FASCIAL GUN

Embodiments of the present invention provides a fascial gun including a fascial gun body. Further, the fascial gun includes a gun head protruding from the fascial gun body and configured to be imparted reciprocating motion by an actuator comprised within the fascial gun body. The fascial gun further includes a massage head. Also, the fascial gun includes a vibration adjusting device connecting the massage head with the gun head, the vibration adjusting device configured to at least partially transmit the reciprocating motion of the gun head to the massage head. The vibration adjusting device comprises a gas chamber provided with an exhaust regulator valve configured to adjust maximum allowable gas pressure in the gas chamber thereby adjusting an amplitude of the reciprocating motion transmitted to the massage head.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to therapeutic and recreational devices. More specifically the present invention relates to fascial guns used for massaging purposes.

BACKGROUND ART

A fascial gun is a great tool to help with recovery after a workout. Professional athletes, and amateur bodybuilders, both can use the fascial guns for massaging several parts of their body. Vibrating massage provided by fascial guns mainly provides relief to large muscle groups by relaxing the muscle groups and reducing soreness thereby allowing more effective training. However, there is often soreness in other areas of the body that cannot be ignored, whether it is a professional athlete or a general leisure enthusiast all have experienced muscle soreness. The fascial guns use several vibration frequencies to relieve muscle spasms and increase blood flow, thereby dramatically shortening muscle recovery time. Traditional fascial guns are handheld, as shown inFIG.1, including a facial gun110used by a user120.

CN210872918U discloses a handheld fascial gun with a brush motor with a driving part provided within a fascial gun body of the handheld fascial gun. The driving part includes a reciprocating mechanism mechanically coupled with a massage head. Therefore, the massage head reciprocates due to the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating mechanism, thereby providing a vibrating massage effect on the body of a user.

However, exposed ends of the existing fascial guns make a straight reciprocating motion with fixed amplitudes. The only parameter that generally can be adjusted when using the existing fascial guns is the frequency of vibration. However, the lack of provisions for adjusting the depth and strength of the massage provided by the fascial guns prevents them from being adopted by larger user groups.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the invention are as follows:

An object of the invention is to provide a fascial gun that can reduce muscle soreness, provide pain relief, and increase blood circulation;

Another object of the invention is to provide a fascial gun that can be adopted by a larger variety of user groups in addition to professional bodybuilders and amateur athletes;

Another object of the invention is to provide a fascial gun where the amplitude of the reciprocating motion of the massage head is adjustable; and

It is also an object of the invention that the fascial gun with adjustable amplitude is simple in construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fascial gun. The fascial gun includes a fascial gun body. Further, the fascial gun includes a gun head protruding from the fascial gun body and configured to be imparted reciprocating motion by an actuator comprised within the fascial gun body. The fascial gun further includes a massage head. Also, the fascial gun includes a vibration adjusting device connecting the massage head with the gun head, the vibration adjusting device configured to at least partially transmit the reciprocating motion of the gun head to the massage head. The vibration adjusting device comprises a gas chamber provided with an exhaust regulator valve configured to adjust maximum allowable gas pressure in the gas chamber thereby adjusting an amplitude of the reciprocating motion transmitted to the massage head.

In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator is selected from a group consisting of an electrical motor, a linear electromagnetic motor, a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and a hydraulic actuator.

In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration adjusting device is detachably fastened with the massage head through one or more of: mating of external threads of the vibration adjusting device with internal threads of a hole in the massage head, a snap-fit arrangement, and a press-fit arrangement.

In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration adjusting device includes a vibration body comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to be fastened to the massage head, and the second portion formed at least in part in form of a cylinder comprising a second hollow space therewithin, the second hollow space provided with the exhaust regulator valve. The vibration adjusting device further includes a separating wall disposed between the first portion and the second portion. Also, the vibration adjusting device includes a piston including a first piston end and a second piston end, the piston configured to be at least partially disposed within the second hollow space with the first piston end configured to be socketed by the second portion. A portion of the second hollow space between the first piston end and the separating wall defines the gas chamber. The second piston end includes a piston mounting head, the piston mounting head configured to be detachably fastened to the gun head. The reciprocating motion of the gun head is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the piston. The reciprocating motion of the piston is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the vibration body. Also, the reciprocating motion of the vibration body is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the massage head.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fascial gun further includes a deformable element disposed between the first piston end and the separating wall.

In one embodiment of the invention, the deformable element is selected from a group consisting of a compression spring, a diaphragm, and a fluid chamber filled with a compressible fluid.

In one embodiment of the invention, the piston mounting head is configured to be detachably fastened to the gun head through one or more of: mating of external threads of the piston mounting head with internal threads of a hole in the gun head, mating of external threads of the gun head with internal threads of a hole in the piston mounting head, a snap-fit arrangement, and a press-fit arrangement.

In one embodiment of the invention, the piston mounting head is configured to be detachably fastened to the gun head through one or more the snap-fit arrangement and the press-fit arrangement, the piston mounted head configured to be socketed by the gun head, and outer surface of the piston mounting head provided with one or more third slip rings to prevent relative rotation between the piston mounting head and the gun head.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first end of the piston comprises a radial protrusion, wherein the radial protrusion is configured to be in contact with the deformable element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first portion is cylindrical in shape and is configured to be socketed by a hole in the massage head, the first portion comprising one or more second slip rings on an outer surface of the first portion to prevent relative rotation between the first portion and the massage head.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vibration adjusting device for a fascial gun. The fascial gun includes a massage head and a gun head. The vibration adjusting device is configured to connect the gun head with the massage head. The vibration adjusting device includes a vibration body comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to be fastened to the massage head, and the second portion formed at least in part in form of a cylinder comprising a hollow space therewithin, the hollow space provided with an exhaust regulator valve. Further, the vibration adjusting device includes a separating wall disposed between the first portion and the second portion. Also, the vibration adjusting device includes a piston including a first piston end and a second piston end. The piston is configured to be at least partially disposed within the hollow space with the first piston end configured to be socketed by the second portion. A portion of the hollow space between the first piston end and the separating wall define a gas chamber. The second piston end includes a piston mounting head, the piston mounting head configured to be detachably fastened to the gun head. The reciprocating motion of the gun head is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the piston. The reciprocating motion of the piston is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the vibration body. The reciprocating motion of the vibration body is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the massage head. Also, the exhaust regulator valve is configured to adjust maximum allowable gas pressure in the gas chamber thereby adjusting an amplitude of the reciprocating motion transmitted to the massage head.

In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration adjusting device further includes a deformable element disposed between the first piston end and the separating wall.

In one embodiment of the invention, the deformable element is selected from a group consisting of a compression spring, a diaphragm, and a fluid chamber filled with a compressible fluid.

In one embodiment of the invention, the piston mounting head is configured to be detachably fastened to the gun head through one or more of: mating of external threads of the piston mounting head with internal threads of a hole in the gun head, mating of external threads of the gun head with internal threads of a hole in the piston mounting head, a snap-fit arrangement, and a press-fit arrangement.

In one embodiment of the invention, the piston mounting head is configured to be detachably fastened to the gun head through one or more the snap-fit arrangement and the press-fit arrangement, the piston mounted head configured to be socketed by the gun head, and outer surface of the piston mounting head provided with one or more third slip rings to prevent relative rotation between the piston mounting head and the gun head.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first end of the piston includes a radial protrusion, wherein the radial protrusion is configured to be in contact with the deformable element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration adjusting device further includes a front cushion and a rear cushion at a front end and a rear end, respectively, of stroke length of the piston.

In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration adjusting device further includes a piston sealing ring provided on an outer surface of the radial protrusion, the piston sealing ring configured to seal the gas chamber to prevent leakage of air or a gaseous substance from a gap in between the outer surface of piston and an inner surface of the second part.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first portion is cylindrical in shape and is configured to be socketed by a hole in the massage head, the first portion comprising one or more second slip rings on an outer surface of the first portion to prevent relative rotation between the first portion and the massage head.

In one embodiment of the invention, the exhaust regulator valve is selected from a group consisting of globe valves, gate valves, needle valves, plug valves, and butterfly valves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the figures, and in which example embodiments are shown.

The detailed description and the accompanying drawings illustrate the specific exemplary embodiments by which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention illustrated in the disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

It is envisaged that a fascial gun be provided with a vibration adjusting device that is capable of adjusting an amplitude of vibration of a massage head of the fascial gun. In that regard, the fascial gun may include a gun head configured to be reciprocated using an actuator. The reciprocating motion of the gun head may be transferred to the massage head through a vibration adjusting device. The vibration adjusting device may include a gas chamber capable of trapping air or any other gas therewithin. The gas chamber may further be provided with an exhaust regulator valve that may be configured for maximum allowable gas pressure in the gas chamber before the exhaust regulator valve opens and allows the trapped air or gas to escape. The gas chamber may be defined within a hollow vibration body and between a separating wall and a piston coupled to the gun head.

As the piston would compress the trapped air or gaseous substance within the gas chamber, a forward linear motion would be imparted to the vibration body. The forward linear motion of the vibration body would be transmitted to the massage head due to a direct coupling of the massage head with the vibration body. Once the maximum allowable gas pressure is attained inside the gas chamber, the exhaust regulator valve will open and release the pressure within the gas chamber and any further motion of the piston will have minimal effect on the vibration body. A deformable element provided between the piston and the separating valve will cause the vibration body to return to an original position of the vibration body as the piston retracts during a backward stroke of the reciprocating motion of the gun head. Therefore, the adjustment of the exhaust regulator wall would be able to affect the amplitude of vibration of the massage head.

Several embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in detail takingFIGS.2-5as references.

FIG.2illustrates a fascial gun200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fascial gun200includes a fascial gun body210. The facial gun body210is envisaged to be a housing for containing or encapsulating several components of the fascial gun200. In this regard, the fascial gun body210may be made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), etc. The fascial gun200further includes a gun head220protruding from the fascial gun body210. The gun head220is configured to be imparted reciprocating motion by an actuator212comprised within the fascial gun body210. In that regard, the actuator212may be selected from a group consisting of an electrical motor, a linear electromagnetic motor, a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and a hydraulic actuator. Further, the electrical motor may be an Alternating Current (AC) motor or a Direct Current (DC) motor.

The fascial gun200further includes a massage head240for providing reciprocating or vibrating massage to a body of a user. In that regard, the reciprocating motion of the gun head220may at least partially be configured to be transmitted to the massage head240through a vibration adjusting device230provided between the gun head220and the massage head240. The vibration adjusting device230may be detachably fastened to the massage head240through one or more of: mating of external threads of the vibration adjusting device230with internal threads of a hole in the massage head240, a snap-fit arrangement, a press-fit arrangement, and combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG.3illustrates a side view of an assembly300of the massage head240and the vibration adjusting device230, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The massage head240includes an oblate spheroidal body310. A front portion of the oblate spheroidal body310, configured to be facing the user has been provided with a plurality of stimulation elements306. The plurality of stimulation elements306may include but are not limited to, one or more of: Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), heating elements, cooling elements, vibration elements, electrodes, and combinations thereof. The LEDs may be configured to emit radiation in visible light and infrared frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum. In other words, the wavelengths of the light emitted by the LEDs may lie in the ranges of 380 nm to 700 nm for the visible light and 845 nm to 855 nm for the infrared light. Further, the LEDs may be configured to operate in a pulsed or a continuous mode of operation. The heating elements may be selected from a group consisting of metal heating elements, ceramic heating elements, semiconductor heating elements, thick film heating elements, polymer-based heating elements, composite heating elements, and combination heating elements. The cooling elements may be thermoelectric coolers, also known as Peltier heat pumps. The vibration elements may include eccentric rotating motors or linear resonant actuators.

Further, the front portion of the oblate spheroidal body310may be provided with a protective cap308for protection of the plurality of stimulation elements306from ingress of dust, water, etc. In several embodiments of the invention, where the plurality of stimulation elements306include LEDs, the protective cap308may be made up of diaphanous material. The vibration adjusting device230includes a vibration body306and a piston302. Furthermore, an exhaust regulator valve304(SeeFIG.5) has been coupled to an orifice in the vibration body306. The exhaust regulator valve304may be selected from a group consisting of globe valves, gate valves, needle valves, plug valves, and butterfly valves.

FIG.4illustrates an exploded view400of the assembly300ofFIG.3. The vibration body306includes a first portion408and a second portion412. Further, a separating wall410has been disposed between the first portion408and the second portion412. The first portion408is configured to be fastened to the massage head240. In that regard, the first portion408includes a first hollow space417. In several embodiments of the invention, the first hollow space417has a circular cross-section. However, in several alternate embodiments, the first hollow space417may acquire a polygonal cross-section, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The massage head240includes a rearward protrusion402extending towards the vibration body306. The rearward protrusion402includes a first external surface403. Further, the rearward protrusion402has a cross-section that is in conformance with the cross-section of the first hollow space417. The massage head240, therefore, may be fastened to the vibration body306by inserting the rearward protrusion402into the first hollow space417. Relative sliding or rotating motion between the rearward protrusion402and the first portion408may be prevented by providing a first set of slip rings404at the first external surface403. In several alternate embodiments of the invention, the first portion408may be cylindrical and may be configured to be socketed by a hole in the massage head240. In that regard, the first portion408may further include one or more second slip rings (not shown) on an outer surface of the first portion408to prevent relative rotation between the first portion408and the massage head240.

The second portion412of the vibration body306is formed at least in part in the form of a cylinder. Furthermore, the second portion412includes a second hollow space414therewithin. The second hollow space414has been provided with the exhaust regulator valve304through an orifice in the second portion412. Further, a spacer protrusion416has been provided on the separating wall410in the second hollow space414. The piston302includes a first piston end422and a second piston424. The piston302is configured to be at least partially disposed within the second hollow space414. Furthermore, the first piston end422is configured to be socketed by the second portion412. The first piston end422further includes a radial protrusion426. A piston sealing ring440is configured to seal a gap between an inner surface of the second portion412and the radial protrusion426so that no gas escapes from between the radial protrusion426and the inner surface of the second portion412.

A deformable element420is disposed between the radial protrusion426of the first piston end422and the separating wall410. The deformable element420may be selected from a group consisting of a compression spring, a diaphragm, and a fluid chamber filled with a compressible fluid. A first cushion element418has been attached to the spacer protrusion416at a surface of the spacer protrusion416that is facing towards the first piston end422. A rear cover438has been provided at an open end of the second portion412. A second cushion element436has been attached to the rear cover438at a surface of the rear cover438that is facing towards the separating wall410. The first418and the second436cushion elements are configured to prevent wear and tear in the vibration adjusting device230during operation by preventing the piston302from slamming onto the surfaces at ends of the stroke of the piston302during a reciprocating motion of the piston302.

The second piston end424includes a piston mounting head428. The piston mounting head428is configured to be detachably fastened to the gun head230. In several embodiments of the invention, the piston mounting head428may be configured to be detachably fastened to the gun head230through one or more of: mating of external threads of the piston mounting head428with internal threads of a hole in the gun head230, mating of external threads of the gun head230with internal threads of a hole in the piston mounting head428, a snap-fit arrangement, and a press-fit arrangement. Further, in several embodiments of the invention, the piston mounting head428is configured to be socketed by the gun head230, and an outer surface429of the piston mounting head428provided is with one or more third slip rings430to prevent relative rotation between the piston mounting head428and the gun head230.

FIG.5illustrates a partial side sectional view500of the vibration adjusting device230, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first piston end422with the radial protrusion426and the piston sealing ring440has been disposed within the second hollow space414. A portion502of the second hollow space414between the first piston end422(or the radial protrusion426, as applicable) and the separating wall410defines a gas chamber. The gas chamber may be filled with air or any other gaseous substance or gaseous mixture. The exhaust regulator valve304is configured to adjust the maximum allowable gas pressure in the gas chamber thereby adjusting the amplitude of the reciprocating motion transmitted to the massage head240. The reciprocating motion of the gun head230due to the actuator212is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the piston302. The reciprocating motion of the piston302is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the vibration body306. The reciprocating motion of the vibration body306is configured to impart reciprocating motion to the massage head240.

In use, as the piston302would compress the trapped gas within the gas chamber, a forward linear motion would be imparted to the vibration body306. The forward linear motion of the vibration body306would be transmitted to the massage head240due to the direct coupling of the massage head240with the vibration body306. Once the maximum allowable gas pressure is attained inside the gas chamber, the exhaust regulator valve304will open and release the pressure within the gas chamber, and any further motion of the piston302will have minimal effect on the vibration body306. The deformable element420provided between the piston302and the separating wall410will cause the vibration body306to return to an original position of the vibration body306as the piston302retracts during a backward stroke of the reciprocating motion of the gun head230. Therefore, the adjustment of the exhaust regulator wall304would be able to affect the amplitude of vibration of the massage head240.

Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art, from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing the broadest scope consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.