EP1286642B1 - Massage apparatus comprising at least a roller driven positively in rotation - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a new type of massage apparatus, can be used on both humans and animals (horses, bovines, ...), and more particularly a massage apparatus in which one exercises on the subject an action of aspiration and mobilization of the cutaneous tissue.

Previous techniques

Various massage techniques are used to date depending on the treatments to be carried out, but it can be said that they all involve exercising on the subject of constraints involving pressure phenomena and / or displacement and / or pinching of the skin tissue.

To date, many types of devices have been proposed for facilitate the work of the masseur.

Among the various solutions proposed, it was first envisaged equipment using a simple mechanical action, for example example by means of sets comprising balls or balls mounted on a housing support, possibly allowing to distribute a product of treatment (cream, liquid) as is apparent from FR-A-1 225 094.

It has also been proposed, as is apparent from FR-A-901 787, make massage devices consisting of a treatment head connected to a suction circuit, said treatment head consisting of a housing which has an internal chamber inside which said circuit opens suction. This housing is in the form of an open bell at its base, whose lower edge is generally rounded. When the equipment is applied against the patient's body, it forms a skin fold inside the bell, fold that applies directly against the peripheral edge of the latter.

Such a device of simple design is relatively difficult to put difficult to move on the patient's body and simply action of "sucker".

Many other solutions, as is apparent from CH-A-168 279, US-A-2 574 601, US-A-3 297 024, FR-A-409 202, FR-A-1 590 131, have proposed to associate with a phenomenon of aspiration a mechanical action exerted by rollers, balls ... which cause a pressure action and / or displacement and / or vibration friction.

The solutions proposed in these documents lead to complex, delicate to implement and which do not give complete satisfaction.

More recently, have been proposed different types of massage devices allowing to realize, in a simple and effective way, massage of the type "palpated" rolled "to exert on the patient a continuous action, provoking a only a localized pinch, but also a gradual shift of the pinched area, so as to cause a "rolling", and this while exercising a pressure.

Such devices are particularly subject to the particular FR-A-2 579 100 and patents EP-A-224,422, EP-A-284,527 and EP-A-774,947 (these patents respectively corresponding to US-A-4,729,368, US-A-4,883,047 and US-A-5,885,232).

In general, the apparatus described in the aforementioned documents comprise, mounted inside a manually operable housing, two parallel rollers, preferably with a smooth surface, mounted free or driven positively rotating inside the housing.

These rollers can be mounted on the housing either at fixed spacing or to be able to move away from and automatically move towards each other when of the massage operation.

The housing is connected to suction means via a duct whose end opens into the space between the rollers, which so creates a depression between them when they are applied against the body of the patient, so as to form a skin fold against the roller surfaces.

When one or more rollers are rotated (see FR 2 579 100 or EP 224 422), such a drive is obtained by means of a geared motor, supplied with low voltage direct current with or without variation of speed. The movement given by the engine is transmitted to one or both rollers by by means of a toothed belt, chain or other conventional means of transmission.

In the document EP-A-224,422, when the two rollers are driven positively in rotation, such training is obtained by a belt or chain which connects the output shaft of the engine to sprockets provided at the end of each axes of the rollers, said belt or chain also passing around a intermediate return roller so that both rolls rotate in the same meaning and always be well trained regardless of their position, moving said rollers therefore acting in a curve centered on the geometric axis of rotation of the motor output shaft.

In such an embodiment, the two rolls always turn in the same direction and at the same speed, which does not allow to consider adapting their action according to the treatments which sometimes may require conditions different operating procedures.

This type of equipment, whether it is motorized rollers or mounted free in rotation, allows to perform massages of the type "palpated rolled" and, his field of application has continued to grow since its inception. Indeed, at this day it is used not only to perform massage treatments conventional techniques such as simple aesthetic massages, recuperation by example for athletes, that re-education massages, but also for the treatment of cellulite, for better healing in the case of burned people, for the mitigation of scars resulting from operations, of accidents .....

However, it is becoming more and more apparent that the dimensions of the devices and their operating conditions must be adapted according to the treatments to be achieve. Thus, it is obvious that the suction action must be stronger or weaker depending on the application while having an equal skin grip.

As a result, there is the problem of having a device versatile in which it is possible to be able to adjust and possibly do vary the speed of the rollers relative to each other and / or their direction of rotation, in order to achieve maximum quality of treatment, even with less aspiration.

There is also the problem of being able to periodically reverse the meaning of rotation of the rollers relative to each other during processing.

In certain cases, it is necessary to be able to carry out phenomena of vibrations, alternative pinches, as well as form the skin fold with a rate minimal suction.

Indeed, it appeared that for certain cases, especially during treatment of burned people, that the formation of the fold which, in the previous apparatuses, result mainly from the aspiration rate, is sometimes detrimental.

As a result, there is the problem of making devices that allow to control the pressure exerted by the rollers against the fold of skin, the rate in the chamber and the speed of rotation of one or more two rollers, these rollers rotating at the same speed or at speeds different and can even have a rotation direction reversed periodically.

Similarly, there is also the problem of being able to integrate devices means for visualizing the effect of the treatment.

Finally, there is the problem of being able to make motorized devices that be as compact as possible, easy to handle.

Presentation of the invention

Now it has been found, and this is the object of the present invention, a new type of massage device using a suction and mobilization of the cutaneous tissue, which makes it possible to solve all the problems supra.

In general, the massage apparatus according to the invention is consisting of a treatment head itself connected to a suction circuit. This treatment head comprises a manually operable housing, and has an inner chamber open at its base, a chamber defined by two walls fixed side and two transverse surfaces arranged opposite each other between the aforementioned side walls.

In such an apparatus, at least one of the transverse surfaces is constituted by the periphery of a roll positively rotated. The circuit suction opens inside the chamber and creates a depression when the device is applied against the patient's body, depression that tends to forming a skin fold bearing against the transverse surfaces.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that the positive drive of the roller is obtained by means of a geared motor, mounted fixed and coaxially inside thereof, and whose output shaft the gearbox comprises means for coupling to said roller, said apparatus being associated with means for adjusting the speed and / or the direction of rotation of the motorized roller (s) (s) as well as the suction rate with possibly variation of the latter, and this during operation.

It can be envisaged to produce a device whose active surface transverse opposite the motorized roller is constituted by a single surface curve, the spacing between these two surfaces during operation being be either constant or variable.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises two transverse rollers, which can be mounted on the housing either at the center distance fixed, so as to be able to get closer automatically to each other under the effect of aspiration, only one of these rollers, but preferably both, being motorized.

In this embodiment, side flaps and / or tilting flaps against the rollers may be provided in order to ensure the watertightness of the treatment chamber formed between the side walls and the surface of said rollers when the device is applied against the body of the patient.

In embodiments comprising two motorized rollers, the control of these rollers is therefore performed independently of one another and allows, at will, to adapt the direction of rotation and / or the speed of the rollers one relative to each other according to the direction of movement of the head and / or treatment to be performed as well as to adjust the aspiration rate thus making it possible to vary these parameters during treatment or depending on the treatment to be performed.

Moreover, it has been found that this possibility of turning both rolls at different speeds, allowed them to participate in the training skin fold in cooperation with the suction produced inside the chamber treatment, the suction rate can possibly be reduced.

Such a possibility of having a speed differential between the two rolls, so lets consider adjusting the fold height inside the room while having a lesser aspiration. This possibility also offers the advantage of a new cutaneous gymnastics, by the various possible settings of traction and mobilization.

Moreover, it is also possible to periodically reverse the meaning of rotation of the two rollers relative to each other. This inversion momentary of the direction of rotation of the rollers of one compared to the other offers also of great interest for the treatment of scars and to achieve a skin toning.

These various possibilities therefore make it possible to envisage only conventional "rolled-up" type treatments, but also new types of massage adapted to each particular case.

Moreover, such a design in which the roll comprises a integrated motor, allows for much more compact compared to apparatus in which the drive of the rollers is carried out by a external motor, and above all, allows instant reaction due to the absence of transmission elements making it possible to envisage treatments involving a combination of stop, acceleration, inversion, vibration ...

• il est constitué par un manchon cylindrique apte à être entraíné en rotation, de préférence autour de son axe géométrique, mais qui éventuellement pourrait l'être de manière désaxée, ledit manchon étant monté à chacune de ses extrémités sur des roulements dont les paliers fixes constituent, avec les bords extrêmes dudit manchon, les faces latérales du rouleau ;
• l'entraínement en rotation du manchon autour des paliers est obtenu par l'intermédiaire d'un motoréducteur monté fixe coaxialement à l'intérieur de celui-ci et dont l'arbre de sortie du réducteur comporte des moyens de couplage avec ledit manchon ;
• les bords extrêmes du manchon sont en appui glissant contre les surfaces des parois latérales du boítier à l'intérieur duquel le rouleau est monté ;
• la fixation dudit rouleau entre les parois latérales afin de constituer la chambre de traitement proprement dite, est obtenue par l'intermédiaire de moyens de connexion assurant d'une part, l'immobilisation du motoréducteur à l'intérieur du manchon et, d'autre part, l' alimentation électrique et la connexion à des moyens additionnels assurant la commande et le contrôle des différentes fonctions que l'appareil doit remplir, à savoir :
  • réglage de la vitesse et du sens de rotation du ou des rouleau(x) motorisé(s) avec possibilité d'inversion programmée ou non et possibilité de faire varier la vitesse d'un rouleau par rapport à l'autre, ainsi que le sens de rotation de l'un des rouleaux par rapport à l'autre ;
  • réglage du taux d'aspiration , et éventuellement variation de ce dernier en fonctionnement ;
  • éventuellement contrôle de la pression exercée par les rouleaux contre le pli de peau formé.

According to a preferred form according to the invention, each motorized roller that the apparatus comprises is characterized in that:

• it is constituted by a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be rotated, preferably around its geometric axis, but which could possibly be off-axis, said sleeve being mounted at each of its ends on bearings whose fixed bearings constitute , with the extreme edges of said sleeve, the lateral faces of the roll;
• the drive in rotation of the sleeve around the bearings is obtained by means of a geared motor mounted fixed coaxially inside thereof and whose output shaft of the gearbox comprises means for coupling with said sleeve;
• the extreme edges of the sleeve are sliding against the surfaces of the side walls of the housing within which the roller is mounted;
• fixing said roll between the side walls to form the actual processing chamber, is obtained by means of connection means ensuring on the one hand, the immobilization of the geared motor inside the sleeve and, on the other hand on the other hand, the power supply and the connection to additional means ensuring the control and the control of the various functions that the apparatus has to fulfill, namely:
  • adjustment of the speed and direction of rotation of the motorized roller (s) with possibility of inversion programmed or not and possibility of varying the speed of one roller with respect to the other, as well as the direction rotating one of the rolls relative to the other;
  • adjustment of the suction rate, and possibly variation of the latter in operation;
  • possibly control of the pressure exerted by the rollers against the skin fold formed.

According to one embodiment, the connection means consist of studs which pass through the lights provided in the side walls and which can slide in the lights to allow closer rolls from each other under the effect of suction.

According to a variant, the connection means of the rollers consist of by two lateral flanges resting against the side walls, connected flanges between them by a transverse spacer so as to form a fork mounted pivoting inside the housing and sealing when the device is applied against the body of the patient, said rollers being held normally spaced from each other and can get closer under the effect of suction.

In these embodiments, the sleeve may be covered with a sheath removable, which can have either a hygienic function and / or serve as a support for a treatment product.

Such a device design can also make it possible to envisage to have rollers whose surface can be heated by simple caloric intake motor, for example by making the outer sleeve in a good material heat conductor.

On the other hand, if one wishes to avoid the heating of the sleeve in progress of operation, this can be achieved simply by making said sleeve in a non-conductive material of heat.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal insulation of the sleeve is obtained by arranging the geared motor assembly inside a sheath, for example of aluminum, which not only forms an insulating cage, but also serves as a bearing for one of the bearings provided at the end of each roller.

In this embodiment, an inner bearing is provided on the reducer to ensure the immobilization of the body thereof, this support bearing an intermediate roll.

Such a type of roll, which in the following description, will be designated by the expression "motorized roller", can be used to realize different types of massage heads using an action of aspiration and mobilization of the tissue skin, devices in which the treatment head itself includes a housing having an internal chamber, inside which opens the outlet of a suction circuit of the type, and comprising two parallel rollers, mounted either at fixed spacing as described in patent EP-A-284 527, or at the center distance variable, the rollers can move away and automatically approach one of the other during the massage operation, as described in EP 224 422 or EP 774 947, said apparatus being characterized in that at least one of the rolls is motorized according to the invention, their mounting on the side walls of the housing being realized by means of connection means, constituted either by studs passing through lights provided in the side walls, either by two pivoting side flanges, resting against the surfaces of the side walls and interconnected by a transverse spacer pivotally mounted inside the housing.

In the embodiment according to which the connections are made at the means of studs passing through lights, it is possible to realize either apparatus in which both rollers are mounted at fixed spacing, in which case said lights have dimensions that correspond to those of said pads of connection, or at variable spacing, the rollers being maintained normally spaced apart by the action of return means (springs), and that can be bring closer under the action of the aspiration, the length of said lights defining the amplitude of the displacement.

In known manner, the displacement of the two rollers will be realized to that their spacing may vary between two predetermined positions, the spacing maximum being obtained by means of a pushing means (spring) which acts on the connection pads and their approximation is obtained under the effect of the suction produced inside the treatment chamber.

Compared to the previous devices, the solution according to the invention allows to realize very compact massage heads, whose volume is substantially equivalent to heads in which the rollers are not motorized but are simply mounted free to rotate inside a housing connected to a suction source.

In addition, such a design of massage apparatus where the motorization of the or roll (x) is integrated in the roll itself and whose mounting on the side walls is obtained using removable connection pads, facilitates the disassembly of said rollers, in particular for cleaning the apparatus.

Compared to previous devices, including devices such as described in EP 224,422, the fact that the drive motor is integrated with inside the rollers, allows for independent movement for each roller. It is therefore possible to modify the positioning of said rollers by compared to the lower edges of the side walls of the housing, and this by a simple modification of the shape of the lights inside which the studs slide connection.

Thus, one can have a displacement parallel to the base of the side walls, which can be either flat or curved (both concave and convex), having lights with the same profile as these bases. Preferably, as in previous solutions, in such a case, the rollers slightly overflow by compared to the bases of the side walls, for example of a value of some tenths of a millimeter.

It can also be envisaged to have lights whose shape is such that the positioning of the peripheral surface of the rollers with respect to the face lower housing can vary between a slightly recessed position and a position overflowing with respect to this face.

Conventional means such as side valves, flaps tilting against the rollers, may be provided in order to ensure the watertightness of the treatment chamber formed between the side walls and the surface of said rollers when the device is applied against the body of the patient.

Finally, according to a preferred embodiment, the housing supporting the rollers comprise two side walls in the form of a housing (or box), associated with each other via a hood connected to a source suction. The two rollers are mounted parallel between the two faces in look at this case, faces that include lights for the means of connection which are arranged inside said housings.

The connection pads that pass through the lights are as for they are mounted on blocks which overflow with respect to said lights, and can in possibly provide sealing.

In this embodiment, flaps are mounted on each block for ensure tightness at the lights when moving the rollers.

These blocks may, in the case where the rollers are movable, serve as support to springs that rest on a fixed central wall and tend to keep apart from each other.

They can also support sensors to control the pressure exerted by the rollers.

Means for visualizing the formed skin fold can be incorporated at the hood. The simplest way is to make said hood in material transparent in whole or in part, possibly forming magnifying glass.

It may also be considered to include a camera inside the hood viewing the treated area.

Brief description of the drawings

• les figures 1, 2 et 3 sont des vues schématiques d'un appareil de massage réalisé conformément à l'invention, dans lesquelles :
  • la figure 1 est une vue en élévation d'un appareil comportant un seul rouleau motorisé, l'autre paroi transversale pouvant être constituée soit par une surface courbe, soit par un rouleau monté libre en rotation,
  • la figure 2 illustre un mode de réalisation comportant deux rouleaux motorisés montés à entraxe fixe et,
  • la figure 3 illustre schématiquement un mode de réalisation dans lequel les deux rouleaux sont motorisés et peuvent être automatiquement écartés ou rapprochés l'un de l'autre ;
• les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues en perspective éclatées montrant la structure générale d'un rouleau motorisé utilisable pour la réalisation d'une tête de massage conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en bout d'un tel rouleau de massage et la figure 7 est une vue en coupe selon le plan AA passant par l'axe de rotation dudit rouleau ;
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une tête de massage conforme à l'invention intégrant des rouleaux motorisés, et dans laquelle l'écartement entre les rouleaux peut varier automatiquement lors de l'opération de massage ;
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective montrant la structure générale d'un appareil illustré à la figure 8 après montage de ces différents constituants ;
• la figure 10 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une variante d'un rouleau motorisé conforme à l'invention fixé à l'intérieur du boítier par l'intermédiaire de moyens de connexion constitués par deux flasques latéraux en appui contre les parois de la chambre et reliés entre eux par une traverse, ces moyens, flasques et traverses, assurant l'étanchéité lors de l'utilisation de l'appareil ;
• la figure 11 illustre, en vue éclatée, une tête de massage comportant deux rouleaux motorisés tel qu'illustré à la figure 10.

The invention and the advantages it brings are however better understood thanks to the description which follows and to the exemplary embodiments given hereinafter by way of indication but not limitation, and which are illustrated by the appended diagrams in which:

• Figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic views of a massage apparatus made in accordance with the invention, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an apparatus comprising a single motorized roller, the other transverse wall being able to consist either of a curved surface or of a roller mounted free to rotate;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment comprising two motorized rollers mounted at fixed spacing and,
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the two rollers are motorized and can be automatically spaced apart or brought closer to one another;
• Figures 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views showing the general structure of a motorized roller used for the realization of a massage head according to the invention;
• Figure 6 is an end view of such a massage roller and Figure 7 is a sectional view along the plane AA passing through the axis of rotation of said roller;
• Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a massage head according to the invention incorporating motorized rollers, and wherein the spacing between the rollers can vary automatically during the massage operation;
• Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the general structure of an apparatus shown in Figure 8 after mounting these various components;
• FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a variant of a motorized roller according to the invention fixed inside the housing by means of connection means consisting of two lateral flanges resting against the walls of the housing; chamber and interconnected by a cross member, these means, flanges and cross members, sealing during use of the apparatus;
• Figure 11 illustrates, in exploded view, a massage head having two motorized rollers as shown in Figure 10.

Way of realizing the invention

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate, schematically and in perspective, different general forms of a massage apparatus made in accordance with the invention.

In general, this massage apparatus is of the type according to which we exercise on the subject an action of aspiration and mobilization of the cutaneous tissue.

This device consists of a treatment head itself, connected to a suction circuit and which comprises a housing (B), operable manually, having an internal chamber (C) open at its base. This room (C) is defined by two fixed side walls (P1, P2) and two transverse surfaces (T1, T2), arranged opposite one another between the two side walls.

At least one of these transverse surfaces (T1, T2) is constituted by periphery of a roll, designated by the general reference (1), driven positively rotating. The suction circuit opens inside the chamber (C) and creates a vacuum when the device is applied against the patient's body, depression that tends to form a fold of skin in support against transverse surfaces (T1, T2).

In each of the different types of apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the positive drive of the roller or of each roller (1) that the apparatus comprises is obtained via a gearmotor (not shown in FIGS. 3), and whose output shaft (5) of the gearbox comprises coupling means auditing roll (1).

The apparatus is associated with means for adjusting the speed and / or the direction rotation of the motorized roller (s) and the suction rate with possible variation of the latter, and this during operation, such means being seen in more detail in the following description.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment comprising a single roll motorized (1) and therefore constitutes the active surface (Tl). The other active surface (T2) can be constituted by a simple curved surface, illustrated in dashed lines, the spacing between the two surfaces (T1) and (T2) being fixed or variable.

Possibly, as is also apparent from this figure 1, the second surface (T2) may possibly be constituted by a second roller rotatably mounted facing the roller (1), and either at fixed spacing, or in order to be able to move away and automatically approach each other.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment according to the invention, in which two surfaces (T1, T2) are constituted by motorized rollers (1), said rollers being mounted at fixed spacing, whereas FIG. embodiment in which the two motorized rollers can move away and automatically move closer to one another under the effect of suction.

Figures 4 to 7 illustrate in detail one embodiment a motorized roller for making devices according to the invention, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrating in exploded view and in perspective seen from below, the structure of a massage device in which both rollers are motorized according to this embodiment and can move closer and move away automatically from one another under the effect of the suction being operation.

In FIGS. 4 to 7, the side walls (P1, P2) of the housing are not schematized as in Figure 7.

In general, the massage apparatus according to the invention therefore comprise at least one roller positively rotated by a integrated motor, a roll of which a preferred embodiment is illustrated by the Figures 4 to 7.

In this embodiment, the roll designated by the general reference (1) therefore essentially consists of a cylindrical sleeve (2) which constitutes the active element in contact with the subject to be treated. The diameter and length of this cylindrical sleeve (2) will depend on the type of device that is desired.

As an indication, the sleeve (2) may have an outside diameter between 20 and 30 mm for a length that can be between 60 and 70 mm.

Of course, it could be envisaged to make rolls having dimensions, depending on the surface of the areas to be treat. It might be possible to consider having rollers with different diameters, or even to make devices with more than two rolls, for example a motorized central roller on either side of which are arranged two rolls of smaller diameter or equal diameter, so as to form two folds of skin.

The sleeve (2) may have a smooth outer surface or on the contrary have a surface that can have asperities or reliefs depending on the treatments to perform.

Such a sleeve may optionally be covered with a removable sheath, having a hygienic function and / or serving as a support for a treatment product.

It can possibly be made of a good conductor material of the heat, allowing it to warm up simply by adding heat to the engine, be in an insulating material, when one wishes to avoid its heating.

The rotational drive of the sleeve (2) is obtained via a motor assembly (3) gear (4), mounted fixed coaxially inside said sleeve (2).

As geared motor unit (M), a geared motor will be used Conventional, supplied with low voltage direct current, 24 volts for example.

According to the invention, in the embodiment illustrated by the FIGS. 4 to 7, the output shaft (5) of the motor, which, as previously mentioned, is mounted fixed in rotation inside the sleeve as will be seen in the following of the description, supports coupling means with said sleeve (2), means constituted by a disc or plate (6) integral with the shaft (5), the bonding being for example obtained by gluing. This disc (6) has two diametrically opposite lugs (7, 8), lugs which fit into recesses corresponding (9) (only one being visible in Figure 4), formed in a crown internal (10) of the sleeve (2).

As a result, when the geared motor (3,4) is energized, the output shaft (5) thus causes the disc (6) to rotate, which in turn rotates the sleeve (2).

The rotational drive of the sleeve (2) around the assembly Geared motor is obtained by mounting it on bearings (11a, 11b, 11c).

The bearings (11a, 11b) are mounted on either side of the geared motor on fixed bearings (13,14). In this embodiment, to ensure the insulation, the geared motor assembly (3, 4) is surrounded by a sleeve (12), in aluminum for example, integral with the motor body (3). The extreme bearing (13) is in this case constituted by a bearing formed at the end of the sheath (12), said sheath thus forming not only an insulating cage but serving as support for this extreme peripheral bearing (11a).

The bearing (11b) is, in turn, mounted on a bearing (14) constituted by a flange fixed by means of screws (15) to the housing of the gearbox (4), ensuring thus immobilizing the latter and allowing the passage of the axis (5) of the reducer.

Finally, the third bearing (11c) is mounted in abutment against the crown internal portion (10) of the drive disc (6) carrying the lugs (7, 8), and via a fixed bearing (16).

With such a design, we obtain a perfectly sealed assembly, whose extreme faces have no relief elements, the extreme edges the sleeve (2), which are therefore in the form of a flat and smooth crown being able to come in sliding support against the internal surfaces of the side walls (P1, P2) of the housing chamber inside which the roller is mounted.

According to the invention, the fixing of the two rollers (100) between the side walls (P1, P2) of the chamber, is obtained by means of studs removable connections, designated by the general references (17,18), each stud having a connection guide proper (19,20), oblong, suitable to pass through lights (21,22) provided on each side wall (P1, P2), to fit into complementary zones at each end bearings (13,16) that each roller (1) comprises.

Each support connection guide (19,20) is associated, for example by the intermediary of screws, two blocks (51,52) coming, as for them in support against the outer face (23,24) of each side wall.

In the example illustrated, the fixing of the block (18) is obtained by via two screws (V1) arranged on either side of the axis of rotation and, for the block (19), by means of a single screw (V2) fixed in turn in the axis of rotation.

• réglage de la vitesse et du sens de rotation du ou des rouleau(x) motorisé(s) ,
• réglage du taux d'aspiration et éventuellement variation de ce dernier en fonction des traitements ; il a été constaté qu'avec un tel type d'appareil, il pouvait être envisagé d'avoir un taux d'aspiration nettement inférieur, notamment lorsque les rouleaux sont entraínés à des vitesses différentes l'un de l'autre, car ils tendent alors à participer à la formation du pli à l'intérieur de la chambre ;
• inversion périodique et momentanée du sens de rotation des rouleaux afin qu'ils tournent en sens contraire l'un de l'autre ;
• contrôle de la pression exercée par les rouleaux contre le pli de peau formé.

The stud (17) supports the electrical connections (25) to the connection tabs (26) provided on the motor (M) and the additional means for controlling and controlling the various functions provided by the apparatus. , to know :

• adjusting the speed and direction of rotation of the motorized roller (s),
• adjustment of the suction rate and possibly variation of the latter depending on the treatments; it was found that with such a type of apparatus, it could be envisaged to have a significantly lower suction rate, especially when the rollers are driven at different speeds from each other, because they tend then to participate in the formation of the fold inside the chamber;
• periodic and momentary reversal of the direction of rotation of the rollers so that they turn in opposite directions from each other;
• control of the pressure exerted by the rollers against the skin fold formed.

The electrical connections (25) are connected to the general circuit of control by means of flexible links able to follow the possible displacements that can receive the rollers in some embodiments.

The motorized rollers thus produced can be used to realize different types of massage heads using a suction action and a mobilization of the cutaneous tissue, and in which the treatment head itself comprises a housing comprising an internal chamber defined by two walls sides and surfaces of two parallel rollers mounted between said walls, chamber inside which opens the exit of a suction circuit.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate in detail the structure of such a apparatus comprising two motorized rollers (1), powered independently one from each other and who can get closer automatically during operating under the effect of the suction produced in the chamber that they form with the side walls, and this in a way comparable to the teachings of the EP 224,422.

In this embodiment which therefore integrates two motorized rollers, the housing consists of two side flanges between which are mounted the two active rollers (1) whose end faces of the sleeve (2) are supported sliding against the internal faces of the housing.

The mounting of said rollers (1) between the side walls (P1) and (P2) is realized not by means of integral axes of the rollers, but through of studs (15, 16), whose connection elements (17, 18) which fit into the corresponding parts provided in each roller (1), can slide in lights (21,22) provided on the side walls.

The active rollers (1) are kept normally apart from each other via springs that can be integrated into a recess (28) provided on the lateral blocks (51,52), and are supported on a fixed central reach (29) disposed in the middle portion of the side housing (P2).

As for the aforementioned European patent, the depression is exerted inside housing, between the rollers (1) through the opening (32) provided on the hood (31) mounted between the two side flanges (P1, P2). This depression allows, during operation, automatic reconciliation of the two rollers (1) against the force of return means which tend to hold the rollers (1) spaced apart from each other, thereby ensuring pinch action on the fold of skin formed under the action of said aspiration.

Sealing valves (33) are arranged inside the housings side to close the lights (22) during movement of the rollers (1).

Moreover, as in the aforementioned patent, tilting flaps (34) are in contact with the rollers (1) over the entire length of their generator and are fixed inside the cover (31), for example by means of screws. These components remain in permanence in contact with the rollers (1) and thus ensure the sealing of the chamber when moving rollers.

In this embodiment, these flaps (34) are constituted by flexible blades, the strength of flexibility tending to keep them in contact with the generating the rollers as they get closer to each other.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate in detail a variant of a apparatus according to the invention comprising two powered rollers (1) powered independently of each other, and who can approach each other automatically running under the effect of the suction produced in the room they form with the side walls (P1) and (P2).

With respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, both rollers (1), whose general structure is similar to that described above, are mounted between the walls (P1) and (P2) via two flanges (60,61) in sliding support against the side surfaces (P1, P2) of the housing.

These two flanges (60,61) are interconnected by a spacer (62), these elements thus forming a fork supporting each of the rollers (1). This fork is pivotally mounted inside cages (63) provided in the bottom of the central body (31) of the housing. The central spacer (62) and the lateral flanges (60,61) thus ensure the sealing of the treatment chamber when the apparatus is used. The cages (63) serve as pivoting base for the two rollers (1) which are kept normally apart from one another by means of a thrust assembly consisting for example of two springs (64,65) provided with stops (66,67) which abut against the transverse spacers (62). The branches of the springs are embedded in grooves (69) provided on each crosshead (62).

In this variant, the flanges (61) comprise at their upper part the electrical connections (70) to the connecting lugs provided on the motor (3,4) as well as the additional means of ensuring control and control different functions that the device provides as previously discussed in the support of the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 4 to 7. In this form of realization, the motorized roller has a structure similar to that described previously and will not be redesigned.

• une pompe à vide comportant un moteur intégré ;
• une platine comportant des moyens permettant de contrôler la dépression à l'intérieur de la tête ;
• des moyens de commande de chacun des rouleaux motorisés constitués par exemple par une carte électronique permettant d'assurer la commande et le contrôle d'une chaíne d'asservissement électropneumatique, cette commande étant réalisée individuellement pour chacun des rouleaux afin de pouvoir, à volonté, adapter le sens de rotation et/ou la vitesse des rouleaux en fonction du sens de déplacement de la tête et/ou du traitement à réaliser.

The control means for performing the various functions that must fulfill the device according to the invention are grouped inside a panel connected to the actual processing device by a flexible conduit. This desk has:

• a vacuum pump having an integrated motor;
• a plate having means for controlling the depression inside the head;
• control means for each of the motorized rollers constituted for example by an electronic card for controlling and controlling an electro-pneumatic servocontrol chain, this command being carried out individually for each of the rollers in order to be able, at will, adapt the direction of rotation and / or the speed of the rollers according to the direction of movement of the head and / or the treatment to be carried out.

Thus, it can be envisaged, if we consider a direction of movement, of rotate the front roller at a lower speed than the rear roller, thus allowing to have a friction action on the skin fold formed and to accentuate the formation of the fold while decreasing the rate of aspiration.

With regard to the suction circuit, it may comprise means allowing to vary the pressure and the air flow during operation, for example for a solenoid valve made according to the teachings of the WO 95/09596, which allows not only to obtain an operation in all or nothing, but also a controlled flow of air between two values predetermined with possibility of adjustment between said values.

The above description clearly shows all the advantages brought by the invention, and in particular the fact that thanks to the particular structure of the rollers motorized according to the invention, it is possible to realize a wide variety of new types of treatment and massage and design massage heads easily dismantled, especially to ensure their maintenance, all can be designed as a removable block adaptable to the output of the circuit suction proper.

Compared to the previous devices, the apparatus according to the invention also has the advantage of obtaining very compact sets in which rollers are easily removable.

Claims (12)

1. Massage apparatus consisting of a treatment head connected to a suction circuit, said treatment head comprising a box (B) that can be operated manually, comprising an internal chamber (C) open at its base, which chamber is sealed when the apparatus is applied to the subject to be treated, and is defined by two fixed side walls (P1, P2) and two transverse surfaces (T1, T2) arranged facing one another between said side walls (P1, P2), at least one of these transverse surfaces (T1) consisting of the periphery of a roller (1) driven positively in rotation, the suction circuit opening into the said chamber (C) and making it possible to create suction when the apparatus is applied against the body of the patient, which suction tends to form a fold of skin pressing against the transverse surfaces (T1, T2), characterized in that the positive drive of the roller (I) is obtained via a geared motor unit (3, 4) mounted fixed and coaxially inside it, and in which the output shaft (5) of the reduction gear (4) comprises means of coupling to said roller (1), said apparatus being associated with means for adjusting the speed and/or direction of rotation of the motorized roller(s) and the amount of suction, possibly varying this, and doing so during operation.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transverse active surface (T2) facing the motorized roller (1) consists of a curved surface, it being possible for the spacing between these two surfaces during operation to be either fixed or variable.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two transverse rollers (1), at least one of which is motorized, these rollers being mounted on the box either with a fixed distance between centres or such that they can automatically move closer together under the effect of the suction.
4. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises side valves and/or pivoting flaps pressing against the roller or rollers so as to seal the treatment chamber formed between the side walls and the surface of the said roller(s) when the apparatus is applied against the body of the patient.
5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises means for viewing the fold of skin formed.
6. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the positively driven roller (1) or each roller (1) that it comprises :

   consists of a cylindrical sleeve (2) which can be driven in rotation, preferably about its geometric axis but possibly around an off-centred axis, the said sleeve (2) being mounted at each of its ends on rolling bearings (11a - 11c), the fixed bearings of which, together with the end edges of the said sleeve, form the side faces of the roller ;

   the sleeve (2) is driven in rotation about the bearings by a geared motor unit mounted fixed and coaxial to it, and in which the output shaft of the reduction gear comprises means of coupling with the said sleeve (2) ;

   the end edges of the sleeve (2) are in sliding contact with the surfaces of the side walls (P1, P2) of the box inside which the roller is mounted,

   said roller (1) is fixed between the side walls (P1, P2), so as to constitute the treatment chamber (C) proper, via connecting elements (17, 18) which, on the one hand, immobilize the geared motor unit inside the sleeve (2) and, on the other hand, provide electrical power and the connection to additional means used for operating and monitoring the various functions that the apparatus has to fulfil, namely:

   adjusting the speed and direction of rotation of the motorized roller or rollers, with the possibility for programmed or unprogrammed reversal, and the possibility of varying the speed of one roller with respect to the other and the direction of rotation of one of the rollers with respect to the other when there is a pair of rollers ;

   adjusting the amount of suction, and possibly varying this during operation ;

   possibly monitoring the pressure exerted by the roller or rollers on the fold of skin formed.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting means consist of connecting blocks (17, 18) passing through slots (21, 22) provided in the side walls (P1, P2) and which can slide in the said slots (21, 22) so as to allow the rollers to move closer together under the effect of the suction.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting means of the rollers consist of two end plates (60, 61) bearing against the side walls (P1, P2), which end plates are joined together by a transverse spacer piece (62) so as to form a fork mounted so that it can pivot inside the box and ensuring sealing when the apparatus is applied against the body of the patient, the said rollers (1) normally being held apart and being capable of moving closer together under the effect of the suction.
9. Apparatus according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the sleeve (2) is covered with a removable sheath having a hygienic function and/or acting as a support for a treatment product.
10. Apparatus according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means making it possible either to thermally insulate the sleeve while it is in operation or, on the other hand, allow it to heat up.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that when it comprises means for thermally insulating the sleeve (2), these means are obtained by arranging the geared motor unit (3, 4) inside a tube (12), particularly made of aluminium, which not only forms an insulating cage but also acts as a bearing for one of the rolling bearings provided at the end of each roller, an inner bearing (14) fixed to the body of the reduction gear (4) supporting an intermediate rolling bearing (11) for the sleeve (2).
12. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base of the side walls (P1, P2) of the box (B) are either flat or curved, in which case they can just as easily be concave as convex.

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