WO2023213815A1

WO2023213815A1 - Portable massage device

Info

Publication number: WO2023213815A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/061556
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alain Meunier; Serge Grygorowicz; Jean-Philippe Girard
Original assignee: Sarl Dedolor
Priority date: 2022-05-03
Filing date: 2023-05-02
Publication date: 2023-11-09
Also published as: FR3135202A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable massage device (1) for forming and holding a fold of skin, the device being characterised in that it is generally L-shaped, the device comprising a casing (2) forming a single handle (3) having an elongate shape and a working head (4) arranged at the distal end of the handle (3), the device comprising at least: - a fixed jaw (5) projecting from the end of the working head (4) opposite the handle (3) and extending generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (6) of the handle (3); - a moving jaw (7) arranged between the handle (3) and the fixed jaw (5) extending facing and in the same direction as the fixed jaw (5), and pivotably mounted on the working head (4), the casing (2) containing at least pivoting means (9) for pivoting the moving jaw (7).

Description

PORTABLE MASSAGE DEVICE

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a portable massage device for the human body, usable by any person in particular for performing a massage of the "evaluated-pressed-pulled" type.

State of the art

In the field of massage, there are currently on the market various human body massage devices comprising a working head intended to be placed and moved manually by a practitioner on a skin surface, to perform a massage of the "evaluated-pressed" type. -drawn".

In this regard, a massage device is known comprising a working head provided with means for forming a fold of the skin comprising a compression mechanism comprising two skin tightening jaws each pivoting around an axis parallel to the plane of the skin and at the ends of which massage fingers are fixed, said device comprising means for pivoting the two jaws towards each other and vice versa, in order to squeeze the skin between them so as to form a fold of skin to allow decongestion of the treated tissues. Said means for pivoting the two jaws comprise at least one tightening cable and one loosening cable, the arrangement of the jaws and the tightening and loosening cables being such that traction exerted on the tightening cable causes simultaneous pivoting of the two jaws towards each other, and that traction exerted on the release cable causes a reverse pivoting movement causing the jaws to move apart.

This type of device is certainly effective, but it has the major disadvantages of being particularly bulky and cumbersome and of only being able to be used by a practitioner in order to avoid any risk of injury. In addition, without the help of a third person: the practitioner, a user cannot use this type of device on, for example, their back.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to propose an alternative to known human body massage devices, this alternative being solid, durable, compact so as to be portable and can be easily implemented and used for any person and not exclusively by a practitioner.

In accordance with the invention, there is therefore proposed a massage device intended for a user of the general public and making it possible to form and tighten a fold of the skin of said user, said massage device being in the general shape of an L, comprising a casing forming a single handle of elongated shape and a working head arranged at the distal end of said handle, and being remarkable in that it comprises at least:
- a fixed jaw coming from the end of the working head opposite the handle and extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said handle,
- a movable jaw arranged between the handle and the fixed jaw, extending opposite and in the same direction as said fixed jaw, and pivotally mounted on the working head around an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said handle,
said casing containing at least pivoting means making it possible to pivot the movable jaw towards the fixed jaw to tighten the skin and form a fold, and vice versa.

The movable jaw advantageously has a fold so that its part located outside the working head is inclined towards the handle.

According to one embodiment, the fixed and movable jaws each have at their free end a portion inclined towards the opposite jaw.

Said respective inclined portions of the fixed and movable jaws each preferably receive a silicone sleeve.

According to a preferred embodiment, said pivoting means comprise an electric motor connected to an energy source and whose shaft rotates an endless screw around an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, said endless screw rotating a wheel around the pivot axis of the movable jaw, said wheel then being integral with said movable jaw.

The electric motor is advantageously started using a control member secured to the casing.

According to a particular embodiment, the control member is of the pivoting wheel switch or sensitive switch type coupled to a pressure sensor.

The energy source is preferably at least one rechargeable battery.

The rechargeable battery is advantageously associated with a display means making it possible to visualize the available energy level.

According to a particular embodiment, the display means comprises a physical display secured to the casing, and/or a screen displayable on a remote control or on a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or the like, via a wireless connection.

The massage device advantageously comprises pressure sensors integral with each of the fixed and movable jaws.

The pressure sensors are advantageously associated with a display member making it possible to visualize the clamping pressure exerted on the user's skin by said fixed and movable jaws.

According to a particular embodiment, the display member comprises a physical display secured to the casing and/or a screen displayable on a remote control or on a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or the like, via a wireless connection.

According to a particular embodiment, the massage device is associated with a database stored in a computer server and can be consulted remotely via a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or the like.

Advantageously, the massage device includes sensitive feedback means allowing the user to obtain information on the smooth progress of the massage.

Brief description of the figures

Other advantages and characteristics will become clearer from the following description of a mode of execution of the invention, with reference to the appended figure in which:

is a perspective view of the massage device according to the invention,

is a side view of the massage device of the ,

is a perspective view of the massage device of the on which the casing is cut along a plane of longitudinal symmetry.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the massage device 1 according to the invention is intended to form and tighten a fold of the skin of a user, with a view to decongesting the tissues of the latter, said user belonging to the general public, that is, not necessarily being a practitioner in the medical field.

For this, the massage device 1 comprises a casing 2 forming a single handle 3 of elongated shape and a working head 4 disposed at the distal end of said handle 3, and comprising at least:
- a fixed jaw 5 coming from the end of the working head 4 opposite the handle 3 and extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 6 of said handle 3,
- a movable jaw 7 arranged between the handle 3 and the fixed jaw 5, extending opposite and in the same direction as said fixed jaw 5, and pivotally mounted on the working head 4 around an axis 8 generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 6 of said handle 3,
said casing 2 containing at least pivoting means 9 making it possible to pivot the movable jaw 7 towards the fixed jaw 5 to tighten the skin and form a fold, and vice versa.

Here we designate by "globally perpendicular" and "globally parallel" two elements or parts of elements of the massage device 1 according to the invention making an angle between them respectively between 70 and 110°, and -20 and 20°.

The movable jaw 7 advantageously has a fold 10 so that its part located outside the working head 4 is inclined towards the handle 3, in order to increase the spacing between the free ends of the two fixed jaws 5 and mobile 7 and to be able to treat a larger part of tissue.

However, according to an embodiment facilitating the formation of the skin fold, the fixed jaws 5 and movable jaws 7 each have at their free end an inclined portion 11,12 advantageously towards the opposite jaw.

Likewise, to adapt their adhesion and sliding to the quality of the skin and the treatment to be carried out, the respective inclined portions 11, 12 of the fixed jaws 5 and movable jaws 7 each receive a sleeve 13, 14 made of a material compatible with the contact skin. Several tests have shown that sleeves 13, 14 made of silicone made it possible to obtain optimal comfort and massage effectiveness. Each sleeve 13, 14 is preferably removable but can also be fixed on the associated inclined portion 11, 12 by being for example produced by overmolding.

Furthermore, each of the fixed jaws 5 and mobile 7 are advantageously made from a possibly folded metal plate. In this hypothesis, in order to limit the thickness and therefore the mass of the metal plate, the massage device 1 comprises a mechanical reinforcement 15 fixed on the movable jaw 7 on the side opposite the fixed jaw 5, this mechanical reinforcement 15 being made in lightweight synthetic material which increases the mechanical strength of the movable jaw 7 without excessively increasing its mass.

As described above, the massage device 1 comprises a casing 2, advantageously made of synthetic material for obvious reasons of lightness, contains at least pivoting means 9 making it possible to pivot the movable jaw 7 towards the fixed jaw 5 and vice versa. .

According to an advantageous embodiment, said pivoting means 9 comprise an electric motor 16 connected to an energy source 17 and whose shaft rotates an endless screw 18 around an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 of the handle 3, said endless screw 18 rotating a wheel 19 around the pivot axis 8 of the movable jaw 7, said wheel 19 then being integral with said movable jaw 7 so that the rotation of the shaft 17 of the electric motor 16 causes the pivoting of said movable jaw 7 around said axis 8 thanks to the endless screw 18 – wheel 19 assembly.

Furthermore, the electric motor 16 is started thanks to a control member 20 secured to the casing 2. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, this control member 20 is advantageously of the pivoting wheel switch type allowing the user of the massage device 1 to rotate the movable jaw 7 to bring it closer to the fixed jaw 5, to the desired spacing to form the fold of skin, by turning said dial switch in one direction, and reverse of moving the movable jaw 7 away from the fixed jaw 5 in order to release the skin by turning said dial switch in the other direction. This type of control member 20 allows the user to easily use said massage device 1 using one hand.

It is clearly understood that the control member 20 could be of a completely different type such as, for example, an all-or-nothing rotary or lever type switch, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Likewise, according to a embodiment not shown, the control member 20 is a sensitive switch coupled to a pressure sensor, for example of the strain gauge type, so as to be able to react according to the pressure exerted by the user. Thus, the more the user presses the control member 20, the more the movable jaw 7 will approach the fixed jaw 5 and exert pressure on the fold of skin. This type of control member 20 is interesting because it makes it possible to create a user interface of the Human-Machine Interface type and to allow the user more intuitive control of the pressure exerted on their skin.

The electric motor 16 can also be started remotely via a wireless connection such as infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or similar, and a remote control or a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or similar.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the pivoting means 9 could be of a completely different type such as, for example, a manual screw-nut assembly, a set of bevel gears or even an inflatable member, without leaving the frame of the present invention. However, all these other embodiments of the pivoting means 9 are bulky, heavy and do not allow sufficient amplification of the clamping force of the jaws.

For ergonomic reasons, said energy source 17 is preferably at least one rechargeable battery by any suitable means connected to the sector such as, for example, a wired charger intended to be connected to the massage device 1 or even a charger wireless based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Said rechargeable battery is advantageously associated with a display means, not shown, making it possible to visualize the available energy level and to proceed, if necessary, to recharging said rechargeable battery. Said display means may include a physical display secured to the casing 2 such as, for example, an electronic screen of the liquid crystal type or even a light-emitting diode display, and/or a screen displayable on a remote control or on a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or similar, via a wireless connection such as infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or similar.

However, it goes without saying that the energy source 17 could be, without departing from the scope of the present invention, of a completely different type such as, for example one or more removable batteries of the rechargeable or non-rechargeable electric battery type, a electrical cable allowing the electrical connection of the massage device 1 to the sector or a connector capable of cooperating with an electrical cable to connect the massage device 1 to the sector.

For obvious safety reasons, the massage device 1 further comprises pressure sensors integral with each of the fixed jaws 5 and movable jaws 7 and preferably associated with a display member, not shown, making it possible to visualize the clamping pressure exerted on the user's skin by said fixed jaws 5 and movable jaws 7, in order to control said clamping pressure in real time and to limit the latter to a predetermined pressure, so as to avoid any risk of injury due to excessive pressure . Said pressure sensors are advantageously of the strain gauge type. Said display member may include a physical display secured to the casing 2 such as, for example, an electronic screen of the liquid crystal type or even a light-emitting diode display, and/or a screen displayable on a remote control or on a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or similar, via a wireless connection such as infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or similar. These pressure sensors and display member allow the user to use said massage device 1 independently and in complete safety.

The massage device 1 according to the invention can be associated with a database stored in a computer server and consultable remotely via a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or the like. Thus, the user will be able to obtain, depending on the location of their pain, information on the correct positioning of the massage device 1, on the value of clamping pressure to be exerted or even on the duration of pressure maintenance to be implemented. works to effectively treat said pain.

Finally, the massage device 1 according to the invention comprises sensitive feedback means, not shown, to allow the user to obtain information on the smooth progress of the massage. According to an advantageous embodiment, said sensory feedback means comprise at least one vibrator placed in the handle 3.

Thus, with this last configuration, a user puts pressure on the tissues to be decongested by forming a fold of skin between the fixed jaws 5 and mobile jaws 7 of the massage device 1 according to the invention, then stops the moving jaws 7 coming together. towards the fixed jaw 5 to obtain appropriate pressure in order to have good sensations without pain. Then, the user maintains this pressure to decongest the tissues. After a variable period of time, this pressure decreases due to emptying of the tissues due to hydration. This reduction in pressure of the order of, for example, 50% is then detected by the pressure sensors described above, and triggers the sensitive feedback means. According to the advantageous embodiment, the vibrator located in the handle 3 of said massage device 1 begins to operate and the user then feels a vibration, the latter being able to last for a predetermined period of the order, for example, of thirty seconds (classically necessary time for good perception).

This sensory feedback allows the user to know that the massage went well and contributes to the learning mechanism for the correct use of the massage device 1 according to the invention.

It is understood that the general L-shaped configuration of the massage device 1, with the fixed jaws 5 and movable jaws 7 extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle 3, improves the ergonomics of said massage device 1 and allows a general public user to use it with one hand and in complete autonomy to treat all body areas, including rear areas such as the back, calves, or buttocks, without having to call on a third person or bend your wrist to apply said massage device 1 against said rear areas. This L-shaped configuration also makes it possible to easily twist the skin fold around an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the skin, which has the effect of accentuating the action of said massage device 1 on the tissues. to decongest.

Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the fixed and movable jaws would extend in the extension of the handle, the massage device 1 has with its L-shaped configuration a center of gravity located as close as possible to the plane of the skin of the user, which possibly allows the massage device 1 to be released once the fold of skin has been formed between the fixed jaws 5 and mobile jaws 7, without the risk of said massage device 1 becoming separated from the skin.

Finally, the fact that the movable jaw 7 is arranged between the handle 3 and the fixed jaw 5 located at the distal end of the massage device 1 allows the user to see, in many cases, the movement of said movable jaw 7 and therefore to visually control the formation and tightening of the skin fold.

It is clearly understood that the massage device 1 according to the invention is, of course, a portable device used by a user of the general public to form and pinch a fold of the skin of said user.

Finally, it goes without saying that the examples of massage device 1 according to the invention which have just been given are only particular illustrations, in no way limiting the fields of the invention.

Claims

Massage device (1) intended for a user of the general public and making it possible to form and tighten a fold of the skin of said user, said massage device (1) being generally L-shaped, comprising a casing (2) forming a single handle (3) of elongated shape and a working head (4) arranged at the distal end of said handle (3), and being characterized in that it comprises at least:
- a fixed jaw (5) coming from the end of the working head (4) opposite the handle (3) and extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (6) of said handle (3),
- a movable jaw (7) arranged between the handle (3) and the fixed jaw (5), extending opposite and in the same direction as said fixed jaw (5), and pivotally mounted on the head working (4) around an axis (8) generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (6) of said handle (3),
said casing (2) containing at least pivoting means (9) making it possible to pivot the movable jaw (7) towards the fixed jaw (5) to tighten the skin and form a fold, and vice versa.
Massage device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the movable jaw (7) has a fold (10) so that its part located outside the working head (4) is inclined towards the handle (3).
Massage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the fixed (5) and movable (7) jaws each have at their free end an inclined portion (11, 12) towards the jaw opposite.
Massage device (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the respective inclined portions (11, 12) of the fixed (5) and movable (7) jaws each receive a silicone sleeve (13, 14).
Massage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said pivoting means (9) comprise an electric motor (16) connected to an energy source (17) and whose shaft drives in rotation an endless screw (18) around an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (6) of the handle (3), said endless screw (18) rotating a wheel (19) around the axis (8) for pivoting the movable jaw (7), said wheel (19) then being integral with said movable jaw (7).
Massage device (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that the electric motor (16) is started using a control member (20) secured to the casing (2).
Massage device (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the control member (20) is of the pivoting wheel switch or sensitive switch type coupled to a pressure sensor.
Massage device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7 characterized in that the energy source (17) is at least one rechargeable battery.
Massage device (1) according to claim 8 characterized in that the rechargeable battery is associated with a display means making it possible to visualize the available energy level.
Massage device (1) according to claim 9 characterized in that the display means comprises a physical display secured to the casing (2), and/or a screen displayable on a remote control or on a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or similar, via a wireless connection.
Massage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that it comprises pressure sensors integral with each of the fixed (5) and movable (7) jaws.
Massage device (1) according to claim 11 characterized in that the pressure sensors are associated with a display member making it possible to visualize the clamping pressure exerted on the user's skin by said fixed (5) and movable ( 7).
Massage device (1) according to claim 12 characterized in that the display member comprises a physical display secured to the casing (2) and/or a screen displayable on a remote control or on a device connected to the internet network such as a smartphone, tablet or similar, via a wireless connection.
Massage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that it is associated with a database stored in a computer server and can be consulted remotely via a device connected to the internet network of the smartphone, tablet or similar type.
Massage device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14 characterized in that it comprises sensitive feedback means allowing the user to obtain information on the smooth progress of the massage.