CA2291574A1 - Pneumatic massaging apparatus with automatic air pressure changeover mechanism - Google Patents
Pneumatic massaging apparatus with automatic air pressure changeover mechanism Download PDFInfo
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- CA2291574A1 CA2291574A1 CA 2291574 CA2291574A CA2291574A1 CA 2291574 A1 CA2291574 A1 CA 2291574A1 CA 2291574 CA2291574 CA 2291574 CA 2291574 A CA2291574 A CA 2291574A CA 2291574 A1 CA2291574 A1 CA 2291574A1
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- massaging
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- 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
- A61H9/00—Pneumatic or hydraulic massage
- A61H9/005—Pneumatic massage
- A61H9/0078—Pneumatic massage with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs
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Abstract
In a pneumatic massaging apparatus includes a plurality of massaging units each having an air plug unit having a plurality of air plugs connected to a plurality of air bags, and an air pressure-controlling apparatus having an air jack unit with which an air plug unit of each of said massaging units is detachably coupled and supplying air to air bags of the relevant massaging unit, a predetermined number n (n is natural number) of plugs among a plurality of plugs of an air plug unit of respective massaging units are determined as massaging unit discriminating plugs, each of said predetermined number of massaging unit discriminating plugs of a respective massaging unit may selectively include a permanent magnet, and a plurality of Hall elements are provided at a predetermined number of air jacks corresponding to said predetermined number of discriminating plugs. Then, the maximum 2n kinds of the massaging units can be discriminated from each other.
Description
PNEUMATIC :MASSAGING APPARATUS WITH AUTOMATIC AIR
PRESSURE CHANGEOVER MECHANISM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pneumatic massaging apparatus with an automatic air pressure changeover faculty, in which various massage modes such as a total body massage mode, a leg massage mode, an abdomen massage mode and. a head massage mode can be performed with suitable air pressures.
PRESSURE CHANGEOVER MECHANISM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pneumatic massaging apparatus with an automatic air pressure changeover faculty, in which various massage modes such as a total body massage mode, a leg massage mode, an abdomen massage mode and. a head massage mode can be performed with suitable air pressures.
2. Description of R;elated Art A convf:ntional pneumatic massaging apparatus comprises a to plurality of air bags arranged on a surface of a mat-like member at predetermined locations corresponding to specific portions of a body of a user who is lying on the; mat-like member, and an air supplying apparatus for supplying air to each of thf; plurality of air bags. In this conventional pneumatic massagiing apparatus, the air bags provided at the predetermined locations on the mat-like member are inflated in accordance with a predetermined pattern and the specific portions of the user lying down on the mat-like member are pressed by the inflated air bags. Such a pneumatic massaging apparatus is disclosed, for instance, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-open Publication No. 6-1960.
2o There h:as been also proposed a known pneumatic massaging apparatus comprising a plurality of massaging units each having a plurality of air plugs connected to a plurality of air bags through air pipes. In such an apparatus, a specifiic massaging unit corresponding to a desired massage mode is selectively connected to the air supplying apparatus. In this known pneumatic massaging apparatus, it is possible to carry out a desired massage 99091CA (U10-9,641) selected from a plurality of massage modes such as the total body massage mode, leg massage: mode, .abdomen massage mode and head massage mode by simply replacing the massaging unit.
In the albove-mf;ntioned conventional massaging apparatus, when one of a plurality of massaging units is selectively connected to the air supplying apparatus, it is desired to set an air pressure at which the air bags are inflated in accordance with the selected massage unit. For example, a proper air pressure range for the total body massage mode differs from that of the leg massage mode by about 30%. One may consider that the air pressure 1o is adjusted to an intermediate or average value among proper air pressure ranges for the various massage modes. However, such a solution might result in undesired shortage or excess in the air supply for respective massage modes, and therefore a sufficient massaging effect could not be attained.
In order to remove the above drawback, there has been further proposed a known pneumatic massaging apparatus, in which the air pressure to be supplied to a massage unit connected to the air supplying apparatus is manually changed such that the air pressure applied to the massaging unit is set to a desired value. However, in such an apparatus, since the air pressure changeover switch is manually operated, although the leg massage is connected to the air supplying apparatus, when the switch is set to the total massage mode, a higher air pressure which is suitable for the total body massage but not suitable for the leg massage is applied to the leg massage unit and the legs receive a higher pressure than a desired one. It is apparent that such an undesired high pressure might cause the legs to be excessively tightened and an ojptimal massage could not be performed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a 99091CA (U10-9,641) pneumatic massaging apparatus, which can solve the above-mentioned problem by automatically changing the air pressure to be applied to a massage unit which is coupled with an air supplying apparatus, to an optimum value for the relevant massage unit.
To attain the above-mentioned object, according to the invention, a pneumatic massaging apparatus comprises:
a plurality of massaging units, each having a plurality of pneumatically operated massaging members and a plurality of air plugs each being connected to respective one of said massaging members through air pipes; and an air pressure-controlling apparatus including a plurality of air jacks with which a plurality of air plugs of a massaging unit are detachably coupled, and controlling an air pressure to be supplied to a plurality of massaging members of the relevant massaging unit through said air jacks and air plugs;
wherein said air pressure-controlling apparatus further comprises a massaging unit discriminating means for discriminating a kind of a massaging unit coupled to said air jacks to derive a massaging unit discrimination signal, and the air pressurc;d to be supplied to the massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus is automatically changed in accordance with said massaging unit discrimination signal.
2o In a pre~Ferable embodiment of the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the invention, a predetermined number n (n is natural number) of plugs among a plurality of plugs of an air plug unit of respective massaging units are determined as massaging unit discriminating plugs, each of said predetermined number of rnassaging unit discriminating plugs of a respective massaging unit may or may not include a magnetized portion, and said massaging unit dis~;,riminating means comprises a plurality of magnetism-detecting means provided at a predetermined number of air jacks corresponding to s~~id predetermined number of discriminating plugs. In this 99091CA (U10-9,641) embodiment, by suitably processing output signals of said plurality of magnetism-detecting means, it is possible to discriminate a massaging unit which is coupled v~ith the air pressure-controlling apparatus. That is to say, the maximum 2" kiinds of t:he massaging units are discriminatable by selectively magnetizing said predetermined number of plugs of the massaging units. According to the invention, said magnetized portion may be formed by a permanent magnet.
For instance, now it is assumed that the number of discriminating plugs is two, and that a logic "1" is output from the magnetism-detecting to means when magnetism is detected and a logic "0" is output from the magnetism-detecting means when magnetism is not detected. Then, four combinations in the logic outputs of "00", "O1", "10" and "11" may be utilized.
In this manner, 22 i.e. four :kinds of the massaging units can be distinguished from each other. According to the detection result, the air pressure-controlling apparatus enables to automatically change over the air pressure to a predetermined value suitable for a massaging unit coupled with the air pressure-controlling apparatus. In this manner, the air pressure can be automatically changed to a value suitable for a massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus without a manual changing over of a user.
In another preferable embodiment of the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the :invention, a predetermined number n (n is natural number) of dummy plug positions are provided in a plug unit of a massaging unit for discriminating plugs which do not contribute to the air supply, in addition to a plurality of plugs which serve to supply the air to massaging members of the massaging unit, and said massaging unit discriminating means of the air pressure-controlling apparatus comprises a plug insertion-detecting means provided at a predetermined number n (n is natural number) 99091CA (U10-9,641) dummy jacks which receive said discriminating plugs. In this embodiment, by selectively providing one or more of discriminating plugs at said dummy plug locations or by providing no discriminating plug, the maximum 2" kinds of the massaging units can be discriminated.
For instance, when there are provided two dummy plug positions in the plug unit of each of massaging units, it is possible to discriminate four kinds of massaging; units. In this case, for a first massaging unit, no discriminating plug is provided, for second and third massaging units, one discriminating plug is provided at different positions, and for a fourth massaging unit, two discriminating plugs are provided. Such a discrimination system is u;>ually sufficient, because the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the invention preferably includes four different kinds of the massaging units, i.e. a total body-massaging unit, a leg-massaging unit, an abdomen-massaging unit, and a head-massaging unit.
In the apparatus. according to the present invention, it is preferred that each of said rr~assaging members comprises an air bag formed to have a shape corresponding to a portion of a user's body to be massaged.
Therefore, each of the spe<:ific portions of the user body can be appropriately massaged with a suitable air pressure.
2o In the apparatus. according to the present invention, it is preferred that the air plug unit and the air jack unit comprise incorrect connection stop mechanisms having corresponding shape. Then, it is impossible to couple the air plug unit into the air jack unit with an incorrect posture, e.g.
upside-down. In this manner, a kind of a massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus can be correctly distinguished.
~ZI F D ~CRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. la is a perspective view showing the air pressure-controlling apparatus of a first embodiment of the pneumatic massaging apparatus 99091CA (L110-9,641) according to the invention;
Fig. lb is a perspective view illustrating the air plug unit to be coupled with the air pressure-controlling apparatus;
Fig. lc is a diagram displayed on a panel arranged on the pressure-controlling apparatus;
Fig. 2a is a schematic view showing a massaging unit for performing the total body massage;
Fig. 2b is a schf;matic view depicting a leg massaging unit;
Fig. 2c is a schf;matic view illustrating an abdomen massaging unit;
l0 Fig. 2d is a schematic view showing a head massaging unit;
Fig. 3a is a plan view showing the air bag arrangement in the leg massaging unit;
Fig. 3b is a perspective view showing a condition in which the leg massaging unit is .applied to a user's leg;
Figs. 4a and 4b are perspective views illustrating an embodiment of the cooperating air plug unit and air jack unit;
Figs. Sa and Sb are perspective views depicting another embodiment of the cooperating air plug unit and air jack unit; and Figs. 6a, 6b and 6c are perspective views showing embodiments of 2o the air plug unit with the incorrect connection preventing faculty.
Now tl: a present invention will be explained in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanied drawings.
Figs. l.a and lb are perspective views showing an embodiment of the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the invention, and Figs. 2a to Fig. 2d are schematic views illustrating various kinds of massaging.
The pneumatic massaging apparatus of the present embodiment comprises an air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 a and 1 b, and 99091CA (U10-9,641) _7_ various kinds of massaging units 4 to 7 shown in Figs. 2a to 2d respectively, each having an air plug unit 3 which is coupled with an air jack unit 2 provided on the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1. The pneumatic massaging apparatus is adapted to use any one of various kinds of the massaging units 4 to 7.
The air pressure;-controlling apparatus 1 is constructed to control a pressure of air to be supplied to a massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 in accordance with a discrimination signal obtained by a massaging unit discriminating means as well as a signal supplied from a pressure sensor (not shown) for detecting a peak value of the air pressure. To this end, the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 includes an air pump, various Jkinds of control circuits, etc. therein. The air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 further comprises a front panel 8 on which various kinds of switches (serving as indicating lamps) are provided as shown in Fig. lc which illustrates a:portion A in Fig. la in greater detail. These switches include an air strf,ngth-setting switch for setting a strength of the air supply to a plurality of stages (e.g. five stages). It should be noted that the detailed functions of these switches have been explained in a co-pending Canadian Patent Application No. 2,282,101.
2o The air jack unit 2 is disposed on a side face of the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 as illustrated in Fig. lb. The air jack unit 2 includes a plurality of air jacks into which a plurality of air plugs provided in the air plug unit 3 are inserted when the air plug unit 3 is coupled with the air jack unit 2. It should be noted that according to the invention, the air jack unit is constructed such that the air jack unit can receive an air plug unit 2 of any of a plurality of the massaging units 4 to 7. In other words, the air jack unit 2 is constructed to be commonly used for the various kinds of the massaging units 4 to 7.
99091CA (U10-9,641) _g_ In the present embodiment, the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 can be used for a total body-massaging unit 4, a leg-massaging unit 5, an abdomen-massaging unit fi and a head-massaging unit 7. Each of these massaging units comprises a plurality of massaging members each of which is formed by an air bag driven pneumatically, and an air plug 3 connected to the respective air bags through air pipes 12. It should be noted that the pneumatic massaging app~~ratus may comprise any other one or more massaging units which can be detachably coupled with the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1.
to The total body-massaging unit 4, as shown in Fig. 2a, comprises a plurality of air bags 11-1 to 11-8 driven pneumatically, and an air plug unit including a plurality of air plugs which are connected to the respective air bags through air pipes 12. The air bags 11-1 to 11-8 are, respectively, formed to press specific portions of a user to be massaged (in the present embodiment as shown in Fig. 2a, portions corresponding to a right shoulder-neck region, a left--shoulder-neck region, an upper back region, a center region of a back, a right hip region, a left hip region, a thigh region, and calf region.
For example, a plurality of air bags 11-1 to 11-8 are fixed on a front surface of a mat-like member at predetermined locations corresponding to specific 2o portions of a body of the user who is lying on the mat-like member and the air is supplied to each of the a.ir bags such that all of the specific portions of the user's body can be massaged simultaneously in a total body massage mode.
Moreover, the air bags of each of the massaging units are explained in the above mentioned c;o-pending Canadian Patent Application No. 2,282,101.
The leg-massaging unit 5, as shown in Fig. 2b, comprises a plurality of air bags 13-1 to 13-8 driven pneumatically, and an air plug unit including a plurality of air plugs which are connected to the respective air bags through air pipes 12. The air bags 13-1, 13-2 are formed to a band-like 99091CA (U10-9,641) shape for a femoral region massage and the air bags 13-3 to 13-8 are formed to a leg band-shape (boot- shape), respectively, as shown in Fig. 3a and 3b which are detailed views of the air bags. At the right end portion of the air bag 13-1, a Hook-and-Loop fastener 14 as an engaging member is provided for winding around the thigh region. The air bags 13-3 to 13-8 are formed to part left and right across a center portion of the boot-shape by a fastener 15 disposed thereon for detaching the air bags. The air bags 13-1 to 13-8 are fitted to the thigh region and the leg portions of the user who is sitting on a chair for example, and the air is supplied to each of the air bags such that to thigh region, upper-shin region, lower-shin region and foot region of the user's body can be massaged in a~ leg massage mode.
The abdomen-massaging unit 6, as shown in Fig. 2c, comprises a plurality of air bags 16-1 to 16-5 driven pneumatically, and an air plug unit having a plurality of air plugs connected to respective air bags through our pipes 12. The our bags lfi-1 to 16-5 are, respectively, formed to a band-like shape (stomach band-shape) for the abdomen-massage. At the right end portion of the air bag 16-1, a Hook-and-Loop fastener 14 as an engaging member is providc;d for winding around the abdomen region. The air bags 16-1 to 16-5 are fitted to the abdomen region of the user, and the air is 2o supplied to each of the our bags such that the abdomen region of the user's body can be massaged in the abdomen massage mode. Moreover, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the air bags are constructed by dividing the abdomen-massaging unit 6 into five parts; however, two or three parts-division is available.
The head-massaging unit 7, as shown in Fig. 2d, comprises a plurality of air bal;s 17-1 to 17-4 driven pneumatically, and an air plug unit including a pluraliity of air plugs connected to the respective air bags through air pipes 12. The air bags 17-1 to 17-4 are, respectively, formed to a band-99091 CA (U 10-9,641 ) like shape (hair band-shape) for a head massage. At the right end portions of the air bag 17-1 and 17-2, a Hook-and-Loop fasteners 14 as engaging members is provided for winding around the head. The air bags 17-1 to 17-4 are fitted to the head region of the user, and the air is supplied to each of the air bags such that the head region of the user's body can be massaged in the head massage mode. Moreover, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the air bags are constructed by dividing the head-massaging unit 7 into four parts; however, two parts-division is available.
In the present c;mbodiment, among eight plugs 3-1 to 3-8 1o constituting the air plug unit 3 of each of the four massaging units 4 to 7, specific two plugs (in Fig. 4a, plugs 3-l, 3-2) are formed as discriminating plugs. The positions at which the discriminating plugs are set can be determined arbitrarily. Further, the number of discriminating plugs can be set to one or more; (e.g. three) as a case may be. In the present embodiment, the maximum 22 i.e., four kinds of the massaging units 4-7 can be discriminated by the air pressure -controlling apparatus 1. To this end, in the air plug unit 3 shown in Fig. 4a for the first massaging unit, a magnet 31 is provided on one discriminating plug 3-1. In an air plug unit of the second massaging unit, a magnet is provided on the other discriminating plug 3-2, in 2o an air plug unit of the third massaging unit, two magnets are provided on both the two discriminating plugs 3-1 and 3-2, and in an air plug unit of the fourth massaging unit, no magnet is arranged on the discriminating plugs 3-1 and 3-2.
On the; other hand, dedicated IC tips each having a hole element which can detect the magnetism are arranged at predetermined air jacks (in Fig. 4b, air jacks 2-1, 2-2) selected from the eight air jacks 2-1 to 2-8 of the air jack unit 2 of the air pressure-control apparatus 1, said predetermined air jacks 2-1 and 2-2 corresponding to the discriminating plugs 3-1 and 3-2, 99091CA (U10-9,641) respectively.
Therefore, when the air plug unit 3 of a massaging unit is coupled to the air jack unit 2 of the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1, the IC
tips 21 detect the magnetism of the discriminating plugs 3-1 and 3-2, respectively.
It is assumed that the IC ti;p 21 produces a logic level "1" when magnetism is detected, and a logic level "0" when magnetism is not detected. Then, the IC
tips 21 produce four kinds of detection result, i.e. "00", "Ol ", "10" and "11".
Thus, in this instance, 2° i.e., four kinds of the massaging units (massaging units 4 to 7) can bt~ distinguished from each other by the detection results to io produce a discrimination signal. As a result, according to the thus detected discrimination signal, the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 enables to automatically change over the air pressure to a predetermined value according to a massaging unit which is detected to be coupled with the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1. In this manner, the air pressure can be automatically set to a value suitable for the massaging unit without manually changing over the air pressure. Moreover, when the number of discriminating plugs is three, the maximum 23, i.e. eight kinds of the massaging units can be discriminated positively.
Moreover, in the present embodiment, the air strength supplied to 2o each of the respective massaging units is possible to set to any one of five stages by the above-mentioned air strength-setting switch. The air pressure set ranges are difff;rent according to the massaging units. For example, the air strength set range suitable for the total body-massaging unit 4 is 0.25 to kgf/cm2. By dividing the, air strength set range into four equal parts, it is possible to carry out the total body massage in five stages including zero of air pressure stage. Similarly; the air strength set range suitable for the leg-massaging unit 5 is 0.15 to 0.25 kgf/cm2, the air strength set range suitable for the abdomen-massaging unit 6 is 0.1 to 0.25 kgf/cm2 and the air strength-99091 C A (U 10-9, 641 ) setting range suitable for tile head-massaging unit 7 is 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm2.
Figs. 5a~ and Sb show another embodiment of the air jack unit 2 and air plug unit 3 of the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the invention. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the massaging unit-discriminating mechanism, and the remaining structures are similar to those; of the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. Sa, an air plug unit 2 of each of the massaging units includes, in addition to eight air plugs 3-1 to 8 connected to massaging :members, i.e. air bags, two discriminating plug 1o positions are determined above the eight air plugs. In the air plug unit 3 shown in Fig. Sa, two discriminating plugs 22-1 and 22-2 are provided at said two discriminating plug positions. In order to discriminate four massaging units, one or two discriminating plugs 22-1 and 22-2 may be dispensed with.
As shovvn in Fil;. Sb, a air jack unit 2 comprises, in addition to eight air jacks 2-1 to 2-8 to be coupled with the eight air plugs 3-1 to 3-8, respectively, two dummy air jacks 23-1 and 23-2 which are provided at locations corresponding to the discriminating plugs 22-1 and 22-2, respectively, and rrucro swatches 24 are arranged at the dummy air jacks 23-1 and 23-2, respectively such that the insertion of the discriminating plugs 22-2o and 22-2 can be selparately detected by these micro switches 24-1 and 24-2, respectively.
It should be noted that positions at which the discriminating plugs are added may be determined arbitrarily. Further, the number of discriminating plul;s may be set to one or more than two (e.g. three). In the present embodiment, since the two discriminating plugs 22-1 and 22-2 are used, the maximum 22 i.e., four kinds of the massaging units can be discriminated from each other. When the number of discriminating plugs is three, the maximum 23 i.e., eight kinds of the massaging units can be 99091CA (U10-9,641) distinguished from each other.
Figs. 6a to 6c show several embodiments of the air plug unit 3, in which the incorrect connection preventing mechanism for preventing the air plug unit from being coupled with the air jack unit in the upside-down fashion.
In Fig. 6a, a revere insertion-preventing rib 25 is disposed on the air plug unit 3. In this embodiment, the air jack unit 2 must be provided with a corresponding rf;cess at such a position that when the air plug unit 3 is coupled with a correct posture, the rib 25 can be inserted into the recess.
In Fig. 6b, a revere insertion-preventing boss 26 is disposed on the to air plug unit 3, and the air jack unit 2 is provided with a hole into which said boss 26 can be inserted when the air plug unit 3 is coupled with the air jack unit 3 with a correct posture.
In Fig. 6c, a space between the second air plugs 3-3 and the third air plugs 3-5 on the left column as well as a space between the of the third i5 plug 3-6 and the fourth plug 3-8 on the right column are widened than the remaining spaces. In this embodiment, a space between the second air jacks and the third air jacks of the air jack unit 2 has to be widened correspondingly.
While the present invention has been described with reference to some specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is of course that 2o various alternations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
99091CA (U10-9,641)
2o There h:as been also proposed a known pneumatic massaging apparatus comprising a plurality of massaging units each having a plurality of air plugs connected to a plurality of air bags through air pipes. In such an apparatus, a specifiic massaging unit corresponding to a desired massage mode is selectively connected to the air supplying apparatus. In this known pneumatic massaging apparatus, it is possible to carry out a desired massage 99091CA (U10-9,641) selected from a plurality of massage modes such as the total body massage mode, leg massage: mode, .abdomen massage mode and head massage mode by simply replacing the massaging unit.
In the albove-mf;ntioned conventional massaging apparatus, when one of a plurality of massaging units is selectively connected to the air supplying apparatus, it is desired to set an air pressure at which the air bags are inflated in accordance with the selected massage unit. For example, a proper air pressure range for the total body massage mode differs from that of the leg massage mode by about 30%. One may consider that the air pressure 1o is adjusted to an intermediate or average value among proper air pressure ranges for the various massage modes. However, such a solution might result in undesired shortage or excess in the air supply for respective massage modes, and therefore a sufficient massaging effect could not be attained.
In order to remove the above drawback, there has been further proposed a known pneumatic massaging apparatus, in which the air pressure to be supplied to a massage unit connected to the air supplying apparatus is manually changed such that the air pressure applied to the massaging unit is set to a desired value. However, in such an apparatus, since the air pressure changeover switch is manually operated, although the leg massage is connected to the air supplying apparatus, when the switch is set to the total massage mode, a higher air pressure which is suitable for the total body massage but not suitable for the leg massage is applied to the leg massage unit and the legs receive a higher pressure than a desired one. It is apparent that such an undesired high pressure might cause the legs to be excessively tightened and an ojptimal massage could not be performed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a 99091CA (U10-9,641) pneumatic massaging apparatus, which can solve the above-mentioned problem by automatically changing the air pressure to be applied to a massage unit which is coupled with an air supplying apparatus, to an optimum value for the relevant massage unit.
To attain the above-mentioned object, according to the invention, a pneumatic massaging apparatus comprises:
a plurality of massaging units, each having a plurality of pneumatically operated massaging members and a plurality of air plugs each being connected to respective one of said massaging members through air pipes; and an air pressure-controlling apparatus including a plurality of air jacks with which a plurality of air plugs of a massaging unit are detachably coupled, and controlling an air pressure to be supplied to a plurality of massaging members of the relevant massaging unit through said air jacks and air plugs;
wherein said air pressure-controlling apparatus further comprises a massaging unit discriminating means for discriminating a kind of a massaging unit coupled to said air jacks to derive a massaging unit discrimination signal, and the air pressurc;d to be supplied to the massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus is automatically changed in accordance with said massaging unit discrimination signal.
2o In a pre~Ferable embodiment of the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the invention, a predetermined number n (n is natural number) of plugs among a plurality of plugs of an air plug unit of respective massaging units are determined as massaging unit discriminating plugs, each of said predetermined number of rnassaging unit discriminating plugs of a respective massaging unit may or may not include a magnetized portion, and said massaging unit dis~;,riminating means comprises a plurality of magnetism-detecting means provided at a predetermined number of air jacks corresponding to s~~id predetermined number of discriminating plugs. In this 99091CA (U10-9,641) embodiment, by suitably processing output signals of said plurality of magnetism-detecting means, it is possible to discriminate a massaging unit which is coupled v~ith the air pressure-controlling apparatus. That is to say, the maximum 2" kiinds of t:he massaging units are discriminatable by selectively magnetizing said predetermined number of plugs of the massaging units. According to the invention, said magnetized portion may be formed by a permanent magnet.
For instance, now it is assumed that the number of discriminating plugs is two, and that a logic "1" is output from the magnetism-detecting to means when magnetism is detected and a logic "0" is output from the magnetism-detecting means when magnetism is not detected. Then, four combinations in the logic outputs of "00", "O1", "10" and "11" may be utilized.
In this manner, 22 i.e. four :kinds of the massaging units can be distinguished from each other. According to the detection result, the air pressure-controlling apparatus enables to automatically change over the air pressure to a predetermined value suitable for a massaging unit coupled with the air pressure-controlling apparatus. In this manner, the air pressure can be automatically changed to a value suitable for a massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus without a manual changing over of a user.
In another preferable embodiment of the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the :invention, a predetermined number n (n is natural number) of dummy plug positions are provided in a plug unit of a massaging unit for discriminating plugs which do not contribute to the air supply, in addition to a plurality of plugs which serve to supply the air to massaging members of the massaging unit, and said massaging unit discriminating means of the air pressure-controlling apparatus comprises a plug insertion-detecting means provided at a predetermined number n (n is natural number) 99091CA (U10-9,641) dummy jacks which receive said discriminating plugs. In this embodiment, by selectively providing one or more of discriminating plugs at said dummy plug locations or by providing no discriminating plug, the maximum 2" kinds of the massaging units can be discriminated.
For instance, when there are provided two dummy plug positions in the plug unit of each of massaging units, it is possible to discriminate four kinds of massaging; units. In this case, for a first massaging unit, no discriminating plug is provided, for second and third massaging units, one discriminating plug is provided at different positions, and for a fourth massaging unit, two discriminating plugs are provided. Such a discrimination system is u;>ually sufficient, because the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the invention preferably includes four different kinds of the massaging units, i.e. a total body-massaging unit, a leg-massaging unit, an abdomen-massaging unit, and a head-massaging unit.
In the apparatus. according to the present invention, it is preferred that each of said rr~assaging members comprises an air bag formed to have a shape corresponding to a portion of a user's body to be massaged.
Therefore, each of the spe<:ific portions of the user body can be appropriately massaged with a suitable air pressure.
2o In the apparatus. according to the present invention, it is preferred that the air plug unit and the air jack unit comprise incorrect connection stop mechanisms having corresponding shape. Then, it is impossible to couple the air plug unit into the air jack unit with an incorrect posture, e.g.
upside-down. In this manner, a kind of a massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus can be correctly distinguished.
~ZI F D ~CRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. la is a perspective view showing the air pressure-controlling apparatus of a first embodiment of the pneumatic massaging apparatus 99091CA (L110-9,641) according to the invention;
Fig. lb is a perspective view illustrating the air plug unit to be coupled with the air pressure-controlling apparatus;
Fig. lc is a diagram displayed on a panel arranged on the pressure-controlling apparatus;
Fig. 2a is a schematic view showing a massaging unit for performing the total body massage;
Fig. 2b is a schf;matic view depicting a leg massaging unit;
Fig. 2c is a schf;matic view illustrating an abdomen massaging unit;
l0 Fig. 2d is a schematic view showing a head massaging unit;
Fig. 3a is a plan view showing the air bag arrangement in the leg massaging unit;
Fig. 3b is a perspective view showing a condition in which the leg massaging unit is .applied to a user's leg;
Figs. 4a and 4b are perspective views illustrating an embodiment of the cooperating air plug unit and air jack unit;
Figs. Sa and Sb are perspective views depicting another embodiment of the cooperating air plug unit and air jack unit; and Figs. 6a, 6b and 6c are perspective views showing embodiments of 2o the air plug unit with the incorrect connection preventing faculty.
Now tl: a present invention will be explained in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanied drawings.
Figs. l.a and lb are perspective views showing an embodiment of the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the invention, and Figs. 2a to Fig. 2d are schematic views illustrating various kinds of massaging.
The pneumatic massaging apparatus of the present embodiment comprises an air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 a and 1 b, and 99091CA (U10-9,641) _7_ various kinds of massaging units 4 to 7 shown in Figs. 2a to 2d respectively, each having an air plug unit 3 which is coupled with an air jack unit 2 provided on the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1. The pneumatic massaging apparatus is adapted to use any one of various kinds of the massaging units 4 to 7.
The air pressure;-controlling apparatus 1 is constructed to control a pressure of air to be supplied to a massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 in accordance with a discrimination signal obtained by a massaging unit discriminating means as well as a signal supplied from a pressure sensor (not shown) for detecting a peak value of the air pressure. To this end, the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 includes an air pump, various Jkinds of control circuits, etc. therein. The air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 further comprises a front panel 8 on which various kinds of switches (serving as indicating lamps) are provided as shown in Fig. lc which illustrates a:portion A in Fig. la in greater detail. These switches include an air strf,ngth-setting switch for setting a strength of the air supply to a plurality of stages (e.g. five stages). It should be noted that the detailed functions of these switches have been explained in a co-pending Canadian Patent Application No. 2,282,101.
2o The air jack unit 2 is disposed on a side face of the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 as illustrated in Fig. lb. The air jack unit 2 includes a plurality of air jacks into which a plurality of air plugs provided in the air plug unit 3 are inserted when the air plug unit 3 is coupled with the air jack unit 2. It should be noted that according to the invention, the air jack unit is constructed such that the air jack unit can receive an air plug unit 2 of any of a plurality of the massaging units 4 to 7. In other words, the air jack unit 2 is constructed to be commonly used for the various kinds of the massaging units 4 to 7.
99091CA (U10-9,641) _g_ In the present embodiment, the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 can be used for a total body-massaging unit 4, a leg-massaging unit 5, an abdomen-massaging unit fi and a head-massaging unit 7. Each of these massaging units comprises a plurality of massaging members each of which is formed by an air bag driven pneumatically, and an air plug 3 connected to the respective air bags through air pipes 12. It should be noted that the pneumatic massaging app~~ratus may comprise any other one or more massaging units which can be detachably coupled with the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1.
to The total body-massaging unit 4, as shown in Fig. 2a, comprises a plurality of air bags 11-1 to 11-8 driven pneumatically, and an air plug unit including a plurality of air plugs which are connected to the respective air bags through air pipes 12. The air bags 11-1 to 11-8 are, respectively, formed to press specific portions of a user to be massaged (in the present embodiment as shown in Fig. 2a, portions corresponding to a right shoulder-neck region, a left--shoulder-neck region, an upper back region, a center region of a back, a right hip region, a left hip region, a thigh region, and calf region.
For example, a plurality of air bags 11-1 to 11-8 are fixed on a front surface of a mat-like member at predetermined locations corresponding to specific 2o portions of a body of the user who is lying on the mat-like member and the air is supplied to each of the a.ir bags such that all of the specific portions of the user's body can be massaged simultaneously in a total body massage mode.
Moreover, the air bags of each of the massaging units are explained in the above mentioned c;o-pending Canadian Patent Application No. 2,282,101.
The leg-massaging unit 5, as shown in Fig. 2b, comprises a plurality of air bags 13-1 to 13-8 driven pneumatically, and an air plug unit including a plurality of air plugs which are connected to the respective air bags through air pipes 12. The air bags 13-1, 13-2 are formed to a band-like 99091CA (U10-9,641) shape for a femoral region massage and the air bags 13-3 to 13-8 are formed to a leg band-shape (boot- shape), respectively, as shown in Fig. 3a and 3b which are detailed views of the air bags. At the right end portion of the air bag 13-1, a Hook-and-Loop fastener 14 as an engaging member is provided for winding around the thigh region. The air bags 13-3 to 13-8 are formed to part left and right across a center portion of the boot-shape by a fastener 15 disposed thereon for detaching the air bags. The air bags 13-1 to 13-8 are fitted to the thigh region and the leg portions of the user who is sitting on a chair for example, and the air is supplied to each of the air bags such that to thigh region, upper-shin region, lower-shin region and foot region of the user's body can be massaged in a~ leg massage mode.
The abdomen-massaging unit 6, as shown in Fig. 2c, comprises a plurality of air bags 16-1 to 16-5 driven pneumatically, and an air plug unit having a plurality of air plugs connected to respective air bags through our pipes 12. The our bags lfi-1 to 16-5 are, respectively, formed to a band-like shape (stomach band-shape) for the abdomen-massage. At the right end portion of the air bag 16-1, a Hook-and-Loop fastener 14 as an engaging member is providc;d for winding around the abdomen region. The air bags 16-1 to 16-5 are fitted to the abdomen region of the user, and the air is 2o supplied to each of the our bags such that the abdomen region of the user's body can be massaged in the abdomen massage mode. Moreover, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the air bags are constructed by dividing the abdomen-massaging unit 6 into five parts; however, two or three parts-division is available.
The head-massaging unit 7, as shown in Fig. 2d, comprises a plurality of air bal;s 17-1 to 17-4 driven pneumatically, and an air plug unit including a pluraliity of air plugs connected to the respective air bags through air pipes 12. The air bags 17-1 to 17-4 are, respectively, formed to a band-99091 CA (U 10-9,641 ) like shape (hair band-shape) for a head massage. At the right end portions of the air bag 17-1 and 17-2, a Hook-and-Loop fasteners 14 as engaging members is provided for winding around the head. The air bags 17-1 to 17-4 are fitted to the head region of the user, and the air is supplied to each of the air bags such that the head region of the user's body can be massaged in the head massage mode. Moreover, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the air bags are constructed by dividing the head-massaging unit 7 into four parts; however, two parts-division is available.
In the present c;mbodiment, among eight plugs 3-1 to 3-8 1o constituting the air plug unit 3 of each of the four massaging units 4 to 7, specific two plugs (in Fig. 4a, plugs 3-l, 3-2) are formed as discriminating plugs. The positions at which the discriminating plugs are set can be determined arbitrarily. Further, the number of discriminating plugs can be set to one or more; (e.g. three) as a case may be. In the present embodiment, the maximum 22 i.e., four kinds of the massaging units 4-7 can be discriminated by the air pressure -controlling apparatus 1. To this end, in the air plug unit 3 shown in Fig. 4a for the first massaging unit, a magnet 31 is provided on one discriminating plug 3-1. In an air plug unit of the second massaging unit, a magnet is provided on the other discriminating plug 3-2, in 2o an air plug unit of the third massaging unit, two magnets are provided on both the two discriminating plugs 3-1 and 3-2, and in an air plug unit of the fourth massaging unit, no magnet is arranged on the discriminating plugs 3-1 and 3-2.
On the; other hand, dedicated IC tips each having a hole element which can detect the magnetism are arranged at predetermined air jacks (in Fig. 4b, air jacks 2-1, 2-2) selected from the eight air jacks 2-1 to 2-8 of the air jack unit 2 of the air pressure-control apparatus 1, said predetermined air jacks 2-1 and 2-2 corresponding to the discriminating plugs 3-1 and 3-2, 99091CA (U10-9,641) respectively.
Therefore, when the air plug unit 3 of a massaging unit is coupled to the air jack unit 2 of the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1, the IC
tips 21 detect the magnetism of the discriminating plugs 3-1 and 3-2, respectively.
It is assumed that the IC ti;p 21 produces a logic level "1" when magnetism is detected, and a logic level "0" when magnetism is not detected. Then, the IC
tips 21 produce four kinds of detection result, i.e. "00", "Ol ", "10" and "11".
Thus, in this instance, 2° i.e., four kinds of the massaging units (massaging units 4 to 7) can bt~ distinguished from each other by the detection results to io produce a discrimination signal. As a result, according to the thus detected discrimination signal, the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1 enables to automatically change over the air pressure to a predetermined value according to a massaging unit which is detected to be coupled with the air pressure-controlling apparatus 1. In this manner, the air pressure can be automatically set to a value suitable for the massaging unit without manually changing over the air pressure. Moreover, when the number of discriminating plugs is three, the maximum 23, i.e. eight kinds of the massaging units can be discriminated positively.
Moreover, in the present embodiment, the air strength supplied to 2o each of the respective massaging units is possible to set to any one of five stages by the above-mentioned air strength-setting switch. The air pressure set ranges are difff;rent according to the massaging units. For example, the air strength set range suitable for the total body-massaging unit 4 is 0.25 to kgf/cm2. By dividing the, air strength set range into four equal parts, it is possible to carry out the total body massage in five stages including zero of air pressure stage. Similarly; the air strength set range suitable for the leg-massaging unit 5 is 0.15 to 0.25 kgf/cm2, the air strength set range suitable for the abdomen-massaging unit 6 is 0.1 to 0.25 kgf/cm2 and the air strength-99091 C A (U 10-9, 641 ) setting range suitable for tile head-massaging unit 7 is 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm2.
Figs. 5a~ and Sb show another embodiment of the air jack unit 2 and air plug unit 3 of the pneumatic massaging apparatus according to the invention. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the massaging unit-discriminating mechanism, and the remaining structures are similar to those; of the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. Sa, an air plug unit 2 of each of the massaging units includes, in addition to eight air plugs 3-1 to 8 connected to massaging :members, i.e. air bags, two discriminating plug 1o positions are determined above the eight air plugs. In the air plug unit 3 shown in Fig. Sa, two discriminating plugs 22-1 and 22-2 are provided at said two discriminating plug positions. In order to discriminate four massaging units, one or two discriminating plugs 22-1 and 22-2 may be dispensed with.
As shovvn in Fil;. Sb, a air jack unit 2 comprises, in addition to eight air jacks 2-1 to 2-8 to be coupled with the eight air plugs 3-1 to 3-8, respectively, two dummy air jacks 23-1 and 23-2 which are provided at locations corresponding to the discriminating plugs 22-1 and 22-2, respectively, and rrucro swatches 24 are arranged at the dummy air jacks 23-1 and 23-2, respectively such that the insertion of the discriminating plugs 22-2o and 22-2 can be selparately detected by these micro switches 24-1 and 24-2, respectively.
It should be noted that positions at which the discriminating plugs are added may be determined arbitrarily. Further, the number of discriminating plul;s may be set to one or more than two (e.g. three). In the present embodiment, since the two discriminating plugs 22-1 and 22-2 are used, the maximum 22 i.e., four kinds of the massaging units can be discriminated from each other. When the number of discriminating plugs is three, the maximum 23 i.e., eight kinds of the massaging units can be 99091CA (U10-9,641) distinguished from each other.
Figs. 6a to 6c show several embodiments of the air plug unit 3, in which the incorrect connection preventing mechanism for preventing the air plug unit from being coupled with the air jack unit in the upside-down fashion.
In Fig. 6a, a revere insertion-preventing rib 25 is disposed on the air plug unit 3. In this embodiment, the air jack unit 2 must be provided with a corresponding rf;cess at such a position that when the air plug unit 3 is coupled with a correct posture, the rib 25 can be inserted into the recess.
In Fig. 6b, a revere insertion-preventing boss 26 is disposed on the to air plug unit 3, and the air jack unit 2 is provided with a hole into which said boss 26 can be inserted when the air plug unit 3 is coupled with the air jack unit 3 with a correct posture.
In Fig. 6c, a space between the second air plugs 3-3 and the third air plugs 3-5 on the left column as well as a space between the of the third i5 plug 3-6 and the fourth plug 3-8 on the right column are widened than the remaining spaces. In this embodiment, a space between the second air jacks and the third air jacks of the air jack unit 2 has to be widened correspondingly.
While the present invention has been described with reference to some specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is of course that 2o various alternations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
99091CA (U10-9,641)
Claims (10)
1. A pneumatic massaging apparatus comprising:
a plurality of massaging units, each having a plurality of pneumatically operated massaging members and an air plug unit having a plurality of air plugs each being connected to respective one of said massaging members through air pipes; and an air pressure-controlling apparatus including an air jack unit having a plurality of air jacks with which a plurality of air plugs of a massaging unit are detachably coupled, and controlling an air pressure to be supplied to a plurality of massaging members of the relevant massaging unit through said air jacks and air plugs;
wherein said air pressure-controlling apparatus further comprises a massaging unit discriminating means for discriminating a kind of a massaging unit whose air plug unit is coupled with said air jack unit of the air pressure-controlling apparatus to derive a massaging unit discrimination signal, and the air pressure to be supplied to the massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus is automatically changed in accordance with said massaging unit discrimination signal.
a plurality of massaging units, each having a plurality of pneumatically operated massaging members and an air plug unit having a plurality of air plugs each being connected to respective one of said massaging members through air pipes; and an air pressure-controlling apparatus including an air jack unit having a plurality of air jacks with which a plurality of air plugs of a massaging unit are detachably coupled, and controlling an air pressure to be supplied to a plurality of massaging members of the relevant massaging unit through said air jacks and air plugs;
wherein said air pressure-controlling apparatus further comprises a massaging unit discriminating means for discriminating a kind of a massaging unit whose air plug unit is coupled with said air jack unit of the air pressure-controlling apparatus to derive a massaging unit discrimination signal, and the air pressure to be supplied to the massaging unit connected to the air pressure-controlling apparatus is automatically changed in accordance with said massaging unit discrimination signal.
2. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined number n (n is natural number) of plugs among a plurality of plugs of an air plug unit of respective massaging units are determined as massaging unit discriminating plugs, each of said predetermined number of massaging unit discriminating plugs of a respective massaging unit may or may not include a magnetized portion, and said massaging unit discriminating means comprises a plurality of magnetism-detecting means provided at a predetermined number of air jacks corresponding to said predetermined number of discriminating plugs.
3. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said magnetized portion is formed by a permanent magnet.
4. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said massaging unit discriminating means comprises a plurality of IC tips each including a Hall element.
5. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined number n (n is natural number) of dummy plug positions are provided in an air plug unit of a massaging unit for discriminating plugs which do not contribute to the air supply, in addition to a plurality of plugs which serve to supply the air to massaging members of the massaging unit, and said massaging unit discriminating means of the air pressure-controlling apparatus comprises a plug insertion-detecting means provided at a predetermined number n (n is natural number) dummy jacks which receive said discriminating; plugs.
6. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said massaging unit discriminating means comprises a plurality of micro switches each being arranged at respective one of said dummy air jacks.
7. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality kinds of said massaging units comprise a total body-massaging unit, a leg-massaging unit, an abdomen-massaging unit, and a head-massaging unit.
8. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim l, wherein each of said massaging members comprises an air bag formed to have a shape corresponding to a portion of a user's body to be massaged.
9. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said air plug unit and air jack unit comprise incorrect connection preventing means for preventing the air plug unit from being coupled with said air jack unit with an incorrect posture.
10. A pneumatic massaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said incorrect connection preventing means comprises a projection formed on the air plug unit and a depression formed in the air jack unit at such a position that when the air plug unit is coupled with the air jack unit with a correct posture said projection is inserted into said depression.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP10-9,641 | 1998-12-07 | ||
| JP1998009641U JP3059634U (en) | 1998-12-07 | 1998-12-07 | Air massage device with automatic air pressure switching mechanism |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2291574A1 true CA2291574A1 (en) | 2000-06-07 |
Family
ID=11725858
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2291574 Abandoned CA2291574A1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 1999-12-06 | Pneumatic massaging apparatus with automatic air pressure changeover mechanism |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1008336A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3059634U (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2291574A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5252549B2 (en) * | 2008-09-18 | 2013-07-31 | パラマウントベッド株式会社 | Reverse insertion prevention mechanism in bed side rail device |
| CN102961240A (en) * | 2012-11-15 | 2013-03-13 | 绍兴福清卫生用品有限公司 | Air wave pressure therapeutic apparatus capable of judging auxiliary material and use method of air wave pressure therapeutic apparatus |
| KR20230027912A (en) * | 2021-08-20 | 2023-02-28 | 주식회사 세라젬 | Massage apparatus |
| JP7283816B1 (en) | 2022-02-17 | 2023-05-30 | 株式会社テクノ高槻 | Air supply and exhaust system |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2559714Y2 (en) | 1992-06-15 | 1998-01-19 | 株式会社テック | Rotary valve positioning detector |
| US5575762A (en) * | 1994-04-05 | 1996-11-19 | Beiersdorf-Jobst, Inc. | Gradient sequential compression system and method for reducing the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis |
-
1998
- 1998-12-07 JP JP1998009641U patent/JP3059634U/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-12-06 EP EP99309764A patent/EP1008336A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-12-06 CA CA 2291574 patent/CA2291574A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3059634U (en) | 1999-07-13 |
| EP1008336A2 (en) | 2000-06-14 |
| EP1008336A3 (en) | 2001-05-16 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
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