Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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PERCUSSIVE THERAPY DEVICE WITH ACTIVE CONTROL
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent
Application No. 16/796,143,
filed February 20, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No.
62/844,424, filed May 7, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/899,098,
filed
September 11, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/912,392, filed
October 8,
2019. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent
Application No.
16/675,772, filed November 6,2019, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional
Application No. 62/785,151, filed on December 26, 2018. All applications
listed above are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to massage devices and more
particularly to a
percussive therapy device that provides reciprocating motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Massage devices often provide ineffective massages that are
superficial and do not
provide any real benefit. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved massage
device.
Furthermore, percussive massage devices are often used in an ineffective
manner.
Accordingly, there is a need for a percussive therapy device to be automated
to provide
effective massage or recovery.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0004] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
percussive therapy or percussive massage device that includes a housing, an
electrical
source, a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor,
and a routine
controller configured to initiate a protocol configured to apply at least one
output of the
percussive therapy device in response to user input, and initiate at least one
step of the
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protocol in which the percussive therapy device is applied in accordance with
the at least
one output. It will be appreciated that the terms percussive massage device
and percussive
therapy device are used interchangeably throughout. The terms are synonymous
and
generally have the same meaning. Commercial embodiments of the applicant's
devices are
generally being called percussive therapy devices in the market and therefore
this term is
used therein.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one output comprises one or
more of a time
period the percussive therapy device is activated (either automatically or by
the user
turning it on and off via a prompt), a speed of an attachment of the
percussive therapy
device (either automatically or by the user switching from one speed to
another via a
prompt), a force applied by the attachment (by the user using the device), an
amplitude of
the attachment, and a temperature of the attachment.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive therapy device includes a
force meter
configured to monitor and display a force applied by an attachment of the
percussive
therapy device. The display of the force is provided to a user and configured
so that the
user may adjust the force to correspond to a target force (which may be
defined to include
a target force range) to be applied during the at least one step of the
protocol.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive therapy device includes or
is configured to
communicated with an application (software application or app) configured to
provide a
user interface (e.g., on a user mobile device such as a phone or tablet).
Preferably, the
percussive therapy device includes a touch screen configured to provide or
that does
provide a user interface. In a preferred embodiment, a user is prompted to use
a specified
grip of the percussive therapy device (e.g., via the app visually, audibly or
haptically, the
touch screen on the percussive therapy device visually, audibly or haptically
or via another
screen or audible prompt).
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[0008] In a preferred embodiment, a user is prompted (e.g., visually,
audibly or haptically)
to apply an attachment of the percussive therapy device to a specified body
part.
Preferably, the user is prompted (e.g., visually, audibly or haptically) to
set an arm position
of the percussive therapy device. The percussive therapy generally wherein a
user is
prompted through at least one of haptic feedback, sound, visual representation
(e.g., a
picture, graphic, etc.) and text during the at least one step to apply the at
least one output.
In a preferred embodiment, the user is prompted to move the attachment from a
start point
to an end point (e.g., visually, audibly or haptically) on a specified body
part during the at
least one step of the protocol.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method
of executing a routine for a percussive therapy device. The method includes
initiating a
protocol configured to apply at least one output of the percussive therapy
device in
response to user input; and executing at least one step of the protocol in
which the
percussive therapy device is applied in accordance with the at least one
output. In a
preferred embodiment, the at least one output includes one or more of a
specified time
period the percussive therapy device is activated (either automatically or by
the user), a
speed of an attachment of the percussive therapy device, a force of the
attachment, an
amplitude of the attachment, a type of attachment, a temperature of the
attachment, an arm
position of the percussive therapy device, and a grip of the percussive
therapy device.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes monitoring a force
being applied by
an attachment of the percussive therapy device; and displaying the force to a
user.
Preferably, the force is configured to be displayed to the user so that the
user may adjust
the force to correspond to a target force (which may be a range) predetermined
by the at
least one step of the protocol. Preferably, the user is prompted to apply one
or more of the
at least one output during the at least one step of the protocol. In a
preferred embodiment,
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the user input initiates the protocol via at least one of an application
interface and a touch
screen. In a preferred embodiment, the protocol is configured to provide
therapeutic effect
to one or more body parts of a user.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method
of executing a routine for a percussive therapy device that includes
initiating a protocol
configured to apply at least one output of the percussive therapy device in
response to user
input, and initiating at least one step of the protocol in which the
percussive therapy device
is applied in accordance with the at least one output. The at least one output
comprises a
time period the percussive therapy device is activated, a speed of an
attachment of the
percussive therapy device, an amplitude of the attachment, a force applied by
the
attachment, and a temperature applied by the attachment. The percussive
therapy device is
configured to provide a prompt to use a specified grip of the percussive
therapy device and
apply the attachment to a specified body part upon initiating the protocol,
monitoring a
measured force being applied by the attachment, and displaying the measured
force to a
user, wherein the measured force is configured to be displayed to the user so
that the user
may adjust an applied force to correspond to a target force predetermined by
the at least
one step of the protocol.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the user is prompted to set an arm
position of the
percussive therapy device, and/or the user is prompted to apply the attachment
to a new
specified body part during the at least one step of the protocol, and/or the
user is prompted
to affix a new attachment to the percussive therapy device during the at least
one step of
the protocol, and/or the user is prompted to move the attachment from one
predetermined
point of a body part to a second predetermined body part during the at least
one step of the
protocol.
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[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
percussive therapy device that includes a housing, an electrical source, a
motor positioned
in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, and a push rod assembly
operatively
connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation
of the
motor. In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes first, second and third
handle
portions and a head portion that cooperate to define a handle opening. The
first handle
portion defines a first axis, the second handle portion defines a second axis
and the third
handle portion defines a third axis and the first, second and third axes
cooperate to form a
triangle. The motor is positioned in the head portion of the housing, and at
least a portion
of the push rod assembly extends outside of the head portion. In a preferred
embodiment
the first handle portion is generally straight, the second handle portion is
generally straight,
and the third handle portion is generally straight.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive therapy device incudes a
wireless
connection device (e.g., Bluetooth or the like) for connecting to a remote
device. Remote
means that any device separate from the percussive therapy device. The device
does not
need to be far away to be remote. Preferably, the electrical source is an
optional
rechargeable battery, and the percussive massage device further includes an
optional
wireless charging receiver that is in electrical communication with the
battery. Preferably,
the percussive therapy device includes and optional touchscreen.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the motor is a brushless motor, a motor
mount is
positioned in the housing, the motor is secured to the motor mount, and the
motor mount is
secured to the housing. Preferably, the motor mount includes first and second
side walls
that define a motor mount interior therebetween. The motor is secured to the
first side wall
and the second side wall is secured to the housing. In a preferred embodiment,
the motor
includes a motor shaft that extends through a protrusion opening defined in
the first side
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wall of the motor mount and into the motor mount interior, and at least a
portion of the
push rod assembly is positioned in the motor mount interior.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive therapy device includes an
attachment
connected to a distal end of the push rod assembly, and a routine controller
that is
configured to initiate a protocol configured to provide user instructions to
apply the
attachment to a first body part for a first period of time along a first
treatment path and to
apply the attachment to the first or a second body part for a second period of
a time along a
second treatment path. Preferably, the user instructions are provided via a
touch screen on
the percussive therapy device or on an application on a remote electronic
device. In a
preferred embodiment, the percussive therapy device includes an attachment
connected to
a distal end of the push rod assembly, and a routine controller that is
configured to initiate
a protocol configured to provide user instructions to apply the attachment to
a first body
part for a first period of time and to apply the attachment to the first or a
second body part
for a second period of a time. The routine controller is configured to
reciprocate the
attachment at a first speed during the first period of time and at a second
speed during the
second period of time.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive therapy device includes a
routine
controller that is configured to initiate a protocol to activate the motor for
at least a first
period of a time and a subsequent second period of time During the first
period of time the
routine controller is configured to provide first user instructions to perform
a first task
comprising at least one of treating a first body part, moving the attachment
along a first
treatment path, and connecting a first attachment to a distal end of the push
rod assembly,
and during the second period of time the routine controller is configured to
provide second
user instructions to perform a second task comprising at least one of treating
a second body
part, moving the attachment along a second treatment path, and connecting a
second
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attachment to the distal end of the push rod assembly. The first user
instructions may also
include instructions regarding grasping one of a first, second or third handle
portion, and
the second user instructions may also include instructions regarding grasping
the same or
another of the first, second or third handle portions. Preferably, the first
and second user
instructions are provided via a touch screen on the percussive therapy device
or on an
application on a remote electronic device. The first user instructions may
also include
instructions regarding applying a first target force (based on readings by the
force meter),
and the second user instructions may also include instructions regarding
applying the first
target force or a second target force (based on readings by the force meter).
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical source is a battery that
is positioned in the
second handle portion, and a wireless charging receiver that is in electrical
communication
with the battery is positioned in the third handle portion.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method
of using a percussive massage device that includes obtaining the percussive
massage
device that includes a housing having first, second and third handle portions
that cooperate
to define a handle opening, an electrical source, a motor positioned in the
housing, a switch
for activating the motor, and a push rod assembly operatively connected to the
motor and
configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor. The method
also includes
activating the motor using the switch, grasping the first handle portion,
massaging a first
body part, alternatively grasping the second handle portion and massaging the
first body
part, and alternatively grasping the third handle portion and massaging the
first body part.
In a preferred embodiment, the first handle portion defines a first axis, the
second handle
portion defines a second axis and the third handle portion defines a third
axis, and the first,
second and third axes cooperate to form a triangle. In a preferred embodiment,
the method
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also includes grasping the second handle portion, massaging a second body
part, grasping
the third handle portion, and massaging a third body part.
[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided
percussive massage device that includes a housing, an electrical source, a
motor positioned
in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, and a push rod assembly
operatively
connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation
of the
motor. In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes first, second and third
handle
portions that cooperate to define a handle opening, wherein the first handle
portion defines
a first axis, the second handle portion defines a second axis and the third
handle portion
defines a third axis, and wherein the first, second and third axes cooperate
to form a
triangle.
[0021] Preferably, the first handle portion includes a first handle portion
interior edge and
defines a first handle portion length and the first handle portion length is
long enough that
when a user grasps the first handle portion with a hand at least a portion of
three fingers
extend through the handle opening and contact the first handle portion
interior edge.
Preferably, the second handle portion includes a second handle portion
interior edge and
defines a second handle portion length and the second handle portion length is
long enough
that when a user grasps the second handle portion with a hand at least a
portion of three
fingers extend through the handle opening and contact the second handle
portion interior
edge. Preferably, the third handle portion includes a third handle portion
interior edge and
defines a third handle portion length and the third handle portion length is
long enough that
when a user grasps the third handle portion with a hand at least a portion of
three fingers
extend through the handle opening and contact the third handle portion
interior edge. In a
preferred embodiment, the first handle portion is generally straight, the
second handle
portion is generally straight and the third handle portion is generally
straight. Generally
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straight means that the majority of the handle portion is straight, but can
include rounded
edges or corners where the different handle portions meet or where the handle
portions
meet the bulge portion or the finger protrusion, etc.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the switch includes switch electronics
associated
therewith, the electrical source is a battery that is housed in the second
handle portion and
the switch electronics are housed in the first handle portion. Preferably, the
motor is
configured to rotate a pinion shaft having a pinion gear thereon about a shaft
rotation axis.
The housing includes a gear member disposed therein that is operatively
engaged with the
pinion gear and rotates about a gear rotation axis. The push rod assembly is
operatively
connected to the gear member, and rotational motion of the pinion shaft is
converted to
reciprocating motion of the push rod assembly through the engagement of the
pinion gear
and the gear member. The motor includes a motor shaft extending outwardly
therefrom and
a pinion coupling assembly is positioned between the motor shaft and the
pinion shaft. The
pinion coupling includes a lower connector that is operatively connected to
the motor shaft,
an upper connector that is operatively connected to the pinion shaft, and a
cross coupling
positioned between the lower connector and the upper connector. In a preferred
embodiment, the lower connector includes a main body portion that defines a
central
opening that receives the motor shaft and first and second lower connector
arms extending
outwardly from the main body portion, the upper connector includes a main body
portion
that defines a central opening that receives the pinion shaft and first and
second upper
connector arms extending outwardly from the main body portion, the cross
coupling
includes radially extending ribs, and the first and second lower connector
members and the
first and second upper connector members operatively engage the radially
extending ribs.
Preferably, the lower and upper connectors comprise a plastic and the cross
coupling
comprises an elastomer.
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[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the gear member is disposed in a rotation
housing that is
rotatable between at least first and second positions. A gearbox housing that
houses the
gear member is disposed in the rotation housing. The gearbox housing includes
a clearance
slot having first and second ends defined therein. The push rod assembly
extends through
the clearance slot, such that when the rotation housing is rotated from the
first position to
the second position the push rod assembly moves within the clearance slot from
adjacent
the first end to adjacent the second end.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the push rod assembly includes a first
rod portion having
a proximal end and a distal end and a second rod portion having a proximal end
and a
distal end. The proximal end of the first rod portion is operatively connected
to the motor.
An adapter assembly is positioned between the first and second rod portions.
The adapter
assembly allows the first rod portion to pivot with respect to the second rod
portion.
Preferably, the adapter assembly includes an adapter member that includes a
pocket that
receives the distal end of the first rod portion therein. A pivot pin spans
the pocket and
extends through the distal end of the first rod portion. In a preferred
embodiment, the
adapter member includes a protrusion that is received in the proximal end of
the second
rod portion.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
massage device that includes a housing, an electrical input, a motor, a switch
in electrical
communication with the electrical input and the motor and configured to
selectively
provide power from the electrical input to the motor, an actuated output
operatively
connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation
of the
motor, and a treatment structure operatively connected to a distal end of the
actuated
output. The actuated output is configured to reciprocate the treatment
structure at a
frequency of between about 15 Hz and about 100 Hz, and at an amplitude of
between
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about 0.15 and about 1.0 inches. The combination of amplitude and frequency
provides
efficient reciprocation of the treatment structure such that the treatment
structure provides
therapeutically beneficial treatment to a targeted muscle of a user.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the actuated output is configured to
reciprocate the
treatment structure at a frequency of between about 25 Hz and about 48 Hz, and
at an
amplitude of between about 0.23 and about 0.70 inches. In another preferred
embodiment,
the actuated output is configured to reciprocate the treatment structure at a
frequency of
between about 33 Hz and about 42 Hz, and at an amplitude of between about 0.35
and
about 0.65 inches.
[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
percussive massage device with a force meter that includes a housing, an
electrical source,
a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, and a
controller
configured to obtain a voltage of the motor, generate a lookup table
correlating voltage to
force applied by the percussive massage device, and display a force magnitude
corresponding to the obtained voltage using the lookup table. In a preferred
embodiment,
the lookup table is generated by determining a maximum magnitude of force
configured to
be applied by the percussive massage device, determining a maximum magnitude
of
voltage configured to be applied to the percussive massage device from a power
source,
dividing the maximum magnitude of force into equal force increments, and
dividing the
maximum magnitude of voltage into equal voltage increments. The number of
equal force
increments and the number of equal voltage increments is the same. Preferably,
the
percussive massage device includes a battery pack and a display configured to
depict an
amount of force applied by the percussive massage device. In a preferred
embodiment, the
display includes a series of LEDs. In a preferred embodiment, the percussive
massage
device includes an organic light-emitting diode screen.
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[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the motor is a brushless direct-current
(BLDC) motor.
Preferably, the percussive massage device includes a voltage-sensing resistor
electrically
coupled to the BLDC motor and the controller.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method
of displaying force of a percussive massage device that includes obtaining a
voltage of a
motor of the percussive massage device, generating a lookup table correlating
voltage to
force applied by the percussive massage device, and displaying a force
magnitude
corresponding to the obtained voltage using the lookup table. In a preferred
embodiment,
the lookup table correlating voltage to force is linear. Preferably, the
lookup table is
generated by determining a maximum magnitude of force configured to be applied
by the
percussive massage device, determining a maximum magnitude of voltage
configured to be
applied to the percussive massage device from a power source, dividing the
maximum
magnitude of force into equal force increments, and dividing the maximum
magnitude of
voltage into equal voltage increments, wherein the number of equal force
increments and
the number of equal voltage increments is the same.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes obtaining a maximum
power source
voltage of the percussive massage device, setting the maximum power source
voltage to be
the maximum magnitude of voltage, dividing the maximum magnitude of voltage
into
equal voltage increments, wherein the number of equal force increments and the
number of
equal voltage increments is the same, generating an updated lookup table
correlating
voltage to force applied by the percussive massage device corresponding to the
range of
voltages determined by the maximum power source voltage, and displaying a
calibrated
force magnitude corresponding to the power source voltage using the updated
lookup table.
In a preferred embodiment, the method includes obtaining at least two power
source
voltages each corresponding to a magnitude of force, wherein the magnitude of
force is
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determined from the displayed force magnitude, measuring a magnitude of force
exerted
by the percussive massage device using an external force meter for each of the
at least two
power source voltages, and generating an updated lookup table correlating
voltage to force
applied by the percussive massage device corresponding to the measured
magnitudes of
force.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes displaying a
calibrated force
magnitude corresponding to the measured magnitudes of force using the updated
lookup
table. Preferably, the lookup table is updated for each magnitude of force
capable of being
displayed on the percussive massage device.
[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method
of displaying force of a percussive massage device that includes obtaining a
current
magnitude of a battery pack of the percussive massage device, obtaining a
voltage
magnitude of the battery pack, determining a power magnitude using the current
magnitude and voltage magnitude of the battery pack, generating a lookup table
correlating
power magnitude to force magnitude applied by the percussive massage device,
and
displaying a force magnitude corresponding to the obtained power magnitude
using the
lookup table. In a preferred embodiment, the force magnitude is displayed
utilizing a series
of LEDs which are activated corresponding with the force magnitude.
Preferably, the
lookup table is generated by determining a maximum power magnitude to be input
into the
percussive massage device, determining a minimum power magnitude of the
percussive
massage device when no load is applied to the percussive massage device,
determining a
maximum force magnitude configured to be applied to the percussive massage
device from
a power source, dividing the maximum power magnitude into equal power
increments, and
dividing the maximum force magnitude into equal force increments. The number
of equal
power increments and the number of equal force increments is the same.
Preferably, the
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maximum power magnitude is a maximum effective power magnitude derived from a
total
effective power.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes determining at least
two power
magnitudes using current and voltage measurements of the battery pack, each
corresponding to a magnitude of force. The magnitude of force is determined
from the
displayed force magnitude. Measuring a magnitude of force exerted by the
percussive
massage device using an external force meter for each of the at least two
power
magnitudes, and generating an updated lookup table correlating power to force
applied by
the percussive massage device corresponding to the measured magnitudes of
force. In a
preferred embodiment, the method includes displaying a calibrated force
magnitude
corresponding to the measured magnitudes of force using the updated lookup
table.
Preferably, the lookup table is updated for each magnitude of force capable of
being
displayed on the percussive massage device.
[0034] It will be appreciated that the inventive features discussed herein
can be used with
any type of percussive massage device. For example, the force meter and other
features
taught herein can be used with the percussive massage device disclosed in U.S.
Patent No.
10,357,425 ("the '425 patent"), the entirety of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
[0035] In an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has
stored thereon
software instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor
to obtain a
voltage of a motor of the percussive massage device, generate a lookup table
correlating
voltage to force applied by the percussive massage device, and display a force
magnitude
corresponding to the obtained voltage using the lookup table.
[0036] In an embodiment, the lookup table is generated by determining a
maximum
magnitude of force configured to be applied by the percussive massage device,
determining a maximum magnitude of voltage configured to be applied to the
percussive
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massage device from a power source, dividing the maximum magnitude of force
into equal
force increments, and dividing the maximum magnitude of voltage into equal
voltage
increments. In an embodiment, the number of equal force increments and the
number of
equal voltage increments is the same.
[0037] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has
stored
thereon software instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the
processor to
obtain a maximum power source voltage of the percussive massage device, set
the
maximum power source voltage to be the maximum magnitude of voltage, and
divide the
maximum magnitude of voltage into equal voltage increments, generate an
updated lookup
table correlating voltage to force applied by the percussive massage device
corresponding
to the range of voltages determined by the maximum power source voltage, and
display a
calibrated force magnitude corresponding to the power source voltage using the
updated
lookup table.
[0038] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has
stored
thereon software instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the
processor to
obtain at least two power source voltages each corresponding to a magnitude of
force,
wherein the magnitude of force is determined from the displayed force
magnitude, measure
a magnitude of force exerted by the percussive massage device using an
external force
meter for each of the at least two power source voltages; and generate an
updated lookup
table correlating voltage to force applied by the percussive massage device
corresponding
to the measured magnitudes of force.
[0039] In an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has
stored thereon
software instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor
to obtain a
current magnitude of a battery pack of the percussive massage device, obtain a
voltage
magnitude of the battery pack, determine a power magnitude using the current
magnitude
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and voltage magnitude of the battery pack, generate a lookup table correlating
power
magnitude to force magnitude applied by the percussive massage device, and
display a
force magnitude corresponding to the obtained power magnitude using the lookup
table.
[0040] In an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has
stored thereon
software instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor
to determine
at least two power magnitudes using current and voltage measurements of the
battery pack,
each corresponding to a magnitude of force, wherein the magnitude of force is
determined
from the displayed force magnitude, measure a magnitude of force exerted by
the
percussive massage device using an external force meter for each of the at
least two power
magnitudes, and generate an updated lookup table correlating power to force
applied by the
percussive massage device corresponding to the measured magnitudes of force.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the motor, in one embodiment, converts
power from the
power source into motion. In some embodiments, the motor is an electric motor.
The
electric motor may be any type of electric motor known in the art, including,
but not
limited to, a brushed motor, a brushless motor, a direct current (DC) motor,
an alternating
current (AC) motor, a mechanical-commutator motor, an electronic commutator
motor, or
an externally commutated motor.
[0042] In some embodiments, the actuated output or output shaft
reciprocates at a rate of
approximately 65 Hz. The actuated output, in some embodiments, reciprocates at
a rate
over 50 Hz. The reciprocating treatment device, in some embodiments, provides
reciprocation at a rate ranging between 50 Hz and 80 Hz. In some embodiments,
the
actuated output has a maximum articulation rate of between 50 Hz and 80 Hz. In
another
embodiment, the actuated output has an articulation rate of between 30 Hz and
80 Hz. In
certain embodiments, the actuated output has an articulation rate of
approximately 37 Hz.
In one embodiment, the actuated output has an articulation rate of
approximately 60 Hz. In
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a preferred embodiment, the actuated output articulates or reciprocates at a
frequency of
between about 15 Hz and about 100 Hz. In a more preferred embodiment, the
actuated
output articulates or reciprocates at a frequency of between about 25 Hz and
about 48 Hz.
In the most preferred embodiment, the actuated output articulates or
reciprocates at a
frequency of between about 33 Hz and about 42 Hz. Any chosen range within the
specified
ranges is within the scope of the present invention.
[0043] The actuated output may move through a predetermined range of
reciprocation. For
example, the actuated output may be configured to have an amplitude of one
half inch. In
another embodiment, the actuated output may be configured to have an amplitude
of one
quarter inch. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the actuated
output may be
configured to have any amplitude deemed therapeutically beneficial.
[0044] In some embodiments, the actuated output may be adjustable through a
variable
range of reciprocation. For example, the reciprocating treatment device may
include an
input to adjust the reciprocation amplitude from one quarter of an inch
through a range of
up to one inch. In a preferred embodiment, the actuated output moves through
an
amplitude of between about 0.15 inches and about 1.0 inches. In a more
preferred
embodiment, the actuated output articulates or reciprocates at a frequency of
between
about 0.23 inches and about 0.70 inches. In the most preferred embodiment, the
actuated
output articulates or reciprocates at a frequency of between about 0.35 inches
and about
0.65 inches. Any chosen range within the specified ranges is within the scope
of the
present invention.
[0045] It will be appreciated that the device operates most effectively
within the combined
frequency and amplitude ranges. When developing the invention, the inventor
determined
that if the frequency and amplitude are above the ranges set forth above the
device can
cause pain and below the ranges the device is ineffective and does not provide
effective
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therapeutic relief or massage. Only when the device operates within the
disclosed
combination of frequency and amplitude ranges does it provide efficient and
therapeutically beneficial treatment to the muscles targeted by the device.
[0046] In certain embodiments, the reciprocating treatment device includes
one or more
components to regulate the articulation rate of the actuated output in
response to varying
levels of power provided at the power input. For example, the reciprocating
treatment
device may include a voltage regulator (not shown) to provide a substantially
constant
voltage to the motor over a range of input voltages. In another embodiment,
the current
provided to the motor may be regulated. In some embodiments, operation of the
reciprocating treatment device may be restricted in response to an input
voltage being
below a preset value.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive massage device includes a
brushless
motor. It will be appreciated that the brushless motor does not include any
gears and is
quieter than geared motors.
[0048] The device includes a push rod or shaft that is connected directly
to the motor by a
pin. In a preferred embodiment, the push rod is L-shaped or includes an arc
shape.
Preferably, the point where the push rod is connected to the pin is offset
from reciprocating
path that the distal end 40 of the push rod (and the massage attachment)
travel. This
capability is provided by the arc or L-shape. It should be appreciated that
the push rod is
designed such that it can transmit the force diagonally instead of vertically
so the motor
can be located at or near the middle of the device, otherwise a protrusion
would be
necessary to keep the shaft in the center with the motor offset therefrom (and
positioned in
the protrusion). The arc also allows the push rod to have a close clearance
with the motor
and allows the outer housing to be smaller than similar prior art devices,
therefore making
the device lower profile. Preferably two bearings are included at the proximal
end of the
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push rod where it connects to the motor to counteract the diagonal forces and
preventing
the push rod for moving and touching the motor.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a touch screen for
stopping, starting,
activating, etc. The touch screen can also include other functions.
Preferably, the device
includes a thumbwheel or rolling button positioned near the touch screen/on
off button to
allow the user to scroll or navigate through the different functions.
Preferably, the device
also includes variable amplitude or stroke. For example, the stroke can change
or be
changed between about 8-16 mm.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the device is associated with and can be
operated by an
app or software that runs on a mobile device such as a phone, watch or tablet
(or any
computer). The app can connect to the device via bluetooth or other connection
protocol.
The app can have any or all of the following functions. Furthermore, any of
the functions
discussed herein can be added to the touch screen/scroll wheel or button(s)
capability
directly on the device. If the user walks or is located too far away from the
device, the
device will not work or activate. The device can be turned on an off using the
app as well
as the touch screen or button on the device. The app can control the variable
speeds (e.g.,
anywhere between 1750-3000 RPM). A timer so the device stops after a
predetermined
period of time. The app can also include different treatment protocols
associated therewith.
This will allow the user to choose a protocol or area of the body they want to
work on.
When the start of the protocol is selected, the device will run through a
routine. For
example, the device may run at a first RPM for a first period of time and then
run at a
second RPM for a second period of time and/or at a first amplitude for a first
period of
time and then run at a second amplitude for a second period of time. The
routines can also
include prompts (e.g., haptic feedback) for letting the user to know to move
to a new body
part. These routines or treatments can be related to recovery, blood flow
increase,
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performance, etc. and can each include a preprogrammed routine. The routines
can also
prompt or instruct the user to switch treatment structures (AmpBITS) or
positions of the
arm or rotation head. The prompts can include sounds, haptic feedback (e.g.,
vibration of
the device or mobile device), textual instructions on the app or touch screen,
etc. For
example, the app may instruct the user to start with the ball treatment
structure with the
arm in position two. Then the user hits start and the device runs at a first
frequency for a
predetermined amount of time. The app or device then prompts the user to begin
the next
step in the routine and instructs the user to change to the cone treatment
structure and to
place the arm in position 1. The user hits start again and the device runs at
a second
frequency for a predetermined amount of time.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the app includes near field communication
("NFC")
capability or other capability that allows the user's mobile device with the
app thereon to
scan an identifier, such as a barcode or a QR code that prompts the app to
display certain
information, such as the routines discussed above. In use, a user will be able
to tap or place
their mobile device near an NFC tag (or scan a QR code) on a piece of gym
equipment and
the app will show instructions, content or a lesson that is customized for
using the device
with that piece of equipment. For example, on a treadmill, the user scans the
QR code or
NFC tag and the app recognizes that the user is about to use the treadmill.
The app can
then provide instructions for how to use the device in conjunction with the
treadmill and
can initiate a preprogrammed routine for using the treadmill. For example, the
user can be
instructed to start with the left quad. Then, after a predetermined period of
time (e.g., 15
seconds), the device, or the mobile device that includes the app software
thereon, vibrates
or provides other haptic feedback. The user then switches to their left quad
and after a
predetermined period of time the device again vibrates. The user can then
begin using the
treadmill. Any routine is within the scope of the present invention. In an
embodiment, the
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device and/or app (i.e., the mobile device containing the app) can also
communicate (via
bluetooth or the like) with the gym equipment (e.g., treadmill).
[0052] The device can also include a torque or force meter to let the user
know how much
force they are applying. The display associated with the force meter shows how
much
force is being applied on the muscle. The force meter allows for a more
precise and
effective treatment. The device includes a torque measuring sensor and
display. Depending
on the muscle the device is being used on and the benefit the user is looking
to get
(prepare, perform, recover) the force that should be applied varies. By having
a torque
sensor, the user is able to get a more precise and personalized treatment. The
app and the
touchscreen can provide the force information to the user. The force meter can
be
integrated with the routines and the user can be provided feedback with
whether they are
applying too much or too little pressure. The device can also include a
thermal sensor or
thermometer that can determine the temperature of the user's muscle and to
provide
feedback to the device and/or app. The haptic feedback can also provide
feedback for too
much pressure or force.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive massage device includes a
motor mount
for mounting the brushless motor within the housing and for distributing
forces from the
motor as it operates to the housing. The motor is secured to a first side of
the motor mount
and the second or opposing side of the motor mount is secured to the housing.
The motor
mount includes a plurality of arms that space the motor from the housing and
define a
reciprocation space in which the push rod and associated components
(counterweight, etc.)
reciprocate. Threaded fasteners connect the motor mount to the housing. In a
preferred
embodiment, dampening members or feet are received on the shaft of the
threaded
fastener. The dampening members each include an annular slot defined therein.
The
annular slots receive housing. This prevents direct contact of the threaded
fasteners with
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the housing and reduces sound from vibrations. The threaded fasteners are
received in
openings in tabs at the end of the arms.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the motor is housed in a motor housing
that is rotatable
within the main housing. The motor housing is basically the equivalent of the
gear box
housing in related embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, there are opposite
openings in
the outside of the motor housing that expose the motor on one side and the
motor mount on
the other. The openings provide ventilation for the motor and allow the motor
mount to
connect directly to the main housing.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a touch screen as
well as button(s) for
operating the device. For example, the device can include a touch screen, a
center button
for turning the device on and off and a ring/rocker button that provides the
ability to scroll
left and right (e.g., to the preset treatments discussed herein) and up and
down (e.g., to
control the speed or frequency). The screen can also be a non-touch screen.
[0056] In another preferred embodiment, any of the devices taught herein
can include the
ability to vary the amplitude, thus providing a longer or shorter stroke
depending on the
application or needs of the user. The amplitude variability can also be part
of the routines
or presets discussed herein. For example, the device can include a mechanical
switch that
allows the eccentricity of the connector to be modified (e.g., between 4mm and
8mm). The
mechanism can include a push button and a slider. The pin structure has a
spring that lets it
fall back into the locked position.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a touch screen for
stopping, starting,
activating, etc. The touch screen can also include other functions.
Preferably, the device
includes a thumbwheel or rolling button positioned near the touch screen/on
off button to
allow the user to scroll or navigate through the different functions.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the
accompanying
drawings in which:
[0059] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a percussive massage device in
accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 1A is another side elevational view of the percussive massage
device of FIG. 1;
[0061] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the percussive massage device;
[0062] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
showing a user
grasping the first handle portion;
[0063] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
showing a user
grasping the third handle portion;
[0064] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
showing a user
grasping the second handle portion;
[0065] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the percussive massage
device;
[0066] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the drive
train components of
the percussive massage device;
[0067] FIG. 8 is another an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
percussive
massage device;
[0068] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drive train components of the
percussive massage
device;
[0069] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the push rod assembly of the
percussive massage
device;
[0070] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another percussive massage device;
[0071] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
of FIG. 11;
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[0072] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
showing some
internal components in hidden lines;
[0073] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of some of the internal
components of the
percussive massage device;
[0074] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another percussive massage device;
and
[0075] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
of FIG. 15.
[0076] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing interconnected components of a
percussive
massage device with a force meter;
[0077] FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of a microcontroller unit with pin
outputs in accordance
with one embodiment;
[0078] FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram used for battery voltage detection in
accordance with one
embodiment;
[0079] FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram for detection and measurement of
voltage of the motor of
the percussive massage device in accordance with one embodiment;
[0080] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing a method of detecting force
applied by the
percussive massage device in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0081] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram showing a method of generating a lookup
table correlating
voltage to force in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0082] FIG. 23 is a graph plotting a lookup table for use by a method of
detecting force
applied by the percussive massage device that was generated by correlating
voltage to
force in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0083] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram showing a method of calibrating a lookup
table according
to a preferred embodiment;
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[0084] FIG. 25 is a graph plotting a lookup table generated by a method of
detecting force
applied by the percussive massage device against a lookup table calibrated by
using a
method of calibrating a lookup table according to a preferred embodiment;
[0085] FIG. 26 is a flow diagram showing a method of calibrating a lookup
table;
[0086] FIG. 27 is a graph plotting a lookup table after being calibrated in
accordance with a
preferred embodiment;
[0087] FIG. 28 is a flow diagram showing a method of detecting force
applied by a
percussive massage device in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0088] FIG. 29 is a flow diagram showing a method of generating a lookup
table correlating
power to force in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0089] FIG. 30 is a graph plotting a lookup table for use by a method of
detecting force of
that was generated by correlating power to force in accordance with a
preferred
embodiment;
[0090] FIG. 31 is a flow diagram showing a method of calibrating a lookup
table in
accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0091] FIG. 32 is a graph plotting a lookup table after being calibrated in
accordance with a
preferred embodiment;
[0092] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a percussive massage device in
accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0093] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the percussive massage device of
FIG. 13 with a
portion of the housing removed;
[0094] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the motor;
[0095] FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0096] FIG. 37 is another side elevational view of the percussive massage
device;
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[0097] FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
showing a user
grasping the first handle portion;
[0098] FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
showing a user
grasping the third handle portion;
[0099] FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage device
showing a user
grasping the second handle portion;
[00100] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the percussive massage device of
FIG. 18 with a
portion of the housing removed;
[00101] FIGS. 42A and 42B are cross sectional views of the head portion and
motor;
[00102] FIG. 43 is an exploded view of some of the internal components of
percussive
massage device of FIG. 33;
[00103] FIG. 43A is an exploded view of the motor and motor mount;
[00104] FIG. 44 is a chart showing steps of Protocol 1 in accordance with a
method of
performing a routine for a percussive massage device;
[00105] FIG. 45 is a chart showing steps of a "Shin Splints" protocol in
accordance with a
method of performing a routine for a percussive massage device;
[00106] FIGS. 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D are methods of performing a routine
for a percussive
massage device;
[00107] FIG. 47 is a front view of a graphical user interface showing a
"Tech Neck" protocol;
and
[00108] FIG. 48 is a front view of a graphical user interface showing a
"Right Bicep"
protocol.
[00109] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of
the drawings.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00110] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are
not to be construed
as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough
understanding
of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional
details are
not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one
or another
embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are,
references to the
same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
[00111] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure.
Appearances of the
phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification do not
necessarily refer
to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive
of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be
exhibited
by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are
described
which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[00112] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary
meanings in the
art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where
each term is
used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed
below, or
elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the
practitioner regarding
the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be
highlighted, for
example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no
influence on
the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same,
in the same
context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the
same thing can be
said in more than one way.
[00113] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for
any one or more
of the terms discussed herein. Nor is any special significance to be placed
upon whether or
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not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are
provided. A
recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms.
The use of
examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms
discussed herein
is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and
meaning of the
disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited
to various
embodiments given in this specification.
[00114] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure,
examples of instruments,
apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of
the present
disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the
examples for
convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the
disclosure. Unless
otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the
same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure pertains.
In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will
control.
[00115] It will be appreciated that terms such as "front," "back," "top,"
"bottom," "side,"
"short," "long," "up," "down," and "below" used herein are merely for ease of
description
and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It
should be
understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within
the scope of
the present invention.
[00116] While many embodiments are described herein, at least some of the
described
embodiments provide an apparatus, system, and method for a reciprocating
treatment
device.
[00117] FIGS. 1-10 show an embodiment of a percussive massage device 212
that includes a
rechargeable battery (and replaceable or removable battery) 114. Device 212 is
referred to
commercially as the G3PRO. As shown in FIGS. 1-1A, in a preferred embodiment,
the
percussive massage device 212 includes three handle portions (referred to
herein as first
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handle portion 143, second handle portion 145 and third handle portion 147)
that cooperate
to define a central or handle opening 149. All of the handle portions are long
enough that
they are configured such that a person can grasp that particular handle
portion to utilize the
device. The ability to grasp the different handle portions allows a person
(when using the
device on their own body) to use the device on different body parts and from
different
angles, thus providing the ability to reach body parts, such as the back, that
might not be
possible without the three handle portions.
[00118] As shown in FIG. 1, the first handle portion 143 defines a first
handle portion axis
Al, the second handle portion 145 defines a second handle portion axis A2 and
the third
handle portion 147 defines a third handle portion axis A3 that cooperate to
form a triangle.
In a preferred embodiment, the battery 114 is housed in the second handle
portion 145 and
the motor 106 is housed in the third handle portion 147.
[00119] FIGS. 3-5 show a user's hand grasping the various handle portions.
The length of
each of the first, second and third handle portions is long enough so that a
person with a
large hand can comfortably grasp each handle portion with at least three to
four fingers
extending through the handle opening, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. In a preferred
embodiment,
the first handle portion 143 has an interior edge 143a, the second handle
portion 145 has an
interior edge 145a and the third handle portion 147 has an interior edge 147a,
which all
cooperate to at least partially define the handle opening 149. As shown in
FIG. 1, in a
preferred embodiment, the first handle portion 143 includes a finger
protrusion 151 that
includes a finger surface 151a that extends between the interior edge 143a of
the first
handle portion and the interior edge 147a of the third handle portion 147 and
at least
partially defines the handle opening 149. As shown in FIG. 3, in use, a user
can place their
index finger against the finger surface 151a. The finger protrusion and
surface provide a
feedback point or support surface such that when a user places their index
finger against
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the surface it helps the user with control and comfort of using thQdevice. In
a preferred
embodiment, at least a portion of the finger surface 151a is straight, as
shown in FIG. 1 (as
opposed to the other "corners" of the handle opening 149 being rounded).
[00120] FIG. 1A shows the preferred dimensions of the interior surfaces of
the handle
opening 149. It will be appreciated that the interior surfaces comprise a
series of flat and
curved surfaces. H1 is the dimension of the interior edge 143a of the first
handle portion
143 (the first handle portion length). H2 is the dimension of the interior
edge 145a of the
second handle portion 145 f(the second handle portion length). H3 is the
dimension of the
interior edge 147a of the third handle portion 147 (the third handle portion
length). H4 is
the dimension of the finger surface 151a (the finger protrusion length). R1 is
the dimension
of the radius between interior edges 143a and 145a and R2 is the dimension of
the radius
between interior edges 145a and 147a. In a preferred embodiment, H1 is about
94 mm, H2
is about 66 mm, H3 is about 96 mm, H4 is about 12 mm, R1 is about 6.5 mm and
R2 is
about 6.5 mm, which provides an arc length of about 10.2 mm. In the context
herein,
"about" is within 5 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the interior
edge of the
handle opening is about 289 mm. The length of the interior edge of the handle
opening can
be between about 260 mm and about 320 mm, with any combination of H1, H2, H3,
H4,
R1 and R2. It will be appreciated that these dimensions are optimized so that
a 95th
percentile male can grip any of the three handle portions with at least three
and preferably
four fingers extending through the handle opening to utilize the device. It
will be
appreciated that any or all of surfaces R1 and R2 can be considered a part of
any of the
three adjacent handle portions. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, with the finger
surface 151a
being straight, the first handle portion interior surface, second handle
portion interior
surface, third handle portion interior surface and finger surface cooperate to
define a
quadrilateral with radii or rounded edges between each of the straight
surfaces.
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[00121] Device 212 also includes multiple speed settings (preferably 1500
and 2400 RPM,
but can be any speed or frequency taught herein). Furthermore, those of
ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that although the RPM is listed as a specific number
that, due to
manufacturing tolerances, the RPM may oscillate during use. For example, at
the 2400
RPM setting the RPM may actually oscillate between 2260 and 2640.
[00122] FIGS. 6-10 show some of the interior and exterior components that
are included in
the treatment devices 212 (208 and 210) shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 11-16. As shown
in FIG.
6, the percussive massage device 212 includes a housing 101 that is comprised
of first and
second housing halves 103. Outer covers 213 and top cover 215 are received on
and
connected to the first and second housing halves 103, via tabs 105 or other
mechanism or
attachment method (e.g., threaded fasteners, clips, adhesive, sonic welding,
etc.). The
percussive massage device 212 also includes a tambour door 217, battery 114,
inner
suspension rings 219 and rotation housing 44 (with first and second rotation
housing
halves 44a and 44b) that houses the gearbox 404.
[00123] As shown in FIG. 7, the device includes a pinion coupling assembly
216 that is
disposed between the motor and the pinion shaft or shaft gear 117 (located on
the shaft or
pinion shaft 116). The pinion coupling assembly 216 is used to couple the
motor to the
gearbox so that the torque is fully transmitted, such that there is no radial
movement and
the vibrations and noise are minimized. The pinion coupling assembly 216
preferably
includes three separate components, a lower connector 218, a cross coupling
220 and an
upper connector 222. In a preferred embodiment, the lower connector 218
includes a main
body portion 218a that defines a central opening 218b that receives the motor
shaft 248
and first and second lower connector arms 218c extending outwardly from the
main body
portion 218a. The upper connector 222 includes a main body portion 222a that
defines a
central opening 222b thatreceives the pinion shaft 117 and first and second
upper
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connector arms 222c extending outwardly from the main body portion 222a.
Preferably,
the cross coupling 220 includes radially extending ribs 220a that define
channels 220b
therebetween. The first and second lower connector arms 218c and the first and
second
upper connector arms 222c are sized and shaped to be received in the channels
220b to
operatively engage the radially extending ribs. In use, the motor shaft 248
rotates the
pinion coupling assembly, which rotates the pinion shaft 117. These components
work
together to reduce noise and vibration. In a preferred embodiment, the lower
and upper
connectors are made of plastic and the cross coupling is made of an elastomer.
In a
preferred embodiment, the cross coupling 220 is made of rubber that includes a
hardness
where vibrations generated by the motor are isolated while keeping the
strength and
transmitting the torque efficiently (without significant energy dissipation).
However, the
materials are not a limitation on the present invention.
[00124] In a preferred embodiment, the pinion shaft 116 is received in and
extends through
bearings 224 and 225. Preferably, bearing 224 includes ball bearings (and
provides radial
support) and bearing 225 includes needle bearings (and provides radial
support, but can
withstand higher temperatures). The pinion coupling assembly 216 is housed in
motor
mount 250, which is connected to the motor 106 and through which the motor
shaft 248
extends. The motor mount 250 is connected to the gear box mount 252, as shown
in FIG.
9.
[00125] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the gearbox 404, in one embodiment, includes
the gear
member 304 and the reciprocator or push rod 230/310. Preferably, the gear
member 304
includes a shaft 246 extending therefrom to which the reciprocator 310 is
connected. The
gearbox 404 may provide mounting points for the gear member 304 and the
reciprocator
310. The gearbox 404 may restrict the motion of the gear member 304 and the
reciprocator
to certain directions or rotational axes. The gearbox 404 may be mounted to
the housing
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101. In some embodiments, the gearbox 404 is separated from the housing 101 by
the one
or more compliant dampening blocks 402.
[00126] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, in a preferred embodiment, to prevent
the gearbox from
transmitting vibrations to the housing a rubber cover can be provided. Further
inner
suspension rings 219 isolate vibration of the gearbox from handle and the
treatment
structures. Preferably, the rings 219 are made of an elastomer and act as a
cushion to
dampen vibrations between the rotation housing and the housing 101. In a
preferred
embodiment, the inner suspension rings 219 surround the outer radial surface
of the main
body portion 62 (see seat surface 523 in FIG. 8).
[00127] In one embodiment, rotation of the actuated output or shaft 108 may
be selectively
locked and unlocked by a user. For example, the user may unlock rotation of
the shaft 108,
rotate the actuated output 108 to a desired position relative to the housing
101, lock
rotation of the actuated output 108, and operate the reciprocating treatment
device 100.
FIG. 8 shows the components that allow rotation of the rotation housing 44
together with
the push rod assembly 108 and related components. Button 515 includes radially
extending
teeth 515a and is biased outwardly by spring 519, which surrounds and is
seated on spacer
518 (which is preferably made of foam). Spring 519 is seated against dampening
members
520 and 517, which are preferably made of rubber to dampen any vibrations of
the spring
519. The assembly also includes a gear box cover 525 and dampening ring 521.
Button 515
is outwardly biased by spring 519 to a position where teeth 515a are engaged
with teeth
516a, which are defined hoop 516, which is connected to housing 101.
Preferably hoop
516 includes inner and outer plastic rings 516b and 516c that sandwich a
rubber ring 516d
therebetween to help dampen vibrations and reduce noise. The button 515 is
movable
between a first position where teeth 515a are engaged with teeth 516a and a
second
position where teeth 515 are not engaged with teeth 516a. When the button 515
is in the
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first position, the rotation assembly 47 cannot rotate. When the button is
pushed to the
second position, the teeth 515a disengage from teeth 516a, thereby allowing
the entire
rotation assembly 47 to rotate. The rotation housing 44 includes a main body
portion 62
disposed in the housing and an arm portion 64 extending through the rotation
space 60 and
outside the housing. The arm portion 64 rotates within the rotation space 60
defined in the
housing 101. As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the device 212
includes a
tambour door 217 that unfolds within the rotation space 60 as the rotation
assembly is
moved from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2. The
tambour
door 217 covers slot 214. As shown in FIG. 2, an arm cover 524 covers the arm
portion 64
of the rotation housing 44.
[00128] As shown in FIG. 9, the gearbox housing 404 includes a clearance
slot 214 defined
therein for the push rod assembly 108. The slot 214 is provided so the push
rod assembly
108 can move freely and allow the rotation housing 44 to articulate. The
clearance slot 214
has first and second ends 214a and 214b. As shown in FIG. 9, the push rod
assembly 108
extends through the clearance slot 214. it will be appreciated that when the
rotation
housing 44 is rotated from a first position to a second position the push rod
assembly 108
moves within the clearance slot 214 from the first end to the second end
thereof
[00129] As shown in FIGS. 8-10, in a preferred embodiment, the pushrod
assembly or output
shaft 108 includes two halves or rods with an adapter member 226 therebetween
to also
help reduce noise and vibration. The adapter member 226 isolates the
vibrations generated
in the gearbox and prevents them from being transmitted down the shaft to the
treatment
structure. The adapter member 226 can include anti-rotation tabs to protect
the push rod
from user applied torque during use. The first rod portion 230 of the output
shaft 108 (push
rod or reciprocator 310) includes an opening 232 on an end thereof that
receives a pivot pin
234. The connection between the first rod portion 230 and the adapter
member_226
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includes a bushing 227 with the pin 234 and elastomeric material to dampen
vibrations.
The end of first rod portion 230 that includes opening 232 is received in a
pocket 229 in
adapter member 226. The pin 234 extends through openings in the side walls of
adapter
member 226, through bushing 227 and through opening 232, to secure first rod
portion 230
to adapter member 226. Adapter member 226 includes a protrusion 231 extending
therefrom that is received in an opening 233 in an end of the second rod
portion 236, to
connect the adapter member 226 to the second rod portion 236. In another
embodiment, the
end of the second rod portion 236 can be received in an opening in the adapter
member
226. In use, the size of the top opening of pocket 229 allows the first rod
portion to move
side to side as the opening 232 pivots on pin 234 and first rod portion 231
reciprocates.
This translates to linear reciprocation of second rod portion 236. Because the
bushing 227
comprises at least some elastomeric material, vibrations are dampened (and
noise reduced)
as the push rod assembly 108 reciprocates.
[00130] Ring 526 is seated on and surrounds the bottom portion of the arm
portion 64 (see
seat 64a in FIG. 8) to help hold the first and second housing halves 44a and
44b together.
Washer or guide member 527 is received in the rotation housing 44 and provides
stability
and a path for the reciprocating push rod assembly or output shaft 108.
[00131] As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the first rod portion 230
or push rod
assembly 108 extends through clearance slot 214. It will be appreciated that
the term
pushrod assembly includes any of the embodiments described herein and can
include a
shaft with an adapter member allowing pivoting between two halves or can
include a single
shaft that does not include any pivoting.
[00132] As shown in FIGS. 9-10, in a preferred embodiment, the male
connector 110
includes an alignment tab 497 above each ball that mates with a slot in the
female opening.
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These tabs 497 help with proper alignment with the treatment structure. See
U.S. Patent
App. No. 2019/0017528, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[00133] FIGS. 11-16 show embodiments of percussive massage devices similar
to percussive
massage device 212 above, but without a rotation assembly. Device 208, shown
in FIGS.
11-14 is referred to commercially as the G3. Device 210, shown in FIGS. 15-16
is referred
to commercially as the LIV. As is shown in FIG. 13, in a preferred embodiment,
switch
104 includes switch electronics 575 associated therewith. The switch
electronics 575 may
include a printed circuit board (PCB) and other components to allow the switch
104 to
activate the motor 106 and to change the speed of the motor, turn the device
on and off,
among other tasks. As shown in FIG. 13, in a preferred embodiment, the motor
106 is
housed in the third handle portion 147, the battery 114 is housed in the
second handle
portion 145 and the switch electronics 575 are housed in the first handle
portion 143. This
configuration also applies to devices 210 and 212. FIG. 14 shows cushion
members 577
that surround the gearbox 404 and help dampen and reduce noise and vibration
generated
by the components in the gearbox. Cushion members 577 are similar to inner
suspension
rings 219 in device 212. However, cushion members 577 are thicker and do not
need to
rotate due to the exclusion of the rotation housing in devices 208 and 210.
Cushion
members 577 include cutouts or channels 579 therein to allow clearance of
components
such as the push rod assembly and pinion shaft.
[00134] FIGS. 17-35 show embodiments in accordance with a percussion
massage device
with a force meter. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing interconnected
components of a
percussive therapy device with a force meter 700. In an embodiment, the
percussive
therapy device with force meter 700 includes a microcontroller unit 701, a
battery pack
management unit 702, an NTC sensor 703, a power charging management unit 704,
a
wireless charging management unit 705, a wireless charging receiving system
706, a
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voltage management unit 707 (5V 3.3V Voltage Management in drawings), battery
charging inputs 708 (20V 2.25A Charging Inputs in drawings), a display 709
(Force/Battery/Speed Display in drawings), a wireless control unit 710
(Bluetooth Control
in drawings), an OLED screen 711, an OLED screen control system 712, a motor
713, a
motor drive system 714, a PWM speed setup unit 715, an over-current protection
unit 716,
and a power switch unit 717 (Power On/Off OLED Screen SW in drawings). In the
embodiment shown in accordance with FIG. 17, each block in the diagram is
shown as a
separate component. In alternative embodiments, however, certain components
may be
combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[00135] The microcontroller unit 701, in an embodiment, is a
microcontroller unit including a
processor, a memory, and input/output peripherals. In other embodiments,
however the
microcontroller unit 701 is an ST Microelectronics 5TM32F030K6 series of
microcontroller units, 5TM32F030C8T6 series of microcontrollers, 5TM32F030CCT6
series of microcontrollers, or an equivalent microcontroller.
[00136] One of ordinary skill would understand that the memory of the
microcontroller unit
701 is configured to store machine-readable code for processing by the
processor of the
microcontroller unit 701. Various other configurations may exist depending on
whether the
designer of the percussive massage device with force meter 700 desires to
implement the
machine-readable code in software, firmware, or both. In an embodiment, the
machine-
readable code is stored on the memory and configured to be executed by a
processor of the
microcontroller 701. In an embodiment, the machine-readable code is stored on
computer-
readable media.
[00137] The battery pack management unit 702, in an embodiment, is
implemented in
firmware or software and configured to be used in connection with the
microcontroller unit
701. In this embodiment, the firmware or software is stored in memory (not
shown) and
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configured to be obtainable by the microcontroller unit 701. The battery pack
management
unit 702 may also be a combination of firmware, software, and hardware, in
another
embodiment. The battery pack management unit 702 is coupled with the NTC
sensor 703.
The NTC sensor 703 is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor used by
the battery
pack management unit 702 to sense temperature of the battery pack. For
example, the NTC
sensor 703 is a thermistor with B value of 3950 +/- 1%, and a resistance of 10
kn. In
another example, the thermistor has a resistance of 100 kn. One of ordinary
skill in the art
would recognize that a thermistor is a resistor whose resistance is dependent
upon
temperature. In other embodiments, however, the NTC sensor 703 may be another
type of
temperature sensing device or component used in connection with the battery
pack
management unit 702.
[00138] The power charging management unit 704, in an embodiment, is
implemented in
firmware or software and configured to be used in connection with the
microcontroller unit
701. Similarly to the battery pack management unit 702, the power charging
management
unit 704 firmware or software is stored in memory (not shown) and configured
to be
obtainable by the microcontroller unit 701. The power charging management unit
704 may
also be a combination of firmware, software, and hardware, in another
embodiment. In
various embodiments, the power charging management unit 704 is configured to
charge a
battery pack via a direct connection or through an external charger, such as
when
configured to be operable with rechargeable batteries.
[00139] The wireless charging management unit 705, in an embodiment, is
coupled to the
battery pack management unit 702 and the battery charging inputs 708. In other
embodiments, the battery or battery pack is charged using other conventional
methodologies, such as, for example, charging the battery or battery pack
using a wire or
cord coupled to the battery charging inputs 708.
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[00140] The wireless charging receiving system 706, in an embodiment, is
coupled to the
power charging management unit 704 and the display 709. The wireless charging
receiving
system 706 includes one or more of firmware, software, and hardware. In an
embodiment,
the wireless charging receiving system 706 is configured to receive
information pertaining
to battery capacity, charging metrics, and other information pertaining to
wireless
charging, and to pass along the information to the power charging management
unit 704.
The wireless charging receiving system 706 preferably includes a wireless
charging pad
used to charge the percussive massage device with force meter 700. One of
ordinary skill
in the art would understand that a variety of wireless charging devices may be
utilized to
wirelessly charge the percussive massage device with force meter 700. As one
example,
the Qi wireless charging standard and related devices may be utilized to
wirelessly charge
the percussive massage device with force meter 700.
[00141] The voltage management unit 707, in an embodiment, is a DC voltage
regulator that
steps down 5 volt to 3.3 volt power for use by the microcontroller unit 701.
The voltage
management unit 707 may also perform additional functions for management of
3.3 volt
power for use by the microcontroller unit 701. In an embodiment, the voltage
management
unit 707 is implemented using a series of electronic components such as, for
example,
implementing a resistive divider using electronic components. In another
embodiment, the
voltage management unit 707 is a stand-alone voltage regulator module and/or
device
designed to step down voltage from 5 volts to 3.3 volts. One of ordinary skill
in the art
would understand the various methodologies and devices available to step down
5 volts to
3.3 volts.
[00142] The battery charging inputs 708, in an embodiment, are interfaces
by which a wire or
cord may be inserted for charging the percussive massage device with force
meter 700. For
example, a standardized barrel connector is the battery charging inputs 708.
In another
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example, the battery charging inputs 708 is a USB connector. Other more
specialized
charging methodologies may require a particular battery charging input not
described
above.
[00143] The display 709, in an embodiment, displays a series of LEDs
depicting an amount
of force applied by the percussive massage device with force meter 700. In an
alternative
embodiment, the display 709 displays a series of LEDs depicting the current
battery or
battery pack charge of the percussive massage device with force meter 700. In
yet another
embodiment, the display 709 displays a series of LEDs depicting the current
speed of the
percussive massage device with force meter 700. One of ordinary skill in the
art would
recognize that while LEDs have been specified in the above-referenced
embodiments,
other embodiments not using LEDs are within the scope of this disclosure, such
as, for
example, liquid crystal displays, OLEDs, CRT displays, or plasma displays. One
of
ordinary skill in the art would also understand that it may be advantageous in
an
embodiment utilizing a battery or battery pack to use low-power options to
ensure battery
power longevity. In an embodiment, the display 709 is a 128x64 pixel OLED
display.
[00144] The wireless control unit 710 is a wireless connectivity device
that may be
implemented in a wireless microcontroller unit. In an embodiment, the wireless
control
unit 710 is a Bluetooth transceiver module configured to couple, via
Bluetooth, to a remote
device. In an embodiment, the Bluetooth module is a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE)
module configured to be run in broadcast mode. The wireless control unit 710
is coupled to
the microcontroller unit 701. In an embodiment, the remote device is a
smartphone having
an embedded Bluetooth module. In an alternative embodiment, the remote device
is a
personal computer having Bluetooth connectivity. In other embodiments, other
wireless
connectivity standards besides the Bluetooth wireless standard may be
utilized. It will be
appreciated that the Bluetooth connectivity or other wireless connectivity may
be described
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herein as being implemented in a wireless connection device. The wireless
connection
device can be a separate module, can be included in the MCU or other component
of the
device, or can be a separate chip. In summary, the percussive therapy device
including a
wireless connection device means that the percussive massage device can
connect to
another electronic device wirelessly (e.g., a phone, tablet, computer,
computer, voice
controlled speaker, regular speaker, etc.). One of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize
that low-power wireless control modules may be advantageous when the
percussive
massage device with force meter 700 is utilizing a battery or battery pack.
[00145] The OLED screen 711 and the OLED screen control system 712, in an
embodiment,
are configured to display substantially the same information as the display
709 referenced
above. The OLED screen 711 is coupled to the OLED screen control system 511.
The
OLED screen control system 712 is coupled to the microcontroller unit 701, the
OLED
screen 711, and the power switch unit 717. In an embodiment, the display 709
and the
OLED screen 711 may be redundant and it may only be necessary to utilize one
or the
other.
[00146] The motor 713, in an embodiment, is a brushless direct current
(BLDC) motor. The
motor 713 and the motor drive system 714, in an embodiment, are configured to
vary the
speed (i.e., rotational motion) that may be converted to reciprocal motion. In
other
embodiments, the motor 713 is a brushed DC motor, a brushed AC motor, or a
brushless
AC motor. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that choosing a
brushless or
brushed motor, or direct current or alternating current, may vary depending on
the
application and intended size, battery power, and use.
[00147] The PWM speed setup unit 715, in an embodiment, is used to control
pulse width
modulation utilized to drive the motor 713. The PWM speed setup unit 715 is
coupled to
the microcontroller unit 701 and the over-current protection unit 716. One of
ordinary skill
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in the art would understand that pulse width modulation is one way to vary the
average
power applied to the motor 713, resulting in varying speed as desired. In
alternative
embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that there are
a variety of
methods to vary the speed of a brushless DC motor. For example, voltage to the
motor 713
may be controlled in other non-PWM methods.
[00148] The over-current protection unit 716, in an embodiment, may be a
feature of an
integrated system-in-package to prevent damage caused by high currents to the
motor. In
other embodiments, the over-current protection unit 716 is implemented using a
series of
electronic components configured to protect the motor from excessively high
current.
[00149] The power switch unit 717, in an embodiment, is configured to turn
on and turn off
the percussive massage device with force meter 700. The power switch unit 717
is coupled
to the OLED screen control system 712 and the microcontroller unit 701. In an
embodiment, the power switch unit 717 is the switch 405.
[00150] FIG. 18 shows a circuit diagram of the microcontroller unit 701
with pin outputs. In
this embodiment, the STM32F030K6 series of microcontroller units is utilized.
The circuit
diagram depicts +3.3 volt power being provided to the VDD inputs of the
microcontroller
unit 701. Input PA3 is labeled "Motor VOL", the voltage of the motor 713.
Input PA2 is
"bt v", the battery or battery pack voltage. The microcontroller unit is
configured to
receive analog voltage on inputs PA2 and PA3 and to convert it to digital
voltage using the
microcontroller's analog-to-digital converter. In this embodiment, the analog-
to-digital
converter is a 12-bit ADC. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand
that other
microcontrollers may utilize voltage sensing and analog-to-digital converters
to perform
similar functions. In yet other embodiments, an analog-to-digital converter
module
separate from a microcontroller may be utilized.
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[00151] FIG. 19 shows a circuit diagram used for battery voltage detection.
In this
embodiment, +BT, the positive battery terminal 518, is coupled to a circuit
consisting of a
P-channel MOSFET 519, an N-Channel MOSFET 520, 0.1 [if capacitor 521, 100 1d2
resistors 522, 523, 68 1d2 resistor 524, 11(C2 resistors 525, 526, and 10 1d2
resistors 527,
528. The circuit is configured to provide an input analog voltage of the
battery or battery
pack, or bt v, to the microcontroller unit 701 of FIG. 18. In other
embodiments, voltage of
the battery or battery pack may be achieved using a voltage reader coupled to
the terminals
of the battery or battery pack.
[00152] FIG. 20 shows a circuit diagram for detection and measurement of
voltage of the
motor 713 of the percussive massage device. In this embodiment, voltage
sensing resistor
529 is coupled in parallel with the microcontroller unit 701, and coupled to
the motor 713.
In an embodiment, the voltage sensing resistor has a value of 0.0025 C2. The
circuit
depicted in FIG. 20 is configured to provide the Motor VOL input into the
microcontroller
unit 701 of FIG. 17. In an embodiment, the input analog voltage is amplified.
In another
embodiment, the voltage of the motor 713 is measured or sensed using a
separate series of
electronic components or a standalone device and input into a microprocessor
for use with
the method of displaying a force on the percussive massage device.
[00153] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing a method 800 of detecting force
applied by the
percussive massage device in accordance with a preferred embodiment. At Step
802, a
voltage magnitude V is obtained. In an embodiment, voltage magnitude V is an
analog
voltage obtained by using the circuit disclosed in FIG. 17. In that circuit, a
block curve
signal from the motor 713 (i.e., a Hall effect sensor) is simulated in the
circuit as current
using the resistor R, which is placed in parallel with the microcontroller
unit 701. In other
embodiments, voltage that corresponds to the current operating speed of the
motor 713
may be generated in a variety of other ways. The voltage magnitude V may be
input to a
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microcontroller unit 701 that converts analog voltage to digital voltage using
an analog-to-
digital converter, such as that implemented in the STM32F030K6 microcontroller
unit.
The STM32F030K6 microcontroller unit coverts analog voltage magnitude to a
digital
code corresponding to the 12-bit ADC (i.e., 0 to 4096). The digital code
represents a
voltage magnitude corresponding to the original voltage magnitude V obtained.
[00154] At Step 804, a lookup table is generated that correlates voltage V
to force magnitude
F. In an embodiment, the lookup table is generated using a method 900 of
generating a
lookup table correlating voltage to force. For example, the force magnitude F
may be
expressed in pounds of force. In an alternative embodiment, the force
magnitude F may be
expressed in Newtons of force.
[00155] At Step 806, the force magnitude F corresponding to voltage
magnitude V is
displayed on the percussive massage device with force meter 700. In an
embodiment, a
series of LED lights may be utilized to depict varying amounts of force as the
force is
being applied by the percussive massage device with force meter 700. Thus, as
the amount
of force magnitude F increases, more LEDs on the series of LED lights will be
lit.
Preferably, the series of LED lights consists of 12 LED lights.
[00156] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram showing a method 900 of generating a
lookup table
correlating voltage to force. At Step 902, a maximum magnitude of force, FmAx,
is
determined. The magnitude of FMAX may be determined by assessing the maximum
desired
force to apply using the percussive massage device with force meter 700. As an
example,
FmAx is 60 pounds of force.
[00157] At Step 904, a maximum magnitude of voltage, VmAx, is determined.
The magnitude
of VMAX may be determined by assessing the maximum theoretical voltage change
possible
by the percussive massage device with force meter 700. As an example, VmAx is
1.8 volts.
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[00158] At Step 906, FmAX is divided into equal increments. Using the above
example from
Step 902, 60 pounds of force is divided into 60 one-pound increments.
[00159] At Step 908, VMAX is divided into the same amount of increments as
determined in
Step 906 above. Thus, using the above example from Step 904, 1.8 volts is
divided into 60
0.3-volt increments.
[00160] At Step 910, a lookup table (LUT) is generated that correlates the
increments of
pounds of force with the increments of voltage. This necessarily creates a
linear
relationship between force and voltage. FIG. 23 is a graph plotting the LUT
for use by the
method of detecting force of FIG. 21 that was generated using the specific
example
identified in FIG. 22. The graph depicts calculated force that was calculated
using the
method 900.
[00161] A problem may arise in that the theoretical maximum voltage
assumption at Step 904
in the method 900 is inaccurate. It may also be the case that as the
percussive massage
device with force meter 700 is used, the maximum available voltage degrades
over time. In
other words, the battery or battery pack voltage may decrease.
[00162] Accordingly, a method 1000 of calibrating the LUT generated by
method 900 may be
advantageous. FIG. 24 is a flow diagram showing a method 1000 of calibrating a
LUT. At
Step 1002, battery pack voltage BV is obtained. In an embodiment, battery pack
voltage
magnitude BV is an analog voltage obtained by using the circuit disclosed in
FIG. 19. In
that circuit, the battery pack voltage magnitude BV may be input to a
microcontroller unit
701 that converts analog voltage to digital voltage using an analog-to-digital
converter,
such as that implemented in the 5TM32F030K6 microcontroller unit. The
5TM32F030K6
microcontroller unit coverts analog voltage magnitude to a digital code
corresponding to
the 12-bit ADC (i.e., 0 to 4096). The digital code represents a voltage
magnitude
corresponding to the original battery pack voltage magnitude BV obtained.
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[00163] At Step 1004, V1\4A)( is set to the actual battery voltage
magnitude BV output. As an
example, may decrease from 1.8 volts to 1.74 volts, a 0.6 volt decrease. At
Step 1006, the
LUT linear correlation is adjusted to reflect the lower VmAx. FIG. 25 is a
graph plotting the
LUT calculated by the method 900 against the LUT calibrated by using the
method 1000.
The LUT resulting from method 1000 depicts a calibrated force rather than a
calculated
force.
[00164] FIG. 26 is a flow diagram showing a method 1100 of calibrating a
LUT. The method
1100 may be performed after the method 900, or entirely separately from the
method 900.
At Step 1102, battery pack voltage BV is measured. In an embodiment, the
measurement is
done without applying any force from the percussive massage device with force
meter 700.
In an embodiment, the battery pack voltage BV is measured using an external
voltage
meter. In another embodiment, the battery pack and/or microcontroller unit 701
have
embedded solutions for directly measuring battery pack voltage By.
[00165] At Step 1104, the display on the percussive massage device with
force meter 700 that
displays the force magnitude F is read to determine the force magnitude F
corresponding to
the measured battery pack voltage By.
[00166] At Step 1106, a force meter is used to measure actual force being
applied. In an
embodiment, the force meter is a push/pull force meter. The direct measurement
of force
allows calibration of the LUT by comparing the displayed force magnitude F
with the
measured actual force. At Step 1108, the LUT is updated with a corrected force
corresponding with the measured battery pack voltage By. After Step 1108,
Steps 1102-
1106 are repeated for each successive voltage increment. In the embodiment
depicted in
accordance with the method 900, Steps 1102-1106 are repeated for every 3-volt
increment.
FIG. 27 is a graph plotting the LUT calculated by the method 1100 after all 3-
volt
increments had been updated.
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[00167] FIG. 28 is a flow diagram showing a method 1200 of detecting force
applied by a
percussive massage device in accordance with a preferred embodiment. At Step
1202,
current magnitude C of a battery pack is obtained. In an embodiment, current
magnitude C
is input into the microcontroller unit 701. At Step 1204, voltage magnitude BV
of a battery
pack is obtained. In an embodiment, voltage magnitude BV is input into the
microcontroller unit 701. At Step 1206, power is calculated using the product
of C and By.
In an embodiment, the microcontroller unit 701 is configured to calculate
power by
multiplying C and By. At Step 1208, a lookup table is generated that
correlates power
magnitude P to force magnitude F. In an embodiment, the lookup table is
generated using a
method 1300 of generating a lookup table correlating power to force. For
example, the
power magnitude P may be expressed in watts. In an alternative embodiment,
force
magnitude F may be expressed in pounds of force or Newtons of force.
[00168] At Step 1210, the force magnitude F corresponding to power
magnitude P is
displayed on the percussive massage device with force meter 700. In an
embodiment, a
series of LED lights may be utilized to depict varying amounts of force as the
force is
being applied by the percussive massage device with force meter 700. Thus, as
the amount
of force magnitude F increases, more LEDs on the series of LED lights will be
lit.
Preferably, the series of LED lights consists of 12 LED lights.
[00169] FIG. 29 is a flow diagram showing a method 1300 of generating a
lookup table
correlating power to force. At Step 1302, a maximum magnitude of power, FmAx,
is
determined. A theoretical maximum magnitude of power, however, is not a
reasonable
assumption if the total effective power may be calculated. Equation 1 may be
utilized to
determine Total Maximum Effective Power (EPmAx).
Eduction 1: Totai EP = Pm x X Tot.n. EP
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[00170] Equation 2 may be utilized to calculate Total EP, which is then
input into Equation 1
above.
qt&m 2 Total EP = EP0ATTEEty X EP.pcRA :X EIPmairrs,
where Total EP, EPBATTERY, EPPCBA, and EFmoToR are all expressed in
percentages, and
where PCBA is a printed circuit board assembly.
[00171] In an embodiment, EP (Battery) is 85%, EP (PCBA) is 95%, and EP
(Motor) is 75%.
Thus, using Equation 2, Total EP is 85% * 95% * 75% = 60.5625%.
[00172] In this embodiment, PmAx is calculated by multiplying the maximum
voltage VmAx
and the maximum amperage CmAx of the battery pack such as in Equation 3. PMAX
is then
input into Equation 1.
P =
,/AS MAX
[00173] In this embodiment, VmAx is 16.8 volts and CmAx is 20 amperes.
Thus, FmAx is 336
watts.
[00174] Turning back now to Equation 1, if PmAx is 336 watts and Total EP
is 60.5625%,
then Total EPmAx is 203 watts.
[00175] At Step 1304, a minimum amount of power PmThi, is determined. It
will be recognized
by one of ordinary skill in the art that the power without any force being
applied (i.e., no
load) will be non-zero. Thus, PmThr of 12 watts is assumed. One of ordinary
skill will also
understand that the value of is equivalent to the rated power without load,
which may be
derived from VmAx and Cm]N.
[00176] At Step 1306, a maximum magnitude of force, FmAx, is determined.
The magnitude
of FmAx may be determined by assessing the maximum desired force to apply
using the
percussive massage device with force meter 700. As an example, FMAX is 60
pounds of
force.
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[00177] At Step 1308, Total EPmAx is divided into equal increments. In an
embodiment, Total
EPmAx is divided in 3 watt increments per one pound of force, starting at PMIN
(12 watts). It
will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that if FmAx is 60
pounds of force, the
total desired force output of the percussive massage device with force meter
700, then 60
pounds of force correlates to 189 watts, within the calculated Total EPmAx.
[00178] At Step 1310, a LUT is generated that correlates the increments of
pounds of force
with the increments of power in watts. This necessarily creates a linear
relationship
between force and voltage. FIG. 30 is a graph plotting the LUT for use by the
method of
detecting force of FIG. 28 that was generated using the specific example
identified in FIG.
25. The graph depicts calculated force that was calculated using the method
1200.
[00179] Similarly to the method 900, a problem may arise in that the
measured voltage of the
battery pack at Step 1204 in the method 1200 is inaccurate. It may also be the
case that as
the percussive massage device with force meter 700 is used, the maximum
available
voltage degrades over time. In other words, the battery or battery pack
voltage may
decrease.
[00180] FIG. 31 is a flow diagram showing a method 1400 of calibrating a
LUT. The method
1400 may be performed after the method 900 or the method 1200, or entirely
separately
from the method 900 or the method 1200. At Step 1402, current magnitude C of a
battery
pack is obtained. In an embodiment, current magnitude C is input into the
microcontroller
unit 701.
[00181] At Step 1404, battery pack voltage BV is measured. In an
embodiment, the
measurement is done without applying any force from the percussive massage
device with
force meter 700. In an embodiment, the battery pack voltage BV is measured
using an
external voltage meter. In another embodiment, the battery pack and/or
microcontroller
unit 701 have embedded solutions for directly measuring battery pack voltage
By. At Step
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1406, power is calculated using the product of C and By. In an embodiment, the
microcontroller unit 701 is configured to calculate power by multiplying C and
By.
[00182] At Step 1408, the display on the percussive massage device with
force meter 700 that
displays the force magnitude F is read to determine the force magnitude F
corresponding to
the calculated power. At Step 1410, a force meter is used to measure actual
force being
applied. In an embodiment, the force meter is a push/pull force meter. The
direct
measurement of force allows calibration of the LUT by comparing the displayed
force
magnitude F with the measured actual force. At Step 1412, the LUT is updated
with a
corrected force corresponding with the measured power. After Step 1412, Steps
1402-1410
are repeated for each power or force increment. In the embodiment depicted in
accordance
with the method 900, Steps 1402-1410 are repeated for every 3-watt increment.
FIG. 32 is
a graph plotting the LUT calculated by the method 1400 after all 3-watt
increments had
been updated.
[00183] FIGS. 33-35 show an exemplary percussive massage device 400 that
embodies the
features disclosed herein, and, in particular, in FIGS. 17-48 (or FIGS. 1-16).
Generally, the
percussive massage device 400 includes a housing 402, an electrical source or
battery pack
114, a motor 406 positioned in the housing 101, and a switch 405 for
activating the motor
406. The electronics (see printed circuit board 408 in FIG. 34) includes the
controller that
is configured to obtain a voltage of the motor, generate a lookup table
correlating voltage
to force applied by the percussive massage device, and display a force
magnitude
corresponding to the obtained voltage using the lookup table. [END OF 5063]
[00184] FIGS. 36-43A show further views of percussive massage device 400.
FIGS. 36 and
37 are similar to FIGS. 1 and 1A and show that percussive massage device 400
includes a
similar triangle shape with first, second and third handle portions 143, 145
and 147 that
cooperate to define the handle portion 149. Refer to the description of at
least FIGS. 1-5
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for an explanation of the other reference numerals and features shown in FIGS.
36-40. All
features and components described above with respect to any percussive therapy
or
massage devices may be included in percussive massage device 400.
[00185] As shown in FIGS. 41-43, in a preferred embodiment, the brushless
motor 406 is
located in the head portion 12. The percussive massage device 400 can include
a rotatable
arm that is part of rotation housing 44. The motor 406 is located in the
rotation housing 44,
which is housed with the head portion 12 of the housing 101. In another
embodiment, the
rotation capability can be omitted.
[00186] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a push rod or shaft
14 that is
connected directly to a shaft 16 that is rotated by the motor 406 and the
motor shaft 21
extending therefrom. The shaft 16 can be part of a counterweight assembly 17
that includes
a counterweight 19. In a preferred embodiment, the push rod 14 is L-shaped or
includes an
arc shape, as shown in FIGS. 42A-42B. Preferably, the point where the push rod
14 is
connected to the shaft 16 is offset from the reciprocating path that the
distal end 18 of the
push rod 14 (and the massage attachment 628) travel. This capability is
provided by the arc
or L-shape. It should be appreciated that the push rod 14 is designed such
that it can
transmit the force at least partially diagonally or in an arc along its shape
instead of
vertically so the motor can be located at or near the middle of the device,
otherwise a large
protrusion would be necessary to keep the shaft in the center with the motor
offset
therefrom (and positioned in the protrusion). The arc also allows the push rod
14 to have a
close clearance with the motor, as shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B and allows the
outer
housing to be smaller than similar prior art devices, therefore making the
device 400 lower
profile. FIG. 42A shows the push rod 14 at the bottom dead center of its
travel and FIG.
42B shows the push rod 14 at the top dead center of its travel. Preferably one
or more
bearings 20 are included at the proximal end of the push rod 14 where it
connects to the
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motor to counteract the diagonal forces and preventing the push rod 14 from
moving and
touching the motor 406. The bearing 20 is received on shaft 16 and a threaded
fastener 26
is received in a co-axial opening 16a in shaft 16. The proximal end of the
push rod 14 is
received on bearing 20. These components are all shown in FIG. 43.
[00187] As shown in FIG. 33, in a preferred embodiment, the device 400
includes a touch
screen 409 (also referred to herein as touch screen 1582 in association with
method steps)
as well as button(s) for operating the device (e.g., stopping, starting,
activating, changing
speeds, amplitudes, etc.). The touch screen 409 can also include other
functions. The
device 400 can also include a thumbwheel or rolling button positioned near the
touch
screen/on off button to allow the user to scroll or navigate through the
different functions.
touch screen 409 for operating the device. In the embodiment, shown in FIG.
33, the
device 400 includes touch screen 409, a center button 404 for turning the
device on and off
and a ring/rocker button 447 that provides the ability to scroll left and
right (e.g., to the
preset treatments discussed herein) and up and down (e.g., to control the
speed or
frequency). The screen can also be a non-touch screen or just used for
display.
[00188] In another preferred embodiment, any of the devices taught herein
can include the
ability to vary the amplitude or stroke, thus providing a longer or shorter
stroke depending
on the application or needs of the user. For example, the stroke can change or
be changed
between about 8-16 mm. In another embodiment, the stroke can be varied up to
25 or more
mm. The amplitude/stroke variability can also be part of the routines, presets
or protocols
discussed herein. For example, the device can include a mechanical switch that
allows the
eccentricity of the connector to be modified (e.g., between 4mm and 8mm). The
mechanism can include a push button and a slider. The pin structure has a
spring that lets it
fall back into the locked position.
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[00189] Similar to percussive massage devices 208, 210 and 212 above, in a
preferred
embodiment, device 400 includes a number of dampening components that are made
of an
elastomer or the like and damp vibrations to keep the device relatively quiet.
For example,
as shown in FIG. 43, device 400 includes dampening rings 426 (similar to inner
suspension
rings 219) that surround the rotation housing 44 (with first and second
rotation housing
halves 44a and 44b) and help dampen the sound of vibration between the
rotation housing
and outer housing 101.
[00190] As shown in FIGS. 43 and 43A, the device 400 preferably also
includes a motor
mount 24 that secures the motor 406 in place and is secured to the housing
101/402. Motor
406 includes a receiving member 28 with three protrusions 30 (and number
between one
and ten can be included) that is received in a protrusion opening 32 defined
in the motor
mount 24 (in first wall 38). Flanges 34 extending from the motor mount 24 help
keep the
protrusions 30 in place. The motor 406 is preferably secured via threaded
fasteners or the
like to the motor mount 24. Motor shaft 21 extends into the motor mount
interior 36, which
is defined between first and second walls 38 and a side 40 that extends part
of the way
around the circumference. The counterweight assembly 17, proximal end of the
push rod
14 and related components for converting the rotation of the motor shaft 21 to
reciprocating motion are position in the motor mount interior 36. The push rod
14 extends
downwardly out of the motor mount interior and through a push rod opening 42
in the side
40. In a preferred embodiment, the motor mount 24 is connected directly to the
housing
402/101 via fasteners 46 that are secured to mounting members 48 in the
housing (see FIG.
43A). It will be appreciated that the term push rod assembly used herein
includes any of
the components discussed herein or combinations thereof, e.g., push rod 14,
output shaft
108, reciprocator 310, second rod portion 236, that extend from the rotating
motor shaft 21,
shaft 246 or the like that provide reciprocating motion and include the
attachment on the
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distal end thereof The push rod assembly also includes the male connector 110
(and any
related components) or any other connector at the end of the reciprocating
components that
allows connection of an attachment to be used for massage or therapy.
[00191] Preferably the device can be wirelessly charged. FIG. 34 shows the
wireless charging
receiver 22, which is positioned in the third handle portion 147. In another
embodiment,
the wireless charging receiver 22 can be located either of the first and
second handle
portions 143 and 145 or in the head portion 12.
[00192] In a preferred embodiment, the device 400 is associated with and
can be operated by
an app or software that runs on a mobile device such as a phone, watch or
tablet (or any
computer). The app can connect to the device 400 via bluetooth or other
wireless
connection protocol. The app can have any or all of the following functions.
Furthermore,
any of the functions discussed herein can be added to the touch screen/scroll
wheel or
button(s) capability directly on the device. If the user walks or is located
too far away from
the device, the device will not work or activate. The device can be turned on
an off using
the app as well as the touch screen or button on the device. The app can
control the
variable speeds (e.g., anywhere between 1750-3000 RPM). A timer can be
implemented so
the device stops after a predetermined period of time.
[00193] In a preferred embodiment the device, via the app or the touch
screen and other
functional buttons, etc. includes different treatment protocols or routines
associated
therewith. During the routine, the device can vary different aspects or
outputs of the device
or make changes based on time, speed (frequency), amplitude (stroke), arm
position, force,
temperature, grip (i.e., which handle portion to grip), attachment (e.g.,
cone, ball,
dampener, etc.) and body part. The device (via the app, touch screen, haptic
feedback or
audibly via a speaker) can also prompt the user to make some of these changes
at certain
points throughout the routine, e.g., arm position, grip, attachment changes
and body part
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changes. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, depending upon
the particular
design of the device, one or more of these outputs are applicable, while in
other devices, all
options described are applicable.
[00194] When the start of the protocol is selected, the device runs through
a preprogrammed
routine. For example, the device may operate at a first RPM for a first period
of time and
then operate at a second RPM for a second period of time and/or at a first
amplitude for a
first period of time and then operate at a second amplitude for a second
period of time. The
routines can also include prompts (e.g., haptic feedback) for letting the user
to know to
move to a new body part. These routines or treatments can be related to
recovery, blood
flow increase, performance, etc. and can each include a preprogrammed routine
or
protocol. These routines can also help facilitate certain activities, such as
sleep, interval
training, stairs, post-run, post-workout, recovery, wellness, post-core
exercise, high
intensity (plyometric) workouts, among others. The routines can also assist in
providing
relief and recovery from ailments such as plantar fasciitis, "tech neck,"
muscle cramps, jet
lag, sciatica, carpal tunnel, knots, and shin splints, among others. The
routines can also
prompt or instruct the user to switch attachments (e.g., attachment 628 shown
in FIG. 40)
or positions of the arm or rotation housing. The prompts can include sounds,
haptic
feedback (e.g., vibration of the device or mobile device), textual
instructions or visual
representation such as a graphic or picture on the app or touch screen, etc.
For example, the
app may instruct the user to start with the ball attachment with the arm in
position two.
Then the user hits start and the device runs at a first frequency for a
predetermined amount
of time. The app or device then prompts the user to begin the next step in the
routine and
instructs the user to change to the cone attachment and to place the arm in
position 1 (e.g.,
see the arm position in FIG. 38). The arm can include any number of positions,
e.g., 1-10
positions or 1-3 positions or 1-2 positions. FIGS. 38-40 show the arm in three
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positions. The user hits start again and the device runs at a second frequency
for a
predetermined amount of time. The protocol can be divided into steps where, at
each step,
varied outputs are predetermined or specified.
[00195] In a preferred embodiment, the device 400 includes a housing 402
(or 101), an
electrical source 114, a motor 406 positioned in the housing 402, a switch 405
(which can
be any of the touch screen 409, rocker button 447, button 404 or any other
switch or
button) for activating the motor 406, and a routine controller 630. The device
400 is
configured to mate with an attachment 628. The attachment can be, for example,
the
attachment 628 shown in FIG. 38. The attachment is affixed to the male
connector 110 so
that the shaft or push rod assembly 108 moves the attachment reciprocally in
accordance
with a specified amplitude. For example, the amplitude is depicted in FIGS.
42A and 42B,
where FIG. 42A shows the attachment at a maximum extended position and FIG.
42B
shows the attachment at a minimum extended position. The distance between
maximum
and minimum extended positions can, in an embodiment, define the amplitude.
[00196] The attachment 628 can be a variety of attachments configured to
provide therapeutic
relief to specified portions of the body. For example, the attachment 628 can
be a standard
ball (see U.S. Patent App. No. 29/677,157, the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by
reference) attachment targeted for overall use on both large and small muscle
groups. The
attachment 628 can be a cone attachment (see U.S. Patent No. D849,261, the
entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference) for pinpoint muscle treatment,
trigger points,
and small muscle areas like the hands and feet. The attachment 628 can also be
a dampener
attachment (see U.S. Patent App. No. 29/676,670, the entirety of which is
incorporated
herein by reference) used for tender or bony areas, but also for overall uses.
The
attachment 628 can be a wedge attachment (see U.S. Patent No. D845,500, the
entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference) for use on shoulder blades ant IT
bands, used
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for "scraping" and "flushing" motions that help to flush lactic acid out of
muscles. The
attachment 628 can be a large ball (see U.S. Patent App. No. 29/677,016, the
entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference) for large muscle groups like glutes
and quads.
The attachment 628 can be a thumb attachment (see U.S. Patent No. D850,639,
the entirety
of which is incorporated herein by reference) used on trigger points and the
lower back.
The attachment 628 can be a Supersoft m attachment (see U.S. Patent App. No.
29/726,305, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference),
designed to provide
therapeutic relief to sensitive areas, including bones. One of ordinary skill
in the art would
recognize that the attachments described herein are non-limiting and other
configurations
of attachments, including varying materials and shapes, may be utilized in
accordance with
this embodiment. Spherical, forked, flat or other shaped attachments are all
within the
scope of the invention.
[00197] The routine controller 630 is configured to perform a routine in
connection with one
or more specified protocols. The routine controller 630 can be, for example,
the
microcontroller unit 701 depicted in FIG. 17. The routine controller 630 can
also be a
standalone microcontroller separate from the microcontroller 701. The routine
controller
can step through different steps of a specified protocol designed to target
specified muscle
groups and to provide certain therapeutic effects, as described herein.
[00198] FIG. 44 is a table showing an example of a protocol in accordance
with a preferred
embodiment. Protocol 1 is divided into four steps, each depicting a specified
time, speed,
amplitude, attachment, force, temperature, and grip. At Step 1, the device 400
is activated
for 30 seconds at a speed of 1550 RPM. A routine controller 630 may be
utilized to turn on
the percussive massage device and implement a speed of the attachment 628 of
1550 RPM.
One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the speed of the
attachment 628 is
directly proportional to the speed of the motor 406. The amplitude of the
percussive
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massage device is set to be 2 in accordance with Protocol 1. This may
translate to a
specified distance that an attachment 628 moves while in use, as described
above. Step 1
also specifies a dampener attachment affixed to the device 400, a force of "1"
be applied
by the device 400, and a temperature of 21 C be applied to the attachment.
[00199] One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the force to
be applied by the
device 400 may depend upon the pressure exerted by the user in pressing the
attachment
onto a person's body part. As described more fully herein, the force to be
applied by the
device 400 may be the target force. In an embodiment where the user provides
pressure to
exert a particular force upon a person's body part, the routine controller 630
may adjust the
output of the device 400 to ensure that the force actually applied by the
attachment is the
target force. The routine controller 630 may also be configured to provide
feedback to the
user to increase or decrease pressure on a person's body part to meet the
target force. Each
of these embodiments is applicable to each of the steps of a given protocol,
including in
Steps 2-4 below, as well as Steps 1-4 of the protocol shown in FIG. 45.
[00200] Step 1 also specifies that the device 400 is to be operated using
grip 1. Grip 1, for
example, may be the grip shown on the first handle portion 143 depicted in
FIG. 39,
otherwise referred to as a "regular" or "standard" grip. Grip 2, for example,
may be the
grip shown on the third handle portion 147 depicted in FIG. 40, otherwise
referred to as a
"reverse" grip. An "inverse" grip can also be used on third handle portion 147
(not shown).
Grip 3, for example, may be the grip shown on the second handle portion 145
depicted in
FIG. 41, otherwise referred to as a "base" grip.
[00201] At Step 2, Protocol 1 specifies that the device 400 be activated
for 15 seconds at
2100 RPM, with an amplitude of "3", a force of "3", and a temperature of 26
C. Step 2
specifies that the small ball attachment 628 be used, and that the device 400
is to be
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operated using grip 1. Step 2 therefore requires that the dampener attachment
in Step 1 be
replaced by the small ball attachment, but specifies that the same grip is to
be used.
[00202] At Step 3, Protocol 1 specifies that the device 400 be activated
for 30 seconds, at
2200 RPM, with an amplitude of "1", a force of "3", and a temperature of 29
C. Step 3
specifies that the dampener attachment 628 be used, and that the device 400 is
to be
operated using grip 1. Step 3 therefore requires that the small ball
attachment in Step 2 be
replaced by the dampener attachment, but specifies that the same grip is to be
used.
[00203] At Step 4, Protocol 1 specifies that the device 400 be activated
for 45 seconds, at
2400 RPM, with an amplitude of "4", a force of "2", and a temperature of 32
C. Step 3
specifies that the large ball attachment be used, and that the device 400 is
to be operated
using grip 1. Step 3 therefore requires that the dampener attachment in Step 2
be replaced
by the large ball attachment, but specifies that the same grip is to be used.
It will be
appreciated that Protocol 1 is provided as an example to the reader of many of
the different
outputs that can be changed during a myriad of treatment protocols that can be
provided or
developed. It will be further appreciated that any one or more of the outputs
can be a part
of a protocol or routine and any of the outputs discussed herein can be
omitted. For
example, a protocol may only include time and speed or only time speed and
force, or only
time, speed and grip or any other combination of the outputs described herein.
[00204] FIG. 45 is a table showing an example of a "Shin Splints" protocol
in accordance
with a preferred embodiment. Like Protocol 1, the Shin Splints protocol is
divided into
four steps, each depicting a specified time, speed, amplitude, attachment,
force,
temperature, and grip, but also specifying a particular arm position and body
part to which
to apply the attachment. At Step 1, the device 400 is activated for 1 minute
at a speed of
1500 RPM, with an amplitude of "1", a force of "2", and a temperature of 21
C. Step 1
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specifies that the dampener attachment be used, and that the device 400 is to
be operated
using grip 2 ("Reverse"), to the right shin.
[00205] Step 1 also specifies the arm position 632, 634, 636 to be used is
arm position 1. One
of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the numbers of arm position
(e.g., 1, 2, 3,
4, etc.) are predetermined arm positions intended to be used during a
particular protocol.
The part of the body to which the attachment 628 is to be applied is one of
the factors in
determining an optimal arm position. The arm position, however, may be
determined by
the user and is not required to otherwise implement a protocol. As shown in
FIG. 39, a
"standard" grip may be utilized with arm position 632 to apply to specific
parts of the
body. As shown in FIG. 40, a "reverse" grip may be utilized with arm position
634 to
apply to specific parts of the body. As shown in FIG. 41, a "base" grip may be
utilized
with arm position 636 to apply to specific parts of the body. One of ordinary
skill in the art
would recognize that the arm position 632, 634, 636 in combination with the
particular grip
143, 145, 147 may vary depending on the application. One of ordinary skill in
the art will
understand that setting the arm position of a device 400 depends upon the
specific device.
For example, certain devices may allow a user to adjust arm position while
others do not.
For those that do not, this step does not apply. In other embodiments, this
step may be
performed during execution of the steps of the particular protocol.
[00206] At Step 2, the Shin Splints protocol specifies that the device 400
be activated for 1
minute at 1500 RPM, with an amplitude of "1", a force of "2", and a
temperature of 21 C.
Step 2 specifies that the dampener attachment be used, and that the device 400
is to be
operated using grip 2 ("Reverse"), at an arm position 1, to the left shin.
Step 2 therefore
uses the same attachment, grip, and arm position as Step 1, but is applied to
the other shin.
[00207] At Step 3, the Shin Splints protocol specifies that the device 400
be activated for 1
minute at 2000 RPM, with an amplitude of "3", a force of "3", and a
temperature of 24 C.
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Step 2 specifies that the dampener attachment be used, and that the device 400
is to be
operated using grip 3 ("Base"), at an arm position 1, to the right calf Step 3
therefore
requires that the user change grips from "reverse" to "base" grips, but
specifies that the
same attachment and arm position be used.
[00208] At Step 4, the Shin Splints protocol specifies that the device 400
be activated for 1
minute at 2000 RPM, with an amplitude of "3", a force of "3", and a
temperature of 24 C.
Step 2 specifies that the dampener attachment be used, and that the device 400
is to be
operated using grip 3 ("Base"), at an arm position 1, to the left calf Step 2
therefore uses
the same attachment, grip, and arm position as Step 1, but is applied to the
other calf
[00209] FIG. 46 is a series of flow diagrams (FIGS. 46A, 46B, 46C) showing
a method 1500
of executing a routine for a percussive massage device.
[00210] FIG. 46A is a flow diagram showing an exemplary protocol
initiation. At Step 1502,
Protocol 1 is initiated. Protocol 1, for example, is the Protocol 1 depicted
in FIG. 44 or the
"Shin Splints" Protocol depicted in FIG. 45. One of ordinary skill in the art
would
understand that Protocol 1 depicted in FIG. 44 does not include all of the
outputs that are
specified in the Shin Splints Protocol depicted in FIG. 45, and thus, not all
steps of the
method 1500 apply to the Protocol 1 depicted in FIG. 44.
[00211] At Step 1504, a user is prompted to set the arm position to the
specified arm position
632, 634, 636. The user may be the person using the device 400 on their own
body or on
the body of another person. The arm position 632, 634, 636 specified in the
Shin Splints
Protocol is arm position 1, for example.
[00212] At Step 1506, the user is prompted to use a specified grip or
handle portion 143, 145,
147 on the device 400. The grip specified in the Shin Splints Protocol is the
third handle
portion 147, for example. As described herein, the grip may vary depending on
the
particular protocol or step.
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[00213] At Step 1508, the user is prompted to affix a specified attachment
to the device 400.
As described herein, the attachment may vary depending on the particular
protocol or step.
[00214] At Step 1510, the method determines whether the arm position 632,
634, 636 and the
grip position 143, 145, 147 are configured appropriately and whether the
attachment 628 is
affixed. Step 1510 may involve a prompt to the user by haptic feedback,
application
interface, or touch screen (among other types of prompts) in which the user is
asked to
proceed when the appropriate arm position, grip, and attachment are ready. In
other
embodiments, the device 400 may sense that the arm position and grip are
appropriate and
that an attachment is affixed before proceeding automatically. In an
embodiment, Step
1510 is repeated until the arm position, grip, and attachment are ready.
[00215] FIG. 46B is a flow diagram showing an exemplary Step 1 of the
protocol, continuing
the method 1500 where FIG. 46A left off
[00216] At Step 1512, Step 1 of the protocol is initiated. Step 1, for
example, is Step 1
depicted in FIGS. 44 and 45, for example.
[00217] At Step 1514, the method 1500 applies a specified time period (Ti)
in which the
device 400 is activated, a speed of the attachment, an amplitude of the
attachment, a force
of the attachment, and a temperature of the attachment. In an embodiment, one
or more of
these outputs of the device 400 are applied. These outputs may be applied by
the routine
controller 630. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a
user's
implementation of the device 400 on a body part is not required to apply
certain of these
outputs. For example, the time period, speed, amplitude, and temperature are
not
necessarily dependent upon a user applying pressure to a body part. On the
other hand, the
force applied by the attachment 628 may require a user to exert pressure on a
body part for
a target force (or a target force range) to be reached. Further, the
temperature may vary
depending on whether the attachment 628 is applied to a body part, or not, and
to which
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body part it is applied. Thus, the temperature may need to be adjusted during
application of
the attachment 628 to reach a desired temperature predetermined by the
protocol. In
another embodiment, the temperature may be adjusted by a user.
[00218] After time period Ti, the user may be prompted to change the
attachment 628, arm
position 632, 634, 636, and/or grip position 143, 145, 147. These outputs may
need to be
implemented prior to the start of Step 2 of a protocol. In the Shin Splints
Protocol depicted
in FIG. 45, the attachment 628, arm position 632, 634, 636 and grip position
143, 145, 147
remain the same. At Step 1516, after time period Ti, the user is prompted to
set the arm
position to the specified arm position 632, 634, 636. The user may be the
person using the
device 400 on their own body or on the body of another person.
[00219] At Step 1518, the user is prompted to use a specified grip 143,
145, 147 on the device
400. As described herein, the grip may vary depending on the particular
protocol or step.
[00220] At Step 1520, the user is prompted to affix a specified attachment
628 to the device
400. As described herein, the attachment 628 may vary depending on the
particular
protocol or step.
[00221] At Step 1522, the method determines whether the arm position 632,
634, 636 and the
grip position 143, 145, 147 are configured appropriately and whether the
attachment 628 is
affixed. This step and all other like steps are optional. Step 1510 may
involve a prompt to
the user by haptic feedback, application interface, or touch screen (among
other types of
prompts) in which the user is prompted to move to the next step in the routine
and/or
requested to proceed when the appropriate arm position, grip, and attachment
are ready. In
other embodiments, the device 400 may sense that the arm position and grip are
appropriate and that an attachment is affixed before proceeding automatically.
In an
embodiment, Step 1522 is repeated until the arm position, grip, and attachment
are ready.
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[00222] FIG. 46C is a flow diagram showing an exemplary Step 2 of the
protocol, continuing
the method 1500 where FIG. 46B left off
[00223] At Step 1524, Step 2 of the protocol is initiated. Step 2, for
example, is Step 2
depicted in FIGS. 44 and 45, for example.
[00224] At Step 1526, the method 1500 applies a specified time period (T2)
in which the
device 400 is activated, a speed of the attachment, an amplitude of the
attachment, a force
of the attachment, and a temperature of the attachment. In an embodiment, one
or more of
these outputs of the device 400 are applied. These outputs may be applied by
the routine
controller 630. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a
user's
implementation of the device 400 on a body part is not required to apply
certain of these
outputs. For example, the time period, speed, amplitude, and temperature are
not
necessarily dependent upon a user applying pressure to a body part. On the
other hand, the
force applied by the attachment 628 may require a user to exert pressure on a
body part for
a target force to be reached. Further, the temperature may vary depending on
whether the
attachment 628 is applied to a body part, or not, and to which body part it is
applied. Thus,
the temperature may need to be adjusted during application of the attachment
628 to reach
a desired temperature predetermined by the protocol. In another embodiment,
the
temperature may be adjusted by a user.
[00225] After time period T2, the user may be prompted to change the
attachment 628, arm
position 632, 634, 636, and/or grip position 143, 145, 147. These outputs may
need to be
implemented prior to the start of Step 3 of a protocol. In the Shin Splints
Protocol depicted
in FIG. 45, the attachment 628 and arm position 632, 634, 636 remain the same,
but the
grip 143, 145, 147 is adjusted to the base grip. At Step 1528, after time
period T2, the user
is prompted to set the arm position to the specified arm position 632, 634,
636. The user
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may be the person using the device 400 on their own body or on the body of
another
person.
[00226] At Steps 1528-1534, therefore, steps substantially the same as
Steps 1516-1522 are
performed. After Step 1534, Steps 3-4 are initiated in substantially the same
manner as
Steps 1-2. For example, Steps 3 and 4 may be Steps 3 and 4 of the Protocol 1
depicted in
FIG. 44 or the Shin Splints Protocol depicted in FIG. 45. Furthermore, Step
1534 can be
omitted in a device where none of the grip, arm position or attachment can be
sensed by
the device. In this embodiment, the given protocol simply moves from step 1 to
step 2
prompting the user to make a change (but regardless of whether the user has
actually made
a change).
[00227] As an alternative to FIG. 46C, FIG. 46D is a flow diagram depicting
an alternative
Step 2 of a protocol. In the alternative Step 2, a force meter adjustment is
implemented.
[00228] Steps 1536-1538 are performed substantially the same as Steps 1524-
1526 in
previous Step 2 above.
[00229] At Step 1540, the force being applied by the attachment 628 is
monitored. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 46D, the method 1500 utilizes the force meter 700 to
monitor
the force actually being applied by the user.
[00230] At Step 1542, the force is displayed to the user. In an embodiment,
the force is
displayed on an application interface 1584 such as a graphical user interface.
In other
embodiments, individual use or combined use of the application interface 1584,
touch
screen 1582, the OLED screen 711, or the like, may be used to display the
force.
[00231] At Step 1546, the user is prompted to increase or decrease the
force being applied to
a body part according to the specified protocol during T2. FIG. 48 is a
diagram showing a
touch screen 1582 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the display of
the
force. A force display 1590 shows an exemplary embodiment of Step 1546. The
force
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display 1590 shows a series of force measurements over the course of the
"Right Bicep"
step of a protocol. A force display prompt 1592 is used to display a message
to the user
such as "PERFECT PRESSURE: WELL DONE" when the force applied by the attachment
628 matches or corresponds to a target force predetermined by the protocol. In
this
embodiment, the force display prompt 1592 may recite "INCREASE PRESSURE" or
the
like if the measured force applied by the attachment 628 is lower than the
target force
predetermined by the protocol. Consequently, if the measured force applied by
the
attachment 628 is higher than the target force predetermined by the protocol,
then the force
display prompt 1592 may recite "DECREASE PRESSURE" or the like. The user may
then
adjust the pressure the user is exerting on the body part to either increase
pressure or
decrease pressure according to the force display prompt 1592 so that the
measured force is
equivalent or substantially equivalent to the target force.
[00232] After time period T2, the user may be prompted to change the
attachment 628, arm
position 632, 634, 636, and/or grip position 143, 145, 147. These outputs may
need to be
implemented prior to the start of Step 3 of a protocol. In the Shin Splints
Protocol depicted
in FIG. 45, the attachment 628 and arm position 632, 634, 636 remain the same,
but the
grip 143, 145, 147 is adjusted to the base grip. At Step 1528, after time
period T2, the user
is prompted to set the arm position to the specified arm position 632, 634,
636. The user
may be the person using the device 400 on their own body or on the body of
another
person.
[00233] At Steps 1548-1552, therefore, steps substantially the same as
Steps 1516-1522 are
performed. After Step 1534, Steps 3-4 are initiated in substantially the same
manner as
Steps 1-2. For example, Steps 3 and 4 may be Steps 3 and 4 of the Protocol 1
depicted in
FIG. 44 or the Shin Splints Protocol depicted in FIG. 45.
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[00234] FIG. 47 is a diagram in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
an application
interface 1584. At the top of the interface 1584, a protocol field 1556 is
displayed to the
user. In this embodiment, the protocol field 1556 is "TECH NECK." The protocol
title
1556 also shows the overall time period of the protocol.
[00235] The next portion of the interface 1584 shows step fields 1558-1568
of the protocol
that are displayed to the user. In this embodiment, the step fields identify
the title of the
step and time period of the step. For example, step field 1558 is titled
"RIGHT BICEP"
(where the treatment will be provided) and the time period of activation is
"0:30 MIN."
[00236] The interface 1584 also includes a current step field 1570 that
identifies the current
step title 1570, a grip title display 1572, and an attachment title display
1574.
[00237] The interface 1584 also includes a time display 1576 and a time
remaining display
1578 to show the user how much time has occurred during that step and the time
remaining
in that step. Finally, the interface 1584 includes a control field 1580 to
play, skip back, and
skip forward from step to step.
[00238] As described above, FIG. 46 shows a touch screen 1582 on a mobile
device. The
touch screen 1582 displays a graphic depicting a starting point 1586 "A" and
an end point
1588 "B" (thereby defining a treatment path) showing the user where to apply
the
attachment 628 to the specified body part. In FIG. 46, the display instructs
the user to
move the attachment from the lower portion of the right bicep to the upper
portion of the
right bicep (the treatment path) during the current step. In some embodiments,
during a
single step, the user may be prompted or shown on the graphical user interface
more than
one treatment path (or a first treatment path and a second treatment path) on
the same body
part/muscle or on different body parts/muscles. For example, during the right
bicep step,
the user may be prompted to first move the device along the path shown in FIG.
47, but,
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during the same 30 second step may also be prompted or shown a path that is
parallel to
the path shown in FIG. 47.
[00239] Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and
described in a
particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so
that certain
operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations
may be
performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another
embodiment,
instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in an
intermittent
and/or alternating manner.
[00240] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the
description and the
claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed
in an
inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to
say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected,"
"coupled," or any
variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect,
between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be
physical, logical,
or a combination thereof Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below,"
and words of
similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application
as a whole and
not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits,
words in the
above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or
plural
number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word
"or" in
reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following
interpretations of the
word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any
combination of the
items in the list.
[00241] Embodiments are envisioned where any of the aspects, features,
component or
steps herein may be omitted and/or are option. Furthermore, where appropriate
any of
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these optional aspects, features, component or steps discussed herein in
relation to one
aspect of the invention may be applied to another aspect of the invention.
[00242] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is
not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above.
While specific
embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for
illustrative
purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of
the disclosure,
as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while
processes or blocks
are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines
having steps,
or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or
blocks may
be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide
alternative or
subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a
variety of
different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being
performed in
series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may
be
performed, at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are
only
examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
[00243] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is
not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above.
While specific
embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for
illustrative
purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of
the disclosure,
as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific
numbers noted
herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing
values,
measurements or ranges. It will be appreciated that any dimensions given
herein are only
exemplary and that none of the dimensions or descriptions are limiting on the
present
invention.
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[00244] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to
other systems, not
necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various
embodiments
described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
[00245] Any patents and applications and other references noted above,
including any that
may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by
reference in their
entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ
the systems,
functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide
yet further
embodiments of the disclosure.
[00246] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of
the above Detailed
Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description
describes certain
embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no
matter how
detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many
ways. Details of
the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still
being
encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular
terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure
should not
be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be
restricted to any
specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which
that terminology is
associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be
construed to
limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification unless the
above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly
defines such
terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only
the disclosed
embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the
disclosure
under the claims.
[00247] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in
certain claim forms,
the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number
of claim
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forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a
means-plus-
function claim under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6, other aspects may likewise be embodied
as a
means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a
computer-
readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. 112, 6
will begin
with the words "means for"). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to
add
additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim
forms for other
aspects of the disclosure.
[00248] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have
been shown
and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are
descriptive rather
than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be
made by one
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
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