Massage applicator head assembly

Abstract

A head assembly for a therapeutic massage device includes a battery mounted to a head portion of the head assembly rather than housed within a handle portion of the head assembly. The head portion can include a heating element, and the handle portion can include features that allow for a close coupling between the head assembly and a main body of the therapeutic massage device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 582072, filed September 12, 2023, entitled "Massage Applicator Head Assembly," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 603663, filed November 29, 2023, also entitled "Massage Applicator Head Assembly," both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of therapeutic devices, and more specifically, to devices for applying massage to selected parts of the body. Background Technology

[0003] Tapping massage, also known as gentle tapping massage, involves rapid, tapping, striking, and / or cupping motions on a body area. Tapping massage can be used to actively work and strengthen deep muscle tissues. It can increase local blood circulation and help strengthen muscle areas. Tapping massage can be applied by a skilled massage therapist using rapid hand movements. However, the manual force applied to the body may vary, and the massage therapist may become fatigued before completing a full treatment.

[0004] Tapping massage can also be applied by an electromechanical tapping massage device (tapping massage applicator or massage applicator). Such a tapping massage applicator may include, for example, an electric motor coupled to a crank to drive a reciprocating piston within a cylinder. The massage applicator head assembly (which can contact the body and apply pressure directly to it) may be part of the tapping massage applicator or may be removably attached to the piston of the tapping massage applicator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The text describes a novel massage applicator head assembly (also referred to as a "head assembly") that can efficiently and effectively provide therapeutic massage. This head assembly can apply not only percussion pressure but also heat, which can enhance the massage's effectiveness. The heat-providing components are selected and configured to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the head assembly. Thus, in one aspect, a head assembly for a therapeutic device (such as a percussion massage applicator) includes a handle portion without a battery pack, and a head portion including a flat-shaped, mounted battery pack. The battery pack has a flat shape along the reciprocating axis of the head assembly.

[0006] In some embodiments, the handle portion of the head assembly is solid. The flat-profile mounted battery pack may include a lithium polymer battery and / or may have a rectangular top surface. In some embodiments, the head portion includes a top foam layer and a bottom foam layer, wherein the flat-profile mounted battery pack is disposed between the top foam layer and the bottom foam layer. The head portion may also include a cover having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a heating element. The heating element is electrically coupled to the flat-profile mounted battery pack. The heating element defines a boundary frame, wherein the area of ​​the boundary frame is smaller than the area of ​​the inner surface of the cover.

[0007] In some embodiments, the head portion includes a circuit board electrically connected to a heating element and a flat-profile battery pack. The circuit board controls heating of the heating element. The head portion may include a clamp for holding the flat-profile battery pack and the circuit board together, along with top and bottom foam layers, when in use. The clamp may be configured to hold only the flat-profile battery pack and the top and bottom foam layers together. The head portion may include a cover foam layer disposed between the heating element and the clamp.

[0008] In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a first tapered friction ring. The first tapered friction ring has a top side facing the head portion and an opposing bottom side. The first tapered friction ring tapers from a top direction to a bottom direction such that a first maximum diameter of the first tapered friction ring at its top side is greater than a first minimum diameter of the first tapered friction ring at its bottom side. The diameter of the inner section of the handle portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving portion of the treatment device. The receiving portion (e.g., a bore in a piston) is configured to removably receive the handle portion. The first maximum diameter is greater than the inner diameter of the receiving portion.

[0009] The handle portion may further include a second tapered friction ring having a top side facing the head portion and an opposing bottom side. The second tapered friction ring also tapers from the top direction to the bottom direction, such that a second maximum diameter of the second tapered friction ring at its top side is greater than a second minimum diameter of the second tapered friction ring at its bottom side. The second maximum diameter may be the same as the first maximum diameter, and / or the second minimum diameter may be the same as the first minimum diameter. In some embodiments, the second maximum diameter is smaller than the first maximum diameter. The thickness of the second tapered friction ring may be the same as the thickness of the first tapered friction ring. In some embodiments, the two tapered friction rings may have different thicknesses. The handle portion may include a mounting ring adapted to mate with a groove in the receiving portion of the treatment device.

[0010] In another aspect, a head assembly for a treatment device includes a head portion and a handle. The head portion includes a battery pack, while the handle does not have a battery pack. The handle is adapted to engage and lock with a coupling via a locking mechanism for attaching the head assembly to the body of the treatment device. The handle may be solid. The locking mechanism may include one or more tabs, and / or threads, and / or one or more rings, and / or one or more magnets. In some embodiments, the head assembly includes the coupling, wherein the coupling is adapted to be fitted within a piston of the treatment device. The coupling may include: one or more notches to correspondingly receive one or more tabs of the handle; and / or grooved threads to engage with the threads of the handle; and / or one or more grooves to correspondingly receive one or more rings of the handle; and / or one or more magnets to couple with one or more corresponding magnets of the handle.

[0011] The battery pack in the head assembly may be a lithium polymer battery. The head assembly has a reciprocating or moving axis. In some embodiments, the battery pack has an elongated shape along a first battery axis aligned with the reciprocating axis and a flattened shape along a second battery axis perpendicular to the reciprocating axis. In some embodiments, the battery pack has a flattened shape along the first battery axis aligned with the reciprocating axis.

[0012] The head portion of the head assembly may include a cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. The head portion may also include a heating element that is: (i) electrically connected to a battery pack, and (ii) disposed between the inner surface of the cover and the battery pack. The heating element may define a boundary frame, wherein the area of ​​the boundary frame may be smaller than the area of ​​the inner surface of the cover. The head portion of the head assembly may also include a circuit board or controller electrically connected to the heating element and the battery pack for controlling the heating of the heating element.

[0013] On the other hand, a massage applicator head for a therapeutic device lacks a handle and includes a battery pack and a drilled hole. The drilled hole is adapted to receive a head engagement portion of the handle attached to the body of the therapeutic device. The head engagement portion of the handle may have a primary locking mechanism, and the drilled hole includes a mating locking mechanism corresponding to the primary locking mechanism.

[0014] The main locking mechanism may include one or more tongues, and / or threads, and / or one or more rings, and / or one or more magnets. The mating locking mechanism for the drilled hole of the massage applicator head may include: one or more notches to correspondingly receive one or more tongues of the head engagement portion; and / or grooved threads to engage with the threads of the head engagement portion; and / or one or more grooves to correspondingly receive one or more rings of the head engagement portion; and / or one or more magnets to couple with one or more corresponding magnets of the head engagement portion.

[0015] The battery pack in the massage applicator head may be a lithium polymer battery. The massage applicator head has a reciprocating or moving axis. In some embodiments, the battery pack has an elongated shape along a first battery axis aligned with the reciprocating axis and a flattened shape along a second battery axis perpendicular to the reciprocating axis. In some embodiments, the battery pack has a flattened shape along the first battery axis aligned with the reciprocating axis.

[0016] The massage applicator head may include a cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. The head portion may also include a heating element, which: (i) is electrically connected to a battery pack, and (ii) is disposed between the inner surface of the cover and the battery pack. The heating element may define a boundary frame, wherein the area of ​​the boundary frame may be smaller than the area of ​​the inner surface of the cover. The massage applicator head may also include a circuit board or controller electrically connected to the heating element and the battery pack for controlling the heating of the heating element.

[0017] The foregoing and other preferred features (including various novel details of the implementation and combination of events) will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and are set forth in the claims. It will be understood that the specific systems and methods described herein are shown by way of illustration only and not as limitation. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the principles and features described herein can be applied to a variety and numerous embodiments without departing from any scope of the invention. As can be appreciated from the foregoing and following description, every feature described herein, and every combination of two or more such features, is included within the scope of this disclosure, provided that the features included in such combinations do not contradict each other. Furthermore, any feature or combination of features may be specifically excluded from any embodiment of the invention.

[0018] The foregoing description of the invention, including some embodiments, their motivations and / or advantages, is intended to assist the reader in understanding this disclosure and does not limit the scope of any claim in any way. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of preferred embodiments given below, serve to illustrate and teach the principles described herein. Throughout the various drawings, the same or similar reference numerals generally indicate the same or similar parts, components, or operations, unless otherwise stated.

[0020] Figure 1 A tapping massage applicator according to various embodiments is described.

[0021] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Two types of batteries that can be used in the head assembly of a massage applicator are schematically depicted.

[0022] Figure 2C A typical head component is schematically depicted.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly according to various embodiments.

[0024] Figure 4A Figure 4B is a bottom view and a side view of a heating element used in a head assembly according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4C It is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the heating element and additional components.

[0026] Figures 5A-5D Different types of heating elements and corresponding bounding boxes according to different embodiments are depicted.

[0027] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Additional types of heating elements are described.

[0028] Figure 7A -7C is correspondingly a perspective view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the head assembly according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the head assembly of the -7C.

[0030] Figures 8A-8C A side view and a partial cross-sectional view of a head assembly according to one embodiment are shown.

[0031] Figure 8D Showing included Figures 8A-8C A perspective view of an embodiment of the battery pack in the head assembly depicted in the figure.

[0032] Figures 9A-9C A side view and a partial cross-sectional view of the head assembly according to another embodiment are shown.

[0033] Figure 9D Showing included Figures 9A-9C A perspective view of an embodiment of the battery pack in the head assembly depicted in the figure.

[0034] Figures 10A-10C A side view and a partial cross-sectional view of the head assembly according to yet another embodiment are shown.

[0035] Figure 10D Showing included Figures 10A-10C A perspective view of an embodiment of the battery pack in the head assembly depicted in the figure.

[0036] Figure 11A-11CA side view and a partial cross-sectional view of a head assembly according to one embodiment are shown.

[0037] Figure 11D Showing included Figure 11A-11C A perspective view of an embodiment of the battery pack in the head assembly depicted in the figure.

[0038] Figure 12A and Figure 12B A side view and a partial cross-sectional view of a head assembly according to one embodiment are shown.

[0039] Figure 12C Showing included Figure 12A and Figure 12B A perspective view of an embodiment of the battery pack in the head assembly depicted in the figure.

[0040] Figure 13A and Figure 13B These are side and top views of a connector used with a head assembly and a treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 14 Different embodiments of a portion of the handle of the head assembly and the associated locking mechanism are depicted.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a side view of another connector used with a head assembly and a treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 16A A massage applicator of a therapeutic device according to one embodiment is schematically depicted.

[0044] Figure 16B and Figure 16C Accordingly, it is attachable according to one embodiment Figure 16A Side view and partial bottom view of the massage applicator head of the massage applicator.

[0045] While this disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. This disclosure should be understood as not being limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] As used throughout this specification, the terms "up," "down," "vertical," "upward," "downward," "near," "far," and other similar directional terms are used relative to the view being described.

[0047] When the head portion of the head assembly of the tapping massage applicator (also known as a massage device or apparatus) (see below) Figure 1(Description) When applied to areas of a person's body, the effectiveness of a massage therapy provided by the device depends at least in part on the pressure applied to the body. For some people, low pressure provides a relaxing massage, while higher pressure may be uncomfortable. However, for others, relatively high pressure is needed to provide relief, for example, from muscle aches and other tissue pains. For many people, the required pressure varies depending on the location on their body.

[0048] The effectiveness of massage treatment can be further enhanced by applying heat to the treated body areas. Heat can be applied before, during, and / or after the tapping massage treatment. Furthermore, heat can be applied continuously or intermittently. For this purpose, some head assemblies used with massage devices provide a heating element, such as a heating coil, beneath the outer surface of the head portion of the head assembly. The operation of the heating element requires a power source and control circuitry.

[0049] The power source that enables the tapping movement of the head assembly can also be used to power the heating element. However, the power requirements of the motor generating the tapping movement of the head assembly and the power requirements of the heating element may differ significantly. Furthermore, the heating element may operate before or after the application of the tapping massage and may be shut off at least intermittently during the application of the tapping massage. Therefore, in some devices, a different power source than the one used to enable the tapping movement of the head assembly is used, solely to power the heating element and its control circuitry. This power source may be a battery pack (also called a battery).

[0050] Figure 1 A percussion massage applicator 100 is depicted, comprising a head assembly 102, a body 104, and a handle 106. The head assembly 102 includes a head portion 108 that can contact a body area to which massage therapy is to be applied, and a handle portion 110 that can be attached to the body 104. The head portion 108 and the handle portion 110 may be integral parts of the head assembly 102, or they may be detachable. Similarly, the head assembly 102 may be integral parts of the percussion massage applicator 100, or may be removably attached to it. Typically, the body 104 includes a motor, a crank mechanism, and a piston (not shown), wherein the crank mechanism converts rotational movement of the motor into reciprocating movement / motion of the piston. The piston is generally coupled to the handle portion 110, causing the head portion 108 to move back and forth in a reciprocating manner.

[0051] A heating element may be provided within the head portion 108, but near the outer surface 112 of the head portion 108. Typically, a power source (also referred to as a battery pack or battery) may be provided in a handle portion (such as handle portion 110). A common reason for placing the battery in the handle portion is that the shape and size of the handle portion can be easily selected to accommodate the battery. Generally, the battery is mounted in an elongated shape within the handle portion. The terms "elongated shape" and "flat shape" depend on the viewpoint and are therefore described below in a particular frame of reference.

[0052] Figure 2A A typical cuboid battery 202a is shown with reference to three axes 204a, 206a, and 208a. Battery 202a is considered elongated (i.e., having a long, thin shape) with reference to axis 208a. This is because the dimension 210a of battery 202a along axis 208a is significantly larger than both the dimensions 212a and 214a of battery 202a along the other two axes 204a and 206a, respectively. Dimension 210a may be referred to as thickness or height, and dimensions 212a and 214a may be referred to as length and width, respectively. As used herein, "significantly larger" means that the thickness / height along axis 208a is at least twice the length and width along axes 204a and 206a.

[0053] Figure 2B Referring to three axes 204b, 206b, and 208b, a typical cylindrical battery 202b is shown. Like battery 202a, battery 202b is also considered elongated (i.e., having an elongated shape) with reference to axis 208b, because the dimension 210b of battery 202b along axis 208b is significantly larger than the dimension 212b of battery 202b along axes 204b and / or 206b. Dimension 210b may be referred to as thickness or height, and dimension 212b may be referred to as radius. Again, "significantly larger" means that the thickness / height along axis 208b is at least twice the radius.

[0054] It should be noted that the same battery 202a along axes 204a and / or 206a can be considered a flat battery (or a battery with a flat shape). This is because the dimensions 212a and 214a of battery 202a along axes 204a and 206a are not at least twice the dimension 210a of the battery along at least one other axis (i.e., axis 208a). Similarly, battery 202b along axes 204b and / or 206b can be considered a flat battery (or a battery with a flat shape) because the dimension 212b of battery 202b along axes 204b and 206b is not at least twice the dimension 210b of the battery along axis 208b.

[0055] Figure 2CA head assembly 216 is depicted, having a head portion 218 and a handle portion 220. The axis along which the reciprocating movement of the head assembly 216 can occur is shown at 222. Axis 222 may be referred to as the axis of motion. Other axes of the head assembly are shown at 224 and 226. When the battery 202a (or 202b) is mounted or installed within the handle portion 220 such that the axis 208a of the battery 202a (or the axis 208b of the battery 202b) coincides with or is parallel to the axis of motion 222, the battery 202a (or 202b) is considered to be an elongated mounted battery or an elongated mounted battery. This arrangement is generally necessary because the battery 202a (or 202b) cannot usually be fitted into the head portion 218, and also because the handle portion 220 is usually shaped such that the battery 202a (or 202b) can only be fitted when the axis 208a (or 208b) coincides with or is parallel to the axis of motion 222.

[0056] One advantage of this arrangement is that the handle portion 220 can be narrow, meaning that the dimensions of the handle portion 220 along axes 224 and / or 226 do not need to be as large as the dimensions of the battery 202a (or 202b) along axis 208a (or 208b). Therefore, the reciprocating movement of the head assembly 216 can be smooth because, compared to when the handle portion 220 is wider (e.g., having dimensions along axes 224 or 226 that are as large as the dimensions of the battery 202a (or 202b) along axis 208a (or 208b), the mass of the battery 202a (or 202b) and the mass of the handle portion 220 are distributed relatively close to the axis of motion 222.

[0057] While the configuration described above offers the benefit of smooth reciprocating motion due to its mass distribution close to the axis of motion, this configuration generally requires a relatively long, hollow handle to house the battery. In some cases, a solid, relatively short handle may be more efficient and / or effective in applying tapping massage to the body. Massage applicators with relatively short handles may also be more ergonomic and potentially easier for the user to operate than those with longer handles.

[0058] therefore, Figure 3 An exploded view of head assembly 300 is depicted, in which a battery may be mounted or installed within the head portion of the head assembly. Head assembly 300 includes a head portion 302 and a handle portion 304. The reciprocating axis of the head assembly, also known as the motion axis, is shown at 306. Two other axes are shown at 308 and 310. Battery 312 is mounted or installed within the head portion 302 such that battery 312 has a flat profile relative to the motion axis 306. In other words, the length (l) and width (w) of battery 312 are significantly greater than (e.g., at least twice) the height / thickness (h) of battery 312.

[0059] The surfaces of battery 312 perpendicular to the axis of motion 306 are generally rectangular. These surfaces may be referred to as the top and bottom surfaces, and in different embodiments, these surfaces may have different shapes, such as circles, polygons other than rectangles, etc. However, regardless of the shape of the top and bottom surfaces, battery 312 has a flat profile relative to the axis of motion 306. Generally, a battery with a flat profile relative to one of its axes may be referred to as a thin-profile battery. Lithium polymer batteries typically have a thinner profile compared to lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, in some embodiments, battery 312 is a lithium polymer battery. Lithium polymer batteries may offer additional benefits compared to lithium-ion batteries, such as a lower likelihood of combustion due to overheating and a lower likelihood of electrolyte leakage compared to lithium-ion batteries. However, in some embodiments, battery 312 is a lithium-ion battery because it offers a higher energy density compared to lithium polymer batteries and therefore can last longer before recharging.

[0060] To protect the battery 312 from vibrations caused by the tapping reciprocating motion of the head assembly 300 and / or heat from the heating element (discussed below), the battery may be encapsulated within a top foam layer 314a and a bottom foam layer 314b. The battery 312 (with or without foam layers) is positioned above a circuit board 316. The circuit board includes circuitry for controlling the heating of the heating element (described below), and one or more connectors for receiving input signals from a user interface (not shown) and providing power to the heating element. The control circuitry may include custom circuitry implemented using discrete components, FPGAs, ASICs, general-purpose processors, and / or memory (for storing programs or instructions to be executed by the processor). The user interface may be attached to the tapping massage applicator and may be used to control the heating operation of the element. Heating parameters that can be controlled by the user include, but are not limited to: peak temperature, whether heat is applied before, during, and / or after the tapping massage, whether the heating is continuous or intermittent, and, if intermittent, the duration of on and off.

[0061] In some embodiments, clamp 318 is provided to secure battery 312 and foam layers 314a, 314b (if used) to circuit board 316. Clamp 318 can help keep wires from connectors on circuit board 316 away from battery 312. Clamp 318 can also help guide different sets of wires to different sections of the heating element without tangling. Clamp 318 may be shaped like a surfboard and may have an edge 320 above its top surface. Edge 320 may support a cover foam layer (shown in FIG. 4) disposed above clamp 318.

[0062] The head portion 302 includes a cover 324 and a base portion 326. The base portion 326 may be attached to a handle portion 304, or the handle portion 304 may extend from the base portion 326 and may be part of the base portion 326. A circuit board 316 may be removably attached to the base portion 326, for example, using screws, clamps, or other fastening mechanisms. When the tapping massage applicator is in use, the outer surface of the cover 324 may contact the area of ​​the body to be treated. Because the user may wish to apply heat to the body, the cover 324 is generally made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal or alloy, or another material comprising a metal or alloy. In various embodiments, a heating element ( Figures 4A-4C (As shown in the image) is disposed on the inner surface of the cover 324. The heating element is electrically connected to the circuit board 316, for example, using wires.

[0063] Figure 4A Figure 4B depicts a bottom view and a corresponding side view of the cover 402 of the head portion of the head assembly. The cover 402 has an inner surface 404. A heating element 406 is mounted to the inner surface 404. In different embodiments, the heating element 406 may be in full physical contact with the inner surface 404, or may only be in partial physical contact with the inner surface 404. The heating element 406 may also be positioned close to the inner surface 404 (e.g., at a distance of only a fraction of an inch) but not in physical contact with the inner surface 404. The inner and outer surfaces of the heating element may be planar and / or curved. In some embodiments, the curvature of the outer surface of the heating element 406 matches the curvature of the inner surface 404 of the cover 402. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the heating element 406 may have a curvature different from the curvature of the inner surface 404 of the cover 402.

[0064] Figure 4C This is an exploded enlarged view of a small portion of the structure shown in Figure 4B. For simplicity, the individual components are depicted as having flat surfaces, but these surfaces can be curved, such as... Figure 4A As shown in Figure 4B. Figure 4C The display shows that the heating element 406 is placed on an optional cover foam layer 408, which in turn is placed on a clamp 410, for example... Figure 3 The fixture 318 in the middle.

[0065] In various embodiments, the heating element does not traverse the entire inner surface of the cover. More precisely, the heating element only traverses a portion of the inner surface. This returns to the reference. Figure 4AAs illustrated, heating element 406 has a bounding box 412. As used herein, a bounding box is a region in a selected plane that has a selected shape (e.g., a square, rectangle, another polygon, circle, oval, etc.). Furthermore, for a selected shape, the bounding box is the smallest region in the plane that encloses the heating element's planar projection onto the plane of that bounding box. For example, the planar projection of heating element 406 in the XY plane is helical (also shown at 406). The smallest oval region surrounding the helix defined by heating element 406 is shown at 412 and is designated as the bounding box 412 of heating element 406.

[0066] The projection of the inner surface 404 of the cover 402 into the XY plane is oval, and is also shown at 402. The area of ​​the bounding box 412 is smaller than the area of ​​the projection of the cover 402. Therefore, the heating element 406 is considered not to traverse the entire inner surface 404 of the cover 402. In various embodiments, the area of ​​the bounding box of the heating element mounted to the inner surface of the cover of the head assembly is less than 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, etc., of the area of ​​the projection of the inner surface of the cover into the plane of the bounding box. Typically, the heating element is mounted centrally to the inner surface of the cover. This allows heat to be symmetrically distributed throughout the cover 402. However, in some embodiments, the heating element may be mounted eccentrically or off-center to the inner surface 404. In some embodiments, the heating element may traverse substantially the entire surface of the inner surface 404 of the cover 402 (e.g., more than 80%, 90%, 95%, etc.).

[0067] The shape of the bounding box can be the same as the shape of the hood projection, but it can also have a different shape than the shape of the hood projection. For example, as... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, heating elements 502a and 502b are respectively circular and square spirals. Correspondingly, bounding boxes 504a and 504b are respectively circular and square. However, the shape of the bounding box does not need to match the shape of the corresponding heating element. For example, as... Figure 5C and Figure 5D As shown, heating elements 502c and 502d are hexagonal and octagonal spirals respectively, but bounding boxes 504c and 504d are both square.

[0068] refer to Figure 4A and Figures 5A-5DAny of the heating elements 502a-d can be mounted on the inner surface 404 of the cover 402, replacing the heating element 406. The inner surface 404 has an oval projection in the XY plane. Therefore, the shapes of the corresponding bounding boxes 504a-d will differ from the shape of the projection of the cover 402. If the corresponding area of ​​the corresponding bounding box 504a-d is smaller than the area of ​​the projection of the cover 402, then any heating element 502a-d can be considered as not traversing the entire inner surface 404 of the cover 402.

[0069] A heating element that does not traverse the entire inner surface of the cover (to which the heating element is mounted) is generally smaller than a heating element that substantially traverses the entire inner surface of the cover. Therefore, for a specific cover, a heating element that does not traverse the entire inner surface of the cover can be referred to as a smaller heating element, while a heating element that does substantially traverse the entire inner surface of the cover can be referred to as a full-size heating element. The power required to heat the smaller heating element to a specific temperature over a given time period is generally less than the power required to heat the full-size heating element to the same temperature over the same time period. Therefore, the head assembly can be designed to be efficient and / or highly efficient, as described below.

[0070] refer to Figure 4A As shown in Figure 4B, heating element 406 is a smaller heating element relative to cover 402 compared to the corresponding full-size heating element (not shown). Therefore, compared to the battery required to heat the corresponding full-size heating element to a specified temperature within a specified time period, the relatively smaller battery (e.g., Figure 3 The battery 312 in the battery is sufficient to heat the heating element 406 to the same temperature within the same time period. The specific battery used to heat the smaller heating element can also sustain heating for a longer time before recharging compared to using the same battery to heat the corresponding full-size heating element. Furthermore, the same battery can heat the smaller heating element to the same temperature faster than it would take to heat the corresponding full-size heating element to the target temperature using the specific battery. Alternatively, within a specified time period, the specific battery can heat the smaller heating element to a higher temperature than that achievable for the corresponding full-size heating element. These relationships can be used to determine various heating-related parameters, such as battery size and / or capacity, peak output power (power rating) of the battery, maximum achievable temperature of the heating element, and / or the time period required to reach the maximum or specified temperature.

[0071] like Figure 4AAs seen in Figure 4B, the heating element 406 is centrally mounted to the inner surface 404 of the cover 402. This is a typical configuration, but not a necessary one, as mentioned above. Because the heating element 406 is a smaller, rather than a full-size, heating element 406, the central region 414 of the cover 402 may heat up before the off-center region 416 when the heating element 406 is heated. Eventually, the off-center region 416 will also heat up because the cover 402 is thermally conductive. The lag between the heating of regions 414 and 416 can vary from several seconds to tens of seconds. Using a full-size heating element instead of the smaller heating element 406 could result in one or more of the following: a larger battery may be required; the maximum achievable temperature of the full-size heating element may be lower; and / or it may take longer to heat the full-size heating element to its maximum or specified temperature. In contrast, as the full-size heating element heats up, essentially the entire cover 402 will also heat up without any noticeable time difference in heating different parts of the cover 402.

[0072] From the user's perspective, when using the smaller heating element 406, the relatively rapid heating of the central region 414 can immediately provide some relief or therapeutic heat treatment to the body parts that are in physical contact with the central region 414 of the cover 402. Within a short time, for example, less than a minute or two after the central region 414 has heated up, the rest of the cover 402 will also heat up, providing relief or therapeutic heat treatment to the body parts that are in substantially physical contact with the entire outer surface of the cover 402.

[0073] However, in exchange for this staged heating effect, the following benefits can be achieved for the overall massage applicator (or its head assembly) compared to using a full-size heating element: a smaller battery may be sufficient; the maximum achievable temperature can be higher; and / or a shorter time period may be required to heat the central area 414 to at least the maximum or specified temperature. Therefore, for a specific cover, using a smaller heating element can be more effective (e.g., in heating the central area of ​​the cover faster and / or better); more efficient (e.g., by requiring a larger battery, or by extending battery life between its successive charges); or both effective and efficient compared to using a corresponding full-size heating element.

[0074] Although Figure 4A and Figure 5A -D describes a spiral heating element, but other types of heating elements may be used in different embodiments. For example, Figure 6A and Figure 6BCorrespondingly, circular and rectangular heating elements 602a, 602b are depicted. These heating elements have irregular patterns, such as serrated patterns. The heating elements may also include sections that can be individually controlled (e.g., turned on or off at different times), and / or can be set to achieve different temperatures.

[0075] Return to reference Figure 1 In various embodiments, the head assembly 102 is removably attached to a piston (not shown) located within the body 104 of the tapping massage applicator 100. The reciprocating motion of the piston is facilitated by a motor-crank mechanism (not shown) disposed within the body 104, and the reciprocating movement of the piston causes the head assembly 102 to reciprocate. The head assembly removably attached to the piston allows the user to use different types of head assemblies according to their needs. For example, depending on whether heat therapy is desired or not, the user can switch between head assemblies with or without heating elements. Depending on the body part to be massaged, the user can also select from different head assemblies with different head portions (having different shapes and / or surface areas). For example, the head portion can be bullet-shaped, spherical, disc-shaped, Y-shaped, etc.

[0076] To facilitate the use of different types of head assemblies, head assembly 102 should be easily detachable from and attached to the piston within body 104. However, once attached to the piston, head assembly 102 should remain attached and not accidentally become loose, for example, due to knocking movement of the piston. To achieve these two objectives—facilitating the attachment and detachment of the head assembly relative to the piston, and maintaining the connection between the head assembly and the piston during use and until the head assembly is intentionally detached—certain features are provided on the shank portion 110 of head assembly 102 in various embodiments.

[0077] Specifically, refer to Figure 7A The handle portion 700 of the head assembly (not shown) (e.g., Figure 1 The handle portion 110 or Figure 3 The handle portion 304 includes one or more friction rings 702 and an optional mounting ring 704. As described below, these features facilitate easy attachment / removal of the handle portion 700 relative to the piston (not shown) of the massage applicator, and secure attachment to the piston when not intended for removal. The reciprocating axis of the head assembly is shown at 706. During the reciprocating motion of the head assembly, the direction of movement away from the body (not shown) of the massage applicator is shown at 708, and the direction of movement towards the body is shown at 710.

[0078] refer to Figure 7B , it is Figure 7AA side view of the handle portion 700, which has a top section 712 above which the head portion (not shown) of the head assembly is located. The handle portion 700 also has a coupling section 714 that is coupled to the piston of the massage applicator. Although the handle portion 700 is hollow, in various embodiments, a section or the entire handle portion may be solid. While this would increase the mass of the head assembly and thus the power required to move the head assembly, a solid handle portion could more effectively and / or efficiently transmit the force from the reciprocating piston to the head assembly and then to the body area to be massaged.

[0079] Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of the shank portion 700, showing the diameters associated with the feature friction ring 702 and the assembly ring 704, as well as some other diameters. The top section 712 has a diameter φ1, and the inner section 716 has a diameter φ2. The inner section 716 traverses both the top section 712 and the connecting section 714. In the shank portion 700, diameter φ1 is larger than diameter φ2, but this is not necessary. The advantages of having a top section 712 with a diameter larger than that of the inner section 716 are described below.

[0080] In the following discussion, the directions “top,” “up,” and “above” generally refer to the direction in which the head assembly moves away from the massage applicator body, i.e., direction 708. Conversely, the directions “bottom,” “down,” and “below” generally refer to the direction in which the head assembly moves toward the massage applicator body, i.e., direction 710. Two-part friction rings 718 surround the inner section 716 at a position below the top section 712. The friction ring 718 has a non-tapered portion 720a and a tapered portion 720b located below the non-tapered portion 720b. The diameter of the non-tapered portion 720a is φ3, and the minimum diameter of the tapered portion 720b is φ4. Both φ3 and φ4 are larger than the diameter φ2 of the inner section, and φ3 is larger than φ4. In some embodiments, a non-tapered friction ring with a diameter φ3 may replace the two-part friction ring 718, and correspondingly, tapered friction rings with top (maximum) and bottom (minimum) diameters φ3 and φ4 may be mounted below the non-tapered friction ring.

[0081] Two additional friction rings 722 and 724 surround the inner section 716. Friction ring 722 is positioned below the tapered portion 720b of friction ring 718, and friction ring 724 is positioned below friction ring 722. In the shank portion 700, friction rings 722 and 724 are similar, but this is not necessary. In other embodiments, the different friction rings may have different dimensions, such as diameter and / or height (also referred to as thickness). Each friction ring 722 and 724 tapers from top to bottom. Thus, friction rings 722 and 724 each have a top diameter φ5 and a smaller bottom diameter φ6. In the shank portion 700, φ6 is the same as φ4, but in some embodiments, φ6 may be different from φ4, i.e., smaller or larger than φ4, but φ5 is larger than φ6. The top diameter φ5 of friction ring 722 is typically (but not necessarily) larger than the diameter φ3 of the non-tapered portion 720a of friction ring 718. The handle portion typically includes two tapered friction rings 722, 724, but in some embodiments, the handle portion may include only one tapered friction ring, or may include more than two (e.g., three, five, etc.) tapered friction rings.

[0082] The handle portion 700 also includes an optional mounting ring 726, which is not tapered. Typically (but not necessarily), the diameter φ7 of the mounting ring 726 is larger than the larger of diameters φ3 and φ5. The mounting ring is designed to fit within a recess provided in a drilled hole (not shown) in the piston of the massage applicator, in which the handle portion 700 is received. Figure 7C and Figure 7D As seen in the diagram, the design of friction rings 718, 722, and 724, particularly the tapered portion 720b of friction ring 718 and the tapered shapes of friction rings 722 and 724, forms the barbed outer surface of the connecting section 714. This barbed surface allows the shank portion 700 to be inserted relatively easily into the bore of the piston, but provides resistance to accidentally removing the shank portion 700 (and therefore the head assembly) from the piston, as described below.

[0083] The handle portion 700 is received within a bore (not shown) of the piston of the massage applicator. The diameter φ2 of the inner section 716 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the bore of the piston, but the minimum diameter φ4 of the tapered portion 720b of the friction ring 718 may be selected to be the same as the inner diameter of the bore of the piston. In some embodiments, the diameter φ4 may be larger or smaller than the inner diameter of the bore, for example, by 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, etc. Therefore, when the handle portion 700 is inserted into the bore (i.e., with force applied in direction 710), for each friction ring, the portion that first contacts the inner surface of the bore may have a diameter smaller than or approximately the same as the diameter of the bore. This allows the head assembly to be inserted relatively easily into the bore of the piston. In contrast, if the handle portion 700 moves in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the body of the massage applicator (i.e., in direction 708), the contact between the relatively wider portions of the friction rings (where diameters φ3 and φ5 may be larger than the diameter of the bore of the piston) can provide considerable frictional resistance. Therefore, even when the massage applicator is in use and the head assembly moves back and forth, the handle portion 700 can be prevented from accidentally moving from the piston and disassembling.

[0084] Table 1 below lists the values ​​for the various diameters discussed above, and Table 2 lists the thickness values ​​for different parts / components of the shank portion 700. Table 3 lists the range of various diameters proportional to the inner diameter of the piston bore. It should be understood that these values ​​and ranges are provided as examples only. Different embodiments may have other values ​​as long as the relative order of diameters as described above is maintained. Table 3 lists the range of diameter proportions for different embodiments of the shank portion 700. These ranges are typical, but do not necessarily specify maximum and / or minimum values ​​for the corresponding diameter proportions. For example, φ1 may be more than 40% larger or less than 30% larger than the inner diameter of the piston bore. Each value within the corresponding range provided for each parameter in Table 3 is conceived and explicitly supported herein, adhering to the significant figures expressed in each specific range.

[0085] Table 1: Example diameters of the handle portion Table 2: Example thickness of the handle portion Table 3: Diameter of the shank portion relative to the inner diameter of the piston borehole As mentioned above, a top section (such as the top section 712 and inner section 716 of the shank portion 700) with a larger diameter than the inner section may be advantageous. In such embodiments, the top section 712 can act as a stop when the shank portion 700 is inserted into the bore of the piston. This allows the shank portion 700 and the head assembly to properly engage with the piston, effectively translating the reciprocating movement of the piston into the reciprocating movement of the head assembly. This also ensures that the shank portion 700 is not pushed too far into the bore of the piston, thereby damaging the piston.

[0086] In various embodiments, the bore of the piston and the inner section of the shank can be metallic or made of other hard materials. Friction rings 718, 722, 724 and mounting ring 726 can be made of a hard but flexible material, such as hard rubber, allowing the shank portion 700 to be inserted into and removed from the bore of the piston. Additionally, although the cross-section of the shank portion 700, friction rings 718, 722, 724, and mounting ring 726 is circular, this is not essential. In different embodiments, the cross-section of the shank portion and the corresponding friction rings and mounting rings can have different shapes, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, another polygon, oval, etc. Therefore, instead of the inner section of the shank portion, the bore of the piston, the diameter of the friction rings and / or the mounting rings (or other dimensions), other suitable dimensions (such as length / width and / or the distance between two opposite vertices / sides of a polygon) can be selected to provide a barbed surface for the shank portion.

[0087] Figures 8A-8C Different views of the head assembly 800 with battery pack 802 are depicted. Specifically, Figure 8A This is a side view of the head component 800. Figure 8B It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cross section in the direction "AA", and Figure 8C This is a cross-sectional view of the cross section in the direction "BB". Figure 8D This is a perspective view of the battery pack 802. Three axes 804a, 806a, and 808a are associated with the head assembly 800, wherein the reciprocating motion / movement of the head assembly 800 occurs along axis 804a (also referred to as the reciprocating movement axis 804a). Axes 806a and 808a are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the reciprocating movement axis 804a.

[0088] The head assembly 800 includes a handle 810 having an upper portion 812, a stop disc 814, a lower portion 816, and a tongue 818. The upper portion 812 and the lower portion 816 can be cylindrical, elliptical, or prismatic, wherein the cross-section of the prism can be triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or another polygonal shape. The upper and lower portions 812 and 816 can have the same shape, or they can be different. In the head assembly 800, the corresponding sizes (corresponding lengths and corresponding diameters) of the upper and lower portions 812 and 816 are different. In other embodiments, one or more of these corresponding dimensions, including the corresponding cross-sectional dimensions of the prismatic upper and / or lower portions of the handle, can be the same. Generally, the dimensions of the handle 810 prevent the battery pack 802 from being fitted within the handle 810. The handle 810 and / or portions thereof can be hollow or solid.

[0089] The dimensions of the lower portion 816 were chosen to allow it to be tightly fitted into the connector (see [link]). Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 15 The lower portion 816 is housed within a cavity (also called a borehole) in which the connector is adapted to engage with the piston of the treatment device. Therefore, the length and diameter (or other cross-sectional dimensions) of the lower portion 816 are selected to correspond with the cavity / borehole within the connector (see [link to details]). Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 15 The corresponding dimensions of the upper and lower portions 812 and 816 are matched, with the lower portion 816 received within the cavity. A stop disc 814 can guide how far the lower portion 816 can be pushed into the cavity. In some embodiments, the stop disc 814 is omitted. In this embodiment, the upper and lower portions 812 and 816 may be formed as a single continuous portion.

[0090] The head assembly 800 is alignable with the cavity such that the tongue 818 is received within a corresponding recess in the cavity. Upon insertion into the cavity, the head assembly 800 can be twisted to disengage the tongue 818 from the corresponding recess and allow it to slide along a slot within the cavity, thus preventing separation from the head assembly until the head assembly is twisted back to align the tongue 818 with the corresponding recess in the cavity. Therefore, the tongue 818, together with the corresponding recess in the connector's cavity, serves as a locking mechanism for the head assembly 800. In some embodiments, more than one tongue (e.g., two or four tongues) and corresponding recesses in the connector's cavity may be provided. In different embodiments, locking mechanisms other than the tongue and recess may also be provided, as referenced below. Figure 14 The discussion.

[0091] The head assembly 800 also includes a head portion 820 that houses the battery pack 802. The battery pack may include batteries (such as reference batteries). Figure 3The battery (as described above) and an optional case or housing for the battery. As mentioned above, a battery (or battery pack) having a flat profile relative to one of its axes can be referred to as a thin-profile battery / battery pack. Figure 8D As seen, the battery pack 802 has a flat profile relative to its axis 808b because each dimension (e.g., length (L) and width (W)) of the battery pack 802 along its axes 804b and 806b is at least twice the dimension (thickness "T") of the battery pack 802 along its axis 808b. Because the battery pack 802 has a flat profile relative to its axis 808b, it is a thin-profile battery pack. The head portion 820 is designed so that the battery pack 802 can be housed within the head portion 820. The axes 804b, 806b, and 808b of the battery pack may be aligned with or coincide with the axes 804a, 806a, and 808a of the head assembly 800, respectively.

[0092] The head portion 820 has an outer surface 822 and an inner surface 824. The outer surface 822 can contact a body area in which a therapeutic treatment (e.g., tapping massage, heat, or a combination of heat and tapping massage) is to be applied. Furthermore, the head portion 820 includes a heating element 826 and a circuit board / controller 828. While the heating element 826 is planar, in some embodiments, the heating element 826 may have one or more curved surfaces, as discussed above. (Refer to above) Figure 4A As discussed, the heating element 826 is designed not to traverse the entire inner surface 824 of the head portion 820. In other embodiments, the heating element 826 may traverse the entire inner surface 824 of the head portion 820.

[0093] Heating element 826 is electrically connected to battery pack 802 and controller 828. Controller 828 may be similar to circuit board 316. Figure 3 The head portion 820 may also include foam layers (similar to foam layers 314a, 314b) above and below the battery pack 802. Figure 3 In some embodiments, a clamp (similar to clamp 318) is provided between the heating element 826 and the battery pack 802. Figure 3 With or without a foam layer (e.g., cover foam layer 408) Figure 4C ))Together.

[0094] Figures 9A-9C Different views of the other end component 900, which has the battery pack 902, are depicted. Specifically, Figure 9A This is a side view of the head component 900. Figure 9B It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cross section in the direction "AA", and Figure 9C This is a cross-sectional view of the cross section in the direction "BB". Figure 9D This is a perspective view of battery pack 902. Head assembly 900 and head assembly 800 ( Figures 8A-8C Similar to battery pack 802, except that battery pack 902 differs slightly from battery pack 802. Specifically, battery pack 802 has a flattened shape only along its axis 808b, which is perpendicular to or coincides with the reciprocating axis 804a. Battery pack 802 has an elongated shape along axes 804b and 806b. In contrast, battery pack 902 has a flattened shape along axis 804b (which can be aligned with or coincides with the reciprocating axis 804a) and also along axis 808b (which is perpendicular to axis 804b). Battery pack 902 has an elongated shape along its axis 806b, which is perpendicular to both axes 804b and 808b.

[0095] Figures 10A-10C A different view of another head assembly 1000 is depicted, which has a head assembly 800 ( Figure 8A Battery pack 802. Specifically, Figure 10A This is a side view of the head component 1000. Figure 10B It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cross section in the direction "AA", and Figure 10C This is a cross-sectional view of the cross section in the direction "BB". Figure 10D This is a perspective view of battery pack 802. (Reference) Figure 8A The head portion 820 of the head assembly 800 is partially conical in shape. In contrast, the reference... Figure 10A The head portion 1020 of head assembly 1000 is partially box-shaped, brick-shaped, or cuboid. Apart from this, head assemblies 800 and 1000 are largely similar.

[0096] Figure 11A-11C Different views of head assembly 1100 are depicted, which has head assembly 900 ( Figure 9A Battery pack 902. Again, Figure 11A This is a side view of the head component 1100. Figure 11B It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cross section in the direction "AA", and Figure 11C This is a cross-sectional view of the cross section in the direction "BB". Figure 11D This is a perspective view of battery pack 902. Therefore, head assembly 1100 includes head assembly 1000 ( Figure 10AThe battery pack 902 comprises a box-shaped, brick-shaped, or cuboid head portion 1020 and a battery pack 902 having a flat profile along two axes: axis 804b (which may be aligned with or coincide with the reciprocating axis 804a) and axis 808b (which is perpendicular to axis 804b). As mentioned above, the battery pack 902 has an elongated profile along axis 806b, which is perpendicular to both axes 804b and 808b.

[0097] Figure 12A and Figure 12B A side view and a bottom cross-sectional view (in direction "AA") of the head assembly 1200 with battery pack 1202 are depicted. The head portion 1220 of the head assembly 1200 is mushroom-shaped. Figure 12C As seen in the diagram, battery pack 1202 has a flat profile along axis 804b, which can be aligned with or coincide with reciprocating axis 804a. Battery pack 1202 has an elongated profile along its other two axes 806b and 808b. Each head assembly 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 includes a corresponding heating element and a corresponding controller for controlling the heating element. For simplicity and clarity only, these components are not shown in the diagram. Figures 9A-9C , Figures 10A-10C , Figure 11A-11C , Figure 12A and Figure 12B It is displayed in the middle.

[0098] Header components (such as in) Figure 8A , Figure 9A , Figure 10A , Figure 11A and Figure 12A Those shown in the image are designed to be removably fitted into treatment devices (such as...). Figure 1 The head assembly is located within the body of the treatment device (as shown in the diagram). Furthermore, the head assembly is designed to engage with a piston within the body of the treatment device. Therefore, in operation, the reciprocating movement of the piston can be converted into the reciprocating movement of the head assembly, which may apply a tapping massage to the body area in contact with the head assembly. Additionally, it is desirable that different head assemblies (e.g., those with different shapes and / or sizes) can be removably coupled to the bodies of different treatment devices, wherein such bodies and their pistons can have different shapes and / or sizes, and / or operating parameters such as impact force, frequency of reciprocating motion, etc. To allow for this flexibility, connectors are provided in various embodiments, such as... Figure 13A and Figure 13B The connector 1300 shown in the image.

[0099] The connector 1300 has an upper section 1302 and a lower section 1306, the upper section 1302 having a cavity (also referred to as a bore) 1304. The size and shape of the lower section 1306 are selected such that they match the size and shape (within permissible tolerances) of a piston in the body of the treatment device. Typically, the lower section 1306 may be received within a cavity in the piston, as referenced above. Figures 7A-7D The size and shape of the bore 1304 in the upper section 1302 are selected to match the size and shape (within permissible tolerances) of the lower portion 816 of the shank 810 of the head assembly. Again, typically, the lower portion 816 is received within the bore 1304.

[0100] To prevent accidental disengagement between the head assembly (e.g., head assembly 800) and the connector 1300, the lower portion 816 of the handle 810 includes a locking mechanism, and the drilled hole 1304 of the connector 1300 includes a corresponding mating locking mechanism. For example, as referenced above... Figure 8A and Figure 8B The overall locking mechanism discussed may include a tongue 818 protruding from the lower portion 816 of the handle 810, and a notch within the drilled hole 1304 of the connector 1300. (As...) Figure 14 As shown, the locking mechanism may include a thread 1402 located on the lower portion 816 of the handle 810, or one or more rings 1404, and / or one or more magnets 1406. The bore 1304 (FIG. 13) may include corresponding threaded grooves, one or more grooves of the mating ring 1404, and / or one or more magnets having opposite polarities of the magnets 1406. In different embodiments, two or more locking mechanisms may be combined.

[0101] Figure 15 A connector 1500 is depicted having a cylindrical upper portion 1502 with a drilled hole 1504. The lower portion 1506 of the connector 1500 is similar to a shank portion 700 with a barbed surface. Figures 7A-7D This allows the lower portion 1506 of the connector 1500 to be tightly but removably fitted into the cavity of the piston within the body of the treatment device. Because the bore of the connector can be designed to mate and engage with the lower portion of the shank of the specific head assembly, and because the lower portion of the connector can be designed to mate and engage with the piston within the body of the specific treatment device, suitable connectors can be designed and / or selected to allow the assembly and locking of many different types of head assemblies within the bodies of many different types of treatment devices.

[0102] Figures 16A-16C An embodiment of a tapping massage applicator 1600 is depicted. Like massage applicator 100 ( Figure 1 Like the massage applicator 1600 ( Figure 16A It has a main body 104 and a handle 106. However, compared with the massage applicator 100 ( Figure 1 Different from the massage applicator 1600 ( Figure 16A The device includes a handle 1602 that is non-removably attached to the body 104. The handle 1602 engages with a piston within the body 104 and moves back and forth when the massage applicator 1600 is operated. When the massage applicator head is attached to the handle 1602, the head also moves back and forth during operation of the massage applicator 1600. During operation, when the massage applicator 1600 is positioned such that the head contacts or approaches a body part, the back and forth movement of the head applies a tapping force to that body part. As discussed above and below, the head can also apply heat to the body part.

[0103] The handle 1602 includes a rod 1604, a stop disc 1606, and a head engagement portion 1608. The stop disc 1606 is optional and is not provided in some embodiments. The rod 1604 is typically cylindrical with a circular cross-section, but may have an elliptical cross-section. In some embodiments, the rod may be prismatic, having a triangular, square, or other polygonal cross-section. In some embodiments, the head engagement portion 1608 may have a cross-sectional dimension substantially the same as that of the rod 1604. The head engagement portion 1608 also includes a locking mechanism 1610, which is discussed further below.

[0104] refer to Figure 16B and Figure 16C The massage applicator 1600 includes a massage applicator head 1620, which is similar to the head assembly 800. Figure 8A The head portion 820. The head 1620 can be removably attached to the handle 1602. Figure 16A The handle 1602 is non-removably attached to the body 104 of the massage applicator 1600. Figure 16B and Figure 16C Correspondingly, are the side view and partial bottom view of head 1620 (in direction "AA"). Like head section 820 ( Figure 8A Like ), head 1620 ( Figure 16B and Figure 16C This includes a flat-shaped battery / battery pack 802, a heating element 826, and a circuit board / controller 828. Figure 8A ). With head assembly 800 ( Figure 8A ) different, head 1620 ( Figure 16B and Figure 16C The handle is not included. Instead, the head 1620 includes a drilled hole or recess 1622 designed to receive the head engagement portion 1608 of the handle 1602. Figure 16AThe head engagement portion 1608 is then fitted into it. For this purpose, the shape and size of the cross-section of the drilled hole / recess 1622 are substantially the same as the shape and size of the head engagement portion 1608. The stop disc 1606 prevents the head engagement portion 1608 from being over-inserted into the head 1620.

[0105] Locking mechanism 1610 ( Figure 16A It includes a set of magnets (only one is shown), similar to Magnet 1406. Figure 14 ). handle 1602( Figure 16A The locking mechanism of the head engagement portion 1608 may optionally or additionally include one or more other locking mechanisms, such as threads 1402 or one or more rings 1404. Figure 14 In some embodiments, the head engagement portion 1608 ( Figure 16A The locking mechanism may include a tongue, similar to handle 810. Figure 8A The lower part of 816 has a tongue 818.

[0106] The head that can be removably attached to the handle 1602 can be similar to: (i) in Figures 9A-9D The descriptions in the text and references above Figures 9A-9D The described head portion 820; or (ii) in Figure 10A-11D The descriptions in the text and references above Figure 10A-11D The described head portion 1020; or (iii) in Figures 12A-12C The descriptions in the text and references above Figures 12A-12C The described head portion 1220. However, in each case, the head will include a drill hole designed to receive the head engagement portion 1608. Figure 16A The head engagement portion 1608 is then assembled therein. For this purpose, the shape and size of the cross-section of the drilled hole are designed to be substantially the same as the shape and size of the head engagement portion 1608.

[0107] Head joint part 1608 ( Figure 16A One purpose of the locking mechanism is to prevent the head from (1620) Figure 16B The handle 1602 is non-removably attached to the body 104 of the massage applicator 1600. Figure 16A Unexpected detachment from the drilled / recessed portion 1622. Figure 16B , Figure 16C ) including the head engagement portion 1608 ( Figure 16A The locking mechanism corresponds to the locking mechanism of the locking mechanism. For example, as referenced above. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The overall locking mechanism discussed may include a handle 1602 ( Figure 16A The protruding tongue of the head engagement portion 1608, and the head 1620 ( Figure 16BThe notch within the drilled / recessed portion 1622. Head engagement portion 1608 ( Figure 16A The locking mechanism of a locking mechanism can be called the main locking mechanism. If the main locking mechanism includes a thread (e.g., thread 1402), Figure 14 ), or one or more rings (e.g., ring 1404, Figure 14 ), and / or one or more magnets ( Figure 16A Then, drill hole / recess 1622 ( Figure 16B It may include threaded grooves as corresponding locking mechanisms, one or more grooves of a mating ring, and / or one or more magnets having opposite polarities of the magnet. In different embodiments, two or more locking mechanisms may be combined.

[0108] While this specification contains numerous specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even thus initially claimed, in some cases, one or more features from a claimed combination may be excluded from that combination, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0109] Specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims. The wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0110] The term "approximately," the phrase "approximately equal to," and other similar phrases, as used in the specification and claims (e.g., "X has a value of approximately Y" or "X is approximately equal to Y"), should be understood to mean that one value (X) is within a predetermined range of another value (Y). Unless otherwise stated, this predetermined range may be ±20%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 1%, 0.1%, or less than 0.1%.

[0111] The indefinite articles “a” and “an”, as used in the specification and claims, shall be understood to mean “at least one” unless clearly indicated otherwise. The phrase “and / or”, as used in the specification and claims, shall be understood to mean “any one or both” of the elements so connected, i.e., elements that exist juxtaposed in some cases and separately in others. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” shall be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so connected. In addition to the elements specifically indicated by the “and / or” clause, other elements may optionally be present, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically indicated. Thus, as a non-limiting example, reference to “A and / or B” when used in conjunction with open-ended language (such as “comprising”) may, in one embodiment, mean only A (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, it may mean only B (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, it may mean both A and B (optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0112] As used in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items from the list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including multiple elements or at least one element from the list of elements, and also including more than one element, and optionally, additional unlisted items. Clearly indicating the opposite uniqueness, such as "only one of..." or "exact one of...", or (when used in the claims) "consisting of...", will refer to including multiple elements or exactly one element from the list of elements. Generally, the term "or" used when preceded by an exclusive term (such as "any one", "one of...", "only one of..." or "exact one of...") should be interpreted only as indicating an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other but not both"). "Substantially consisting of..." when used in the claims should have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0113] As used in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one," when referring to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in that list, but not necessarily including at least one of every element specifically listed in that list, and does not exclude any combination of elements in that list. This definition also allows for the optional presence of other elements, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically specified elements, in addition to those specifically specified in the list of elements referred to by the phrase "at least one." Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") can mean, in one embodiment, at least one A (optionally including more than one A), no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, at least one B (optionally including more than one B), no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, at least one A (optionally including more than one A) and at least one B (optionally including more than one B) (and optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0114] The use of "including", "contains", "has", "includes", "involves", and variations thereof means to cover the items listed thereafter as well as any additional items.

[0115] The use of ordinal numbers (such as "first," "second," "third," etc.) to modify claim elements in claims does not imply any priority, order, or sequence of one claim element relative to another, or the chronological order of the actions performed in the method. Ordinal numbers are merely labels used to distinguish one claim element with a certain name from another element with the same name (but using an ordinal number), thus differentiating the claim elements.

[0116] Several aspects of at least one embodiment of the invention have thus been described, and it should be recognized that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing description and drawings are merely examples.

[0117] Since various changes can be made to the above-described structure without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A head assembly for a treatment device, the head assembly comprising: The handle portion does not contain a battery pack; as well as The head section includes a flat-shaped, mounted battery pack.

2. The head assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The handle portion is solid.

3. The head assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The flat-profile mounted battery pack includes lithium polymer batteries.

4. The head assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The flat-profile mounted battery pack has a rectangular top surface.

5. The head assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The head portion also includes: A top foam layer and a bottom foam layer, wherein the flat-profile mounted battery pack is disposed between the top foam layer and the bottom foam layer.

6. The head assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The head portion also includes: A cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; and A heating element that: (i) is electrically connected to the flat-profile mounted battery pack, and (ii) defines a boundary frame, wherein the area of ​​the boundary frame is smaller than the area of ​​the inner surface of the cover.

7. The head assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The head portion also includes: A circuit board electrically connected to the heating element and the flat-profile mounted battery pack is used to control the heating of the heating element.

8. The head assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The head portion also includes: A clamp is used to hold the flat-profile mounted battery pack and the circuit board together.

9. The head assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The head portion also includes: A cover foam layer is disposed between the heating element and the clamp.

10. The head assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The handle portion includes: A first tapered friction ring has a top side facing the head portion and an opposing bottom side, wherein a first maximum diameter of the first tapered friction ring at its top side is greater than a first minimum diameter of the first tapered friction ring at its bottom side. Wherein, the diameter of the inner section of the handle portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving portion of the treatment device, wherein the receiving portion is configured to removably receive the handle portion, and Wherein, the first maximum diameter is greater than the inner diameter of the receiving portion.

11. The head assembly of claim 10, wherein, The handle portion further includes: The second tapered friction ring has a top side facing the head portion and an opposite bottom side, wherein the second maximum diameter of the second tapered friction ring at its top side is greater than the second minimum diameter of the second tapered friction ring at its bottom side.

12. The head assembly of claim 11, wherein: The second maximum diameter is the same as the first maximum diameter; and The second minimum diameter is the same as the first minimum diameter.

13. The head assembly of claim 11, wherein: The second maximum diameter is smaller than the first maximum diameter.

14. The head assembly of claim 11, wherein: The thickness of the second tapered friction ring is the same as the thickness of the first tapered friction ring.

15. The head assembly of claim 10, wherein, The handle portion further includes: An assembly ring adapted to fit into a groove in the receiving portion of the treatment device.

16. A head assembly for a treatment device, the head assembly comprising: The head section includes the battery pack; as well as The handle, which has no battery pack, is adapted to engage and lock with a connector via a locking mechanism for attaching the head assembly to the body of the treatment device.

17. The head assembly of claim 16, wherein, The handle is solid.

18. The head assembly of claim 16, wherein, The locking mechanism includes a tongue, a thread, a ring, or a magnet.

19. The head assembly of claim 16, further comprising: The connector is adapted to be fitted into the piston of the treatment device.

20. The head assembly of claim 16, wherein, The battery pack includes lithium polymer batteries.

21. The head assembly of claim 16, wherein: The head assembly has a reciprocating axis of motion; and The battery pack has an elongated shape along a first battery axis aligned with the reciprocating motion axis, and a flattened shape along a second battery axis perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis.

22. The head assembly of claim 16, wherein: The head assembly has a reciprocating axis of motion; and The battery pack has a flat shape along a first battery axis aligned with the reciprocating motion axis.

23. The head assembly of claim 16, wherein, The head portion also includes: A cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; and A heating element, which: (i) is electrically connected to the battery pack, and (ii) is disposed between the inner surface of the cover and the battery pack.

24. The head assembly of claim 23, wherein, The heating element defines a boundary frame, wherein the area of ​​the boundary frame is smaller than the area of ​​the inner surface of the cover.

25. The head assembly of claim 23, wherein, The head portion also includes: A circuit board electrically connected to the heating element and the battery pack is used to control the heating of the heating element.

26. A massage applicator head for a therapeutic device, the massage applicator head lacking a handle, and comprising: Battery pack; as well as A drill hole adapted to receive a head engagement portion of a handle attached to the body of the treatment device, the drill hole including a mating locking mechanism corresponding to a main locking mechanism of the head engagement portion.

27. The massage applicator head according to claim 26, wherein: The main locking mechanism includes a tongue, a thread, a ring, or a magnet; and The locking mechanism includes a notch, a groove, or a magnet.

28. The massage applicator head according to claim 26, wherein, The battery pack includes lithium polymer batteries.

29. The massage applicator head according to claim 26, wherein: The massage applicator head has a reciprocating axis of motion; and The battery pack has an elongated shape along a first battery axis aligned with the reciprocating motion axis, and a flattened shape along a second battery axis perpendicular to the reciprocating motion axis.

30. The massage applicator head according to claim 26, wherein: The massage applicator head has a reciprocating axis of motion; and The battery pack has a flat shape along a first battery axis aligned with the reciprocating motion axis.

31. The massage applicator head according to claim 26, further comprising: A cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; as well as A heating element, which: (i) is electrically connected to the battery pack, and (ii) is disposed between the inner surface of the cover and the battery pack.

32. The massage applicator head according to claim 31, wherein, The heating element defines a boundary frame, wherein the area of ​​the boundary frame is smaller than the area of ​​the inner surface of the cover.

33. The massage applicator head according to claim 31, further comprising: A circuit board electrically connected to the heating element and the battery pack is used to control the heating of the heating element.

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