Patent Grant
10449115
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an acupressure tool, an acupressure tool set comprising the same, and a method for arranging the same, and more specifically to an acupressure tool capable of accurately identifying and applying pressure to a local area near a mastoid, an acupressure tool set comprising the same, and a method for arranging the same.
Description of the Background Art
Acupressure treatment has been generally widely practiced by chiropractors as a treatment for stiff shoulders. This acupressure treatment refers to a treatment in which the chiropractor places his/her fingers on a local area of the patient's body and leans his/her weight thereon, applying pressure thereto. In this acupressure treatment, acupressure along an interscapular region between a scapula and a spine, an upper scapular region above the scapula on an upper shoulder surface, and neck muscles is considered effective. Nevertheless, it is difficult to always receive acupressure treatment by a chiropractor whenever or soon after shoulders become stiff.
Thus, various kinds of acupressure tools have been proposed which allow a user to apply acupressure treatment on his/her own (refer to Patent Document 1, for example). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an acupressure tool 101 comprising a core rod 102, and a pair of long elastic bodies 103. Each of the elastic bodies 103 is disposed so as to intersect an axial direction of this core rod 102, bends along an outer face of the core rod 102, and is attached to the core rod 102, as illustrated in
part of neck muscles), lower scapular regions, lumbar regions, and the like along with effective pressure points (so-called acupressure points) as acupressure areas disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 (refer to pp. 23 and 72). FIG. 54 also illustrates the upper scapular regions as pressure points. In FIG. 54, 200 denotes the scapula, 202 denotes the interscapular region between the scapula and the spine, and 202a denotes a pressure point in the interscapular region. Further, in FIG. 54, 204 denotes the rear neck region, and 204a denotes a pressure point in the rear neck region. Furthermore, 206 denotes the upper scapular region positioned above the scapula in an upper shoulder region as a pressure point. Further, in FIG. 54, 302 denotes the lower scapular region, and 302a denotes a pressure point in the lower scapular region. Further, in FIG. 54, 303 denotes the lumbar region, and 303a denotes a pressure point in the lumbar region. Furthermore, in FIG. 54, 304 denotes a Namikoshi pressure point. Further, in FIG. 54, 305 denotes an upper iliac crest region, and 305a denotes a pressure point in the upper iliac crest region. Further, in FIG. 54, 306 denotes a gluteal region, and 306a denotes a pressure point in the gluteal region. Furthermore, in FIG. 54, 307 denotes a sacrum region, and 307a denotes a pressure point in the sacrum region. Further, FIG. 55A illustrates a side neck region along with effective pressure points as an acupressure area disclosed in the same Non-Patent Document (refer to pp. 48 and 22). In FIG. 55A, 208 denotes the side neck region, and 208a denotes a pressure point in the side neck region. It should be noted that, in FIG. 55A, 210 denotes the mastoid. Furthermore, FIG. 55B illustrates a lower leg outside region along with effective pressure points as an acupressure area disclosed in the same Non-Patent Document (refer to p. 38). In FIG. 55B, 309 denotes the lower leg outside region, and 309a denotes a pressure point in the lower leg outside region.
Here, Non-Patent Document 2 (refer to pp. 12 to 14) discloses that applying acupressure to a local area P (specifically, the section P that is 1 mm downward and 1 mm frontward from a tip of the mastoid 210; refer to
Nevertheless, in the acupressure tool 101 of Patent Document 1 described above, the elastic bodies 103 are each formed so as to include a pressure part 103a (refer to FIGS. 56 and 57) arranged on an upper face side of the core rod 102. This pressure part 103a has a constant thickness along a direction of extension, making it difficult to accurately identify the local area near the mastoid, which is in a location recessed from a section normally contacted.
Further, in the acupressure tool 101 of Patent Document 1 described above, the elastic bodies 103 each further comprise a pressure part 103b (refer to FIGS. 56 and 57) arranged near one end side thereof in a longitudinal direction, and a front face edge of a vertical cross section of this pressure part 103b is substantially linear in shape. As a result, pressure is applied to a curved surface area of the body by the linear pressure part, merely allowing pressure to be applied to a specific area of the interscapular region, for example. Furthermore, such a configuration does not allow pressure to be effectively applied to the upper scapular region.
The known mechanism that causes stiff shoulders is as follows. When fatigue and stiffness in the lumbar region of the body are left untreated, stiffness then builds in the muscles along the spine. When stiffness in the muscles along the spine is left untreated, stiffness then builds in the shoulder regions. When stiffness in the shoulder regions is left untreated, stiffness then ultimately develops in the neck region. In other words, stiffness starts in the lumbar region, and rises to the upper regions of the body. Thus, by relieving stiffness in the head region, shoulder regions, as well as other sections of the body, it is possible to more reliably remove or alleviate stiff shoulders. Accordingly, development of an acupressure tool set capable of achieving such relief is needed.
The present invention was achieved in light of the above, and therefore an object of the present invention is to provide an acupressure tool capable of accurately identifying and applying pressure to a local area near a mastoid. Further, another object of the present invention, in addition to the above-described object, is to provide an acupressure tool capable of effectively applying pressure to a shoulder region having a curved surface shape. Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an acupressure tool set capable of more reliably removing or alleviating stiff shoulders, and a method for arranging the acupressure tool set.
To solve the above-described problems, the present invention according to claim 1 is an acupressure tool comprising a core rod and a pair of long elastic bodies which are attached to the core rod, the elastic bodies being attached to the core rod by being arranged intersecting an axial direction of the core rod and bent along an outer face of the core rod. The elastic bodies comprise a first pressure part arranged on an upper face side of the core rod, and a first tapered face is formed on a rear face side of the first pressure part, the first tapered face lying obliquely to a direction of extension of the first pressure part and abutting the outer face of the core rod.
The present invention according to claim 2 is the acupressure tool according to claim 1, wherein the elastic bodies further comprise a second pressure part arranged near one end side in a longitudinal direction of the elastic bodies, a front face edge of a vertical cross section of the second pressure part having a substantially curved shape.
The present invention according to claim 3 is the acupressure tool according to claim 2, wherein the elastic bodies further comprise a third pressure part arranged between the first pressure part and the second pressure part, a front face edge of a vertical cross section of the third pressure part having a substantially linear shape.
The present invention according to claim 4 is the acupressure tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic bodies further comprise a support part that supports an outer face of the core rod in an upright state, and a second tapered face is formed on a rear face side of the support part, the second tapered face lying obliquely to a direction of extension of the support part and abutting the outer face of the core rod.
The present invention according to claim 5 is the acupressure tool according to claim 4, wherein the elastic bodies further comprise a fourth pressure part arranged on an upper face side of the core rod between the first pressure part and the support part, a thickness of the fourth pressure part being 2 to 5 mm.
The present invention according to claim 6 is the acupressure tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a rib that extends in the direction of extension of the first pressure part is provided on the rear face side of the first pressure part, the first tapered face being formed by a lower face of the rib.
The present invention according to claim 7 is the acupressure tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first tapered face is arranged in a concave part that is indented toward an upper face side and formed on a lower face side of the elastic bodies.
To solve the above-described problems, the present invention according to claim 8 is an acupressure tool set comprising the first acupressure tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for applying pressure to a head region and/or shoulder regions of the body, and another acupressure tool for applying pressure to a section of the body different from the section having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool. The other acupressure tool comprises a core rod and a pair of long elastic bodies which are attached to the core rod, the elastic bodies being attached to the core rod by being arranged intersecting an axial direction of the core rod and bent along an outer face of the core rod, and an upper face of each of the elastic bodies being formed into a convex curved surface that is upwardly convex in a horizontal cross section.
The present invention according to claim 9 is the acupressure tool set according to claim 8, wherein the other acupressure tool comprises a second acupressure tool for applying pressure to muscles along the spine of the body.
The present invention according to claim 10 is the acupressure tool set according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the other acupressure tool comprises a third acupressure tool for applying pressure to a lumbar region and/or a gluteal region of the body.
The present invention according to claim 11 is the acupressure tool set according to claim 10, wherein the third acupressure tool comprises left and right lateral acupressure tools, the lateral acupressure tools having an axial center of the core rod arranged obliquely to an axial center of the core rod of the first acupressure tool.
The present invention according to claim 12 is the acupressure tool set according to claim 11, wherein the third acupressure tool comprises a center acupressure tool, the center acupressure tool having an axial center of the core rod arranged parallel to the axial center of the core rod of the first acupressure tool.
The present invention according to claim 13 is the acupressure tool set according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the other acupressure tool further comprises a fourth acupressure tool for applying pressure to a calf region of a leg region of the body, and a fifth acupressure tool for applying pressure to an Achilles tendon region of the leg region of the body.
The present invention according to claim 14 is the acupressure tool set according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the other acupressure tool further comprises a sixth acupressure tool for applying pressure to a left arm region of the body, and a seventh acupressure tool for applying pressure to a right arm region of the body.
The present invention according to claim 15 is the acupressure tool set according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the other acupressure tool further comprises left and right shoulder acupressure tools for applying pressure to shoulder regions of the body, the shoulder acupressure tools having an axial center of the core rod arranged obliquely to the axial center of the core rod of the first acupressure tool.
To solve the above-described problems, the present invention according to claim 16 is a method for arranging the acupressure tool set according to any one of claims 8 to 15, the method comprising the steps of arranging the first acupressure tool in a first predetermined position on an installation surface so that the head region and/or the shoulder regions of the body are placed thereon, and arranging the other acupressure tool in another predetermined position on the installation surface so that a section different from the section having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool is placed thereon.
According to the acupressure tool of the present invention, the acupressure tool comprises the core rod and the pair of long elastic bodies which are attached to the core rod, the elastic bodies being attached to the core rod by being arranged intersecting the axial direction of the core rod and bent along the outer face of the core rod. Then, the elastic bodies described above comprise the first pressure part arranged on the upper face side of the core rod, and the first tapered face is formed on the rear face side of the first pressure part, the first tapered face lying obliquely to a direction of extension of the first pressure part and abutting the outer face of the core rod. With this arrangement, when the head region and the shoulder regions are placed on the front face sides of the elastic bodies, the resulting elastic deformation of the elastic bodies caused by gravity and the softness of the elastic bodies themselves loosen muscles and improve circulation, achieving effects similar to those of acupressure. Further, the first tapered face on the rear face side of the first pressure part abuts the outer face of the core rod, forming a convex curved surface part on the front face side of the first pressure part. As a result, when the head region and shoulder regions are placed on the front face sides of the elastic bodies, it is possible to accurately identify a local area near the mastoids by the first pressure part and apply pressure using an appropriate pressing force. This makes it possible to remove or alleviate stiff shoulders.
Further, when the elastic bodies comprise the second pressure part arranged near the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the elastic bodies and the front face edge of the vertical cross section of the second pressure part is a substantially curved shape, the second pressure part can strongly apply pressure to the shoulder region by hitting a point when the shoulder region (the interscapular region or the upper scapular region, for example) having a curved surface shape is placed on the front face side of the second pressure part. This makes it possible to thoroughly apply pressure to all sections of the curved surface area, from the upper scapular region to the interscapular region.
Further, when the elastic bodies comprise the third pressure part arranged between the first pressure part and the second pressure part, and the front face edge of the vertical cross section of the third pressure part has a substantially linear shape, the third pressure part can softly apply pressure to the shoulder region by hitting a line when the shoulder region (the interscapular region, for example) is placed on the front face side of the third pressure part.
Further, when the elastic bodies comprise the support part that supports the outer face of the core rod in an upright state, and the second tapered face is formed on the rear face side of the support part, the second tapered face lying obliquely to the direction of extension of the support part and abutting the outer face of the core rod, the support part is elastically deformed and the core rod slides across the second tapered face when the head region and the shoulder regions are placed on the front face sides of the elastic bodies, making it possible to more accurately identify local areas near the mastoids by the first pressure part and further apply pressure using an appropriate pressing force. Furthermore, the second tapered face can increase a strength of the support part.
Further, when the elastic bodies further comprise the fourth pressure part arranged on the upper face side of the core rod between the first pressure part and the support part, and the thickness of the fourth pressure part is 2 to 5 mm, the fourth pressure part having a thin thickness can softly apply pressure to the head region when the head region is placed on the front face side of the fourth pressure part.
Furthermore, when the rib that extends in the direction of extension of the first pressure part is provided on the rear face side of the first pressure part, and the first tapered face is formed by the lower face of the rib, the first pressure part can more accurately identify a local area near the mastoid and further apply pressure using an appropriate pressing force.
Furthermore, when the first tapered face is arranged in the concave part that is indented toward the upper face side and formed on the lower face side of the elastic bodies, the first tapered face can be more easily formed.
According to the acupressure tool set of the present invention, the acupressure tool set comprises the aforementioned first acupressure tool for applying pressure to the head region and/or shoulder regions of the body, and another acupressure tool for applying pressure to a section of the body different from the section having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool. Then, the other acupressure tool comprises the core rod and the pair of long elastic bodies which are attached to the core rod, the elastic bodies being attached to the core rod by being arranged intersecting the axial direction of the core rod and bent along the outer face of the core rod, the upper face of the elastic bodies being formed into the convex curved surface that is upwardly convex in the horizontal cross section. With this arrangement, pressure is applied to the head region and/or the shoulder regions of the body by the elastic bodies of the first acupressure tool, and pressure is applied to a section of the body different from the section having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool by the elastic bodies of the other acupressure tool. In particular, pressure is effectively applied to a pressure point of the body by the convex curved surface of the elastic bodies of the other acupressure tool. As a result, in addition to the head region and/or shoulder regions of the body by the first acupressure tool, the fatigue and stiffness of a section other than that having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool are removed by the other acupressure tool, making it possible to more reliably remove or alleviate stiff shoulders.
Further, when the other acupressure tool comprises the second acupressure tool for applying pressure to muscles along the spine of the body, pressure is applied to the muscles along the spine (for example, a first pressure point of a lower scapular region 302; also referred to as a “Kanyu acupressure point”; refer to
Further, when the other acupressure tool comprises the third acupressure tool for applying pressure to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region of the body, pressure is applied to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region (for example, the Namikoshi pressure point; refer to
Further, when the third acupressure tool comprises the left and right lateral acupressure tools, the lateral acupressure tools having the axial center of the core rod arranged obliquely to the axial center of the core rod of the first acupressure tool, pressure is applied to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region (in particular, the lumbar region and the sacrum region including the Jinyu and Shishitsu acupressure points, and the lumbar region including the Namikoshi pressure point 304) of the body by the left and right lateral acupressure tools. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent lumbar pain and posture deterioration (that is, lumbar curvature). Further, a combination of the first acupressure tool and the left and right lateral acupressure tools can be used for a long period of time for restful and sound sleep.
Further, when the third acupressure tool comprises the center acupressure tool, the center acupressure tool having the axial center of the core rod arranged parallel to the axial center of the core rod of the first acupressure tool, a shift in the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region is prevented by the center acupressure tool. This makes it possible to remove fatigue and stiffness from the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region by the left and right lateral acupressure tools and the center acupressure tool in a stable manner.
Further, when the other acupressure tool comprises the fourth acupressure tool for applying pressure to the calf region of the leg region of the body, and the fifth acupressure tool for applying pressure to the Achilles tendon region of the leg region of the body, pressure is applied to the calf region of the leg region (for example, a first pressure point of the lower leg outside region 309; also referred to a “Sanri” acupressure point of the leg; refer to
Furthermore, when the other acupressure tool comprises the sixth acupressure tool for applying pressure to the left arm region of the body, and the seventh acupressure tool for applying pressure to the right arm region of the body, pressure is applied to the left arm region (in particular, a forearm region and a wrist region) of the body by the elastic bodies of the sixth acupressure tool, and to the right arm region (in particular, a forearm region and a wrist region) of the body by the elastic bodies of the seventh acupressure tool. As a result, fatigue and stiffness are removed from the arm regions in addition to the head region and/or shoulder regions and the like of the body.
In particular, when the other acupressure tool comprises the first to seventh acupressure tools, the entire body is placed on the first to seventh acupressure tools stabilized on the ground to completely float the entire body in the air by the acupressure tools. In this state, pressure is applied to each of the acupressure points across the entire body. A person receiving pressure (acupressure) becomes completely relaxed. This pressure effect is effective in restoring health to the mind and body. That is, the fatigue and stiffness of the muscles of the entire body are removed or alleviated and tension is released, thereby relaxing the mind and thus reducing mental stress.
Furthermore, when the other acupressure tool comprises the left and right shoulder acupressure tools for applying pressure to the shoulder regions of the body, the shoulder acupressure tools having the axial center of the core rod arranged obliquely to the axial center of the core rod of the first acupressure tool, pressure is applied to the shoulder regions (in particular, the shoulder regions that includes the scapula regions) of the body by the left and right shoulder acupressure tools. Further, a combination of the first acupressure tool and the left and right shoulder acupressure tools can be used as a pillow for restful and sound sleep for a long period of time.
According to the method for arranging the acupressure tool set of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of arranging the first acupressure tool in the first predetermined position on the installation surface so that the head region and/or the shoulder regions of the body are placed thereon, and arranging the other acupressure tool in another predetermined position on the installation surface so that a section of the body different from the section having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool is placed thereon. With this arrangement, pressure is applied to the head region and/or the shoulder regions of the body by the elastic bodies of the first acupressure tool, and pressure is applied to a section of the body different from the section having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool by the elastic bodies of the other acupressure tool. In particular, pressure is effectively applied to a pressure point of the body by the convex curved surface of the elastic bodies of the other acupressure tool. As a result, in addition to the head region and/or shoulder regions of the body by the first acupressure tool, the fatigue and stiffness of a section other than that having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool are removed by the other acupressure tool, making it possible to more reliably remove or alleviate stiff shoulders.
The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description is taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.
The acupressure tool according to this embodiment comprises a core rod (2) and a pair of long elastic bodies (3, 3′, 3″) which are attached to the core rod, the elastic bodies being attached to the core rod by being arranged intersecting an axial direction of the core rod and bent along an outer face of the core rod (refer to
An inclination angle (01) of the above-described first tapered face (21, 21′) with respect to the first pressure part (11) can be selected as appropriate in correspondence with a pressing force of the first pressure part on a local area near a mastoid (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool according to this embodiment include a form in which the above-described elastic bodies (3, 3′, 3″) comprise a second pressure part (12) arranged near one end side in a longitudinal direction of the elastic bodies, a front face edge of a vertical cross section of the second pressure part having a substantially curved shape (refer to
A radius of curvature (R) of a front face edge of the above-described second pressure part (12) can be selected as appropriate in accordance with the pressure of the second pressure part with respect to an interscapular region and an upper scapular region (refer to
In the case of the aforementioned form, for example, the above-described elastic bodies (3, 3′, 3″) may further comprise a third pressure part (13) arranged between the first pressure part (11) and the second pressure part (12), a front face edge of a vertical cross section of the third pressure part having a substantially linear shape (refer to
An inclination angle (θ3) of the front face edge of the above-described third pressure part (13) with respect to horizontality can be selected as appropriate in accordance with the pressing force of the third pressure part with respect to the interscapular region and the upper scapular region (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool according to this embodiment include a form in which the above-described elastic bodies (3, 3′, 3″) comprise a support part (15) that supports an outer face of the core rod (2) in an upright state, and a second tapered face (22) is formed on a rear face side of the support part, the second tapered face lying obliquely to a direction of extension (D2) of the support part and abutting the outer face of the core rod (refer to
An inclination angle (θ2) of the above-described second tapered face (22) can be selected as appropriate in accordance with a level of sliding of the support part (15) across the core rod (2) or the like (refer to
In the case of the aforementioned form, examples of the acupressure tool include a form in which the above-described elastic bodies (3, 3′, 3″) further comprise a fourth pressure part (14) arranged on the upper face side of the core rod (2) between the first pressure part (11) and the support part (15), a thickness (t) of the fourth pressure part being 2 to 5 mm (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool according to this embodiment include a form in which a rib (17) that extends in the direction of extension (D1) of the first pressure part is provided on the rear face side of the above-described first pressure part (11), the first tapered face (21) being formed by a lower face of the rib (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool according to this embodiment include a form in which the upper face of each of the above-described elastic bodies (3, 3′, 3″) is formed into a convex curved surface (preferably an arc-shaped convex curved surface) that is upwardly convex in a horizontal cross section (refer to
The acupressure tool set (30) according to this embodiment comprises the aforementioned first acupressure tool (1) for applying pressure to a head region and/or shoulder regions of the body, and another acupressure tool for applying pressure to a section of the body (a section other than the head region of the body, for example) different from the section having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool set according to this embodiment include a form in which the above-described other acupressure tool comprises a second acupressure tool (32) for applying pressure to the muscles along the spine of the body (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool set according to this embodiment include a form in which the above-described other acupressure tool comprises a third acupressure tool (33) for applying pressure to a lumbar region and/or a gluteal region of the body (refer to
The above-described third acupressure tool, for example, comprises left and right lateral acupressure tools (405), and each of the lateral acupressure tools (405) may be arranged so that an axial center of a core rod (405a) of the lateral acupressure tool lies obliquely to the axial center of the core rod (2) of the first acupressure tool (1) (refer to
The above-described third acupressure tool, for example, comprises the above-described left and right lateral acupressure tools (405) and center acupressure tool (404), the center acupressure tool (404) may be arranged so that the axial center of the core rod (404a) of the center acupressure tool is parallel with respect to the axial center of the core rod (2) of the first acupressure tool (1) (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool set according to this embodiment include a form in which the above-described other acupressure tool further comprises a fourth acupressure tool (34) for applying pressure to a calf region of a leg region of the body, and a fifth acupressure tool (35) for applying pressure to an Achilles tendon region of the leg region of the body (refer to
In the case of the aforementioned form, for example, the above-described fourth acupressure tool (34) and fifth acupressure tool (35) may each comprise two pairs of elastic bodies (62, 72) (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool set according to this embodiment include a form in which the above-described other acupressure tool further comprises a sixth acupressure tool (36) for applying pressure to a left arm region of the body, and a seventh acupressure tool (37) for applying pressure to a right arm region of the body (refer to
Examples of the acupressure tool set according to this embodiment include a form in which the above-described other acupressure tool further comprises left and right shoulder acupressure tools (401) for applying pressure to the shoulder regions of the body (refer to
The method for arranging the acupressure tool set according to this embodiment is a method for arranging the aforementioned acupressure tool set (30), comprising the steps of arranging the above-described first acupressure tool (1) in a first predetermined position (P1) on an installation surface (99) so that the head region and/or the shoulder regions of the body are placed thereon, and arranging the other acupressure tool in another predetermined position (P2 to P7) on the installation surface so that a section of the body (a section other than the head region of the body, for example) different from the section having pressure applied thereto by the first acupressure tool is placed thereon (refer to
It should be noted that the reference numerals in the parentheses of each configuration described in the above-described embodiment indicate corresponding relationships with specific configurations described in examples described later.
The following specifically describes the present invention by examples using the drawings.
The acupressure tool 1 according to this example, as illustrated in
A groove 4 that extends in a circumferential direction is formed on a front face side of each of the above-described elastic bodies 3, as illustrated in
Each of the above-described elastic bodies 3, as illustrated in
The above-described elastic bodies 3, as illustrated in
The above-described first pressure part 11 is arranged on an upper face side of the core rod 2, as illustrated in
The above-described second pressure part 12 is arranged near one end side in the longitudinal direction of the elastic body 3 (that is, in a position adjacent to the leg 9), as illustrated in
The above-described third pressure part 13 is arranged between the first pressure part 11 and the second pressure part 12, as illustrated in
The above-described fourth pressure part 14, as illustrated in
The above-described support part 15 is arranged between the fourth pressure part 14 and the leg 8, as illustrated in
Here, as illustrated in
Next, the action of the acupressure tool 1 of the above-described configuration will be described. First, the acupressure tool 1 is placed on the installation surface such as a floor and the user lies on his/her back on the acupressure tool. Then, as illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
Subsequently, as illustrated in
It should be noted that, when the head region and the shoulder regions are placed on the front face sides of the elastic bodies 3 as described above, the core rod 2 slides across the second tapered face 22 of the support part 15 and the elastic bodies 3 overall elastically deform in a vertical direction by the gravity thereof, as indicated by the imaginary lines in
From the above, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the acupressure tool 1 comprises the core rod 2 and the pair of long elastic bodies 3 which are attached to the core rod 2, the elastic bodies 3 being attached to the core rod 2 by being arranged intersecting the axial direction of the core rod 2 and bent along the outer face of the core rod 2. Then, the elastic bodies 3 each comprise the first pressure part 11 arranged on the upper face side of the core rod 2, and the first tapered face 21 is formed on the rear face side of the first pressure part 11, the first tapered face 21 lying obliquely to the direction of extension D1 of the first pressure part 11 and abutting the outer face of the core rod 2. With this arrangement, when the head region and the shoulder regions are placed on the front face sides of the elastic bodies 2, the resulting elastic deformation of the elastic bodies 3 caused by gravity and the softness of the elastic bodies 3 themselves loosen muscles and improve circulation, achieving effects similar to those of acupressure. Further, the first tapered face 21 on the rear face side of the first pressure part 11 abuts the outer face of the core rod 2, forming a convex curved surface part 11a on the front face side of the first pressure part 11. As a result, when the head region and the shoulder regions are placed on the front face side of the elastic bodies 3, it is possible to accurately identify the local area P near the mastoids by the first pressure parts 11 and apply pressure using an appropriate pressing force. This makes it possible to remove or alleviate stiff shoulders.
In particular, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, an amateur can reliably take care of his/her own body on par with a skilled person. For example, the user can remove stiff shoulders and pass the time without awareness of stiff shoulders for a favorable period of time each day. This makes it possible to prevent illness originating from stiff shoulders and contribute to a reduction in medical fees. Further, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, pressure is simultaneously applied to the head region and the shoulder regions at two points or four points, and thus the user has the sensation of receiving acupressure by a total of two chiropractors, one applying pressure to the head region and the other to the shoulder regions. Further, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the head region of the user is placed on one of the elastic bodies 3 of the pair of elastic bodies 3 and the user leans a part of his/her weight on the elastic body 3, making it possible to apply pressure to the local area P near the mastoid by the first pressure part 11 and achieve a strong acupressure effect. Further, by increasing the horizontal width of the elastic bodies 3, it is also possible to use the acupressure tool 1 as a pillow for restful and sound sleep for a long period of time. Furthermore, identifying and applying pressure to the local area P near the mastoid by the first pressure part 11 results in identification and pressure application to an acupressure point of a vital energy source, achieving a wonderful health promotion effect.
It should be noted that the local area P near the above-described mastoid is an all-purpose super spot of nerves. The local area P communicates to the entire body, stimulating the nerves throughout the body. Further, this local area P is a switch for vital energy as well as a switch for health energy. Applying pressure to this area every day makes the body healthier and further stabilizes the spirit. Furthermore, applying pressure smoothens the nerve flow and strengthens health.
Further, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the elastic bodies 3 each further comprise the second pressure part 12 arranged near the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the elastic bodies 3, the second pressure part 12 having a front face edge in a vertical cross section that is substantially curved in shape. With this arrangement, when the shoulder regions having a curved surface shape (the interscapular regions 202 or the upper scapular regions 206, for example) are placed on the front face sides of the second pressure parts 12, each of the second pressure parts 12 contacts the shoulder region at a point, making it possible to strongly apply pressure to the shoulder region. This makes it possible to thoroughly apply pressure to all sections of the curved surface area, from the upper scapular region 206 to the interscapular region 202.
Further, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the elastic bodies 3 each further comprise the third pressure part 13 arranged between the first pressure part 11 and the second pressure part 12, the third pressure part 13 having the front face edge in the vertical cross section that is substantially linear in shape. With this arrangement, when the shoulder regions (the interscapular regions 202, for example) are placed on the front face side of the third pressure parts 13, each of the third pressure parts 13 contacts the shoulder region on a line, making it possible to softly apply pressure to the shoulder region.
Further, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the elastic bodies 3 each further comprise the support part 15 that supports the outer face of the core rod 2 in an upright state, and the second tapered face 22 is formed on the rear face side of the support part 15, the second tapered face 22 lying obliquely to the direction of extension D2 of the support part 15 and abutting the outer face of the core rod 2. With this arrangement, when the head region and the shoulder regions are placed on the front face sides of the elastic bodies 3, the support part 15 elastically deforms and the core rod 2 slides across the second tapered face 22, making it possible to more accurately identify the local areas P near the mastoids by the first pressure part 11 and further apply pressure using an appropriate pressing force. Furthermore, the second tapered face 22 can increase a strength of the support part 15.
Further, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the elastic bodies 3 each further comprise the fourth pressure part 14 arranged on the upper face side of the core rod 2 between the first pressure part 11 and the support part 15, the fourth pressure part 14 having a thickness of 2 to 5 mm. With this arrangement, when the head region is placed on the front face sides of the fourth pressure parts 14, the fourth pressure part 14 having a thin thickness can softly apply pressure to the head region.
Furthermore, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the rib 17 that extends in the direction of extension D1 of the first pressure part 11 is provided on the rear face side of the first pressure part 11, the first tapered face 21 being formed by the lower face of the rib 17. With this arrangement, the first pressure part 11 can more accurately identify the local area P near the mastoid and further apply pressure using an appropriate pressing force.
Furthermore, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the first tapered face 21 is arranged in the concave part 7 indented toward the upper face side and formed on the lower face side of each of the elastic bodies 3. With this arrangement, the first tapered face 21 can be easily formed. Furthermore, according to the acupressure tool 1 of this example, the second tapered face 22 is arranged in the concave part 7 indented toward the upper face side and formed on the lower face side of each of the elastic bodies 3. With this arrangement, the second tapered face 22 can be easily formed.
The acupressure tool set 30 according to this example, as illustrated in
The above-described first acupressure tool 1 is an acupressure tool for applying pressure to the head region and/or the shoulder regions of the body (refer to
The above-described second acupressure tool 32 is an acupressure tool for applying pressure to the muscles along the spine of the body (refer to
A string 43 is wrapped around the above-described second core rod 41 and second elastic bodies 42, thereby integrally connecting both 41 and 42. The left and right distance between the pair of second elastic bodies 42 can be easily adjusted by changing a connection state of the second core rod 41 and the second elastic bodies 42 by the string 43.
The above-described second elastic bodies 42, as illustrated in
The above-described third acupressure tool 33 is an acupressure tool for applying pressure to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region of the body (refer to
A string 53 is wrapped around the above-described third core rod 51 and third elastic bodies 52, thereby integrally connecting both 51 and 52. The left and right distance between the pair of third elastic bodies 52 can be easily adjusted by changing a connection state of the third core rod 51 and the third elastic bodies 52 by the string 53.
The above-described third elastic bodies 52, as illustrated in
It should be noted that the long length L2 of the second elastic bodies 42 of the above-described second acupressure tool 32 is less than the long length L3 of the third elastic bodies 52 of the third acupressure tool 33. Further, the maximum horizontal width W2 of the second elastic bodies 42 of the above-described second acupressure tool 32 is less than the maximum horizontal width W3 of the third elastic bodies 52 of the third acupressure tool 33. Furthermore, the diameter of the second core rod 41 of the above-described second acupressure tool 32 is greater than the diameter of the third core rod 51 of the third acupressure tool 33.
The above-described fourth acupressure tool 34 is an acupressure tool for applying pressure to the calf region of the leg region of the body (refer to
A string 63 is wrapped around the above-described fourth core rod 61 and fourth elastic bodies 62, thereby integrally connecting both 61 and 62. The left and right distance between the pair of fourth elastic bodies 62 can be easily adjusted by changing a connection state of the fourth core rod 61 and the fourth elastic bodies 62 by the string 63.
The above-described fourth elastic bodies 62, as illustrated in
The above-described fifth acupressure tool 35 is an acupressure tool for applying pressure to the Achilles tendon region of the leg region of the body (refer to
A string 73 is wrapped around the above-described fifth core rod 71 and fifth elastic bodies 72, thereby integrally connecting both 71 and 72. The left and right distance between the pair of fifth elastic bodies 72 can be easily adjusted by changing the connection state of the fifth core rod 71 and the fifth elastic bodies 72 by the string 73.
The above-described fifth elastic bodies 72, as illustrated in
It should be noted that the maximum horizontal width W4 of the fourth elastic bodies 62 of the above-described fourth acupressure tool 34 is less than the maximum horizontal width W5 of the fifth elastic bodies 72 of the fifth acupressure tool 35.
The above-described sixth acupressure tool 36 is an acupressure tool for applying pressure to the left arm region of the body (refer to
A string 83 is wrapped around the above-described sixth core rod 81 and sixth elastic bodies 82a and 82b, thereby integrally connecting 81, 82a, and 82b. The left and right distance between the pair of sixth elastic bodies 82a and 82b can be easily adjusted by changing a connection state of the sixth core rod 81 and the sixth elastic bodies 82a and 82b by the string 83.
The above-described sixth elastic body 82a, as illustrated in
The above-described seventh acupressure tool 37 is an acupressure tool for applying pressure to the right arm region of the body (refer to
A string 93 is wrapped around the above-described seventh core rod 91 and seventh elastic bodies 92a and 92b, thereby integrally connecting 91, 92a, and 92b. The left and right distance between the pair of seventh elastic bodies 92a and 92b can be easily adjusted by changing a connection state of the seventh core rod 91 and the seventh elastic bodies 92a and 92b by the string 93.
The above-described seventh elastic body 92a, as illustrated in
Next, the action of the acupressure tool set 30 of the above-described configuration will be described. First, the method for arranging the acupressure tool set 30 will be described. As illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
It should be noted that, during full-body acupressure using the above-described first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37, an overall effect is reliably achieved if each of the acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 reliably captures the first target pressure points (acupressure points). Then, pressure is firmly applied to the user's heart's content with the user lying on his/her back and his/her side. As a result, the body is naturally satisfied and the user enters a restful sleep. Further, the user applies pressure to other acupressure points when he/she has time. For example, pressure may be applied to the backs and fronts of the legs by the above-described fifth acupressure tool 35. Further, the user lies on his/her stomach on the above-described third acupressure tool 33, and pressure is applied to a lower abdominal region below the belly button by slowly rocking, thereby directly stimulating the bowels, promoting bowel movement and preventing constipation.
From the above, according to the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, the acupressure tool set 30 comprises the first acupressure tool 1 for applying pressure to the head region and/or the shoulder regions of the body, and another acupressure tool for applying pressure to a section of the body other than the head region and the shoulder regions. Then, the other acupressure tool comprises the core rod and the pair of long elastic bodies which are attached to the core rod, the elastic bodies being attached to the core rod by being arranged intersecting the axial direction of the core rod and bent along the outer face of the core rod, and the upper face of the elastic bodies being formed into the convex curved surface that is upwardly convex in the horizontal cross section. With this arrangement, pressure is applied to the head region and/or the shoulder regions of the body by the elastic bodies 3 of the first acupressure tool 1, and pressure is applied to a section of the body other than the head region and the shoulder regions by the elastic bodies of the other acupressure tool. In particular, pressure is effectively applied to pressure points of the body by the convex curved surfaces of the elastic bodies of the other acupressure tool. As a result, by relieving fatigue and stiffness in the head region and/or the shoulder regions as well as other sections of the body, it is possible to more reliably remove or alleviate stiff shoulders.
Further, according to this example, the other acupressure tool further comprises the second acupressure tool 32 for applying pressure to the muscles along the spine of the body. With this arrangement, pressure is applied to the muscles along the spine (for example, the first pressure point of the lower scapular region 302; also referred to as the “Kanyu acupressure point”; refer to
Further, according to this example, the other acupressure tool further comprises the third acupressure tool 33 for applying pressure to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region of the body. With this arrangement, pressure is applied to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region (the Namikoshi pressure point 304, for example; refer to
Further, according to this example, the long length L2 of the second elastic bodies 42 of the second acupressure tool 32 is less than the long length L3 of the third elastic bodies 52 of the third acupressure tool 33. Further, the maximum horizontal width W2 of the second elastic bodies 42 of the second acupressure tool 32 is less than the maximum horizontal width W3 of the third elastic bodies 52 of the third acupressure tool 33. Furthermore, the diameter of the core rod 41 of the second acupressure tool 32 is greater than the diameter of the core rod 51 of the third acupressure tool 33. As a result, pressure is strongly applied to the muscles along the spine of the body by the second elastic bodies 42 of the second acupressure tool 32 while pressure is softly applied to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region of the body by the third elastic bodies 52 of the third acupressure tool 33.
Further, according to this example, the other acupressure tool comprises the fourth acupressure tool 34 for applying pressure to the calf regions of the leg regions of the body, and the fifth acupressure tool 35 for applying pressure to the Achilles tendon regions of the leg regions of the body. With this arrangement, pressure is applied to the calf regions of the leg regions (for example, the first pressure points of the lower leg outside regions 309; also referred to the “Sanri” acupressure point of the leg; refer to FIG. 55B; refer to pp. 50 and 99 of the above-described Non-Patent Document 3) of the body by the elastic bodies 62 of the fourth acupressure tool 34, and pressure is applied to the Achilles tendon regions (for example, the seventh point and the eighth point of the lower leg rear side regions 308; refer to
Further, according to this example, the fourth acupressure tool 34 and the fifth acupressure tool 35 each comprise two pairs of elastic bodies 62 and 72. This makes it possible to place and fit the left and right leg regions on the pair of elastic bodies 62 and 72 and apply pressure. As a result, the left and right leg regions can be placed on the acupressure tools 34 and 35 in a relaxed state, making it possible to effectively apply pressure to each pressure point of the leg regions.
Here, one leg is regarded as the same as a torso. The spine and bones pass through the center of both the torso and the leg, and muscles extends to both sides of the bone. The widths of the elastic bodies 62 and 72 are set so that pressure is firmly applied to the two muscles. Then, the fourth and fifth acupressure tools 34 and 35 of this example further comprise a total of four elastic bodies 62 and 72 (two sets each), allowing the legs to be placed on the acupressure tools 34 and 35 while completely relaxed without the need of leg strength. With this arrangement, the muscles are accurately identified and become completely relaxed, thereby achieving a favorable acupressure effect.
Further, according to this example, the maximum horizontal width W4 of the fourth elastic bodies 62 of the fourth acupressure tool 34 is less than the maximum horizontal width W5 of the fifth elastic bodies 72 of the fifth acupressure tool 35. With this arrangement, pressure is strongly applied to the calf regions of the leg regions of the body by the fourth elastic bodies 62 of the fourth acupressure tool 34 while pressure is softly applied to the Achilles tendon regions of the leg regions of the body by the fifth elastic bodies 72 of the fifth acupressure tool 35.
Further, according to this example, the other acupressure tool comprises the sixth acupressure tool 36 for applying pressure to the left arm region of the body, and the seventh acupressure tool 37 for applying pressure to the right arm region of the body. With this arrangement, pressure is applied to the left arm region (in particular, a forearm region and a wrist region) of the body by the elastic bodies 82a and 82b of the sixth acupressure tool 36, and to the right arm region (in particular, a forearm region and a wrist region) of the body by the elastic bodies 92a and 92b of the seventh acupressure tool 37. As a result, fatigue and stiffness are removed from the arm regions in addition to the head region and/or the shoulder regions and the like of the body.
In particular, according to the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, the entire body is placed on the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 grounded in a stable manner, causing the entire body to completely float in the air on the acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37. In this state, pressure is applied to each of the acupressure points across the entire body. The person receiving the pressure (acupressure) then becomes completely relaxed. This pressure effect is effective in restoring health to the mind and body. That is, the fatigue and stiffness of the muscles of the entire body are removed or alleviated and tension is released, thereby relaxing the mind and thus reducing mental stress.
Here, according to the acupressure by a chiropractor, for example, the chiropractor applies his/her own weight through his/her finger pads to apply weak and strong pressure to the acupressure recipient using a support point of one knee as the axis, as illustrated in
Then, according to the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, a large pressing force is achieved, making it possible to apply pressure using a convex surface area (that is, acupressure surface area) greater than that of the thumb when a pressing force equivalent to that of the chiropractor is to be achieved. With the acupressure surface area being large, the acupressure point readily enters the acupressure surface area even when an amateur with little knowledge of acupressure point positions applies pressure by approximation. This makes it possible to easily apply pressure to the same acupressure points as those by a professional chiropractor. That is, the acupressure tool, even for an amateur, results in a professional level acupressure effect. Further, according to the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, constant pressure can be applied for a long period of time, making it possible to apply the acupressure tool set 30 to the development of a pillow or bed for restful and sound sleep by decreasing the acupressure pressure. It should be noted that, while the chiropractor grows weary when providing acupressure treatment to four to five persons daily, the acupressure tool set 30 of this example can be used by the chiropractor himself/herself to care for his/her own body.
Furthermore, according to the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, pressure can be applied to the entire body, making the acupressure tool set 30 truly effective in removing stiffness and fatigue from the entire body, including lumbar pain, lumbar curvature, stooped back, constipation, leg fatigue, and internal organ fatigue. Further, the acupressure tool set 30 achieves the same acupressure effect as that when a total of 12 chiropractors apply pressure simultaneously to the head region, shoulder regions, muscles along the spine, lumbar region, right calf region, right Achilles tendon region, left calf region, left Achilles tendon region, right forearm region, right wrist region, left forearm region, and left wrist region.
It should be noted that massage is an ancient practice that exists throughout the world. This is due to the human desire to eliminate stiffness and fatigue in the muscles throughout the body. Use of the acupressure tool set 30 of this example allows the user to, without receiving acupressure (including massage) from another person, achieve at least the same effect and, on his/her own, take care of his/her own body at a favorable time and location.
Furthermore, when an acupressure service is provided to other persons using the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, a large number of acupressure recipients can be managed by one person. Further, the chiropractor can provide the acupressure service by learning only a little bit about acupressure points. With this arrangement, the acupressure fee is significantly reduced. Reduction of the acupressure fee results in a significant increase in the number of persons who do acupressure. The number of opportunities for receiving acupressure will then increase even in developing countries. Then, acupressure work in developing countries will increase, which will lead to increases in employment, quality of life, and the country's GDP.
Here, “acupressure” refers to applying pressure using (through) the fingers (refer to the above-described Non-Patent Document 1, p. 15, and the like). Further, in the case of self-acupressure, the trick to applying pressure is to balance the entire body, apply pressure gradually, and remove pressure gradually, without using excessive force at the fingertips. Further, pressure should be applied vertically onto the skin surface. Furthermore, the chiropractor applies pressure by applying his/her weight through his/her fingertips without using excessive force at the fingertips. The acupressure is effective when the pressure pleasantly and gradually penetrates from the skin to the muscle. So-called acupressure is applying pressure by applying the “natural force” of weight.
Then, the acupressure tool set 30 of this example uses the elastic bodies 3, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a, 82b, 92a, and 92b as body contact points to express the “softness of the skin of the hand” of a chiropractor. Further, the structure of the elastic bodies 3, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a, 82b, 92a, and 92b can be changed by the strength of the pressure applied.
Further, to gradually transmit the body weight pressure of the chiropractor to the skin of the hands, flexibility in the joints of the finger, wrist, elbow, and shoulder is a prerequisite for the chiropractor, and here lies the “essence of acupressure.” Accordingly, according to the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 of this example, the “legs 8, 9, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95” for grounding are provided, and the area from the body contact points “pressure parts 11 to 14, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, and 94” to the legs 8, 9, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95 of the grounding surface become one elastic body 3, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a, 82b, 92a, and 92b to express the “flexibility in the joints.” Applying body-weight pressure deforms the overall structure of the legs 8, 9, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95 of the elastic bodies 3, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a, 82b, 92a, and 92b, fulfilling the role of the joints.
Further, according to the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, pressure is applied by utilizing the user's own entire weight and placing the body of the user on the acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37, rather than the weight of the chiropractor. Allowing use of the user's entire weight achieves utilization of a true natural force, and utilization of a true natural force is the essence of acupressure. It should be noted that a good chiropractor utilizes 100% of his/her own weight, and pressure can be applied by changing the degree of pressure by the “body-weight force.”
Here, the acupressure of the chiropractor is performed with the acupressure recipient lying down, wearing thin clothing. This is said to allow the acupressure recipient to release the tension from his/her body, sleep in a relaxed state, and become 100% stable. The chiropractor can then utilize 100% of his/her body-weight pressure. Conversely, if the acupressure recipient is standing or sitting, the recipient uses strength to maintain that posture. Such a scenario is not truly acupressure, but massage. According to the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, the user places his/her body on the acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 in a completely relaxed state. This is true acupressure. Further, the acupressure tool set 30 of this example is an instrument that allows an amateur to identify the acupressure points of his/her own body. Further, in the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37, the pressure sections that abut the body all have curved surfaces. Furthermore, the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 are adjustable, moving easily in all X, Y, and Z directions. This makes it possible to adjust the area of the body having pressure applied thereto as well as the strength of the pressuring force.
Further, pressure should be applied vertically onto the skin surface. Because this is acupressure, the contact point on the skin is a single point. The acupressure point is a point; if pressure is linearly applied, pressure is not applied to the acupressure point, and an acupressure effect is not achieved. Linear pressure is only a simple massage. Conversely, in the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 of this example, each body contact section abuts at a point of the curved surface, and the direction of force is orthogonal to the tangent. That is, pressure is vertically applied to the skin.
Further, the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 of this example are “self-care all-purpose acupressure tools” capable of applying pressure to (substantially all) areas of the entire body.
Further, the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 of this example are formed by the pairs of elastic bodies 3, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a, 82b, 92a, and 92b, and maintain stability on the ground by the four legs 8, 9, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95, thereby making the acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 stable and not move, allowing pressure to be applied utilizing the weight of the user himself/herself as described above. In other words, the 100% natural force of the body-weight force can be utilized. If the tool that is the recipient of the body-weight force were to move, full utilization of the body-weight force would not be achievable. This is not acupressure.
Further, the first acupressure tool 1 of this example specializes in the ability to apply pressure to four points, two head region points near the “mastoids 210,” and two shoulder region points near the “upper scapular regions 206,” which are the main sources of stiff shoulders, and is designed to dramatically alleviate stiff shoulders.
Furthermore, according to the acupressure tool set 30 of this example, the acupressure tool set 30 has the effect of promoting not only physical well-being, but spiritual well-being, i.e., relaxation of the mind, as well. The user places his/her body on the acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37, and completely releases all tension. “To release tension is to relax the mind.” The mind relaxes as if the user is leisurely immersed in an open air hot spring or completely drawn into a starry sky. Time periods that allow such relaxation of the mind are increasingly essential for those who experience higher tension on a daily basis. Only with the two time periods, mental tension followed by mental relaxation, is the spiritual well-being of a person maintained. The first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 (self-care all-purpose acupressure tools) of this example capable of removing daily body fatigue and allowing the mind to relax are essential to the “physical and spiritual” well-being life of a person.
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention according to a purpose and usage. That is, while the above-described example describes the elastic bodies 3 having uniform horizontal widths across the longitudinal direction, the present invention is not limited thereto, allowing adoption of elastic bodies 3′ comprising a wide width part 24 that has a horizontal width w1 (50 to 80 mm, for example), and a narrow width part 25 that has a horizontal width w2 (40 to 60 mm, for example), is continuous from one end side of this wide width part 24, and is smaller than the horizontal width of the wide width part 3, as illustrated in
Further, while the above-described example describes the rib 17 provided on the rear face side of the first pressure part 11, and elastic bodies 3 having the lower face of this rib 17 serving as the first tapered face 21, the present invention is not limited thereto, allowing adoption of elastic bodies 3″ in which a first tapered face 21′ that extends across substantially the entire length in a width direction of the first pressure part 11 is formed on the rear face side of the first pressure part 11, as illustrated in
Further, while the above-described example describes as the second pressure part 12 having a front face edge in the vertical cross section that is substantially curved in shape, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second pressure part may have a front face edge in the vertical cross section that is substantially linear in shape, for example.
Further, while the above-described example describes the third pressure part 13 having a front face edge in the vertical cross section that is substantially linear in shape, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the third pressure part may have a front face edge in the vertical cross section that is a substantially curved surface shape, for example.
Further, while the above-described example describes the first pressure part 11, the fourth pressure part 14, and the support part 15 each having a front face edge in the vertical cross section that is substantially linear in shape in a non-elastically deformed state, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first pressure part, the fourth pressure part, and the support part may each have a front face edge in the vertical cross section that is a substantially curved surface shape in a non-elastically deformed state, for example.
Further, while the above-described example describes the support part 15 being in an upright state when the acupressure tool 1 is placed on the installation surface, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the support part may be in a state lying obliquely to a perpendicular line when the acupressure tool is placed on the installation surface, for example.
Further, while the above-described example describes the tapered faces 21, 21′, and 22 having a planar shape, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the tapered faces may have a curved surface shape, for example.
Further, while the above-described example describes the tapered faces 21, 21′, and 22 each abutting the outer peripheral face of the core rode 2 in a no-load state with respect to the elastic bodies 3, 3′, and 3″, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the tapered faces may face the outer peripheral face of the core rod 2 in a no-load state with respect to the elastic bodies 3, 3′, and 3″, and abut the outer peripheral face of the core rod 2 when load is applied to the elastic bodies 3, 3′, and 3″ (that is, when the head region and shoulder regions are placed on the elastic bodies), for example.
Further, a material, a shape, and the like of the core rods 2, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, and 91 of the above-described example may be selected as appropriate in accordance with the strength of the pressuring force of the elastic bodies. Examples of the material of the core rods 2, 41, . . . , and 91 include wood, resin, rubber, elastomer, foam, and metal. Further, examples of the shape of the core rods 2, 41, . . . , and 91 include shapes having a circular, elliptical, polygonal, and irregular vertical cross section. The core rods 2, 41, . . . , and 91 may have at least the upper face part in the horizontal cross section is formed into a convex curved surface that is upwardly convex.
Further, a material, a shape, and the like of the elastic bodies 3, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a, 82b, 92a, and 92b of the above-described example may be selected as appropriate in accordance with the strength of the pressuring force of the elastic bodies. Examples of the material of the elastic bodies 3, 42, . . . , and 92b include rubber, elastomer, and foam. Further, examples of the shape of the elastic bodies 3, 42, . . . , and 92b include a long shape having a bending part and/or a curved part, and a long shape extending substantially linearly. Furthermore, a hardness (rubber hardness, for example) of the elastic bodies 3, 42, . . . , and 92b may be 50 to 75° (preferably 55 to 70°), for example. This hardness is measured in accordance with the new JIS standard K6235, and a type A durometer is used as the hardness meter.
Furthermore, the pressure area, sequence, and the like resulting from the acupressure tool 1 of the above-described example do not matter. Examples of the area to which pressure is applied by this acupressure tool 1 include the head region, the interscapular region, the upper scapular region, a local area near the mastoid, the rear neck region, the side neck region, the lumbar region, the gluteal region, leg region, and the arm region of the body.
Further, while the above-described example describes the acupressure tool set 30 comprising the second to seventh acupressure tools 32 to 37 as the other acupressure tools, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the acupressure tool set may comprise not all but at least one of the second to seventh acupressure tools 32 to 37 as the other acupressure tools, for example. Furthermore, the acupressure tool set may comprise yet other acupressure tools in addition to the second to seventh acupressure tools 32 to 37 as the other acupressure tools.
Further, while the above-described example describes a form in which the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 are disposed in a predetermined order, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the order in which the first to seventh acupressure tools 1 and 32 to 37 are disposed does not matter.
Further, while the above-described example describes the acupressure tool set 30 comprising a single sixth acupressure tool 36 (or seventh acupressure tool 37), the present invention is not limited thereto, and the acupressure tool set may comprise a plurality (two in the figure) of sixth acupressure tools 36 (or seventh acupressure tools 37), as illustrated in
Further, while the above-described example describes the acupressure tools 32 to 37 comprising solid elastic bodies 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a, 82b, 92a, and 92b, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an acupressure tool may be an acupressure tool 112 comprising hollow elastic bodies 111 in which a concave part 111a is formed along the longitudinal direction on the rear face side thereof, as illustrated in
Furthermore, while the above-described example describes the acupressure tools 32 to 37 comprising the elastic bodies 42, 52, 62, 72, 82a, 82b, 92a, and 92b having a semicircular horizontal cross section, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the tool may be an acupressure tool 114 comprising elastic bodies 113 having a rectangular vertical cross section in which the upper face side is formed into a convex curved surface that is upwardly convex, as illustrated in
Furthermore, while the above-described example describes the acupressure tool 1 (refer to
Further, the forms of tying the strings 5, 5A, and 5B of the aforementioned acupressure tools 1 and 1A may be combined, as illustrated in
While the above-described example describes the sixth and the seventh acupressure tools 36 and 37 (refer to
Furthermore, examples of an acupressure tool set according to a modification include an acupressure tool set 400 comprising the aforementioned first acupressure tool 1 (refer to
In the above-described acupressure tool set 400, the first acupressure tool 1 is disposed in the first predetermined position P1 on the installation surface such as a floor so as to allow the head region of the user (acupressure recipient) to be placed thereon, and the left and right shoulder acupressure tools 401 are disposed in the left and right second predetermined positions P2 on the installation surface so as to allow the shoulder regions of the user to be placed thereon, as illustrated in
Then, as illustrated in
Further, while the above described example describes a single third acupressure tool 33 (refer to
Furthermore, examples of the acupressure tool set according to another modification include an acupressure tool set 403 comprising a center acupressure tool 404 and left and right lateral acupressure tools 405 as the third acupressure tool for applying pressure to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region of the body, as illustrated in
It should be noted that, in this acupressure tool set 403, the aforementioned acupressure tools 36′, 36″, 37′, and 37″ are adopted as the sixth and seventh acupressure tools for applying pressure to the arm regions of the body, and the acupressure tool set 403 further comprises the aforementioned left and right shoulder acupressure tools 401 for applying pressure to the shoulder regions of the body. Further, examples of the center acupressure tool 404 include acupressure tools in which the pair of elastic bodies 72 (refer to
When the above-described acupressure tool set 403 is used for a restful and sound sleep, the acupressure tools 36′, 36″, 37′, and 37″ for applying pressure to the arm regions of the body, the acupressure tool 32 for applying pressure to the muscles along the spine of the body, and the center acupressure tool 404 are removed from set positions during acupressure, and set to appropriate positions for applying pressure to the leg regions and arm regions with the user lying on his/her side (refer to
In the aforementioned state, the user, lying on his/her back, places his/her head region and shoulder regions on the first acupressure tool 1 and the left and right shoulder acupressure tools 401, inserts his/her lumbar region between the left and right lateral acupressure tools 405, and places his/her leg regions on the acupressure tools 34 and 35, as illustrated in
On the other hand, as illustrated in
From the above, according to the acupressure tool set 403 of this example, the third acupressure tool comprises the left and right lateral acupressure tools 405, and the lateral acupressure tools 405 are arranged so that the axial center of the core rod 405a of the lateral acupressure tools 405 lies obliquely to the axial center of the core rod 2 of the first acupressure tool 1. With this arrangement, pressure is applied to the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region (in particular, the lumbar region and the sacrum region including the acupressure points of the Jinyu 407 and the Shishitsu 408, and the lumbar region including the Namikoshi pressure point 304) of the body by the left and right lateral acupressure tools 405. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent lumbar pain and posture deterioration (that is, lumbar curvature). Further, the combination of the first acupressure tool 1 and the left and right lateral acupressure tools 405 can be used for a long period of time for restful and sound sleep.
Furthermore, according to the acupressure tool set 403 of this example, the third acupressure tool comprises the center acupressure tool 404, and the center acupressure tool 404 is arranged so that the axial center of the core rod 404a of the center acupressure tools 404 is parallel to the axial center of the core rod 2 of the first acupressure tool 1. With this arrangement, shifts of the lumbar region and/or gluteal region are prevented by the center acupressure tool 404. This makes it possible to remove fatigue and stiffness from the lumbar region and/or the gluteal region by the left and right lateral acupressure tools 405 and the center acupressure tool 404 in a stable manner.
It should be noted that the embodiment, examples, modifications, and the like described above may be used in combination in accordance with a purpose and usage.
It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular structures, materials and examples, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
The present invention is broadly used as an acupressure tool that applies pressure to a local area of the body.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-242172 | Nov 2013 | JP | national |
| 2014-137222 | Jul 2014 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2014/074966 | 9/19/2014 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015/076011 | 5/28/2015 | WO | A |
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| Japanese Office Action for JP Patent No. 2015-549025, dated Apr. 11, 2018, Total of 4 pages. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20160287473 A1 | Oct 2016 | US |
