DE202015104519U1 - massager - Google Patents

Abstract

A motorized massage apparatus having a drive shaft (7) with a rotation axis and a massage head (8) with a skin engaging surface (9), the massage head (8) on the drive shaft (7) for simultaneous rotation about the axis and vibration in one direction the axle is attachable.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a massaging apparatus, and more particularly to a motorized electric massager applied to the treatment of the skin and muscles on the body. Although the additive is primarily intended for use in facial massage, it may also be used to treat other parts of the body.

Background of the invention

Traditional Japanese hand massage techniques include the effleurage, tapping massage and kneading massage. Effleurage is a gentle rhythmic sliding action over the skin, which serves to relax the skin surface by working on elastin and collagen fibers and also intervene in the muscles to release lactose and uric acid when the pressure is increased. Tapotement is a light tapping or rhythmic beating action designed to stimulate the surface of the skin, relax the muscles, and stimulate sensory nerve receptors to promote a nervous response. The Kneading Massage (Petrissage) is a deeper, higher-pressure massage that compresses the lower-lying muscles with kneading-wringing and skin-rolling strokes.

One problem with the manual hand massage techniques described above is that it is slow and inconsistent, and they must generally be performed by skilled practitioners to be effective. While a large number of motorized hand-held self-massage devices and attachments exist, they do not mimic or disregard the above-mentioned massage techniques. However, by mimicking the above-mentioned techniques commonly practiced by professional masseuses in a motor-driven massager, a number of beneficial effects can be achieved, including improved blood flow, relaxation and pain relief, increased lymph flow, improved nerve stimulation, firming and energizing. The user can also be given a more general feeling of well-being. Furthermore, the massager can generate movements that a person can not produce with their hands, and thus can provide a more effective and efficient massage.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a motorized or electrically operated massager which substantially overcomes or overcomes the above mentioned problems.

According to the present invention, there is provided a motor driven massaging apparatus having a drive shaft with a rotation axis and a massage head with a skin engaging surface, the massage head being attachable to the drive shaft for simultaneous rotation about the axis and vibration in a direction along the axis.

By providing a motor-driven massager having a massage head which vibrates in a direction along an axis in a direction into the skin simultaneously rotating about that axis, a massaging effect is achieved which closely complies with well-known Japanese massage techniques such as massage Effleurage and Tapotement, imitates. The recipient of the massage thus receives a pleasurable and stimulating experience that he otherwise could not obtain due to lack of knowledge and experience. It should also be noted that by using the motorized massaging device, it is possible to obtain movements that are manually, i. using the hands alone, can not realize because the motorized device can be operated, for example, with 750 knocking per second.

In a preferred embodiment, the massage head of the massage device has a central hub and a plurality of massage elements, wherein each massage element is radially spaced from the central hub and the massage elements are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction about the axis.

This configuration of the massage head is effective in providing primarily a tapping massage in which the elements repeatedly knock on the skin to create a temporary deformation. The tapping massage, i. a light tapping movement that stimulates the surface of the skin and relaxes the surface of the muscles. It also promotes lymphatic drainage from the tissue to the lymph nodes and stimulates the sensory nerve receptors. These actions provoke a nervous reaction.

The massage elements may comprise a plurality of "flower petals" integrally formed with the central hub and equally spaced over the entire circumference of the massage head.

Since the "petals" are evenly spaced, a continuous and cyclic motion is created.

Ideally, between 6 and 17 petals may be present and the distance between the petals may be less than 23 mm but more than 6 mm. The pitch distance is selected based on the physiological neural response to a tactile trigger which produces a temporary deformation of the skin. It has been found that a distance of 6 mm is the minimum distance that causes a person to perceive two separate tactile stimulations.

The size of the petals is related to the dimensions of a human finger so that the tapping of the petals on the skin simulates the tapping of a finger on the skin.

Each petal preferably extends radially from the hub a distance of between 3 mm and 8 mm.

It has been found that a distance between 3 mm and 8 mm provides an optimal distance to maximize the massage effect while avoiding pain for the user. It has been shown that this distance leads to sufficiently large deformations of the skin to stimulate the sensory system.

The tips of the petals are preferably curved or rounded, with a radius between 8 mm and 10 mm, and they can extend in the axial direction by between 8 mm and 15 mm.

The rounding radius provides a gentle tapping on the skin without dipping or injuring the skin or causing any pain. The axial extent of the petals is chosen so that they essentially reproduce the size of a human finger.

In another embodiment, the central hub has a surface that projects axially over the petals.

By providing the central hub with a surface projecting over the petals, the massager can be used for various types of massage effects, depending on the orientation in which the device is held. In particular, when the apparatus is held so that the petals touch the skin, a tapping massage effect is obtained, while if the apparatus is held so that the central hub contacts the skin rather than the petals, a different massaging effect can be obtained such as the effleurage.

Preferably, a plurality of spokes extend from the central hub, with a freely rotatable member mounted on each spoke.

This configuration of the massage head creates movement in a manner that can not be obtained using the hand, and the spherical or semi-spherical balls compress and pinch the skin between them to create a kneading effect on the skin and its deeper layers to reach.

In another embodiment, the massage head comprises a base plate, the central hub has an integral first protuberance rising from a center of the base plate, and the massaging elements comprise a plurality of second integral protuberances rising from a peripheral region of the base plate and surrounded and spaced from the first protuberance.

This configuration of the massage head causes deformation and stretching of the skin. In particular, the skin is stretched between the moving second protuberances and the central protuberance.

The motor driven massaging apparatus according to any embodiment of the invention may include a controller configured to rotate the massage head in a first rotational direction for a predetermined period of time before the massage head is rotated in a second rotational direction for a second predetermined period of time.

By providing a level of control, the user can ensure that an effective massage has been achieved. In particular, by causing the massage head to initially rotate in one direction prior to rotation in the other direction, the user may apply the massager to one side of the face and then apply it to the other side of the face as the direction of rotation changes ,

The controller may be configured to prevent rotation of the massage head for a further predetermined period of time after rotating in the first direction and before rotating in the second direction.

By stopping the rotation of the massage head for a short period between rotations in opposite directions, the user is given time to switch between a massage of one side of the face and the other. This change of direction facilitates lymphatic drainage, moving tissue fluid from the center of the face to the sides of the face where the lymph nodes are located.

The controller is preferably operable to control oscillation of the massage head along the axis at a frequency between 30 and 60 Hz.

Tests with users have found that this frequency provides an effective and pleasurable massage that would not be achievable with a manual device.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and appreciated from the embodiments described below.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

1 5 shows a simplified representation of an embodiment of a motor-driven massaging device according to the invention with a massage head attached thereto,

2 a perspective top view of a first massage head according to an embodiment of the invention for use with the massager after 1 shows,

3 a top perspective view of a second massage head according to an embodiment of the invention for use with the massager after 1 shows,

4 (a) a number of alternative massage heads according to embodiments of the invention for use with the massager after 1 shows,

4 (b) a massager after 1 showing in use in a first orientation,

4 (c) the massager after 1 showing in use in a second orientation,

5 a perspective top view of another massage head for use with the massager after 1 shows,

6 a cross-section through the skin of a user during use of the massager after 5 shows,

7 a perspective top view of another massage head for use with the massager after 1 shows, and

8th a representation is to show how the massager is after 1 can be controlled to massage the face.

Detailed description of embodiments

The embodiments of the present invention provide a massager with a head which is rotated by the apparatus while also vibrating in the axial direction. The massage head has features to massage a user's skin as it rotates and swings to mimic various known massage techniques such as the effleurage, the tapping massage, and the kneading massage as described above. It is envisaged that the massage device according to the invention will primarily be used for the massage of facial areas and areas around the eyes.

In 1 is a generalized representation of a massager 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The massager 1 has a base body or a housing 2 which is an energy source, such as a battery 3 , a motor 4 , a vibrator 5 and a controller 6 contains. These components are all interconnected to a drive shaft 7 having an axis of rotation AA either clockwise or counterclockwise about the axis (ie, in the direction of the arrow X or Y in FIG 1 ) to drive in rotation and to cause the drive shaft 7 in the axial direction (indicated by the arrow Z) oscillates. A massage head 8th is removable on the drive shaft 7 attached and has a skin intervention surface 9 ,

2 illustrates a first massage attachment according to an embodiment of the invention for use with the device 1 as in 2 to recognize is the skin intervention surface 9 completely smooth and curved in shape to promote a gentle stroke across the skin. The skin-engaging surface is preferred 9 soft and made of a material with a low coefficient of friction. Alternatively, the skin-engaging surface 9 be coated with a low friction material.

The massager may be configured to mimic the massage head 2 in the direction of A or B at a speed between 100 and 180 min ^-1 , while causing a simultaneous vibration in the axial direction C with an oscillation frequency between 30 and 100 Hz. On bevorzugtesten the massage head rotates at a speed of 158 min ^-1.

The massage head after 2 reproduces the known type of hand massage technique, referred to as effleurage, when moving with the device 1 is used.

In 3 is an alternative type of massage head 10 for use with the massager 1 to 1 shown the central hub 11 that has the massage head with the drive shaft 7 connects, and a plurality of integrally formed "flower petals" 12 extending radially from the central hub 11 and spaced apart around the entire circumference of the central hub 11 extend.

The petals 12 are intended to cause temporary deformation on the skin when the massage head 10 rotates. The distance between the ends of the petals 12 is related to the size of a finger to mimic a knocking motion similar to a knocking of the fingers on the skin. Continuous cyclic motion is created by evenly spacing the petals.

With the massage head after 3 is preferably a rotational speed between 100 and 180 min ^-1 according to user testing. Most preferably, the speed of 158 min ^-1.

Although the embodiment according to 3 a massage head 10 with eight petals 12 shows, the massage head can 10 be modified within the scope of the invention so that it leaves more or less petals 12 Has. A preferred number of petals is between 6 and 17.

Preferably, the distance or pitch (see FIG. 3 ) between petals smaller than 23 mm, but larger than 6 mm. At distances of less than 6 mm little or no sensory effect is achieved.

The petals 12 can be different from the central hub 11 by a radial distance R less than 10 mm. It was found that the ideal radial extent of the petals 12 between 3 mm and 8 mm.

Furthermore, every petal has 12 a rounded tip 3 , The preferred radius of curvature should ideally be on the order of 4 and 5 mm.

Preferably, the petals should extend in the axial direction by a distance between 8 and 15 mm.

The massage head 10 to 3 reproduces the well-known type of hand massage technique, which is referred to as a tapping massage when using the massager 1 is used.

4 (a) Fig. 10 shows a number of alternative massage heads incorporating the smooth skin-engaging surface 9 with reference to 2 described massage head and the under 3 described massage head with petals 12 combine into a single massage head. As from each of the in 4 (a) As shown massage heads is clear, they have a plurality of petals 12 extending from a central hub 11 extend, as in the massage head 10 to 3 , the central hub 11 but also has a raised or highly curved upper surface 9 that stretch over the petals 12 extends in the axial direction out.

In 4 (b) is a massager 1 according to 1 shown to one of the in 4 (a) mounted massage heads is attached. The massager 1 is shown in use and in a first orientation, in which the bulging upper surface 9 of the massage head 14 is held on the face of a user to apply to the skin an effleurage type massage action. It should be noted that as a result of the raised profile of the central hub 11 the petals 12 extending radially from the central hub 11 do not come into contact with the skin when using the massager 1 is used in its first orientation, so that a massage action similar to that performed with the massage head 8th referring to the above with reference to 2 was described is obtained.

In 4 (c) it can be seen that this is the massager 1 to 1 shown in a second orientation, in which the petals 12 pressed against the user's face to apply to the skin a massage of tapping massage type. It should be noted that the raised upper surface 9 the central hub 11 does not come in contact with the skin when the massager 1 used in this second orientation, and that only the petals 12 contact the skin. Therefore, in this orientation, a massage similar to that performed with the massage head 10 obtained as above with reference to 3 described.

The embodiment of the invention described above therefore includes a massaging device 1 one, which is a massage head 14 configured to perform various massage techniques without the need to use the massage head 14 either switch to a different configuration or a design.

Another type of massage head 5 according to one embodiment of the invention is in 5 shown. As you can see there is the central hub 11 with a number of spokes 16 (of which in 5 five are shown). The spokes 16 extend radially from the central hub 11 and have the same distances from each other. On every spoke 16 is a freely rotatable element 17 assembled. Preferably, each element has a smooth and curved skin-contacting surface 18 , Most preferred is the skin contact surface 18 on every element 17 spherical or semi-spherical, so the elements 17 each resemble a ball or a ball. If the central hub 11 with a frequency ranging between 30 and 60 Hz and rotates the elements 17 pressed to the skin, causes the rotation of the elements 17 that the skin is compressed, stretched and pinched, as in 6 shown, which shows the device pressed against the surface of the skin S. When the device 1 is moved over the skin surface S, rotate the elements 17 as indicated by the arrow R, and cause the skin S to be pulled up and between adjacent elements 17 is pinched as indicated by T. The degree of deformation depends on the force applied by the user to the skin S and the elasticity of the skin S. It can be seen that the central hub 11 different numbers of spokes 16 and thus the number of balls 17 or elements mounted on it, as well as our diameter, differs. It can, for example, 3, 4 or 6 elements 17 instead of the five in 5 used elements are used. The elements may be made of a number of different materials, including hard or soft plastic or elastomers, and may be made of a low friction material or coated with a low friction material. In order to increase skin elasticity, one of the following sizes can be increased: the size or diameter of the elements, the number of elements, the rotational speed of the drive shaft, the surface friction of the balls and the pitch between elements 17 ,

The massage head device described above provides a massage effect that simulates a massage of the Knetmassage type, when combined with the in 1 used massager is used.

Another embodiment of the massage head 19 which provides a massage effect of the Knetmassage type is in 7 shown. In this embodiment, the massage head has 19 a flat base surface 20 and the central hub is a raised inner protuberance, button or bump 21 with a curved outer surface 22 protruding upward from the center of the hub surface, coaxial with the rotation axis AA of the massage head 19 , A number of peripheral protuberances, buttons or protrusions 23 is around the edge of the massage head 19 spreads and stands from the base surface 20 upwards. Each of the peripheral protuberances 23 is radially from the inner protuberance 21 spaced, and all are circumferentially spaced apart. The dimensions of the peripheral protuberances 23 can be changed to provide the desired massage effect. In particular, the outer height (H in 7 ) of the peripheral protuberance 23 between 4 and 5 mm. The width (W) of each protuberance should be between 5 and 7 mm. The distance between peripheral protuberances should be between 6 and 12.5 mm. The length (L) of each peripheral protuberance should be between 8 and 12 mm. The number of peripheral protuberances 23 should be between 2 and 4, and it should preferably be an even number. The kneading massage or Petressage provides a stronger, deeper movement that treats the skin surface through to elastic and collagen fibers and penetrates deeper into the muscles. This intensifies the movement of intercellular fluids and stimulates blood flow, resulting in better absorption of nutrients and relaxation of ligaments and muscles. Tests with users have shown that these forms have pinched and kneaded the skin, providing the most effective massage. Every peripheral protuberance 23 can have a curved outer surface 24 away from the base 20 to have. The degree of curvature can be changed, as well as the rotational speed of the massage head 19 and the friction of the material from which they are made or the coating applied to them.

The control 6 of the massager 1 According to embodiments of the invention may include a timer and may control the operation of the device according to a massage program. For example, as in 8th shown, the face F be divided into two zones z1 and z2. After initially switching on the device 1 For example, the massage head may rotate in a first direction as indicated by the arrow A for a predetermined period of time (a), which may be of the order of 90 seconds, so that the device 1 for massaging one side of the face F, ie the zone z1, can be used. When that first period of time has expired, the controller will 6 briefly interrupt the rotation of the massage head for a second predetermined period of time (b), which should be on the order of 0.5 seconds. The control 6 then becomes the massage head 15 for a further predetermined period of time in the opposite direction, as indicated by the arrow L before it stops. By providing a timer and by causing the massager 1 between his rotations in the first and second direction K, L stops, the user knows when the massager 1 to apply to the other side of the face until the program is complete.

In order to make the user more intuitive and the device easier to operate, each massage head may contain an RFID tag, the setting information of the relevant massaging device 1 that is associated with the massage button, such as speed and vibration frequency, stored. Thus, the massage element, when connected to the device 1 is automatically detected, and the appropriate settings for rotation and vibration are activated.

It is understood that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and that the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain funds are mentioned in various dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these funds could not be used to advantage. Any reference numbers in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

While claims in this application have been made to particular combinations of features, it should not be construed that the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or combinations of features that are either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein, or any generalization thereof whether or not it is directed to the same invention as claimed in a claim, and whether it solves any or all of the same technical problems as the parent invention. Applicants hereby note that new claims may be made to such features and / or feature combinations throughout the pursuit of the present application or any further application derived therefrom.

Claims (15)

Motor-driven massager, which has a drive shaft ( 7 ) with a rotation axis and a massage head ( 8th ) having a skin engaging surface ( 9 ), wherein the massage head ( 8th ) on the drive shaft ( 7 ) for simultaneous rotation about the axis and vibration in a direction along the axis is attachable. A motorized massager according to claim 1, wherein the massage head ( 8th ) a central hub ( 11 ) and a plurality of massage elements ( 12 ), each massage element ( 12 ) radially from the central hub ( 11 ) is spaced and the massage elements are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction about the axis. A motorized massager according to claim 2, wherein the massage elements comprise a plurality of petals ( 12 ) integral with the central hub ( 11 ) and over the entire circumference of the massage head ( 8th ) are evenly spaced. A motorized massager according to claim 3, comprising between 6 and 17 petals ( 12 ) having. Motor-driven massaging device according to claim 4, wherein the distance between petals ( 12 ) is less than 23 mm, but more than 6 mm. A motorized massager according to claim 5, wherein each petal ( 12 ) radially to a distance between 3 mm and 8 mm from the hub ( 11 ). A motorized massaging apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the tips of the petals are rounded with a radius between 8 mm and 10 mm. Motorized massager according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the petals ( 12 ) extend in the axial direction by between 8 mm and 15 mm. Motor-driven massaging device according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the central hub ( 11 ) has a surface in the axial direction over the petals ( 12 ) protrudes. A motorized massage apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of spokes ( 16 ) from the central hub ( 11 ), wherein on each spoke ( 16 ) a freely rotatable element ( 17 ) is mounted. A motorized massager according to claim 10, wherein each element ( 12 ) is a spherical or semi-spherical ball. A motorized massager according to claim 2, wherein the massage head ( 19 ) a base plate ( 20 ), the central hub has an integral first protuberance ( 21 ), from a center of the base plate ( 20 ), and the massage elements ( 23 ) have a plurality of second integral protuberances extending from a peripheral region of the base plate ( 20 ) and the first protuberance ( 21 ) are surrounded and spaced therefrom. Motor-driven massaging device according to one of the preceding claims, which has a control ( 6 ) configured to support the massage head ( 19 ) for a predetermined period of time to rotate in a first direction of rotation before the massage head ( 19 ) is rotated in a second rotational direction for a second predetermined period of time. A motorized massaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the controller ( 6 ) is configured to prevent rotation of the massage head ( 19 ) for one prevent further predetermined period of time after turning in the first direction and before rotating in the second direction. Motor-driven massaging device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller ( 6 ) is operable to prevent vibration of the massage head ( 19 ) along the axis with a frequency between 30 and 60 Hz.

Images