Roller Contacting Intermediate Surface Patents (Class 601/102)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6808500
    Abstract: This creation is to provide a kind of roller massager structure improvement, which is primarily consisting of a seat body, a drive motor, a sliding seat, a second drive motor and a rocker arm type massaging roller set. The massaging roller sets are pivoted at the ends of a drive rod and is driven by the second drive motor indirectly, which is characterized by two pilot end heads eccentrically fitted at the two ends of the drive rod respectively, while a pilot end head at one end is provided with a radial slot, together with a bolt installed on the drive rod, that pilot end head can rotate itself depending on the different rotating directions of the drive rod, thus change the relative attitude to the pilot end head at another end; through this, the entire set can accomplish the practical improvements of achieving motions of rising and sinking, as well as automatic switching between two massaging modes rocking and kneading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Yu Cheng-Yi, Huang Chia-Min
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 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: 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
  • 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: 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: 20030212353
    Abstract: A massage device for manipulating a user includes at least first and second manipulators each adapted to engage the user. A transfer assembly carries the first and second manipulators and moves the first and second manipulators along successive first and second open paths of contact on the user, respectively. The first and second open paths of contact each have engagement and disengagement points. The engagement and disengagement points of the first open path of contact are each within about two inches of the engagement and disengagement points of the second open path of contact, respectively. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed such as a handheld device wherein the manipulators are on rotating turrets and devices wherein the manipulators are moved by a belt.
    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: 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: 6503212
    Abstract: A massage chair capable of massaging even the foot by utilizing a whirlpool formed by the spouting of water is disclosed, in which the chair can be moved back and forth, its seatback can be reclined, and the instep and the sole of the foot can be massaged. The massage chair includes a supporting structure 20 and a seat 10. The seat 10 consists of a seat cushion 11 mounted and secured upon the supporting structure 20, and a seatback 12 upstanding on a rear edge of the seat cushion 11. A massaging mechanism 50 is internally installed within the seatback 12, and a seat moving mechanism 40 moves the seat cushion 11 back and forth. A foot bath tub 30 is formed on the supporting structure 20 in front of the seat cushion 11, and the foot bath tub 30 has water spouting holes 31, 32 and 33 on its bottom, on its side walls and on its rear wall respectively, and has a water spouting shower device 34 above it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Beaunix Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeung Hoon Park
  • Publication number: 20030004442
    Abstract: A care or treatment attachment for a foot care apparatus, comprising at least one movable care or treatment element as well as a coupling piece, with which the attachment can be connected to the movement of a motor-driven driving shaft 8 inside the foot care apparatus 6. The attachment comprises a housing which is secured in position on the housing so that driving movement transmitted from the driving shaft does not move the housing. A coupling piece is movable mounted in housing and is supported movably corresponding to the driving movement transmitted from driving shaft of the foot care apparatus. The coupling piece at the driven side drives a power converter for the conversion of the driving movement into a differing movement which powers the one or more movable care or treatment attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Klaus Hafemann
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6364850
    Abstract: In a massage device, a rotary drive shaft is disposed uprightly in a hollow casing. Parallel upper and lower output shafts are mounted transversely in the casing, and have opposite end portions that extend out of the casings. An upper gear set includes an upper drive gear sleeved rigidly on the drive shaft for co-rotation therewith, and an upper driven gear meshing with the upper drive gear and connected rigidly to the upper output shaft. A lower gear set includes a lower drive gear disposed coaxially on the drive shaft, and a lower driven gear meshing with the lower drive gear and connected rigidly to the lower output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-An Wang
  • Patent number: 6196983
    Abstract: An auxiliary device is used in conjunction with a back massaging device and is composed of a base, a movable seat, a plurality of crank axles, a plurality of roller sets, and a transmission apparatus. The base is provided with a plurality of compression springs to enable the movable seat, the crank axles, and the roller sets to swivel in all directions so as to bring about an effective rubbing of the curved portions of the back of a person. The movable seat is provided with an arcuate slot to prevent the vertebrate of the person from making contact with the movable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Patent number: 6190338
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing therapeutic musculoskeletal massage to a patient. The apparatus comprises a table having a plurality of roller assemblies, each of which is mounted on a support rail that is attached to the table. The roller assemblies each have rollers and extension arms of differing sizes, lengths, and contours that are specifically designed and selected to provide optimal therapeutic effect to a specific portion of a patient's spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Chattanooga Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Dittmar Arndt
  • Patent number: 6171266
    Abstract: An improved massaging apparatus includes a massaging element for performing a massaging action, a drive mechanism for driving the massaging element, diagnostic inquiry means for addressing a diagnostic inquiry to a user, input means for inputting a user's answer to the diagnostic inquiry, judgment means for judging the physical condition of the user based on the user's answer, setting means for setting massaging conditions of a massage operation based on the judgment made by the judgment means, and execution means for causing the drive mechanism to drive the massaging element according to the massaging conditions set by the setting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Family Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nichimu Inada, Koji Goto
  • Patent number: 6117094
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus includes: a massaging unit movable along the height of a user on the back side of the user; a drive unit for moving the massaging unit along the height of the user; and a control unit for controlling the drive unit so as to position the massaging unit, the control unit including a storage part for storing position data of massaging effective spots as specified position data, and an execution part for reading a data item out of the specified position data and positioning the massaging unit based on the data item thus read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Family Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuo Fujii
  • Patent number: 6099487
    Abstract: A massage chair drive mechanism having a main body, a kneading shaft rotatably mounted transversely to the main body and having a gear affixed thereto, a spiral gear engaging the gear of the kneading shaft and rotatably mounted within the main body and having a face gear connected thereto, a beating shaft rotatably mounted transversely to the main body and having a gear affixed thereto, a worm gear rotatably mounted within the main body and engaged with the gear of the beating shaft and having a face gear at one end thereof, a main shaft rotatably mounted within the spiral gear and the worm gear and having opposite ends extending outwardly of the main body, a clutch positioned between the face gears of the respective worm gear and spiral gear and first and second moving rods positioned within the main body and moveable so as to engage portions of the clutch. The clutch includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member with a compression spring connected thereto and extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Yuan-Chuen Chen
  • Patent number: 6056707
    Abstract: An improved chair-type massaging apparatus providing unique massaging effects is provided, which includes a chair body including a seat portion having a substantially horizontally extending seating surface and a backrest portion extending substantially vertically from the seat portion; a first pair of right and left massaging heads disposed inside the backrest portion; a second pair of right and left massaging heads disposed inside the backrest portion and below the first pair of massaging heads; a drive unit for driving each massaging head of the first and second pairs; and a control for controlling the drive unit so as to cause the first and second pairs of massaging heads to perform alternately a first operation such that the left massaging head of the first pair and the right massaging head of the second pair are operated synchronously and a second operation such that the right massaging head of the first pair and the left massaging head of the second pair are operated synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Family Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noriyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6056708
    Abstract: A massaging device having a massaging mechanism which is incorporated in a supporting structure of a user's body for applying a massage action from an applicator to the user's body. The supporting structure has a frame with an opening within which the applicator is located to give the massage action through a cover sheet stretched over the frame. The frame has a pair of side members which define therebetween the opening and are connected to opposite ends of the cover sheet. The ends of the cover sheet are each bifurcated to have a pair of outer and inner extensions provided respectively with outer and inner catches. Each side member is formed on its rear surface with a pair of outer and inner hooks for detachable engagement respectively with the outer and inner catches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd., TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Sayama, Makoto Fukutani
  • Patent number: 6039705
    Abstract: An improved structure of a pad type roller massager including a limiting frame body and a roller mounting seat. The limiting frame body has a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section and may be mounted on the backrest of a chair. The limiting frame body includes a driven gear and a transmission worm gear disposed at tip and bottom sides thereof, both linked up by a chain. A section of the chain is disposed in a recess at an open front side of the limiting frame body with one section connected to a bottom side of the roller mounting seat so that the latter is brought to displace synchronously with the chain. Limiting bolts fitted with elastic sleeves are provided on both sides of the roller mounting frame and fitted into both side walls of the limiting frame body to be subjected to limitation of the vertical sliding displacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Patent number: 5971944
    Abstract: A massage device includes a shaft and an axle rotatably engaged in a housing and aligned with each other. The shaft has a bevel gear and the axle has a worm gear. Two motors are coupled to the shaft and the axle for driving the shaft and the axle individually. A rod and a pole are rotatably engaged in the housing and each has a bevel gear and a worm gear for engaging with that of the shaft and the axle. Two massage members are coupled to the rod and the pole for allowing the massage members to be actuated individually by the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Horng Jiun Chang
  • Patent number: 5877570
    Abstract: A driving device of the massaging chair including a main shaft, a bevel gear mounted on one end of the main shaft, a worm rod mounted on another end of the main shaft, and a driving rotor mounted slidably between the bevel and the worm rod. When the main shaft is driven by a motor to turn forward, the driving rotor is engaged with the bevel gear to actuate a kneading shaft of the massaging chair. When the main shaft is driven by the motor to turn backward, the driving rotor becomes disengaged with the bevel gear and moves away from the bevel gear to engage the worm rod so as to actuate a beating shaft of the massaging chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Yuan-Chuen Chen
  • Patent number: 5868688
    Abstract: A foot massaging appliance, includes a housing adapted to be supported on a flat horizontal surface and including an upper face facing upwardly of the housing when so supported; at least one massaging unit mounted within the housing for cyclical movement and including a plurality of massaging elements projecting upwardly from the upper face thereof for massaging the sole of a user's foot when placed thereon; and a motor drive for cyclically moving the massaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Yonitech Laboratories Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Avidor, Igal Benbasat, Nitza Kardish
  • Patent number: 5807288
    Abstract: A pad type roller massager comprising an upper supporting bracket and a lower supporting brackets, an upper bracket cover and a lower bracket cover, a driving mechanism, a guiding column A, a sliding block, an eccentric motor, a positioning cover for motor, a position controller, a plurality of screws S, and a rollers assembly is provided. The upper and lower supporting brackets are connected by those pair of guiding column which are parallel with each other. A sliding block is moveably attached to the guiding columns and may move upward and downward along the guiding columns. The upper supporting bracket is enclosed with an upper bracket cover and the upper supporting bracket is rotationally disposed with a pulley therein. The lower supporting bracket is also enclosed with a lower bracket cover and the lower supporting bracket is disposed with a worm gear motor which in turn meshed with a worm gear having a pulley formed thereof. A belt is guided via the pulley and the worm gear having pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Patent number: 5792080
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus has a capability of self-adjusting a massage strength for giving an optimum massaging effect for individual users. The apparatus includes a supporting frame on which a user rest and an applicator projecting from the supporting frame to be pressed against a user's body. The applicator is driven to move for applying a massaging force to the user's body. A pressure sensor is provided to monitor a pressure applied back to the applicator from the user's body as a counter-action of applying the massaging force to the user's body and to provide an output indicative of the monitored pressure. A strength-adjustor is included to vary a projecting amount of the applicator from the supporting frame and/or an operational speed of moving the applicator in order to adjust a massage strength applied to the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumi Ookawa, Masatoshi Dairin, Haruo Sugai, Hikoyoshi Hara
  • Patent number: 5772615
    Abstract: An improved motorized foot massager having three pairs of massaging modules. Each pair of massaging modules is comprised of a centrally located motor and gear reduction assembly and a left and right set of massaging cams. Each cam set is comprised of a plurality of horizontally disposed shafts, each shaft having a plurality of off set cams. The front pair of massaging modules is intended for the toes and ball of the foot. The middle section is intended for the arch area and the Rear section is intended for the heal portion of the foot. The front and rear section are slidable and lockable so that the unit can be adjusted to a particular persons foot. A cloth housing covers the rotating cams to prevent a users toes from being pinched by the rotating cams. The center, arch massaging modules are able to be raised or lowered to accommodate for an individuals arch height. A heal guide attached to the rear massage modules helps a person place his or her foot in the proper location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventors: Bill M. Elder, Kenneth Tarlow
  • Patent number: 5755677
    Abstract: A guide unit (4) is held by a holding unit (1) in a predetermined state and has a guide section (4e). A travelling unit (21a, 21b) is so mounted on the guide section (4e) as to be freely run. The travelling unit (21a, 21b) is driven, by a drive unit (10), in reciprocatory motion along the guide section (4e). Roller supports (35) are mounted on the travelling unit (21a, 21b) and massage rollers (53) are mounted on the roller support (35) such that their rotation center lies in a direction intersecting with a run direction of the travelling unit (21a, 21b). At least one of the roller support (35) and massage roller (53) is rotatably mounted on the travelling unit (21a, 21b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: France Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Masuda, Shoji Ohshita, Fumihiro Yoshidome
  • Patent number: 5630790
    Abstract: A driven massager of roller type for incorporation into a seat or backrest of a chair or into a mat as traveling massage unit. A traveling housing of the massage unit houses and carries drive and operating mechanisms for driving the traveling unit and operating a rotatable pair of elongate massage pressure rollers carried thereon disposed axially spaced in a common plane above the housing and driven alternatively in circular clockwise and counterclockwise motion while the traveling housing is stationary along a rectilinear path of travel or traveling thereon in two opposite directions on a pair of parallel gear racks laterally spaced defining the path of travel. The traveling housing is provided with driven paired gears on opposite sides for traveling on the gear racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Takakazu Ito
  • Patent number: 5618262
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus providing a plurality of movable massage members movable on an eccentric cam to provide a wave-like movement. The massage members are carried on a movable carriage, the latter being movably mounted on a frame. The carriage is selectively movable along the frame and further is movable in elevation relative to the frame. The apparatus provides a plurality of directions of motion to provide an enhanced massaging effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Ultrassage Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Rene
  • Patent number: 5487723
    Abstract: A massager for incorporation internally of a seat, and the seat, which may be reclinable, either in a seat portion thereof or a backrest or in both the seat portion and backrest for massaging an occupant seated or reclining on the seat. The massager has a pair of rotatable massage rollers extending longitudinally in opposite directions on a common longitudinal axis and are transported on a self-propelled carriage which travels alternately on two rectilinear paths in the form of parallel tracks. The carriage carries a pivot normal to the longitudinal axis of the massage rollers about which the longitudinal axis is selectively rotated by an electric motor so that the massage rollers are rotated in a circular path for massage different body parts of the seat occupant than when travelling on the rectilinear paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Takakazu Ito
  • Patent number: 5445595
    Abstract: A massaging machine includes a motor-driven hollow shaft including two ends each defining a slot. A shaft which includes a right-hand thread and a left-hand thread is insertable through the hollow shaft. A first distance-adjusting member includes a T-flange on an external surface and includes a right-hand thread on an internal surface for engaging with the right-hand thread on the shaft. A second distance-adjusting member includes a T-flange on an external surface and includes a left-hand thread on an internal surface for engaging with the left-hand thread on the shaft. Two cylinders each include an inclined face at an end and defines a T-slot in an internal surface for engaging with one of the T-flanges. Two sleeves are each insertable in one of the cylinders and are each mountable on one of the ends of the hollow shaft so that the T-flange of each sleeve is slidably received in one of the slots of the hollow shaft. Two wheels are each mounted by means of bearing on one of the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Jen-Chung Chou
  • Patent number: 5393297
    Abstract: A neck pillow with internal vibrational mechanisms comprising a pillow positionable over a curved indentation at the edge of a shampooing sink, the pillow having a curved central extent to conform with the indentation of the sink and downwardly extending legs positionable interiorly and exteriorly of the sink, the pillow being of a waterproof external material configured to seal the interior of the pillow; and a plurality of vibrational balls secured together in a planar array beneath the foam, the balls being configured in a plurality of rows with the balls of each of the rows coupled by laterally extending wires with springs at the opposite ends thereof coupled to the lateral ends of the pillow, the central balls of the rows being hollow with a rotatable rod extending therethrough and with an eccentric within each central ball coupled for rotation with the rotation of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Beverly A. Kristoff