Vertically Reciprocating Platform Patents (Class 601/100)
  • Patent number: 6911012
    Abstract: A massage device for manipulating a user includes a support member and a manipulator carried by the support member. The manipulator is adapted to engage and apply a shear force to the user. The manipulator is rotatable about at least one axis relative to the support member and a brake operably connected to the manipulator selectively adjusts rotation of the manipulator about the at least one axis so that the shear force applied to the user by the manipulator is adjusted. In automatically controlled embodiments, a controller adjusts the braking force according to signals received from a detector to prevent or reduce slippage of the roller and to dynamically control the magnitude of the shear force applied to the user. In manually embodiments, an operator adjusts the braking force to a fixed magnitude or dynamically adjusts the braking force to control the shear force applied to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Rocky Kahn
  • Patent number: 6899688
    Abstract: A cervical vertebra massaging device with roller sets comprises a driving device driving a driven seat to move reciprocally; a main axial rod protruding from the driven seat; two axial seats; each of two sides of the main axial rod being connected to a middle section of a respective one of two axial seats; two sides of each axial seat being locked with one sub axial rod; each sub axial rod being installed with one roller set. Each ends of the axial seat is protruded with a respective sliding head which is aligned to and resists against the track and then can slide therein; at a distal end of the track is installed with a protruding slope. When the driving device moves, the roller sets moves along the back of the user, and thus give a comfortable massage to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Patent number: 6899687
    Abstract: The invention provides a massage machine for health care which comprises a living body information sensor 5 for detecting living body information of the autonomic nervous system of the person to be massaged, a control circuit 6 for judging the psychological state of the person based on the living body information detected, and a memory 61 for holding histories of psychological states of persons to be massaged. The machine is adapted to judge the physical condition of the person based on the history of psychological states of the person, and to judge whether the condition of the person's health is improved by massage so as to utilize the result of judgement as guidelines for health care.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Hori, Yoshihisa Fujiwara, Kazuya Hiyamizu, Toshiki Koma, Torahiko Nonoue
  • Patent number: 6884227
    Abstract: Systems and methods for therapeutically treating damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia, or osteoporosis. Systems and methods according to various embodiments of the invention include an oscillating platform for therapeutically treating damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions in a body. The oscillating platform supports a body. The oscillating platform includes an upper plate; a lower plate; a drive lever supported from the lower plate; a damping member in contact with the drive lever; and a distributing lever arm in contact with the upper plate. The drive lever actuates at a first predetermined frequency. Next, the damping member damps the actuation of the drive lever, creating an oscillating force at a second predetermined frequency. A portion of the oscillating force transfers from the damping member to the distributing lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Juvent, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Krompasick
  • Patent number: 6849054
    Abstract: A lie-down massager comprises a base frame having a top panel with a top opening formed centrally and lengthwisely through the top panel, a rider provided below the top panel to make a horizontally reciprocal movement relative to the base frame, a lifter liftedly engaged to the rider to make a vertically reciprocal movement relative to the rider, a massage member fixed downwardly to the lifter with supports horizontally aligned along a top portion of the massage member, massage bumps attached atop the first and second supports, and a pad covering the massage bumps and the elongated opening of the base frame. The supports repeatedly approach to and distance from each other within the top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Hakjin Kim
  • Patent number: 6843776
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions. A platform supports a body to be treated. An oscillator is positioned within the platform and is configured to impart an oscillating force on the body. A capacitor assembly is positioned adjacent the platform for automatically determining the mass of the body being supported on the platform. Once the mass of the body is determined, an amplitude of the frequency of the oscillating force is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic treatment to the patient. Also, the capacitor assembly is configured to turn the oscillator on and off as a function of whether or not a body is being supported on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Juvent, Inc.
    Inventors: Titi Trandafir, Donald E. Krompasick
  • Publication number: 20040260215
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for three dimensional, accurately controllable and user customizable massaging are provided. The apparatus includes actuators for three-axis movement of massage bumps, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. Pre-configured massaging curves which are followed by the massage bumps are provided and a user may select and further customize the curves. Also the curve may be adjusted by measuring the body contour of a user and incorporating the measured curve into existing curves. The massaging curve includes acupressure operations and heat treatment operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Hakjin Kim
  • Patent number: 6832991
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus in which a position of a specific portion such as a user's shoulder with respect to the massaging apparatus can be determined automatically and accurately in a simple construction. The massaging apparatus includes a supporting arm having a therapeutic member pivotally supported thereon and freely movable along the user's body. The position of the specific portion of the user with respect to the massaging apparatus is determined from the relation between the vertical position of the supporting arm and the pivotal position of the supporting arm. A pivotal movement detecting system detects that the supporting arm reaches a prescribed range of pivotal movement is provided. The position of the specific portion of the user with respect to the massaging apparatus is determined from the position of the supporting arm at the moment when the pivotal movement of the supporting arm reaches the prescribed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Family Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nichimu Inada, Hideshi Kondo, Yasuo Fujii, Koji Goto
  • Publication number: 20040249321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a massage device (1) comprising at least one massage means (2, 2′, 2A, 2A′; 20) comprising at least one massage member (3 to 6 or 21 to 23) as well as a retaining member (7, 8 or 24) for the massage members. A drive (9; 26) for the massage means (2 to 2A′; 20) and transmission means (10, 10′; 25) for transmitting a massage movement from the drive (9; 26) to the massage device (1) are provided, in particular for installation in the seat back (11) of a vehicle seat (S). The retaining member (7, 8; 24) and the transmission means (10, 10′; 25) are combined to a functional unit effecting a multi-function massage and the output shaft (19; 27) of the drive (9; 26) is directly coupled to the functional unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Ulrike Grueger, Petra Reiber
  • Publication number: 20040243034
    Abstract: A lie-down massager includes a base frame having an elongated top panel, through which an elongated top opening is formed centrally and lengthwise, a rider provided below the elongated top panel of the base frame, a guide member movably engaged between the base frame and the rider so as to enable the rider to make a horizontally reciprocal movement relative to the base frame, massage bumps that move vertically and/or horizontally along the elongated top opening of the elongated top panel of the base frame, and a lifter that holds the massage bumps and adjusts the height of the massage bumps. The lifter includes two vertical screws that rotates together by a chain and two nuts engaging with the screws so that rotating the screws lift or lower the nuts thereby adjusting the height of the massage bumps. A motor rotates the screws via a worm gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hakjin Kim
  • Publication number: 20040243033
    Abstract: A lie-down massager includes a base frame having an elongated top panel, through which an elongated top opening is formed, a rider, a guide member movably engaged between the base frame and the rider so as to enable the rider to make a horizontally reciprocal movement, massage bumps that move vertically and/or horizontally along the elongated top opening of the elongated top panel of the base frame, and a lifter that holds the massage bumps and adjusts the height of the massage bumps. The lifter includes a gear-operated link lifting mechanism, in which a low link is pivoted by a shaft, and a high link converts the pivoting of the low link to vertical movement of the massage bumps. Two sets of links are used and the two sets are associated via spur gear engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hakjin Kim
  • Publication number: 20040243032
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of packaging flip chips includes providing a plurality of flip chips and a panel, forming a plurality of partitions outwardly from the panel, coupling the flip chips to the panel such that each partition surrounds a respective flip chip, and forming an underfill region between each of the flip chips and the panel. Each partition prevents a respective underfill region from engaging an adjacent underfill region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hakjin Kim
  • Publication number: 20040243030
    Abstract: A massaging device gives different massaging patterns to different parts of a user's body for enhanced and pleasant massaging effect. The device includes an applicator applying a massage force to the user, and at least two driving units for driving the applicator to make different reciprocating movements respectively in different directions from each other. The least two driving units is controlled to reciprocate the applicator for providing the massaging force in different massaging patterns. A sensor is provided to acknowledge the position of the applicator. A massage pattern selector is provided to select one of the massaging patterns depending upon the position of the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Takayoshi Tanizawa, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Fumihiro Nishio, Daisuke Tsukada, Yuuichi Nishibori, Motoharu Muto
  • Publication number: 20040236256
    Abstract: A lie-down massager comprising a first mat with an elongated opening, a sliding member in the first mat hingedly engaged to a base to allow an angular lifting of the first mat from the base, a support downwardly attached to the base, a nut gear rotatably engaged to the support and having a wheel gear along an outer periphery of the nut gear, the wheel gear engaged to a second wheel gear, a shaft gear having a hinge end and a gear end received into the nut gear. A substantially bent rod has an upper end hingedly engaged to the first mat, a lower end hingedly engaged to the hinge end, and a hinge point between the upper end and the lower end, the hinge point hingedly engaged to the base frame, massage bumps carried on top of a rider reciprocating along the elongated opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Hakjin KIM
  • Publication number: 20040230145
    Abstract: A lie-down massager comprises a frame, a rider below a top panel of the frame, a guide member engaged between the frame and the rider to allow a horizontal reciprocation to the rider, and a lifter carrying massage bumps. A gear unit includes a bolt gear downwardly extending from the lifter, a nut type gear having a outer periphery, a first gear incorporated on the periphery, and a second gear engaged to the first gear. The bolt gear is releasably engaged in the nut type gear whose bottom end is rotatably attached to and supported by the rider, whereby the second gear rotation generates the first gear rotation and the subsequent rotation of the nut type gear enables the lifter to make a vertical reciprocation by he releasable engagement of the bolt gear and the nut type gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Hakjin KIM
  • Publication number: 20040225240
    Abstract: A lie-down massager comprises a frame having an elongated top panel with an elongated opening, a rider below the top panel, a guide member movably engaged between the frame and the rider to enable the rider to make a horizontal reciprocation relative to the frame, a lifter moving vertically relative to the rider, and a roller gear engaged to the rider. The roller gear is engaged to a vertical rack gear in an opening of an engagement body extending from the lifter so the roller gear rotation enables the lifter to make a vertical reciprocation. Massage bumps attached to the top portion of the lifter move vertically and/or horizontally along the elongated top opening of the elongated top panel of the frame by the lifter and the rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Hakjin Kim
  • Patent number: 6814710
    Abstract: A massaging device having a track comprising two rails. The rails comprise a first V-shaped raceway spaced apart from a second raceway. The device includes a carriage that causes a massaging unit comprising a pair of massaging to move back and forth along the rails. Coupled to the carriage are a pair of guide wheels having diamond-shaped cross-section, and engaging the first raceway. A biasing wheel if pivotally coupled to either side of the carriage and spring loaded in a direction away from the guide wheels as to engage the second raceway and maintain the carriage within the rail. The massaging unit comprises a pair of massaging members that are mounted to a rotable shaft in such a fashion as to perform a finger pressure-like massage or a tapping massage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Interactive Health LLC
    Inventor: Hans Dehli
  • Publication number: 20040210174
    Abstract: A lie-down massager comprises a frame having an elongated top panel with an elongated opening, a rider below the top panel, a guide member movably engaged between the base frame and the rider to enable the rider to make a horizontal reciprocation relative to the frame, and a lifter moving vertically relative to the rider. A shaft is rotatably engaged to the rider and eccentrically connected to a cam so the shaft rotation generates an eccentric rotation of the cam defined by an inner disk, an outer ring, and ball bearings circularly provided between the inner and outer disks where an outer rim of the outer ring abuts to a bottom of the lifter so the shaft rotating further generates vertical reciprocation of the lifter relative to the rider by the eccentric rotation of the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Hakjin KIM
  • Publication number: 20040186398
    Abstract: The invention provides a massage machine wherein massage arms provided with kneading balls are held inclined forward to give a suitable massage. The massage machine comprises a kneading shaft (40) disposed on the massage unit (20) substantially horizontally, pivotal levers (33),(33) supported by the kneading shaft (40), massage arms (32),(32) supported by forward ends of the respective pivotal lever and kneading balls (31),(31) provided on the respective massage arms each at a position obliquely above the position where the massage arm is supported by the pivotal lever. An arm lock mechanism (80) is coupled to the massage unit for holding the kneading balls pushed out forward, and the arm lock mechanism tiltably supports arm lock rods (83),(83) each having one end connected to the massage arm at a position away from the position where the massage arm is supported by the pivotal lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshiya Furuie
  • Patent number: 6790190
    Abstract: Massage device for an item of furniture for sitting and/or lying on, having a first shaft and a second shaft which are supported parallel with one another in a frame, and having at least one arm which carries at least one massage body, the arm being coupled to the two shafts in such a manner that a rotation of the shafts brings about a massage movement of the massage body in a first and/or second direction. Elements are also provided for displacing the massage body relative to the frame and they are formed by a mechanism for changing the distance between the two shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ciar S.P.A.
    Inventor: Egidio Marcantoni
  • Publication number: 20040171972
    Abstract: A massaging mechanism includes a first rotary shaft supported in a right-and-left direction, a pair of right and left swing arms relatively rotatably mounted on the first rotary shaft, a plurality of massaging heads each secured to an upper end portion and a lower end portion of each of the swing arms, a bracing member engaged with each of the swing arms so as to restrain the swing arm from rotating in connection with rotation of the first rotary shaft, a first operating mechanism for swinging the swing arms in opposite directions in the right-and-left direction to each other so that a right and left pair of massaging heads respectively secured to the upper end portions are moved toward each other while a pair of right and left the massaging heads respectively secured to the lower end portions of the swing arms are moved away from each other in the right-and-left direction, and vice versa, by means of the rotation of the first rotary shaft, and a second operating mechanism linked to the bracing member for rec
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Nobuzo Shimizu, Satoru Shiraishi, Shu Lv
  • Publication number: 20040158180
    Abstract: A massaging structure with a buffer function includes a threaded rod positioned in a frame, and a coil spring respectively provided at an upper end section and a lower end section of the threaded rod. When a moving member of a massaging roller moves to the highest point or to the lowest point of the threaded rod, a micro switch at the highest point and at the lowest point of the threaded rod is contacted by the moving member, turned on and activating a motor to reverse its rotating direction. If the motor stops in case of a disorder, the coil springs can let the moving member jump up and down so that a user may know a disorder happened and correct it. Thus, the threads of the threaded rod and the moving member can be protected from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Yao Liang
  • Publication number: 20040158181
    Abstract: A massage machine has an operating control device which is easy to manipulate for the user to be massaged in a comfortable state. The massage machine (1) has a massage device (11) incorporated in a chair (8) for massaging the person to be treated, and comprises a main operating unit (18) to be manipulated by the person for directing a plurality of movements of the massage device (11) and other elements, and an auxiliary operating unit (19) for directing a specified movement included among the movements, the auxiliary operating unit (19) being movable relative to the chair (8). The auxiliary operating unit (19) is free to move, can be easily held by the hand and is therefore unlikely to cause fatigue to the hand even when held for a prolonged period of time, permitting the person to be massaged in a relaxed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takashi Nakamura, Takamasa Suzuki, Toshiki Koma
  • Publication number: 20040158176
    Abstract: A hot-Acupressure and Massage machine provides conforming to the individual user's spinal shape and accommodating capability for a range of user heights. A hot-Acupressure and Massage machine has a heat-transmitter module that reciprocates under the user's back with the following provisions: a support surface, a module with a total compliance means to the spine by including a ball-socket mechanism and actuator(s), a variable compression means to the user's back from the module to allow the user to choose compressions levels for both effectiveness and comfort, a set of raised pads to help align a user to the module, a slidable headrest that adjusts to the user's height, an elevated support surface for the thighs and feet, and a belt to treat the chest, abdominal, joints, and hip areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Joon Park
  • Publication number: 20040122343
    Abstract: A vibrator has massaging balls supported by a treating unit that may be shifted along a subject portion for treatment, guided by guiding members. The treating unit is supported by a supporting structure with respect to the guiding members. A position or orientation altering mechanism is provided for altering the position of the treatment unit in a direction orthogonal to the direction of its shifting or the orientation of the treating unit with respect to the guiding members. The supporting structure may include an engaging unit that engages the guiding members and an arm for supporting the engaging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Mori, Akitoshi Miki, Koichi Tanaka, Kuniyoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6749577
    Abstract: A massage machine is provided which is adapted to give a suitable massage in accordance with the degree of stiffness or degree of relaxation of the person to be massaged, based on the results obtained by measuring the body outline of the person and physiological data as to the person such as the pulse rate and skin temperature. The massage machine measures the body outline of the person, and measures physiological data concerning the person which is produced by massaging the person. The body outline of the person, such as the position of the neck, shoulder, back and waist is measured, and the measured physiological data is used to discriminate between the part of great stiffness and the part of low stiffness so as to give an effective massage in accordance with the degree of stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kume, Kazuya Hiyamizu
  • Publication number: 20040106882
    Abstract: It is a kind of kneading applied massage structure containing a base and a massage device. On the inner wall of one side of the base is bound with a sliding rail in which is bound a slide plate. A screw bolt is connected in the base, and the both two ends of the screw bolt are positioned in the pillow block for ball bearing, which connects one end of the screw bolt to the power-take-off shaft of one motor. On the screw bolt is bound with a slide plate with a positioning plate on it. The said massage device includes a tapered massage block which may rotate on request from inner to outer or from outer to inner; to position the massage device on the slide plate and positioning plate; when the motor runs, it will drive the screw bolt to rotate, which makes the slide block on the screw bolt move up or down, and the massage device will also move with the rotation. Thus, the users will enjoy the kneading massage up or down or at a fixed position on the back to relieve fatigue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Chun Tseng
  • Publication number: 20040082889
    Abstract: A cervical vertebra massaging device with roller sets comprises a driving device driving a driven seat to move reciprocally; a main axial rod protruding from the driven seat; two axial seats; each of two sides of the main axial rod being connected to a middle section of a respective one of two axial seats; two sides of each axial seat being locked with one sub axial rod; each sub axial rod being installed with one roller set. Each ends of the axial seat is protruded with a respective sliding head which is aligned to and resists against the track and then can slide therein; at a distal end of the track is installed with a protruding slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Publication number: 20040049136
    Abstract: An electric massage device comprises a motor, a base, at least one gear train including a driven gear rotatably supported in the base, at least one movable member, and at least one massage member. The driven gear is driven by an output shaft of the motor. The driven gear includes engaging grooves in a side thereof. The movable member includes a toothed portion having a plurality of teeth. The massage member is securely connected to the movable member to move therewith. The engaging grooves of the driven gear and the teeth of the movable member are so configured that when the output shaft turns in a direction, the movable member and the massage member are turned, and that when the output shaft turns in a reverse direction, the movable member and the massage member move reciprocatingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20040024335
    Abstract: Massage device for an item of furniture for sitting and/or lying on, having a first shaft and a second shaft which are supported parallel with one another in a frame, and having at least one arm which carries at least one massage body, the arm being coupled to the two shafts in such a manner that a rotation of the shafts brings about a massage movement of the massage body in a first and/or second direction. Means are also provided for displacing the massage body relative to the frame and they are formed by means for changing the distance between the two shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Egidio Marcantoni
  • Patent number: 6681770
    Abstract: A spinal treatment table includes a head support, a leg support, and a contoured spinal support there between defined by separate support segments of different heights. The segments are supported within a frame and connected by a scissors hinge. A first end segment is anchored to the frame, and the other segments are movable longitudinally within the frame. A linear drive is connected to a second end segment. All the segments are moved by the same amount relative to adjacent segments whenever the second end segment is moved by the linear drive to adjust the length of the spinal support for supporting spines of different lengths. A spinal manipulation device is movable within a longitudinal slot in the spinal support for evenly applying therapy to the length of the spine. The spinal manipulation device may be a reciprocating device, a roller device, or a water jet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Shane Dreher
  • Publication number: 20030225351
    Abstract: A pad structure of a back roller massage device comprises the following components. A bottom pad has a long concave portion. A long roller massage device is positioned at the concave portion. A plate-like frame has a size slightly larger than that of the roller massage device. The plate-like frame is exactly embedded into the concave portion of the bottom pad. A friction tolerant cloth pad has a size suitable for being placed into the plate-like frame so as to seal a top surface of the frame; thereby, the plate-like frame being tightly engaged into the concave portion of the bottom pad. The friction tolerant cloth pad completely encloses the top of the roller massage device. Only the rollers eject against the friction tolerant cloth pad so as to be formed as a top portion. Thereby, the roller massage device is hidden in the friction tolerant cloth pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Patent number: 6656138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunction hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus, and more particularly, to a multifunction hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus which basically uses the hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus and, of course, selectively uses one or more specific appliances according to the selection of a user by installing a sleep aid means, foot pressure means and vertebral correction means with additional functions at the one hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus, thereby maximizing a hyperthermo-therapeutical curative effect and achieving an optimum sleep, blood circulation and vertebral correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Dwzone Medical Instruments Co., LTD
    Inventor: Myeong-su Kim
  • Publication number: 20030216673
    Abstract: A massaging machine has massaging balls, ball supporting arms for supporting these massaging balls, a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft that have mutually parallel axes of rotation at different heights, an eccentric part on the first shaft that is eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation, a sloped part on the second shaft that is sloped with respect to its axis of rotation, a support arm with one end part attached to the ball supporting arm and the other end part attached to the sloped part, and a link that connects the eccentric part with the support arm. The support arm has a bearing with a spherical surface. The link has a spherically shaped end part that engages with the bearing. The ball supporting arms are attached to the support arm at a height between the heights of the first and second rotary shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Akitoshi Miki, Kentaro Mori
  • Publication number: 20030216674
    Abstract: A massaging machine includes massaging balls, a pair of ball supporting members supporting the massaging balls, two rotary shafts such as a massaging shaft and a pounding shaft for driving the ball supporting members so as to cause the massaging balls to undergo two different treatment actions such as massaging and pounding, a single shaft holder for holding these two rotary shafts parallel to each other, connecting mechanisms connected to both end parts of these two shafts for connecting and operating together the two shafts and the ball supporting members, motors for operating these two shafts independently and motion communicating mechanisms for communicating driving power of the motors to the two rotary shafts. The shaft holder is disposed entirely between the pair of ball supporting means and includes parts that support the motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Akitoshi Miki, Kentaro Mori
  • Publication number: 20030212354
    Abstract: A massage device for manipulating a user includes a support member and a manipulator carried by the support member. The manipulator is adapted to engage and apply a shear force to the user. The manipulator is rotatable about at least one axis relative to the support member and a brake operably connected to the manipulator selectively adjusts rotation of the manipulator about the at least one axis so that the shear force applied to the user by the manipulator is adjusted. In automatically controlled embodiments, a controller adjusts the braking force according to signals received from a detector to prevent or reduce slippage of the roller and to dynamically control the magnitude of the shear force applied to the user. In manually embodiments, an operator adjusts the braking force to a fixed magnitude or dynamically adjusts the braking force to control the shear force applied to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Rocky Kahn
  • Patent number: 6629939
    Abstract: A massage unit of a massage device moves upward and downward along a backrest of a chair. A pair of therapeutic arms are pivotably supported on a pair of pivot arms projecting forward when viewed from the backrest. Therapeutic fingers on the therapeutic arms have massage balls disposed on them. The pivot arms are driven to move the therapeutic arms in three dimensions, i.e., up and down, left and right, forward and back, so that a patient is massaged by the massage balls. An angle detector detects the angle of the therapeutic arms relative to the pivot arms. The magnitude and change in the output of the detector is used to determine the portion of the patient's body that is being contacted by the massage balls at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Jikiba, Hideki Sakata, Masao Kume
  • Patent number: 6623438
    Abstract: A device is used to massage the back of a person seated on a chair. The device includes a base, a motor, a transmission member, and a slide seat. The device is used such that the base is rested against the backrest of the chair. The motor, the transmission member, and the slide seat are mounted on one side of the base such that the slide seat is driven by the transmission member to move back and forth on the base. The slide seat is provided with a front swing rod, a rear swing rod, a front roller set pivoted with the front swing rod, and a rear roller set pivoted with the rear swing rod. The roller sets are carried by the slide seat in motion to move over the back of the person with pressure and friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Publication number: 20030158504
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus includes: a potentiometer for detecting a change in the swing angle of a swinging arm in the process of reciprocating massaging members; a skewness detector 60 for measuring skewness of the user being in contact with the massaging members, based on the change in the swing angle detected by the potentiometer; and a massaging operation controller 63 for controlling a massaging operation according to the degree and pattern of skewness detected by the skewness detector 60. With this massaging apparatus, it is possible to correct the skewness or the like and reduce stiffness by giving a suitable massage to each user, according to the skewness of the body, unbalance between the left and right sides, and differences in physical attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuya Hiyamizu, Masahiko Hashimoto, Hirokazu Genno
  • Publication number: 20030130601
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunction hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus, and more particularly, to a multifunction hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus which basically uses the hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus and, of course, selectively uses one or more specific appliances according to the selection of a user by installing a sleep aid means, foot pressure means and vertebral correction means with additional functions at the one hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus, thereby maximizing a hyperthermo-therapeutical curative effect and achieving an optimum sleep, blood circulation and vertebral correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Dwzone Medical Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myeong-su Kim
  • Publication number: 20030120187
    Abstract: A massage assembly (20) wherein a massage unit (40) comprising a therapeutic member (50) for massaging the body of the user by a kneading and/or tapping movement is reciprocatingly moved between a pair of frames (22)(23) and which comprises a motion converting mechanism for converting the reciprocating movement of the massage unit (40) to the kneading and/or tapping movement of the therapeutic member (50). The massage assembly (20) is incorporated in a backrest (16) of a chair (12) or a bed to provide a massage machine (10) of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Yuji Kan, Nobuaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6540701
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus enabled to provide sufficient treatment effects by stimulating the Keiketsu (or the effective spots) in the Eastern Medical Science effectively. The massaging apparatus comprises: memory devices recorded with treatment contents indicating effective point positions to be massaged according to a treatment course and massage actions to be applied to the effective spot positions; and control devices for causing the massage member to massage the effective spot positions of the body of the using person in accordance with the treatment contents recorded in the memory devices. The massaging apparatus further comprises: treatment course select devices for selecting the treatment course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Family Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nichimu Inada
  • Publication number: 20030050578
    Abstract: A massage device includes a main body provided with a supporting groove in which a calf of a leg can be disposed, a sliding member slidably inserted into the main body, and a first massager for massaging the calf. The first massager is installed on a rear side of the supporting groove and includes an electric motor, a power transmission device for converting a rotational motion of the motor into a reciprocal motion, and a first massage member for massaging the calf while moving along the supporting groove. The first massage member is fixed on the power transmission device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jeong-Joo Suh
  • Publication number: 20030045817
    Abstract: A massage and exercise device includes a main body provided with a supporting groove in which a calf of a leg can be disposed, a sliding member slidably inserted into the main body, a first massager for massaging the calf, and a controller for controlling the first massager. The first massager is installed on a rear side of the supporting groove and includes an electric motor, a power transmission device for converting a rotational motion of the motor into a reciprocal motion, and a first massage member for massaging the calf while moving along the supporting groove. The first massage member is fixed on the power transmission device. An exercise device is provided on the sliding ember.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jeong-Joo Suh
  • Publication number: 20030032903
    Abstract: In operating a massaging machine having massaging members and a motor for causing the massaging members to vibrate to massage a patient, a pulsed driving signal is applied to the motor for repetitively switching on and off the motor for specified time lengths such that the motor is intermittently activated, rather than continuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Kasai
  • Publication number: 20030018284
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spine massager including a massaging member configured to move vertically along with horizontal reciprocating movements, thereby providing an enhanced massaging therapy effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Sang Hyun LIM
  • Patent number: 6475171
    Abstract: A massage device for massaging back and/or feet of a user consists of groups of massaging elements connected together so that the elements of each group move together to execute a recurrent motion and press against a resilient surface in contact with the user. The elements in each group are able to move independently of the other groups and the elements are arranged in parallel rows with the massaging elements of each row staggered along the row with respect to the massaging elements of an adjacent row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Stella M. Williams
  • Publication number: 20020156404
    Abstract: A massage device has a base casing, a cover casing engaging with the base casing, a driving mechanism disposed in the base casing, at least a rotating disk, and at least a massage ball set. The driving mechanism has a motor and at least a gear disk driven by the motor. A shaft is disposed on the gear disk. The massage ball set has a main rod, a three-way frame disposed on the main rod, and three rolling balls disposed on the three-way frame. The shaft is driven by the gear disk. The rotating disk is driven by the shaft. The massage ball set is driven by the rotating disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Shu-Yu Kuo
  • Publication number: 20020138023
    Abstract: A massage machine is provided which is adapted to give a suitable massage in accordance with the degree of stiffness or degree of relaxation of the person to be massaged, based on the results obtained by measuring the body outline of the person and physiological data as to the person such as the pulse rate and skin temperature. The massage machine comprises means for measuring the body outline of the person, and means for measuring physiological data concerning the person and produced by massaging the person. The body outline measuring means detects the body outline of the person, such as the position of the neck, shoulder, back and waist, while the physiological data measuring means discriminates between the part of great stiffness and the part of low stiffness so as to give an effective massage in accordance with the degree of stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kume, Kazuya Hiyamizu
  • Publication number: 20020123704
    Abstract: The invention provides a massage machine for health care which comprises a living body information sensor 5 for detecting living body information of the autonomic nervous system of the person to be massaged, a control circuit 6 for judging the psychological state of the person based on the living body information detected, and a memory 61 for holding histories of psychological states of persons to be massaged. The machine is adapted to judge the physical condition of the person based on the history of psychological states of the person, and to judge whether the condition of the person's health is improved by massage so as to utilize the result of judgement as guidelines for health care.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Kunihiko Hori, Yoshihisa Fujiwara, Kazuya Hiyamizu, Toshiki Koma, Torahiko Nonoue