NZ553407A - Piezoelectric stimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

A piezoelectric stimulator (1) with particular application in the treatment of slight pains or stings is disclosed. The stimulator has a main body (2) that houses a high-tension generator (6), with actuation means (7) operatively connected to actuate the high-tension generator. A curved terminal (3) at the end of the main body supports a main electrode (4) at an offset position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body. The electrode is electrically connected to the high-tension generator. The stimulator includes a key button (16) connected with the actuation means and instantly switchable between a rest position and an operative position in which the key button mechanically operates the actuation means. The key button has a body of insulating material crossed by a conducting element. The key button is electrically isolated from the actuation means in the rest position, and electrically connected to the generator in the operative position, in order to provide a difference in electrical potential between the main electrode and the key button.

Description

10053303961* ;55 3 4 0 7 ;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. ;2 3 FEB 2007 RECEIVED ;NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 ;No: ;Date: ;COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ;PIEZOELECTRIC STIMULATOR ;I, PIERO PUCCI, an Italian citizen of Via Barberino, 257 - 50041 Calenzano(FI), Italy, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: ;DESCRIPTION "PIEZOELECTRIC STIMULATOR" ;The present invention refers to a piezoelectric stimulator. ;In particular, the present invention has application in the therapeutic treatment of slight pains or stings. Stimulators are known that, when applied to very-limited regions of the human body, relieve slight pains by generating an electric discharge at high voltage with the use of a piezoelectric material. These devices are of reduced dimensions and can be used in self-treatment procedures. ;The known stimulators comprise, in general, a main housing body made of insulating material. Contained in the main body are electric-tension generating means. Such generating means consist of a crystal of piezoelectric material, preferably quartz. ;When piezoelectric materials are subjected to a load causing a deformation thereof, an electric tension sets up at the ends of the same material. ;The crystal has preferably a cylindrical shape and is supported by a suitable frame. ;Also held in the main body are suitable actuation means which are made to act onto the electric-tension generating means. These means, in general, include a ;2 ;striker intended to hit the quartz crystal. This impact is for causing a deformation of the latter that generates an electric tension. The actuation means are activated through a suitable key button. The latter, when pressed, is cause for a very rapid displacement of the striker that hits the crystal. ;Some stimulators of known type also comprise an active electrode held in one main body's end. The electrode is alligned with a longitudinal axis of the main body and is made to face an aperture formed on the same end. This end is intended to rest onto the aching spot. In this type of stimulators, it is necessary that a limited region thereof be made of conducting material to form a second point of electric contact with the human body. By way of example, such region may be formed close to a stimulator's handle. Said conducting region has the purpose to make a closed electric circuit with the main electrode when the stimulator is actuated. In fact, when the end provided with the electrode is applied to the spot to be treated, it is necessary to close the circuit with the crystal so as to transfer the electric tension to the main electrode to generate the electric discharge. ;A disadvantage of the above described stimulators is that they are awkward to be used for treating body's ;3 ;parts difficult to be reached, such as the neck or the back. ;Such poor practicality is due to the fact that, in the stimulators of known type, the key button for starting the actuation means is disposed at the end opposite to that applied on the spot to be treated and provided with the electrode. ;Owing to this geometrical configuration of the stimulator, the user is hardly able to applied it onto the body's part by the natural movements of the wrist. In this context, the technical object of the present invention is to propose a piezoelectric stimulator that in at least its preferred embodiments overcomes the drawbacks of the piezoelectric stimulators of the prior art. ;In particular, the object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide a piezoelectric stimulator easily and comfortably usable also on parts of the human body difficult to be reached. ;These and further objects that will be best understood by the following description, are substantially obtained by means of a piezoelectric stimulator comprising a main housing body, high tension generating means held in the main body, actuation means operatively connected with the high-tension generating means for activating said high-tension generating ;IPONZ ;4 (followed by page 4a) 2 9 JAft 2U08 ;means; a curved terminal located at a first end of the main housing body in order to support, at an offset position with respect to a longitudinal axis of the main body, a main electrode electrically connected with said generating means, said stimulator characterized in that it further comprises a key button operatively connected with the actuation means and instantly switchable between a first rest position and a second operative position in which the key button operates mechanically the actuation means, said key button comprising a body of insulating material crossed by a conducting element, the key button being electrically isolated from the actuation means in the first rest position, and being electrically connected with said generating means in the second operative position, in order to provide a differential of electric potential between the main electrode and the key button. ;Further characteristics and advantages will appear more clearly by the detailed description of a preferred, but ;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. ;20 MAR 2008 RECEIVED ;4a (followed by page 5) ;non-exclusive embodiment of a piezoelectric stimulator according to the present invention. ;The description that follows is with reference to the accompanying drawings, given only by way of example and, therefore, not to be intended in a limitative sense, wherein: ;Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the piezoelectric stimulator according to the present invention; ;Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stimulator of Fig. 1; ;Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a detail in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the device; Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the device of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a piezoelectric stimulator, according to the present invention, in non-operative configuration; ;Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the stimulator of Fig. 6 in operative configuration; ;Fig. 8 is a side view of the stimulator of Figs. 6-7 which is assembled in non-operative configuration; Fig. 9 is a side view of Figs. 6-8 in operative configuration; ;5 ;Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of Figs. 6-9; ;Fig. 11 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the piezoelectric stimulator according to the present invention, in non-operative configuration; Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the stmulator of Fig. 11 in operative configuration; ;Fig. 13 is a side view of the stimulator of Figs. 11-12 which is assembled in non-operative configuration; ;Fig. 14 is a side view of the stmulator of Figs. 11-13 in operative configuration; and ;Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the piezoelectric stimulator of Figs. 11-14. ;With reference to the above cited figures, numeral 1 indicates in the whole a piezoelectric stimulator according to the present invention. ;The stimulator 1 includes a housing body 2, preferably made of insulating material. In the illustrated example, the main body 2 is hollow and exhibits an extended shape along its longitudinal axis "X". Within the scope of the present invention, the longitudinal axis "X" is defined as an axis parallel to the ;6 ;direction of prevalent development of the main housing body 2. ;Fixed to a first end 2a of the main body 2 is a curved terminal 3 holding inside a main electrode 4. The main electrode 4 is inserted into the curved terminal 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "X" of the main body 2. The curved terminal 3 exhibits a free end 3a on which the main electrode 4 is made to face. Such free end 3a is intended to come in contact with the aching spot of the user's body. ;The stimulator 1 further comprises a piezoelectric device 5 of known type. Such piezoelectric device 5 includes high-tension generating means 6 and actuation means 7 operatively connected with the high-tension generating means 6. The latter are able to generate a very high electric tension that can also reach 15 kV. The piezoelectric device 5 is inserted parallel into the main housing body 2 through an aperture located close to a second end 2b of the same main body 2. The generating means 6 comprise a piezoelectric crystal 8. Such crystal 8 is preferably of cylindrical shape and disposed in the main body 2 parallel to the axis "X" thereof. By way of example, the said crystal 8 is made of quartz. ;7 ;Disposed at a first end 8a of crystal 8 is a first boss 9 which is preferably made of conducting material. Disposed at a second end 8b of crystal 8, opposite to the first end, is a second boss 10 preferably of conducting material. ;The generating means 6 also comprise a secondary electrode 11 connected with the second boss 10 and operatively connected with the main electrode 4 so as to apply tension up to the free end 3a of the curved terminal 3. ;The generating means 6 further comprise a frame 12 which supports the crystal 8 and the first and second bosses 9 and 10. ;The actuation means 7 comprise a striker 13 intended to hit the generating means 6 to generate electric tension. In particular, the striker 13 is of elongated, preferably cylindrical shape and made of metal. The striker 13 hits the first boss 9 and the latter transmits the stress to crystal 8. In this way, the crystal 8 deforms and generates the desired electric tension due to the piezoelectric effect. ;The actuation means 7 also include a push button 14 of extended shape and able to be inserted into the main body 2 parallel to the axis "X" of body 2. The push ;8 ;button 14 exhibits a hole 15 passing between a first end 14a and a second end 14b opposite to the first. The push button 14 results connected to a key button 16 in proximity of its second end 14b. The key button 16 is thus operatively connected with the actuation means 7. ;A first spring 17 in inserted into the hole 15 and has a first end 17a connected with the key button 16, and a second end 17b, opposite to the first, connected with the striker 13 by a spacer 18. ;A locking pin 19 is trasversally connected with the striker 13. ;The actuation means 7 also comprise a second, resetting spring 20 having rigidity higher than that of the first spring 17. The second spring 20 is connected by its first end 20a to the frame 12, and by its second end 20b to the first end 14a of push button 14. The second, resetting spring 20 has such an inner diameter to allow the striker 13 to slide thereinside. ;The key button 16 is to be pressed by the user for generating the elctric discharge. In particular, the key button 16 is switchable between a first rest position and a second operative position in which the key button operates mechanically the actuation means 7. In the rest position, the second resetting spring 20 ;9 ;results extended, and the striker 13 is located close to the push button 14. In the second operative position, the push button 14 is moved close to the generating means 6, and the second spring 20 results compressed. Besides, the striker 13 is attached to the first boss 9 of the generating means 6. ;The key button 16 can be advantageously made of a conducting material. In this way, in fact, the moment the striker 13 hits the first boss 9, the main electrode 4 results electrically connected with the key button 16. ;During operation, the user holds the piezoelectric stimulator 1 by grasping the connecting main body 2, and puts the free end 3a of terminal 3 onto the aching spot of his/her body. Then presses the key button 16 with a finger. In this way, the push button 14 slides inside the main body 2 by compressing the second resetting spring 20. The locking pin 19 keeps the striker 13 stopped. Accordingly, the first spring 17 is compressed, thereby acting on the striker 13 with a force directed toward the crystal 8. When the deformation of the first spring 17 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the locking pin 19 is released, thus allowing the striker 13 to move toward the crystal 8 at high speed inside the second spring ;10 ;20. The striker 13 hits then the first boss 9 of the generating means 6 and, as above mentioned, transmits the stress to the crystal 8 which deforms and generates the desired electric tension. The electric tension is applied to the main electrode 4 by passing through the second boss 10 and secondary electrode 11. A differential of electric potential is thus generated between the main electrode 4 and the key button 16. As previously mentioned, the moment the striker 13 comes in contact with the first boss 9, the electric circuit results closed. In this way, the electric tension present on the main electrode 4 generates the electric discharge that is made to act onto the aching spot to be treated. ;The second, resetting spring 20 has thus the function of moving the push button 14 and key button 16 back to the first rest position. ;The present invention achieves the proposed objects and provides important advantages. ;First of all, the application of curved terminal 3 on the first end 2a of the main housing body 2 allows the user to easily reach portions of his/her body difficult to be accessed. In fact, by way of example, should the spot to be treated be close to the user's neck or back, ;11 ;the same user would be able to apply the free end 3a of curved terminal 3 onto such spot, fully independently. Moreover, as the key button 16 can be advantageously made of a conducting material, the closing of the electric circuit can be obtained by simply pressing said key button 16 without any special precaution. Described herebelow is a preferred embodiment of the device, with reference to Figs. 4 and 5, in which the key button 14 consists of a perforated stem superimposed by a key button 16 also centrally perforated in correspondence of a cavity 21. ;In this embodiment - the operation being equal to that above described - the spring 17 has such longitudinal dimensions as to be able to press a metal sphere 22 sliding into the cavity of the stem of push button 14, as far as to face the cavity 21 of key button 16, said cavity having diameter slightly lower than that of the sphere to prevent the passage thereof and still allowing it to make contact with the user. ;Described with reference to Figs. 6 to 15 is a second and a third embodiments of a piezoelectric stimulator according to the present invention. ;In particular, the stimulator 1 includes a housing body 2, preferably made of insulating material, a ;12 ;piezoelectric device 5 of known type, and respective actuation means 7 for the activation thereof. ;In the illustrated example, the main body 2 is hollow and comprises a first portion 2b of ergonomic shape developing substatially along a longitudinal axis "X" from which a curved "nose" 2a extends to end up with a terminal active surface 3 with axis "Y" oriented at an angle "a" to the axis "X". ;Supported inside the curved nose 2a is a main electrode 4 which is made to face, or project partially from, the end 3, and being electrically connected to the piezoelectric device 5. ;The actuation means 7 are interposed between the first portion 2b and the curved nose 2a. ;Within the scope of the present invention, the longitudinal axis "X" is defined as an axis parallel to the direction of prevalent development of the first ergonomic shaped portion 2b of the main housing body 2. The axis "Y" is instead defined as the axis normal to a flat surface 27 onto which the active end 3, that holds the electrode 4 inside, is laid. ;This end 3, holding the main electrode 4, is intended to come in contact with the user body's spot to be treated when using the present stimulator. ;13 ;The intersection between the axis "X" and the axis "Y" generates an angle "a" in the range of 60° to 120°, preferably 90°. ;The main electrode 4, being disposed on the surface 3, takes up a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "X" of the ergonomic portion 2b. The piezoelectric device 5 comprises high-tension (up to 15 kV) generating means connected to the actuation means 7. ;The piezoelectric device 5 is preferably placed in a position parallel to the axis "X", inside the main housing body 2, through an aperture located close to the first ergonomic portion 2b of the main body 2. ;It is understood that the piezoelectric device 5 - and thus all the components connected therewith - may be disposed at positions slantwise to the axis "X" to meet various requirements, for example to further reducing the overall dimensions of the stimulator in order to make it more comfortably portable. ;The said generating means comprise a piezoelectric crystal of preferably cylindrical shape and made of quartz, for example. The piezoelectric device 5 is connected with the main electrode 4 via an electric connection 22 so as to apply tension up to the curved ;14 ;end 3 which, in use, will come in contact with the user body's part to be treated. ;The activation means of the piezoelectric device 5 are made up of a key button 16 of extended shape to be inserted into the main body 2 through guiding supports 26, at a position substantially parallel to the axis "X" of body 2. ;The key button 16 includes a cavity inside which a metal sphere 25 is so inserted as to partially disappear, said key button being pressed by the user for generating the electric discharge. ;In particular, the key button 16 can be switched between a first rest position and a second operative position in which the sphere 25 activates mechanically and electrically the piezoelectric device 5. Advantageously, the key button 16 may be made from a conducting material. In this case, the presence of the metal sphere 25 will not be necessary inasmuch as, in the operative position, the main electrode 4 will result directly activated by the key button 16 via the piezoelectric device 5 and connection 22. ;During operation, the user holds the piezoelectric stimulator 1 by grasping the main body 2 in correspondence of the first ergonomic portion 2b, and puts the curved end 3 onto his/her body's spot to be ;15 ;treated. Then he/she presses the key button 16 with a finger, in correspondence of the metal sphere 25, by acting onto the striker with a force directed towards the crystal which becomes deformed by the impact, thereby generating the desired electric tension. The electric tension is applied to the main electrode 4 via the electric connection 22. ;A differential voltage is therefore generated between the main electrode 4 and the metal sphere 25. ;Since the electric circuit results closed, the electric tension present on the main eletrode 4 generates the electric discharge which is made to act onto the aching spot to be treated. ;Advantageously, the piezoelectric stimulator 1 of the present invention is of pocket-size form thanks to its reduced dimensions and, moreover, includes a coupling means of easy and practical use. ;The coupling means is made up of an annular support 24, of a type generally used for key rings, and of a respective seat 23 formed directly at a predetermined region of the main body 2. ;The present invention achieves the proposed objects and provides important advantages. ;First of all, the application of the main electrode 4 onto the end 3, with normal axis "Y" of curved nose 2a, ;16 ;allows the user to easily reach portions of his/her body difficult to be accessed. In fact, by way of example, should the spot to be treated be close to the neck or the back, the user would be able to apply the said end 3 onto such spot, fully independently. A second advantage is given by the fact that by interposing the actuation means 7 between the piezoelectric device 5 and the main electrode 4, there is obtained a geometrical configuration allowing the stimulator 1 to be of practical and comfortable use, inasmuch as the active end 3 is disposed on the same side of the finger (thumb or forefinger) used to press the actuation means 7. ;In this way, the movement necessary to loacate the stimulator 1 onto the body spot to be treated is performed with the natural pivoting displacement of the joints of the wrist and arm. ;A further advantage is due to the fact that the key button 16 can be advantageously made from a conducting material and, therefore, in order to obtain the closing of the electric circuit on the human body, it is sufficient to press the key button 16 without using special metal components. ;It will be appreciated that the thus conceived invention is suited for industrial application, ;17 ;numerous modifications and variants being possible within the scope of the inventive idea, and all the parts being possibly replaced with technically equivalent elements. ;The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and ;"comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. ;18 * >

Claims (12)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Piezoelectric stimulator, comprising: a main housing body; high tension generating means held in the main body; actuation means operatively connected with the high-tension generating means for activating said high-tension generating means; a curved terminal located at a first end of the main housing body in order to support, at an offset position with respect to a longitudinal axis of the main body, a main electrode electrically connected with said generating means, said stimulator characterized in that it further comprises a key button operatively connected with the actuation means and instantly switchable between a first rest position and a second operative position in which the key button operates mechanically the actuation means, said key button comprising a body of insulating material crossed by a conducting element, the key button being electrically isolated from the actuation means in the first rest position, and being electrically connected with said generating means INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 19 2 0 MAR 2008 RECEIVED in the second operative position, in order to provide a differential of electric potential between the main electrode and the key button.

2. Stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the main electrode is positioned in the curved terminal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

3. Stimulator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the generating means comprise a cylindrical crystal of piezoelectric material for generating an electric tension.

4. Stimulator according to claim 3, characterized in that the crystal is made of quartz. \

5. Stimulator according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuation means comprise a striker acting on the crystal to cause a deformation in the crystal.

6. Stimulator according to claim 5, characterized in that the generating means also comprise a first metal boss interposed between a first end of crystal and the striker.

7. Stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a push button consisting of a perforated stem superimposed by said key button also centrally perforated in correspondence of a cavity and IPONZ 20 2 9 Jai* zu08 crossed by a spring of such dimensions as to be able to press a metal sphere sliding into the cavity of the stem of push button, as far as to face the cavity of key button and allow to make contact with the user.

8. Stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the main housing body comprises a first portion of ergonomic shape developing substantially along the longitudinal axis from which a curved nose extends to end up with an active end surface with an axis oriented at an angle (a) other than 180° to the longitudinal axis, a main electrode electrically connected with said piezoelectric device facing said end surface, said actuation means being interposed between said first portion and said nose.

9. Stimulator according to claim 8, wherein said angle (a) is in the range of 60° to 120°.

10. Stimulator according to claim 9, wherein said angle (a) is 90°.

11. Stimulator according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

12. Piezoelectric stimulator, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. END OF CLAIMS 1PONZ 2 9 jmi« iu08