Applicator for a magnetic element and method for assembling the applicator

Abstract

Applicator for a magnetic element, preferably for an acupressure element, for applying the magnetic element to a surface, the applicator comprising: a substantially tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis with a first housing end and an opposite second housing end, a centering element at the first housing end, wherein the centering element is designed for the centered arrangement of the magnetic element, wherein a first magnet is arranged on the centering element, which can exert a holding force on the magnetic element, a plunger which is movably guided through the housing along the longitudinal axis and which extends at a second housing end partially out of the housing into the environment, wherein a second magnet is arranged at a first plunger end within the housing, wherein similar poles of the first and second magnets point towards each other, wherein the plunger from a rest position,in which the second magnet is arranged at a first distance from the first magnet, can be reversibly transferred into a release position in which the second magnet has a smaller second distance from the first magnet.,

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for a magnetic element. The present invention is preferably used in conjunction with acupressure elements, but is not limited thereto. The applicator according to the invention is also suitable for use with other magnetic elements.

[0002] It is well known that blunt pressure can be applied to specific areas or points on the human body in order to activate the body's self-healing powers. The pressure is often applied with the hands, fingers, or even with technical aids. It is also possible to attach acupressure elements to the skin using plasters, with the plaster being placed between the halves of a two-part acupressure element.

[0003] The practitioner doesn't always apply the pressure appropriately. Furthermore, such acupressure elements are delicate, small, and difficult for the practitioner to handle. Such acupressure elements can slip between manual application and the application of pressure or when secured with a plaster.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to apply pressure to a stimulation point in an appropriate manner. Furthermore, the positioning of the magnetic element should be simplified and less prone to errors.

[0005] This object is achieved with an applicator according to claim 1 and with a further applicator according to claim 2. Furthermore, the object is achieved by using the respective applicator. Preferred embodiments form the subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by an applicator for a magnetic element, preferably for an acupressure element, for attaching or applying the magnetic element to a surface.

[0007] The applicator has a substantially tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis with a first housing end and an opposite second housing end, a centering element at the first housing end, wherein the centering element is designed for the centered arrangement of the magnetic element.A first magnet is arranged on the centering element, which can exert a holding force on the magnetic element, a plunger which is movably guided through the housing along the longitudinal axis and which extends partially out of the housing into the environment at a second housing end, wherein a second magnet is arranged at a first plunger end within the housing, wherein like poles of the first and second magnets point towards one another, wherein the plunger can be reversibly transferred from a rest position, in which the second magnet is arranged at a first distance from the first magnet, into a release position, in which the second magnet has a smaller second distance from the first magnet.

[0008] A magnetic element, in the sense of the present invention, is understood to be a body, and in particular an acupressure element, that is paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, or even a magnet itself, so that it can be attracted to another magnet. If it is a magnet, it can exert an additional influence on the acupuncture points due to the magnetic force fields themselves.

[0009] The applicator has a plunger that is movably guided through the housing along the longitudinal axis and that extends partially out of the housing into the surrounding area at the second housing end. A second magnet is arranged at a first plunger end within the housing, with like poles of the first and second magnets facing each other. The plunger can be reversibly moved from a rest position, in which the second magnet is arranged at a first distance from the first magnet, into a release position, in which the second magnet has a smaller second distance from the first magnet.

[0010] First, the magnetic element, held centered by the centering element, can be applied to the surface with the applicator, in particular to the skin surface or at the stimulation point (S1). The stamp can then be moved into its release position (S2), in which the holding force of the first magnet is weakened or can be overcome, because like poles of the first and second magnets point toward each other. When the applicator is lifted away from the surface, i.e., when the magnetic element is released from the applicator (S3), the moving centering element can counteract any undesired relative movement of the element along the surface.

[0011] The object is further achieved according to a second aspect of the present invention with an applicator which is provided for a magnetic element, preferably for an acupressure element, and for attaching the magnetic element, wherein the applicator according to the second aspect has a substantially tubular housing which extends along a longitudinal axis and has a first housing end and an opposite second housing end, a centering element at the first housing end, wherein the centering element is designed for the centered arrangement of the magnetic element, a plunger which is movably guided through the housing along the longitudinal axis and which extends partially out of the housing into the surroundings at a second housing end.

[0012] A holding magnet is arranged at a first end of the punch within the housing, wherein the punch has a locking cam adjacent to the first end of the punch, wherein the punch is reversibly transferable from a rest position, in which the holding magnet is arranged at a first distance from the centering element, into a release position, in which the holding magnet has a larger second distance from the centering element, and wherein a biasing element, preferably a helical spring, is provided which biases the punch into the release position.

[0013] Furthermore, a locking mechanism is provided which has an actuating element and is designed such that the locking mechanism, in a first position, holds the stamp in the rest position against the action of the pre-tensioning element and, upon actuation of the actuating element, is transferred into a second position in which the stamp is released so that it is transferred into the release position by the pre-tensioning element.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the stamp has a locking cam adjacent to the first stamp end, and the applicator has a locking lever that is pivotally supported by the housing. The locking lever has the actuating element at a first end and a locking element at a second end that engages with the locking cam when the locking lever is in the first position, wherein the locking cam is released from the locking element when the locking lever is pivoted from the first position into the second position by pressing on the actuating element. Further preferably, a spring element, preferably a leg spring, can be provided that is designed and arranged to urge the locking lever into the first position, in which the locking cam engages with the locking element.

[0015] First, the magnetic element, held centered by the centering element, can be applied to the surface with the applicator, particularly to the skin surface or the stimulation point (S1). Subsequently, the actuating element or the locking lever can be moved into its second position, and thus the plunger into its release position (S2), in which the force of the holding magnet is no longer sufficient to hold the magnetic element. When the applicator is lifted away from the surface, i.e., when the magnetic element is released from the applicator (S3), the moving centering element can counteract any undesirable relative movement of the element along the surface.

[0016] In addition, positioning the magnetic element is simplified and less prone to errors, because the centering element allows the small and sensitive magnetic element to be held more securely when applied to the surface than when positioned manually.

[0017] In particular, if an adhesive plaster is placed between the magnetic element and the centering element, the magnetic element can be additionally fixed against unwanted relative movement (S5) when applied to the surface or the stimulus point by means of the plaster, which can stick to the surface (S4).

[0018] The applicator is not only suitable for applying magnetic elements or acupressure elements; it can also advantageously handle other small objects and / or can be part of a higher-level handling device or a robot. The applicator's plunger can be actuated by the handling device or be part of the handling device.

[0019] The preferred embodiments explained can be advantageously combined with one another without any indication to the contrary.

[0020] Preferably, the housing is substantially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. The housing can be made of a metal, a non-ferromagnetic metal, brass, aluminum, wood, and / or a plastic. The second housing end can have a through-opening through which the plunger can extend into the surrounding area.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first magnet is arranged inside the housing and adjacent to the centering element. The first magnet is thus not accessible from outside the housing. The first magnet can be designed and dimensioned such that it rests against the housing wall at specific points, in sections, or all around.

[0022] Alternatively, the first magnet is arranged outside the housing and adjacent to the centering element. Preferably, the first magnet is part of the centering element.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the centering element has a recess or depression for centered accommodation of the magnetic element. The recess can widen with increasing distance from the second housing, in particular in a conical shape, so that the magnetic element can be better centered and released in the release position. The centering element can have at least three ribs that extend radially relative to the longitudinal axis A and define a space for accommodating the magnetic element. The recess can be trough-shaped.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment, the centering element is detachably attached to the housing. This allows the applicator to be adapted to the geometry of the magnetic element. The applicator's assembly can also be simplified.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the centering element is connected to the first end of the housing, in particular by screwing or clamping. This allows the applicator to be adapted to the geometry of the magnetic element. Assembly of the applicator can also be simplified.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a biasing element, preferably a spring, which is designed and arranged to urge the plunger from the release position into the rest position. The spring can be designed as a helical spring, in particular as a helical tension spring. In the rest position, the spring is essentially relaxed. The spring can be attached to the second housing end and to the first plunger end. A shaft of the plunger can extend through the spring, which is designed in particular as a helical spring.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the second magnet is designed such that its magnetic force in the release position weakens and preferably cancels out the holding force of the first magnet.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is mounted on the second end of the housing in a non-rotatable and displaceable manner along the longitudinal axis, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking part which is mounted on the housing in a rotatable manner about the longitudinal axis and axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the locking part is adjustable between the first position and the second position by rotating about the longitudinal axis.

[0029] In the first position, the locking part is pressed by the prestressing element against a first stop on the housing so that it is prevented from moving by the prestressing element by the first stop, wherein in the second position the locking part is pressed by the prestressing element against a second stop on the housing so that it is prevented from moving by the prestressing element by the second stop, wherein the locking part has a different distance from the first end in the first position than in the second position, wherein the locking part is coupled to the punch such that the locking part limits the movement of the punch away from the first end, and wherein the locking part engages with the actuating element such that the locking part is rotated from the first into the second position by an axial movement of the actuating element.

[0030] In a further preferred manner, the locking part in the first position has a smaller distance from the first end than in the second position, wherein the locking part in the first position is prevented from moving away from the first end by the first stop element and wherein the locking part in the second position is prevented from moving away from the first end by the second stop element.

[0031] In this preferred embodiment, by actuating the actuating element attached to the rear end, the stamp can be moved from its rest position to the release position or vice versa in the manner of a ballpoint pen by rotating the locking part through a certain angle so that it rests against the second stop, the stamp then moving under the action of a pretensioning element.

[0032] A method according to the invention for operating one of the aforementioned applicators (operating method) comprises the following steps: S1 Applying the magnetic element, held centered by the centering element, with the applicator to the surface, in particular to the skin surface or to the irritation point, S2 Transferring the stamp into the release position, in particular in such a way that the holding force of the first magnet is weakened or overcome, S3 Lifting the applicator away from the surface (=detaching the magnetic element from the applicator).

[0033] In a further development of the operating method, in which an adhesive plaster is inserted between the magnetic element and the centering element, the magnetic element can be glued to the surface when applied to the surface or the stimulus point by means of the plaster (S4) and can additionally be fixed against the undesired relative movement (S5).

[0034] The above-mentioned applicators can be used according to the invention for positioning the magnetic element on the surface, in particular on the skin surface of a human body.

[0035] Advantageously, one of the aforementioned applicators can be used with a preferred magnetic element, which comprises two subelements and a patch arranged between these subelements. The patch can be firmly bonded to both subelements. At least one of these subelements is magnetic (or is itself a magnet). The surface of the patch facing the second subelement is adhesive. Once the first subelement is received by the centering element, the adhesive surface of the patch can be applied to human skin for adhesion. This adhesion can counteract unwanted relative movement of the magnetic element. Examples of implementation

[0036] The present invention will be explained below with reference to a drawing showing only a preferred embodiment, in which Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the applicator, Fig. 2 shows a preferred magnetic element that can be positioned on the surface with the applicator, Fig. 3 shows another preferred embodiment of the applicator and Fig. 4 shows another preferred embodiment of the applicator.

[0037] The Fig. The applicator 1 shown in Figure 1 has a substantially hollow-cylindrical housing 2, in particular made of aluminum, brass, or plastic, which extends between the first 2a and second housing end 2b along the axis A. At the first housing end is the centering element 3, which is designed for the centered arrangement of the independent magnetic element (not shown). For this purpose, the centering element has a trough-shaped recess 3a that is geometrically adapted to the magnetic element. The centering element can be screwed to an internal thread of the housing. The first magnet 4, which can exert a holding force on the magnetic element, is arranged on the centering element. The first magnet is substantially cylindrical and rests against the housing inner wall 2c in sections, preferably circumferentially. The magnet can be glued to the centering element.

[0038] The plunger 5 is movably guided through the housing along the longitudinal axis A and extends at a second housing end partially out of the housing into the surroundings. The handle 5c is connected, in particular screwed, to the end of the plunger shaft that extends into the surroundings of the applicator. The second magnet 6 is fastened, in particular glued, to the first plunger end 5a within the housing and arranged such that similar poles of the first and second magnets point towards each other. The second magnet is substantially cylindrical and is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing. The plunger can be moved from the rest position (left in Fig. 1), in which the second magnet is arranged at a first distance from the first magnet, reversibly into the release position (right in Fig. 1), in which the second magnet has a smaller second distance from the first magnet.

[0039] Located in the applicator housing is the tension spring 7, which pushes the plunger into its rest position. The plunger shaft 5b extends through the tension spring. The tension spring is connected to the first plunger end 5a and the second housing end 2b.

[0040] The exemplary applicator was mounted such that the plunger was guided through the first housing end into the housing before the centering element was attached to the first housing end.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows a preferred magnetic element 8 comprising two subelements 8a, 8b and a patch 8c arranged between these subelements. At least one of these subelements is magnetic (or is itself a magnet). The surface of the patch facing the second subelement is adhesive. When the first subelement 8a is received by the centering element, the adhesive surface of the patch can adhere to human skin, thus counteracting unwanted relative movement of the magnetic element.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows another preferred embodiment of the applicator with a holding magnet 6 and a locking lever 9. The applicator 1 has a substantially hollow-cylindrical housing 2, particularly made of aluminum, brass, or plastic, which extends between the first housing end 2a and the second housing end 2b along the axis A. Located at the first housing end is the centering element 3, which is designed for the centered arrangement of the independent magnetic element (not shown). For this purpose, the centering element has a trough-shaped recess 3a, which is geometrically adapted to the magnetic element. The centering element can be screwed to an internal thread of the housing.

[0043] The plunger 5 is movably guided through the housing along the longitudinal axis A and extends at a second housing end partially out of the housing into the surroundings. The handle 5c is connected, in particular screwed, to the end of the plunger shaft that extends into the surroundings of the applicator. The plunger has a locking cam 5d adjacent to the first plunger end. The holding magnet 6 is fastened, in particular glued, and arranged on the first plunger end 5a within the housing. The holding magnet is substantially cylindrical and is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing. The plunger can be moved from the rest position (left in Fig. 3), in which the holding magnet is arranged at a first distance from the centering element, reversibly into the release position (right in Fig. 3), in which the holding magnet has a larger second distance from the centering element.

[0044] The applicator has a locking lever 9, which is pivotally supported by the housing. A shaft 11 supports the locking lever. The locking lever has a locking element 9a at one end, which is arranged and configured to engage with the locking cam 5d. An actuating element is formed at the other end. The locking lever can be reversibly moved from a first to a second position. The applicator can have a leg spring 10, which is designed and arranged to urge the locking lever into the first position, in which the locking cam engages with the locking element.

[0045] The Fig. The applicator shown in Figure 3 was mounted in such a way that the punch was guided through the first housing end into the housing before the centering element was attached to the first housing end.

[0046] In Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of an applicator according to the invention that corresponds to Fig. 3, wherein like elements have the same reference numerals as in Fig. 3. Deviating from the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the embodiment shown here has a locking mechanism which, in the preferred embodiment shown here, is provided at the second end 2b of the housing 2.

[0047] The locking mechanism has an actuating element 13 which is mounted on the second end 2b of the housing 2 in a non-rotatable but displaceable manner along the longitudinal axis of the housing 2. The locking mechanism also has a locking part 15 which is mounted on the housing 2 and received therein in a rotatable manner about the longitudinal axis and axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis. The locking part 15 can be adjusted between a first position and a second position by rotating it about the longitudinal axis, wherein the locking part 15 is pressed in the first position by the prestressing element in the form of the spring 7 against a first stop 17 on the housing, such that the first stop prevents it from moving due to the spring 7.

[0048] In the second position of the locking part 15, it is pressed by the preloading element and thus the spring 7 against a second stop 19 on the housing 7, so that the second stop prevents it from moving due to the preloading element. In the embodiment shown here, the locking part 15 is at a smaller distance from the first end 2b in the first position than in the second position.

[0049] In addition, the locking part 15 is coupled to the punch 5, so that the locking part 15 limits the movement of the punch 5 away from the first end 2a, wherein the locking part 15 engages with the actuating element 13 in such a way that by an axial movement of the actuating element 13, the locking part 15 is rotated from the first to the second position when the actuating element 13 is first pressed in the direction of the first end 2a and then released. In this case, the punch moves from the rest position (right in Fig. 4) into the release position (left in Fig. 4).

[0050] This locking mechanism made of Fig. 4 is thus similar to that of a ballpoint pen and is actuated in a very similar manner. This has the advantage that when a user wants to attach a battery-operated pressure element to the ear, for example, they apply an axial force to the battery-operated pressure element anyway, making it comparatively easy to release the locking mechanism by pressing the actuating element 15 at the rear end 2b of the housing 2 and move the plunger 5 from the rest position to the holding position.

[0051] The Fig. The locking mechanism shown in Figure 4 can also be used together with the embodiment of Fig. 1 may be used, even if this is not explicitly shown here.

[0052] The example applicator can be operated as follows: S1 Applying the magnetic element, held centered by the centering element, with the applicator to the surface, in particular to the skin surface or to the irritation point, S2 Transferring the stamp into the release position, in particular in such a way that the holding force of the first magnet is weakened or overcome, S3 Lifting the applicator away from the surface (=detaching the magnetic element from the applicator).

[0053] Preferably, an adhesive patch is inserted between the magnetic element and the centering element prior to step S1. This allows the magnetic element to be bonded to the surface or the stimulation point by means of the patch. This allows the magnetic element to be additionally secured against unwanted relative movement (S5). Reference symbol 1 applicator 2 housings 2a first housing end 2b second housing end 2c Housing inner wall 3 Centering element 3a Recess for magnetic element 4 first magnet 5 stamps 5a first stamp end 5b Stamp shaft 5c handle 5d locking cams 6 second magnet, holding magnet 7 tension spring 8 magnetic element 8a, 8b Subelements of the magnetic element 8c Patch of the magnetic element 9 locking lever 9a locking element 10 Leg spring or torsion spring for locking lever 11 Axis for locking lever 13 Actuating element 15 locking part 17 first attack 19 second attack

Claims

[1] Applicator (1) for a magnetic element, preferably for an acupressure element, for applying the magnetic element to a surface, the applicator comprising: a substantially tubular housing (2) extending along a longitudinal axis with a first housing end (2a) and an opposite second housing end (2b), a centering element (3) at the first housing end, wherein the centering element is designed for the centered arrangement of the magnetic element, wherein a first magnet (4) is arranged on the centering element, which can exert a holding force on the magnetic element, a plunger (5) which is movably guided through the housing along the longitudinal axis and which extends partially out of the housing into the environment at a second housing end, wherein a second magnet (6) is arranged at a first plunger end (5a) within the housing, wherein similar poles of the first and second magnets point towards each other, wherein the plunger is reversibly transferable from a rest position, in which the second magnet is arranged at a first distance from the first magnet, into a release position, in which the second magnet has a smaller second distance from the first magnet. [2] Applicator (1) for a magnetic element, preferably for an acupressure element, for applying the magnetic element to a surface, the applicator comprising: a substantially tubular housing (2) extending along a longitudinal axis with a first housing end (2a) and an opposite second housing end (2b), a centering element (3) at the first housing end, wherein the centering element is designed for centered arrangement of the magnetic element, a punch (5) which is movably guided through the housing along the longitudinal axis, wherein a holding magnet (6) is arranged at a first punch end (5a) within the housing, wherein the stamp can be reversibly transferred from a rest position, in which the holding magnet (6) is arranged at a first distance from the centering element (3), into a release position, in which the holding magnet (6) has a larger second distance from the centering element (3), wherein a pre-tensioning element (7), preferably a helical spring, is provided, which pre-tensions the stamp into the release position, and wherein a locking mechanism is provided which has an actuating element (13) and is designed such that the locking mechanism holds the stamp (5) in the rest position counter to the action of the pre-tensioning element (7) in a first position and, upon actuation of the actuating element (13), is transferred into a second position in which the stamp (5) is released so that it is transferred into the release position by the pre-tensioning element (7). [3] Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the plunger has a locking cam (5d), further comprising a locking lever (9) which is pivotally supported by the housing between the first position and the second position, wherein the locking lever (9) has the actuating element at a first end and a locking element (9a) at a second end which engages with the locking cam in the first position of the locking lever, wherein the locking cam is released from the locking element when the locking lever is pivoted from the first position into the second position by pressing on the actuating element. [4] Applicator according to claim 3, wherein a spring element, preferably a leg spring (10), is provided, which is designed and arranged to urge the locking lever (9) into the first position in which the locking cam engages with the locking element. [5] Applicator according to claim 1, comprising a biasing element, preferably a spring (7), in particular a spiral spring, which is designed and arranged to urge the plunger from the release position into the rest position. [6] Applicator according to claim 5, wherein a locking mechanism is provided which has an actuating element (13) and is designed such that the locking mechanism holds the plunger (5) in the release position in a first position against the action of the pretensioning element (7) and is transferred into a second position upon actuation of the actuating element (13) in which the plunger (5) is released so that it is transferred into the rest position by the pretensioning element. [7] Applicator according to claim 2 or 5, wherein the actuating element (139) is mounted non-rotatably and displaceably along the longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing (2), wherein the locking mechanism has a locking part (15) which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis on the housing (2), wherein the locking part (15) is adjustable by rotating about the longitudinal axis between the first position and the second position, wherein the locking part (15) is pressed in the first position by the pre-tensioning element (7) against a first stop (17) on the housing (7), so that it is prevented from moving by the pre-tensioning element (7) by the first stop (17), wherein the locking part (15) is pressed in the second position by the prestressing element (7) against a second stop (19) on the housing (2), so that it is prevented from moving by the prestressing element (7) by the second stop (19), wherein the locking part (15) has a different distance from the first end (2a) in the first position than in the second position, wherein the locking part (15) is coupled to the punch (5) such that the locking part (15) limits the movement of the punch (5) away from the first end (2b), and wherein the locking part (15) engages with the actuating element (13) in such a way that the locking part (15) is rotated from the first into the second position by an axial movement of the actuating element (13). [8] Applicator according to claim 7, if dependent on claim 2, wherein the locking part (15) in the first position has a smaller distance from the first end (2a) than in the second position, wherein the locking part (15) is prevented from moving away from the first end (2a) in the first position by the first stop element (17) and wherein the locking part (15) is prevented from moving away from the first end (2a) in the second position by the second stop element (19). [9] Applicator according to one of claims 1, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the first magnet (4) is arranged within the housing (2) and adjacent to the centering element (3). [10] Applicator according to claim 1, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the first magnet (4) is arranged outside the housing (2) and adjacent to the centering element (3), preferably being part of the centering element. [11] Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering element (3) has a recess (3a) for receiving the magnetic element in a centered manner. [12] Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering element is detachably attached to the housing (2). [13] Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering element (3) is connected to the first end (2a) of the housing (2), in particular screwed or clamped. [14] Applicator according to one of claims 1, 5, 7, 9 or 10 to 12, wherein the second magnet (6) is designed such that its magnetic force in the release position weakens the holding force of the first magnet (4). [15] Use of an applicator according to one of the preceding claims for positioning the magnetic element on the surface, in particular on the skin surface of a human body.

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