Couch, Chair, Or Body Support Patents (Class 601/49)
  • Patent number: 8012109
    Abstract: A shoulder massage apparatus includes a shoulder covering with an outer wall and an inner wall. An interior space is defined between the outer and inner walls. The covering includes a back wall, a front wall, a pair of side walls and a top wall that are integrally attached together. The top wall has a neck opening therein for receiving a neck of a person. The front wall has a front break therein. A plurality of massaging assemblies is provided. Each of the massaging assemblies is configured to oscillate and massage a portion of the person when the massage assemblies are turned on. Each of the massage assemblies is positioned within the interior space. An actuator is electrically coupled to the massaging assemblies to selectively allow the massaging assemblies to be turned on or off. A power source is electrically coupled to the plurality of massaging assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michael A. Lather, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7988649
    Abstract: This invention teaches methods, devices, and systems for spasm control and pain relief in any area of the back. It comprises a plurality of adjustable programmable integrated vibratory, thermal and electrical stimulation contacts, which are strategically and symmetrically co-located in plurality of foam layers and an inflatable pillow to provide balanced relief on either side of the spine in any position from lying down to sitting up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan Kost
  • Patent number: 7981064
    Abstract: Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer's and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: So Sound Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Barry Oser, Suzannah Long
  • Patent number: 7981063
    Abstract: Method, procedure, and device for applying tactile sensation and vibration to the human body. In this invention one or more vibrating elements emit sine waves between 20 and 800 Hz. These waves are varied in frequency, amplitude and rhythm to create in the subject the sensation of massage moving through different parts of the body even though the signal emitter may be a point source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Charles F. Butler
  • Publication number: 20110144548
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support surface supported in the frame, and a plurality of functional components associated with the patient support surface or the frame. The apparatus further includes a control system, with a controller, incorporated into the patient support surface or the frame and in operative communication with at least one of the functional components for controlling the component. The control system further includes a touch-screen in communication with the controller for controlling the functional component, which is positioned in the barrier around the patient support surface, and accessible at the exterior or interior surface of the barrier for access by a user. The touch-screen is configured to allow the user to select one or more of the functional components and control a parameter associated with the selected functional component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Derick Elliott, David Mayen Moreno, Martin Plante, Chad Rohrer, David Kim Soui Wan Fong, Annie Désaulniers
  • Patent number: 7951098
    Abstract: An amplitude change-over device for a body vibration machine includes two eccentric units respectively fixed on the opposite ends of a rotating shaft driven by a motor. Each eccentric unit contains an eccentric driving plate secured with the rotating shaft for rotating together and an eccentric driven plate movably fitted on the rotating shaft at one side of the driving plate. Either one of the driving plate or the driven plate has a surface bored with a slide groove with the rotating shaft acting as a pivot, and another one has a surface provided with a projecting stud inserted in the slide groove. The motor is a right-handed and left-handed one. When the motor is chosen to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, the included angle of the driving plate and the driven plate is changeable and hence amplitude power is adjustable by using a single motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Tonic Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mu-Chuan Wu, Vince Wu, Ts Lang Wang
  • Publication number: 20110040218
    Abstract: A massager is provided with a body support member having a frame with a cavity. A substrate has a series of receptacles and is mounted to the frame. A plurality of removable vibratory massage units are each mounted within one of the receptacles for imparting a vibratory massage effect. A massage chair is provided with a base for resting upon an underlying support surface. A seat bottom is supported upon the base. A seat back is supported by the base and/or the seat bottom. The massager is provided in the seat back and/or the seat bottom. A method for permitting selective removal of a massage assembly from a massager provides a body support member with a frame and a cavity, and a substrate with a series of receptacles. The substrate is installed to the frame. A plurality of removable vibratory massage units are installed in the receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: FKA DISTRIBUTING CO. D/B/A HOMEDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Roman S. Ferber
  • Publication number: 20100312154
    Abstract: A whole body vibration apparatus 100 with the motion inducing device 110 positioned other than under the vibrating platform 194 so that the vibrating platform 194 may be located close to the ground. Dual rocker shafts 178 journalled to reciprocate in a rotationally reciprocating motion, convert the linear motion of the rear-positioned motion inducing device 110 to vertical motion of the vibrating platform 194. A coupling mechanism constituted by a linkage 172, 174, 178 connects the motion inducing device 110 to the vibrating platform 194. The linkage employs deformable couplings 172, 174 and frictionless bearings to reduce unwanted rattle and wear and to remove the need for maintenance. A compensating device 140 adjusts for the weight of the user so that the motion inducing device 110 has all its useful output employed to vibrate the platform 194 as opposed to supporting the user's weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Carl Marthinus Becker, Andrew Mark Hewitson
  • Patent number: 7846111
    Abstract: Therapy patches provide portable massaging devices that can also deliver topical treatment chemicals. These patches can be adhered to the skin via an adhesive layer that is also impregnated with the treatment chemical. Kits are also provided to create a string of linked patches that can be used together or separately, and a microcontroller controls the vibration of the device for optimized massaging effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Kopanic, Jr., Pamela J. Taylor, Daniel G. Lee, Jaime R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20100222722
    Abstract: A device for non-invasively mechanically stimulating bone or muscle includes a vibrational energy generator for applying vibrational energy to a first end of a length of a tissue which includes bone and/or muscle. The vibrational energy is for inducing strain in at least one region within the length of tissue. A restraint is disposed opposite the first end of the length to resist translation of the length during operation of the device and to provide loading to the bone or muscle. A connecting structure couples the restraint to the vibrational energy generator. The device does not require gravity to operate and as a result is expected to have applications in space, such as with astronauts, with those having bone aliments such as bed-ridden patients, persons with osteoporosis or disuse atrophy, athletes, recovering bone cancer patients, and persons with musculoskeletal disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Leismer
  • Publication number: 20100191048
    Abstract: A network enabled sexual apparatus with feedback and fault tolerance comprises a saddle portion supported on a housing. A sexual stimulator attachment is moveably connected to a movement means which moves the sexual stimulator attachment. A control arm is moveably connected to the housing and is in communication with the sexual stimulator attachment and moves the sexual stimulator attachment in response to movements of the control arm. A control means remotely controls the network enabled sexual apparatus by being in communication with the control means. In one embodiment, a live signal is buffered and used to augment a background control function to overcome network lag. Another embodiment includes a display to allow a user to view remotes users and to interact with them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Konstantin Kulikov
  • Publication number: 20100139000
    Abstract: A back support device (100) having a first convex region (160) and a concave region (200) being connected to the first convex region (160), the first convex region (160) and the concave region (200) being configured to support respective regions of a user's back, wherein a ratio between a straight line distance across the first convex region (160) and a straight line distance across the concave region (200) approximates a geometric progression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Vladeta
  • Patent number: 7715789
    Abstract: Method affecting the interior of human flesh, providing modulated power signal to at least one solenoid to create a modulated solenoid action delivered through a mechanical interface to the human flesh to create a modulated audio effect into the interior. Providing the modulated power signal may include receiving an audio signal to create the modulated power signal, which may include fetching a down-converted audio signal and the audio signal from a memory device and/or frequency-down-converting the audio signal to create the down-converted audio signal. Receiving the audio signal may further include solenoid amplifying the down-converted signal to create the modulated power signal. The modulated audio effect into the interior of the human flesh, the modulated power signal and the down-converted audio signal are products of this method. Apparatus implementing the solenoid amplifying, receiving the audio signal, frequency-down-converting the audio signal in a variety of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Song Park
    Inventors: Song Park, Earle Jennings, Robert Spence, John Larsen
  • Patent number: 7705500
    Abstract: A vibration apparatus and also a motor assembly are provided to enhance vibrational massage therapy and to improve non-impact exercise. In particular, the motor assembly generates vibrations of differing amplitudes utilizing a single motor to drive a shaft that, in turn, rotates an eccentric weight whose rotational axis is non-coaxial with the shaft's rotational axis. The reversal of the direction in which the motor rotates the shaft changes the amplitude of the resulting vibrations communicated to a platform. Thus, vibrational amplitude most suitable for a particular application or purpose may be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Charles J. Burout, III
  • Patent number: 7686774
    Abstract: The invention relates to massages for acupoints in sensitive private parts of male and female private parts. It comprises a cushion shell, knocking and oscillating massagers for acupoints of the private parts, a sponge pad, an arc cover board, a bottom cover of cushion shell, a computer controlling board of integrated circuits and a hand-held switch controller. The knocking and oscillating head for massaging private parts is arranged and mounted at the position of the central line C of the cushion shell. An arc supporting plate for knocking and oscillating massages for private parts on it is installed at the massage head. The distances between each of the knocking massagers can be adjusted within a proper range. The benefits of the invention are its simple structure, good curative effect and convenience in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Yingwu Yang
  • Publication number: 20100056964
    Abstract: The invention provides for a backrest device having an upwardly facing convex form defined generally by upper convex surface, and which device is provided at remote ends of the undersurface thereof with feet for the floor-mounting of the device. Engagement formations are provided extending upwardly from the upper convex surface and, in a particular embodiment, each provides for a combination heating/cooling element which can be readily controlled so as to apply a healing and/or cooling effect to the musculature surrounding the human spine, the bony parts of which are readily located within a recess channel extending centrally in the longitudinal direction of the device and between respective rows of engagement formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ENANEF Limited
    Inventor: Neil Summers
  • Publication number: 20100049105
    Abstract: This invention relates to a whole body vibrator platform which is attachable to a treadmill. The treadmill belt provides the power to move the platform, translating the horizontal, linear, belt movement into vertical oscillations through one or more eccentrically mounted rollers which support the platform. A person standing on the vibrator platform experiences a vertical vibration at frequencies established by the linear velocity of the treadmill belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Constantinos JOANNOU
  • Patent number: 7662115
    Abstract: A device for non-invasively mechanically stimulating bone or muscle includes a vibrational energy generator for applying vibrational energy to a first end of a length of a tissue which includes bone and/or muscle. The vibrational energy is for inducing strain in at least one region within the length of tissue. A restraint is disposed opposite the first end of the length to resist translation of the length during operation of the device and to provide loading to the bone or muscle. A connecting structure couples the restraint to the vibrational energy generator. The device does not require gravity to operate and as a result is expected to have applications in space, such as with astronauts, with those having bone ailments such as bed-ridden patients, persons with osteoporosis or disuse atrophy, athletes, recovering bone cancer patients, and persons with muscoskeletal disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Leismer
  • Publication number: 20100036297
    Abstract: Provided is a chair having a sonic vibration type exercise function which enables a user to make an exercise and to undergo medical treatment using vibration at a state where the user sits on or lies down on the chair. The chair includes a seat, a vibration generator which is placed at the lower part of the seat and provides vertical vibration for the seat, a seat housing which supports the vibration generator at the lower part of the seat, and a support which supports the lower part of the seat housing on the ground, to thereby make the seat vertically vibrate by an electromagnetic force of the vibration generator and enable a user sitting on lying down on the seat to make an exercise and take a cure treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: TS MEDITECH CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Seong Bae Kim
  • Publication number: 20100022925
    Abstract: A thigh support that consists of a resilient, e.g., a self-inflatable, part for supporting the thigh of a vehicle driver and a vibration-transmission member for transmitting vibrations to the driver's leg in order to improve blood circulation in the leg of the driver during long hours of driving. The thigh support may be of a type intended for shortening brake-activation time and combining brake-activation shortening time function with the function of improving blood circulation in the driver's leg due to transmission of vibration to the leg from the vibratory unit of the thigh support. The vibration-transmission member comprises a sealed cartridge in the form of a rubber casing filled with liquid and containing a sealed and encapsulated vibration motor that transmits vibration through the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Sergey Anikin
  • Publication number: 20090306557
    Abstract: A chest physiotherapy device which allows self administered chest physiotherapy to assist in transfer of airway passage secretions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Lee Starner
  • Publication number: 20090299247
    Abstract: A spinal treatment system for treating a spinal region of a patient's back includes a harness configured to be coupled to a preselected location on the patient. A force transfer member is coupled to the harness and is configured to transfer force to the harness. A vibrational movement head is controlled by a computer and is configured to apply a preselected laterally vibrating force to the force application member extending therefrom. A vertical displacement member is coupled to the computer and is configured to move the vibrational movement head to a preselected vertical displacement relative to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: NORTH AMERICAN MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Carlos BECERRA
  • Patent number: 7614099
    Abstract: A vibratable and sound emitting sleeping bag with an inflatable interior lining that may be inflated by the bag's occupant to provide deep pressure to the bag occupant's body when enclosed in the bag. The level of pressure applied to the individual is adjustable by a pump, adapted for control by a small child. The sleeping bag vibrates and produces sound to provide the bag's occupant with additional sensory stimulation. The sleeping bag is particularly suited for use by an autistic child for reducing the effects of autism-related anxiety and discomfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Anne Goetz
  • Patent number: 7604606
    Abstract: An air-tight foam-filled bladder is used for varying massage intensity in a massage chair, massage mat, or other massage device. The bladder may be compressed from a default or relaxed thickness by evacuating air from the bladder. The thickness of the foam-filled bladder may be reduced to a collapsed thickness in which the foam is compressed within the bladder. In use, the foam-filled bladder is placed proximate a conventional fixed massage mechanism in a massage device, such as in the back rest of a massage chair. By controlling the amount of air evacuated from the bladder, the intensity of the massage is controlled by varying the amount of pressure exerted by the fixed massage mechanism on the user. In the case of a massage chair, the user may advantageously sit back in the chair without discomfort when the user does not want a massage, and may control the intensity of the massage provided by the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Human Touch, LLC
    Inventor: Hans Dehli
  • Publication number: 20090247914
    Abstract: A vibration machine includes a base, a vibration plate suspending above the base for supporting a person, a supplementary shaft fixedly mounted on the center of the bottom side of the vibration plate, a plurality of axle housing elements fixedly mounted on the base around the supplementary shaft, a plurality of spring members vertically connected between the vibration plate and the base and spaced around the axle housing elements, and a DC linear motor surrounded by the axle housing elements on the base for moving the supplementary shaft and the vibration plate alternatively up and down relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Kuei-Hsien Shen, Chinn-Chann Chiang
  • Publication number: 20090234257
    Abstract: A vibration-exercising machine has a supporting frame, a main platform being mounted on the supporting frame, at least one additional platform being mounted on the supporting frame and multiple vibrators being mounted in each corresponding platform. The vibration-exercising machine allows different parts of a user to be vibrated and exercised efficiently at the same time with easy and comfortable poses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Mu-Chuan WU
  • Publication number: 20090227912
    Abstract: A chair-type massaging machine includes: a seat surface 3a for a massagee h to be seated thereon; a plantar-arch projection 5t for the seated massagee h to place plantar arches h6 thereon; and a heel-massaging air cell 53 capable of clamping and pressing heels h3 in a feet-resting position where the plantar arches h6 rest on the plantar-arch projection 5t, and effectively massages the heels and soles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Kouichi Enami, MyongSik Kim
  • Publication number: 20090227913
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad having a passenger support surface, a vibratory device that is incorporated into the seat pad and a support member secured to the seat pad. The vibratory device is arranged and constructed to transmit vibration produced therefrom to a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat. The vibratory device is rotatably supported on the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicants: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomokazu Moriyama, Fumitoshi AKAIKE, Takashi Okada, Sotaro Narita
  • Publication number: 20090216162
    Abstract: A chest physiotherapy device which allows self administered chest physiotherapy to assist in transfer of airway passage secretions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Lee Starner
  • Publication number: 20090209890
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus which is capable of strongly pressing and alleviating the stiffness of the muscle safely without causing displacement of the body of a user or the massaging apparatus by it self is provided. The massaging apparatus is formed with an obliquely projecting projection toward the root of the neck of the user when the user places the head in a stable manner in the lying-down position, so that it has an optimum structure and shape for finding and alleviating the stiffness of the pinpoint located at a deep portion at the boundary portion between the shoulder and a neck, which is specifically effective to give a massage for alleviating the stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7566311
    Abstract: A method and device for the rehabilitation of patients that have suffered loss of motor control of an appendicular joint due to neurological damage. The method includes attempted contraction by a patient of a muscle that serves to move an affected joint coupled with the production of a perception by the patient that the joint is being moved more than it really is. The method results in dramatic non-transient improvements in motor control of the joint. The device provides an apparatus for performance of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Oregon Health & Science University
    Inventor: Paul J. Cordo
  • Patent number: 7566312
    Abstract: A massage machine is provided, which can efficiently create a massage program to meet the user's preference by reflecting a change in massage parameter performed during an execution of the massage program on the next execution of the massage program. This massage machine comprises an input unit configured to input the change in massage parameter, first memory for temporarily storing the change in massage parameter input by the input unit in a desired massage stage during the execution of the massage program, second memory for storing the change in massage parameter provided from the first memory after the completion of the massage program, and a control unit configured to modify the desired massage stage according to the change in massage parameter stored in the second memory at the next execution of the massage program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Tanizawa, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Fumihiro Nishio, Daisuke Tsukada, Yuichi Nishibori, Motoharu Muto
  • Publication number: 20090187125
    Abstract: A gaming machine having a gaming machine enclosed within a massage chair and a gaming display attached to the massage chair via a rotating mount or is projected holographically. The gaming machine has a gaming computer, control button panel, an input/output panel and a money dispenser, all of which are in electrical communication. Further, the gaming machine comprises a reclinable seatback, footrest and at least one armrest, each having motorized massage mechanisms. To use, the player sits in the massage chair and places his/her legs into the left and right leg groove, respectively. The player plays a game by pressing buttons on the control panel and collects game winnings, if applicable, from the dispenser box or by addition of credits to an account card. The gaming machine further comprises a second display of the current jackpot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Ton Tran, Vien Le
  • Patent number: 7563235
    Abstract: A body vibration apparatus includes an at least partially rigid platform, a first motor coupled to the platform such that movement of the first motor imparts force to the platform. The first motor has a first shaft that rotates a first eccentric weight in a first direction, phase and plane. A second motor is coupled to the platform such that movement of the second motor imparts force to the platform. The second motor has a second shaft parallel to the first shaft that rotates in a second direction, which, in one embodiment, is opposite the first direction. A second eccentric weight is coupled to the second shaft in the first plane. The second eccentric weight rotates with the second shaft at the first phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Power Plate North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Guus van der Meer
  • Patent number: 7553288
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pad and sound transmission system which is adapted to directly transmit audible sound waves into the body at high intensity levels. In one embodiment, the subject invention includes a back pad and a seat pad. Each pad includes a speaker module having an acoustic speaker disposed within the pad and surrounded by a plurality of different layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel E. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7546653
    Abstract: An air mattress includes a mattress envelope having a compartment and comprising a thermal functional layer and an outer layer overlapped thereon and an air cushion including a plurality of individual air chambers evenly disposed in the compartment of the mattress envelope and an air supplying tube communicatively interconnecting the air chamber with each other. A thermal control arrangement includes a liquid supplying tube spirally extending at the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope for guiding a flow of thermal liquid and a thermal energy generator arranged to regulate a temperature of the thermal liquid such that when the thermal liquid passes through the liquid supplying tube, the thermal liquid thermo-communicating with the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope towards the outer layer so as to regulate a temperature of the mattress envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Yongfeng Ye
  • Patent number: 7540847
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of using directed and isolated vibrations for awakening, alerting, or massaging a designated person situated on a support medium without disturbing another person in the vicinity. The vibrations from the vibrating mechanism are dampened by suitable material located between the vibration mechanism and the support medium. The vibrating device of the invention can be activated by various predetermined conditions such as time, safety or burglar alarms and the like. It may also be used as a selective massaging device which can deliver a massage to the user without disturbing another person situated on the same support medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Charles W. Klein, Peter D. Herger
  • Publication number: 20090124940
    Abstract: A massage machine comprises a drive shaft rotatably driven in forward and reverse directions; a pair of inclined shafts mounted on both ends of the drive shaft so as to have an arbitrary inclination relative to an axial direction of the drive shaft; a pair of left and right massage ball units including massage balls and rotatably connected to outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of inclined shafts, respectively; and switching means for switching an axial rotation position of one inclined shaft of the pair of inclined shafts. The massage ball units each comprise a swing arm having one end rotatably connected to the outer peripheral surface of the inclined shaft; and a support arm connected to the other end of the swing arm and having mounted thereon multiple massage balls at a vertical distance from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Fumihiro Nishio, Takayoshi Tanizawa, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Yuichi Nishibori, Daisuke Tsukada, Satoshi Kajiyama, Yousuke Kurata, Masatoshi Dairin, Munekiyo Ikebe
  • Patent number: 7530960
    Abstract: A therapeutic vibration apparatus includes a motor operated vibrator mounted beneath a vibration platform. The motor drives a drive shaft on which a fixed weight is eccentrically mounted. Further, a rotatable weight is eccentrically mounted to the drive shaft. The fixed weight includes a stop protruding outwardly and the rotatable weight is positioned on the drive shaft at a location to be caught by the stop when the shaft is rotating. A controller is used to change the direction of rotation of the motor so that when the drive shaft is rotated in one direction, the rotatable weight is caught by the stop on a side aligned with the eccentric portion of the fixed weight and when the motor is reversed in direction the weight is caught on the other side of the drive shaft in opposition to the eccentric portion of the fixed weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gerry Cook
  • Patent number: 7530961
    Abstract: A hinged hair washing helmet with a plurality of interior water jets emanating from an interior liquid canal, the canal also joining inlet valves with flexible inlet hoses for shampoo and conditioner. Fingers contacting a user's head provide powered massage. Power is provided by standard outlet A/C voltage or batteries. Message is adjustable for intensity. A timer control is also provided for controlling time of functions and a neck pad is adjustable for best fit of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Janice A. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20090105618
    Abstract: An invention is provided for a spa chair base suitable for use with any suitable seat. The spa chair base includes a pedicure basin defined by a plurality of sidewalls attached to a bottom portion, where the bottom portion and the plurality of sidewalls define an inner volume capable of containing a liquid to a particular liquid level. Disposed in the bottom portion of the pedicure basin is a physical massage element capable of providing a physical massage to a user. In addition, a waterproof physical massage element liner is attached to the pedicure basin and disposed between the physical massage element and the inner volume of the pedicure basin. The physical massage elements can utilize vibration, inflatable bladders, rollers, or any other type of massage element that provides a physical massage utilizing more than water pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Lan Van Ta
  • Publication number: 20090086569
    Abstract: An amplitude change-over device for a body vibration machine includes two eccentric units respectively fixed on the opposite ends of a rotating shaft driven by a motor. Each eccentric unit contains an eccentric driving plate secured with the rotating shaft for rotating together and an eccentric driven plate movably fitted on the rotating shaft at one side of the driving plate. Either one of the driving plate or the driven plate has a surface bored with a slide groove with the rotating shaft acting as a pivot, and another one has a surface provided with a projecting stud inserted in the slide groove. The motor is a right-handed and left-handed one. When the motor is chosen to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, the included angle of the driving plate and the driven plate is changeable and hence amplitude power is adjustable by using a single motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Tonic Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mu-Chuan Wu, Vince Wu, Ts Lang Wang
  • Patent number: 7491183
    Abstract: A playing rack intended for stimulating children having functional disorders includes a base and a platform, on which a child can stand, holding onto and/or be held by a holding device, e.g., a hand railing. An intermediate plate is mounted between the base and platform to give the platform a limited movability. To achieve a stimulation of the growth of the child's skeletal structure the platform can be vibrated by vibrators. To stimulate the child's motor function and give a positive playing experience the platform can be given other movements. Thus, fluid operated bellows can raise, lower and tilt the platform. Motors attached between the base, the intermediate plate and the platform can displace the platform in a controlled way in various ways, e.g., rotating it. Inputs are mounted at the railing to be operated by the child, giving signals to a computer connected to the vibrators and motors to make the platform vibrate and perform other movements as controlled by the child's input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Jump & Joy AB
    Inventor: Ylva Dalén
  • Publication number: 20090036806
    Abstract: Massage apparatus of the invention includes a spherical inflatable body made of resilient material for mounting a massage actuator, the body having a socket mechanism accessible at its surface for holding the massage actuator, the body having an air-nozzle for inflation/deflation. The massage actuator is either of powered nature or non-powered nature. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Nanma Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Simon Siu Man Nan
  • Publication number: 20080300520
    Abstract: An exercise machine for burning fat and strengthening muscles is provided. The exercise machine includes a base frame (50), a drive unit (60), an undulator (RD), and a floorboard (80). The base frame (50) is substantially horizontal. The drive unit (60) is disposed on one side of the base frame (50), and provides driving force. The undulator (RD) is disposed at a top of the base frame (50), and undulates three-dimensionally through the driving force provided by the drive unit (60). The floorboard (80) is connected to the undulator (RD), undulates according to the three-dimensional undulating of the undulator (RD), and provides a user mounted thereon with fat burning and muscle strengthening three-dimensional exercise. The floorboard (80) undulates three-dimensionally by means of the undulator (RD), providing exercise required to burn fat and strengthen muscles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: SIMON TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: In-Chul Shin
  • Publication number: 20080281239
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating device intended to act on the human body, which vibrating device includes a baseplate, a support member extending upwards from the baseplate for the person who is using the device, a vibrating plate positioned above the baseplate, which is supported by resilient supports, and means for setting the vibrating plate vibrating in at least substantially vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Latam B.V.
    Inventor: Dirk Meile Marcel Tamminga
  • Publication number: 20080275373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fitness machine (1) for training the body, comprising a frame (2) with a vibration element (3), a vibration generator (4) operatively connected to the vibration element (3). The vibration element (3) is supported by vibration absorbing frame supports (9). Adjusting an absorption level of the frame supports (9) enables to set the vibration absorption in such a way that vibrations of the vibration element (3) are damped to a selected degree, as a result of which a training load desired by the user can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Augustinus Leonardus Nicolaas van der Meer
  • Patent number: 7438696
    Abstract: A physical therapy vibratory table having a base and a platform disposed above the base and attached to the base by at least one inflatable bladder. A source of pressurized compressible fluid is fluidly connected through a pressure regulator to the bladder while a vibratory motor is attached to the platform. A circuit controls the inflation of the bladder so that the platform is maintained at the same distance relative to the base despite the magnitude of the load imposed on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Netmedia Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Sohan S. Koonar
  • Patent number: 7427274
    Abstract: A massage base having a top surface contains at least one massage node base wherein the massage node base is motile in relation to the massage base. At least one massage node is mounted on each of the massage node bases and at least partially protrudes from the top surface. The massage node is mounted for rote movement in relation to the massage base. A motor, connected to the massage node base, engages the massage node in rote movement in relation to the massage base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth David Harris, Jr., Charles J. Burout, III, James C. TerMeer, Stephen B. Mills, J. Neil Gleason, Laura G. Warnock
  • Publication number: 20080228115
    Abstract: A massage apparatus is disclosed comprising a frame, a rigid footplate, a resilient back support, a rigid backing member providing stiffening at least a portion of the back support, first and second vibration transducers providing a vibration force to the footplate and the back support, and the footplate and the back support are isolated from the frame. The back support forms an angle with the ground that is in a range from about 35 degrees to about 65 degrees, and the back support forms an angle with the footplate that is in a range from about 80 to about 100 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Racoosin