WO2010013259A1

WO2010013259A1 - Device for suction-kneading massage

Info

Publication number: WO2010013259A1
Application number: PCT/IT2008/000436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pietro Mattioli
Original assignee: Pietro Mattioli
Priority date: 2008-06-27
Filing date: 2008-06-27
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: WO2010013259A8

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments, comprising at least one box-like body (2) provided with at least one element (3) which rotates about its own axis and is pivoted with respect to the axis to a portion (4) of the box-like body (2), which is provided with at least one outward opening (5), according to a configuration of partial protrusion of at least part of the surface of the at least one element (3) with respect to the contour of the box-like body (2). The box-like body (2) is connected to a suction circuit in order to produce a partial vacuum in the internal cavity and the forced circulation of air toward the inside of the opening (5). At least one rotating element (3) comprises at least one respective energy emission unit (7), during use the outer surface of the rotating element (3) being in contact with the skin of the user and the energy emission unit (7) being substantially arranged so as to face and lie proximate to the skin of the user.

Description

DEVICE FOR SUCTION-KNEADING MASSAGE

Technical field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments. Background art

Tissue manipulation (massage), on its own and/or in combination with other treatments (exposure to particular conditions in ^" terms of temperature, humidity, et cetera), is provided for a plurality of treatments on the human and animal body.

These treatments are normally performed by specialized personnel

(physicians, physiotherapists and health center workers): incorrect execution of certain techniques may in fact entail uselessness of the treatment and in some extreme cases even a negative effect thereof on the body.

In order to make the treatments more uniform and ensure very easy execution, it is known to resort to apparatuses adapted to perform a standard mechanical massage.

In particular, it is known to adopt apparatuses provided with at least one suction element which faces the surface to be massaged and with movable bodies which are adapted to rest against the skin of the patient to perform the mechanical massage action: suction ensures a greater flow of blood to the region massaged by the movable bodies and helps to make the massage particularly effective. Among apparatuses of this type, the ones disclosed in patents FR 2057514 and FR 2579100 are of particular interest and describe solutions which comprise the simultaneous presence of massaging bodies and suction.

It should be noted that physiotherapy and beauty massage, in the course of time, have utilized extensively many new technologies: laser therapies, magnetic therapies, therapies based on light and heat have been applied individually and/or in combination in order to optimize the results on the patient.

For this reason, mechanical massage has remained somewhat segregated to a marginal role, since it is based on technologies which have been established for years and is not characterized by evident innovative elements.

In practice, massage with apparatuses such as the ones disclosed in the two cited French patents has been performed identically for many years: only the application process (which, for example, can provide for a pre- treatment by means of different "technologies") partly changes the field of its application.

It is evident that this type of apparatus is no longer capable of meeting the demands of patients: a synergy of different technologies is therefore desirable in order to optimize the effects of each individual treatment.

Another evident drawback of all known apparatuses for mechanical massage is that they allow one-sided massages: in this manner, a very large number of two-handed massage techniques, adapted to treat various affections of various types (even purely aesthetic problems), cannot be duplicated and applied.

Disclosure of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments in which the mechanical massage action is combined with other treatments. Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments that allows to perform two-handed massages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments that allows to perform on the patient, even simultaneously, applications of an aesthetic type and applications of a therapeutic type.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments which has low costs, and is relatively simple to provide in practice and safe in application. This aim and these and other objects, which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by the present apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments, of the type comprising at least one box-like body provided with at least one element which rotates about its own axis and is pivoted with respect to said axis to a portion of said box- like body, which is provided with at least one outward opening, according to a configuration of partial protrusion of at least part of the surface of the at least one said element with respect to the contour of said box-like body, said box-like body being connected to a suction circuit in order to produce a partial vacuum in the internal cavity and the forced circulation of air toward the inside of said opening, characterized in that at least one said rotating element comprises at least one respective energy emission unit, during use the outer surface of said rotating element being in contact with the skin of the user and said energy emission unit being substantially arranged so as to face and lie proximate to the skin of said user. Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent and evident from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments, illustrated by way of non- limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a sectional side view, taken along a longitudinal central plane, of an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatment according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional side view, taken along a transverse plane, of an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a control station provided with apparatuses for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments according to the invention. Ways of carrying out the invention

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments.

The apparatus 1 comprises at least one box-like body 2, which is provided with at least one element 3 which rotates about its own axis.

The element 3 (the accompanying figures show an embodiment which comprises two cylindrical elements arranged in a mutually parallel arrangement) is pivoted, with respect to its axis, to a portion 4 of the box- like body 2. The box-like body 2 is provided with at least one outward opening 5

(for example on its lower face).

The elements 3 are arranged according to a configuration in which at least part of their lateral surface partially protrudes with respect to the walls that delimit the opening 5. The shape of the elements 3 can be cylindrical (according to a constructive solution with maximum simplicity), but such elements might be provided with a barrel-like, frustum-like, spherical, ellipsoid shape and the like. In particular, the possibility of having shapes with irregular contours, constituted for example by a consecutive series of balls (or other solids of revolution about an axis), is not excluded.

The box-like body 2 is connected to a suction circuit through a suitable channel 6 in order to produce a partial vacuum in the internal cavity

(which leads to the opening 5) and the forced circulation of air toward the inside of the opening 5. The partial vacuum is produced by a suction pump, which is arranged (for example) in the control station A to which the apparatus 1 is connected.

At least one component of the apparatus 1 , selected between the box- like body 2 and at least one of the rotating elements 3, comprises at least one respective energy emission unit 7. In particular, the element 3 can accommodate internally the unit 7 or can be constituted directly by a suitably shaped unit 7.

During use of the apparatus 1, the outer surface of the rotating element 3 is in contact with the skin of the user and the energy emission unit 7 substantially faces the skin of such user and is proximate thereto. This constructive solution allows to use units 7 with extremely low power (since they are proximate to the skin/part to be treated and therefore a high emission power is not necessary), reducing risks for the user (excessive and/or uneven exposure, possible electrocution), simplifying the constructive architecture of the device (smaller and lighter components) and reducing its energy consumption with respect to existing ones.

Further, the synergistic effect of the combination of mechanical massage performed by suction and by the elements 3 with the energy flow emitted by the unit 7 ensures treatments of unquestionable effectiveness which are potentially diversified according to the requirements of the patient (adjusting the intensity of each individual action in order to find the combination thereof that is most suited to the patient).

According to a particular embodiment, the energy emission unit 7 is a heater, which is accommodated within one respective rotating element 3 and is intended to keep the temperature of the outer surface of the element 3 at a value which is preset and adjustable by means of a suitable thermostatic control assembly comprised within the apparatus 1 or in the control station A.

The heater can be an electrical resistor; however, the possibility to use incandescent lamps (to utilize their thermal emission), or to utilize any heat generated by friction between the element 3 (which is movable) and a fixed component which interferes therewith, is not excluded. According to the last described solution, the temperature of the outer surface of the element 3 would be determined by the relative speed between the element 3 and the fixed component and by the force with which such element and component are pressed against each other.

As an alternative, the energy emission unit 7 might be a light source: in this case, the interest is indeed related to light emission and not (at least not exclusively) to the consequent heat emission. The beneficial contribution of light radiation of specific frequencies to human and animal tissues is in fact known.

In this case, the light source can be a halogen lamp, for example a xenon lamp, such as the ones normally used in pulsed-light treatments.

It is also possible to adopt at least one light emitting diode, LED, as a light source, utilizing optimally its great stability of operation over time and its great selectivity of emitted frequencies.

It is obvious that use of incandescent, fluorescent and any other type of light source (including chemical lights) is not excluded.

Likewise, the emitted spectrum is comprised between the far ultraviolet and infrared. The solution that adopts a laser source of the type used for laser therapy as energy emission unit 7 is of particular interest in order to provide the apparatuses 1 with therapeutic functions (for example for physiotherapy and the like). Of course, the emission of the laser beam occurs directly on the skin of the patient and at a calibrated distance (the rotation of the element does not modify the distance of the actual emitter from the skin and therefore such distance is not influenced by the type of use, making the apparatus 1 particularly suitable also for personnel that is not highly specialized).

In each of the above cases (in which radiation beams in the range comprised between ultraviolet and infrared and laser beams are emitted), it is appropriate to provide a shield around the opening 5, designed to contain the light emissions in order to prevent them from reaching the eyes of the patient and/or user. In any case, such patient and user should wear individual protection devices, such as protective goggles and the like. According to another embodiment, the energy emission unit 7 is an electromagnetic radiation emitter.

By means of this type of emitter it is possible to perform various different types of therapy (a respective therapy is associated with each emitter), such as (purely by way of example) capacitive therapy (known as TECA), magnetotherapy, electrotherapy, radartherapy, ultrasound therapy, marconitherapy, radio frequency therapy, and others.

Maxwell's equations on electromagnetic waves and the consequent studies have demonstrated extensively that any undulatory phenomenon that propagates in space is to be considered as an electromagnetic wave. It is therefore unquestionable that the apparatus 1 according to the invention can use sound waves, Shockwaves and the like, even at extremely low frequency: some therapies might in fact be facilitated by combination with this type of wave.

It is further specified that the apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises an energy emission unit 7, which can be an emitter of electromagnetic radiation of any frequency: such radiations will therefore span from vibrations (extremely low and subsonic frequencies) to radiations (far ultraviolet, X-rays and optionally beyond), so long as the frequencies being used do not make these radiations dangerous for users. The possibility to arrange inside the element 3 one unit 7 adapted to emit mechanical energy should not be excluded: in practice, this is a mechanical vibrator which is adapted to impart a vibration of the element 3 (a vibration whose frequency may optionally be controlled by way of suitable control and management circuits). Vibration ensures higher effectiveness of the action of the entire apparatus 1. A single element 3 can comprise several different units 7 in order to combine the cosmetic/therapeutic effect of different energy sources (for example heat and vibration, laser and capacitive therapy...).

Attention is also called to the possibility to insert in the apparatus 1 a mechanical vibrator in any position: in particular, it can be fixed to the sides of the apparatus 1, particularly to the portion 4, so that it transfers the generated vibrations to the entire assembly.

In any case, the advantage of performing these treatments by means of the apparatus 1 is provided by the fact that they are performed simultaneously with a localized mechanical massage (obtained by combining suction and movement of the elements 3) and most of all by the fact that the unit 7 is contained in (or constituted by) the element 3: this allows precise location of the treatment and an enormous reduction in scattered radiation (since it is in extremely close proximity to the surface to be treated, it is easier to direct the radiation flow).

Likewise, the energy emission unit 7 is an electrical stimulator; in this case, the electrodes of the electrical stimulator are distributed along the lateral surface of the respective rotating element 3, while the pulse generator is contained in (or constituted by) the element 3. The electrodes of the electrical stimulator are distributed on the lateral surface of at least two rotating elements 3 (which are arranged for example as in the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures); electrical current flows, therefore, from the electrodes that are present on a first rotating element 3 to the electrodes that are present on a second rotating element 3 : electrical stimulation is therefore provided in the region comprised between the two contiguous elements 3.

Attention should also be called to an embodiment which provides for the use of two apparatuses 1 (twin apparatuses 1), of which a first apparatus 1 is provided with at least one energy emission unit 7 and a second apparatus 1 comprises an energy absorption unit. In this case, the simultaneous operation of the first apparatus 1 provided with the energy emission unit 7 and of the second apparatus provided with the second energy absorption unit determines a controlled energy flow. This energy flow, combined with the mechanical massage (which in this case is performed with two hands, with one apparatus 1 for each hand), helps to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment (regardless of the type of therapy being performed).

It should be noted that the apparatus 1 can comprise two or more rotating elements 3 provided with the respective energy emission units 7: in this manner it is possible to combine several treatments according to a plurality of mutual adjustments.

More specifically, each rotating element 3 can comprise at least two energy emission units 7 of a different type: one individual element 3 can therefore be suitable (in addition to the execution of mechanical massage) for performing different therapies (or combinations thereof), such as for example pulsed light and electrical stimulation and/or laser therapy and heating.

For its correct movement, each rotating element 3 is associated with a respective actuation motor for movement with controlled speed and direction; in particular, the rotating elements 3 can be associated with respective common actuation motor for movement with controlled directions, speed, timing and synchronization of both.

It has thus been shown that the invention achieves the proposed aim and objects. The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Thus, for example, the possibility to equip the apparatus 1 so that it is powered by means of a power supply transducer of the diagnostic type (in practice, a power supply whose output signal is modulated as a function of the signals that arrive at suitable signal inputs to which probes/sensors associated with the patient are connected) is not excluded: this type of power supply source is intended to define a power supply waveform (or in any case a particular behavior of such signal) which is correlated to certain vital parameters of the patient.

In practice, these power supply transducers comprise at least one probe which is intended to detect a respective parameter (for example, heartbeat, blood/arterial pressure, respiration rate and/or perspiration can be detected; other parameters might also be detected if they can be of interest in application for a particular cosmetic and/or therapeutic treatment): software determines the characteristics and behavior of the power supply wave of the apparatuses 1 as a function of the detected parameter (or parameters).

It is in fact possible to modify the suction intensity (determined by the vacuum pump) or vary the rotation rate of the rotating elements 3. The possibility to perform the same adjustment on the energy emission intensity of the at least one unit 7 is not secondary: in this case, it is clear that increases or decreases in emission are determined by corresponding increases or decreases (both direct and reverse) of the detected vital parameter.

Having a plurality of sensors, it is also possible to analyze them in combination and set a behavior of the power supply value that derives from this combination: in this manner, the treatment performed on the patient with the apparatus 1 is particularly effective and highly personalized. AU the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent ones.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments. Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

In practice-, the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements without thereby abandoning the scope of the protection of the appended claims.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An apparatus for performing beauty, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments, of the type comprising at least one box-like body (2) provided with at least one element (3) which rotates about its own axis and is pivoted with respect to said axis to a portion (4) of said box-like body (2), which is provided with at least one outward opening (5), according to a configuration of partial protrusion of at least part of the surface of the at least one said element (3) with respect to the contour of said box-like body (2), said box- like body (2) being connected to a suction circuit in order to produce a partial vacuum in the internal cavity and the forced circulation of air toward the inside of said opening (5), characterized in that at least one component, selected between said box-like body (2) and said at least one rotating element (3), comprises at least one respective energy emission unit (7), during use the outer surface of said rotating element (3) being in contact with the skin of the user and said energy emission unit (7) being substantially arranged so as to face and lie proximate to the skin of said user.

2. The apparatus according to claim I₃ characterized in that said energy emission unit (7) is a heater, which is accommodated within a respective rotating element (3) and is intended to maintain the temperature of the outer surface of said element (3) at a value which is preset and adjustable by means of a suitable thermostatic control assembly comprised within said apparatus (1).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said energy emission unit (7) is a light source.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said light source is of the type of a halogen lamp.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said halogen lamp is a xenon lamp.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said light source is of the type of at least one light emitting diode, LED.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said energy emission unit (7) is a laser source of the type used for laser therapy.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said energy emission unit (7) is an electromagnetic radiation emitter.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said energy emission unit (7) is an electrical stimulator, the electrodes of said electrical stimulator being distributed along the lateral surface of the respective rotating element (3).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the electrodes of said electrical stimulator are distributed on the lateral surface of at least two rotating elements (3), the electrical current flowing from the electrodes that are present on a first rotating element (3) to the electrodes that are present on a second rotating element (3).

11. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an energy absorption unit, the simultaneous operation of a first apparatus (1) provided with a first energy emission unit (7) and of a second apparatus (1) provided with a second energy absorption unit determining a controlled energy flow between them.

12. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two rotating elements (3) provided with respective energy emission units (7).

13. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one of said rotating elements (3) comprises at least two energy emission units (7) of a different type.

14. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rotating element (3) is associated with a respective actuation motor for movement with controlled direction and speed.

15. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rotating elements (3) are associated with at least one respective actuation motor for movement with controlled directions, speed, timing and synchronization.