Surgery: kinesitherapy – Kinesitherapy – Device with applicator having specific movement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-18
2001-03-13
Brown, Michael A. (Department: 3764)
Surgery: kinesitherapy
Kinesitherapy
Device with applicator having specific movement
C601S101000, C601S117000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06200283
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a reflex zone massage stimulator, particularly for the hand or the foot, comprising a rotatable rod-like element provided with projections, the ends of which define an active surface to be brought into contact with the skin of the user.
Such a massage stimulator is known from WO-A-94/1353. The massage stimulator described therein comprises a cylindrical element having a circular cross section and the surface of the cylindrical element being provided with projections. The element is rotatably mounted in a handle part, by which the cylindrical element with the projections can be rolled over a body part for massaging.
There are a few disadvantages and problems associated with this massage stimulator. One disadvantage of this massage stimulator is that it is mainly suitable for massaging substantially flat surfaces. The massage is less efficient on curved body parts such as is the case with, for instance, the foot with its various parts.
It is the objective of the invention to provide a massage stimulator of the kind mentioned in the preamble, in which said disadvantages are precluded.
To this end the reflex zone massage stimulator according to the invention is characterized in that the active surface, which is defined by the ends of the reflex zone massage stimulator's projections, is curved such that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the rod-like element, the distance from this surface to the rotation axis of the element varies. The reflex zone massage stimulator can be designed such as to allow, for instance, the feet to be massaged in an effective manner. The feet may now not only be massaged flat but also laterally. Practice has shown this to result in improved massaging of the feet.
In a preferred embodiment a plurality of projections is formed as electrode projections for electro-neuro stimulator pulses. This allows the reflex zones in, for instance, the foot or the hand to be stimulated more effectively. By means of said electro-neuro stimulator pulses (Transcutane Electro-NeuroStimulator pulses, TENS-pulses) which are conveyed to the reflex zones via the skin, the effect of the reflex zone massage stimulator is considerably improved and accelerated.
In a convenient embodiment the electrode projections are connected with an electrode strip. The electrode projections are now electrically coupled by means of the electrode strip. By connecting the strip at one point with a pulse-generating device, all electrode projections connected with the strip can be provided with electro-neuro stimulator pulses, without having to connect each individual electrode projection with the pulse-generating device separately. By means of the electrode strip, the massage stimulator with electrode projections is easy to manufacture.
An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the electrode projections and the electrode strip are formed as one part. As a result, the manufacture of the massage stimulator is considerably streamlined.
Preferably a plurality of rows of electrode projections are provided in the at least approximately longitudinal direction of and around the rod-like element alternating with rows of non-electrode projections provided in the at least approximately longitudinal direction of the rod-like element. When using the reflex zone massage stimulator, the reflex zones are now alternatingly stimulated by electrode projections and electro-neuro stimulator pulses and by non-electrode projections, which further improves the effect of the massage stimulator.
There are different ways for obtaining the curved active surface. In two possible variants the rod-like element may in the longitudinal direction have a varying diameter while the length of the projections remains constant, however, the diameter of the rod-like element may in the longitudinal direction also remain constant while the length of the projections varies.
The active surface of the massage stimulator may be designed in several ways. It may comprise at least one substantially convex portion and/or at least one substantially concave portion. Both forms allow the user to, for instance, massage the feet in a different manner or to massage different parts of the feet.
In a particular embodiment the reflex zone massage stimulator is characterized by at least two substantially convex or concave portions which, in relation to each other, possess a different degree of convexity and concavity respectively. Portions having in relation to each other a different degree of convexity or concavity, afford the possibility to stimulate the feet in a somewhat different manner during massage.
In a favourable embodiment of the invention, the massage stimulator is characterized in that the reflex zone massage stimulator comprises at least one projection-less portion having a diameter which is larger than the largest diameter of the active surface. By placing the reflex zone massage stimulator on the floor or another surface and by placing on it, for instance, both feet or both hands and moving them to and fro, the reflex zone massage stimulator will, in the case of the feet, roll under the feet allowing the sole of the foot, the left and the right side of the foot, the heel and the toes to be massaged effectively. This manner of use of the reflex zone massage stimulator affords an important advantage compared with the known reflex zone massage stimulator. The feet can now be massaged by the user, without requiring the assistance of another person.
In a particular embodiment the reflex zone massage stimulator is characterized by two projection-less portions having a larger diameter and being positioned at the ends of the element. This positioning of the projection-less portions affords the reflex zone massage stimulator greater stability so that it is also possible, for instance, to move said reflex zone massage stimulator over the floor with one foot.
In a preferred embodiment the massage stimulator is characterized in that the projection-less portions having a larger diameter are provided with a surrounding elastic element. This provision affords the reflex zone massage stimulator a better grip on the surface so that it slips less easily during use. In this manner the production of noise when rolling on hard surfaces is also reduced.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment the elastic elements are rings which are partially admitted into grooves provided in the surface of the projection-less portions having a larger diameter. Placement and possible replacement of these rings around the projection-less portions is simple. Due to the grooves the rings will remain in place and will not slide off the projection-less portions during rolling.
Preferably the active surface is designed such that there is a gradual transition between the different portions of the active surface of the reflex zone massage stimulator. An abrupt transition between the different portions could result in irritations during massage. In addition, it is now possible to adapt the reflex zone massage stimulator even better to the anatomy of, for instance, the foot.
In a favourable embodiment the projections are placed substantially perpendicular on the surface of the rod-like element. In this manner the massage will provide the most effective stimulation of the reflex zones of, for instance, the feet.
An effective embodiment of the reflex zone massage stimulator is characterized in that the projections are made from an elastic material. Preferably the projections are made from an plastic having a Shore hardness of about 50 to 90, and more preferably from a plastic having a Shore hardness of about 75. During massage the projections will then yield a little to pressure, preventing excessive stimulation and irritation of the skin. Using said elastic material also makes the reflex zone massage stimulator more comfortable.
A favourable embodiment is characterized in that the rod-like element and the non-electrode projections are manufactured as one part from one material. This means that the manufacture of the reflex zone massage
Brown Michael A.
Casa Verde Investments Ltd.
Hamilton Lalitta M.
Myers Jeffrey D.
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