Massage device comprising an effector containing a liquid

Abstract

A massage device (1.1, 1.2) comprising a hollow casing (8.1, 8.2, 12.2), a liquid (19.1, 19.2) contained within said hollow casing, and a grasping element (2.1, 2.2) connected to said hollow casing, characterized in that it also comprises a separating element (13.1, 13.2, 16.2) from the hollow casing (8.1, 8.2, 12.2) defining two chambers filled with said liquid (19.1, 19.2), said separating element (13.1, 13.2, 16.2) being made of a material capable of compressing under the effect of the expansion of the liquid (19.1, 19.2) contained within the hollow casing (13.1, 13.2, 16.2). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 2

Description

Title of the invention: Massage device comprising an effector containing a liquid technical field

[0001] The present invention is in the field of massage devices. Previous art

[0002] In the field of well-being, the use of massages is widespread.

[0003] Massages are performed by a masseur directly on the skin, or through clothing. The professional may perform them with their hands, or using a massage device, for example made of wood or plastic, with varying shapes, surface finishes and hardnesses.

[0004] Finally, these massages can be done using oils, which may be hot or cold.

[0005] H is marketing massage devices sold under the Akwaterra® brand. They comprise a gripping element and a massage effector. The gripping element, held by the person performing the massage, is more or less tubular in shape. The massage effector is in contact, at least partially, with the area being massaged. The shape of the effector can be, for example, spherical, ellipsoidal, or cubic. These devices are hollow and made of a ceramic material. The device is filled via an opening located at the end of the gripping element. This opening is closed by a plug simply inserted into the gripping element. The surface of the effector is smooth or may have protrusions resembling fingers. This type of massage device has several drawbacks.Because it is simply closed by a cap, there is a risk that this cap could be accidentally removed during the massage, and the liquid could spill onto the masseur or the patient. To transition from a cold temperature (for example, close to 0°C for a patient with a sprain) to a hot temperature (for example, close to 60°C for a wellness massage), the device must be emptied and refilled with a liquid at the desired temperature. Finally, several massage devices are necessary if, for example, areas such as the back and hands need to be massaged. A larger massage device will be suitable for massaging the back, while a smaller one will be more appropriate for massaging the hands. Description of the invention

[0006] The massage device according to the invention overcomes the drawbacks encountered with massage devices available on the market.

[0007] This massage device comprises an ergonomic, insulating gripping element and at least one massage effector. The massage effector includes a closed hollow casing, a liquid contained within the hollow casing, and a separating element located within the hollow casing that defines two chambers filled with the liquid and capable of being compressed by the expansion of the liquid contained within the hollow casing. In this way, the liquid trapped within the casing can be heated or cooled without risk of the expansion causing the casing to become pressurized or even rupture. Indeed, thanks to the design of the invention, this expansion induces compression of the separating element, which decreases in volume by an amount equivalent to the increase in the volume of the liquid.

[0008] In other words, the massage device comprises a hollow envelope, a liquid contained in this hollow envelope, a gripping element connected to the hollow envelope and it is characterized in that it also comprises a separating element of the hollow envelope which defines two chambers filled with this liquid, the separating element being made of a material capable of being compressed under the effect of expansion of the liquid contained in the hollow envelope.

[0009] It allows the masseur to perform massages over a wide temperature range, without having to change devices or fill them with a different liquid depending on the temperature.

[0010] In other words, the massage device can be used over a wide temperature range. The liquid contained in the hollow casing can be heated or cooled as needed. The massage effector has a structure such that the hollow casing, filled with liquid, resists successive expansions of this liquid due to temperature variations. To this end, it contains an element, made of a compressible material, which compresses under the effect of the liquid's expansion to compensate for the increase in its volume. By compressing, this separating element limits the stresses exerted on the walls of the hollow casing.

[0011] Depending on the recommended temperature for the massage, the massage device can be cooled, for example, in a freezer. It can be heated, for example, by being immersed in hot water or by using a microwave oven.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the constituent materials of the device, and the nature and volume of the liquid contained in this device, are chosen so as to have the greatest thermal inertia. Thus, a large volume of liquid will ensure better temperature maintenance throughout the massage.

[0013] The hollow casing is made of an artificial or synthetic material such as, for example, thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers. These materials can be used alone or in mixtures. They are chosen such that the device The massage device according to the invention can be washed and disinfected for reuse. The materials are also chosen to ensure they pose no risk to patient safety. Finally, these materials are chosen so that the hollow casing can be cooled or heated within a temperature range of -20°C to +80°C.

[0014] In a non-exhaustive manner, the shape of the hollow envelope may be spherical, ellipsoidal, cubic.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the surface of the hollow casing, which is intended to come into direct contact with the skin of the massaged area, may be, but not limited to, smooth, textured, or ribbed. A smooth surface will be preferred for smoothing or stroking, while a ribbed surface may be used for stimulation or drainage.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the hollow envelope may have, on its surface, one or more protrusions, allowing, during the massage, for the pressure exerted to be varied locally.

[0017] The height of these protrusions is less than 30 mm; advantageously, it is between 1 mm and 10 mm, or even more advantageously, between 2 mm and 5 mm. A greater height of the protrusions will be preferred in order to have greater local pressure variations.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the hollow envelope has at least one filling orifice which is closed by a removable, leak-proof cap. The cap may advantageously be in the form of a protrusion. The cap may be made of the same material as the hollow envelope or of a different material. Preferably, the filling orifice is located on the upper part of the hollow envelope to facilitate its filling.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the spherical envelope has a maximum width of between 30 mm and 100 mm, and a maximum height of between 40 mm and 80 mm.

[0020] A small volume spherical envelope will be preferred for body parts such as the hands, while a larger volume will be used for the back.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the spherical envelope has a thickness of between 1 mm and 4 mm, this thickness depending in particular on the type of material used.

[0022] The hollow casing is filled with a liquid. The term "liquid" also includes a material in the form of a gel. The liquid may also be present either alone or in a mixture.

[0023] The filling of the envelope is done in such a way that there is no trapped air, in order to ensure excellent thermal resistance of the massage device.

[0024] According to one variant, the liquid used is a eutectic liquid, that is to say, it is composed of a mixture of several liquids having the same melting point and the same solidification point.

[0025] According to another aspect, the liquid in the casing has a solidification temperature below -20°C and a vaporization temperature above 80°C. In practice, the liquid will be cooled to a low temperature, for example, for massaging an ankle following a sprain, while heating it to a higher temperature will be suitable for wellness massages.

[0026] Regarding the separating element inserted in the hollow envelope, it can be located substantially on the equator of the hollow envelope, perpendicular to the main axis of the gripping element, that is to say, it separates this hollow envelope into two equally hollow sub-envelopes of substantially identical volumes.

[0027] This separating element is made of a compressible material, such that when the liquid contained in each of the two hollow sub-shells expands, the separating element is compressed. In doing so, the stresses exerted by the liquid on the walls of the hollow shell are relatively low, thus preventing any deterioration of the hollow shell walls. Generally, the orientation of the separating element is chosen to be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the amplitude of the deformations due to the expansion of the liquid is maximum, so that it is compensated by the compression of the separating element.

[0028] This separating element can be made, for example, but not limited to, silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials, and more generally, in the form of a closed-cell foam. The separating element can be made from these materials used alone or in mixtures.

[0029] The separating element has a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm, a large thickness being preferred in order to compensate for high amplitudes of liquid expansion.

[0030] To fill the hollow envelope, a needle connected to a syringe containing the liquid for filling the hollow envelope can be used. This needle is inserted into the filling orifice. It passes through the first hollow envelope half and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the separating element, which it pierces. The needle is thus introduced into the second hollow envelope half. Once the second hollow envelope half is filled with liquid, the needle is withdrawn. Since the separating element is made of a compressible material, the hole formed by the needle closes. If necessary, a second needle can be used simultaneously to evacuate the air that is expelled from the hollow envelope half during the filling process. its filling. The first hollow half-envelope is then filled with liquid following the same principle. Once this step is completed, the needle is removed from the hollow envelope, which is then sealed.

[0031] The separating element has a shape complementary to that of the inner wall of the hollow casing. If the latter is spherical or ellipsoidal, then the separating element will have a more cylindrical shape. If the hollow casing is parallelepiped-shaped, the separating element will also be parallelepiped-shaped.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, this separating element may have a valve. When the entire hollow envelope is filled with liquid, the valve is closed so that the liquid cannot flow between the two hollow sub-envelopes. The valve is made of a material identical to or different from that of the rest of the separating element, and it is connected to the latter by a mechanical linkage such as a hinge.

[0033] To fill the hollow envelope, the liquid can be introduced via a tube connected to a container holding the liquid. The tube is inserted into the filling orifice, which is preferably located at the highest point of the hollow envelope. This position of the filling orifice facilitates the expulsion of air as the envelope is filled. The tube passes through the first hollow envelope half and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the separating element to press against the valve, which it will open. The tube is then inserted into the second hollow envelope half. Once the second hollow envelope half is filled with liquid, the tube is withdrawn, causing the valve to close. The first hollow envelope can then be filled with the liquid. Once this operation is completed, the tube is removed from the hollow envelope, which is then sealed airtight with a stopper.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, this massage device has a gripping element. This gripping element is connected to the massage effector. It is this gripping element that the masseur holds in their hand to move the massage effector over the area of ​​the body being massaged.

[0035] The gripping element is made of an artificial or synthetic material such as, for example, thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers. These materials can be used alone or in mixtures.

[0036] According to a variant of the invention, the gripping element and the massage effector are two separate parts joined together by gluing, welding or by any mechanical means such as screws or rivets.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, the gripping element can be solid or hollow, that is to say, it can have a channel running through it from one end to the other.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, the gripping element and the hollow casing form a single piece. In other words, the massage effector and the handle form a monolithic unit.

[0039] In practice, the ergonomic gripping element may have a length between 100 and 200 mm, and an apparent diameter between 20 mm and 50 mm, to ensure a good grip.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, the massage device comprises an ergonomic gripping element and two massage effectors, each located at one end of the gripping element. In other words, the massage device also has a second hollow casing, a separation device for this second hollow casing, defining two chambers filled with the liquid, this second separation element being made of a compressible material capable of contracting under the effect of the expansion of said liquid contained in the hollow casing or of expanding under the effect of the contraction of said same liquid.

[0041] The presence of two effectors with different volumes allows, for example, for massaging all areas of the body, without having to change massage devices.

[0042] It also allows, with the same device, to have different effects on the surface of the massaged area, thanks to the presence of two effectors presenting, for example, different surface states, different shapes, or even the presence or absence of protuberances.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the gripping element and the hollow casings of each of the two massage effectors constitute three different parts, linked to each other by gluing or any other mechanical means.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the gripping element and the two massage effectors constitute a single piece.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is a hollow part, such that this gripping element and the hollow casings of each of the two massage effectors constitute a single part whose internal volumes communicate to form a single cavity. Advantageously, the single cavity can be filled with the same liquid. In other words, the massage device includes a channel passing through the gripping area and connecting the first and second hollow casings, so that they are filled with the same liquid.

[0046] In practice, the two massage effectors may have identical or different shapes, identical or different volumes, identical or different surface conditions, or even present or not protrusions.

[0047] The massage device according to the invention can be manufactured using conventional plastics manufacturing techniques, and in particular injection molding. This latter technique offers the advantage of better dimensional control, particularly of the thickness of the parts, which ensures the best homogeneity of the thermal resistance of the massage device, and therefore a certain uniformity of heat exchange between the inside and outside of the effector, and consequently small temperature differences on its surface.

[0048] Plastic parts forming a hollow casing are preferably designed so that the parting lines are not located on the outer face that will be in contact with the massaged area. This ensures, for example, that there are no irregularities on a surface that must be smooth to rub against the skin.

[0049] In a first example of a manufacturing method, the gripping element is produced by plastic injection molding. The spherical casing consists of two hollow spherical hemispheres of identical volume, these two hollow hemispheres also being produced by plastic injection molding. One of the two hollow hemispheres has an opening for filling the massage device with a liquid. It also has a plurality of protrusions, for example, 5 mm high and approximately 5 mm in diameter.

[0050] The plug intended to seal the filling orifice of the spherical envelope can also be manufactured by plastic injection molding. Its shape and dimensions are substantially the same as those of the protrusions arranged on the surface of a spherical hemisphere. A seal can also be added to this plug to ensure a perfect seal of the spherical envelope once it is filled.

[0051] The separating element is positioned between the two spherical hemi-hulls.

[0052] The second spherical hemi-shell is joined to the first, for example by crimping.

[0053] The gripping element is attached to the spherical shell by bonding. Regardless of the assembly technique, it must guarantee the sealing of the parts, whether by bonding, gluing, or welding. It is also possible for one of the spherical hemispheres to be made monolithically with the gripping element.

[0054] In the case where the massage device has two massage effectors, the different parts are made in the same way as previously mentioned, by duplicating the operations relating to each spherical envelope.

[0055] The filling of the massage device according to these two examples of embodiment is done by means of a tube inserted through the filling port of the device. Brief description of the figures

[0056] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a first example of a massage device consisting of a gripping element and a massage effector.

[0057] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a second example of a massage device consisting of a gripping element and two massage effectors.

[0058] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view in the vertical plane of the massage device shown in [Fig.2].

[0059] [Fig. 4] is a cross-sectional view in the vertical plane of the massage device shown in [Fig. 2] during a liquid filling phase. Detailed description of the invention

[0060] An example of a massage device 1.1, according to the invention, is shown in [Fig. 1]. It consists of a gripping element 2.1 and a massage effector 3.1. The gripping element 2.1 can be solid or hollow and thus accommodate a certain volume of liquid.

[0061] The massage effector 3.1 consists of a spherical shell 8.1, itself formed by the assembly of two spherical hemi-shells of identical volumes. The proximal spherical hemi-shell 7.1 is connected to the preemption element 2.1. The distal spherical hemi-shell 6.1 has a filling orifice, closed by a plug 4.1, as well as several protrusions 5.1. The two spherical hemi-shells 6.1 and 7.1 are assembled, for example, by crimping. The massage effector 3.1 also has a cylindrical separating element 13.1, this separating element comprising an opening and closing valve 14.1 and an annular portion 15.1. The two distal half-envelopes 6.1 and proximal half-envelopes 7.1 are filled with a liquid 19.1.

[0062] A second example of a massage device 1.2, according to the invention, is shown in [Fig.2]. It comprises a gripping element 2.2, an upper massage effector 3.2 and a lower massage effector 9.2.

[0063] The lower massage effector 9.2 consists of a lower spherical envelope 12.2. This lower spherical envelope comprises a distal lower spherical half-envelope 10.2 and a proximal lower spherical half-envelope 11.2, the latter being linked to the grasping element 2.2. The lower massage effector 9.2 also has a cylindrical separating element, this separating element having an opening and closing flap.

[0064] The upper massage effector 3.2 consists of an upper spherical shell 8.2. This upper spherical shell comprises a distal upper spherical half-shell 6.2 and a proximal upper spherical half-shell 7.2, the latter being connected to the grasping element 2.2. The distal upper spherical half-shell 6.2 has a filling orifice, closed by a plug 4.2, as well as several protrusions 5.2. The upper massage effector 3.2 also has a cylindrical separating element, this separating element having an opening and closing valve.

[0065] According to this example, the gripping element 2.2, the proximal upper spherical hemisphere 7.2, and the proximal lower spherical hemisphere 11.2 constitute a single hollow piece. The gripping element 2.2, as well as the upper spherical hemispheres 8.2 and 12.2, are filled with the same liquid.

[0066] The two separating elements and the filling liquid of the spherical envelope are shown in [Fig.3] and [Fig.4].

[0067] Fig. 3 represents more particularly this massage device when it is filled with a liquid and ready to be used, while Fig. 4 represents this same massage device during the filling process.

[0068] The lower separating element 16.2 is cylindrical in shape. It comprises a valve 17.2 that can be opened or closed and a rectangular ring 18.2. The valve is located in the center of the rectangular ring. The valve is cylindrical in shape, made of the same material as the annular portion 18.2, and is attached to it along part of its circumference, forming a hinge that allows it to be opened and closed. It is made, for example, with a die. The spherical hemispheres 10.2 and 11.2 are filled with the liquid 19.2. The surface of the spherical hemisphere 10.2 is smooth and has no protrusions.

[0069] The upper separating element 1 3.2 is cylindrical in shape. It includes a valve 14.2 that can be opened or closed and an annular part 1 5.2. It is constructed in a manner similar to the lower separating element 16.2 of the lower massage effector 9.2.

[0070] According to the example given in [Fig.3], the massage device 1.2 is made by assembling three parts manufactured by plastic injection: the distal upper hemisphere 6.2, the distal lower hemisphere 10.2 and the part consisting of the prevention element 2.2 of the proximal upper hemisphere 7.2 and the proximal lower hemisphere 11.2. The assembly of these three parts is done, for example, by crimping.

[0071] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.3], the filling liquid is the same for the entire massage device.

[0072] Figure 4 shows the massage device 1.2 given as an example in Figures 2 and 3 during its filling phase. A filling tube 21.2 is introduced into the filling orifice 20.2. The flap 14.2 of the upper separating element 13.2 opened during the passage of the filling tube 21.2. In order to fill the distal lower spherical hemisphere 10.2, the filling tube 21.2 was introduced through the proximal upper spherical hemisphere 7.2, then through the gripping element 2.2, and finally through the proximal lower spherical hemisphere 11.2, to come into contact with the flap 17. 2 of the lower separating element 16.2. The valve 17.2 opened under the effect of the force exerted by the end of the filling tube 21.2, allowing it to penetrate the distal lower spherical hemisphere 10.2. The distal lower spherical hemisphere 10.2 was filled with the liquid 19.2 introduced via the tube 21.2. Once it was filled, the tube 21.2 was removed, allowing the valve 17.2 of the lower separating element 16.2 to close. The end of the filling tube 21.2 is now located within the volume defined by the lower proximal spherical hemisphere 11.2, the gripping element 2.2, and the upper proximal spherical hemisphere 7.2. This volume is then filled by the liquid 19.2 via the filling tube 21.2. Once the filling of this area is complete, the filling tube 21.2 will be withdrawn from said area, thus allowing the valve 14 to close.2 of the upper separating element 13. 2. The end of the filling tube located in the upper spherical hemi-shell 6. . 2, this will be filled with the liquid 19. 2. Once the upper spherical hemisphere is filled 6. 2, the filling tube will be removed from the device of the upper spherical hemisphere whose filling orifice 20. 2 can be closed by a cap, advantageously screwed on to ensure optimal sealing.

Claims

Demands

1. Massage device (1.1,1.2) comprising a hollow casing (8.1,8.2,12.2), a liquid (19.1,19.2) contained in said hollow casing, a grasping element (2.1,2.2) connected to said hollow casing characterized in that it also comprises a separating element (13.1,13.2,16.2) of the hollow casing (8.1,8.2,12.2) defining two chambers filled with said liquid (19.1,19.2), said separating element (13.1,13.2,16.2) being made of a material capable of compressing under the effect of expansion of the liquid (19.1,19.2), contained in the hollow casing (13.1,13.2,16.2).

2. Massage device (1.1, 1.2) according to claim 1 characterized in that the separating element (13.1,13.2,16.2) of the hollow envelope (8.1,8.2,12.2) is made of a closed-cell foam.

3. Massage device (1.1, 1.2) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the separating element (13.1,13.2,16.2) of the hollow casing (8.1,8.2,12.2) comprises a valve (14.1,14.2,17.2) allowing access of a filling member into one of the chambers through the other chamber.

4. Massage device (1.1, 1.2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 having an elongated gripping element (2.1,2.2) characterized in that the separating element (13.1,13.2,16.2) from the hollow casing (8.1,8.2,12.2) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the main axis of said gripping element (2.1,2.2).

5. Massage device (1.1,1.2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that it comprises a liquid filling orifice (20.1,20.2) equipped with a removable cap (4.1,4.2).

6. Massage device (1.1,1.2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the hollow casing (8.1,8.2,12.2) has at least one protrusion (5.1,5.2) on its surface.

7. Massage device (1.1,1.2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the solidification temperature of the liquid (19.1,19.2) contained in the hollow envelope (8.1,8.2,12.2) is less than -20°C and its vaporization temperature is greater than +80°C.

8. Massage device (1.1,1.2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the liquid (19.2) contained in the hollow envelope (8.1,8.2,12.2) is a eutectic liquid.

9. Massage device (1.1,1.2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that it also has a second hollow casing (12.2), a separation device (16.2) for the second hollow casing (12.2), defining two chambers (10.2,11.2) filled with the liquid (19.2), said second separation element (16.2) being made of a compressible material capable of contracting under the effect of expansion of said liquid (19.2) contained in the hollow casing (12.2) or of expanding under the effect of contraction of the same liquid (19.2).

10. Massage device (1.1,1.2) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a channel passing through the gripping area (19.2) and connecting the first and second hollow envelopes (8.2) and (12.2), so that the first and second hollow envelopes (8.2) and (12.2) are filled with the same liquid (19.2).

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