JP7777804B2 - Air massage device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an air massage device. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an air massage device for massaging the legs.

Patent Document 1 discloses a chair-type air massager equipped with a leg massager. This leg massager is composed of a pair of leg pouches that massage both legs and expand and contract by supplying and discharging air, an enclosing member that surrounds the outer periphery of the leg pouches, a cushioning member that surrounds the outer periphery of the cushioning member, and a cover member that surrounds the outer periphery of the cushioning member.

The leg pouch consists of a pair of flat pouches facing each other that expand and contract when air is supplied or exhausted. The enclosing member is made of a non-stretchable cloth material that surrounds the outer periphery of the pouch. The cushioning member is made of a sponge-like material or other material that has elasticity, i.e., cushioning properties. The cover member is made of cloth or other material.

The space formed by the inner peripheral surface of the bag forms an insertion hole through which the leg is inserted, and the inner peripheral surface also serves as a pressing surface that presses against and massages the leg. An opening edge of the cover member is provided with an opening member made of a fastener or the like, which opens and closes the opening of the cover member. The opening of the leg bag's insertion hole is also closed by the cover member, preventing foreign matter from entering the insertion hole and preventing the hole from becoming dirty.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-201388

The leg massage device described above can massage the user's lower legs, but leaves the feet exposed.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an air massage device that can cover the user's feet.

An air massage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a main body and a foot cover. The main body massages the lower leg of a user. The foot cover covers the user's foot. The main body comprises an airbag and an outer casing member. The airbag inflates and deflates by supplying and discharging air. The outer casing member is formed in a deformable bag shape and contains the airbag. The outer casing member has an openable/closable entrance at its upstream end in the direction of entry and exit of the foot and lower leg. The outer casing member has an openable/closable exit at its downstream end in the direction of entry and exit of the foot and lower leg. The upstream end of the foot cover in the direction of entry and exit is attached to the downstream end of the outer casing member in the direction of entry and exit. The foot cover is formed in a deformable bag shape. The foot cover has a cover entrance at its upstream end in the direction of entry and exit, through which the foot can enter and exit. The foot cover has a blocking portion at its downstream end in the entry/exit direction that prevents the feet from exiting the foot cover. The foot cover is formed so that the length from the blocking portion to its upstream end in the entry/exit direction is the standard foot length. A heater is located a first predetermined distance upstream from the blocking portion of the foot cover in the entry/exit direction. The airbag is located a second predetermined distance upstream from the outlet of the outer casing member in the entry/exit direction.

This disclosure provides an air massage device that can cover the user's feet.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air massage device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure with a user's legs inserted therein. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air massage device. FIG. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram of the air massage device. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main body (excluding the outer shell member) of the air massage device. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the main body (excluding the outer shell member). FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the main body (excluding the outer shell member). FIG. 7 is a side view of the main body (excluding the outer shell member). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the air massage device. 9A and 9B are side and cross-sectional views of the air massage device, respectively, showing a state in which the user's lower leg is placed on the device. 10A and 10B are schematic side cross-sectional views of the air massage device in a state where a small-sized foot and a lower leg are inserted, respectively, and FIG. 11A, 11B, and 11C are perspective views of the main parts of the air massage device according to the second embodiment when the foot covers are short, long, and long, respectively. Fig. 12A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an example of an air massage device according to a third embodiment, and Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the same air massage device. 13A and 13B are schematic side cross-sectional views and perspective views of another example of the air massage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an example of an air massage device according to the fourth embodiment, and Fig. 14B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of another example of the air massage device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a development view of an airbag of the air massage device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a development view of the first airbag of the airbags in the same. FIG. 17 is a development view of the first airbag of the airbags in the same.

(1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1 , the air massage device 1 includes a main body 10 and foot covers 7. The main body 10 massages the user's lower legs 91. The foot covers 7 cover the user's feet 92. The main body 10 includes an airbag 3 and an outer casing 5. The airbag 3 inflates and deflates by supplying and discharging air. The outer casing 5 is formed in a deformable bag shape and contains the airbag 3. The outer casing 5 has an openable/closable entrance 51 at its upstream end in the direction (front-to-back direction) of the feet 92 and lower legs 91 to enter and exit. The outer casing 5 has an openable/closable exit 52 at its downstream end in the direction of entry and exit. The foot covers 7 are attached to the downstream end of the outer casing 5 in the direction of entry and exit. The foot cover 7 is formed in a deformable bag shape. The foot cover 7 has a cover entrance 71 at its upstream end in the ingress/egress direction through which the foot 92 can enter and exit. The foot cover 7 has a blocking portion 72 at its downstream end in the ingress/egress direction that prevents the foot 92 from exiting the foot cover 7. The foot cover 7 is formed so that the length from the blocking portion 72 to the upstream end in the ingress/egress direction is the standard foot length. A heater 76 is disposed upstream in the ingress/egress direction from the blocking portion 72 of the foot cover 7 at a first predetermined distance L1. An airbag 3 is disposed upstream in the ingress/egress direction from the exit 52 of the outer casing member 5 at a second predetermined distance L2.

By setting the length from the closing portion 72 of the foot cover 7 to the upstream end in the entry/exit direction as the standard foot length, the foot 92 can be more easily accommodated within the foot cover 7.

Furthermore, by placing the heater 76 in a portion of the foot cover 7 that corresponds to a predetermined position on the foot 92, based on the blocking portion 72 where the toes of the foot 92 are located, it becomes easier to apply the heater 76 to the predetermined position on the foot 92.

In addition, when the toe is in contact with the blocking portion 72, the ankle is likely to be positioned at the exit 52 of the outer casing member 5. Therefore, by using the exit 52 where the ankle is located as the reference starting point and positioning the airbag 3 at a position on the outer casing member 5 that corresponds to a predetermined position on the lower leg 91, the airbag 3 can be more easily applied to the predetermined position on the lower leg 91.

(2) First Embodiment Hereinafter, an air massage device according to a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG.

(2.1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the air massage device 1 with the user's legs 90 inserted therein, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the air massage device 1 with the user's legs 90 not inserted therein.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air massage device 1 primarily massages the user's legs 90. In this disclosure, the portion of the leg 90 from the knee to the ankle is referred to as the lower leg 91, and the area behind the lower leg 91 is referred to as the calf. The leg 90 includes the lower leg 91 and the thigh, and the portion from the base of the leg to the knee (thigh) is referred to as the thigh. The portion from the ankle to the toes is referred to as the foot 92.

The air massage device 1 is designed to massage the legs 90 (particularly the lower legs 91) of a user lying (supervised) on the floor. In this scenario, the user may lie entirely on the floor, or may lie with the upper body raised and only the lower body lying on the floor. It is intended to be used with at least the legs 90 lying on the floor with the knees not raised.

The air massage device 1 comprises a main body 10 and a foot cover 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 10 comprises a drive system 2, a housing 11, and an outer shell member 5. The main body 10 serves as a massage unit that massages the user's lower leg 91.

(2.2) Drive System The drive system 2 has an air supply device 20 and at least two bags 4 (four in the first embodiment).

(2.2.1) Air Supply Device Figures 3 to 7 show the air supply device 20. The air supply device 20 supplies air to at least two (four in the first embodiment) airbags 3. The air supply device 20 includes a heater drive unit 21, an air pump 22, a solenoid valve 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, a control unit 26, and a power supply circuit 27.

The heater driving unit 21 supplies power to the heater 76 provided in the foot cover 7 (described later) in response to a control signal from the control unit 26, causing the heater 76 to generate heat.

The air pump 22 is, for example, a diaphragm pump. The air pump 22 transfers air by reciprocating a diaphragm using a motor in response to a control signal from the control unit 26. The air pump 22 pumps air into the airbag 3.

The solenoid valves 23 are three-way solenoid valves, and in the first embodiment, the air supply device 20 has four solenoid valves 23, the first solenoid valve 23A to the fourth solenoid valve 23D, corresponding to each airbag 3. Each solenoid valve 23 has three ports, two of which are connected to the air pump 22 and the corresponding airbag 3, and the remaining port is open to the atmosphere. In response to a control signal from the control unit 26, the solenoid valves 23 connect each of the multiple airbags 3 provided in the air massage device 1 to the air pump 22 or an exhaust port, thereby inflating or deflating the multiple airbags.

The operation unit 24 is provided for performing operations related to the massage performed using the air massage device 1. The operation unit 24 has multiple operation buttons. For example, the operation unit 24 has an operation button that is used both to start and stop the massage and to set the massage intensity, an operation button for switching between massage courses, and an operation button for setting the heating temperature of the heater 76. Note that the number and uses of the operation buttons provided on the operation unit 24 can be changed as appropriate.

The display unit 25 includes multiple light-emitting diodes. The control unit 26 controls the on/off or color of the light emitted by the multiple light-emitting diodes to display the operating status of the air massage device 1. While the display unit 25 includes multiple light-emitting diodes, it may also include a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The air supply device 20 may also be provided with a speaker or the like to notify the operating status of the air massage device 1 by voice or other means.

The control unit 26 is primarily composed of, for example, a computer system having one or more processors and memory. The functions of the control unit 26 are realized when the processor of the computer system executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The control unit 26 is provided on the substrate 260. The program may be recorded in memory, provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

The control unit 26 controls the operation of the air pump 22 and the solenoid valve 23 based on operation information input from the operation unit 24 in response to user operation, thereby inflating or deflating the airbag 3 and providing a massage. The control unit 26 also controls the operation of the heater drive unit 21, which drives the heater 76, based on operation information input from the operation unit 24 in response to user operation, and controls the heating of the feet 92 by the heater 76.

The power supply circuit 27 receives power from, for example, an AC adapter 28 that converts AC voltage to DC voltage, and supplies power to the heater drive unit 21, air pump 22, solenoid valve 23, display unit 25, control unit 26, etc. When the power supply circuit 27 supplies power to the heater drive unit 21, air pump 22, solenoid valve 23, display unit 25, control unit 26, etc., the air massage device 1 becomes operable.

(2.2.2) Bag The bag 4 is attached to the user's leg 90. The drive system 2 includes at least two bags 4, each attached to the user's left and right legs 90. In the first embodiment, the drive system 2 includes a total of four bags 4, two for each of the user's left and right legs 90.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the bag body 4 is formed in a deformable cylindrical shape through which the user's legs 90 pass, and has openings 41 at both ends in the direction in which the legs 90 enter and exit. In the first embodiment, the direction in which the legs 90 enter and exit is the direction in which the legs 90 extend while lying on the floor, which is a horizontal direction. For convenience, in this disclosure, the direction in which the legs 90 enter and exit is referred to as the front-to-back direction, and the upstream side of the entrance and exit direction is the side in which the user's head, into which the legs 90 are inserted, is located, which is the front side in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the user is assumed to be lying on their back on the floor, and in this disclosure, the left and right sides as seen from the user in this state are referred to as the left and right sides. The left and right direction is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the legs 90 enter and exit, and is a direction along the horizontal direction.

The bag body 4 has an airbag 3. In the first embodiment, the bag body 4 is constituted by an airbag 3, and the four bag bodies 4 are constituted by a first airbag 3A to a fourth airbag 3D, respectively.

(2.2.3) Airbag The airbag 3 is inflated and deflated by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, the airbag 3 is inflated by air supplied by the air supply device 20. The airbag 3 is deflated by air being sucked in and discharged by the air supply device 20. Alternatively, the airbag 3 is deflated by being discharged by the elastic force of the airbag 3 itself or by a compressive force applied to the airbag 3 when the supply of air by the air supply device 20 is stopped.

The airbag 3 is formed, for example, from a resin such as polyamide alone or a two-layer structure of polyamide and polyurethane. The thickness of the airbag 3 is, for example, 0.5 mm. Conventional airbags can be used as the airbag 3.

In the first embodiment, the airbag 3 itself constitutes the bag body 4. That is, each airbag 3 serves as a bag body 4.

The first airbag 3A is attached to the front of the user's left lower leg 91, i.e., the part of the left lower leg 91 close to the thigh. The front opening 41 of the left bag body 4 is formed by the front opening of the first airbag 3A.

The second airbag 3B is attached to the rear of the user's left lower leg 91, i.e., the part of the left lower leg 91 near the ankle. The rear opening of the second airbag 3B forms the rear opening 41 of the left bag body 4.

The third airbag 3C is attached to the front of the user's right lower leg 91, i.e., the part of the right lower leg 91 close to the thigh. The front opening 41 of the right bag body 4 is formed by the front opening of the third airbag 3C.

The fourth airbag 3D is attached to the rear of the user's right lower leg 91, i.e., the part of the right lower leg 91 near the ankle. The rear opening of the fourth airbag 3D forms the rear opening 41 of the right bag body 4.

The first airbag 3A is positioned in a portion corresponding to the front of the user's left lower leg 91, and the second airbag 3B is positioned in a portion corresponding to the rear of the user's left lower leg 91, with the rear of the first airbag 3A and the front of the second airbag 3B overlapping. The first airbag 3A and the second airbag 3B are overlapped to form a single bag body 4, but are not connected to each other.

The third airbag 3C is positioned in a portion corresponding to the front of the user's right lower leg 91, and the fourth airbag 3D is positioned in a portion corresponding to the rear of the user's right lower leg 91, with the rear of the third airbag 3C and the front of the fourth airbag 3D overlapping each other. The third airbag 3C and the fourth airbag 3D are overlapped to form a single bag body 4, but are not connected to each other.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the airbags 3 are connected to the air pump 22 via an air hose 29, an airbag nozzle 291, and a solenoid valve 23. As shown in Figure 4, the first airbag 3A is connected to the first solenoid valve 23A via a first air hose 29A and an airbag nozzle 291A. The second airbag 3B is connected to the second solenoid valve 23B via a second air hose 29B and an airbag nozzle 291B. The third airbag 3C is connected to the third solenoid valve 23C via a third air hose 29C and an airbag nozzle 291C. The fourth airbag 3D is connected to the fourth solenoid valve 23D via a fourth air hose 29D and an airbag nozzle 291D.

4 to 7, the housing 11 is disposed at both left-right ends of the main body 10. The housing 11 is made up of a first housing section 11A to a fourth housing section 11D.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first housing part 11A is located at the upper left end of the main body part 10, and the second housing part 11B is located at the lower left end of the main body part 10. The first housing part 11A and the second housing part 11B are fixed to each other with fasteners 111 such as screws. The first housing part 11A and the second housing part 11B form the left housing 11.

The third housing part 11C is located at the top of the right end of the main body part 10, and the fourth housing part 11D is located at the bottom of the right end of the main body part 10. The third housing part 11C and the fourth housing part 11D are fixed to each other by a fastener 111. The third housing part 11C and the fourth housing part 11D form the right housing 11.

The housing 11 is made of a self-shaping material, such as polypropylene or other resin. The thickness (vertical length) of the housing 11 is, for example, 45 mm.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the air supply device 20 is housed in the right-hand housing 11. Nothing is housed in the left-hand housing 11. This allows the air supply device 20, which tends to be bulky within the air massage device 1, to be housed within the housing 11, making it easier to make the air massage device 1 smaller and thinner. In addition, sound emitted by the air supply device 20 (particularly the air pump 22) is less likely to leak outside the housing 11, making the air massage device 1 quieter. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, because the housing 11 is housed within the outer casing member 5, the air massage device 1 is even quieter.

As shown in Figures 4 to 7, a fixing plate 12 is disposed between the left and right housings 11. The fixing plate 12 is rectangular in plan view and is made of a self-shape-retaining material, such as polyethylene or other resin. The thickness of the fixing plate 12 is, for example, 1 mm. Holes 121 through which fasteners 122, such as screws, pass are formed at both ends of the fixing plate 12 in the left-right direction, and screw holes into which the fasteners 122 are screwed are formed in the parts corresponding to the holes 121 on the undersides of the left and right housings 11.

The left end of the fixing plate 12 is placed below the bottom surface of the left housing 11, and the fastener 122 is passed through the hole 121 at the left end from below the fixing plate 12 and screwed into the screw hole at the bottom surface of the left housing 11. Similarly, the right end of the fixing plate 12 is placed below the bottom surface of the right housing 11, and the fastener 122 is passed through the hole 121 at the right end from below the fixing plate 12 and screwed into the screw hole at the bottom surface of the right housing 11. In this way, the left and right housings 11 are attached to the fixing plates 12, respectively, and the relative positions of the left and right housings 11 are maintained. The housings 11 and fixing plate 12 form the base of the air massage device 1.

Lower cushions 13 are provided on the fixed plate 12. The lower cushions 13 are rectangular in plan view and are made of a resin such as polyurethane. The thickness of the lower cushions 13 is, for example, 10 mm. The lower cushions 13 include a front cushion 131, a rear cushion 132, a left cushion 133, and a right cushion 134.

The front cushion 131 is provided over almost the entire length in the left-right direction of the front end of the upper surface of the fixed plate 12. The rear cushion 132 is provided over almost the entire length in the left-right direction of the rear end of the upper surface of the fixed plate 12. The left cushion 133 is provided at the left end of the upper surface of the fixed plate 12, between cushions 131 and 132. The right cushion 134 is provided at the right end of the upper surface of the fixed plate 12, between cushions 131 and 132. The front cushion 131 to the right cushion 134 are attached to the fixed plate 12 using, for example, double-sided tape, although the method of attaching the front cushion 131 to the right cushion 134 to the fixed plate 12 is not limited.

Furthermore, a cushion 135 is provided in the left-right center of the upper surface of the front cushion 131, between the second airbag 3B and the fourth airbag 3D.

By providing the lower cushion 13, even when air is not being supplied to the airbag 3, when the user's legs 90 (particularly the lower legs 91) are placed on the top surface of the main body 10, a cushioning effect is obtained between the floor and the legs 90. The user's feet 92 may also be placed on the top surface of the main body 10.

(2.4) Outer Shell Member As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the outer shell member 5 is formed in a deformable bag shape, allowing the legs 90 to be inserted therein. The outer shell member 5 includes an outer cloth 50 that forms the outer shell. The outer cloth 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has leg insertion sections (leg insertion spaces) that penetrate the interior in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer cloth 50 includes an upper outer cloth 53 that forms the upper part of the outer shell member 5 (upper part of the outer shell member) and a lower outer cloth 54 that forms the lower part of the outer shell member 5 (lower part of the outer shell member). The outer cloth 50 (upper outer cloth 53 and lower outer cloth 54) is formed from fibers made of resin, such as polyester or nylon. The outer cloth 50 may be formed from a single piece of cloth, or the upper outer cloth 53 and lower outer cloth 54 may be formed separately and then sewn together.

As shown in Figure 2, the outer casing member 5 has an opening/closing entrance 51 at its upstream end in the entry/exit direction, which is openable and allows the foot 92 and crus 91 to enter and exit. The outer casing member 5 also has an opening/closing exit 52 at its downstream end in the entry/exit direction, which is openable and allows the foot 92 and crus 91 to enter and exit.

When the legs 90 are not inserted, the outer casing member 5 is formed into a plate shape extending in the ingress/egress direction (front-to-back direction) and the orthogonal direction (left-to-right direction), with the upper outer cloth 53 lowering under its own weight and resting on the lower outer cloth 54. The outer casing member 5 is configured so that the entrance 51 closes under the weight of the outer casing member 5 when the legs 90 are not inserted. When the entrance 51 of the outer casing member 5 is closed, the thickness (vertical length) of the air massage device 1 is 45 mm, which is approximately the same as the thickness of the housing 11.

The outer casing member 5 contains at least the bag bodies 4 (airbags 3). As shown in Figures 8 to 9B, in the first embodiment, the outer casing member 5 contains four bag bodies 4, a drive system 2 (including an air supply device 20), and a base. The outer casing member 5 houses the four bag bodies 4, the drive system 2, and the base in its internal leg insertion section. By containing the drive system 2 in the outer casing member 5, the drive system 2 does not need to be provided outside the outer casing member 5, resulting in an air massage device 1 that has a sense of unity and is portable.

The upper outer cloth 53 is located above the four bags 4 (airbags 3), the air supply device 20, and the base. The lower outer cloth 54 is located below the four bags 4 (airbags 3), the air supply device 20, and the base.

The upper part of the outer casing member (upper outer cloth 53) has a cushion 55 made of a soft material on which the leg part 90 rests. The cushion 55 is rectangular in plan view and is made of a resin such as polyurethane. The cushion 55 is, for example, 10 mm thick. The portion of the upper outer cloth 53 of the outer casing member 5 where the cushion 55 is provided serves as the resting portion on which the leg part 90 rests.

By providing the cushion 55, even when air is not being supplied to the airbag 3, when the user places their legs 90 (particularly their lower legs 91) on the upper surface of the main body 10, a wide portion of the legs 90 is supported by the cushion 55 via the upper outer cloth 53, making it easier to distribute the force that the legs 90 receive from below (the floor) via the air massage device 1.

(2.4.1) Attachment to Housings The air massage device 1 includes housings 11 at both ends of the outer housing member 5 in the left-right direction. The outer housing member 5 is attached to both housings 11. That is, the left end of the outer housing member 5 is attached to the left housing 11, and the right end of the outer housing member 5 is attached to the right housing 11.

The outer shell member 5 is attached to the housing 11 using, for example, so-called surface fasteners. One of the pair of surface fasteners, which form a detachable pair, is attached to the inner surface of the left end of the outer cloth 50, and the other of the pair is attached to the outer surface of the left end of the left-side housing 11. Similarly, one of the pair of surface fasteners is attached to the inner surface of the right end of the outer cloth 50, and the other of the pair is attached to the outer surface of the right end of the right-side housing 11.

Pairs of flat fasteners are attached to both the left and right ends of the outer casing 5, attaching it to the housing 11. This makes it less likely that the relative positional relationship between the outer casing 5, the housing 11, and the base will change, and the outer casing 5 will be less likely to shift relative to the housing 11 and base.

(2.4.2) Attaching the Bag Body As shown in Fig. 8 , the bag body 4 is attached to the outer shell member 5. The bag body 4 has an attachment member 421 for attaching it to the outer shell member 5. In the first embodiment, the attachment member 421 is a so-called surface fastener. The surface fastener is configured so that the attachment member 421 of the bag body 4 and the attachment member 561 of the outer shell member 5 form a pair.

In the first embodiment, the attachment member 421 is positioned in the center of the bag body 4 in the left-right direction. One of the pair of surface fasteners, attachment member 561, is attached to the underside of the center in the left-right direction of the upper outer cloth 53 in the range corresponding to each airbag 3 (bag body 4), and the other of the pair of surface fasteners, attachment member 421, is attached to the upper surface of the center in the left-right direction of each airbag 3 (bag body 4).

As shown in FIG. 4 , a mounting member 562 made of a pin is positioned on the underside of the fixing plate 12 in the left-right center of the area corresponding to each airbag 3 (bag body 4). The mounting member 562 holds the corresponding airbag nozzle 291 and airbag 3 through a through-hole formed in the fixing plate 12, and by sandwiching the fixing plate 12 between the mounting member 562, the airbag nozzle 291, and the airbag 3, each airbag 3 is fixed to the fixing plate 12. A protective sticker 123 is affixed to the portion of the underside of the fixing plate 12 corresponding to the mounting member 562.

Attachment member 561 and attachment member 421 are formed at positions offset from cushion 55 in the horizontal direction so as not to interfere with cushion 55. Note that openings or the like may be formed in cushion 55 to prevent attachment member 561 and attachment member 421 from interfering with cushion 55.

By positioning the mounting member 42 in the center of the bag body 4 in the left-right direction, the force applied to the bag body 4 when the leg portion 90 is inserted into the bag body 4 is well balanced in the left-right direction, making the bag body 4 less likely to move left and right, and preventing the bag body 4 from moving left and right and becoming detached from the outer casing member 5.

As described above, the bag body 4 is attached to both the upper outer cloth 53 and the lower outer cloth 54 of the outer casing member. If the bag body 4 were attached to only one of the upper outer cloth 53 or the lower outer cloth 54, the force acting on the bag body 4 when the leg portions 90 are inserted into the bag body 4 would make it easier for the opposite side of the bag body 4 to move freely around the portion of the bag body 4 attached to the outer cloth 50. This would make it easier for the bag body 4 to move and become detached from the outer casing member 5. In contrast, if the bag body 4 is attached to both the upper outer cloth 53 and the lower outer cloth 54, the bag body 4 is less likely to move when the leg portions 90 are inserted into the bag body 4, preventing the bag body 4 from moving and becoming detached from the outer casing member 5.

(2.4.3) Summary of outer casing members As shown in Figure 8, the outer casing member 5 accommodates the base portion in the internal leg insertion portion, and the outer casing member 5 is attached to the housing 11, so the overall shape of the outer casing member 5 and the air massage device 1 is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the leg portion 90 is not inserted into the outer casing member 5, the entrance 51 is closed by the weight of the outer casing member 5. This allows the air massage device 1 to be made smaller and thinner when it is stored or when the airbag 3 is not in use, i.e., when the main body 10 is not performing a massage. As a result, the storage space for the air massage device 1 does not become large. Furthermore, it does not get in the way even when left on the bed, and the user can sleep with the lower leg portion 91 or foot portion 92 resting on the air massage device 1.

When receiving a massage using the airbag 3, the user can insert their feet 92 through the inlet 51 of the outer casing 5 while lying on the floor, and then insert their lower legs 91 backward while widening the inlet 51 and the leg insertion space. This allows the user to insert their lower legs 91 into the outer casing 5 without using their hands, while lying on the floor, with the inlet 51 of the outer casing 5 closed, and receive a massage of their lower legs 91 using the airbag 3.

Furthermore, by providing the outer shell member 5 with the cushion 55, it is possible to create an even more effective form of use in which the user uses the air massage device 1 as a resting portion without inserting the legs 90 (particularly the lower legs 91). In other words, if the air massage device 1 were not provided with the cushion 55, even when the user places the legs 90 on the air massage device 1, the force that the legs 90 receive from below would not be distributed, and the legs 90 may not be comfortable to rest on. In contrast, by providing the air massage device 1 with the cushion 55, the comfort of the legs 90 when placed on the air massage device 1 is improved, allowing for more active use as a resting portion for the lower legs 91 or feet 92.

(2.5) Foot Cover As shown in FIGS. 1, 10A, and 10B, the foot cover 7 covers the user's foot 92. The foot cover 7 is formed in a deformable bag shape. The foot cover 7 has an outer cloth that forms an outer shell. The outer cloth has a foot insertion portion (foot insertion space) inside. The outer cloth has an upper outer cloth 73 that forms the upper part of the foot cover 7 and a lower outer cloth 74 that forms the lower part of the foot cover 7. The outer cloth is formed from fibers made of resin such as polyester or nylon. The outer cloth may be formed from a single piece of cloth, or the upper outer cloth 73 and the lower outer cloth 74 may be formed separately and then sewn together.

The foot cover 7 has a cover entrance 71 at its upstream end (front end) in the entry/exit direction, through which the foot 92 can enter and exit. The foot cover 7 has a blocking portion 72 at its downstream end (rear end) in the entry/exit direction, which prevents the foot 92 from exiting the foot cover 7. The blocking portion 72 is formed by a folded portion where the outer cloth is folded back to form the boundary between the upper outer cloth 73 and the lower outer cloth 74. In the first embodiment, the foot cover 7 has only the cover entrance 71 as an opening.

The upstream end (front end) of the foot cover 7 in the moving-in/out direction is attached to the downstream end (rear end) of the outer casing 5. Specifically, the rear end of the upper outer cloth 53 of the outer casing 5 and the front end of the upper outer cloth 73 of the foot cover 7 are sewn together to form a connecting portion 75 (seamed portion). Note that the rear end of the lower outer cloth 54 of the outer casing 5 and the front end of the lower outer cloth 74 of the foot cover 7 are not sewn together, forming an opening.

The foot cover 7 is formed so that the length from the blocking portion 72 to the upstream end in the entry/exit direction (or the connecting portion 75) is the standard foot length. The standard foot length is the foot length of the average adult in Japan (length from the toes to the ankle). By forming the length from the blocking portion 72 of the foot cover 7 to the cover entrance 71 (or the connecting portion 75) to be the standard foot length, the entire foot 92 is more easily accommodated within the foot cover 7. Furthermore, when the foot 92 is inserted and the toes hit the blocking portion 72, stopping the movement of the foot 92, the foot 92 is accommodated within the foot cover 7, and the ankle is positioned at the exit 52 of the outer shell member 5.

In addition, because an opening is formed between the rear end of the lower outer cloth 54 and the front end of the lower outer cloth 74, the foot 92 can be easily accommodated within the foot cover 7 regardless of the size of the foot 92. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, in the case of a user with a small foot 92, the foot 92 can be accommodated within the foot cover 7 by positioning the ankle at the outlet 52 of the outer casing 5 while keeping the foot 92 extending relatively horizontally. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the case of a user with a large foot 92, if the extension of the foot 92 is directed upward, the heel will have difficulty being accommodated within the foot cover 7, but the ankle can be positioned at the outlet 52 of the outer casing 5, and the foot 92 can be accommodated within the foot cover 7.

(2.5.1) Heater The foot cover 7 is provided with heaters 76. The heaters 76 include a first heater 76A corresponding to the user's left leg 90 and a second heater 76B corresponding to the user's right leg 90. The heaters 76 are disposed upstream (frontward) of the closed portion 72 of the lower outer cloth 74 of the foot cover 7 in the entry/exit direction, a first predetermined distance L1 away. That is, the heaters 76 are positioned at predetermined positions on the foot 92, using the closed portion 72 where the toes of the foot 92 are located as a reference (starting point). This makes it easier to position the heaters 76 at predetermined positions on the foot 92. In the first embodiment, the predetermined positions on the foot 92 are the soles of the feet 92, at the bases of the toes. The first predetermined distance L1 can be any value, including 0, and can be set as appropriate; it is not particularly limited.

(2.5.2) Positional Relationship with Airbags Based on Ankles The airbag 3 is positioned upstream (forward) of the outlet 52 of the outer casing 5 in the ingress/egress direction, a second predetermined distance L2. That is, the airbag 3 is positioned at a predetermined position on the lower leg 91, using the outlet 52 of the outer casing 5, where the user's ankle is located, as the reference (starting point). This facilitates positioning the airbag 3 at a predetermined position on the lower leg 91. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the first airbag 3A and the third airbag 3C are applied to a portion of the user's lower leg 91 close to the thigh, and the second airbag 3B and the fourth airbag 3D are applied to a portion of the user's lower leg 91 close to the ankle. This facilitates positioning each airbag 3 at a predetermined position on the lower leg 91, using the user's ankle, which is located at the outlet 52 of the outer casing 5, as the reference. The second predetermined distance L2 may be any value, including 0, and may be set as appropriate; it is not particularly limited.

(2.5.3) Summary of Foot Cover By setting the length from the blocking portion 72 of the foot cover 7 to the front end as the standard foot length, the foot 92 can be more easily accommodated inside the foot cover 7. In addition, with the toes in contact with the blocking portion 72, it is easier to position the ankle at the outlet 52 of the outer shell member 5.

Furthermore, because the heater 76 is positioned forward of the closing portion 72 of the foot cover 7 at a first predetermined distance L1, it is easy to position the heater 76 at a predetermined position on the foot 92. In other words, as described above, by positioning the heater 76 at a part of the foot cover 7 that corresponds to a predetermined position on the foot 92, using the closing portion 72 where the toes of the foot 92 are located as a reference, it is easy to apply the heater 76 to the predetermined position on the foot 92.

(3) Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the air massage device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11A to 11C. Note that the air massage device 1 according to the second embodiment is mostly the same as the air massage device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the length from the closing portion 72 to the front end of the foot cover 7 could not be changed. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the length from the closing portion 72 to the front end of the foot cover 7 can be adjusted.

The air massage device 1 also has a foot cover length adjustment section 77 that adjusts the length from the blocking section 72 to the upstream end (front end) in the in-and-out direction. The foot cover length adjustment section 77 is composed of a zipper and a spare section consisting of a portion (mainly the front portion) of the upper outer cloth 73 of the foot cover 7. One of the connecting members that make up the zipper pair is sewn near the rear end of the upper outer cloth 53 of the outer casing member 5, and the other connecting member is sewn to the front portion of the upper outer cloth 73 of the foot cover 7.

To shorten the length of the foot cover 7 from the closed portion 72 to the front end, the connecting members that make up the pair of fasteners are connected together, as shown in Figure 11A. This causes the spare portion of the upper outer cloth 73 to be folded, and the length of the foot cover 7 does not include the length of the spare portion.

On the other hand, if the length from the closed portion 72 to the front end of the foot cover 7 is to be increased, the connecting members that make up the pair of zippers are not connected to each other, as shown in Figures 11B and 11C. As a result, the spare portion of the upper outer cloth 73 is not folded, and the length of the foot cover 7 includes the length of the spare portion.

This makes it easier for the entire foot 92 to be accommodated in the foot cover 7, even if the size of the user's foot 92 varies greatly.

The foot cover length adjuster 77 of the second embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment, but also to the air massage device 1 of the third to fifth embodiments described below.

(4) Third Embodiment Hereinafter, the air massage device 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12A to Fig. 13B. Note that the air massage device 1 according to the third embodiment is mostly the same as the air massage device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the outer casing member 5 did not have any special storage space for the foot covers 7. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the outer fabric 50 of the outer casing member 5 has a storage space 57 for the foot covers 7.

Figures 12A and 12B show an example in which a storage section 57 for the foot cover 7 is provided on the upper surface of the upper outer member (upper outer cloth 53) of the outer member 5. The storage section 57 is a pocket formed from cloth provided on the outside of the upper outer cloth 53. The material of the cloth that makes up the storage section 57 is the same as that of the upper outer cloth 53. The cloth that makes up the storage section 57 is sewn to the upper outer cloth 53, and the space between the cloth and the upper outer cloth 53 is open toward the rear. This allows the foot cover 7 to be folded upward around the connecting section 75 and stored in the storage section 57.

Figures 13A and 13B show an example in which a storage section 57 for the foot cover 7 is provided on the underside of the lower outer member (lower outer cloth 54) of the outer member 5. The storage section 57 is a pocket formed from cloth provided on the outside of the lower outer cloth 54. The material of the cloth that makes up the storage section 57 is the same as that of the lower outer cloth 54. The cloth that makes up the storage section 57 is sewn to the lower outer cloth 54, and the space between the cloth and the lower outer cloth 54 is open toward the rear. This allows the foot cover 7 to be folded downward around the connecting section 75 and stored in the storage section 57.

The storage section 57 of the third embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment, but also to the air massage device 1 of the second embodiment, and the fourth and fifth embodiments described below.

(5) Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, the air massage device 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B. Note that the air massage device 1 according to the fourth embodiment is mostly the same as the air massage device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, a pressing member 78 for pressing the foot portion 92 inserted into the foot cover 7 against the heater 76 is further disposed at a position a first predetermined distance upstream in the entry/exit direction from the closing portion 72 of the foot cover 7.

Figure 14A shows an example of a positional relationship in which the heater 76 is sandwiched between the pressing member 78 and the foot portion 92 inserted into the foot cover 7. The heater 76 is disposed on the lower outer cloth 74, and the pressing member 78 is disposed on the upper outer cloth 73. The pressing member 78 is formed from a resin such as polyurethane. This results in the pressing member 78, foot portion 92, and heater 76 being clamped by the foot cover 7 within the foot cover 7, improving adhesion between the foot portion 92 and the heater 76.

Figure 14B shows an example of a positional relationship in which the pressing member 78 and heater 76 sandwich the foot 92 inserted into the foot cover 7. The heater 76 is disposed on the lower outer cloth 74, and the pressing member 78 is disposed on the lower outer cloth 74 so as to overlap the heater 76 from the outside. This results in the pressing member 78, heater 76, and foot 92 being clamped by the foot cover 7 within the foot cover 7, improving the adhesion between the foot 92 and the heater 76.

The pressing member 78 of the fourth embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment, but also to the air massage device 1 of the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and the fifth embodiment described below.

(6) Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, the air massage device 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15 to Fig. 17. Note that the air massage device 1 according to the fifth embodiment is mostly the same as the air massage device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

In the fifth embodiment, the airbags 3 include a first airbag 3A attached to the front of the user's left lower leg 91, a second airbag 3B attached to the rear of the left lower leg 91, a third airbag 3C attached to the front of the right lower leg 91, and a fourth airbag 3D attached to the rear of the right lower leg 91. The first airbag 3A to the fourth airbag 3D form a bag body 4, which is the same as in the other embodiments.

The first airbag 3A and third airbag 3C, and the second airbag 3B and fourth airbag 3D are formed symmetrically to one another, so the airbag 3 attached to the front of the lower leg 91 will be described as the first airbag 3A, and the airbag 3 attached to the rear of the lower leg 91 will be described as the second airbag 3B. Figure 15 shows an exploded view of the entire left airbag 3, Figure 16 shows an exploded view of the first airbag 3A, and Figure 17 shows an exploded view of the second airbag 3B.

As shown in Figure 15, the airbag 3 applied to the left leg 90 is composed of a first airbag 3A and a second airbag 3B. The first airbag 3A and the second airbag 3B are formed separately and then attached to each other by sewing, welding, adhesive, or other means to form an integrated unit. By dividing the airbags 3 into multiple airbags 3 (3A, 3B) in this way, it becomes easier to provide detailed support for each part of the lower leg 91 that is applied to them.

As shown in Figure 16, the first airbag 3A is formed from a single sheet with a single air chamber 31A inside. This sheet is rolled up to surround the periphery of the leg portion 90, and is then inserted into the outer shell member 5.

As shown in Figure 17, the second airbag 3B is formed from a single sheet with a single air chamber 31B inside. This sheet is rolled up to surround the periphery of the leg portion 90, and is then inserted into the outer shell member 5.

The area of the air chamber 31A of the first airbag 3A shown in Figure 16 is larger than the area of the air chamber 31B of the second airbag 3B shown in Figure 17.

As shown in Figure 15, the rear portion of the first airbag 3A and the front portion of the second airbag 3B are overlapped. More specifically, the front end of the first airbag 3A and the rear end of the second airbag 3B are not overlapped, but the other portions are overlapped. In this way, the first airbag 3A and the second airbag 3B are overlapped with a shift in the fore-and-aft direction, so that the airbag 3 is positioned over the long portion of the outer casing 5 in the fore-and-aft direction (preferably the entire length inserted into the outer casing 5).

The first airbag 3A and the second airbag 3B are overlapped so that the first airbag 3A is on the inside, i.e., so that the first airbag 3A contacts the lower leg 91 on the inside and contacts the second airbag 3B on the outside.

As shown in Figure 16, the first airbag 3A has rearward recesses 321 and 322 formed in two locations in the front of the air chamber 31A. The first airbag 3A has a forward recess 323 formed in one location in the rear of the air chamber 31A. As a result, when the first airbag 3A inflates, fold line 331 is formed along recesses 321 and 323, and fold line 332 is formed along recesses 322 and 323, so that fold line 331 and fold line 332 essentially divide the air chamber 31A into three parts.

In addition, each of the three divided air chambers 31A has peaks 341-343 that expand most and become the highest when inflated.

As shown in Figure 17, the second airbag 3B has a recess 324 that is recessed rearward at one location in the front of the air chamber 31B. As a result, when the second airbag 3B inflates, a fold line 333 is formed that extends in the front-to-rear direction through the recess 324, and the fold line 333 essentially divides the air chamber 31B into two.

In addition, each of the two halves of the air chamber 31B has a top portion 344-345 that expands and reaches its highest point when inflated.

As shown in Figure 15, in an airbag 3 that combines a first airbag 3A and a second airbag 3B, each of the apexes 341 to 345 presses against a specific area of the lower leg 91, providing a detailed massage for each area.

The airbag 3 of the fifth embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment, but also to the air massage device 1 of the second to fourth embodiments.

(7) Modifications Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

The air massage device 1 of the present disclosure may be used with the user lying face down on the floor with the legs 90 lying flat, but it does not necessarily have to be used with the user lying face down on the floor with the legs 90 lying flat.

The standard foot length does not have to be the exact average value of the foot length of the average adult in Japan. For example, it may be any value between the average foot length of Japanese adults plus or minus the standard deviation of foot length.

The AC adapter 28 may or may not be included in the air supply device 20 (air massage device 1).

The shape, size, material, thickness, etc. of the airbag 3 are not limited.

The bag body 4 may be attached to a part of the user's leg 90 other than the lower leg 91. For example, the bag body 4 may be attached to the entire leg 90. The bag body 4 is attached to at least some part of the user's leg 90, but is preferably attached to the lower leg 91 in particular.

The number of pouches 4 provided in the drive system 2 is not particularly limited. Two pouches 4 may be provided, one for each of the user's left and right legs 90, or three or more pouches 4 may be provided for each of the left and right legs 90, or the number of pouches 4 provided for each of the left and right legs 90 may differ. The drive system 2 may also be provided with only one pouch 4.

The bag body 4 does not have to be composed of an airbag 3. That is, for example, the bag body 4 may have an outer cloth and an inner cloth in addition to the airbag 3, with the airbag 3 between the outer cloth and the inner cloth. Also, one bag body 4 may have multiple airbags 3, or not all bag bodies 4 may have airbags 3. It is sufficient that at least one bag body 4 has an airbag 3. There is no limit to the number of airbags 3 that a bag body 4 may have.

The first airbag 3A and the second airbag 3B may be connected to each other by sewing or the like. The third airbag 3C and the fourth airbag 3D may be connected to each other by sewing or the like.

The shape, size, material, etc. of the housing 11 are not limited. The thickness of the housing 11 is preferably 40 mm or more and 50 mm or less. Because the air supply device 20 needs to be housed within the housing 11, the lower limit of the housing 11's thickness is generally around 40 mm, but is not particularly limited. Furthermore, from the perspective of ease of storage of the air massage device 1, the smaller the upper limit of the housing 11's thickness, the better, but it may be 50 mm or more, and is not particularly limited.

The housing 11 does not have to be provided at both ends of the outer casing member 5, but may be provided at only one end. Furthermore, the housing 11 is an optional component and does not have to be provided on the main body 10.

The air supply device 20 may be housed in the left housing 11 instead of the right housing 11.

The shape, size, thickness, material, etc. of the fixing plate 12 are not limited. The fixing plate 12 is an optional component and does not have to be attached to the main body 10.

The shape, size, thickness, material, etc. of the lower cushion 13 are not limited.

The shape, size, thickness, material, etc. of the outer fabric 50 of the outer shell member 5 and the outer fabric of the foot cover 7 are not limited. It is preferable that the outer fabric 50 be made of a soft material similar to the fabric that makes up ordinary clothing.

The entrance 51 being closed by the weight of the outer casing member 5 does not necessarily mean that the entrance 51 is completely closed by the weight of the outer casing member 5, but rather that the leg portion 90 (particularly the entire foot portion 92) cannot be inserted into the entrance 51 without the entrance 51 widening.

The shape, size, thickness, material, etc. of the cushion 55 are not limited.

The housing 11 does not have to be housed in a leg insertion portion inside the outer casing member 5. In other words, the housing 11 may be located outside the outer casing member 5.

The outer casing member 5 does not have to be attached to the housing 11 using a surface fastener. For example, the outer casing member 5 may be attached to the housing 11 using an adhesive. Furthermore, the outer casing member 5 does not have to be attached to both housings 11, but may be attached to only one of the housings 11. Furthermore, the outer casing member 5 does not necessarily have to be attached to the housing 11.

The attachment member 42 does not have to be positioned in the center of the bag body 4 in the left-right direction, and the attachment member 56 does not have to be positioned in the center of the area of the outer cloth 50 corresponding to each bag body 4 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the attachment members 42 and 56 do not necessarily have to be provided.

The bag body 4 does not have to be attached to both the upper outer member (upper outer cloth 53) and the lower outer member (lower outer cloth 54). That is, the bag body 4 may be attached to only one of the upper outer cloth 53 and the lower outer cloth 54, or it may not be attached to either the upper outer cloth 53 or the lower outer cloth 54.

Methods other than surface fasteners may be used to attach the outer casing 5 to the housing 11 and the bag 4 to the outer casing 5. For example, one end of a string may be fixed to each of the outer casing 5 and the housing 11, and the other ends of these strings may be tied together to attach the outer casing 5 to the housing 11. The same applies to the attachment of the bag 4 to the outer casing 5.

The specified position of the foot 92 does not have to be the base of the toes on the sole of the foot 92, and can be set to any part.

The foot cover length adjustment portion 77 is not limited to a portion that uses a fastener. For example, a so-called snap pin may be used as the foot cover length adjustment portion 77 instead of a fastener.

The foot cover 7 is an optional component in this disclosure and does not necessarily have to be included in the air massage device 1.

(8) Summary As described above, the air massage device (1) of the first aspect includes a main body (10) and a foot cover (7). The main body (10) massages the user's lower leg (91). The foot cover (7) covers the user's foot (92). The main body (10) includes an airbag (3) and an outer casing (5). The airbag (3) expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air. The outer casing (5) is formed in a deformable bag shape and contains the airbag (3). The outer casing (5) has an opening (51) at its upstream end in the direction of entry and exit of the foot (92) and lower leg (91), which is openable and allows the foot (92) and lower leg (91) to enter and exit. The outer shell member (5) has an openable/closable outlet (52) at its downstream end in the ingress/egress direction, through which the foot portion (92) and the lower leg portion (91) can enter and exit. The upstream end of the foot cover (7) in the ingress/egress direction is attached to the downstream end of the outer shell member (5) in the ingress/egress direction. The foot cover (7) is formed in a deformable bag shape. The foot cover (7) has a cover inlet (71) at its upstream end in the ingress/egress direction, through which the foot portion (92) can enter and exit. The foot cover (7) has a blocking portion (72) at its downstream end in the ingress/egress direction, which prevents the foot portion (92) from exiting the foot cover (7). The foot cover (7) is formed so that the length from the blocking portion (72) to the upstream end in the ingress/egress direction is the standard foot length. A heater (76) is disposed upstream in the ingress/egress direction from the blocking portion (72) of the foot cover (7) at a first predetermined distance. An airbag (3) is arranged at a position a second predetermined distance upstream in the inlet/outlet direction from the outlet (52) of the outer shell member (5).

In the first aspect, the standard foot length is set to the length from the closing portion (72) of the foot cover (7) to the upstream end in the entry/exit direction, making it easier for the foot (92) to be accommodated within the foot cover (7).

Furthermore, by placing the heater (76) in a portion of the foot cover (7) that corresponds to a predetermined position on the foot (92) based on the blocking portion (72) where the toes of the foot (92) are located, it becomes easier to apply the heater (76) to the predetermined position on the foot (92).

In addition, when the toe is in contact with the blocking portion (72), the ankle is likely to be positioned at the outlet (52) of the outer casing member (5). Therefore, by using the outlet (52) where the ankle is located as the reference (starting point) and positioning the airbag (3) at a position on the outer casing member (5) that corresponds to a predetermined position on the lower leg (91), the airbag (3) can be more easily applied to the predetermined position on the lower leg (91).

The second aspect can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the second aspect, the air massage device (1) further has a foot cover length adjustment section (77) that adjusts the length from the closing section (72) to the upstream end in the inlet/outlet direction.

In the second aspect, even if the size of the user's foot (92) varies greatly, the entire foot (92) can be more easily accommodated in the foot cover (7).

The third aspect can be realized by combining the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, the ingress/egress direction is along the horizontal direction. The outer casing member (5) is formed in the shape of a plate extending along the horizontal direction. The outer casing member (5) has an upper casing member portion (upper outer cloth 53) and a lower casing member portion (lower outer cloth 54). The upper casing member portion (upper outer cloth 53) is located above the airbag (3). The lower casing member portion (lower outer cloth 54) is located below the airbag (3). A storage section (57) for the foot cover (7) is provided on the upper surface of the upper casing member portion (upper outer cloth 53) or the lower surface of the lower casing member portion (lower outer cloth 54).

In the third aspect, the foot cover (7) can be stored in the storage section (57).

The fourth aspect can be realized by combining it with any of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, a pressing member (78) for pressing the foot portion (92) inserted into the foot cover (7) against the heater (76) is further disposed at a position a first predetermined distance upstream in the entry/exit direction from the closing portion (72) of the foot cover (7). The pressing member (78) and the foot portion (92) inserted into the foot cover (7) are positioned to sandwich the heater (76), or the pressing member (78) and the heater (76) are positioned to sandwich the foot portion (92) inserted into the foot cover (7).

In the fourth aspect, the heater (76), pressing member (78), and foot portion (92) are clamped by the foot cover (7) within the foot cover (7), improving the adhesion between the foot portion (92) and the heater (76).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 air massage device 10 main body 3 airbag 5 outer shell member 51 inlet 52 outlet 53 upper outer cloth (upper part of outer shell member)
54 Lower outer cloth (lower part of outer casing member)
57 Storage section 7 Foot cover 71 Cover inlet 72 Closure section 76 Heater 77 Foot cover length adjustment section 78 Pressing member 91 Lower leg section 92 Foot section L0 Length L1 First predetermined distance L2 Second predetermined distance

Claims (5)

a main body that massages the user's lower legs;
a foot cover for covering the user's foot;
The main body portion is
An airbag that expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air;
an outer shell member;
The outer shell member is
A deformable bag-shaped structure containing the airbag,
an opening and closing opening through which the foot and the lower leg can enter and exit is provided at an end on the upstream side in the entry and exit direction of the foot and the lower leg;
an opening/closing outlet at an end downstream in the inlet/outlet direction, through which the foot and the lower leg can enter and exit;
An upstream end of the foot cover in the entry/exit direction is attached to a downstream end of the outer shell member in the entry/exit direction,
The foot cover is
a left foot insertion portion which is a space for inserting the left foot;
a right foot insertion portion which is a space for inserting the right foot;
an outer fabric;
The outer fabric is
a deformable bag-like structure that contains the left foot insertion section and the right foot insertion section;
a cover inlet through which the foot can enter and exit at an end on the upstream side in the entry/exit direction;
a blocking portion at an end portion on the downstream side in the ingress/egress direction to prevent the foot from coming out of the foot cover ;
When the foot is not inserted, the insertion/exit direction of the foot cover is the same as the insertion/exit direction of the outer shell member,
When the foot is inserted, the direction of the foot cover from the upstream side to the downstream side in the entry/exit direction is directed higher than the direction of the outer shell member from the upstream side to the downstream side in the entry/exit direction.
Air massage device. The outer shell member is
an upper outer shell member positioned above the airbag; and a lower outer shell member positioned below the airbag ,
The foot cover is
The foot cover has an upper outer cloth that forms an upper portion thereof and a lower outer cloth that forms a lower portion thereof,
A connecting portion is formed between an end portion of the upper part of the outer shell member on the downstream side in the entering/exiting direction and an end portion of the upper outer cloth on the upstream side in the entering/exiting direction,
Openings are formed at an end portion of the lower part of the outer shell member on the downstream side in the entering/exiting direction and at an end portion of the lower outer cloth on the upstream side in the entering/exiting direction.
2. The air massage device according to claim 1 . The entrance/exit direction is a direction along the horizontal direction,
The outer shell member is
The plate-shaped member extends along the horizontal direction.
an upper portion of an outer shell member located above the airbag;
a lower portion of an outer shell member located below the airbag,
A storage section for the foot cover is provided on the upper surface of the upper outer member or the lower surface of the lower outer member.
2. The air massage device according to claim 1. The foot cover is
The foot cover is formed in a deformable bag shape, and the heater and the foot inserted in the foot cover are attached to the front.
a pressing member for pressing against the heater is disposed,
The heater is sandwiched between the pressing member and the foot portion inserted into the foot cover, or
The pressing member and the heater are configured to sandwich the foot inserted into the foot cover.
2. The air massage device according to claim 1. A heater is disposed in the foot cover.
The air massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.