Abstract:
A massaging apparatus that includes at least one massaging element in a housing and extending therefrom for use in manipulating a subject&#39;s tissue and further including a radiant heat source.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT application Ser. No. PCT/IL99/00686 filed on 15 Dec. 1999 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improved devices for use in massaging the human body and more particualrly to massage devices, especially useful and effective for substantially reducing cellulite caused skin deformities. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Massage devices are designed to imitate the masseur&#39;s hands in manipulating the tissue of the subject undergoing the massage. Massages improve local circulation, muscle tone and relieve physical muscular tension, and therefore, are relaxing. Massaging also has been used in the past in attempting to remove deformities caused by cellulites. Cellulites are lumpy fat deposits that make a person&#39;s body look older. When the fat is deposited immediately below the dermis, the connective tissue elasticity is reduced. This reduction in connective tissue elasticity causes depressions at connective tissue anchor points. The result is a mottled, dimpled and lumpy appearance of the skin. Cellulites tend to gather, especially around the hips of females and the waists of males. 
     Masseurs more and more have turned to mechanical massage devices to aid them in the manipulating the folds of skin and subcutaneous tissue in attempts to break down the fat causing the cellulite condition. In the past, the mechanical massage devices have been designed to manipulate the skin and the adipose tissue by drawing the skin and fat deposits away from the underlying tissue into the mechanical massage device using vacuum chambers. The manipulations, in theory, move and rearrange the cells of the dermis and the underlying layers of fat. The idea is to reduce the amount of subcutaneous fat stores. In the past, the mechanical massage devices have reduced the fat deposits and improved the texture of the cellulose-afflicted skin, but only after a great many treatments. 
     Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical massage device that significantly reduces the number of treatments necessary to successfully combat cellulites. Exemplary embodiments successfully eliminate or significantly reduce the cellulite effects, in some cases with only a single treatment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, a mechanical massage device is provided, which makes it possible to perform massages that are much more effective in reducing and combating cellulites. More particularly, a mechanical massage apparatus is provided comprising a housing containing at least one tissue manipulating element within the housing and extending therefrom that is used to stress and mobilize a subject&#39;s dermis and underlying adipose tissue, when the device is pressed against and moved along the surface of a subject to massage the subject. In the preferred aspect of the invention, the device further includes a radiant heat source for applying heat that passes through the dermis and impinges on underlying adipose tissue during the massage to more effectively combat the effect of the cellulite. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the elements within the housing and extending therefrom, comprise at least two elements, both arranged to extend on a single axis or on axes normal to the direction of motion of the device during the massage. In another preferred embodiment, at least two of the elements are arranged in tandem in the direction of motion of the massage device during massages. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elements within the housing and extending therefrom comprise at least two coaxial spheres arranged to extend on an axis that is normal to the direction of motion of the mechanical massaging device during the massage treatment. 
     In another preferred aspect of the mechanical massaging device, at least one of the spheres is coupled to a drive motor, and thereby rotated on its axis. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the elements extending from the housing comprise at least a cylindrical roller, whose axis is generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the massage device. 
     Whether the elements be rollers or spheres in accordance with an aspect of the invention, heat is applied during the massage through a separate radiant heat source, or alternatively or additionally the radiant heat source may be located within the elements, i.e. the spheres, or the roller or on the surface of the spheres or rollers. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of the elements are irregular, so that the elements also further massage the top surface of the skin and tissue, so that the massage device tends to be self-propelled reducing the necessary effort of the masseur in moving the device. 
     Alternatively and/or additionally, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of the elements are smooth to minimize any pinching of the subject&#39;s skin. 
     It has been found that radiant heat applied during a massage penetrates below the skin to the adipose tissue and tends to homogenize the adipose tissue; thereby, reducing the cellulite in a much more efficient manner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat comprises radiant heat in the infra-red range. By controlling the wavelength of the radiation, the heat may be made to better penetrate the surface of the skin to heat the fat deposits with minimal heating of the dermis and epidermis. 
     A further preferred aspect of the invention includes vacuumizing the casing holding the axially-aligned spheres or the rollers. Thus, the inventive device includes a housing, with elements within the housing extending therefrom, and a vacuum pump for lowering the pressure within the housing. The pump may be within the housing, or the housing may be attached to a source of vacuum. Radiant heat is applied to the area of the skin being massaged during the massaging operation. The combination of the massaging elements, the vacuum and the radiant heat, efficiently causes the adipose tissue to homogenize, and therefore makes it easier to spread and thereby destroy the cellulites. 
     There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention a massaging apparatus comprising at least one massaging element rotatable within a housing, and extending therefrom to manipulate a subject&#39;s tissue, when the apparatus is applied to the subject; and said apparatus further including a radiant heat source for applying heat to the tissue. Preferably, the radiant heat source provides radiant heat having a wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 1500 nm. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one massaging element comprises at least one substantially spherical massaging element. Alternatively, the at least one massaging element comprises at least one substantially cylindrical massaging element. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the massaging apparatus, comprises at least two massaging elements and the at least two massaging elements are mounted on a single axis. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two massaging elements are mounted on two separate axes. Preferably, the two separate axes are aligned. Alternatively, preferably the two separate axes are in tandem. Preferably, the at least one massaging element is motor-driven. Preferably, the at least one massaging element is motor-driven using gear coupling between the motor and the axis. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one massaging element is motor-driven using belt coupling between the axis and the motor. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one massaging element is motor driven using friction coupling between the axis or the element and the motor. 
     Preferably, the radiant heat source for applying heat to the tissue is a separate heat source removed from the massaging elements. Alternatively or additionally, the radiant heat source is located in the at least one massaging element. Alternatively or additionally, the radiant heat source is within the axis of the at least one massaging element. Alternatively or additionally, the radiant heat source is within at least one axis of said at least two massaging elements. Alternatively or additionally, the radiant heat source is in an outer portion of the at least one massaging element. Alternatively or additionally, the radiant heat source is in an outer portion of the at least one of the at least two massaging elements. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a vacuum is included within the housing. Preferably, a nozzle is provided for applying vacuum to the housing. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least two massaging elements mounted on a single axis are spherical elements. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two massaging elements mounted on the axes in tandem are spherical elements or cylindrical elements. Preferably, the at least one massaging element has a smooth surface. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two massaging elements have smooth surfaces. 
     There is further provided a massaging apparatus comprising at least one massaging element within a housing and extending therefrom, for manipulating the subject&#39;s tissue; the massaging element being substantially spherical; and a motor being coupled to said at least one massaging element for rotating said at least one massaging element. Preferably, the massaging apparatus includes a radiant heat source for applying heat to the tissue. Preferably, the massaging apparatus comprises at least two massaging elements. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, chain coupling is used to couple said motor to said at least one massaging element. Alternatively or additionally, belt coupling is used to couple the motor to said at least one massaging element. Alternatively or additionally, friction coupling is used to couple the motor to the at least one massaging element. Alternatively or additionally, gear coupling is used to couple said motor to said at least one massaging element. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least two massaging elements are mounted on a single axis. Alternatively, preferably the at least two massaging elements are mounted on two separate axes. Preferably, the two separate axes are aligned. Preferably, the two separate axes are connected. Alternatively, preferably the two separate axes are in tandem. Preferably, the at least one massaging element has irregular surfaces. 
     There is further provided massaging apparatus comprising at least one massaging element rotating within a housing and extending therefrom to manipulate a subject&#39;s tissue; and the apparatus includes a heat source providing radiant heat that substantially passes through the skin and heats the fat. Preferably, the radiant heat has a wavelength in the range of 600–1500 nm. 
     The invention and the advantages which it provides will be understood more clearly when considered in the light of the following description of some embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of the inventive massage device with the cover removed; 
         FIG. 2A  is a showing of the cellulite formation prior to massaging with the inventive massage device; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a cellulite formation after massages with the inventive massage device; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of the massage device with a portion of the housing removed showing a massaging element and other parts within the device; 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of the massage device with massaging elements in tandem; and 
         FIG. 4  is a pictorial showing of two cylindrical roller type massaging elements mounted in tandem. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The massage device  31  as shown in  FIG. 1  includes a housing, the bottom portion of which (i.e., the part closer to the skin of the patient) is shown at  32 . The housing has within it, as shown, a visible pair of massaging elements, shown as spheres  33  and  34 , which, in operation, are placed juxtaposed to the skin of the subject. 
     The masseur applies pressure, and moves the device to massage the subject, preferably aided by a motor  38 . The spheres are shown as being axially mounted in a row on axes  36  and  37 . The axes may be inter-linked so that both of the spheres are driven by the motor  38 . The motor drives the drive gear  39 , which in turn drives a series of gears  41 ,  42 ,  43  and  44 . Gear  44  is attached to either axis  36  or both axes  36  and  37  to drive both spheres  33  and  34 . Alternatively, a belt drive, a chain drive or a friction drive (not shown) may be used to rotate at least one of the elements. 
     The housing is connected to a vacuum source. Alternatively, the motor  38  can include a vacuum pump. Preferably, the housing is connected to a vacuum source, which lowers the air pressure in the vacuum area  46 . Because of the lower pressure, the subject&#39;s dermal and sub-dermal tissue is drawn toward the vacuum area as the device is manipulated by the masseur over the patient&#39;s skin. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum specifications were a maximum flow rate of up to 10 cubic ft./min. at 22 inches of mercury. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, radiant heat is applied during the massage. The heat source is shown as the heat lamp  51  which heats the tissue being operated on by the massaging device. The heating, in combination with the manipulation, homogenizes the adipose tissue. It is build-up of fat that is the major cause of the reduction in elasticity of the skin at the adipose tissue which, in turn, causes depressions at the connective tissue anchor points, and results in the cellulite condition. Preferably, the heat source is an infra-red radiation source (in the 600 nm to 1500 nm range) that produces radiation that passes through the skin and heats the fat. Additionally or alternatively (in some preferred embodiments of the invention) the rollers contain the radiant heat source. 
     The cellulite-afflicted skin  56  is shown with the underlying fat tissue  59  in  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 2B  shows how the cellulite condition is removed due to the manipulation of the heated adipose tissue. The consequent homogenization due to manipulation of the heated fat tends to move the fat and spread it evenly as shown at  60 . This restores the elasticity of connecting tissue and removes the depressions at the connective tissue anchor points. 
     It should be understood that radiant heating elements could alternatively or additionally be mounted right in the outer shell portion of the elements, such as shown at  57  on sphere  34 . Alternatively or additionally, heating elements could be placed within the axis of the massage device element, such as within axis  37  of the sphere, as shown at  58  in  FIG. 1 . When the heating element is in the axis or in the shell, then preferably the sphere is fabricated from a heat-resistant material that is transparent to the radiation of the source. Preferably, the wavelength of the radiation is only minimally absorbed by the dermis and is transmitted through the epidermis and dermis to heat the fat tissue. When the heating coil is in the shell of the elements, then it is powered using slip rings in any manner known to those skilled in the art. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer surfaces of the spheres are irregular. This enables the device to be mobile and move under its own power, which greatly aids the masseur in providing the massage, as well as providing additional skin manipulation. 
     The spheres  33 ,  34  are shown in  FIG. 1 . The massage elements could also be arranged axially, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or the elements could be mounted on different tandem axes, spaced apart from each other, such as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . Combinations of axially mounted elements and tandem mounted elements are within the scope of some preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     While the tandem massage elements  33  and  34  are shown positioned relatively closely spaced apart in  FIG. 3B , within the scope of the invention element  34  could be positioned further from element  33 . The heat lamp  51  and motor  38  could be moved closer to element  33 , then element  34  could be positioned on the far side of motor  38 . Power may be coupled to the massage device as shown at power line  50  in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B. Alternatively, rechargeable batteries could be used as the power source. Preferably, the housing restricts the volume of its interior to insure the efficiency of the vacuum. 
     In  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a connector or nozzle for connecting the housing to a vacuum source is indicated at  47 . A handle  48  is provided on the device. The handle facilitates the moving and pressing down on the device during a massage. A breakaway section of the housing enables viewing in  FIG. 3A  one of the massaging elements  34 , and the motor  38 , which drives the spheres. A heat lamp  51 , providing radiant heat, is also indicated in this view.  FIG. 3A  is thus a side view of the arrangement of the device of  FIG. 1 , where the massaging elements are mounted axially, while  FIG. 3B  shows the tandem mounting of the massaging elements. Preferably, the housing has flaps (not shown) which extend to the surface of the skin and act to maintain the vacuum in the housing. 
     The massage device elements could also be cylindrical rollers such as shown in  FIG. 4 , removed from the housing at  61  and  62 . While two tandemly arranged rollers are shown, it should be understood that the rollers could also be arranged axially or a single roller could be used within the scope of the invention. The rollers are shown with axially-mounted heating elements  63  and  64 . 
     The massage device, therefore, includes at least an element which extends from the vacuumized and heated housing or casing, enabling the elements to be movably pressed against the skin to manipulate the dermal and subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The manipulation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is abetted since the skin and tissue are also being stressed by the vacuum. The manipulation and stressing in combination with the radiant heating homogenizes the fat tissue. The at least one massaging element is preferably motorized. The surface of the at least one massaging element is smooth. In preferred embodiments, the at least one massaging element is a sphere or ball fabricated from metal. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one massaging element is sphere or a cylinder fabricated from or coated with a plastic such as but not limited to Teflon. 
     A heat source is provided. The heat source can be separately located, such as the heating lamp  51 . Alternatively or additionally, a heat source providing radiant heat can be located within the elements or on the surfaces of the elements themselves. The elements can have shapes including, but not limited to spheres or rollers. The axially-aligned spheres are found to manipulate more tissue per area traversed by the massage device than the prior art&#39;s cylindrical rollers arranged in parallel. 
     It should be apparent that the embodiment described herein is merely exemplary, and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications to the embodiments as described herein. Any and all such variations or modifications, as well as other, which may become apparent to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     The terms “include”, “comprise” and “have” and their conjugates, as used herein mean “including but not necessarily limited to.”