Device for electrical stimulation

Abstract

Device for electrical stimulation of a person, comprising: a. a first contact element and a second contact element, wherein the first contact element has a first contact surface for electrically contacting a first foot of the person and wherein the second contact element has a second contact surface for electrically contacting a second foot of the person, wherein the contact surfaces are pivotable by means of two pivoting elements to allow the angle of the joints of the foot and ankle of the person to change during the electrical stimulation cycle, and b. a means for providing an electrical stimulation cycle for the feet of the person, which supplies electrical current to the first contact surface and / or to the second contact surface for electrical stimulation of muscles of the person, characterized in that the pivoting elements are arranged neither between opposite ends nor between opposite sides of the contact elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for electrical stimulation of a person, comprising: a first contact element and a second contact element, wherein the first contact element has a first contact surface for electrically contacting a first foot of the person and wherein the second contact element has a second contact surface for electrically contacting a second foot of the person, wherein the contact surfaces are pivotable by means of two pivoting elements to allow the angle of the joints of the foot and ankle of the person to change during the electrical stimulation cycle, and comprising a means for providing an electrical stimulation cycle for the feet of the person, which supplies electrical current to the first contact surface and / or to the second contact surface for electrical stimulation of muscles of the person.

[0002] European Patent EP 2 741 814 B1 discloses a device for the electrical stimulation of an individual, comprising: a first contact element and a second contact element, wherein the first contact element has a first contact surface for one foot of the individual, and the second contact element has a second contact surface for a second foot of the individual, each contact surface being designed to contact the sole of one foot of the individual. The first and second contact surfaces of the contact elements are integrated into an electrical circuit. The device includes means for providing an electrical stimulation cycle to the individual's foot.The electrical stimulation cycle involves applying an electric current to the first and second contact surfaces to electrically stimulate the plantar muscles of the individual's feet. When the individual places one foot on each of the first and second contact surfaces, the individual closes the electrical circuit, and the electric current flows from one foot to the other. Each contact surface pivots around a pivoting element, which is positioned between opposite ends or sides of each contact surface to allow the angle of the individual's foot and ankle joints to change during the electrical stimulation cycle.

[0003] It is therefore the object of the present invention to specify a method of application of the type mentioned at the outset that is more convenient and safer to use.

[0004] The problem is solved by a device of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the pivoting elements are arranged neither between opposite ends nor between opposite sides of the contact elements.

[0005] The device according to the invention has a very special advantage over the device known from EP 2 741 814 B1 in that the user can place a household towel or a household decorative or seat cushion continuously from back to front on the surface between the swivel elements of the device standing on the floor or another surface, which dampens the constant impact of the edges or feet of the device during the execution of the continuous swivel movements, thus protecting the joints of the users and increasing comfort during the execution of the exercises.

[0006] With the device known from EP 2 741 814 B1, this is not possible, as there is insufficient space between the swivel elements for a standard household towel or decorative or seat cushion, and folding the towel or cushion multiple times is also not helpful because a multiple-folded standard household towel or decorative or seat cushion is too high.

[0007] Furthermore, in contrast to the device known from EP 2 741 814 B1, the device according to the invention has the advantage that it cannot tilt about an axis deviating from the desired pivot axis if the user accidentally steps on the edge of the device on one side.

[0008] Preferably, the pivoting elements are designed to roll or tilt on a flat surface, such as a floor, thereby enabling a pivoting movement of the contact surfaces relative to the flat surface. For this purpose, the pivoting elements can be rounded on their underside to allow for smooth rolling.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the device has a flat base element on the upper surface of which the contact elements are arranged. Preferably, the flat base element forms a stable, pivotable platform.

[0010] In an advantageous design, the base element is circular and / or disc-shaped. A circular design requires less space compared to a rectangular or square base element, so the device can be used even in confined spaces and is easy to store.

[0011] The base element can advantageously be designed as a hollow body. If the base element is designed as a hollow body, particularly by means of two interconnected half-shells, the overall weight of the device is significantly reduced. This facilitates handling, transport, and storage. The hollow structure simultaneously provides stability and strength without making the device too heavy or unwieldy. A design with two half-shells surrounding a hollow core makes it possible to achieve high structural stability and load-bearing capacity of the base element.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the hollow body contains electrical or electronic components, in particular the means for providing an electrical stimulation cycle and / or an electrical energy storage device, such as a battery. This protects the sensitive components from external influences such as moisture, dirt, or mechanical stress, thus increasing the service life and reliability of these components.

[0013] In an advantageous design, the swivel elements project into the semi-space below the base element, while remaining outside this space directly beneath the contact surfaces. This design allows swiveling while simultaneously enabling the placement of a standard household towel or decorative / seat cushion across the surface from back to front.

[0014] The swivel elements can be advantageously positioned on opposite ends of the base element. This reduces the risk of tipping or imbalance, especially during dynamic movements in use. Furthermore, sufficient space remains between the swivel elements for a standard household towel or a standard household decorative or seat cushion.

[0015] Preferably, the swivel elements are spaced 35 cm to 45 cm apart. This leaves sufficient space between them for a standard household towel or decorative or seat cushion. Alternatively or additionally, the height of the swivel elements can be between 3 cm and 8 cm.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the base element can be positioned between the swivel elements. This also reduces the risk of tipping or imbalance, especially during dynamic movements in use. Furthermore, sufficient space remains between the swivel elements for a standard household towel or a decorative or seat cushion.

[0017] Preferably, the space below the underside of the base element and between the swivel elements is free of components of the device, leaving plenty of space between the swivel elements for a standard household towel or a standard household decorative or seat cushion.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the pivoting elements are manufactured together with the base element or a component of the base element, in particular with at least one of the half-shells, in one piece from the same piece of raw material and / or together as a single piece as a plastic part and / or together as a single piece as an injection-molded part, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part. This avoids joints and seams that could represent potential weak points, thus increasing the structural integrity and durability of the entire device. One-piece manufacturing, especially by injection molding, also reduces production effort, as no additional assembly steps or joining mechanisms are required. This lowers production costs and shortens manufacturing time, which is particularly advantageous in mass production.A one-piece construction made of plastic or injection molding allows for a lightweight yet robust design.

[0019] Preferably, the device is designed such that when the person places one foot on each contact surface, an electrical circuit is closed, so that an electric current flows through the person's body from one foot to the other foot.

[0020] A device designed so that the user completes an electrical circuit by placing a foot on each contact surface, thus creating an electric current flowing through the body from one foot to the other, offers several advantages. The electric current flowing through the body can be used for targeted muscle stimulation, which promotes blood circulation and can relieve muscle tension. This supports regeneration after physical exertion, which is particularly beneficial for athletes or people with muscular problems. Another advantage lies in the potential for pain relief, as electrical stimulation can be used specifically for pain reduction by blocking nerve signals or stimulating the body's own production of pain-relieving endorphins. Therefore, the device can be used effectively to treat conditions such as foot, leg, or back pain.This design is particularly user-friendly, as the electrical circuit is automatically closed simply by placing the feet on it. Ideally, the user does not need to perform any additional actions, which increases the comfort and practicality of the application.

[0021] The contact surfaces can be advantageously shaped like segments of a circle. These segments help to keep the user's feet in an optimal position. This supports a precise and stable pivoting motion, resulting in targeted and effective movement of the ankles and lower limbs. Segmented contact surfaces also allow for efficient use of the space on the top of the base element.

[0022] The invention is shown in the drawing in an exemplary and schematic manner and is described below with reference to the figures, whereby identical or similarly functioning elements are usually provided with the same reference numerals even in different embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a device according to the invention in combination with a household towel, Fig. 2 the embodiment in a side view, Fig. 3 the embodiment in a further side view, and Fig. 4. A description of the functionality of the exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Fig.Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for the electrical stimulation of a person in combination with a standard household towel 2. The device for the electrical stimulation of a person has a first contact element 3 and a second contact element 4, wherein the first contact element 3 has a first contact surface 5 for electrically contacting a first foot of the person and wherein the second contact element 4 has a second contact surface 6 for electrically contacting a second foot of the person. The contact surfaces 5, 6 are pivotable by means of two pivoting elements 7 to allow the angle of the joints of the foot and ankle of the person to change during the electrical stimulation cycle.The device 1 includes a means for providing an electrical stimulation cycle for the person's feet, which supplies electrical current to the first contact surface 4 and / or to the second contact surface 6 for electrical stimulation of the person's muscles. The pivoting elements 7 are arranged neither between opposite ends nor between opposite sides of the contact elements 3, 4.

[0024] The device has the very special advantage that the user can place a household towel 2 or a household decorative or seat cushion continuously from back to front between the swivel elements 7 of the device standing on the floor or another surface, which dampens the constant impact of the edges or feet of the device during the execution of the continuous swivel movements, thus protecting the joints of the users and increasing comfort during the execution of the exercises.

[0025] The pivot elements 7 project into the half-space 8 below a base element 9, but the pivot elements 7 are arranged outside the space directly below the contact surfaces. Preferably, the pivot elements 7 have a distance 10 between them in the range of 35 cm to 45 cm. Reference symbol list: 1 Device 2 towels 3 first contact element 4 second contact element 5 First contact surface 6 Second contact surface 7 Swivel element 8 half-space 9 Basic element 10 distance QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 741 814 B1 [0002, 0005, 0006, 0007]

Claims

[1] Device for electrical stimulation of a person, comprising: a. a first contact element and a second contact element, wherein the first contact element has a first contact surface for electrically contacting a first foot of the person and wherein the second contact element has a second contact surface for electrically contacting a second foot of the person, wherein the contact surfaces are pivotable by means of two pivoting elements to allow the angle of the joints of the foot and ankle of the person to change during the electrical stimulation cycle, and b. a means for providing an electrical stimulation cycle for the person's feet, which supplies electrical current to the first contact surface and / or the second contact surface for electrical stimulation of the person's muscles, characterized bythat the pivoting elements are not arranged between opposite ends or between opposite sides of the contact elements. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the pivoting elements are designed to roll or tilt on a flat surface, such as a floor, thereby enabling a pivoting movement of the contact surfaces relative to the flat surface. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the device has a flat base element on the top of which the contact elements are arranged. [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by that the basic element is designed as a circular and / or disc-shaped element. [5] Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the basic element is designed as a hollow body. [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by, that the basic element has two interconnected half-shells that surround a cavity of the hollow body. [7] Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that a. the hollow body contains electrical or electronic components, in particular the means for providing an electrical stimulation cycle, and / or that b. the hollow body contains an electrical energy storage device. [8] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by , that the pivot elements protrude into the half-space below the base element. [9] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by that the pivoting elements are arranged on opposite end faces of the base element. [10] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized by that the base element is arranged between the swivel elements. [11] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized bythat the swivel elements are manufactured together with the base element or a component of the base element, in particular with at least one of the half-shells, in one piece from the same piece of raw material and / or together in one piece as a plastic part and / or together in one piece as an injection-molded part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part. [12] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that when the person places one foot on each contact surface, they close an electrical circuit, so that an electric current flows through the person's body from one foot to the other. [13] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the contact surfaces are segment-shaped. [14] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the swivel elements are designed identically. [15] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized bythat the swivel elements have a distance of 35 cm to 45 cm between them. [16] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by , that the space below the underside of the base element and between the pivot elements is free of components of the device.

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