CA1145633A - Massage devices - Google Patents
Massage devicesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1145633A CA1145633A CA000341027A CA341027A CA1145633A CA 1145633 A CA1145633 A CA 1145633A CA 000341027 A CA000341027 A CA 000341027A CA 341027 A CA341027 A CA 341027A CA 1145633 A CA1145633 A CA 1145633A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- massage
- socket
- head
- top surface
- heads
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H7/00—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for
- A61H7/002—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for by rubbing or brushing
- A61H7/004—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for by rubbing or brushing power-driven, e.g. electrical
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
- A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
- A61H23/0218—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dermatology (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Massaging Devices (AREA)
Abstract
III. ABSTRACT:
There is disclosed massage mechanisms comprising one or more drivers having an angled socket on the end of each driver. The socket has a massage head rotatably engaged therewith by means of a post fixed essentially perpendicularly to the back of the massage head. The massage heads are generally conical in shape and can have collars around the periphery and downward from the base. The socket is angled to a degree which results in the axis of the head and the axis of the driver guide shaft intersecting at a point on the massage head or the driver. The diameter of the post on the massage head is less than the inside diameter of the socket. In operation the edges of the massage head rise and fall about 26° - 30° in an undulating motion without imparting rotational motion while imparting a kneading, massaging action.
The driver rotates at about 60-70 RPM which enables the massaging action to be synchronized to the heartbeat.
There is disclosed massage mechanisms comprising one or more drivers having an angled socket on the end of each driver. The socket has a massage head rotatably engaged therewith by means of a post fixed essentially perpendicularly to the back of the massage head. The massage heads are generally conical in shape and can have collars around the periphery and downward from the base. The socket is angled to a degree which results in the axis of the head and the axis of the driver guide shaft intersecting at a point on the massage head or the driver. The diameter of the post on the massage head is less than the inside diameter of the socket. In operation the edges of the massage head rise and fall about 26° - 30° in an undulating motion without imparting rotational motion while imparting a kneading, massaging action.
The driver rotates at about 60-70 RPM which enables the massaging action to be synchronized to the heartbeat.
Description
~45tj33 MASSAGE DEVICES
I. DESCRIPTION:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention This invention relates to a massaging mechanism comprising a massage head rotatably inserted into a rotatable angled socket and to dry massage devices which utilize the massaging mechanism. When the angled socket is rotated, it causes the massage head to produce a non-rotating kneading, massaging action.
More particularly, this invention relates to a massage mechanism which comprises an easily replaced massage head having a non-rotating kneading, massaging action ~hich is in general synchronization with the heartbeat of the massagee. This synchronization results in a maximization o the blood circulation to the muscles being massaged, thus aiding in the support of metabolic activity and increasing the tone and suppleness of the treated muscles.
I. DESCRIPTION:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention This invention relates to a massaging mechanism comprising a massage head rotatably inserted into a rotatable angled socket and to dry massage devices which utilize the massaging mechanism. When the angled socket is rotated, it causes the massage head to produce a non-rotating kneading, massaging action.
More particularly, this invention relates to a massage mechanism which comprises an easily replaced massage head having a non-rotating kneading, massaging action ~hich is in general synchronization with the heartbeat of the massagee. This synchronization results in a maximization o the blood circulation to the muscles being massaged, thus aiding in the support of metabolic activity and increasing the tone and suppleness of the treated muscles.
2. Description Of The Prior ~rt Tnere are a variety of dry massage devices which utilize angled massage heads, however, none of these devices have massage heads which can be removed while the apparatus is in operation and none of these devices are synchronized to the heartbeat of the massagee.
..
S~33 Examples of those prior art devices which have non-rotating massage heads are:
Sandt, U.S. Patent 4,061,137 which discloses a device that provides a vibrating action while utilizing flat massage heads with wobbling motions. This device is a complex mechanism which does not impose a late.al or chafing motion. The massage heads are non-rotatably attached to the drive means and can safely be removed only when the device is not operating.
Thornton, U.S. Patent 3,207,152 discloses a massage couch having multiple inclined flat massage heads attached to a rotating shaft. The heads rotate but are covered by massage pads which do not rotate but have a wobbl~ng motion. The wobble massage heads can be actuated at different speeds to more closely simulate the action of a pair of hands giving a Swedish massage.
Fujimoto, U.S. Patent 3,678,924 discloses a device in which a flat circular plate is rotatably attached to an angled drive shaft by means of a bearing. When the shaft rotates, the plate does not, causing the plate to wobble. The shaft is actuated by a motor driven belt.
The prior art also includes massage devices which operate on eccentric shafts such as Richmond, U.S.
Pat~nt 855,342; Miller, U.S. Patent 912,016; Macaura, U.S. Patent 1,592,144; and, Miyahara, U.S. Patent
..
S~33 Examples of those prior art devices which have non-rotating massage heads are:
Sandt, U.S. Patent 4,061,137 which discloses a device that provides a vibrating action while utilizing flat massage heads with wobbling motions. This device is a complex mechanism which does not impose a late.al or chafing motion. The massage heads are non-rotatably attached to the drive means and can safely be removed only when the device is not operating.
Thornton, U.S. Patent 3,207,152 discloses a massage couch having multiple inclined flat massage heads attached to a rotating shaft. The heads rotate but are covered by massage pads which do not rotate but have a wobbl~ng motion. The wobble massage heads can be actuated at different speeds to more closely simulate the action of a pair of hands giving a Swedish massage.
Fujimoto, U.S. Patent 3,678,924 discloses a device in which a flat circular plate is rotatably attached to an angled drive shaft by means of a bearing. When the shaft rotates, the plate does not, causing the plate to wobble. The shaft is actuated by a motor driven belt.
The prior art also includes massage devices which operate on eccentric shafts such as Richmond, U.S.
Pat~nt 855,342; Miller, U.S. Patent 912,016; Macaura, U.S. Patent 1,592,144; and, Miyahara, U.S. Patent
3,993,052.
Other prior art devices operate by means of vibration, exampies are, Hall, U.S. Patent 2,265,729 and Ereemon, U.S. Patent 1,844,247.
~S~33 Some other prior art devices disclose a p~uralit~
of massaging heads which may be on angular shafts, such as, Paschall, U.S. patent 1,577,751; Ritter, U.S.
Patent 2,907,323; and, ~rent, U.S. Patent 3,374,784.
The prior art does not teach the concept of utilizing a non-rotating, easily removable massage head which is set rotatably into a socket which is on a driver at an angle at which the axis of the driver can intersect the axis of the massage head at a point on the center of the top of the massage head or along the center post. In addition, the prior art does not teach utilizing a massage disc which has a non-rotating kneading action essentially in synchronization with the heartbeat.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object o this invention to provide an improved massaging mechanism.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved massage mechanism wherein the massage head is rotatably set into a socket fixed at an angle on a driver.
It is still another object of this invention to provide an improved massage mechanism in a massage de~ice ~herein the massage head can be removed and replaced while the device is operating.
It is yet another object of this invention to pro-vide an improved massage device suitable for use as a foot massager which utilizes a massage mechanism whereir the massage heads are rotatably set into sockets fixed at an angle on a driver.
5~33 ~ 4 --It is an additional o~ject o~ thIs inyention to provide an improved massage de~Ice suitable for use as a hand-held body massager which utilizes a massage mechanism wherein the massage head is rotatably set into a ~ocket ~ixed at an angle on a driver.
It is yet an addItional object of this inyention to provide an improved massage mechanism adaptable to a Yariety of massage devices~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to massage mechanisms comprising one or more drivers having an angled socket on the end of each driver. The socket has a massage head rotatably engaged therewith by means of a post fixed essentially perpendicularly to the back of the head. The massage heads are generally conical shaped discs. The socket is angled to a degree which results in the axis of the head and the axis of the driver intersecting at a point on the massage head or post which results in the desired massaging action with a minim~m of excess shear or excess chafing. Preferably the intersection is at the apex of the cone or a hand-held body massager and on the post for a foot massager.
As the socket rotates, it causes one edge of the massage head to rise while the other falls to give an undulating, kneading action. The edges of the conical shaped disc rise and fall through e.g. about a 20 to 30 angle.
The driver is operatively connected to a power source which revolves the socket at a rate approximating the heartbeat, i.e., about 60 to 70 RPM. The massage head can be removed and replaced by another head with 3a a different top shape or surface while the massage device with which it is associated is in operation. The S~33 -- 5 ~
massage mechanis~ can be utilized in a ~ariety of massage devices such as foot massagers and hand-held body massagers.
BRIE~ DESCRIPTION O~ THE DR~ INGS
i.
Figure 1 shows two perspective yiews of a massage head and socket in acccrdance with this invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a massage head with hemispherical tip pins on the top surface, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the massage head in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view in cross section of a massage head with concentric rings on the top sur-face, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the massage head in Figure 4:
Figure 6 is a side elevational view in cross section of a massage head with radial bars on the top surface, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure l;
Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the massage head in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a massage head with truncated cone shape having a depressed center on the top surface, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure 1;
~1~5633 Figule 9 is a side elevational view of a massage head o~ smooth rounded shape on the top surface, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure l;
Figure 10 is a sIde elevational view in cross 5 section of a hand-~held massager with no housing details;
Figure 11 is a side elevational view in cross section of a dual head foot massager in a housing;
Figure 12 is a top elevational view in cross section of a dual head foot massager without the 10 massage heads, showing the worm gear drive;
Figure 13 is a top perspective view of a foot massager and housing in accordance with this invention and appears on the same sheet as Figure 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, there is shown in Figure 1 the details of the structural relationship of a driver guide shaft 13, driver with socket hole 12 and massage head 11. The massage head 11 having a perpendicular center post 14 rotatably fits into the , angled socket in the driver 12 which rotates on the driver guide shaft 13. The head 11 is of a short conical shape and has extending downward from the base, a key 15 which fits into a slot 16 in the housing 17 sho~n in part adjacent the orifice 18. The diameter of the center post 14 is smaller than the inside diameter of the socket hole in the driver 12.
The angle at which the axis of the driver guide shaft 13 intersects the axis of the massage head 11 is not critical to the operation of the massage head mechanism 10 since any angle will operate, however, it was found that an angle of about 10 to 15 depending on the ';~
6~3 desired shear ~o be applled to ~he massaged area gives optimum results~ When the axes intersect at the apex of the cone, there is no lateral movement of ~he apex;
this is mo~t suitable for a hand-held body massager.
5 As the point of intersection goes down the post at the base of the massage head, the apex of the cone has an increasing lateral movement. This is a preferred feature for a foot massager.
An advantageous feature of the device of this 10 invention is that the massage heads can be easily changed to provide mild or vigorous massaging action.
Figures 2-9 depict a variety of surface con-figurations suitable for use as massage heads in this invention, some of which impart a vigorous massage 15 action and others of which impart a mild action.
Figures 2 and 3 show a massage head 21 with hemispherical tip pins 22 which is suitable for use in this invention when a vigorous massage is desired.
The massage head 61 shown in Figure 6 having radial 20 bars 62 is also suitable for vigorous massage action.
A less vigorous massage effect is obtained when using the massage head 41 in Figure 4, 81 in Figure 8, and 91 in ~igure 9, having, respectively, concentric rings 42, a depressed center 82 and a smooth rounded 25 surface 92.
Figure 10 shows a hand-held massager 100 comprised of a housing 101 with an electric motor 102 therein, said motor having a driver guide shaft 13 with a tilted driver with a socket hole 12 suppcrted by the 30 end therecf. The tilt of the socket hole in the driver 12 is at an angle which ensures that the massage head 103 therein imparts little or no la-teral movem~nt and chafing to the massaged portions of the body. The housing 101 ~s of a shape which makes it easy to hold in the hand. Generally, if the axis of the d iver guide shaft 13 intersects the axis of the apex 104 OL
the cone on the top surface of the head 103, the optimum massaging action is obtained. The center post 14 of the head 103 fits rotatably in the socket hole of driver 12, as it has a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the socket hole. The head 103 can be of a variety of shapes on its top surface 105. The head 103 depicted in Figure 10 is of a short, smooth, conical shape with the apex 104 removed. This results in the massaging action being distributed over a wider area. The head preferably has a collar 106 which fits rotatably in the orifice 18 of the housing 101. When the motor 102 is turned on, it rotates the bottom gear 107, the idler gearset 99 and the top gear 108 which is fixed to the driver with the socket hole 12. rrhis rotates the driver 12 at a rate approximating the heartbeat, i.e., about 60 - 70 RPM. As the driver with the socket hole 12 rotates, it causes in the edge 98 of the massage head 103 to rise and fall in an undulating motion through about 20 to 30, depending on the angle of tilt which is one half the angle the edge 98 of the massage head 103 rises and falls. The device 100 is designed so that when the massage head 103 is pressed against the body, the pressure prevents the massage head 103 from rotatlng substantially and assures that the desired non-rotating kneading, massaging action takes place. The massage head 103 can be removed while the device 100 is turned on or it can be removed while it is turned off. This enables the operator to change with facility the ~5~3 g massage h~ad 103 to suit personal preference and use, ~or example, the massage heads depicted in Figures 2-9.
Anothex mean~ to m~ke sure t~at the massage head does not rotate with the driver with the socket hole 12 is to pro~ide a key pin as depicted in Figures 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9, and a keyhole as depicted in Figure 1. In order to assist ~n preJenting the top gear 108 from lifting out through the orifice 18, a ring 109 is inserted ~n the orifice 18.
The device of this invention can have multiple massage heads driven by a power source which causes each to have a non-rotating kneading action. For example, a body massage couch or chair can be con-structed using the massage mechanism of this inven-tion. The massage mechanism of this invention is eminently suitable for use in a foot massage device.
Such devices can be made with, e.g. as many as eight massage heads arranged in the housing so that for each foot one head massages the toes, one head massages the ball of the foot, one head massages the arch, and one head massages the heel; or a simple foot massage device can be constructed with one massage head for each foot. In such case, one moves the foot over the massage head to get the desired effect.
Depicted in Figures 11, 12 and 13 is a foot massage device 110 of this invention wherein the housing 111 has two orifices 112 which are spaced apart to enabLe one to place one foot on each of the massage heads 114 placed therein. The height of the heads is such that the feet rest on the surface of the housing and the heads comfortably. The pressure of the $eet on the massage heads 114 heips prevent the 5~33 heads ~rom rotating when the motor 115 is turned on with switch 122. ~hen the motor 115 is t~lrned on, it actuates worm gear llo which turns gears il7 each of which in turn rotate drivers with socket holes 119.
The drivers w~th socket holes 119 are fixed to the ~ears 117 wh~ch a~e mounted to rotate freely on the driver gu~de shaft 118. The socket holes are on the upper ends of the drivers 119 and are tilted at an angle wherein the axes of the drivers ll9 and the driver guide shafts 118 which are concentric intersect the axes of the massage heads 114 at half the height of the center posts 14. This causes the edges 120 of the heads to undulate (wobble), resulting in the desired non-rotating kneading, massaging action on the feet. The angle of the axis can be varied to alter the desired angle of wobble to provide more shear, however, an angle of about 13 - 15 which results in an angle of wobble of about 26 - 30 is preferred. The motor llS and gears 117 are selected to enable them to rotate the drivers with the socket holes ll9 at about 60 - 70 RPM. This rotation rate is in approximate synchronization with the heartbeat. Other conventional means may also be used to rotate the drivers with the socket holes, directly or indirectly, e.g., belts, gears, and the like.
The massage heads 114 also can be prevented from rotating substantially with the drivers with the socket holes ll9 by several conventional expedients.
For example, as shown in Figure ll, the massage heads 114 can have collars 123 which frictionally abut felt wipers 121 at one side of the orifices 112. The collars 123 are designed to have suf'icient downward S~3~ ~
length so the bottom ed~e ~s inside the orifices 112 and below the top edge of the orifices 1l?~ this prevents p~nching of the ~oot between the massage head 114 as it undulates and the housing 111. This ~s the preferred con~i~urat~on of the massage heads~ Another structural expedient is shown in Pigures 1, ?, 4, 6, 8 and 9 ~herein a ~ey 15 extends downward ~rom the ba~e of the massage head with or without a collar to engage a keyhole or slot 16 in the surface of the housing.
If it is desired to have the foot massaging device vibrate, an unbalanced weight can be attached to the dri~e shaft of worm gear 116.
The invention described herein is related to the invention described in applicants' co-pending application Serial No. 351,589 filed May 9, 1980.
!
Other prior art devices operate by means of vibration, exampies are, Hall, U.S. Patent 2,265,729 and Ereemon, U.S. Patent 1,844,247.
~S~33 Some other prior art devices disclose a p~uralit~
of massaging heads which may be on angular shafts, such as, Paschall, U.S. patent 1,577,751; Ritter, U.S.
Patent 2,907,323; and, ~rent, U.S. Patent 3,374,784.
The prior art does not teach the concept of utilizing a non-rotating, easily removable massage head which is set rotatably into a socket which is on a driver at an angle at which the axis of the driver can intersect the axis of the massage head at a point on the center of the top of the massage head or along the center post. In addition, the prior art does not teach utilizing a massage disc which has a non-rotating kneading action essentially in synchronization with the heartbeat.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object o this invention to provide an improved massaging mechanism.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved massage mechanism wherein the massage head is rotatably set into a socket fixed at an angle on a driver.
It is still another object of this invention to provide an improved massage mechanism in a massage de~ice ~herein the massage head can be removed and replaced while the device is operating.
It is yet another object of this invention to pro-vide an improved massage device suitable for use as a foot massager which utilizes a massage mechanism whereir the massage heads are rotatably set into sockets fixed at an angle on a driver.
5~33 ~ 4 --It is an additional o~ject o~ thIs inyention to provide an improved massage de~Ice suitable for use as a hand-held body massager which utilizes a massage mechanism wherein the massage head is rotatably set into a ~ocket ~ixed at an angle on a driver.
It is yet an addItional object of this inyention to provide an improved massage mechanism adaptable to a Yariety of massage devices~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to massage mechanisms comprising one or more drivers having an angled socket on the end of each driver. The socket has a massage head rotatably engaged therewith by means of a post fixed essentially perpendicularly to the back of the head. The massage heads are generally conical shaped discs. The socket is angled to a degree which results in the axis of the head and the axis of the driver intersecting at a point on the massage head or post which results in the desired massaging action with a minim~m of excess shear or excess chafing. Preferably the intersection is at the apex of the cone or a hand-held body massager and on the post for a foot massager.
As the socket rotates, it causes one edge of the massage head to rise while the other falls to give an undulating, kneading action. The edges of the conical shaped disc rise and fall through e.g. about a 20 to 30 angle.
The driver is operatively connected to a power source which revolves the socket at a rate approximating the heartbeat, i.e., about 60 to 70 RPM. The massage head can be removed and replaced by another head with 3a a different top shape or surface while the massage device with which it is associated is in operation. The S~33 -- 5 ~
massage mechanis~ can be utilized in a ~ariety of massage devices such as foot massagers and hand-held body massagers.
BRIE~ DESCRIPTION O~ THE DR~ INGS
i.
Figure 1 shows two perspective yiews of a massage head and socket in acccrdance with this invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a massage head with hemispherical tip pins on the top surface, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the massage head in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view in cross section of a massage head with concentric rings on the top sur-face, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the massage head in Figure 4:
Figure 6 is a side elevational view in cross section of a massage head with radial bars on the top surface, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure l;
Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the massage head in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a massage head with truncated cone shape having a depressed center on the top surface, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure 1;
~1~5633 Figule 9 is a side elevational view of a massage head o~ smooth rounded shape on the top surface, which head can be placed in the socket of Figure l;
Figure 10 is a sIde elevational view in cross 5 section of a hand-~held massager with no housing details;
Figure 11 is a side elevational view in cross section of a dual head foot massager in a housing;
Figure 12 is a top elevational view in cross section of a dual head foot massager without the 10 massage heads, showing the worm gear drive;
Figure 13 is a top perspective view of a foot massager and housing in accordance with this invention and appears on the same sheet as Figure 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, there is shown in Figure 1 the details of the structural relationship of a driver guide shaft 13, driver with socket hole 12 and massage head 11. The massage head 11 having a perpendicular center post 14 rotatably fits into the , angled socket in the driver 12 which rotates on the driver guide shaft 13. The head 11 is of a short conical shape and has extending downward from the base, a key 15 which fits into a slot 16 in the housing 17 sho~n in part adjacent the orifice 18. The diameter of the center post 14 is smaller than the inside diameter of the socket hole in the driver 12.
The angle at which the axis of the driver guide shaft 13 intersects the axis of the massage head 11 is not critical to the operation of the massage head mechanism 10 since any angle will operate, however, it was found that an angle of about 10 to 15 depending on the ';~
6~3 desired shear ~o be applled to ~he massaged area gives optimum results~ When the axes intersect at the apex of the cone, there is no lateral movement of ~he apex;
this is mo~t suitable for a hand-held body massager.
5 As the point of intersection goes down the post at the base of the massage head, the apex of the cone has an increasing lateral movement. This is a preferred feature for a foot massager.
An advantageous feature of the device of this 10 invention is that the massage heads can be easily changed to provide mild or vigorous massaging action.
Figures 2-9 depict a variety of surface con-figurations suitable for use as massage heads in this invention, some of which impart a vigorous massage 15 action and others of which impart a mild action.
Figures 2 and 3 show a massage head 21 with hemispherical tip pins 22 which is suitable for use in this invention when a vigorous massage is desired.
The massage head 61 shown in Figure 6 having radial 20 bars 62 is also suitable for vigorous massage action.
A less vigorous massage effect is obtained when using the massage head 41 in Figure 4, 81 in Figure 8, and 91 in ~igure 9, having, respectively, concentric rings 42, a depressed center 82 and a smooth rounded 25 surface 92.
Figure 10 shows a hand-held massager 100 comprised of a housing 101 with an electric motor 102 therein, said motor having a driver guide shaft 13 with a tilted driver with a socket hole 12 suppcrted by the 30 end therecf. The tilt of the socket hole in the driver 12 is at an angle which ensures that the massage head 103 therein imparts little or no la-teral movem~nt and chafing to the massaged portions of the body. The housing 101 ~s of a shape which makes it easy to hold in the hand. Generally, if the axis of the d iver guide shaft 13 intersects the axis of the apex 104 OL
the cone on the top surface of the head 103, the optimum massaging action is obtained. The center post 14 of the head 103 fits rotatably in the socket hole of driver 12, as it has a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the socket hole. The head 103 can be of a variety of shapes on its top surface 105. The head 103 depicted in Figure 10 is of a short, smooth, conical shape with the apex 104 removed. This results in the massaging action being distributed over a wider area. The head preferably has a collar 106 which fits rotatably in the orifice 18 of the housing 101. When the motor 102 is turned on, it rotates the bottom gear 107, the idler gearset 99 and the top gear 108 which is fixed to the driver with the socket hole 12. rrhis rotates the driver 12 at a rate approximating the heartbeat, i.e., about 60 - 70 RPM. As the driver with the socket hole 12 rotates, it causes in the edge 98 of the massage head 103 to rise and fall in an undulating motion through about 20 to 30, depending on the angle of tilt which is one half the angle the edge 98 of the massage head 103 rises and falls. The device 100 is designed so that when the massage head 103 is pressed against the body, the pressure prevents the massage head 103 from rotatlng substantially and assures that the desired non-rotating kneading, massaging action takes place. The massage head 103 can be removed while the device 100 is turned on or it can be removed while it is turned off. This enables the operator to change with facility the ~5~3 g massage h~ad 103 to suit personal preference and use, ~or example, the massage heads depicted in Figures 2-9.
Anothex mean~ to m~ke sure t~at the massage head does not rotate with the driver with the socket hole 12 is to pro~ide a key pin as depicted in Figures 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9, and a keyhole as depicted in Figure 1. In order to assist ~n preJenting the top gear 108 from lifting out through the orifice 18, a ring 109 is inserted ~n the orifice 18.
The device of this invention can have multiple massage heads driven by a power source which causes each to have a non-rotating kneading action. For example, a body massage couch or chair can be con-structed using the massage mechanism of this inven-tion. The massage mechanism of this invention is eminently suitable for use in a foot massage device.
Such devices can be made with, e.g. as many as eight massage heads arranged in the housing so that for each foot one head massages the toes, one head massages the ball of the foot, one head massages the arch, and one head massages the heel; or a simple foot massage device can be constructed with one massage head for each foot. In such case, one moves the foot over the massage head to get the desired effect.
Depicted in Figures 11, 12 and 13 is a foot massage device 110 of this invention wherein the housing 111 has two orifices 112 which are spaced apart to enabLe one to place one foot on each of the massage heads 114 placed therein. The height of the heads is such that the feet rest on the surface of the housing and the heads comfortably. The pressure of the $eet on the massage heads 114 heips prevent the 5~33 heads ~rom rotating when the motor 115 is turned on with switch 122. ~hen the motor 115 is t~lrned on, it actuates worm gear llo which turns gears il7 each of which in turn rotate drivers with socket holes 119.
The drivers w~th socket holes 119 are fixed to the ~ears 117 wh~ch a~e mounted to rotate freely on the driver gu~de shaft 118. The socket holes are on the upper ends of the drivers 119 and are tilted at an angle wherein the axes of the drivers ll9 and the driver guide shafts 118 which are concentric intersect the axes of the massage heads 114 at half the height of the center posts 14. This causes the edges 120 of the heads to undulate (wobble), resulting in the desired non-rotating kneading, massaging action on the feet. The angle of the axis can be varied to alter the desired angle of wobble to provide more shear, however, an angle of about 13 - 15 which results in an angle of wobble of about 26 - 30 is preferred. The motor llS and gears 117 are selected to enable them to rotate the drivers with the socket holes ll9 at about 60 - 70 RPM. This rotation rate is in approximate synchronization with the heartbeat. Other conventional means may also be used to rotate the drivers with the socket holes, directly or indirectly, e.g., belts, gears, and the like.
The massage heads 114 also can be prevented from rotating substantially with the drivers with the socket holes ll9 by several conventional expedients.
For example, as shown in Figure ll, the massage heads 114 can have collars 123 which frictionally abut felt wipers 121 at one side of the orifices 112. The collars 123 are designed to have suf'icient downward S~3~ ~
length so the bottom ed~e ~s inside the orifices 112 and below the top edge of the orifices 1l?~ this prevents p~nching of the ~oot between the massage head 114 as it undulates and the housing 111. This ~s the preferred con~i~urat~on of the massage heads~ Another structural expedient is shown in Pigures 1, ?, 4, 6, 8 and 9 ~herein a ~ey 15 extends downward ~rom the ba~e of the massage head with or without a collar to engage a keyhole or slot 16 in the surface of the housing.
If it is desired to have the foot massaging device vibrate, an unbalanced weight can be attached to the dri~e shaft of worm gear 116.
The invention described herein is related to the invention described in applicants' co-pending application Serial No. 351,589 filed May 9, 1980.
!
Claims (7)
1. A device for massaging feet comprising a housing having at least one orifice in its top surface, said top surface being of sufficient size to accommodate at least one foot on at least one generally short conical shaped massage head which is in rotatable operative engagement with a tilted socket in a rotatable driver, each socket protruding through an orifice and being fixedly mounted or integral with a rotatable driver at a predetermined angle on the rotatable driver, all of said drivers being in operative association through a worm gear drive to an electric powered motor which is actuated by a switch, each massage head being at a sufficient height from the top surface of the housing to enable at least one foot to rest on said head and on said top surface of said housing, said head having a non-rotating kneading action when in use.
2. A device for massaging feet comprising a housing having a top surface of sufficient size to accommodate two feet and having at least two orifices on said top surface in spaced-apart relationship to simultaneously accommodate two feet on generally short, conical shaped massage heads all of which are in rotatable operative engagement with a tilted socket in drivers protruding through each of said orifices, said socket being fixedly mounted at a predetermined angle an a rotatable driver at each of said orifices, said drivers being operatively attached through a worm gear drive to an electric powered motor which is actuated by a switch, said massage heads being at a sufficient height from the top surface of the housing to enable feet to rest on said heads and on said top surface of said housing, said heads having a non-rotating kneading action when in use.
3. The massage device of claim 1 or 2 wherein each of said massage heads is of a truncated, conical shape with a depressed center.
4. The massage device of claim 1 or 2 wherein each of said massage heads has a keying pin extending downward from the base and engages a hole in the top surface of said housing to prevent rotation of the massage head during its kneading motion.
5. The massage device of claim 1 or 2 wherein each of said massage heads is engaged with a tilted socket by means of an essentially perpendicular center post extending downward from the base of said massage head, said center post having a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of said socket.
6. The massage device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the rotatable driver rotates at from about 60 RPM to about 70 RPM and the angle of the socket relative to the driver is such that the edge of the massage head undulates through about 26° - 30°.
7. The massage device of claim 1 or 2 wherein an unbalanced weight is attached to the drive shaft to the worm gear drive.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US4127779A | 1979-05-21 | 1979-05-21 | |
| US41,277 | 1979-05-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1145633A true CA1145633A (en) | 1983-05-03 |
Family
ID=21915712
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000341027A Expired CA1145633A (en) | 1979-05-21 | 1979-11-30 | Massage devices |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5939138B2 (en) |
| BE (1) | BE883391A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1145633A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA802965B (en) |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5111269U (en) * | 1974-07-12 | 1976-01-27 |
-
1979
- 1979-11-30 CA CA000341027A patent/CA1145633A/en not_active Expired
-
1980
- 1980-05-19 ZA ZA00802965A patent/ZA802965B/en unknown
- 1980-05-20 BE BE0/200688A patent/BE883391A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1980-05-21 JP JP55067650A patent/JPS5939138B2/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BE883391A (en) | 1980-11-20 |
| JPS5939138B2 (en) | 1984-09-21 |
| JPS55158048A (en) | 1980-12-09 |
| ZA802965B (en) | 1981-06-24 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1146038A (en) | Massage devices | |
| US5103809A (en) | Massaging device | |
| GB2368790A (en) | Foot spa with water heater and foot massaging facilities | |
| JP3539964B2 (en) | Abdominal massage and / or stimulator | |
| US5415621A (en) | Massage device | |
| US4312333A (en) | Tactile stimulating mechanism | |
| CA1145633A (en) | Massage devices | |
| JP2002143269A (en) | Ankle and toe moving type health promoting apparatus | |
| JP3092437U (en) | Multi-axis roller circulation massage device | |
| KR100446671B1 (en) | Machine for massaging the abdomen using eccentric cam | |
| JPH05237159A (en) | Massage machine | |
| JP2001000496A (en) | Massager | |
| HU207938B (en) | Apparatus for massaging the reflex-zones of sole respectively foot | |
| JP3235600B2 (en) | Portable massager | |
| JPH0252655A (en) | Ankle swaying device | |
| JPH027960A (en) | Massager | |
| KR200339991Y1 (en) | Machine for massaging the abdomen using eccentric cam | |
| KR100574009B1 (en) | Acupuncture pointing apparatus | |
| JP2017006191A (en) | Leg massage machine | |
| JP2001511660A (en) | Foot massage device | |
| KR20020061301A (en) | Acupressure and Massage effect Pear and bowel massager | |
| KR100456979B1 (en) | Mattress with a massage machine | |
| KR200271862Y1 (en) | an apparatus which transfer kneader for massage-mat | |
| KR940004733Y1 (en) | Device for finger pressing | |
| JP2606541Y2 (en) | Control box storage structure of massage machine |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |