Having Vibrator Contained Therein Patents (Class 601/57)
  • Patent number: 11857471
    Abstract: A seat cushion assembly includes a base defining a leg support and a support portion recessed relative to the leg support, and an air pad assembly positioned on the recessed support portion, the air pad assembly including a plurality of independent air support zones that are configured to be separately inflated and deflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: PERMOBIL, INC.
    Inventors: Ross Peyton, Conor Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11730666
    Abstract: A massage apparatus includes a housing, a massage head, a wireless communication module, and a processor. The wireless communication module and the processor are located inside the housing. The massage head is located on an outer surface of the housing. The wireless communication module is electrically connected to the processor. The processor is electrically connected to the massage head. The wireless communication module is configured to perform wireless communication with an electronic device. The processor is configured to determine a first working state of the massage head, wherein the first working state is determined by motion data collected by the electronic device. The processor is further configured to control the massage head to vibrate according to the first working state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yingchun Xie, Zheng Xing
  • Patent number: 11590045
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for imparting a repetitive motion to a user. The apparatus may include one or more seat platforms and one or more backrests. Repeated motion of the pelvis and shoulders of the user may be contra lateral. The motions of the user may mimic walking. The apparatus may include a chair. The apparatus may include a sensor. The sensor may be used to control the apparatus and/or the sensor may be used to adjust the movement regime according to the user. The apparatus may help for example, to mobilize limited mobility users and/or to train healthier habits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Mopair Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Halperin
  • Patent number: 11554699
    Abstract: A cushion having a fibrous foam architecture. The cushion has a trim cover and a number of fibrous layers attached to the trim cover. One or more structural properties of a fibrous layer can be controlled to differ from that of other layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignees: Tesla, Inc., PIANA NONWOVENS. LLC
    Inventors: Forrest Wen Liau, Stefan Kuzmanovski, Jorge C. Fialho, Andrea Piana, Eric McCann, Mehran Jafari, Andy Hollis, Helias Andriessen
  • Patent number: 11517500
    Abstract: Disclosed is a massage apparatus. The massage apparatus includes a vibration array including a plurality of vibration devices, a driver configured to vibrate the plurality of vibration devices, and a processor configured to control the driver to generate a stimulus at a stimulus point between the plurality of vibration devices by simultaneously vibrating two or more vibration devices among the plurality of vibration devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Moonsub Jin, Beomoh Kim
  • Patent number: 11510487
    Abstract: A desktop lifting platform includes a lifting column, a desktop, a base, a controller, and a manipulator, wherein the base is placed on a work platform like a desk; the lifting column includes a drive motor; the controller includes a main control unit (MCU) and a motor-driving circuit, the output end of the MCU is connected to the motor-driving circuit; the desktop lifting platform includes a sensing unit adaptable for detecting or sensing whether the desktop lifting platform hits an obstacle or tilts, such that when sensing that the desktop lifting platform hits the obstacle or the tilts, the sensing unit emits a signal to the controller for controlling the lifting column to stop lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG JIECANG LINEAR MOTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qing Deng, Miaojiang Ding, Xueli Chen
  • Patent number: 11083379
    Abstract: An occupant support includes a seat and a seat cover. The seat is adapted to support an occupant resting thereon. The seat cover is coupled to the seat and arranged to lie between the occupant and the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Perraut, Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Patent number: 11071885
    Abstract: A system and method for a container for exercise mats that operates as a massage roller which has a quick and easy to use closure and a carrying system that does not impede the self-myofascial release process and is used for carrying the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: Bryant Hadley, Ethan Cobb
  • Patent number: 11052924
    Abstract: A tactile assembly for a vehicle seat or for a cover placeable on a vehicle seat including at least one tactile actuator, at least two support layers and a matrix layer including at least one cavity, wherein the tactile actuator is arranged on a first support layer and the first support layer is arranged to extend into the cavity without being in contact with the bottom of the cavity and the actuator is arranged on the first support layer in the cavity such that it makes substantially no contact with the side walls or bottom of the cavity, and the opening of the cavity is covered by a second support layer, and to a tactile system and vehicle seats including the tactile assembly or the tactile system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignees: TEIJIN ARAMID B.V., ELITAC BV
    Inventors: Anneke Van Abbema, Wouter Vos, Jorrit Jong De
  • Patent number: 10827080
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus is configured to generate a variety of vibrations corresponding to a variety of different situations without excessively high power consumption. The electronic apparatus has first and second vibration motors having respective eccentric weights different in weight from each other for generating different first and second vibrations. An input/output section enables a user to select from a list of events stored in a storage section first events and second events. A controller drives the first vibration motor having a heavier weight with a strong vibration upon occurrence of the user-selected first events and drives the second vibration motor having a lighter weight with a weak vibration upon occurrence of the user-selected second events. The first events include an incoming phone call or email, a present alarm time, and a dynamic or important action, motion, and so on in a computer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Akihiro Iino, Masao Kasuga, Jun Shinohara
  • Patent number: 10736807
    Abstract: An inversion apparatus includes a support frame configured to movably support an inversion table. The support frame includes a forwardly extending foot platform that helps a user mount and dismount the apparatus when the apparatus is in an operative configuration. A cover is selectively mounted on top of the inversion table to provide padding and/or a low-friction sliding surface. A lumbar support is preferably connected to the inversion table to overlie a portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Expectations, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Henry Leier, Lopin Wang
  • Patent number: 10021979
    Abstract: Disclosed are various reclining and/or declining mechanisms or systems allowing a greater range of recline and an easy way to recline and decline a chair. Optionally, the chair can also have a reclining and declining backrest and a leg rest, a footrest, or both and also optional storage compartments. The reclining and/or declining systems of the invention cause at least a portion of a vertical or generally vertical support for the plate or frame of the chair seat to tilt with respect to vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: John Hart Miller
  • Patent number: 9917934
    Abstract: A portable electronic device such as a handheld electronic device is provided. The device may have upper and lower portions. The upper portion may have clips that attach to springs on the lower portion. The device may have a housing with a bezel. A prong on the springs may ground the bezel. A vibrator mounting bracket may hold a vibrator in place within the housing. The vibrator mounting bracket may have an end that engages the housing. A threaded insert may be welded to the spring. A screw that passes through a hole in the vibrator mounting bracket may be screwed into the threaded insert to attach the vibrator to the housing. An elastomeric member may bias the vibrator towards the bracket. An acoustic module may serve as a subassembly for the device. Components such as an antenna, dock connector, microphone, and speaker may be attached to the acoustic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Adam D. Mittleman, Kenneth A. Jenks, Karen Y. Cheng
  • Patent number: 9687414
    Abstract: Techniques associated with an implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue within a body is disclosed. In some examples, a device includes a case having an exterior surface configured to conform to an outer surface of a stomach, a passage extending from a distal opening disposed on a portion of the case to a proximal opening disposed on another portion the case, the passage configured to receive a securing member, a vibration generator coupled to the case and configured to generate a vibration, and a communication facility coupled to the case and configured to receive a first signal and to generate a second signal to the vibration generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Asfora IP, LLC
    Inventor: Wilson Theophilo Asfora
  • Patent number: 9629469
    Abstract: A lumbar support system includes a chair that may be sat in. A balloon is positioned within the chair. The chair has a backrest and the balloon is positioned in the backrest. Thus, the balloon is aligned with lumbar vertebra when the chair is sat in. An inflation unit is coupled to the chair and the inflation unit is in fluid communication with the balloon. The inflation unit selectively inflates the balloon. Thus, the balloon may provide a selected degree of lumbar support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Mary Watkins
  • Patent number: 9498068
    Abstract: Removable massage modules provide a mattress with a massage function. The mattress is compressed and shipped in a packing box with the massage modules separate from the mattress. The end customer then inserts the massage modules. The mattress has a bottom foam layer with cavities whose walls are perpendicular to the outer surface of the foam layer. Each massage module includes a massage motor encased in molded foam. The molded foam is attached to a foam section with cylindrical holes that pass from an outer side to the molded foam and allow hot air to escape the massage motor. The top and bottom sides of each massage module have the shape formed by the walls of the cavities. The massage modules are connected by power cords to a module controller that receives RF signals from a remote control device. The massage modules can also be inserted into a mattress topper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Zinus, Inc.
    Inventor: Youn Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 9474683
    Abstract: A low cost eccentric mass motor vibrotactile transducer provides a point-like vibrational stimulus to the body of a user in response to an electrical input. Preferably the eccentric mass and motor form part of the transducer actuator moving mass. The actuator moving mass is constrained into vertical motion by a spring between the actuator housing and moving mass. The actuator moving mass is in contact with a skin (body) load. The actuator housing is in simultaneous contact with the body load. The mass of the motor/contactor assembly, mass and area of the housing, and the compliance of the spring are chosen so that the electromechanical resonance of the motional masses, when loaded by the typical mechanical impedance of the skin (body), are in a frequency band where the human body is most sensitive to vibrational stimuli 150-300 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce J. P. Mortimer, Gary A. Zets, Scott Stickler
  • Patent number: 9421908
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided. The assembly includes a bottom seat member and a haptic alert assembly. The haptic alert assembly includes a first actuator incorporated into the bottom seat member. The first actuator is configured to generate at least a first portion of a haptic alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Diane K. McQueen, Raymond J. Kiefer, Mark A. Stebbins
  • Patent number: 9411420
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for increasing the transmissibility of forces produced by an actuator on a manipulandum. A haptic device, coupled to a host computer, outputs tactile sensations to a user based on interactions and events occurring in a displayed graphical environment. An actuator produces forces and a compliant suspension couples the actuator to the manipulandum. A compliance of the suspension is configured such that the suspension magnifies the forces for a particular frequency range of the forces. The magnified forces are transmitted to the manipulandum to be felt by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erik J. Shahoian, Kenneth M. Martin
  • Patent number: 9407130
    Abstract: A massage device including a massage pad including a plurality of vibrating units, a plurality of heating elements, and/or a plurality of lifting actuators connected to a control box which accepts an input from a remote control associated with an action for at least one of the vibrating units, heating elements or lifting actuators and controls the vibrating units, heating elements or lifting actuators to perform the action is provided. Also provided are pre-programmed patterns of massage control actions, which may be input by a user using the remote control and/or a scripting language.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventors: Orsi R. Garcia, Wenbin Song
  • Patent number: 9289072
    Abstract: A compressible or retractable support is installed inside an air blower cavity of a body support system, such as a medical mattress with forced air flow. The support is compressed or retracted within the cavity when the air blower is inserted in the dynamic configuration of the body support system. The support rebounds to an uncompressed state to fill a greater portion of the air blower cavity when the air blower is removed to convert the body support system to a static configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: FXI, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc J. Albero, Christopher S. Weyl
  • Patent number: 8957558
    Abstract: A linear vibration generator is disclosed. The linear vibration generator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a stationary part, which has a polygonal-prism-shaped coil and in which the polygonal-prism-shaped coil induces a magnetic field by having an electric current supplied, a vibrating part, which has a polygonal-prism-shaped magnet and in which a portion of the polygonal-prism-shaped magnet is inserted into the coil, an elastic member, which is coupled to the stationary part and elastically supports the vibrating part such that the vibrating part can move linearly, and a lubricating band, which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Kun Choi
  • Patent number: 8945029
    Abstract: A housing has padded front and rear panels. The panels are coupled along their upper peripheries leaving their lower peripheries unattached constituting an opening. A container is removably positioned within the housing. The container has interior and exterior faces and upper, lower and side faces. A coupling is provided between the lower face and an adjacent lower edge of the interior face. The coupling is pivotable. In this manner the interior face is allowed to pivot. Operational components are provided within the container. The components include a rotatable drive shaft with a plurality of fingers, a motor for rotating the drive shaft and a follower with a ramp shaped face. The follower is adapted to be cyclically contacted by the rotating fingers to pivot the interior face against the front panel. In this manner the system will provide infant patting to the back of a wearer of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Patricia Ann Saling, John Stephen Tenbarge
  • Patent number: 8778004
    Abstract: A therapeutic device includes an elastomeric outer shell configured as a human hand and defining an interior area, the outer shell having a finger end opposite a wrist end. The device includes a pocket in the interior area, the pocket being defined by an inner wall. An endplate is coupled to the outer shell and coupled to the inner wall to define a closed area between the outer shell and pocket, the endplate having an opening for allowing access to the pocket. A fill material is positioned in the closed area. The device includes a vibrating unit removably positioned in the pocket through the endplate opening, the vibrating unit having a lock complementary to a catch to couple the vibrating unit to the endplate, the vibrating unit having a vibrating motor in electrical communication with a power source and a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Rebecca Wilson Macsovits
  • Patent number: 8728015
    Abstract: The present invention is an electronically controlled wide band vibrating tampon (ECWVT) apparatus to provide relief from feminine menstrual cramps and comprises a controllable vibration generator with selectable wide band vibration sources, an electromechanical transducer aka a vibration transmitter, and a disposable vibration transmitting tampon head (VTTH) to be inserted into the user's vaginal canal for customized and maximized relief from a user's menstrual cramps. Since only the VTTH is disposable and all other parts are reusable, the disposable cost is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Lustone Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Xu Hua Jiang, Min Lu
  • Patent number: 8617089
    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 include 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: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: So Sound Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Richard Barry Oser, Suzannah Long
  • Publication number: 20130345602
    Abstract: A therapy device includes a chair, a helmet, and a number of programmable relaxing processes carried out on a passive user. The helmet is pivotally connected to the chair and can provide music and an eye massage. The device also applies an automatic back massage. These relaxing processes, to relieve fatigue in a user, can be started and finished automatically and run for any selected period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: YONG-SHENG YANG
  • Patent number: 8500663
    Abstract: The present invention is a vibrational roller utilizing a motorized vibrational drive using a plurality of eccentric weights and associated supports. The weights are positioned along the axis of rotation in a manner to synchronize them and minimize vibrational dissipation throughout the roller. Each weight has at least one associated support. The supports then transmit vibrational forces to the surface of the roller in an evenly distributed manner. A second co-operational motor may be used to extend motor life and aid in initiating vibrations. A control panel and associated circuitry are utilized to alter vibrational characteristics. The roller may be battery powered or powered through a standard wall outlet. The roller itself is manufactured of a durable yet deformable material, such as foam rubber, and may be inserted into selectable sleeves of varying physical properties for desired effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Health e Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Godfrey, Vince Warner
  • Patent number: 8378612
    Abstract: A control system for a massage device. The massage device has a base, a carriage movably engaged with the base, a plurality of kneading heads mounted on the carriage, and a motor operative to drive the plurality of kneading heads to produce a kneading effect on a body of a user and to drive the carriage up and down relative to the base such that various areas of the body can be massaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chichun Wu
  • Publication number: 20130041297
    Abstract: A massage device including a massage pad including a plurality of vibrating units, a plurality of heating elements, and/or a plurality of lifting actuators connected to a control box which accepts an input from a remote control associated with an action for at least one of the vibrating units, heating elements or lifting actuators and controls the vibrating units, heating elements or lifting actuators to perform the action is provided. Also provided are pre-programmed patterns of massage control actions, which may be input by a user using the remote control and/or a scripting language.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Orsi R. Garcia, Wenbin Song
  • Patent number: 8317734
    Abstract: A device for providing vestibular and somatosensory stimulation through bone conduction of sound waves to skeletal bones is provided in the form of a pad that is applied to or wrapped around the individual in treatment, which is comfortable in use and may contain particulate filler material capable of providing bone conduction stimulation adjacent to the location of a bone conduction transducer and expand the sound conduction site over a larger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Integrated Listening Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Randall Redfield
  • Patent number: 8308665
    Abstract: A method and wearable system and for enhancing human balance and gait and preventing foot injury through neurological stimulation of the foot and the ankle. Subthreshold stimulation for neurosensory enhancement is provided via electrodes or vibrational actuators, or combination thereof, disposed in or on a wearable a platform, such as an insole, sock shoe, removable shoe insert, or applied without the support of a platform, to the skin surface of an individual. Suprathreshold stimulation for therapeutic purposes, such as improving blood flow, is also provided by the vibrational actuators. The actuators and electrodes are driven by bias signals generated by a bias signal generator that is coupled to a controller. The signal generator under the control of the controller is adapted to generate a non-deterministic random signal, a repetitive pattern or series of patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Jason D. Harry, James J. Collins, James B. Niemi, Atilla A. Priplata, Stephen J. Kleshinski
  • Patent number: 8262631
    Abstract: A therapeutic device includes an elastomeric outer shell configured as a human hand and defining an interior area, the outer shell having a finger end opposite a wrist end. The device includes a pocket in the interior area, the pocket being defined by an inner wall. An endplate is coupled to the outer shell and coupled to the inner wall to define a closed area between the outer shell and pocket, the endplate having an opening for allowing access to the pocket. A fill material is positioned in the closed area. The device includes a vibrating unit removably positioned in the pocket through the endplate opening, the vibrating unit having a lock complementary to a catch to couple the vibrating unit to the endplate, the vibrating unit having a vibrating motor in electrical communication with a power source and a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Rebecca Wilson Macsovits
  • 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: 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: 20100262050
    Abstract: An infant soothing support device made of a resilient wedge pad, a vibrator, which will not heat up while being used, integral with the resilient wedge pad, and a cover which encases both the resilient wedge pad and the vibrator such that the vibrator is unable to vibrate loose while in use. This device capable of providing a soothing vibration to an infant while resting across or against the device for the purpose of aiding in the recovery of health issues like congestion, colic, cystic fibrosis, or any other major organ malformation which could benefit from mild movements or vibrations as well as aid in the breastfeeding process for an infant. An infant soothing support device that is extremely portable, easily packed, and not dependent upon the resting position or location of the infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Karen Gasparovich
  • Patent number: 7771375
    Abstract: A cushion comprises a resin body with a spring structure having permeability comprising a three-dimensional structure including voids at a predetermined bulk density, the three-dimensional structure being obtained by contacting, entwining, and gathering adjacent ones of random loops or curls of continuous filaments made from a thermoplastic resin in such a manner as to allow the resulting structure to have a layered structure in which layers composed of filaments having a high bulk density as superficial layers are formed on a front and a rear of the resin body in a lengthwise direction, and a layer composed of the filaments having a low bulk density as a core layer is interposed between the superficial layers; and a speaker incorporated in the resin body or disposed on one of the superficial layers of the resin body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: EIN Co. Ltd. Technical Center
    Inventors: Sadao Nishibori, Iwao Kouno, Yuichiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7725962
    Abstract: A massaging sink pillow structure disclosed herein designed to be placed over the edge of a standard sink used by a barber or beautician for shampooing or rinsing hair. The sink pillow is a waterproof, saddle-shaped structure with a front section designed to be placed against the front outside surface of the sink and a rear section designed to be placed against the front, inside surface of the sink. The sink pillow includes an upper, U-shaped indented section designed to fit into the U-shaped opening on the sink. Mounted inside the sink pillow is a plurality of page motors aligned in rows that are selectively activated to massage the user's neck in one direction or in alternative directions from front-to-back and back-to-front directions when the user's neck is placed over the U-shaped indented section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy Jon Smith
  • Patent number: 7681949
    Abstract: A haptic seat and system for use in imparting sensations to an occupant thereof. The haptic seat may be used to alert passengers of various operating conditions with some sort of tactile sensation, such as a vibration, pulse, shake, or other inducement that involves the occupant's sense of touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Nathan, H. Winston Maue, David A. Powell, Oliver J. Young
  • 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: 7615018
    Abstract: An ulcer, lymphoedema and DVT treatment device (10) comprises a drive unit (12) adapted to deliver mechanical vibrations at its surface in three orthogonal directions at a frequency in each orthogonal direction of between 15 and 75 Hz and with an amplitude in each orthogonal direction of between 0.1 and 0.5 mm. A pad (110) is connected to the drive unit, and a strap (46) enables the pad to be pressed against the limb of the animal or human. The motor drives an eccentrically mounted weight (22) to provide oscillations of the casing in a radial plane. The device is employed to treat a patient suffering from leg ulcers, lymphoedema and DVT by applying three-dimensional vibrations. A cover (150) is provided to protect the pad (110) from contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Vibrant Medical Limited
    Inventors: Ernest Peter Nelson, Jeanette Rae Nelson, legal representative, Antony John Seaney
  • 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: 7328470
    Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth David Harris, Jr., Stephen R. Lyman, Joseph Neil Gleason, Steven H. Schwartz, Rudy Woodard
  • Publication number: 20080033327
    Abstract: Apparatuses for supporting at least a portion of the body of a person include a flexible outer enclosure at least partially filled with particulate material. A first major surface of a cushion is disposed adjacent at least a portion of an interior surface of the outer enclosure. At least one vibration-generating device is disposed adjacent a second major surface of the cushion. Furniture covers configured to cover at least a portion of an article of furniture include a flexible outer enclosure, a cushion disposed at least a portion of an interior surface of the outer enclosure, and at least one vibration-generating device disposed adjacent the cushion. Methods for assembling a frameless article of furniture include positioning at least one vibration-generating device adjacent a cushion, positioning the cushion adjacent an interior surface of a flexible outer enclosure, and inserting particulate material into an interior region of the flexible outer enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Zachary L. Evans, Samuel R. Cowley
  • Patent number: 7314455
    Abstract: This is a device to provide massaging stimulus to a driver of an automobile. Massaging heads are installed in the headrest of the car or truck or any moving vehicle to provide stimulus to the base of the skull or the back of the neck of the driver in order to insure that the driver remains alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Sylvester B. Hill
  • Patent number: 7297126
    Abstract: A portable massager adaptable for foot and wrist applications. An elongated resonator plate is formed from a plurality of contiguous hollow flutes oriented in a longitudinal direction. One or more vibrator cutouts are provided in the resonator plate, passing from its upper side to its lower side. A vibrator, preferably capable of operating from low voltage DC, nests within each cutout. A lower sheet covers the lower side of the resonator plate and lower face of the vibrator. An upper sheet accommodates the upper face of the vibrator and covers at least a portion of the upper side of the resonator plate. Top and bottom vinyl covers encase the massager construction. A vibrator control switch may be included in the power line extending from an external electrical connector to the vibrator. The massager may be powered by a wall transformer or by alternative mobile power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Gary W. Kries
  • Patent number: 7228573
    Abstract: A massaging sink pillow structure disclosed herein designed to be placed over the edge of a standard sink used by a barber or beautician for shampooing or rinsing hair. The sink pillow is a waterproof, saddle-shaped structure with a front section designed to be placed against the front outside surface of the sink and a rear section designed to be placed against the front, inside surface of the sink. The sink pillow includes an upper, U-shaped indented section designed to fit into the U-shaped opening on the sink. Mounted inside the sink pillow is a neck massaging mechanism designed to massage the user's neck in one direction or in alternative directions from front-to-back and back-to-front directions when the user's neck is placed over the U-shaped indented section. Located inside the sink pillow is a printed circuit board, which is connected to a D.C. motor that rotates the eccentric element against the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy Jon Smith
  • Patent number: 7182739
    Abstract: Therapy patches are disclosed which are designed to deliver vibration and heat (or cold) to human skin so as to provide muscle relief. These patches have a chemical pouch that generates heat or cold upon initiation. They also have a motor and battery to provide a vibration source. Forms of the invention have an adhesive so that the patch can be attached to the skin (and thus need not be manually held in place during use). Kits are also provided in which the motor and battery can be used with a string of linked, severable replacement pouches. Methods of using these patches are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Kopanic, Daniel G. Lee, Pamela J. Taylor, Jeffrey L. Harwig, Lawrence J. Fenske, Evan A. Sparks, Miles William Noel Hember, Charles F. Kilby, Jaime R. Allen
  • Patent number: 7160260
    Abstract: A massage bed includes a frame with four sides. The frame has multiple seats mounted at the four sides. Multiple elastic straps are mounted by the seats and interleavedly extend between the opposite sides in longitudinal and transversal directions. Multiple massage members are individually mounted on the transversal elastic straps. Multiple clamping members are respectively mounted cross points of the longitudinal and transversal elastic straps. A cover with good elasticity and air permeability is spread over the frame. Whereby, the massage bed has a good air permeability and is easy to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Yun Chien Hsiao