EP1050290A2

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: EP1050290A2
Application number: EP00109378A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Arkadi Tzitrin; Michael Pleshchinski; Amit Avigdor
Original assignee: Orta Marketing Inc
Current assignee: Orta Marketing Inc
Priority date: 1999-05-03
Filing date: 2000-05-02
Publication date: 2000-11-08
Also published as: EP1050290A3; IL129732A0

Abstract

A massaging element comprising a housing fitted with a pressure port anda massaging cushion made of a resilient material and being sealingly articulatedto the housing and comprising a plurality of bulges projecting from an externalsurface of thereof and each extending along a longitudinal axis, whereby applyingpressure via the pressure port the massaging cushion is inflated entailingdisplacement of the bulges in a direction having a first displacement componentin a direction corresponding with the longitudinal axis and a second displacementcomponent in a direction essentially normal to the first displacement component.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally in the field of massaging devices andmore specifically it is concerned with massaging elements and massaging systemsmaking use of such massaging elements and being pressure activated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Massaging is the technique of treating the body by either/or incombination of rubbing, vibrating or a kneading motion used for stimulatingblood circulation and to relieve stress imposed onto the body and nerves.Massaging was initially done, and to date is very commonly so done byprofessional individuals using their hands.

However, during the years, mechanical massaging systems have beenintroduced whereby massaging became even more common, allowing individualsto be massaged independently of a professional masseuse.

A large variety of massaging systems is known, which are based onapplying vibrations or rubbing motion to the body, by means of mechanicaldevices. Such devices are either hand held or used in combination with pads orfurniture stoles, i.e. seats, beds etc.

U.S. Patent No. 3,403,862 discloses a spot pressure application apparatusapplying an external stimulus pressure force to various predetermined treatmentpoints on the body of an individual.

U.S. Patent No. 4,177,803 discloses an exercising device in the shape of apedal) whereby the pressure exerted by the foot of the individual exerts themassage in a sideward movement.

U.S. Patent No. 4,197,837 discloses a device capable of generating awave-type massaging motion. This invention describes an inflatable pressurecontrol pad, which produces periodic inflations and deflations to a pad, givingrise to a wave-like motion applied to the skin of the individual.

U.S. Patent No. 5,607,749 discloses a massage system made of an alloy offlexible and collapsible nipples, which extend vertically from a platform whereeach nipple is movable from its normally extended position in response to anexternal force of the body in contact therewith. Return of each nipple to itsnormal position, due to its elasticity, exerts a massaging motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a massaging element and amassaging system making use of such massaging elements, in which massagingpressure is applied to an individual in both directions, perpendicular and parallel tothe body's surface, resulting both in applying pressure to the body and to stretchingand contracting of the skin being in contact with the device.

By a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a massagingelement comprising a housing fitted with a pressure port and a massaging cushionmade of a resilient material and being sealingly articulated to the housing andcomprising a plurality of bulges projecting from an external surface of thereof andeach extending along a longitudinal axis, whereby applying pressure via thepressure port the massaging cushion is inflated entailing displacement of the bulgesin a direction having a first displacement component in a direction correspondingwith the longitudinal axis and a second displacement component in a directionessentially normal to said first displacement component.

Preferably, the massaging cushion is fitted over a support member having aninflated and a deflated position and being biased to assume its deflated position.Still preferably, the support member has an essentially flat support portion bearingagainst the massaging cushion, and an expandable bellows portion fixed at an endthereof within the housing.

In accordance with one design of the invention, the massaging elements arepneumatically controlled. In accordance with one design, each housing comprises avent port for pressure release. Such a port may be connected to a release ventcontrollable by a pneumatic controller. Alternatively, the venting port may be anaperture of restricted dimensions wherein inflation flow rate is higher thandeflation through that aperture.

However, when the massaging elements are hydraulically operated, thusthere must be provided suitable pressure release mechanisms, e.g. pressure releasevalves which may be spontaneously operated at a certain pressure threshold orcontrolled by a suitable controller When the massaging element is hydraulicallyoperated, then each massaging element or several adjacent massaging elements of amassaging system are connected to a valving system for controlling inlet and outletof the pressurizing liquid.

Typically, there is formed a pressure chamber between the support memberand a portion of the housing being in flow communication with the pressure port.

In accordance with one specific embodiment, the longitudinal axis of eachof the plurality of bulges extends essentially perpendicular to the surface of themassaging cushion. In accordance with another embodiment, the longitudinal axisof each of the plurality of bulges is inclined with respect to the surface such that allaxes intersect at an imaginary point above the surface of the massaging cushion.

Preferably, the bulges have a tapering cross-section, each formed with arounded tip. In accordance with one specific embodiment, the tips of the bulges arereplaceable. Such replaceable tips may be made of an essentially hard material, e.g.plastic.

It is preferable that the tips of the bulges are made of a material withessentially low friction coefficient and machined accordingly, i.e. to reduce to aminimum friction of the bulges or replaceable tips with skin tissue or anintermediate layer of material. This can be carried out for example, by polishing thereplaceable tips.

For smoother massaging operation, it is preferable that intermediate the skintissue and the massaging bulges there be provided a layer of material which at leaston its side facing the massaging bulges be of reduced friction, such as, for example,plastic material, synthetic fabric, etc.

By a preferred embodiment, the structure of the housing is essentiallycircular and the massaging cushion is designed to assume the shape of a sphericportion in its inflated position.

However, by a different embodiment, the massaging element has a differentshape which might be adapted for use over specific body portions, e.g. a person'sback, shoulders, neck, knees, etc.

Still preferably, the bulges are distributed over the massaging cushion at anessentially circular pattern.

In accordance with a specific embodiment, the support member is fixed tothe housing by a retainer ring and the massaging cushion is fixed to the housing bya retaining member,

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda massaging system comprising one or more massaging elements each havinghousing fitted with a pressure port being in flow communication with a pressurechamber within the housing, a massaging cushion made of a resilient material andcomprising a plurality of bulges projecting from an external surface of thereof andeach extending along a longitudinal axis; and a pressure unit for pressurizing thepressure chamber; whereby pressurizing the pressure chamber entails inflation ofthe massaging cushion such the bulges are displaced in a direction having a firstdisplacement component in a direction corresponding with the longitudinal axis and a second displacement component in a direction essentially normal to said firstdisplacement component.

In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the systemcomprises at least two massaging elements wherein pressurizing two juxtaposingmassaging elements applied to the skin of an individual, the second displacementcomponents yield contraction of the individual's skin between said juxtaposingpressure elements.

Preferably, the massaging system further comprises a controller forcontrolling sequence of inflation and deflation of each of the pressure chambers,pressure level and flow rate, so as to obtain a massaging course fitted for theindividual's requirements. Typically, the controller is programmable orpre-programmed to provide various operational parameters.

The pressure applied to the pressure chambers may be either hydraulic orpneumatic and a suitable pressure source is associated, e.g. air compressor,hydraulic compressed chamber etc.

The massaging system in accordance with the present invention may be inthe form of a plurality of massaging elements arranged on a pliable carrying mat.Such an element is suitable for use particularly with any furniture, e.g. bed, chair,car seat etc. In accordance with another specific embodiment, the plurality ofmassaging elements are arranged on an essentially rigid carrying member, e.g. ahardened seat suitable for use in conjunction with a vehicle's seat, etc.Alternatively, the massaging elements are integrally arranged on a surface of apiece of furniture, e.g. bed or chair.

By still another embodiment, the device may be hand-held. According toone other example, the messaging elements are implemented into a foot messagingdevice, the device sized to rest one or two feet over a corresponding surface. Such adevice may incorporate also hydro-jets facilitated by the pressurized air foractivating the messaging elemnets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out inpractice, some preferred embodiments will now be described, by way ofnon-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

Fig. 1 is an isometric, exploded view of a massaging element, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates the massaging element of Fig. 1 in two operative positions,wherein:

Fig. 2A illustrates the massaging element in its deflated position; and

Fig. 2B illustrates the massaging element in its inflated, massaging position;

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a massaging cushionfor use in conjunction with the massaging element seen in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4A illustrates a massaging cushion in accordance with the presentinvention suitable for receiving replaceable massaging tips;

Fig. 4B illustrates a replaceable massaging tip for use with a massagingcushion of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 5 illustrates two operative positions of a massaging system comprisingmassaging elements in accordance with the present invention when applied to anindividual's skin, wherein:

Fig. 5A illustrates the massaging elements in the deflated position; and

Fig. 5B illustrates the massaging elements in the inflated position

Fig. 6 illustrates a massaging system according to the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a top elevation of a massaging cushion having a non-circularpattern; and

Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a foot messaging device comprisingmassaging elements in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to Fig. 1 presenting the principal components ofa massaging element in accordance with the present invention generallydesignated20. The massaging element comprises acylindrical housing22 fittedwith aninlet tube24 terminating atinlet port26 withinhousing22.Housing22is further formed wit a laterally extendingrecess28 and anannular shoulder30,the purpose of which will become apparent hereinafter.

Asupport diaphragm34 comprises an essentiallyflat support portion36, abellows-type portion38 and askirt portion40, the edges of which being adaptedfor sealingly and fixedly receiving withinannular recess28 ofhousing22. In theassembled position (best seen in Figs. 2), there is formed apressure chamber42.

A massagingcushion46 is essentially circular and comprises, on a topsurface thereof48, a plurality ofbulges50, each having a tapering cross-sectionwith a longitudinal axis extending essentially normal tosurface48. Each of thebulges50 comprises arounded massaging tip52 and as can be seen in Fig. 1, thebulges are disposed on thesurface48 at an essentially circular pattern.

A retainingring60 is provided for securing massagingcushion48 to thehousing. Retainingring60 is adapted for snap engagement with the housing, ascan be seen in Figs. 2.

As can be seen in Figs. 2a and 2b,pressure port26 extends intochamber42. The arrangement is such that upon applying pressure of fluid, typicallypneumatic pressure, as seen in Fig. 2b, the .........'sportion38 ofsupportmember34 expands, entailing the formation ofsupport portion36 into a sphericalshape, consequencing in corresponding the formation of massagingcushion46.

In the position seen in Fig. 2a, the massagingelement20 is in the deflatedposition and when applied toskin70 of an individual, pressure is applied only ina normal direction represented byarrow72 extending parallel to longitudinal axisof thebulges50.

Upon pressurizingpressure chamber42,support member34 deforms suchthat thesupport surface36 and the massagingcushion46 assume a sphericalshape. When applied toskin70, bulges50 are displaced in a direction having afirst displacement component76 in any direction corresponding with thelongitudinal axis of the bulges and which is essentially normal to the skin surface,and a second displacement component represented byarrows78, being in adirection essentially normal to saidfirst displacement component76, i.e.essentially parallel to the surface of the skin.

The outcome of the above arrangement is that the massagingelement20applies simultaneous pressure in first direction normal to the surface of the skin,and in a second direction essentially perpendicular thereto. This arrangementprovides on the one hand pressure and on the other hand yields retracting andcontracting force onto the skin of the individual.

Where the massaging element is adapted only for pneumatic operation,there may be formed in the housing a pressure bleed aperture (not shown)wherein the massaging cushion is inflated as explained above, via the inlet portand deflation of the massaging element is spontaneously facilitated through thebleeding aperture. The arrangement is such that the inflation flow rate is higherthan the deflation (bleeding) flow rate, whereby the duration of inflated state ofthe massaging element depends on the dimensions of the bleeding aperture.

However, it will be appreciated that the above arrangement is not suitablefor use in massaging elements which are hydraulically operated where a valvingsystem is required as explained herein in the specification.

Further attention is now directed to Fig. 3 illustrating a preferredembodiment of a massaging cushion generally designated80. It is noted that thesurface82 comprises several bay-like cut-outs84 for imparting the massagingcushion82 improved flexibility, in order to assume its spherical shape in theinflated state.

Massagingcushion80 further differs from the massagingcushion46 inFigs. 1 and 2 in that thebulges86 are inwardly inclined, having their longitudinalaxes intersecting at an imaginary point above thesurface82.

In Fig. 4A there is illustrated a massaging cushion generallydesignated90, in which the massaging bulges92 are frastoconical and extend atan inclination, as in Fig. 3. However, instead of the rounded tips seen in Fig. 3,the bulges are provided at their end with areceptacle94 for snappingly receivingareplaceable tip98 seen in Fig. 4B.Tip98 comprises arounded surface100,which in an assembled position coincides with the contour of thebulges92.Member98 is fitted with astem102 and anengagement bulge104 for snappinglyengagement within areceptacle94 ofbulge92. However, other arrangements forattaching the tips are also possible, e.g. screw fitting, etc.

Whilst in the previous embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1-3, the massagingcushion is integrally formed with the bulges and the rounded tips and is typicallymade of a rubber or a silicone rubber material, in the embodiment of Fig. 4 themassagingcushion90 and bulges92 are made of a resilient material, whereas thetips98 are made of an essentially rigid material such as plastic.

In order to reduce the frictional engagement of the massaging tips and theskin tissue, it is desired that the massaging tips be machined to reduce the frictioncoefficient, e.g. by polishing.

By one specific embodiment, the massagingtips98 may be replaced by asuitable member provided with micro-capsules comprising moisturizing agents,lubricants, odor agents etc.

Attention is now directed to Figs. 5A and 5B illustrating the massagingeffect of two enabling massaging elements in accordance with the presentinvention, constituting a section of a massaging system. As seen in Fig. 5A, thereare provided two massaging

elements

120 and122, being of any one of themassaging elements illustrated in the previous embodiments. In Fig.

5Amassaging elements

120 and122 are in a deflated position and when applied toskin124 they apply only a pressure in direction ofarrows126, which isessentially normal toskin124.

Upon inflating

massaging elements

120 and122 as seen in Fig. 5B, thejuxtaposing bulges130 and132 of the neighboring massaging

elements

120 and122, respectively, cause contraction ofskin124 as seen in theintermediate skinportion140, whilstskin portions142 are tensioned or refracted as seen above themassaging

elements

120 and122.

Referring now to Fig. 6 of the drawings, there is fitted a massaging systemin accordance with the present invention. Such a system is useful, for example,in medical institutes and it comprises an electrically operated pressure sourcegenerally designated150 connected via suitable typing and

wiring

152 and154 toa massagingchair156 and a massagingbed158, respectively. Each of themassaging chairs156 and massagingbed158 is fitted with aprogrammablecontroller160 which independently controls different pressure parameters, e.g.pressure rate, pressure intervalves, flow rate and also control of different regionsas may be required, i.e. portions corresponding with the back of the individual.

It will be noted that by one specific embodiment, there may be provided amat fitted with a plurality of massaging elements, which may be applied by a useron any surface.

In the embodiment seen in Fig. 7, there is illustrated a massagingcushion180 having a boomerang-like shape and fitted with a plurality ofbulges182. The massaging cushion in accordance with this embodiment issuitable in particular for massaging a person's back. It will be noted that a varietyof designs for massaging cushions may be provided, each adapted for a differentbody part.

Reference is now made to Fig. 8 illustrating a foot massaging devicegenerally designated190 and comprising a watertight housing192 with abasemat194 shaped for supporting two feet. Themat192 fitted with a plurality ofmassagingelements194 as disclosed hereinabove. The device further comprisesa plurality of under-jet nozzles196 and side-jet nozzles198. Acontrol200 selects a plan which controls water temperature, water jet pressure messagingparameters (e.g. speed, one or both feet, etc). It is appreciated that the air pressureused for operating the massaging elements may be used for generating the waterjets.

In accordance with any of the above embodiments, it is preferably desiredthat over the massaging elements there be provided a friction reducing materialsuch as a fabric having at least an inner surface made of or coated with a frictionreducing material such as silk or other synthetic cloth, nylon, etc. Preferably, theone or more massaging elements of a massaging system are all received within asuitable enveloping friction reducing member, as can readily be understood.Alternatively, there is provided such a friction reducing layer between themassaged surface and the massaging elements.

Whilst the above description refers to some specific embodiments, asillustrated in the annexed Figures, it is to be understood that the invention is notrestricted thereto, and may include a variety of embodiments and applications,mutatis mutandis. One such example may be providing a manually heldmassaging device comprising massaging elements as described, and comprising asource of compressed air, e.g. a portable balloon.

Claims

A massaging element20 comprising a housing22 fitted with a pressureport26 and a massaging cushion46 made of a resilient material and beingsealingly articulated to the housing22 and comprising a plurality of bulges50projecting from an external surface48 thereof and each extending along alongitudinal axis, whereby applying pressure via the pressure port26 themassaging cushion46 is inflated entailing displacement of the bulges50 in adirection having a first displacement component in a direction76 correspondingwith the longitudinal axis and a second displacement component in a direction78essentially normal to said first displacement component.
A massaging element20 according to claim 1, wherein the massagingcushion46 is fitted over a support member34 having an inflated position and adeflated position and being biased to assume it's deflated position.
A massaging element20 according to claim 2, wherein the supportmember34 has an essentially flat support portion36 bearing against themassaging cushion46, and an expandable bellows portion38 fixed at an endthereof within the housing22.
A massaging element20 according to claim 2, wherein the supportmember34 defines a pressure chamber42 being in flow communication with thepressure port26.
A massaging element20 according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinalaxis of each of the plurality of bulges50 extends essentially perpendicular to thesurface48.
A massaging element20 according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinalaxis of each of the plurality of bulges86 are inclined with respect to thesurface82 such that the axes intersect at an imaginary point above the surface82.
A massaging element20 according to claim 1, wherein the bulges50 havea tapering cross-section, each formed with a rounded tip52.
A massaging element20 according to claim 1, wherein upon inflation themassaging cushion46 assumes the shape of a spherical portion.
A massaging element20 according to claim 1, wherein the bulges50 aredistributed over the massaging cushion46 in a circular pattern.
A massaging element20 according to claim 7, wherein the buLges92 arefitted with replaceable tips98.
A massaging element20 according to claim 2, wherein the supportmember34 is fixed to the housing by a retainer ring.
A massaging element according to claim 1, wherein the massagingcushion46 is fixed to the housing by a retaining member60.
A massaging system comprising one or more massaging elements20 eachhaving housing22 fitted with a pressure port26 being in flow communicationwith a pressure chamber 42, a massaging cushion46 made of a resilient materialand comprising a plurality of bulges50 projecting from an external surface48thereof and each extending along a longitudinal axis; and a pressure unit150 forpressurizing the pressure chamber42; whereby pressurizing the pressurechamber42 entails inflation of the massaging cushion46 such the bulges50 aredisplaced in a direction having a first displacement component in a direction76corresponding with the longitudinal axis and a second displacement componentin a direction78 essentially normal to said first displacement component.
A massaging system according to claim 13, comprising at least twomassaging elements20 wherein pressurizing two juxtaposing pressureelements120:122 applied to the skin124 of an individual, the seconddisplacement components78 entail contraction of the individual's skin124between said juxtaposing pressure elements.
A massaging system according to claim 13, further comprising acontroller160 for controlling sequence of inflation and deflation of each of thepressure chambers 20, pressure level and flow rate.
A massaging system according to claim 15, wherein the controller160 isprogrammable or pre-programmed to provide various operational parameters.
A massaging system according to claim 13, comprising a plurality ofmassaging elements arranged on a playable carrying mat.
A massaging system according to claim 13, comprising a plurality ofmassaging elements arranged on an essentially rigid carrying member.
A massaging system according to claim 13, comprising a plurality ofmassaging elements arranged on a surface of a bed158 or seat156.
A massaging system190 according to claim 14, wherein the messagingelements194 are formed on a mat suitable for supporting two feet.
A massaging system according to claim 20, received within a water-tighthousing192, with one or more water jet nozzles196 formed in the housing.
A massaging system according to claim 21, wherein the one or more waterjets are activated by air pressure used for inflating the messaging elements194.