WO2019035122A1 - Acupressure feet massage device and methods of usingthereof - Google Patents

Acupressure feet massage device and methods of usingthereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019035122A1
WO2019035122A1 PCT/IL2018/050895 IL2018050895W WO2019035122A1 WO 2019035122 A1 WO2019035122 A1 WO 2019035122A1 IL 2018050895 W IL2018050895 W IL 2018050895W WO 2019035122 A1 WO2019035122 A1 WO 2019035122A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
acupressure
massage device
profile
foot massage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2018/050895
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Uri Avraham LEV
Original Assignee
Lev Uri Avraham
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Publication date
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Publication of WO2019035122A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019035122A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H39/00—Devices for locating or stimulating specific reflex points of the body for physical therapy, e.g. acupuncture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H39/00—Devices for locating or stimulating specific reflex points of the body for physical therapy, e.g. acupuncture
    • A61H39/04—Devices for pressing such points, e.g. Shiatsu or Acupressure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/12—Driving means
    • A61H2201/1207—Driving means with electric or magnetic drive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/12—Driving means
    • A61H2201/1238—Driving means with hydraulic or pneumatic drive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/12—Driving means
    • A61H2201/1253—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven
    • A61H2201/1261—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven combined with active exercising of the patient
    • A61H2201/1284—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven combined with active exercising of the patient using own weight
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/164—Feet or leg, e.g. pedal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
    • A61H2201/1676—Pivoting
    • A61H2201/1678—Means for angularly oscillating massage elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1683—Surface of interface
    • A61H2201/169—Physical characteristics of the surface, e.g. material, relief, texture or indicia
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5056—Control means thereof pneumatically controlled
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/12—Feet

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for acupressure therapeutic device and more particularly to a device configured for an active massaging treatment; the invention further pertains to methods for treating Plantar fasciitis.
  • Acupressure therapy is closely related to the field of acupuncture which is conservatively estimated to be more the 2,000 years old.
  • Acupuncture therapy is based on the concept that the human body has an internal set of channels or meridians that surface onto the skin at 365 points. These meridian points are places where control of functional body areas can best be exercised and affected by the insertion of needles.
  • the concept of acupressure which is also referred to as reflexology massaging, utilizes the thumb, knuckle or some other external mechanical or electrical massaging implement to apply pressure to the selected meridian points.
  • US 2015/0150745 discloses a set-down device for setting down on a neurophysioiogical stimulator for transmitting movements generated by the system, at least comprising a set down side for setting down on the stimulator, and also comprising a transmission side for transmitting the movements received via the set-down side.
  • the transmission side has at least one at least paitially projecting stimulation element, which is suitable for transmitting the movements and thus for neurophysioiogical stimulation.
  • a neurophysioiogical stimulator for stimulating an object by the transmission of movements generated by the stimulator at least comprising a movement unit and at least one drive unit for generating the movement, the drive unit being coupled to the movement unit, wherein the drive unit is designed as a tumbling and/or spinning unit and generates a tumbling and/or spinning movement.
  • the abovementioned set-down device is provided with a drive unit generating an oscillating movement directed transversally to projecting stimulation elements.
  • a drive unit generating an oscillating movement directed transversally to projecting stimulation elements.
  • Plantar fasciitis also known as heel spur syndrome, runner's heel and painful heel, commonly causes inferior heel pain and occurs in up to ten percent of the U.S. population. Plantar fasciitis accounts for more than 600,000 outpatient visits annually in the United States, see Cole, Charles, Craig Seto, and John Gazewood. "Plantar fasciitis: evidence-based review of diagnosis and therapy.” Am Fam Physician 72.11 (2005): 2237-42 which is incorporated herein as a reference. The condition affects active and sedentary adults of all ages, yet no evidence currently supports the effectiveness of any known treatment for plantar fasciitis. There is thus a long-felt and unmet need to provide an effective treating means and methods for provide a cure for Plantar fasciitis, and more generally, for providing an effective stimulating treatment with a variable angle between the patient's foot and a massage mat.
  • the aforesaid device comprises (a) a base member mountable on any bearing surface; (b) a pair of massage mats configured for supporting user's feet; (c) a supporting member carrying said pair of massage mats thereon.
  • Another object of the invention is to disclose the interface mechanism comprising a vibrator configured for generating oscillations transmittable to said pair of massage mats.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the interface mechanism comprising a sufficiently incompressible bearing member centrally disposed between said base and supporting members and peripherally disposed members characterized by predetermined compressibility such that said supporting member is angularly displaceable relative to said base member around said bearing member.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the compressibility of said peripheral supporting members which is dynamically variable.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose at least one peripherally disposed member comprising a fluid-driven actuator connectable to a source of a compressed fluid; said fluid- driven actuator comprises at least two portions telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other under a pressure of said fluid fed into said fluid-driven actuator.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose each massage mat comprising a substrate member and a plurality of projections carried thereon.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the substrate member which is integrally embodied with said supporting member.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose at least one projection having a contact terminal having a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid, a tapered pyramid and any combination thereof.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose a profile of a contact surface of said cylinder or tapered pyramid which is selected from the group consisting of a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, a serrated profile and any combination thereof.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose a profile of a contact surface of said cylinder or tapered pyramid which selected from the group consisting of a concave profile, a convex profile, a wavy profile and any combination thereof.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the projection having a varied length; a ration between a standard deviation of said varied length and an average value thereof is at least ...
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose a diameter of said projection which is between 6 mm to 10 mm.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose a ratio of an area occupied by said projection to a total area of said massage mat which is between 0.14 and 0.23.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose at least one of said plurality of projections which is fluid-actuated and connectable to said source of compressed fluid.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the fluid-actuated projection comprising at least first and second portions telescopically interconnected therebetween.
  • the first portion is mechanically connected to said substrate member.
  • the second member is reciprocatively displaceable relative to said first member.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the fluid-actuated projection comprising a flexible inflatable portion.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the acupressure foot (pes) massage device comprising a programmable manifold configured to control reciprocative displacement of said fluid-driven actuator and fluid-actuated projections.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose a method of acupressure massaging feet of a user.
  • the aforesaid method comprises steps of: (a) providing a device for acupressure massaging feet of a user; said device comprising: (i) a base member mountable on any bearing surface; (ii) a pair of massage mats configured for supporting user's feet; (iii) a supporting member carrying said pair of massage mats thereon; the base and supporting members are mechanically interconnected by an interface mechanism configured for functioning in at least one of the following modes: fixidity in a position of said base and supporting members relative to each other; and linear and angular displacement in said position of said base and supporting members relative to each other; (b) positioning said user onto said massage mats; (c) functioning said interface mechanism in at least one of the following step: resting said supporting member and linearly and angularly displacing said supporting member relative to said base member.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of functioning said interface mechanism comprising generating oscillations transmittable to said pair of massage mats.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of functioning said interface mechanism comprising angularly displacing said supporting member relative to said base member.
  • the angularly displacing is performed around a sufficiently incompressible bearing member centrally disposed between said base and supporting members and facilitated by peripherally disposed members characterized by predetermined compressibility and damping change in a load created by said user positioned on said massaging mats.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of functioning said interface mechanism comprising feeding a compressed fluid to at least one peripherally disposed member comprises a fluid-driven actuator; said fluid-driven actuator comprises at least two portions telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other under a pressure of said fluid fed into said fluid-driven actuator.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the user positioned onto said massage mats comprising a substrate member and a plurality of projections carried thereon.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the user is in contact with at least one projection having a contact terminal with a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid, a tapered pyramid, a cone, a tapered cone and any combination thereof.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the method comprising a step of actively massaging said feet of said user by at least one of said plurality of projections being fluid- actuated and connectable to said source of compressed fluid.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of actively massaging performed by said at least one fluid-actuated projection comprising at least first and second portions telescopically interconnected therebetween; said first portion is mechanically connected to said substrate member; said second member is reciprocatively displaceable relative to said first member.
  • a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of functioning said interface mechanism and actively massage comprising feeding said compressed fluid to fluid-driven actuator and fluid-actuated projections by means of a programmable manifold.
  • Fig. 2 is a top view of an acupressure feet massage device
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a fluid-actuated acupressure feet massage device
  • Figs 4a to 4d are schematic views of fluid-actuated elements of a fluid-actuated acupressure feet massage device
  • Figs 5a to 5c are cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of projections.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates typical contact patterns of male and female users.
  • device 100 comprises base member 110 mountable on any bearing surface such as a floor surface, a ) a pair of massage mats 140 configured for supporting user's feet and supporting member 130 carrying the pair of massage mats 140.
  • interface mechanism configured for functioning in at least one of the following modes: fixidity in a position of said base and supporting members relative to each other; and linear and angular displacement in said position of said base and supporting members relative to each other.
  • total displacement along the Z axis is ranging between about 0.5 cm to about 2.0 cm.
  • said displacement is provided in a predefined manner, e.g., cyclic manner, at rate of about 1 cm per about 3 to about 12 seconds.
  • the term 'about' refers hereinafter to any value being 20% smaller or greater than the defined measure.
  • Linear and angular displacement of supporting member 130 relative base member is implemented by an exemplary mechanical arrangement including a sufficiently incompressible bearing member 120 which is centrally disposed between base and supporting members 110 and 130, respectively.
  • Peripherally disposed members 125 are characterized by predetermined compressibility.
  • supporting member 130 is angularly displaceable relative to the base member around bearing member 120 (see Figs lb and lc).
  • Compressible peripherally disposed members 125 when compressed in a different extent, allow angular displacement of supporting member 130 relative base member 110.
  • An additional therapeutic effect can be achieved by introducing a vibrator of any conventional kind (mechanical, piezoelectric or alike) into the device of the present invention.
  • a vibrator can be attached to supporting member 130 (not shown).
  • Substrate 143 carries a plurality of projections 145 having a cylindrical shape.
  • An embodiment of substrate 143 integral with supporting member 130 is also in the scope of the present invention.
  • projections 145 can have a contact terminal with a shape such as a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid, a tapered pyramid or alike.
  • An upper surface of the aforesaid cylinder or tapered pyramid can be in an exemplary manner of a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, a serrated profile and any other wavy profile.
  • acupressure feet massage device 200 of the present invention comprises source 260 of compressed fluid which can an air or other compressed gas or liquid such water.
  • the compressed fluid can actuate operation of device 200 in two aspects.
  • peripherally disposed members are replaced by fluid-driven actuators 225 connectable to a source 260 of a compressed fluid via programmable valves 210.
  • each fluid-driven actuators 225 comprises at least two portions telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other by a pressure of the fluid fed into fluid-driven actuator 225.
  • massage mats 250 are fluid-actuated. As shown above, at least a part of mat projections are fluid-actuated and controlled by programmable valves 215.
  • Numeral 220 refers to pipes interconnecting components of device 200. Valves 215 and 225 can be integrated into programmable manifold.
  • valve 215 and 225 can be preprogrammed for implementing a treatment protocol including vibrating entire massage mats 250 and individual projections of the mats.
  • upper surface 146 can have a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, a serrated profile and any other wavy profile.
  • Fluid-driven actuator 225 (see also Fig. 3) which is peripherally disposed within device 200.
  • the aforesaid fluid-driven actuator is connectable to a source of a compressed fluid (not shown).
  • Fluid-driven actuator 225 comprises at least two portions 227 and 229 which are telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other when the compressed fluid fed into fluid- driven actuator 225.
  • Figs 4c and 4d presenting fluid-actuated projections 252 and 252a. Similar to Fig. 4b, the aforesaid fluid- actuated projections comprise first and second portions 254 and 256, respectively, which are telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other.
  • First portion 254 is mechanically connected to substrate 143 (not shown).
  • Second portion 256 has contact terminal 258 having a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid or a tapered pyramid.
  • terminal 258 can have a profile of a contact surface of the cylinder or tapered pyramid can be a sinusoidal, triangular or serrated profile.
  • a concave profile, a convex profile or a wavy profile are also in the scope of the present invention.
  • Numerals 258 and 258a in Figs 4c and 4d refers to cylindrical conical terminals respectively.
  • FIG. 5a showing a cross-sectional view of projection 145a having the shape of a taped cone.
  • Dimensions A, B and H are 10 mm, 5 mm and 15 mm, respectively, or in a ratio of 2: 1:3.
  • Fig. 5b illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention, where distance D between adjacent projections 145a is varied between about 8 mm to about 15 mm.
  • FIG. 5c showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention, where projection 145b has a convex top surface, characterized by height F ranging between about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
  • Fig. 6 showing experimentally obtained topographic distribution of physical contact between user's foot and massage pads.
  • the left column belongs to three female users with average sole area of 121 cm 2 .
  • the right column belongs to three male users with average sole area of 129 cm 2 .
  • the massage pads were provided with projection of 7.8 mm diameter. Relative average contact area was 18.6% for women and 18.5% for men.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
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  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)

Abstract

An acupressure feet massage device comprising: a base member mountable on any bearing surface; a pair of massage mats configured for supporting user's feet; and a supporting member carrying said pair of massage mats thereon. The base and supporting members are mechanically interconnected by an interface mechanism configured for functioning in a static mode, a dynamic mode and a combination thereof,

Description

ACUPRESSURE FEET MASSAGE DEVICE AND METHODS OF USING THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for acupressure therapeutic device and more particularly to a device configured for an active massaging treatment; the invention further pertains to methods for treating Plantar fasciitis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Acupressure therapy is closely related to the field of acupuncture which is conservatively estimated to be more the 2,000 years old. Acupuncture therapy is based on the concept that the human body has an internal set of channels or meridians that surface onto the skin at 365 points. These meridian points are places where control of functional body areas can best be exercised and affected by the insertion of needles. The concept of acupressure, which is also referred to as reflexology massaging, utilizes the thumb, knuckle or some other external mechanical or electrical massaging implement to apply pressure to the selected meridian points. In the methodology of acupressure, as in acupuncture, there is taught that there are various organs, nerves and glands in the body that are connected with certain "reflex areas" located on the bottom of the feet, the hands and other meridian related areas of the body. By massaging these reflex areas and through resulting stimulating response, therapeutic help for various body ailments and pain reduction can be obtained.
US 2015/0150745 discloses a set-down device for setting down on a neurophysioiogical stimulator for transmitting movements generated by the system, at least comprising a set down side for setting down on the stimulator, and also comprising a transmission side for transmitting the movements received via the set-down side. The transmission side has at least one at least paitially projecting stimulation element, which is suitable for transmitting the movements and thus for neurophysioiogical stimulation. A neurophysioiogical stimulator for stimulating an object by the transmission of movements generated by the stimulator, at least comprising a movement unit and at least one drive unit for generating the movement, the drive unit being coupled to the movement unit, wherein the drive unit is designed as a tumbling and/or spinning unit and generates a tumbling and/or spinning movement.
The abovementioned set-down device is provided with a drive unit generating an oscillating movement directed transversally to projecting stimulation elements. As known in the art, stimulating massage at a wide range of angle is more effective in comparison with a constant- angle treatment.
Plantar fasciitis, also known as heel spur syndrome, runner's heel and painful heel, commonly causes inferior heel pain and occurs in up to ten percent of the U.S. population. Plantar fasciitis accounts for more than 600,000 outpatient visits annually in the United States, see Cole, Charles, Craig Seto, and John Gazewood. "Plantar fasciitis: evidence-based review of diagnosis and therapy." Am Fam Physician 72.11 (2005): 2237-42 which is incorporated herein as a reference. The condition affects active and sedentary adults of all ages, yet no evidence currently supports the effectiveness of any known treatment for plantar fasciitis. There is thus a long-felt and unmet need to provide an effective treating means and methods for provide a cure for Plantar fasciitis, and more generally, for providing an effective stimulating treatment with a variable angle between the patient's foot and a massage mat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is hence one object of the invention to disclose an acupressure feet massage device. The aforesaid device comprises (a) a base member mountable on any bearing surface; (b) a pair of massage mats configured for supporting user's feet; (c) a supporting member carrying said pair of massage mats thereon.
It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the base and supporting members mechanically interconnected by an interface mechanism configured for functioning in at least one of the following modes: (a) fixidity in a position of said base and supporting members relative to each other; and (b) linear and angular displacement in said position of said base and supporting members relative to each other.
Another object of the invention is to disclose the interface mechanism comprising a vibrator configured for generating oscillations transmittable to said pair of massage mats. A further object of the invention is to disclose the interface mechanism comprising a sufficiently incompressible bearing member centrally disposed between said base and supporting members and peripherally disposed members characterized by predetermined compressibility such that said supporting member is angularly displaceable relative to said base member around said bearing member.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the compressibility of said peripheral supporting members which is dynamically variable.
A further object of the invention is to disclose at least one peripherally disposed member comprising a fluid-driven actuator connectable to a source of a compressed fluid; said fluid- driven actuator comprises at least two portions telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other under a pressure of said fluid fed into said fluid-driven actuator.
A further object of the invention is to disclose each massage mat comprising a substrate member and a plurality of projections carried thereon.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the substrate member which is integrally embodied with said supporting member.
A further object of the invention is to disclose at least one projection having a contact terminal having a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid, a tapered pyramid and any combination thereof.
A further object of the invention is to disclose a profile of a contact surface of said cylinder or tapered pyramid which is selected from the group consisting of a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, a serrated profile and any combination thereof.
A further object of the invention is to disclose a profile of a contact surface of said cylinder or tapered pyramid which selected from the group consisting of a concave profile, a convex profile, a wavy profile and any combination thereof.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the projection having a varied length; a ration between a standard deviation of said varied length and an average value thereof is at least ...
A further object of the invention is to disclose a diameter of said projection which is between 6 mm to 10 mm. A further object of the invention is to disclose a ratio of an area occupied by said projection to a total area of said massage mat which is between 0.14 and 0.23.
A further object of the invention is to disclose at least one of said plurality of projections which is fluid-actuated and connectable to said source of compressed fluid.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the fluid-actuated projection comprising at least first and second portions telescopically interconnected therebetween. The first portion is mechanically connected to said substrate member. The second member is reciprocatively displaceable relative to said first member.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the fluid-actuated projection comprising a flexible inflatable portion.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the acupressure foot (pes) massage device comprising a programmable manifold configured to control reciprocative displacement of said fluid-driven actuator and fluid-actuated projections.
A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of acupressure massaging feet of a user. The aforesaid method comprises steps of: (a) providing a device for acupressure massaging feet of a user; said device comprising: (i) a base member mountable on any bearing surface; (ii) a pair of massage mats configured for supporting user's feet; (iii) a supporting member carrying said pair of massage mats thereon; the base and supporting members are mechanically interconnected by an interface mechanism configured for functioning in at least one of the following modes: fixidity in a position of said base and supporting members relative to each other; and linear and angular displacement in said position of said base and supporting members relative to each other; (b) positioning said user onto said massage mats; (c) functioning said interface mechanism in at least one of the following step: resting said supporting member and linearly and angularly displacing said supporting member relative to said base member.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of functioning said interface mechanism comprising generating oscillations transmittable to said pair of massage mats.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of functioning said interface mechanism comprising angularly displacing said supporting member relative to said base member. The angularly displacing is performed around a sufficiently incompressible bearing member centrally disposed between said base and supporting members and facilitated by peripherally disposed members characterized by predetermined compressibility and damping change in a load created by said user positioned on said massaging mats.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of functioning said interface mechanism comprising feeding a compressed fluid to at least one peripherally disposed member comprises a fluid-driven actuator; said fluid-driven actuator comprises at least two portions telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other under a pressure of said fluid fed into said fluid-driven actuator.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the user positioned onto said massage mats comprising a substrate member and a plurality of projections carried thereon.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the user is in contact with at least one projection having a contact terminal with a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid, a tapered pyramid, a cone, a tapered cone and any combination thereof.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the method comprising a step of actively massaging said feet of said user by at least one of said plurality of projections being fluid- actuated and connectable to said source of compressed fluid.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of actively massaging performed by said at least one fluid-actuated projection comprising at least first and second portions telescopically interconnected therebetween; said first portion is mechanically connected to said substrate member; said second member is reciprocatively displaceable relative to said first member.
A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of functioning said interface mechanism and actively massage comprising feeding said compressed fluid to fluid-driven actuator and fluid-actuated projections by means of a programmable manifold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figs, la to lc illustrate functioning an acupressure feet massage device;
Fig. 2 is a top view of an acupressure feet massage device;
Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a fluid-actuated acupressure feet massage device;
Figs 4a to 4d are schematic views of fluid-actuated elements of a fluid-actuated acupressure feet massage device;
Figs 5a to 5c are cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of projections; and
Fig. 6 illustrates typical contact patterns of male and female users.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description is provided, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide an acupressure feet massage device and a method of using the same, especially for treating Plantar fasciitis of a patient.
Reference is now made to Figs, la to lc which illustrate functioning an acupressure feet massage device. According to ne embodiment of the present invention, device 100 comprises base member 110 mountable on any bearing surface such as a floor surface, a ) a pair of massage mats 140 configured for supporting user's feet and supporting member 130 carrying the pair of massage mats 140. Between base member 110 and supporting member 130, there is an interface mechanism configured for functioning in at least one of the following modes: fixidity in a position of said base and supporting members relative to each other; and linear and angular displacement in said position of said base and supporting members relative to each other. In an embodiment of the invention, total displacement along the Z axis is ranging between about 0.5 cm to about 2.0 cm. In a second embodiment of the invention, said displacement is provided in a predefined manner, e.g., cyclic manner, at rate of about 1 cm per about 3 to about 12 seconds. The term 'about' refers hereinafter to any value being 20% smaller or greater than the defined measure. Linear and angular displacement of supporting member 130 relative base member is implemented by an exemplary mechanical arrangement including a sufficiently incompressible bearing member 120 which is centrally disposed between base and supporting members 110 and 130, respectively. Peripherally disposed members 125 are characterized by predetermined compressibility. Thus, when weight load created by the user (not shown) is changed, videlicet, by means of rebalancing the load from one foot of the user to another, supporting member 130 is angularly displaceable relative to the base member around bearing member 120 (see Figs lb and lc). Compressible peripherally disposed members 125 when compressed in a different extent, allow angular displacement of supporting member 130 relative base member 110.
An additional therapeutic effect can be achieved by introducing a vibrator of any conventional kind (mechanical, piezoelectric or alike) into the device of the present invention. Specifically, a vibrator can be attached to supporting member 130 (not shown).
Reference is now made to Fig. 2, presenting exemplary massage mats 140 mounted on supporting member 130. Substrate 143 carries a plurality of projections 145 having a cylindrical shape. An embodiment of substrate 143 integral with supporting member 130 is also in the scope of the present invention.
According to optional embodiment of the present invention, projections 145 can have a contact terminal with a shape such as a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid, a tapered pyramid or alike. An upper surface of the aforesaid cylinder or tapered pyramid can be in an exemplary manner of a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, a serrated profile and any other wavy profile.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3, showing alternative acupressure feet massage device 200 of the present invention. The aforesaid device comprises source 260 of compressed fluid which can an air or other compressed gas or liquid such water. The compressed fluid can actuate operation of device 200 in two aspects. According to the first aspect of the present invention, peripherally disposed members are replaced by fluid-driven actuators 225 connectable to a source 260 of a compressed fluid via programmable valves 210. According to one embodiment of the present invention, each fluid-driven actuators 225 comprises at least two portions telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other by a pressure of the fluid fed into fluid-driven actuator 225. According to the second aspect of embodiment 200, massage mats 250 are fluid-actuated. As shown above, at least a part of mat projections are fluid-actuated and controlled by programmable valves 215. Numeral 220 refers to pipes interconnecting components of device 200. Valves 215 and 225 can be integrated into programmable manifold.
It should be emphasized that valve 215 and 225 can be preprogrammed for implementing a treatment protocol including vibrating entire massage mats 250 and individual projections of the mats.
Reference is now made to Fig. 4a presenting projection 145 having upper surface 146. As mentioned above, upper surface 146 can have a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, a serrated profile and any other wavy profile.
Reference is now made to Fig. 4b showing exemplary fluid-driven actuator 225 (see also Fig. 3) which is peripherally disposed within device 200. The aforesaid fluid-driven actuator is connectable to a source of a compressed fluid (not shown). Fluid-driven actuator 225 comprises at least two portions 227 and 229 which are telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other when the compressed fluid fed into fluid- driven actuator 225.
Reference is now made to Figs 4c and 4d, presenting fluid-actuated projections 252 and 252a. Similar to Fig. 4b, the aforesaid fluid- actuated projections comprise first and second portions 254 and 256, respectively, which are telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other. First portion 254 is mechanically connected to substrate 143 (not shown). Second portion 256 has contact terminal 258 having a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid or a tapered pyramid. According to one embodiment of the present invention, terminal 258 can have a profile of a contact surface of the cylinder or tapered pyramid can be a sinusoidal, triangular or serrated profile. A concave profile, a convex profile or a wavy profile are also in the scope of the present invention. Numerals 258 and 258a in Figs 4c and 4d refers to cylindrical conical terminals respectively.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5a showing a cross-sectional view of projection 145a having the shape of a taped cone. Dimensions A, B and H are 10 mm, 5 mm and 15 mm, respectively, or in a ratio of 2: 1:3. Reference is now made to Fig. 5b illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention, where distance D between adjacent projections 145a is varied between about 8 mm to about 15 mm.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5c showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention, where projection 145b has a convex top surface, characterized by height F ranging between about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
Reference is now made to Fig. 6 showing experimentally obtained topographic distribution of physical contact between user's foot and massage pads. The left column belongs to three female users with average sole area of 121 cm2. The right column belongs to three male users with average sole area of 129 cm2. The massage pads were provided with projection of 7.8 mm diameter. Relative average contact area was 18.6% for women and 18.5% for men.

Claims

An acupressure feet massage device; said device comprising:
a. a base member mountable on a bearing surface;
b. one or more massage mats configured for supporting user's feet; and
c. a supporting member carrying said massage mats thereon;
wherein said base and supporting members are mechanically interconnected by an interface mechanism configured for functioning in a static mode, a dynamic mode and a combination thereof.
The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 1, wherein said interface mechanism comprises a vibrator configured for generating oscillations transmittable to said pair of massage mats.
The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 1, wherein said interface mechanism comprises a sufficiently incompressible bearing member centrally disposed between said base and supporting members and peripherally disposed members characterized by predetermined compressibility such that said supporting member is angularly displaceable relative to said base member around said bearing member.
The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 1 , wherein said compressibility of said peripheral supporting members is dynamically variable.
The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 1, wherein at least one peripherally disposed member comprises a fluid-driven actuator connectable to a source of a compressed fluid; said fluid-driven actuator comprises at least two portions telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other under a pressure of said fluid fed into said fluid-driven actuator.
The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 1, wherein a massage mat comprises a substrate member and a plurality of projections carried thereon.
The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 1 , wherein said substrate member is integrally embodied with said supporting member.
The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 6, wherein at least one projection has a contact terminal having a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid, a tapered pyramid and any combination thereof.
9. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 8, wherein a profile of a contact surface of said cylinder or tapered pyramid is selected from the group consisting of a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, a serrated profile and any combination thereof.
10. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 8, wherein a profile of a contact surface of said cylinder or tapered pyramid is selected from the group consisting of a concave profile, a convex profile, a wavy profile and any combination thereof.
11. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 6, wherein said projection has a varied length; a ration between a standard deviation of said varied length and an average value thereof is at least 1 mm.
12. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 6, wherein a diameter of said projection is between 6 mm to 10 mm.
13. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of an area occupied by said projection to a total area of said massage mat is between 0.14 and 0.23.
14. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of said plurality of projections is fluid-actuated and connectable to said source of compressed fluid.
15. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 11, wherein said fluid-actuated projection comprises at least first and second portions telescopically interconnected therebetween; said first portion is mechanically connected to said substrate member; said second member is reciprocatively displaceable relative to said first member.
16. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 11, wherein said fluid-actuated projection comprises a flexible inflatable portion.
17. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 5, 12 or 13, comprising a programmable manifold configured to control reciprocative displacement of said fluid- driven actuator and fluid- actuated projections.
18. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 9, wherein dimensions A, B and H are 9 mm to 11 mm, 4 mm to 6 mm and 13 mm to 16 mm, respectively.
19. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 9, wherein dimensions A, B and H are in a ratio of 2: 1:3, respectively.
20. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 6, wherein a distance between adjacent projections is varied between about 8 mm to about 15 mm.
21. The acupressure foot massage device according to claim 6, wherein at least one projection has a convex top surface, characterized by a height ranging between about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
22. A method of acupressure massaging feet of a user; said method comprising steps of:
a. providing a device for acupressure massaging feet of a user; said device comprising:
1. a base member mountable on any bearing surface;
11. one or more massage mats configured for supporting user's feet;
m. a supporting member carrying said massage mats thereon;
b. mechanically interconnecting said base and supporting members by an interface mechanism;
c. functioning said interface mechanism in at least one of the following step: resting said supporting member and linearly and angularly displacing said supporting member relative to said base member.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein said step of functioning said interface mechanism comprises generating oscillations transmittable to said massage mat.
24. The method according to claim 22, wherein said step of functioning said interface mechanism comprises angularly displacing said supporting member relative to said base member; said angularly displacing is performed around a sufficiently incompressible bearing member centrally disposed between said base and supporting members and facilitated by peripherally disposed members characterized by predetermined compressibility and damping change in a load created by said user positioned on said massaging mat.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said step of functioning said interface mechanism comprises feeding a compressed fluid to at least one peripherally disposed member comprises a fluid-driven actuator; said fluid-driven actuator comprises at least two portions telescopically interconnected therebetween and reciprocatively displaceable relative to each other under a pressure of said fluid fed into said fluid-driven actuator.
26. The method according to claim 22, wherein said user is positioned onto said massage mat comprising a substrate member and a plurality of projections carried thereon.
27. The method according to claim 26, wherein said user's foot is in contact with at least one projection having a contact terminal with a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a hemisphere cylinder, a pyramid, a tapered pyramid, a cone, a tapered cone and any combination thereof.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein a profile of a contact surface of said cylinder, tapered pyramid or tapered cone is selected from the group consisting of a sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, a serrated profile and any combination thereof.
29. The method according to claim 27, wherein a profile of a contact surface of said cylinder, tapered pyramid or tapered cone is selected from the group consisting of a concave profile, a convex profile, a wavy profile and any combination thereof.
30. The method according to claim 26, comprising a step of actively massaging said feet of said user by at least one of said plurality of projections being fluid-actuated and connectable to said source of compressed fluid.
31. The method according to claim 30, wherein said step of actively massaging is performed by said at least one fluid-actuated projection comprising at least first and second portions telescopically interconnected therebetween; said first portion is mechanically connected to said substrate member; said second member is reciprocatively displaceable relative to said first member.
32. The method according to claim 22, wherein said fluid-actuated projection comprises a flexible inflatable portion.
33. The method according to claim 26, 231 or 32, wherein said step of functioning said interface mechanism and actively massage comprises feeding said compressed fluid to fluid-driven actuator and fluid-actuated projections by means of a programmable manifold.
34. A method of treating Plantar fasciitis of a patient, comprising steps of interconnecting a base member mountable on any bearing surface with one or more massage mats configured for supporting patient's feet (pes) and further interconnecting said mat with a supporting member; positioning patient's single foot or both feet onto said massage mats; functioning said interface mechanism in at least one of the following step: resting said supporting member and linearly and angularly displacing said supporting member relative to said base member.
35. A method of treating Plantar fasciitis according to claim 34, wherein a topographic distribution of physical contact between patient's foot and massage pads is characterized by average sole area of 121 cm2 (female patients), 129 cm2 (male patients), and wherein massage pads are characterized by projections of 7.8 mm diameter, such that relative average contact area is 18.6% for women and 18.5% for men.
PCT/IL2018/050895 2017-08-13 2018-08-13 Acupressure feet massage device and methods of usingthereof WO2019035122A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4936292A (en) * 1988-11-28 1990-06-26 Nishiguchi Hidetsugu Massage device
WO2007024103A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2007-03-01 Jae-Chul Kim A vibration sporting goods
US20100184568A1 (en) * 2005-02-22 2010-07-22 Rowdy Arjan Schippers Body-Stimulating Apparatus with an Oscillating Footplate
WO2014173545A1 (en) * 2013-04-25 2014-10-30 Hans Schiessl Apparatus for training and/or analysis of the musculoskeletal system of a user
US20150150745A1 (en) * 2011-11-07 2015-06-04 Kresimir Strlek Set-down Device and Stimulator, also Method for Neurophysiological Stimulation and use of a Stimulator

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4936292A (en) * 1988-11-28 1990-06-26 Nishiguchi Hidetsugu Massage device
US20100184568A1 (en) * 2005-02-22 2010-07-22 Rowdy Arjan Schippers Body-Stimulating Apparatus with an Oscillating Footplate
WO2007024103A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2007-03-01 Jae-Chul Kim A vibration sporting goods
US20150150745A1 (en) * 2011-11-07 2015-06-04 Kresimir Strlek Set-down Device and Stimulator, also Method for Neurophysiological Stimulation and use of a Stimulator
WO2014173545A1 (en) * 2013-04-25 2014-10-30 Hans Schiessl Apparatus for training and/or analysis of the musculoskeletal system of a user

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