GB2045616A - Vibratory massage device - Google Patents

Abstract

A vibratory massage device (1) comprises a rigid body (2) from which extends an output member (3) which carries a vibration generating unit (4). The output member (3) is, in use, axially reciprocated by an electric motor within the body (2). The vibration generating unit (4) and body (2) are covered by a fluid impervious sleeve (6) which includes a thick padded portion (7) and a thin corrugated portion (9) to accommodate axial movement of the vibration generating unit (4). A separate power pack (11) is connected to the device by a flexible cable (10) and includes controls to vary the speed of the vibration generating unit and to allow reciprocating movement only, vibration only, or both reciprocation and vibration. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Vibratory massage device This invention relates to vibratory massage devices.

According to one feature of the present invention there is provided a vibratory massage device comprising: an elongate body member housing an electrically powered drive unit having a reciprocating output member extending from the end of the body member; an electrically powered vibration generating unit coupled to the output member of the drive unit for reciprocating movement relative to the body member; a fluid impervious flexible covering extending between the vibration generating unit and the body member to permit reciprocating movement of the vibration generating unit relative to the body member in response to operation of the drive unit whilst preventing the ingress of fluid to the drive unit and the vibration generating unit; a battery pack connected to the drive unit and the vibration generating unit by electrical conductors; and control means on the battery pack for controlling operation of the drive unit and the vibration generating unit, the control means including means for varying an operating characteristic of one of said units.

Preferably, the control means has a first position in which both the units are off; a second position in which only the drive unit is operated; a third position in which both the drive unit and the vibration generating unit are operated; and a fourth position in which only the vibration generating unit is operated.

Further, the means for varying operating characteristics of one of said units preferably comprises a variable resistor in the circuit of the vibration generating unit for varying the voltage applied to the vibration generating unit. If the vibration generating unit is in the form of an electric motor having an eccentrically weighted shaft, the variable voltage applied to it will result in variation in the speed of rotation of the motor, and accordingly variation in the frequency of the vibrations generated.

The flexible covering preferably envelops the vibration generating unit, and is preferably resilient and forms a padded head for the device in which head the vibration generating unit is embedded. The flexible covering may be secured to the housing adjacent the vibration generating unit, or may extend in a sleeve-like manner over a substantial part of the length of the housing.

The above and further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention; and Figures 2-4 show details of a drive unit.

Referring to the drawings the vibratory massage device 1 shown comprises an elongate body member 2 moulded from a rigid plastics material. The exterior of the body member is slightly ribbed, and the body member houses an electrically powered drive unit 1 6 (Figs.

2-4) having a reciprocating output member 3 extending from one end of the body member.

The drive unit may be of any suitable construction, although is preferably as described later with reference to Figs. 2-4.

When actuated the drive unit produces axial reciprocating movement of the output member 3 relative to the body member 2.

An electrically powered vibration generating unit 4 is rigidly mounted on the end of the output member 3 remote from the drive unit.

The vibration generating unit 4 may, for example, comprise a plastics housing containing an electric motor the output shaft of which carries an eccentric weight. By virture of the rigid mounting of the vibration generating unit 4 on the output member 3, the vibration generating unit 4 will be axially reciprocated relative to the body member 2 when the drive unit contained in the body member 2 is actuated. Electric power is supplied to the vibration generating unit 4 by an electric cable 5 which is provided with sufficient slack to allow for the reciprocating movement of the vibration generating unit.

A sheath 6 of soft resilient material covers the vibration generating unit 4 and a substantial portion of the elongate body member 2.

The sheath 6 includes a relatively thick walled portion 7 which resiliently grips the vibration generating unit 4 and forms a soft head of the device. The sheath 6 also includes a tubular portion 8 of relatively thin cross-section which resiliently grips the elongate body member 2.

The sheath portions 7 and 8 are interconnected by a corrugated sheath portion 9 comprising a plurality of convolutions which accommodate the reciprocating axial movement of the head of the device. The sheath 6 prevents the ingress of fluid to the interior of the device.

A power cable 10 of desired length extends from the proximate end of the elongate body member 2 to a battery pack 11. The battery pack houses electrical batteries to provide power for the device and carries control members for controlling operation of the device.

The power for the device may, for example, be supplied from three dry cells contained within the battery pack. The supply of the battery is connected to a control switch 1 2 having a slider control button 1 3 which can be positioned in any of four working positions.

In the first working position, as shown in the drawing, the battery is isolated from the drive unit and the vibration generating unit and the device is in an "off" state. Movement of the button 1 3 to a position adjacent the marking "A" on the battery pack causes power to be supplied to the drive unit contained in the body member 2. This causes reciprocating movement of the output member 3 and accordingly reciprocating movement of the head of the device. Movement of the slider button to the position "AB" causes power additionally to be supplied to the vibration generating unit 4, and accordingly in this position the head of the device reciprocates axially and the vibration generating unit emits vibrations.

Movement of the button 13 to the position " & causes power to be supplied to the vibration generating unit only, which accordingly emits vibrations without any axial movement. The battery pack 11 includes further control means in the form of a rheostat 14 having a manually rotatable control wheel 1 5 mounted ca-axially with the power pack. The rheostat 14 controls the voltage applied to the vibration generating unit when the selector switch 1 2 is in position "AB" or "B". Since the vibration generating unit consists of an electric motor carrying an eccentric weight, increasing the voltage applied to the motor causes an increase of rotational speed, and accordingly increases the frequency of the vibrations produced.

In a modified embodiment (not shown) the tubular portion 8 of the sheath 6 is omitted and the corrugated portion 9 of the sheath is bonded to the distal end of the housing 2 by means of suitable adhesive.

Referring now to Figs. 2-4 there is shown an example of a drive unit suitable for producing reciprocating axial movement of the output member 3. The drive unit 16 comprises a low voltage electric motor 1 7 mounted in a moulded plastics carrier 18 and having an output shaft carrying a drive cog 19. The drive cog 1 9 applies rotary input motion to a reduction gear train 20 mounted on the carrier 18. The output-member 21 of the reduction gear 20 drives a pinion 22 rigidly connected to a crank 23 journalled in the carrier 1 8. The crank 23 is received in a slot 24 provided in a plate 25 which is rigidly connected to the output member 3. A generally T-shaped extension 26 of the plate 25 is slidably journalled in the carrier 1 8 in order to permit axial movement of the plate 25 but to prevent rotation of the plate 25. The output member 3 is slidably journalled in a bearing 27 carried by the carrier 1 8.

In use, rotary output motion of the cog 1 9 causes slow speed rotation of the cog 21 which in turn causes the crank 23 to rotate, thereby moving the plate 25 and with it the output member 3 axially.

It will of course be appreciated that whilst the invention has been described in relation to a device having a particular surface profile, other surface profiles may be adopted as desired without departing from the scope of the. invention.

Claims (11)

1. A vibratory massage device comprising: an elongate body member housing an electrically powered drive unit having a reciprocating output member extending from one end of the body member; an electrically powered vibration generating unit coupled to the output member of the drive unit for reciprocating movement relative to the body member; a fluid impervious flexible covering extending between the vibration generating unit and the body member to permit reciprocating movement of the vibration generating unit relative to the body member in response to operation of the drive unit whilst preventing the ingress of fluid to the drive unit and vibration generating unit; a battery pack connected to the drive unit and the vibration generating unit by electrical conductors; and control means on the battery pack for controlling operation of the drive unit and the vibration generating unit.

2. A vibratory massage device according to claim 1 wherein the control means includes means for varying an operating characteristic of one of said units.

3. A vibratory massage device according to claim 2 wherein the means for varying an operating characteristic comprises means for varying the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit.

4. A vibratory massage device according to claim 3 wherein the vibration generating unit comprises an electric motor having an eccentrically weighted shaft, and the means for varying the frequency of the vibrations generated comprises means for varying the voltage applied to the motor.

5. A vibratory massage device according to any preceding claim wherein the battery pack is separate from the drive unit and vibration generating unit and is connected thereto by a flexible cable.

6. A vibratory massage device according to any preceding claim wherein the control means has a first position in which both the units of off; a second position in which only the drive unit is operated; a third position in which both the drive unit and the vibration generating unit are operated; and a fourth position in which only the vibration generating unit is operated.

7. A vibratory massage device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible covering includes a resilient padded portion which envelops the vibration generating unit to form a padded head for the device.

8. A vibratory massage device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible covering terminates at an edge which is secured to the housing adjacent the vibration generating unit.

9. A vibratory massage device according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the flexible covering extends in a close-fitting sleeve-like manner over a substantial part of the length of the housing.

10. A vibratory massage device according to any preceding claim wherein the drive unit comprises: a rotary electric motor; a reduction gear driven by the electric motor; a pinion driven by the output of the reduction gear; a crank secured to the pinion for rotation therewith; and a plate connected to the output member for reciprocating movement therewith, the crank being received in a slot formed in the plate for driving the plate in reciprocating movement.

11. A vibratory massage device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.