WO2015106322A1

WO2015106322A1 - Electronic massage device

Info

Publication number: WO2015106322A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georgia PELLING; Henry SHEERMAN
Original assignee: Pelling Georgia; Sheerman Henry
Priority date: 2014-01-20
Filing date: 2015-01-20
Publication date: 2015-07-23

Abstract

A wearable electronic massage device comprises a wearable element, adapted to be worn by a user and at least one vibrating element coupled to the wearable element. The at least one vibrating element includes a first surface, configured to enable indirect stimulation of a first stimulus region by transmitting vibration through fingers of the user to the first stimulus region and a second surface, configured to enable direct stimulation of a second stimulus region by the vibration.

Description

ELECTRONIC MASSAGE DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to massage devices. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a wearable electronic massage device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Massage generally involves the rubbing or kneading of the body. In many cases, the hands and fingers are used to apply pressure to the skin of the person being massaged, and massage can, for example, be used to relax the muscles, or provide sensual stimulation.

Sensual massage involves the stimulation of nerves, for example of a person's erogenous zones. Various massage devices have been developed to assist in sensual massage, including vibrators and the like. Vibrators are often fabricated in various shapes, and can generally operate at frequencies far higher than is possible by hand stimulation.

A problem with vibrators of the prior art is that they are inanimate, and thus lack the intimacy of skin-on-skin contact. Furthermore, vibrators are often difficult to control in terms of pressure, in particular for light touch.

Vibrating gloves also exist, where a part of the glove vibrates. While vibrating gloves may enable improved control over traditional vibrators, they are still inanimate and thus lack the intimacy of skin-on-skin contact.

Hand vibrators exist, where vibration is applied to a hand of an operator, for assisting in massaging, for example massaging of a scalp, of someone else. While such hand vibrators enable skin-on-skin contact, they are generally unable to transfer high frequencies through the fingers of the operator. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved electronic massage device.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of at least some embodiments of the present invention to provide consumers with improvements and/or advantages over the above described prior art, and/or overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above described disadvantages of the prior art, and/or provide a useful commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the present invention resides in a wearable electronic massage device comprising:

a wearable element, adapted to be worn by a user; and

a vibrating element coupled to the wearable element, the vibrating element including:

a first surface, configured to enable indirect stimulation of a first stimulus region by transmitting vibration through fingers of the user to the first stimulus region; and

a second surface, configured to enable direct stimulation of a second stimulus region by the vibration.

Preferably, the first surface is wider than the second surface.

Suitably, during use, the first stimulus region is positioned adjacent the finger tips of the user and the second stimulus region is positioned adjacent the user's palm.

Preferably, the wearable element defines a sleeve. More preferably, the sleeve is adapted to fit around a hand of the user. More preferably again, the sleeve is configured to enable fingers of the hand to extend outwardly from an end of the sleeve.

Preferably, the wearable element comprises a fingerless glove.

Preferably, the first surface is adapted to transmit vibratory motion through the fingers of the user. Preferably, the wearable element comprises a palm side for placement against a palm of the hand of the user, and an upper side, for placement against an upper part of the hand of the user, wherein the vibrating element is coupled to the palm side of the wearable element.

Preferably, the vibrating element is embedded into the palm side of the wearable element.

Preferably, the first surface comprises part of an inner surface of the wearable element, and the second surface comprises part of an outer surface of the wearable element.

Preferably, the wearable element comprises a first aperture, for enabling a thumb of the user to extend out from the wearable element in a first direction, and a second aperture, for enabling a thumb of the user to extend out from the wearable element in a second direction.

Preferably, the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction.

Preferably, the electronic massage device further comprises a controller, configured to vary a magnitude of the vibratory motion.

Preferably, the controller is configured to vary a magnitude of the vibratory motion according to a user input.

Preferably, the electronic massage device further comprises a power source. Suitably, the power source comprises a battery.

Preferably, the vibrating element comprises an oscillating motor.

Preferably, the wearable electronic massage device further comprises a second vibrating element coupled to the wearable element.

Suitably, the second vibrating element includes a third surface, configured to enable indirect stimulation of the first stimulus region, and a fourth surface, configured to enable direct stimulation of the second stimulus region.

Preferably, the second vibrating element is adjacent the first vibrating element. Suitably, the second vibrating element is adjacent the first vibrating element along an axis of the wearable element or transverse to the axis of the wearable element. Suitably, the wearable electronic massage device further comprises a third vibrating element coupled to the wearable element.

Suitably, the third vibrating element is adjacent the first vibrating element and the second vibrating element.

Preferably, the wearable element is configured to elastically conform to a shape of the user.

Preferably, the wearable element is formed of a material selected from one or more of the following: silicone; rubber.

Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an underside view of a wearable electronic massage device, shown on a user's hand (the hand illustrated with dashed lines), according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first side view of the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second side view of the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 illustrates an underside perspective view of the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 1 , on a hand of a user;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 1 , illustrating detail of the wearable electronic massage device when viewed from the back of a user's hand;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 7 illustrates an underside view of a wearable electronic massage device, shown on a palm of user's hand, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 7 when viewed from the back of a user's hand;

FIG. 9 illustrates an underside view of a wearable electronic massage device, shown on a palm of user's hand, according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 10 when viewed from the back of a user's hand;

FIG. 11 illustrates an underside view of a wearable electronic massage device, shown on a palm of user's hand, according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 13 when viewed from the back of a user's hand.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that minor deviations from the layout of components as illustrated in the drawings will not detract from the proper functioning of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise wearable electronic massage devices. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, front and back, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

According to one aspect, the present invention resides in a wearable electronic massage device comprising a wearable element adapted to be worn by a user. A vibrating element is coupled to the wearable element. The vibrating element includes a first surface, configured to enable indirect stimulation of a first stimulus region by transmitting vibration through fingers of the user to the first stimulus region. The vibrating element includes a second surface, configured to enable direct stimulation of a second stimulus region by the vibration.

Advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include an ability to provide simultaneous direct and indirect stimulation of multiple stimulus regions, as desired, without reconfiguration of the massage device.

Certain embodiments enable the intimacy of skin-on-skin contact to be combined with the vibratory power and/or effect of electric massagers. Furthermore, certain embodiments of the present invention do not require gripping or holding of the electronic massage device by the user, which simplifies use of the electronic massage device.

Certain embodiments of the present invention do not require straps, and are configured to limit slipping and friction against an operator when in use.

FIG. 1 illustrates an underside view of a wearable electronic massage device 100, shown on a user's hand (the hand illustrated with dashed lines), according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The wearable electronic massage device 100 comprises a wearable element 105, a vibrating element 107, such as an oscillating motor, a first surface in the form of a first vibration pad 1 10 and a second surface in the form of a second vibration pad 1 15. The first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 15 are configured to provide indirect and direct stimulation of one or more stimulus regions, as described further below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first side view of the wearable electronic massage device 100, and FIG. 3 illustrates a second side view of the wearable electronic massage device 100. The wearable element 105 defines a hollow sleeve 120 having a first end 125 and a second end 130, adapted to fit around a hand of the user. The sleeve 120 further includes a palm side 135, for placement directly against a palm of the hand of the user, and an upper side 140, for placement directly against an upper part (or back) of the hand of the user. The first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 1 5 are located on the palm side 135 of the sleeve 120. A control console 185 is provided on the upper side 140, which is described further below.

Alternative embodiments of the wearable element 105 may include a first aperture 137 in the form of a first thumb opening on a first side 139 of the wearable element 105, and a second aperture 141 in the form of a second thumb opening on a second side 143 of the wearable element 105. The first and second thumb openings enable a thumb to extend outwardly from the wearable element 105 in either of two, opposite directions. This in turn enables the wearable element 105 to be worn on a left hand of the user or a right hand of the user, without reversing or rotating the wearable element 105.

Although the wearable element 105 is shown as being worn around four fingers of the user's hand, it should be appreciated that the wearable element 105 may be adapted so that it can be worn around any number of fingers of the user's hand, or any number of fingers and a thumb of the user's hand.

FIG. 4 illustrates an underside perspective view of the wearable electronic massage device 100. In use, the sleeve 120 can be slid onto the hand 405 of the user, in a similar way to a mitten, such that one or more fingers of the user's hand extend outwardly from the second end 130.

The first vibration pad 1 1 0 and the second vibration pad 1 15 are located on the palm side 135 of the wearable element 105, and are configured to transmit vibrations to fingers of the user, to in turn enable vibratory stimulation of a stimulus region of the user's body, or another's body, by the user's finger tips.

The first vibration pad 1 1 0 and the second vibration pad 1 15 are embedded into the palm side 135 of the wearable element 105. As shown, the first vibration pad 1 10 is wider than the second vibration pad 1 15. That enables an inside surface of the first vibration pad 1 10 to vibrate the base of the user's fingers on the palm-side of the user's hand wearing the device 100. The outer surface of the more narrow second vibration pad 1 15 then can be applied by the user directly against a stimulus region. This enables a user of the wearable electronic massage device 100 to simultaneously stimulate a first stimulus region indirectly and stimulate a second stimulus region directly. This also enables a user of the wearable electronic massage device 100 to switch between direct and indirect stimulation, without reconfiguring the electronic massage device 100.

In some embodiments the wearable element 105, the first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 15 are directly adjacent each other and are covered by a single outer piece of material, without any seams between them. In alternative embodiments, the first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 15 are spaced apart on the palm side 135 of the element 105.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the wearable electronic massage device 100, illustrating the upper side 140 of the wearable electronic massage device 100, i.e. when viewed from the back of a user's hand.

The massage device 100 further includes a control console 185 having a plurality of control elements 195a, 195b, 195c. The control console 185 is coupled to the first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 15, for controlling the first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 15. The control elements 195a, 195b, 195c enable, for example, turning on and off the device 100, and increasing or decreasing a vibration amplitude and frequency of the first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 15. The control console 185 comprises a port 215 for recharging a power source for the device 100, such as one or more rechargeable batteries. An indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED) 190 can be provided to indicate that the device 100 is turned on.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the wearable electronic massage device 100, illustrating further details of the control console 185.

The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the massage device 100 can include a microprocessor or the like (not shown), coupled to the first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 15 and to the plurality of control elements 195a, 195b, 195c. The microprocessor can include functions for modulating the vibrating amplitudes and frequencies of the first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibration pad 1 15 according to one or more predetermined patterns, or any other suitable function.

The wearable electronic massage device 100 further includes a power source (not shown) in the form of a battery. The battery can be embedded into the wearable element 105, and can be a non-rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the wearable electronic massage device 100 is configured to be coupled to an external power source. For example, the external power source can comprise a direct current power source or an alternating current power source.

In some embodiments, the wearable element 105 of the wearable electronic massage device 100 is advantageously formed of silicone, rubber, or a similar material. In such embodiments, the wearable element 105 can elastically conform to a shape of the user, and thus does not require the use of straps or the like. Further embodiments will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12.

FIG. 7 illustrates an underside view of the wearable electronic massage device 100, shown on a palm of user's hand. This embodiment of the wearable electronic massage device 100 comprises three vibrating elements 107A, 107B, 107C arranged in a generally triangular configuration on the palm side 135 of the wearable element 105. A first vibrating element 107A and a second vibrating element 107B include a first surface in the form of a first vibration pad 1 10. A third vibrating element 107C includes a second surface in the form of a second vibration pad 1 15. The wearable element 105 comprises a generally circular portion 200, a strap portion 205 and a web portion 210 coupling the circular portion 200 and the strap portion 205. The first vibration pad 1 10 indirectly stimulates a first stimulus region and the second vibration pad 1 15 directly stimulates a second stimulus region as described herein.

In some versions, circular portion 200 comprises a textured surface to provide further stimulation, whereas strap portion 205 and web portion 210 are smooth or un-textured. Circular portion 200, strap portion 205 and web portion 210 can be made of silicone, rubber, or a similar material and can be joined together by any suitable means know in the art.

FIG. 8 illustrates the wearable electronic massage device 100 of FIG. 7 when viewed from the back of a user's hand. Strap portion 205 is worn around the user's wrist and comprises control console 185 comprising control elements 195a, 195b for controlling vibration frequency and/or amplitude of the vibrating elements 107A, 107B, 107C. Strap portion 205 comprises a port 215 for recharging the power source, such as rechargeable batteries.

FIG. 9 illustrates an underside view of a wearable electronic massage device, shown on a palm of user's hand, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the wearable electronic massage device 100 comprises two vibrating elements 107A, 107B adjacent each other along an axis of the wearable element 105. The first vibrating element 107A and the second vibrating element 107B include a first surface in the form of a first vibration pad 1 10 and a second surface in the form of a second vibration pad 1 15 arranged on the palm side 135 of a generally circular portion 200 of the wearable element 105. The first vibration pad 1 10 indirectly stimulates a first stimulus region and the second vibration pad 1 15 directly stimulates a second stimulus region as described herein. Due to the location of first and second vibrating elements 107A, 107B beneath first vibration pad 1 10, enhanced indirect stimulation of a first stimulus region by the first vibration pad 1 10 will be achieved by this embodiment.

The wearable element 105 comprises a strap portion 205 coupling opposite sides of the generally circular portion 200 to form a narrow hollow sleeve 120 that passes over the fingers of user's hand and over the palm as shown. A power source in the form of rechargeable batteries 220 are also arranged on the palm side 135 of the generally circular portion 200 of the wearable element 105.

FIG. 10 illustrates the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 10 when viewed from the back of a user's hand. Strap portion 205 comprises control console 185 comprising control elements 195a, 195b for controlling vibration frequency and/or amplitude of the vibration pads 1 10, 1 15. Strap portion 205 comprises a port 215 for recharging the power source, such as the rechargeable batteries 220.

First vibration pad 1 10, second vibration pad 1 15 and batteries 220 are coupled to the palm side 135 of the generally circular portion 200 of the wearable element 105. In some versions, circular portion 200 comprises a textured surface in the region of the first and second vibration pads 1 10, 1 15 to provide further stimulation, whereas the surface of the circular portion 200 in the region of the batteries 220 is smooth or un- textured. Circular portion 200 and strap portion 205 can be made of silicone, rubber, or a similar material and can be joined together by any suitable means know in the art. In an alternative configuration of the embodiment shown in FIGS 9 and 10, the two vibrating elements 107A, 107B are arranged adjacent each other along an axis transverse to the axis of the wearable element 105. In this alternative configuration the first vibrating element 107A includes the first surface in the form of the first vibration pad 1 10 and the second vibrating element 107B includes the second surface in the form of the second vibration pad 1 1 5 arranged on the palm side 135 of the generally circular portion 200 of the wearable element 105. In this alternative configuration rechargeable batteries 220 are also arranged on an axis transverse to the axis of the wearable element 105 on the palm side 135 of the generally circular portion 200.

FIG. 11 illustrates an underside view of a wearable electronic massage device, shown on a palm of user's hand, according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the wearable electronic massage device 100 comprises three vibrating elements 107A, 107B, 107C arranged in a generally triangular configuration on the palm side 135 of the wearable element 105. A first vibrating element 107A and a second vibrating element 107B include a first surface in the form of a first vibration pad 1 10. A third vibrating element 107C includes a second surface in the form of a second vibration pad 1 15. The first vibration pad 1 10 indirectly stimulates a first stimulus region and the second vibration pad 1 15 directly stimulates a second stimulus region as described herein.

The wearable element 105 comprises a generally triangular portion 230, a strap portion 205 and a pair of elongate web portions 235 coupling the generally triangular portion 230 and the strap portion 205.

In some versions, generally triangular portion 230 comprises a textured surface to provide further stimulation, whereas strap portion 205 and elongate web portions 235 are smooth or un-textured. Generally triangular portion 230, strap portion 205 and elongate web portions 235 can be made of silicone, rubber, or a similar material and can be joined together by any suitable means know in the art. FIG. 12 illustrates the wearable electronic massage device of FIG. 13 when viewed from the back of a user's hand. The elongate web portions 235 extend from the generally triangular portion 230 on the palm side of the hand over the back of the hand and couple to the strap portion 205 worn around the wrist. Strap portion 205 comprises control console 185 comprising control elements 195a, 195b for controlling vibration frequency and/or amplitude of the vibration pads 1 10, 1 15. Strap portion 205 comprises a port 215 for recharging the power source, such as the rechargeable batteries. In this embodiment the rechargeable batteries are embedded within the strap portion 205.

The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the massage device 100 can be used for various types of massage, including sensual massage, sexual massage, medical massage, and traditional muscle massage.

In summary, advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include an ability to provide both direct and indirect stimulation of one or more stimulus regions, as desired, without reconfiguration of the device.

Certain embodiments enable the intimacy of skin-on-skin contact to be combined with the vibratory power and/or effects of electric massagers.

Furthermore, certain embodiments of the present invention do not require gripping or holding of the electronic massage device by the user, which simplifies use of the electronic massage device.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

A wearable electronic massage device comprising:

a wearable element, adapted to be worn by a user; and

The device of claim 1 , wherein the first surface is wider than the second surface.

The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein during use, the first stimulus region is positioned adjacent the fingertips of the user and the second stimulus region is positioned adjacent the user's palm.

The device of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the wearable element defines a sleeve.

The device of claim 4, wherein the sleeve is adapted to fit around a hand of the user.

The device of claim 5, wherein the sleeve is configured to enable fingers of the hand to extend outwardly from an end of the sleeve.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the wearable element comprises a fingerless glove.

8. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first surface is adapted to transmit vibratory motion through the fingers of the user.

9. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the wearable element comprises a palm side for placement against a palm of the hand of the user, and an upper side for placement against an upper part of the hand of the user, wherein the vibrating element is coupled to the palm side of the wearable element.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the vibrating element is embedded into the palm side of the wearable element.

1 1 . The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first surface comprises part of an inner surface of the wearable element, and the second surface comprises part of an outer surface of the wearable element.

12. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the wearable element comprises a first aperture, for enabling a thumb of the user to extend out from the wearable element in a first direction, and a second aperture, for enabling a thumb of the user to extend out from the wearable element in a second direction.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction.

14. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic massage device further comprises a controller, configured to vary a magnitude of the vibratory motion.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to vary a magnitude of the vibratory motion according to a user input.

16. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic massage device further comprises a power source, such as a battery.

17. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the vibrating element comprises an oscillating motor.

18. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the wearable electronic massage device further comprises a second vibrating element coupled to the wearable element.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the second vibrating element includes a third surface, configured to enable indirect stimulation of the first stimulus region, and a fourth surface, configured to enable direct stimulation of the second stimulus region.

20. The device of claim 18 or 19, wherein the second vibrating element is adjacent the first vibrating element.

21 . The device of claim 20, wherein the second vibrating element is adjacent the first vibrating element along an axis of the wearable element or transverse to the axis of the wearable element.

22. The device of any one of claims 18 to 21 , wherein the wearable electronic massage device further comprises a third vibrating element coupled to the wearable element.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the third vibrating element is adjacent the first vibrating element and the second vibrating element.

24. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the wearable element is configured to elastically conform to a shape of the user.

25. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the wearable element is formed from a material selected from one or more of the following: silicone; rubber.