Shower device with therapeutic ultrasound

Abstract

The present disclosure is generally directed to an ultrasonic shower apparatus. The ultrasonic shower apparatus includes: a head including a plurality of nozzles that dispense a fluid; a moving member that detects movement of the head; and an ultrasonic transducer that generates and transmits ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic shower apparatus includes a handle portion including a controller that operates the ultrasonic transducer based on the moving member.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 587,810, filed on October 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to bathing components and devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to various bathing and beauty devices, such as shower heads, hand showers, beauty wands, masks, bathtubs, bathtub inserts, toilet seats, bidets, and arm or leg cuffs that include therapeutic ultrasound capabilities. Background Art

[0004] Bathing devices (such as showers, bathtubs, etc.) typically use water, soap, or other media to clean or otherwise treat the user. In some implementations, the user operating such a device may wish to treat a specific area of ​​their body due to physical discomfort, soreness, or various cosmetic reasons. In such cases, the use of water pressure or soap alone may not provide the relief the user desires. Further, it would be advantageous to provide various bathing or cosmetic devices including therapeutic ultrasonic components to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic shower device. The ultrasonic shower device includes: a head including a plurality of nozzles that distribute fluid; a moving part that detects movement of the head; and an ultrasonic transducer that generates and transmits ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic shower device includes a handle portion that includes a controller that operates the ultrasonic transducer based on the moving part.

[0006] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic cosmetic device. The ultrasonic cosmetic device includes a head portion, the head portion includes an ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer generates and transmits ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic cosmetic device includes a handle portion, and the handle portion includes a controller that operates the ultrasonic transducer. At least one of the head portion or the handle portion includes a moving part, and the moving part detects movement of the ultrasonic cosmetic device. The controller selectively controls the ultrasonic transducer based on the moving part.

[0007] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic cosmetic device. The ultrasonic cosmetic device includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, each of which at least partially contacts a surface. The ultrasonic cosmetic device includes a controller for operating the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. In response to determining that at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at least partially contacts the surface, the controller selectively turns on or off each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers for a period of time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a front view of a handheld beauty device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3A According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 Ultrasonic shower components and / or for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the control system of the handheld beauty device.

[0011] Figure 3B is in the first setting according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3A A table of exemplary parameters of a control system.

[0012] Figure 3C is in the second setting according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3A A table of exemplary parameters of a control system.

[0013] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an ultrasound mask according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4B According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 4A Schematic diagram of the movement of ultrasound waves emitted by an ultrasound mask.

[0015] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 4A Schematic diagram of the control system of the ultrasound mask.

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic bathing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic bathtub insert apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an ultrasound cuff device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Generally speaking, bathing devices and / or beauty devices (e.g., showers, bathtubs, or beauty bars) can use various media (e.g., water, soap, or lotions) to clean or care for users. In some cases, users operating such devices may wish to treat specific areas due to physical discomfort, soreness, or various beauty reasons. Accordingly, various bathing devices and / or beauty devices that can produce therapeutic effects in an effective and simple manner may be required.

[0020] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various ultrasonic bathing components and devices for therapeutic purposes are disclosed herein. For example, the bathing devices and / or beauty devices described herein include at least one ultrasonic transducer configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy (e.g., waves) of various frequencies to the user's skin or other body parts, thereby providing the user with therapeutic muscle or tissue heating, skin tightening, and / or various other therapeutic effects. A first group of devices (e.g., shower heads and beauty bars) may include at least one ultrasonic transducer and one or more moving parts (e.g., balls, accelerometers, and / or other parts capable of facilitating and / or detecting movement), and a controller operably coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and the moving parts. The controller may selectively turn the ultrasonic transducer on or off based on whether the device is moving (e.g., by the force of the user) to facilitate maintaining the maximum temperature of the ultrasonic transducer and / or the maximum value of the energy transmitted at a specific location. A second group of devices (e.g., masks, bathtubs, bathtub recliner inserts, and cuffs) may include multiple ultrasonic transducers and a controller operably coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The controller can selectively turn the ultrasonic transducer on or off in a predetermined pattern to facilitate dispersing the generated ultrasonic energy at various locations throughout the device (e.g., in a linear motion, a circular motion, etc.).

[0021] Figure 1 A front perspective view of an ultrasonic shower assembly 100 is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment. The ultrasonic shower assembly 100 includes an ultrasonic shower head 105. In some implementations, the ultrasonic shower head 105 can be a handheld shower head.

[0022] The ultrasonic showerhead 105 may include a head 110 and a handle portion 115. The head 110 may include one or more nozzles 120 and at least one ultrasonic transducer 125. In some implementations, the head 110 may include one ultrasonic transducer 125 that is positioned at the center of the head 110. In some implementations, the head 110 may include multiple ultrasonic transducers 125. For example, in some implementations, the head (or another portion of the showerhead 105) may include a large transducer 125 and one or more smaller transducers 125 that are positioned around the large transducer 125. The one or more nozzles 120 may allow fluid or other media to be dispersed from within the head 110 to the outside of the head 110. In some implementations, the nozzles 120 and / or the moving parts 130 may surround the transducer 125 in a circumferential direction. In some implementations, the one or more transducers 125 may be offset from the central portion of the head 110. For example, in some implementations, at least one nozzle 120 and / or at least one moving component 130 can be positioned at or near a central portion of the head 110. In some implementations, one or more transducers 125 can be circumferentially disposed around the central portion.

[0023] The ultrasonic transducer 125 can be configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency in the range of about 1 MHz to 3 MHz. In some implementations, the ultrasonic transducer 125 can be configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a higher or lower frequency. For example, the ultrasonic transducer 125 can be configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency between 20 kHz and 5 MHz.

[0024] The showerhead 105 may include at least one moving component 130. The moving component 130 may include or may be a roller (e.g., a ball bearing). The moving component 130 may be or may include various alternative or additional moving features for facilitating or detecting movement, including but not limited to accelerometers, cameras, millimeter waves, infrared light sensors, visible light sensors, microphones, acoustic sensors, triboelectric sensors, inertial switch sensors, temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors, thermocouples, etc.), and / or vibration sensors.

[0025] One or more moving parts 130 (e.g., balls) may at least partially protrude outwardly beyond the surface of the head 110 of the shower head 105. The moving parts 130 may help allow the shower head 105 or at least a portion of the shower head 105 to move or glide on a surface with reduced friction. The moving parts 130 may help detect movement of the head 110. For example, the moving parts 130 may include balls that protrude outwardly beyond the surface of the head 110 and protrude outwardly beyond the nozzle 120. During use, the balls may at least partially contact a portion of the user's skin or other surface. The balls may facilitate sliding the shower head 105 on a surface (e.g., on the skin) while the balls remain in contact with the surface. With this configuration, a user of the shower head 105 may position the head 110 so that at least one moving part 130 contacts a portion of the user's skin or other body part, and the user may maintain contact with the skin while the moving part 130 moves the shower head 105 along the skin.

[0026] The handle portion 115 may include at least one controller located within the handle portion 115. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The controller is described in more detail. The handle portion 115 may include at least one toggle button 140. The toggle button 140 may allow the controller to operate the ultrasonic transducer 125 at at least two different frequencies. For example, the toggle button 140 may control the ultrasonic transducer 125 to switch between generating and transmitting ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 1 MHz to a frequency of about 3 MHz. For example, a user may use the toggle button 140 to set the ultrasonic transducer 125 to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 1 MHz for muscle heating or relaxation. At this frequency, the user may place the head 110 on a portion of the skin covering a sore or tight muscle, and may move the head 110 around to facilitate heating of the subcutaneous muscle or tissue (e.g., deep tissue massage).

[0027] The user can use the toggle button 140 to set the ultrasonic transducer 125 to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 3 MHz for enhancing cosmetic effects (e.g., skin tightening). At this frequency, the user can place the head 110 on a portion of the skin to promote skin tightening. In some implementations, the toggle button 140 can include a switch that causes the controller to alternate the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 125 (e.g., between 1 MHz and 3 MHz.)

[0028] In some implementations, the ultrasonic shower head 105 may include a wire 155 that can electrically connect the shower head 105 to a power source to operate the controller. In some implementations, the shower head 105 can be wire-free. For example, the handle portion 115 may include at least one battery 135. The battery 135 may be stored in the handle portion 115 (e.g., under the panel). The battery 135 can be recharged. For example, the shower head 105 can be connected to a docking station 150. The docking station 150 can be or may include a wireless charging station that provides a charge to the battery 135.

[0029] In some implementations, the shower head 105 can be fluidly coupled to a fluid supply (e.g., municipal water supply or other fluid supply) via one or more hoses or pipes. In some implementations, the shower head 105 may not include a hose coupled to a fluid supply. For example, the shower head 105 may include a reservoir or other portion that can store fluids or other media (e.g., soap, lotion / moisturizer, water, etc.) for use with the shower head 105. The reservoir may be fluidly coupled to one or more nozzles 120 so that the medium in the reservoir can be dispensed from the nozzle 120. In some implementations, the shower head 105 may include multiple reservoirs and / or may include a reservoir and a connection to a fluid supply (e.g., municipal water supply) at the same time. In these implementations, the shower head 105 may be configured to combine the contents in the reservoir and / or in the fluid supply to dispense each content from the nozzle 120 at the same time. For example, the shower head 105 may include a mixing chamber. As another example, a first subset of nozzles 120 may be coupled to a first reservoir and a second subset of nozzles 120 may be coupled to a second reservoir and / or fluid supply such that the media mixes in the air outside of the head 110 .

[0030] Figure 2 A front view of a handheld cosmetic device 205 according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. The cosmetic device 205 can be used in a shower or bathing environment, or the cosmetic device 205 can be used independently of a bath or shower. The cosmetic device 205 can include some features similar to the shower head 105. For example, the cosmetic device 205 can include a head 210 and a handle portion 215. The head 210 can include at least one ultrasonic transducer 125. For example, the ultrasonic transducer 125 can be positioned in the center of the head 210. The head 210 can include a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 125. For example, in some implementations, the head (or another portion of the shower head 105) can include a large transducer 125 and one or more smaller transducers 125 positioned around the large transducer 125. In some implementations, one or more transducers 125 can be offset from the central portion of the head 210. For example, in some implementations, one or more transducers 125 can be positioned circumferentially around the central portion.

[0031] In some implementations, the head 210 may include one or more nozzles 120 for dispensing a medium. For example, the beauty device 205 may include at least one reservoir for containing and dispensing at least one medium (e.g., lotion, soap, water, etc.) from the nozzle 120. In some implementations, the beauty device may include one or more hoses or tubes ( Figure 2 ), for fluid connection to a fluid supply (e.g., municipal water or other fluid supply). In some implementations, the beauty device 205 may not include any nozzles and / or the user may apply the desired fluid, soap, lotion, or other medium directly to the user's skin and / or directly to the beauty device 205.

[0032] In some implementations, the beauty device 205 may include at least one moving component 130. The moving component 130 may be or may include an accelerometer. The moving component 130 may be or may include various alternative or additional moving features for facilitating or detecting movement, including but not limited to a ball, a camera, a millimeter wave, an infrared light sensor, a visible light sensor, a microphone, an acoustic sensor, a triboelectric sensor, an inertial switch sensor, a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc.), and / or a vibration sensor.

[0033] In some implementations, the head 210 can include a concave surface or a convex surface to facilitate interfacing with a part of the body. For example, the head 210 can be at least partially concave or curved to substantially match the contours of the user's cheeks, chin, or other body parts. In some implementations, the head 210 can be at least partially convex to substantially match the contours of the user's under-eye area or other body parts. In some implementations, the head 210 can be substantially flat to substantially match the contours of the user's forehead area or other body parts.

[0034] In some implementations, the head 210 can be removably coupled to the handle portion 215 such that the head 210 can be removed and / or exchanged with a new or different head 210. For example, the cosmetic device 205 can include a first head 210 having a first shape or profile (e.g., including a concave surface of the ultrasonic transducer 125) and a second head 210 having a second shape or profile (e.g., including a flat surface or a convex surface of the ultrasonic transducer 125).

[0035] The head 210 may include various shapes, including but not limited to round, square, triangular, octagonal, asymmetrical, etc. In some implementations, the head 210 may include at least one dampener to help dampen the transducer 125 around sensitive skin areas. The head 210 may be removably coupled to the handle portion 215 by various means, including but not limited to clasps, clips, tabs, fasteners, threads, etc. With this configuration, a user may remove the first head 210 from the handle portion 215 and replace the first head 210 with a new first head 210 or with a second head 210 by electrically and physically reconnecting the head 210 to the handle portion 215.

[0036] The handle portion 215 may include a controller (e.g., the controller 300 described herein) and / or at least one toggle button 140. The toggle button 140 may allow the controller to operate the ultrasonic transducer 125 at at least two different frequencies. For example, the toggle button 140 may control the ultrasonic transducer 125 to switch between generating and transmitting ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 1 MHz to a frequency of about 3 MHz. For example, a user may use the toggle button 140 to set the ultrasonic transducer 125 to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 1 MHz for muscle heating or relaxation. At this frequency, the user may place the head 210 on a portion of the skin covering sore or tight muscles, and may move the head 210 around to promote heating of the subcutaneous muscles or tissues (e.g., deep tissue massage). The user may use the toggle button 140 to set the ultrasonic transducer 125 to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy at a frequency of about 3 MHz for enhanced cosmetic effects (e.g., skin tightening). At this frequency, the user may place the head 210 on a portion of the skin to promote skin tightening. In some implementations, the toggle button 140 may include a switch that causes the controller to alternate the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 125 (e.g., between 1 MHz and 3 MHz.)

[0037] In some implementations, the beauty device 205 can include various light-emitting features (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) to illuminate the area in contact with the head 210. In some implementations, the beauty device 205 can include a wire (e.g., a power cord) that can electrically couple the beauty device 205 to a power source. Figure 2 215 ) to operate the controller of the beauty device 205. In some implementations, the beauty device 205 can be cordless. For example, the handle portion 215 can include at least one battery 135. The battery 135 can be stored in the handle portion 215 (e.g., under the panel). The battery 135 can be recharged. For example, the beauty device 205 can be connected to a charging dock or charging station. The docking station can be or include a wireless charging station that provides a charge to the battery 135 wirelessly.

[0038] Figure 3A A logic schematic diagram of a controller 300 (eg, a programmable logic controller (PLC)) of one or more transducers 125 of a showerhead 105 and / or a beauty device 205 is depicted. Figure 3B Exemplary parameters 350 of controller 300 are depicted at a first setting (eg, a deep tissue heating setting at a frequency of 1 MHz). Figure 3C Exemplary parameters 355 of the controller 300 at a second setting (eg, a skin tightening setting at a frequency of 3 MHz) are described. Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the controller 300 may include at least one setting input 330 that receives input via the toggle button 140 and / or via another button input of the shower head 105 and / or the beauty device 205. The controller 300 may include at least one timer 325 that is configured to time the operation of one or more transducers 125 of the shower head 105 and / or the beauty device 205. The controller 300 may be configured to determine a time limit based on the timer 325. For example, the time limit may be between 10 and 30 minutes. The time limit may be substantially greater or less than 10 to 30 minutes.

[0039] For the shower head 105, the controller 300 may be configured to determine that water is flowing through the shower head 105 and / or that the shower head 105 is moving. If the controller 300 determines that water is not flowing through the shower head 105 and / or that the shower head 105 is not moving, the controller 300 may be configured to turn off one or more transducers 125 of the shower head 105. For example, at operation 305, the controller 300 may be configured to determine whether a switch of one or more transducers 125 of the shower head 105 has been turned on.

[0040] At operation 310, in response to the transducer 125 being turned on, the controller 300 can be configured to detect whether water or another medium is flowing through the nozzle 120 of the shower head 105. For example, the controller 300 can be operably coupled to a sensor that can detect the flow of water through the shower head 105. At operation 315, in response to determining that water or another medium is flowing through the shower head 105, the controller 300 can be configured to determine the frequency based on input via the setting input 330 (e.g., based on a user selecting a frequency using the toggle button 140, such as Figure 3B and Figure 3C ) to operate one or more ultrasonic transducers 125 at a desired frequency.

[0041] The controller 300 may be configured to start a timer 325 and determine, at operation 320, whether movement is detected within a predetermined time threshold via one or more moving components 130. If the controller 300 determines that the shower head 105 is moving via the moving component 130, the controller 300 may be configured to continue operating the one or more transducers 125 at the selected frequency. If the controller 300 determines that no water or other medium is flowing through the shower head 105, the controller 300 may be configured to turn off the transducers 125 at operation 340. If the controller 300 determines that the shower head 105 is not flowing via the moving component 130, the controller 300 may be configured to turn off the transducers 125 at operation 340. At operation 335, if the controller 300 determines that the overall timer limit has been reached (e.g., as Figure 3B 3C), the controller 300 may be configured to turn off the transducer 125 at operation 340. In other words, the controller 300 may be configured to turn off one or more transducers in response to determining that no water or other medium is flowing through the nozzle 120 of the shower head 105, the shower head 105 is not moving, and / or the transducer 125 has been generating and transmitting energy for a time period exceeding a time threshold. With this configuration, the controller 300 can control the maximum temperature generated by one or more transducers 125 in a specific area within a predetermined time period.

[0042] In some implementations, the battery 135 of the showerhead 105 and / or the beauty device 205 can facilitate and / or act as the timer 325. For example, the battery 135 can include a battery life approximately equal to the timer limit, such that the ultrasonic transducer 125 will always shut off within the timer limit.

[0043] In some implementations, the controller 300 of the beauty device 205 can operate identically to the controller 300 of the shower head 105. In some implementations, at operation 310, the controller 300 of the beauty device 205 may not be able to determine whether water or another medium is flowing through the nozzle 120 of the beauty device 205. In other words, the controller 300 can be configured to shut down one or more transducers 125 of the beauty device 205 in response to determining that the beauty device 205 is not moving and / or that the transducer 125 has been generating and transmitting energy for a time that exceeds a timing threshold. With this configuration, the controller 300 can control the maximum temperature generated by the one or more transducers 125 in a particular area within a predetermined time period.

[0044] Figure 4AA stereogram of an ultrasound mask 400 is depicted. For example, the ultrasound mask 400 can be used on the face of a user. For example, the ultrasound mask 400 can include a shape that generally conforms to facial features. The mask 400 can include a plurality of ultrasound transducers 125 located on an inner surface of the mask 400 (e.g., a surface that faces and / or at least partially contacts the user's face during use). The transducers 125 can be located at different locations along the mask 400. For example, at least one transducer 125 can be located at or near a location of the mask 400 that contacts or directly faces the forehead or temple area of ​​the user. For another example, at least one transducer 125 can be located at or near a location of the mask 400 that contacts or directly faces the cheek or under-eye area of ​​the user. For another example, at least one transducer 125 can be located at or near a location of the mask 400 that contacts or directly faces the chin or jawline area of ​​the user. The transducers 125 can be positioned at various other locations of the mask 400.

[0045] The mask 400 may include at least one controller (e.g., Figure 5 400). In some implementations, the controller can be embedded in a portion of the mask 400. In some implementations, the controller can be operably coupled to the mask 400 via one or more wires. In some implementations, the mask 400 can include a rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the mask 400 can include at least one wire or wire that can electrically couple the transducer 125 to a power source.

[0046] The controller of the mask 400 can cause the transducer 125 to turn on or off in a predetermined pattern so that the transducer 125 generates and transmits ultrasound energy along the user's face in a specific movement pattern. Figure 4B An exemplary movement pattern 405 of the transducer 125 of the mask 400 is depicted. Figure 4B As shown, in some implementations, the subset of transducers 125 closest to the user's nose and chin may be turned on and generate ultrasonic energy first. After a period of time, the subset of transducers 125 closest to the user's nose and chin may be turned off, while the subset of transducers 125 farther from the nose and / or chin may be turned on, so that the generated and transmitted ultrasonic energy is generally along the Figure 4B Move along the path depicted by the arrows shown in FIG.

[0047] In the first cycle (eg, the transducer 125 causes the ultrasonic energy to flow along Figure 4B After moving in the direction indicated by the arrows), the cycle can start over again (e.g., the subset of transducers 125 closest to the nose and chin can be turned on again) to repeat the movement, or the cycle can be reversed so that the energy moves in the same direction as Figure 4BIn some implementations, the transducer 125 can alternate or vary the frequency of the ultrasonic energy generated.

[0048] In some implementations, the transducer 125 can follow a pattern that may or may not be linear (e.g., a circular pattern, a sawtooth pattern, a random pattern, etc.). The controller can turn the transducer 125 on or off to define the pattern based on a plurality of predetermined or selected settings of the mask 400. For example, in some implementations, the mask 400 can include at least one input (e.g., a toggle button or a user interface) to receive user input to define the frequency and / or pattern of the transducer 125.

[0049] Figure 5 A logic schematic diagram of a controller 500 (e.g., a PLC) for one or more transducers 125 of a mask 400 is depicted. As described herein, the controller 500 can be configured to turn the transducers 125 on or off to create a patterned movement of ultrasonic energy. The controller 500 can be configured to determine whether one or more transducers 125 are in contact with the user's skin and control the operation of the transducers 125 based on the contact condition.

[0050] For example, at operation 505, the controller 500 may be configured to receive an input via the mask 400 (e.g., via a toggle button or a user interface) indicating activation of the mask 400. At operation 510, the controller 500 may be configured to determine whether at least one or all of the transducers 125 are in contact with the user's skin via conduction and / or via one or more sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors, touch sensors, pressure sensors, etc.). In response to determining that one or more transducers 125 are not in contact with the user's skin, the controller 500 may be configured to turn off all transducers 125 and stop the program at operation 525.

[0051] In response to determining that the transducer 125 is in contact, the controller 500 can selectively turn the transducer 125 on or off for a period of time to provide ultrasonic energy in a certain pattern. Figure 5As shown, the controller 500 can cause the first transducer 125 to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy for a period of time (e.g., five seconds) at operation 515a, and then turn off. The controller 500 can cause the second transducer 125 to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy for a period of time (e.g., five seconds) at operation 515b, and then turn off. The controller 500 can cause the third transducer 125 to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy for a period of time (e.g., five seconds) at operation 515c, and then turn off, and so on. In response to the controller 500 determining that the cycle has been completed at operation 520, the controller 500 can cause all transducers 125 to turn off at operation 535. This example is for illustrative purposes only. The controller 500 can be configured to cause different numbers of transducers 125 to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy for different time periods in any order (e.g., based on the area and / or the number of transducers used). For example, the controller 500 can be configured to turn on multiple transducers 125 simultaneously for a period of time.

[0052] Figures 6 to 8 Various examples of additional or alternative devices are depicted, which may include one or more ultrasonic transducers 125 that are configured similarly to Figure 5 The controller 500 is similar or the same as the controller in FIG. Figure 6 Ultrasonic bathtub 600 is described. Bathtub 600 may be or include a bathtub, a spa, a pool, or various other types of containers capable of holding a fluid or other medium. Figure 6 As depicted, bathtub 600 may include a plurality of transducers 125 positioned along a sidewall 605 of bathtub 600 .

[0053] Multiple transducers 125 may be positioned in various portions of the tub 600. For example, the transducers 125 may be positioned uniformly along one or more walls 605 in a predetermined pattern through the walls 605 of the tub 600, and / or the transducers 125 may be positioned in a random sequence along one or more walls 605 of the tub 600. In some implementations, at least one transducer 125 may be positioned along a bottom wall 610 of the tub 600. The transducers 125 may be positioned so that when the tub 600 is in use (e.g., when sitting or lying in the tub 600), the user's skin is exposed to the effects of the one or more transducers 125.

[0054] Bathtub 600 may include at least one controller (e.g., similar in configuration to controller 500) that can selectively turn multiple transducers 125 on or off to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy in various distribution patterns throughout bathtub 600. For example, transducers 125 can be turned on or off in a linear pattern (e.g., to distribute ultrasonic energy from left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, etc.). Transducers 125 can be turned on or off in a circular or various other shaped patterns, or transducers 125 can be turned on or off randomly, or in various other patterns, to move ultrasonic energy throughout bathtub 600. Bathtub 600 may include various additional or alternative sensors to enable a controller of bathtub 600 to operate transducers 125. For example, bathtub 600 may include at least one water level sensor for a controller of bathtub 600 to determine a predetermined amount of water within bathtub 600 before turning on one or more transducers 125.

[0055] Figure 7 An ultrasonic insert 700 is depicted. The insert 700 may be or may include a bathtub insert that can be placed in a bathtub, pool, spa, or other container that can hold fluid. The insert 700 may be shaped to generally conform to a user sitting on the insert 700. For example, the insert 700 may include a chair-like shape.

[0056] like Figure 7 As depicted, the insert 700 may include a plurality of transducers 125 positioned along a backrest 705 of the insert 700, or the insert 700 may include one or more transducers 125 in various other locations of the insert 700. For example, the insert 700 may include at least one transducer 125 located on a bottom wall 710 of the insert 700. In some implementations, the insert 700 may include a headrest 715. The headrest 715 may include one or more transducers 125. The transducers 125 may be positioned so that when the insert 700 is used (e.g., when sitting on the insert 700), the user's skin is exposed to the action of the one or more transducers 125.

[0057] The insert 700 may include at least one controller (e.g., similar in configuration to the controller 500) that can selectively turn the plurality of transducers 125 on or off to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy in various distribution patterns throughout the insert 700. For example, the transducers 125 may be turned on or off in a linear pattern (e.g., to distribute ultrasonic energy from left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, etc.). The transducers 125 may be turned on or off in a circular or various other shaped patterns, or the transducers 125 may be turned on or off randomly or in various other patterns to move ultrasonic energy throughout the insert 700.

[0058] Figure 8 An ultrasound cuff 800 is depicted. The cuff 800 may be or include an arm cuff, a leg cuff, or various other cuffs capable of at least partially surrounding a portion of a human body.

[0059] like Figure 8 As depicted, the cuff 800 may include a plurality of transducers 125 positioned along an inner surface 805 of the cuff 800. For example, the cuff 800 may include at least one transducer 125 positioned along the inner surface 805 of the cuff 800 such that skin of an arm, leg, or other body part of a user is exposed to the at least one transducer 125 in response to at least partially wrapping the cuff 800 around the body part. The transducers 125 may be positioned such that the user's skin is exposed to the action of the one or more transducers 125 when the cuff 800 is in use.

[0060] The cuff 800 may include at least one controller (e.g., similar in configuration to the controller 500) that can selectively turn the plurality of transducers 125 on or off to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy in various distribution patterns throughout the cuff 800. For example, the transducers 125 may be turned on or off in a linear pattern (e.g., distributing ultrasonic energy from left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, etc.). The transducers 125 may be turned on or off in a circular or various other shaped patterns, or the transducers 125 may be turned on or off randomly or in various other patterns to move ultrasonic energy throughout the cuff 800.

[0061] The hardware and data processing components (e.g., controllers) used to implement the various processes, operations, schematic logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits associated with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or executed by a general purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, specific processes and methods may be performed by circuits specific to a given function. A memory (e.g., a memory, a storage unit, a storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code to complete or facilitate the various methods, layers, and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include a database component, an object code component, a script component, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicatively connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by a processing circuit or processor) one or more methods described herein.

[0062] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable medium for completing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using an existing computer processor, or by a dedicated computer processor for an appropriate system incorporated for this purpose or other purposes, or by a hard-wired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products, which include machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer or other machine with a processor. For example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the required program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures, and can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the foregoing are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing machine to perform a certain function or a group of functions.

[0063] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and recognized usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of some of the features described and claimed, rather than limiting the scope of such features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention recited in the appended claims.

[0064] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like refer to the direct or indirect joining of two components together. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be implemented by the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

[0065] References to "or" may be interpreted as being inclusive, so that any term described using "or" may mean any of: a single, more than one, and all of the terms described. References to at least one term in a conjunction list of terms may be interpreted as an inclusive or to mean any of: a single, more than one, and all of the terms described. For example, reference to "at least one of 'A' and 'B'" may include only "A," only "B," and both "A" and "B." Such references used with "including" or other open-ended terms may include additional items.

[0066] References to element positions herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may be different according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0067] The structure and arrangement of the elements of the bathing components shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, size, structure, shape and proportion of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of dispersed elements or positions may be changed or varied.

[0068] Additionally, the word "exemplary" is used to refer to serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and the term is not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily special or superlative examples). On the contrary, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0069] Where a technical feature in the drawings, detailed description or any claim is followed by a reference numeral, the reference numeral has been included to improve the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description and claims. Therefore, neither the reference numerals nor their absence shall have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim element.

[0070] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. In addition, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Any means plus function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein that perform the functions described, and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Without departing from the scope of the appended claims, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configurations and arrangements of preferred and other exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic shower device, comprising: A head comprising: a plurality of nozzles configured to dispense a fluid; a moving component configured to detect movement of the head; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy; and A handle portion includes a controller configured to operate the ultrasonic transducer based on the moving component. 2 . The ultrasonic shower device according to claim 1 , wherein the moving component comprises at least one ball.

3. The ultrasonic shower device of claim 1, wherein the moving component comprises an accelerometer. 4 . The ultrasonic shower device of claim 1 , wherein the handle portion further comprises a battery configured to operate the ultrasonic transducer. 5 . The ultrasonic shower apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the handle portion includes an electrical wire configured to electrically couple the ultrasonic transducer to a power source.

6. The ultrasonic shower device according to claim 1, wherein: The ultrasonic transducer is positioned at a central portion of the head; and The plurality of nozzles and the moving part are positioned circumferentially around the ultrasonic transducer.

7. The ultrasonic shower device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of nozzles and the moving part are positioned at a central portion of the head; and The ultrasonic transducers are positioned circumferentially around the central portion of the head. 8 . The ultrasonic shower device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic energy at a frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 3 MHz.

9. An ultrasonic beauty device, comprising: a head including an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy; as well as a handle portion, the handle portion including a controller configured to operate the ultrasonic transducer; wherein at least one of the head portion or the handle portion includes a moving component configured to detect movement of the ultrasonic cosmetic device; and Wherein the controller is configured to selectively control the ultrasonic transducer based on the moving component.

10. The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 9, wherein the moving component comprises at least one of a ball, an accelerometer, a camera, an infrared light sensor, a visible light sensor, a microphone, an acoustic sensor, a triboelectric sensor, an inertial switch sensor, a temperature sensor or a vibration sensor. 11 . The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 9 , wherein the handle portion further comprises a battery configured to operate the ultrasonic transducer. 12 . The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 9 , wherein the handle portion comprises an electrical wire configured to electrically couple the ultrasonic transducer to a power source. 13 . The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 9 , wherein the ultrasonic transducer is positioned at a central portion of the head. 14 . The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 9 , wherein the ultrasonic transducer is positioned offset from a central portion of the head. 15 . The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 9 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic energy with a frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 3 MHz. 16 . The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 9 , wherein the head further comprises at least one nozzle configured to dispense moisturizer.

17. An ultrasonic beauty device, comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, each ultrasonic transducer configured to at least partially contact the surface; as well as A controller is configured to operate the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the controller is configured to selectively turn each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers on or off for a period of time in response to determining that at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at least partially contacts the surface.

18. The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 17, wherein: The controller is configured to turn on a first ultrasonic transducer of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at a first point in time and for a first period of time; and The controller is configured to turn off the first ultrasonic transducer of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers at a second point in time and turn on the second ultrasonic transducer of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers for a second period of time.

19. The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to selectively turn on or off each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers so that the plurality of ultrasonic transducers generate and transmit ultrasonic energy in a predetermined pattern along the surface.

20. The ultrasonic cosmetic device according to claim 17, wherein: The ultrasonic cosmetic device comprises at least one of a mask, a cuff or a bathtub; and The surface includes a portion of at least one of the user's face, arm, leg, or skin.

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