Ring-type massage device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a massage device suitable for a body part that is long in a specific direction, such as an arm or a leg. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ring-type massage device that wraps around a part of a user's body, comprising: first and second body parts in a C shape; and one end of the first body part and one end of the second body part being hinge-connected to form a shape that wraps around the part of the body, and having at least one protrusion that is fastened to the first and second body parts and is provided for applying pressure to the part of the body.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ring-type massage device, and more specifically, to a massage device that is provided in a form that wraps around a part of the user's body and can prevent muscles from being pushed out by acupressure. Background Technology

[0003] Modern people often work while sitting or standing for long periods, leading to an increasing trend of circulatory disorders or vascular diseases in which blood vessels become prominently exposed.

[0004] Among these, vascular diseases generally occur mainly in the calves, and various devices are being developed to treat these calf conditions through massage.

[0005] A prior art for the above purpose is disclosed in the wearable device of Registered Patent Publication No. 1995170 (hereinafter referred to as the 'patent document').

[0006] However, the wearable device disclosed in the aforementioned patent document is configured such that a plurality of protrusions are formed on a soft pad and the left and right sides of the calf are compressed through these protrusions; however, there is a problem in that the relaxation effect is reduced because the shape of the muscle belly (the most convex part of the muscle) is not fixed by these protrusions during acupressure. In other words, although acupressure should be applied to the muscle belly, a problem occurs in which the acupressure device easily detaches from the muscle belly.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for research on massage devices that can be conveniently used during work or in the office, while simultaneously allowing acupressure to be applied while maintaining the shape of the muscle belly. The problem to be solved

[0009] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a massage device that allows for an effective massage effect by preventing the muscle belly from shifting even when pressure for massage is applied to the muscle.

[0010] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a massage device capable of expecting an effective massage effect through electrical stimulation along with direct massage pressure on the muscle belly.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, to solve the above or other problems, [it] is provided.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, to solve the above or other problems, [it] is provided. Effects of the invention

[0016] The effects of the massage device according to the present invention are described as follows.

[0017] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that even when pressure for massage is applied to the muscle, the muscle belly area is not pushed, so an effective massage effect can be expected.

[0018] In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that an effective massage effect can be expected through electrical stimulation along with direct massage pressure on the muscle belly.

[0019] Further scopes of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention, should be understood as being given merely as examples. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a front view of a massage device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an upper perspective view of a massage device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lower perspective view of a massage device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a rotating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of the inner body (102-1) of the massage device (100) to explain the fastening structure of the acupressure device (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of an outer body (101-1) to explain the fastening structure of a pressure point device (500) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a control body (700) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0023] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0024] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0025] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a front view of a massage device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an upper perspective view of a massage device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lower perspective view of a massage device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The following explanation will be provided with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0033] A massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a ring-type massage device that wraps around a part of a user's body, and may include C-shaped first and second body parts (101, 102); and one end of the first body part and one end of the second body part are hinge-connected to form a shape that wraps around the part of the body, and may include at least one protrusion (110) that is fastened to the first and second body parts (101, 102) and is used to apply pressure to the part of the body.

[0034] In the illustrated drawing, two protrusions (110) are provided on each of the first and second body parts (101, 102), but the number is not necessarily limited to this.

[0035] As mentioned above, in the case of general massage devices or foam rollers, when applying pressure to muscles for acupressure, the direction of pressure is unidirectional, and due to the convex shape of the muscle belly, there are instances where the muscle belly deviates from the acupressure area. If the muscle belly deviates from the acupressure area, the relaxation effect is reduced, and therefore, a sufficient massage effect cannot be expected.

[0036] Accordingly, the present invention proposes a ring-shaped massage device that encircles the massage area. In the case of a ring shape that encircles the massage area, massage pressure can be applied to the muscle belly simultaneously in multiple directions. Therefore, since the muscle belly cannot easily escape the massage area, the massage pressure is applied directly to the muscle belly, allowing for a high massage effect to be expected.

[0037] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, a method is proposed to further enhance the massage effect by applying massage pressure through the protrusion (110) while simultaneously providing electrical stimulation to the muscle belly.

[0039] A massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a receiving portion (120) for receiving a control body. The receiving portion (120) may be provided in one of the first and second body portions (101, 102).

[0041] Referring to the illustrated drawing, the first body part (101) and the second body part (102) have the shape of the letter 'C', and one end of the first body part (101) and one end of the second body part (102) can be rotatably coupled to each other.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second body parts (101, 102) may be formed as a combined structure of an inner body (101-2, 102-2) in which a protrusion (110) is formed, and an outer body (101-1, 102-1) which is a structure covering the inner body (101-2). The specific internal structure of the inner body (101-2) and the outer body (102-2) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0044] The rotation structure will be explained with reference to Fig. 4.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a rotating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As illustrated, the first and second body parts (101, 102) can be switched between a closed state and an open state depending on rotation.

[0047] When the first and second body parts (101, 102) are closed, the entire massage device (100) has a ring shape and forms a circular space (401) inside, in which a part of the body that the user wishes to massage may be positioned. For example, a part of the body that has a long shape, such as the user's arm or leg, may be positioned.

[0048] With a part of the body positioned in a circular space (401), massage pressure (acupressure) is applied to the part of the body by a protrusion (110). The position or direction of the protrusion (110) can be designed and provided so that the direction of application is directed toward the center of the circular space (401). That is, in order to prevent the massage area from moving away from the muscle belly of the part of the body due to the pressure applied, at least one protrusion (110) can be designed to apply pressure toward the muscle belly from multiple directions.

[0049] Furthermore, for effective pressure application, it is desirable for the ring shape to be as close to a circle as possible, and an opening in a specific direction is required so that a part of the body can easily enter and exit the circular space (401). Accordingly, the present invention proposes first and second body parts (101, 102) that are hinge-connected.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the first and second body parts (101, 102) in an open state form an opening (402) so that a part of the body can enter. When the first and second body parts (101, 102) are opened by rotation, a part of the body can be easily inserted into the circular space (401) through the opening.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the first and second body parts (101, 102) are closed by rotation in the opposite direction while a part of the body is positioned in the circular space (401), the formed opening (402) disappears and can return to a ring shape that is good for applying pressure to the part of the body.

[0052] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, at least one protrusion (110) will be described.

[0054] At least one protrusion (110) is configured to apply pressure to a part of the body located in the circular space (401). As previously described, the protrusion (110) can be designed to apply pressure toward the muscle belly from multiple directions so that the massage area does not deviate from the pressure applied by the muscle belly of the part of the body. That is, the position or structure of the protrusion (110) can be designed to face toward the center of the circular space (401) described in FIG. 4.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention proposes not only a structure capable of simply applying pressure to the muscle belly, but also a protrusion (110) structure that allows the position of the pressure to be easily changed while the muscle belly is fixed. To this end, it is proposed to provide a protrusion (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention and a pressure point that is rotatably connected.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of the inner body (102-1) of the massage device (100) to explain the fastening structure of the acupressure device (500) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of the outer body (101-1) to explain the fastening structure of the acupressure device (500) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The internal structure described in FIGS. 5 and 6 is described as a structure of one of the first and second body parts (101, 102), but this is for convenience of explanation only and may be applicable to both the first and second body parts (101, 102).

[0060] The internal structure will be explained below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0061] As described above, the acupressure device (500) is rotatably coupled to the protrusion (110) so that it can be easily slid even while being pressed against the user's body. For example, the acupressure device (500) may be spherical and may be secured so that it can roll while being pressed against the body, similar to the metal ball at the tip of a ballpoint pen.

[0062] To this end, in one embodiment of the present invention, a holder (501) structure that surrounds the acupressure point (500) is provided.

[0063] The holder (501) may include at least one wing portion (502) and at least one support leg (602) to effectively wrap the acupressure ball (500). At least one support leg (602) is provided to withstand pressure applied to the acupressure ball (500). When acupressure is applied for massage, a force opposite to the direction of acupressure is applied to the acupressure ball (500) by action / reaction. As the intensity of the acupressure increases, the force in the opposite direction also increases proportionally.

[0064] Therefore, in order to withstand high pressure intensity, one embodiment of the present invention proposes to provide at least one support leg (602) to withstand a force applied in the opposite direction to the pressure point (500).

[0065] At least one end of one support leg (602) may have a curved surface corresponding to the surface of the pressure point (500).

[0066] At least one wing portion (502) is provided to protrude in a shape that surrounds the acupressure point (500) so that the acupressure point (500) does not fall out. The at least one wing portion (502) may be provided in various protruding shapes so that the acupressure point (500) does not fall out, but it may also be provided in the shape of a hole with a diameter smaller than that of the acupressure point (500).

[0068] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a control body (700) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] A control body (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sensing unit (701), an output unit (702), a user input unit (703), a memory (704), a control unit (705), a power supply unit (706), and an electrical stimulation unit (707), etc. Since the components illustrated in FIG. 7 are not essential for implementing the control body (700), the control body (700) described herein may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

[0071] The sensing unit (701) may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information within the control body (700), surrounding environment information surrounding the control body (700), and user information.

[0072] In particular, the sensing unit (701) according to one embodiment of the present invention can sense the movement of the massage device (100) by sensing the rolling of the acupressure ball (500). For example, when the acupressure ball (500) rolls as the user moves the massage device (100), the degree of rolling can be sensed to determine how much the massage device (100) is moving.

[0073] Furthermore, a sensing unit (701) according to one embodiment of the present invention detects the intensity of pressure applied through at least one support leg (602).

[0074] And the sensing unit (701) transmits the detected intensity to the control unit (705).

[0075] The output unit (702) is intended to generate output related to vision, etc. and may include a display. The output unit (702) may implement a touch screen by forming a layered structure with a touch sensor or being formed integrally. Such a touch screen functions as a user input unit (703) that provides an input interface between the control body (700) and the user, and at the same time, can provide an output interface between the control body (700) and the user.

[0076] The user input unit (703) is for receiving information from a user, and when information is input through the user input unit (703), the control unit (705) can control the operation of the control body (700) to correspond to the input information.

[0077] The memory (704) stores data that supports various functions of the control body (700). The memory (704) can store a number of application programs (or applications) running on the control body (700), data for the operation of the control body (700), and instructions. An application program can be stored in the memory (704), installed on the control body (700), and driven by the control unit (705) to perform the operation (or function) of the control body (700).

[0078] In addition to operations related to the application program, the control unit (705) typically controls the overall operation of the control body (700). The control unit (705) can provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. that are input or output through the components described above, or by running an application program stored in memory (704).

[0079] The power supply unit (706), under the control of the control unit (705), receives external power and internal power and supplies power to each component included in the control body (700). This power supply unit (706) includes a battery, and the battery may be an internal battery or a replaceable battery.

[0080] The electric stimulation unit (707) generates electric stimulation applied to the acupressure area through the acupressure device (500). The control of the generated electric stimulation can be performed by the control unit (705). In order to provide electric stimulation, the acupressure device (500) may be made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0081] The electrical stimulation according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) low-frequency stimulation, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) low-frequency stimulation, IFC (Interferential Current Therapy) high-frequency stimulation, Microcurrent Therapy microcurrent stimulation, Russian Stimulation medium-frequency stimulation, and HVGS (High Voltage Galvanic Stimulation) low-frequency stimulation.

[0083] When using EMS low-frequency stimulation, it can be used to stimulate muscles to move directly to aid in exercise effects, or for muscle strengthening, rehabilitation, and pain relief.

[0084] TENS low-frequency stimulation is primarily used to relieve pain by stimulating nerves through the delivery of electrical currents to the skin. It can be particularly helpful in managing joint pain or chronic pain.

[0085] IFC high-frequency stimulation delivers electrical stimulation to deep tissues through two intersecting high-frequency currents. It has a strong analgesic effect and is useful for relieving inflammation and reducing edema.

[0086] Microcurrent therapy utilizes extremely fine currents to stimulate skin cells and promote regeneration. It is primarily used for facial and skin care, cell regeneration, and stimulating collagen production.

[0087] Russian Stimulation is a medium-frequency stimulation primarily used for muscle strengthening and rehabilitation in athletes, which rapidly activates muscles by applying strong stimulation.

[0088] HVGS helps reduce swelling and promotes wound healing through high-voltage low-frequency waves, and muscle and nerve stimulation effects can also be expected.

[0090] A control unit (705) according to an embodiment of the present invention generates an electric stimulus based on the pressure sensing result of a sensing unit (701). Specifically, the control unit (705) applies an electric stimulus when the pressure sensed by the sensing unit (701) is high, and can lower the intensity of the electric stimulus or turn off the electric stimulus when the pressure sensed by the sensing unit (701) is low. It will be obvious that the determination of whether the pressure is high or low can be made based on a predetermined pressure threshold.

[0091] The purpose is to provide electrical stimulation when the user moves the massage device (100) back and forth along the length of the arm or leg, based on the sensing results, as it passes over the area where massage is primarily needed.

[0092] Generally, when muscles are heavily constricted, the strength of the muscle belly increases, so the pressure applied by at least one supporting leg (602) will increase. That is, if the pressure applied to the supporting leg (602) is high when passing over a specific area, it means that the specific area requires higher stimulation. Hereinafter, the area requiring such higher stimulation is referred to as the area requiring stimulation. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, by sensing the pressure applied to at least one supporting leg (602), the area requiring stimulation is determined, and electrical stimulation is controlled according to the result of the determination.

[0093] Furthermore, a control unit (705) according to an embodiment of the present invention is proposed to provide feedback to the user regarding the area requiring stimulation through an output unit (702). When the user moves the massage device (100) in a reciprocating manner along the length of the arm or leg, if a specific area requires focused massage (i.e., if it is an area requiring stimulation), feedback can be provided to the user through vibration or a light source. Through this, the user can recognize that massage is required on the area requiring stimulation, and thus can perform focused massage on that area requiring stimulation.

[0094] Furthermore, the sensing unit (701) according to one embodiment of the present invention can further detect the movement of the massage device (100) depending on the degree of rolling of the acupressure ball (500). Accordingly, the present invention proposes that when moving in the reciprocating manner described above, the area requiring massage stimulation is determined by considering both the degree of rolling of the acupressure ball (500) and the intensity of the pressure. In this case, it can operate in two modes: a sensing mode and a stimulation mode.

[0095] First, the sensing mode is a mode for determining the area requiring stimulation, in which the user senses the pressure applied through the acupressure point (500) while slowly moving the massage device (100). Then, the control unit (705) determines where the area requiring stimulation is based on the sensed result.

[0096] In the stimulation mode, the movement of the massage device (100) is determined based on the degree to which the acupressure ball (500) rolls, and whether the massage device (100) moves away from the area requiring stimulation due to the movement. When the massage device (100) is located within the area requiring stimulation, the control unit (705) can provide additional stimulation through electrical stimulation or provide feedback to the user that it is the area requiring stimulation.

[0097] When the massage device (100) moves away from the area requiring stimulation, the control unit (705) can control the electric stimulation to turn off or reduce the intensity of the electric stimulation.

[0099] Although embodiments of a massage device according to the present invention have been described above, they are described as at least one embodiment, and the technical concept, configuration, and operation of the present invention are not limited thereby. Furthermore, the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited or restricted by the drawings or the description with reference to the drawings. In addition, the concept and embodiments of the invention presented in this invention may be used by those skilled in the art as a basis for modifying or designing other structures to perform the same purpose of the present invention. An equivalent structure modified or altered by those skilled in the art is bound by the technical scope of the present invention as described in the claims, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible within the limits of not departing from the concept or scope of the invention as described in the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A ring-type massage device that encircles a part of a user's body comprises: first and second body parts having a C shape; one end of the first body part and one end of the second body part being hinge-connected to form a shape that encircles the part of the body, at least one protrusion connected to the first and second body parts and configured to apply pressure to the part of the body; a receiving part provided on at least one of the first and second body parts and configured to accommodate a control body; and the control body, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises: a spherical pressure point; a holder configured to encircle the pressure point; at least one wing portion provided on the holder and protruding in a shape that encircles the pressure point to prevent the pressure point from slipping out; and at least one support leg for withstanding pressure applied to the pressure point; wherein the pressure point is connected so as to be rotatable within the holder, and the control body comprises: a sensing part that detects the intensity of pressure applied through the at least one support leg; and an electrical stimulation part that applies electrical stimulation to the part of the body through the pressure point. A ring-type massage device comprising: a control unit that controls the electrical stimulation of the electrical stimulation unit based on the pressure sensing result of the sensing unit; wherein the control unit applies the electrical stimulation when the sensing pressure by the sensing unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure threshold, and lowers the intensity of the electrical stimulation or turns off the electrical stimulation when the sensing pressure is less than the predetermined pressure threshold; and wherein the control unit operates in a sensing mode that determines a site requiring stimulation based on the rolling degree of the acupressure ball and the intensity of the pressure; and a stimulation mode that provides the electrical stimulation at the site requiring stimulation. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A ring-type massage device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulation comprises at least one of EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) low-frequency stimulation, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) low-frequency stimulation, IFC (Interferential Current Therapy) high-frequency stimulation, Microcurrent Therapy microcurrent stimulation, Russian Stimulation medium-frequency stimulation, and HVGS (High Voltage Galvanic Stimulation) low-frequency stimulation. Claim 5 A ring-type massage device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second body parts can be switched between a closed state and an open state according to rotation, and when a part of the body is inserted through an opening formed in the open state, acupressure is performed in the closed state.

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