Device for stimulation of an acupressure point

Abstract

A device (1) for stimulating an acupressure point (22), comprising an amulet (2); a vibration unit (4); and an energy storage device (11); characterized by a motor (12) with control electronics (19) arranged in the interior (13) of the vibration unit (4); wherein the vibration unit (4) is non-positively and detachably mounted on the amulet (2); a push button (10) provided on a shaft (6) of the vibration unit (4), wherein the vibration unit (4) is mounted on the amulet (2) in such a way that the push button (10) is freely accessible; and a chain (3) attached to a head (5) of the vibration unit (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for stimulating an acupressure point.

[0002] The German utility model DE 20 2012 003 151 relates to a vibrating therapy pen with a housing that is detachably connected to a replaceable therapy tip. The therapy tip comprises an eccentric and an electric motor, which are combined into a single unit. The therapy pen must be manually applied to the area of the body to be treated.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2004 032 606 A1 discloses a massage and healing device for the stationary and mobile application of alternating pressure to limited areas of the skin and the underlying tissue. The device consists primarily of a substantially spherical or egg-shaped first massage body, the surface of which forms a large massage surface, and a substantially rod-shaped second massage body with an elongated shaft and two ends, one end of which has a first end piece for connection to a complementarily shaped connecting piece on the first massage body, and the second end of which has a second end piece for massaging with a small, curved massage surface. Here, too, the massage and healing device must be placed by hand on the area of the body to be treated and moved accordingly for the massage.

[0004] German patent application DE 198 52 608 A1 relates to a device, in particular a handheld device, for vibration therapy for treating primarily muscles and the skeletal system. The device imparts a wobbling motion of the oscillating head upon rotation of the drive shaft by creating an angle between the drive shafts of the vibration exciter and the oscillating head. The device is compact in design, lightweight, and wear-resistant, allowing for cost-effective production. The device must be placed manually on the area of the body to be treated.

[0005] German patent application DE 197 09 355 A1 relates to an acupressure stick with a built-in ball arrangement consisting of a freely rotatable main ball and a surrounding ball ring with freely rotatable smaller balls. The acupressure stick must be placed manually on the area of the body to be treated.

[0006] DE 10 2008 057 479 A1 discloses a device and method for strengthening the immune system through long-term stimulation of the thymus gland. The device for thermal, electrical, electromagnetic, and mechanical stimulation of the thymus gland is presented, for example, as a pendant with a necklace. When assembled, the pendant encloses the vibrating motor in a cover and the electronics in an intermediate piece. The vibration unit with electronics cannot be easily removed and reattached.

[0007] The website https: / / de.aliexpress.com / item / 1005003408412266-html discloses a metal vibrator that can be charged via a USB port. It does not include a removable attachment in an amulet or the stimulation of an acupressure point.

[0008] The website https: / / de.aliexpress.com / item / 1005004489043127.html discloses a powerful bullet vibrator that can be worn as a necklace. Replacing the bullet vibrator is not provided.

[0009] The website https: / / www.amazon.de / Crave-E25572-Vesper-Vibrator-silberfarben / dp / BOOPR3QK3G?th=1 offers a silver-colored vibrator that can be worn on a necklace. It is not intended to be detachably attached to an amulet or to stimulate an acupressure point.

[0010] The website https: / / www.etsy.com / at / listing / 1414174361 / 1 Ox-vibrating-silicone-heart-necklace features a vibrating silicone heart. The website does not disclose whether the vibrating element is separate from the pendant. Stimulation of an acupressure point is not intended.

[0011] State-of-the-art treatment methods are known, for example for situation-related nervousness or excitement, which use relaxation techniques, medication and / or therapies to get nervousness or excitement under control.

[0012] The concept is based on the method of acupressure, which involves applying pressure with fingers or a device to specific acupressure points to reduce stress and increase well-being. This healing method has the advantage of being easy to apply, without side effects, and supports the user in achieving their full potential.

[0013] The object of the invention is therefore to create a device for stimulating an acupressure point which can be used easily and at any time and which does not allow the environment to immediately recognize its use.

[0014] This object is achieved by a device for stimulating an acupressure point, which comprises the features of claim 1.

[0015] In one embodiment, the device for stimulating an acupressure point comprises a vibration unit. The vibration unit is held in an amulet in a force-fitting and detachable manner. An energy storage device and a motor are arranged inside the vibration unit. The motor is preferably a vibration motor, which is supplied with the necessary electrical energy by the energy storage device. Control electronics are also assigned to the motor, which imparts a specific vibration pattern or a specific vibration intensity to the motor. A chain is attached to a head of the vibration unit so that the device can be worn by a user and also used in everyday situations.

[0016] The advantage of the invention is that it provides a simple method for stimulating an acupressure point, which can be used whenever needed. Furthermore, the device according to the invention has the advantage of being free of side effects and supporting the user in achieving their full potential.

[0017] According to the invention, a push button is provided on a shaft of the vibration unit. The vibration unit is mounted on the amulet in such a way that the push button is freely accessible. By pressing the push button, the motor can be turned on and off, various vibration profiles can be selected, or different vibration intensities can be set.

[0018] The advantage is that the push button for adjusting the vibration intensity level is accessible at any time, even while wearing the device. For example, the push button can be used to select several (preferably three) constant power settings for the motor (vibration motor) over time, namely low, medium, and high, depending on your preferences and preferences. Likewise, the push button can be used to select or adjust various vibration profiles (pulse shapes) for the motor (vibration motor).

[0019] According to one possible embodiment of the invention, the amulet is made of an elastic material, and an elastic material strip is attached to the back of the amulet. This allows the vibration unit to be releasably and force-fittedly held between the back of the amulet and the material strip. Preferably, the material of the amulet and the material strip are identical.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the material of the amulet and the material strip is designed in such a way that it is washable.

[0021] The advantage of the removable and force-locked mounting of the vibration unit between the back of the amulet and the material strip is that it allows for interchangeability. Furthermore, the vibration unit can be removed for cleaning the amulet to protect the electronic components inside from moisture.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the material of the amulet and the material strip can be silicone. Silicone is a material often used for medical devices and products due to its special properties. It is easy to maintain and washable, and is therefore considered very hygienic.

[0023] One possible form of the amulet is a spring, which, together with the strip of material, serves as a silicone casing for the vibration motor. The spring should be between 8 and 10 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the chain attached to the head of the vibration unit is dimensioned such that, when the device is in use, the vibration unit rests on an acupressure point of the user. The optimal length of the chain is 50 cm to 60 cm and can be adjusted depending on the user's preference and anatomical characteristics.

[0025] According to another possible embodiment of the invention, the head can be removed from the shaft of the vibration unit to connect a charging cable to the shaft. This allows the vibration unit's energy storage to be recharged. The energy storage has a battery life of approximately 40 minutes, which is sufficient for two applications of the vibration unit. The charging cable has a USB connection adapter, and the charging time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

[0026] It is self-evident to a specialist that the material of the vibration unit is not exclusively limited to stainless steel or stainless steel with a coating. The material of the vibration unit should be such that it transmits the vibrations of the motor inside the vibration unit without dampening. The vibration unit can also be provided with different coatings. The shape of the vibration unit is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The material of the amulet and that of the material strip can be different, whereby the only condition must be met that the vibration unit is detachable and is held firmly in place on the amulet. With a vibration unit, for example, different amulets can be sold as a set, so that they can be exchanged at any time according to the user's wishes.

[0027] The invention and its advantages will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, without thereby limiting the invention to the embodiment shown. The proportions in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for clarity. Fig. 1 shows a person wearing the device for stimulating the acupressure point KG 17 (master point). Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of the device for stimulating the acupressure point in the form of an amulet. Fig. 3 shows another possible embodiment of the device for stimulating the acupressure point in the form of an amulet. Fig. 4 shows a vibration unit removed from the amulet. Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the vibration unit along the length L of the vibration unit. Fig. Figure 6 shows a side view of the vibration unit inserted into the amulet. Fig. 7 shows a schematic sectional view along the Fig. 6 shown section line AA. Fig. Figure 8A shows a head removed from the vibration unit. Fig. 8B shows a charging cable connected to the vibration unit. Fig. Figure 9 shows a possible embodiment of the power setting of the vibration with which the stimulation is carried out. Fig. Figure 10 shows a possible further embodiment of the profile of the vibration with which the stimulation is carried out.

[0028] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The figures merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, without, however, limiting the invention to the illustrated exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a user 20 wearing the device 1 for stimulating an acupressure point 22. In the illustration shown here, the acupressure point 22 to be stimulated by the device 1 is the KG 17. The device 1 for stimulation is worn by means of a chain 3. The device 1 for stimulation consists of an amulet 2 and a vibration unit 4 (see e.g. Fig. 2 or Fig. 3). The chain 3 is dimensioned such that the vibration unit 4 of the device 1 rests on the acupressure point 22 for stimulation.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of the stimulation device 1. The vibration unit 4 is detachably attached to a rear side 8 (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) of the amulet 2. The amulet 2 can be made of an elastic material. This has the advantage that the elasticity of the material allows the vibration unit 4 to be easily removed from or attached to the amulet 2. Preferably, the material of the amulet 2 (cover for the vibration unit 4) can be silicone, which is often used for medical devices and products due to its special properties. It is easy to care for and washable and is therefore considered very hygienic.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows another possible embodiment of the stimulation device 1. The amulet 2 has the shape of a spring in the embodiment shown here. The vibration unit 4 is detachably attached to the amulet 2 such that a head 5 of the vibration unit 4 projects beyond the amulet 2 (spring). A chain 3 is attached to the head 5 of the vibration unit 4, with which the stimulation device 1, as shown in Fig. 1, can be attached to the user 20. Since the vibration unit 4 is detachably connected to the amulet 2 in a force-locking manner, it is possible for differently designed amulets 2 to be connected to the vibration unit 4.

[0032] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the representation of the amulet 2 in the form of a feather should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a vibration unit 4, from which the amulet 2 (see e.g. Fig. 3) is removed. The vibration unit 4 consists of a shaft 6, which can be closed at one end with a head 5. The chain 3 is guided through the head 5. The shaft 6 is closed at a free end 7 opposite the head 5. Near the head 5, the shaft 6 is provided with a push button 10, which can be used to switch on the vibration unit 4 and to set the vibration intensity level or a vibration profile.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the vibration unit 4 along the length L of the vibration unit 4. Provided inside 13 of the shaft 6 of the vibration unit 4, which is closed by the head 5, is an energy storage device 11 connected to a motor 12 configured as a vibration motor. The energy storage device 11 is a rechargeable battery. The motor 13 is an electric motor. Actuating the motor 12 triggers a vibration or a control electronics 19, which determines a vibration pattern or intensity of the vibration of the vibration unit 4.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the vibration unit 4, which is releasably mounted on the amulet 2. A material strip 14 is attached to the back 8 of the amulet 2 such that the shaft 6 of the vibration unit 4 is held on the amulet 2 in a force-fitting yet releasable manner between the back 8 of the amulet 2 and the material strip 14. According to a preferred embodiment, the material strip 14 is glued to the back 8 of the amulet 2. The material strip 14 is preferably made of the same material as the amulet 2. Preferably, the vibration unit 4 is mounted such that the head 5 projects beyond the amulet 2 and the push button 10 is accessible to the user 20. An opening 15 is formed in the head 5, through which the chain (not shown here) is guided.

[0036] Fig. 7 shows a schematic sectional view along the Fig. 6 shown cutting line AA. The material strip 14 is attached to the back 8 of the amulet 2 in such a way that the shaft 6 with its diameter D (see Fig. 6) rests against the back 8 of the amulet 2 and the material strip 14 and thus the vibration unit 4 is held in a force-fitting manner.

[0037] Fig. 8A shows a head 5 removed from the vibration unit 4. Fig. Figure 8B shows a charging cable 17 connected to the vibration unit 4. To connect the charging cable 17 to the vibration unit 4, the head 5 must be removed from the vibration unit 4. The head 5 can be connected to the vibration unit 4, for example, via a thread 16.

[0038] Fig. Figure 9 shows a possible embodiment of the vibration power setting used for stimulation. Using the push button, several power levels (I1, I2,...) can be selected. NPreferably, three power levels I1 (low), I2 (medium), and I3 (high) can be set using the push button, depending on your preference and requirements.

[0039] Fig. Figure 10 shows a possible further embodiment of a vibration profile with which the stimulation is carried out. In this possible embodiment, the vibration profile consists of a plurality of temporally successive rectangular pulses 30. For the rectangular pulses 30, power level I1 can be a "rest" state for the vibration unit 4, and power level I2 can be an "on" state for the vibration unit 4.

[0040] It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the number of power levels and adjustable vibration profiles that can be set with the vibration unit 4 are merely examples for the description and are not to be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0041] It is believed that the present disclosure and many of the advantages recited therein will be understood from the foregoing description. It will be apparent that various changes in form, construction, and arrangement of components may be made without departing from the disclosed subject matter. The form described is merely illustrative, and it is the intent of the appended claims to encompass and embrace such changes. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 Amulet 3 Chain 4 Vibration unit 5 heads 6 shaft 7 Free end 8 Back 10 push button 11 Energy storage 12 Engine 13 interior 14 material strips 15 Opening 16 threads 17 charging cables 19 Control electronics 20 users 22 acupressure point 30 rectangular pulses AA cutting line D Diameter L length I1, I2,...I n Performance level

Claims

[1] A device (1) for stimulating an acupressure point (22), comprising an amulet (2); a vibration unit (4); and an energy storage device (11); characterized by a motor (12) with control electronics (19) arranged in the interior (13) of the vibration unit (4); wherein the vibration unit (4) is non-positively and detachably mounted on the amulet (2); a push button (10) provided on a shaft (6) of the vibration unit (4), wherein the vibration unit (4) is mounted on the amulet (2) in such a way that the push button (10) is freely accessible; and a chain (3) attached to a head (5) of the vibration unit (4). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the motor (12) can be switched on and off by means of the push button (10), or an intensity level of the vibration can be adjusted or a specific vibration profile can be called up. [3] Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of power levels (I1, I2,... I n ) and vibration profiles can be adjusted using the push button (10). [4] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the amulet (2) consists of an elastic material and an elastic material strip (14) is attached to a back side (8) of the amulet (2) in order to releasably and force-fittingly hold the vibration unit (4) between the back side (8) of the amulet (2) and the material strip (14). [5] Device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the material of the amulet (2) and the material of the material strip (14) are identical. [6] Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the material of the amulet (2) and the material of the material strip (14) are washable. [7] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chain (3) attached to the head (5) of the vibration unit (4) is dimensioned such that when the device (1) is used, the vibration unit (4) comes to rest on an acupressure point (22) of the user (20). [8] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the head (5) is designed to be detachable from a shaft (6) of the vibration unit (4) and a charging cable (17) is connectable to the shaft (6) in order to charge the energy storage device (11) of the vibration unit (4).

Images