EP1462077A1

EP1462077A1 - An acupuncture electrode with multiple contact points and an acupuncture apparatus with multiple acupuncture electrodes

Info

Publication number: EP1462077A1
Application number: EP03100777A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wang
Original assignee: Chen Yi-Ying
Current assignee: Chen Yi-Ying
Priority date: 2003-03-26
Filing date: 2003-03-26
Publication date: 2004-09-29

Abstract

An electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) has multiple protruding contacts (12) to adequately make contact with a relatively large area in the vicinity of a desired acupuncture point to ensure that one contact stimulates the exact acupuncture point. An electric conductor (40) is attached to the electric acupuncture electrode (10) and delivers a weak electric current to the multiple protruding contacts (12) of the electric acupuncture electrode (10). The multiple points (124) of an electric acupuncture electrode can be used in different locations on the human body to carry out electric acupuncture therapy. An electric acupuncture apparatus can include multiple electrodes and a heater mounted with the electric acupuncture electrodes to provide simultaneous heat therapy. The present invention provides a means of quickly and effectively making contact desired acupuncture points.

Description

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electric acupuncture electrode and an electric acupuncture apparatus, and more particularly to an electric acupuncture electrode with multiple contact points and an electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes.

2. Description of Related Art

In general, acupuncture is a traditional medical science based on ancestral knowledge and experience in three oriental countries (Korea, China and Japan). Traditional acupuncture techniques are not used as extensively in today's modern society. Recently, acupuncture therapy has begun using magnetic needles and electronic signals, as well as traditional acupuncture needles.
As is well known to those skilled in the art, electric acupuncture is the prevalent means of practicing acupuncture today. Electric acupuncture apparatus uses an electric acupuncture electrode. A protruding contact extends from one end of the electric acupuncture electrode. The electric acupuncture apparatus passes a weak electric current through the protruding contacts on the electric acupuncture electrode to the exact acupuncture point. The electric current stimulates the acupuncture point on the human body and cures the malady. Conventional electric acupuncture apparatus is connected an electric acupuncture electrode and a wire to input electricity. The weak electric current is applied to the human acupuncture point by the protruding contacts of the electric acupuncture apparatus to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
However, the conventional electric acupuncture electrode has only one protruding contact. Consequently, the doctor must precisely locate the correct acupuncture point on the human body and then put the protruding contact of the electric acupuncture electrode on the exact acupuncture point of the human body. If the protruding contact of the electric acupuncture electrode is not placed exactly on the acupuncture point, the acupuncture treatment will not be effective. In conclusion, the operation of finding the precise acupuncture point and applying the protruding contact on the electric acupuncture electrode to the exact acupuncture point is difficult.
Furthermore, the electric acupuncture electrode can be mounted in a layer of material. When using the electric acupuncture apparatus, the layer of material is wrapped on the head or the body of the human so the protruding contacts of the electric acupuncture electrodes are on the exact acupuncture point. Then the acupuncture apparatus can perform effectual electric acupuncture therapy. However, the head or body shape of each person is different, so there is a small distant different in the location of the exact acupuncture point of each person. In general, the difference is about 0.2 cm. The location of the contact protruding from electric acupuncture electrode is fixed, so the electric acupuncture protruding contact is not likely to be on the exact acupuncture point. Since the layer of material must be positioned uniquely on each person, the effectiveness of the electric acupuncture apparatus will often be less than optimum.
In addition, the conventional electric acupuncture electrode has only one protruding contact, so the protruding contact must be placed exactly on the desired acupuncture point. The external energy only passes through the one point to stimulate the body. With only one point, the stimulant through the point to the body must be larger so the stimulant to the exact acupuncture point is adequate. Therefore the actual stimulation of the body will be uncomfortable. Another disadvantage is that the single protruding contact of the conventional electric acupuncture apparatus has a smaller area to make contact with the human body, so the likelihood of the protruding contact making actual contact with the exact acupuncture point is minimal. Furthermore, a single protruding contact is likely to slip when contact is made with the skin especially when the protruding contact of the electric acupuncture apparatus is inclined.
The main objective of the present invention is to provide a means of quickly and effectively making contact with an exact desired acupuncture point with an electric acupuncture electrode and an electric acupuncture apparatus. The other objective of the present invention is to provide means to administer heat therapy.
To achieve the main objective, an electric acupuncture electrode in accordance with the present invention has multiple protruding contacts that make contact with the skin to ensure one is touching the actual acupuncture point. The multiple protruding contacts of the electric acupuncture electrode provide the electrical stimulation for the electric acupuncture therapy.
Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS:

Fig. 1 is a side plan view in partial section of a body of an electric acupuncture electrode in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a side plan view in partial section of the body and a magnet of the electric acupuncture electrode in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view in partial section of the body and the magnet of the electric acupuncture electrode in Fig.2;
Fig. 4 is a side plan view in partial section of a first embodiment of an electric acupuncture electrode in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of an electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes in Fig.4;
Fig. 6 is an operational perspective view of the electric acupuncture apparatus in Fig. 5 used on a person's head;
Fig. 7 is a side plan view in partial section of a second embodiment of an electric acupuncture electrode in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view in partial section of the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrode in Fig.7;
Fig. 9 is an operational rear plan view of a second embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the neck and upper back;
Fig. 10 is an operational rear plan view of a third embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the shoulder;
Fig. 11 is an operational rear plan view of a fourth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the lower back;
Fig. 12 is an operational front plan view of a fifth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on an elbow;
Fig. 13 is an operational front plan view of the fifth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in Fig. 12 used on a knee;
Fig. 14 is an operational front plan view of a sixth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the upper torso.
Fig. 15 is an operational front plan view of an seventh embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the hips;
Fig. 16 is an operational front plan view of a eighth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on a hand; and
Fig. 17 is an operational perspective plan view of a ninth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on a foot.
With reference to Fig.1 to 4, a first embodiment of an electric acupuncture electrode (10) in accordance with the present invention comprises a body (11), multiple protruding contacts (12), a first magnet (20), an electric conductor (40), a circumferential wire (42), a radial wire (43) and a cover (30). Insulation is formed around the circumferential wire (42), the radial wire (43). The body (11) is cylindrical and has a closed end (110), an open end (112) and an internal chamber (13). The closed end (110) and the open end (112) of the body (11) have a center and a periphery.
Each protruding contact (12) has a distal end (120) and a proximal end (122). The proximal end (122) is formed integrally with and extends perpendicularly out from the closed end (110) of the body. The distal end (120) of each multiple protruding contact (12) is spherical. The spherical distal end (120) of each multiple protruding contact (12) has a top (not numbered), and a point (124) is formed on the top of each protruding contact (12). The multiple protruding contacts (12) are arranged with one protruding contact (12) in the center of the closed end (110) of the body (11) and six protruding contacts (12) equally spaced around the center and between the center and the periphery of the closed end (110) of the body (11). The length of the protruding contacts (12) is less than 10 cm.
The first magnet (20) is cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis, and a first channel (21) is formed along the longitudinal axis of the first magnet (20). The first magnet (20) is mounted in the internal chamber (13) in the body (11). The electric conductor (40) has a first end (45) and a second end (44). The electric conductor (40) is mounted in the first channel (21) in the first magnet (20). The first end (45) of the electric conductor (40) abuts the body (11). The second end (44) of the electric conductor (40) is connected to a connector (41). The connector (41) has a V-shape cutting edge (411). The cutting edge (411) forms a blade (412).
The body (11), the first magnet (20) and the electric conductor (40) are mounted in the cover (30). The cover (30) is cylindrical and has a sidewall (not numbered) and an open end (32) with multiple slots (31) formed in the sidewall. The circumferential wire (42) and the radial wire (43) are mounted in the multiple slots (31). With further reference to Fig. 5, the circumferential wires (42) and the radial wires (43) intersect at nodes (not numbered) and form a net with an electric acupuncture electrode (10) at each node. The blade (412) on the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40) cuts through the insulation on the appropriate wire (42, 43) to input electricity. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) passes a weak electric current through the protruding contacts (12) to the exact acupuncture point. The multiple points (124) of the protruding contacts (12) form an effective area to ensure contact with the acupuncture point.
With reference to Fig.5 and 6, a first embodiment of an electric acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10), multiple circumferential wires (42) and radial wires (43). The electric acupuncture electrodes (10) are positioned at acupuncture points on the head of human. The circumferential wires (42) and the radial wires (43) are configured as a net to connect multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10). When the electric acupuncture apparatus is used to carry out acupuncture therapy on a user's head, the electric acupuncture electrodes (10) are put on the exact acupuncture points. The multiple protruding contacts (12) of the electric acupuncture electrode (10) cover a large area in the vicinity of the acupuncture points on the head of the human and carry out precise and convenient therapy. Because the electric acupuncture electrodes (10) connect to nodes of the wires (42, 43), the electric acupuncture apparatus has large empty areas and is light weight. This structure has better pliability and is airy so the head does not have to be covered with a hood-like device. The electric current stimulates the acupuncture points on the human body. A weak electric current is applied to the human acupuncture points by the protruding contact (12) of the electric acupuncture apparatus to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
With reference to Fig.7 and Fig.8, a second embodiment of an electric acupuncture electrode (10') in accordance with the present invention comprises a body (11), multiple protruding contacts (12), a first magnet (20), a second magnet (61), an electric conductor (60), an insulator (62), a wire (53), a heater (52), a bottom layer (50) and a top layer (51). The body (11), multiple protruding contacts (12) and the first magnet (20) are the same as the first embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrode and are mounted on the bottom layer (50). The bottom layer (50) has a hole (500). The bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are mounted on each other. The second magnet (61) is cylindrical and has a central axis. A second channel (611) is formed along the central axis of the second magnet (61). The second magnet (61) is mounted between the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) and attracts and holds the first magnet (20). The insulator (62) has a middle, and a third channel (620) is formed through the middle of the insulator (62). The insulator (62) is mounted between the second magnet (61) and the top layer (51). The wire (53) is mounted between the insulator (62) and the top layer (51). The electric conductor (60) has a first end (600) and a second end (602). The electric conductor (60) is mounted in the third channel (620) through the insulator (62), the second channel (611) through the second magnet (61), the hole (500) in the bottom layer (50) and the first channel (21) through the first magnet (20). The first end (600) of the electric conductor (60) attaches to the body (11). The second end of the electric conductor (60) attaches to the wire (53). The wire (53) passes the electric current through the electric conductor (60) to the electric acupuncture electrode (10') to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy. Furthermore, the heater (52) is mounted between the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) beside the electric acupuncture electrode (10') to provide the heat therapy.
With reference to Fig. 9, a second embodiment of an electric acupuncture apparatus is a vest (70) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes (10') on the neck and the upper back. The electric acupuncture electrode (10') can be put on the exact acupuncture points on the neck and the upper back. The electric acupuncture apparatus can made in different site of the human to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
With reference to Fig. 10, a third embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus is a shoulder belt (71) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes (10') on the shoulder. The electric acupuncture electrodes (10') can be put on the exact acupuncture points on the shoulder to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
With reference to Fig. 11, a fourth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus is a lower back belt (72) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes (10') on the lower back. The electric acupuncture electrodes (10') can be put on the exact acupuncture points on the lower back to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
With reference to Fig.12 and Fig.13, a fifth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus is a joint belt (73) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes (10') on the elbow or the knee. The electric acupuncture electrodes (10') can be put on the exact acupuncture points on the elbow and the knee to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
With reference to Fig.14, a sixth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus is an upper torso belt (74) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes (10') on the upper torso or the shoulders. The electric acupuncture electrodes (10') can be put on the exact acupuncture points on the upper torso to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
With reference to Fig. 15, 16 and 17, seventh, eighth and ninth embodiments of the electric acupuncture apparatus are a pant (75) type, a glove (76) type and a sock (77) type to apply acupuncture therapy to the hips, the hand and the foot with the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes (10').
Besides the electric acupuncture therapy, the heater provides heat therapy in each of the embodiments. In addition, the multiple protruding contacts to provide a larger area to put on the exact acupuncture points on the curved and bent surface of the body. The multiple protruding contacts can overcome the uncomfortable sensations that result from excessive stimulation associated with conventional single-electrode electric acupuncture devices. The multiple protruding contacts can apply a minimum electric current to an exact acupuncture points precisely.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

An electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) comprising:

a cylindrical body (11) having a closed end (110), an open end (112) and an internal chamber (13) where the closed end (110) and the open end (112) have a center and a periphery;

multiple protruding contacts (12) each having a distal end (120) and a proximal end (122) formed integrally with and extending perpendicularly up from the closed end (110) of the body (11);

a first cylindrical magnet (20) with a longitudinal axis mounted in the internal chamber (13) in the body (11) and having a first channel (21) formed along the longitudinal axis of the first magnet (20);

an electric conductor (40) mounted in the first channel (21) of the first magnet (20) and having a first end (45) and a second end (44), and the first end (45) of the electric conductor (40) abutting the body (11);

a radial wire (43) with insulation around the radial wire (43) electrically connected to the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40); and

a circumferential wire (42) with insulation around the circumferential wire (42) electrically connected to the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40).
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a cylindrical cover (30) having a sidewall and an open end (32) and mounted around the body (11), the first magnet (20) and the electric conductor (40).
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cover (30) has multiple slots (31) formed in the sidewall.
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the radial and circumferential wires (42, 43) are mounted in the multiple slots (31).
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a connector (41) is attached to the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40).
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the connector (41) has a V-shaped cutting edge (411).
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cutting edge (411) forms a blade (412).
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one protruding contact (12) is in the center of the closed end (110) of the body (11), and six protruding contacts (12) are equally spaced around the center and between the center and the periphery of the closed end (110) of the body (11).
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal end (120) of each protruding contacts (12) is spherical.
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 9, wherein each protruding contact (12) has a top and a point (124) formed on the top of each protruding contact (12).
An electric acupuncture electrode (10') with multiple contact points (124) comprising:

a bottom layer (50) having a hole (500);

a top layer (51) mounted on the bottom layer (50);

a cylindrical body (11) having a closed end (110), an open end (112) and an internal chamber (13) mounted on the bottom layer (50) where the closed end (110) and the open end (112) have a center and a periphery;

multiple protruding contacts (12) each having a distal end (120) and a proximal end (122) formed integrally with and extending perpendicularly up from the closed end (110) of the body (11);

a first cylindrical magnet (20) with a longitudinal axis mounted in the internal chamber (13) in the body (11) having a first channel (21) formed along the longitudinal axis of the first magnet (20);

a second cylindrical magnet (61) with a longitudinal axis mounted between the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) abutting and holding the first magnet (20) and having a second channel (611) formed along the longitudinal axis of the second magnet (61);

a wire (53) mounted between the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51);

an insulator (62) mounted between the second magnet (61) and the top layer (51) having a middle and a third channel (620) formed through the middle of the insulator (62);

an electric conductor (60) mounted in the third channel (620) of the insulator (62), the second channel (611) of the second magnet (61), the hole (500) of the bottom layer (50) and the first channel (21) of the first magnet (20) having a first end (600) and a second end (602), and the first end (600) of the electric conductor (60) attached to the body (11), and the second end (602) attached to the wire (53).
The electric acupuncture electrode (10') with multiple contact points (124) as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a heater (52) mounted between the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) beside the electric acupuncture electrode (10').
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10') as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured as a vest (70).
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10') as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured as a shoulder belt (71).
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10') as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured as a lower back belt (72).
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10') as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured as a joint belt (73).
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10') as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured as an upper torso belt (74).
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10') as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured as a pant (75).
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10') as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured as a glove (76).
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10') as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured as a sock (77).
An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10) comprising:

multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10) each comprising;

a cylindrical body (11) having a closed end (110), an open end (112) and an internal chamber (13) where the closed end (110) and the open end (112) have a center and a periphery;

multiple protruding contacts (12) each having a distal end (120) and a proximal end (122) formed integrally with and extending perpendicularly up from the closed end (110) of the body (11);

a first cylindrical magnet (20) with a longitudinal axis mounted in the internal chamber (13) in the body (11) and having a first channel (21) formed along the longitudinal axis of the first magnet (20);

an electric conductor (40) mounted in the first channel (21) of the first magnet (20) and having a first end (45) and a second end (44), and the first end (45) of the electric conductor (40) abutting the body (11); and

a cylindrical cover (30) having a sidewall and an open end (32) and mounted around the body (11), the first magnet (20) and the electric conductor (40) and the cover (30) having multiple slots (31) formed in the sidewall;

multiple radial wires (43) with insulation around each radial wire (43) mounted in the slot (31) and electrically connected to the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40) of each electric acupuncture electrode (10); and

multiple circumferential wires (42) with insulation around each circumferential wire (42) mounted in the slot (31) and electrically connected to the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40) of each electric acupuncture electrode (10) and intersecting with the radial wires (43) at nodes and forming a net configuration with each electric acupuncture electrode (10) at each node.