GB2599351A - A toning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a toning device to reduce skin problems and in particular cellulite or blemishes. A toning device comprises a garment 30 with one or more electronic modules 10 for providing an electrical stimulus in one or more positions of the garment, targeting areas with cellulite, thread veins, excess skin or other blemishes. The garment may comprise a pair of shorts with electrodes which comprise an array of pairs of opposite polarity conductive elastomeric strips that are stimulated with low frequency, low amp pulsed current. The electrodes each have a length between 5 and 30 cm and spacings between 1.5 and 4 cm. The electronic module 10 includes a transceiver and a battery (Fig. 4: 5). The module is connected to garment conductive filaments 40 by connecting pins (Fig. 4: 52) which connect into a plurality of terminals (Fig. 3: 22) at the centre of a socket (Fig. 4: 26) of the garment and can be removed for safer washing of the shorts. Circular magnets (Fig. 3: 25, Fig. 4: 32) on the module and socket help the user locate the module into position on the socket.

Description

A TONING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a toning device, in particular a skin and body toning device; more particularly but not exclusively for cellulite or skin blemishing.

Background

Increasing numbers of people encounter issues with weight and poor diet.

These issues can lead to problems with skin blemishes and/or cellulite.

It can be costly and difficult to deal with these issues effectively. Additionally or 15 alternatively it may require attendance at specialists or facilities, which can be problematic in an increasingly time-pressured world.

Prior Art

CN 204 765 631 (CAO et al) discloses a built -in electrocardio monitoring underwear, including detecting underwear, electrocardio lead plug, detecting system and smart mobile phone APP, detecting system embeds and detects in the underwear, be equipped with a plurality of electrode slices on the detection underwear, the electrode slice distributes in upper left corner position, upper right corner position, lower left corner position, lower right corner position and heart position, detecting system and each electrode slice electric connection, the electrocardio leads plug and detecting system and links to each other, detecting system and this built -in electrocardio monitoring underwear of smart mobile phone APP wireless connection regard as the demonstration media of electrocardiogram with the cell -phone, and the clinical analysis of being convenient for of the electrocardiogram and the amount of exercise information that can the simultaneous display receive the survey personnel, avoid the electrocardio to lead by wrong problem of putting through the mode of fixed electrode position on the underwear, simplified the operation that the electrocardio was gathered.

EP 1 414 518 (ORTON) discloses apparatus that aids in the loss of weight through the reduction of fatty body tissues. The apparatus is preferably in a garment configuration, provides electrically conducting portions and insulating portions configured in such a way that the potential of electro-chemical signal messaging system in the patient's body is altered. The re-directed currents trigger a release of stored fatty tissues, and a reduction of weight. The electrically conductive portions are configured and provided in a manner that permits safe and effective use.

FR 2 835 755 (GUITTON) discloses an electro-lipolysis device comprises a clothing item, such as shorts; for treatment of cellulite areas. The shorts are made with electrically insulating material with a certain level of elasticity. The base material serves as a mounting for electrodes on the inner surface of the shorts. The electrodes are formed by weaving conducting wire into the base material or by mounting conducting pads on the material surface.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a toning device comprising a garment with one or more modules providing a mechanism for provision of electrical stimulus in one or more positions on the garment, wherein said module comprises a transceiver.

In particular in some embodiments electrodes may be used that are known for mobilisation of fatty acids (and energy production stimulation) in contrast to known EMS mechanisms using pads. It may be envisaged that stretchable and highly conductive fabrics or materials may be embedded the garment.

More particularly it may be envisaged that the following is applicable to embodiments of the device: Main treatment areas on the garment may be based on an array of strip shaped 35 electrodes, for example one or more positions per limb; Adjacent electrodes may have opposite polarity, and/or polarity may be envisaged to be controlled in use via the transceiver, for example so as to be reversed during treatment for better comfort; Each electrode may be connected to a single output or grouped with others of same polarity; Any two adjacent electrodes m ay be envisaged to be very close to each other to allow uniform distribution of current, for example between 1 and 4 cm including the width of the electrodes themselves.

In some embodiments orientation of an electrodes array comprising a position may be vertical, horizontal or diagonal.

In some embodiments the module comprises an internal battery. In others the battery may be located on the device or garment.

In some embodiments the battery may be displaceable and/or rechargeable, for example comprising a socket for a recharging connection. In some embodiments the device may comprise a means of harvesting energy for battery recharging purposes.

In some embodiments the energy harvesting means may comprise a photovoltaic harvesting means. In some embodiments the energy harvesting means may be a movement energy harvesting means.

In some embodiments the module may be displaceable so as to allow recharging, 25 and/or use of the device as a standard garment, and/or so as to allow the garment to be easily cleaned. For example the device may comprise a socket for the module on the garment, connected to or associated with the garment.

In some embodiments the module may for example comprise a wired module, wired 30 to the garment.

In some embodiments the garment comprises leg covering, such as a pair of shorts or trousers.

In this way the module may be envisaged to be located on the shorts, for example on a waistband, or legs.

In some embodiments the mechanism comprises a plurality of wires or filaments.

Such filaments may be envisaged to be located on parts of the garment that are 5 envisaged to be appropriate to stimulation, for example thighs or bottom, such that electrotherapy may be targeted at such areas to target cellulite or thread veins or excess skin or similar.

In some embodiments the filaments may cover the whole garment, and may be 10 targeted according to preference.

In some embodiments the garment comprises elastomeric material, so as to maintain the filaments against the appropriate areas of the user's body in use. In some embodiments the garment may be substantially or wholly elastomeric. In other embodiments the garment may be partially elastomeric, for example having panels of elastomeric material arranged to pull other non-elastic parts of the garment against the user's appropriate areas.

In some embodiments the garment may comprise adjustable parts, for example so as to allow adjustment for fit and tightness according to user preference in use. For example the garment may be substantially or wholly inelastic and may comprise one or more belts or straps which are envisaged to pull the garment against areas and/or around the user.

Some embodiments may comprise flexible electrode pads for applying electrical pulsed signals to stimulate nerves. Such electrode pads may be carried on carrier pads which are secured to the garment along securing seams. Such electrode pads may be provided with front and rear self-adhesive coated surfaces for adhering the electrode pads to the carrier pads and to the subject.

The module transceiver may be envisaged to enable remote control of the mechanism, for example so as to control areas of filaments or timing, and/or intensity of electrical signal. In some embodiments the module may further include a local control, for example an activation, timer or intensity slider, dial or switch.

The device may enable endermic electrotherapeufic treatments by employing a pulse-current generator in the module. The device may allow for skin improvement to increase the user's metabolism. The device may comprise a pair of shorts with strips that are stimulated with a low frequency, low amp current below 50 hz.

In some embodiments the device may be enabled to measure BMI.

In some embodiments the device may be used for electrotherapy of the skin, so as to involve passing a small current over the skin, at a specified frequency, to target 10 blemishes and cellulite, so as to allow the user to treat their skin at home, avoiding the inconvenient and expense of visiting a specialist.

The mechanism may thereby comprise filaments or strips channelled to form localised areas, wherein the number of such areas will dictate the number of output 15 pins on a custom PCB (printed circuit board).

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figures 2 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the module shown on the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the module from the pictured 30 embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the module from the pictured embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows isometric views of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention; And Figure 6 shows a sketch of an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device 5 according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Fiqures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a toning device 99 10 generally comprising a garment 30 with one or more modules 10 providing a mechanism 100 for provision of electrical stimulus in one or more positions on the garment, wherein said module comprises a transceiver.

The mechanism 100 in the pictured embodiment comprises a single electronic 15 module 10, including the transceiver and the battery 5 and other electronic parts.

The mechanism further comprises a plurality of filaments 40.

With particular reference to the pictured embodiments the embodiment comprises a pair of shorts garment 30. The positions or location of the filaments are thereby 20 related to cellulite build-up areas on a user's body, particularly back of the user's thighs in use.

The module comprises an electrical connection with the filaments provided by a plurality of connecting pins 52, which connect into a plurality of terminals 22. The terminals are provided in the centre of a socket 26. This socket is formed in a substantially rigid thermoplastics or polymer, which is adhered to the garment waistband uses a flexible gaiter 21 The garment 30 follows a simple compression short design. Top and bottom edges 30 are hemmed for a neater aesthetic.

The module 10 is located to the rear of the waistband 32.

The socket comprises a bump fit catch member 23 extending downwards from the 35 top of the socket 26, and on the opposite face of the socket a sprung ball lock 24 to lock the module in position into the socket.

The socket and module housing 2 are made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and the socket is bonded to the fabric with an adhesive.

The custom PCB is contained within an injection moulded ABS housing wherein ABS has excellent strength properties to protect the PCB.

A custom PCB 9 allows the size of the electronics to be reduced significantly The PCB would contain: i) Battery, dock and connection pins ii) Power booster unit iii) Bluetooth (RIM) transceiver iv) Microcontroller Circular magnets 25, 32 are included on the module and socket and used to help the user locate the module into position on the socket.

Only one physical button 4 is required on the module and is used to connect the 20 module via Bluetooth (RTM), wherein holding this button powers off the device.

The module has an LED light 1 to communicate power and Bluetooth (RIM) information.

The electronic module can be removed from the device for safer washing of the shorts.

The filament strips are channelled to form localised areas.

It may be envisaged that the battery provides sufficient DC power to work for 4 hours with 50 to 90 mA discharge rate. An electrical connection between the module and socket is formed by plural pins and female connections, which may be located in either the socket or module and may be waterproofed, for example by displaceable covers.

The power booster unit may have a frequency between 25 and 50 HZ of pulsed currents With particular reference to the embodiment pictured in Figures 5, the module or transceiver may further be embodied to allow control of the positions on the garment that have provision of the electrical stimulus, for example where a particular smaller area may be targeted in use, wherein the filaments are arranged to cover the majority of the garment, and a particular area requires targeting in use, sequentially or solely.

With particular reference to the pictured embodiment in Figure 6, adjacent electrodes 40 have opposite polarity, and the mechanism comprises electrodes with a length of between 5 and 30 cm depending on position wherein the electrodes have a width of 0.5 cm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims (12)

1. Claims 1 A toning device comprising a garment with one or more modules providing a mechanism for provision of electrical stimulus in one or more positions on the garment, wherein said module(s) comprise(s) a transceiver.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the garment is a pair of shorts.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the positions are related to cellulite build-up areas on a user's body.
4. 4. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a battery.
5. 5. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a unitary module comprising the transceiver and a battery.
6. 6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the module is arranged to be displaceable from a socket on the garment.
7. 7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the socket is located on the garment waistband.
8. 8. A device according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the socket comprises a ferromagnetic means of attracting the module.
9. 9. A device according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the socket and module comprise an electrical connection comprising pins.
10. 10. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a garment including filaments.
11. 11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the filaments are arranged around the rear of the user's leg in use.
12. 12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the mechanism comprises electrodes, wherein such adjacent electrodes have opposite polarity.