Massage patch for acupressure, combination comprising the massage patch and method for operating the combination

Abstract

The invention relates to a massage patch (8) for acupressure, the massage patch having a film section (8c) with an adhesive first surface (8d), preferably having a hypoallergenic adhesive and binding agent, and a magnetisable, in particular rotationally symmetrical, acupressure element (8b), which is arranged adjacent to the first surface, and which is preferably integrally bonded to the first surface, wherein the acupressure element is formed with stainless steel as the first material.

Description

Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 1 Massage patches for acupressure, combination with the massage patch and method for operating the combination

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage patch for acupressure, a combination including the massage patch, and a method for operating the combination. The present invention is preferably used in acupressure applications, but is not limited thereto.

[0002] Massage patches are known from the prior art, which consist of adhesive acupressure elements such as seeds or spheres made of various hard, non-soluble materials like plastic or metal. The massage patch can be positioned using an applicator. Precise positioning is important for successful acupressure, but is more difficult due to the small size of the acupressure element.

[0003] One object of the present invention can be seen as providing an improved massage patch.

[0004] This problem is solved by a massage patch according to claim i, a combination comprising a massage patch and an applicator for applying the massage patch to a patient's skin, and a method for operating the combination. Preferred embodiments form the subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above problem is solved by a massage patch, preferably comprising anti-allergic adhesives and binders, which has a film section with an adhesive first surface and a magnetic, in particular rotationally symmetric, acupressure element. The acupressure element is arranged adjacent to the first surface and preferably bonded to it. The acupressure element is made of stainless steel as the first material. Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 2

[0006] A magnetic element within the meaning of the present invention is understood to be a body, and in particular an acupressure element, that is paramagnetic or ferromagnetic, or is itself a magnet, such 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 its own magnetic fields.

[0007] The acupressure element, made of magnetizable stainless steel, can be held in position for acupressure using magnetic force. While the acupressure element is magnetically attached to the centering element, the adhesive surface of the massage patch can be bonded to the patient's skin. This prevents unintentional repositioning of the acupressure element, eliminates the need to manipulate it for positioning, and thus fulfills the intended purpose.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a combination comprises such a massage patch and an applicator for applying the massage patch and its acupressure element to a patient's skin. The applicator has a substantially tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis, with a first housing end and an opposing second housing end, as well as a centering element at the first housing end. The centering element is designed for the centered positioning of the acupressure element. 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 a second housing end. The plunger can be reversibly moved from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the distance of the plunger from the centering element is smaller than in the second position.The applicator has a holding magnet for exerting a holding force on the acupressure element. The holding magnet is located at a first end of the plunger (first plunger end), is stationary adjacent to the centering element in the housing, or is formed integrally with the centering element. The applicator is designed such that the holding force acting on the acupressure element can be reduced by repositioning the plunger, thereby releasing the massage patch from the applicator or the centering element.

[0009] The centering element and the holding magnet allow the acupressure element to be held securely in position. When positioning the acupressure element... Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 3 eliminates the need for error-prone manipulation. While the acupressure element is magnetically held to the centering element, the adhesive first surface can be bonded to the patient's skin. This prevents unintentional displacement of the acupressure element and solves the problem.

[0010] According to a third aspect, the aforementioned combination is operated with the following steps: arranging the massage patch on the centering element in such a way that the holding magnet can exert the holding force on the acupressure element (Si), and actuating the plunger or the locking lever, thereby weakening the holding force acting on the acupressure element (S2).

[0011] The acupressure element can be released more precisely from the applicator by pressing the plunger or locking lever than if a user has to carefully remove their fingers (pincer grip) from the acupressure element. While the acupressure element is magnetically held to the centering element, the adhesive surface can be bonded to the patient's skin. This prevents unintentional displacement of the acupressure element and completes the application. Preferred embodiments

[0012] The preferred embodiments described below can be advantageously combined with one another unless otherwise indicated.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the film section is at least partially transparent and / or colored. A second surface opposite the first surface can have a decorative element, particularly a printed one. This allows the film section to be visually distinguished from a medical plaster and increases the acceptance of the massage plaster by the patient.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the acupressure element has an external hypoallergenic coating, in particular with a second material different from the first material, wherein the second material may comprise gold. This prevents an allergic reaction of the patient to the acupressure element.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, the massage patch has a decorative element, for example a crystal, a pearl or a button. Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 4, in particular with gold or silver, wherein the decorative element is arranged adjacent to the second surface, preferably wherein the decorative element is mechanically connected to the second surface. This allows the massage patch to be visually distinguished from a medical patch and increases the acceptance of the massage patch by the treated person.

[0016] In a preferred combination, the applicator's holding magnet is arranged stationary adjacent to the centering element or formed integrally with the centering element. A second magnet is arranged at the first end of the plunger inside the housing, with the like poles of the holding magnet and the second magnet facing each other. When the plunger is actuated and the oppositely polarized second magnet is brought close to the holding magnet, the holding force acting on the acupressure element is weakened, and the acupressure element can be released or detach from the applicator.

[0017] In an alternative preferred combination, the holding magnet is arranged at the first end of the punch, wherein a detent mechanism is provided which has an actuating element and is designed such that in a first position the detent mechanism holds the punch in the first position against the action of a preloading element and, when the actuating element is actuated, is moved into a second position in which the punch is released so that it is moved into the second position by the preloading element.

[0018] The massage patch can also be advantageously combined with one of the following applicators and applied to the patient's skin.

[0019] A preferred applicator comprises a substantially tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis A, with a first housing end and an opposing second housing end, and a centering element at the first housing end. The centering element is configured for centering the acupressure element, and a first magnet is arranged on the centering element, which can exert a holding force on the acupressure element. 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 surroundings at a second housing end. A second magnet is arranged at a first plunger end inside the housing, with like poles of the first magnet and the second magnet facing each other. Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 5 The stamp can be reversed from a rest position, in which the second magnet is arranged with a first distance from the first magnet, to a release position, in which the second magnet has a smaller second distance from the holding magnet.

[0020] Another preferred applicator has a substantially tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis, with a first housing end and an opposing second housing end. The applicator has a centering element at the first housing end, the centering element being configured for centering the acupressure element. 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 environment at the second housing end. A holding magnet for exerting a holding force on the acupressure element is arranged at a first plunger end within the housing.The plunger can be reversibly moved from a holding position, in which the holding magnet is arranged at a first distance from the centering element, to a release position, in which the holding magnet has a greater second distance from the centering element, and in particular in which the holding force acting on the acupressure element is reduced. The plunger has a detent cam adjacent to the first plunger end, and the applicator has a detent lever that is rotatably supported by the housing. The detent lever has a detent element at one end, which is arranged and designed to engage with the detent cam. The detent lever can be reversibly moved to a release position in which the detent element does not engage with the detent cam. The applicator may have a torsion spring, which is designed and arranged to force the detent lever into a detent position in which the detent cam engages with the detent element.

[0021] Preferably, the housing is essentially rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The housing can be made of metal, a non-ferromagnetic metal, brass, aluminum, wood, and / or plastic. The second end of the housing can have a through-opening through which the plunger can extend into the surrounding area.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first magnet is arranged inside the housing and adjacent to the centering element. The first magnet is therefore inaccessible from outside the housing. The first magnet can be designed and dimensioned such that it rests against the housing wall at a point, in sections, or around its entire circumference. Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 6 Alternatively, the holding magnet is arranged outside the housing and adjacent to the centering element. Preferably, the first magnet is part of the centering element.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the first magnet is arranged at the first end of the stamp. It is movable relative to the housing. In this embodiment, the second magnet is unnecessary.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the centering element has a recess or depression for centering the acupressure element. The recess can widen with increasing distance from the second housing, particularly conically, to better center the acupressure element and release it in the release position. The centering element can have at least three ribs extending radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A, defining a space for receiving the acupressure element. The recess can be trough-shaped.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the centering element is detachably attached to the housing. This allows the applicator to be adapted to the geometry of the acupressure element. It can also simplify the assembly of the applicator.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the centering element is connected to the first end of the housing, in particular by screws or clamps. This allows the applicator to be adapted to the geometry of the acupressure element. It can also simplify the assembly of the applicator.

[0027] A preferred embodiment includes a spring designed and arranged to push the plunger from the released position to the rest position. The spring can be a helical spring, particularly a tension spring. In the rest position, the spring is essentially relaxed. The spring can be attached to the second housing end and the first plunger end. A shaft of the plunger can extend through the spring, which is particularly designed as a helical spring. Alternatively, the spring can be designed and arranged to push the plunger from the holding position to the released position, with the spring being essentially relaxed in the released position. Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 7

[0028] According to another embodiment, the second magnet is designed such that its magnetic force weakens the holding force of the first magnet in the released position.

[0029] The applicator can advantageously be assembled such that the plunger is first inserted into the housing through the first housing end (step Ri). The centering element is then positioned at the first housing end (step R2). The first end can be closed by the centering element. The holding magnet can be positioned and attached to the first plunger end so that it enters the housing during step Ri. Alternatively, the holding magnet can be positioned and attached to the centering element so that it enters the housing during step R2. During step Ri, the plunger shaft can be inserted through the opening at the second housing end, and a handle can then be attached to the end of the plunger shaft that extends into the vicinity of the applicator.

[0030] An inventive method for operating one of the aforementioned applicators (operating method) comprises the following steps: 51 Applying the acupressure element, held centered by the centering element, to the surface, in particular to the skin surface or at the point of irritation, using the applicator. 52 Moving the punch into the release position, in particular in such a way that the holding force of the holding magnet is weakened or overcome, 53 Lifting the applicator away from the surface (=releasing the acupressure element from the applicator).

[0031] In a further development of the operating procedure in which an adhesive patch is inserted between the acupressure element and the centering element (S4), the acupressure element can be bonded to the surface or the point of irritation by means of the patch (S4) and can additionally be fixed against the unwanted relative movement (S5).

[0032] According to the invention, the aforementioned applicators can be used to position the acupressure element on the surface, in particular on the skin surface of a human body. Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 8

[0033] Advantageously, one of the aforementioned applicators can be used with a preferred acupressure element comprising two sub-elements and a patch positioned between them. The patch can be bonded to both sub-elements. At least one of these sub-elements is magnetic. The surface of the patch facing the second sub-element is adhesive. Once the first sub-element is held by the centering element, the adhesive surface of the patch can be applied to the skin. This adhesion prevents unwanted relative movement of the acupressure element. Examples of implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be explained with reference to a drawing showing only one preferred embodiment, wherein Figure i shows a preferred embodiment of the applicator, Figure 2 shows a preferred magnetic element that can be positioned on the surface using the applicator. Figure 3 shows an alternative preferred embodiment of the applicator, Figure 4 shows a preferred massage patch for acupressure that can be applied to a patient's skin using one of the applicators, and Figure 5 shows another preferred massage patch for acupressure that can be applied to a patient's skin using one of the applicators.

[0035] The applicator 1 shown in Figure 1 has a substantially hollow cylindrical housing 2, in particular made of aluminum or brass, which extends along axis A between the first housing end 2a and the second housing end 2b. At the first housing end is the centering element 3, which is designed for the centered positioning of the independent acupressure element (not shown). For this purpose, the centering element has a trough-shaped recess 3a, which is geometrically adapted to the acupressure element. The centering element can be screwed to the housing via an internal thread. The first magnet 4, which can exert a holding force on the acupressure element, is arranged on the centering element. The first magnet is substantially cylindrical and is located Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 9 on the inner wall of the housing 2c in sections, preferably all the way around. The first magnet may be glued to the centering element.

[0036] The plunger 5 is movably guided by the housing along the longitudinal axis A and extends partially out of the housing into the surrounding area at a second housing end. The handle 5c is connected, in particular by screws, to the end of the plunger shaft that extends into the surrounding area of ​​the applicator. The second magnet 6 is attached, in particular by adhesive bonding, to the first plunger end 5a inside the housing and arranged such that like poles of the first and second magnets point towards each other. The second magnet is essentially cylindrical and is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing.The stamp can be reversed from the rest position (left in Figure 1), in which the second magnet is arranged with a first distance from the first magnet, to the release position (right in Figure 1), in which the second magnet has a smaller second distance from the first magnet, and in particular can weaken the holding force of the first magnet.

[0037] The applicator housing contains the helical spring 7, which pushes the plunger into its rest position. The plunger shaft 5b extends through the helical spring. The helical spring is connected to the first plunger end 5a and the second housing end 2b.

[0038] The exemplary applicator has been assembled 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.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a preferred magnetic element 8 comprising two sub-elements 8a, 8b and a patch 8c arranged between these sub-elements. At least one of these sub-elements is magnetic. The surface of the patch facing the second sub-element is adhesive. When the first sub-element 8a is received by the centering element, the adhesive surface of the patch can bond to the surface or human skin, thus preventing unwanted relative movement of the magnetic element.

[0040] 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, in particular made of aluminum or brass, which is located between Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 10 extends along axis A from the first 2a and second housing end 2b. The centering element 3, designed for the centered positioning of the independent magnetic element (not shown), is located at the first housing end. 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 the housing via an internal thread.

[0041] The plunger 5 is movably guided by the housing along the longitudinal axis A and extends partially out of the housing at a second housing end into the surrounding area. The handle 5c is connected, in particular by screws, to the end of the plunger shaft that extends into the surrounding area of ​​the applicator. The plunger has a locking cam sd adjacent to the first plunger end. The holding magnet 6 is attached, in particular by adhesive bonding, to the first plunger end 5a inside the housing. The holding magnet is essentially cylindrical and is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing. The plunger can be reversibly moved from the holding position (left in Figure 3), in which the holding magnet is arranged at a first distance from the centering element, to the release position (right in Figure 3), in which the holding magnet has a greater second distance from the centering element.

[0042] The applicator has a locking lever 9 which is rotatably supported by the housing. An axle 11 supports the locking lever. The locking lever has a locking element 9a at one end, which is arranged and designed to engage with the locking cam sd. The locking lever can be reversed into a release position. The applicator may have a torsion spring 10, which is designed and arranged to force the locking lever into a locking position in which the locking cam engages with the locking element.A locking mechanism is thus provided, which has an actuating element, here on the locking lever, and is designed in such a way that the locking mechanism in a first position holds the piston in the first position against the action of a preloading element and, when the actuating element is actuated, is moved into a second position in which the piston is released, so that it is moved by the preloading element into the second position, namely the release position.

[0043] The applicator shown in Figure 3 has been mounted in such a way that the plunger was guided through the first housing end into the housing before the centering element was attached to the first housing end. Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 n

[0044] The example applicator can be operated as follows: 51. Applying the magnetic element, held centered by the centering element, to the surface, in particular to the skin surface or at the point of stimulation, using the applicator. 52 Moving the stamp into the release position, in particular in such a way that the holding force of the first magnet is weakened or overcome, 53 Lifting the applicator away from the surface (=releasing the magnetic element from the applicator).

[0045] Preferably, prior to step Si, an adhesive patch, preferably containing anti-allergenic adhesive and bonding agents, is inserted between the magnetic element and the centering element. This allows the magnetic element to be bonded to the surface or the point of irritation by means of the patch. This also allows the magnetic element to be additionally fixed against unwanted relative movement (S5).

[0046] Figure 4 shows a preferred massage patch 8, preferably comprising anti-allergic adhesives and binders, for acupressure, which can be applied to a patient's skin using one of the applicators. A film section 8c of the massage patch has an adhesive first surface 8d, preferably comprising anti-allergic adhesives and binders. The massage patch also has a magnetic acupressure element 8b, which is arranged adjacent to the first surface. The acupressure element is made of stainless steel. An optional hypoallergenic coating of the acupressure element is not shown in Figure 4. The film section has a decorative element 8d, preferably printed on it. This allows the massage patch to be distinguished from a medical plaster and increases the acceptance of the massage patch by the person being treated.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a decorative element 8f, for example in the form of a crystal, a pearl, or a button, can also be arranged adjacent to the second surface 8c. In particular, the decorative element 8f can be mechanically connected to the second surface 8c. Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 12 Reference sign 1 applicator 2 cases 2a first end of housing 2b second end of housing 2c Inner wall of housing 3 Centering element 3a Recess for acupressure element 4 first magnet 5 stamps 5a first stamp end 5b Stamp shaft 5C handle 5d Lock cam 6 second magnet 7 Tension spring 8 magnetic elements or massage patches 8a, 8b Subelement of the magnetic element or the massage patch 8c Patch of the magnetic element or film section 8d adhesive first surface of the film section 8e Decorative element 8f Jewelry body 9 locking levers 9 a Latching element 10 Torsion springs for locking levers 11 Axis for locking lever

Claims

Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 13 Claims 1. Massage patch (8) for acupressure, the massage patch comprising a film section (8c) with an adhesive first surface (8d), a magnetizable, in particular rotationally symmetrical, acupressure element (8b) which is arranged adjacent to the first surface, preferably which is materially bonded to the first surface, wherein the acupressure element is formed with stainless steel as the first material.

2. Massage patch according to claim 1, wherein the film section is at least partially transparent and / or colored, and / or wherein a second surface opposite the first surface has a decorative element, in particular printed on it.

3. Massage patch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acupressure element has a hypoallergenic outer coating, in particular with a second material different from the first material, preferably wherein the second material comprises gold.

4. Massage patch according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a decorative element, for example a crystal, a pearl or a button, wherein the decorative element is arranged adjacent to the second surface, preferably wherein the decorative element is mechanically connected to the second surface.

5. Combination of a massage patch according to one of the preceding claims with an applicator (1) for applying the massage patch to the skin of a patient, the applicator comprising a substantially tubular housing (2) extending along a longitudinal axis with a first housing end (2a) and an opposing second housing end (2b), a centering element (3) at the first housing end, wherein the centering element is configured for centering the acupressure element (8), Dr. Klaus Teichert INFGJ.0005 14 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 the plunger can be reversibly moved from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the distance of the plunger from the centering element is less than in the second position, a holding magnet for exerting a holding force on the acupressure element, wherein the holding magnet is arranged at a first end of the plunger (first plunger end) or stationary adjacent to the centering element in the housing or is formed integrally with the centering element, wherein the applicator is designed such that by moving the plunger the holding force acting on the acupressure element can be reduced in order to release the massage patch from the applicator or from the centering element.

6. Combination according to claim 5, wherein the holding magnet is arranged stationary adjacent to the centering element or is formed integrally with the centering element, wherein a second magnet (6) is arranged at the first stamp end (5a) inside the housing, wherein similar poles of the holding magnet and the second magnet point towards each other.

7. Combination according to claim 5, wherein the holding magnet is arranged at the first end of the punch, wherein a locking mechanism is provided which has an actuating element and is designed such that the locking mechanism in a first position holds the punch in the first position against the action of a preloading element and, when the actuating element is actuated, is moved into a second position in which the punch is released so that it is moved into the second position by the preloading element.

8. Method for operating the combination according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising the steps Arrange the massage patch on the centering element such that the The holding magnet can exert holding force on the acupressure element. S2 Actuation of the plunger or the locking lever, thereby moving the [position] towards the The holding force of the acupressure element is weakened.

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