Tissue massager

A head unit configured to couple to a handle of an electric toothbrush, wherein the handle generates vibrational energy transferred to the head unit, the head unit comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a base adjacent to the proximal end, an exterior wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the exterior encases a plurality of hollow chambers, wherein each of the plurality of hollow chambers are separated by a scaffold, wherein the scaffold connects to the exterior wall; and a bulb having an exterior surface configured to transfer the vibrational energy to an object.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to vibrating devices, more particularly to a tissue massager for the massaging and stimulation of living tissue.

BACKGROUND ART

Many different vibrating devices exist in the art, mostly hand-held devices that can be used to massage tissue to provide a pleasurable effect for the recipient. Most vibrating devices comprise a motor that generates sonic or ultrasonic vibration, and a massage head which receives the sonic or ultrasonic vibration from the motor and transfers vibrational energy to a surface in contact with massage head, such as tissue that is put into contact with the massage head.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present disclosure is directed to a hand-held vibrating device, useful e.g., as a tissue massager, which embodiment may also be referred to as a massaging device or a tissue massager. The tissue massager of the present invention comprises two parts, i.e., contains at least two parts: a part that is held against the skin and provides the massage effect, where this part may also be referred to as the massager or massage head or massage unit, and a part that imparts a vibration to the massage head. The part which imparts a vibration may be designed to be held by a person using the massager, and so this part will be referred to herein as the handle or handle unit, or sometimes as the power base. The handle unit and head unit are designed to be joined physically together, so that the vibration generated within the handle is transferred to the head unit and then to the person or object that is in contact with the head unit, e.g., the person receiving the massage. The handle and head unit are also designed so that the handle may be separated from the head unit in order that a different head unit, e.g., a massage head of a different shape or a replacement massage head, may be attached or coupled to the handle. Thus, the present disclosure provides a vibrating device, such as a vibrating massaging device comprising a handle unit and a head unit, e.g., a massager unit, where the two units (or components) are readily coupled and decoupled from one another, although remain securely coupled together when the device is in use, and a vibration created within the handle is transferred to the head unit when the two components are coupled together and the motor is activated, typically by pressing a “on” switch. The present disclosure also provides various different head units, e.g., different message heads suitable for various uses of the massaging device.

Handles useful in the vibrating device of the present disclosure have been described, often in the context of a sonic or ultrasonic toothbrush. See, e.g., patent publications KR 2011 0028604 (published 21 Mar. 2011); JP 2009 247800 (published 29 Oct. 2009); CN 203291057 (published 20 Nov. 2013); CN 102755000 (published 31 Oct. 2012); CN 201346533 (describing a piezoelectric ceramic transducer, published 21 Mar. 2011) and US U.S. Pat. No. 7,849,548 (published 14 Dec. 2010). The present vibrating device makes use of a handle that generates sonic vibration in the frequency range of 25 k-35 k cycles/minute, or 28 k-32 k cycles/minute. These handles have not, however, been descried in combination with a head unit, e.g., a messaging head unit of the present disclosure.

A handle unit that operates at a frequency of 25 k-35 k cycles/minute imposes certain limitations on the head unit. When the head unit is solid, i.e., has no air space within it, then the head unit may be too heavy to function effectively as part of a stable hand-held tool. Also, when the head unit had a large single hollow internal cavity, without any protrusions from the exterior wall entering into the interior space, then the head unit may emit an undesirably loud noise. To reduce or eliminate this noise, and to achieve a desirable mass of the head unit, the head units of one embodiment of the present disclosure contain internal walls which function as baffles, i.e., features that restrain the flow of a gas to prevent the spreading of sound in an outward direction. In one aspect, those baffles extend from the interior wall of the head unit into the interior of the head unit. In another aspect, the baffles take the form of a scaffold that runs throughout the interior of the massage head, so that the massage head comprises a plurality of hollow chambers. In another aspect, the internal wall separates the head unit into two internal cavities. In other aspects, internal walls present within the head unit create two, or three, or four, or five or six distinct internal cavities.

Handles designed for use in conjunction with brush heads, i.e., handles useful for sonic or ultrasonic toothbrushes, typically include a coupling or fitting mechanism by which the brush (also sometimes called a brush head) may be attached to, or coupled with/to, the head or distal end of the handle. When it is desired, according to the present disclosure, that such a handle is fitted with a massage head rather than a head that contains brushes, the coupling between the handle and the head unit must be rather sturdy. In contrast, the coupling between the handle and a brush head for oral hygiene need not be as sturdy as is required when a massage head is fitted to the handle. The present disclosure provides a coupler that may be used to join together the handle of a sonic or ultrasonic toothbrush and the base of the head unit such as a massage head, an embodiment of which is illustrated in selected Figures provided herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the examples included herein. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is further to be understood that unless specifically defined herein, the terminology used herein is to be given its traditional meaning as known in the relevant art. Any headings used within this document are only being utilized to expedite its review by the reader, and should not be construed as limiting the invention or claims in any manner.

As used throughout this document, including the claims, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless indicated otherwise either explicitly or implicitly. For example, “a” hollow chamber includes one or more hollow chambers.

The details of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be further understood by reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1Ais an elevation view of a head unit10in the form of a massage head according to an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1A, the head unit10includes a proximal end12where the unit10is coupled to the handle unit (not shown) of the vibration unit, and a distal end14which is the point a furthest direct distance from any point at the proximal end. The unit10is three dimensional and may be characterized by a volume and an exterior surface16that defines the furthest reaches of that volume. The head unit may also be characterized by a length18defined as the furthest distance between the proximal end12and the distal end14. The unit10may also be characterized by a width20defined as the longest distance between points on the exterior surface were that distance is perpendicular to the length18of the unit10. The view ofFIG. 1Asuggests that the exterior surface is smooth, and in one embodiment of the invention the exterior surface is, in fact, smooth. However, in other embodiments of the invention the exterior is not smooth, but instead has bumps or ridges or otherwise-shaped extensions from the exterior surface. For instance, when the head unit functions as a massage head, then various surface extensions may be present on the surface in order to provide enhanced message effect.

FIG. 1Bis an elevation view of the right half of the massage head ofFIG. 1A.FIG. 1Bprovides a view of one possible inside of the head unit10ofFIG. 1A. InFIG. 1B, the head unit is shown cut in half to provide a right half24. The image of the right half how the interior of the head unit, and reveals that the interior is largely hollow. The right half shows a portion of the proximal end12and the distal end14of the head unit10. The interior of the head unit includes an interior surface26which follows, to a large degree, the contour of the exterior surface16, where the interior surface26and the exterior surface16are separated by a distance28which is the thickness of the exterior wall30that forms a majority of the outside of the head unit. The exterior wall extends from the distal end of the head unit to a base32of the head unit, where the base32is adjacent to and extends from the proximal end12of the head unit. As will be discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, the base32provides an interior configuration designed to couple with, or mate with, an adaptor (not shown) which will connect the head unit10to a vibration-inducing handle (not shown).

Still referring toFIG. 1B, the interior of head unit10contains a plurality of hollow chambers34. InFIG. 1B, the interior of the head unit is broken into 11 interior chambers34. In one embodiment of the present invention, the head unit comprises at least two hollow chambers34, where a hollow chamber is a volume within the massage unit10that is not occupied by solid material, but instead is occupied by fluid, preferably gas, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or air. Hollow chambers34within the head unit are separated from one another by a scaffold36which connects to the exterior wall30. In various embodiments, the interior of the head unit comprises 2 to about 20 chambers, such as 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 or 13 or 14 or 15 or 16 or 17 or 18 or 19 or 20 hollow chambers.

The presence of a plurality of hollow chambers in the unit10provides multiple benefits. One benefit is that it is observed that if the head unit comprises only a single hollow chamber, then when the device is in operation, it generates an undesirably loud noise. By breaking the interior of the head unit into multiple hollow spaces, that noise is greatly reduced. Another benefit is that the weight of the head unit is reduced when the interior comprises some portion of fluid, preferably gas, rather than solid material from which the exterior wall is made. A reduction in weight is beneficial because it reduces the strain on the coupling unit between the head unit and the handle, as described elsewhere herein.

Also shown inFIG. 1Bare a plurality of interlocking notches37positioned in scaffold section, wherein the plurality of interlocking notches are configured to interlock and bind two halves of the head unit. In one embodiment, the scaffold sections comprising the interlocking notches extend beyond the exterior wall of one half of the head unit. This can be seen more clearly inFIG. 9.

The base32has an interior or opening38that is configured to accept a coupling mechanism41as seen inFIG. 2. In one embodiment, the base further comprises a coupler engagement member40configured to engage and secure a component of the coupling mechanism. As only one half of the head unit is shown, although it appears the coupler engagement member is flush with exterior wall30, the coupler engagement member is set back in the hollow interior such that when the other half is attached, as seen inFIG. 2, there is a gap between each section of the coupler engagement member. This gap is necessary when the component of the coupling mechanism is engaged and secured in the coupler engagement member.

FIG. 2also shows the left half22and the right half of the head unit10. In order to connect the head unit10to a vibration-inducing handle, the coupling mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, the exterior surface of the head unit has a logo or insignia46protruding from the exterior surface. It is a particular advantage of the present invention, that the logo is split in two sections, wherein one section is provided on the exterior surface of the head unit and the other section is provided on an exterior surface of the coupling mechanism, such that when the coupling mechanism is engaged with the head unit the logo can be used as an alignment guide for a user during operation. In the exemplary instance shown, the logo is a heart, however it is understood that the logo or insignia may be any shape or design.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare various perspective views of the coupling mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, in one embodiment the coupling mechanism comprises a first coupler cam42A and first coupler ring44A. As shown inFIG. 3B, the first coupler cam and first coupler ring are distinct pieces, and in one embodiment of the device the coupling is provided by two distinct pieces42A and44A. However, in another embodiment the pieces42A and44A are joined together to form a unitary coupling piece (not shown). In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism is configured to connect the head unit to a number of vibration-inducing handles, and more particularly to a vibration-including handle provided via a sonic motion toothbrush, such as Sonicare® toothbrush. The details of the coupling mechanism and components will be discussed in greater detail below, however in short, the first coupler cam is configured to engage and connect to a vibration transfer shaft of the toothbrush, and the first coupler ring is configured to lock the connection in place.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bare various perspective views of an alternative coupling mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now toFIGS. 4A and 4B, in one embodiment the coupling mechanism comprises a second coupler cam42B and second coupler ring44B. Similarly as the coupling mechanism described above, the second coupler cam and second coupler ting are distinct pieces, and in one embodiment of the device the coupling is provided by two distinct pieces42B and44B. However, in another embodiment the pieces42B and44B are joined together to form a unitary coupling piece (not shown). In one embodiment, the alternative coupling mechanism is configured to connect the head unit to a number of vibration-inducing handles, and more particularly to a vibration-including handle provided via an oscillating motion toothbrush, such as Oral-B® toothbrush. The alternative coupling mechanism functions similarly as the coupling mechanism ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, however due to the difference in forces generated by the various vibration-inducing handles and shape of the components, the alternative coupling mechanism is necessary to provide the connection of the head unit to more toothbrushes commonly used.

FIG. 5A,FIG. 5B, andFIG. 5Cprovide various perspective views of the first coupler cam according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although, the first coupler cam is illustrated, the following disclosure herein also applies to the second coupler cam apart from a few differences which will be addressed below. The coupler cam comprises a base portion48and top portion50. As seen inFIG. 3Band previously discussed, the base portion is configured to engage the coupler ring. The length of the base unit may vary depending on components of the toothbrush, and more particularly to the respective vibration-inducing handle the coupler cam is configured to attach to. For instance, the length of the mounting80(FIG. 10A,FIG. 11C, orFIG. 12C) will impact the length of the base portion in order to provide the necessary space between the interior of the surface of the base portion and the mounting, as it is a particular advantage of the present invention to engage only the vibration transfer shaft and not the mounting. This will be discussed in further detail below.

The top portion includes a left finger52and a right finger54each having a plurality of cascading contact surfaces56. Each finger and respective plurality of cascading contact surfaces extends from the coupler base48. In one embodiment, each finger is configured to be secured in a section of the coupler engagement member40(FIG. 1B) during operation, that is, the left finger in one half of the head unit and the right finger in the other half of the head unit. The coupler cam further comprises a material reduction portion62and hole58. In one embodiment, the material reduction and other design aspects of the coupler cam are indented for weight reduction purposes; however there are criticalities in specific design aspects, such as the plurality of cascading contact contact surfaces. During operation, when vibration is transferred from a vibration-inducing handle to the vibration transfer shaft, which is situated in a cavity94(FIG. 11CorFIG. 12C) of the coupler cam, the plurality of cascading contact surfaces transfer the vibration to the head unit via the coupler engagement member and base of the head unit. The plurality of cascading contact surfaces provides a sufficient number of contact surfaces to transfer vibrations sufficiently while minimizing noise. Specifically, less mass as the top portion extends upwards improves the transfer of vibrations to the head unit.

In one embodiment, the hole allows pressure to escape the cavity during operation. In one embodiment, support pin holes are provided on the coupler cam, wherein the support pin holes are configured to accept support pins (not shown), preferably stainless steel pins, which provide support to the material of the coupler cam. Only the first coupler cam includes the support pin holes, as the forces generated by a sonic motion toothbrush are substantially greater than the forces generated by an oscillating motion toothbrush. Thus, the support pins add strength and support to prevent material fatigue and breakage during operation. It is also a particular advantage of the present invention, that the support pins act as a spring providing a greater force on the vibration transfer shaft in the cavity, as well as increasing the friction engagement between interior surface92(FIG. 11CorFIG. 12C) of the coupler cam and the vibration transfer shaft. The additional force and friction engagement via the support pins is approximately 5 Newtons.

The first and second coupler cam and coupler ring may be used to secure a variety of shapes of a head unit to a handle that induces a vibration in the vibrating device of the present disclosure.FIG. 2shows a symmetrical massage unit10in the shape of an elongate bulb that is symmetrical around a longitudinal axis that extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the massage unit10.FIG. 6shows an alternative shaped massage head64and coupling mechanism41. The alternative shaped massage head has a symmetrical blub shape, less elongated than the massage unit10.FIG. 7shows two halves, namely right half68and left half70, of a symmetrical massage unit64. This massage unit64has 6 hollow chambers34.FIG. 8shows a non-symmetrical massage unit72and coupling mechanism41.FIG. 9shows the left half of massage unit72exposing the scaffold and interlocking notches previously discussed. This massage unit72has 18 hollow chambers34.

FIG. 10AandFIG. 10Bprovide various perspective views of a vibrating device82according to an embodiment of the present invention. The views show a head unit10engaged with a power handle unit76to provide a vibrating device82of the present invention. InFIGS. 10A and 10C, the head unit10has a longitudinal axis86and the power handle76has a longitudinal axis88. InFIG. 10Ait appears that the longitudinal axes86and88occupy the same line, i.e., they are co-linear. However, inFIG. 10Bit can be seen that the head unit10is actually tilted relative to the power handle68, so that longitudinal axis86is not co-linear with longitudinal axis88from the perspective ofFIG. 10B. That said, in one embodiment of the device82, the longitudinal axis86of the head unit10and the longitudinal axis88of the power handle68are co-linear. The head unit10and the power handle76meet at junction84, where the two components are seen to touch one another. In other embodiments, one or both of the head units and the power handle may be shaped such that one cannot readily identify a longitudinal axis of one or the other component.

FIG. 10Cis perspective view corresponding toFIG. 10B, where in the head unit10is disengaged from the power handle76. With the head unit10pulled away from the power handle, it can be seen that the power handle has a proximal end76P and a distal end76D, and the head unit10also has a proximal end12and a distal end14. The distal end76D of the power handle68has a vibration transfer shaft78which sits atop of a mounting80. The head unit10has an opening38(not shown) at its proximal end12, and that opening provides entry into a cavity which lies at the proximal end of the head unit10. When the head unit10is engaged with the power handle, the shaft78passes through the opening and into the cavity of the head unit.

FIG. 11Ais a front perspective view of a vibrating device82according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11Bis a section view taken along section A-A ofFIG. 11A, although the interior parts, for example, the pieces that generate the vibratory motion of the handle unit, are omitted for convenience.FIG. 11Cis a detailed view of detail B ofFIG. 11B. Referring now toFIG. 11C, the distal end of the power handle76is seen to terminate in a mounting80for the vibration transfer shaft78. The coupling mechanism including the first coupler cam42A and first coupler ring44A are illustrated, but it should be understood that the second coupler cam and ring would function similarly as described apart from the aforementioned differences. The coupler cam is seen to extend into the base and of the head unit. The mounting80has exterior side surface100which is complementary in size and shape to a portion of an interior side surface102of the coupler cam, however these two complementary side surfaces100and102do not directly abut one another when the head unit is engaged with the power handle forming a cavity94. The vibration transfer shaft extends from the mounting to create a friction force with an interior surface92of the coupler cam. As previously discussed, coupler ring helps to lock in this connection to prevent the head unit from separating from the power handle during operation. In one embodiment, the vibration transfer shaft includes ridges98at a distance below the tip90of the vibration transfer shaft. In this embodiment, the friction engagement between the vibration transfer shaft and the interior surface92is primarily at the ridges. In one embodiment, interior surface92includes an interior protrusion surface96configured to increase the friction engagement at the ridges of the vibration transfer shaft. Preferably, the tip90is not friction engaged, although there is incidental contact during operation. For instance, in one embodiment, a silicone plug (not shown) is situated between the tip of the vibration transfer shaft and a top interior surface104of the coupling cam. The silicone plug provides cushioning to the tip90of the vibration transfer shaft. When the vibration transfer shaft is inserted into the coupling cam air pressure may build up, so a hole58is provided to release the pressure. However, it is critical that liquids are prevented from entering the internal volume of the head unit, so in some embodiments, a flapper valve (not shown) is provided to release built up air pressure but to prevent liquids from entering the head unit during operation. In one embodiment, the flapper valve may be integrated in hole58or in the silicone plug which may also include a vent hole. Also visible in detail B ofFIG. 11B, is a section of the coupler engagement member40configured to secure the fingers of the coupler cam as previously discussed. The direct contact between the finger of the coupler cam and the engagement member of the head unit results in some vibrational energy being transferred from the shaft78, through the coupler cam, and through the engagement member until that energy reaches the exterior surface16of the head unit. A person, who is touching the exterior surface16when the power handle76is actively generating a vibration, will feel the vibration.

FIG. 12Ais a front perspective view of a vibrating device82according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 12Bis a section view taken along section C-C ofFIG. 12A, although the interior parts, for example, the pieces that generate the vibratory motion of the handle unit, are omitted for convenience.FIG. 12Cis a detailed view of detail D ofFIG. 12B. Referring now toFIG. 12C, this detailed view is similar to the detailed view ofFIG. 11C, however it is a detail of a section view ofFIG. 12Bwhich was rotated 90 degrees from section viewFIG. 11B. In this view, it can be seen clearly that the interior surface92of coupler cam42A is in a friction engagement with the vibration transfer shaft78not the mounting80as a cavity is formed94between the exterior side surface100and interior side surface102.

Thus, the present invention provides a head unit, such as a massage head, that couples to a handle of an electric toothbrush, where vibrations generated by an element in the handle which are transferred to the head unit, where the head unit comprises an exterior wall that encases a plurality of hollow chambers, each hollow chamber containing gas. In one embodiment, the massage head may have 2 hollow chambers. In one embodiment, the massage head may have from 6 to 20 hollow chambers. Each chamber may contain a gas, such as air or other gas that is or includes oxygen and/or nitrogen. The massage head may be made from a sturdy material, such as polyoxymethylene. However, it is understood that the material used may change without departing form the scope and sprit of the invention. Preferably, the material selected has a density value less than 1.0 D (kg/m3), a coefficient of Friction (μ) value with stainless steel of 0.3, a sound deadening (measured by tensile strength ASTM D638 and ISO 527) of greater than 32 MPa, and a sound deadening (measured by absorbed energy) of greater than 0.49 J.

The present device may be used for the massaging and stimulation of tissue. A person may direct the massage head against tissue where a vibratory effect is desirably felt.

All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Such documents may be incorporated by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, materials and methodologies described in the publications, which might be used in connection with the presently described invention. The publications discussed above and throughout the text are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate any referenced publication by virtue of prior invention.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

TABLE 1Reference NumeralPart Name10Head unit12Proximal end of head unit 1014Distal end of head unit 1016Exterior surface of the head unit 1018Length of head unit 1020Width of head unit 1022Left half of head unit 1024Right half of head unit 1026Interior surface of head unit 1028Thickness of exterior wall of head unit 1030Exterior wall of head unit 1032Base of head unit 1034Hollow chambers36Scaffold37Interlocking notches38Opening40Coupler engagement member41Coupling mechanism42AFirst Coupler cam42BSecond Coupler cam44AFirst Coupler ring44BSecond Coupler ring46Alignment element48Base portion of coupler cam 42A50Top portion of coupler cam 42A52Left finger54Right finger56A plurality of cascading contact surfaces58Hole60Support Pin holes62Material reduction64Alternative head unit68Right half of head unit 6670Left half of head unit 6672Non-symmetrical head unit74Left half of head unit 7276Handle unit76PProximal end of handle unit 7676DDistal end of handle unit 7678Vibration transfer shaft80Mounting82Vibrating device84Junction between 10 and 7686Longitudinal axis of head unit 1088Longitudinal axis of handle unit 6890Tip of vibration transfer shaft92Interior surface of coupler cam 42A94Cavity of coupler cam 42A96Interior protrusion surface of coupler cam 42A98Ridges on vibration transfer shaft 78100Exterior surface of mounting 80102Interior side surface of coupler cam 42A104Top interior surface of coupler cam 42A