EP3187164A1 - Massage device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a massage device, d. H. a device to support physiotherapy treatments. More specifically, it relates to a massage device, which extends over a length direction and a width direction, which span a base surface and extending over a height direction, a support frame (12), an over the support frame (12) arranged elastic element (20) and a in the knuckle insert (14) arranged above the elastic element (20), which knobs (24) and a support track (22) extends and extends in the length and width directions, wherein the support track (22) and the knobs (24) respectively by the elastic element (20) elastically can recede in the direction of the support frame (12). The invention further relates to a kit for a massage device.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a massage device, that is a device for supporting physiotherapeutic treatments. It can be about the self-treatment, d. H. essentially to the self-massage, or even a treatment under guidance, for example, the guidance of a masseur, nurse, physiotherapist or in individual cases, a doctor.

Background of the invention

Physiotherapeutic treatments and in particular massages and related manual treatments play an important role in preventive health care but also in curative treatments. Such treatments can strengthen the muscles, promote blood circulation, address nerve endings, and also address foot reflex zones in a proven way. The treatment of the human foot has a great and recognized importance in this context. Accordingly, a number of devices are known.

The Utility Model DE 20 2010 013 662 U1 discloses a massage mat. This mat includes a bottom portion from which extend massage nubs. This mat is a cost-effective and universally applicable device. It is suitable for many forms of foot massage and stimulation. In particular, when the doormat is used in a home environment and without further guidance, it may be used on soft, and in some cases too soft ground, such as a deep pile carpet, but it may also be on a very hard floor and may be used for a particular application to hard ground, such as a concrete floor.

The utility model DE 298 04 974 U1 discloses a soles Reflexology massager. This device comprises a base plate and a box-shaped frame arranged above. In the frame pins are arranged, which may have different shapes, and to act on the feet of the user. Each pin is individually connected to a coil spring. Although this resilient mounting of the pins may be satisfactory and allow the replacement of individual pins, but on the other hand seems mechanically complex. Consequently, the device can hardly be produced inexpensively and appears both in the delivery as well as in the application, especially in a private environment, heavy and a little bulky.

In the context of the present invention, these disadvantages of the prior art should be overcome. It should be offered a sophisticated, yet inexpensive manufacturable massage device. This should be practical in their form, handy and aesthetically pleasing.

This object is achieved by a massage device according to claim 1.

In the context of the present invention, a massage device should generally be understood to mean a physiotherapeutically effective device. The device can thus both act on the muscles as well as have the task to address nerves or the like. The massaging device extends substantially flat over a length direction and a width direction perpendicular thereto. These two directions span a base area. Perpendicular to this base, the massage device extends in a height direction, but this extension is typically significantly less than that in the width direction and length direction.

The massage device should have a support frame. The support frame also extends mainly in length and Width direction. It may be in the supervision of the base, for example, oval, round or rectangular. Also a square shape is often appropriate. With the support frame, the massage device to be placed on a floor surface, such as the floor of a living or treatment room. The support frame supports an elastic member which is disposed above in the height direction. In turn, a studded insert is arranged above this elastic element. This includes nubs and a track. The support track gives the knobs hold, they will in particular set the distance between the knobs to each other and fix it about. The knobs may be made in one piece with the support track, they may also represent separate elements which are mechanically connected to the support track. For example, nubs could be used in recesses of a supporting track.

In the massage device according to the invention, the support track can recede in the direction of the support frame. This retreat can be done by a distance of only millimeter fractions or even by several millimeters or centimeters. Also, the knobs may reject towards the support frame. The distance covered by the knobs can be equal to the distance the runway recedes; it can also be 20%, or 40%, or 60%, or even 100% larger. In general, the support track and the knobs will recede together in the direction of the support frame.

The elastic element should cause a counterforce in this backward movement. In addition, the elastic element will preferably apply a restoring force. If, in the context of the present invention, the elastic retraction of the support track and / or the nubs is mentioned, then it is meant that such a return movement is mechanically possible and a counterforce is thereby effective. Preferably, a restoring force is additionally effective, which corresponds even more to the concept of elasticity. Particularly expediently, the restoring force and the reset effect so that a return to the initial state is achieved. Alternatively, therefore, in the context of the present invention, a "resilient" retreat of the support track and / or the nubs could be mentioned, since both a counterforce and a restoring force is used in the manner of a typical spring action.

The elastic element can offer a variety of functions within the scope of the present invention. As explained, it can transmit a restoring force to the nubs. Thus, it causes the nubs each in good contact with a body part, as assumed below, for example, with the foot of a user stand. In addition, however, the elastic element can also emulate a footprint or, in other words, take a foot well and partially enclose. This allows the orientation of the knobs to be adapted to the foot. This results in the pimples being brought into a favorable position on the whole foot. Another benefit of the elastic system is that when using the massage device, the user is encouraged to maintain body balance. This has been proven physiotherapeutically very beneficial effect.

A suitable massage device comprises a support frame having a bottom plate. The bottom plate allows the safe positioning of the massage device on different surfaces. It is expedient if the elastic element, which is indeed to apply the restoring force and thereby indirectly can be supported at the bottom of Aufstellortes, over at least 50% (preferably also 70% or 100%) of its surface is supported by the bottom plate.

It is also expedient if the support frame has at least one support edge. This support edge can support the element laterally, so to limit its extension in the length and / or width direction.

It is also expedient if such a supporting edge also supports the massage mat. This support can also limit the expansion or displacement of the massage mat in the length and / or width direction.

It is expedient if the dimpled mat is substantially flush with the supporting edge or a supporting frame. This makes the device easy to use and avoids injuries. It is particularly useful if the support path of a dimpled mat at the same height as the support edge terminates, but the knobs protrude beyond the support edge.

It should be noted that a pressure on the elastic element from above can cause an evasive movement of the elastic element. Similarly, this may apply to the use of pimples. This is especially true when the elastic element is designed pillow-shaped.

A suitable elastic element may also comprise an outer shell and a filling therein, e.g. have a gel-like or generally viscous filling. The filling can be compressed. In individual cases, the filling may also be a liquid or a gas. Foams and litter material (possibly polystyrene beads, preferably elastic particles) are also possible.

Pressure from above, however, causes the filling to expand again in the length and width directions. If this expansion is limited by at least one support edge, then the restoring forces applied by the elastic element are greater or at least generally defined.

In this sense, it is also advantageous if more than one support edge are provided. For example, two opposing support edges may be provided. Likewise, two can Pairs mutually opposite support edges may be provided, which form a peripheral frame. A circumferential frame can also be formed from, for example, three supporting edges, so that the frame is then triangular. In particular, when an oval or round frame shape is selected, the peripheral frame need not include a countable number of support edges.

In principle, in the context of the present invention, the support frame can have a multiplicity of forms. For example, a round, oval, rectangular or square support frame is advantageous. The support frame can also have the shape of a polygon. Also irregular frame shape may be advantageous. Frequently, for example, an organic frame shape is perceived as appropriate, for example, individual edges may be concavo-convex or wavy in general. The form of the elastic pad and the shape of the studded insert must also be adapted to the corresponding frame shape.

It has proved to be particularly useful when the elastic element in the height direction has an extension (or thickness) of 1 cm to 10 cm. Particularly useful is a thickness of 2 cm to 5 cm. Often 3 cm to 3.5 cm are very appropriate. This Thickbemaßung makes it possible to form a resilient element with a variety of common viscous materials, which applies restoring forces that are useful for typical users.

In the context of the invention, it is also very useful if the elastic element is deformable. In this way, the elastic element can conform well to the shape of a user's foot. It is useful if the knobbed insert and in particular the supporting track are flexible. Their flexibility in conjunction with a deformable elastic element to a very good massage effects on the human foot.

For the purposes of the present invention, the elastic element can be understood as a technical replacement for a variety of springs. But if a deformable elastic element is chosen, this leads to a much more efficient and pleasant massage effect, as has been shown. Incidentally, the use of an elastic element avoids effects such as jamming, jamming or even rusting of individual spring elements.

For the purposes of the present invention, it may be expedient if the support frame has relatively high support edges, so that the support frame supports both the elastic element on at least one edge or often circumferentially on all edges and supports the studded insert on one edge or circumferentially on all edges , But it may also be appropriate to design a relatively flat support frame, which offers at least one support edge only for the elastic element. The elastic element can then itself be equipped with at least one further supporting edge, which supports the knobbed insert. Preferably, the elastic element will have a plurality of support edges, for example, it may also have a circumferential support frame. As a result, the elastic element can accommodate and support the nap insert. It is advantageous in any case when the studded insert is held by the elastic element positively. In order for a positive fit to come about, the at least one supporting edge of the elastic element should be able to support a corresponding element of the studded insert, for example a corresponding supporting edge or a corresponding projection on the studded insert. It is particularly useful when pairwise opposite support edges of the elastic element have the same distance as pairwise opposite support edges of the support frame. Accordingly, it is also expedient if a support frame formed on the elastic element has the same dimensions as an am Support frame trained support frame. In such a case, the nub insert may alternatively be received by the support frame or the elastic member. Then it is possible to use the massage device with or without elastic element. Thus, if one wishes to achieve certain physiotherapeutic effects, for example, a harder surface, the elastic pad may be omitted for certain exercises or treatments, and the massage insert is placed directly on the support frame. Due to the appropriate dimensioning of the support frame on the support frame, corresponding to the support frame on the elastic element, neither positive fit can be made with the knobbed insert. Furthermore, sleeping in other situations is also conceivable to use the studded insert together with the elastic element, but without a supporting frame.

According to this concept, a kit can also be advantageously provided. From such a kit, a user or therapist can assemble various massaging devices. For example, the kit may comprise a studded insert and at least the support frame or a studded insert and at least one elastic element. A convenient kit includes the studded insert, an elastic element and a support frame. Another convenient kit includes the studded insert, a support frame and a first-order elastic member, and a second-type elastic member. For example, the elastic members of various types may have different hardnesses. You can also have different heights and thus a sinking depths. Of course, a third or fourth type elastic element could also be added. Such elastic elements could be equipped with additional functions in addition to special mechanical properties. For example, it would be conceivable for a kit to include an elastic element without a heating device and an elastic element with a heating device. It would also be conceivable to have an elastic element with heating device, which naturally is more expensive, as retrofit element for an already sold kit offers.

In addition to an advantageous spring effect, the elastic element makes it well possible to combine the massage device with other devices that strongly support the therapeutic effect. Similarly, this would not be possible with classic spring elements, such as coil springs.

For example, it is advantageous for the purposes of the present invention if a heating device is provided in the massage device. This heater should act on the knobbed insert. Heat is not only perceived as pleasant, but also promotes the therapeutic efficiency of a massage. It can be particularly expedient if a heating device is received by an elastic element. For example, if the elastic element comprises a gel-like mass, this mass can be heated as a whole. This allows a uniform heat distribution and transfer to the studded insert. Furthermore, the high heat capacity of a gel can then be meaningfully used to keep the temperature constant and also to maintain an elevated temperature after switching off the heater.

A massage device is also particularly effective if it has a drivable mechanical stimulation device. This can transmit vibrations to the feet of a user. Again, it may be useful if this stimulation device is absorbed by the elastic element. On the one hand, vibrations can be absorbed that should not be passed on to the supporting frame. On the other hand, the elastic element provides an ideal location to transmit such mechanical stimulation. They then do not act quite directly on the feet of a user, as in the direct mechanical stimulation of the dimpled mat would be the case, but they are also not too far away from the dimpled mat to work efficiently.

The mechanical stimulation device is particularly expediently driven by an external energy source. In many cases, an electric motor is appropriate, which can be connected to the house power network.

It is also useful if the massage device has sensors. Practical sensors are known to the person skilled in the art, often piezoelectric sensors are useful. These sensors can generally monitor the massage process. This involves both the mere monitoring of the user movement and the additional monitoring of movements that are caused by a mechanical stimulation device. Such piezoelectric sensors can be suitably absorbed by the elastic element. They can record movements there efficiently, but are well protected against disturbing influences and also against external damage. It is particularly expedient if the piezoelectric sensors are connected to a device for step counting. The foot massage can be conveniently combined with walking movements in many cases. The step count then allows monitoring the intensity of usage.

A particularly suitable massage device can also have a heating device in combination with a drivable mechanical stimulation device, and / or a mechanical stimulation device in combination with piezoelectric sensors. In all cases, the sensors can in turn be suitably connected to a device for step counting.

Such a device may also include external data processing devices for step counting. It can also include external ads. It has proved to be particularly useful when the massage device can make a radio contact with a tablet computer or mobile phone of a user. The step count and the display of other usage parameters can then be done via an app / application program on such a device. Such a device may also be used to input desired usage parameters, for example, to specify a heating temperature or the intensity of a mechanical stimulation.

Fig. 1

zeigt in perspektivischer Darstellung eine erfindungsgemäße Massagevorrichtung 10.

Fig. 2

zeigt eine Querschnittsansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Massagevorrichtung 10.

Fig. 3

zeigt den Aufbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Massagevorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Explosionszeichnung.

Fig. 4

zeigt die erfindungsgemäße Massagevorrichtung in der Aufsicht.

Fig. 5

zeigt eine Aufsicht auf eine andere erfindungsgemäße Massagevorrichtung.

Fig. 6

zeigt diese andere erfindungsgemäße Massagevorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Explosionszeichnung.

Fig. 7

zeigt eine Unteransicht dieser Massagevorrichtung.

Fig. 8

zeigt einen Querschnitt durch diese Massagevorrichtung entlang der Linie VIII-VIII.

Fig. 9

zeigt einen Querschnitt durch diese Massagevorrichtung entlang der Linie IX-IX.

Other features, but also advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and the accompanying description. In the figures and in the accompanying descriptions, features of the invention are described in combination. However, these features may also be included in other combinations of an article of the invention. Each disclosed feature is thus also to be regarded as disclosed in technically meaningful combinations with other features. The illustrations are partly slightly simplified and schematic:

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of a massage device 10 according to the invention.

Fig. 2

shows a cross-sectional view of the massage device 10 according to the invention.

Fig. 3

shows the structure of a massage device according to the invention in a perspective exploded view.

Fig. 4

shows the massage device according to the invention in the supervision.

Fig. 5

shows a plan view of another massage device according to the invention.

Fig. 6

shows this other massage device according to the invention in a perspective exploded view.

Fig. 7

shows a bottom view of this massage device.

Fig. 8

shows a cross section through this massage device along the line VIII-VIII.

Fig. 9

shows a cross section through this massage device along the line IX-IX.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a massage device 10 according to the invention. This has a support frame 12. The nubbed mat encloses substantially flush with the support frame, individual studs protrude beyond the support frame, however. The support frame recognizes a secure state of the massage device on different surfaces. It also decouples the dimpled mat from the ground, so that when using the dimpled mat, the type of substrate is usually not noticeable to the user.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the massage device according to the invention 10. The support frame 12 includes a bottom plate 16. This bottom plate is surrounded by support edges, for example, from the mutually opposite support edges 18A and 18B. On the bottom plate 16, the elastic element 20 is located, which is to both Side is bordered by the supporting edges 18A and 18B. On the elastic element 20, in turn, the knobbed insert 14 rests.

The structure of this massage device according to the invention is particularly well in the perspective exploded view of Fig. 3 recognizable. The support frame consists of the bottom plate 16 and the peripheral support frame 26. This support frame takes the elastic element 20 flush. On the elastic member 20, the studded insert 14 is placed, which consists of the support track 22 and about rising nubs 24.

Fig. 4 shows the structure of a massage device according to the invention in a perspective exploded view. The user steps on the centrally positioned pimple insert. This is surrounded by the support frame 26 around. Intuitively, the user will perform movements only in the area of the stud insert 14. For example, the movements come into consideration, which have a good physiotherapeutic effect. Should the user once outside of the stud insert 14 occur, this is safe, since the support frame is dimensioned so that a foot continues to find secure support. It has proven to be expedient if the inner sides of the support frame have either straight edges or concave-convexly curved edges. Particularly useful is the combination of both edge shapes. This combination causes a particularly favorable elastic support of walking movements. The step direction is intuitively along the concave-convex edges and the straight edges are considered as step boundaries.

Fig. 5 On the support frame, the elastic element 20 is placed, which, however, is wider and longer than the knobbed insert 14, so that the Pimple insert 14 is surrounded by a bead 21 of the elastic element 20.

The construction of this other massage device 10 according to the invention is in the exploded perspective view of Fig. 6 especially clear. As a ground-level element, the massage device has again on the support frame 12. This has circumferentially supporting edges, which limit a receiving tray 27. In these supporting edges, the elastic element 20 can be fitted. The elastic element 20 has circumferentially the bead 21. On the inside of the bead, the elastic element 20 in turn has supporting edges 28, which form a further receiving shell 29. These may be straight, such as the support edge 28A, or concavo-convex, such as the support edge 28B. The support edges in turn form a circumferential support frame. This support frame takes the knobbed insert 14 in a form-fitting manner.

Fig. 7 shows the bottom view of the support frame 12. This support frame 12 can be made for example as an injection molded frame. He expediently has struts 30, which serve for its mechanical stabilization. For safe and scratch-free positioning on a substrate, the support frame 12 support pads 32. Some of these nubs, such as nub 32A, are positioned at the corners of the support frame 12. Other nubs, such as the cradle 32B, are positioned at the crossing points of struts. This ensures a very stable support of the support frame 12 on a substrate. Further, in the support frame 12 armature 34 are provided. These magnetic anchors can be used for secure anchoring of elastic elements. This principle becomes even clearer from the following sections.

Fig. 8 shows a cross section through the center of the massage device from a straight support edge of the support frame 12 to the opposite straight support edge of the support frame 12. It can be seen well in this illustration, how the support frame can be positioned well and safely on a floor by various Auflagenoppen 32. The support frame 12 has two opposing support edges 18A and 18B. Above this, the elastic element 20 rises. The bottom side of the elastic element 20 has a planar projection which forms (not designated) counter-edges to the support edges 18A and 18B. Between the edges 18A and 18B, a receiving tray 27 for the projecting part of the elastic pad 20 is formed.

Incidentally, the elastic member 20 has a circumferential bead 21 which rises above the edges of the support frame 12. On the inside of this bead 21, the elastic element 20 in turn has supporting edges 28A and 28B. Between these supporting edges 28A and 28B, a receiving tray 29 is formed. This receiving tray 29 receives the studded insert 14. More specifically, the support track 22 of the knobbed insert 14 is received, so that the knobs 24 rise above the receiving tray 29.

As can be seen in this cross-section, the distance between the supporting edges 18A and 18B corresponds exactly to the distance between the supporting edges 28A and 28B. Overall, even the receiving tray 27 of the support frame 12 is the same size as the receiving shell 29 of the elastic element 20. Therefore, it is possible to use the nub insert 14 in this embodiment of a massage device without elastic element 20 only with the support frame 12. Further, since the elastic member 20 securely holds the knobbed insert 14 with its receiving tray 29, it is also possible to provide a massaging apparatus without a supporting frame 12. In this case, the elastic element 12 is placed directly on a suitable substrate.

Fig. 9 shows another cross section through this embodiment of a massage device 10, as in Fig. 7 penciled. Consequently, it can again be seen that the elastic element 20 is placed on the support frame 12 and that the stud insert 14 is placed thereon. In this cross-sectional view, however, the position of two magnet armatures 34A and 34B, which are embedded in the support frame 12, is additionally recognized. Corresponding to these armatures magnet holder 36 36 are provided in the knobbed insert 14. These magnetic holders 36 can be accommodated under nubs in a particularly favorable manner, as shown for the holders 36A and 36B. The provision of magnet armatures 34 with corresponding magnet holders 36 ensures that the nubbed insert is always held securely by the form-fitting hold which the receiving shell provides in the elastic element 20. This extra hold may be particularly useful when the massage device 10 is hung on a wall after use.

In this embodiment, it is also clear that armature and magnet holder can be useful in other forms. For example, magnetic elements can be glued on. In general, other mechanical fasteners, usually in each case pairs of fasteners into consideration. For example, push buttons or Velcro closures are also useful. In individual cases, an adhesive use, in particular a detachable and reconnectable adhesive bond may be useful.

Overall, it shows how to make a convenient massage device. This is more demanding and physiotherapeutically more efficient than a simple massage mat, but at the same time just as easy and intuitive to use.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Massage device

12

supporting frame

14

nubs use

16

baseplate

18

supporting edge

20

Elastic element

21

bead

22

supporting race

24

burl

26

support frame

27

Receiving tray (of the supporting frame)

28

supporting edge

29

Receiving tray (of the elastic element)

30

strut

32

Auflagenoppe

34

armature

36

magnetic holder

Claims (15)

A massaging device (10) having a support frame (12) extending along a length direction and a width direction spanning a base and extending along a height direction, an elastic member (20) disposed above the support frame (12), and a height direction studded insert (14) arranged above the elastic element (20), which studs (24) and a support track (22) and extends in the length and width direction, wherein the support track (22) and the studs (24) respectively through the Acting of the elastic element (20) elastically can recede in the direction of the support frame (12). A massage device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the support frame (12) has a bottom plate (16) which supports the elastic element (20) over at least half its area. Massage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (12) has at least one support edge (18) and the support edge (18) supports the elastic element (20) in the length direction and / or width direction. A massage device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support edge (18) supports the massage mat. Massage device (10), wherein at least a first, a second and a third support edge (18) are provided, which form a peripheral support frame (26). Massage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element (20) in the height direction has an extension between 1 cm and 10 cm. A massage device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic member (20) comprises an outer shell and a viscous filling. Massage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the massage insert has a carrier web (22) and nubs (24) and the nubs (24) are formed from the material of the carrier web (22). Massage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a heating device is provided, which acts on the nubbed insert (14). A massage device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the heating device is received by the elastic element (20). Massage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a drivable mechanical stimulation device is provided. A massage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which has piezoelectric sensors. A massage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piezoelectric sensors are connected to a step counter. Kit for a massage device (10), wherein the kit comprises a studded insert (14), and the kit further comprises at least one support frame (12) and at least one elastic element (20), wherein the studded insert with both the elastic element (20) and also with the support frame (12) can be combined and is held in each case form-fitting manner. Kit for a massage device (10) according to the preceding claim, which has a nub insert (14), further comprising a support frame (12) and at least one first elastic element (20) which can be held by the support frame (12) in a form-fitting manner.

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