Patent ID: 6146342
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: A61H

Abstract:
A massaging device for applying pressure to a plurality of locations on a long fiber muscle in a random timing and pattern, said massaging device comprising:at least six pressure inducing elements, each of said pressure inducing elements being associated with one location of the plurality of locations and including a plunger disposed to move in reciprocating fashion between a first extended position and a second retracted position, said plunger being generally cylindrical, having a domed tip, and having a diameter between one quarter and one half an inch;a flexible pad adapted to substantially conform to the long fiber muscle, said flexible pad holding and supporting said at least six pressure inducing elements in an array such that all of said plungers extend in the same general direction relative to said flexible pad;a plurality of motive elements, each motive element of said plurality of motive elements being disposed to move one of said plungers between said first and said second positions; andseparate timing means for each said motive element, each said separate timing means individually operating said motive element's associated plunger such that a random operation of the entire plurality of pressure inducing elements results delay occurs between successive extensions thereof, thereby in a random timing and pattern whereby;when placed on a long fiber muscle or group of muscles, the size of the pressure inducing elements, the arrangement of the pressure inducing elements, and the random time delay in each of the pressure inducing elements all act on the Golgi tendon organ to suddenly relax the entire long fiber muscle.