CN115701967A - Impact therapy device with electrically connected attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

An impact therapy system includes an impact therapy apparatus and an attachment, the impact therapy apparatus including: a housing; a power source; a motor located in the housing; a switch for starting the motor; a push rod assembly operably connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor; the attachment is configured to operably connect to a distal end of the push rod assembly of the impact massage device and provide at least one therapeutic effect to a user. The attachment may include at least one of an actuator configured to provide the at least one therapeutic effect to the user and a sensor configured to obtain at least one of biometric data of the user and information regarding operation of the impact therapy device.

Description

Impact therapy device with electrically connected attachment

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 17/018,099, filed on day 11, 9, 2020, U.S. patent application No. 17/018,099 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 16/869,402, filed on day 7, 5, 2020, now U.S. patent No. 10,857,064, U.S. patent application No. 16/869,402 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 16/796,143, filed on day 20, 2, 2020, now U.S. patent No. 10,940,081, U.S. patent application No. 16/796,143 claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/844,424, filed on day 7, 5, 2019, 11, 2019, and U.S. provisional application No. 62/899,098, filed on day 8, 10, 2019. U.S. patent application No. 16/869,402 is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 16/675,772, filed 2019 on 11/6/month, U.S. patent application No. 16/675,772 claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/785,151, filed 2018 on 12/26/month. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application nos. 63/133,591, filed on 5/1/2021 and 63/017,472, filed on 29/4/2020. All of the applications listed above are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to massage devices, and more particularly, to an impact therapy device including an electrically connected attachment or an intelligent attachment.

Background

Massage devices tend to provide ineffective massages that float to the surface and do not provide any real benefit. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved massage device. Furthermore, impact massage devices are often used in an inefficient manner. Therefore, there is a need for an automated impact therapy device to provide effective massage or rehabilitation.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an impulse therapy system comprising: an impact therapy apparatus, the impact therapy apparatus comprising: a housing; a power source; a motor located in the housing; a switch for starting the motor; a push rod assembly operably connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor; and an attachment configured to operably connect to a distal end of the push rod assembly of the percussive massage device and provide at least one therapeutic effect to a user.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises at least one of an actuator configured to provide the at least one therapeutic effect to the user and a sensor configured to obtain at least one of biometric data of the user and information about the operation of the impact therapy device. The actuator may include at least one of a vibration actuator, a heating actuator, a cooling actuator, and an exfoliating actuator. The sensor may include at least one of a thermal sensor, an oxygen sensor, a blood flow sensor, a load cell, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer.

In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a routine controller configured to initiate a protocol configured to provide user instructions to apply the attachment to a first body part until a thermal sensor senses that the first body part has reached a predetermined temperature.

In a preferred embodiment, the system is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the attachment. The at least one characteristic of the attachment may include a type of the attachment, a sensor of the attachment, and an actuator of the attachment. Preferably, the system further comprises a wireless communication module configured to transmit the at least one characteristic to at least one of the shock therapy device and a remote device.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises a first set of electrical contacts. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of the push rod assembly includes an attachment member including first and second balls biased outwardly therefrom. The first ball and the second ball may be the first set of electrical contacts.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing at least one therapeutic effect to a user, comprising: obtaining an impact therapy device comprising: a housing; a power source; a motor located in the housing; a switch for starting the motor; a push rod assembly operably connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor; obtaining an attachment configured to be operably connected to the impact massage device and configured to provide at least one therapeutic effect to a user; and operating the shock treatment apparatus using the attachment. The at least one therapeutic effect may include vibration, shock, heating, cooling, and exfoliation.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment is further configured to obtain at least one of thermal data, blood oxygen content data, blood flow data, angular position data, linear position data, and force value data.

The method may further comprise the step of providing a recommendation to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the recommendation is generated as a function of at least one of the thermal data, the angular position data, the linear position data, and the force value data to assist in providing the at least one therapeutic effect to the user.

The method may further comprise the steps of: providing the at least one therapeutic effect to a first body part of the user, monitoring a temperature of the first body part of the user, determining that the first body part of the user has reached a predetermined temperature, and providing a user instruction to the user to stop providing the at least one therapeutic effect to the first body part when the first body part has reached the predetermined temperature. The at least one therapeutic effect may be provided according to a regimen.

In a preferred embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of determining at least one characteristic of the attachment. The method may further comprise the step of providing a prompt to communicate the at least one characteristic of the attachment to the user.

Drawings

The invention may be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an impact massage apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the interconnected components of an impact massage device with a load cell;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a microcontroller unit with pin out according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram for battery voltage detection according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of motor voltage detection and measurement for an impact massage device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a force applied by the impact massage device in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of generating a lookup table relating voltages to forces in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a graph plotting a look-up table for detecting the force applied by the impact massage device, the look-up table being generated by correlating voltage to force, in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of calibrating a lookup table in accordance with the preferred embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a graph plotting a lookup table generated by a method of detecting force applied by an impact massage device versus a lookup table calibrated by a method using a calibration lookup table in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of calibrating a lookup table;

FIG. 12 is a graph plotting a look-up table after calibration in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a force applied by an impact massage device in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of generating a lookup table relating power to force in accordance with the preferred embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a graph plotting a look-up table for a method of detecting force, the look-up table being generated by correlating power and force, in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method of calibrating a lookup table in accordance with the preferred embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a graph plotting look-up tables after calibration in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an impact massage apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the impact massage apparatus with a portion of the housing removed;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the motor;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the impact massage device of FIG. 18 with a portion of the housing removed;

fig. 22A and 22B are cross-sectional views of the head portion and the motor;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of some of the internal components of the impact massage device of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23A is an exploded view of the motor and motor bracket;

fig. 24 is a diagram showing the steps of scenario 1 according to the method of executing the impact massage apparatus routine;

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating steps of a "shin stress syndrome" protocol according to a method of performing an impact massage device routine;

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D are methods of executing an impact massage device routine;

FIG. 27 is a front view of a graphical user interface illustrating a "right bicep" approach;

FIG. 28 is a front view of a graphical user interface showing a "right biceps" scenario;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the impact massage apparatus with a portion of the housing removed and showing the motor bracket orienting the longitudinally extending motor shaft axis;

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the motor bracket, motor and other components of FIG. 29;

fig. 31 is a perspective view showing the motor and the motor bracket exposed from the housing;

fig. 32 is a perspective view showing the motor and the motor bracket exposed from the housing on the side opposite to fig. 31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional perspective view;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an impact massage device including a heart rate monitor;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an impact massage device including a heart rate monitor with a first pulse contact and a second pulse contact;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an impact massage device including a temperature sensor or monitor;

FIG. 36A is a detailed view of the temperature reading on the screen from FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a side schematic view of an impact therapy device with a heated male attachment member;

FIG. 38 is a side schematic view of an impact therapy device having a male attachment member with first and second electrical contacts;

FIG. 39 is a bottom view of the male attachment member with the first and second electrical contacts;

fig. 40 is a massage member with a heating element therein;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a shock treatment apparatus including a gyroscope and an accelerometer;

42A-42C are perspective views of an impact therapy device and its graphical representation on a display;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an attachment configured to operably connect with an impulse treatment device;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an attachment configured to operably connect with an impulse treatment device;

FIG. 45 is a bottom view of the attachment configured to operably connect with an impact therapy device;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an impact therapy system including an impact therapy device and attachments thereto;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an impact therapy system including an impact therapy device and attachments thereto;

FIG. 48 is a flow chart of a method of providing at least one therapeutic effect to a user according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a flow chart of a method of preparing a body part of a user for exercise according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or another embodiment in this disclosure may refer to, but do not necessarily refer to, the same embodiment; and such references mean at least one embodiment.

Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. In addition, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, in the context of the present disclosure, and in the specific context in which each term is used. Certain terms used to describe the present disclosure will be discussed below or elsewhere in the specification to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the present disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: the use of highlighting has no effect on the scope and meaning of the term; in the same context, the scope and meaning of a term is the same, whether or not it is highlighted. It should be understood that the same may be expressed in more than one way.

Accordingly, alternative languages and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. Nor is there any particular meaning of whether or not a term is set forth or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. Recitation of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification (including examples of any terms discussed herein) is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or any exemplary terms. Also, the present disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments presented in this specification.

Without intending to further limit the scope of the present disclosure, examples of instruments, devices, methods, and their related results according to embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. It should be noted that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "side," "short," "long," "up," "down," and "under" are used herein for ease of description only and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the drawings. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

Although a number of embodiments are described herein, at least some of the described embodiments provide apparatus, systems, and methods of reciprocating treatment devices.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an impact massage device 400 that includes a rechargeable battery (and replaceable or removable battery) 114 (fig. 19). As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the impact massage device 400 includes three handle portions (referred to herein as a first handle portion 143, a second handle portion 145, and a third handle portion 147) that cooperate to define a central opening or handle opening 149. All of the handle portions are long enough that they are configured so that a person can grasp a particular handle portion to use the device. The ability to grip different handle portions allows people (when using the device on their own body) to use the device on different body parts and from different angles, thus providing the ability to access body parts such as the back, which would not be possible without the three handle portions.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first handle portion 143 defines a first handle portion axis A1, the second handle portion 145 defines a second handle portion axis A2, and the third handle portion 147 defines a third handle portion axis A3 that cooperate to form a triangle. In the preferred embodiment, the battery 114 is housed in the second handle portion 145 and the motor 406 (fig. 19) is housed in the third handle portion 147.

In a preferred embodiment, first handle portion 143 has an inner edge 143a, second handle portion 145 has an inner edge 145a, and third handle portion 147 has an inner edge 147a, all of which cooperate to at least partially define handle opening 149. As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the first handle portion 143 includes a finger projection 151 including a finger surface 151a or a fourth inner surface extending between an inner edge 143a of the first handle portion and an inner edge 147a of the third handle portion 147 and at least partially defining a handle opening 149. In use, a user may place their index finger on the finger surface 151 a. The finger protuberances and surfaces provide a feedback point or support surface that helps the user control and comfortably use the device when placing their index finger on the surface. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the finger surface 151a is straight, as shown in FIG. 1 (as opposed to the other "corners" of the handle opening 149 being rounded).

As shown in fig. 1, where the finger surface 151a is straight, the first handle portion interior surface, the second handle portion interior surface, the third handle portion interior surface, and the finger surface cooperate to define a quadrilateral with a radius or rounded edge between each of the straight surfaces.

Fig. 2 to 20 show an embodiment of the impact massage device according to the invention with a load cell. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating interconnected components of an impact therapy apparatus 400 with a load cell. In an embodiment, the impact therapy device with ergometer 400 comprises a microcontroller unit 701, a battery pack management unit 702, an NTC sensor 703, a charge management unit 704, a wireless charge management unit 705, a wireless charge receiving system 706, a voltage management unit 707 (5V, 3.3V voltage management in the figure), a battery charge input 708 (20V, 2.25A charge input in the figure), a display 709 (force/battery/speed display in the figure), a wireless control unit 710 (bluetooth control in the figure), an OLED screen 711, an OLED screen control system 712, a motor 713, a motor drive system 714, a PWM speed setting unit 715, an overcurrent protection unit 716 and a power switch unit 717 (power on/off OLED screen SW in the figure). In the embodiment according to fig. 2, each block in the figure is shown as a separate component. However, in alternative embodiments, certain components may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, microcontroller unit 701 is a microcontroller unit that includes a processor, memory, and input/output peripherals. However, in other embodiments, the microcontroller unit 701 is a ST Microelectronics STM32F030K6 series of microcontroller units, an STM32F030C8T6 series of microcontrollers, an STM32F030CCT6 series of microcontrollers, or an equivalent microcontroller.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the memory of the microcontroller unit 701 is configured to store machine readable code for processing by the processor of the microcontroller unit 701. Various other configurations may exist depending on whether the designer of the impact massage device 400 with load cells wishes to implement machine readable code in software, firmware, or both. In an embodiment, the machine readable code is stored on a memory and configured to be executed by a processor of the microcontroller 701. In an embodiment, the machine readable code is stored on a computer readable medium.

In an embodiment, the battery management unit 702 is implemented in firmware or software and is configured to be used in conjunction with the microcontroller unit 701. In the present embodiment, the firmware or software is stored in a memory (not shown) and is configured to be available to the microcontroller unit 701. In another embodiment, the battery management unit 702 may also be a combination of firmware, software, and hardware. The battery management unit 702 is coupled with an NTC sensor 703. The NTC sensor 703 is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor used by the battery pack management unit 702 to sense the battery pack temperature. For example, the NTC sensor 703 is a thermistor with a B value of 3950+/-1% and a resistance of 10 kOmega. In another example, the thermistor has a resistance of 100k Ω. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a thermistor is a resistor whose resistance depends on temperature. However, in other embodiments, the NTC sensor 703 may be another type of temperature sensing device or component used in conjunction with the battery management unit 702.

In an embodiment, the charge management unit 704 is implemented in firmware or software and is configured to be used in conjunction with the microcontroller unit 701. Similar to battery management unit 702, charge management unit 704 firmware or software is stored in memory (not shown) and is configured to be available to microcontroller unit 701. In another embodiment, the charge management unit 704 may also be a combination of firmware, software and hardware. In various embodiments, the charge management unit 704 is configured to charge the battery pack via a direct connection or through an external charger, such as when configured to be operable with a rechargeable battery.

In an embodiment, wireless charge management unit 705 is coupled with battery pack management unit 702 and battery charge input 708. In other embodiments, the battery or battery pack is charged using other conventional methods, such as, for example, charging the battery or battery pack using a wire or cord coupled to the battery charging input 708.

In an embodiment, wireless charging receiving system 706 is coupled to charging management unit 704 and display 709. The wireless charging reception system 706 includes one or more of firmware, software, and hardware. In an embodiment, the wireless charging reception system 706 is configured to receive information about battery capacity, charging metrics, and other information about wireless charging, and to communicate the information to the charging management unit 704. Preferably, the wireless charge receiving system 706 includes a wireless charging pad for charging the impact massage device 400 with a load cell. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of wireless charging devices may be utilized to wirelessly charge the impact massage device 400 having a load cell. As an example, the Qi wireless charging standard and related devices may be used to wirelessly charge a percussion massage device 400 with a load cell.

In an embodiment, voltage management unit 707 is a DC voltage regulator that can reduce a 5 volt power supply to 3.3 volts for use by microcontroller unit 701. The voltage management unit 707 can also perform additional functions for managing the 3.3 volt power supply used by the microcontroller unit 701. In an embodiment, the voltage management unit 707 is implemented using a series of electronic components, such as, for example, implementing a resistive divider using electronic components. In another embodiment, the voltage management unit 707 is a stand-alone voltage regulator module and/or device designed to reduce the voltage from 5 volts to 3.3 volts. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the various methods and devices that can be used to reduce 5 volts to 3.3 volts.

In an embodiment, the battery charge input 708 is an interface through which a wire or cord may be plugged to charge the impact massage device 400 with the load cell. For example, the standardized barrel connector is the battery charging input 708. In another example, the battery charging input 708 is a USB connector. Other more specialized charging methods may require specific battery charging inputs not described above.

In an embodiment, the display 709 displays a series of LEDs that display the amount of force applied by the impact massage device 400 with the force gauge. In another embodiment, the display 709 displays a series of LEDs that display the current battery or battery charge of the impact massage device 400 with a load cell. In yet another embodiment, the display 709 displays a series of LEDs that display the current speed of the impact massage device 400 with the force gauge. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that while LEDs have been specified in the above-referenced embodiments, other embodiments that do not use LEDs are within the scope of the present disclosure, such as liquid crystal displays, OLEDs, CRT displays, or plasma displays. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that in embodiments utilizing batteries or battery packs, it may be advantageous to use a low power option to ensure battery power life. In an embodiment, display 709 is a 128 x 64 pixel OLED display.

The wireless control unit 710 is a wireless connection device that may be implemented in a wireless microcontroller unit. In an embodiment, the wireless control unit 710 is a bluetooth transceiver module configured to couple to a remote device via bluetooth. In an embodiment, the bluetooth module is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module configured to operate in a broadcast mode. The wireless control unit 710 is coupled to the microcontroller unit 701. In an embodiment, the remote device is a smartphone with an embedded bluetooth module. In an alternative embodiment, the remote device is a personal computer with a bluetooth connection. In other embodiments, other wireless connection standards besides the Bluetooth wireless standard may be utilized. It should be understood that a bluetooth connection or other wireless connection may be described herein as being implemented in a wirelessly connected device. The wireless connection device may be a separate module, may be included in the MCU or other component of the device, or may be a separate chip. In summary, the impact therapy apparatus including the wireless connection apparatus means that the impact massage apparatus can be wirelessly connected to another electronic apparatus (e.g., a phone, a tablet computer, a voice-controlled speaker, a conventional speaker, etc.). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a low power wireless control module may be advantageous when the impact massage device 400 with a load cell uses a battery or battery pack.

In an embodiment, the OLED screen 711 and OLED screen control system 712 are configured to display substantially the same information as the above-referenced display 709. The OLED screen 711 is coupled to the OLED screen control system 511.OLED screen control system 712 is coupled to microcontroller unit 701, OLED screen 711, and power switch unit 717. In an embodiment, the display 709 and OLED screen 711 may be on standby and may only need to be used one or the other.

In an embodiment, motor 713 is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. In an embodiment, motor 713 and motor drive system 714 are configured to change the speed (i.e., rotational motion) that can be converted into reciprocating motion. In other embodiments, the motor 713 is a brushed DC motor, a brushed Alternating Current (AC) motor, or a brushless AC motor. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the choice of brushless or brushed motors or dc or ac motors may vary depending on the application and the size, battery power, and application desired.

In an embodiment, the PWM speed setting unit 715 is used to control pulse width modulation for driving the motor 713. The PWM speed setting unit 715 is coupled to the microcontroller unit 701 and the over-current protection unit 716. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that pulse width modulation is one way to vary the average power applied to the motor 713, thereby varying the speed as desired. In alternative embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of ways to vary the speed of a brushless DC motor. For example, other non-PWM methods may be used to control the voltage of the motor 713.

In an embodiment, the over-current protection unit 716 may be a feature of an integrated system-in-package to prevent damage to the motor from high currents. In other embodiments, the overcurrent protection unit 716 is implemented using a series of electronic components configured to protect the motor from excessive current.

In an embodiment, the power switch unit 717 is configured to turn on and off the impact massage apparatus 400 with the load cell. The power switch unit 717 is coupled to the OLED screen control system 712 and the microcontroller unit 701. In an embodiment, power switch unit 717 is switch 405.

Fig. 3 shows a circuit diagram of a microcontroller unit 701 with a pin output. In the present embodiment, a microcontroller unit of the STM32F030K6 series is used. The circuit diagram depicts the +3.3 volt power supply being provided to the VDD input of the microcontroller unit 701. Input PA3 is labeled "Motor _ VOL", the voltage of Motor 713. Input PA2 is "bt _ v", i.e., the battery voltage or battery pack voltage. The microcontroller unit is configured to receive the analog voltages on inputs PA2 and PA3 and convert them to digital voltages using the analog-to-digital converter of the microcontroller. In this embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter is a 12-bit ADC. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other microcontrollers may utilize voltage sensing and analog-to-digital converters to perform similar functions. In other embodiments, an analog-to-digital converter module separate from the microcontroller may be utilized.

Fig. 4 shows a circuit diagram for battery voltage detection. In the present embodiment, the + BT, positive battery terminal 602 is coupled to the circuit consisting of P-channel MOSFET 604, N-channel MOSFET 608, 0.1 μ F capacitor 610, 100k Ω resistors 612, 614, 68k Ω resistors 616, 1k Ω resistors 618, 620, and 10k Ω resistors 622, 624. The circuit is configured to provide the input analog voltage of the battery or battery pack, or bt _ v, to the microcontroller unit 701 of fig. 2. In other embodiments, the voltage of the battery or battery pack may be obtained using a voltage reader coupled to terminals of the battery or battery pack.

Fig. 5 shows a circuit diagram for detecting and measuring the voltage of the motor 713 of the impact massage device. In the present embodiment, a voltage sensing resistor 626 is connected in parallel with the microcontroller unit 701 and is coupled to the motor 713. In an embodiment, the voltage sense resistor has a value of 0.0025 Ω. The circuit depicted in fig. 5 is configured to provide a Motor _ VOL input to the microcontroller unit 701 of fig. 2. In an embodiment, an input analog voltage is amplified. In another embodiment, a series of separate electronic components or separate devices are used to measure or sense the voltage of motor 713 and input the voltage into a microprocessor for use in displaying the force on the impact massage device.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method 800 of detecting a force applied by an impact massage device, according to a preferred embodiment. In step 802, a voltage value V is obtained. In an embodiment, the voltage value V is an analog voltage obtained by using the circuit disclosed in fig. 2. In this circuit, the continuous curve signal from the motor 713 (i.e., the hall effect sensor) is modeled as a current in the circuit using a resistor R placed in parallel with the microcontroller unit 701. In other embodiments, the voltage corresponding to the current operating speed of motor 713 may be generated in a variety of other ways. The voltage value V may be input to a microcontroller unit 701 which converts the analog voltage to a digital voltage using an analog-to-digital converter, such as an analog-to-digital converter implemented in an STM32F030K6 microcontroller unit. The STM32F030K6 microcontroller unit converts the analog voltage values to digital codes (i.e., 0 to 4096) corresponding to 12-bit ADCs. The digital code represents a voltage value corresponding to the obtained original voltage value V.

At step 804, a lookup table is generated that correlates the voltage V with the force value F. In an embodiment, the look-up table is generated using the method 900 of generating a look-up table correlating power to force. For example, force value F may be expressed in pounds-force. In an alternative embodiment, the force value F may be expressed in Newton force.

At step 806, a force value F corresponding to the voltage value V is displayed on the impact massage apparatus 400 with the load cell. In an embodiment, a series of LED lights may be utilized to depict the amount of change in the force applied by the impact massage apparatus 400 with a load cell. Thus, as the amount of force value F increases, more LEDs on a series of LED lamps will be illuminated. Preferably, the series of LED lamps consists of 12 LED lamps.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 of generating a lookup table correlating voltage to force. At step 902, a maximum value of force F is determined _MAX . F can be determined by evaluating the maximum desired force to be applied using the impact massage apparatus 400 with a load cell _MAX The value of (c). As an example, F _MAX Is 60 pounds force.

In step 904, a maximum voltage value V is determined _MAX . V may be determined by evaluating the maximum theoretical voltage change possible for an impact massage apparatus 400 with a load cell _MAX The value is obtained. As an example, V _MAX Is 1.8 volts.

At step 906, F _MAX Divided into equal increments. Using the above example from step 902, a 60 pound force is divided into 60 1 pound increments.

In step 908, V _MAX Divided into the same number of increments as determined in step 906 above. Thus, using the above example from step 904, 1.8 volts is divided into 60 increments of 0.03 volts.

At step 910, a look-up table (LUT) is generated that correlates pound increments of force to voltage increments. This necessarily produces a linear relationship between force and voltage. Fig. 8 is a graph plotting a LUT used by the detection method of fig. 6, which was generated using the particular example identified in fig. 7. The graph depicts the calculated force using the method 900.

A problem may arise in that the theoretical maximum voltage assumption of step 904 of method 900 is not accurate. It may also be the case that the maximum available voltage decreases over time when using the impact massage apparatus 400 with a load cell. In other words, the battery voltage or the battery pack voltage may be lowered.

Thus, the method 1000 of calibrating the LUT generated by the method 900 may be advantageous. Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 of calibrating a LUT. In step 1002, a battery pack voltage BV is obtained. In an embodiment, the battery pack voltage value BV is an analog voltage obtained by using the circuit disclosed in fig. 4. In this circuit, the battery pack voltage value BV may be input to a microcontroller unit 701 which converts the analog voltage to a digital voltage using an analog-to-digital converter, such as an analog-to-digital converter implemented in an STM32F030K6 microcontroller unit. The STM32F030K6 microcontroller unit converts the analog voltage values to digital codes (i.e., 0 to 4096) corresponding to 12-bit ADCs. The digital code represents a voltage value corresponding to the obtained original battery pack voltage value BV.

In step 1004, V _MAX Is set to the actual battery voltage value BV output. As an example, it may be reduced from 1.8 volts to 1.74 volts, by 0.6 volts. In step 1006, the LUT linear correlation is adjusted to reflect the lower V _MAX . Fig. 10 is a graph plotting the LUT calculated by method 900 versus the LUT calibrated by using method 1000. The LUT resulting from method 1000 depicts the calibrated force rather than the calculated force.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1100 of calibrating a LUT. Method 1100 may be performed after method 900 or method 1100 may be performed entirely separate from method 900. At step 1102, the battery pack voltage BV is measured. In an embodiment, the measurement is done without any force being applied from the impact massage device 400 with a load cell. In an embodiment, the battery pack voltage BV is measured using an external voltmeter. In another embodiment, the battery pack and/or microcontroller unit 701 has an embedded solution for directly measuring the battery pack voltage BV.

At step 1104, the display screen on the impact massage device 400 with the force gauge displaying the force value F is read to determine the force value F corresponding to the measured battery pack voltage BV.

At step 1106, the force gauge is used to measure the actual applied force. In an embodiment, the load cell is a push-pull load cell. Direct measurement of the force allows calibration of the LUT by comparing the displayed force value F with the measured actual force. At step 1108, the LUT is updated with a correction force corresponding to the measured battery pack voltage BV. After step 1108, steps 1102 through 1106 are repeated for each successive voltage increment. In the embodiment depicted in accordance with method 900, steps 1102-1106 are repeated for each 0.03 volt increment. Fig. 12 is a graph plotting the LUT calculated by method 1100 after all 3-volt increments have been updated.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1200 of detecting force applied by an impact massage device in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In step 1202, a current value C of the battery pack is obtained. In an embodiment, the current value C is input into the microcontroller unit 701. In step 1204, a voltage value BV of the battery pack is obtained. In an embodiment, a voltage value BV is input into the microcontroller unit 701. In step 1206, power is calculated using the product of C and BV. In an embodiment, the microcontroller unit 701 is configured to calculate the power by multiplying C and BV. At step 1208, a lookup table is generated that correlates the power value P to the force value F. In an embodiment, the lookup table is generated using the method 1300 of generating a lookup table correlating power to force. For example, power value P may be expressed in watts. In alternative embodiments, force value F may be expressed in pounds force or newtons force.

At step 1210, a force value F corresponding to the power value P is displayed on the impact massage apparatus 400 with the load cell. In an embodiment, a series of LED lights may be utilized to depict the amount of change in the force applied by the impact massage apparatus 400 with a load cell. Thus, as the amount of force value F increases, more LEDs on a series of LED lights will be illuminated. Preferably, the series of LED lamps consists of 12 LED lamps.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1300 of generating a lookup table that correlates power to force. In step 1302, a maximum power value F is determined _MAX . However, if the total effective power can be calculated, then the theoretical maximum power is not a reasonable assumption. Equation 1 may be used to determine total maximum Effective Power (EP) _MAx )。

Equation 1: total EP _MAX ＝P _MAX X Total EP

Equation 2 may be used to calculate the total EP, which is then input to equation 1 above.

Equation 2: total EP = EP _{Battery with a battery cell} ×EP _PCBA ×EP _{Electric machine}

Wherein the total EP, EP _{Battery with a battery cell} 、EP _PCBA And EP _{Electrical machine} Are all expressed in percentages, and wherein the PCBA is a printed circuit board assembly.

In the examples, EP (battery) is 85%, EP (PCBA) is 95%, and EP (motor) is 75%. Thus, using equation 2, the total EP is 85% 95% 75% =60.5625%.

In the present embodiment, the maximum voltage V of the battery pack is set _MAX And maximum current C _MAX Multiply to calculate P _MAX Such as in equation 3. Then, P is added _MAX Equation 1 is input.

P _MAX ＝V _MAX ×C _MAX

In this embodiment, V _MAX Is 16.8 volts, and C _MAX Is 20 amps. Thus, P _MAX Is 336 watts.

Returning now to equation 1, if P _MAX Is 336 watts and total EP is 60.5625%, then total EP _MAx Is 203 watts.

At step 1304, a minimum charge amount P is determined _MIN . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that without any applied force (i.e., no load), the power will be non-zero. Thus, suppose P _MIN Is 12 watts. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that its value is equivalent to the rated power at no load, which can be from V _MAX And C _MIN And (4) deriving.

At step 1306, a maximum value of force F is determined _MAX . F may be determined by evaluating the maximum desired force to be applied using the impact massage apparatus 400 with a load cell _MAX The value of (c). As an example, F _MAX Is 60 pounds force.

At step 1308, the total EP _MAX Divided into equal increments. In an embodiment, from P _MIN (12 Watts) Start, divide Total EP in 3 Watts increments per 1 pound of force _MAX . Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that if F _MAX I.e., the total desired force output of the impact massage device 400 with load cells is 60 pounds of force, then at the calculated total EP _MAX The inner 60 pounds of force corresponds to 189 watts.

At step 1310, a LUT is generated that correlates pounds increments of force with watts increments of power. This necessarily produces a linear relationship between force and voltage. Fig. 15 is a graph plotting a LUT used by the detection method of fig. 13, which was generated using the specific example identified in fig. 10. The graph depicts the calculated force calculated using the method 1200.

Similar to method 900, a problem may arise in that the battery pack voltage measured in step 1204 of method 1200 is inaccurate. It may also be the case that the maximum available voltage decreases over time when using the impact massage apparatus 400 with a load cell. In other words, the battery or battery pack voltage may be reduced.

Fig. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1400 of calibrating a LUT. Method 1400 may be performed after method 900 or method 1200, or method 1400 may be performed entirely separately from method 900 or method 1200. At step 1402, a current value C of the battery pack is obtained. In an embodiment, the current value C is input into the microcontroller unit 701.

In step 1404, the battery pack voltage BV is measured. In an embodiment, the measurement is done without any force being applied from the impact massage device 400 with a load cell. In an embodiment, the battery pack voltage BV is measured using an external voltmeter. In another embodiment, the battery pack and/or microcontroller unit 701 has an embedded solution for directly measuring the battery pack voltage BV. At step 1406, power is calculated using the product of C and BV. In an embodiment, the microcontroller unit 701 is configured to calculate the power by multiplying C and BV.

At step 1408, the display screen on the impact massage apparatus 400 with the load cell displaying the force value F is read to determine the force value F corresponding to the calculated power. In step 1410, the force gauge is used to measure the actual applied force. In an embodiment, the load cell is a push-pull load cell. Direct measurement of the force allows calibration of the LUT by comparing the displayed force value F with the measured actual force. At step 1412, the LUT is updated with a correction force corresponding to the measured power. After step 1412, steps 1402 through 1410 are repeated for each power or force increment. In the embodiment described in accordance with method 900, steps 1402 through 1410 are repeated for each 3 watt increment. Fig. 17 is a graph plotting the LUT calculated by method 1400 after all 3 watt increments have been updated.

Fig. 18-19 illustrate an exemplary impact massage apparatus 400 embodying features disclosed herein. In general, the impact massage device 400 includes a housing 101, a power source or battery pack 114, a motor 406 located in the housing 101, and a switch 405 for activating the motor 406. The electronics (see printed circuit board 408 in fig. 19) include a controller configured to obtain a voltage of the motor, generate a look-up table correlating the voltage to the force applied by the impact massage device, and display a force value corresponding to the obtained voltage using the look-up table. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the motor 406.

As shown in fig. 21-23, in a preferred embodiment, the motor 406 is located in the head portion 12. The impact massage device 400 may include a swivel arm as part of the swivel housing 44. The motor 406 is located in a rotary housing 44 which is housed together with the head portion 12 of the housing 101. In another embodiment, the rotational capability may be omitted.

In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a push rod or shaft 14 that is directly connected to a shaft 16 that is rotated by a motor 406 and a motor shaft 21 that extends therefrom. The shaft 16 may be part of a counterweight assembly 17 that includes a counterweight 19. In a preferred embodiment, the push rod 14 is L-shaped or includes an arcuate shape, as shown in fig. 22A-22B. Preferably, the point where the push rod 14 is connected to the shaft 16 is offset from the reciprocating path traveled by the distal end 18 of the push rod 14 (and the massage attachment 628). This capability is provided by an arc or L-shape. It will be appreciated that the push rod 14 is designed such that it can transmit force at least partially diagonally or along an arc rather than vertically along its shape, so the motor can be located at or near the middle of the device, otherwise a larger protrusion would be necessary from which the motor is offset (and located in the protrusion) in order to keep the shaft centered. The arc shape also allows for close clearance of the push rod 14 from the motor and allows for a smaller outer housing than similar prior art devices, thus resulting in a smaller profile for the device 400, as shown in fig. 22A and 22B. Fig. 22A shows the push rod 14 at its stroke bottom dead center, and fig. 22B shows the push rod 14 at its stroke top dead center. Preferably, one or more bearings 20 are included at the proximal end of the push rod 14 where the push rod is connected to the motor to counteract diagonal forces and prevent the push rod 14 from moving and contacting the motor 406. The bearing 20 is received on the shaft 16, and the threaded fastener 26 is received in the coaxial opening 16a of the shaft 16. The proximal end of the push rod 14 is received on a bearing 20. These components are all shown in fig. 23.

In a preferred embodiment, the device 400 includes a plurality of shock absorbing members made of an elastomer or the like that dampen vibrations to keep the device relatively quiet. For example, as shown in fig. 23, the apparatus 400 includes shock rings 426 (similar to the inner suspension rings 219) that surround the rotating casing 44 (having the first rotating casing half 44a and the second rotating casing half 44 b) and help dampen vibrational sounds between the rotating casing and the outer casing 101.

As shown in fig. 23 and 23A, the device 400 preferably also includes a motor bracket 24 that secures the motor 406 in place and to the housing 101. The motor 406 includes a receiving member 28 having three projections 30 (and may include any number between one and ten) that is received in the projection openings 32 (in the first wall 38) defined in the motor bracket 24. A flange 34 extending from the motor bracket 24 helps to hold the protrusion 30 in place. The motor 406 is preferably secured to the motor bracket 24 via threaded fasteners or the like. The motor shaft 21 extends into a motor bracket interior 36 defined between first and second walls 38 and a portion of a side 40 extending circumferentially. Located within the motor mount interior 36 are the counterweight assembly 17, the proximal end of the push rod 14 and related components for converting rotation of the motor shaft 21 into reciprocating motion. The push rod 14 extends downwardly out of the interior of the motor bracket and through a push rod opening 42 in the side 40. In a preferred embodiment, the motor bracket 24 is directly connected to the housing 101 via fasteners 46 that are secured to mounting members 48 in the housing (see fig. 23A). It should be understood that the term push rod assembly as used herein includes any of the components discussed herein or combinations thereof, such as the push rod 14, the output shaft 108, the shuttle 310, the second rod portion 236, which extend from the rotating motor shaft 21 providing reciprocating motion, the shaft 246, etc., and include an attachment at the distal end thereof. The pushrod assembly also includes a male connector 110 (and any associated components) or any other connector at the end of the reciprocating component that allows for connection of an attachment for massage or therapy.

In a preferred embodiment, the device 400 is associated with and can be operated by an application or software 400 running on a mobile device such as a phone, watch, or tablet (or any computer). The application may connect to the device 400 via bluetooth or other wireless connection protocol. The application may have any or all of the following functions. Further, any of the functionality discussed herein may be added directly to the touch screen/scroll wheel or button functionality on the device. If the user walks or is too far from the device, the device will not work or activate. The device may be turned on or off using an application and a touch screen or buttons on the device. The application may control variable speeds (e.g., any speed between 1750 to 3000 RPM). A timer may be implemented such that the device stops after a predetermined period of time.

In a preferred embodiment, the device includes different treatment protocols or routines associated therewith via an application or touch screen and other function buttons or the like. During execution of the routine, the device may change different aspects or outputs of the device, or change based on time, speed (frequency), amplitude (stroke), arm position, force, temperature, grip (i.e., which handle portion to grasp), attachment (e.g., cone, ball, shock absorber, etc.), and body part. The device (heard via application, touch screen, haptic feedback, or via speaker) may also prompt the user to make some of these changes at certain points throughout the routine, such as arm position, handle, attachment changes, and body part changes. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one or more of these outputs are applicable depending on the particular design of the device, while in other devices all of the options described are applicable.

When the start protocol is selected, the device is run through a preprogrammed routine. For example, the device may operate at a first RPM for a first period of time and then at a second RPM for a second period of time, and/or at a first amplitude for a first period of time and then at a second amplitude for a second period of time. The routine may also include a prompt (e.g., tactile feedback) to let the user know to move to a new body part. These routines or treatments may be related to rehabilitation, blood flow increase, performance, etc., and each may include a preprogrammed routine or protocol. These routines also help facilitate certain activities such as sleeping, intermittent training, climbing stairs, running, after exercise, rehabilitation, exercise, core exercise, high intensity (intensive) exercise, and the like. These routines may also help to alleviate and restore ailments such as plantar fasciitis, "technical neck", muscle spasm, jet lag, sciatica, wrist syndrome, spasticity, and tibial stress syndrome. The routine may also prompt or instruct the user to toggle the position of an attachment (e.g., attachment 628 shown in fig. 21) or arm or swivel housing. The cues may include sounds, tactile feedback (e.g., vibration of the device or mobile device), text instructions, or visual representations, such as graphics or pictures on an application or touch screen, or the like. For example, the application may instruct the user to start with the ball attachment with the arm in position two. The user then clicks on the start and the device is run at the first frequency for a predetermined amount of time. The application or device then prompts the user to begin the next step in the routine and instructs the user to change to the taper attachment and place the arm at position 1 (see, e.g., arm position in fig. 18). The arm may include any number of positions, such as 1 to 10 positions or 1 to 3 positions or 1 to 2 positions. The user clicks start again and the device runs at the second frequency for a predetermined amount of time. The scheme may be divided into a number of steps, with a different output being predetermined or specified at each step.

Referring again to fig. 18-19, in a preferred embodiment, the device 400 includes a housing 101, a power source 114, a motor 406 located in the housing 101, a switch 405 (which may be any of a touch screen 409, a rocker button 447, a button 403, or any other switch or button) for activating the motor 406, and a routine controller 630. The device 400 is configured to mate with the attachment 628. The attachment may be, for example, the attachment 628 shown in fig. 21. The attachment is secured to the male connector 110 such that the shaft or pushrod assembly 108 moves the attachment reciprocally according to the specified amplitude. For example, the amplitudes are depicted in fig. 22A and 22B, where fig. 22A shows the attachment in a maximum extended position and fig. 22B shows the attachment in a minimum extended position. In an embodiment, the distance between the maximum extended position and the minimum extended position may define the amplitude.

Routine controller 630 is configured to execute routines related to one or more specified scenarios. The routine controller 630 may be, for example, the microcontroller unit 701 depicted in fig. 2. The routine controller 630 may also be a separate microcontroller from the microcontroller 701. As described herein, the routine controller may step through different steps of a particular protocol designed for a particular muscle group and to provide a particular therapeutic effect.

Fig. 24 is a table showing an example of a scheme according to the preferred embodiment. Protocol 1 is divided into four steps, each describing a specific time, speed, amplitude, attachment, force, temperature and handle. In step 1, the device 400 is activated for 30 seconds at 1550 RPM. The routine controller 630 may be used to turn on the impact massage device and implement the attachment 628 at a speed of 1550 RPM. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the speed of the attachment 628 is directly proportional to the speed of the motor 406. According to the scheme 1, the amplitude of the impact massage apparatus is set to 2. As described above, this may translate into a specified distance that the attachment 628 moves when in use. Step 1 also provides for a shock absorber attachment to be secured to the apparatus 400, applying a force "1" by the apparatus 400, and applying a temperature of 21 ℃ to the attachment.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the force applied by the apparatus 400 may depend on the pressure applied by the user when pressing the attachment against the person's body part. As described more fully herein, the force applied by the device 400 may be a target force. In embodiments where the user provides pressure to exert a particular force on a person's body part, the routine controller 630 may adjust the output of the device 400 to ensure that the force actually exerted by the attachment is the target force. The routine controller 630 may also be configured to provide feedback to the user to increase or decrease the pressure on the person's body part to meet the target force. Each of these embodiments applies to each step of a given scheme, including steps 2 through 4 below, and steps 1 through 4 of the scheme shown in fig. 25.

Step 1 also specifies that device 400 is to be operated using handle 1. For example, the handle 1 may be a handle on the first handle portion 143, also referred to as a "conventional" or "standard" handle. For example, the handle 2 may be a handle on the third handle portion 147, also referred to as an "inverted" handle. An "opposing" handle may also be used on the third handle portion 147. For example, handle 3 may be a handle on second handle portion 145, also referred to as a "bottom" handle.

At step 2, protocol 1 specifies that the device 400 is activated at 2100RPM for 15 seconds, with an amplitude of "3", a force of "3", and a temperature of 26 ℃. Step 2 specifies the use of the ball attachment 628 and the operation of the device 400 using handle 1. Thus, step 2 requires replacing the shock absorber attachment in step 1 with a small ball attachment, but specifying the use of the same handle.

At step 3, protocol 1 specifies that the device 400 is activated at 2200RPM for 30 seconds, with an amplitude of "1", a force of "3", and a temperature of 29 ℃. Step 3 specifies the use of the shock absorber attachment 628 and the operation of the apparatus 400 using the handle 1. Thus, step 3 requires replacing the ball attachment in step 2 with a shock absorber attachment, but specifies the same handle to be used.

At step 4, protocol 1 specifies that the device 400 is activated at 2400RPM for 45 seconds, with an amplitude of "4", a force of "2", and a temperature of 32 ℃. Step 3 specifies the use of a large ball attachment and the use of handle 1 to operate the device 400. Thus, step 3 requires replacing the shock absorber attachment in step 2 with a large ball attachment, but specifies the same handle to be used. It should be understood that regimen 1 is provided to the reader as an example of many different outputs that can be varied among the myriad of treatment regimens provided or developed. It should also be understood that any one or more of the outputs may be part of a scheme or routine and any output discussed herein may be omitted. For example, a recipe may include only time and speed, or only time, speed, and force, or only time, speed, and grip, or any other combination of the outputs described herein.

Fig. 25 is a table showing an example of the "tibial stress syndrome" scenario in accordance with a preferred embodiment. As with protocol 1, the tibial stress syndrome protocol is divided into four steps, each describing the specified time, speed, amplitude, attachment, force, temperature and grip, but also specifying the particular arm position and body part in which the attachment is to be applied. At step 1, the device 400 is activated at 1500RPM for 1 minute with amplitude of "1", force of "2", and temperature of 21 ℃. Step 1 specifies the use of the shock absorber attachment and the operation of the device 400 on the right tibia using handle 2 ("reverse").

Step 1 also specifies that the arm position to be used is arm position 1. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the number of arm positions (e.g., 1, 2,3, 4, etc.) is a predetermined arm position that is intended to be used during a particular protocol. Where the body part to which the attachment 628 is applied is one of the factors in determining the optimal arm position. However, the arm position may be determined by the user and no further implementation is required. As discussed above, a "standard" handle may be used with an arm position to apply to a particular part of the body, an "inverted" handle may be used with an arm position to apply to a particular part of the body, and a "bottom" handle may be used with an arm position to apply to a particular part of the body. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any arm position in conjunction with a particular handle 143, 145, 147 may vary depending on the application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the arm position at which the apparatus 400 is positioned depends on the particular apparatus. For example, some devices may allow a user to adjust arm position while others do not. For those devices that are not allowed, this step does not apply. In other embodiments, this step may be performed during the step of performing a particular scenario.

In step 2, the tibial stress syndrome protocol specifies that the device 400 is activated at 1500RPM for 1 minute, with an amplitude of "1", a force of "2", and a temperature of 21 ℃. Step 2 specifies the use of the shock absorber attachment and the operation of the device 400 at arm position 1 on the left tibia using handle 2 ("reverse"). Thus, step 2 uses the same attachment, handle and arm positions as step 1, but applies to the other tibia.

At step 3, the tibial stress syndrome protocol specifies that the device 400 is activated at 2000RPM for 1 minute, with an amplitude of "3", a force of "3", and a temperature of 24 ℃. Step 2 specifies using the shock absorber attachment and operating the device 400 with the handle 3 ("bottom") against the right calf at arm position 1. Thus, step 3 requires the user to change the handle from "inverted" to "bottom" but specify the use of the same attachment and arm position.

In step 4, the tibial stress syndrome protocol specifies that the device 400 is activated at 2000RPM for 1 minute, with an amplitude of "3", a force of "3", and a temperature of 24 ℃. Step 2 specifies using the shock absorber attachment and operating the device 400 on the left calf at arm position 1 using the handle 3 ("bottom"). Thus, step 2 uses the same attachment, handle and arm positions as step 1, but applies to the other calf.

Fig. 26A-26C are a series of flow diagrams illustrating a method 1500 of executing a routine for impacting a massage device.

FIG. 26A is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary startup scheme. At step 1502, protocol 1 is initiated. For example, regimen 1 is regimen 1 depicted in fig. 24 or the "tibial stress syndrome" regimen depicted in fig. 25. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that scenario 1 depicted in fig. 24 does not include all of the outputs specified in the tibial stress syndrome scenario depicted in fig. 25, and therefore, not all of the steps of method 1500 are applicable to scenario 1 depicted in fig. 24.

At step 1504, the user is prompted to set the arm position to the specified arm position. The user may be a person using the device 400 on their own body or on the body of another person. For example, the arm position specified in the tibial stress syndrome protocol is arm position 1.

At step 1506, the user is prompted to use a designated grip or handle portion 143, 145, 147 on the device 400. For example, the handle designated in the tibial stress syndrome protocol is the third handle portion 147. As described herein, the handle may vary according to a particular protocol or procedure.

At step 1508, the user is prompted to secure the designated attachment to the device 400. As described herein, the attachment may vary according to particular schemes or procedures.

In step 1510, the method determines whether the arm and grip positions 143, 145, 147 are properly configured and the attachment 628 is fixed. Step 1510 may include prompting the user through tactile feedback, an application interface, or a touch screen (among other types of prompts), wherein the user is asked to continue while the appropriate arm position, handle, and attachment are in place. In other embodiments, the device 400 may sense that the arm position and handle are appropriate and secure the attachment before automation. In an embodiment, step 1510 is repeated until the arm position, handle, and attachment are ready.

Fig. 26B is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary step 1 of the protocol, continuing the method 1500 from the position in which fig. 26A stopped.

At step 1512, step 1 of the protocol is initiated. For example, step 1 is step 1 depicted in, for example, fig. 24 and 25.

At step 1514, method 1500 applies a specified time period (T) in which device 400 is activated ₁ ) Speed of the attachment, amplitude of the attachment, force of the attachment, and temperature of the attachment. In an embodiment, one or more of these outputs of device 400 are applied. These outputs may be applied by the routine controller 630. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the user implementing the device 400 on a body part need not apply some of these outputs. For example, the time period, speed, amplitude and temperature do not necessarily depend on the pressure applied by the user to the body part. On the other hand, the force applied by the attachment 628 may require the user to apply pressure on the body part to achieve the target force (or target force range). Further, the temperature may vary depending on whether the attachment 628 is applied to the body part and to which body part it is applied. Thus, temperature regulation may be required during application of the attachment 628To reach a desired temperature predetermined by the protocol. In another embodiment, the temperature may be adjusted by the user.

In a time period T ₁ Thereafter, the user may be prompted to change the attachment 628, arm position, and/or grip position 143, 145, 147. These outputs may need to be implemented prior to starting step 2 of the protocol. In the tibial stress syndrome scenario shown in fig. 25, the attachment 628, arm position and grip positions 143, 145, 147 remain unchanged. At step 1516, for a time period T ₁ Thereafter, the user is prompted to set the arm position to the specified arm position. The user may be a person using the device 400 on their own body or on the body of another person.

At step 1518, the user is prompted to use the designated handle 143, 145, 147 on the device 400. As described herein, the handle may vary according to a particular protocol or procedure.

At step 1520, the user is prompted to secure the designated attachment 628 to the device 400. As described herein, the attachment 628 may vary according to a particular protocol or procedure.

At step 1522, the method determines whether the arm and grip positions 143, 145, 147 are properly configured and whether the attachment 628 is fixed. This step and all other similar steps are optional. Step 1510 may include prompting the user through tactile feedback, an application interface, or a touch screen (among other types of prompts), wherein when the appropriate arm position, handle, and attachment are in place, prompting the user to move to the next step in the routine and/or requesting the user to continue. In other embodiments, the device 400 may sense that the arm position and handle are appropriate and secure the attachment before automation. In an embodiment, step 1522 is repeated until the arm position, handle, and attachment are ready.

Fig. 26C is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary step 2 of the protocol, continuing the method 1500 from the position in which fig. 26B left off.

At step 1524, step 2 of the protocol is initiated. Step 2 is, for example, step 2 depicted in fig. 44 and fig. 45.

At step 1526, the method 1500 should be performedWith a specified time period (T) in which the device 400 is activated ₂ ) Speed of the attachment, amplitude of the attachment, force of the attachment, and temperature of the attachment. In an embodiment, one or more of these outputs of device 400 are applied. These outputs may be applied by the routine controller 630. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the user implementing the device 400 on a body part need not apply some of these outputs. For example, the time period, speed, amplitude and temperature do not necessarily depend on the pressure applied by the user to the body part. On the other hand, the force applied by the attachment 628 may require the user to exert pressure on the body part to achieve the target force. Further, the temperature may vary depending on whether the attachment 628 is applied to the body part and to which body part it is applied. Thus, the temperature may need to be adjusted during application of the attachment 628 to reach the desired temperature predetermined by the recipe. In another embodiment, the temperature may be adjusted by the user.

In a time period T ₂ Thereafter, the user may be prompted to change the attachment 628, arm position, and/or grip positions 143, 145, 147. These outputs may need to be implemented prior to starting step 3 of the protocol. In the tibial stress syndrome scenario shown in fig. 25, the attachment 628 and arm positions remain unchanged, but the handles 143, 145, 147 are adjusted to the bottom handle. At step 1528, for a time period T ₂ Thereafter, the user is prompted to set the arm position to the specified arm position. The user may be a person using the device 400 on their own body or on the body of another person.

Therefore, at steps 1528 through 1534, substantially the same steps are performed as steps 1516 through 1522. After step 1534, steps 3 through 4 are initiated in substantially the same manner as steps 1 through 2. For example, steps 3 and 4 may be steps 3 and 4 of the tibial stress syndrome protocol depicted in protocol 1 depicted in fig. 24 or depicted in fig. 25. Further, in devices where the device is unable to sense the handle, arm position, or attachment, step 1534 may be omitted. In this embodiment, a given scenario simply moves from step 1 to step 2 to prompt the user to make a change (but regardless of whether the user actually made the change).

As an alternative to fig. 26C, fig. 26D is a flow chart describing an alternative step 2 of the scheme. In an alternative step 2, dynamometer adjustment is carried out.

The steps 1536 to 1538 are performed substantially the same as the steps 1524 to 1526 in the step 2.

At step 1540, the force applied by the attachment 628 is monitored. In the embodiment shown in fig. 26D, method 1500 utilizes dynamometer 400 to monitor the force actually applied by the user.

At 1542, the force is displayed to the user. In an embodiment, the force is displayed on an application interface 1584, such as a graphical user interface. In other embodiments, the use of the application interface 1584, touchscreen 1582, OLED screen 711, or the like, alone or in combination, can be used to display force.

At 1546, according to T ₂ A specified protocol during which the user is prompted to increase or decrease the force applied to the body part. Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a touch screen 1582 according to the display of force. Force display 1590 shows an exemplary embodiment of step 1546. Force display 1590 shows a series of force measurements during the "right biceps" step of the protocol. When the force applied by the attachment 628 matches or corresponds to a target force predetermined by the protocol, the force display prompt 1592 is used to display a message to the user, such as "ideal pressure: the making is good. In the present embodiment, the force display prompt 1592 may list "increase pressure" or the like if the measured force exerted by the attachment 628 is below the target force predetermined by the protocol. Thus, if the measured force exerted by the attachment 628 is higher than the target force predetermined by the recipe, the force display prompt 1592 may recite "reduce pressure" or the like. The user may then adjust the pressure the user applies to the body part to increase or decrease the pressure according to the force display prompt 1592 such that the measured force is equal or substantially equal to the target force.

In a time period T ₂ Thereafter, the user may be prompted to change the attachment 628, arm position, and/or grip position 143, 145, 147. These outputs may need to be implemented prior to starting step 3 of the protocol. In the tibial stress syndrome scenario shown in fig. 25, the attachment 628 and arm position remainThe handles 143, 145, 147 are unchanged, but adjusted to the bottom handle. At step 1528, for a time period T ₂ Thereafter, the user is prompted to set the arm position to the specified arm position. The user may be a person using the device 400 on their own body or on the body of another person.

Accordingly, in steps 1548 through 1552, substantially the same steps as steps 1516 through 1522 are performed. After step 1534, steps 3 through 4 are initiated in substantially the same manner as steps 1 through 2. For example, steps 3 and 4 may be steps 3 and 4 of the tibial stress syndrome protocol depicted in protocol 1 depicted in fig. 24 or fig. 25.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of an application interface 1584. At the top of the interface 1584, a project field 1556 is displayed to the user. In this embodiment, the scenario field 1556 is a "technology neck". The scenario title 1556 also shows the total time period for the scenario.

The next section of the interface 1584 shows the step fields 1558 through 1568 of the recipe that are displayed to the user. In the present embodiment, the step field identifies the title of the step and the time period of the step. For example, the title of step field 1558 is "right biceps" (the location where treatment will be provided), and the time period of activation is "0.

Interface 1584 also includes a current step field 1570 that identifies a current step heading 1570, a handle heading display 1572, and an attachment heading display 1574.

Interface 1584 also includes a time display 1576 and a time remaining display 1578 to display to the user the time that has elapsed in the step and the time remaining in the step. Finally, the interface 1584 includes control fields 1580 for play, jump back, and jump forward from step to step.

As described above, fig. 28 shows a touchscreen 1582 on a mobile device. The touchscreen 1582 displays a graphic depicting a start point 1586 (and end point 1588 (and thus defining a treatment path) and an end point 1588 (and thus a treatment path) to display to the user the location at which the attachment 628 is applied to the specified body part. In fig. 27, during the current step, the display instructs the user to move the attachment from the lower part of the right biceps to the upper part of the right biceps (treatment path). In some embodiments, during a single step, the user may be prompted or displayed on a graphical user interface for more than one treatment path (or first and second treatment paths) with respect to the same body part/muscle or different body parts/muscles. For example, during the right bicep step, the user may be prompted to first move the device along the path shown in fig. 28, but during the same thirty second step, a path parallel to the path shown in fig. 28 may also be prompted or displayed.

Fig. 29-33 illustrate an apparatus 457 similar to the apparatus 400 described above. However, as shown in fig. 29, the motor 402 is oriented differently (with the motor shaft axis A4 extending perpendicular to the motor shaft axis in the apparatus 400). It is to be understood that all embodiments discussed herein or shown in the various figures are interchangeable and that a component or inventive concept in one embodiment may be replaced by or incorporated into a component or inventive concept in another embodiment. All components in all embodiments are optional and may be interchanged with or used in connection with components from or in other embodiments. As shown in fig. 30, the motor bracket 401 includes a mounting wall 427 with first and second mounting flanges 429 extending therefrom and a shaft aperture 430 defined therein. Boss member 432 includes a threaded opening 433 defined therein. The boss member 432 receives a cylindrical shock leg 461 having an annular groove 425 defined therein on its outside and a threaded fastener 46 in a threaded opening 433. As shown in fig. 31 to 33, a motor bracket 401 is attached to both housing halves 103 of the housing 101. The mounting member 48, which is a substantially inwardly extending ring, is received in the annular groove 425 of the cylindrical shock absorbing member 461. In other words, the cylindrical shock absorbing member 461 is received in the opening 435 of the mounting member 48 and the ring portion 434 of the mounting member 48 is received in the annular groove 425. The threaded fastener 46 extends through the central opening of the cylindrical shock absorbing member 461 (as well as the opening in the mounting member 48) and is threaded into the threaded opening 433 in the boss member 432. This secures the motor bracket 401 to the housing half 103 and housing 101. The cylindrical shock absorbing member is made of rubber or the like and contributes to the reduction of vibration.

In addition, the motor mount 401 mounts the motor 402 such that the motor shaft axis A4 (axis of rotation) extends forward and rearward relative to the orientation of the apparatus 457 in use. This direction is also considered longitudinal. The motor shaft axis A4 (or a plane defined by the motor shaft axis) bisects the housing 101.

Fig. 34-36 show another embodiment, wherein the impact massage device 436 includes a heart rate sensor 437 located on the top or first handle portion 143 of the device. Any type of heart rate sensor is within the scope of the present invention. The heart rate sensor 437 is a heart rate sensor that uses infrared light to measure and record heart rate, and if desired, it may also measure and record heart rate variability. In an exemplary application, a process known as photoplethysmography or PPG is used to measure heart rate. This includes emitting light of a particular wavelength, typically green, from a pulse oximeter sensor on the underside or upper side of the device that contacts the skin (e.g., the top of the first handle portion). When light illuminates the tissue, the pulse oximeter measures the change in light absorption, and the device then uses this data to produce a heart rate measurement. The electronics associated with the heart rate sensor 437 are included in the housing 101 and may be stand alone or on the main PCB. Screen 409 displays heart rate data. A heart rate monitor opening 438 is defined in the housing and a heart rate sensor 437 is mounted therein as shown in fig. 34.

Fig. 35 shows another type of heart rate monitor or sensor 439 that may be utilized and includes a first pulse sensor or contact and a second pulse sensor or contact 440. The first pulse sensor is positioned so as to contact, in use, a palm of a user's hand, and the second pulse sensor is positioned so as to contact, in use, a finger of the user. The first handle portion 143 may also include a recess in which the contact points are located so that the user knows where to place their index finger. It should be understood that any heart rate sensor may be located on the second and third handle portions, or on all three handle portions.

Fig. 36 and 36A show a device 457 including a thermal sensor 462. Any type of thermal sensor is within the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment of fig. 34, the thermal sensor 462 is an infrared thermometer module (shown in a non-limiting position on the third handle portion 147 in fig. 36) mounted in the housing 101 of the device that allows the user to measure the temperature of the user's muscles or other body parts. Fig. 36A shows the temperature reading on screen 409. The thermal sensor 462 is preferably in data and/or electrical communication with the PCB. Temperature data may also be communicated to the application. In infrared thermometers, infrared light is focused on the body part to be measured or treated, or the infrared thermometer module measures energy or radiation from the surface while treatment is taking place. The detector then converts the generated electrical quantity into a temperature reading of the specific muscle, body part, etc. An infrared light beam (see fig. 36) is emitted through an opening in the third handle portion 147 of the housing 101 and the module is mounted within the housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the temperature reading function is integrated with and forms part of a treatment routine or protocol described herein. For example, instead of a routine or a step in a routine running or extending for a predetermined period of time, a routine or step (i.e., the amount of time a particular muscle or body part is treated or targeted) may be extended until the muscle or body part (generally referred to herein as the body part) reaches a predetermined temperature. Thus, reaching a predetermined temperature may be used in any of the routines discussed herein instead of a predetermined period of time. For example, step 1526 in FIG. 26C may be replaced by method 1500, wherein the application device 400 is activated until a specified temperature is reached. This may be used to determine that the body part has been properly warmed prior to exercising. Thus, in use, the temperature will rise from the starting temperature to a predetermined ending temperature, and the routine may then proceed to the next step or end. There may also be a number of "temperature steps" that are all part of the routine. For example, in a first step, the muscle may start from a starting temperature and proceed to a second temperature. The next step may be treatment and temperature reading from the second temperature to a third, higher temperature. The temperature range between the start temperature and the end temperature in the routine may also be different for each user. Further, tactile feedback or other notifications or instructions may be provided to let the user know when the end temperature or predetermined temperature is reached and may move to the next step in the routine.

As shown in fig. 34, in a preferred embodiment, device 400 includes a screen 409, which may or may not be a touch screen, and buttons for operating the device. In the embodiment shown in fig. 34, the device also includes a center button 403 for turning the device on and off and a ring/rocker button 447 that provides left-right scrolling (e.g., scrolling to preset treatments discussed herein) and up-down scrolling (e.g., controlling speed or frequency) capabilities.

As shown in FIG. 35, in a preferred embodiment, the arm covers 449 include a rounded edge or surface to prevent the fingers of a user from being pinched therein, and the upper portions of the male connectors 110 each include a rounded edge. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in fig. 29, the male connector 110 includes alignment tabs 497 over each ball that mate with slots in the female opening. These tabs 497 help to properly align with the treatment structure.

In another preferred embodiment, any of the devices taught herein may include a mechanism for heating or changing the temperature of the attachments (massage element, treatment structure, ampbit) on the end of the reciprocating shaft. The attachment may include a resistive element therein that provides heat to the muscle. In a preferred embodiment, the resistive element is connected to the PCB via a hollow shaft. Two outwardly biased metal spring balls on the male connector act as the electrical connectors of the attachment.

Fig. 37 to 40 show an embodiment of an impact massage device comprising a heated massage attachment or massage member. In the embodiment shown in fig. 37, the male attachment member 110 includes a heating pad or element 502 therein. Preferably, the heating element 502 is electrically connected to the PCB 504 of the device via wires 506 or the like. Any type of heating is within the scope of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element is a resistive member located at the end of the male connector 110. In this embodiment, wires connect the resistive member to the PCB and the battery. The wires 506 may extend through a hollow shaft or other conduit and be guided through the housing, axially down and into the male connector 110. The heating element 502 may be inside the male connector 110 or may be part of the outer surface, as shown in fig. 37. In embodiments having a female connector on the device (at the end of the shaft), the heating element may be in the female connector. In use, the heated male attachment member transfers heat to the massage member, which heats the outer surface of the massage member, which may then be applied to a body part of a user. The PCB may include a controller for controlling the temperature. More than one temperature setting (e.g., 2 to 10 settings) may be provided so that the user may use different temperatures as desired. Lower temperatures may also be provided. The attachment member and the massage member may be made of or partly made of a material that conducts heat well.

Fig. 38-40 show another preferred embodiment with a heating or temperature controlled massage member 508. For this embodiment, all disclosure related to the embodiment of fig. 37 is repeated. In this embodiment, the female or male attachment members 110 are electrically connected to complementary ones of the massage members to provide power to heat or cool the massage members 508. Fig. 38 shows a device in which power runs from the PCB 504 to the male attachment member 110. As shown in fig. 39, the male attachment member 110 includes positive and negative electrical contacts 510 that mate with opposing positive and negative electrical contacts 512 in the female attachment member in the massage member 508, as shown in fig. 40. Fig. 39 shows a male attachment member with metal balls 514 received in notches of a female attachment member. The metal balls 514 may be the electrical contacts 510, and the electrical contacts 512 may be located in the recesses of the female attachment members. The heating element 502 may be internal to the massage member 508 or may be part of the outer surface.

In use, when the massage member 508 is secured to the device and the male attachment member 110, an electrical connection is made. When heating or cooling is turned on, the heating element 502 in the massage member 508 is heated and may then be applied to the user's body part. The heating element or resistive member (e.g., heating pad) may be located in or on the massage member (e.g., ball, cone, etc.) and the metal connection between the male connector and the massage member is used to electrically connect to the battery.

The electrical connection between the male or female attachment members 110 permits multiple uses other than heating with the heating element 502. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element 502 radiates a wavelength to generate heat on a body part of a user. The male or female attachment member 110, for example, may be used for a variety of other purposes, such as vibration, shock, cooling, and exfoliation. The male or female attachment member 110 may be configured as an actuator designed to provide these uses. For example, the impact has been achieved using the attachment 628. However, the attachment 628 or 508 may be modified to add or replace the heating element 502 with a cooling, vibrating, or exfoliating element. Other uses and actuators may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 41-42C, in a preferred embodiment, the impulse treatment device 100 includes an angular position sensor 516 and a linear position sensor 518. See fig. 37. For example, the angular position sensor 516 is a gyroscope 516 and the linear position sensor 518 is an accelerometer 518. One or more gyroscopes, accelerometers, sensors, etc. may be included on or in the device for detecting and collecting data. The system comprising the device 100 and the angular position sensor 516 and the linear position sensor 518 allows data to be collected about the angular position and the linear position of the device 100. For example, the data may include angular positioning (α, β, γ) (i.e., angular position data) and linear movement (i.e., linear position data) in three axes (x, y, z). In a preferred embodiment, a sensor chip board 504 is included in the device 100 to measure its vibrations in angular positions on three axes α, β and γ via gyroscopes 516, and to track linear movement of the device in three axes x, y and z via accelerometers 518. See fig. 37. The angular position sensor 516 and the linear position sensor 518 may be implemented on the sensor chip board 504, or they may constitute separate electronic devices operatively connected to the sensor chip board 504. Other suitable configurations of the angular position sensor 516 and the linear position sensor 518 exist without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In an embodiment, the printed circuit board 408 of the device 100 provides power to the angular position sensor 516 and the linear position sensor 518 and stores sensor generated data. For example, the sensor data may be stored in a memory (not shown). In another embodiment, the PCB 408 integrally incorporates the sensor chip board 504. Preferably, the PCB 408 broadcasts and/or transmits data generated by the sensors via a wireless connection standard, such as bluetooth. For example, the wireless connection standard is implemented via the wireless control unit 710 (fig. 2). The sensors are configured to accurately map how the device 100 moves relative to the user's muscles during treatment. In embodiments, the sensors may also include an oxygen saturation sensor to monitor the oxygen content in the user's blood (e.g., pulse oximeter, etc.), and a blood flow sensor to monitor the amount and/or speed of the user's blood flow.

Fig. 42A-42C illustrate exemplary angular positioning using the angular position sensor 516. The angle and orientation of the device 100 is shown on a computer monitor or display as the device 100 is rotated left and right in the x-axis and y-axis (see fig. 42A and 42B) and tilted up in the z-axis (see fig. 42C). The depictions shown in fig. 42A-42C illustrate a graphical representation of the device 100 as the device 100 moves. While fig. 42A-42C show angular movement of the apparatus 100, linear movement of the apparatus 100 is also graphically represented on a computer monitor or display in a similar manner. It should be understood that the movement is shown on a computer monitor in the figures to provide an example of how the angular position sensor 516 senses movement.

In a preferred embodiment, an angular position sensor 516 and a linear position sensor 518 coupled with the load cells of the impact therapy apparatus 400 discussed above may be used to map the treatment of the muscle or body part while using the apparatus 400 in a three-dimensional display. This "map" or data may be displayed by or on the application or on the touchscreen 1582. For example, angular position data and linear position data obtained from the angular position sensor 516 and the linear position sensor 518 may be represented in graphical form via an application or on the touchscreen 1582. The angular position data and linear position data may assist the user in applying specific schemes or routines, such as those depicted in fig. 24-28 and the accompanying description, and so forth. In addition to angular and linear movement, the force gauge of device 400 (or device 457) may obtain force value data to assist the user in managing a routine or protocol that constitutes a treatment to the user (or to another person being treated by the user). For example, the mapping of angular and linear positions and force values may be compared to a routine or scheme. In this example, the routine or scheme will specify the muscle groups, linear and/or angular paths (see, e.g., fig. 28, with a start point 1586 and an end point 1588 in two dimensions), and the values of the forces the user intends to exert on the muscle groups (see, e.g., fig. 28, with a force display 1590 and force display cues 1592). In a preferred embodiment, the muscle groups, the linear and angular positions and the force values (i.e. the pressure on the muscle groups) are graphically represented in a three-dimensional display. Preferably, the display also graphically shows when the user's linear movements, angular movements, or force values applied to the muscle groups are following the protocol or routine. If the user does not follow the routine or scenario, the user will receive a prompt to correct the action to follow the routine or scenario correctly. For example, the prompt may alert the user that the user is applying the attachment 628 to a muscle group different from the muscle group specified by the protocol. The cues may be haptic feedback, an application interface, or a touch screen (among other types of cues). The cues may also be presented in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphical representation. Thus, the device can track over time which regions of the user's muscles or body parts are most affected and whether the user is correctly positioning the device. The prompt may also let the user know that they incorrectly positioned the device or acted on the wrong body part (e.g., during a treatment regimen).

Referring again to fig. 36, the device 457 is shown pressing the attachment 6278 against the user's body part. In accordance with the above description, a press may be graphically represented in two or three dimensions on a display. In practice, the attachment 628 shown in fig. 36 is configured to provide a percussive effect to, and thus exert a force on, the user's body part. The dynamometer measures the force value of the attachment 628 when pressed onto the user's body part. The force value data is then transmitted to a monitor/display, application or touchscreen 1582 or the like to show the user (or others) the amount of force applied on the user's body part during the regimen or routine. Collecting multi-sensory data allows augmented reality features that can be used to virtually train users and health care professionals on how to use the device 400, 457.

As an example, although the user's limb muscles are not of a uniform shape, it is possible to reduce the user's limb muscles to the shape of a cylinder. Angular and linear positions may be determined and thus a determination may be made as to how the apparatus 400,457 is positioned relative to the cylinder. Further, a determination may be made as to the direction in which the impact arm (e.g., the push rod assembly 14, the shaft 16, and/or the attachment 628) of the apparatus 400, 457 is pointing. A determination may also be made as to how the device moves relative to the cylinder in linear coordinates. The force values from the force gauge of the apparatus 400, 457 allow confirmation of the strength and duration of contact and interaction of the apparatus 400, 457 with the muscle.

Similarly, the device 400, 457 may also include a thermal sensor 462 or thermometer 462 that can determine the temperature of the user's muscles and provide feedback to the device and/or application. Referring to fig. 36, a thermal sensor 462. For example, an electronic thermometer 462 may be included that reads the temperature of the user's skin or muscle before, during, and/or after treatment. In an embodiment, the thermal sensor 462 is located in the housing 12 of the device 400, 457, wherein infrared radiation or wavelength can be used to measure temperature. In another embodiment, thermometer 462 may be positioned to require direct contact to measure temperature, and/or it may utilize wireless technology (such as infrared sensors) for temperature readings. For example, fig. 40 shows how the attachment 508 may act as (or include) a thermal sensor 462, a heating element 502, or both. Similar to the heating element 502 shown in fig. 37, for example, the thermal sensor 462 may be connected to the PCB 504 via wires 506 and may be located in the attachment 628. The electrical contacts 510, 512 (or metal balls 514) as shown in the embodiment of fig. 38-39 provide electrical connections between the PCB 504, male or female connector 110 and thus the thermal sensor 462. As with the heating element 502, the thermal sensor 462 may be used as part of a protocol or routine.

In an embodiment, a three-dimensional rendering of the heat readings from the heat sensor 462 is provided to the user to show incremental increases in temperature over time. For example, the three-dimensional rendering may show different colors from blue (e.g., cold) to yellow/orange (e.g., intermediate temperature) to red (e.g., hot) to show the user an increase in temperature over time.

As part of the impact therapy system 500, an attachment, module or attachment module 520 may be used with and attached or secured to the impact massage or therapy device 100, 400, 457. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment module 520 includes a thermal sensor or thermometer 462 that can determine the temperature of the user's muscles and provide feedback to the device and/or application. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal sensor 462 allows the application to determine or customize the time of each step within the recipe. The temperature may be used to determine blood flow and thus muscle preparation (e.g., relaxation, performance, concentration) for a particular target.

As shown in fig. 43-45, in a preferred embodiment, the attachment module 520 includes a housing 522, a thermal sensor 524, a battery 526, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 528 (which includes a gyroscope 516 or other angular/position device, such as the angular position sensor 516 and/or an accelerometer 518 or other linear/position device, such as the linear position sensor 518), a button 530, and a wireless communication module 532 (e.g., a bluetooth module). In a preferred embodiment, the housing 522 includes a securing portion 534 defined therein so that the attachment module 520 can be secured to the impact therapy apparatus 400, 457. The fixed portion 534 or recess 534 may include rubber on its inner side to provide a grip on the impact therapy device. Protrusions 536 are preferably included on both sides of the housing 522 to provide a handle when securing and removing the attachment module 520 to and from the impact therapy device 400, 457. In another embodiment, the wireless connection module may be omitted, and the attachment module may include a display or screen for displaying information, such as temperature, angular and linear position, or any other information obtained or sensed by the attachment module.

As described above with respect to FIG. 36, any type of thermal sensor 524 is within the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in fig. 43-45, thermal sensor 524 is an infrared thermometer module mounted in housing 522 and pointing downward (shown as a non-limiting location on the forearm of impact therapy device 100) when mounted on impact therapy device 100 as shown in fig. 46-47. In another embodiment, the thermal sensor 524 is a thermal sensor 462 and may be affixed to the third handle portion 147 or bottom of the impact therapy device 400, 457 or on any of the handle portions 143, 145, 147 or portions of the impact therapy device 400, 457 in which the thermal sensor may be positioned and allow the user to measure the temperature of the user's muscles or other body parts. See fig. 36. The attachment module 520 may be used with any type of impact therapy device 500, massage device, or other device in which temperature and/or position measurements are desired. It is to be understood that all embodiments and parts thereof are interchangeable with all other embodiments and parts thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment module 520 communicates wirelessly with the shock therapy device 400 and/or an application on the user's mobile device. Referring to fig. 2, a wireless control unit 710 and the accompanying discussion. In another embodiment, the attachment module 520 is physically and electrically connected to the device 400, and no wireless module is required, as communication is achieved through conventional wires or the like.

Referring again to fig. 36A, the temperature reading on the screen 409 of the shock therapy apparatus 100 is shown. The thermal sensor 524 is preferably in data and/or electrical communication with the PCB 528, and the data is communicated to one or both of the device 400 or the application.

In a preferred embodiment, the temperature reading function is integrated with and forms part of a treatment routine or protocol described or referenced herein. For example, instead of a routine or a step in a routine running or extending for a predetermined period of time, a routine or step (i.e., the amount of time a particular muscle or body part is treated or targeted) may be extended until the muscle or body part (generally referred to herein as the body part) reaches a predetermined temperature. Thus, reaching a predetermined temperature may be used in any routine instead of a predetermined period of time. For example, step 1526 in fig. 26C may replace the step "apply attachment to specified body part until specified temperature is reached". This can be used to determine that the body part has been properly warmed up prior to exercising. Thus, in use, the temperature will rise from the starting temperature to a predetermined ending temperature, and the routine may then proceed to the next step or end. There may also be a number of "temperature steps" that are all part of the routine. For example, during the first step, the temperature of the muscle may be increased from the starting temperature to the second temperature. The next step may involve additional treatments until the temperature reading increases from the second temperature to a third, higher temperature. The temperature range between the start temperature and the end temperature in the routine may also be different for each user. Further, tactile feedback or other notifications or instructions may be provided to let the user know when the end temperature or predetermined temperature is reached and may move to the next step in the routine.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment module 20 includes an angular position sensor 516 (e.g., a gyroscope 516) and/or a linear position sensor 518 (e.g., an accelerometer 518). Either or both may be implemented as part of the PCB 18. One or more gyroscopes 516, accelerometers 518, sensors, etc. may be included on or in the device 400 for detecting and collecting data. One or more actuators may also be included on or in the device 400 for providing at least one therapeutic effect. Accordingly, the above description with reference to gyroscope 516, accelerometer 518, attachments 628, 508, male or female attachment members 110, or sensors or actuators within or without housing 101 is instructive and within the scope of attachment module 520. See fig. 36-42C. For example, the heating element 502 may be implemented in the attachment module 520 to penetrate skin and muscle with radiation to a particular depth. Such treatment may result in muscle recovery.

In an embodiment, the shock treatment system 500 is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the attachments 628, 508. For example, the shock therapy apparatus 100, 400 itself may include circuitry and wired or wireless communication to sense the type of attachment the user intends to use in conjunction with the apparatus 100, 400. For example, the device 100, 400 may sense that the attachment 628 is a shock absorber. Other characteristics of the attachments 628, 508 may be sensed. For example, the presence of one or more sensors included in the attachments 628, 508 may be sensed. Additionally, the presence of one or more actuators included in the attachments 628, 508 may be sensed. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100, 400 senses when the attachment 628, 508 is attached to the distal end of the push rod assembly 14. Once the attachments 628, 508 are attached, the device may sense various characteristics of the attachments 628, 508 through a wired connection (e.g., positive/ negative contacts 510, 512, etc., or other wired electrical connection). In this embodiment, the wired connection may be in communication with the PCB 408, 504 so that the device 100, 400 determines the characteristic. In another embodiment, the attachments 628, 508 may include wireless communication functionality and communicate the characteristics wirelessly. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of techniques for communicating characteristics to the device 100, 400 and/or the user, preferably through communication on a remote device or touchscreen 1582.

Fig. 48 is a flow diagram of a method 1600 of providing at least one therapeutic effect to a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 1602, the impact therapy apparatus 400, 457 is operated on a body part of a user. For example, the user initiates a scenario such as that shown in fig. 24-28 and the accompanying description, etc. According to the specified protocol being initiated, the user is typically instructed to operate the impact therapy device (or other suitable therapeutic treatment or effect) in a specified manner according to the steps of the protocol. For example, the user may be instructed to orient the device 400, 457 at a specified angle relative to a muscle group, along a linear path relative to a specified muscle group, and/or with a particular force exerted on a specified muscle group. At step 1604, angular position data is obtained from gyroscope 516 on three axes of rotation (α, β, γ). The gyroscope may also be an angular position sensor 516 or a suitable alternative. At step 1606, adjustments to the angular position of the impact massage device 400, 457 are recommended in response to the angular position data. As shown in fig. 42A-42C, the angular position data may indicate that the angular position of the device 400, 457 is properly oriented with respect to the body part. It may also indicate that the angular position of the device 400,457 is incorrectly oriented. Thus, the recommendation preferably instructs the user to properly orient the device 400, 457 with respect to the body part.

At step 1608, linear position data is obtained from the accelerometer 518 on three linear axes (x, y, z). The accelerometer may also be a linear position sensor 518 or a suitable alternative. At step 1610, adjustments to the linear position of the impact massage apparatus 400, 457 are recommended in response to the linear position data. For example, in fig. 28, a right bicep routine is shown that instructs the user to move the device 400, 457 from a starting point 1586 (a) to an ending point 1588 (B). If the user correctly follows a linear path from (A) to (B), the recommendation may indicate this to the user. If the user does not properly follow the linear path from (A) to (B), the recommendation preferably instructs the user to adjust the linear position of the device 400, 457 and/or the attachment 628 to properly follow the linear path and the predetermined routine.

At step 1612, force value data is obtained from a load cell included in the impact treatment apparatus 400, 457. At step 1614, if the attachment 628 is not in contact with the user's body part, application of the attachment 628 of the device 400, 457 to the user's body part is recommended in response to the force value data. For example, the force value is approximately zero (or a minimum threshold amount) that may be predetermined if the attachment is not in contact with the user's body part.

At step 1616, adjustments to the force values applied on the user by the attachment 628 of the device 400, 457 are recommended in response to the force value data. For example, in fig. 28, force values applied to the right biceps are shown according to force display 1590. In this embodiment, the force display prompt 1592 reads "ideal pressure: do good "indicating that the pressure the user applies on the right biceps is according to the pressure specified by the predetermined right biceps routine. In the event that the force value is lower or higher than the routine specified pressure, it is recommended that either "increasing pressure" or "decreasing pressure" will be read as needed.

At step 1618, a three-dimensional representation of the device 400, 457 and its angular and/or linear position and/or force value is displayed on the display. In an embodiment, the angular position of the device 400, 457 is displayed similarly to the graphs shown in fig. 42A-42C. The display may be located on the touchscreen 1582, mobile device, or other remote device. The display of the three-dimensional device is used to assist the user in adjusting the angular and/or linear position of the device and/or the pressure (e.g., force value) exerted on a body part of the user. See fig. 42A-42C and accompanying description regarding the "mapping" of the device 400,457 relative to the body part of the user.

FIG. 49 is a flow diagram of a method 1620 of preparing a body part of a user for exercise according to an embodiment of the invention. At step 1622, a therapeutic effect is provided to the user's body part using the impact therapy device 400, 457. The therapeutic effect may include a variety of massage or other treatments, including vibration, shaking, heating, or exfoliating. The heating element 502 or other heating actuator may be implemented to increase the temperature during the time that the therapeutic effect is provided to the user.

At step 1624, the temperature of the body part of the user is monitored. At step 1626, it is determined whether the temperature reading is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold temperature. Once the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold temperature, for example, the user's body part is ready for exercise. This may vary depending on the user and the body part of the user. If the temperature is less than the predetermined threshold temperature, steps 1622 and 1624 are repeated. If the temperature is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold temperature, step 1628 is performed. At step 1628, a user instruction is provided to cease providing the therapeutic effect to the body part of the user. The user's body parts are warm enough to exercise safely and effectively, the risk of associated injuries is low, and the user's performance can also be improved during exercise.

Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of different operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, the meaning of "including but not limited to". As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the connections between the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Further, as used in this application, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above detailed description of preferred embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items encompasses all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

Embodiments are contemplated in which any aspect, feature, component, or step herein may be omitted and/or selected. Furthermore, any of these optional aspects, features, components or steps discussed herein in relation to one aspect of the invention may be applied to another aspect of the invention where appropriate.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Further, while processes or blocks are sometimes shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Moreover, any specific numbers mentioned herein are merely examples: alternative implementations may employ different values or ranges.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Moreover, any specific numbers mentioned herein are merely examples: alternative implementations may employ different values, measurements, or ranges. It should be understood that any dimensions given herein are exemplary only, and that neither such dimensions nor the description are limiting of the invention.

Also, the teachings of the disclosure provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily the systems described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references mentioned above, including any that may be listed in the accompanying application documents, are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the present disclosure and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the present teachings can be practiced in many ways. The details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, yet still be encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description of the preferred embodiments explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in a number of claim forms. For example, although only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a device plus function claim below 35u.s.c. § 112,6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a device plus function claim or in other forms, such as in a computer readable medium. (any claim treated in accordance with 35u.s.c. § 112,6 will begin with "device for 8230; at all). Accordingly, the applicants reserve the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.

Thus, while exemplary embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. An impact therapy system comprising:

an impact therapy apparatus, the impact therapy apparatus comprising: a housing; a power source; a motor located in the housing; a switch for starting the motor; a push rod assembly operatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor, an

An attachment configured to operably connect to a distal end of the pushrod assembly of the impact massage device and provide at least one therapeutic effect to a user.

2. The impact therapy system of claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises at least one of an actuator configured to provide the at least one therapeutic effect to the user and a sensor configured to obtain at least one of biometric data of the user and information regarding operation of the impact therapy device.

3. The impact therapy system of claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises at least one of a vibration actuator, a heating actuator, a cooling actuator, and an exfoliating actuator.

4. The shock therapy system of claim 2, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a thermal sensor, an oxygen sensor, a blood flow sensor, a force gauge, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer.

5. The impact therapy system of claim 2, further comprising a routine controller configured to initiate a protocol configured to provide user instructions to apply the attachment to a first body part until a thermal sensor senses that the first body part has reached a predetermined temperature.

6. The shock therapy system of claim 1, wherein the shock therapy system is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the attachment.

7. The shock therapy system of claim 6, wherein the at least one characteristic of the attachment includes a type of the attachment, a sensor of the attachment, and an actuator of the attachment.

8. The impact therapy system of claim 6, further comprising a wireless communication module configured to transmit the at least one characteristic to at least one of the impact therapy device and a remote device.

9. The shock therapy system of claim 1, wherein the attachment includes a first set of electrical contacts.

10. The impact therapy system of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the push rod assembly includes an attachment member including first and second balls biased outwardly therefrom, wherein the first and second balls are the first set of electrical contacts.

11. A method of providing at least one therapeutic effect to a user, the method comprising the steps of:

obtaining an impact therapy device comprising: a housing; a power source; a motor located in the housing; a switch for starting the motor; a push rod assembly operably connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor,

obtaining an attachment configured to be operably connected to the impact massage device and configured to provide at least one therapeutic effect to a user, an

Operating the impulse treatment device using the attachment.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one therapeutic effect comprises vibration, shock, heating, cooling, and exfoliation.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the attachment is further configured to obtain at least one of thermal data, blood oxygen content data, blood flow data, angular position data, linear position data, and force value data.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of providing a recommendation to the user, wherein the recommendation is generated as a function of at least one of the thermal data, the angular position data, the linear position data, and the force value data to assist in providing the at least one therapeutic effect to the user.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: providing the at least one therapeutic effect to a first body part of the user, monitoring a temperature of the first body part of the user, determining that the first body part of the user has reached a predetermined temperature, and providing a user instruction to the user to stop providing the at least one therapeutic effect to the first body part when the first body part has reached the predetermined temperature.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one therapeutic effect is provided according to a regimen.

17. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of determining at least one characteristic of the attachment.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of providing a prompt communicating the at least one characteristic of the attachment to the user.

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