Sole pressing member provided in massage machine for lower limbs

Abstract

The present disclosure is a sole pressing member 11 provided to a massage machine 1 for lower limbs that includes a pair of right and left massage members 9 and 10 and a rotating shaft 7 the center axis of which extends in the left-right direction, the sole pressing member 11 being disposed between the pair of massage members 9 and 10 and corotating with the rotating shaft 7, wherein: the sole pressing member 11 is a roller body the axial center of which extends in the left-right direction; the sole pressing member 11 includes an enlarged diameter part 26 that expands toward one end part of the sole pressing member 11; an edge 24 of the enlarged diameter part 26 is adjacent to the massage member 9; a acupressure protrusion 28 that presses and massages a sole U is provided to the enlarged diameter part 26; and the acupressure protrusion 28 extends from the enlarged diameter part 28 toward the other end part 25 of the sole pressing member 11.

Description

Foot sole pressing member provided in a lower limb massager

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sole pressure member that is provided in a lower leg massager and is suitable for applying pressure to the soles of the feet for massaging. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2023-211017, filed December 14, 2023, and incorporates the entire contents of said Japanese application by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, there are lower leg massage machines that provide massage actions to treatment areas of the lower legs from the toes to the heels to the calves. For example, in a lower leg massage machine such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pair of left and right massage means (massage plates) sandwich and massage the user's feet, and also massage the soles of the feet from below with acupressure protrusions while rotating a sole pressing member of a roller body.

[0003] Patent No. 6774868

[0004] The sole pressure member provided in a lower leg massage machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a lower leg massage machine having a pair of massage members, one on the left and one on the right, that sandwich the foot and perform a kneading massage, and a rotating shaft whose axis faces in the left-right direction. The sole pressure member is disposed between the pair of massage members and attached so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft. The sole pressure member is a roller body whose axis faces in the left-right direction and that is placed sideways. The sole pressure member, which is a roller body, has an enlarged diameter portion that widens toward at least one end, the edge of the enlarged diameter portion is located adjacent to the massage members, and the enlarged diameter portion is provided with acupressure protrusions that perform a pressure massage on the soles of the feet. The acupressure protrusions extend from the enlarged diameter portion in a direction away from the massage members in the left-right direction and toward the other end of the sole pressure member.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a lower leg massage machine equipped with a sole pressing member of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view showing an outline of a left massage section and a right massage section in which the sole pressing member of this embodiment is arranged. Fig. 3 is a front view showing an outline of a left massage section and a right massage section in which the sole pressing member of this embodiment is arranged (the sole pressing member is rotated 90° from Fig. 2). Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the massage member and the sole pressing member of this embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exploded view showing the massage member and the sole pressing member of this embodiment.

[0006] <Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure> Conventionally, many acupressure protrusions that provide pressure massage to the soles of the feet have an elongated, convex shape (rod-like). In the case of such elongated acupressure protrusions, some users may feel as if they are being poked by something sharp. In other words, depending on the user's perception, the pressure massage on the soles of the feet may feel too strong, and the massage may not be effective.

[0007] Furthermore, with conventional acupressure protrusions, there is a risk of the treatment area being pinched between the acupressure protrusions and the pair of left and right massage members located outside of them. In addition, with conventional acupressure protrusions, there has been a problem that the foot may shift left and right on the sole pressure member of the rotating roller body. Because of the possibility of such a situation occurring, users have requested a device that provides stable support for the foot while providing appropriate pressure on the sole.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a sole pressure member provided in a lower limb massage machine that is capable of providing an effective pressure massage to the soles of the feet, by providing a configuration in which the acupressure protrusions of the sole pressure member of a roller body provided between a pair of left and right massage means are configured to stably support the foot without causing it to shift left and right and to prevent inconvenience such as pinching of the treatment unit, thereby preventing excessive pressure on the soles of the feet.

[0009] <Effects of the Present Disclosure> According to the sole pressure member provided in the lower limb massage machine of the present disclosure, the acupressure protrusions of the sole pressure member of the roller body provided between the pair of left and right massage means are configured to stably support the foot without causing it to shift left and right and to prevent inconvenience such as pinching of the treatment area, thereby preventing excessive pressure on the sole and enabling an effective pressure massage to be performed on the sole.

[0010] <Outline of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Below, an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides the following technical solutions.

[0012] (1) The sole pressure member provided in the lower leg massage machine according to the present disclosure is provided in a lower leg massage machine having a pair of left and right massage members that sandwich the feet and perform a kneading massage, and a rotating shaft whose axis faces in the left-right direction. The sole pressure member is disposed between the pair of massage members and attached so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft. The sole pressure member is a roller body whose axis faces in the left-right direction and is placed sideways. The sole pressure member, which is a roller body, has an enlarged portion that widens toward at least one end, the edge of the enlarged portion is located adjacent to the massage members, and the enlarged portion is provided with acupressure protrusions that perform a pressure massage on the soles of the feet. The acupressure protrusions extend from the enlarged portion toward the other end of the sole pressure member, in a direction away from the massage members in the left-right direction.

[0013] (2) In the above (1), the sole pressing member may have a pair of enlarged diameter portions, including a first enlarged diameter portion that widens toward one end and a second enlarged diameter portion that widens toward the other end.

[0014] (3) In the above (2), the sole pressing member may have a pair of the first enlarged diameter portion and the second enlarged diameter portion, so that the middle portion in the left-right direction is formed in a drum-like shape with a narrowed portion.

[0015] (4) In the above (3), the edge of the first enlarged diameter portion may be provided adjacent to one of the pair of massage members, and the edge of the second enlarged diameter portion may be provided adjacent to the other of the pair of massage members.

[0016] (5) In the above (1), the height of the acupressure protrusion may be the same as or smaller than the radius of the widened portion at the position of the widened edge.

[0017] (6) In the above (5), the acupressure protrusion may have a horizontal portion facing the left-right direction, a vertical portion that is a side perpendicular to the left-right direction, and a corner portion where the horizontal portion changes to the vertical portion.

[0018] (7) In (2) above, a first acupressure protrusion may be provided on the first enlarged diameter portion, and the first acupressure protrusion may be an acupressure protrusion extending in the left-right direction, and a second acupressure protrusion may be provided on the second enlarged diameter portion, and the first acupressure protrusion and the second acupressure protrusion may face each other in the left-right direction.

[0019] (8) In the above (7), the height of the first acupressure protrusion may be higher than or the same as the height of the second acupressure protrusion.

[0020] (9) In the above (7), the first acupressure protrusions may be provided in multiple numbers along the circumferential direction of the first enlarged diameter portion, and / or the second acupressure protrusions may be provided in multiple numbers along the circumferential direction of the second enlarged diameter portion.

[0021] (10) In the above (1), at least one of the pair of left and right massage members may be provided with its base end penetrating the rotation axis at an angle to the rotation axis, and the edge of the expanded portion of the roller body may be formed at an angle so as to be adjacent to the side wall of at least one of the massage members.

[0022] <Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0023] The embodiment described below is an example of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the drawings, some components are omitted or drawn using virtual lines, etc., for clarity.

[0024] 1 to 5, etc., show directions such as front-to-back and left-to-right of the lower leg massage machine 1. These directions correspond to the directions seen by a user seated on a chair or the like with their lower legs inserted into the lower leg massage machine 1. In the following description, the directions shown in Figs. 1 to 5, etc., will be the directions used when describing the lower leg massage machine 1 of the present disclosure.

[0025] In this embodiment, the foot F refers to the area below the ankle, from the heel to the sole U (arch A) to the toes. The calf refers to the part of the human lower leg below the knee and above the ankle.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the lower limb massage machine 1 of this embodiment has a massage mechanism 2 that simultaneously massages both the left and right lower limbs of the user as the massage target (treatment area) by squeezing and kneading the feet F that make up the lower limbs, and by applying a pressure massage similar to acupressure to the soles U (arches A).

[0027] Although not shown, the lower leg massage machine 1 of this embodiment also includes an upper massage mechanism that squeezes and massages the calves that make up the lower legs.

[0028] In other words, the lower limb massage machine 1 of this embodiment has a massage mechanism 2 (lower massage mechanism) that applies massage action to both the user's left and right feet F, soles U (arch A), etc., and a case body 3 that houses this massage mechanism 2.

[0029] 1 to 4, the case body 3 has a horizontally or vertically long rectangular or square shape when viewed from the front, and a boot-shaped housing when viewed from the side. The case body 3 has a bottom plate member 3a on which the massage mechanism 2 is disposed, and an upper cover body 3b disposed on top of the bottom plate member 3a.

[0030] The upper cover body 3b (case body 3) is provided with a pair of left and right treatment recesses 4L, 4R. In this embodiment, the upper cover body 3b has the treatment recesses 4L, 4R, which are open upward and forward, and are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other on the left and right. In this embodiment, the left and right foot sections FL, FR can be moved from front to rear and fitted into the left and right treatment recesses 4L, 4R. In addition, a lining material (not shown) is provided inside the treatment recesses 4L, 4R.

[0031] 1 to 3, a massage mechanism 2 is provided below the left and right treatment recesses 4L, 4R to massage the left and right feet FL, FR from the sides and to massage the soles UL, UR (arches AL, AR) with pressure. In this embodiment, an upper massage mechanism is provided above the left and right treatment recesses 4L, 4R to massage the left and right calves from the sides.

[0032] 1, a plurality of support members 5a, 5b are provided on the bottom plate member 3a (the bottom surface inside the case body 3) facing upward. The support members 5a, 5b support the massage mechanism 2 from below. At both left and right ends of the bottom surface inside the case body 3, a support member 5a is provided to rotatably support the end of a rotation shaft 7 provided on the massage mechanism 2.

[0033] Further, a support member 5b is provided between the pair of left and right support members 5a to rotatably support a longitudinal midpoint of the rotating shaft 7. A gear case of the drive unit 8 is attached to the upper side of this support member 5b. In other words, the two support members 5a, 5a and support member 5b are provided at approximately equal intervals in the left-right direction on the bottom plate member 3a (the bottom surface inside the case body 3).

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the lower leg massage machine 1 of this embodiment includes a massage mechanism 2 that massages the left and right feet F and the soles U of the feet.

[0035] The massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment has a left massage unit 6L that massages the left foot FL and sole UL, a right massage unit 6R that massages the right foot FR and sole UR, a rotating shaft 7 that is arranged to pass through the base ends of the left massage unit 6L and the right massage unit 6R, and a drive unit 8 that rotates the rotating shaft.

[0036] The drive unit 8 rotates the rotary shaft 7 to operate the left massage unit 6L and the right massage unit 6R. The drive unit 8 has a drive motor that generates a rotational driving force and a gear case that reduces the rotational driving force to a predetermined speed. The gear case is supported by the support member 5b.

[0037] The rotating shaft 7 is provided on the bottom plate member 3a (the bottom surface inside the case body 3) so that its axis is horizontal and faces the left-right direction. The rotating shaft 7 is rotatably supported by three support members 5a and 5b via bearings.

[0038] The rotating shaft 7 has its axis facing left and right, and passes through the base ends of the pair of left and right massage members 9L, 10L (left massage section 6L) and the base ends of the pair of left and right massage members 9R, 10R (right massage section 6R) in the left and right direction.

[0039] The rotary shaft 7 transmits the power of the kneading massage to a pair of left massage members 9L, 10L (left massage portion 6L) and a pair of right massage members 9R, 10R (right massage portion 6R), which will be described later. Also, a pair of sole pressing members 11L, 11R (details of which will be described later) are rotatably attached to the rotary shaft 7.

[0040] The present disclosure relates to a sole pressing member 11 provided in a lower limb massage machine 1 having a pair of left and right massage members 9, 10 that sandwich the foot F and perform a kneading massage, and a rotating shaft 7 whose axis faces left and right and passes through the base ends of the pair of massage members 9, 10, and which is disposed between the pair of massage members 9, 10 and attached so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 7.

[0041] The sole pressure member 11 of the present disclosure is a roller body (cylindrical body) that is laid on its side and has an axis oriented in the left-right direction. The roller body, or sole pressure member 11, has at least one end (the big toe side of the foot F) with an expanded diameter portion 26 that expands toward the end.

[0042] The edge 24 of the enlarged diameter portion 26 is provided adjacent to the side wall of the massaging member 9. The enlarged diameter portion 26 is provided with acupressure protrusions 28 for applying pressure to the sole U to massage the sole.

[0043] The acupressure protrusions 28 extend from the enlarged diameter portion 26 toward the other end 25 of the sole pressing member 11 in a direction away from the massage member 9 in the left-right direction.

[0044] [Left Massage Portion] The characteristic configuration of the sole pressing member 11 provided in the lower leg massage machine 1 of the present disclosure will be described, focusing on the left massage portion 6L.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2 etc., the left massage section 6L has a pair of massage members 9L, 10L that sandwich the left foot FL constituting the lower limb and perform a kneading massage, and a sole pressing member 11L that is disposed between the pair of massage members 9L, 10L and attached to the rotating shaft 7 so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 7.

[0046] The left massage members 9L, 10L in this embodiment are plate-shaped kneading massage members 9L, 10L. The left massage members 9L, 10L are formed in a curved shape that wraps around the left foot FL, from the toes to the instep, ankle, and heel. These left massage members 9L, 10L are formed in a shape that envelops the left foot FL and are provided facing each other.

[0047] The left inner massage member 9L is provided on the medial side of the left foot FL (the side of the big toe and arch AL). The left inner massage member 9L is a plate-shaped member that is provided above the rotation shaft 7 and protrudes in the front and rear directions. The left inner massage member 9L has a shape that rises from the front (tip) to the rear.

[0048] The left inner massage member 9L is provided on the inside of the left foot FL (on the side of the big toe and arch AL) and has a left inner massaging board material 12L that serves as a base, and a cushion material 13L that is attached so as to overlap the inside of the left inner massaging board material 12L (the side that abuts the inside of the left foot FL).

[0049] The left inner massaging plate 12L is a plate shaped to fit the left foot FL. The cushioning material 13L is deformable to fit the shape of the left foot FL (the big toe / arch AL side) to allow for a comfortable massage.

[0050] The left outer massage member 10L is provided on the outer side (little toe side) of the left foot FL. The left outer massage member 10L is a plate-shaped member provided above the rotation shaft 7 and protruding in the front and rear directions. The left outer massage member 10L has a shape that rises from the front (tip) to the rear.

[0051] The left outer massage member 10L is provided on the outer side (little toe side) of the left foot FL and has a left outer massaging plate material 14L that serves as a base, and a cushion material 15L that is attached so as to overlap the inner side of the left outer massaging plate material 14L (the side that abuts the outer side of the left foot FL).

[0052] The left outer massaging plate 14L is a plate shaped to fit the left foot FL. The cushioning material 15L is deformable to fit the shape of the left foot FL (left outer side), allowing for a comfortable massage.

[0053] The pair of left massaging members 9L, 10L (left kneading plate portions 9L, 10L) applies a kneading massage action to the left foot FL from the toes to the heel by squeezing the left foot FL from the inside and outside.

[0054] 1 to 3, the left inner massage member 9L has a base end at its midpoint in the longitudinal direction, which is provided with a left inner converter 16L. The left inner converter 16L converts the rotational driving force of the rotary shaft 7 into a swinging motion of the left inner massage member 9L.

[0055] The left internal conversion portion 16L has a left internal rotating boss portion 18L that rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 7, a left internal annular fitting portion 19L that is provided at the base end of the left internal massage member 9L and fits into the outer peripheral edge of the left internal rotating boss portion 18L, and a left internal regulating portion 20L that regulates the left internal massage member 9L from rotating together with the rotating shaft 7.

[0056] The left inner rotating boss portion 18L has an outer peripheral surface provided with a cam surface that is inclined relative to the rotating shaft 7. The left inner annular fitting portion 19L is fitted onto the cam surface of the left inner rotating boss portion 18L in a relatively rotatable state. As the left inner rotating boss portion 18L rotates and the left inner annular fitting portion 19L slides on the inclined cam surface, the left inner massage member 9L oscillates relative to the axis of the rotating shaft 7.

[0057] The left inner restricting portion 20L restricts the left inner annular fitting portion 19L from co-rotating with the left inner rotating boss portion 18L. The left inner restricting portion 20L has a pin member provided on the base end side of the left inner massage member 9L and a restricting groove into which the pin member slidably fits. Although not shown, the restricting groove is provided in the bottom plate member 3a at a position facing the pin member.

[0058] The left outer massage member 10L has a base end at the lower end thereof in the longitudinal (front-rear) direction, and the base end is provided with a left outer converter 17L. The left outer converter 17L converts the rotational driving force of the rotary shaft 7 into a swinging motion of the left outer massage member 10L.

[0059] The left outer converter 17L is disposed in a position facing the left inner converter 16L. In other words, the left inner and outer converters 16L and 17L are disposed side by side in the left-right direction.

[0060] The left outer conversion part 17L has a left outer rotating boss part 21L that rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 7, a left outer annular fitting part 22L that is provided at the base end of the left outer massage member 10L and fits into the outer peripheral edge of the left outer rotating boss part 21L, and a left outer regulating part 23L that regulates the left outer massage member 10L from rotating together with the rotating shaft 7.

[0061] The left inner and outer converting portions 16L, 17L are inclined relative to each other so that the left inner and outer rotating bosses 18L, 21L are inclined in opposite directions (i.e., they rotate to form a V-shape or an inverted V-shape in front view). With this arrangement, the left inner and outer converting portions 16L, 17L convert the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 7 into the approaching and receding movements of the left inner and outer massaging members 9L, 10L.

[0062] Specifically, the left inner and outer conversion portions 16L, 17L convert the rotational driving force of the rotary shaft 7 into the swinging motion of the left inner and outer massage members 9L, 10L as the left inner and outer rotary bosses 18L, 21L tilt and rotate. The left inner and outer massage members 9L, 10L lean toward each other with their leading ends approaching each other. Then, the left inner and outer massage members 9L, 10L move away from each other with their leading ends moving toward each other at their midpoints in the longitudinal direction. Finally, the left inner and outer massage members 9L, 10L move away from each other with their midpoints in the longitudinal direction moving toward each other with their rear ends moving toward each other.

[0063] In this way, the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 7 is converted into a rocking motion by the left inner and outer conversion parts 16L, 17L, and the left inner and outer massage members 9L, 10L fall close to each other in order from the tip to the rear end, thereby squeezing and squeezing the left foot FL, thereby providing a kneading massage.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the left massage part 6L of this embodiment is further provided with a sole pressing member 11L that applies a pressure massage action, such as acupressure from below, to the longitudinal center (arch AL) of the sole UL of the left foot FL.

[0065] The sole pressure member 11L in this embodiment is a roller body (rotating body, cylindrical body) that is laid on its side with its axis oriented in the left-right direction. The sole massage roller 11L (sole pressure member 11L) in this embodiment is disposed between the left inner and outer massage members 9L and 10L. The left sole massage roller 11L is attached to the left side of the rotating shaft 7 so as to be paired with the right sole massage roller 11R.

[0066] The sole massage roller 11L is rotatably attached to the rotary shaft 7, penetrating it like a skewer. In this embodiment, the axis of the sole massage roller 11L and the axis of the rotary shaft 7 are the same axis. However, the sole massage roller 11L may also be attached eccentrically to the axis of the rotary shaft 7.

[0067] The sole massage roller 11L of this embodiment has a width that allows it to support the arch AL of the sole UL of the left foot FL in a surface-contact manner. When the left inner and outer massage members 9L and 10L repeatedly oscillate, the sole massage roller 11L rotates in conjunction with the oscillating motion, providing a pressure massage to the arch AL (sole UL).

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the sole massage roller 11L (sole pressing member 11L) of this embodiment is a rotating body that is elongated in the left-right direction and approximately the width of the left foot FL.

[0069] The sole massage roller 11L has an expanding portion 26L that expands from a midpoint in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) to one end. The one end is the portion from the start of the expansion of the first expanding portion 26L to the edge 24L (the right edge 24L (inner edge 24L) of the sole massage roller 11L).

[0070] Specifically, the first enlarged diameter portion 26L in this embodiment is formed in a shape (a trumpet shape opening to the right) that gradually widens from the longitudinal midpoint of the sole massage roller 11L toward the edge 24L on the side (inner side) corresponding to the arch AL of the left foot FL. The first enlarged diameter portion 26L has a shape that gradually widens toward the left inner massage member 9L.

[0071] In addition, the sole massage roller 11L of this embodiment has a first expanding portion 26L that expands toward one end (inside) and a second expanding portion 27L that expands toward the other end (outside).

[0072] The other end is the portion from the start of the expansion of the second expanded diameter portion 27L to the edge 25L (the left edge 25L (outer edge 25L) of the sole massage roller 11L).

[0073] The second enlarged diameter portion 27L in this embodiment is formed in a shape (a trumpet shape opening to the left) that gradually widens from the longitudinal midpoint of the sole massage roller 11L toward the edge 25L (outer side) on the side corresponding to the outer side (little toe side) of the left foot FL. The second enlarged diameter portion 27L has a shape that gradually widens toward the left outer massage member 10L.

[0074] The sole massage roller 11L of this embodiment is provided with a pair of a first expanding portion 26L that expands from the middle of the longitudinal direction toward the right edge 24L, and a second expanding portion 27L that expands from the middle of the longitudinal direction toward the left edge 25L.

[0075] That is, the sole massage roller 11L of this embodiment has a pair of first and second enlarged diameter portions 26L and 27L, and is formed in a drum-like shape with a narrowed midway portion in the left-right direction.

[0076] In this way, a pair of enlarged diameter portions 26L, 27L are provided toward both the left and right edges 24L, 25L of the sole massage roller 11L (the sole massage roller 11L is hand drum-shaped), so that the left foot FL is positioned in the left-right center of the sole massage roller 11L without swinging left and right, and the user can receive a reliable massage.

[0077] The edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L on the left inner side (the right edge 24L of the sole massage roller 11L) is located adjacent to the side wall of the left inner massage member 9L (the left inner annular fitting portion 19L) of the pair of massage members 9L, 10L.

[0078] In this context, "adjacent" also includes the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L being in sliding contact with the left inner massage member 9L, or a gap of several mm (approximately 0.1 mm to 3 mm) being left between the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L and the left inner massage member 9L.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, the edge 25L of the second enlarged diameter portion 27L on the left outer side (the left side edge 25L (outer edge 25L) of the sole massage roller 11L) is provided adjacent to the side wall of the left outer massage member 10L (the left outer annular fitting portion 22L).

[0080] In addition, the above-mentioned "adjacent" also includes the edge 25L of the second enlarged diameter portion 27L being in sliding contact with the left outer massage member 10L, or the gap of several mm (approximately 0.1 mm to 3 mm) being left between the edge 25L of the second enlarged diameter portion 27L and the left outer massage member 10L.

[0081] 3, in this embodiment, the edge 24L (the most expanded portion) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L is flush with the first acupressure protrusion 28L. The edge 24L (radius) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L may be the same height as (flush with) the first acupressure protrusion 28L or may be larger than the first acupressure protrusion 28L.

[0082] In this embodiment, acupressure protrusions 28L, 29L, and 30L facing radially outward are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sole massage roller 11L at intervals in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the rotation shaft 7. In this embodiment, a plurality of acupressure protrusions 28L, 29L, and 30L are provided, each having a different shape.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the first enlarged diameter portion 26L is provided with first acupressure projections 28L that apply pressure to massage the sole UL (arch AL) of the left foot FL.

[0084] The first acupressure protrusion 28L is in a direction away from the left inner massage member 9L in the left-right direction, is connected to the first enlarged diameter portion 26L and extends toward the other end (outside) of the sole massage roller 11L.

[0085] As shown in Figure 2, the first acupressure protrusion 28L extends leftward (opposite the left inner massage member 9L) from the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L along the axial direction of the rotary shaft 7.

[0086] The first acupressure protrusion 28L has a predetermined thickness and is provided at a position corresponding to the arch AL side (the inner side of the sole UL) of the left foot FL. The first acupressure protrusion 28L has rounded corners so that it fits comfortably against the sole UL and the arch AL.

[0087] The height of the first acupressure protrusion 28L may be set to be the same as (flush with) or smaller than the radius of the most expanded edge 24L (the right edge 24L of the sole massage roller 11L) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L. In other words, the height of the first acupressure protrusion 28L may not exceed the edge 24L (the most expanded portion) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L.

[0088] 3, in this embodiment, the first acupressure protrusion 28L is flush with the edge 24L (the most expanded portion) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L. The first acupressure protrusion 28L is provided to protrude leftward from the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L (the right edge 24L of the sole massage roller 11L).

[0089] In this way, by arranging the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L on the left sole massage roller 11L adjacent to the side wall of the left inner massage member 9L and by setting the height of the first acupressure protrusion 28L to the most enlarged radius at the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L, there is almost no gap between the left inner massage member 9L and the first acupressure protrusion 28L.

[0090] This makes it possible to prevent the inside of the left foot FL (the arch AL side) from being caught between the left inner massage member 9L and the first acupoint pressing projection 28L during the massage operation.

[0091] The first acupressure protrusion 28L in this embodiment extends leftward from the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7, and has a horizontal portion 31L which is a side in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7, a vertical portion 32L (a rising portion facing in a direction intersecting the left-right direction) which is a side perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7, and a corner portion 33L where the horizontal portion 31L transitions to the vertical portion 32L. Note that the vertical portion 32L may be a side perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7, or may be a side facing in an intersecting direction (for example, a trapezoidal inclined side, rising portion 32L).

[0092] The first acupressure protrusion 28L has a horizontal portion 31L, a vertical portion 32L, a corner portion 33L, and an approximately triangular plane 34L surrounded by the inclined side of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L, and is a protrusion formed wide in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7 and to the left.

[0093] 3, the first acupressure protrusion 28L in this embodiment is a protrusion that is formed in a shape that protrudes significantly to the left from the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L and extends in a horizontally elongated shape so large that it has a flat surface 34L. The first acupressure protrusions 28L are provided in pairs, with the rotation shaft 7 sandwiched between them.

[0094] Returning to FIG. 2, the horizontal portion 31L faces leftward from the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L and extends longitudinally in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 7.

[0095] 3, the horizontal portion 31L is located at the same height (the widest point) as the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L. In other words, the horizontal portion 31L is a long side that extends in a straight line leftward from the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L (the right edge 24L of the sole massage roller 11L) along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 7.

[0096] In this way, the horizontal portion 31L is a side that extends long to the left from the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L (the right edge 24L of the sole massage roller 11L), and therefore can support the sole UL (arch AL) of the left foot FL in a line contact or surface contact manner.

[0097] The vertical portion 32L (rising portion 32L) is a side extending vertically from the end of the horizontal portion 31L. The corner portion 33L is provided at the end of the horizontal portion 31L. The vertical portion 32L hangs down from this corner portion 33L in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 7. This corner portion 33L is shaped to provide a strong pressing force against the arch AL (sole UL). On the other hand, the corner portion 33L is rounded with an R (radius) to prevent it from digging too deeply into the arch AL (sole UL).

[0098] The horizontal portion 31L and the corner portion 33L may be located at a position lower than the extension line in the left-right direction of the edge 24L of the first enlarged diameter portion 26L.

[0099] In this way, the first acupressure protrusion 28L has a horizontal portion 31L, a vertical portion 32L, and a corner portion 33L (having a horizontally elongated shape as shown in FIG. 3), so that the horizontal portion 31L can stably support the left foot FL and it is possible to prevent the left foot FL from sinking in. Furthermore, the corner portion 33L allows for an effective pressure massage, such as strong acupressure on the arch AL (sole UL).

[0100] In other words, the first acupressure protrusions 28L in this embodiment are formed in a horizontally elongated shape and are arranged in pairs at equal intervals around the axis, so that it is possible to stably support the left foot FL while applying a strong acupressure massage to the arch AL of the left foot FL at a predetermined rhythm (180° intervals).

[0101] Furthermore, if the acupressure protrusions are elongated and convex, i.e., rod-shaped, a pressure massage that is too strong may be applied to the sole of the foot. However, in this embodiment, by providing the first enlarged diameter portion 26L and the first acupressure protrusion 28L that is elongated in the first enlarged diameter portion 26L, a pressure massage can be effectively applied to the sole of the foot UL (arch AL).

[0102] Furthermore, the shape of the first acupressure protrusion 28L in this embodiment does not have any sharp parts, so even if a thread frays in the cloth cover (lining material) of the treatment recess 4L, the frayed thread will not get caught and become a snag, thereby avoiding the possibility of the cloth cover breaking or deteriorating.

[0103] The second enlarged diameter portion 27L is provided with a second acupressure protrusion 29L. The second acupressure protrusion 29L is provided at a position corresponding to the outer side of the sole UL (the little toe side of the left foot FL). The second acupressure protrusion 29L is provided facing the first acupressure protrusion 28L in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 7.

[0104] The second acupressure protrusions 29L are shaped to protrude slightly radially outward, and are provided as a pair on either side of the rotation shaft 7. The second acupressure protrusions 29L can apply a gentle acupressure massage to the outer side of the foot at a predetermined rhythm (180° phase intervals).

[0105] In this embodiment, the size of the acupressure protrusions 28L, 29L is larger than the first acupressure protrusion 28L on the medial side (arch AL side) of the left foot FL, whereas the second acupressure protrusion 29L on the lateral side (little toe side) of the left foot FL is smaller than the first acupressure protrusion 28L.

[0106] The second acupressure protrusion 29L may have the same shape as the first acupressure protrusion 28L and may be provided on the second enlarged diameter portion 27L so as to face the first acupressure protrusion 28L. That is, the first acupressure protrusions 28L may be provided on each of the left and right enlarged diameter portions 26L, 27L so as to face each other in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7.

[0107] Since the two acupressure protrusions 28L, 29L face each other, acupressure massage similar to finger pressure can be performed on the arch AL (tooth toe side) and the outer side of the foot (little toe side) opposite the arch AL at the same time (180° phase interval). Also, the left foot FL can be brought close to the center of the sole massage roller 11L.

[0108] The third acupressure protrusions 30L are provided at the center of the sole massage roller 11L corresponding to the sole UL of the left foot FL. The third acupressure protrusions 30L are shaped to protrude significantly radially outward, and are provided in pairs on either side of the rotation shaft 7. The size, shape, and arrangement of the third acupressure protrusions 30L can be set as desired. The third acupressure protrusions 30L can apply a strong acupressure massage to the sole UL (such as the center of the arch) at a predetermined rhythm (180° intervals).

[0109] By rotating the sole massage roller 11L provided with a plurality of acupressure protrusions 28L, 29L, 30L of different shapes, an effective pressure massage can be given to the sole UL and arch AL of the left foot FL.

[0110] As described above, the sole massage roller 11L provided in the lower limb massage machine 1 of the present disclosure has a drum-shaped roller body formed by pairing the first and second enlarged diameter sections 26L and 27L, which widen toward the edge 24L at one end, and the first enlarged diameter section 26L is provided with a horizontally elongated acupressure protrusion 28L consisting of a horizontal section 31L, a vertical section 32L, and an angular section 33L, so that the left foot FL can be stably supported without shifting left or right, and an effective pressure massage can be performed by applying moderate pressure to the sole UL (arch AL) while preventing excessive pressure on the sole UL (arch AL).

[0111] [Right Massage Portion] Next, the right massage portion 6R will be described. Note that the right massage portion 6R has the same configuration as the left massage portion 6L, so the description will be focused on the main points.

[0112] The right massage section 6R has a pair of massage members 9R, 10R that sandwich the right foot FR constituting the lower limb and perform a kneading massage, and a sole pressing member 11R that is disposed between the pair of massage members 9R, 10R and attached to the rotating shaft 7 so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 7.

[0113] The right massage members 9R, 10R in this embodiment are plate-shaped kneading massage members 9R, 10R. The right massage members 9R, 10R are formed in a curved shape that wraps around the right foot FR, from the toes to the instep to the ankle to the heel. The right massage members 9R, 10R are formed in a shape that envelops the right foot FR, and are provided facing each other.

[0114] The right inner massage member 9R is provided on the inside of the right foot FR (on the side of the big toe and arch AR) and has a right inner massaging board material 12R as a base, and a cushion material 13R attached so as to overlap the inside of the right inner massaging board material 12R (the side that abuts against the inside of the right foot FR).

[0115] The right outer massage member 10R is provided on the outer side (little toe side) of the right foot FR and has a left outer massaging board material 14R serving as a base, and a cushion material 15R attached so as to overlap the inner side of the right outer massaging board material 14R (the side that abuts the outer side of the right foot FR).

[0116] The pair of right massage members 9R, 10R (right kneading plate portions 9R, 10R) applies a kneading massage action to the right foot FR from the toes to the heel by squeezing the right foot FR from the inside and outside.

[0117] 1 to 3, the middle portion of the right inner massage member 9R in the longitudinal direction is defined as a base end, and the base end is provided with a right inner converter 16R. The right inner converter 16R converts the rotational driving force of the rotary shaft 7 into a swinging motion of the right inner massage member 9R.

[0118] The middle portion of the right outer massage member 10R in the longitudinal direction is defined as a base end, and the base end is provided with a right outer converter 17R. The right outer converter 17R converts the rotational driving force of the rotary shaft 7 into a swinging motion of the right outer massage member 10R.

[0119] The right outer converter 17R is positioned facing the right inner converter 16R. That is, the right inner and outer converters 16R, 17R are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The right inner and outer converters 16R, 17R are inclined relative to each other so that their inclinations are opposite to each other (forming a V-shape or an inverted V-shape upon rotation). With this arrangement, the right inner and outer converters 16R, 17R convert the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 7 into the approaching and receding movements of the right inner and outer massage members 9R, 10R.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the right massage portion 6R of this embodiment is further provided with a sole pressing member 11R that applies a pressure massage action, such as acupressure from below, to the longitudinal center (arch AR) of the sole UR of the right foot FR.

[0121] The sole pressing member 11R of this embodiment is a roller (rotating body) that is disposed sideways with its axis oriented in the left-right direction. The sole massaging roller 11R of this embodiment is disposed between the right inner and outer massaging members 9R and 10R.

[0122] The right sole massage roller 11R is attached to the right side of the rotary shaft 7 so as to be paired with the left sole massage roller 11L. The right sole massage roller 11R is configured as an inverted mirror image of the left sole massage roller 11L.

[0123] The sole massage roller 11R (sole pressing member 11R) is rotatably attached to the rotating shaft 7, penetrating it in a skewer-like manner. In this embodiment, the axis of the sole massage roller 11R and the axis of the rotating shaft 7 are the same axis. However, the sole massage roller 11R may also be attached eccentrically to the axis of the rotating shaft 7.

[0124] The sole massage roller 11R of this embodiment has a width that allows it to support the arch AR of the sole UR of the right foot FR in surface contact with the sole UR. When the right inner and outer massage members 9R and 10R repeatedly oscillate, the sole massage roller 11R rotates in conjunction with the oscillating motion, providing a pressure massage to the arch AR (sole UR).

[0125] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sole massage roller 11R of this embodiment is a rotating body that is elongated in the left-right direction and approximately the width of the right foot FR.

[0126] The rotating sole massage roller 11R has an expanded diameter portion 26R that expands from a midpoint in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) to one end. The one end is the portion from the start of expansion of the first expanded diameter portion 26R to the edge 24R (the right edge 24R (inner edge 24R) of the sole massage roller 11R).

[0127] Specifically, the first enlarged diameter portion 26R in this embodiment is formed in a shape (a trumpet shape opening to the left) that gradually widens from the longitudinal midpoint of the sole massage roller 11R toward the edge 24R on the side (inner side) corresponding to the arch AR of the right foot FR. The first enlarged diameter portion 26R has a shape that gradually widens toward the right inner massage member 9R.

[0128] In addition, the sole massage roller 11R of this embodiment has a first expanding portion 26R that expands toward one end (inside) and a second expanding portion 27R that expands toward the other end (outside).

[0129] The other end is the portion from the start of the expansion of the second expanded diameter portion 27R to the edge 25R (the right edge 25R (outer edge 25R) of the sole massage roller 11R).

[0130] The second enlarged diameter portion 27R in this embodiment is formed in a shape (a trumpet shape that opens to the right) that gradually widens from the longitudinal midpoint of the sole massage roller 11R toward the edge 25R (outer side) on the side corresponding to the outer side (little toe side) of the right foot FR. The second enlarged diameter portion 27R has a shape that gradually widens toward the left outer massage member 10R.

[0131] The sole massage roller 11R of this embodiment is provided with a pair of a first enlarged diameter portion 26R that expands from the middle of the longitudinal direction toward the left edge 24R, and a second enlarged diameter portion 27R that expands from the middle of the longitudinal direction toward the right edge 25R.

[0132] That is, the sole massage roller 11R of this embodiment has a pair of first and second enlarged diameter portions 26R and 27R, and is formed in a drum-like shape with a narrowed midway portion in the left-right direction.

[0133] In this way, a pair of enlarged diameter portions 26R, 27R are provided toward both the left and right edges 24R, 25R of the sole massage roller 11R (the sole massage roller 11R is hand drum-shaped), so that the right foot FR is positioned in the center of the sole massage roller 11R without swinging left and right, and can be massaged reliably.

[0134] The edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R on the right inner side (the left edge 24R of the sole massage roller 11R) is located adjacent to the side wall of the right inner massage member 9R (right inner annular fitting portion 19R) of the pair of massage members 9R, 10R.

[0135] In addition, the above-mentioned "adjacent" also includes the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R being in sliding contact with the right inner massage member 9R, or the gap of several mm (approximately 0.1 mm to 3 mm) being left between the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R and the right inner massage member 9R.

[0136] In addition, in this embodiment, the edge 25R of the second enlarged diameter portion 27R on the right outer side (the right edge 25R (outer edge 25R) of the sole massage roller 11R) is located adjacent to the side wall of the right outer massage member 10R (the right outer annular fitting portion 22R).

[0137] In addition, the above-mentioned "adjacent" also includes the edge 25R of the second enlarged diameter portion 27R being in sliding contact with the right outer massage member 10R, or the gap of several mm (approximately 0.1 mm to 3 mm) being left between the edge 25R of the second enlarged diameter portion 27R and the right outer massage member 10R.

[0138] 3, in this embodiment, the edge 24R (the most expanded portion) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R is flush with the first pressure point protrusion 28R. The edge 24R (radius) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R may be the same height as (flush with) the first pressure point protrusion 28R or may be larger than the first pressure point protrusion 28R.

[0139] The outer peripheral surface of the sole massage roller 11R of this embodiment is provided with acupressure protrusions 28R, 29R, and 30R facing radially outward at intervals in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the rotation shaft 7. In this embodiment, a plurality of acupressure protrusions 28R, 29R, and 30R are provided, each with a different shape.

[0140] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first enlarged diameter portion 26R is provided with first acupressure projections 28R for applying pressure and massaging to the sole UR (arch AR) of the right foot FR.

[0141] The first acupressure protrusion 28R is in a direction away from the right inner massage member 9R in the left-right direction, is connected to the first enlarged diameter portion 26R, and extends toward the other end (right direction) of the sole massage roller 11R.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 2, the first acupressure protrusion 28R extends from the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R to the right (opposite the right inner massage member 9R) along the axial direction of the rotary shaft 7.

[0143] The first acupressure protrusion 28R has a predetermined thickness and is provided at a position corresponding to the medial side of the sole UR of the right foot FR (the arch AR side). The first acupressure protrusion 28R has rounded corners so that it fits comfortably against the sole UR and arch AR.

[0144] The height of the first acupressure protrusion 28R may be set to be equal to (flush with) or smaller than the radius of the most expanded edge 24R (the right edge 24R of the sole massage roller 11R) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R. In other words, the height of the first acupressure protrusion 28R should not exceed the edge 24R (the most expanded portion) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R.

[0145] 3, in this embodiment, the first acupressure protrusion 28R is flush with the edge 24R (the most expanded portion) of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R. The first acupressure protrusion 28R is provided so as to protrude rightward from the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R (the right edge 24R of the sole massage roller 11R).

[0146] In this way, by arranging the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R on the right sole massage roller 11R adjacent to the side wall of the right inner massage member 9R and by setting the height of the first acupressure protrusion 28R to the most enlarged radius of the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R, there is almost no gap between the right inner massage member 9R and the first acupressure protrusion 28R.

[0147] This makes it possible to prevent the inside of the right foot FR (the arch AR side) from being caught between the right inner massage member 9R and the first acupoint pressing projection 28R during the massage operation.

[0148] In this embodiment, the first acupressure protrusion 28R extends rightward from the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7, and has a horizontal portion 31R which is a side in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7, a vertical portion 32R which is a side perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7, and a corner portion 33R where the horizontal portion 31R changes over to the vertical portion 32R.

[0149] The first acupressure protrusion 28R has a horizontal portion 31R, a vertical portion 32R, a corner portion 33R, and an approximately triangular flat surface 34R surrounded by the inclined side of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R, and is a wide protrusion extending in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7 and to the right.

[0150] 3, the first pressure point protrusion 28R of this embodiment is formed in a shape that protrudes significantly to the right from the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R, and is a protrusion that extends in a horizontally elongated shape so large that it has a flat surface 34R. This first pressure point protrusion 28R is provided in pair, with the rotation shaft 7 sandwiched between them.

[0151] Returning to FIG. 2, the horizontal portion 31R faces rightward from the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R and extends longitudinally in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 7.

[0152] 3, the horizontal portion 31R is located at the same height (the widest point) as the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R. In other words, the horizontal portion 31R is a long side that extends in a straight line from the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R (the left edge 24R of the sole massage roller 11R) to the right along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 7.

[0153] In this way, the horizontal portion 31R is a side that extends long to the right from the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R (the left edge 24R of the sole massage roller 11R), and therefore can support the sole UR (arch AR) of the right foot FR in a surface-contact manner.

[0154] The vertical portion 32R is a side extending vertically from the end of the horizontal portion 31R. The corner portion 33R is provided at the end of the horizontal portion 31R. The vertical portion 32R hangs down from this corner portion 33R in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 7. This corner portion 33R is shaped to provide a strong pressing force against the arch AR (sole UR). On the other hand, the corner portion 33R is rounded with an R (radius) to prevent it from digging too deeply into the arch AR (sole UR).

[0155] The horizontal portion 31R and the corner portion 33R may be located lower than the left-right extension line of the edge 24R of the first enlarged diameter portion 26R.

[0156] In this way, the first acupressure protrusion 28R has a horizontal portion 31R, a vertical portion 32R, and a corner portion 33R (having a horizontally elongated shape as shown in FIG. 3), so that the horizontal portion 31R can stably support the right foot FR and it is possible to prevent the right foot FR from sinking in. Furthermore, the corner portion 33R allows for an effective pressure massage, such as strong acupressure on the arch AR (sole UR).

[0157] In other words, the first acupressure protrusions 28R in this embodiment are formed in a horizontally elongated shape and are arranged in pairs at equal intervals around the axis, so that it is possible to stably support the right foot FR while applying a strong acupressure massage to the arch AR of the right foot FR at a predetermined rhythm (180° intervals).

[0158] Furthermore, if the acupressure protrusions are elongated and convex, a pressure massage that is too strong may be applied to the sole of the foot. However, in this embodiment, by providing the first enlarged diameter portion 26R and the first acupressure protrusion 28R that is elongated in shape on the first enlarged diameter portion 26R, a pressure massage can be effectively applied to the sole of the foot UR (arch of the foot AR).

[0159] Furthermore, the shape of the first acupressure protrusions 28R of this embodiment prevents them from getting caught on the fabric cover (lining material) of the treatment recess 4R, preventing lint from being produced by the fabric cover.

[0160] The second enlarged diameter portion 27R is provided with a second acupressure protrusion 29R. The second acupressure protrusion 29R is provided at a position corresponding to the outer side of the sole UR (the little toe side of the right foot FR). The second acupressure protrusion 29R is provided facing the first acupressure protrusion 28R in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 7.

[0161] The second acupressure protrusions 29R are shaped to protrude slightly in the radially outward direction, and are provided as a pair on either side of the rotation shaft 7. The second acupressure protrusions 29R can apply a gentle acupressure massage to the outer side of the foot at a predetermined rhythm (180° intervals).

[0162] In this embodiment, the size of the acupressure protrusions 28R, 29R is larger than that of the first acupressure protrusion 28R on the medial side (arch AR side) of the right foot FR, whereas the size of the second acupressure protrusion 29R on the lateral side (little toe side) of the right foot FR is smaller than that of the first acupressure protrusion 28R.

[0163] The second pressure point protrusion 29R may have the same shape as the first pressure point protrusion 28R and may be provided on the second enlarged diameter portion 27R so as to face the first pressure point protrusion 28R. That is, the first pressure point protrusions 28R may be provided on each of the left and right enlarged diameter portions 26R, 27R so as to face each other in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 7.

[0164] Since the two acupressure protrusions 28R, 29R face each other, it is possible to simultaneously perform a finger-pressure massage on the arch AR (toward the big toe) and the outer side of the foot (toward the little toe) opposite the arch AR. Also, the right foot FR can be brought close to the center of the sole massage roller 11R.

[0165] The third acupressure protrusions 30R are provided in the center of the sole UR of the right foot FR. The third acupressure protrusions 30R are shaped to protrude significantly radially outward, and are provided as a pair on either side of the rotation shaft 7. The size, shape, and arrangement of the third acupressure protrusions 30R can be set as desired. The third acupressure protrusions 30R can apply a strong acupressure massage to the sole UR at a predetermined rhythm (180° intervals).

[0166] As described above, according to the sole massage roller 11R provided in the lower limb massage machine 1 of the present disclosure, the sole massage roller 11R, which is provided between the pair of left and right massage means 9R, 10R, is provided with an expanded diameter portion 26R that expands toward the edge 24R at one end, and a horizontally elongated acupressure protrusion 28R consisting of a horizontal portion 31R, a vertical portion 32R, and an angular portion 33R, and is also provided with a second expanded diameter portion 27L to form a drum-shaped roller body, which makes it possible to stably support the right foot FR without it shifting left or right, and to perform an effective pressure massage by applying appropriate pressure to the sole UR (arch AR) while preventing excessive pressure on the sole UR (arch AR).

[0167] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In particular, in the embodiments disclosed herein, matters not explicitly stated, such as operating conditions or control conditions, dimensions and weights of components, etc., do not deviate from the scope of ordinary practice of a person skilled in the art, and are matters that can be easily assumed by a person skilled in the art.

[0168] The shape of the massaging members 9, 10 (kneading plates 9, 10) in this embodiment, the inclination angle of the massaging members 9, 10 relative to the rotation axis 7, and the distance between the pair of massaging members 9, 10 can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment area. The massaging members 9, 10 can also be airbags that repeatedly expand and contract to massage the feet F.

[0169] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Lower limb massage machine 2 Massage mechanism 6L Left massage section 6R Right massage section 7 Rotating shaft 8 Drive section 9L Left inner massage member 9R Right inner massage member 10L Left outer massage member 10R Right outer massage member 11L Sole massage roller 11R Sole massage roller 24L One edge 24R One edge 25L Other edge 25R Other edge 26L First enlarged diameter section 26R First enlarged diameter section 27L Second enlarged diameter section 27R Second enlarged diameter section 28L First acupressure protrusion 28R First acupressure protrusion 29L Second acupressure protrusion 29R Second acupressure protrusion 31L Horizontal section 31R Horizontal section 32L Vertical section 32R Vertical section 33L Corner section 33R Corner section 34L Flat 34R Flat FL Left foot FR Right foot UL Sole UR Sole AL Arch AR Arch

Claims

1. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine having a pair of left and right massage members that sandwich the feet and perform a kneading massage, and a rotating shaft whose axis faces in the left-right direction, the sole pressing member being disposed between the pair of massage members and attached so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft, the sole pressing member being a roller body whose axis faces in the left-right direction and placed sideways, the sole pressing member which is a roller body has an enlarged portion which expands toward at least one end, the edge of the enlarged portion being provided adjacent to the massage members, the enlarged portion being provided with acupressure protrusions which perform a pressure massage on the soles of the feet, the acupressure protrusions being connected to the enlarged portion and extending toward the other end of the sole pressing member in a direction away from the massage members in the left-right direction.

2. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine as described in claim 1, wherein the sole pressing member has a pair of enlarged diameter portions, a first enlarged diameter portion having a shape enlarging toward the one end and a second enlarged diameter portion having a shape enlarging toward the other end.

3. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine as described in claim 2, wherein the sole pressing member has a pair of the first enlarged diameter portion and the second enlarged diameter portion, and is formed into a drum-like shape with a narrowed midway portion in the left-right direction.

4. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine as described in claim 3, wherein an edge of the first enlarged portion is provided adjacent to one of the pair of massage members, and an edge of the second enlarged portion is provided adjacent to the other of the pair of massage members.

5. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine as described in claim 1, wherein the height of the acupressure protrusions is the same as or smaller than the radius at the position of the most expanded edge of the expanded portion.

6. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine as described in claim 5, wherein the acupressure protrusion has a horizontal portion facing the left-right direction, a vertical portion which is a side perpendicular to the left-right direction, and a corner portion where the horizontal portion changes to the vertical portion.

7. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine as described in claim 2, wherein the first enlarged portion is provided with a first acupressure protrusion, the first acupressure protrusion extending in the left-right direction, and the second enlarged portion is provided with a second acupressure protrusion, the first acupressure protrusion and the second acupressure protrusion facing each other in the left-right direction.

8. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine according to claim 7, wherein the height of the first acupressure protrusion is higher than or equal to the height of the second acupressure protrusion.

9. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine as described in claim 7, wherein the first acupressure protrusions are provided in a plurality of positions along the circumferential direction of the first enlarged diameter portion, and / or the second acupressure protrusions are provided in a plurality of positions along the circumferential direction of the second enlarged diameter portion.

10. A sole pressing member provided in a lower leg massage machine as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of left and right massage members has its base end penetrating the rotation axis at an incline with respect to the rotation axis, and the edge of the expanded portion of the roller body is formed at an incline so as to be adjacent to the side wall of at least one of the massage members.

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