AU623665B2 - Magnetic massage-therapy device - Google Patents

Description

OPI DATE 12/01/90 APVLN. I D 381407 89 P A0JP DATE 15/02/90 PCT NUMBER PCT/EP89/00689 INTENATONAL ANLQ2Ga'V~R f'CH5ACH DEM VERTRAG OBER DIF INTERNATIONALE AUJ~ I c IET DES PATENTWESENS (PCT) (51) Internationale Patcntkiassifikation 4: (11) Internationale Verbffentlichungsnummer: WO 89/12433 A61 H 23/00, A61IN 2/00 Al (43) lnternationales 2Veriffentliclungsdatum: 28. Dezember 1989 (28.12.89) (21) Internationales Altenzeichen: PCT/EP89/00699 (81) Bestimmungsstaaten: AT, AT (europ~iisches Patent), AU, BB, BE (europa1isches Patent), BF (QAPI Patent), BG, (22) Internationales Anmeldedatum: 22. Juni 1989 (22.06.89) BJ (QAPI Patent), BR, CF (QAPI Patent), CG (OAP1 Patent), CH, CH (europ~isches Patent), CM (GAPI Patent), DE, DE (europ~isches Patent), DK, Fl, FR (euro- Prioritiitsdaten: p~isches Patent), GA (QAPI Patent). GB. GB (europi- P- 1189/88 22. Juni 1988 (22.06.88) YU sches Patent), HU, IT (europ~isches Patent). JP. KP, KR, LK, LU, LU (europ~isches Patent). MC, MG, WIL (QAPI Patent), MR (OAPI Patent). MW, NL, NL (euro- (71) Anmelder: URBAN, Pavle [YU/DE]; Kreuzkamp 16, D- p~isches Patent), NO, RO. SD. SE. SE (europ~iisches Pa- 4798 Wtinnenberg-Ftirstenberg tent), SN (OAPI Patent), SU, TD (QAPI Patent). TG (QAPI Patent).

(71)(72) Anmelder und Erfinder: SUSIC, Dragan [YU/YU; Milorada Pantica 33 B, YU-1 1251 Beograd.Ostruznica Ver6ffentlicht Mit intrnationalen Rccherc/ienhericht.

(74) Anwalt: HANEWINKEL, Lorenz; Ferrariweg 1 7a, D-4790 Var A blatif der fitr 4ndeningeti der Anspriklwe zu~elassenen Paderborn Frist. flerlffeizlichung wird wvicaerholt fialls Andeningen elntreifen.

(54) Title: MAGNETIC MASSAGE-THERAPY DEVICE (54) Bezeichnung: MAGNETISCHE MASSAGETHERAPIE-VORRICHTUNG M ZZ0 (57) Abstract MZ MS P Massage device with a low-frequency tension pulse generator (IG) which feeds an electromagnetic field coil in which the person or animal to be treated can be placed. Said device has on its surface a magnetic cover or magnetic apron (MS) situated in the field coil (MZ) and comprised of Fmall solid permanent-magnet plates which are flexibly linked with each other so as to exert a massaging action on the burace of the body, the low-frequency electromagnetic field causing them to move in relaxation oscillations. Said massaging action stimulates blood circulation and lymph circulation and enhances the effect of the cit:,-romagnetic low-frequency treatment.

(57) Zusammenfassung Massagevorichtung mit einem N iederfreq uenz- Span nu ngsi mpulIsgenerator der eine elektromagnetische Feldspule (MZ) speist, in der emn zu behandelnider menschlicher oder tierischer Kbrper anzuordnen ist, auf dessen Oberfliiche sich eine Magnet-Decke oder Magnet-Schtirze (MS) in der Feldspule (MZ) befindet, die &us festen permanentmabnetischen Magnetplilttchen (PM) bestehit, die flexibel miteinander verbunden sind, so dag diese Magnetpl~ittchen (PM) auf die K6rperobernltche eine Massagewirkung ausgben, da sie durch das niederfrequente elektromagnetische Feld zu Kippschwingungen angeregt werden. Die Massagewirkung f6rdert die Durchblutung und Lymphdrainage und erh6ht den Effekt der elektromagnetischen Niederfrequenzbehandlung.

OIL Jbnw -w I MAGNETIC MASSAGE-THERAPY APPARATUS The inven:ion relates to treatment apparatus for a human body or animal body or parts thereof with an electromagnetic field coil assembly energized at low-frequency and surrounding the same.

The apparatus of the invention is very useful in physical therapy and for the rehabilitation of persons. The innovation improves the known method of using an electromagnetic low-frequency field, termed low-frequency therapy.

The goal of the invention is to increase the effectiveness of low-frequency therapy and to expand the field of its application.

The solution of the problem resides on using low-frequency therapy in combination with magnetic plates arranged on an object to be treated.

There is disclosed herein a treatment device for covering a human or animal body or body part comprising an arrangement of small permanent magnetic plates positioned between two sheets of flexible material and held at a distance from each other by seams through said flexible material, said seams surrounding said magnetic plates, said treatment device further comprising an electromagnetic field coil which is connected to a low-frequency variable current generator, 20 the variable current of said generator producing a changing low-frequency magnetic field in said electromagnetic field coil, wherein, said changing low-frequency magnetic field produces corresponding movement in said small permanent magnetic plates proximate .to said electromagnetic field coil.

25 The magnetic plates are advantageously made of a permanently magnetic material and are maintained in spaced and pivotable relationship relative to each other in a blanket or bandage so that they can be arranged and kept in a simple fashion on the object to be treated yet perform pivoting motions in the electromagnetic field as a consequence of the interaction of the magnetic fields, which motions advantageously provide a therapeutic massaging effect supplementing the therapeutic effect of the magnetic fields.

In an advantageous embodiment of the entire apparatus, the coil assembly, which serves to generate the low-frequency field and encloses the object to be treated end the permanent magnet assembly, the magnet-supporting blanket or bandage, is made of flexible coils whereby transport and handling of the assembly are simplified.

IS/291

INOW-

IA An advantageous embodiment of the apparatus is energized by a low-frequency pulse generator with adjustable frequency and amplitude.

Medical and scientific investigations made with the novel apparatus have proved its advantageous effects over known apparatus. Experiments made on humans and animals have shown a substantially higher effectiveness in the treatment of post-traumatic conditions when compared with the known *S/291 o* ii A *S1291

I

-2therapy of low frequency alone. The experiments were made with an electromagnetic low-frequency pulse generator of two designs, namely: firstly, involving the generation of pulses with a frequency adjustable in the range of 0.5 to 30 Hz, the pulses having sinusoidal or seml-sinusoidal waveform with a basic frequency of 60 Hz; and, secondly, involving rectangular pulses with an adjustable frequency in the frequency range of 1 1000 Hz.

In the experiments, the field coils were arranged in known fashion.

An especially configured magnet blanket is part of the novel apparatus. It consists of many small permanent magnets which are oriented in a peculiar manner and spaced in a peculiar manner with respect to each other. In this way in an electromagnetic low-frequency field there is generated a very subtle vibration of the rigid, movably mounted magnets, which effects micromassage of the vessels covered by it. The principal S effect of this micromassage involves dilatation of the small blood vessels Sand improved flow in the lymphatic system, improved lymph drainage.

In addition, this form of massage provides a recuperative action on the respective skeletal musculature. These effects are superimposed on the S known positive effects of magnet therapy and low-frequency therapy and render a synerglstic effect. The effect of the massage can be no iced already after a few minutes, and the resulting relaxation and enhanced blood flow make it possible that the low-frequency therapy, which is noticeable only through its long term effect, exhibits its effect in a better way.

It turned out that, advantageously, when bandages provided with the permanent magnets, which serve to apply pressure to limbs with injuries, pulling or torn muslces, are excited for massage vibration in the low-frequency field, the bandages do not cause the detrimental stop of the lymph and blood flow, common with bandages, in the extremity regions behind the bandage and far from the heart so that faster healing of the injury was accomplished without pain and follow-up treatment.

Advantageous embodiments and applications are shown In Figures 1 through 9.

3 Figure 1 shows the circuit diagram of a pulse generator of the apparatus; Figure 2 shows a top view of part of a magnet assembly in a blanket; Figure 2a shows a cross section relating to Figure 2; Figure 3 shows an apron-like blanket with an other magnet assembly; Figure 4 shows a field coil arrangement part of which is exposed and part of which is shown schematically in a top view; Figure 5 shows an electric circuit diagram of the field coil arrangement relating to Figure 4; Figure 6 shows an other field coil arrangement; Figure 6a shows a cross section relating to Figure 6 in an enlarged cut; Figure 6b shows a cross section relating to Figure 6; Figure 7 shows an electric circuit diagram of the field coil assembly of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a block diagram of the overall arrangement; Figures 9a d show various applications of the apparatus to a patient.

Figure 1 shows the circuit diagram of the electrical pulse generator.

It is energized by the ac net (60 Hz, 110 v) when the switch (SWA) is in the ON position. Protection is obtained by a fuse and the operation is indicated by the pilot lamp The selector switch (SW3) of the mode of operation serves to switch to a mode of operation making use of the line frequency, wherein signals with a pulse frequency of 0.5 30 Hz are generated in the OFF position and signals with sinusoidal or semi-sinusoidal waveforms result. Power is supplied to the first oscillator (IC1) via the line transformer (TR2), a power rectifier, a second fuse and a contact of a first relais -The first integrated-circuit oscillator (IC1) generates a predetermined frequency between 0.5 and 30 Hz in dependence upon the capacitors switched on by a frequency selector owitch The .oscillator signal is amplified by the transistor (Tl) the signFl of which controls a triac (TRI) supplying the ac input signal to a signal transformer (TRI) with the appropriate timing. Its secondary windings are -4selected with the power selector switch and the signal selected is applied to the output via a switch (SW2) either directly or via a half-wave rectifier depending upon the switch position. Accordingly, either full-wave or half-wave output signals are periodically generated with the oscillator frequency. The output signal applied to the plug connectors (CO) is rectified and filtered and is applied to a level meter Its scale is advantageously calibrated to correspond to the magnetic field strength of the field coil. A monitoring lamp (LB2) indicates the mode of operation. When the range selector switch (P2) is in a particular end position the first relais (R1) is activated, whereby the first oscillator (IC1) is switched off and the line frequency is directly applied to the transformer (TR1) and is outputted directly or as half-waves, depending upon the switch position.

When the mode selector switch (SW3) is in the ON position, the second generator, indicated within a region enclosed by dashed lines, is operational in place of the above-described first generator and is shown in the other region enclosed by dashed lines. The second generator (B) supplies rectangular pulses with a frequency between 1 and 1000 Hz in dependence upon the setting. Then three relais (Rl R3) are switched on.

The second integrated-circuit oscillator (IC2) is energized by a transformer (TR3) via a rectifier and a fuse The second oscillator (IC2) is set to a range of 1 1000 Hz via a corresponding capacitor connected through the selector switch The oscillator signal is applied to a monostable pulse generator (IC3) emitting complementary rectangular pulses with the corresponding frequency, with the pulses amplified in darlington transistor pairs (TS) the output signals of which are applied to two electronic switch or thyristor groups (TY) composed of power thyristors connected in parallel. These thyristors are supplied with dc via a rectifier which follows the power selector switch Pilot lamps (B3,-B4) indicating the mode of operation follow the two thyristor groups (TY) the outputs of which are connected to the contacts of the plug terminals (CO) into which the cable for the field coils is to be plugged.

-i -r i i Figures 2 and 2a show part of a top view and a cross section of a magnet blanket. It is formed by small permanent magnets These can have various dimensions and shape. The number of the magnets depends upon the size of the blanket. Iney are kept in spaced relationship inside a textile fabric enclosure (SA) of, say, canvas, with an elastic filler (RF), rubber, interposed, which is sewn to the fabric enclosure (SA), namely along the edges of the magnets, as indicated by the dashed seam line This design of the magnet blanket has a rectangular grid structure.

All the magnets are aligned in the same direction, as shown in Figure 2a, and their magnetic axes are perpendicular to the length of the blanket.

Figure 3 shows an alternative arrangement of the magnets (PM) in the form of a magnet apron filled with a large number of round magnetic plates around which there was sewing. The gaps between them is filled with rubber On the side of the apron there are attached straps (BE) which serve for its attachment to the body of a patient.

The magnet blanket or magnet apron renders the micromassage in the alternating electromagnetic field. When this is switched on, the permanent magnets oscillate because of the resulting variable magnetomechanical forces which effect a gentle massage of the body portion covered. In this way a beneficial effect, an improved microcirculation and an easing of pain, is exerted on living tissue.

Figure 4 shows of the apparatus a first flat, flexible field coil arrangement which is to be produced in various sizes and is composed of many rectangular sections of conductor bundles (FA, FB, FC) laid out as rectangular spirals in side-by-side relationship. An entire coil assembly is preferably formed by two separate field coil arrangements (FS1, FS2).

Figure 4a shows a cross section and Figure 4, a partially exposed region of the field coil arrangement. The flexible, insulated conductor bundles which form the coil sections, are joined by a shroud and kept in side-by-side relationship so that they form the flat, rectangular spiral. The three coil sections are connected in serie- They are on both sides enclosed and retained by a fabric cover (LS).

i I~ L_ -6- A thin layer of foam plastic (SP) and a plastic cover (SK) are advantageously wrapped around the fabric cover (LS).

As shown diagrammatically in Figure 5, the two coil arrangements (FS1, FS2) are supplied with current and arranged one on top the other or in side-by-side relationship in such a manner that their magnetic fields are additively superimposed. The terminals (Al, A2; Bl, B2) are connected with the plug connector (CO) of Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a field coil configuration in the form of a hollow cylinder wherein the two coil arrangements (FS1', FS2') of flexible wire are placed one on top the other. The internal structure can be inferred from the representation with partial exposure, from the cross section of Figure 6b, and the enlarged cross section of Figure 6a. The cables are provided with a mantle of canvas ribbon, which gives the coil its hollow-cylindrical or hollow-flat-cyllndrical shape and makes it flexible. The entire cylindrical coil is enclosed by a fabric shroud a layer of foam plastic or of sponge material (SP) on top, and a cover (SK) of plastic or of a natural material. The flexible coil model is easy to handle and to transport because its shape can be adapted to the requirements of each specific case.

Figure 7 shows the electrical connection scheme and the additive field configuration.

Figure 8 shows purely diagrammatically the arrangement of the pulse generator (iG) with the field coil assemblies (FS1, FS2; MZ) which can be optionally connected and the magnet blanket (MD) or the magnet apron (MS).

Figure 9a shows the placement of a magnet apron (MS) on a patient the magnet coil has the form of flexible arrangements (FS1, FS2) which are placed on the magnet blanket (MD).

Figure 9b shows the placement of a bandage (BM) with a magnet blanket (MD) of a lower leg (US) and the enclosing cylindrical coil (MZ).

Figure 9d shows a magnet blanket (MD) loosely placed on the thigh the field coil is not shown.

1 11~ rl I I -7- Figures 9a through 9d refer to applications and exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make adaptations to special applications and animal bodies. Fixed coils can be used in place of the flexible coils which are particularly pleasant to use. The coils, like the magnets, may also be Incorporated in garments. The permanent magnets used for the massage apron or massage blanket can be replaced by rigid dc-energized electromagnets which are flexible relative to each other and composed of coils; however, tflay need a current for their operation.

Another embodiment of the permanent magnet blanket or apron is provided by an embossed, reticulated plate of magnetizable magnetic rubber.

It can be optionally enclosed by a fabric shroud and/or elastic shroud.

As fir as side length or diameter are concerned, dimensions in the range of 0.5 5 cm were found to be advantageous. The pivoting motion of the plates in the low-frequency field of the cylindrical coil the field of which is directed perpendicular to the magnetization of the plates, or the axial movement of the plates, when their field are parallel to the low-frequency fie J of the elastic coil arrangement, coact with the directionally oriented [sic] walls of the blood and lymph vessels like a e stricture pump, in the manner of a peristaltic movement, enhancing and draining the blood circulation, with advantageous effects noted also in the field of sports exercises and post-exercise treatment.

Claims (18)

1. A treatment device for covering a human or animal body or body part comprising an arrangement of small permanent magnetic plates positioned between two sheets of flexible material and held at a distance from each other by seams through said flexible material, said seams surrounding said magnetic plates, said treatment device further comprising an electromagnetic field coil which is connected to a low-frequency variable current generator, the variable current of said generator producing a changing low-frequency magnetic field in said electromagnetic field coil, wherein, said changing low-frequency magnetic field produces corresponding movement in said small permanent magnetic plates proximate to said electromagnetic field coil.

2. A treatment device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said small permanent magnetic plates are polarized at longitudinal sides of said plates. S"3. A treatment device in accordance with claim 2, wherein all said small permanent magnetic plates are polarized parallel oriented to each other.

S 20

4. A treatment device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said small permanent magnetic plates are of rectangular Thape and said two sheets of flexible material are made from a fabric.

:5 A treatment device in accordance with claim 4, wherein an elastic material is inserted in a distance between said small permanent 25 magnetic plates.

6. A treatment device in accordance with claim 5, wherein said two sheets of flexible material covering said small magnetic plates are rectangular shaped.

7. A treatment device in accordance with claim 1, wherein straps are attached to said two sheets of flexible material covering said small permanent magnetic plates to assist in wrapping said flexible material covering on said body part.

8. A treatment device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said low-frequency variable current generator has a first oscillator with a frequency control means for operating said oscillator within a range of to 30 Hz, said oscillator connected via a first switch contact to a sinusoidal alternating voltage source of a line frequency of 60 Hz, and 9 via a second switch contact to a semi-sinusoidal variable voltage source of line frequency of 60 Hz.

9. A treatment device in accordance with claim 8, wherein an alternating voltage is provided to a triac, wherein a control input of said triac is driven by said first oscillator and the output of said triac is fed to a control transformer the output of which is routed via said first switch contact directly to an output connector of said low-frequency current generator, and wherein the output of said control transformer is routed via said second switch contact and further via a rectifier diode to said output connector of said low-frequency current generator.

A treatment device in accordance with claim 8, wherein said low-frequency generator comprises a second oscillator supplying rectangular voltage pulses with a pre-determinable frequency of 1 to 1,000 Hz, said second oscillator controlling a rectangular voltage pulse generator provided with setting means for an output voltage amplitude.

11. A treatment device in accordance with claim 10, wherein said second oscillator output is coupled to a square wave generator providing complimentary output signals which are fed to corresponding control S 20 inputs of two groups of switches which are supplied by line voltage delivered by a step down transformer via a rectifier, and wherein the outputs of the two groups of switches are connected to corresponding output connectors of said low-frequency current generator. t

12. A treatment device in accordance with claim 1, further S 25 comprising switch means for selectively operating said first oscillator and said second oscillator.

13. A treatment device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a frame supports a pallet having a space for said body to be treated, wherein said electromagnetic field coil surrounds said pallet with an upper part of said field coil covering said space and said small permanent magnetic plates and wherein said field coil is disposed in and surrounded by a coil channel which is composed of an upper and a lower channel section, wherein said upper and said lower channel are connected to each other with pivot joints.

14. A treatment device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a frame supports a pallet having a space for said body to be treated, wherein said field coil surrounds said pallet, an upper part of said field coil I I I 10 covering, said space and said small permanent magnetic plates, wherein said field coil comprises a plurality of field coils which are spaced and movable along the longitudinal axis of said frame and are arranged coaxially to each other.

15. A treatment device in accordance with claim 14, whierein said frame is mounted on rollers.

16. A treatment device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said small permanent magnetic plates positioned between said two sheets of flexible material are located on said pallet.

17. A treatment device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said field coils are each connected with an associated controllable pulse generator switch, each said pulse generator switch controlled via a state control switch, first switch contacts on said state control switch connecting said pulse generator switch synchronously to an oscillator provided with a frequency control, second switch contacts on said state control switch connecting said pulse generator switch via a phase- shifter to said oscillator, third switch contacts on said state controls switc'" connecting said pulse generator switch individually to said oscillator each of which is provided with a frequency control, wherein 20 said phase-shifter generates a phase shift sequence progressing from each said pulse generator switch to the next in turn.

18. A treatment device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this SECOND day of MARCH 1992 Pavle Urban, Dragan Susic Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON /291 1 T '.X 1 i;