Drive Means Directly Attached Or Extending Into Cushion Patents (Class 601/58)
-
Patent number: 11627816Abstract: An automatically adjusting comfort method includes measuring pressure applied by a user via a pressure-sensor array, determining a pressure profile based on measurements from the pressure-sensor array, comparing the pressure profile to a first limit, determining a cumulative pressure profile over a predetermined duration, comparing the cumulative pressure profile to a second limit, and adjusting one or more of a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile for increased comfort of the user when the pressure profile exceeds the first limit or the second limit. An automatically adjusting comfort system includes a pressure-sensor array communicatively coupled to a controller for determining a cumulative pressure profile over time, and a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile to increase a user's comfort, wherein the controller automatically adjusts one or more of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms based on the cumulative pressure profile.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Michael Allen Bullard, Samantha Moore Wilt, Craig Daniel Cillessen
-
Patent number: 11399624Abstract: A skincare device having optimized dual energy modalities ace is presented. In an embodiment, a skincare device includes a body having protruding elements configured for contacting a skin of a user, where the protruding elements are configured to vibrate in operation. The skincare device also includes an end effector configured for contacting the skin of the user, where the end effector is configured to oscillate about a center axis in operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: L'OrealInventor: Robert E. Akridge
-
Patent number: 10864137Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an adjustable bed facility including a system for executing a computer-based safety-action during a motor-actuated adjustable bed position adjustment, comprising an adjustable bed facility comprising a computer-based controller, an actuator, and a sensor, the computer-based controller providing control of adjustable bed position adjustments, the actuator configured to adjust a height of the adjustable bed facility upon receiving a height-adjustment command from the computer-based controller, and the sensor for determining an actuator action parameter measured value of the actuator, the computer-based controller in communicative connection with the sensor to monitor and compare the motor action parameter measured value to an actuator action parameter normal operation value range, and when the controller determines the monitored motor action parameter measured value is outside the range of the actuator action parameter normal operation value range the controller sends a safety-acType: GrantFiled: January 6, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: ASCION, LLCInventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
-
Patent number: 8500663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Health e CompanyInventors: Brian P. Godfrey, Vince Warner
-
Patent number: 8398571Abstract: A cover (150) for a vibratory pad (10) comprises a pocket or pouch (158) faced with dressing fabric material and sized to accommodate a vibration pad, a closure (154e) to retain the cover on the pad, in use, and a strap (146,148) integral with the cover suitable for connecting the cover (and a pad retained therein) to the limb (29) of a patient. The strap has an (adhesive) connector (176) that is capable of being secured so as to pressure the pad against the limb and so that, once made, the connection cannot be unmade without disabling the connector against making subsequent connections. Thus the cover can only be used once. A system (12?150?) includes the vibration device and comprises means to disable the device after a cover has been employed for a period of time or number of treatments.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Inventor: Philip James Ellin
-
Patent number: 8337437Abstract: A system made up of methods and techniques designed to improve the body's postural alignment, joint range, muscle hydration, bone density, and overall musculoskeletal health. The system combines a series of exercises designed to lengthen and strengthen muscles, fascial and myofascial tissue. The system is used in combination with a vibrating roller device, which can also be used with a head cradle. The application of the vibrational motion to the body in combination with the techniques described herein work to stimulate fascial tissue and confer benefits on the user which will improve the overall quality of life.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Sue Hitzmann
-
Patent number: 8262631Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Rebecca Wilson Macsovits
-
Patent number: 7981064Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: So Sound Solutions, LLCInventors: Richard Barry Oser, Suzannah Long
-
Publication number: 20100191159Abstract: A cover (150) for a vibratory pad (10) comprises a pocket or pouch (158) faced with dressing fabric material and sized to accommodate a vibration pad, a closure (154e) to retain the cover on the pad, in use, and a strap (146,148) integral with the cover suitable for connecting the cover (and a pad retained therein) to the limb (29) of a patient. The strap has an (adhesive) connector (176) that is capable of being secured so as to pressure the pad against the limb and so that, once made, the connection cannot be unmade without disabling the connector against making subsequent connections. Thus the cover can only be used once. A system (12?150?) includes the vibration device and comprises means to disable the device after a cover has been employed for a period of time or number of treatments.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2008Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: VIBRANT MEDICAL LIMITEDInventor: Philip James Ellin
-
Patent number: 7681949Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: John F. Nathan, H. Winston Maue, David A. Powell, Oliver J. Young
-
Patent number: 7553288Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Inventor: Daniel E. Cohen
-
Patent number: 7402146Abstract: A furniture includes an inflatable body and a plurality of vibrating units. Each of the vibrating units is mounted on the inflatable body, and includes a vibrating plate that is spaced apart from the inflatable body and that is formed with protrusions thereon, and a driving member for driving vibration of the vibrating plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventor: Hsin-Tsai Wu
-
Patent number: 7361152Abstract: A mattress vibrator comprises a mat having a hard plate and an elastic plate which are laminated on each other, and the mat is provided with a vibration generator, a vibrator which generates vibration by operating a moving body in an axial direction of the vibrator is used as the vibration generator, the vibrator is disposed on substantially a central portion of one end of the hard plate, an axis of the vibrator is disposed within a plate thickness of the hard plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignees: Matsuda Micronics CorporationInventors: Hiromi Sanada, Mitsuyoshi Ito
-
Patent number: 7235057Abstract: Foot elevator comprising a compound prismatoid capable of controlled vertical and horizontal expansion is described. The foot elevator comprising an inflatable material that describes a compound prismatoid when deployed, an air pump for inflating the foot elevator, an electric operated vibrator that can provide movement of the surface of the foot elevator during use. The foot elevator is designed to provide relief and relaxing feeling to the lower extremities of the human body.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventors: Faye B. LeVert, Francis Edward LeVert
-
Patent number: 6814709Abstract: A cushion/backrest including an integrated reading lamp tethered at the end of a flexible member is disclosed for providing the user with a source of light for reading or watching television. The cushion may also include built in massage motors for providing the user with a massaging action to the back. Controls for adjusting the massaging action and the reading lamp may be incorporated in an armrest.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.Inventors: Steven Schwartz, David Harris
-
Publication number: 20040193078Abstract: The present invention is a vibratory patient support system. The support system has at least one bladder, at least one vibrational device, and first and second control units that respectively control (a) the inflation and deflation of the at least one bladder and (b) vibrational device. The at least one bladder (i) inflates when receiving a fluid at a faster rate than the fluid exiting the bladder; (ii) deflates when the fluid leaves the bladder at a faster rate than the fluid entering the bladder, and (iii) has a top surface that allows a user to apply pressure thereon and a bottom surface. The vibrational device (a) is positioned (i) under the bottom surface of the bladder, or (ii) within the bladder and below the top surface of the at least one bladder so it does not contact the top surface; and (b) generates a vibrational force. The first control unit can adjust the inflation of the at least one bladder. The second control unit can adjust the vibration forces generated from the vibration device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Roland E. Flick, Raymond P. Paolini, Jeffery Joseph Thompson
-
Patent number: 6626341Abstract: A massaging backpack having at least one shoulder strap for massaging an individual which includes at least one massaging unit carried by the shoulder strap, at least one power supply carried by the backpack and connected to the massaging unit, and at least one actuating member carried by the backpack being connected to the massaging unit for actuating the massaging unit when the backpack is worn by the individual so that a massaging sensation is applied to selected areas of the individual.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Carter Mitchell
-
Patent number: 6468236Abstract: A vibrating massage table includes a base, a plurality of resilient support members secured to the base, and a platform supported by the resilient support members. An eccentric drive is connected to some of the plurality of resilient support members, such that eccentric operation of the eccentric drive transmits vibrations along the resilient support members to the platform.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Inventor: Douglas Sumanac
-
Patent number: 6228041Abstract: A lightweight, portable, hair-growth stimulator fixed to and disguised within a fashion hat. The scalp stimulator includes a vibrator capable of being powered by a portable direct current power source. Agitators are connected to the vibrator and are immersed within a vibration medium which is contained in a pliable bladder. The stimulator can be worn inconspicuously by a patient with great freedom as to time, manner, and place.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventor: Mark J. Ameer
-
Patent number: 6015394Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for stimulating skin tissue of a nonambulatory individual in a wheelchair or other mobile apparatus. The pouch of the present invention contains a fluid medium which is connected to an agitator which generates turbulence and disturbances within the fluid medium. For example, a vibrator may be placed adjacent to the pouch and vibrate the fluid medium. These motions are transmitted through the fluid medium to stimulate the skin and underlying tissue which is resting on the pouch. The pouch may be connected to the support bars of a wheelchair, or have arms to extend around and attach to a chair seat in a scooter. A pocket of the pouch serves to hold the agitator in contact with the fluid, e.g., water, so that the fluid is adequately turbulated and disturbed to have a stimulating effect on the body tissue.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1994Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Inventor: Carol L. Young
-
Patent number: 5913838Abstract: An insole which can be placed in a user's shoe incorporates vibrators which provide a vibrating massage. The vibrators are connected to a battery operated power supply which can be attached to a users leg by an elastic strap or attached to a user's shoe by a clip. A wire retraction unit is mounted on the power supply to take up slack in an electrical cable which connects the vibrators and the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Inventor: Peter C. Reilly
-
Patent number: 5895365Abstract: A new massaging bedrest cushion for providing a vibrating back massage as well as other conveniences. The inventive device includes a back portion having a contoured forward surface and a planar rear surface. The back portion includes a padded interior. The back portion has recesses formed in lower outer edges thereof. A plurality of vibrating transducers are disposed within the padded interior of the back portion. The transducers has an electrical cord extending outwardly therefrom for coupling with a standard electrical outlet. A first armrest is pivotally coupled with one of the recesses of the back portion. A second armrest is pivotally coupled with one of the recesses opposed from the first armrest. A control panel is disposed within an interior surface of the second armrest. The control panel is in electrical communication with the vibrating transducers.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Inventor: Terry Tomlinson
-
Patent number: 5807287Abstract: A massaging apparatus with audio signal control that includes an elongated pad, a power supplying system, a hand-held controller, an audio signal input system, and a plurality of vibration generators. The vibration generators are mounted in the elongated pad. The audio signal input system receives an external audio signal source either by a signal input line in wireless receiving mode or a microphone in wire receiving mode. The vibration generators are actuated under control of the controller responsive to the signal amplitude and frequency of the received audio signal. The controller is further provided with a plurality of LED indicators for visually indicating the operation of the vibration generators responsive to the signal amplitude and frequency of the audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventor: Tzu-Keng Cheng
-
Patent number: 5730707Abstract: A vibration producing system for use in vibratory furniture and including first and second vibrator motors for producing vibrations upon being energized, a full wave rectifier having input terminals connected to the power supply and a pair of output terminals for providing full wave rectified current. A first switch has a first mode for connecting the first vibrator motor to the output terminals, a second mode for connecting the vibrator motor to the rectifying means so that the first vibrating means receives alternate half waves of the alternating current having a first polarity and a third mode for open circuiting the first vibrator motor. A second switch has a first mode for connecting the second vibrator motor to the output terminals, a second mode for connecting the second vibrator motor to the rectifying means so that the second vibrator motor receives alternate half waves of the alternating current having a second polarity, and a third mode for open circuiting the second vibrator motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Raffel Product Development Co.Inventor: David Vang
-
Patent number: 5713832Abstract: The present invention relates to a massaging device and vibrator for providing soothing vibrations to the body of a user. One aspect of the massaging device includes an article of furniture, a vibrator comprised of an electric motor with an eccentric rotor, and means for attaching the vibrator to the article of furniture so that the rotor rotates and induces vibrations in a plane that is parallel to the user contacting surface of the furniture. The vibrator itself is constructed to enable it to be easily attached to articles of furniture that are constructed in various ways from varying materials. A further aspect of the massaging device comprises a pad device having a soft, flexible, upper supporting surface, and a vibrating device with an eccentric rotor mounted in the pad device so that the rotor has an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the upper supporting surface of the pad.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Product Development Consulting Inc.Inventor: Anand Sagar Jain
-
Patent number: 5660597Abstract: A portable, compact, self-contained child pacifying device is disclosed for use with infant support structures. The device may be attached to such infant support structures through attachment means allowing ready attachment and removal of the pacifying device. The attachment means may include projecting tabs or a pivotable retaining arm located proximate a vibration dampening means. A biasing means retains the attachment means and the pacifying device in position. The device comprises an integral outer case structure within which a battery powered vibratory source is mounted to produce a vibrating motion. The outer case structure attaches to the child carrier through a mounting arrangement fixedly attached to the exterior of the case structure and attachable to the infant support structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1995Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Inventors: Lawrence A. Fox, James Chang, Stanley M. Kujawski
-
Patent number: 5486156Abstract: Briefly, the invention is a vibrating, form fitting skull cap which is designed to snugly fit a user. The inner portion of the cap presents a smooth continuous surface to the head while at the same time providing the capability of complex and subtle vibration patterns which may vibrate different areas differently. Suitable attachment points are provided on the outer portion of the cap to mount individual forced vibration generator units. Each vibration generator unit is separately controlled as to amplitude and frequency. The user may choose one or many of numerous available attachment points for the generators. Electrical controls are provided to fine tune the individual units. Numerous electrical power input alternatives are provided for flexibility of use. Pneumatic powered units may also be used to eliminate magnetic fields if necessary.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Inventor: Stephen J. Takach
-
Patent number: 5442710Abstract: A body-felt sound unit having a vibration transmitting member imbedded in a human body support member, for example, a chair, a bed, etc., and an electro-mechanical vibration transducer attached to the vibration transmitting member, the transducer generating mechanical vibration on receipt of a low-frequency current, thereby transmitting the vibration to the human body. The vibration transmitting member comprises a flat plate- or net-shaped member of a relatively large area, and the electro-mechanical vibration transducer is attached to the vibration transmitting member such that the direction of vibration generated from the transducer coincides with the direction of the width of the vibration transmitting member so as to transmit transverse vibration to the vibration transmitting member. Even if the vibration transmitting member is thin, the apparent rigidity becomes high, so that the transmission of vibration is made effectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1994Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Bodysonic Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akira Komatsu
-
Patent number: 5344437Abstract: A therapeutic massaging pillow that is versatile in construction and use. The pillow is provided in a U-shaped form having extensions that fit around the neck and a thicker upper portion that is in intimate contact with the posterior portion of the head of a person using the pillow. The pillow provides a pocket on one or both sides for receiving a container that is filled with a material that can be heated or cooled. Additionally a cavity at the thickest upper portion of the pillow is provided for installing an electrically operated vibrator. The vibrator is embedded in a foam housing and has a switch that is easily accessible through the foam material. Batteries at each end of the housing are provided to operate the vibrating mechanism. The pillow is versatile in construction and use by allowing application of hot or cold temperatures to the posterior of the head through a fluid filled container inserted in the pocket or separately applying a massaging effect of the vibrator.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1993Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Sub I.P., Inc.Inventor: George R. Pistay