EP1827351A1 - Harmonic vibro-massage unit - Google Patents

Harmonic vibro-massage unit

Info

Publication number
EP1827351A1
EP1827351A1 EP05801785A EP05801785A EP1827351A1 EP 1827351 A1 EP1827351 A1 EP 1827351A1 EP 05801785 A EP05801785 A EP 05801785A EP 05801785 A EP05801785 A EP 05801785A EP 1827351 A1 EP1827351 A1 EP 1827351A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vibro
vibrations
massage unit
resonating structure
frequency
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP05801785A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1827351B1 (en
Inventor
Riccardo Della Ragione
Roberto Garzella
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1827351A1 publication Critical patent/EP1827351A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1827351B1 publication Critical patent/EP1827351B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H2023/0209—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive powered with frequencies not related to mains frequency
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0119—Support for the device
    • A61H2201/0138—Support for the device incorporated in furniture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0119—Support for the device
    • A61H2201/0138—Support for the device incorporated in furniture
    • A61H2201/0142—Beds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0119—Support for the device
    • A61H2201/0138—Support for the device incorporated in furniture
    • A61H2201/0149—Seat or chair
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5007—Control means thereof computer controlled
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H23/0218—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement
    • A61H23/0236—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement using sonic waves, e.g. using loudspeakers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vibro-massage unit that can be used in apparatus for applying a massage on at least one part of the body of a user, for example a armchair, a couch, a footboard, etc.
  • the invention relates to a method for producing a vibro-massage effect. Description of the prior art
  • Different devices exist capable of carrying out a massaging action on at least one part of the body of a user. These devices usually comprise a plurality of vibrating elements arranged within cushions or upholstered articles like beds, armchairs, chairs, etc. Vibro-massage obtained with these devices has mainly the object of relaxing and stretching the muscular tension of a user, and has also a therapeutic function.
  • a first example of a vibro-massaging device is described in US 6682494. It comprises a plurality of vibrators arranged in determined areas of the stuffing of a seat of a car. The different vibrating devices are operated selectively by a control unit. In particular, each vibrator is arranged according to a recess of the stuffing, behind an upholstered portion in contact with a user.
  • the massaging action of the above described system and of similar devices is a standard one, i.e. not personalized according to the features of the user and is carried out in a uniform way on all the area of interest.
  • the massaging action can be provided in combination with listening to the music in order to increasing the relaxing effect for the user.
  • an apparatus for harmonizing the two effects. It provides a plurality of vibrators arranged on an armchair according to a determined configuration and operated selectively by a processor capable of synchronizing the audio signals sent by a sound source. This way, the pulses coming from the vibrators carry out a massage at the rhythm of the selected music.
  • said vibro-massage unit suitable for applying a massaging action on at least one part of the body of a user, according to the present invention, said vibro-massage unit comprising:
  • an audio signal source - means for generating vibrations on the resonating structure, said vibrations having a frequency and a amplitude modulated on the basis of the audio signal and propagating in a differentiated way through the resonating structure in order to provide a selective vibration distribution of the vibrations on the resonating structure.
  • the means for generating vibrations create sound waves and carry out at the same time a vibrating action on the resonating structure.
  • the sound and the massaging action surround then the user in perfect harmony.
  • the harmonic vibro-massage unit is capable of combining the effects of the massage with those of the sound and of the vibrations.
  • the means for generating vibrations comprise a single sound transducer located at a determined point of the resonating structure for carrying out the above described distribution of sound waves.
  • the means for generating vibrations provide a plurality of sonic transducers located in contact of the resonating structure in order to obtain a predetermined the distribution of sound waves.
  • the audio signal before reaching the sound transducer crosses an amplifier suitable for interfacing the audio signal source with the means for generating vibrations.
  • the resonating structure has essentially a central beam, rectilinear or curvilinear, and a plurality of rods, or boards, transversal to it.
  • the resonating structure comprises a plurality of adjacent portions of different suitable thickness to provide said selective vibration distribution.
  • the resonating structure achieves a selective vibration distribution of the vibrations and of the relative tactile effect according to their frequency and to their amplitude. More in detail, on the resonating structure under vibrations it is possible to identify at least one zone where the vibrations are concentrated at lower frequency and at least one zone where the vibrations are concentrated at an intermediate frequency. This allows stimulating in a selective way different parts of the body of the user depending on corresponding zones of concentration of the vibrations in order to convey specific treatments.
  • the vibrations at lower frequency have a frequency set between 5 and 275 Hz
  • the vibrations at an intermediate frequency have a frequency set between 275 and 535 Hz.
  • the audio input used for transduction and for generating the vibrations belongs then to the range of infrasonic frequencies set between 5 and 19 Hz and sonic frequencies between 20 and 800 Hz.
  • the vibro-massage unit is used in a couch, armchair, or similar support where the whole body of the user is involved by the massaging action
  • the sound waves at lower frequency convey tactile effects at the portion of the resonating structure for contacting the thorax, neck, head of the user
  • the sound waves at an intermediate frequency convey tactile effects at the portion of the resonating structure suitable for contacting the abdomen, pelvis and legs of the user.
  • the resonating structure is made of material capable of conducting vibrations selected from the group comprised of: wood, metal, glass, plastic materials, conglomerated material.
  • the vibro- massage unit is associated to a container for liquid, for example a basin filled with water, a bath, etc.
  • the resonating structure can be put into in the container, or alternatively, be integral to the base frame of the container same.
  • the means for generating vibrations can be arranged contacting the base of the liquid container.
  • the vibro- massage unit above described is operated by a signal recorded in a track of a digital support for example DVD, CD, and the like.
  • a signal is contained for triggering, for modulating, or stopping appliances selected from the group comprised of: fragrances diffusers, coloured lights diffusers, etc.
  • - figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a vibro-massage unit, according to the invention
  • - figure 2 shows a perspective view of the vibro-massage unit of figure 1 applied to an armchair;
  • - figure 3 shows a perspective view of the vibro-massage unit of figure 1 applied to a couch
  • - figures 4A and 4B show a perspective view the vibro- massage unit of figure 1 associated to a bath;
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the vibro-massage unit of figure 1 applied to a footboard
  • FIG. 6 shows a possible exemplary embodiment of the resonating structure figure 1;
  • FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the vibro-massage unit of figure 1.
  • a vibro-massage unit provides a resonating structure 1, or 101, with ergonomic shape in contact with a sound transducer 20 suitable for transmitting to it a plurality of vibrations and for propagating sound waves generated by a generator of audio signals 10 after suitable amplification.
  • the resonating structure 1 comprises essentially a central beam 2, for example curvilinear, and a plurality of rods, or boards 3, arranged transversally to it.
  • the resonating structure can be solid, hollow, or pneumatic and can be made of a material capable of conducting vibrations for example wood, metal, glass, plastic material or conglomerated material.
  • the resonating structure 101 comprises a plurality of adjacent portions 101-106 of different thickness.
  • the vibrations depart from the transducer 20 jointly for then propagating through the resonating structure 1, or 101, in a differentiated way selectively concentrating according to their frequency and their amplitude in determined areas of the resonating structure.
  • the differentiated distribution of vibrations generated by the transducer 20 involves essentially a first zone 7, where the vibrations are concentrated at lower frequencies, i.e. frequencies set in a range about between 5 and 275 Hz, and a second zone 5, where the vibrations are concentrated having an intermediate frequency, i.e. set about between 275 and 535 Hz.
  • the vibrations at higher frequencies, set about between 535 and 800 Hz causes a slight sensation tactile with background and diffused high vibration.
  • Such a distribution of the vibrations provides a massaging effect located in selected regions of the body of the user optimizing, therefore, the beneficial effect of the vibro-massage unit. It is capable of combining the massaging action with the sound transmission with a perfect harmony between the two effects.
  • the sound can be produced by playing a Hi-fi system, by a DVD, a CD or the like, in order to let the user to choose a desired rhythm responsive to the mood of the moment, or in harmony with particular therapies.
  • the vibro-massage unit for particular applications, for example, for carrying out a relaxing effect on the whole body of a user resting on an armchair 30 (figure 2), or on a couch 40 (figure 3) of the type used in the aesthetic centres, or for carrying out a massage therapeutic on the foot sole of the user integrating the vibro-massage unit in a footboard 60 (figure 5) .
  • two separate footboards can be provided for the feet of the user, as shown in figure 5, or alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment not shown in the figure, a single footboard for both the feet.
  • the vibro-massage unit can be associated to a liquid container, for example a bath for harmonic vibrating hydro massage 50 (figure 4A) in which the user can relax surrounded by the effect produced by the transducer 20.
  • a bath for harmonic vibrating hydro massage 50 (figure 4A) in which the user can relax surrounded by the effect produced by the transducer 20.
  • This can be directly put in contact with the structure of the bath for harmonic vibrating hydro massage 50 (figure 4B) that would in this case resonate directly, or indirectly through a resonating structure 1 of the type above described, arranged under the bath 50 as a support for the user (figure 4A) .
  • the resonating structure may have a rectilinear profile, a curved profile of the "relax" type, or another line.
  • the installation is structurally easy and cheap with remarkably reduced electric consumption with respect to baths of prior art, having traditional hydro massage. Furthermore, the use of a single transducer makes cheaper the production. Further advantages derive from the fact that normal maintenance treatment are not necessary, by the absence of electro-pumps and the vibrations associated to them, absence water remaining in ducts and pumps, that require washing, draining and cleaning cycles after use. Furthermore, differently from known hydro massage apparatus the use of bath salt and bath foam does not affect functionality. For this reason, the bath 50 can be used for applications such as mud bath therapy and the thalasso therapy .
  • the electric/electronic components necessary to interfacing the sound source and the sound transducer are electrically insulated out of the resonating structure and operate even at low voltage (12 v./low current) . A risk is thus avoided that the body of the user immersed in the basin 50, can accidentally be put under voltage.
  • FIG 7 a possibility is diagrammatically shown of applying the vibro-massage unit 1 to a seat 70 for example of a car, of a airplane, of a watercraft, of a driving simulator, of a videogame, of a armchair for dentistry, on a psychotherapy couch etc.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Abstract

Vibra-massage unit comprising a resonating structure (1) with ergonomic shape in contact with a sound transducer (20) suitable for transmitting to it a plurality of vibrations and for propagating sound waves generated by an audio signals generator (10) after suitable amplification. The resonating structure (1) comprises essentially a central beam (2), for example curvilinear, and a plurality of rods, or boards (3), arranged transversally to it. The vibrations depart from the transducer (20) jointly for then propagating through the resonating structure (1) in a differentiated way, selectively concentrating according to their frequency and their amplitude in determined Vibra-massage unit comprising a resonating structure (1) with ergonomic shape in contact with a sound transducer (20) suitable for transmitting to it a plurality of vibrations and for propagating sound waves generated by an audio signals generator (10) after suitable amplification. The resonating structure (1) comprises essentially a central beam (2), for example curvilinear, and a plurality of rods, or boards (3), arranged transversally to it. In particular, the resonating structure can be solid, hollow, or pneumatic and can be made of material capable of conducting vibrations, for example wood, metal, glass, plastic material or conglomerated material. The vibrations depart from the transducer (20) jointly for then propagating through the resonating structure (1) in a differentiated way, selectively concentrating according to their frequency and their amplitude in determined areas of the resonating structure (1). In particular, on the resonating structure (1) it is possible to identify at least one zone (7) where the vibrations are concentrated at lower frequency and at least one zone (5) where the vibrations are concentrated at an intermediate frequency.

Description

TITLE
HARMONIC VIBRO-MASSAGE UNIT
DESCRIPTION
Field of the invention The present invention relates to a vibro-massage unit that can be used in apparatus for applying a massage on at least one part of the body of a user, for example a armchair, a couch, a footboard, etc.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a vibro-massage effect. Description of the prior art
Different devices exist capable of carrying out a massaging action on at least one part of the body of a user. These devices usually comprise a plurality of vibrating elements arranged within cushions or upholstered articles like beds, armchairs, chairs, etc. Vibro-massage obtained with these devices has mainly the object of relaxing and stretching the muscular tension of a user, and has also a therapeutic function. A first example of a vibro-massaging device is described in US 6682494. It comprises a plurality of vibrators arranged in determined areas of the stuffing of a seat of a car. The different vibrating devices are operated selectively by a control unit. In particular, each vibrator is arranged according to a recess of the stuffing, behind an upholstered portion in contact with a user.
However, the massaging action of the above described system and of similar devices is a standard one, i.e. not personalized according to the features of the user and is carried out in a uniform way on all the area of interest.
To increase the relaxing action of an armchair, couch, and similar articles comprising a vibro-massaging device as above described, the massaging action can be provided in combination with listening to the music in order to increasing the relaxing effect for the user.
To this purpose, armchairs and beds exist integrating audio amplification systems capable of transmitting the sounds to the user with a surrounding and very pleasant musical effect. However, in order to provide a relaxing effect the massage and the music have to be harmonized. In US 6027463, for example, an apparatus is described for harmonizing the two effects. It provides a plurality of vibrators arranged on an armchair according to a determined configuration and operated selectively by a processor capable of synchronizing the audio signals sent by a sound source. This way, the pulses coming from the vibrators carry out a massage at the rhythm of the selected music.
Also exist beds, divans and bathtubs that are associated to several generators of vibrations, loudspeakers, ultrasonic transducers for which it is necessary the use of ceramic plates to provide electric insulation (see for example WO 98/27923) .
The solutions of prior art are expensive, structurally complex and furthermore provide a substantially random distribution of the vibrations.
Summary of the invention It is therefore a first feature of the invention to provide a vibro-massage unit for carrying out a customized massage.
It is another feature of the invention to provide a vibro-massage unit that is structurally easy and cheap with respect to the prior art, as well as capable to convey a very effective relaxing or stimulating action responsive to desired audio frequencies. It is a further feature of the invention to provide .a vibro-massage unit that carries out a distribution of the vibrations.
These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary vibro-massage unit suitable for applying a massaging action on at least one part of the body of a user, according to the present invention, said vibro-massage unit comprising:
- a resonating structure,
- an audio signal source, - means for generating vibrations on the resonating structure, said vibrations having a frequency and a amplitude modulated on the basis of the audio signal and propagating in a differentiated way through the resonating structure in order to provide a selective vibration distribution of the vibrations on the resonating structure.
In particular, the means for generating vibrations create sound waves and carry out at the same time a vibrating action on the resonating structure. The sound and the massaging action surround then the user in perfect harmony. More in detail, the harmonic vibro-massage unit is capable of combining the effects of the massage with those of the sound and of the vibrations.
Preferably, the means for generating vibrations comprise a single sound transducer located at a determined point of the resonating structure for carrying out the above described distribution of sound waves.
Alternatively, the means for generating vibrations provide a plurality of sonic transducers located in contact of the resonating structure in order to obtain a predetermined the distribution of sound waves.
In particular, the audio signal before reaching the sound transducer crosses an amplifier suitable for interfacing the audio signal source with the means for generating vibrations.
Preferably, the resonating structure has essentially a central beam, rectilinear or curvilinear, and a plurality of rods, or boards, transversal to it. Alternatively, the resonating structure comprises a plurality of adjacent portions of different suitable thickness to provide said selective vibration distribution.
In particular, owing to the particular shape and to the distribution of the mass the resonating structure achieves a selective vibration distribution of the vibrations and of the relative tactile effect according to their frequency and to their amplitude. More in detail, on the resonating structure under vibrations it is possible to identify at least one zone where the vibrations are concentrated at lower frequency and at least one zone where the vibrations are concentrated at an intermediate frequency. This allows stimulating in a selective way different parts of the body of the user depending on corresponding zones of concentration of the vibrations in order to convey specific treatments. In particular, the vibrations at lower frequency have a frequency set between 5 and 275 Hz, whereas the vibrations at an intermediate frequency have a frequency set between 275 and 535 Hz. At the same time the vibrations at higher frequencies, i.e. in a range approximately between 535 and 800 Hz, cause a light and diffused background vibration. The audio input used for transduction and for generating the vibrations belongs then to the range of infrasonic frequencies set between 5 and 19 Hz and sonic frequencies between 20 and 800 Hz.
For example, if the vibro-massage unit is used in a couch, armchair, or similar support where the whole body of the user is involved by the massaging action , the sound waves at lower frequency convey tactile effects at the portion of the resonating structure for contacting the thorax, neck, head of the user, whereas the sound waves at an intermediate frequency convey tactile effects at the portion of the resonating structure suitable for contacting the abdomen, pelvis and legs of the user.
Advantageously, the resonating structure is made of material capable of conducting vibrations selected from the group comprised of: wood, metal, glass, plastic materials, conglomerated material.
In a possible embodiment on of the invention, the vibro- massage unit is associated to a container for liquid, for example a basin filled with water, a bath, etc.
Advantageously, the resonating structure can be put into in the container, or alternatively, be integral to the base frame of the container same.
In another exemplary embodiment, the means for generating vibrations can be arranged contacting the base of the liquid container.
According to another aspect of the invention, the vibro- massage unit above described is operated by a signal recorded in a track of a digital support for example DVD, CD, and the like.
Similarly, in different tracks of the same digital support or in a track of a different digital support a signal is contained for triggering, for modulating, or stopping appliances selected from the group comprised of: fragrances diffusers, coloured lights diffusers, etc. Brief description of the drawings
The invention will now shown with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a vibro-massage unit, according to the invention; - figure 2 shows a perspective view of the vibro-massage unit of figure 1 applied to an armchair;
- figure 3 shows a perspective view of the vibro-massage unit of figure 1 applied to a couch; - figures 4A and 4B show a perspective view the vibro- massage unit of figure 1 associated to a bath;
- figure 5 shows a perspective view of the vibro-massage unit of figure 1 applied to a footboard;
- figure 6 shows a possible exemplary embodiment of the resonating structure figure 1;
- figure 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the vibro-massage unit of figure 1.
Description of the preferred embodiments
With reference to figures from 1 to 6, a vibro-massage unit, according to the invention, provides a resonating structure 1, or 101, with ergonomic shape in contact with a sound transducer 20 suitable for transmitting to it a plurality of vibrations and for propagating sound waves generated by a generator of audio signals 10 after suitable amplification. In a first exemplary embodiment, shown in figure 1, the resonating structure 1 comprises essentially a central beam 2, for example curvilinear, and a plurality of rods, or boards 3, arranged transversally to it. The resonating structure can be solid, hollow, or pneumatic and can be made of a material capable of conducting vibrations for example wood, metal, glass, plastic material or conglomerated material.
Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment shown in figure 6, the resonating structure 101 comprises a plurality of adjacent portions 101-106 of different thickness.
In both the exemplary embodiments of the invention, for the resonating structures 1 and 101, the vibrations depart from the transducer 20 jointly for then propagating through the resonating structure 1, or 101, in a differentiated way selectively concentrating according to their frequency and their amplitude in determined areas of the resonating structure. In particular, the differentiated distribution of vibrations generated by the transducer 20 involves essentially a first zone 7, where the vibrations are concentrated at lower frequencies, i.e. frequencies set in a range about between 5 and 275 Hz, and a second zone 5, where the vibrations are concentrated having an intermediate frequency, i.e. set about between 275 and 535 Hz. The vibrations at higher frequencies, set about between 535 and 800 Hz causes a slight sensation tactile with background and diffused high vibration.
Such a distribution of the vibrations provides a massaging effect located in selected regions of the body of the user optimizing, therefore, the beneficial effect of the vibro-massage unit. It is capable of combining the massaging action with the sound transmission with a perfect harmony between the two effects.
In particular, the sound can be produced by playing a Hi-fi system, by a DVD, a CD or the like, in order to let the user to choose a desired rhythm responsive to the mood of the moment, or in harmony with particular therapies.
In particular, it is possible to use the vibro-massage unit for particular applications, for example, for carrying out a relaxing effect on the whole body of a user resting on an armchair 30 (figure 2), or on a couch 40 (figure 3) of the type used in the aesthetic centres, or for carrying out a massage therapeutic on the foot sole of the user integrating the vibro-massage unit in a footboard 60 (figure 5) . In this case two separate footboards can be provided for the feet of the user, as shown in figure 5, or alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment not shown in the figure, a single footboard for both the feet.
A further possible application of the vibro-massage unit is shown in figures 4A and 4B. In this case, the vibro-massage unit can be associated to a liquid container, for example a bath for harmonic vibrating hydro massage 50 (figure 4A) in which the user can relax surrounded by the effect produced by the transducer 20. This can be directly put in contact with the structure of the bath for harmonic vibrating hydro massage 50 (figure 4B) that would in this case resonate directly, or indirectly through a resonating structure 1 of the type above described, arranged under the bath 50 as a support for the user (figure 4A) . In this case the resonating structure may have a rectilinear profile, a curved profile of the "relax" type, or another line.
On the body of a user in bath 50, a double massaging effect is conveyed. In fact, a uniform action of skin microinassage produced by the vibrations conveyed by the water in basin 50 adds to an intense macromassaging action, which acts in depth on the muscles. The macromassaging action is in particular conveyed by the vibrations transmitted directly by the walls 51 and by the bottom 52 of the resonating bath 50. The combined action of micromassage, macromassage and music, produces on the user of the relaxing and toning up effects.
As shown in figures 4A and 4B the installation is structurally easy and cheap with remarkably reduced electric consumption with respect to baths of prior art, having traditional hydro massage. Furthermore, the use of a single transducer makes cheaper the production. Further advantages derive from the fact that normal maintenance treatment are not necessary, by the absence of electro-pumps and the vibrations associated to them, absence water remaining in ducts and pumps, that require washing, draining and cleaning cycles after use. Furthermore, differently from known hydro massage apparatus the use of bath salt and bath foam does not affect functionality. For this reason, the bath 50 can be used for applications such as mud bath therapy and the thalasso therapy .
The electric/electronic components necessary to interfacing the sound source and the sound transducer, are electrically insulated out of the resonating structure and operate even at low voltage (12 v./low current) . A risk is thus avoided that the body of the user immersed in the basin 50, can accidentally be put under voltage.
Finally, in figure 7 a possibility is diagrammatically shown of applying the vibro-massage unit 1 to a seat 70 for example of a car, of a airplane, of a watercraft, of a driving simulator, of a videogame, of a armchair for dentistry, on a psychotherapy couch etc.
The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

1. Vibro-massage unit suitable for applying a massaging action on at least one part of the body of a user characterised in that it comprises: - a resonating structure,
- a audio signal source,
- means for generating vibrations on said resonating structure, said vibrations having a frequency amd a amplitude modulated on the basis of said audio szLgnal and propagating in a differentiated way through said resonating structure in order to cause a selective vibration distribution on said resonating structurre.
2. Vibro-massage unit, according to claim 1, wherein said means for generating vibrations create sound waves and carry out at the same time a vibrating action on said resonating structure.
3. Vibro-massage unit, according to claim 1, wherein said means for generating vibrations comprise a sangle sound transducer located at a determined point of said resonating structure for carrying out said distribution of sound and infrasonic waves.
4. Vibro-massage unit, according to claims 1 arxd 3, wherein said audio signal before reaching said sound transducer crosses an amplifier suitable for interfacing said audio signal source with said means for generating vibrations.
5. Vibro-massage unit, according to claim 1, wherein said resonating structure comprises a central beam and a plurality of rods transversal to it.
6. Vibro-massage unit, according to claim 1, wherein said resonating structure comprises a plurality of adjacent portions of different thickness suitable for providing said selective vibration distribution.
7. Vibro-massage unit, according to claim 1, wherein said vibration distribution on said resonating structure provides at least one zone where the vibrations are concentrated at lower frequency and at least one zone where the vibrations are concentrated at an intermediate frequency.
8. Vibro-massage unit, according to claim 7, wherein said vibrations at lower frequency have a frequency set between 5 and 275 Hz, whereas said vibrations at an intermediate frequency have a frequency set between 275 and 535 Hz.
9. Vibro-massage unit, according to claim 1, wherein said resonating structure is made of a material capable of conducting vibrations selected from the group comprised of: wood, metal, glass, plastic materials, conglomerated material.
10. Vibro-massage unit, according to claim 1, wherein said vibro-massage unit is associated to a container containing a liquid, and, in particular is put in said container to contact its walls.
11. Vibro-massage unit, according to the previous claims, wherein said vibro-massage unit is operated by a signal recorded in a track of a digital support for example a DVD, CD, and the like.
EP05801785.6A 2004-11-03 2005-10-31 Harmonic vibro-massage unit Active EP1827351B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000080A ITPI20040080A1 (en) 2004-11-03 2004-11-03 UNIT FOR HARMONIC VIBROMASSAGE
PCT/IB2005/003245 WO2006048723A1 (en) 2004-11-03 2005-10-31 Harmonic vibro-massage unit

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EP1827351A1 true EP1827351A1 (en) 2007-09-05
EP1827351B1 EP1827351B1 (en) 2017-05-31

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EP (1) EP1827351B1 (en)
DK (1) DK1827351T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2639015T3 (en)
IT (1) ITPI20040080A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006048723A1 (en)

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Also Published As

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ES2639015T3 (en) 2017-10-25
EP1827351B1 (en) 2017-05-31
DK1827351T3 (en) 2017-09-18
WO2006048723A1 (en) 2006-05-11
ITPI20040080A1 (en) 2005-02-03

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