AU2003248324A1 - Hot Stone Therapy Wand Massager - Google Patents

Description

S&F Ref: 647750

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address of Applicant Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Conair Corporation 1 Cummings Point Road Stamford Connecticut 06904 United States of America Richard Neil Tobin Kam Fai Fung Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Hot Stone Therapy Wand Massager The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845c HOT STONE THERAPY WAND MASSAGER BACKGROUND'OF THE INVENTION 1. Field Of the Invention The present invention relates to hand-held wand massagers.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a hand-held vibratory wand massager that has a detachable applicator. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an applicator having a therapeutic stone to provide a heated vibratory therapeutic hot stone massage to a user's body.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various types of hand-held vibratory massagers are known in the art. Presently available wand massagers typically have an elongated handle secured to a contoured massaging applicator.

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source of vibration is located in the prior art massagers in either the applicator or the handle. One source of vibration may include a motor driving an unbalanced weight. The unbalanced weight is typically attached to a spring or a shaft connected to the motor. The motor drives the unbalanced weight that vibrates a contoured massaging applicator. Typically, the prior art wand massagers rely upon different massaging contours to achieve desired massaging sensations. When the vibrating contoured applicator is applied to the user's skin, desired massaging sensations are achieved.

While the above-mentioned types of massagers may be suitable for providing a vibratory, massage sensation when applied to. the body and muscles of the user, they are limited to delivering only vibratory sensations to the user. Users desire a hand-held wand massager that delivers a wide range of massaging sensations, including a therapeutic hot stone massage comparable to a holistic, spa-like massage that can only be found at expensive resorts or exclusive spas.

Prior art stone therapy uses heated and cooled therapeutic stones to penetrate deeply heating arnd cooling sensations to a user's skin and conjure up increased blood circulation and a healing or massaging effect. Stone massage therapy rejuvenates the user's body by using heat transferred through a therap~eutic stone to increase and facilitate blood circulation through the user.'s skin, muscles and tissues. This procedure includes placing heated stones on the body, back, muscle tissues and skin of the user at specific predetermined locations to facilitate circulation, massage and relieve arthritic pain and certain dermatological conditions at these locations. The stones may be of any suitable size or shape depending upon the location of application or the location that the user's desires the therapeutic stone massage therapy such as' the user's toes, back or hands. A drawback is that the therapeutic hot stone massage is typically reser-ved for luxury spas, resorts, masseuses, and holistic therapy purposes and is not cost effective for the consumers of the mass market.

Thus, it is desired to provide a hand-held portable vibrating wand massager that produces a therapeutic hot stone massage that is comparable to an expensive, luxurious masseur and that is capable of producing therapeutic hot stone massage sensations, in a portable Manner at the point of contact of the massaging applicator and the user's body and skin tissue.

It is therefore desirable to provide a massager having a detachable vibrating applicator.

It is further desirable to provide a massager that provides a therapeutic hot stone massage.

It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or to achieve one or more of the above desirable outcomes.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention provides a heated object therapy system comprising: a basin; a liquid contained in said basin; at least one object positioned in said basin; and a heat source for generating heat and transferring heat to said liquid and to said object, wherein said object is removable from said basin and positionable against or upon a surface to transfer heat from said object to said surface.

3 [R:\LIBTT]03423.doc:hxa Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a side view of a hand-held massager according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of an applicator of the hand-held massager of Fig.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the hand-held massager of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view of another preferred embodiment of the hand-held massager of Fig. 1 with a copper applicator, a pad and a therapeutic hot stone massage applicator; and Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the hand held massager of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1, there is provided a hand-held massager generally represented by \LIBTT]03423 doc: hxa reference numeral 10. Massager 10 has an applicator 12 and a handle 20. The applicator 12 is preferably detachable, and has the ability to vibrate. The user may adjust the configuration of the handle 20. The handle 20 may deform in a pre-selected manner to apply applicator 12 to various portions of the user's body and skin tissues for a relaxing and therapeutic massage.

Handle 20 may be a substantially cylindrical member made from a suitable thermoplastic having a hollow interior. Handle 20 may be formed having at least three members predominantly a tubular--grip or section 30, an offset section 35 and a post In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, offset section 35 and grip 30 may have a pivot pin 45 disposed therebetween. 'Pivot pin 45 may be a fixed pin on the end of w hich offset section 35 and grip 30 may rotate with respect to one another. In greater detail, both the offset section 35 and the grip 30 may pivot with respect to one another from an orientation of straight alignment of handle 20 to an orientation in which offset section 35 and grip 30 are disposed at about ninety degrees with respect to one another.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the offset section 35 and the grip 30 may be joined by complementary slanted surfaces, which may slant with respect to one another in the range about forty-five degrees to about ninety degrees. in still another illustrative embodiment of' the present invenition, offset section 35 and grip 30 may also be connected by a flexible elbow (not shown) for selectively pivoting the offset-section with respect to the grip for application of applicator 12 to the user's skin and body tissues.

Offset vection 35 is also connected to a flexible pipe that is also connected to a cylindrical post 40 of handle Post 40 preferably has a diameter that is less than the diameter of handle 20. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, post 40 is a cylindrical member having a substantially flat outermost end Post 40 preferably has a diameter that is less than a diameter of handle 20 such that the exemplary detachable applicator 12 may mate with post 40 and rest o- or overlay the post. in this manner, post 40 and applicator 12 may deflect about flexible pipe Referring again to Fig. 1, post 40 has a biasing device that is positioned about a portion of the post. Biasing device may be a cylindrical coil disposed on poet 40. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a detent (not shown) or ocher suitable member may be disposed on the post or an outermost end 50 for selectively engaging the post with applicator 12. Post 40 may have a length sufficient to allow any number of exemplary applicators 12 to mate with the post* and to allow a user to use any number of pre-selected massaging applicators or members having different massaging attributes for the massaging action desired by the user.

As can be understood from the drawings and in particular' Fig. 2, heated stone therapy and massaging action is provided by applicator 12. Applicator 12 may be any number of suitable shapes and sizes having any number of discrete bumps, striations, contours, dimples or any combination thereof disposed on the applicator 12. The applicator 12 may be disk shaped and have a suitable number of internal ribs disposed therein to provide increased structural integrity to the applicator. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention., applicator 12 has an aperture 60 disposed in its topside. At, least one therapeutic stone 65 is intended to be positioned in aperture 60 in the applicator 12, however any number of therapeutic stones 60 may be disposed in the applicator 12 for imparting a therapeutic hot stone massage to the user.

Therapeutic stone 65 may be marble, granite, travertine, limestone, polished stones, quartz, feldspar, basalt, mica or any other material that will preferably absorb and retain heat energy from a heater 70 disposed in applicator 12 and transfer heat energy from the therapeutic stones 65 to the user's skin, muscles and body tissues. Therapeutic stone 65 may also have a flat round shape and a flat back and front surface such that the therapeutic stone 65 may rest in a suitable sized aperture 60 in the top of applicator 12 for application to the user's skin, muscles, back or any combination thereof.

Therapeutic stone 65 is illustrated as circular and oblong in shape. However, therapeutic stone 65 may be any size and shape suitable for imparting a therapeutic hot stone massage to the user. Therapeutic stone 65 may be any suitable shape to place the therapeutic stone 65 on the user's body tissues, feet, hands or torso.

Therapeutic stone 65, when heated and vibrating, is intended to promote circulation of the blood at or near the sit e of application of the therapeutic stone to the user's skin, muscles and body tissues.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, therapeutic stone 65 also may be coated with medicinal additives, such as aloe vera, cortizone, aspirin, a lubricating cream, vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin E, herb, mineral or any other beneficial material that may be topically applied to the skin. Therapeutic stone 65 may also be a number of different sized or shaped stones that may rest in applicator 12.

Therapeutic stone 65 is free from sharp edges and has lateral sides that are conducive to either heat transfer or conducive to a imparting a cooling sensation upon the user.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, in another exemplary embodi ment of the present -invention, applicator 12 may have a copper material disposed in aperture 60. copper material is disposed on the top of applicator 12 and is conducive to heat transfer. The copper material also vibrates and is heated by heater 70. Copper material also facilitates and/or stimulates blood circulation, reduces swelling and relieves aching joints of the user. Copper material disposed in applicator 12 relieves fatigue, improves blood circulation and reduces joint aches.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, applicator 12 may also have an infrared device 75 disposed in aperture 60 on applicator 12. Infrared device 75 may be, electrically connected to an exemplary power supply 80 in handle 20. Infrared device 75 is in aperture 60 of applicator 12 and emits infrared radiation to the user's skin and body tissues.

When supplied with electrical power# the infrared device produces infrared radiant heat- infrared radiant heat is communicated to the user through an infrared light emitting plate 85 on applicator 12. The infrared radiant hear- is transmitted through the infrared light emitting place 85 to stimulate the muscles and joints of the user. Infrared light emitting plate 85 may be a smooth, substantially circular shaped member that is non-abrasive to be readily applied to the user's skin tissues, muscles and joints without producing any cuts, scratches or abrasions. Infrared light emitting plate 85 may be vibrated by vibrating mechanism 105 in post 40, to rub and knead the muscles and joints. Infrared device 75 may be any device known in the art that emits photons in the infrared spectrum through infrared light emitting plate 85 to the user's muscles and body tissues.

Referring again to Figs. 3 and 4, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, applicator 12 may also be a water absorbent pad 90. Pad 90 may be an ethylene-vinyl acetate, a gel pad, or any thin porous material 3mm in thick) capable of absorbing and spreading heated liquid or moisture across the area of pad 90. En another embodiment, pad may be a fabric or spongy material. Preferably, pad overlaps at least a portion of applicator 12. Pad 90 may be removable from applicator 12 for cleaning purposes. Pad 90 may be any suitable water absorbent material for the wicking away of perspiration, water, cream, vitamin, nutrient, medicinal additive or any combinations thereof. Pad 90 may also be used' for the application of water moisture, cream, vitamin, nutrient, medicinal additive or any combination thereof to the user's skin, muscles and or body tissues to-contribute to the hot stone therapy.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 5, applicator 12 may be any suitable member that may be fastened to post 40. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, applicator 12 is intended to be a T shaped member having a hollow interior for housing heater 70. Applicator 12 also has a hollow cylindrical lip on its bottom side. Lip 95 extends outward opposite aperture and is positioned on a bottom side of applicator 12. Lip 95 can be a cylindrical sleeve that has a suitable diameter to complement and overlay post 40. Lip 95 has surrounding ];.teral sides that have a suitable length to allow post 40 to mate therein. Lip 95 also has a corresponding notches 100, 105 disposed in a suitable location on the lateral exterior of lip to allow biasing device 55 to fit therein. Biasing device contracts when engaging the lateral sides of lip 95 and then expands once disposed in n otch 100, 105 to allow applicator 12 to be selectively fastened to post 40. one skilled in the art should appreciate that biasing device 55 is suitable to hold applicator 12 on post 40 when the user is manipulating massager on the user's skin and body.

Applicator 12 may be made of a thermoplastic, a polymer, a metallic material or any material having a suitable hardness surrounding applicator 12 for providing massaging action to the user. Applicator 12 may also have a number of dimples, striations, bumps, protrusions or any combinations thereof, and can be distributed in rows and columns over the exterior surface of applicator 12. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, applicator 12 may have a combination of therapeutic stones 65, an infrared therapy device 75 and a copper material (not shown) In this manner, applicator 12, when vibrating, may provide any number of different massaging effects similar to the effects that a professional masseur may produce by changing the orientation of the masseur's hands.

Referring again to Fig. 5, handle 20 also has an interior that may house vibrating mechanism 105. Vibrating mechanism 105 may be housed in the interior of post 40, the interior of handle 2 0, grip section 30, offset section 35, applicator 12 or any combinations thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. post 40 has an interior for housing a motor 110, an output shaft 115 connected to the motor, and an eccentric Weight 120 connected to the shaft. The interior of post 40 preferably has two or more moldings 125 and 130 for receipt of motor 110 and to impede the movement of the motor when the eccentric weight is rotated in post The motor 110 and eccentric weight 120 generate a vibration in post 40 and applicator 12, when the applicator is disposed over the post 40. Motor 110 has a motor output shaft that is connected to one end of output shaft 115, which in turn is connected to eccentric weight 120. Motor 110 also has an input coil and an output coil- The input coil of motor 110 is electrically connected to power supply 80 by a wire. When motor 110 is energized with power, the motor rotates output shaft 115 and, in turn, eccentric weight 120 is rotated. The eccentric weight 120 rotates in an unbalanced manner that results in a vibration of post 40 and applicator 12- In another embodiment of the present invention, at least two motors may be used. Other sources of vibration may be used with the present invention including, but not limited to, a motor 110 mounted to an eccentric cam or a spring or any other device for creating a vibration-in- the interior of post 40 or the interior of handle Preferably, heater 70 is in applicator 12. Also., heater is preferably a heater wire. Preferably, applicator 12 has heater 70 disposed winding along its interior and around therapeutic stone 65. In another embodiment, a thermal conductive plate (not shown) is disposed along the interior -,f applicator 12 in communication with at least one therapeutic stone 65 in aperture 60 f or heating the therapeutic stones. The thermal conductive plate may also be electrically connected to power supply 80. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positive thermal coefficient heater or inline heater may also be in applicator 12.

Heater 70, when energized by power supply 80, transfers heat energy through applicator 12 to therapeutic stones 65. In this manner, heater 70 heats therapeutic stones 65 preferably to a maximum temperature of sixty-five degrees Celsius. Heater transfers heat energy to therapeutic stone 65 and to at least maintain the temperature of the therepeutic stones and prevent the therapeutic stone from cooling. As shown in F'ig. 2, heater may surround a bottom side of therapeutic stones 65 to maximize the amount of heat energy that may be communicated through the therapeutic stones to the user's skin, muscles or body tissues.

A known problem in the art with using a massager with a detachable applicator 12 is the difficulty in maintaining the connection of power from power supply 80 to the electrical components in the applicator while simultaneously interchanging multiple applicators. Typically, the prior art has diff-iculties in implementing applicators that produce heating sensations and, vibratory sensations, and are detachable. Typicall~y, prior art applicators and handles are a unitary member to maintain and ensure the electrical connection between the applicator and the handle. The present invention has obviated this concern- Referring again to Fig. 5, outermost end 50 of post 40 has a first and second sockets 135, 140 respectively disposed on outermost end 50. First and second sockets 135, 140 are electrically connected to power supply 80 by a wire 150.

Applicator 12 also has a first and second male conductors 155, 160, respectively. First and second male conductors 155, 160 are generally cylindrical in shape and are made from any suitable electrically conductive material known in the art.

First and second male conductors 155, 160 are disposed in the interior of applicator 12 under lip 95. One skilled in the art should appreciate that first and second male conductors 155, 160 may be placed in any suitable location for mating with first and second sockets 140, 145 disposed on outermost end 50 of post In this manner, when applicator 12 is fastened on post heater 70 is energized with power.

The-heater 70 that is disposed in applicator 12 is also electrically connected to first and second male conductors 155, 160 by a wire. In this manner, heater 70 may receive electrical power from power supply 80 when first and second conductors 155, 160 are mated with first and second sockets 135, 140.

Handle 20 may also have a battery compartment 165 in the interior space.of handle 20. Battery compartment 165 may hold a number of batteries, a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery, a solar powered battery or any other suitable portable power supply known in the art or known in the future. In another exemplary embodiment, handle 20 may also include a power cord for electrically connecting the electrical components to an AC power supply.

A user may manipulate applicator 12 by grasping handle Referring to Fig. 1, grip 30 preferably has a number of gripping notches 170 disposed on an exterior surface, thereof to facilitate grasping of handle 20 by the user and to provide a positive tactile feedback to the user. Massager 10 can provide a massaging action by interaction of applicator 12, therapeutic stones 65 and/or contours of applicator 12 with body tissues and skin of the user by grasping handle 20 at the gripping notches 170.

In one embodiment, heater 70 and motor 110 are electrically connected to power supply 80. In a preferred embodiment, a first and a second capacitors 175 and 180 may be electrically connected amongst power supply 80, motor 110, the heater 70 to decrease the amount of voltage to the motor and the heater from power supply Additionally, electrically connected between power supply capacitors 175 and 180, infrared therapy device 75, motor 110, and heater 70 is a first switch 185 and a second switch 186. switches 185 and 186 may have two positions, namely a first and a second position. When first switch 185 is in the first position, vibratory sensations will be imparted to the user. when second switch 186 is in--the first position, heating sensations will be imparted to the user through therapeutic stone 6S, infrared therapy device 75 or copper material (not shown). When first and second switch 185, 186 are placed in the second position, the mnassager 10 is off.

in operation, when the user desires vibratory sensations to be imparted to the user, user moves first switch 185 to the first position. In the first position, power flows from power supply 80 across switch 185 to motor 110. Motor 110 rotates output shaft 115 and, in turn, eccentric weight 120. Eccentric weight 120 rotates in an unbalanced manner thereby imparting an unbalancing force to vibrate post 40 and applicator 12 in a number of directions relative to handle 20. when the user desires heated stone therapy delivered from therapeutic stone to the user, the user moves second switch 186 to the first position. when the switch 186 is in the first position, power is transferred from power supply 80 across the second switch 186 through first and second socket 135, 140 to first and second conductors 155, 160 to heater 70 disposed in applicator 12.

Heater 70 is energized and power from power supply 80 is converted into heat energy transmitted through therapeutic stones In yet another embodiment, when second switch 186 is in the first position, power is transferred from power supply 80 across second switch 186 through first and second sockets 135, 140 to first and second conductors 155, 160 to infrared therapy device that is disposed in the applicator 12, for energizing the infrared device. Other removable geometric couplings or connectors to post 40 are possible and in the scope of the present invention.

A power cord 190 for charging of the battery may be provided at the end of handle 20 opposite applicator 12.

Alternatively, a plug (not shown) may be connected to power cord 190 for providing direct power to motor 110 and heater First and second switches 185, 186 may also be electrically connected to an electric circuit to regulate the amount of power delivered from the electrical components mounted upon a printed circuit board 200. Preferably, board 200 is mounted in or along the interior of handle 20. In an alternative embodiment, board 200 may be mounted on a motor casing 205 that encapsulates the motor 110.

In yet another embodiment, a light emitting diode indicator light 210 may be located on the exterior surface of handle wired between power supply 80 and switch 185 to indicate that a battery is charging. In an alternative embodiment, LED 210 may be wired between heater 70 and power supply 80 to indicate that the heater 70 is activated.

Referring to Fig. 1 and 2, through positioning of applicator 12, massager 10 produces a portable, vibrating, therapeutic hot stone massage to the user's body comparable to a masseur's spa or finger like massage. One skilled in the art should appreciate that the weight of the therapeutic stone acts to dampen the vibration produced by vibrating mechanism 105. The dampening of the vibration produces a more relaxing vibrating sensation to the user than the chaotic shaking of the prior art wand massagers. The sensations imparted by massager are comparable to the stimulus of a therapeutic, deluxe masseur that can be found in an expensive spa. The user can adjust the massager to provide a wide variety of massage sensations included infrared therapy, copper therapy and heated stone therapy.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances.

Claims (14)

1. A heated object therapy system comprising: a basin; a liquid contained in said basin; at least one object positioned in said basin; and a heat source for generating heat and transferring heat to said liquid and to said object, wherein said object is removable from said basin and positionable against or upon a surface to transfer heat from said object to said surface.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said object comprises a stone.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said heat source is an electrical heat source.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said surface to which heat is transferred is the outer surface of a human body.

A system according to claim 1, further comprising: an impact-resistant plate positioned inside said basin and adapted to support said objects thereon and to protect said basin from impact generated by movement of said objects.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein said plate comprises at least one vent forming a passage therethrough to enable said liquid to circulate therethrough.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein said basin comprises a basin floor having a top surface facing upward and forming the floor of an internal chamber within said basin, and a bottom surface opposite said top surface; and said heat source comprises a heat surface contact element that contacts said bottom surface of said basin for to transmit heat thereto which is then transmitted through said basin floor via said top surface to said water.

8. A system according to claim 7, further comprising: an increased surface area section of said basin floor having non-planar contours which cause said basin floor to have a greater surface area than if said basin floor were a smooth plane.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein said increased surface area section comprises a series of ridges formed on at least said top surface of said basin floor.

A system according to claim 8, wherein said increased surface area section comprises a series of ridges formed on said top surface and said bottom surface of said basin floor. 18 [R:\LIBTT]03423.doc:hxa

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein said heat surface contact element comprises an electrical heating wire positioned against said bottom surface of said basin floor and resting in between at least two of said ridges formed on said bottom surface of said basin floor.

12. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: a controller for receiving an input signal to selectively activate or de-activate heat generation by said heat source.

13. A system according to claim 12, further comprising: a heat-adjustment controller for selecting a certain heating temperature for which said heat source generates.

14. A system according to claim 1, wherein said controller is programmable to receive input instructions determining one or more of time of heat generation, duration of heat generation, and temperature of heat. A heated object therapy system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one embodiment, as that embodiment is depicted in the accompanying drawings. Dated 11 September, 2003 Conair Corporation Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON 19 [R:\LIBTT]03423 doc:hxa