Massage apparatus

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a massage apparatus (10) comprising a massage head (1) and a control system (2), the massage head (1) being intended to be applied to the skin of a subject, wherein the control system (2) is configured to control the massage head (1) such that a negative pressure is generated in the massage head (1) according to a negative-pressure function representing a variation over time of the negative pressure generated in the massage head (1), wherein the control system (2) is further configured to add, to the negative-pressure function, an oscillatory vibration with a frequency of between 25 Hz and 45 Hz.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Massage device TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of massage devices, and in particular massage devices comprising a massage head and a control system configured to control the massage head so that a vacuum is generated in the massage head. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various massage techniques are used depending on the treatments to be performed. Generally speaking, they all involve applying constraints to the subject using pressure and / or movement and / or pinching.

[0003] There are many types of devices to make the masseur's job easier.

[0004] Among the various existing devices, it was considered to use equipment using a simple mechanical action, for example by means of assemblies comprising balls or balls mounted on a support box, possibly allowing the distribution of a treatment product (cream, liquid).

[0005] Massage devices have also been proposed that implement suction of the subject's skin. Such suction makes it possible to form a skin fold inside an internal chamber of a massage head. Mechanical actuators such as rollers or valves then exert actions, for example pressure or friction on this skin fold, to induce a predefined massage effect on the subject. Such a solution is for example described in the applicant's patent EP3151805.

[0006] Current massage devices allow skin suction in two modes:

[0007] - a so-called “continuous” mode, in which suction is generated by applying a constant depression in the massage head, the power of the suction being chosen by the operator; and

[0008] - a so-called “alternating” mode, comprising a succession of aspirations and “released” thanks to an alternating succession of high and low depressions in the massage head.

[0009] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate such modes known from the state of the art. In particular, Figure 1a represents the temporal evolution of the depression within the massage head in continuous mode, and Figure 1b represents the temporal evolution of the depression within the massage head in alternating mode.

[0010] In these two figures, the abscissa axis represents time and the ordinate axis represents the depression generated within the massage head. In continuous mode, shown in Figure 1 a, suction is applied to the subject's skin by generating a constant depression, equal to a fixed pressure value PF and possibly selected beforehand by the operator, in the massage head. In alternating mode, shown in Figure 1 b, a succession of suctions and releases is applied to the subject's skin. For this, suction phases, during which a depression having a value pi is generated in the massage head, alternate with phases during which no depression is generated in the massage head (i.e. the surface of the subject's skin is at atmospheric pressure). In the example of Figure 1 b, the duration ATi of the depression phases and the duration ATo of the phases without depression are different, but they can be equal.Also, alternatively to the example in Figure 1 b, it is possible to alternate between depression phases equal to a first value pi for a duration ATi and depression phases equal to a second value po < pi for a duration ATo (in the example in Figure 1 b, the low value po is equal to 0, but this is not mandatory). The values ​​po and pi are fixed and can be selected beforehand by the operator (i.e. the subject who manipulates the massage device).

[0011] As mentioned above, both modes allow the subject's skin to be sucked in to form a skin fold inside the massage head. Mechanical actuators in the massage head, such as flaps or rollers, then massage the sucked skin.

[0012] However, the subject may feel some discomfort or even pain when grasping the skin fold.

[0013] The invention improves the situation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention provides a solution to the problems mentioned above by adding an oscillatory vibration having a frequency between 25 Hz and 45 Hz to the depression function. It has in fact been determined, from tests, that such a vibration has the effect of reducing, or even completely eliminating, the subject's pain.

[0015] One aspect of the invention thus relates to a massage apparatus comprising a massage head and a control system, the massage head being intended to be applied to the skin of a subject, in which the control system is configured to control the massage head so that a depression is generated in the massage head according to a depression function representing a temporal variation of the depression generated in the massage head, the depression function corresponding to a sum of a first depression function and a second depression function, the second depression function corresponding to an oscillatory vibration of frequency between 25 Hz and 45 Hz.

[0016] By "depression" is meant a negative pressure difference in the massage head compared to atmospheric pressure. In other words, the pressure inside the massage head is lower than atmospheric pressure, and the depression represents the (negative) difference between the pressure in the massage head and atmospheric pressure. In the following, the applied depression values ​​are given as absolute values ​​(positive values), but it is understood that these values ​​are actually negative, since it is a depression.

[0017] Such a vacuum has the effect, when the massage head is applied against the subject's skin (on the surface thereof), of sucking the skin inside the massage head. In existing devices, this suction makes it possible to form a skin fold, which can then be worked (massaged) using mechanical actuators, such as valves or rollers. According to the present invention, this suction is no longer constant, and allows a massage effect of the skin fold according to a pattern defined by the shape of the curve representative of the applied vacuum function.

[0018] By “depression function” is meant the function (or, equivalently, its representative curve, i.e. its shape) representing the variations in depression within the massage head over time.

[0019] By "oscillatory vibration" is meant an oscillatory function added to the first depression function. In other words, if the first depression function is denoted d(t), the depression obtained after adding vibration is: d vib t) = d(t) + s(t), where s(t) is an oscillatory function with a frequency between 25 Hz and 45 Hz.

[0020] By "oscillatory function" is meant a periodic function whose representative curve presents alternating ascending and descending variations, for example sinusoidal variations or variations that can be related to sinusoidal variations. This category of functions here includes sine functions (as well as cosine functions), but also square, sawtooth and triangular functions.

[0021] It is noted that in the present application, the operator refers to the individual who manipulates the massage device, and the subject refers to the individual to whom the massage head is applied. The operator and the subject may be the same individual or two different individuals.

[0022] In particular, the frequency of oscillatory vibration can be between 27 Hz and 35 Hz. Such frequencies have proven to be particularly comfortable for massage and effective for pain relief.

[0023] In embodiments, the oscillatory vibration has an amplitude between 30 mbar and 70 mbar.

[0024] These amplitudes have proven particularly effective in alleviating or eliminating pain. It is noted that the term "amplitude" here refers to the difference between two extreme values ​​(i.e. the difference between the minimum value and the maximum value) of the signal considered.

[0025] In embodiments, the first depression function is a constant function or a step function.

[0026] As mentioned above, these functions are used in state-of-the-art devices to capture the skin fold. Adding vibrations to these functions to reduce or eliminate the pain resulting from this seizure of the skin fold.

[0027] In other embodiments, the first depression function is continuous, periodic, and non-constant.

[0028] By "continuous" it is understood that the curve representing the first depression function does not exhibit any jumps (unlike, for example, the step function in Figure 1 b). By "periodic" it is understood that the curve representing the first depression function repeats itself with a given period. By "non-constant" it is understood that the function takes at least two different values ​​(in this case, an infinity of different values ​​since it is continuous) during a period. It is possible for the function to exhibit plateaus or levels, that is to say that the function can be constant over a time interval strictly shorter than the period, but it cannot be constant over the entire period (unlike the function represented in Figure 1 a for example).

[0029] Such vacuum functions advantageously make it possible to obtain specific physiological effects, to reproduce or even surpass manual massage gestures. Indeed, the inventors of the present invention have determined that variations over time in the vacuum function make it possible to perform a vacuum massage function, which is not the case in existing devices (in which the massage function is operated only by the action of the rollers or flaps). Furthermore, by varying the frequency of the applied vacuum function, different depths of the skin can be reached, which makes it possible to obtain varied physiological effects.

[0030] In particular, the first depression function can be a piecewise affine function or a sinusoidal function.

[0031] By "piecewise affine" it is understood that the curve is composed of straight line segments (increasing, constant or decreasing). Here, it is assumed that there are no "jumps" at the junctions between the straight line segments.

[0032] In other embodiments, the first depression function corresponds to a concatenation of at least two portions of at least two respective basis functions, the at least two basis functions being chosen from: constant functions, affine or piecewise affine functions, sinusoidal functions and sigmoid functions.

[0033] By "concatenation" it is meant that the function is defined over several portions of the period, and that it has different expressions depending on the portions of the period (more precisely, the function follows a different expression over at least two portions). For example, the function can be a portion of a sinusoidal function connected to a constant function, itself connected to a sinusoidal function (identical or distinct from the first sinusoidal function). Here, it is assumed that there is no jump in value at the junctions between the portions.

[0034] In embodiments, the first depression function has a frequency between 0 Hz and 20 Hz.

[0035] This frequency range corresponds to the frequencies that produce the most interesting physiological effects in the context of a cosmetic treatment. It is noted that the frequency of the vibration is greater than the frequency of the first depression function.

[0036] In particular, the frequency can be between 0 and 16 Hz. This frequency range allows access to the deeper layers of the skin.

[0037] In embodiments, the first depression function can take values ​​between 0 and 660 mbar (values ​​provided in absolute values: this means that the “signed” values ​​of the depression are between - 660 mbar and 0 mbar).

[0038] In particular, at least some values ​​of the first depression function may be between 30 and 40 mbar when the massage device is used on a part of the face, and between 150 and 330 mbar when the massage device is used on a part of the body (other than the face).

[0039] In embodiments, the magnitude of the first vacuum function may be greater than or equal to 200 mbar.

[0040] In embodiments, the control system includes a suction device connected to the massage head by a suction conduit configured to generate suction, said suction generating a vacuum in the massage head.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention relates to a cosmetic treatment method implemented by a massage apparatus comprising a massage head and a control system, the massage head being intended to be applied to a subject's skin, the method comprising:

[0042] - controlling, by the control system, the massage head so that a depression is generated in the massage head according to a depression function representing a temporal variation of the depression generated in the massage head;

[0043] wherein the depression function corresponds to a sum of a first depression function and a second depression function, the second depression function corresponding to an oscillatory vibration of frequency between 25 Hz and 45 Hz.

[0044] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the description, which can be read in conjunction with the figures. These figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention.

[0046] Figure 1a shows the time evolution of the depression within the massage head in the continuous mode of the state of the art.

[0047] Figure 1 b represents the temporal evolution of the depression within the massage head in the alternating mode of the state of the art.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a massage device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0049] Figure 3 represents a cosmetic treatment method implemented by a massage device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Figure 4 shows an exemplary control module in one embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Figures 5a and 5b represent the depression curves corresponding to Figures 1a and 1b when vibration is activated.

[0052] Figures 6a and 6b show another example of a generated depression curve, with and without vibration, respectively.

[0053] Figures 7a and 7b show another example of a generated depression curve, with and without vibration, respectively.

[0054] Figures 8a and 8b show another example of a generated depression curve, with and without vibration, respectively

[0055] Figures 9a and 9b show another example of a generated depression curve, with and without vibration, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a massage apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The massage apparatus 10 is intended to be used on different parts of the body or face of a user. The parts of the body on which the massage apparatus 10 can be used include: the arm, the back, the thigh (e.g. a front, back, inner or outer part of the thigh), the buttock, the décolleté, the foot, the hand, the chest (e.g. the part of the skin corresponding to the pectoral muscles), the hip, the stomach, the waist, the calf or the knee. The massage apparatus 10 comprises a massage head 1 (also called a treatment head) intended to be applied against the skin of a subject and a control system 2. The control system 2 is configured to control the massage head 1 so that the massage head generates a vacuum.

[0057] For example, the control system 2 may be an electropneumatic system comprising a control module 21 and a suction device 22 connected to the control module 21, the suction device 22 being connected to the massage head 1 by a suction conduit 3. The suction device 22 comprises a suction means (not shown) configured to generate suction, such as a pump, thereby causing a vacuum within the massage head 1. The control module 21 may thus be configured to send to the suction device 22 a control signal according to a vacuum function. given, and upon receipt of this control signal, the suction device 22 can be configured to generate suction to generate, in the massage head 1, a depression corresponding to the depression function of the control signal.

[0058] Thus, the control system 2 makes it possible to control a depression within the massage head 1 according to a given depression function. A depression function represents a variation of the depression generated in the massage head 1 over time. Examples of depression functions are shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, 6a, 7a, 8a and 9a.

[0059] As mentioned above, the curves in Figures 1a and 1b represent a continuous vacuum function and a notched vacuum function, respectively. These two functions are used in a known manner to capture the skin fold. The massage function is then performed by mechanical actuators of the massage head 1, such as flaps or rollers.

[0060] The curves in Figures 6a, 7a, 8a, and 9a represent more advanced vacuum functions. These functions are continuous, periodic, and non-constant. As detailed below, such functions can achieve specific physiological effects. The variation in the applied vacuum itself has a massaging effect on the skin, and, depending on the frequency of the vacuum function, it is possible to reach different depths of the skin.

[0061] The vacuum function may be provided to the control system 2 by a user interface 4, for example a set of buttons and / or a touch screen. For example, the user interface 4 may be connected to the control module 21, and the operator may select, via the user interface 4, a vacuum function from a plurality of predefined vacuum functions stored in the control module 21.

[0062] In embodiments, the control module 21 may store a plurality of predefined vacuum functions. Each vacuum function may be associated with a respective physiological effect (e.g., firming, palpate-roll, kneading, tapping, effleurage, friction, compression, smoothing, etc.). An operator may select, via the user interface 4, a vacuum function from the plurality of stored vacuum functions, or a physiological effect sought among the plurality of physiological effects associated with recorded depression functions.

[0063] Alternatively or in addition, the operator can send to the control module 21, via the user interface 4, a set of parameters to generate a vacuum function from these parameters. Upon receipt of these parameters, the vacuum function can be generated within the control module 21, which then transmits to the suction device 22 a command to generate suction so that the vacuum generated in the massage head 1 follows the desired vacuum function.

[0064] It is understood that the above two embodiments may be combined. For example, on a home screen of the user interface, the operator may be presented with a choice between selecting a predefined vacuum function and entering a set of parameters to generate a vacuum function.

[0065] An example of a control module 21 is shown in Figure 4.

[0066] In this example, the control module 21 comprises a memory 211 for storing instructions allowing the transmission of a command to the suction device 22 upon receipt of a corresponding instruction via the user interface 4, and possibly depression functions, which may, depending on the embodiments, be in association with respective physiological effects.

[0067] The control module 21 further comprises a circuit 212. This circuit 212 may be, for example, a processor capable of interpreting instructions in the form of a computer program, an electronic card whose steps of the method of the invention are described in the silicon, or even a programmable electronic chip such as an FPGA chip (for “Field-Programmable Gate Array” in English).

[0068] The control module 21 comprises an input interface 213 for receiving an instruction relating to a vacuum function to be applied or parameters relating to the vacuum to be applied, and an output interface 214 for providing a command to the suction device 22. As mentioned above, the control module 21 can be connected to a user interface 4 for receiving a vacuum instruction or parameters. Alternatively, the interface user may be integrated with the control module 21. In these embodiments, the control module 21 may include input devices such as a screen (possibly touch-sensitive), a keyboard, a set of buttons, a touchpad, a microphone coupled to a voice control module, etc.

[0069] Referring again to Figure 2, the massage head 1 may comprise a roller arranged in an internal chamber of the massage head, to perform massage movements (for example of the palpate-roll type). The suction duct 3 may be connected to the internal chamber so as to establish a vacuum therein. The internal chamber is intended to be applied against the skin of a subject to be massaged to form a skin fold. The suction device 22 is therefore intended to generate a vacuum of the ambient air to suck the skin of the subject (and form a skin fold). More generally, the massage head may comprise at least one mechanical actuator, for example one or more motorized rollers and / or one or more valves, to perform the massage of the skin previously sucked into the internal chamber of the massage head 1 by the control system 2.In embodiments, the operator can adjust certain parameters, for example the speed and / or direction of rotation of the rollers or the flapping frequency, via the user interface 4.

[0070] As mentioned above, in the devices of the prior art, the depressions generated in the massage head 1 operate in two modes: a continuous mode (shown in Figure 1 a) and an alternating mode (shown in Figure 1 b). These two modes make it possible to form a skin fold, which can then be massaged via the mechanical actuators of the massage head 1.

[0071] With more advanced vacuum functions, including continuous, periodic and non-constant functions, the vacuum applied via the massage head 1 not only lifts the skin and thus forms the skin fold, as in the prior art, but also contributes to massaging the skin, in the same way as mechanical actuators. This makes it possible to reproduce manual gestures of a practitioner, or even surpass them. Indeed, the inventors of the present application realized that, depending on the vacuum functions applied, different depths of skin could be reached and massaged according to varying amplitudes, which allows for more targeted and more effective treatments, but also more precise and more reproducible than a manual massage.

[0072] For example, by using a sinus-type vacuum function, the capture of the skin fold is advantageously optimized to be carried out flexibly and proportionally to the action of the valve. Once the skin fold is captured, vacuum functions featuring oscillations make it possible to work on the elasticity, tone and / or firmness of the skin. The massage function generated by such vacuum functions is thus much more advanced, effective and targeted than when it is carried out solely by the mechanical actuators of the massage head.

[0073] Indeed, the variation of depression applied to the skin makes it possible to massage different layers of skin and to have access to different depths of skin. In other words, this variation of depression makes it possible to achieve an additional massage function compared to the massage function of mechanical actuators. It is thus possible to envisage a massage solely by depression (suction) effect, without mechanical actuators.

[0074] According to the present invention, the control system 2 is further configured to add, to the depression function d(t), an oscillatory vibration, which may for example be of the form:

[0075] with A > 0 the amplitude of the vibration and T vib > 0 the vibration period (with f vib = 1 / T vib the vibration frequency).

[0076] Thus, the depression actually generated within the massage head 1 is of the form: A dvib t) = dt) + -. sin

[0077] The frequency vib = 1 / T vib of the vibration is between 25 Hz and 45 Hz. Generally speaking, to obtain the desired effect it is preferable that the vibration frequency is higher than the frequency of the depression function: fvib > f > i- e - T vib < T. Furthermore, it is preferable that the vibration amplitude A is less than the amplitude P max - P min ) of the depression function. For example, the vibration amplitude can be between 1 / 10 and 1 / 2 times the amplitude of the depression function.

[0078] Figure 5a thus represents a function f vib t) obtained when the initial depression function is that of Figure 1 a, and Figure 5b thus represents a function f vib (t) obtained when the initial depression function is that of Figure 1 b.

[0079] It was determined, through tests conducted on a large number of subjects and in collaboration with massage specialists, that such vibration could reduce or even completely eliminate pain during the application of the massage head to the skin.

[0080] In particular, the frequency f vib = 1 / T vib The vibration frequency can be between 27 Hz and 35 Hz. Such frequencies have proven to be particularly comfortable for massage and effective for pain relief.

[0081] For example, the vibration amplitude can be between 30 mbar and 70 mbar. These amplitudes have proven particularly effective in alleviating or eliminating pain.

[0082] By coupling a depression curve with vibration as above, a deep massage effect is obtained (via the depression function curve), to which is superimposed a superficial massage effect (via vibration) which allows the pain created by the deep massage to be reduced or erased.

[0083] Of course, the above oscillatory vibration can be any sinusoidal function of type a. cos(a>t + <p) ou a. sin(<k)ü + <p), avec a, a>And <p trois paramètres réels.

[0084] The oscillatory vibration can also be a square wave function (also called a square wave function) of the type:

[0085] The oscillatory vibration may also be, depending on the embodiments, a triangular function or a sawtooth function.

[0086] The massage device 10 can operate in two modes: a mode without vibrations (in this case, the generated depression follows the “initial” depression function d(t)) and a mode with vibrations (in this case, the generated depression follows the depression function with vibrations vib t)). The operator can select, via input interface 4, one or the other of the modes.

[0087] Figure 3 shows a cosmetic treatment method implemented by a massage device according to one embodiment of the invention. The steps of Figure 3 can be implemented by the control system 2.

[0088] In one embodiment, in a step 310, parameters relating to a desired depression are received by the control system 2, for example via the user interface 4 (which may be connected or integrated with the control system 2). In step 320, a depression function may be generated by the control system 2 (for example, by the control module 21) according to the parameters received in step 310.

[0089] In another embodiment, depression functions are recorded in the control system 2 (for example in a memory of the control module 21). Each depression function can be associated with a respective physiological effect. Thus, during a step 330, data relating to a physiological effect can be received by the control system 2. This data can be generated after receiving, via the user interface 4 (which can be connected or integrated with the control system 2), a selection of the physiological effect desired by the operator. For example, the data can be an identifier of the physiological effect among the plurality of physiological effects associated with the plurality of recorded depression functions. In step 320, the control system can thus retrieve the depression function corresponding to the selected physiological effect.

[0090] Alternatively, the operator may directly select the desired vacuum function. In this case, in step 330, data for selecting a vacuum function from among the plurality of vacuum functions may be received, and in step 340, the control system may retrieve the selected vacuum function.

[0091] As mentioned above, the above embodiments are not mutually exclusive: on the same massage device 10, the operator can choose whether he wants to generate a depression function from parameters that he sets (steps 310, 320) or whether he wants to use a depression function already recorded (steps 330, 340).

[0092] Once the vacuum function has been generated (step 320) or recovered (step 340), if the “vibration” mode is activated on the massage device 10 (test 350, arrow “Y”), an oscillatory vibration is added to the vacuum function (step 360). The control system can then control (step 370) the massage head so that a vacuum is generated in the massage head according to the vacuum function with vibration (i.e. according to the function d vib (t')). For example, the control module 21 can control a suction in the suction device 22 so that the suction thus generated in the suction device generates a depression within the massage head 4 which follows the function d vib (t).

[0093] If the “vibration” mode is not activated on the massage device 10 (test 350, arrow “N”), the control system can control (step 370) the massage head so that a vacuum is generated in the massage head according to the initial vacuum function (i.e. according to the function d(t)). For example, the control module 21 can control a suction in the suction device 22 so that the suction thus generated in the suction device generates a vacuum within the massage head 4 which follows the function d(t).

[0094] It is noted that the vacuum actually generated in the massage head 4 may differ from the desired vacuum function (with or without vibration). For example, there may be losses in the suction duct 3 or the massage head 4, which cause the vacuum in the massage head not to follow the desired vacuum function exactly.

[0095] Other examples of depression functions (with and without vibration) are now presented.

[0096] Figure 6a represents a “sine” type depression function. The depression thus generated in the massage head is a function of the type: d(t) = + B. sin(C. t), where t represents time, and A, B, C are real coefficients.

[0097] Coefficients A, B, C can be predefined or selected by the operator.

[0098] For example, the operator can set different parameters, including:

[0099] - a maximum value P max of depression;

[0100] - a minimum depression value Pmin;

[0101] - a period T or a frequency f = 1 / T of depression.

[0102] The depression function can then be a function of the form:

[0103] The depression function thus obtained has an oscillation of frequency f = 1 / T, between two extrema Pmin and Pmax.

[0104] Surprisingly, it was found, through tests conducted in collaboration with expert massage practitioners, that such a vacuum function has a pumping effect on the skin. By adjusting the frequency, it is possible to act on different depths of the skin, and thus achieve different physiological effects.

[0105] It is understood that a depression function similar to that of Figure 6a can be obtained from other functions. For example, by concatenating two portions of sigmoid functions (S-curves), one increasing and the other decreasing, we obtain a curve similar to the curve of a sine function over a period. By "concatenation", it is understood that the two portions of curves are connected (for example a first portion of increasing S-curve over an interval [0; T / 2] and a second portion of decreasing S-curve of the same amplitude as the increasing S-curve over an interval [T / 2; T]). The connection is made in such a way that the "concatenated" curve thus obtained is continuous (in the mathematical sense of the term).

[0106] Figure 6b represents the depression function of Figure 6a, to which a sinusoidal oscillatory vibration has been added, i.e. the function:

[0107] As mentioned above, such vibration helps to reduce or even eliminate painful sensations associated with the application of depression to the skin.

[0108] Another example of a depression function is shown in Figure 7a.

[0109] Figure 7a represents an “S-curve” type depression function. The depression thus generated in the massage head is a function of the type:

[0110] where t represents time, P min represents a minimum depression value, P max represents a maximum depression value, SCurveUp represents an increasing sigmoid function going from P min to P max , SCurveDown represents a decreasing sigmoid function going from P max to P min , T sccorresponds to the transition time (i.e. the growth time from a low plateau to a high plateau, or the decrease time from a high plateau to a low plateau), T Pmax corresponds to the duration of a high plateau (i.e. the duration during which the depression is equal to the maximum power P max ) and T Pmin corresponds to the duration of a high plateau (i.e. the duration during which the depression is equal to the maximum power P min ). The above formula thus represents the variation of the depression over the time interval [0; T]. The function can then be repeated to obtain a periodic function of period T = 2T SC + T Pmax + T Pmin .

[0111] In the example of Figure 7a, the duration T Pmax of a high plateau is equal to the duration T Pmin a low tray, but this is not mandatory.

[0112] The portion of the curve above is therefore the concatenation of an increasing sigmoid function over a time T sc , of a constant high depression P max (high plateau) for a time T Pmax , of a decreasing sigmoid function during a time T sc and a constant low depression P min (low plateau) for a time T Pmin .

[0113] Such a function can be defined by the following “minimal” parameter set (i.e. comprising a minimal number of parameters allowing the depression function to be completely defined):

[0114] - minimum value P min of depression;

[0115] - maximum value P max of depression;

[0116] - period T = 2T SC + T Pmax + T Pmin or frequency f = 1 / T of the depression;

[0117] - duration T Pmax of a high plateau; and

[0118] - duration of the transition (Tse, which therefore corresponds to the duration of the portion of the S-shaped curve).

[0119] Rather than fixing the transition duration, it is possible to fix a parameter, called here "transition parameter", corresponding to the percentage of the complete period T that the transition duration T must represent sc . In other words, if S is the transition parameter (between 0% and 50%), the transition duration is: T sc = S x T.

[0120] Optionally, the transition parameter can be a discrete variable taking a finite and predetermined number of values. For example, the transition parameter can correspond to the number of tens of percentage of the period T to which the transition duration T corresponds sc . For example, if S = 4, this means that T sc represents 40% of the complete period T, i.e. T sc = 0.4 x T.

[0121] It is noted that the transition parameter above allows, from the period T or the frequency f , to find the value of the transition duration T sc . Any parameter thus making it possible to go back to the value of the transition duration T sc , generally called the "transition duration parameter", can be used.

[0122] Similarly, rather than defining the duration T Pmax from the top plate, it is possible to define a parameter, called here "cycle ratio", which corresponds to the percentage of the complete period T that the cumulative duration (T sc + T Pmax ) of rise and the high plateau. In other words, if RC is the cycle ratio (strictly between 0% and 100%), we have: RC = (T sc + T Pmax ) / T.

[0123] It is noted that knowledge of T (or f), T Pmax (or RC) and T sc(or S) allows to determine the duration of a low plateau T Pmin , and therefore of all the variables which intervene in the equation above defining the curve of Figure 7a.

[0124] Surprisingly, it was found, through tests carried out in collaboration with expert massage practitioners, that such a vacuum function had a "palpate-roll" effect. By adjusting the frequency, it is possible to act on different depths of the skin.

[0125] Figure 7b represents the depression function of Figure 7a, to which a sinusoidal oscillatory vibration has been added, i.e. the function: d vib t) = dt) + -. sin

[0126] with d(t) defined as above.

[0127] Another example of a depression function is shown in Figure 8a.

[0128] The depression function in Figure 8a corresponds to the depression function in Figure 7a, to which oscillations on the high plateaus have been added.

[0129] This new depression function can be defined by a "minimal" parameter set including the minimal parameter set of the depression function in Figure 6a, as well as two parameters specific to the oscillation added on the upper plate:

[0130] - a discrete parameter Nosc corresponding to the number of oscillations on the upper plate (in the example of Figure 8a, this parameter is equal to 2); and

[0131] - a real Aosc parameter corresponding to the amplitude of the oscillation.

[0132] For example, the oscillation can be a sine or cosine function, whose frequency is directly related to the number Nosc of oscillations on a high plateau. The amplitude Aosc corresponds to the desired depression amplitude on the oscillation: ^osc f^osc 2?T \ — -. cos l — - 1 1 \ p m ax '

[0133] with f osc = N 0SC / T Pmax the frequency of oscillations and T osc = l / f osc the period of the oscillations. We have: f osc > f.

[0134] Thus, the curve shown in Figure 8a can be constructed by concatenating a portion of the increasing S-curve, a portion of the cosine (or sine) function above, and a portion of the decreasing S-curve. In other words, compared to Figure 7a, the high plateau is replaced by a portion of the sinusoidal curve.

[0135] In embodiments, oscillations could be added to the low platters in addition to or instead of the high platters.

[0136] As before, the connections between the S-curve portions (increasing and decreasing portions between high and low trays) and portions sinusoidal functions representing the oscillations are carried out in such a way as to obtain continuity of the entire curve of the depression function.

[0137] It was determined that adding oscillations on the high plates allows for an even more effective palpate-roll type massage than with the vacuum function of Figure 7a, by adding a higher frequency massaging effect during skinfold grips.

[0138] Figure 8b represents the depression function of Figure 8a, to which a sinusoidal oscillatory vibration has been added, i.e. the function:

[0139] with d(t) the depression function of Figure 8a. It is noted that the frequency of the vibration oscillations is higher than that of the plate oscillations: f vib > f osc (so T vib < T osc ).

[0140] In the example of Figures 7a and 8a, high plateaus (possibly with oscillations) and low plateaus are connected by S-curves. It is noted that similar curves could be obtained from sine-like functions (or even other portions of increasing and decreasing functions) instead of S-curves.

[0141] Using S-shaped curves as increasing and decreasing curves, the depression functions of Figures 6a, 7a and 8a can be modeled, over a period T, by functions of the form: d(t) =

[0142] For these depression functions a minimal parameter set that allows the curve to be fully characterized can include:

[0143] - the minimum value P min of depression;

[0144] - the maximum value P max of depression;

[0145] - the period T or the frequency f = 1 / T of the depression;

[0146] - the cycle ratio, which corresponds to the percentage of the complete period T that the cumulative duration (T sc + T Pmax ) of rise and high plateau;

[0147] - the transition parameter, corresponding to the percentage of the complete period T that the transition duration T must represent sc (i.e. the transition time between a high plateau and a low plateau or between a low plateau and a high plateau);

[0148] - the number of oscillations on the high plate; and

[0149] - the amplitude 0SCof the oscillation.

[0150] For example, the minimum value P min of depression can be a value between 0 and 660 mbar, and preferably between 0 and 120 mbar. In particular, the operator can select, via the user interface 4, the minimum value P min of depression from a set of minimum values ​​that can be selected, for example values ​​between 0 and 120 mbar, in steps of 30 mbar.

[0151] The maximum value P max of depression can be a value between 0 and 660 mbar, and preferably between 90 and 300 mbar. In particular, the operator can select, via the user interface 4, the maximum value P max of depression from a set of maximum values ​​that can be selected, for example values ​​between 90 and 300 mbar, in steps of 30 mbar.

[0152] The frequency may be between 0 Hz and 32 Hz, and preferably between 0.25 Hz and 16 Hz. In particular, the operator may select, via the user interface 4, a frequency value from a set of selectable frequencies, for example 0.25 Hz, 0.50 Hz, 0.75 Hz, 1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz, and all integer values ​​up to 16 Hz.

[0153] The duty cycle ratio RC may be a number between 0% and 100%. In particular, the operator may select, via the user interface 4, a duty cycle value from a set of selectable values, for example 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90%.

[0154] The transition parameter can take, for example, integer values ​​between 1 and 5 that the operator can select via the user interface 4, representing the number of tens of percent of the full period T that the transition duration T represents. sc .

[0155] The transition parameter controls the time allocated to each portion of the curve (increasing or decreasing) between a high plateau (i.e., a high depression) and a low plateau (i.e., a low depression). The higher the transition parameter, the shorter the total duration of a high plateau and a low plateau during a cycle (i.e., a period). In particular, if S = 5, there are no more high and low plateaus, and, if no oscillation is added on the high plateaus, we find a "pseudo-sinusoidal" curve (concatenation of increasing and decreasing sigmoid portions), having a shape "similar" to that of Figure 5a. In the particular case where S = 5, the duty cycle is 50%.

[0156] The number of oscillations N osc on the top tray can be an integer between 0 and 10 that the operator can select via the user interface 4.

[0157] The amplitude of the oscillation can be a value between 0 mbar and P max . In particular, the operator can select, via the user interface 4, the value of the amplitude of the oscillation from a set of selectable values, for example the values ​​between 0 mbar and P max in steps of 30 mbar.

[0158] Of course, all the above values ​​are provided as examples and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0159] It is understood that the previous set of parameters, if it allows to completely characterize the depression function, is not unique. For example, as mentioned above, the transition parameter can be replaced by the duration T sc of the transition, the cycle ratio can be replaced by the duration T Pmaxof a high plateau, the number of oscillations can be replaced by an oscillation frequency and the amplitude of the oscillation can be replaced by a percentage of the amplitude (P max - P min ) of the depression function. In fact, we have:

[0160] Another example of a depression function is shown in Figure 9a.

[0161] The depression function shown in Figure 6d corresponds to a so-called "ramp" function, whose temporal variations over a period T = T r + T2, with Ti and T2 two strictly positive real parameters, can be represented by:

[0162] This depression function corresponds to a piecewise affine function composed of a succession of connections between a portion of increasing straight line between a low depression P min and a high depression P maxwith a rise time and a growing straight line portion between a high depression P max and a low depression P min with a descent time T2.

[0163] Figure 9b represents the depression function of Figure 9a, to which a sinusoidal oscillatory vibration has been added, i.e. the function:

[0164] with d(t) the depression function defined above.

[0165] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A massage apparatus (10) comprising a massage head (1) connected to a suction device (22) by a suction duct (3) and a control module (21) configured to control the suction device (22), the massage head (1) being intended to be applied to a subject's skin, wherein the control module (21) is configured to control the suction device (22) to generate suction, such that a vacuum is generated in the massage head (1) according to a vacuum function representing a temporal variation of the vacuum generated in the massage head, wherein the vacuum function corresponds to a sum of a first vacuum function and a second vacuum function, the second vacuum function corresponding to an oscillatory vibration of frequency between 25 Hz and 45 Hz.

2. A massage apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the oscillatory vibration has an amplitude between 30 mbar and 70 mbar. [Claim s] A massage apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first depression function is a constant function or a square wave function.

4. A massage apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first vacuum function is continuous, periodic and non-constant.

5. A massage apparatus (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first depression function is a piecewise affine function or a sinusoidal function.

6. Massage apparatus (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first depression function corresponds to a concatenation of at least two portions of at least two respective basic functions, the at least two basic functions being chosen from: constant functions, affine or piecewise affine functions, sinusoidal functions and sigmoid functions.

7. Massage apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first depression function is a periodic function of frequency between 0 Hz and 20 Hz.

8. Cosmetic treatment method implemented by a massage device (10) comprising a massage head (1) connected to a suction device (22) by a suction duct (3) and a control module (21) configured to control the suction device (22), the massage head (1) being intended to be applied to the skin of a subject, the method comprising: - controlling (370), by the control module (21), the suction device (22) to generate suction, so that a depression is generated in the massage head according to a depression function representing a temporal variation of the depression generated in the massage head, in which the depression function corresponds to a sum of a first depression function and a second depression function, the second depression function corresponding to an oscillatory vibration of frequency between 25 Hz and 45 Hz.