Air stretching device comprising belt and mattress

Abstract

Provided is an air stretching device comprising: a control unit; a plurality of air chambers controlled by the control unit such that the air pressure thereof increases or decreases and including lumbar-region air chambers corresponding to the lumbar region of a user; and an air belt which can be worn around the lumbar region of the user and has a plurality of air tubes extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the control unit comprises an air pump that is connected to the air tubes and can inject air.

Description

Air stretching device including belt and mattress

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0103159, dated August 7, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an air stretching device that massages and stretches a user using air pressure, the device including an air belt and an air mattress, and an air stretching method using the same.

[0003] Spinal diseases are diseases that occur in the muscles, nerves, and intervertebral discs around the spine, and include herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and sprains.

[0004] These spinal conditions can occur acutely due to a strong impact, but they often develop chronically due to poor posture and other factors. Therefore, to prevent and treat most of these spinal conditions and relieve the resulting pain, relaxing and stretching the muscles surrounding the spine is recommended.

[0005] Recently, many air stretching mats have been released to help stretch the muscles around the spine.

[0006] Fig. 1 shows the structure of a typical air stretching mat. Referring to this, a typical air stretching mat (1) has a plurality of air chambers (11, 12, 13, 14) and a control unit (15) that controls the air pressure injected into them. The air chambers may include a cervical air chamber (11), a thoracic air chamber (12), a lumbar air chamber (13), and a sacrococcygeal air chamber (14) corresponding to each spinal region, and some may be omitted or added depending on the product. As air pressure is dynamically filled and released into the plurality of air chambers as described above, the user can stretch the muscles around the spine by pulling or twisting them.

[0007] Meanwhile, for patients with herniated discs, known as cervical disc and lumbar disc, it is known that traction of the spine to relieve pressure on the discs is very helpful in treatment.

[0008] Traction treatments include intermittent traction, which involves applying spinal traction for approximately seven seconds followed by five to seven seconds of rest, and continuous traction, which involves applying gentle force to the spine for several dozen minutes. Because the effectiveness of intermittent and continuous traction can vary depending on the affected area, symptoms, and individual patient, the appropriate choice for treating a herniated disc should be between intermittent and continuous traction, or, if necessary, both methods should be used in combination.

[0009] In the above air stretching mat (1), the cervical air chamber (11) and the lumbar air chamber (13) can provide a traction effect by air pressure. In the case of the air stretching mat (1), since air pressure can be freely added and removed and it does not completely surround the spine, it is preferable to provide intermittent traction, and for continuous traction, a belt-shaped product described later can be used.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates the structure of a typical air belt. Referring to this, the air belt (2) is worn to strongly surround the user's waist and is secured using a fixing means such as Velcro (21). The air belt (2) is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending air tubes (22). When air is injected into the air tubes (22), they expand longitudinally and can continuously traction the user's lumbar region.

[0011] However, using these home devices makes it difficult to perform intermittent and continuous traction simultaneously or alternately. Furthermore, for patients for whom changes in posture cause pain, dynamic stretching can cause more pain. Furthermore, using a belt to maintain posture can limit dynamic stretching movements.

[0012] The present invention was created under the background of the above-described prior art, and its purpose is to provide an air stretching device that can easily perform continuous traction and intermittent traction in parallel or alternately, and an air stretching method using the same.

[0013] The present invention also aims to provide an air stretching device and method that minimizes the induction of pain due to rapid postural changes while performing dynamic stretching that relaxes muscles around the spine.

[0014] Another technical object of the present invention is to provide an air stretching device and method that helps stimulate and relax deep muscles to relieve menstrual pain, etc.

[0015] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a structure of an air stretching device that can prevent problems caused by excessive air pressure, such as lumbar hyperextension, and can sufficiently exert a heating effect when an air belt and an air stretching mat are used together or separately.

[0016] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0017] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an air stretching device including a control unit; a plurality of air chambers including a lumbar air chamber corresponding to a user's lumbar region, the air chamber being controlled to increase or decrease air pressure by the control unit; and an air belt having a plurality of air tubes and being wearable around the user's lumbar region; wherein the control unit includes an air pump connected to the air tubes and capable of injecting air.

[0018] The air belt may include a low-frequency stimulation pad located within its interior to provide the user with heat and low-frequency electrical stimulation. The low-frequency stimulation pad, by providing heat and low-frequency electrical stimulation, stimulates the user's deep muscles, improves blood flow, and can relieve muscle pain or menstrual cramps. The low-frequency stimulation pad may have a heating function of its own, or may include a separate heating device.

[0019] The air belt may include a belt operating unit for controlling the intensity of the heat and low-frequency electrical stimulation provided by the low-frequency stimulation pad. By operating the belt operating unit, the user can control the intensity, area, cycle, duration, etc. of the heat and low-frequency electrical stimulation of the low-frequency stimulation pad.

[0020] The above air tubes may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple air tubes may be connected to each other so that air pressure is communicated with each other. The air tubes may be provided in multiple numbers arranged longitudinally or transversely.

[0021] The shape of the above air tube is preferably a shape extending in the longitudinal direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0022] The above control unit can block air injection when a predetermined appropriate air pressure is injected into the air tube.

[0023] The air stretching device may be capable of recognizing when a user wears the air belt. Specifically, the control unit may be capable of recognizing when a user wears the air belt and lies down on the air stretching device.

[0024] A belt recognition sensor connected to the control unit may be provided on the surface of the lumbar air chamber. At this time, a belt recognition portion may be provided on the ventral surface of the air belt, and accordingly, the belt recognition sensor may recognize when the belt recognition portion contacts the belt recognition sensor or approaches within a predetermined distance, and output a belt recognition signal to the control unit. When the belt recognition signal is input, the control unit may recognize that the user is wearing the air belt and lying down on the air stretching device.

[0025] Alternatively, a belt recognition sensor connected to the control unit may be provided on the ventral surface of the air belt. At this time, a belt recognition portion may be provided on the surface of the lumbar air chamber, and accordingly, the belt recognition sensor may recognize when the belt recognition portion contacts the belt recognition sensor or approaches within a predetermined distance, and output a belt recognition signal to the control unit. When the belt recognition signal is input, the control unit may recognize that the user is wearing the air belt and lying down on the air stretching device.

[0026] The above belt recognition sensor and the belt recognition unit may be provided at the center of the width direction corresponding to each other, and it is preferable that they are formed by extending in the longitudinal direction or being arranged in multiple numbers.

[0027] The above belt recognition unit may include an electrostatic tag, and the belt recognition sensor may include an electrostatic sensor that recognizes contact or approach of the electrostatic tag.

[0028] Since the air stretching device can recognize when the user is wearing the air belt, the air stretching device can operate differently depending on whether the user is wearing the air belt. The air pressure injected into the lumbar air chamber by the control unit can be controlled to be below a predetermined maximum air pressure. In this case, when the user is not wearing the air belt, the maximum air pressure can be controlled to be below a first maximum pressure, and when the user is wearing the air belt, the maximum air pressure can be controlled to be below a second maximum pressure that is lower than the first maximum pressure.

[0029] When a user wears the air belt and lies down on the air stretching device, the air pump can be controlled to inject air into the air belt. Specifically, the control unit can recognize when a user wears the air belt and lies down on the air stretching device and control the air pump to inject air into the air belt.

[0030] The air stretching device can recognize when the user's lumbar region is hyperextended. Specifically, the control unit can recognize when the user's lumbar region is hyperextended due to the pressure provided to the user's lumbar region by the lumbar air chamber and the air belt when the user wears the air belt and uses the air stretching device.

[0031] A pair of hyperextension recognition sensors may be provided at positions spaced apart from the center in the width direction on both sides by a predetermined distance on the surface of the lumbar air chamber. At this time, a pair of hyperextension recognition units may be provided at positions spaced apart from the center in the width direction on both sides by a predetermined distance on the ventral surface of the air belt, and accordingly, the hyperextension recognition sensor may recognize when the hyperextension recognition unit contacts the hyperextension recognition sensor or approaches within a predetermined distance, and output a hyperextension recognition signal to the control unit.

[0032] Alternatively, a pair of hyperextension recognition sensors may be provided at positions spaced apart from the center in the width direction on both sides by a predetermined distance on the surface of the lumbar air chamber. At this time, a pair of hyperextension recognition units may be provided at positions spaced apart from the center in the width direction on both sides by a predetermined distance on the ventral surface of the air belt, and accordingly, the hyperextension recognition sensor may recognize when the hyperextension recognition unit contacts the hyperextension recognition sensor or approaches within a predetermined distance, and output a hyperextension recognition signal to the control unit.

[0033] The above hyperextension recognition sensor and the hyperextension recognition unit may be provided in one pair or multiple pairs at corresponding locations, and it is preferable that they are formed by extending in the longitudinal direction or arranging in multiple numbers.

[0034] The air stretching device can control the lumbar air chamber to no longer inject air when the user's lumbar hyperextension is recognized. In other words, the air stretching device can prevent the user's lumbar hyperextension by controlling the pressure provided to the user's lumbar by the lumbar air chamber to no longer increase or decrease when the user's lumbar hyperextension is recognized.

[0035] The above air stretching device may include a lower mat whose temperature is controlled to increase or decrease by the control unit; and an upper mat provided above the lower mat. In this case, the upper mat may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, artificial stone, and natural stone, thereby enabling a thermal effect to be better transmitted to the user from the lower mat.

[0036] The air belt may include a copper material. Accordingly, the air belt may have high thermal conductivity, and even when the user wears the air belt, the thermal effect from the lower mat may be better transmitted to the user.

[0037] The device may include a ceramic body controlled to rotate and move by the control unit. The ceramic body is preferably positioned at a location corresponding to the user's cervical spine, but may be positioned anywhere as long as it can massage the muscles surrounding the user's spine.

[0038] The present invention also provides an air stretching method using an air stretching device including a control unit; and a lumbar air chamber corresponding to a user's lumbar region, the air stretching method including a traction step in which the lumbar air chamber maintains an air pressure higher than a predetermined traction pressure for a predetermined traction time; and a rest step in which the lumbar air chamber maintains an air pressure lower than a predetermined rest pressure for a predetermined rest time.

[0039] At this time, the air stretching device may include an air belt that can be worn around the user's lumbar region and has a plurality of air tubes, and in the air stretching method, when the user does not wear the air belt, the traction pressure may be controlled to be higher than a first traction pressure, and when the user does not wear the air belt, the traction pressure may be controlled to be higher than a second traction pressure that is lower than the first traction pressure.

[0040] In addition, at this time, the air stretching device may include: a thoracic air chamber corresponding to the thoracic region of the user; and a sacrococcygeal air chamber corresponding to the sacral region and the coccygeal region of the user; and may additionally include a posture change assistance step in which, in at least one of the thoracic air chamber and the sacrococcygeal air chamber, the air pressure on one left and right side thereof becomes greater than the air pressure on the other side thereof.

[0041] The present invention provides an air stretching device and an air stretching method using the same, which can easily perform continuous traction and intermittent traction in parallel or alternately by linking an air belt in which a constant air pressure is maintained and an air stretching mat in which the air pressure is dynamically controlled to increase.

[0042] The present invention also provides an air stretching device and method that minimizes pain caused by rapid posture changes by firmly fixing the lumbar region by an air belt even during dynamic stretching using an air stretching mat.

[0043] Another advantage of the present invention is that the heat and low-frequency stimulation pad provided on the air belt can help stimulate and relax deep muscles to relieve menstrual pain, etc.

[0044] Another advantage of the present invention is that, by appropriately selecting the materials of the air belt and the air stretching mat, sufficient heat is transmitted to the user even when the air belt and the air stretching mat are used simultaneously, and the air pressure is controlled so as not to be excessive depending on whether the belt is worn or overextended, thereby providing an air stretching device and method with enhanced effectiveness and improved safety.

[0045] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0046] Figure 1 shows the structure of a typical air stretching mat.

[0047] Figure 2 shows the structure of a typical air belt.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows the structure of an air stretching mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figures 4 and 5 respectively show the structures of the front and rear surfaces of an air belt according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an air stretching mat and an air belt combined according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the hyperextension recognition function according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are graphs showing the pressure applied to the user's lumbar region over time in an air stretching method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 11 shows the operation of the posture change assistance step in the air stretching method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1: Air Stretching Mat

[0056] 11: Cervical air chamber

[0057] 111: Ceramics

[0058] 12: Thoracic air chamber

[0059] 13: Lumbar air chamber

[0060] 131: Belt detection sensor

[0061] 132: Hyperextension recognition sensor

[0062] 14: Air chamber of the sacrum

[0063] 15: Control unit

[0064] 151: Air pump

[0065] 2: Air belt

[0066] 21: Velcro

[0067] 22: Air tube

[0068] 231: Belt recognition part

[0069] 232: Hypersensitive recognition unit

[0070] 240: Belt operating section

[0071] 241: Low-frequency stimulation pad

[0072] 242: Heating device

[0073] 25: LED

[0074] Pt: Set traction pressure

[0075] Pr: Set rest pressure

[0076] P1: First traction pressure

[0077] P2: Second traction pressure

[0078] P3: Belt traction pressure

[0079] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0080] Although the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0081] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0082] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0083] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0084] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0085] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0086] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0087] [Air Stretching Device]

[0088] First, the structure of an air stretching device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0089] Fig. 3 illustrates the structure of an air stretching mat according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, an air stretching device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an air stretching mat (1), and the air stretching mat (1) may include a plurality of air chambers (11, 12, 13, 14) and a control unit (15).

[0090] The above air chambers (11, 12, 13, 14) can be controlled to expand or contract as the air pressure inside them increases or decreases. The above control can be performed by the control unit (15).

[0091] It is preferable that the above air chambers (11, 12, 13, 14) be formed to be symmetrical on the left and right, such that the air pressure on the left and right sides is controlled separately, the air pressure on the left and right sides except for the central part is controlled simultaneously, or one is provided on each side.

[0092] The above air chambers (11, 12, 13, 14) may include at least one air chamber selected from a cervical air chamber (11), a thoracic air chamber (12), a lumbar air chamber (13), and a sacrococcygeal air chamber (14). The cervical air chamber (11), the thoracic air chamber (12), the lumbar air chamber (13), and the sacrococcygeal air chamber (14) may be provided at positions corresponding to the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrococcygeal regions of the user, respectively.

[0093] The above air stretching mat (1) may include a ceramic (111). The ceramic (111) may be controlled to rotate and move, thereby massaging the muscles surrounding the user's spine. The control may be performed by the control unit (15).

[0094] The above ceramic (111) can be positioned anywhere along the muscles surrounding the user's spine, but it is preferable to position it in an area corresponding to the user's cervical spine.

[0095] The above control unit (15) can independently control the air pressure of the air chambers (11, 12, 13, 14) according to a program or operation to expand and contract them, thereby applying pressure to a specific part of the user's body or changing the user's body position.

[0096] The above control unit (15) may include an air pump (151). The air pump (151) may inject air into an air belt, which will be described later.

[0097] The above air stretching mat (1) may also include a heating device to provide a heating effect to the user. The heating device may be a surface heating element provided at the bottom of the air stretching mat (1), but is not limited thereto. Any structure may be used as long as it is a means capable of transmitting heat to the user lying on the air stretching mat (1).

[0098] The air stretching mat (1) may include at least one of ceramic, artificial stone, and natural stone for the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating device to the user. Specifically, the air stretching mat (1) may include a lower mat on which the heating device is provided and the temperature is controlled to increase or decrease by the control unit, and an upper mat provided above the lower mat, and the upper mat may include at least one of ceramic, artificial stone, and natural stone.

[0099] An air stretching mat (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (15), an integrated cervical air chamber (11) and a lumbar air chamber (13) in which the air pressure of the left and right sides is separately controlled by the control unit (15), a thoracic air chamber (12) and a sacrococcygeal air chamber (14) in which the air pressure of the left and right sides is separately controlled by the control unit (15) and which are formed as a pair of separate left and right sides, and a ceramic (111) provided to correspond to the cervical region of the user, and may additionally include a heating device that provides a heating effect to the user.

[0100] According to the present embodiment, the air stretching mat (1) can dynamically change the user's posture or apply pressure to a specific part of the user's body as the air chambers (11, 12, 13, 14) independently expand and contract under the control of the control unit (15), thereby massaging or stretching the muscles around the user's spine to relax them. In addition, the air stretching mat (1) can provide the user with a heating effect in addition to a massage, thereby helping the user relax his or her muscles and improve blood flow to help promote health and recovery.

[0101] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the front and rear structures of an air belt according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. In other words, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the rear and front structures of an air belt according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Referring to these drawings, the air stretching device may include an air belt (2), and the air belt (2) may be formed to extend horizontally and be configured to be wrapped around the user's lumbar region.

[0102] The above air belt (2) may include a fixing means for fixing both ends of the air belt (2) to each other. The fixing means may include, for example, Velcro (21) provided on one horizontal end of the surface of the air belt (2) and the other horizontal end of the back surface, which can be attached to each other.

[0103] The above air belt (2) may include an air tube (22). The air tube (22) may have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction and may be provided in multiple pieces arranged in the horizontal direction. However, the shape and arrangement of the air tube (22) are not limited thereto, and for example, it may have a shape extending in the transverse direction or be arranged in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] The air tube (22) can be filled with air. As the air tube (22) is filled with air, the air tube (22) can expand longitudinally. As the air tube (22) expands longitudinally, the air belt (2) can continuously pull the lumbar region of the user wearing it by longitudinally tensing it, and can fix the lumbar region of the user so that it is not bent, twisted, or distorted.

[0105] Referring to Fig. 4, the air belt (2) may include a low-frequency stimulation pad (241) provided on its inner surface and providing low-frequency electrical stimulation by applying a low-frequency voltage to the user's skin surface. The low-frequency stimulation pad (241) may be provided at a position corresponding to the back or front of the user. The low-frequency stimulation pads (241) may be provided as a pair symmetrically on both sides in the horizontal direction. The low-frequency stimulation pads (241) may stimulate the user's deep muscles through a low-frequency voltage, thereby alleviating the user's muscle pain or menstrual pain.

[0106] Referring again to FIG. 4, the air belt (2) may include a heating device (242) provided on its inner surface to provide a heating effect to the user.

[0107] The above heating device (242) may be provided together with the low-frequency stimulation pad (241). The heating device (242) may be provided integrally with the low-frequency stimulation pad (241), in which case the low-frequency stimulation pad (241) may provide low-frequency electrical stimulation and a heating effect to the user simultaneously, thereby more effectively relieving the user's muscle pain or menstrual pain.

[0108] The above-described heating device (242) may include an LED that is irradiated onto the user's skin surface. The LED irradiates infrared or far-infrared rays onto the user's skin surface to provide a heating effect to the user, thereby promoting blood flow to the user, thereby helping to relieve the user's pain, promote recovery, and improve blood flow.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 5, the low-frequency stimulation pad (241) and the heating device (242) can be controlled by the user's operation through the belt operation unit (240). By operating the belt operation unit (240), the user can, for example, control the intensity, range, cycle, duration, etc. of the low-frequency electrical stimulation provided by the low-frequency stimulation pad (241), or control the intensity, range, duration, etc. of the heating effect provided by the heating device (242).

[0110] The air belt (2) may contain copper. By containing copper, the air belt (2) may have high thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the thermal effect of the air stretching mat (1) may be better transmitted to the user.

[0111] An air belt (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be worn around the user's lumbar region by means of Velcro (21) attached to each other at both ends in the horizontal direction, and can include a plurality of air tubes (22) extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged in the horizontal direction. In addition, a pair of low-frequency stimulation pads (241) and a pair of heating devices (242) arranged symmetrically in the horizontal direction can be provided on the inner surface of the air belt (2), and a belt operating unit (240) can be provided on the outer surface of the air belt (2) so that the user can adjust the low-frequency stimulation pads (241) and the heating device (242).

[0112] According to this embodiment, the user can wear the air belt (2) and inject air into the air tube (22) to expand it longitudinally, thereby fixing the lumbar region so that it is not abruptly bent, twisted, or twisted, and providing a continuous traction effect to the lumbar region.

[0113] Figure 6 illustrates a combined air stretching mat and air belt according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, a user can lie down on the air stretching mat (1) while wearing the air belt (2).

[0114] The air pump (151) may be connected to the air belt (2). The air pump (151) may be connected to the air belt (2) to inject air into the air tube (22). To this end, the air belt (2) may be provided with a nozzle or valve that protrudes from the air tube (22) and is connected to the air pump (151), and a nozzle or valve that can be connected to the nozzle or valve may extend from the air pump (151).

[0115] The connection between the air pump (151) and the air tube (22) may be performed manually by the user's operation while the user is wearing the air belt (2), or may be performed automatically when the user lies down on the air stretching mat (1). For example, the air pump (151) may include a first valve provided in the center of the lumbar air chamber (13), and the air belt (2) may include a second valve that is formed complementarily to the first valve and is automatically fitted or connected to the first valve when the user wears the air belt (2) and lies down on the air stretching mat (1).

[0116] The air pressure injected into the air tube (22) by the air pump (151) may be set to a predetermined appropriate air pressure or lower. In this case, the control unit (15) may block air injection when the appropriate air pressure is injected into the air tube (22). The appropriate air pressure may be determined according to a user's settings or a preset program. Accordingly, the user can prevent excessive air pressure from being injected into the air belt (2), which may cause disruption of blood flow or excessive pressure on the skin, muscles, and nerves.

[0117] The above air stretching device may be capable of recognizing when a user wears the air belt (2) and lies down on the air stretching mat (1). To this end, a sensor device capable of detecting approach, contact, connection, or engagement between the air belt (2) and the air stretching mat (1) may be provided on the air stretching mat (1) or the air belt (2). However, the method by which the air stretching device recognizes whether the user is wearing the air belt (2) may include a method of recognizing by the user's operation or input in addition to the automatic method.

[0118] Referring back to FIG. 3, a belt recognition sensor (131) connected to the control unit (15) may be provided on the surface of the lumbar air chamber (13). Referring back to FIG. 5, at this time, a belt recognition portion (151) may be provided on the surface of the air belt (2). The belt recognition sensor (131) and the belt recognition portion (151) may be provided at positions corresponding to each other in order to ensure accurate alignment between the air stretching mat (1) and the air belt (2). In consideration of space utilization, symmetry, accurate position induction, ease of recognition, etc., the belt recognition sensor (131) and the belt recognition portion (151) are preferably arranged longitudinally or extended in the central portion of the surfaces of the lumbar air chamber (13) and the air belt (2), respectively. However, their positions and shapes are not limited thereto, and it is sufficient as long as they correspond to each other.

[0119] The above belt recognition unit (151) may include an electrostatic tag such as an RFID, and at this time, the belt recognition sensor (131) may include an electrostatic sensor that recognizes contact or approach of the belt electrostatic tag. However, the sensor-recognition unit structure may have various configurations, such as a protrusion of a predetermined shape and a pressure sensor corresponding thereto, and may have any structure as long as it can recognize when a user wears the air belt (2) and lies down on the air stretching mat (1).

[0120] When the air stretching device recognizes that a user is wearing the air belt (2) and lying on the air stretching mat (1), the air stretching device can notify the user that wearing the air belt (2) has been recognized through a predetermined notification means. The notification means may utilize sound or vibration, or may be a visual display means provided on the air belt (2) and / or the air stretching mat (1).

[0121] Referring again to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the notification means may be an LED (25) provided in the belt operating unit (240). At this time, the LED (25) may be lit when the air stretching device recognizes the wearing of the air belt (2).

[0122] Since the above air stretching device can recognize when a user is wearing the air belt (2) and lying on the air stretching mat (1), the control unit (15) can control the air chambers (11, 12, 13, 14) differently depending on whether the user is wearing the air belt (2).

[0123] As an example, the control unit (15) can recognize when a user wears the air belt (2) and lies down on the air stretching mat (1), and control the air pump (151) to inject air into the air belt (2). This control can be performed in various ways. For example, when the connection between the air pump (151) and the air belt (2) is automatically performed as the user lies down, the air pump (151) can be controlled to inject air into the air belt (2) simply by the user wearing the air belt (2) and lying down on the air stretching mat (1). Alternatively, the air pump (151) can be controlled to inject air into the air belt (2) when the user wears the air belt (2), manually connects it to the air pump (151), and then lies down on the air stretching mat (1). Alternatively, the air pump (151) may be controlled to inject air into the air belt (2) when the user wears the air belt (2) and lies down on the air stretching mat (1) and connects the air belt (2) to the air pump (151).

[0124] As another example, the control unit (15) may control the air pressure injected into the lumbar air chamber (13) to be lower than a predetermined first maximum pressure when the user does not wear the air belt (2), and may control the air pressure injected into the lumbar air chamber (13) to be lower than a predetermined second maximum pressure that is lower than the first maximum pressure when the user wears the air belt (2). Since the maximum air pressure of the lumbar air chamber (13) varies depending on whether the user wears the air belt (2), the pressure applied to the lumbar region of the user can be controlled so as not to be excessive. In particular, since hyperextension of the lumbar region may occur when the lumbar region receives excessive pressure forward, it is necessary to reduce the pressure applied by the lumbar air chamber (13) to the lumbar region of the user that is continuously under pressure by the air belt (2).

[0125] Referring again to Fig. 3, a hyperextension recognition sensor (132) connected to the control unit (15) may be provided on the surface of the lumbar air chamber (13). Referring again to Fig. 5, at this time, a hyperextension recognition portion (232) may be provided on the surface of the air belt (2). The hyperextension recognition sensor (132) and the hyperextension recognition portion (232) may be provided at corresponding positions.

[0126] The above hyperextension recognition sensors (132) may be provided as one or more pairs symmetrically at positions spaced apart from the widthwise center of the surface of the lumbar air chamber (13) by a predetermined distance on both sides in the width direction. At this time, the hyperextension recognition parts (232) may be provided as one or more pairs symmetrically at positions spaced apart from the widthwise center of the surface of the air belt by a predetermined distance on both sides in the width direction. However, alternatively, the hyperextension recognition sensors (132) may be provided as one or a group at positions spaced apart from the widthwise center of the surface of the lumbar air chamber (13) by a predetermined distance on one side in the width direction, and in this case, the hyperextension recognition parts (232) may also be provided as one or a group at positions spaced apart from the widthwise center of the surface of the air belt (2) by a predetermined distance on one side in the width direction.

[0127] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air belt (2) and the air stretching mat (1) may be connected to each other. In addition, at this time, the air stretching mat (1) may include a belt recognition sensor (131) and a pair of hyperextension recognition sensors (132) provided at the center of the surface of the lumbar air chamber (13) and on both sides in the width direction thereof, respectively, and the air belt (2) may include a belt recognition portion (151) and a hyperextension recognition portion (232) provided at the center of the surface and on both sides in the width direction thereof, respectively.

[0128] According to the present embodiment, when a user wears the air belt (2) and lies down on the air stretching mat (1), the air belt (2) and the air stretching mat (1) can operate in conjunction with each other by injecting air into the air belt (2) or adjusting the air pressure of the lumbar air chamber (13). According to this interlocking, the air stretching device can control the pressure provided to the user's lumbar region from the air belt (2) and the air stretching mat (1) so as not to be excessive, thereby improving its safety, and can provide various functions that the air belt (2) or the air stretching mat (1) could not provide alone, and can improve its convenience with respect to injecting air into the air belt (2), etc.

[0129] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a hyperextension recognition operation according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, when the air pressure of the lumbar air chamber (13) increases while the user wears the air belt (2) and lies down on the air stretching mat (1), the central portion of the lumbar air chamber (13) is restricted from expanding due to the user's body weight, and the left and right sides of the lumbar air chamber (13) can expand and rise. At this time, when the air pressure of the lumbar air chamber (13) becomes a predetermined pressure or higher, the hyperextension recognition sensor (132) rises to approach the hyperextension recognition target (232) and can recognize the hyperextension recognition target (232).

[0130] At this time, the control unit (15) can control the air pressure of the lumbar air chamber (13) to no longer increase when the hyperextension recognition target (232) is recognized by the hyperextension recognition sensor (132). In other words, the control unit (15) can stop the air injection into the lumbar air chamber (13) when the hyperextension recognition sensor (132) recognizes the hyperextension recognition target (232).

[0131] The predetermined pressure at which the hyperextension recognition sensor (132) recognizes the hyperextension recognition portion (232) may vary depending on the distance that the hyperextension recognition sensor (132) and the hyperextension recognition target (232) are spaced from the center of the width direction of the surface of the lumbar air chamber (13) and the air belt (2), respectively. Accordingly, by setting the predetermined pressure to a pressure lower than or equal to the pressure at which the user's lumbar region begins to hyperextend, and setting the positions of the hyperextension recognition sensor (132) and the hyperextension recognition target (232) correspondingly, the recognition of the hyperextension recognition portion (232) by the hyperextension recognition sensor (132) can be used as an indicator of the risk of hyperextension of the user's lumbar region. At this time, by limiting the increase in air pressure of the lumbar air chamber (13), the user's lumbar region can be prevented from hyperextending.

[0132] [How to do air stretching]

[0133] Next, an air stretching method using an air stretching device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0134] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are graphs showing the pressure applied to the user's lumbar region over time in an air stretching method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Traction treatments used to treat herniated discs include intermittent and continuous traction. Intermittent traction involves applying traction to the user's spine for a set period of time, followed by a set period of rest, and then repeating this process. Continuous traction involves applying relatively mild traction to the user's spine for a relatively long period of time.

[0136] An air stretching method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a traction step in which the air stretching device continuously provides air pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined set traction pressure (Pt) to the user's lumbar region for a predetermined traction time; and a rest step in which the air stretching device continuously provides air pressure less than or equal to a predetermined set rest pressure (Pr) to the user's lumbar region, thereby providing the intermittent traction effect as described above.

[0137] The above-described traction phase and rest phase may be alternately repeated. The traction phase is preferably set to approximately 7 seconds, and may be set to, for example, 5 to 10 seconds. The rest phase is preferably set to approximately 5 to 7 seconds, and may be set to, for example, 3 to 10 seconds.

[0138] It is preferable that the above-described set rest pressure (Pr) be lower than the above-described set traction pressure (Pt). In this case, when the above-described set rest pressure (Pr) is 0, the above-described air stretching method can provide an intermittent traction effect.

[0139] When the above-described set rest pressure (Pr) is equal to the above-described set traction pressure (Pt), i.e., when the pressure applied to the user's lumbar region is maintained constant, the air stretching method can provide a continuous traction effect.

[0140] When the set rest pressure (Pr) is lower than the set traction pressure (Pt), and the set rest pressure (Pr) is greater than 0, the air stretching method can provide both an intermittent traction effect and a continuous traction effect. At this time, as the difference between the set rest pressure (Pr) and the set traction pressure (Pt) decreases, the air stretching method can provide less intermittent traction effect and more continuous traction effect.

[0141] An air stretching method according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide intermittent traction and continuous traction to a user separately or simultaneously by using the air stretching device in a plurality of different modes.

[0142] Below, each mode of the above air stretching method is explained.

[0143] [Intermittent Traction Mode]

[0144] A user can receive an intermittent traction effect as follows by using the air stretching mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Figure 9 shows the pressure applied to a user's lumbar region over time when the user uses an air stretching mat without wearing an air belt. Referring to this, when the user does not wear the air belt, the lumbar air chamber (13) can be controlled to maintain a predetermined first traction pressure (P1) during the traction time, and to maintain the air pressure at 0 during the rest time.

[0146] At this time, the pressure received by the user's lumbar region becomes equal to the pressure provided to the user's lumbar region by the lumbar air chamber, so the set traction pressure (Pt) becomes equal to the first traction pressure (P1), and the set rest pressure (Pr) can be set to 0. In this case, the air stretching method can only provide an intermittent traction effect without a continuous traction effect.

[0147] [Continuous Towing Mode]

[0148] The user can also receive a continuous traction effect as follows by using the air belt according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] When a user wears the air belt and connects it to the air pump, air pressure can be charged into the air tube. At this time, the pressure charged into the air belt can be set to a predetermined belt traction pressure.

[0150] As described above, the charging of the air pressure of the air belt may be started by a user's operation or automatically started by automatic recognition of the control unit, and may be terminated when the air pressure reaches the belt traction pressure.

[0151] By wearing the air belt charged with belt traction pressure as described above, the user's lumbar region can receive a continuous traction effect from the air belt equivalent to the belt traction pressure.

[0152] According to the continuous traction method using the above air belt, the user can carry out daily life while wearing the air belt, so continuous traction for a long period of time is possible.

[0153] The above continuous traction may be arbitrarily terminated by the user removing the air pressure of the air belt or taking the air belt off, or may be automatically terminated by the control unit controlling the air pump to remove the air pressure of the air belt.

[0154] [Intermittent and continuous traction modes]

[0155] A user can use the air stretching mat while wearing the air belt according to one embodiment of the present invention to simultaneously or alternately receive intermittent and continuous traction effects as follows.

[0156] Figure 10 shows the pressure applied to the user's lumbar region over time when the user wears the air belt and uses the air stretching mat. Referring to this, when the user wears the air belt, the lumbar air chamber (13) can maintain a predetermined second traction pressure (P2) lower than the first traction pressure (P1) during the traction time, and can maintain the air pressure at 0 during the rest time.

[0157] At this time, the pressure provided to the user by the air belt may be set to a predetermined belt traction pressure (P3). Accordingly, the pressure received by the user's lumbar region becomes equal to the sum of the pressure provided to the user's lumbar region by the lumbar air chamber and the pressure provided to the user by the air belt. Accordingly, the set traction pressure (Pt) may be equal to the sum of the second traction pressure (P2) and the belt traction pressure (P3), and the set resting pressure (Pr) may be equal to the belt traction pressure (P3). In this case, the air stretching method may simultaneously provide a continuous traction effect equal to the belt traction pressure (P3) and an intermittent traction effect equal to the second traction pressure (P2).

[0158] The above air stretching method can enable the parallel or alternating performance of stable continuous traction and intermittent traction by simultaneously using the air belt and the air stretching mat as described above.

[0159] In particular, according to the present embodiment, by using the air belt and the air stretching mat in conjunction with each other, it is possible to provide the user with continuous traction and intermittent traction of relatively high intensity simultaneously and more safely without the user's lumbar region being overextended due to excessive upward pressure.

[0160] Fig. 11 illustrates the operation of a posture change assist step in an air stretching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the air stretching method may further include a posture change assist step in which, in at least one of the thoracic air chamber (12) and the sacrococcygeal air chamber (14), the air pressure on one side in the left and right direction is made greater than the air pressure on the other side. When a user wears the air belt (2), the user may have difficulty bending the waist, and thus the motion of getting up or turning over may be limited. At this time, as the posture change assist step is performed according to the operation of the control unit or a set program, it may become easier for the user to get up by twisting the body to one side.

[0161] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be determined by the claims that follow, rather than by the detailed description set forth above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims that follow, as well as all possible modifications and variations derived from their equivalent concepts, should be construed as encompassing the scope of the present invention.

[0162] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. Control unit; A plurality of air chambers including a lumbar air chamber corresponding to the user's lumbar region, the air pressure of which is controlled to increase or decrease by the control unit; and An air stretching device comprising an air belt that can be worn around the user's lumbar region and has a plurality of air tubes; An air stretching device, wherein the control unit includes an air pump that is connected to the air tube and can inject air.

2. In claim 1, The air belt is an air stretching device including a low-frequency stimulation pad provided on the inner surface thereof to provide heat and low-frequency electrical stimulation to the user.

3. In claim 2, An air stretching device, wherein the air belt includes a belt operating unit for controlling the intensity of heat and low-frequency electrical stimulation provided by the low-frequency stimulation pad.

4. In claim 1, The above control unit is an air stretching device that blocks air injection when a predetermined appropriate air pressure is injected into the air tube.

5. In claim 1, An air stretching device that can recognize when a user wears the air belt.

6. In claim 5, A belt recognition sensor connected to the control unit is provided on the surface of the lumbar air chamber or the ventral surface of the air belt. A belt recognition portion is provided on the ventral surface of the air belt or the surface of the lumbar air chamber. An air stretching device in which the belt recognition sensor recognizes when the belt recognition part comes into contact with the belt recognition sensor or approaches within a predetermined distance and outputs a belt recognition signal to the control unit.

7. In claim 6, The above belt recognition unit includes an electrostatic tag, An air stretching device, wherein the belt recognition sensor includes an electrostatic sensor that recognizes contact or approach of the electrostatic tag.

8. In claim 5, The air pressure injected into the lumbar air chamber by the above control unit is controlled to be below a predetermined maximum air pressure, If the user does not wear the air belt, the maximum air pressure is controlled to be less than the first maximum pressure, An air stretching device in which, when a user wears the air belt, the maximum air pressure is controlled to be lower than a second maximum pressure that is lower than the first maximum pressure.

9. In claim 5, An air stretching device, wherein when a user wears the air belt and lies down on the air stretching device, the air pump is controlled to inject air into the air belt.

10. In claim 1, An air stretching device that recognizes when the user's lumbar region is hyperextended.

11. In claim 10, A pair of hyperextension recognition sensors are provided at positions spaced a predetermined distance apart on both sides in the width direction from the center of the width direction of the surface of the lumbar air chamber or the ventral surface of the air belt. A pair of hyperextension recognition parts are provided at positions spaced a predetermined distance apart on both sides in the width direction from the center of the width direction of the ventral surface of the air belt or the surface of the lumbar air chamber. An air stretching device in which the above-mentioned hyperextension recognition sensor recognizes when the hyperextension target part comes into contact with the hyperextension recognition sensor or approaches within a predetermined distance and outputs a hyperextension recognition signal to the control unit.

12. In claim 10, An air stretching device, which is controlled so that no more air is injected into the lumbar air chamber when lumbar hyperextension of the user is recognized.

13. In claim 1, A lower mat whose temperature is controlled to increase or decrease by the above control unit; and Including an upper mat provided above the lower mat; An air stretching device wherein the upper mat comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, artificial stone, and natural stone.

14. In claim 1, The above air belt is an air stretching device comprising a copper material.

15. In claim 1, An air stretching device comprising a ceramic body controlled to rotate and move at a position corresponding to the user's cervical spine by the above control unit.

16. Control unit; and In an air stretching method using an air stretching device including a lumbar air chamber corresponding to the lumbar region of a user, the air pressure is controlled to increase or decrease by the above control unit; A traction step in which the lumbar air chamber maintains air pressure greater than a predetermined traction pressure for a predetermined traction time; and An air stretching method, comprising a resting step in which the lumbar air chamber maintains air pressure below a predetermined resting pressure for a predetermined resting time.

17. In claim 16, The above air stretching device includes an air belt that can be worn around the user's lumbar region and has a plurality of air tubes. If the user does not wear the air belt, the traction pressure is controlled to be greater than the first traction pressure, An air stretching method in which, when a user wears the air belt, the traction pressure is controlled to be higher than a second traction pressure that is lower than the first traction pressure.

18. In claim 16, The above air stretching device: a thoracic air chamber corresponding to the user's thoracic spine; and Includes a lumbar and lumbar air chamber corresponding to the user's lumbar and lumbar regions; An air stretching method further comprising a posture change assistance step in which air pressure on one left and right side of at least one of the thoracic air chamber and the lumbar air chamber becomes greater than air pressure on the other side.

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