U.S. patent application number 12/680522 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for chair type stretching apparatus.
Invention is credited to Hiroyuki Inoue, Daisuke Morikawa, Keisuke Shimizu, Shinji Tsutsui.
Application Number | 20100244520 12/680522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40511372 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100244520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Inoue; Hiroyuki ; et
al. |
September 30, 2010 |
CHAIR TYPE STRETCHING APPARATUS
Abstract
A chair type stretching apparatus in this invention comprises a
seat, a backrest, a flexible sheet, a tension means, and a
controller. The flexible sheet is disposed on a top of the seat to
extend an entire width of the seat. The tension means is provided
on the seat and is configured to apply tensional force to the
flexible sheet so as to move a center of the flexible sheet toward
an upper direction of the seat. The controller is configured to
control the tension means in order to move the center of the
flexible sheet to a vertical direction. The tension means is
provided on at least one width end of the seat in order to apply
the tensional force along a width direction of the seat to the
flexible sheet, whereby the tension means moves the center of the
flexible sheet to the vertical direction.
Inventors: |
Inoue; Hiroyuki;
(Hikone-shi, JP) ; Shimizu; Keisuke; (Suita-shi,
JP) ; Morikawa; Daisuke; (Kyoto-shi, JP) ;
Tsutsui; Shinji; (Hirakata-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Cheng Law Group, PLLC
1100 17th Street, N.W., Suite 503
Washington
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
40511372 |
Appl. No.: |
12/680522 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
September 25, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/067286 |
371 Date: |
March 26, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 9/0078 20130101;
A61H 2201/0149 20130101; A47C 4/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/284.2 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/02 20060101
A47C007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 28, 2007 |
JP |
2007-255861 |
Claims
1. A chair type stretching apparatus having a seat and a backrest
which respectively have individual widths along a width of a user's
body, and a depth, said stretching apparatus comprising: a flexible
sheet being disposed on a top of said seat to extend an entire
width of said seat for supporting the user's buttocks, said
flexible sheet being configured to be movable between a normal
position and a projected position, said flexible sheet in said
normal position lying in a close relation with a top surface of
said seat, said flexible sheet in said projected position is spaced
away from said top surface of said seat, a tension means being
provided on said seat and being configured to apply tensional force
to said flexible sheet so as to move a center of said flexible
sheet toward an upper direction of the seat, a controller being
configured to control said tension means in order to move said
center of said flexible sheet to a vertical direction, wherein said
tension means is provided on at least one width end of said seat in
order to apply the tensional force along a width direction of the
seat to said flexible sheet, whereby the tension means moves the
center of the flexible sheet to the vertical direction.
2. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
tension means is defined by a pressurizing means being configured
to apply pressure along the upper direction of the seat to the
flexible sheet, said pressurizing means is located between the seat
and the flexible sheet, thereby moving said center of said flexible
sheet toward the upper direction, said controller being configured
to control said pressurizing means so as to move said center of
said flexible sheet along the vertical direction of the seat, said
pressurizing means being disposed to both width ends of the seat in
order to apply the pressure toward the upper direction of the seat
to said flexible sheet, whereby said pressurizing means moving said
center of said flexible sheet toward the upper direction with
respect to the seat.
3. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
flexible sheet has a front end which is fixed to a front end of
said seat, and said flexible sheet has a rear end which is attached
to a rear end of said seat to be movable in the vertical direction
of said seat.
4. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
flexible sheet is made of a hard foamed material.
5. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
flexible sheet and said pressurizing means are detachably attached
to said seat.
6. The chair type stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 5
further comprises a stretching unit which is detachably attached to
said top surface of said seat, said stretching unit being provided
at its top surface with said flexible sheet, and being provided at
its width ends of an inside of said stretching unit with said
pressurizing means so that said flexible sheet and said
pressurizing means are detachably attached to said backrest.
7. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
flexible sheet has width ends which are respectively attached to
both width surfaces of said seat, and at least one of said width
ends of said flexible sheet being detachably attached to a
predetermined area of said width surface of said seat.
8. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
pressurizing means is composed of air-bags and a pump, said
air-bags being configured to expand and contract toward the
vertical direction of said seat, and said pump being configured to
send air to said air-bag.
9. A stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprises
a wall, said wall being located between said seat and said flexible
sheet, and being located at one width end of said top surface of
said seat, said tension means being defined by a pressurizing means
being configured to apply pressure along the upper direction of the
seat to said flexible sheet, said tension means being located
between said seat and said flexible sheet so as to move said center
of said flexible sheet, said controller being configured to control
said pressurizing means in order to move said center of said
flexible sheet toward said vertical direction of said seat, said
pressurizing means being located at one width end of said seat and
being located away from said wall, said pressurizing means being
configured to apply the pressure along the upper direction of said
seat to one end of said flexible sheet so that said pressurizing
means applies the tensional force directed outwardly of a width
direction to said flexible sheet.
10. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further
comprises walls, said walls are located between said seat and said
flexible sheet, and being located at both width ends of said top
surface of said seat, said tension means is defined by rollers,
said rollers respectively holding width ends of said flexible
sheet, and are configured to wrap said flexible sheet around said
rollers so as to move said center of said flexible sheet toward the
upper direction of said seat, said controller being configured to
control said rollers in order to move said center of said flexible
sheet to the vertical direction, said rollers being disposed at
both the width surfaces of said seat, and being configured to wrap
said flexible sheet in order to apply the tensional force directed
outwardly of a width direction to said flexible sheet, whereby the
rollers moves the center of the flexible sheet toward the upper
direction.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to chair type stretching apparatus
which have seats and backrests. Particularly, this invention
relates to a chair type stretching apparatus which is configured to
give a stretch to a back and a lower back of the user.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Japanese patent application publication No. 2002-119558A
discloses a prior chair type stretching apparatus. The prior chair
type stretching apparatus has a seat and a backrest. The chair type
stretching apparatus is configured to give the stretch to the user
who sits on the seat and leans against the backrest. The chair type
stretching apparatus has a plurality of air-bags which are disposed
on a front surface of the backrest, and are disposed on the top
surface of the seat. The air-bags are configured to expand and
contract, whereby the chair type stretching apparatus gives the
stretch to the user, by means of the air-bags.
[0003] However, the air-bags of the prior chair type stretching
apparatus has two functions. One function is to support the user,
and the other function is to press the user's body. Therefore, the
chair type stretching apparatus is not capable of supporting the
user's body may not press the user's body according to the user's
body size. Consequently, there is a problem that the air-bags of
the prior chair type stretching apparatus gives the stretch to a
desired portion of the user.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention is achieved to solve the above problem. An
object in this invention is to provide a chair type stretching
apparatus being configured to give the stretch to the user
certainly regardless of the user's body size.
[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the chair type
stretching apparatus in this invention comprises a seat, a
backrest, a flexible sheet, a tension means, and a controller. The
seat has a depth and a width which respectively have individual
widths along a width of a user's body. The flexible sheet is
disposed on a top of the seat. The flexible sheet extends an entire
width of the seat for supporting the user's buttocks. The flexible
sheet is configured to be movable between a normal position and a
projected position. When the flexible sheet is positioned in the
normal position, the flexible sheet lies in a close relation with a
top surface of the seat. When the flexible sheet is positioned in
the projected position, the flexible sheet is spaced away from the
top surface of the seat. The tension means is provided on the seat.
The tension means is configured to apply tensional force to the
flexible sheet so as to move a center of the flexible sheet toward
an upper direction of the seat. The controller is configured to
control the tension means in order to move the center of the
flexible sheet to a vertical direction. The tension means is
provided on at least one width end of the seat in order to apply
the tensional force along a width direction of the seat to the
flexible sheet. Consequently, the tensional means moves the center
of the flexible sheet to the vertical direction.
[0006] This chair type stretching apparatus is configured to move
the user's buttock to the upper direction by means of the flexible
sheet. Therefore, the chair type stretching apparatus is configured
to give the stretch to the user certainly regardless of the user's
body size. In addition, the tension means is disposed on at least
one width end of the top surface of the seat. Therefore, the chair
type stretching apparatus with the tension means is capable of
achieving the reduction of the cost and the reduction of the size
of the chair type stretching apparatus.
[0007] It is preferred that the tension means is defined by a
pressurizing means. The pressurizing means is configured to apply
pressure along the upper direction of the seat to the flexible
sheet. The pressurizing means is located between the seat and the
flexible sheet. Consequently, the pressurizing means moves the
center of the flexible sheet toward the upper direction. The
controller is configured to control the pressurizing means so as to
move the center of the flexible sheet along the vertical direction
of the seat. The pressurizing means is disposed on both width ends
of the seat in order to apply the pressure toward the upper
direction of the seat to the flexible sheet. Consequently, the
pressurizing means moving the center of the flexible sheet toward
the upper direction with respect to the seat.
[0008] The chair type stretching apparatus is also configured to
move the user's buttock to the upper direction. Therefore, the
chair type stretching apparatus is configured to give the stretch
to the user certainly regardless of the user's body size.
[0009] It is preferred that the flexible sheet has a front end and
a rear end. The front end of the flexible sheet is fixed to a front
end of the seat. The rear end of the flexible sheet is attached to
a rear end of the seat to be movable in the vertical direction of
the seat.
[0010] In this case, the flexible sheet is located at a portion
faced to the user's buttock. Therefore, this configuration makes it
possible for the chair type stretching apparatus to give the
stretch to the user's buttocks effectively.
[0011] It is preferred that the flexible sheet is made of a hard
foamed material.
[0012] This configuration makes it possible to reduce the contact
force with respect to the user's buttocks. In addition, this
configuration also makes it possible for the chair type stretching
apparatus to give the stretch to the user effectively.
[0013] It is preferred that the flexible sheet and the pressurizing
means are detachably attached to the seat.
[0014] In this case, it is possible to vary the position of the
flexible sheet and the pressurizing means on the top surface of the
seat. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible for the chair
type stretching apparatus being configured to give the stretch to a
desired portion of the user's body.
[0015] It is preferred that the chair type stretching apparatus
comprises a stretching unit. The stretching unit is detachably
attached to the top surface of the seat. The stretching unit is
provided at its top surface with the flexible sheet. The stretching
unit is provided at its both width ends of an inside of the
stretching unit with the pressurizing means. Consequently, the
flexible sheet and the pressurizing means are detachably attached
to the seat.
[0016] In this case, it is possible to vary the position of the
flexible sheet and the pressurizing means on the top surface of the
seat. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible for the chair
type stretching apparatus to give the stretch to the desired
portion of the user's body.
[0017] It is preferred that the flexible sheet has both width ends
which are respectively attached to both width surfaces of the seat.
At least one width end of the flexible sheet is detachable attached
to a predetermined area of the width surface of the seat.
[0018] In this case, it is possible to vary an amount of a slack of
the flexible sheet in the width direction. Therefore, this
configuration makes it possible to vary intensity of the stretch
given to the user.
[0019] It is preferred that the pressurizing means is composed of
air-bags and the pump. The air-bags are configured to expand and
contract along the vertical direction. The pump is configured to
send the air to the air-bag.
[0020] In this case, when the chair type stretching apparatus is
stopped, the air-bags are contracted. Therefore, this configuration
makes it possible to reduce the size of the chair type stretching
apparatus.
[0021] It is preferred that the chair type stretching apparatus
comprises a wall. The wall is located between the seat and the
flexible sheet. The wall is located at one width end of the top
surface of the seat. The tension means is defined by a pressurizing
means. The pressurizing means is configured to apply pressure along
the upper direction of the seat to the flexible sheet. The tension
means is located between the seat and the flexible sheet so that
the tension means moves the center of the flexible sheet. The
controller is configured to control the pressurizing means in order
to move the center of the flexible sheet toward the vertical
direction of the seat. The pressurizing means is located at one
width end of the seat such that the pressurizing means is located
away from the wall. The pressurizing means is configured to apply
the pressure along the upper direction of the seat to one end of
the flexible sheet so that the pressurizing means applies the
tensional force directed outwardly of a width direction to the
flexible sheet.
[0022] In this case, the chair type stretching apparatus is
configured to move the user's buttocks to the upper direction by
means of the flexible sheet. Therefore, this configuration makes it
possible to the chair type stretching apparatus to give the massage
to the user's body certainly regardless of the user's body
size.
[0023] It is preferred that the chair type stretching apparatus
comprises walls. The walls are located between the seat and the
flexible sheet. The walls are located at both width ends of the top
surface of the seat. The tension means is defined by rollers. The
rollers respectively hold width ends of the flexible sheet. The
rollers are configured to wrap the flexible sheet around the
rollers so that the rollers move the center of the flexible sheet
toward the upper direction of the seat. The controller is
configured to control the rollers in order to move the center of
the flexible sheet to the vertical direction. The rollers are
disposed on both the width surfaces of the seat. The rollers are
configured to wrap the flexible sheet. Consequently, the rollers
apply the tensional force directed outwardly of a width direction
to the flexible sheet.
[0024] In this case, the chair type stretching apparatus is
configured to move the user's buttocks to the upper direction by
means of the flexible sheet. Therefore, it is possible to obtain
the chair type stretching apparatus being configured to give the
stretch to the user certainly regardless of the user's body
size.
[0025] Further characteristics of the present invention and effects
resulting there from can be better understood based on the best
mode for carrying out the invention and examples thereof described
below.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 (a) shows a perspective view of a chair type
stretching apparatus in a first embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 1 (b) shows a perspective view of the chair type
stretching apparatus in the first embodiment without flexible
sheets, pressurizing means, and an applicator cover.
[0028] FIG. 2 (a) shows a side view of the chair type stretching
apparatus in the first embodiment having a normal condition.
[0029] FIG. 2 (b) shows a side view of the chair type stretching
apparatus in the first embodiment having the backrest which has a
reclining condition.
[0030] FIG. 3 (a) shows a side view of the chair type stretching
apparatus having the seat. The air-bags on the seat are
expanded.
[0031] FIG. 3 (b) shows a side view of the chair type stretching
apparatus having the backrest. The air-bags on the backrest are
expanded.
[0032] FIG. 4 (a) shows a perspective view of a chair type
stretching apparatus of a first modification having the backrest
and the seat. The air-bag on the left side of the backrest and the
air-bag on the left side of the seat are expanded.
[0033] FIG. 4 (b) shows a perspective view of a chair type
stretching apparatus of the first modification having the backrest
and the seat. The air-bag on the left side of the backrest and the
air-bag on the right side of the seat are expanded.
[0034] FIG. 5 (a) shows a top view of the chair type stretching
apparatus having the contracted air-bags which are disposed on the
lateral end of the front surface of the backrest.
[0035] FIG. 5 (b) shows a top view of the chair type stretching
apparatus having the expanded air-bags which are disposed on the
lateral end of the front surface of the backrest.
[0036] FIG. 5 (c) shows a top view of the chair type stretching
apparatus having the expanded air-bag which is disposed on the left
side of the front surface of the backrest.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows a front view of the above.
[0038] FIG. 7 (a) is a front schematic view of the chair type
stretching apparatus in the second modification. In FIG. 7 (a), the
air-bags on the both lateral ends of the top surface of the seat
are contracted.
[0039] FIG. 7 (b) shows a front schematic view of the chair type
stretching apparatus in the second modification. In FIG. 7 (b), the
air-bags on the both lateral ends of the top surface of the seat
are expanded.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of controller, pump,
electromagnetic valves, and the air-bags.
[0041] FIG. 9 shows a front view of the chair type stretching
apparatus in the modification.
[0042] FIG. 10 shows a front cross sectional view of the seat in a
third modification.
[0043] FIG. 11 (a) shows a front cross sectional view of the seat
in a fourth modification. In FIG. 11 (a), the air-bags are
contracted.
[0044] FIG. 11 (b) shows a front cross sectional view of the seat
in the fourth modification. In FIG. 11 (b), the air-bags are
expanded.
[0045] FIG. 12 (a) shows a top cross sectional view of the chair
type stretching apparatus in a fifth modification. In FIG. 12 (a),
the flexible sheet is slacked.
[0046] FIG. 12 (b) shows a top cross sectional view of the chair
type stretching apparatus in the fifth modification. In FIG. 12
(b), flexible sheet is wrapped by the roller.
[0047] FIG. 13 (a) and FIG. 13 (b) shows a side cross sectional
view of a chair type stretching apparatus in the sixth
modification.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0048] A chair type stretching apparatus in this invention is
explained with attached drawings. In FIG. 1, an arrowed line
directed to X indicates the front direction of the chair type
stretching apparatus. An arrowed line directed to Y indicates the
left direction. An arrowed line directed to Z direction indicates
the upper direction. That is, the chair type stretching apparatus
100 has a width direction which is equivalent to the lateral
direction of the chair type stretching apparatus. The chair type
stretching apparatus 100 has a depth direction which is equivalent
to the front-back direction of the chair type stretching apparatus.
The chair type stretching apparatus 100 has a vertical direction
which is equivalent to the height direction.
[0049] FIG. 1 (a) shows a perspective view of the chair type
stretching apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG.
1 (a), the chair type stretching apparatus 100 in this embodiment
comprises a base 200, a seat 300, a backrest 400, arm rests 900,
and a foot rest 901. The base 200 is shaped to support the seat
300, the backrest 400, the arm rests 900, and the footrest 901. The
base has a front surface which supports the footrest 901. The base
200 is provided at its top surface with the seat 300. The base 200
has a rear surface which supports the backrest 400 extending toward
an upper direction of the base 200. The base 200 is provided at its
both lateral surfaces with arm rests 900, respectively. The base
200 incorporates a pump 220 and a controller 240. The pump 220 and
the controller 240 are configured to be operated when the pump 220
and the controller 240 receive electrical power. The chair type
stretching apparatus 100 has a reclining mechanism (not shown) of
reclining the backrest 400. In addition, the chair type stretching
apparatus 100 is provided with an operation device which is not
shown. The operation device is used for setting the operation of
the pump 220.
[0050] The backrest 400 has a width along a lateral direction. In
other words, the backrest 400 has the width along a width of the
body of the user. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the backrest 400 includes
an applicator cover 410, an air-bag 420, an air bag 430, a flexible
sheet 421, and a flexible sheet 431. FIG. 1 (b) shows the chair
type stretching apparatus 1 without the applicator 410, the
flexible sheet 421, the flexible sheet 431, the air-bag 420, and
the air-bag 430. As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the backrest 400 is formed
at its front surface with an opening 440. The opening 440 extends
along a height direction of the backrest 400.
[0051] The backrest 400 includes applicators 441, arms 442, and a
massaging device 443. The applicator 441, the arms 442, and the
massaging device 443 are disposed within the opening 440. The arms
442 have front ends which respectively hold the applicators 441.
The massaging device 443 holds rear ends of the arms 442. The
massaging device 443 is activated upon receiving the electrical
power. In addition, FIG. 2 (a) shows a side cross sectional view of
the chair type stretching apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2 (a),
the backrest 400 includes a guide rail 444. The guide rail 444 is
provided for sliding the massaging device 443 along the guide rail
444. The guide rail 444 is disposed within the backrest 400 and
extends along a vertical direction. Consequently, the massaging
device 443 moves along the height direction within the opening 440.
Each of the flexible sheet 421 and the flexible sheet 431 has
slack. The flexible sheets 421 and 431 cover the opening 440 in
order to conceal the massaging device 443, the arms 442, and the
applicators 441.
[0052] The air-bags 420 are respectively disposed on the front
surface of the backrest 400 and respectively located at both width
ends of the backrest 400. The air-bags 430 are respectively
disposed on the front surface of the backrest 400 and respectively
located at both width ends of the backrest 400. The air-bags 420
and the air-bags 430 are arranged along a height direction of the
backrest. The air-bag 420 and 430 are respectively shaped to have
bellows. The air-bags 420 and 430 have bottom surfaces which are
respectively attached to the front surface of the backrest 40 by
the snap pin. The air-bags 420 and 430 are connected to the pump
220 through the hoses 230 respectively, shown in FIG. 8. The pump
220 is configured to send the air to the air-bags 420 and 430. The
air-bags 420 and 430 are configured to expand when the air is sent
from the pump 220. Because the air-bags 420 and 430 are arranged on
the front surface of the backrest 440, the air-bags 420 and 430
expand toward the front direction of the backrest upon receiving
the air. On the other hand, the air-bags 420 and 430 is contracted
toward the backrest when the air in the air-bags 420 and 430 is
released.
[0053] Each one of the flexible sheets 421 and 431 is made of a
cloth. The flexible sheets 421 and 431 are disposed in normal
positions of lying in a close relation with a front surface of the
backrest. The flexible sheets 421 and 431 are located in front of
the air-bags 420, 430. The flexible sheets 421 and 431 are provided
on the backrest 400 so as to extend over an entire width of the
backrest 400. The flexible sheets 421 and 431 respectively have
both lateral ends. Both lateral ends of the flexible sheets 421 and
431 are sewed on width side surfaces of the backrest 400. The
air-bags 420 and 430 are respectively provided at its front surface
with loop tapes. On the other hand, the flexible sheets 421 and 431
are respectively provided at its rear surface with hook tapes.
Consequently, the air-bags 420 have the front surfaces which are
fastened to the rear surface of the flexible sheet 420 by means of
hook-and-loop fastener. Similarly, the air-bags 430 have the front
surfaces which are fastened to the rear surface of the flexible
sheet 431 by means of hook-and-loop fastener. The flexible sheet
421 has its width center which is faced to a lower back of the user
in order to support the user's lower back. The flexible sheet 431
has its width center which is faced to the back of the user in
order to support the user's back.
[0054] The seat 300 has a depth along the front-back direction, and
a width along the width of the user who sits on the seat 300. As
shown I Fig (a), the seat 300 is provided with air-bags 310 and the
flexible sheet 311.
[0055] The air-bags 310 are disposed on both width ends of the top
surface of the seat 300. The air-bags 310 are respectively shaped
to have bellows shown in FIG. 8. Each air-bag 310 is connected to
the pump 220 through an electromagnetic valve 210 and a hose 230.
The air-bag 310 has its bottom surface which is attached to the top
surface of the seat 300 by means of the snap pin. The air-bag 310
is configured to expand upon receiving the air from the pump 220.
Therefore, the air-bags 310 disposed on the top surface of the seat
300 are expanded toward an upper direction of the seat 300 upon the
air is sent to the air-bags 310. On the other hand, the air-bags
310 disposed on the top surface of the seat 300 are contracted
toward a lower direction of the seat 300 when the air is removed
from the air-bags 310.
[0056] The flexible sheet 311 is made of the cloth. The flexible
sheet 310 is disposed on the top surfaces of the seat 300 and the
air-bags 310. The flexible sheet 310 extends over an entire width
of the seat 300, and also extends over an entire depth of the seat
300. The flexible sheet 311 has its width center which is faced
with the buttocks. The air-bags 310 are respectively provided at
its top surfaces with loop tapes. On the other hand, the flexible
sheet 311 is provided at its rear surface which is faced with the
top surface of the air-bags 310. The rear surface of the flexible
sheet 311 is provided with hook tapes which are not shown.
Consequently, the top surface of the air-bag 310 is fastened to the
rear surface of the flexible sheet 311 by means of the
hook-and-loop fastener. The flexible sheet 311 has both lateral
ends which are respectively sewed to the both width surface of the
seat 300. It is noted that the flexible sheet 311 is preferably
made of a hard foamed material.
[0057] FIG. 8 shows a controller 240 being configured to control
the air-bags 420, 430, 310, the electromagnetic valves 210, and the
pump 220. The controller 240 includes a pump control circuit 241
and the valve control circuit 242. The controller 240 sends a
control signal on the basis of setting of an operation device
operated by the user. When the valve control circuit 241 receives
the control signal, the valve control circuit 242 opens and closes
the electromagnetic valves 210 on the basis of the control signal.
In addition, when the pump control circuit 241 receives the control
signal, the pump control circuit 241 controls the pump 220 to start
or stop. Consequently, the pump 220 sends the air to the air-bag
420, 430, and 310 through the hoses 230. Furthermore, the
controller 240 controls the valve control circuit 242 and the pump
control circuit 241 respectively in order to expand and contract
the air-bags 420, 430, 310.
[0058] The chair type stretching apparatus 100 operates as follows.
When the setting is entered by the operation device, the controller
340 controls the pump 220 and the electromagnetic valves 210 in
order to send the air to the air-bags 420 and 430. Because the
air-bags 420 and 430 are disposed on the front surface of the
backrest 400, the air-bags 420 and 430 expands toward the front
direction of the backrest 400. Consequently, the air-bags 420 and
430 apply the force along the front direction of the backrest 400
to the both width ends of the flexible sheets 421 and 431. That is,
the air-bag 420 and 430 act as pressurizing means being configured
to apply the force toward the front direction of the backrest to
the flexible sheets 421 and 431. Both the lateral ends of the
flexible sheets 421 and 431 are sewed to the both width surfaces of
the backrest 400. Therefore, the air-bags 420, 430 generates the
tensional force along outwardly the width direction of the flexible
sheets 420 and 430 according to the expansion of the air-bags 420
and 430. That is, the air-bags 420 and 430 act as the tension means
which is configured to generate the tensional force which are along
the flexible sheets 420 and 430 and which are applied to the
flexible sheets 420 and 430. When the air-bags 420 and 430 applies
the tensional force along the lateral direction of the flexible
sheet 421, 431, the air-bags 420 and 430 moves the lateral center
of the flexible sheets 421 and 431 to front-back directions.
[0059] In addition, on the basis of the setting of the operation
device, the controller 240 controls the pump 220 and the
electromagnetic valves 210, whereby the pump 220 sends the air to
the air-bag 310. The air-bags 310 are disposed on the top surface
of the seat 300. Therefore, the air-bags 310 expand toward the
upper direction of the seat 300. Consequently, the air-bags 310
apply the force toward the upper direction of the seat 300 to both
the width ends of the flexible sheet 310 on the seat 300. That is,
the air-bags 310 act as the pressurizing means for applying the
pressure toward the upper direction of the seat 311. Both the width
ends of the flexible sheet 311 are sewed to both the lateral
surface of the seat 300. Therefore, when the air-bags 310 are
expanded, the air-bags 310 generate the tensional force along
outwardly the width direction of the flexible sheet 311. That is,
the air-bags 310 act as the tension means being configured to
generate the tensional force which is along the width direction of
the seat and which is applied to the flexible sheet 310. The
air-bags 310 move the width center of the flexible sheet 311 toward
the upper direction by applying the tensional force along the
lateral direction of the flexible sheet 311 to the flexible sheet
311.
[0060] The chair type stretching device 100 with this configuration
makes it possible to give the stretch to the user who sits on the
seat and leans against the backrest. FIG. 3 (b) shows the chair
type stretching device 100 which moves the user's lower back by
controlling the air-bags 430 which is disposed on the position
corresponding to the user's lower back. In addition, FIG. 3 (a)
shows the chair type stretching device 100 which moves the user's
buttock by controlling the air-bags 310 which is disposed on the
position corresponding to the user's buttocks.
[0061] FIG. 4 shows a chair type stretching apparatus 100 of a
first modification of the first embodiment. In this modification,
the backrest 400 includes the air-bags 420 (420L and 420R), and the
flexible sheet 421. The air-bags 420L and 420R are disposed on
backrest 400 to be located at a position corresponding to the
user's back. The flexible sheet 421 is disposed on the backrest 400
to be located at a position being faced to the user's back. The
seat 300 includes the air-bags 310 (310L and 310R) and the flexible
sheet 311. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the air-bag 420L and 310L are
respectively disposed on the left side of the backrest 400 and the
left side of the seat 300. The pump 220 sends the air to the
air-bag 420L and 310L. Consequently, the flexible sheets 421 and
311 respectively have left ends which are located in the projected
positions with respect to the backrest 400 and the seat 300.
Therefore, the chair type stretching apparatus 100 gives the
stretch of turning of the user to the right about an axis along a
height of the user.
[0062] In addition, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the pump 220 sends the
air to the air-bag 421L disposed on the left side of the backrest
400. Consequently, the flexible sheet 421 has its left end being
located in the projected position. On the other hand, the pump 220
sends the air to the air-bag 310R disposed on the right side of the
backrest 400. Consequently, the flexible sheet 311 has its right
end being located in the projected position. Therefore, the
flexible sheet 421 and 311 gives the stretch to the user sitting on
the chair type stretching apparatus. In particular, the chair type
stretching apparatus turns the user's upper body to the right about
the axis along a height of the user. On the other hand, the chair
type stretching apparatus turns the user's lower body to the left
about the axis along the height of the user. Consequently, this
configuration makes it possible for the chair type stretching
apparatus to give the stretch of twisting an upper body of the user
with respect to the lower body.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the first embodiment and the
first modification of the chair type stretching apparatus. FIG. 5
shows the condition of the user's upper body with respect to the
chair type stretching apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the chair
type stretching apparatus with the above configuration is
configured to move the user's upper body toward the front position
regardless of the width of the body of the user. In addition, as
shown in FIG. 5 (c), the chair type stretching apparatus with this
configuration may turn the user's body to the right regardless of
the width of the body of the user.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows a chair type stretching apparatus of a second
modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, the
chair type stretching apparatus comprises a stretching unit 350.
The stretching unit 350 is provided at its top surface with a
flexible sheet. The stretching unit 350 is shaped to have a sack.
The air-bags 310 are disposed within the stretching unit 350.
[0065] The stretching unit 350 of this modification is shaped to
cover an entire top surface of the seat 300. The stretching unit
350 is provided at its front end with the fastener 351. That is,
the stretching unit 350 is detachably attached to the seat 300 by
mean of the fastener 351.
[0066] The stretching unit 350 includes a hose 230 which is
communicated with the air-bags 310. The hose 230 is pulled
outwardly from the width surface of the stretching unit 350. The
hose 230 has its one end with a connecting port (not shown) which
is connected to the pump 220. The pump 220 is configured to send
the air to the air-bags 310 through the hose 230.
[0067] Therefore, when the stretching unit 350 having the flexible
sheet 311 is disposed in a close relation to a top surface of the
backrest 400, the air-bags 350 are respectively configured to apply
tensional force along the lateral direction to the flexible sheet
according to the expansion of the air-bags 310. Consequently, it is
possible to obtain the chair type stretching apparatus being
configured to give the stretch to the user. It is noted that the
stretching unit 350 preferably has a plurality of fasteners 451
each of which extend along the lateral direction to form a
plurality of lines. In this case, it is possible to select the one
line of the fasteners for attaching the stretching unit 350 to the
seat 300. Consequently, the vertical position of the stretching
unit 350 is varied. In addition, it is also possible to detach the
stretching unit 350 from the seat 300 when the chair type
stretching apparatus needs to give no stretch to the user.
[0068] FIG. 10 shows a chair type stretching apparatus of a third
modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, the
flexible sheet 311 is provided at its both lateral ends of the rear
surface with the hook tapes (not shown). The seat 300 is provided
at its both lateral surfaces with certain areas. The certain areas
hold the loop tapes 312, respectively. Consequently, the flexible
sheet 311 is detachably attached to both the lateral surfaces of
the backrest 400.
[0069] Therefore, the chair type stretching apparatus is configured
to give the stretch to the user when the flexible sheet 311 is
disposed on the seat 300 and also the air-bags 310 are expanded. In
addition, the loop tapes 312 are disposed on the certain areas of
the both lateral surface of the seat 300. Therefore, the flexible
sheet 311 has both lateral ends which are respectively detachably
attached to the certain areas of the both lateral surfaces of the
seat 300. Consequently, it is possible to vary slack in the lateral
direction of the flexible sheet 311. As a result, it is possible to
adjust intensity of the stretch which is given to the user. In
addition, the flexible sheet 311 is movable along a front-back
direction. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the position for
giving the stretch to the user. It is noted that it is only
required for the flexible sheet 311 to have one lateral end which
is detachably attached to the seat 300.
[0070] FIG. 11 shows a fourth modification of the first embodiment
of the chair type stretching apparatus. In this modification, the
seat 300 is provided at its left end of the top surface with a wall
380 instead of the air-bag. The seat 300 is provided at its right
end of the top surface with the air-bag 310. The flexible sheet 421
is located on the wall 380 and the air-bag 310. The left end of the
flexible sheet 311 is fixed to a top end of the wall 380. The right
end of the flexible sheet 311 is fixed to the right side surface of
the backrest 300. When the air-bag 310 is expanded, the top front
end of the air-bag 310 is moved to a position in the vertical
direction. As a result, the top end of the air-bag 310 is located
at a level same as the level of the top end of the wall 480.
[0071] With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), when the
air-bag 310 is expanded, the air-bag 310 applies the tensional
force along the lateral direction of the flexible sheet 311 to the
flexible sheet 311. When the tensional force is applied to the
flexible sheet 311, the width center of the flexible sheet 311 is
moved toward to upper direction. As a result, the flexible sheet
311 moves a portion of the user corresponding to the lateral center
of the flexible sheet 311. That is, the flexible sheet 311 moves
the user's buttocks toward the upper direction. As a result, the
chair type stretching apparatus gives the stretch to the user. In
addition, when the air-bag 310 is contracted as shown in FIG. 11
(a), the flexible sheet 311 has a slack condition. As a result, the
flexible sheet is moved toward a normal position, thereby the
user's buttocks are moved toward a position along the seat 300. It
is noted that seat 300 in this modification is provided at its left
end with the wall 380, and is provided at its right end with the
air-bag 310. However, it is possible to employ the seat 300 which
is provided at its right end with the wall, and is provided at its
left end with the air-bag.
[0072] FIG. 12 shows a fifth modification of the embodiment of the
chair type stretching apparatus. In this modification, the seat 300
has the walls 380 and rollers 390 instead of the air-bags. That is,
the seat 300 is provided at its both lateral end of the front
surface with the walls 380. Both the walls 380 extend toward the
upper direction of the seat 300. The rollers 390 are disposed on
both the lateral surfaces of the seat 300. The walls 380 are
located between the flexible sheet 311 and the seat 300. The
rollers 390 hold the both lateral ends of the flexible sheets 311.
Both the rollers 390 are configured to wrap the flexible sheet 311,
thereby generating the tensional force along the lateral direction
of the flexible sheet 311. That is, the rollers 390 act as the
tension means.
[0073] The controller 240 is configured to control the roller 390
such that the rollers 390 wrap the flexible sheet 311.
Consequently, the rollers 390 apply the tensional force along the
lateral direction of the flexible sheet 311. Therefore, the rollers
390 move the width center of the flexible sheet to the front
direction. As a result, the flexible sheet 311 moves the portion of
the user corresponding to the width center of the flexible sheet
311. Consequently, the chair type stretching apparatus gives the
stretch to the user.
[0074] Next a modification of the seat 300 with using the air-bag
is explained.
[0075] FIG. 13 (a) shows a sixth modification of the chair type
stretching apparatus. As shown in FIG. 13 (a), the seat 300 is
provided with the air-bag 310 and a plate 500. The plate 500 is
fixed on the front end of the air-bag 310. The plate 500 is hard. A
front surface of the plate 500 holds the flexible sheet 311.
Furthermore, the plate 500 has both horizontal ends which are
respectively rotatably fixed to one ends of the support members
510, 520. The seat 300 rotatably supports the front end of the
support member 520. The seat 300 is provided at its top surface
with the slide member 540. The slide member 540 rotatably supports
the rear end of the support member 510, and also slidably supports
the rear end of the support member 510.
[0076] When the air-bag 310 receives the air from the pump, the
slide member 540 slides the rear end of the support member 510
toward a front direction. According to movement of the rear end of
the support member 510, the rear end of the support member 510
rotates such that the support member 510 allows the plate 510 to
move toward the upper direction. As a result, the plate 510 applies
the tensional force along the width direction to the flexible sheet
421. Therefore, the user applies the force to the air-bag 310 and
the plate 500. The support members 510 and 520 gradually stand with
respect to the top surface of the seat 300. As a result, a large
ratio of the force applied from the user to the air-bag 310 and the
plate 500 is supported by the support members 510 and 520. That is,
a ratio of the force applied from the user to the air-bag 420 is
reduced. Thus, this configuration makes it possible to move the
user's buttocks toward the upper direction with low force.
[0077] In the seventh modification shown in FIG. 13 (b), one end of
a support member 530 is rotatably supported by the top surface of
the seat 300, and the other end of the support member 530 is fixed
to the flexible sheet 311. The top surface of the seat 300 holds
the bottom surface of the air-bags 310 having the bellows. The top
surface of the air-bags 310 is fixed to a portion between a portion
of the support member 530 and the flexible sheet 311.
[0078] When the air-bag 310 receives the air from the pump 220, the
air-bag 310 is expanded. According of expansion of the air-bag 310,
the one end of the support member 530 is moved toward the front
direction, while the other end of the support member 530 is
rotated. In this case, the air-bag 310 moves the flexible sheet 311
by the force generated by the principle of leverage and large
stroke. Therefore, the air-bag 310 is capable of applying the
tensional force to the flexible sheet.
[0079] Although the present invention is described with particular
reference to the above illustrated embodiment and modifications,
the present invention should not be limited thereto, and should be
interpreted to encompass any combinations of the individual
features of the embodiment and modifications.
* * * * *