Portable therapeutic device and associated use thereof

A portable therapeutic device includes a portable body having a recessed central region and a raised outer peripheral edge surrounding the recessed central region and directly engaged with the recessed central region, a plurality of massage balls seated at the recessed central region and spaced inside a perimeter of the raised outer peripheral edge, a thermal-conductive element channeled inside the outer peripheral edge and spaced from the recessed central region, and a power source communicatively coupled to the massage balls and the thermal-conductive element.

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to therapeutic devices and, more particularly, to a lightweight portable therapeutic device that is specifically configured to offer healing therapy to the lower back, hips, pelvic and coccyx areas, thereby lifting and supporting the pelvic floor and frame. It includes rotatable massaging balls that directly massage the pelvic floor tissues and surrounding structures to alleviate pain, swelling and blood clots restrictions of joint motion, pressure and inflammation. The massaging balls are in communication with the heating and cooling system. The device treats chronic pelvic and abdominal organ swelling, congestion and inflammation like genitourinary (bladder, prostate, uterus) gastrointestinal (colon rectal hemorrhoids) in addition to musculoskeletal back pain and pelvic joint and soft tissue pain. The device may also include BLUETOOTH®/WiFi capabilities as well as long range rechargeable batteries.

Prior Art

Low back pain and pelvic pain is a common musculoskeletal symptom that may be either acute or chronic. Caused by a variety of diseases and disorders that affect the lumbar spine, low back pain is often accompanied by sciatica, which is pain that involves the sciatic nerve and is felt in the lower back, the buttocks, the pelvis, the backs and sides of the thighs, and possibly the calves. A symptom that affects 80% of the general United States population at some point in life with sufficient severity to cause absence from work, low back/pelvic pain is the second most common reason for visits to primary care doctors, and is estimated to cost the American economy $75 billion every year.

In today's hectic and busy world, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience muscle tension, especially in the lower back, pelvis and coccyx (tailbone). Whether spending the day sitting in front of a computer screen, constantly bending and stooping while attending to household chores, or toiling with lawn and garden activities, these muscles tend to take on the stresses of physical and mental labor. At the end of such intense days, there is nothing that many would like more than to experience a soothing, relaxing massage to melt away the soreness in their bodies, as well as to ease the mind and cleanse the spirit. This need is so great that cities and towns are overflowing with professional massage therapists who enjoy a booming business attending to this need. However, it is simply not practical for many consumers to take time out of their busy work and home lives to visit a message therapist. In addition, these services can prove quite costly, with many professionals charging between $75 and $100 an hour for these treatments.

Accordingly, a need remains for a portable, therapeutic device in order to overcome at least one aforementioned shortcoming. The exemplary embodiment(s) satisfy such a need by providing a portable therapeutic device including a lightweight, rechargeable cooling/heating, support and massaging device that is specifically configured to offer healing therapy to the lower back, pelvis, and coccyx that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for lifting and supporting the pelvic floor and frame, when seated on the device, as well as offer a hands-free, stress and pain relieving massage, to alleviate pressure, enhance circulation, prevent blood clots, and reduce pain in the lower back and genital region.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide a portable therapeutic device to offer healing therapy to the lower back, pelvis, and coccyx thereby lifting and supporting a pelvic floor and frame as well as offer a hands-free, stress and pain relieving massage, to alleviate pressure, enhance circulation, prevent blood clots, and reduce pain in the lower back and a genital region. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided by a portable therapeutic device including a portable body having a recessed central region and a raised outer peripheral edge surrounding the recessed central region and directly engaged with the recessed central region, a plurality of massage balls seated at the recessed central region and spaced inside a perimeter of the raised outer peripheral edge, a thermal-conductive element channeled inside the outer peripheral edge and spaced from the recessed central region, and a power source communicatively coupled to the massage balls and the thermal-conductive element.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the body includes a centrally registered longitudinal axis, a centrally registered latitudinal axis traversing the centrally registered longitudinal axis, a generally planar posterior face having a linear slot formed therein, a curvilinear anterior face oppositely seated from the posterior face, a planar top surface having a mesh layer removably seated thereon, and a planar bottom surface oriented parallel to the top surface and spaced subjacent thereto.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the body further includes an anchor bracket statically connected to the bottom surface and aligned along the centrally registered latitudinal axis, and a back-support brace slidably inserted into the linear slot and removably coupled to the posterior face. Advantageously, the back-support brace includes a linear aperture selectively engaged with the anchor bracket such that the back-support is selectively reciprocated along a linear path registered parallel to the bottom surface and the centrally registered latitudinal axis.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the body further includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side equidistantly offset from the centrally registered latitudinal axis, and a first lateral support flange and a second lateral support flange removably and adjustably coupled to the first lateral side and the second lateral side, respectively. Advantageously, each of the first lateral support flange and the second lateral support flange includes a contoured top surface, respectively, for supporting a hip/buttock portion of the user. Notably, the back-support brace27has a T-shaped upper portion that is capable of vibrating and being heated/cooled to a desired temperature. The T-shaped upper portion of the back-support brace27is advantageous, because a lot of pain is generated in the lumbar area consequently the T-shaped upper portion has the ability to deliver specific heating and cooling to the spinal nerves.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the plurality of massage balls includes a first transducer having a solid top sphere protruding upwardly and out from the top surface, a hollow bottom section monolithically formed with the solid top sphere and extending downwardly below the top surface wherein the hollow bottom section is nested on the bottom surface, and a powered actuator in communication with the power source. The power source may be intercalated between the top surface and the bottom surface. Advantageously, such a powered actuator is penetrated upwardly through the hollow bottom section and operably coupled to the solid top sphere. In this manner, the powered actuator causes the solid top sphere to oscillate along a multi-directional path.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the plurality of massage balls further includes a second transducer coextensively shaped with the first transducer.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the raised outer peripheral edge includes a hollow channel extending along an entire longitudinal length thereof. Notably, the thermal-conductive element includes a helical coil communicatively coupled to the power source and seated inside the hollow channel. Such a helical coil is capable of being selectively heated and cooled between a predetermined temperature range.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface includes a plurality of spaced apertures, and a plurality of support legs threadably inserted into the spaced apertures, respectively, such that a height, relative to a ground surface, is independently altered at each the posterior face, the anterior face, the first lateral side and the second lateral side. For example, such support legs may be positioned at opposed corners of the bottom surface.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first lateral flange and the second lateral flange are coextensively shaped.

The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing a portable therapeutic device to offer healing therapy to the lower back, pelvis, and coccyx thereby lifting and supporting a pelvic floor and frame as well as offer a hands-free, stress and pain relieving massage, thereby alleviating pressure, enhancing circulation, preventing blood clots, and reducing pain in the lower back and a genital region. Such a method includes the steps of: providing a portable body having a recessed central region and a raised outer peripheral edge surrounding the recessed central region and directly engaged with the recessed central region; providing and seating a plurality of massage balls at the recessed central region; spacing the massage balls inside a perimeter of the raised outer peripheral edge; providing and channeling a thermal-conductive element inside the outer peripheral edge thereby spacing the thermal-conductive element from the recessed central region; and providing and communicatively coupling a power source to the massage balls and the thermal-conductive element.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure so that the following detailed description may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the relevant art(s) may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “an embodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternative embodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase “non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s).

If used herein, “about” means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means±15% of the numerical.

If used herein, “substantially” means largely if not wholly that which is specified but so close that the difference is insignificant.

The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally inFIGS. 1-9and is/are intended to provide a portable therapeutic device10including a portable body11having a recessed central region12and a raised outer peripheral edge13surrounding the recessed central region12and directly engaged with the recessed central region12, a plurality of massage balls14seated at the recessed central region12and spaced inside a perimeter of the raised outer peripheral edge13, a thermal-conductive element15channeled inside the outer peripheral edge13and spaced from the recessed central region12, and a power source16communicatively coupled to the massage balls14and the thermal-conductive element15. Such a structural configuration provides the unexpected and unpredictable benefit of providing healing therapy to the lower back, pelvis, and coccyx thereby lifting and supporting a pelvic floor and frame as well as offer a hands-free, stress and pain relieving massage, to alleviate pressure, enhance circulation, prevent blood clots, and reduce pain in the lower back and a genital region.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the power source16may include one or more rechargeable or non-rechargeable disposable batteries, photovoltaic cells, and/or an AC adapter or other power supply means. For example, a charge cable, AC/DC converter78and/or transformer may be provided to step down an incoming voltage level from an exterior wall outlet, as needed.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the body11includes a centrally registered longitudinal axis18, a centrally registered latitudinal axis19traversing the centrally registered longitudinal axis18, a generally planar posterior face20having a linear slot21formed therein, a curvilinear anterior face22oppositely seated from the posterior face20, a planar top surface23having a mesh layer24removably seated thereon, and a planar bottom surface25oriented parallel to the planar top surface23and spaced subjacent thereto.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the body11further includes an anchor bracket26statically connected to the bottom surface25and aligned along the centrally registered latitudinal axis19, and a back-support brace27slidably inserted into the linear slot21and removably coupled to the posterior face20. Advantageously, the back-support brace27has includes a linear aperture28aselectively engaged with the anchor bracket26such that the back-support brace27is selectively reciprocated along a linear path29registered parallel to the bottom surface25and the centrally registered latitudinal axis19. In this manner, the back-support brace27may be an optional accessory that is detachably connected to the body11, as desired by the user.

Notably, the back-support brace27has a T-shaped upper portion77that is capable of vibrating and being heated/cooled to a desired temperature. The T-shaped upper portion77of the back-support brace27is advantageous, because a lot of pain is generated in the lumbar area consequently the T-shaped upper portion77has the ability to deliver specific heating and cooling to the spinal nerves.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the body11further includes a first lateral side30and a second lateral side31equidistantly offset from the centrally registered latitudinal axis19, and a first lateral support flange32and a second lateral support flange33removably and adjustably coupled to the first lateral side30and the second lateral side31, respectively. Advantageously, each of the first lateral support flange32and the second lateral support flange33includes a contoured top surface23a, respectively, for supporting a hip/buttock portion of the user. In this manner, the first lateral side30and a second lateral side31may be optional accessories that are detachably connected to the body11, as desired by the user. Each of the first lateral support flange32and second lateral support flange33may vibrate and heated/cooled via a user interface.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the plurality of massage balls14includes a first transducer33having a solid top sphere35protruding upwardly and out from the top surface23, a hollow bottom section36monolithically formed with the solid top sphere35and extending downwardly below the top surface23wherein the hollow bottom section36is nested on the bottom surface25, and a powered actuator37in communication with the power source16. The power source16may be intercalated between the top surface23and the bottom surface25. Advantageously, such a powered actuator37is penetrated upwardly through the hollow bottom section36and operably coupled to the solid top sphere35. In this manner, the powered actuator37causes the solid top sphere35to oscillate along a multi-directional path29(e.g., two or more of an x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction).

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the transducers33,34(massage balls14) may include a mechanical or electro-mechanical device79that is capable of generating heating/cooling temperatures, and/or vibrations at a desired intensity and temperature range.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a plurality of guide tracks may be formed along the top surface23of body11such that each massage ball14can be selectively displaced along a desired path29within the recessed central region12.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a controller80and a user interface60may be provided, which may include a variety of stand-alone or shared devices that are capable of generating and transmitting a control signal upon receiving a user input. For example, exemplary user interface devices may include a remote controller employing RF, infra-red, acoustic or cellular technology, as well known in the industry. In alternate embodiments, the user interface may include a handheld computer, a PDA, a cell phone, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. that may be comprised of commercially available hardware and software operating systems, for example. The aforementioned user interfaces are intended to represent a broad category of exemplary user interfaces capable of functioning in accordance with the present disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, one or more sensor(s)61, such as a motion and/or light sensor(s) may be provided to cause the present disclosure for detecting an event, for example. Events may be associated with the time and manner in which the device is employed by a user. Active and/or passive sensors may be used to react to detectable subject matter such as light, noise, radiation (e.g., heat), or changes in emitted energy, fields or beams. However, the disclosure is not limited to a particular type of sensor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other sensors may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Examples of such other sensors include pressure sensitive mats; optical sensors configured to sense light; microwave sensors that use a Gunn diode operating within pre-set limits to transmit/flood a designated area/zone with an electronic field whereby movement in the zone disturbs the field and sets off an alarm; an ultrasonic sensor configured to react to a determined range of ultrasonic sound energy in a protected area; or any other sensor capable of providing motion detection capability in accordance with principles of the disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a communications device62may communicate with various components of the body11(e.g., sensors) using one or more wireless LAN (WLAN) protocols, using low power, ultra wide band (UWB) communication signals or some other type of wireless signals for RF or optical (e.g., infrared) communication of information to a peripheral electronic device63such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop, etc. Thus, data learned from sensors attached to various components of the body11may be transmitted and formatted for review, as desired.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a real-time WLAN protocol or a standard wireless LAN protocol such as that of IEEE 802.11.times., Bluetooth or IrDA may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. A local network that connects the communications device62to their respective local computer systems may, for example, include a single, unified full duplex LAN, such as a 100BaseT Ethernet LAN. Alternatively, the local network may include two or more interconnected LANs or other network communications means. Any of a variety of other types of computer systems and associated applications may be provided on the network.

Optionally, various ports and interfaces may be provided to communicate with peripherals, subsystems and systems. For example, an input/output interface82may include serial ports for bi-directional communications, and/or an optical communication (e.g., infrared) port for wireless line of sight communications. Other ports may include parallel and USB ports.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the plurality of massage balls14further includes a second transducer34coextensively shaped with the first transducer33. The components of the massage balls14are preferably identical. Thus, the second transducer34includes a second powered actuator87, which operates in a same manner as the first powered actuator37.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the raised outer peripheral edge13includes a hollow channel40extending along an entire longitudinal length thereof. Notably, the thermal-conductive element15includes a helical coil41communicatively coupled to the power source16and seated inside the hollow channel40. Such a helical coil41is capable of being selectively heated and cooled between a predetermined temperature range.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface25includes a plurality of spaced apertures28, and a plurality of support legs44threadably inserted into the spaced apertures28, respectively, such that a height, relative to a ground surface, is independently altered at each the posterior face20, the anterior face22, the first lateral side30and the second lateral side31. For example, such support legs44may be positioned at opposed corners of the bottom surface25.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first lateral support flange32and the second lateral support flange33are coextensively shaped.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, an operating switch89may be communicatively coupled to the controller80and sensors61. Such an operating switch89may be manually toggled between on/off modes by the user. In addition, operating switch89may be automatically toggled between on/off modes by controller80. For example, sensors61periodically detect a real-time temperature of heating coil41(and other components) and provide a corresponding detection signal to controller80. The detection signal is learned by controller80and if the real-time temperature is above a maximum threshold temperature, the controller80generates and transmits an off signal to operating switch89(open the switch), thereby discontinuing a power supply and interrupting operation thereof. It is understood that various components of device10may be selectively toggled between on/off modes, and it is not limited to only the massaging balls14.

The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing a portable therapeutic device10to offer healing therapy to the lower back, pelvis, and coccyx thereby lifting and supporting a pelvic floor and frame as well as offer a hands-free, stress and pain relieving massage, thereby alleviating pressure, enhancing circulation, preventing blood clots, and reducing pain in the lower back and a genital region. Such a method includes the steps of: providing a portable body11having a recessed central region12and a raised outer peripheral edge13surrounding the recessed central region12and directly engaged with the recessed central region12; providing and seating a plurality of massage balls14at the recessed central region12; spacing the massage balls14inside a perimeter of the raised outer peripheral edge13; providing and channeling a thermal-conductive element15inside the outer peripheral edge13thereby spacing the thermal-conductive element15from the recessed central region12; and providing and communicatively coupling a power source16to the massage balls14and the thermal-conductive element15.

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is referred to generally inFIGS. 1-9and is intended to provide a portable therapeutic device10including a lightweight, rechargeable cooling/heating, support and massaging device10that is specifically configured to offer healing therapy to the lower back, pelvis, and coccyx thereby lifting and supporting the pelvic floor and frame, when seated on the device10, as well as offer a hands-free, stress and pain relieving massage, to alleviate pressure, enhance circulation, prevent blood clots, and reduce pain in the lower back and genital region. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may be used to with a variety of users, and should not be limited to any particular user described herein.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9in general, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s), the therapeutic device10is a practical, affordable device that allows consumers to receive a relieving massage right in the comforts of home. Simply stated, the therapeutic device10is envisioned as a specially designed massaging device10that is specifically configured to offer healing therapy to the lower back, pelvis and coccyx. Presented as a circular/heart-shaped device10that is designed for users to comfortably sit upon, the therapeutic device10achieves its intended purpose by elevating and supporting the pelvic floor and frame, which, along with its massager, would alleviate pressure and increase circulation, and decrease edema lower pelvic floor extremities.

The massaging capabilities of the therapeutic device10include a number of rotating discs outfitted with two massaging balls14in a circular formation. The vibration, along with a handy internal heating and cooling element, may be powered by a rechargeable battery pack sourced from nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride, which would be operated by an external switch that could allow for optional speed settings. There could also be an additional battery included to be sure that a fully charged battery is readily available at all times.

Use of the therapeutic device10described as follows: powering on the massager, the user employs the external switch to select the massaging speed that is most preferable. By way of example, a mother may wish to enjoy a low impact, soothing sensation and set the speed for low. Conversely, a construction worker may need a deep tissue rub, and would thus choose the more vigorous high speed. Powering on the therapeutic device10, the user can simply administer a massage to the lower back and coccyx for as long as desired. In this manner, the user is able to spoil him- or herself with loving attention even while watching TV, working on the computer, talking on the phone, or even driving in the car. This product may be used at the workplace, airplanes and many other locations and for long distance traveling as well.

There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with this unique product disclosure. Foremost, the therapeutic device10provides a convenient means of therapeutic massage whenever one is needed. Eliminating the need to take time out of busy days and evenings to visit an expensive massage therapist, this handy, cost-effective product offers instant stress relief right at home, whether first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night. Specifically concentrating on the lower back, pelvis and coccyx areas of the body11, the therapeutic device's10finely tuned components help ensure that these areas receive proper and precise treatment.

In addition to relieving pain and improving circulation, the therapy provided by the therapeutic device10help improve a host of other maladies, including acute and chronic GI inflammation, hemorrhoids, and vaginal pain, to name just a few examples. While this product was primarily conceived with household users in mind, the therapeutic device10is an invaluable addition to hospital physical therapy rooms, as well as a much-appreciated luxury for hotels and day spas to offer their guests. The therapeutic device10is an innovative product that offers consumers an easy and effective means of relieving venous/Lymph congestion, stress and muscle tension. Cleverly designed, the universal configuration of this unit accommodates a variety of users.

While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described with respect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation.