the side portions 35 are positioned lower on the rear side than on the front side. The lower edges of the side portions 35 are part of the lower edge 18 of the main body 10. The lower edges of the side portions 35 have curved portions 38 that fit along the user's shoulders when worn. The curved portions 38 are curved so that the center portion in the front-to-rear direction is concave upward. The curved portions 38 are formed symmetrically on the lower edge 18 of the main body 10 in the open state, with the center in the left-right direction as the reference (see FIG. 2).

[0053] Next, an example of how to use the neck support S will be described. First, the neck support S is wrapped around the user's neck with the air deflated from the bag body 13 or with a small amount of air in the bag body 13. With the two peaks 36 facing upward and the pump 14 facing outward, the rear surface 34 of the neck support S is placed against the back of the user's neck (see FIG. 5). Next, the support end portions 12 are overlapped and fastened to the front of the user's neck (see FIG. 1). The overlapping amount of the support end portions 12 is adjusted to adjust the diameter of the neck support S. The fasteners on the cover member 11 keep the neck support S in a closed state. When worn, the front surface 33 of the neck support S is positioned below the user's chin. The curved portions 38 of the neck support S are positioned along the user's shoulders. This prevents the main body 10 from shifting circumferentially.

[0054] Next, the support part 20 is inflated. The pump 14 is pressed to let air into the bag body 13, and the support part 20 is brought into contact with the user's neck. As shown in Figure 5, the pump 14 is located diagonally behind the right of the user's neck when worn, making it easy to press. Each time the pump 14 is pressed, air is let into the bag body 13. The amount of air in the bag body 13 is adjusted to adjust the hardness of the support part 20. If the hardness is not enough, press the pump 14 to send air into the bag body 13. If the support part 20 is too hard, open the stopper 15 to release the air from the bag body 13.

[0055] In this way, the support part 20, adjusted to an appropriate hardness, provides even support around the user's neck, as will be described in detail later. The connecting part 30 is difficult to bend, so it keeps the main body part 10 in a free-standing state. Therefore, the user does not need to lean on the back of a chair or a wall. When supported by the neck support S, the user's neck is less likely to tip forward, backward, or side to side, and is maintained in a correct posture.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the two peaks 36 of the rear portion 34 support the superior nape 53 of the user's occipital bone from the rear and below. This prevents the user's neck from tipping backward. Because the upper edge 17 of the main body 10 is formed by a fixing portion, the two peaks 36 are less likely to collapse. Therefore, the two peaks 36 stably support the user's occipital area.

[0057] The formation of the valleys 37 in the rear surface portion 34 makes it less likely for the rear surface portion 34 to come into contact with the user's external occipital protuberance 54. This prevents the rear surface portion 34 from coming into contact with the user's external occipital protuberance 54 and pushing the user's neck forward.

[0058] The lower part of the rear portion 34 is located behind the user's cervical vertebrae 50 and trapezius muscle. The lower part of the rear portion 34 supports the user's cervical vertebrae 50 and trapezius muscle from behind. The lower edge 18 of the main body 10 is formed by a fixing portion, so it is less likely to deform. Therefore, the lower part of the rear portion 34 stably supports the user's back.

[0059] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear support part 21 is positioned in the space behind the user's neck. When worn, the first rear support part 22 is positioned directly behind the user's cervical vertebrae 50. The space behind the user's neck is recessed forward. The middle support part 22B of the first rear support part 22 is positioned in the recess of the cervical curvature at the back of the user's neck. This improves the correct curvature posture of the cervical vertebrae 50 of the user's neck. The left and right second rear support parts 23 are positioned on both the left and right sides behind the user's cervical vertebrae 50, as shown in Figure 5. The left and right second rear support parts 23 support the left and right sides behind the user's neck in a balanced manner. This prevents the user's neck from falling backward.

[0060] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the left and right first intermediate support parts 25A are placed diagonally behind the user's neck in the space on both the left and right sides. The first intermediate support parts 25A support the mastoid process 51 of the user's temporal bone from the lower rear side, thereby preventing the user's neck from tilting backward or to the left or right.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the front support part 24 and the second intermediate support part 25B are disposed in the space in front of and diagonally forward of the user's neck. The space in front of and diagonally forward of the user's neck is formed between the user's jaw and clavicle. The front support part 24 and the second intermediate support part 25B support both the left and right sides of the user's mandibular body 52 from below. This prevents the user's neck from falling forward or to the left or right.

[0062] When the user has finished using the neck support S, the neck support S is removed from the user's neck, and the stopper 15 is opened to release the air from the bag body 13. This makes it easy to collapse the support part 20. By collapsing the support part 20, the main body part 10 becomes sheet-like. Therefore, the neck support S can be easily folded or rolled up to make it compact. The compact neck support S can be easily carried or stored.

[0063] The embodiment configured as described above provides the following advantages. The neck support S includes a main body 10. The main body 10 surrounds the user's neck when worn. The main body 10 includes multiple support parts 20 and connecting parts 30 that connect the multiple support parts 20. The multiple support parts 20 are arranged in a circumferential direction around the user's neck when worn. The multiple support parts 20 have an inwardly bulging shape. The multiple support parts 20 include support parts with different widths B1, B2, B3, and B4. With this configuration, the support parts 20 with different widths B1, B2, B3, and B4 can be arranged to fit the space around the neck, making it easier to place the support parts 20 on the neck. Compared to a neck support S in which all support parts have the same width, the neck support S is easier to wear by adapting it to the shape of the neck, improving the fit of the neck support S when worn.

[0064] A support section 20 with a larger width has a higher cushioning effect and therefore fits the user's neck more easily. A support section 20 with a smaller width has a higher support effect (is less likely to contract) and therefore can support the user's neck without tilting. Therefore, the neck support S can improve both the fit and the support feeling (the feeling of being supported).

[0065] The main body 10 is belt-shaped and has a length that allows it to encircle the user's neck. When worn, the support end 12 of the main body 10 is fastened to the front of the user's neck. This configuration makes the neck support S easy to wear.

[0066] The multiple support parts 20 have a front support part 24 and a rear support part 21. The front support part 24 is positioned at the front of the neck when worn. The rear support part 21 is positioned at the back of the neck when worn. The width dimension B3 of the front support part 24 is smaller than the width dimension B1 of the rear support part 21. The space in front of the neck is narrower than the space at the back of the neck. Because the width dimension B3 of the front support part 24 is small, it is easy to apply to the front of the neck. This can further improve the fit of the neck support S when worn.

[0067] The multiple support parts 20 include those with different height dimensions H1, H2, H3, and H4 when worn. With this configuration, by arranging the support parts 20 with different height dimensions H1, H2, H3, and H4 to fit the space around the neck, the support parts 20 can be easily placed against the neck. This improves the fit of the neck support S when worn.

[0068] The multiple support parts 20 include those with different thickness dimensions D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 when worn. With this configuration, by arranging the support parts 20 with different thickness dimensions D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 to fit the space around the neck, the support parts 20 can be easily placed against the neck. This can improve the fit when worn.

[0069] The rear support portion 21 has a first rear support portion 22 and a second rear support portion 23. The second rear support portions 23 are located on both left and right sides of the first rear support portion 22. In the worn state, the thickness dimension D4 of the first rear support portion 22 is smaller than the thickness dimension D5 of the second rear support portion 23. With this configuration, when a user wears the neck support S and leans their back side against a wall, the first rear support portion 22 can be prevented from hitting the wall and pressing the user's neck forward. The second rear support portions 23 support the back of the user's neck on both the left and right sides of the first rear support portion 22. This prevents the user's neck from tilting forward and backward.

[0070] The main body 10 has a rear surface 34. When worn, the rear surface 34 is positioned behind the user's neck. Two peaks 36 are provided on the upper edge of the rear surface 34. The two peaks 36 are positioned on both the left and right sides of the cervical vertebrae 50. With this configuration, the two peaks 36 support the back of the user's head at two locations, left and right, preventing the user's neck from tilting backward.

[0071] The main body 10 has an inner sheet-like member 31 and an outer sheet-like member 32. The inner sheet-like member 31 forms the inner peripheral surface when attached. The outer sheet-like member 32 forms the outer peripheral surface when attached. The upper edge of the inner sheet-like member 31 is fixed to the upper edge of the outer sheet-like member 32, and the lower edge of the inner sheet-like member 31 is fixed to the lower edge of the outer sheet-like member 32. The fixed portion formed by fixing two sheet-like members 31, 32 is more rigid than a single sheet-like member. Therefore, the upper edge 17 of the main body 10 is less likely to deform when pressed downward, and the lower edge 18 of the main body 10 is less likely to deform when pressed upward. This makes it possible to make the main body 10 less likely to deform when subjected to vertical forces.

[0072] The main body 10 has a front surface 33. When worn, the front surface 33 is positioned in front of the user's neck. When worn, the height position of the upper edge of the front surface 33 is lower than the height position of the upper edge of the rear surface 34. With this configuration, the upper edge of the front surface 33 easily supports the user's chin, and the upper edge of the rear surface 34 easily supports the back of the user's head. This makes it possible to prevent the user's neck from tilting forward or backward.

[0073] The support part 20 is formed by an inflatable and deflated bag body 13. With this configuration, the bag body 13 can be made compact by letting the air out, making it easy to carry.

[0074] When worn, the connecting portions 30 extend in the vertical direction between adjacent support portions 20. With this configuration, the main body portion 10 can be easily bent at the connecting portions 30 so that the support portions 20 fit the user's neck.

[0075] The connecting portion 30 is formed by bonding an inner sheet-like member 31 and an outer sheet-like member 32 together. The bonded portion formed by bonding two sheet-like members 31, 32 has higher rigidity than a single sheet-like member. Therefore, the connecting portion 30 is less likely to deform when pressed downward, and is also less likely to deform when pressed upward. This makes it possible to make the main body 10 less likely to deform when subjected to forces in the vertical direction.

[0076] <Other Examples> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and the following embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) In the above embodiment, the specific configuration (size, shape, number, etc.) of the support part 20 is exemplified. However, the configuration of the support part can be changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, support parts 101 having the same width dimension may be provided side by side on the neck support 100. (2) In the above embodiment, the neck support S is cylindrical and surrounds the neck of the user when worn. However, the neck support is not limited to this and may be U-shaped and conforms to the user's neck when worn. (3) In the above embodiment, the passage 16 is connected to the upper end of each bag 13. However, the position at which the passage communicates with the bag can be changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the passage 102 may be formed to communicate with the upper and lower ends of each bag 103. This allows the bag 103 to expand and contract quickly. (4) In the above embodiment, the pump 14 is provided on the first intermediate support portion 25A. However, the position of the pump can be changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the pump 104 may be provided on the second intermediate support portion 105. (5) In the above embodiment, one pump 14 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more pumps may be provided. (6) In the above embodiment, the neck support S can be removed from the user's neck and made into a belt-like shape. However, this is not limited to this, and the neck support does not have to be made into a belt-like shape. For example, the neck support may be always cylindrical and can be worn around the user's neck by expanding and contracting in the radial direction. (7) In the above embodiment, the support portion 20 is formed by the bag body 13 through which air is let in and out. However, the support portion is not limited to this, and may be formed by beads, cushioning material, or the like. (8) In the above embodiment, the second rear support portion 23 and the first intermediate support portion 25A are provided below the peak portion 36. However, this is not limiting, and no support portion may be provided below the peak portion. For example, a connecting portion with a large width may be provided below the peak portion. (9) In the above embodiment, the fixing is performed by welding, but the fixing is not limited to this and may be performed by other means such as adhesion. (10) In the above embodiment, the passage 16 communicates with the upper end of each bag 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the passage may be located near the center between the upper and lower edges of the bag. (11) The above embodiment illustrates a specific structure of the plug 15. However, the structure of the plug can be modified. For example, the plug may open and close the air vent hole by rotating. Furthermore, the plug may not include a plug member, but may open and close the air vent hole by a cap. (12) In the above embodiment, the fastener is provided on the cover member 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fastener may be provided on the main body portion. (13) In the above embodiments, the fastener is, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener. However, the fastener is not limited to this, and may be a button (a regular button, a snap button, a magnet, etc.), a hook, a belt, a string (including a lace), etc. (14) In the above embodiment, the cover member 11 may be formed with a hole for exposing the pump 14 and the plug 15. This can improve the operability of the pump 14. (15) In the above embodiment, the pump 14 is a hand pump. However, the pump may be an electric fan or may be integrated with a stopper. The pump may also be an air pump separate from the main body. (16) In the above embodiment, the upper edge 17 and the lower edge 18 of the main body 10 are fixed. However, this is not limiting, and the upper edge of the main body may be fixed about 1 cm below the upper edge and about 1 cm above the lower edge. Even in this case, the rigidity of the upper and lower edges of the main body can be increased to make them less likely to deform. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] B1, B2, B3, B4...Width dimension (circumference of the user's neck) D1, D2, D3, D4, D5...Thickness dimensions (inside and outside dimensions) H1, H2, H3, H4...Height dimensions S...Neck support 10...Main body 12...Supporter end (end in the longitudinal direction of the main body) 13...Bag body 20...Support part 21...Rear support part 22...First rear support part 23…Second rear support part 24...Front support part 30...Connecting part 31...Inner sheet-like member 32...Outer sheet-like member 33…Front part 34...Rear section 36...Yamabe

Claims

1. A main body part that surrounds the neck of a user when worn, The main body portion includes a plurality of support portions and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of support portions. a rear surface portion that is disposed behind the neck of the user in the worn state, The plurality of support parts are arranged side by side in a circumferential direction of the neck of the user in the worn state, and include support parts having different dimensions in the circumferential direction of the neck of the user, In the attached state, the connecting portion extends in the up-down direction between the adjacent support portions, and a lower end thereof is connected to a lower edge of the main body portion, The neck support has two ridges on the upper edge of the rear portion, which are positioned on both the left and right sides of the cervical vertebrae, and the ridges support the superior nuchal line of the user's occipital bone from behind.

2. the main body portion is a belt-like body having a length dimension capable of encircling the neck of the user, 2. The neck support according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state, both longitudinal ends of the main body are fastened to the front of the neck of the user.

3. the plurality of support parts include a front support part that is arranged on the front side of the neck of the user in the worn state, and a rear support part that is arranged on the back side of the neck of the user, 3. The neck support according to claim 1, wherein the size of the front support portion in the circumferential direction of the user's neck is smaller than the size of the rear support portion in the circumferential direction of the user's neck.

4. The neck support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of support parts include parts that have different height dimensions in the worn state.

5. The neck support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of support parts include parts that have different inner and outer dimensions when worn.

6. the plurality of support parts include a rear support part that is arranged on a rear side of the neck of the user in the worn state, the rear support portion includes a first rear support portion and second rear support portions located on both sides of the first rear support portion in a circumferential direction of the user's neck, 6. The neck support according to claim 1, wherein, in the worn state, the first rear support portion has a smaller dimension in the medial-lateral direction than the second rear support portion.

7. In the attached state, the main body portion has an inner sheet-like member that forms an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface and an outer sheet-like member forming A neck support according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper edge side of the inner sheet-like member and the upper edge side of the outer sheet-like member, and the lower edge side of the inner sheet-like member and the lower edge side of the outer sheet-like member are fixed together.

8. the main body portion has a front surface portion disposed on the front side of the neck and a rear surface portion disposed on the back side of the neck in the worn state, 8. The neck support according to claim 1, wherein the height position of the upper edge of the front portion is lower than the height position of the upper edge of the rear portion in the worn state.

9. 9. The neck support according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is formed by an inflatable and deflateable bag.

10. The neck support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting portion extends vertically between adjacent supporting portions in the worn state.

11. The main body portion has an inner sheet-like member that forms an inner circumferential surface and an outer sheet-like member that forms an outer circumferential surface in the attached state, 11. The neck support according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is formed by fastening the inner sheet member and the outer sheet member together.

12. A main body part that surrounds the neck of a user when worn, The main body portion includes a plurality of support portions and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of support portions. a rear surface portion that is disposed behind the neck of the user in the worn state, the plurality of support parts are arranged in a line in a circumferential direction of the neck of the user in the worn state, and include a rear support part that is arranged on a rear side of the neck of the user, In the attached state, the connecting portion extends in the up-down direction between the adjacent support portions, and a lower end thereof is connected to a lower edge of the main body portion, The upper edge of the rear portion is provided with two ridges to be positioned on both the left and right sides of the cervical vertebrae, and the ridges support the superior nuchal line of the user's occipital bone from behind; the rear support portion includes a first rear support portion and second rear support portions located on both sides of the first rear support portion in a circumferential direction of the user's neck, In the worn state, the first rear support portion has a smaller dimension in the medial-lateral direction than the second rear support portion.

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