Abstract:
This patent discloses electric motor assemblies for increasing vibratory power with less noise and massage assemblies using the same.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to electric motor assemblies for increasing vibratory power with less noise and massage assemblies using the same.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Numerous massage devices are commercially available to be used by laypersons as well as by trained professionals, such as physical therapists, doctors, and chiropractors. Generally, such devices comprise: (i) an electric motor, (ii) a weight or mass, (iii) a power source, including but not limited to, standard or rechargeable batteries or an AC adaptor, (iv) a treatment head, and (v) a means for holding or manipulating the massager. Many of these massaging devices create a vibratory sensation to stimulate the skin, muscle, body parts, etc. to which they are applied.  
         [0003]     Designers, manufactures, consumers, and users of such massage devices often face a trade-off between the power and the noise of the massage devices. Increasing the power or the force of the vibrations of a massage device is often desirable as it produces greater, stronger sensations. Simultaneously, many consumers and users desire to have quiet massage devices. Many massage devices are used to facilitate or induce a feeling of relaxation. Loud noises often counteract such relaxed feelings. Additionally, many consumers and users desire to be able to discretely use massage devices without the attention that noisier devices might attract. Many of the massage devices that are presently on the market suffer from being too noisy and/or from offering too little vibratory power.  
         [0004]     One way to increase the power of the massage device or the force of the vibration of a massage device is to increase the weight or mass that is attached to the motor of the massage device. Often such increases in the weight or mass increase the noise emitted by the massage device.  
         [0005]     It is an object of the present invention to provide for a motor assembly that decreases the noise associated with many motor assemblies currently on the market. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a motor assembly that has greater vibratory power than many of the motor assemblies currently on the market.  
         [0006]     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention shall be apparent from the figures and description of the invention that follow.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     A preferred embodiment of the present invention encompasses an electric motor assembly for increasing vibratory power with less noise, comprising a motor and a drive shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the drive shaft runs through the motor and the drive shaft&#39;s first end exits on one side of the motor and the drive shaft&#39;s second end exits on the opposite side of the motor. A weight, of any mass, is secured to the drive shaft&#39;s second end. Finally, a pressure-applying member abuts the drive shaft&#39;s first end. The pressure-applying member puts pressure on the drive shaft to stabilize the drive shaft so that the motor assembly produces less noise when the weight rotates. Such a structure allows an increase in the mass of the weight without a significant increase in the noise produced by the motor assembly.  
         [0008]     The present invention also encompasses a massage assembly comprising a handle unit and a head unit. A neck connects the handle unit to the head unit. The massage assembly includes a power source. The massage assembly utilizes an electric motor assembly for increasing vibratory power with less noise, which comprises a motor and a drive shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the drive shaft runs through the motor and the drive shaft&#39;s first end exits on one side of the motor and the drive shaft&#39;s second end exits on the opposite side of the motor. A weight is secured to the drive shaft&#39;s second end. Finally, a pressure-applying member abuts the drive shaft&#39;s first end and applies pressure to the drive shaft. The motor assembly provides for a powerful yet quiet massage assembly by utilizing the pressure-applying member to stabilize the drive shaft and to help to counter the increase in the mass of the weight.  
         [0009]     A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a massage assembly having a handle unit and a head unit having a face and an attachment side opposite of the face. A neck connects the handle unit to the back of the attachment side of the head unit. This embodiment also comprises a power source. This embodiment of the present invention utilizes an electric motor assembly for increasing vibratory power with less noise, comprising a motor, which may be a DC motor, an AC motor, or another similar type motor. The motor assembly also comprises a drive shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the drive shaft runs through the motor and the drive shaft&#39;s first end exits on one side of the motor and the drive shaft&#39;s second end exits on the opposite side of the motor. A weight is secured to the drive shaft&#39;s second end. The weight may be an eccentric weight so as to produce vibrations. A pressure-applying member abuts the drive shaft&#39;s first end and applies pressure to the drive shaft. The motor assembly is secured within the head unit of the massage assembly.  
         [0010]     Finally, another embodiment of the present invention- encompasses a process of decreasing the noise of an electric motor in a vibratory unit by applying pressure to the end of the motor&#39;s internal drive shaft. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     For the present invention to be easily understood and readily practiced, the invention will now be described, for the purposes of illustration and not limitation, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a motor assembly according to the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2A  is a view from one of the sides of the motor assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2B  is a view of the opposite side of the motor assembly shown in  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a view from one end of the motor assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3B  is a view of the opposite end of the motor assembly shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4A  shows a top view of the motor assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4B  shows a bottom view of the motor assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 4 A;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a motor assembly according to the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6A  is a view from one of the sides of the motor assembly illustrated in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6B  is a view of the opposite side of the motor assembly shown in  FIG. 6A ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7A  is a view from one end of the motor assembly of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7B  is a view of the opposite end of the motor assembly shown in  FIG. 7A ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8A  shows a top view of the motor assembly of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8B  shows a bottom view of the motor assembly of  FIGS. 5 and 8 A;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a massage assembly according to the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11A  is a front, exploded view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11B  is a back, exploded view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11C  is a side, exploded view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 12A  is a top view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 12B  is a bottom view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 12C  is a view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 12B  with the face removed to show one embodiment of a motor assembly inside of the massage assembly;  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a massage assembly according to the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 15A  is a front, exploded view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 15B  is a back, exploded view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 15C  is a side, exploded view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a motor assembly secured to the face of the massage assembly of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 17A  is a top view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 17B  is a bottom view of the massage assembly of  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 17C  is a view of the massage assembly head of  FIG. 17B  with the face removed to show one embodiment of a motor assembly inside of the massage assembly;  
         [0043]      FIG. 18A  illustrates one way of holding a massage assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0044]      FIG. 18B  illustrates another way of holding a massage assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0045]      FIGS. 1 through 8 B illustrate two preferred embodiments of a motor assembly ( 5 ) according to the present invention, each with a different form of a pressure-applying member ( 25 ). As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 8 B, the present invention preferably encompasses a motor assembly ( 5 ) comprising a motor ( 10 ) and a drive shaft ( 15 ) extending through the motor ( 10 ). The drive shaft ( 15 ) has a first end ( 16 ) and a second end ( 17 ) (shown best in  FIGS. 2A, 2B ,  6 A, and  6 B). The drive shaft&#39;s ( 15 ) first end ( 16 ) exits on one side of the motor ( 10 ) and the drive shaft&#39;s ( 15 ) second end ( 17 ) exits on the opposite side of the motor ( 10 ). A weight ( 20 ), of any mass or size, is secured to the drive shaft&#39;s ( 15 ) second end ( 17 ). Finally, a pressure-applying member ( 25 ) abuts the drive shaft&#39;s ( 15 ) first end ( 16 ). The pressure-applying member ( 25 ) puts pressure on the drive shaft ( 15 ) to stabilize the drive shaft ( 15 ) so that the motor assembly ( 5 ) produces less noise when the weight ( 20 ) rotates. Such an overall design and structure allows an increase in the mass of the weight ( 20 ) without a significant increase in the noise produced by the motor assembly ( 5 ). Additionally, the motor assembly ( 5 ) of the present invention will be powered by a power source, which could be one or more batteries or a power cord to connect the motor assembly ( 5 ) to an electrical outlet.  
         [0046]     The motor ( 10 ) can be any standard motor presently on the market, including but not limited to DC and AC motors. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor ( 10 ) will be sufficiently small to fit within a handheld massage assembly ( 50 ) (shown in  FIGS. 10-11C ,  12 C,  14 - 16 , and  17 C). It will be apparent to those in the art though, that the motor ( 10 ) may be of any size appropriate for the motor&#39;s intended use. The present invention encompasses motors ( 10 ) that may be used in a variety of settings, not just in massage assemblies ( 50 ). If the motor ( 10 ) is a standard DC or AC motor ( 10 ), it will likely have an electrical connection ( 30 ) on the motor ( 10 ) as shown in.  FIGS. 1 through 4 A and  5  through  8 A. Additionally, the motor assembly ( 5 ) will require a power source such as, but not limited to, one or more batteries or a power cord to connect the motor assembly ( 5 ) to an electrical outlet.  
         [0047]     The drive shaft ( 15 ) may be any type of drive shaft ( 15 ), regardless of whether the drive shaft ( 15 ) is sold together with or separate from a motor ( 10 ). The drive shaft ( 15 ) should be sized and composed of a material appropriate for its use with the motor ( 10 ) and the motor assembly ( 5 ). The drive shaft ( 15 ) should have a first end ( 16 ) and a second end ( 17 ). As shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B ,  4 A,  4 B,  6 A,  6 B,  8 A, and  8 B, the drive shaft ( 15 ) should extend through the motor ( 10 ) with its ( 15 ) first ( 16 ) and second ends ( 17 ) extending beyond and on opposite sides of the motor ( 10 ).  
         [0048]     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 A,  4 A through  7 A,  8 A, and  8 B, a weight ( 20 ) is attached to the second end ( 17 ) of the drive shaft ( 15 ). The weight ( 20 ) may be secured to the drive shaft ( 15 ) using any appropriate means. The weight ( 20 ) may be of any size and mass. The weight ( 20 ) may be an eccentric weight ( 20 ). The larger and heavier the weight ( 20 ) used in the present invention, the stronger the vibrations created by the motor assembly ( 5 ). Thus, the size of the weight ( 20 ) may be chosen according to the strength of the vibrations desired. Similarly, the weight ( 20 ) may be made of any material appropriate for the motor assembly&#39;s ( 5 ) intended use. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight ( 20 ) would be of a size and mass sufficient to produce vibrations of a frequency of about thirty to sixty hertz (30-60 Hz). In some embodiments of the present invention, such a frequency for vibrations can be achieved by using a weight ( 20 ) of about ten grams (10 g).  
         [0049]     The novel pressure-applying member ( 25 ) may be any device that imparts pressure on the drive shaft ( 15 ) and, by doing so, stabilizes the motor assembly ( 5 ) resulting in less noise as the weight ( 20 ) rotates. One preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 B and  16 , utilizes a folded piece of metal ( 27 ) secured by a post member ( 28 ) as the pressure-applying member ( 25 ). A portion of the folded piece of metal ( 27 ) applies pressure to the first end ( 16 ) of the drive shaft ( 15 ). The other end of the folded piece of metal ( 27 ) is secured to the motor assembly&#39;s ( 5 ) housing ( 35 ) by a post member ( 28 ), as shown in  FIGS. 14, 15A ,  15 C, and  16 . The folded piece of metal ( 27 ) can be secured directly to the housing ( 35 ) or it may be secured to an intermediate structure, such as an extension of the housing ( 35 ) or a post member ( 28 ) attached to the housing ( 35 ). In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) should impart sufficient pressure on the drive shaft ( 15 ) so as to dampen some to all of the lateral motion of the drive shaft ( 15 ) and/or the motor assembly ( 5 ) while still allowing for the free movement of the drive shaft ( 15 ). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) may be any piece of material that is sufficiently bent and attached to the housing ( 35 ) so as to create a spring effect against the drive shaft ( 15 ).  
         [0050]     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIGS. 5 through 8 B, the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) may be a piece of any of a variety of substances that is secured to the motor ( 10 ) and over the drive shaft&#39;s ( 15 ) first end ( 16 ), thus, applying pressure to the drive shaft&#39;s ( 15 ) first end ( 16 ). For example, the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) may be a piece of rubber or other similar shock-absorbing material, or it may be a material such as Teflon tape, tape, and/or foam. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) may be secured to the motor ( 10 ) by gluing, welding, or adhering in any of a variety of ways that will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) for this embodiment may be any shape, size, mass, etc. that is appropriate for the motor ( 10 ), the weight ( 20 ), and for the user&#39;s preferences. It is also possible, although less preferable, to secure the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) to the first end ( 16 ) of the drive shaft ( 15 ) such that the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) abuts the motor ( 10 ) and puts pressure upon the first end ( 16 ) of the drive shaft ( 15 ).  
         [0051]     One embodiment of the motor assembly ( 5 ) of the present invention may be secured to a housing ( 35 ), which consists of any structure designed to securely hold the motor assembly ( 5 ). The housing ( 35 ) is not an essential element of all embodiments the motor assembly ( 5 ) of the present invention. The housing ( 35 ) may be needed for some embodiments of the motor assembly ( 5 ) such as that shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 B and  16  because the pressure-applying member ( 25 ) illustrated in those figures is designed to be secured to a housing ( 35 ) to provide pressure on the drive shaft ( 15 ).  
         [0052]      FIGS. 9 through 15 C and  17 A through  17 C illustrate two embodiments of the present invention massage assembly ( 50 ), which comprise a handle unit ( 55 ) attached to a head unit ( 60 ) by a neck ( 65 ). Both embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9 through 15 C and  17 A through  17 C utilize a motor assembly ( 5 ) according to any of the embodiments, descriptions, and characteristics described previously for any motor assembly ( 5 ) according to the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 13 , the embodiments differ in the shape of the head unit ( 60 ) and the handle unit ( 55 ) among other things.  
         [0053]     As shown in  FIGS. 9 through 17 C, a massage assembly ( 50 ) according to the present invention has a head unit ( 60 ) having a face ( 70 ). The face ( 70 ) may separate from the head unit ( 60 ) and may attach/detach from the attachment side ( 75 ) of the head unit ( 60 ). According to the embodiments of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 9 through 17 C, protrusions ( 71 ) may extend from the face ( 70 ) of the head unit ( 60 ). Those protrusions ( 71 ) increase the sensation or stimulation created by the vibrating massage assembly ( 50 ). The protrusions ( 71 ) are not a necessary element of the present invention, but may be included according to the user&#39;s preference. The protrusions ( 71 ) may be of any size, shape, and number, again, according to the user&#39;s preferences.  
         [0054]     The head unit ( 60 ) and the face ( 70 ) also may be of any size and shape. One embodiment of the present invention massage assembly ( 50 ) shown in  FIGS. 9 through 12 C has a rectangular head unit ( 60 ) with a rectangular flatter face ( 70 ) with protrusions ( 71 ) extending therefrom. Alternatively, a second embodiment of the present invention massage assembly ( 50 ), exemplified by  FIGS. 13 through 17 C, has an ergonomically designed head unit ( 60 ) and face ( 70 ). Such an ergonomically designed head unit ( 60 ) and face ( 70 ) may be designed to provide the maximum surface area between the face ( 70 ) of the massage assembly ( 50 ) and the body part of the user to which it is applied. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the head unit ( 60 ) and the face ( 70 ) may be of any size, shape, and contour according to the user&#39;s preference or the body part intended to be massaged by the massage assembly ( 50 ).  
         [0055]     Similarly, the handle unit ( 55 ) may be of any size, shape, and dimensions according to the user&#39;s preference. The handle unit ( 55 ) shown in  FIGS. 9 through 12 C is depicted as more of a rectangular shaped handle unit ( 55 ) with soft, curved edges. The handle unit ( 55 ) shown in  FIGS. 13 through 17 C is a softer, more curved, more ergonomically correct version of that handle unit ( 55 ) shown in  FIGS. 9 through 12 C. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle unit ( 55 ) should be designed to fit comfortably within the palm of the user&#39;s hand, as shown in  FIG. 18A .  
         [0056]     Although not necessary, the handle unit ( 55 ) is an ideal place to house the power source, particularly batteries, for the massage assembly ( 50 ). If batteries are the chosen electrical supply for the massage assembly ( 50 ), they may be placed anywhere interior to or exterior to the massage assembly ( 50 ). If the batteries are to be housed in the handle unit ( 55 ), the handle unit ( 55 ) should be equipped with a battery cover ( 85 ). If the power source is a power cord, it can connect to any convenient point on the massage assembly ( 50 ).  
         [0057]     A power button ( 80 ) should be located somewhere on the massage assembly ( 50 ). In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power button ( 80 ) is located on the handle unit ( 55 ). Such a location makes it convenient and easy for a user to turn the massage assembly ( 50 ) on and off with the hand that is holding the massage assembly ( 50 ). The power button ( 80 ) may be used to turn the massage assembly ( 50 ) on and off. Additionally, the power button ( 80 ) may be used to turn the massage assembly ( 50 ) to various vibratory levels such as low, high, and intermediate levels.  
         [0058]     A neck ( 65 ) connects the head unit ( 60 ) and the handle unit ( 55 ). The neck ( 65 ) may be of any size, shape, or dimensions. The neck ( 65 ) is illustrated in the two embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9 through 17 C. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the neck ( 65 ) is designed to be ergonomically correct and comfortable in the hand of the user.  
         [0059]     The two embodiments of the present invention massage assembly ( 50 ) shown in  FIGS. 9A through 17C  may be held by the user in a multitude of fashions. As shown in  FIG. 18A , a user may hold the massage assembly ( 50 ) by grasping the handle unit ( 55 ) completely in the palm of the user&#39;s hand and wrapping his or her thumb and all four fingers around the handle unit ( 55 ). Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 18B , a user may hold the massage assembly ( 50 ) with the neck ( 65 ) between any two of the user&#39;s fingers, thus allowing the user&#39;s two fingers to rest on the top of the head unit ( 60 ). The back of the head unit ( 60 ) would then comfortably sit against the palm of the user&#39;s hand.  
         [0060]     As detailed above, the present invention also comprises a process of decreasing the noise of any vibratory unit utilizing an electric motor assembly ( 5 ) by applying pressure to one end of the motor&#39;s ( 10 ) drive shaft ( 15 ). The application of such pressure to the motor&#39;s drive shaft ( 15 ) helps to stabilize the drive shaft ( 15 ) and the motor ( 10 ) while a weight ( 20 ), attached to the drive shaft&#39;s ( 15 ) other end, rotates.