Sleeve and air massage device equipped with it

Abstract

To provide an air massage device in which it is not necessary to bundle a plurality of tubes using a binding band.SOLUTION: A sleeve (10) of an air massage device (200) includes a plurality of air bags (50a-50c) and tubes (52a-52c) connected to the plurality of air bags respectively. The plurality of air bags expands or contracts when compressed air is supplied or discharged through the tubes. The plurality of air bags is provided on a sleeve sheet (20) constituting the sleeve. The sleeve sheet is formed with an insertion part (48), and a part of each tube is inserted into the insertion part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleeve for an air massage device. The present invention also relates to an air massage device including the sleeve.

Background Art

[0002] An air massage device includes, for example, a sleeve worn on a user's foot. A plurality of air bags are provided in the sleeve. As shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, each of the plurality of air bags is connected to a compressed air supply device via a tube.

[0003] The air bag expands when compressed air is supplied from the compressed air supply device, and contracts when the compressed air is discharged from the air bag. Based on the repeated expansion and contraction described above, a massage is applied to the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is conceivable to bundle a plurality of tubes outside the sleeve. However, for example, when a plurality of tubes are bundled using a binding band, if the binding band is tightened too much, the cross-sectional area of the tube becomes small. As a result, the flow rate of the compressed air decreases.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sleeve that is wrapped around a user's attachment site to form a cylindrical shape, comprising: a plurality of airbags that inflate or deflate in response to the supply or discharge of compressed air; a sleeve sheet on which the plurality of airbags are provided; and a tube connected to each of the plurality of airbags through which the compressed air flows. The sleeve sheet comprises: an inner sheet which becomes the inner circumference side of the sleeve when the sleeve is attached to the attachment site; an outer sheet which becomes the outer circumference side of the sleeve when the sleeve is attached to the attachment site; a plurality of housing chambers formed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet which house each of the plurality of airbags; and provided at one end of the sleeve in the winding direction. A sleeve is provided having a first engaging portion, a second engaging portion provided at the other end of the sleeve in the winding direction and engaged with the first engaging portion, and an insertion portion through which the tube is inserted, the outer sheet having a plurality of openings communicating with each of the plurality of containment chambers, the tube having a first flow tube connected to the airbag and a second flow tube longer than the first flow tube, the second flow tube having a first end connected to the first flow tube and a second end which is the end opposite to the first end, the connection portion between the first flow tube and the first end of the second flow tube is located in the opening, and in each of the tubes, the intermediate portion between the first end and the second end of the second flow tube is inserted into the insertion portion.

[0008] As described above, the sleeve comprises multiple tubes. Each of the multiple tubes has a first flow tube and a second flow tube. Therefore, the sleeve comprises multiple second flow tubes. In each second flow tube, the intermediate portion between the first end and the second end is inserted through the insertion section. This insertion bundles the multiple second flow tubes together. In other words, the scattering of the multiple tubes is prevented. Therefore, the installer can easily handle the tubes.

[0009] Furthermore, there is no need to bundle multiple tubes together using cable ties. Therefore, a reduction in the flow rate of compressed air caused by overtightening of cable ties is avoided.

[0010] (2) In one embodiment relating to item (1) above, the insertion portion has a hole that communicates with the containment chamber. In this configuration, a portion of the intermediate portion of the second flow pipe is contained in the containment chamber, and the second end of the second flow pipe is exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet through the hole.

[0011] Since a portion of the middle section of multiple second flow tubes is housed in the containment chamber, it is prevented that one second flow tube will become entangled with other second flow tubes, sleeve sheets, or the patient's body. Therefore, the person attaching the sleeve can easily handle the tube. In addition, by passing the remaining portions of the middle section of multiple second flow tubes through the holes, multiple second flow tubes can be bundled together without using cable ties or the like.

[0012] (3) In item (2) above, it is preferable that the hole is a non-jointed portion between the inner sheet and the outer sheet.

[0013] By not joining a portion of the inner sheet and the outer sheet, holes can be easily formed.

[0014] (4) In another embodiment relating to item (1) above, the insertion portion has two slits and a through pocket formed between the two slits. In this configuration, the second flow tube is inserted into the through pocket between the two slits and is exposed from the through pocket through the two slits.

[0015] Since a portion of the middle section of multiple second flow tubes is restrained by the through-pocket, it is prevented that one second flow tube will become entangled with other second flow tubes, sleeve sheets, or the patient's body. Therefore, the operator can easily handle the tubes. In addition, by passing the remaining portions of the middle section of multiple second flow tubes through the through-pocket, multiple second flow tubes can be bundled together without the use of cable ties or the like.

[0016] (5) In items (1) to (4) above, it is preferable that the sleeve further comprises a band interposed between one end in the winding direction and the other end in the winding direction.

[0017] If the circumference of the area to be fitted on a patient is large, making it difficult to wrap the sleeve sheet around that area, one end of the sleeve sheet in the direction of wrapping can be connected to the other end in the direction of wrapping via a band. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a sleeve sheet that is tailored to the patient's physique. In other words, it is sufficient to prepare a sleeve sheet of a predetermined size. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the sleeve.

[0018] (6) In item (5) above, it is preferable that one end of the band is fixed to the sleeve sheet and the insertion portion allows the other end of the band to be received when the sleeve is attached to the mounting portion.

[0019] The excess portion of the band can be threaded through the insertion point, so the band doesn't get in the way. Furthermore, the aesthetic appearance of the sleeve is improved.

[0020] (7) According to another embodiment of the present invention, an air massage device comprising: a plurality of airbags that inflate or deflate in response to the supply or discharge of compressed air; a sleeve sheet on which the plurality of airbags are provided; a sleeve that is wrapped around a user's attachment site to form a cylindrical shape and is connected to each of the plurality of airbags and through which the compressed air flows; and a compressed air supply device for supplying the compressed air, wherein the sleeve sheet has an inner sheet that becomes the inner circumference side of the sleeve when the sleeve is attached to the attachment site; an outer sheet that becomes the outer circumference side of the sleeve when the sleeve is attached to the attachment site; a plurality of housing chambers formed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet and each housing the plurality of airbags; and in the sleeve An air massage device is provided, having a first engaging portion provided at one end in the winding direction, a second engaging portion provided at the other end of the sleeve in the winding direction and engaging with the first engaging portion, and an insertion portion through which the tube is inserted, the outer sheet having a plurality of openings communicating with each of the plurality of containment chambers, the tube having a first flow tube connected to the airbag and a second flow tube longer than the first flow tube, the second flow tube having a first end connected to the first flow tube and a second end which is the end opposite to the first end, the connection portion between the first flow tube and the first end of the second flow tube is located in the opening, and in each of the tubes, the intermediate portion between the first end and the second end of the second flow tube is inserted into the insertion portion.

[0021] Similar to item (1), in each of the multiple tubes, the intermediate section between the first and second ends of the second flow tube is inserted through the insertion section. Based on this insertion, the multiple second flow tubes are bundled together, preventing the multiple tubes from scattering. Therefore, the installer can easily handle the tubes or sleeves. In addition, the aesthetic appearance of the sleeve is improved. Furthermore, since there is no need to use cable ties, concerns about the tubes being overtightened by cable ties are eliminated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] In the present invention, an insertion portion is provided in the sleeve sheet constituting the sleeve, and a part of a tube connected to each of a plurality of air bags is inserted into the insertion portion. Based on this insertion, the tubes are bundled together, so that the tubes are prevented from scattering. Therefore, the installer can easily handle the tubes or the sleeve. In addition, the appearance of the sleeve is improved.

[0023] Furthermore, since there is no need to use a binding band, it is possible to avoid the tubes being overly tightened by the binding band. For this reason, the concern that the flow rate of the compressed air flowing through the tubes will decrease is eliminated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a main part of an air massage device including a sleeve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view when the right-foot sleeve in the deployed state is viewed from the inner surface. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view when the right-foot sleeve in the deployed state is viewed from the outer surface. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the right-foot sleeve. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the right-foot sleeve is wound around the patient's lower right leg. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the right-foot sleeve having a band is wound around the patient's lower right leg. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view when the right-foot sleeve of the sleeve according to the second embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the inner surface in the deployed state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view when the right-foot sleeve in the deployed state is viewed from the outer surface. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the right-foot sleeve is wound around the patient's lower right leg. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The following examples illustrate air massage devices used in hospitals and similar settings. The user is the patient, and the sleeve is attached to the patient's foot. However, the use of the air massage device is not limited to hospitals. Furthermore, the sleeve may be attached to a location other than the foot. Specific examples of other attachment locations include the arm. Note that "proximal end" refers to the end closest to the patient's trunk, and "distal end" refers to the end furthest from the patient's trunk. The person performing the attachment may be a healthcare professional such as a nurse.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of an air massage device 200 equipped with sleeves 10 according to the first embodiment. The air massage device 200 comprises two sleeves 10 and a controller 150. One of the two sleeves 10 is a right foot sleeve 10R, and the other of the two sleeves 10 is a left foot sleeve 10L. As shown in Figure 5, the right foot sleeve 10R is wrapped around the patient's right lower leg RL to form a tube. Similarly, the left foot sleeve 10L is wrapped around the patient's left lower leg LL to form a tube.

[0027] The configuration of the right foot sleeve 10R will now be explained. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the right foot sleeve 10R in its unfolded state, viewed from the inner surface 12a, and Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the right foot sleeve 10R in its unfolded state, viewed from the outer surface 12b. Here, the inner surface 12a is the inner circumference side when the right foot sleeve 10R is wrapped around the patient's right lower leg RL, and faces the patient's right lower leg RL (see Figure 5). The outer surface 12b is the outer circumference side when the right foot sleeve 10R is wrapped around the patient's right lower leg RL.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the right leg sleeve 10R has a sleeve sheet 20. The sleeve sheet 20 has an inner sheet 22 (see Figure 2) and an outer sheet 24. The inner sheet 22 and the outer sheet 24 are made of, for example, nonwoven fabric or napped pile. The inner sheet 22 is provided on the inner surface of the outer sheet 24. The area of ​​the inner sheet 22 is approximately equal to the area of ​​the outer sheet 24. Therefore, the inner surface 12a of the sleeve sheet 20 is the inner surface of the inner sheet 22. When the sleeve sheet 20 is wrapped around the patient's right lower leg RL, the inner sheet 22 faces the patient's right lower leg RL. At this time, the outer surface of the outer sheet 24 faces outward.

[0029] A notch 26 is formed in the outer sheet 24. This notch 26 creates a first tab portion 28 facing the distal end of the right lower leg RL and a second tab portion 30 facing the proximal end of the right lower leg RL in the outer sheet 24. First hook fasteners 32 and 34, which serve as first engaging portions, are provided on the inner surfaces of the first tab portion 28 and the second tab portion 30, respectively. The first tab portion 28 and the second tab portion 30 are one end of the sleeve 10 in the winding direction.

[0030] A second face fastener 36, which serves as a second engaging portion, is provided on the outer surface of the outer sheet 24. When the sleeve sheet 20 is wrapped around the right lower leg RL, the first face fasteners 32, 34 and the second face fastener 36 engage with each other. This allows the right leg sleeve 10R to maintain its cylindrical shape. Multiple openings are formed on the outer surface 12b of the outer sheet 24. In this embodiment, the outer sheet 24 has multiple openings, namely a first opening 40a, a second opening 40b, and a third opening 40c.

[0031] Most of the outer peripheral edge of the inner sheet 22 is joined to the outer peripheral edge of the outer sheet 24, for example, by sewing or welding. However, in the sleeve sheet 20, a portion of the distal end facing the patient's ankle U is an unjointed portion 42 that is not sewn or welded. This unjointed portion 42 forms a single hole 44 at the distal end of the sleeve sheet 20. The hole 44 is a type of insertion portion 48, which will be described later.

[0032] The inner sheet 22 is not joined to the outer sheet 24 from the outer peripheral edge. Based on this, as shown in Figure 4, a housing chamber 46 is formed between the inner sheet 22 and the outer sheet 24. The first opening 40a to the third opening 40c and the hole 44 communicate with this housing chamber 46. As shown in Figure 2, multiple airbags are housed in the housing chamber 46. In this embodiment, the right foot sleeve 10R has multiple airbags, namely the first airbag 50a, the second airbag 50b, and the third airbag 50c. The first airbags 50a to the third airbags 50c are welded to the inner sheet 22, for example, in an arrangement along the sleeve sheet 20 from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the first airbag 50a, the second airbag 50b, and the third airbag 50c are connected to the first tube 52a, the second tube 52b, and the third tube 52c, respectively. The number of openings corresponds to the number of tubes. The first tube 52a has a short first flow tube 54a and a second flow tube 56a that is longer than the first flow tube 54a. One end (proximal end) of the first flow tube 54a is connected to the first airbag 50a. The other end (distal end) of the first flow tube 54a is connected to the first end (proximal end) of the second flow tube 56a. The second flow tube 56a has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section between the first end and the second end.

[0034] Here, the other end of the first flow pipe 54a is exposed to the first opening 40a. Therefore, the connection between the other end of the first flow pipe 54a and the first end of the second flow pipe 56a is located in the first opening 40a. A portion of the middle section of the second flow pipe 56a is housed in a housing chamber 46 formed inside the sleeve sheet 20. The remaining portion of the middle section of the second flow pipe 56a is inserted through a hole 44, which is an insertion section 48, and is exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet 20.

[0035] Similarly, the second tube 52b also has a short first flow pipe 54b and a second flow pipe 56b that is longer than the first flow pipe 54b. In the second tube 52b, the connection between the other end of the first flow pipe 54b and the first end of the second flow pipe 56b is located in the second opening 40b. Similarly, the third tube 52c also has a short first flow pipe 54c and a second flow pipe 56c that is longer than the first flow pipe 54c. In the third tube 52c, the connection between the other end of the first flow pipe 54c and the first end of the second flow pipe 56c is located in the third opening 40c.

[0036] A portion of the intermediate section of each of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c is housed in a housing chamber 46 formed inside the sleeve sheet 20. The remaining portion of the intermediate section of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c is inserted through a hole 44 and exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet 20. In other words, the outer sheet 24 partially covers the second flow pipes 56a to 56c. Thus, in the first embodiment, a portion of the intermediate section of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c is housed in the housing chamber 46, and the remaining portion of the intermediate section of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c is inserted through a single hole 44 and exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet 20. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the housing chamber 46 and the hole 44 constitute the insertion section 48.

[0037] The right foot sleeve 10R, configured in this way, can be manufactured, for example, as follows.

[0038] The assembly worker assembling the right foot sleeve 10R joins one end of the first flow tubes 54a to 54c to the first airbags 50a to 3rd airbags 50c, respectively. Next, the assembly worker welds the first airbags 50a to 3rd airbags 50c to the inner sheet 22. Furthermore, the assembly worker covers the first airbags 50a to 3rd airbags 50c with the outer sheet 24 and joins the outer peripheral edge of the inner sheet 22 to the outer peripheral edge of the outer sheet 24, for example, by sewing or welding. When joining the inner sheet 22 and the outer sheet 24, a portion of the distal end of the inner sheet 22 and a portion of the distal end of the outer sheet 24 are left unjointed. As a result, a hole 44, which is an unjointed portion 42, is formed at the distal end of the sleeve sheet 20. When the sleeve sheet 20 is wound into a cylindrical shape, the hole 44 is close to the thumb T (see Figure 5).

[0039] The sleeve 10 may have a three-layer structure consisting of an outer sheet 24, an airbag sheet, and an inner sheet 22. The material of the airbag sheet is appropriately selected from flexible resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polypropylene. It is preferable that the surface of the outer sheet 24 that comes into contact with the airbag sheet be surface-treated. The surface treatment of the outer sheet 24 may be, for example, lamination such as a polyvinyl chloride coating.

[0040] In this case, the outer edge of the airbag sheet, to which one end of the first circulation pipes 54a to 54c has been pre-attached, is joined to the outer sheet 24. Furthermore, two partitions are formed by joining two parts of the inner surface of the airbag sheet to the airbag sheet. One partition separates the first airbag 50a from the second airbag 50b. The remaining partition separates the second airbag 50b from the third airbag 50c. Thus, the first airbags 50a to the third airbags 50c are manufactured.

[0041] Subsequently, the inner sheet 22 is joined to the outer sheet 24. At this time, the inner sheet 22 encloses the first airbag 50a to the third airbag 50c. By following the above process, the sleeve 10 can be manufactured simply and inexpensively. In this configuration, the hole 44, which is the non-joined portion 42, is formed by leaving a part of the distal end of the inner sheet 22 unjoined.

[0042] The assembly worker then connects the first end of the second flow pipe 56a to the other end of the first flow pipe 54a exposed from the first opening 40a. The assembly worker then inserts the second end of the second flow pipe 56a into the storage chamber 46 through the first opening 40a and passes it through the hole 44. Similarly, the assembly worker connects the first end of the second flow pipe 56b to the other end of the first flow pipe 54b exposed from the second opening 40b, and then inserts the second end of the second flow pipe 56b into the storage chamber 46 through the second opening 40b and passes it through the hole 44. Similarly, the assembly worker connects the first end of the second flow pipe 56c to the other end of the first flow pipe 54c exposed from the third opening 40c, and then inserts the second end of the second flow pipe 56c into the storage chamber 46 through the third opening 40c and passes it through the hole 44. As a result of the above work, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a portion of the intermediate section of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c is inserted into the storage chamber 46, and the remaining intermediate section of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c and the second end are exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet 20 through the hole 44.

[0043] Thus, when connecting the second flow pipe 56b of the second tube 52b to the first flow pipe 54b, a portion of the middle section of the second flow pipe 56a of the first tube 52a is housed in the housing chamber 46. Therefore, the second flow pipe 56a of the first tube 52a does not get in the way during the connection work between the second flow pipe 56b of the second tube 52b and the first flow pipe 54b. Similarly, when connecting the second flow pipe 56c of the third tube 52c to the first flow pipe 54c, a portion of the middle section of the second flow pipe 56a of the first tube 52a and a portion of the middle section of the second flow pipe 56b of the second tube 52b are housed in the housing chamber 46. Therefore, the second flow pipe 56a of the first tube 52a and the second flow pipe 56b of the second tube 52b do not get in the way during the connection work between the second flow pipe 56c of the third tube 52c and the first flow pipe 54c.

[0044] The left foot sleeve 10L is constructed in the same way as the right foot sleeve 10R, except that it is constructed symmetrically to the right foot sleeve 10R. Therefore, in the left foot sleeve 10L, the same names and reference numerals are used for the same components as in the right foot sleeve 10R, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the second ends of the second flow tubes 56a to 56c (the distal ends of the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c) are connected to the controller 150 via a relay tube bundle 70. Specifically, a first connector 72 is provided at the distal ends of the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c. A second connector 74 is provided at the proximal end of the relay tube bundle 70, and a third connector 76 is provided at the distal end of the relay tube bundle 70. The third connector 76 is connected to the controller 150, and the second connector 74 is connected to the first connector 72. The relay tube bundle 70 is composed of three relay tubes 78.

[0046] As described above, the controller 150 and the first airbags 50a to the third airbags 50c are connected via the relay tube bundle 70 and the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c. Compressed air flows through the relay tube bundle 70 and the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c.

[0047] The controller 150 houses a control unit, a compressor, and a valve. The controller 150 and the compressor constitute a compressed air supply system. The control unit, compressor, and valve are not shown in the diagram.

[0048] The controller 150 has a power switch 80. When the power switch 80 is turned ON, the control unit is started by an internal power supply or commercial power supply. The control unit controls the compressor and valves. As will be described later, this control supplies compressed air to the first airbag 50a to the third airbag 50c, or discharges compressed air from the first airbag 50a to the third airbag 50c.

[0049] The air massage device 200 is used on the patient as follows:

[0050] First, to prepare the air massage device 200 for use, the operator attaches the right leg sleeve 10R to the patient's right lower leg RL and the left leg sleeve 10L to the patient's left lower leg LL. Specifically, the operator places the right calf on the first airbags 50a to the third airbags 50c of the right leg sleeve 10R, and in this state, wraps the part of the sleeve sheet 20 with the second hook fastener 36 on the outer surface 12b around the right shin. Then, the operator places the part of the sleeve sheet 20 with the first tab portion 28 and the second tab portion 30 over the part that has already been wrapped around the right shin as described above. As a result, the sleeve sheet 20 becomes cylindrical, as shown in Figure 5, and is attached to the patient's right lower leg RL. Figure 5 shows the knee K.

[0051] At this time, the first face fasteners 32 and 34 formed on the inner surfaces of the first tab portion 28 and the second tab portion 30, respectively, engage with the second face fastener 36. This engagement prevents the sleeve sheet 20 from returning to its original unfolded shape. The left leg sleeve 10L is also attached to the patient's left lower leg LL in the same manner as described above.

[0052] Here, as shown in Figure 5, a portion of the middle section of the second circulation tubes 56a to 56c is housed in the containment chamber 46, and the remaining portion of the middle section of the second circulation tubes 56a to 56c is exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet 20 through the hole 44. Therefore, when the wearer attaches the right leg sleeve 10R and the left leg sleeve 10L to the patient's right lower leg RL and left lower leg LL, respectively, the middle section of the second circulation tubes 56a to 56c is prevented from getting caught in the sleeve sheet 20. As a result, the second circulation tubes 56a to 56c do not interfere with the wrapping of the sleeve sheet 20.

[0053] Furthermore, since the remaining portions of the middle section of the second flow tubes 56a to 56c are exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet 20 through the hole 44, the scattering of the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c is prevented. As a result, the concern that one of the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c may become entangled with the other tubes, the sleeve sheet 20, or the patient's body is eliminated. Consequently, the person applying the device can easily handle the right leg sleeve 10R and the left leg sleeve 10L. Moreover, there is no need to bundle the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c using cable ties.

[0054] The installer then connects the first connector 72, located at the second end of the second flow tubes 56a to 56c (the distal end of the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c), to the second connector 74, located at the proximal end of the relay tube bundle 70 (see Figure 1). This connects the controller 150 and the first airbags 50a to the third airbags 50c via the relay tube bundle 70 and the first tubes 52a to the third tubes 52c. As a result, the air massage device 200 becomes ready for use.

[0055] Subsequently, when the power switch 80 is turned ON, the control unit controls the compressor and valves. This supplies and discharges compressed air to the first airbag 50a to the third airbag 50c, resulting in the first airbag 50a to the third airbag 50c inflating or compressing in sequence. Thus, intermittent pneumatic compression is sequentially applied to the patient's right and left calves, from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0056] There is no particular need to perform intermittent pneumatic compression with the right leg sleeve 10R and intermittent pneumatic compression with the left leg sleeve 10L simultaneously. For example, intermittent pneumatic compression with the right leg sleeve 10R and intermittent pneumatic compression with the left leg sleeve 10L may be performed alternately.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, a right foot sleeve 101R and a left foot sleeve 101L, each equipped with a band 112, may be used. In this case, a third face fastener 114 is provided on the band 112.

[0058] Normally, when the right leg sleeve 101R is wrapped around the patient's right lower leg RL, the first-sided fasteners 32 and 34 and the second-sided fastener 36 engage with each other, as shown in Figure 5. However, if the circumference of the patient's right lower leg RL is large, it is conceivable that the wrapping length of the sleeve sheet 20 will be insufficient, and the first-sided fasteners 32 and 34 will not reach the second-sided fastener 36. In such cases, the person applying the sleeve engages the third-sided fastener 114 of the band 112 with the second-sided fastener 36, as shown in Figure 6. This maintains the tubular shape of the sleeve sheet 20. The left leg sleeve 101L is also applied to the patient's left lower leg LL in the same manner as described above.

[0059] In this way, by providing the band 112 on the sleeve sheet 20, it is possible to wrap the sleeve sheet 20 around the application site regardless of the patient's body size. Therefore, it is unnecessary to prepare sleeve sheets 20 of various sizes. In other words, even if only sleeve sheets 20 of a predetermined size are prepared, it is possible to accommodate body sizes of various types.

[0060] If there is an excess portion 112a in the band 112, the installer wraps the excess portion 112a around the cylindrical sleeve sheet 20, as shown in Figure 6. The installer then folds the excess portion 112a and inserts the folded excess portion 112a into the receiving chamber 46, for example, through the second opening 40b. Alternatively, an insertion opening is formed in the outer sheet 24, separate from the first to third openings 40a to 40c. The excess portion 112a may be inserted into this insertion opening. The tip of the excess portion 112a may also be passed through the hole 44. This prevents the band 112 from scattering.

[0061] Next, regarding the sleeve according to the second embodiment, the right foot sleeve 110R shown in Figures 7 and 8 will be described as an example. In the right foot sleeve 110R, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those of the right foot sleeve 10R described above, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0062] The right foot sleeve 110R has a sleeve sheet 20. The sleeve sheet 20 has an inner sheet 22 and an outer sheet 24. The outer sheet 24 has a first tab portion 28 and a second tab portion 30 formed on either side of a notch 26. First hook fasteners 32 and 34 are provided on the inner surfaces of the first tab portion 28 and the second tab portion 30, respectively. In addition, one end of the band 112 is fixed to the inner surface 12a of the outer sheet 24, inward in the winding direction from the notch 26. A third hook fastener 114 (see Figure 7) is provided on the inner surface of the band 112.

[0063] A second-face fastener 36 is provided on the outer surface of the outer sheet 24. Normally, when the right leg sleeve 110R is wrapped around the patient's right lower leg RL, the first-face fasteners 32, 34 and the second-face fastener 36 engage with each other. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the second-face fastener 36 engages with the third-face fastener 114 of the band 112. In either case, the sleeve sheet 20 maintains its cylindrical shape.

[0064] Multiple openings are formed on the outer surface of the outer sheet 24. In the second embodiment as well, the outer sheet 24 has multiple openings, namely the first opening 40a to the third opening 40c.

[0065] In the outer sheet 24, two slits 120a and 120b are formed near the distal end facing the patient's ankle U. A first loop portion 121a is formed between the two slits 120a and 120b. The interior of the first loop portion 121a is a first through pocket 122a. The two slits 120a and 120b are connected via the first through pocket 122a. The two slits 120a and 120b and the first through pocket 122a constitute a single insertion portion 48.

[0066] In the outer sheet 24, two slits 120c and 120d are formed near the first opening 40a. A second loop portion 121b is formed between the two slits 120c and 120d. The interior of the second loop portion 121b is a second through pocket 122b. The two slits 120c and 120d are connected via the second through pocket 122b. The two slits 120c and 120d and the second through pocket 122b constitute one insertion portion 48. Similarly, two slits 120e and 120f are formed near the second opening 40b, and two slits 120g and 120h are formed near the third opening 40c. The two slits 120e and 120f are connected via a third through pocket 122c, which is inside the third loop portion 121c. The two slits 120g and 120h are connected via the fourth through pocket 122d, which is inside the fourth loop portion 121d. The two slits 120e and 120f and the third through pocket 122c also constitute one insertion portion 48, and the two slits 120g and 120h and the fourth through pocket 122d also constitute one insertion portion 48. In this way, in the right foot sleeve 110R, four insertion portions 48 are formed in the sleeve sheet 20.

[0067] The storage compartment 46 between the inner seat 22 and the outer seat 24 houses multiple airbags, specifically the first airbag 50a to the third airbag 50c.

[0068] The first airbag 50a to the third airbag 50c are connected to the first tube 52a to the third tube 52c, respectively. The first tube 52a has a first flow pipe 54a and a second flow pipe 56a. One end (proximal end) of the first flow pipe 54a is connected to the first airbag 50a. The other end (distal end) of the first flow pipe 54a is connected to the first end (proximal end) of the second flow pipe 56a.

[0069] The connection between the other end of the first flow pipe 54a and the first end of the second flow pipe 56a is located in the first opening 40a. In the middle section of the second flow pipe 56a, the portion close to the first end is exposed through the first opening 40a, passes through the second through pocket 122b via the slit 120d, and is further exposed through the second through pocket 122b via the slit 120c. In the middle section of the second flow pipe 56a, the portion close to the second end is passed through the first through pocket 122a via the slit 120b, and is further exposed through the first through pocket 122a via the slit 120a.

[0070] The second tube 52b also has a first flow pipe 54b and a second flow pipe 56b. The connection between the other end of the first flow pipe 54b and the first end of the second flow pipe 56b is located at the second opening 40b. In the middle section of the second flow pipe 56b, the portion close to the first end is exposed through the second opening 40b, passed through the third through pocket 122c via the slit 120f, and further exposed through the third through pocket 122c via the slit 120e. In the middle section of the second flow pipe 56b, the portion close to the second end is passed through the first through pocket 122a via the slit 120b, and further exposed through the first through pocket 122a via the slit 120a.

[0071] Similarly, the third tube 52c also has a first flow pipe 54c and a second flow pipe 56c. The connection between the other end of the first flow pipe 54c and the first end of the second flow pipe 56c is located at the third opening 40c. In the middle section of the second flow pipe 56c, the portion close to the first end is exposed from the third opening 40c, passed through the fourth through pocket 122d via the slit 120h, and further exposed from the fourth through pocket 122d via the slit 120g. In the middle section of the second flow pipe 56c, the portion close to the second end is passed through the first through pocket 122a via the slit 120b, and further exposed from the first through pocket 122a via the slit 120a.

[0072] Thus, in the second embodiment, a portion of the intermediate section of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c is individually inserted into the second through pocket 122b to the fourth through pocket 122d, and another portion of the intermediate section of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c is inserted collectively into the first through pocket 122a. The remaining intermediate sections of the second flow pipes 56a to 56c and the second end are exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet 20 from the first through pocket 122a.

[0073] The left foot sleeve 110L (see Figure 9) is constructed in the same way as the right foot sleeve 110R, except that it is constructed symmetrically to the right foot sleeve 110R. For this reason, in the left foot sleeve 110L, the same names and reference numerals are used for the same components as in the right foot sleeve 110R, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0074] The air massage device according to the second embodiment is configured similarly to the air massage device 200 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1), except that it replaces the right foot sleeve 10R and left foot sleeve 10L with the right foot sleeve 110R and left foot sleeve 110L described above. For this reason, the illustration and detailed description of the air massage device according to the second embodiment are omitted.

[0075] The air massage device according to the second embodiment is used on a patient as follows:

[0076] First, the operator performs the same procedure as in the first embodiment to prepare the air massage device for use, attaching the right leg sleeve 110R to the patient's right lower leg RL and the left leg sleeve 110L to the patient's left lower leg LL. Normally, when the right leg sleeve 110R is wrapped around the patient's right lower leg RL, the first face fasteners 32 and 34 and the second face fastener 36 engage with each other, as shown in Figure 5. However, if the circumference of the patient's right lower leg RL is large, it is expected that the wrapping length of the sleeve sheet 20 will be insufficient, and the first face fasteners 32 and 34 will not reach the second face fastener 36. In such cases, the operator engages the third face fastener 114 of the band 112 with the second face fastener 36, as shown in Figure 9. This maintains the cylindrical shape of the sleeve sheet 20. The left leg sleeve 110L is also attached to the patient's left lower leg LL in the same manner as described above.

[0077] In this way, by providing the band 112 on the sleeve sheet 20, it is possible to wrap the sleeve sheet 20 around the application site regardless of the patient's body size. Therefore, it is unnecessary to prepare sleeve sheets 20 of various sizes. In other words, even if only sleeve sheets 20 of a predetermined size are prepared, it is possible to accommodate body sizes of various types.

[0078] If there is an excess portion 112a in the band 112, the installer wraps the excess portion 112a around the tubular sleeve sheet 20, as shown in Figure 9. The installer then folds the excess portion 112a and passes it through, for example, the third through pocket 122c and the first through pocket 122a. Alternatively, the excess portion 112a may be passed through the third through pocket 122c, the second through pocket 122b and the first through pocket 122a. The excess portion 112a may also be inserted into the storage chamber 46 through the first opening 40a, the second opening 40b or the third opening 40c.

[0079] As described above, the intermediate portion of the second flow tube 56a is constrained by the second through pocket 122b and the first through pocket 122a, thus limiting the range of motion of the second flow tube 56a. Similarly, the intermediate portion of the second flow tube 56b is constrained by the third through pocket 122c and the first through pocket 122a, thus limiting the range of motion of the second flow tube 56b. Furthermore, the intermediate portion of the second flow tube 56c is constrained by the fourth through pocket 122d and the first through pocket 122a, thus limiting the range of motion of the second flow tube 56c. In addition, the excess portion 112a of the band 112 is passed through the third through pocket 122c and the first through pocket 122a. This limits the range of motion of the excess portion 112a of the band 112. Furthermore, the intermediate portions of the second flow tubes 56a to 56c and the other end of the excess portion 112a of the band 112 are inserted into the first through pocket 122a, thereby bundling the first tubes 52a to 3rd tubes 52c and the band 112 together. For this reason, the first tubes 52a to 3rd tubes 52c and the band 112 are prevented from scattering.

[0080] Therefore, the concern that one of the first tubes 52a to the third tube 52c may become entangled with the other tubes, the sleeve sheet 20, the band 112, or the patient's body is eliminated. Consequently, the person applying the device can easily handle the right leg sleeve 110R and the left leg sleeve 110L. Furthermore, there is no need to bundle the first tubes 52a to the third tube 52c together using cable ties. In addition, when the person applying the device applies the right leg sleeve 110R and the left leg sleeve 110L to the patient's right lower leg RL and left lower leg LL, respectively, the middle sections of the second flow tubes 56a to 56c are prevented from becoming entangled in the sleeve sheet 20. Therefore, the second flow tubes 56a to 56c do not interfere with the wrapping of the sleeve sheet 20. The same applies to the band 112.

[0081] As described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the second embodiment as well.

[0082] When the power switch 80 is turned ON, the air massage device operates in the same manner as the air massage device 200 according to the first embodiment. This sequentially applies intermittent pneumatic compression to the patient's right and left calves, from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0083] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosure described above, and can take various configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 10... Sleeves 10L, 101L, 110L... Left foot sleeve 10R, 101R, 110R... Right foot sleeve 20... Sleeve sheet 22...Inner seat 24…Outer sheet 32, 34... Front 1 faucet 36...Second page zipper 40a~40c…opening 42…Non-joint part 44...hole 46... Confinement Room 48... Insertion part 50a~50c...Airbag 52a~52c...tubing 54a~54c…1st distribution pipe 56a~56c…Second flow pipe 78…Relay tube 112...band 114... Third side fastener 120a~120h...Slit 121a~121d...Loop section 122a~122d... Through pocket 150... Controller 200... Air massage device K...knee LL…Left lower leg RL…Right lower leg T...Thumb U... ankle

Claims

1. A sleeve comprising a plurality of airbags that inflate or deflate in response to the supply or discharge of compressed air, a sleeve sheet on which the plurality of airbags are provided, and tubes connected to each of the plurality of airbags through which the compressed air flows, wherein the sleeve is wrapped around the user's attachment site to form a cylindrical shape, The sleeve sheet comprises an inner sheet which becomes the inner circumference side of the sleeve when the sleeve is attached to the mounting portion, an outer sheet which becomes the outer circumference side of the sleeve when the sleeve is attached to the mounting portion, a plurality of housing chambers formed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet and each housing a plurality of airbags, a first engaging portion provided at one end of the sleeve in the winding direction, a second engaging portion provided at the other end of the sleeve in the winding direction and engaging with the first engaging portion, and an insertion portion through which the tube is inserted. The outer sheet has multiple openings that communicate with each of the multiple storage compartments, The tube has a first flow tube connected to the airbag and a second flow tube that is longer than the first flow tube. The second flow pipe has a first end connected to the first flow pipe and a second end which is the end opposite to the first end. The connection between the first flow pipe and the first end of the second flow pipe is located in the opening. In each of the tubes, the intermediate portion between the first end and the second end of the second flow tube is inserted into the insertion portion, which is a sleeve.

2. A sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion has a hole that communicates with the housing chamber, a part of the intermediate portion of the second flow pipe is housed in the housing chamber, and the second end of the second flow pipe is exposed to the outside of the sleeve sheet through the hole.

3. A sleeve according to claim 2, wherein the hole is a non-jointed portion between the inner sheet and the outer sheet.

4. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion has two slits and a through pocket formed between the two slits, and the second flow tube is inserted into the through pocket between the two slits and is exposed from the through pocket through the two slits.

5. A sleeve according to claim 1, further comprising a band interposed between one end in the winding direction and the other end in the winding direction.

6. A sleeve according to claim 5, wherein one end of the band is fixed to the sleeve sheet, and when the sleeve is attached to the mounting portion, the insertion portion allows the other end of the band to be received.

7. A sleeve comprising a plurality of airbags that inflate or deflate as compressed air is supplied or discharged, a sleeve sheet on which the plurality of airbags are provided, and tubes connected to each of the plurality of airbags through which the compressed air flows, which is wrapped around the user's attachment area to form a cylindrical shape, A compressed air supply device that supplies the compressed air, An air massage device comprising, The sleeve sheet comprises an inner sheet which becomes the inner circumference side of the sleeve when the sleeve is attached to the mounting portion, an outer sheet which becomes the outer circumference side of the sleeve when the sleeve is attached to the mounting portion, a plurality of housing chambers formed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet and each housing a plurality of airbags, a first engaging portion provided at one end of the sleeve in the winding direction, a second engaging portion provided at the other end of the sleeve in the winding direction and engaging with the first engaging portion, and an insertion portion through which the tube is inserted. The outer sheet has multiple openings that communicate with each of the multiple storage compartments, The tube has a first flow tube connected to the airbag and a second flow tube that is longer than the first flow tube. The second flow pipe has a first end connected to the first flow pipe and a second end which is the end opposite to the first end. The connection between the first flow pipe and the first end of the second flow pipe is located in the opening. An air massage device in which, in each of the tubes, the intermediate portion between the first end and the second end of the second flow tube is inserted into the insertion portion.

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