Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
1VIASSAGE DEVICE
CIZ~SS-REFE NCE T~ LATER APPLICATICINS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/415,314, filed September 30, 2002, and the U.S. lion-Provisional
Application relating
thereto, filed August 7, 2003.
FIELD ~F TIE INVENTI~N
This invention is directed to a massage device and, more particularly, to an
oscillator driven massage device.
~ACKGI~GLTND
Numerous handheld electrically powered percussion massagers exist for
providing
massaging action. These percussion massagers are typically designed for single-
handed
operation and have one or more massage heads protruding from the device. The
massage
heads typically move in an up-and-down or orbital motion, which creates a
massaging
action. Various mechanicals assemblies have been developed by which the
massage
heads can move to vary the speed and force delivered by the massaging action.
Some of the massagers are operable as massaging showerheads. Massaging
showerheads are often supported by brackets attached to shower walls so that
the
showerheads may be used as stationary showerheads or may be removed from the
brackets and used as handheld massaging devices. Water massage showerheads
often
alter the direction and pressure of the water emitted from the shower head to
create
different massaging actions.
{WP143930;1 }
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
While a massaging showerhead may provide a soothing massaging action, such a
massaging action lacks the amount of force typically delivered by electrically
powered
massagers. Furthermore, massagers not driven by water often do not provide the
warmth
and comfort available from a flow of warm water emitted from a massaging
showerhead.
Thus, there exists a need for a massager having these and other advantages.
SZJIVIlVIAIZ~' OF TIIE INVENTI~N
This invention is directed to a massage device for providing a massaging
action
for a human or an animal. In at least one embodiment, the massage device may
be a
handheld water driven device. The handheld device may be formed in part from a
handle
and a head pivotably coupled to the handle. One or more massage heads may be
coupled
to the head for translating the massaging action created by the massage device
to a person
or animal.
The massage device may include an oscillation device for creating a pulsating
action. In at least one embodiment, the oscillation device may be contained in
the handle
of the massage device. The oscillation device may be configured to produce one
or a
plurality of massaging actions. The oscillation device may be water driven
using one or
more impellers. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the impellers may
be
positioned generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the massage device. In
other
embodiments, at least one of the impellers may be positioned generally
orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis of the massage device. In embodiments of the massage device
where
the oscillation device is water driven, a nozzle, or other conduit outlet, may
be placed in
close proximity to the impeller and positioned so that fluids emitted from the
nozzle may
{ WP 143930; I }
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
rotate the impeller and, in turn, drive the oscillation device. The fluids may
be, but are
not limited to, water, gas hot oils, and other appropriate materials. In water
driven
embodiments of the massage device, water used to drive the massage device may
be
expelled through one or more orifices in the head proximate to the massage
heads to
augment the massaging action of the massage head in the vicinity of the area
receiving
the massaging action.
The impeller may be formed from at least two sections, whereby a first section
is
configured to catch a fluid jet and rotate the impeller in a first direction,
and a second
section is configured to catch a fluid jet and rotate the impeller in a second
direction that
is generally opposite to the first direction. rotating the impeller in
opposite directions
may create different oscillatory actions created by the oscillation device.
Each section of
the impeller may have a different diameter, which may produce a different
rotational
speed of the impeller using the same fluid j et. Thus, an impeller having one
or more
sections with different sizes may produce different rotational speeds of a
shaft to which
the impeller may be attached.
In at least one embodiment, the oscillation device of the massage device may
be
formed from at Ieast one gear having a weight pivotably coupled to the gear.
The weight
may be pivotably coupled to the gear along a rotational axis that is different
from the
rotational axis of the gear. Thus, the center of mass of the weight may IlOt
be at the
rotational axis of the gear. The gear may include one or more stops for
positioning the
weight in at least two positions, a first and second position. often the
weight may be in a
first position when the gear is rotated in a first direction, and the weight
may be moved to
a second position when the gear is rotated in a second direction that is
generally opp~site
{ WP 143930;1 }
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
to the first direction. In at least some embodiments, the distance between the
center of
mass of the weight in the first position and the rotational axis of the gear
is different than
the distance between the center of mass of the weight in the second position
and the
rotational axis of the gear. This configuration may produce different
massaging actions
depending on which direction the gear is rotated because the center of mass is
at a
different distance from the rotational axis. Thus, different amounts of radial
forces may
be produced.
In some embodiments, the oscillating device may include two drive gears
coupled
together with a center gear so that the two drive gears rotate in the same
direction. Each
drive gear may include a weight rotatably connected to the drive gear. In at
least one
embodiment, one weight may be fixedly attached to a first drive gear and
another weight
may be rotatably attached to the second drive gear.
In an exemplary embodiment, the oscillating device rnay be formed from at
least
two drive gears and a center gear positioned between the two drive gears. Each
of the
drive gears may include a weight pivotably coupled to the drive gear at an
axis that is
different from the rotational axis of the drive gear. The center of mass of
the weights may
be at different distances from the rotational axes of the drive gears. Each
gear may
include a stop for positioning the weights in either a first or second
position. The second
position may position the weight about 180 degrees from the first position. In
some
embodiments, the weight may travel about 185-200 degrees from the first
position to the
second position to keep the weight from inadvertently returning the to first
position while
the drive gear is being rotated in a direction in which the weight should be
in the second
position.
{ WP 143930;1 }
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
The impeller may be coupled to one of the drive gears or the center gear. When
a
fluid jet contacts the impeller the impeller rotates. Rotation of the impeller
causes the
gear coupled to the impeller to rotate, which, in turn, causes the weight
coupled to the
impeller rotate as well. As the gears rotate, a radial force is produced. In
embodiments,
where the oscillation device is positioned in the head of the massage device,
the radial
force developed by the oscillation device causes the head to pivot about the
handle of the
massage device. The rotational movement of the head may be limited by one or
more
springs. Thus, the head is able to rotate a limited distance before a spring
returns the head
to the head°s resting position. The head may then be rotated in an
opposite direction a
limited amount. The speed and massaging action produced by the massage device
may
be controlled with controllers positioned in the handle.
These and other embodiments may be described in more detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTI~Ii~ ~F TIIE D ~6'INGS
The following figures depict these and other features of the invention in
which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a massage device according to one or more
aspects of this invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the massage device of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a weight included in the device shown in
Figure 2;
Figure 4 shows the weight of Figure 3 coupled to a gear and positioned in
multiple
positions relative to the gear;
Figure 5 depicts an oscillation device which is depicted as an element in
Figure 1;
{WP143930;1 } 5
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
Figure 6 depicts the oscillation device shown in Figure 5 in a different
rotational
position when the gears are rotated in an opposite direction than the
direction depicted in
Figure 5 and the center of mass of the weights are at different positions
relative to
rotational axes of the gears;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the oscillation device shown in Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the oscillation
device;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the oscillation
device of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the oscillation device shown in Figure 8
rotating
in a first direction;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the oscillation device shown in Figure 8
rotating
in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
oscillation
device;
Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the oscillation device shown in
Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
oscillation
device;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the
oscillation device rotating in a first direction;
{WP143930;1 } ()
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
Figure 16 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the
oscillation
device shown in Figure 15 rotating in a second direction, which is opposite to
the first
direction;
Figure 17 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a weight pivotably
coupled to a gear rotating in a first direction;
Figure 18 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of a weight pivotably
coupled to the gear shown in Figure 17 rotating in a second direction, which
is opposite to
tile first direction;
Figure 19 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a weight pivotably
coupled to a gear rotating in a first direction;
Figure 20 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of a weight pivotably
coupled to the gear shown in Figure 18 rotating in a second direction, which
is opposite to
the first direction;
Figure 21 is top view of the cam shown in Figures I S and 16 when rotated in a
first direction;
Figure 22 is a top view of the cam shown in Figures 15 and 16 when rotated in
a
second direction;
Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an
impeller;
Figure 24 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of an impeller having a
weight pivotably coupled to the impeller;
Figure 25 is a partial side view of the massage device of this invention with
an
additive emitting chamber;
{WP143930;1{ 7
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
Figure 26 is a partial side view of the massage device of this invention shown
with
an alternative additive emitting chamber;
Figure 27 is a partial side view of the massage device of this invention shown
with
another alternative additive emitting chamber;
Figure 28 is a side view of this invention depicting a massage device coupled
to a
fluid supply system having a showerhead;
Figure 29 is a side view of this invention depicting an alternative massage
device
coupled to a fluid supply system having a showerhead;
Figure 30 is a side view of an alternative system for controlling fluid flow
to a
massage device of this invention;
Figure 31 is a side view of the massage device of this invention shoum in use;
Figure 32 is a side view of the massage device of this invention shown in use
with
an alternative oscillation device and a flexible handle p~rtion;
Figure 33 is a side view of the massage device of this invention shoum in use
with
one of the oscillation devices shown in Figures 14-16;
Figure 34 is a side view of the massage device of this invention shown in use
with
one of the oscillation devices shown in Figures 8-1 l, 12 or 13;
Figure 35 is a top view of a cam in a first position usable the oscillation
device
shown in Figures 15; and
2Q Figure 36 is a top view of the cam shown in Figure 35 is a second position
shown
in Figure 16.
{WP143930;1 }
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF .THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a massage device 10 capable of generating a
massaging action. The massage device 10 may be a handheld device that can be
positioned in a variety of places to impart a massaging action on a human or
an animal,
which may provide comfort or relieve stress, or both. In at least one
embodiment, the
massage device 10 may be driven by a fluid jet, which may produce percussive
or other
forces that can be delivered to tissue or muscle when the device is positioned
proximate
to a skin surface of a human or animal, which collectively may be referred to
hereinafter
as a user. In other embodiments of this invention, the massage device 10 may
be powered
by electrical energy or other power sources. The fluid jet may be, but is not
limited to,
water.
The massage device 10, as shown in Figure 1, may include a body formed from a
head 12 coupled to a handle 14. In at least one embodiment, the head 12 may be
pivotably coupled to the handle 14 and may form a distal end 16 of the massage
device 10
while the handle 14 may form a proximal end 18. The handle 14 may be formed
into a
variety of shapes for assisting a user to massage various parts of the user's
body or the
body of another person or an animal. For instance, the handle 14 may be
parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the massage device 10, generally orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis,
or in other positions. The handle 14 may also have different lengths. The
massage device
10 may be formed from a rigid material, such as, but not limited to, plastic,
such as
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other appropriate materials. In at least one
embodiment,
the handle 14 may be ergonomically configured to fit into the palm of a user's
hand. In at
least one embodiment, the handle 14 may be formed from two or more pieces, as
shown
{WP143930;1 }
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
in Figure 2. The handle may also include a pad 13 for providing a stable
gripping
surface. In at least one embodiment, the head 12 may be pivotably coupled to
the handle
14 such that the head 12 may rotate relative to the handle 14 to produce a
massaging
action. The handle 14 may also include controls 20 for controlling the massage
device
10.
The massage device 10, as shown in Figure 2, may include a plurality of
massage
heads 22 attached to the head 12. The massage heads 22 may be configured so
that
during operation of the massage device 10, the massage heads 22 may impart a
force
generated by the massage device 10 to a user. 'The massage heads 22 may be
fixedly
attached to protrusions 24 extending from the head 12. In another embodiment,
the
massage heads 22 may be releasably attached to the head I2. The massage heads
22 may
be formed from a deformable material capable of absorbing and delivering
forces.
The head 12 and correspondingly, the massage heads 22, may be rotated by an
oscillation device 26. The oscillation device 26 may be any device capable of
oscillating
1 S the head 12 back and forth about the handle 14. In at least one
embodiment, the
oscillation device 26 may pivot from a starting position, to a frst position
that is between
about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees from the starting position, and back
through the
starting position to a second position that is between about 5 degrees and
about 20
degrees from the starting position in a direction opposite to the first
position. The
pivoting of the head may be limited by a rotation limiting device, described
in detail
below. With such oscillation, the massage heads may be placed in motion fox
massaging
a user when in contact with the user. The oscillating device 26 is able to
generate the
massaging action produced by the massage device 10.
{ WP 143930;1 } 10
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
In at least one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the oscillation device 26
may
include a first drive gear 28, a second drive gear 30, and a center drive gear
32. Each of
the drive gears 28, 30, and 32 may have a plurality of teeth 34 configured to
mesh
together. The drive gears 28, 30, and 32, may be supported in the massage
device with
shafts 36, 38, 40, respectively. In at least one embodiment, as shown in
Figure 7, the
center drive gear 32 may be coupled to an impeller 42 for driving the
oscillation device
26. In other embodiments, the impeller 42 may be coupled to the first drive
gear 28 or the
second drive gear 30.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first drive gear 28 may include one or more
weights 44. The weight 44 may be fixedly or releasably attached to the first
drive gear
28. In at least one embodiment, both the first drive gear 28 and the second
drive gear 30,
as shown in Figures 5 and 6, may include one or more weights 44. The center of
mass 64
of the weights 44 may be offset from the rotational axis 48 of the first and
second drive
gears 28 and 30. By offsetting the location of the center of mass 64 of the
weights
relative to the rotational axis 48 of the first and second drive gears 28 and
30, a radial
force may be generated by the drive gears 28 and 30 when the drive gears 28
and 30 are
rotated. As the distance between the center of mass of a drive gear 28 or 30
and the
rotational axis 48 is increased, or the weight of the weight 44 is increased,
the radial
forces generated by the rotating drive gear 28 or 30 increase, which provides
different
massaging actions to a user.
In at least one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the weight 44 may be
pivotably
coupled to the first drive gear 28. The weight 44 may be coupled to rotate
about an axis
46 that is offset from the rotational axis 48 of the first drive gear 28. In
at least one
{WP143930;1}
a
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
embodiment, an insert 50 may be pivotably coupled to the weight 44. As shown
in Figure
3, the insert 50 rnay include an orifice 52 capable of being aligned with an
orifice 54 in
the first drive gear 28 for receiving the shaft 36. As shown in Figure 4, the
insert 50 may
be attached to the first drive gear 28 with a connection device 56. The
connection device
56 may be, but is not limited to, a screw, bolt, or other connection device.
The
connection device 56 may form axis 46 about which the weight 44 rotates. The
weight 44
attached to the second drive gear 30 may have an identical configuration.
The weight 44 may rotate from a first position 58, as shown in Figure 4, to a
second position 60, as shown in phantom lines in Figure 4. The distance FP 62
between
the rotational axis 48 and a center of mass 64 is not equal to the distance SP
66 between
the rotational axis 48 and the center of mass 64. In at least one embodiment,
the first
position 58 of the weight 44 is rotated about 180 degrees from the second
position 60 of
the weight 44. In other embodiments, the second position 60 of the weight 44
may be
rotated about 185 degrees to about 200 degrees from the first position 58 of
the weight
44. By rotating the weight 44 to between about 185 degrees and about 195
degrees from
the first position, the weight 44 is prevented from inadvertently moving to
the first
position while the oscillating device 26 is being rotated in a direction such
that the weight
44 should be in a second position. The weight 44 may be restrained from
traveling
greater amounts than these ranges with one or more stops 68. The size, shape,
and
number of the stops 68 needed to limit the rotation of the weight 44 within
this range of
motion is dictated, in at least one embodiment, by the size and shape of the
weight 44.
Thus, in embodiments where the weight 44 covers a relatively large portion of
the gear, a
{WP143930;1 } 1 ~.
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
single stop 68 may be sufficient. In other embodiments, two or more stops 68
may be
needed.
Figures 5 and 6 show weights 44 rotatably attached to first and second drive
gears
28 and 30. As shown in Figure 5, the weights 44 may be positioned in a first
liosition on
the first and second drive gears 28 and 30 s~ that the center of mass 64 of
the weights are
closer to the rotational axis 48 of the drive gears 28 and 30 than the center
of mass 64 is
relative to the rotational axis 48 in a second position, as shown in Figure 6.
Positioning
the weights 44 in the second position shown in Figure 6 allows a greater
radial force to be
developed when rotating the first and second drive gears 28 and 30 than when
the gears
28 and 30 are rotated with the weights 44 in first position. The weights 44
may be
positioned in the first position by rotating the first and second drive gears
28 and 30 in,
for instance, a counterclockwise direction, as shown in Figure ~. The weights
44 may be
moved into the second position by rotating the first and second drive gears 28
and 30 in
an opposite direction, which may be a clockwise rotation, as shown in Figure
6.
~perating the massage device 10 with weights positioned in the first position,
as shown in
Figure 5, produces a fast repetitive action with a small distance of travel of
the massage
heads 22. ~n the other hand, operating the massage device with weights
positioned in the
second position, as shown in Figure 6, produces a slower repetitive action
with a larger
distance of travel of the massage heads 22 than the massage heads 22 in the
first position
shown in Figure 5.
Figures 5-7 depict the weight 44 on the first drive gear 28 as being 180
degrees
out-of phase with the weight 44 on the second drive gear 30. Positioning the
first and
second drive gears 28 and 30 in this manner can produce a oscillating
massaging action in
{WP143930;1 J
13
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
massage heads 22. However, operation of the massage device Z0, and more
specifically,
the configuration of the oscillation device 26 is not limited to this
relationship. Instead,
the weights 44 on the first and second drive gears 28 and 30 may be positioned
relative to
each other so that the weights 44 are in-phase with each other. Operating the
massage
device 10 while the weights 44 are in-phase with each other produces a massage
action
having the same pace as operating the device 10 with out of phase weights;
however, a
greater amount of force is imparted by the massage heads 22 when the weights
44 are
rotated in-phase with each other.
Figures 8-11 depict an alternative embodiment of the oscillation device 26.
The
oscillation device 26 may be formed from a first drive gear 70, a second drive
gear 72,
and one or more shafts 74 coupling the first and second drive gears 70 and 72
together.
At least one of the first and second drive gears 70 and 72 may be positioned
generally
orthogonal to the shaft 74 about which the gears 70 and 72 may rotate. When
placed in a
massage device 10, such as in a handle 14, the first and second drive gears 70
and 72 may
be positioned so that the gears 70 and 72 rotate generally parallel to a
longitudinal axis 76
of the massage device 10. In addition, the first and second drive gears 70 and
72 may be
positioned generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 76 of the massage device
10.
As shown in Figure 9, the shaft 74 may be composed of two shafts, which may be
coupled together with a center drive gear 78. Weights 80 may be coupled to the
first and
second drive gears 70 and 72. The weights 80 may be rotatable relative to the
gears 70
and 72. Stops 81 may be used to position the weights 80 in either a first
position, as
shown in Figure 10, when the shaft 74 is rotated in a first direction, or in a
second
position, as shown in Figure 11, when the shaft is rotated in a second
direction, which is
{ WP 143930;1 } 14
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
opposite to the first direction. The center of mass 82 of the weights 80 may
be at
different distances from the rotational axis 86 about which. the first and
second drive gears
70 and 72 rotate. This may be accomplished by making the axis 88 about which
the
weight 80 rotates offset from the rotational axis 86 about which the first and
second drive
gears 70 and 72 rotate.
Another alternative embodiment of the oscillation device 26 is shown in
Figures
12 and 13. The oscillation device 26 may be formed from a drive gear 90
coupled to a
shaft 92. A first weight 94 may be fixedly attached to the shaft 92 at a first
end 96, and a
second weight 98 may be rotatably attached to a second end 100, which is
generally
opposite to the first end. The second weight 98 may be held in place with a
collar 102.
As shown in Figure 12, the second weight 98 may be in-phase with the first
weight 94.
The shaft 92 may also be rotated so that the second weight 98 is about 180
degrees out-
of phase from the first weight 94. The second weight 98 may be held in this
position by
stop 104. The shaft 92 may be driven by an impeller 106. The impeller 106 may
include
a first section 108 having teeth facing a first direction for receiving a
fluid jet and rotating
the shaft 92. The impeller 106 may also include a second section 110 having
teeth facing
a second direction that is generally opposite to the teeth in the first
section 108 for
receiving a fluid jet and rotating the shaft 92 in an opposite direction.
A fluid jet may be used to drive the impeller 106. The fluid jet may be
controlled
by a valve 112. The valve 112 may be capable of directing the fluid jet
towards the first
section 108 or the second section 110. In at least one embodiment, the valve
112 may
include a first nozzle 114 directed toward the first section 108 and a second
nozzle 116
{WP143930;1 }
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
directed toward the second section 110. A conduit 118 may be connected to the
valve
112.
Another alternative embodiment of the oscillation device 26 is shown in
Figures
14-16. The oscillation device 26 shown in Figures 14-16 nay be formed from a
body
120. Body 120 may rotate about a shaft 122. The body 120 may also include a
slot 124
for receiving a cam 126. The cam 126 may be driven by a water driven impeller,
such as
the impeller 106 shown in Figures 12 and 13. As the cam 126 is rotated, the
body 120
oscillates about the shaft 122, as indicated by arrows 128, which, in turn,
moves massage
heads 22 as shown by arrows 130. Rotational motion may be transferred from the
water
driven impeller (not shown) to the cam 126 through a shaft 132, a plurality of
gears 134,
and a shaft 136.
As shown in Figure 15, oscillation device 26 may include a second cam 138. The
second cam 138 may cooperate with the cam 126 to produce a first action when
the shaft
136 rotates in a first direction, which may be clockwise, as shown in Figures
15 and 35.
If the shaft 136 rotates in a second direction, which may be counterclockwise,
as shown
in Figures 16 and 36, the second cam 138 may rotate until protrusion 140
strikes stop 142
and produce a second action that may be different from the first action. The
distance
between the shaft 136 in the second position, as shown in Figure 16, and a
center of the
cam 126 is greater than the distance between the shaft 136 in the first
position, as shown
in Figure 15, and the center of the cam 126. Thus, the action produced by the
massage
heads 22 when the shaft 136 is rotated in a frst direction, as shown in Figure
15, is
different than the action produced by the massages heads 22 when the shaft 136
is rotated
in a second direction, as shown in Figure 16. In at Least one embodiment,
moving the
( WP 14393U;1 } 16
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
second cam 138 in the first direction may produce small oscillations, and
moving the
second cam 138 in a second direction may produce large oscillations. The
second cam
I38 is shown in detail in Figures 35 and 36. The second cam 138 may include a
slot 160
fox receiving a shaft 162 coupled to the cam 126. Figures 15 and 35 depict the
second
cam 138 in the ftrst position, and Figures 16 and 36 depict the second cam 138
in the
second position, as depicted in Figure 16.
The oscillation device 26 may include one or more weights, as previously
described. The weights may have various conf gurations, as shown in Figures 17-
20.
The weight 1 SO may be shaped as a boomerang, as shown in Figures 17 and 18,
as a pie
shape, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, or as any other appropriate shape. A
shaft 152 may
be located at the center of rotation of the gear 154 and may be used to
control the position
of the boomerang shaped weight 150. The weight 150 may move from a first
position, as
shown in Figure 17, to a second position, as shown in Figure 18. The distance
between
the center of mass 154 of the weight 150 and the center of rotation 156 of the
gear is
decreased between the first position and the second position. The forces
generated by the
weight 150 in the second position, as shown in Figures 18 and 20, are
generally less than
the forces generated by the weight 150 in the first position, ~s shown in
Figures 17 and
19. The weight 150 shown in Figures 18 and 20 may be controlled using stop 158
attached to the gear 154.
The oscillation device 26 may be driven by mechanical motion, electrical
energy
or other forms of power. In at least one embodiment, the oscillation device 26
may be
driven with one or more fluid jets. As shown in Figure 2, the massage device
10 may
include a fluid jet supply system 165. The fluid jet supply system 165 may
include one or
{WP143930;1 } 17
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
more valves 166 for controlling the supply of water to the impeller 42. In one
embodiment, the valve 166 may be capable being moved between an open state and
a
closed state and may have a single outflow. In yet another embodiment, as
shown in
Figure 2, the valve 166 may be capable of directing a fluid to one of two or
more outlets
I68 and may be placed in a closed state, thereby preventing fluids from
flowing out of
any of the outlets I68. The valve 166 may operate along a continuum such that
the
amount of flow out of each outlet 168 may be anywhere between zero flow and
full flow.
A first outlet 170 of the valve 166 may be coupled to a first nozzle 172 using
conduit 174.
A second outlet 176 of the valve 166 may be coupled to a second nozzle 178
using
conduit 180. The first nozzle 172 may be positioned so that the fluid jet
emitted from the
first nozzle 172 is directed toward a first section 182 of the impeller 42 to
rotate the
impeller 42 in a first direction. The second nozzle 178 may be positioned so
that the fluid
jet emitted from the second nozzle 178 is directed toward a second section 184
of the
impeller 42 to rotate the impeller 42 in a second direction that is generally
opposite to the
first direction.
The first section 182 of the impeller 42 may be larger or smaller than the
second
section 184. Each section 182 and 184 may include a plurality of teeth 186
configured to
catch the fluid jet and transfer forces from the fluid jet to a shaft to which
the impeller 42
is attached. In embodiments where the first and second sections 182 and 184
are different
sizes, the impeller 42 will rotate at different speeds depending on whether a
fluid is
emitted from the first nozzle 172 or from the second nozzle 178. In other
embodiments,
the first and second sections 182 and 184 of the impeller 42 may be the same
size and
{WP143930;1 } 18
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
thus, may rotate at the same sped regardless of which section of the impeller
42 contacts
the fluid jet, assuming a constant velocity of the fluid jet striking the
impeller 42.
The oscillation device 26 may be driven using one or more impellers 42, as
shown
in Figures 2, 12 and 13, as previously described. Rather than using only a
single impeller
42 coupled to a center drive gear 32, as shown in Figure 2, an alternative
configuration
shown in Figures 23 and 24 may be composed of two or more impellers 222 and
224.
Each impeller 222 and 224 may be fixedly attached to a shaft 226 and 228,
respectively,
that may in turn be attached to drive gears 230 and 232. A center drive gear
234 may be
positioned between the drive gears 230 and 232 so that the drive gears 230 and
232 may
rotate in the same direction. In an alternative embodiment, the drive gears
230 and 232
may contact each other directly so that each gear 230 and 232 rotates in an
opposite
direction relative to each other. The impellers 222 and 224 each have teeth
235 and 236,
respectively, for catching a fluid jet. The teeth 234 on the impeller 222 may
be positioned
oppositely to the teeth 236 on the impeller 224 to rotate the impeller 222 in
a direction
opposite to the direction of rotation of the impeller 224.
As shown in Figure 24, either impeller 222 or 224, or both, may have a weight
238
attached to the impeller. The weight 238 may be rotatably attached and capable
of
moving between at least first and second positions where a distance between a
center of
mass 240 of the weight 238 and an axis of rotation 242, thereby producing
different
amounts of force for transmission to a user's skin surface via the massage
heads 22
depending on the position of the weight 238. A stop 244 may be used to
position the
weight 238 in the first or second position.
( WP 143930;1 } 19
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
As shown in Figure 2, the valve 166 may be coupled to a conduit 187 for
receiving
a fluid from a fluid supply source 164. The fluid supply source 164 may be a
public
utility system, a well, a gravity feed system or other device. In at least one
embodiment,
the conduit 187 may be coupled to a fitting 188 for splitting the flow of
water. The fitting
188 may also be configured to be coupled to a flexible hose 190, which may in
turn be
coupled to a standard shower fitting or other device.
In at least one embodiment, the massage device 10 may also include an additive
emitting chamber 192 for emitting additives, such as, but not limited to,
lotions, soaps,
fragrances, and other materials during use of the massage device 10. The
additive
emitting chamber 192 may be positioned on the distal end 16 of the head 12, as
shown in
Figures 2, 23, and 24. In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 27, the
additive
admitting chamber 192 may be positioned proximate the head 12 or handle 14 of
the
massage device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the additive emitting chamber 192 may
include one or more holes 194 for emitting an additive from the massage device
10. An
additive may be emitted by sending a fluid jet into the additive emitting
chamber 192.
The fluid jet released into the additive emitting chamber 192 may be
controlled using a
valve 196. The valve 196 may be coupled to a nozzle 198 positioned to emit a
fluid into
the additive emitting chamber 192. A conduit 200 may connect the nozzle 198 to
the
valve 196. Additives may be added to the additive emitting chamber 192
whenever
necessary.
Emitting additives together with a fluid flowing through the massage device 10
may add to the massage effect delivered by the massage device 10 by adding
heat, scent,
texture, and other items. For instance, the temperature of the fluid sent
through the
{WP143930;1 } 20
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
massage device 10 may be warm so as to provide heat to the massaged area of a
user to
supplement the massaging effect of the fluid. While additives may be emitted
from the
additive emitting chamber 1 ~2, fluids used to drive the impeller 42, 106,
222, and 224
may be emitted through one or more orifices 201 in the head 12 as well and may
enhance
the massaging action. In particular, the fluids emitted through the orifice
201 may
provide additional massaging action. The orifice 201 may be referred to as a
drip hole in
some embodiments. The fluids may provide heat in some embodiments. In at least
some
embodiments where an additive emitting chamber 192 is not included in the
massage
device 10, fluids may be emitted through the orifices 201 to enhance the
effects of the
massage action created by the massage device. The orifices 201 may be
positioned in the
head 12 proximate to the massage heads 22.
The valve 196 may be placed in an open state, a closed state, or anywhere
along a
continuum between the open state and the closed state. The valve I96 may be
adjusted
by rotating a dial 202 that is exposed in the handle 14. The dial 202 may have
visual
indications of the state of the valve 196. A conduit 204 may be coupled to the
valve 196
to connect the valve 196 to the fitting 188.
In at least one embodiment, the head 12 of the massage device 10 may be formed
from at least one chamber 206 for containing the oscillation device 26. In
embodiments
where the oscillation device 26 is driven by a fluid, the chamber 206 may
include a drain
208 for draining the fluid from the chamber 206. In at least one embodiment,
as shown in
Figure 2, the chamber 206 may include a plate 214 forming an upper chamber 210
and a
lower chamber 212. The upper chamber 210 may be sized and configured to
contain the
impeller 42, and the lower chamber 212 may be sized to contain at least a
portion of the
{WP143930;1 } 21
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
oscillation device 26. The upper chamber 210 contains substantially all of the
water
emitted from the first or second nozzles 172 or 178 while the plate 214 can
prevent
substantially all of the water from entering the lower chamber 212. The plate
214 may be
positioned in the head 12 to form a side of the upper chamber 210 and prevent
fluids from
entering the lower chamber 212 from the upper chamber 210. The plate 214
shields the
oscillation device 26 from contact fluid contained in the upper chamber 210.
In this
embodiment, a drive shaft 216 may be coupled to the impeller 42 and pass
through an
orifice 218 in the plate 214. The drive shaft 216 may be positioned in various
manners to
provide rotational motion to the oscillation device 26.
The head 12 may be pivotably coupled to the handle 14. In at least one
embodiment, the range of motion of the head 12 relative to the handle 14 may
be limited.
For instance, the head 12 may only be able to pivot clockwise or counter
clockwise from
a resting position about S to about 20 degrees. In other embodiments, the head
12 may be
restricted to a more narrow range or expanded to a broader range. In the
embodiment
shown in Figure 2, movement of the head 12 may be limited with one or more
rotation
limiting devices, which may be, but is not limited to, a spring 220. The
spring 220 may
have two arms for contacting ribs (not shown) in the head 12 limiting rotation
of the head
12 relative to the handle 14. During use the spring 220 may load when the head
12 is
rotated near the limit and may release a force to return the head 12 to a
resting position.
During operation, the massage device 10 may be used to apply repetitive forces
to
a surface of a human, animal, or other object. The massage device 10 may be
coupled to
a fluid supply Line 244, as shown in Figure 28. The massage device 10 may be
coupled to
the fluid supply line 244 using a conduit 246. In at least one embodiment, the
conduit
{ WP 143930;1 } 22
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
246 may be a flexible hose that may have a length between about three feet and
about ten
feet. 'The conduit may be connected to the fluid supply line 244 using a
fitting 248. The
fitting 248 may be a conventional °'T'° fitting or may be
another type fitting. In at least
one embodiment, the fitting 248 may include a valve for controlling the flow
of a fluid to
the massage device 10 and to a showerhead 250.
As shown in Figure 29, the massage device 10 may be configured so that at
least a
portion of the fluid received from the fluid supply line 244 may be returned
to the fluid
supply line 244. A fluid may travel from the fluid supply line 244 through a
conduit 252
to the massage device 10. A portion of the fluid may or may not be emitted
from the
massage device 10. At least a portion of the fluid may be returned to the
fluid supply line
244 through a conduit 254. The conduits 252 and 254 may be coupled to the
fluid supply
line 244 through one or more fittings 256. A valve 258 may be incorporated in
the fluid
supply line 244 or may be positioned between two fittings 256, as shown in
Figure 30. If
the valve 258 is open, a fluid may flow through the fluid supply line 244 and
be emitted
out of the showerhead 250 and a portion of the fluid may or may not flow to
the massage
device 10. If the valve 258 is closed, the fluid will flow through conduit 252
to the
massage device 10. The fluid 258 will then be returned from the massage device
10
through the conduit 254 and emitted from the showerhead 250.
The massage device 10 may operate in various modes. In some modes, the
massage device produces a fast repetitive action. whereby the head 12
oscillates back and
forth about the handle 14 and there is relatively little displacement of the
massage heads
22. In this embodiment, each massage head 22 may strike a surface of a user
while the
other massage head 22 is being withdrawn from the surface. Thus, the massage
heads 22
{ Wl' 143930;1 } 23
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
alternate striking a surface. The massage device 10 may be operated in a first
mode in a
relatively fast repetitive action or may be operated in a second mode that is
slower than
the first mode, but may deliver mare force through the massage heads 22 to a
user,
thereby producing a stronger massaging effect because the massage heads 22
undergo a
larger displacement than the displacement of the massage heads 22 while the
massage
heads 22 are operating at a faster pace.
As a fluid flows through the massage device 10, the controls 20 shown in
Figure 1,
may be used to control the action of the massage device 10. Figures 31-34
depict the
various actions that may be produced by the massage device, depending on which
oscillation device 26 is installed in the massage device 10. Figure 31 depicts
an
embodiment in which the head 12 rotates about the handle 14. In this
embodiment, the
oscillation device 26 may be composed of the elements shown in Figure 2, 5, 6,
or 23. In
this embodiment, the massage device 10 may operate in one of two modes. The
massage
device 10 may operate in a first mode that has ~, relatively fast repetitive
action, such as
between about 2,000 and 3,000 pulses per minute, that emanates from the
massage heads
22. The massage device 10 may also operate in a second mode that has a slower
repetitive action that has less pulses per minute than does the first mode.
The slower
repetitive action of the massage device 10, the greater the distance of throw
of the
massage heads 22. In addition, the larger the throw distance, the larger the
massage effect
felt by a user. Thus, the faster repetitive action mode delivers less massage
effect to a
user than a slower repetitive action mode. A user may switch between these
modes using
the controls 20. The time period between each pulse may be identical in some
{WP1G3930;1 } 24
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
embodiments, or may differ in other embodiments, as dictated by the position
of the gears
and the weights on those gears relative to each other.
Figure 32 depicts an embodiment of the massage device 10 having a handle 14
with a flexible portion 262 positioned between a portion 264 held by a user
and the head
12. In this embodiment shown in Figure 32, the head 12 may vibrate, as
indicated by
arrows 260. The vibration is produced by rotation of the off center, out of
phase weights
44, which causes a shaking of the head 12 coupled to the flexible portion 262.
Figure 33
depicts an embodiment of the massage device 10 including the oscillation
device 26
shown in Figures 14-16. In this embodiment, the head 12 does not pivot.
Rather, the
massage heads 22 move up and down, as shown by the arrows 266. Figure 34
depicts an
embodiment of the massage device 10 where the head 12 may rotate relative to
the handle
14 and the handle 14 may move generally along the longitudinal axis 268 of the
massage
device 10. 'The massage device depicted in Figure 34 may have the oscillation
device 26
shown in Figures 8-13 installed therein.
When the massage device 10 is used, the massage device 10 may be connected to
a fluid supply line 244, as shown in Figures 28-30. The action of the massage
device 10
may be controlled using the controls 20, which may be a first dial and a
second dial
positioned in the handle 14. The first dial may control the action of the
massage heads
22, and the second dial 204 may control emission of an additive. dome
embodiments of
the massage device 10 may not have the additive emitting chamber 192 and
therefore, do
not include the second dial 204. A user may place the massage heads 22 in
contact with a
surface of the user's body of a surface of another person or an animal.
{ WP 143930;1 } 25
CA 02442871 2003-09-26
The massage device 10 may be positioned the head 12 of the massage device 10
is
in contact with a user. The massage device 10 may be actuated so that a
flowing fluid
rotates the head 12 of the massage device 10 relative to a handle 14 of the
massage device
10. At least a portion of the fluid used to drive the massage device 10 is
exhausted from
the device 10 in a manner so that at least a portion of this fluid contacts
the user. The
fluid flowing from the massage device 10 may be warm or hot water, such as
greater than
about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The massage device 10 may receive the flowing
fluid from
a shower head fitting in a shower.
The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and
describing
embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these
embodiments will
be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope
or spirit of this invention or the following claims.
{ WP 143930;1 } 2()
