Patent Abstract:
A personal massage device is disclosed. The massage device includes a housing having an exterior surface defining first and second oppositely-disposed operative ends and an interior surface defining a cavity. Each of the operative ends includes a substantially smooth and continuous surface thereon. The massage device further includes a first motor disposed within the housing and adapted for creating vibration and a battery disposed within the housing and adapted to power the first motor.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/344,987, filed on Feb. 1, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,749,178, issued Jul. 6, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/879,440, filed on Jan. 9, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to massagers and more particularly to rechargeable personal massagers, methods, and apparatuses. 
     Personal vibrators, also known variously as vibrators, massagers, vibrating massagers and by numerous other names, are well-known in the art. They come in a variety of configurations and perform a variety of functions, ranging from medical therapy to erotic stimulation. They typically are battery-powered or run on conventional alternating current electricity. 
     Vibrating massagers powered by internally contained, disposable batteries operate for a period of time on the battery power, subsequently requiring some degree of disassembly, battery replacement, and reassembly. It will be apparent to the reader that this type of battery operation has drawbacks, including for example, limited time of operation, the inconvenience, expense, and environmental impact associated with the necessary battery replacement, and the difficulty of creating a reliable waterproof seal around a user operated moving part such as a battery door. 
     While some vibrating massagers operate on AC power, for example U.S. 110V or European 220V power, these massagers tend to be large and unsafe for internal use or use in damp environments. They also have the inconvenience of requiring proximity to a wall plug. 
     More recently known in the art are rechargeable massagers. These massagers are generally connected to the charger using a cord and male plug connectable to a female jack in the massager. The metal connectors and their receptacles often collect unsanitary residue, are difficult to clean and are subject to corrosion. Further, such jacks are difficult to waterproof reliably. An alternative implementation of a rechargeable device uses external metal contacts for charging (such as a cordless phone, etc). Such devices rely on gravity to provide the force necessary to make the electrical connection. Further, such devices require care from the user to ensure proper alignment and contact. 
     Many known personal massagers are made so as to be water proof or water resistant. It may be desirable to be able to use a vibrating massager in damp conditions; further, it is desirable to be able to use a vibrating massager fully submerged without fear of damaging the device or endangering the user. Some manufacturers waterproof their products (with varying degrees of success) with o-rings and similar seals around part breaks and user operated moving parts, such as battery doors, charging plug seals, etc. Often the resulting product is at best splash-proof, not submersible. It is desirable for users to be able to clean massagers thoroughly, particularly before and after they come in intimate contact with the body, which is made easier by providing a massager that is waterproof. To further ease of cleaning, some manufacturers use materials that are have a low porosity and, therefore, less likely to harbor bacteria or other contaminants. 
     Rechargeable massagers generally use a built-in female plug, engageable with a male plug for recharging, that is difficult to waterproof. If water gets into the female plug, and the powered male plug is then inserted, it&#39;s possible that the charger will be short circuited by as little as a single droplet of water. This can harm the charger or the massager, and can potentially be hazardous for the user as well. 
     Users often prefer massagers that are at or above body temperature, or can be warmed to this point. Many users warm massagers by holding them against less temperature-sensitive areas of the body, such as the hands, before using them on more sensitive areas. A few waterproof products on the market can be warmed by immersing them in hot water, but this can be inconvenient for the user. 
     Each user&#39;s particular physiology and preferences are unique, so the more options presented for the use of the product the better. Most products available are designed to be used in only a single orientation (e.g., one end is used for massage, the opposite end is gripped in the hand) and only a fixed end is designed for contact with the body. 
     As such drawbacks in the art are recognized such as to require improvements relating to safety, effectiveness, and/or waterproofing, personal massage devices and related features and devices are provided. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     For example, a personal massage device includes a housing having an exterior surface defining first and second oppositely-disposed operative ends and an interior surface defining a cavity. Each of the operative ends can include a substantially smooth and continuous surface thereon. Each end can be, for example, distal of a member with each end being operative and designed for use or physical interaction and the use of either end can be provided by, for example, gripping the opposing end. In such embodiments, each end can be configured for operative use in physical interaction and configured for gripping for application of the opposing end. The massage device can further include one or more motors such as a first motor disposed within the housing and adapted for creating vibration and a battery disposed within the housing and adapted to power the first motor. In some embodiments, the operative ends extend toward a central portion of the device such that the central portion is disposed between the first and second operative ends. Preferably, the central portion includes a substantially smooth and continuous surface thereon. Further preferably, the substantially and continuous surfaces of the first and second operative ends and the central portion occupy at least 90% of the exterior surface of the device, and more preferably, about 100% of the exterior surface of the device. 
     In some preferred embodiments, the device further includes a second motor disposed within the housing and adapted for creating vibration. The first motor can be disposed near the first operative end, and the second motor can be disposed near the second operative end, The battery is further adapted to power the second motor. 
     The housing can be formed from an inner layer including the interior surface and an outer layer including the exterior surface. The inner layer and the outer layer are preferably made of different materials. For example, the inner layer can be made from hard plastic and the outer layer can be formed from an elastomeric material. Preferably, the outer layer includes a first section adapted to cover a first portion of the inner layer and a second section adapted to cover a second portion of the inner layer. In such embodiments, the first section includes the first surface of the first operative end, and the second section includes the second surface of the second operative end. The first and second sections can, for example, include mutually-engaging ends so as to form the exterior surface such that the exterior surface is substantially continuous. Alternatively, the outer layer can further include an annular third section adapted to cover facing ends of the first and second sections, respectively, so as to substantially seal the exterior surface of the device. In some embodiments, the device can further include an electromechanical button adapted for receiving a control input for the device, wherein the operative end of the button is integrally formed in the exterior surface. 
     A massage device can also be provided that includes a housing including an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a cavity, a first motor disposed within the housing and adapted for causing movement of the device, and a rechargeable battery disposed within the housing and adapted to power the first motor. The exterior surface is configured for physical application to a user and is seamless, whereby every surface is usable to provide an omnidirectional massage appliance. In various embodiments, the exterior surface can be substantially U-shaped, spherical, cubic, triangular, or other shapes. 
     In a preferred embodiment, at least 90% of the exterior surface is substantially smooth and continuous. In a further preferred embodiment, approximately 100% of the exterior surface is substantially smooth and continuous. The exterior surface includes a belt or one or more flush mounted articles such as a contact for a charger. The exterior surfaces preferably comprise an elastomer. 
     In a further preferred embodiment the battery is rechargeable and the device includes first and second contacts disposed on the exterior surface in electronic communication with the battery. Preferably, the external surface further defines a central portion disposed between the operative ends, and the contacts are disposed in the central portion. In an embodiment, the device is arched in a direction between the two operative ends so as to form an upper convex surface and a lower concave surface and so as to have an apex near the central portion, and the contacts are further disposed on the lower concave surface. 
     A personal massage assembly can be provided. The assembly can include a massage device such as one having first and second operative ends disposed on opposite ends of a central portion, a motor disposed within the device and adapted to provide vibrating motion for the device, a rechargeable battery disposed within the device and adapted to provide power for the motor, and a first pair of contacts disposed on an external surface of the central portion and in electronic communication with the battery. The assembly can further include a base adapted for supporting the massage device thereon and having a second pair of electrical contacts disposed on an external surface thereof and arranged, for example, to abut the second pair of contacts when the massage device is supported by the base. The abutting of the first and second pairs of contacts provides an electrical current to the battery to charge the battery. The base can in clued a lid that, when placed in position, applies pressure to the massage device and/or keeps the device stable. Padding in the lid can provide the pressure. 
     In an embodiment, the base includes an upper surface having a first depression and a second depression formed therein, wherein the first depression is shaped so as to mate with a portion of the first operative end, and wherein the second depression is shaped so as to mate with a portion of the second operative end. Preferably, the first and second operative ends have different shapes such that the base can support the device in only one orientation. The assembly can further include a lid adapted to attach to the base so as to hold the device in a supported relationship with the base. 
     A still further aspect of the invention relates to a rechargeable personal massager assembly. The assembly includes a hand-held massager with at least a first electrical contact connected to a rechargeable battery disposed therein, a base comprising a transformer connected to at least a second electrical contact, a respective magnet in each of the hand-held unit and the base for securing the first electrical contact to the second electrical contact when the hand-held massager is placed on the base. The assembly can further include an additional magnet in the hand-held massager and a magnetically-operated switch in the base. In such an embodiment, when the hand-held massager is placed on the base, the additional magnet operates the switch such that power is supplied to the charging contacts in the base only when the massager is in place on the base. 
     A still further aspect is the massager providing a self-contained massager entirely covered by a soft layer except for a relatively small portion for providing recharging contacts. The contacts may also be usable by being flush with the elastomer. The size of the contact area can be less than 1 cm 2  or more preferably less than 0.5 cm 2 . Alternatively, the massager can be completely covered by the soft layer, having no exposed charging contacts. In such an embodiment, charging can be carried out using induction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the following non-limiting Detailed Description considered in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a massager in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a base for supporting and charging the massager of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the various electronic components of the massager of  FIG. 1 , with optional components indicated by a broken line; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an electronic circuit used in the base of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C and  5 D are top, right side, front end and back end views of the massager of  FIG. 1  situated in the base of  FIG. 2 , respectively; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the massager of  FIG. 1  situated in the base of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are front and rear side perspective views of the massager of  FIG. 1 , including the electrical contacts for mating with electrical contacts on the base; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the massager base of  FIG. 2 , including the electrical contacts for mating with the electrical contacts on the massager; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are perspective views of a massager according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a base for supporting and charging the massager of  FIG. 9  in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the massager of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the massager of  FIG. 9  situated in the base of  FIG. 10  with a cover therefor shown exploded therefrom; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective of an inductively chargeable vibrating massager on a charging base, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the vibrating massager of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a remote control for the vibrating massager of the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an assembly view of the vibrating massager of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram view showing the functional components of the vibrating massager, inductive charger and remote control, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an assembly view of the remote control of  FIG. 13 ; and 
         FIG. 19  is an assembly view of the base of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference now to the figures, there is provided herein illustrative embodiments of rechargeable battery-powered vibrating massagers (e.g., massager  50 ) and charging bases (e.g., charging base  150 ), which for example have an improved structure for physical interaction and other/or functional and structural advantages and features. The massager  50  can be charged via two metal contacts  6 , 15  which are each substantially flush with the external surface  20  of the massager. In one embodiment (as shown in  FIGS. 9-12 ), the two charging contacts can be located in close proximity to one another, and protection from shorting is provided by physical interaction between features on the charging base and massager. In such an embodiment, the contacts can be positioned in close proximity to each other on almost any portion of the outside of the massager  50 , including on either end  64 , 68  thereof or near the central portion  66 . In another illustrated embodiment (shown in  FIGS. 1-8 ), the two charging contacts  6 , 15  are apart from each other, and, for example, one of the two contacts on the massager  50  is attracted in particular to one of two contacts on the base  150  through a pair of embedded magnets  7 , 105 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , massager  50  consists of a plastic housing  21 , which can be hermetically sealed along the joint formed between the two halves  1 , 2  using, for example, ultrasonic welding. Two motors, one preferably large  10  and one preferably small  11  are included within housing  21 . Each motor  10 , 11 , as shown, can be fitted with an offset weight attached to its axle to generate vibration. The motors  10 , 11  are positioned at opposite ends of the housing  21  and preferably adjacent to or in a respective operative end, or lobe,  22 , 24  defined by the outside surface  20  of the massager  50 . As shown, a rechargeable battery, which can be a lithium ion battery  14 , is secured within housing  21  and is configured to provide power to motors  10 , 11 . If desired, a single motor can be implemented. 
     A printed circuit board  16  can be provided within housing  17  in order to carry electronic control components for massager  50 . Such electronic control components preferably include a microprocessor or microcontroller ( FIG. 3 ,  302 ) (e.g., an ASIC), which can control operation, indicators, or other device functionality or operation (e.g., power or charge management), a pulse width modulator ( FIG. 3 ,  304 ) or other driver for one or motors (e.g., if a motor not requiring PWM is used), momentary switches or other types of switches for providing user control, LEDs ( FIG. 3 ,  306 ; such as, as shown beneath the surface of the buttons  3  in  FIG. 1 ), and additional supporting circuitry ( FIG. 3 ) such as battery charger  316 , charging contacts  318 , and/or other supporting circuitry. It will be understood that  FIG. 3  shows the electronic circuitry supported on printed circuit board  16  or otherwise within massager  50 , wherein additional components for a reed-switch embodiment are illustrated using dashed boxes. Circuitry  308  for the charging base includes for example charging contacts  312 , AC/DC converter  315  (e.g. external or external), a reed-switch  360  and related circuitry, such as a power protection circuit  362  (if implemented), and/or other supporting circuitry.  FIG. 4  illustrates, as an example, reed-switch related circuitry for a reed-switch embodiment for selectively charging the battery. Other implementations are also contemplated. Operation of and arrangements and implementations for the circuitry will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Specifically, for example in connection with the circuitry, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in the field of electronics. For example, in a non-reed switch embodiment involving two open contacts for charging, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand circuit design and arrangements for implementing a circuit to include such functionality in the present context. If desired, multiple internal batteries can be implemented. Further by way of example, embodiments can use other forms of charging arrangements such as using inductive charging or wireless power transmission. 
     In the embodiment of massager  50  shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , electrical contact  6 , the associated magnet  7 , and O-ring seal  8 , together function as part of a first external electrical charging contact assembly. The metal collar of band  4 , 5  along with seals  19 , 29  together function as part of a second external electrical charging contact assembly. 
     Magnet  18  interacts with and operates a reed switch in the base  150  described below with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , so as to activate the charging function of base  150 . The result of the interaction between magnet  18  and the reed switch is such that charging is only permitted when the massager  50  is in the base  150 . Note if desired, the embodiment of  FIG. 1  can be implemented without a reed-switch and related circuitry or components (e.g. without a magnet) using, for example, the same contact arrangement. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , a soft outer layer  20 , comprised of a biocompatible material such as silicone or TPE, substantially covers housing  30 . Outer layer  20  can be overmolded onto the outside of the housing  21  after assembly of the housing with its internal components. The soft material covers the part breaks in the underlying plastic housing  21  to form substantially continuous portions on the exterior surface  17  of massager  50 , reinforcing the waterproof seal of the ultrasonic weld and making the product more hygienic, easier to clean and more comfortable for contact with and use on the skin. If desired, other configurations can be implemented such as to use a housing made of other materials or one which is not waterproof. 
     Also in the illustrated embodiment, the metal band components  4 , 5  are assembled around a circumference of the housing  21 . The metal band provides an attractive surface for branding or personalization of the massager. It can also function as a contact for charging the battery  14 . A second metal part  6  at the tip of one end of the housing  21  serves as the second charging contact. Metal band  4 , 5  and secondary metal contact  6  also serve a function in the manufacturing process. To achieve a seamless overmolded skin for the outer layer  20  of massager  50 , which covers the housing  21 , it may be preferable to securely hold onto the underlying substrate material such that the substrate will not shift in the mold under the extreme pressures of the overmolding process. To achieve such a secure hold, a hard, moldable material with the appropriate properties can be provided. These external metal parts of massager are designed and positioned such that they can cover and provide a seal for the anchor points used during the overmolding process. 
     Numerous alternative configurations are possible; for example, the massager can incorporate one or a plurality of different sources of vibration, such as rotational, solenoidal, piezoelectric, among others. Different methods can be used for the assembly or construction the massager. As discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 9-12 , the two halves  1 , 2  of the inner housing  21  can be attached together using screws, glue, or a combination of both as an alternative to ultrasonic welding. Additionally, the outer layer  20  can be formed as a separate part or a plurality of separate parts, for example two or three, as discussed below, and assembled to the massager after assembly of the internal components into the inner housing  21  and assembly of the two halves  1 , 2 . In such an embodiment, the parts of the outer layer  20  can be slid over the massager subassembly and secured in place with glue or using the metal band components  4 , 5 . Alternatively, massager  50  can be constructed without an outer layer. Further, other configurations or shapes for outer layer  20  can be provided, while maintaining the same underlying rigid form, to provide different aesthetic and functional variations of the massager. Additionally, alternative shapes can be formed in both housing  21  and outer layer  20 . 
     Further variations of the massager are possible including the construction of the massager without cosmetic details, such as the metal band  4 , 5 . Additionally, the contacts can be located in various places on the massager, and can be used for various cosmetic effects. Other overmolding anchor points can be used. Similarly, anchor points can be concealed by means other than the metal contact parts, or other processes which do not require anchor points, such as casting, can be used instead of overmolding. 
     Further, other embodiments of a massager are possible in which the motors provide a motion other than vibration. Such motions can include bending, twisting, rotating, contracting, expanding, etc. In such an embodiment, it can be preferable to form housing  21  from a pliable material or to include joints, such as hinges or the like, to facilitate such movement. 
     In one embodiment, there are three buttons  3   a , 3   b , 3   c  on the massager  50  which provide control of the massage functions. Two of the buttons  3   a , 3   c  each control the speed of a respective motor. Button  3   a  controls motor  1 , and button  3   b  controls motor  10 . Button  3   b  changes the vibration mode or pattern. One exemplary implementation of the button functions is described herein below. It is understood that this is only one of many different possible operational implementations that can involve the use of these, fewer, or additional buttons. If desired, the massager can be configured to communicate to the user by using preprogrammed vibrations such as to briefly vibrate when the massager is turned on. 
     With respect to the functions of button  3   a  in an exemplary embodiment, pressing button  3   a  when motor  11  is off will turn motor  11  on at low speed. Pressing button  3   a  again will speed up motor  11  to low-medium speed. Pressing button  3   a  again will speed up motor  11  to medium speed. Pressing button  3   a  again will speed up motor  11  to medium-high speed. Pressing button  3   a  again will speed up motor  11  to high speed, and, finally, pressing button  3   a  a sixth time will return motor  11  to the off state. It is understood that variations of this function are possible, including those with more or fewer speed increments. 
     With respect to the functions of button  3   c , pressing button  3   c  when motor  10  is off will turn motor  10  on at low speed. Pressing Button  3   c  again will speed up motor  10  to low-medium speed. Pressing button  3   c  again will speed up motor  10  to a medium speed. Pressing button  3   c  again will speed up motor  10  to a medium-high speed. Pressing button  3   c  again will speed up motor  10  to a high speed, and, finally, pressing button  3   c  a sixth time will return motor  10  to the off state. 
     With respect to the functions of button  3   b , pressing Button  3   b  will cause it to change to the next in a cycle of 6 vibration patterns incorporating both motor  11  and motor  10 . An example of such vibration patterns are described in International Patent Application Pub. No. WO2007089638, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For instance, one mode can be such that each motor operates on a slow sine curve. The sine curves for both motors can have the same frequency, but can be 180 degrees out of phase from each other. Another mode can have one motor on a fast sine curve (twice the frequency of the slow one, for example) and the other motor on a slow sine curve. Working with wave forms that are harmonics of one another can improve the interactions of the two motors. Additionally, the power levels (the amplitudes of the wave forms) of the two motors can be adjusted to encourage interference, as is possible within the variation in motor speed control that is inherent in most motors. As described above, the individual speed control functions of buttons  3   a  and  3   c  allows for independent control of vibration motors  10 , 11 . This allows for a user to customize the interference pattern between the motors in addition to the predetermined patterns that are selectable with button  3   b . This can increase the likelihood that a user will be able to get the massager into a setting where there is desirable interference between the motors. 
     Buttons  3   a , 3   b , 3   c  can also be used to implement a control-lock functionality. For example, pressing and holding any button  3   a , 3   b , 3   c  for 2 seconds can turn off both motors  10 , 11  and can put the massager  50  in an “off” state. Such action can further “lock” the controls such that, when the massager  50  is off, pressing any button  3   a , 3   b , 3   c  momentarily will not cause the motors to start, or the vibration pattern to change. Pressing and holding any button  3   a , 3   b , 3   c  for 2 seconds when it the massager  50  is off and the controls are “locked”, however, can turn massager  50  on again and cause it to resume function at whatever settings we being used when massager  50  was turned off. Additionally, the electronic circuitry can be used to automatically implement a “statndby” mode for massager  50  and to automatically turn massager off after predetermined periods of no use. For example, the circuitry can be configured to implement the standby mode after the device is on, but when both motors have been placed in the off state, for example by cycling through the various stages thereof using buttons  3   a  and  3   c . After, for example, 5 minutes in the statndby mode, the circuitry automatically turn massager into the off state, such that momentary pressing of a button  3   a , 3   b , 3   c  will cause no action, and only pressing or holding one of the buttons for more than 2 seconds, for example, will turn the massager on. 
     One embodiment of a base  150  that can be used to charge massager  50  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The base  150  consists of a plastic housing  130  comprising two housing portions  101 , 102 . Housing  130  encloses charging circuitry  103 - 111  that includes two metal charging contacts  103 , 104 . The circuitry can receive an electronic current from an external transformer  114  for converting external AC power into DC power of the appropriate characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry is potted in place with epoxy to waterproof base  150 . The housing  130  is preferably made from a hard plastic material, but can be made of other functional or aesthetic materials such as fabric, ceramic, glass, metal, wood, and others. Additionally, the base can incorporate other functions such as cable management, a storage box, a lockable enclosure, etc. 
     The base  150  has surfaces that support the massager  50  and guide it into a specific orientation which assists in establishing proper electrical contact between the two units. See  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7  and  8  for various views of the assembled massager ( FIG. 7 ), base ( FIG. 8 ) and the massager and base engaged in a supporting, charging relationship ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). A wide variety of alternative relative orientations between the base and the massager can be imagined. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8 , massager  50  includes a magnet  7  and base  150  includes a magnet  107  arranged within the respective units to attract one another. The mutual attraction between the magnets assists the user in placing the massager into the charging base in the correct orientation, completing the connection with positive feedback to the user, and assists in holding the massager in good contact. When the massager  50  is placed on the base  150  in the proper position ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ), multiple charging elements interact to initiate the charging function. The contact portion  5  of the massager  50  engages, in a cradled relationship, collar contact  103  in the base  150 . Similarly, massager contact  6  engages charger contact  104 . An additional magnet pair can be included in the collar area of massager  50  and in the collar-contact area of base  150  to further the attachment and to further guide the massager  50  into the proper orientation on the base  150 . In a preferred embodiment, the magnets in the base  150  have a different polarity between each other, as to the magnets in the massager  50 , thus preventing the massager  50  from being placed on the base  150  in the wrong orientation. 
     In “reed switch” embodiments, the magnet  18  in the massager  50  magnetically activates the reed switch included on printed circuit board  108  within the base  150 , whereby to apply charging power to electrical contacts  6  and  5  on the massager  50 . More particularly, when the massager  50  is placed on the base in the correct orientation, the magnet  18  in the massager  50  comes in close proximity with the reed switch  160  on PCB  108  in the charging base  150  and causes it to close, thereby completing the charging circuit and permitting the charging base  150  to apply the appropriate voltage to the massager  50  via the collar metal contact  103  and the end plug metal contact  104  on the charging base  150 , to charge the battery as described. It will be understood that any proximity sensing switch may be used for reed switch  160 , including other types of signals such as magnetic, radio frequency, electronic, or the like. 
     LEDs can be included on the massager and can illuminate to indicate that the contacts in the massager and charging base have been successfully connected, and that charging is underway. Alternative or additional means of indicating the coupling or charging status can be implemented, including audio feedback such as beeping, tactile feedback such as vibration, or other forms of visual feedback than LEDs. 
     The charging of the massager battery  14  by the base  150  is controlled by circuitry ( FIG. 3 :  308  and  FIG. 4 ) that optimizes charging time and battery life. The charging functionality in the preferred embodiment is optimized for the use of a single lithium-ion type battery  14 . It will be understood that other types of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH), could be used in the massager, and the charging functionality could be optimized for these types of batteries. 
     The massager can for example react intelligently to its charging status, automatically performing certain functions upon the initiation and cessation of charging. For example, the circuitry ( FIG. 3 ) in the massager  50  can indicate its battery level (e.g. high charge, medium charge, low charge, or fully discharged) by flashing the LEDs in specific patterns. The circuitry ( FIG. 3 ) in the massager  50  controls the massager  50  can for example cease motor operation before the batteries are fully drained so that it can maintain other basic functions, such as radio frequency communication or indication of status via the illumination of LEDs. Further, for example, the circuitry ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) in the massager and base operate together so the massager  50  cannot be turned on when in the charger  150 . If the massager  50  is vibrating when it is placed on the base  150 , the circuitry ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) in the massager  50  and base  150  operate together so the massager is automatically shut off. Numerous means of communicating status to the user, means of reacting to a low battery status, fully charged status, successful or unsuccessful charging connection status, etc. have been described. Many alternative means of communicating or reacting to these functional states are apparent. 
     Additionally, the operation of the massager  50  and the base  150  can cause warming of the massager  50 . These operations can include charging of the massager  50  on the base  50  or operation of the motors  10 , 11 . These processes are exothermic, which leads to the production of heat that is absorbed by housing  21  and outer layer  20  of massager  50 . The components that produce heat can be placed near surfaces that are desired to benefit from such warming. 
     Alternative embodiments of a massager and a base are shown in  FIGS. 9-12 . Many aspects of both the external and internal components and functions are similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8  with the differences described herein. As shown in  FIG. 9 , massager  250  includes two contacts  205   a , 205   b  at the collar, rather than one at the collar ( FIG. 1 ,  5 ) and one ( FIG. 1 ,  6 ) at the end of the massager ( FIG. 1 ,  50 ). This eliminates the interruption at the end of the second portion  22  of the exterior surface  20  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9  due to the charging contact  6 . Because the end of operative end  222  (and  22  in  FIG. 1 ) is a key functional area, elimination of a charging contact in this area improves the hygiene of the product. It also improves the tactile qualities of that end of the massager  250 . It further removes a discontuinity on the surface of the portion of outer layer  220  that covers operative end  222  of massager  250 . This large, useable surface of outer layer  220  compliments the continuous surface found on operative end  224  of massager  250  to increase the overall useability of the massager  250  in the sense that multiple surfaces can be comfortably and safely used on the body. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, massager  250  is between about 150 cm and 200 cm in length and more preferably about 174 cm, although other lengths are possible. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, operative end  222  can have a width at its widest point between about 3 cm and 5 cm, and more preferably about 4 cm. Similarly operative end  224  can have a width at its widest point between about 2 cm and 4 cm and, more preferably, about 3 cm. Further, central portion  226  can, by way of example have a width at its narrowest point of between 2 cm and 3 cm, and more preferably about 2.2 cm. Other dimensions for massager  250  are possible. For example, the entire massager can be scaled within the given, exemplary ranges to form a larger or smaller massager. Further, alternative shape configurations are possible, including such that both operative ends are the same shape, such that the large end is narrower than the small end, such that the central portion is wider than the ends, or such that the device has a constant width. Further, many aspects of the embodiments described can be used in a massager that is substantially U-shaped, spherical, cubic, triangular, or the like. 
     In the exemplary configuration described above, operative end  222  has a continuous surface of at least 100 cm 2 , preferably between about 120 cm 2  and 150 cm 2 , and more preferably about 130 cm 2 . Similarly, operative end  224  preferably has a continuous surface having an area of at least 10 cm 2 , preferably between about 20 cm 2  and 30 cm 2  and, more preferably of about 22 cm 2 . Other size ranges for continuous portions of the outside surface of variations of a massager having different shapes are possible. In a preferred embodiment, every surface of the massager can be a usable surface by having a soft layer such as an elastomer cover the surface except for a relatively small portion configured for the contacts that is preferably about 15 cm 2  or less, and more preferably about 10 cm 2  or less. The contact area can also be a usable surface by for example having flush mounted contacts. The respective sizes of the continuous surfaces can be scaled with the size of the massager, as discussed above or can otherwise vary in accordance with other possible configurations for the massager. In an embodiment, the entire outside surface of the massager is continuous. Dimensions and specifications provided herein are provided for illustrative purposes. 
     The contoured outer surface  217  of massager  250 , as shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , can include the formation of an arch-like shape between the outermost ends of the massager  250 . This can result in the massager having an upper surface  292  having a convex shape and a lower surface  294  having a concave shape, wherein both shapes are defined along a vertical plane that bisects the massager  250  through both ends thereof. Both surfaces, among others present, can be used on the body to impart various sensations or the like. Further, such an arch-like shape can define an angle  290  between operative end  222  and operative end  224 . As shown in  FIG. 9B , the angle  290  can be further defined by an intersecting pair of lines, one of which is formed between the center of the endpoint of operative end  222  and the center of central portion  226 , and the other of which if formed between the endpoint of operative end  224  and the center of central portion  226 . Other methods of measurement are possible, including along the upper surface  292  or the lower surface  294 . Angle  290  is preferably between 90° and 180°, and is more preferably at least 120°. In an embodiment, angle is less than 160°, and more preferably about 135°, although other angles are possible. 
     The massager  250  includes an outer layer  220  that is not overmolded. Instead, three sheaths  264 , 266 , 268  made from elastomeric material such as silicone, TPE or the like are molded separately, then assembled over the plastic substrate of housing  30 . Sheath  264  fits over operative end  224  of massager  250 , and sheath  268  fits over operative end  222 . The sheath  266  is an annular band which covers the collar area  226 , and overlaps both of the two other sheaths  264 , 268 , thereby helping to seal the unit. In an alternative embodiment, sheaths  264 , 268  can be arranged to overlap or abut each other in the collar area  226  and sheath  266  can be eliminated. In either embodiment, the sheaths  264 , 266 , 268  can be glued or otherwise affixed together or can be left unattached, the tension and interaction between the components providing an adequate seal for the massager  250 . In yet another embodiment, a single sheath can enclose the entire form. As shown in  FIG. 9 , sheath  266  can include a pair of holes  270   a , 270   b  to allow access between the interior of the housing  221  and the contacts  205   a , 205   b . The pressure of contacts  205   a , 205   b  against sheath  266  can be sufficient to maintain the water-resistant properties of massager  250 . Alternatively, the contacts can be insert-molded into the hard plastic housing  221 . Preferably, massager  250  is water resistant with an ISO rating of at least IPx 6, and more preferably, massager  250  is rated as fully submersible in water to a distance of at least about 1 m, for instance as specified in IPx6. 
     The illustrated construction of the outer layer  220  allows for incorporation of the button  203   a , 203   b , 203   c  functionality into the outer layer  220  (shown as part of sheath  268 ). This eliminates three part breaks in the surface of the unit, which further increases the useable area for operative end  222  and increases the water-resistance of the unit and the overall hygiene of the unit. 
     The embodiment of base  450  shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12  incorporates a physical shape to encourage proper charging, rather than the electronic and magnetic aspects of charger  150  shown in  FIGS. 2-8 . Base  450  includes an upper surface  401  that includes a pair of depressions  422 , 424  and a support  426 . As shown in  FIG. 12  depression  422  is sized to receive operative end  222  of massager  250 , and depression  424  is sized to receive operative end  224  of massager  250 . Support  426  is shaped so as to cradle the collar portion  226  of massager  250 . The interaction of support  426  is such that the upper surface thereof is angled to match the angle of the collar portion  226  when placed in the collar. Because the shape of upper surface  401  matches specific portions of massager  250 , massager  250  can only fit in the base  450  in the proper orientation for charging. Accordingly, because contacts  205   a , 205   b  cannot touch contacts  403   a , 403   b , the reed switch and magnets of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9  can be eliminated, which can provide a more robust unit. To prevent shorting between contacts  403   a , 403   b , which is a possibility due to the proximity therebetween, a ridge  470  is positioned between contacts  403   a , 403   b , which prevents a single conductive element, such as band  204  from shorting the contacts. A mating groove  280  can be formed in the massager  250  between contacts  205   a  and  205   b . Other configurations are possible for base  450  that promote correct charging orientation by shape interaction with massager  250 . For example, a base can be formed with a single depression that, for example, fits the profile of the lower half of the massager, with the charging contacts appropriately positioned for charging. Further, mechanical keying features are possible between the base and the massager in which a projection or the like extends from the base to interact with a depression or the like formed in the massager. 
     Base  450  can further incorporate a lid  480  that can be assembled thereto when massager is held on base  450 . This provides for a closed container for massager  250  that improves the hygiene and discretion thereof during storage. Further, lid  480  can be arranged to hold massager  250  against base  450 , which is particularly useful during charging to ensure that proper contact is maintained. Lid  480  can further incorporate a locking feature to further enhance the privacy of the unit. 
     It is to be understood that neither of the above-described embodiments is limiting, and that, accordingly, various aspects of the described embodiments can be interchanged to form additional embodiments. 
     There have thus been provided new and improved methods and systems for charging a personal appliance such as a personal massager or vibrator that provide secure and safe charging. The described embodiment of the invention includes a hand-held massager  50 , 250  and a base  150 , 450 , the massager including a rechargeable battery along with vibrating and certain charging functions. The mating charging base houses certain cooperative charging functions. In one embodiment, when the massager and base are engaged in a supporting, charging physical relationship, magnets act to secure at least one of the electrical charging connections between the massager and the base. A reed switch can be included in the charging based that is magnetically operated by a magnet in the massager to enable electrical charging, which is otherwise safely disabled while the massager and base are separate, thereby preventing an electrical shock to a user. In another embodiment, an interrelated profiles between the massager and the base help to ensure proper orientation of the massager on the base to facilitate charging. The charging components can be integrated into the massager in a manner flush with the surface of the massager housing such that the massager surface is smooth and pleasant to the user, cleanable and thus hygienic, and waterproof. Optional skinning can be used to provide a comfortable outer surface, either by overmoldeding or additional assembly. Further, the placement of the electrical components provides tactile, pleasant warmth to the surface of the massager while it is in operation. 
     The complete list of parts in the massager shown in  FIG. 1  is given below. The parts for the embodiment of the massager of  FIG. 9  can vary from the listed parts. The parts include: left substrate; right substrate; button plate; top half of metal collar; bottom half of metal collar; metal end plug contact; end plug magnet; end plug rubber o-ring; end plug internal contact; second motor; first motor; first motor mounting bracket; first motor mounting bracket screws; battery; collar internal contact; printed circuit board (PCB) supporting the electrical circuit components shown in  FIG. 3 ; outer layer; magnet; mono-directional moisture barrier, for example of Goretex™ material; and, collar rubber o-ring. 
     The complete list of parts in the charging base shown in  FIG. 2  is given below. The parts included in the massager of  FIG. 11  can vary from the listed parts. The parts include: lid; top housing; bottom housing; collar metal contact; end plug metal contact; end plug contact magnet; foam cushion; weight; PCB supporting the electrical reed switch S 1  and other electrical circuit components shown in  FIG. 4 ; cord strain relief; rubber feet; screws; label; screw fasteners for securing the PCB; and Adapter for converting AC current to DC current to power the charging circuitry on the PCB, the adapter including a cord connected to cord strain relief. 
     Alternate Embodiments of the Invention 
     There is provided herein a new and improved vibrating massager assembly including a vibrating massager, a base and a remote control. The vibrating massager includes an internally contained rechargeable battery and an induction coil with charging circuitry. The base is both supportive and includes inductive coupling equipment for charging the vibrator battery. To take full advantage of the inductive charging features, the vibrating massager is sealed, in the illustrated embodiment by both ultrasonic welding of a plastic housing and skinning with a relatively thin, bio-compatible skin, whereby to effectively protect the massager and improve the human user experience. The remote control of the present invention uses the ZigBee™ wireless communications protocols to control the vibrator and provides vastly enhanced functionality in comparison to the prior art. 
     As used herein, examples and illustrations are exemplary in nature and not limiting. Like reference numerals between the various Figures indicate like elements. 
     Structure of the Invention 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 13 and 14  there is shown a new and improved vibrating massager system  1310  including an inductively chargeable vibrating massager  1312  and a supportive, inductive charging base  1314 . Vibrating massager  1312  is shown in the shape of a fluid, organic form. The organic form provides a multitude of different types of surfaces suitable for different types of contact with the body, thereby offering flexibility of operation and many varieties of sensation for the user. As shown, the illustrated form is functional to provide medical massage, such as for the neck, back, feet, etc. as well as sexual stimulation. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, vibrating massager  1312  is sealed first by ultrasonic welding, and further by a thin, bio-compatible ‘skin’  1313 , formed, for example, from silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Sealing takes full advantage of the benefits of inductive charging, i.e. not having to open the unit to replace batteries or deal with an external cord, preferably making the vibrating massager secure from external fluids and liquids, as well as providing a tactility that is smooth and pleasant to the user. The skin reduces the number of uncomfortable and unsanitary tangible seams in the surface of the massager. In the described embodiment, skin  1313  further forms a relatively waterproof, hermetic seal over the entirety of the vibrating massager  1312 , again enhancing both the functionality of the device and the user experience. Alternative methods of sealing the device include sealing of the various plastic components described below, skinning with other materials, and others that are discussed in further detail below and/or will now be apparent to the reader. 
     Further incorporated within vibrating massager  1312  are two controls, in the form of buttons  1320 ,  1322 , positioned underneath of but visible and operable through skin  1313  and extending into the body of the massager as described below. In the described embodiment, the buttons  1320 ,  1322  interact with internal switches (described below) while the upper surfaces of the buttons include lights, for example LEDs, indicating their status as described below. A decorative collar  1318 , optionally included either on top of or underneath of skin  1313 , can be used to decorate the vibrating massager. The decoration can take many forms, including brand display and/or embellishments common to jewelry design such as inlay, plating, inset stones, personalized etchings or engravings, or other customizations. Optionally, collar  1318  may be used to facilitate the mechanical assembly of the device in the manner described below. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 13  and now also  FIG. 19 , charging base  1314  is seen to be relatively ‘brick-shaped’ or rectangular in shape, and to include a lower surface  1314 D for supporting the charger on a flat surface such as a sink, bureau, or bedside table. The charger further includes an electrical connection  1316  for receiving power from an external source such as a 110V or 220V wall plug. An upper surface  1314 C of the charging base includes a pair of ovoid indentations  1314 A,  1314 B for receiving the ends of the vibrating massager  1312  in a supportive, stable relationship. In accordance with features and advantages of the present invention, base  1314  is shaped to receive vibrating massager  1312  in engaging relationship, conveniently and stably supporting the device while it is inductively charged in the manner described herein below. 
     Internal to the charging base  1314  (as visible in  FIG. 19 ) is seen a circuit board  1319  supporting a power converter  1366  and inductive coil  1364 , the functions of which are described herein below. Corner feet, for example in the form of self-adhesive rubber disks, can be used to conceal the screws used to secure top  1314 C to bottom  1314 D, the screws being indicated generally at  1315 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 15 , there is shown the external structure for a remote control device  1330  for controlling the operation of the vibrating massager  1312 . In the described embodiment, remote control  1330  is seen to comprise generally the shape of a sectioned ovoid  1337 , a flat surface provided by a membrane switch  1338  supporting a variety of controls, in the form of button-controlled switches, indicated generally at  1332 ,  1334  and  1336 . The remote control  1330  is constructed of a pair of mating sides each containing internal structure for supporting various internal components. This external structure of the remote control comprises, for example, a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyethylene, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), nylon, a polycarbonate and ABS blend (PC-ABS) or other materials, thermoplastic or otherwise. 
     With reference now also to  FIG. 18 , the internal components of remote control  1330  are seen to include a battery  1368 , rechargeable or otherwise, and an electronic circuit board  1380  supporting electrical components including a microcontroller, an antenna, four LEDs, a connector for the wiring to the membrane switch  1338 , and additional supporting circuitry as described herein below. The electronic components support a variety of functions including: receiving and processing radio frequency control signals, receiving and processing signals from user operated controls such as button switches  1332 ,  1334  and  1336 , and controlling the illumination of the LEDs. The button switches are of a “membrane switch” type, the switches incorporated within the membrane and operable by the button switches. This construction offers the benefits of being impervious to water and other fluids, smooth and continuous in form such that the surface is easy to keep clean, and inexpensive to manufacture. Button switches  1332  and  1336  each provide access to two momentary switches within the switch membrane. Each of the two buttons can then support a plus/minus functionality to enable the user to intuitively increase or decrease the activity of each of the two motors in vibrator  1312 . The various functions of these controls are described in greater detail herein below. 
     From  FIG. 18 , it will be seen that the ovoid shape of remote control  1330  is derived from a plastic ovoid housing bottom  1337 , with the upper flat surface formed by switch membrane  1338  overlying a plastic housing top  1335 . Housing top  1335  includes an aperture  1335 A facilitating the electronic connection of button switches  1332 ,  1334 ,  1336  with the switches on the circuit board  1380 . An oval seal, or o-ring,  1333  provides a seal between housing top  1335  and housing bottom  1337 . The various electronic components are contained within the housing, the housing skin  1331  covering the plastic housing components while wrapping over the edge (visible in assembled form in  FIG. 15 ) of switch membrane  1338 . 
     The flat surface  1338 , and the raised planar edge of the housing skin  1331  enables the remote control device  1330  to rest “face-down” thereby concealing the controls and giving the device a unique, clean and appealing aesthetic appearance. As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, remote control device  1330  is sealed with a rubber o-ring  1333 , and further sealed by a removable, thin, bio-compatible ‘skin’  1331 , formed, for example, from silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This sealing makes the remote control device  1330  secure from external fluids and liquids, as well as providing a tactility that is smooth and pleasant to the user. The skin reduces the number of tangible seams in the remote control, improves the user&#39;s grip on the device, and protects the device from shock when dropped. The remote control outer skin  1331  can also permit the remote control device  1330  to attach via suction to a smooth surface, such as glass, tile, mirror, or the side of a bathtub, providing a useful and unique means of storing the device when it is not in use. In the described embodiment, the skin forms a secondary waterproof seal over the convex portion of the remote control device, again enhancing both the functionality of the device and the user experience. Alternative methods of sealing the device include sealing of the various plastic components such as by ultrasonic welding, skinning with other materials, and others as will now be apparent to the reader. 
     The electro-mechanical structure and function of system  1310  will now be described with respect to  FIGS. 16 and 17 ,  FIG. 16  showing an assembly view of vibrating massager  1312 ,  FIG. 16  showing a block diagram functional view of the massager, base  1314  and remote control  1330 . 
     With reference first to  FIG. 16 , there is shown a mechanical assembly view of vibrating massager  1312 , the massager including a pair of mating sides indicated at  1312 A,  1312 B each containing internal structure  12 D for supporting various internal components. This external structure of the massager comprises, for example, a plastic or thermoplastic as described above. 
     The internal components of vibrating massager  1312  are seen to include an energetic coupler such as an inductive charging coil  1342 , a power source such as battery  1348 , and a pair of vibrating motors indicated at  1346 A,  1346 B. An electronic circuit board  1344  supports electrical components, further described herein below, for a variety of functions including: supporting the charging of battery  1348 , receiving and processing radio frequency control signals, receiving and processing signals from user operated controls such as buttons  1320  and  1322 , and controlling the operation of motors  1346 A,  1346 B. 
     As is apparent from  FIG. 16 , when assembled, motors  1346 A,  1346 B are positioned at generally opposite lateral ends of massager  1312 , the circuit board  1344 , battery  1348  and inductive coil  1342  generally supported towards the center of the device. The switches  1320 ,  1322  are towards the center of the device. This assembly provides vibrating massager  1312  with a pleasant balance to the user and convenient access to the switches when the massager is held in a user&#39;s hand, regardless of the orientation of the device. It is noted that, in accordance with a feature of the invention, the motors  1346 A,  1346 B are arranged at opposite ends of vibrating massager  1312 , enabling the massager to be used at both ends. The motors are of different sizes and offer different operating characteristics. Motor  1346 A is a large motor with a relatively larger vibration weight mounted on its axle. This motor is thus configured to produce very strong, lower frequency vibrations. Motor  1346 B is a smaller motor with a relatively smaller vibration weight mounted on its axle. This motor is thus configured to produce higher frequency vibrations, and to be able to respond more nimbly to intricate control signals. The motors are positioned non-linearly on different longitudinal axes within vibrating massager  1312 . The massager thus has the advantage of providing significantly different tactile sensations to the user depending on the motor(s) operated and surface(s) applied to the body. Further, when both motors operate simultaneously, the two frequencies of vibrations generated can interfere or resonate, thereby generating additional sensations for the user. 
     It will be understood that, in different embodiments, different numbers and types of motors may be operated and different numbers of controls may be provided directly on the housing of the vibrating massager  1312 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, decorative collar  1318  is seen to include a pair of matching halves, indicated at  1318 A,  1318 B, the collar halves engaged in a pressure relationship with one another and keyed into slots  1312 C (only one of which is visible) for supporting the construction of the massager  1312  by assisting to hold mating halves  1312 A,  1312 B together. 
     A button assembly  1340  is seen to include individual button switches  1320 , and  1322 , in the described embodiment the switches comprising momentary switch, pressure sensitive electronic switches with light emitting diode (LED) indicators indicative of their state. The buttons protrude through the surface of massager  1312 , remaining underneath skin  1313  to support the operation of the massager in the manner described herein below. 
     While not illustrated in  FIG. 16 , as noted above; vibrating massager  1312  includes a bio-compatible external skin  1313  (see  FIG. 13 ), comprised for example of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU) or another material with desirable properties such as tactile quality, bio-compatibility, durability, and ability to bond to the material of parts  1312 A and  1312 B. This skin may be of varying thickness, providing different levels of firmness or softness around the body of the device, thereby enhancing as well as increasing the number of tactile properties available from the vibrating massager. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 17 , considering first the functional operation of vibrating massager  1312 , the circuit board  1344  is seen to include a variety of electronic components, controlled by a microcontroller  1354 . Microcontroller  1354  comprises, for example, a low power, 8 bit, 8 MHz microprocessor, 64 Kb of flash memory, 4 Kb of static ram, 2 Kb of EEPROM, and two pulse width modulation (PWM) channels, many commercial types of which are well known in the art, for example from suppliers such as Intel, IBM, AMD, Texas Instruments, EM Microelectronics, Hitachi and Xemics. 
     Inductive coil  1342  is connected to a charging control and monitoring circuit on circuit board  1344  and positioned so as to couple electro-magnetically with a corresponding coil  1364  in charger  1314 , thereby inductively generating a current to charge battery  1348 . An A/C-to-D/C converter  1362  operates to convert the induced current to a D.C. voltage, the voltage supplied to a battery charger  1360  for charging battery  1348 . A battery protector  1358  is connected to battery charger  1360  in a conventional manner to minimize charge time, maximize battery life, and avoid overcharging of the battery. A motor driver  1352  is provided for generating the control signals to drive motors  1346 A,  1346 B responsive to the control signals applied and as determined by microcontroller  1354 , the details of which are described below. 
     Inductive coil  1342  is a wound coil with a ferrite core, selected to provide efficient coupling across the precise distance between the primary and secondary coils in the charger and vibrator, respectively. In a manner well known in the art, coils  1342  and  1364  may be procured off-the-shelf and/or manufactured to specifications dependant on their desired relative positions and performance. Battery  1348  is a conventional high capacity rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion type battery. Converter  1362  is a conventional AC/DC converter that rectifies the incoming, inductively coupled 100 KHz AC signal to generate the 6V DC power required to drive the charger  1360 . Battery charger  1360  is a conventional component designed to handle the complex charging requirements of a high capacity battery. Battery protector  1358 , another conventional component, protects the battery  1348  from over-voltage, under voltage, over-current/short circuit, and over-temperature conditions. Battery charger  1360  and protector  1358  can be in the form of an integrated circuit(s), for example of the type available from Linear Technology. 
     A radio frequency transceiver and antenna  1356  is included for receiving radio frequency control signals, in the ZigBee™ wireless communications protocol, from remote control device  1330  or other control devices as described below. The received signals are operative with microcontroller  1354 , motor driver  1352  and the user controls and indicators  1350  for controlling the operation of the motors  1346 A,  1346 B. In this described embodiment of the invention, microcontroller  1354  and the motor driver  1352  operate to provide pulse width modulation control of the motors  1346 A,  1346 B, this PWM control providing significant advantages as described here in below. 
     It will be understood that the controls and indicators  1350  include the controls and indicators physically mounted on vibrating massager  1312  for direct operation by a user of the massager. In the described embodiment, these controls include buttons  1320  and  1322  that interact with the above-described switches on circuit board  44 . It will be understood that in different embodiments, numerous other user controls and indicators may be included on the physical structure of vibrating massager  1312 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 17 , considering now the functional aspects of charger  1314 , the charger is seen to include an alternating current (A/C) power source  1316 , for example a corded connection to a conventional 110V/220V external power source. Charger  1314  further includes the power converter  1366  for converting the frequency of the A/C power, and an inductive coil  1364  for inductively coupling the converted power to inductive coil  1342  whereby to charge battery  1348 . Power converter  1366  is composed of a passive component circuit for converting 50 Hz or 60 Hz AC to DC and an active switching component for converting this DC voltage to 100 KHz AC. As described above with respect to coil  1342 , inductive coil  1364  is comprised of a wound coil with a ferrite core, selected to provide efficient coupling across the precise distance between the primary and secondary coils in the charger and vibrator, respectively. 
     In the described embodiment, the various electronic components within the base  1314  are potted within an epoxy or an equivalent sealant whereby to provide both a waterproof seal and a weight sufficient to securely support vibrating massager  1312  during charging and/or non-use. The outer housing of base  1314  is preferably plastic, but may be manufactured from or further include other functional or aesthetic materials. The charger  1314  can incorporate other desirable features or take a multitude of alternate forms, for example, the charger could incorporate cable management system for the A/C power cable. Alternatively, the charger could be incorporated into a box or similar enclosure to aide privacy, security, and transportation, or into a soft structure such as a pillow so that it could be stored on a bed and blended with other pillows. The vibrator could also engage with the charger in different orientations, for instance, it could stand vertically in the charger. Further, the charger could be optimized to be used universally for a variety of compatible vibrators, remotes, or other powered products. 
     In another embodiment, the charger could be used in conjunction with an external packaging design that incorporated induction coils within the packaging itself, for example, a bottle or other container having an induction coil therein. The power generated by the inductively coupled coils, that is between the coil in charger  1314  and the coil in the external package, could be used for the illumination of the package (if the packaging incorporated an LED or other light source), or for the warming of a product contained within the packaging. Thus, for example, in addition to functioning to charge massager  1312 , base  1314  could simultaneously function to warm a receptacle of a liquid medicinal or oil. 
     With reference now to remote control  1330 , the functional components as shown in  FIG. 17  are seen to include a microcontroller  1372  for controlling the various components of the remote control. The battery  1368  and an optional battery protector  1374  are provided for powering the remote control. An RF transceiver and antenna  1370 , mentioned herein above, are provided for generating and communicating RF control signals in the ZigBee™ wireless communications protocol to the corresponding transceiver  1356  in vibrating massager  1312 . In one embodiment, the ZigBee™ functionality is provided by firmware residing in the memory of the microcontrollers  1354  and  1372 , and is processed by the microprocessors. In other embodiments, the ZigBee™ functionality is incorporated into the RF transceivers  1356 ,  1370  and/or in a ZigBee™-functional integrated circuit coupled to the microcontrollers and/or the transceivers. Controls and indicators  1376 , including the illustrated button switches  1332 ,  1334  and  1336 , are included for enabling a user to remotely control the operation of vibrating massager  1312  in accordance with the description herein below. 
     The various components of remote control  1330 , including a battery  1368 , battery protector  1374 , microcontroller  1372 , the various RF transceiver components  1370 , and the controls and indicators  1376 , comprise conventional components well known to the reader. Microcontroller  1372  comprises, for example, an 8 bit, low power, 8 MHz processor with 64 Kb of flash memory, 4 Kb of static ram, 2 Kb of EEPROM, of the type generally described above with respect to microcontroller  1354 , and further including an optional, conventional integrated and/or interconnected analog-to-digital converter circuit. Battery  1368  is a high capacity, high voltage battery such as a lithium or lithium ion type battery. The optional battery protector  1374 , for example of the type described with respect to protector  1358  above, protects the battery  1368  from over-voltage, under voltage, over-current/short circuit, and over-temperature conditions. A conventional radio frequency transceiver and antenna  1370  is included for receiving radio frequency control signals in the ZigBee™ wireless communications protocol from vibrating massager  1312  or other devices. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 17 , for purposes of illustrating the vibrator system of the present invention in a network of compatible wireless devices, two such devices  1702 ,  1704  are shown connected with system  1310  in a ZigBee™ wireless network  1700  configuration. The reader will understand that devices  1702 ,  1704  can comprise one or more of the below-described devices, sensors and/or systems, each ZigBee™ wireless compatible and communicating in the network with each other and/or system  1310  using the wireless protocols as described below. 
     Construction of the Invention 
     In construction, as described above, the two motors  1346 A,  1346 B are positioned at opposite ends of the vibrating massager  1312 , whereby to apply vibratory motion to either end selectively and/or the entirety of the massager. In the described embodiment, motor  1346 B is relatively smaller than  1346 A, each motor fitted with an offset weight attached axially whereby to impart vibrations to the massager. As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the motors are positioned offset axially from each other. It will be appreciated that the relative size, position and function of the motors and rotating weights are selected to provide the desired vibratory effects to massager  1312 . Different configurations may be selected to provide different vibratory effects for medical treatments as well as for adult sexual stimulation. 
     In the described embodiment, the two halves of the vibrating massager  1312 , indicated at  1312 A,  1312 B (see  FIG. 16 ) are ultrasonically welded together so as to seal the device against moisture and other outside pollutants. The skin layer  1313  is then over-molded onto the outside of the sealed housing, providing both a hygienic effect and reinforcing the waterproof seal of the ultrasonic weld. 
     Operation of the Invention—Inductive Charging 
     In operation, as noted above, the charger  1314  includes an upper surface  1314 C that supports the vibrating massager  1312  and guides it into a specific orientation which optimizes the inductive coupling between the inductive coils  1342  and  1364  in the two units. 
     When the vibrating massager  1312  is placed on the charging base  1314  in the proper position, LEDs located beneath buttons  1320  and  1322  on the massager illuminate for one second to indicate that the inductive coil  1362  in the charger and the inductive coil  1342  in the massager have coupled successfully, and that charging is underway. This one second illumination is followed by a series of short flashes, 250 ms in duration, which indicate the current charge level as follows: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Number of 
                 Charge 
               
               
                   
                 Flashes 
                 Level 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 1 
                 Very Low 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 Low 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 Medium 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 High 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 Full 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Alternatively such feedback may be provided by an audio device such as a speaker or beeper, or by tactile feedback such as vibration, or other forms of user-discernable feedback as will be apparent to the reader. 
     The charging of battery  1348  in vibrating massager  1312  is controlled by circuitry in power converter  1366  that optimizes charging time and battery life. The charging functionality in the described embodiment is optimized for the use of a single lithium-ion type battery  1348 . Other types of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or multiple batteries and/or battery types could be used in the massager, with the charging functionality then optimized for those battery configurations. 
     The vibrating massager  1312  reacts intelligently to its charging status. The massager can indicate its battery level (e.g. fully discharged, low, medium, high, or fully charged) by flashing its LEDs in the pattern indicated above. The massager will cease motor operation before the batteries are fully drained so that it can maintain other basic functions, such as radio frequency communication with remote control  1330  or indication of status via the illumination of the LEDs. In the described embodiment, the massager cannot be turned on when in the charger and, if the massager is vibrating when it is placed in or near the charger, it will automatically shut off. 
     In addition to the advantages described above, including no need to change batteries or deal with electrical cords, inductive charging provides the significant advantage of generating exothermic heat, providing vibrating massager  1312  with a palpably warm, pleasant sensation to the user. 
     Operation of the Invention—User-Controlled Operation 
     As will be apparent to the reader, at least two methods of directly operating vibrating massager  1312 , are readily available to the user, the first comprising the operation of the buttons  1320 ,  1322  directly on the housing of the massager. This operation is described with respect to Table 1 below, wherein: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Switch 1320 
                 Pressing switch 1320 when motor 1346B is off will turn  
               
               
                   
                 motor 1346B on at low speed 
               
               
                   
                 Pressing switch 1320 again will speed up motor 1346B to  
               
               
                   
                 medium speed 
               
               
                   
                 Pressing switch 1320 a third time will speed up motor 1346B  
               
               
                   
                 to high speed 
               
               
                   
                 Pressing switch 1320 a fourth time will return motor 1346B to 
               
               
                   
                 being off 
               
               
                 Switch 1322 
                 Pressing switch 1322 when motor 1346A is off will turn  
               
               
                   
                 motor 1346A on at low speed 
               
               
                   
                 Pressing switch 1322 again will speed up motor 1346A to  
               
               
                   
                 medium speed 
               
               
                   
                 Pressing switch 1322 a third time will speed up motor 1346A 
               
               
                   
                 to high speed 
               
               
                   
                 Pressing switch 1322 a fourth time will return motor 1346A to 
               
               
                   
                 being off 
               
               
                 Control  
                 Pressing and holding either switch 1320 or switch 1322 for 2 
               
               
                 Lock 
                 seconds will turn off both motors and will put the massager 
               
               
                   
                 in a locked state. 
               
               
                   
                 When the massager is locked, pressing switch 1320 or switch  
               
               
                   
                 1322 momentarily will have no effect. 
               
               
                   
                 Pressing and holding either switch 1320 or switch 1322 for 2 
               
               
                   
                 seconds when it is in a locked state will return the massager to  
               
               
                   
                 an unlocked state. When switch 1320 or switch 1322 is then 
               
               
                   
                 released, the LEDs beneath both switches will flash to  
               
               
                   
                 indicate current battery level, per the description above. 
               
               
                 Pause and 
                 If one or more motors are on, pressing both switch 1320 and 
               
               
                 Resume 
                 switch 1322 will turn off all motors and will put the massager  
               
               
                   
                 in a paused state. 
               
               
                   
                 When the massager is paused, momentarily pressing switch 
               
               
                   
                 1320 or switch 1322, or both switches simultaneously will  
               
               
                   
                 cause the massager to return to the same level of activity prior 
               
               
                   
                 to being paused. 
               
               
                 Network 
                 Pressing and holding both switch 1320 and switch 1322 for 5 
               
               
                 Formation 
                 seconds will turn off any motor that is on and will cause the 
               
               
                   
                 massager to broadcast a request to form a network. 
               
               
                   
                 The massager will continue to broadcast the request for 5  
               
               
                   
                 seconds after one or more switches are released. Both LEDs  
               
               
                   
                 will flash rapidly as long as the request is being broadcast. 
               
               
                   
                 If, while broadcasting a request to form a network, the  
               
               
                   
                 massager receives an acknowledgement from another  
               
               
                   
                 device, it will add the device to the network, and will then 
               
               
                   
                 continue to broadcast its request to form a network for an 
               
               
                   
                 additional 5 seconds. 
               
               
                   
                 If, after 5 seconds of broadcasting a request to form a  
               
               
                   
                 network, the massager does not receive an acknowledgement  
               
               
                   
                 from another device, it will cease to broadcast the request  
               
               
                   
                 and will complete the network formation with the devices,  
               
               
                   
                 if any, that provided an acknowledgement during the  
               
               
                   
                 network formation cycle described above. 
               
               
                 Special 
                 Specific sequences of button presses can be programmed to  
               
               
                 Functions 
                 access special vibration patterns and modes that are otherwise 
               
               
                   
                 inaccessible to the user. This “hidden” functionality is similar  
               
               
                   
                 to “cheat codes” embedded in video games. These specific 
               
               
                   
                 sequences can be released to users for example as part of a 
               
               
                   
                 marketing campaign for the massager. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It will be understood by the reader that the operation of controls  1320 ,  1322  are managed by microcontroller  1354  and that many different variations of the control functions described may thus be programmed into the vibrating massager of the present invention. 
     In the described embodiment of the invention, motors  1346 A,  1346 B are operated by motor driver  1352  using pulse width modulation (PWM). As is known in the art, PWM uses the duty cycle of the control signal to control the motor operation. At full power, the PWM circuit provides power to the motors 100% of the time. At partial power, the PWM circuit provides power to the motors the same partial percentage of time. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, PWM control of the motors provides enhanced responsiveness in comparison to conventional amplitude modulation control. This provides significant advantages, including the ability to operate the motors at lower speeds, providing low frequency vibrations, as well as the ability to provide fine control of the motor operation in accordance with the relatively complex control signals described below. 
     Operation of the Invention—Remote Control Operation 
     It will be apparent to the reader that at least the same functions described above with respect to the user controls  1320 ,  1322  can be applied remotely using controller  1330 . Due to the inclusion of additional buttons, that is five button switch functions on remote control  1330  versus two button functions directly on the massager  1312 , further functions of the vibrating massager are available using the remote control  1330  as described. 
     As described above, there are three button switches  1332 ,  1334  and  1336  on the remote controller that are used to provide control of the massager in wireless operation, either individually or as part of a network. Two of the three button switches,  1332  and  1336 , interact with two-each underlying, momentary control switches (incorporated within the membrane surface  1338 , see  FIG. 18 ) to provide bi-directional control. Such bi-directional control provides +/−, or ‘increase/decrease,’ functionality to intuitively increase or decrease the activity of two motors or other controllable features. The center button switch  1334  is not bi-directional, but operates a single underlying momentary contact switch, also incorporated within the membrane surface  1338 . When depressed individually, each of the bi-directional button switches controls a separate motor. Bi-directional button switch  1332  controls motor  1346 B, and bi-directional button switch  1336  controls motor  46 A. 
     With respect to bi-directional button switch  1336 , eight discrete motor speeds for motor  346 B can be accessed by pressing and releasing the button switch up ( 36 U) or down ( 36 D). More particularly:
         Pressing and releasing button switch  1336 U will increase the speed of motor  1346 B to the next higher speed until it reaches its maximum speed.   Pressing button switch  1336 U when motor  1346 B is at maximum speed will have no effect.   Pressing and releasing button switch  1336 D will decrease the speed of motor  1346 B to the next lower speed until it turns off.   Pressing button switch  1336 D when motor  1346 B is off will have no effect.   Pressing and holding button switch  1336 U will cause motor  1346 B to gradually and linearly increase in speed until it reaches its maximum speed. When button switch  1336 U is released, motor  1346 B will maintain whatever speed it has reached.   Pressing and holding button switch  1336 D will cause motor  1346 B to gradually and linearly decrease in speed until it stops. When button switch  1336 D is released, motor  1346 B will maintain whatever speed it has reached.       

     The operation of bi-directional button switch  1332  is identical to that of button switch  1336 , but with respect to the control of motor  1346 A. 
     In contrast to the operation of button switches  1332  and  1336 , button switch  1334  functions to operate preset vibration patterns and/or combinations of patterns. More particularly:
         Pressing and releasing button switch  1334  causes the massager to cycle through different vibration combinations according to the following Table 2. With each press of the button, the vibrator steps to the next combination. For example, if the massager is following combination 2 and button  1334  is pressed, it will switch to combination 3. If button switch  1334  is pressed when the massager is following combination 5, it will return to combination 0.   If a button is pressed on the massager, regardless of what combination the massager is in, the massager switches to combination 0.   Pressing and holding button switch  1334  for 3 seconds will cause the controller to reply to a request to form a network from a massager or other device by sending the ZigBee™ PAN ID (Personal Area Network Identification) of the controller to the requesting device. If a network is found, all LEDs will flash in a repeating sequence from LED 1 to LED 2 to LED 3 to LED 4 while network formation is occurring. All four LEDs then flash 3 times together to indicate successful completion of network formation. If no network is available to join, two of the LEDs will flash, then the other two LEDs will flash in an alternating pattern that is repeated 5 times to indicate a network formation error.       

     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Combination 
                 Motor 1 Activity 
                 Motor 2 Activity 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 0 
                 Constant vibration 
                 Constant vibration 
               
               
                 1 
                 0.25 Hz slow sinusoidal  
                 0.25 Hz slow sinusoidal pattern, 
               
               
                   
                 pattern 
                 +180 degree phase shift 
               
               
                 2 
                 1 Hz fast sinusoidal  
                 0.25 Hz slow sinusoidal pattern, 
               
               
                   
                 pattern 
                 +180 degree phase shift 
               
               
                 3 
                 1 Hz fast sinusoidal  
                 1 Hz fast sinusoidal pattern, 
               
               
                   
                 pattern 
                 +180 degree phase shift 
               
               
                 4 
                 2 Hz fast square wave  
                 2 Hz fast square wave pattern, 
               
               
                   
                 pattern 
                 0 degree phase shift 
               
               
                 5 
                 2 Hz fast square wave  
                 Constant vibration 
               
               
                   
                 pattern 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The button switches  1332 ,  1336  in combination provide other functions, particularly:
         If no motor is on, simultaneously pressing button switch  1332 U or  1332 D and button  1336 U or  1336 D will have no effect.   If one or more motors are on, simultaneously pressing button switch  1332 U or  1332 D and button switch  1336 U or  1326 D will turn off all motors and will put the massager in a paused state.   When the massager is paused, momentarily pressing button switch  1332 U,  1332 D,  1336 U, or  1336 D, or pressing both button switch  1332 U or  1332 D and button switch  1336 U or  1336 D simultaneously will cause the massager to return to the same level of activity prior to being paused.       

     As also discussed below, specific sequences of button switch presses can be programmed to access special vibration patterns and modes known to the manufacturer and, unless disclosed, otherwise inaccessible to the user. This functionality is similar to “cheat codes” embedded in video games. These specific sequences can be released to the public periodically as part of a marketing campaign for the controller. 
     Operation of the Invention—Wireless Network &amp; Control Signal Operation 
     The ZigBee™ functionality used in the present invention provides significant advantages over its closest competitor, BlueTooth™, another well-known wireless communications protocol. As is known in the art, BlueTooth™ compatible devices are relatively high power-consumption devices using frequency-hopping technology and generally limited to 7 nodes, or devices, in a picocell. In comparison, ZigBee™ compatible devices utilize the ZigBee™ protocol stack, consume relatively less power, use direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology in the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and enable more devices, in fact a relatively unlimited number of devices, within each network. ZigBee™ compatible devices further provide a broadcast mode of local communication to send out data to any compatible device, a multicast mode of local communication to send out data to one or more specified devices and the ability to self-organize into a mesh network, further discussion of which is had below. 
     Considering the advantages provided by the ZigBee™ functionality in comparison to BlueTooth™, the present invention provides: i) significantly lower power consumption, ii) concomitant lower hardware costs, and iii) the ability to more easily and straightforwardly connect large numbers of compatible devices in complex network configurations. More particularly, ZigBee™ compatible devices such as those shown here can operate in both a “many-to-1” configuration, e.g. many controllers controlling a single device, or a “1-to-many” configuration, e.g. one controller controlling multiple devices, the latter being a capability believed to not be offered by BlueTooth™. While ZigBee™ communications protocols can currently be applied in a variety of frequencies, including 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz signals, in the described embodiment of the invention, the broader bandwidth 2.4 GHz frequencies are used, providing advantages including more sensitive controls and international regulatory agency compatibility. This bandwidth enables transmission and receipt of complex control signals, with sufficient resolution (250 kilobaud) to cause a device to respond accurately and contemporaneously to signals as complex as a musical audio or other complex control signals. 
     In different embodiments, the present invention takes advantage of the ZigBee™ broadcast mode or multicast mode of operation and/or the ability to straightforwardly assemble compatible devices into a self-organizing mesh network(s). Using these capabilities, massager  1312  and/or remote control  1330  can both transmit their availability for networking with other compatible devices within communications range, and subsequently self-organize into networks with available devices. These features give the present invention the capability to operate in different modes of operation, for example: as described above, one controller can control one or many massagers, multiple controllers can control a single massager and, multiple groupings of controllers and massagers can operate in the same space without interfering with one another. It further provides the invention with the ability to network with many other types of devices and interact with many different control signals and controller arrangements as described herein below. 
     As noted, all devices that share a compatible implementation of the ZigBee™ protocol, including other types of devices, are able to inter-operate with one-another. If a user, for example, tires of a particular vibrating massager&#39;s operation, they can simply purchase a new remote control with different operating characteristics, and the massager will take on any new characteristics and capabilities programmed into the new controller. Conversely, a user can add a new massager with a new physical form and/or mechanical capabilities and it will be operable with any ZigBee™-compatible controller that the consumer already owns. 
     Other ZigBee™ functional devices can interact with the vibrating massager. For example, vibrating massager  1312  can collect data and interpret and respond to this data. The massager can transmit internally generated and/or externally received data to other devices and systems within communications range. As examples, one or more biofeedback sensors can be used to detect one or more bodily functions such as a level of arousal as indicated by a heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, galvanic skin resistance, blood flow, muscular activity, neural activity, etc., the bodily function data used to control the operation of the massager. Location sensors can detect positional data such as location, orientation, acceleration, etc. Environmental sensors can detect conditions such as sound, pressure, temperature, light, etc. All of these conditions, data and information can be transmitted to and received by remote control  1330  or other controllers, or sensor devices in the network and/or directly by massager  1312  and be used alone or in combination with programmed instructions in the microcontrollers to control the operation of the massager. 
     Sophisticated control systems can be implemented to control the operation of the vibrating massager  1312 . Audio-sensing controllers can generate control signals based on environmental sounds, music, voices, voice commands, etc. Alternative input mechanisms such as pressure sensors can be used to generate control signals based upon pressure. Touch pads, such as those used as a pointing device on laptop computers, can provide a relatively simple interface for generating complex control functions. Other control systems based on other pre-existing forms of human-machine and human-computer interaction can be used. 
     MIDI systems can be used to provide a sophisticated interface for the generation of complex control signals for vibrators alone or in a network with other devices. Alternatively, MIDI signals used for the performance of musical compositions can be reinterpreted as control signals for vibrators alone or in a network with other devices, such that the devices would react synchronously with the composition. 
     While the invention has been generally described with respect to the transmission of control signals from remote control  1330  to massager  1314 , the reader will understand that the ZigBee™ protocols provide for bidirectional communications. That is, massager  1314  can transmit both control and informational data back to remote control  1330 , or to any other device within the network. 
     A ZigBee™-compatible, wireless transceiver can be attached to a computer such as a personal computer, portable computer, networked computer or handheld computer, or to a communications device or other electronic device via a USB, FireWire™, parallel, serial, or other input/output port. This transceiver can then be used to receive and send signals to and from the network. Signals generated by a computer or other device can be based upon, for example:
         GUI (graphical user interface) programs which can provide users with sophisticated computer interfaces for generating fine GUI-based interaction with one or more massagers or other devices,   User programmed signals useable to interact with one or more massagers or other devices can be created, used and stored; these signals can also be shared, embedded in devices, or sold online or through other outlets,   Special media played on a computer or other device can be encoded with a control track that causes one or more massagers or other devices to behave in synchronization with the media being viewed or heard; additionally, the media could itself be controlled or altered in response to signals received from the network,   Standard media, without a pre-programmed control track, played on a computer or other device, could be interpreted by software, firmware, or hardware and used to cause one or more massagers or other devices to behave in synchronization with the media being viewed or heard,   Interactive games played on the computer, individually or in a networked configuration, can generate or respond to signals sent to or received from massagers or other devices,   Online peer-to-peer, remote interaction with others online, including chat rooms, virtual communities, dating services, etc. can generate or respond to signals sent to or received from massagers or other devices,   Online performer-to-audience multicasts or one-to-one performances can generate or respond to signals sent to or received from massagers or other devices,   Online audience-to-performer participation in broadcast or one-to-one performances can generate or respond to signals sent to or received from massagers or other devices, and   Others as will now be apparent to the reader.       

     In still other embodiments, commercially available media such as video game ROMS, audio and/or video CDs and DVDs, and electronic MP3, MPEG and other electronic media files can be encoded with a special control signal track that is extracted and broadcast by a compatible wireless controller connected to the standard outputs of a playback device. The media control signal track can thus be transmitted to cause massagers to behave in synchronization with the games, video or other material being viewed and/or listened to without requiring a specialized media player. In one exemplary embodiment, an encoded control signal in an MPEG or other digital video file can be outputted, for example through a port such as a headphone connector or other output port, to a wireless ZigBee™-compatible transmitter for controlling the massager in a desired synchronization with the media content. 
     Pagers, cellular phones and other portable, ZigBee™-compatible communications devices can be used to generate control signals, remotely controlling massagers directly and/or through existing national and international communication networks. Additionally, where these devices are not ZigBee™-compatible, a secondary device can be used which would connect to the portable communications device, wirelessly or otherwise as supported by the devices, and translate its signals to a ZigBee™-compatible format. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to certain illustrated and alternate embodiments, yet other alternative embodiments will now be apparent to the reader. Without limitation, a wide variety of other relative orientations between the base and the massager can be used so long as the desired inductive coupling for charging is obtained. Further, an inductive coupling solution can be used which does not require a specific orientation of the massager relative to the charging base. Different types of energetic coupling, such as capacitive coupling, may be used to charge the massager power source. 
     The massager  1312  can incorporate one or a plurality of different motive sources, for example using solenoids, piezo-electric devices, shape-memory alloys, and other sources of motion, vibratory or otherwise. The motions imparted by these motive sources can include vibratory motions, rubbing motions, tapping motions, undulating motions, swelling motions, contracting motions, bending motions and many others as will now be apparent to the reader. 
     The batteries  1348  and  1368  may take one or more of many well-known forms, configurations and/or shapes. Multiple batteries may be used within one or each of the remote control  1330  and massager  1312 . The benefits of the wireless control functionality may be recognized using a non-rechargeable battery. Similarly, the benefits of the rechargeable battery systems may be recognized in the absence of wireless remote control operation. 
     Different methods can be used for the assembly or construction of the vibrator and different types of materials can be employed in the construction of the vibrator. The outer skin may be replaced with a localized area of soft material such as a silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU) or another material with desirable properties such as tactile quality, bio-compatibility, durability, and ability to bond to the material of parts  1312 A and  1312 B, or may be omitted altogether. 
     The massager  1312  can take many different aesthetic and/or functional shapes or forms, for example, forms which are larger or smaller in scale, forms which incorporate different contours, or forms which are in configurations which are wearable on the body, mountable on surfaces, etc. The massager  1312  can incorporate sensors such as heart rate, galvanic skin response (GSR), or other types now apparent to the reader to supply information to a network of devices. The massager  1312  can incorporate LEDs, electroluminescent panels, or other forms of additional illumination for practical or aesthetic purposes. The massager  1312  can incorporate rare earth, ferrous, electro- or other types of magnets, such as those types of magnets that are believed to stimulate circulation and have a positive therapeutic effect on the body. In addition to the exothermic heat function described above, massager  1312  can incorporate a heating functionality by employing one or more infrared emitters or other electrical or chemical sources of warmth. 
     In other embodiments, the soft over-mold skin  1313  is formed to be changeable, for example through user removal and replacement over the underlying plastic form, so as to inexpensively provide different aesthetic and functional models of the massager for the user. The massager may or may not incorporate cosmetic details such as the metal band  1318 . 
     Numerous alternative configurations of remote control  1330  are possible. For example:
         The remote control can incorporate one or a plurality of different sources of power.   The remote control can incorporate one or a plurality of different means of user interaction, including audio speakers, vibrating motors, or different means of illumination.   Different methods can be used for the assembly or construction the remote control.   Different types of materials can be employed in the construction of the remote control.   The remote control may or may not incorporate the use of an outer layer or localized area of soft material such as a silicone, TPE, or other elastomer.   The soft skin can be changed (while maintaining the same underlying plastic form) to inexpensively provide different aesthetic and functional models of the remote control.   The remote control could be made in a wearable form, for example, in a form similar to that of a bracelet or a wrist watch.   Numerous others as will now be apparent to the reader.       

     While the invention has been described with respect to vibrating massagers, many features and advantages of the invention are applicable to other personal use devices, particularly those involving direct contact with the human body, including but not limited to: electronic toothbrushes and other oral hygiene devices, electronic muscle stimulators such as the Tone-A-Matic™ system, electronic heating pads and blankets, electronically-controlled reclining and operating chairs, non-massaging erotic stimulators such as vacuum pumps and electrical stimulators, electronic acupuncture devices such as the Kodiak Health systems, massaging pillows cushions and pads and other personal use devices as will now be apparent to the reader. It will further be apparent that the invention is not limited to devices that contain an internal power source such as a battery, many aspects of the invention being applicable to externally powered devices such as those described above. 
     There has thus been provided a new and improved vibrating massager. The massager uses inductive charging, avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning make the inventive massager hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls, wireless communication controls such as remote controls and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base supports the massager for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship. The invention has application in the fields of medical and personal appliances, for example in the fields of health care and adult sexual devices. 
     While the invention has been shown and described with respect to particular embodiments, it is not thus limited. Numerous modifications, changes and improvements, within the scope of the invention, will now be apparent to the reader.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7