Versatile massage machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a massage machine for massaging a massaged person, comprising a frame (2), in particular a substantially rectangular frame (2), which defines a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the latter, and a plurality of massage rollers (23) having a roller body (235) fastened directly or indirectly to the frame (2) so as to be rotatable about a roller axis, wherein the massage machine (1) further comprises a couch (8) having an upper-side support surface (80), which is arranged at an end (29) of the frame, and wherein a massage effect region (V, V') of the massage rollers reaches to or beyond the end (29) of the frame, and wherein furthermore there is a vertical offset (DV) between the frame-side edge region (82) of the support surface and a massage roller plane (E), which is defined by the upper side of the massage effect region, and / or there is a horizontal offset (DH) between the couch-side extreme point (X) of the massage effect region and the frame-side end face (83) of the couch.

Description

[0001] Claims: Massage machine for massaging a person being massaged, comprising: a frame (2), in particular substantially rectangular, which defines a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular thereto, and a plurality of massage rollers (23) with a roller body (235) which are rotatably fixed about a roller axis, directly or indirectly, to the frame (2), wherein the massage machine (1) further comprises a storage area, in particular a bed (8, 8', 8"), with a support surface (80), which is arranged at one end (29) of the frame (2), characterized in that a massage effect area (V, V') of the massage rollers (23) is accessible from the end (29) of the frame (2), in particular extending to the end (29) or beyond, and that a vertical offset (DV) exists between the frame-side edge region (82) of the support surface (80) and a massage roller plane (E), which is defined by a front face of the massage effect area (V, V').and / or a horizontal offset (DH) exists between the endpoint (X) of the massage area facing the bed and the contact surface, in particular the front face (83) of the bed (8) facing the frame. Massage machine according to claim 1, further comprising at least one roller conveyor element (25), in particular a closed belt, a closed chain (25), or a closed rope, which is attached to the frame (2) and runs along the longitudinal direction (L) of the frame, wherein the massage rollers (23) are attached to the roller conveyor element (25) and can be transported along a closed path that runs in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and a vertical direction (H) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and transverse direction (Q), wherein the massage area is the volume (V) swept by the massage rollers (23) on their path.

[0002] 3. Massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the horizontal offset (DH) and / or the vertical offset (DV):

[0003] - in absolute terms between 0.1 and 20 cm or in relative terms between 1 / 100 and a roller diameter, and / or

[0004] - is variable, in particular because the frame-adjacent end (82) of the lounger (8) is adjustable in a horizontal and / or vertical direction.

[0005] 4. Massage machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bed (8, 8', 8") is adjustable with respect to one, some or all of the following aspects:

[0006] - a height of the frame-adjacent end of the bed (82),

[0007] - a horizontal distance of the frame-adjacent end (82) from the swept volume (V),

[0008] - an angle of the support surface (80) with the horizontal, and / or

[0009] - a height of the support surface (80) wherein the couch (8, 8', 8") is in particular hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically driven adjustable, wherein in particular the height and distance settings can be changed during an ongoing massage.

[0010] 5. Massage machine according to the preceding claim, in particular with a hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically adjustable bed (8, 8', 8"), wherein it comprises a programmable control unit which is prepared to change the height and distance settings of the bed (8, 8', 8") in accordance with the instructions of the program during a massage when a stored program is called up, wherein the control unit preferably includes programs already stored at delivery and, in addition, programs created by the person being massaged or another person can be stored, in particular by recording manually entered inputs.

[0011] 6. Massage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bed (8, 8', 8") is fixed to the frame (2) or forms a separate unit.

[0012] 7. Massage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the couch (8") is held frame-fixed via a support (88), in particular attached to the frame (2) or a support structure (28) supporting it, wherein the support (88) comprises in particular at least one, preferably several, bearing bolts (85) positioned at different distances from the end (82) facing the frame, projecting over the side surfaces of the couch, which can be received or accommodated in a bolt receiving opening of a profile tube (86), wherein the profile tube can be detachably coupled or coupled to a support tube held frame-fixed.

[0013] 8. Massage machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one holding device (4) attached to the frame (2), at least two longitudinally extending handle bars (41) attached to the same side of the frame and / or with at least one grip option (45) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0014] 9. Massage machine according to one of the two preceding claims with two pairs of handles (41) arranged symmetrically to a frame symmetry plane (S), wherein in particular a gripping device (45) connecting the two holding devices is further provided, in particular in the form of a crossbar (45) or a rope.

[0015] 10. Massage machine according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein an upper handle (41a) of the at least two handles (41) is closer to the frame symmetry plane (S) than lower handles (41b).

[0016] 11. Massage machine according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably all, of the holding devices (4) are adjustable with respect to their distance from the massage roller plane (E) and / or a lateral position of the uppermost handle (41a) or all handles (41a, 41b). 2. Massage machine according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the massage rollers (23) are covered, at least on a front face of the frame (2), by a flexible cover (5), in particular completely.

[0017] 13. Massage machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover (5):

[0018] - is removable, in particular by being clamped to one or both ends of the frame (2) or to the frame-side end (82) of the couch (8) by means of a clamping strip (89) and / or

[0019] - consists of a textile or elastomeric material, in particular rubber, and / or

[0020] - has a coating made of an elastomeric material, in particular rubber, wherein the coating is present in particular exclusively on the side facing away from the massage rollers,

[0021] - to increase and intensify the massage effect, the front surface facing away from the massage rollers (23) has a structured surface with regularly or irregularly arranged bumps, ribs or depressions or a combination thereof, in particular a crocodile skin-like structure.

[0022] 14. Massage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller body of the massage rollers (23)

[0023] - is a hollow cylinder and / or has a barrel-shaped or concave waisted form, and / or

[0024] - a foam roller with a structured surface to enhance the massage effect, which in particular has circumferential, axial, spiral or wave-shaped ribs or grooves, and / or protrusions and / or bumps and / or depressions, and / or

[0025] - at least one of the massage rollers (23) comprises means by which a surface of the roller body can be set into vibration.

[0026] 15. Massage machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the massage rollers (23) comprise guide rollers mounted on the axle ends projecting beyond the roller body, in particular one on each side of the roller body, and wherein the guide rollers of the massage rollers (23) located at any given time on the front of the massage machine (1) run on load-bearing rails extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the frame, wherein the load-bearing rails are segmented and wherein the individual rail segments are adjustable by means of lifting columns and / or linear drives and / or each rail segment has a sliding piece at each end facing an adjacent rail segment, which is pivotally connected to the sliding piece of the adjacent rail segment. Versatile massage machine

[0027] The present invention relates to a massage machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0028] Massages are a widespread and popular method for post-sports recovery or for treating pathological changes in muscles and ligaments. A massage is understood as the repeated mechanical deformation of soft tissue. Fascial massage is a massage that specifically focuses on the fascia, the soft tissue components of connective tissue that permeate the entire body as an enveloping and connecting network of tension. Fascia includes all collagenous connective tissues, especially joint and organ capsules, tendon sheaths, muscle septa, ligaments, tendons, retinacula (supporting ligaments), as well as the actual fascia in the form of connective tissue that envelops the muscles, which are formed as bundles of muscle fibers, like a stocking.

[0029] For effective fascia massage, so-called fascia rollers are well-known. These are roughly cylindrical rollers with a specially textured surface. They are typically used by the person being massaged lying on the roller(s) and rolling along it through their own body movements. This rhythmically kneads and deforms the fascial tissue at the point of contact with the roller, thus massaging it.

[0030] The disadvantage of this method is that, firstly, it requires a high degree of body tension to be built up and maintained for an extended period in certain areas, such as the back, buttocks, or leg muscles, in order to massage these areas as described above. However, the muscle tension necessary to maintain the pose reduces the effectiveness of the massage, as the deformation is more superficial than with relaxed muscles. Another problem arises from the fact that the maximum achievable massage pressure, or the overall contact force on the massage roller, is limited by one's own body weight or the weight of the body part pressing down on the roller. For example, when massaging the lower leg or calf, this is only the weight of the lower part of the leg. Therefore, the initial force is disadvantageously low, and the massage is less effective than with a higher initial force.

[0031] In the field of general massage, more precisely full body massage, massage machines are known which provide a lying surface on which the person being massaged can lie with their stomach, side or back and where they are massaged by movable massage elements.

[0032] Such a device is shown, for example, in US Patent 3,794,018. This patent discloses a massage machine which has a frame defining a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a frame center plane. Axles carrying deflection and drive wheels are attached to opposite ends of the frame, each axle carrying two drive wheels arranged symmetrically to a mirror plane of symmetry of the frame. A closed chain is placed around each pair of drive wheels at opposite ends, acting as a conveying element for massage rollers rotatably mounted on the chain about their respective axes. The drive wheels move the chain, and thus also the massage rollers attached to it, on a track that has the form of two straight segments arranged symmetrically to the center plane of the frame, connected by two circular segments with the radius of the drive wheels.The massage rollers consist of discs arranged in pairs symmetrically to the frame's plane of symmetry, which are mounted on a roller axle. Guide rollers are located at opposite ends of the roller axles, guided in a guide rail of the frame. The rollers do not make direct contact with the person being massaged, but only with the underside of the contact surface, which deforms as a result and transmits the mechanical force of the rollers to the person being massaged.

[0033] The disadvantage of this design is that the massage rollers have only a relatively small contact area with the person being massaged. Therefore, to cover the entire width of the person being massaged, several massage rollers with discs mounted at varying distances from the frame's plane of symmetry are required. This negatively reduces the massage frequency, i.e., the number of mechanical deformations per unit of time at a given roller rotational speed, which in practice cannot be increased arbitrarily. Furthermore, the massage effect is diminished because, to prevent localized overload, the discs do not make direct contact with the person being massaged; instead, a cover must be inserted. Even with the cover, the massage effect remains limited to a comparatively narrow area.

[0034] A similar massage device, which, however, proposes a different arrangement of the massage discs relative to the symmetry of the frame and also a different guide for the massage discs at the ends, is presented in the published application of Japanese patent JP-H 09028746 A. This massage device also has essentially the same disadvantages as the one described in the US patent above. It even completely foregoes the attempt to massage the person being massaged across their entire width.

[0035] German patent application DE 30 18 828 A1 presents a massage device with a frame consisting of a rectangular wall-mounted frame. Feet are attached to the ends of the frame, and tubular struts extend upwards. These struts serve as handles and also as longitudinal supports for a flexible, mat-like body pad stretched taut along the length of the frame. Rollers, which make contact with the body during the massage, are moved by chain-like conveyors along a circum-rectangular track—that is, a track in the shape of a rectangle with semicircles attached to opposite sides. The rollers are essentially concave and extend across the entire width of the person being massaged. To enhance the massage effect, the rollers may have a wave-like profile along their length. The body pad is to be made of an abrasion-resistant material such as nylon fabric.

[0036] US Patent 3,128,761 discloses a portable massage device comprising a rectangular frame in which a plurality of cylindrical massage rollers are arranged continuously from one longitudinal side plate to another. The massage rollers, which may be profiled around their circumference, are driven by two chains arranged symmetrically and mirror-symmetrically along the inner surfaces of the longitudinal side plates. These chains are driven by motor-driven gears and follow a closed, circum-rectangular path defined by the gears at one end and idler gears at the opposite end. A roller cover or body support that would be in contact with the rollers and the person being massaged during the massage is not disclosed. Instead, the patent provides for the massage rollers to make direct contact with the person. No suggestions are made regarding the positioning of the person relative to the device or for supporting them.

[0037] Document US 2019 / 0262220 A1 proposes a massage device for body weight-independent massage, in which a single motor-driven massage roller is mounted vertically on a vertical column and can be moved vertically. During the massage, the user moves the roller to the desired height and presses the body part to be massaged against the roller.

[0038] IIS patent US 4,011,862 discloses an apparatus designed to improve the blood circulation of a patient lying upon it through massage. The apparatus comprises a frame divided into two mirror-symmetrical half-spaces by a central plate. Within each half-space are two chains driven by gears, each carrying cylindrical massage rollers that extend from one chain to the other and move them along a closed, circum-angular path. The top of the apparatus is covered by a thin, flexible, removable sheet, similar to a fitted sheet, thus preventing direct contact between the patient and the massage rollers. The person being massaged is intended to lie on the cover. No additional lying or support surfaces are disclosed.

[0039] Patent FR 2773708 B1 discloses a back massage table comprising a frame in which a pair of motor-driven conveyor chains for massage elements are arranged as a massage mechanism, one chain on each of the inner longitudinal sides. The roller-like massage elements, which run continuously from one conveyor chain to the other, consist of a plurality of adjacent discs mounted on a common axis. The massage elements are not covered. The frame with the massage mechanism occupies only a portion of the back massage table. Additional support surfaces for the user's head and legs are located at both the lower and upper ends of the frame. These are positioned vertically at the same height as the massage rollers located on the front.In US patent 4,178,921, a pressure relief support structure is presented with a cloth-like flexible cover and an underlying mechanical apparatus comprising a plurality of double-conical rollers running between two paired conveyor chains and moved by them along a closed, substantially circumrectangular path. In one embodiment of that patent, the structure includes a support surface without rollers, which is, however, located at the same vertical height as the rollers.

[0040] In the applicant's patent applications DE 102023 130 956 A1 and WO 2025 098 562 A1, a massage device is presented, comprising a frame in which conveying means are arranged, carrying massage rollers on a closed, circum-angular track. The massage rollers can either directly contact the patient or, for safety reasons and also partially to intensify the massage, they are covered by a covering, in particular a massage mat with nubs, ribs, indentations, or combinations thereof. Embodiments that include a couch or are integrated into a massage table are also proposed. In the horizontal direction, these connect directly to the ends of the frame. The positioning in the vertical direction, however, is left open.

[0041] US patent 11,273,096 discloses a massage table with two rotating massage rollers fixed in a space, extending from one side to the other, and projecting significantly beyond the table's surface, creating a height difference or offset between the rollers and the table's surface where the person rests on them. This results in an intensive massage effect on the areas of the body reachable by the rollers, primarily the back, according to the patent. A disadvantage is that the body weight is concentrated on a relatively small area of ​​the massage rollers, meaning that only a very limited portion of the body surface receives an intensive massage, while the rest receives little to no massage. The person being massaged can only partially compensate for this by shifting their weight on the table.

[0042] Against this background, the present invention aims to construct a massage machine that enables both targeted and broad-area massage of various body parts with a desired intensity, while allowing the user to comfortably position themselves in the optimal position relative to the massage mechanism.

[0043] This task is solved by a massage machine with the features presented in claim 1.

[0044] The massage machine according to the invention comprises, in a manner known per se, a plurality or even a multitude of massage rollers, for example, those that extend continuously from one side to the other and which are rotatably or drivenly attached directly or indirectly to a frame. The massage rollers together define a massage area. The massage machine can, for example, include a conveying mechanism housed in the frame, which transports the massage rollers on a closed, typically at least approximately circum-angular path. A support area serves to support the person being massaged during the massage. This can be a directly adjacent area of ​​the surface on which the machine stands.In this case, the machine is positioned relatively close to the surface by means of a suitably designed and dimensioned support, so that the person lying there, i.e., sitting or standing, can bring the body region to be massaged into the massage area. Alternatively, the machine also includes a lounger with a top support surface. The lounger can be fixed to the frame or form a separate unit. The machine according to the invention is characterized, firstly, by the fact that the massage area is accessible from at least the end of the frame where the lounger is positioned. The massage area can extend to or even beyond this end of the frame. In massage machines according to the invention of the type with circulating massage rollers, a massage is therefore possible, for example, by the massage rollers located both on the top and at the frame end(s) accessible according to the claim.For this purpose, the massage machine according to the invention is designed such that no fixed structural components, such as a frame crossbar or a board, are installed between the frame end and the massage area, thus preventing access to the massage rollers. The massage table, preferably integrated as part of the massage machine, can therefore extend right up to the massage area. The frame is generally designed such that the massage rollers extend at least nearly to at least one frame end.

[0045] For machines with fixed massage rollers, this means that one of the rollers, positioned towards the end of the frame, is permanently in contact with the frame end. For machines with rotating massage rollers, this applies at least when the massage rollers are located at a corresponding point or in a corresponding area of ​​the track, for example, at a reversal point at the frame end or in the vicinity of a reversal point on the track. In this case, the imaginary volume swept by the massage rollers during transport along the closed track reaches at least the end of the frame facing the massage machine's bed, or even extends beyond it.This is preferably achieved constructively by positioning the deflection elements sufficiently close to the respective frame end(s) so that the distance between the conveying element and the respective frame end(s) corresponds approximately to, or is even less than, the radius of the massage rollers attached to the conveying element by their axles. This distance can, for example, be only 1%, 1 / 2%, or even 1 / 2% of the roller's radius, meaning that at the corresponding point on the track, the roller protrudes 14%, 1 / 2%, or 1% of its radius beyond the corresponding end. The frame can also be designed so that the conveying element itself already protrudes beyond its end, which applies even more so to the massage rollers and the massage area defined by them.

[0046] This design makes it possible for the person using the massage machine according to the invention to not only have a broad massage, for example on the back or abdomen, or even more extensively over the entire back or (in a prone position) front of the body, but also only specific, spatially limited parts of the body, for example the lower or upper part of the back, the calves, or (parts of or one) thigh. The latter is achieved by pressing the corresponding body part against the massage rollers, which protrude beyond the end of the frame.

[0047] Furthermore, the massage machine according to the invention is characterized in that the support surface of the lounger is arranged vertically below the plane formed by the upper surface of the massage rollers on the front of the frame. This step or vertical offset between the lounger and the massage roller plane creates a special massage area in which a more effective massage is possible. This special massage area extends approximately from the point / line closest to the lounger within the massage area to a point / line where the massage area and the massage roller plane begin to diverge. In advantageous embodiments, an adjustment mechanism allows the special massage area to be modified according to the user's needs.The special massage effect made possible by the invention is utilized in practice by the person being massaged lying on the couch with the part of the body to be massaged facing towards the massage rollers and then moving the part of the body towards the massage rollers until contact with the desired pressure and intensity is achieved.

[0048] In some embodiments of the massage device according to the invention, in addition to the vertical offset that is always present or adjustable, there is also a horizontal offset or gap between the frame-side end of the lying surface and the massage area, or such a gap can be created by adjusting the lying surface accordingly. This gap or horizontal offset of the lying surface opens up new massage possibilities. The lying surface is sufficiently far from the extreme point of the massage area, i.e., for example, the volume covered by the massage rollers, to bring at least one body extremity into contact with the massage area at or near the extreme point, for example, a lower leg, a thigh, or an upper arm.Since there is a risk that users of massage machines with rotating massage rollers might set an insufficient horizontal offset, which could lead to an acute risk of entrapment, it is recommended for safety reasons that massages using a gap between the end of the bed and the massage area be avoided for this type of machine. On the contrary, it is recommended to keep the horizontal distance between the end of the bed and the massage area as small as possible. If the bed, or the end closest to the frame, is raised vertically, the gap between the end of the bed and the massage area increases (with a constant horizontal setting). To compensate for this, it is recommended to reduce the gap again by decreasing the horizontal offset, i.e., by adjusting the bed horizontally towards the massage area. For example, with massage machines that have stationary rotating massage rollers, the following applies:A leg massage is possible with minimal risk by utilizing a sufficiently wide gap between the end of the bed and the massage area. With a massage machine featuring surrounding massage rollers, a comprehensive massage of the entire body, i.e., all body parts, is possible even without a gap between the end of the bed and the massage area.

[0049] To give the user of the massage machine according to the invention even better control over the massage intensity, in some embodiments the machine further features at least one holding and support device attached to the frame unit, with at least one, preferably several, handles or cables positioned within easy reach. This device can include one or more crossbars extending from one side to the other or a transverse cable. Alternatively or additionally, the holding device includes handles extending longitudinally along the frame. These are preferably arranged in pairs, mirror-symmetrical to the vertical center plane of the frame. In particular, two pairs of handles are arranged one above the other. The handles of the pairs can be equidistant from the plane of symmetry in the lateral direction.In some models, however, this distance differs, with the upper pair in particular being positioned closer to the plane of symmetry. This makes it easier for the person lying or sitting on the massager to grasp this pair, which is further away, and use it during the massage to support body weight or, conversely, to increase pressure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the distances of the longitudinal handles from the plane of symmetry or from the front of the device are adjustable, so that they can be adapted to the anatomy of the person being massaged. Further advantageous developments, which can be implemented individually or in combination, provided they are not mutually exclusive, are claimed in the dependent claims and will be presented individually below.

[0051] The offset between the end of the couch closest to the frame and the massage roller plane defined by the top surface of the massage rollers on the front of the machine is preferably between 0.1 and 20 cm in absolute terms, or between 1 / 100 and one roller diameter in relative terms. It is also preferably variable, particularly by making the end of the couch closest to the frame adjustable.

[0052] The couch is preferably also adjustable in other respects. Besides the height of the end of the couch closest to the frame, the horizontal distance of this end from the volume covered by the rollers, i.e., from the position of a fascia roller located at the corresponding extreme point, is also preferably adjustable. Furthermore, the angle of the couch's support surface can preferably be varied. This occurs automatically if only the height of the end closest to the frame is adjusted, while the end furthest from the frame remains unchanged. For this purpose, the couch can have length-adjustable supports or legs at both opposite ends. Alternatively, it has a pivoting center-of-gravity suspension. The latter makes it easier to change the overall height of the support surface, i.e., its vertical positioning, since only the height of one center-of-gravity support point needs to be adjusted. Height adjustability, i.e.,This can be achieved with a constant inclination angle of the support surface, but can also be achieved if length-adjustable supports are used at both opposite ends of the lying surface.

[0053] In preferred embodiments of the massage machine, the

[0054] The massage table is adjustable via hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical drive. It is particularly advantageous that the height and distance settings of the table and the speed of the massage rollers can be changed during an ongoing massage.

[0055] The user can make this change themselves, for example, using a corresponding control element. Alternatively or additionally, the massage machine also has a programmable control unit that is designed to change the height and distance settings of the massage table according to the program's instructions when a saved program is selected. For example, the end of the table furthest from the frame can be raised and lowered periodically or at irregular intervals. The control unit preferably includes pre-programmed settings upon delivery of the machine, but also allows for the storage of additional programs. The latter is preferably achieved by recording manual setting changes made by the user.

[0056] The couch can be fixed to the frame via a support, in particular attached to the frame or a supporting structure that carries it. The support has, in particular, at least one, preferably several, bearing bolts positioned one behind the other at varying distances from the end closest to the frame, projecting beyond the side surfaces of the couch. The bearing bolts can also be arranged in pairs, symmetrically to the frame's center plane. The bearing bolts are received or accommodated in a bolt receptacle in a profile tube, the profile tube being detachably coupled or connected to a frame-fixed support tube, for example, by being inserted onto or into the support tube. The (hollow) profile tube and the (also hollow) support tube preferably have a similar cross-section, wherein only the cross-section of one is dimensioned such that the other can be inserted into it with minimal play.A series of screw holes along the profile tube, in the one with the smaller cross-section, allows a stop screw to be screwed in at a desired position along the respective tube, so that it can only be pushed into the other up to this stop screw.

[0057] The massage rollers can have a structured surface, similar to so-called fascia rollers, which are also used for self-massage as described above using one's own body weight, to enhance the massage effect. This surface may feature circumferential, axial, spiral, or wave-like ribs or grooves, and / or projections and / or knobs and / or depressions. As used here, the term "massage roller" describes a unit consisting of a roller body and a roller axle, the latter of which need not necessarily be a separate part. Rather, the roller axle can also consist of a section that protrudes from the essentially circular end faces of the cylindrical roller body and is significantly tapered compared to the diameter of the roller body. In other embodiments, however, the roller axle is a separate part that is rotatably mounted within the roller body.

[0058] The roller body of the massage rollers is preferably essentially a hollow cylinder and / or has a barrel-shaped or concave waisted form. Furthermore, the roller radius exhibits wave-like variations in longitudinal section. The only difference from known automatic rollers is the exclusion of a reduction to one or two, or a small number of, disc-shaped elements mounted on the roller axis.

[0059] At least one, and preferably all, of the massage rollers have a means by which they can be set into vibration. More precisely, they include means by which the surface of their roller body can be set into transverse vibrations or oscillations. Such a vibration means could, for example, be a motor-driven, slightly eccentrically mounted flywheel inside the roller body.

[0060] The massage rollers are preferably covered by a flexible cover placed over them on the front of the massage machine. This cover protects the user from getting caught between the moving massage rollers and thus provides important protection against accidents.

[0061] The cover is preferably designed as a (largely) open-passage-free mat. The cover can be used alone or in conjunction with other protective measures, such as the control-related measures and / or safety switches described below.

[0062] The cover is preferably designed to be easily removable for ease of maintenance. It can be secured, for example, at one or both ends of the frame unit using a clamping strip. Removing the cover then only requires opening the clamping strip(s). Alternatively, other common fastening methods can be used, such as snap fasteners distributed around the edge(s) of the cover. A removable cover also allows the user to enjoy a more intensive massage without the cover, if desired.

[0063] The cover is primarily attached at least at the frame end where the massage rollers are transported from the back to the front, for example, by being clamped between two strips as described above. Preferably, however, it is also attached at the opposite frame end, particularly in the same manner. It can additionally be attached or attachable to the lateral sides.

[0064] In some embodiments of the massage machine, the cover is a mat, i.e., a flat, flexible element made of a textile or other suitably tough material. A mat has the advantage of effectively preventing the hair of the person being massaged from becoming trapped. The mat preferably covers the massage rollers, and most preferably completely covers the entire interior of the frame. It can also rest with its lateral edge on the longitudinal beam of the frame. To increase flexibility, it can also be flush with the interior.

[0065] To enhance and intensify the massage effect, the mat may have a textured surface, such as raised bumps and / or ribs and / or differently shaped indentations or combinations of these features. Such a cover mat is therefore also referred to as a massage mat. While massage rollers used in conjunction with a massage mat may have a textured surface, they do not necessarily require one; they can be more or less smooth.

[0066] In addition, the massage machine can also include further control-related safety features. Firstly, the tensile force exerted by the roller conveyor can be limited. Alternatively or additionally, a hazard detection system can be implemented. This system shuts off the conveyor drive if the conveyor speed drops while the tensile force increases rapidly, and may even reverse the drive slowly until the tension of the conveyor returns to normal. This hazard detection system can also be triggered before any tensile force limit is reached. Finally, a visually highlighted emergency stop switch can be provided, allowing third parties to deactivate the machine if other safety measures fail.In some embodiments, the massage machine according to the invention has a control system that is prepared to cyclically and / or at irregular intervals, or upon input, reverse the conveying direction in which the roller conveying element transports the massage rollers along the track. The resulting oscillating movement of the massage rollers can achieve an improved massage effect.

[0067] In preferred embodiments, the massage rollers of the massage machine according to the invention comprise guide rollers mounted on the axle ends projecting from the roller body. In particular, a guide roller is provided on each side of the roller body. At least the guide rollers of the massage rollers located on the front of the massage machine run on or in rails that are fixed relative to the frame, preferably attached to the frame, or even form part of the frame. Depending on the design, the rails serve either solely to absorb the (counter-)force exerted on the massage rollers by the person being massaged, or additionally to provide lateral guidance for the guide rollers. The latter can be achieved, for example, by an L- or U-shaped profile of the (guide) rails (in conjunction with cylindrical or toroidal guide rollers). Rails that simply bear the load do not require such a profile and can be straight and flat on their upper surface.

[0068] The rails can be arranged on the inner side of the roller conveyor element, facing away from the longitudinal beam. This results in better load bearing and less deformation of the massage roller axis.

[0069] The rails, particularly when they are unprofiled load-bearing rails, are preferably segmented, i.e., divided into two or more, preferably three or four or more, segments, particularly between 10 and 50 cm long. In particularly preferred embodiments, the segment length corresponds to the distance between two massage rollers along the roller conveyor element.

[0070] The individual rail segments can be adjusted by means of lifting columns and / or linear drives, which allows the contour traced by the massage rollers on the front to be varied, for example to adapt it to the course of the spine or the side of the body of the person being massaged.

[0071] Depending on the embodiment, each rail segment has one or two lifting columns or linear actuators. In a first embodiment with one lifting column per segment, each rail segment is divided into two sub-segments, the first of which is fixedly connected to the end of the linear actuator. The second sub-segment is connected at one end to the first sub-segment and at the opposite end to the first sub-segment of the adjacent rail segment in that direction, such that relative pivoting and displacement are possible to compensate for changes in the length of the contour. Such a connection is possible, for example, via pins that protrude from the ends of one of the two sub-segments and are guided in an elongated slot in the complementary end of the connected sub-segment. Other types of sliding-pivoting connections can also be used.This design has the advantage that a simple static setting of the desired contour is sufficient, and the lifting columns only need to be operated when this contour changes. As long as the contour remains constant, virtually no energy is consumed. To approximate the desired, usually curved, contour as closely as possible with the typically straight sub-segments, a minimal rail segment length or, conversely, a high number of segments per frame length is advantageous. In a second, preferred embodiment, two lifting columns / linear drives are provided per rail segment, and unlike the first embodiment, the ends of the rail segments are not connected to each other.When following a desired contour, the lifting columns are typically extended and retracted continuously to maintain a massage roller bearing weight on them (via the guide rollers) along the desired contour, while simultaneously ensuring that the rail segment ends are at the same height when traversed by the guide rollers. To maintain a desired contour, the rail segments in this embodiment must not be longer than the distance between adjacent massage rollers along the roller conveyor element. However, it is also advantageous here to select rail segments shorter than the maximum length. In particular, it simplifies the transfer of the guide rollers from one rail segment to the next if the transfer of one massage roller and the takeover of the next do not occur simultaneously for a given rail segment. Therefore, the segment length is preferably less than the maximum length.In particular, the segment length is preferably 2 / 3 of the maximum length. At this length, when a massage roller is transferred from a first to a subsequent rail segment, the subsequent massage roller is located in the middle of the segment preceding the first. In other words, with consecutive numbering of the massage rollers, the transfer of even-numbered and odd-numbered massage rollers always alternates, with the other type always being in the middle of its current rail segment, where it is less affected by the lifting movements required at the ends to achieve leveling. Another sensible choice of rail segment length is half the distance between adjacent massage rollers, because here the transfers from one to an adjacent rail segment always alternate between even-numbered and odd-numbered rail segments.Even shorter lengths would also be possible, however, the control system becomes increasingly complex with a growing number of segments and thus lifting columns. Material costs also rise without any significant advantage being gained.

[0072] The vertical adjustment range or stroke of the lifting columns / linear drives and thus of the rail segments is in particular between 1 - 10 cm, preferably between 2 - 8 cm.

[0073] Further advantages, properties, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the illustrations. These are intended merely to explain the invention and in no way to limit its generality.

[0074] They show:

[0075] Fig. 1 A schematic side view of a first

[0076] embodiment of the massage machine according to the invention.

[0077] Fig. 2A A schematic side view of a massage machine of a second embodiment according to the invention with a holding device

[0078] Fig. 2B A schematic view of the massage machine from Fig. 2A from the head end.

[0079] Fig. 2C A schematic view from the head end of a slight modification of the embodiment from Figures 2A and 2B with inwardly inclined support bars. Fig. 3A A schematic side view of another embodiment of a massage machine according to the invention with a holding device and a lounger which is adjustably connected at the frame-side end via a frame-fixed support.

[0080] Fig. 3B A detailed view of the support area of ​​the embodiment from Fig. 3A.

[0081] Figure 1 shows, using a schematic representation of a first embodiment, essential features of a massage machine according to the invention.

[0082] The massage machine 1 shown here is of the type in which a plurality of massage rollers 23 are transported by conveying means 25 at a given, fixed or variable, conveying speed G along a closed, circumrectangular path defined by the two deflection wheels 22 rotatably mounted at the ends of the frame 2. The massage rollers 23 sweep over a volume V, whereby, for the sake of clarity, only the outer boundary of this volume is indicated by dashed lines in the figure. The inner boundary is also of no further interest, as it is inaccessible and therefore no massage can take place there. The swept-over volume V is the area in which the massage rollers 23 can act on a user and is therefore also referred to as the massage effect area.The figure highlights three massage rollers as examples: a first massage roller 23a on the upper side of the massage unit 1, which is accessible for massage; a second massage roller 23b on the underside of the massage unit 1, which is typically inaccessible or difficult to access; and a massage roller 23e near the extreme point X of the swept volume V when lying down. The massage area is accessible from at least one end 29, meaning that no structural element, such as a frame crossbar or board, obstructs access to the massage rollers. Accessibility is particularly user-friendly if the massage area V extends to or beyond the frame end 29, as is the case in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.

[0083] The massage machine 1 comprises a couch 8 with a support surface 80 for positioning the user in a seated or lying position. The couch 8 can be fixed. Alternatively, it is adjustable in one or more degrees of freedom FG1-3. In the illustrated embodiment, the support surface 80 has a vertical or height adjustment degree of freedom LFG1, a horizontal degree of freedom LFG2, and a lying angle degree of freedom LFG3. The latter can be implemented such that the support surface 80 is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis 85, located at or just below the center of gravity of the couch, as shown. The first, vertical degree of freedom LFG1 can be implemented using a slide (not shown) that is movable in a vertically oriented rail 89 and to which the pivot axis 85 is fixed.The horizontal degree of freedom LFG2 can also be implemented via a sliding mechanism, for example, by resting the lying surface 80 on the rails 86 indicated in Figure 1. The degrees of freedom LFG1-3 can be adjusted manually by the user before using the couch. Alternatively, the adjustment can be made electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically. This also makes it possible, in principle, to make or change the settings during use.

[0084] Whether the lying surface is fixed or adjustable, a central aspect of the massage device 1 of the present invention is the offset between the frame-side end region 82 of the lying surface 80 and the massage effect area V. More precisely, the invention aims to increase and intensify the massage effect by providing a vertical offset DV between the end region 82 and the upper massage roller plane E defined by the massage effect area V. The vertical offset, or level DV, increases the average pressure and thus the massage intensity at the body part where the person being massaged comes into contact with the lying-side end of the massage effect area V. Alternatively or additionally, a horizontal offset DH can also exist between the frame-side end face 83 of the lying surface 80 and the massage effect area V, more precisely its lying-side extreme point X.This makes it easier for the person being massaged to contact the massage area at its extreme point. Furthermore, it allows the body extremities to be massaged by inserting them into the gap defined by the offset DH between the lying surface 80 and the massage area V.

[0085] Vertical offset DV and horizontal offset DH can, but do not have to, exist simultaneously. Furthermore, a massage machine according to the invention does not necessarily have to offer the possibility of adjusting a horizontal offset or gap between the bed and the massage area. However, a vertical offset or the possibility of adjusting one (by adjusting the bed) is always present. In the illustrated embodiment with an adjustable lying surface 80, the user of the massage machine 1 can advantageously adjust the lying surface 80 using the degrees of freedom LFG1-3 so that the vertical offset DV and horizontal offset DH have the desired magnitude. For example, when massaging the thoracic spine, such as in the thoracic spine or sacrum, the lying surface 80 can be adjusted so that the horizontal offset DH is essentially non-existent or even (slightly) negative (i.e.,The end face 83 of the massage table is located (in Figure 1, to the right of the extreme point X), but between the plane E and the lying surface 80, in the frame-facing end region 82 of the latter, there is a more or less large offset DH, which can be, for example, 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, or even 10 cm. If, as another example, the lower leg is to be massaged, the lying surface 80 can be adjusted so that there is a sufficiently wide gap in the form of the horizontal offset DH of perhaps 20–30 cm, whereas the vertical offset DV is reduced, eliminated entirely, or even set to negative (lying end region 82 above the plane E). The vertical offset DV results in a special massage area that extends from point A near the extreme point X to point B, which lies above the deflection pulley 22.Within this special massage effect area, the user can experience a particularly intensive massage by utilizing the "level" DV.

[0086] As shown, the massage machine 1 includes a massage mat 5, which can be smooth or, as indicated by the wavy line in the figure, textured to enhance the massage effect. The massage mat is always attached at its end 52 closer to the surface to prevent it from being dragged along by the circulating massage rollers 23. It can also be attached at its end 51 further away from the surface. Even without the massage mat 5, the massage machine 1 according to the invention offers advantageous, individualized, and fully customizable massage options and improved massage effects through the variable horizontal and / or offset DH or DV.While the massage mat is not an essential component of a massage machine according to the invention, it is an important safety element (it prevents the hair or extremities of the person being massaged from getting caught between the massage rollers), and it further contributes to realizing the success of the invention in a particularly pronounced way. This is mainly due to the fact that its shape continuously changes in the area of ​​the horizontal deflection wheel 22. The massage rollers 23, which pass over the underside of the massage mat 5, keep the mat 5 under tension. This tension causes it to run straight in sections 53 between the contact points or lines on adjacent massage rollers 23. However, the straight sections 53 move past the person being massaged, who is stationary relative to the frame 2, along with the massage rollers 23. This results in the massage mat 5 being continuously pressed against and lifted from the frame 2 by the deflection wheel.The area at the end of the effective volume V closest to the bed is particularly interesting for back massages.

[0087] Figures 2A - 2C schematically depict a massage machine according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0088] As shown in Figure 2A, the massage machine T of this embodiment also comprises a plurality of massage rollers 23. It can be a massage machine in which the massage rollers 23 are each individually mounted directly in the frame 2, but in a fixed position. The massage rollers can be driven by a motor or they can simply be rotated passively by the user. A massage roller cover is neither necessary nor even useful for stationary massage rollers, which is why the machine T, unlike the one in Figure 1, is shown without one. Furthermore, embodiments with only a single massage roller directly adjacent to the bed would also be conceivable. The massage roller(s) 23 define a massage area V' in each case, and this in turn defines a massage roller plane E.At one end 29 of the frame 2, a lounger 8' with a support or lying surface 80 is arranged such that a step or vertical offset DV exists between the frame-side end region 82 of the lying surface 80. As already explained in connection with Figure 1, this enables a stronger and more intensive massage effect at this point.

[0089] The couch 8' of this design is adjustable in two degrees of freedom LFGT and LFG2', which are provided by telescopic couch posts 87. Only the frame-side post(s) 87a can be telescopic, thus allowing variable adjustment of the vertical offset DV. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2A, posts 87b on the side of the couch 8' furthest from the frame can also be telescopic. In this case, not only the vertical offset DV but also the tilt angle of the couch can be adjusted. This is not shown in the figure, but a means of adjusting the couch in the horizontal direction can also be provided, thereby influencing the gap between the massage area V' and the frame-side end 82 of the couch. For a back or abdominal massage, this gap would be kept as small as possible.For additional massage of the shin or the front of the thigh, the gap would be enlarged accordingly so that the extremity could be inserted.

[0090] As an additional element that allows the user to influence the massage effect and also to perform massages in otherwise inaccessible positions, the support and holding device 4 of the massage machine T is included. In a first embodiment, the device 4 consists of two pairs of handles 41, which are arranged one above the other and held by two posts 42 connected to the frame at opposite ends. The handles 41 can be arranged vertically, essentially directly above one another, as shown in Figure 2B. Alternatively, the present invention also includes embodiments in which the upper pair 41a of the handle pairs 41 is arranged further inwards, i.e., closer to the plane of symmetry S of the massage machine T, than the lower pair. This is illustrated in Figure 2C. This makes it easier for a person lying on the machine to reach.The inclination of the upper post sections 44, which connect the lower handlebar 41a and the upper handlebar 41b, can be fixed. In particularly preferred embodiments, however, the angle of inclination is adjustable. This allows the support device 4 to be adapted to the user's anatomy, in particular their size and / or arm length. For this purpose, it is also conceivable that the length of the lower post sections connecting the lower handlebar 41b to the frame 2 is adjustable. One or more crossbars or...

Claims

As indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2C, ropes can connect the handles 41. The holding device of the massage machine according to the embodiment of Figures 2A - 20 can also be combined with the massage machine shown in Figure 1. A massage machine with stationary, rotating rollers, as shown in Figures 2A-2C, in which the rollers are not driven but moved by the user, is less complex and significantly cheaper to manufacture than driven devices. Its operation also differs considerably. The person being massaged sits or lies on the front roller or on all of them and then pulls themselves along with their hands or pushes themselves back and forth with their legs. For such a device, the invention proposes equipping the device 2 and the table 8 with short, rigid, preferably non-adjustable, feet. Alternatively, the table can be omitted, and the person receiving the massage sits directly on the floor or touches it with their feet if their torso is resting on the device. The offset according to the invention is measured between the plane of the massage rollers and the floor. Figures 3A and 3B show another embodiment of a massage machine according to the invention. The automaton 1 in this variant resembles the second embodiment of Figures 2 in that it includes a mirror-symmetrical, double-strut holding device 4. This can be constructed as explained in more detail in Figures 2B and 2C. The "Automate 1" differs in that it includes cyclically rotating massage rollers. Another significant difference is the adjustable vertical and / or horizontal offset. This is achieved by connecting the frame-side end 83 of the table 8" via a support 88. The support 88 itself is in turn attached to the frame or... A support structure 28 is defined for the frame 2 and the holding device 4. Figure 3B shows a possible realization of the support 88. In this version, the support 88 comprises square profile tubes 86 with transversely oriented holes 860 on their outer sides and preferably also on their (non-visible) inner sides, and a through-opening 850 at their upper end. The through-opening is penetrated by bolts 85, which project beyond an outer side of the frame-side end region of the couch 8". Several bolts 85, specifically three in this case, are provided one behind the other at different distances from the frame-side end 83 of the couch, allowing the horizontal offset DH to be adjusted incrementally. To change the vertical offset DV, stop screws 861 are screwed into the holes 861 located at the desired height. The bolts 861 attached to the support structure 28, e.g.,The welded support profile tubes 48 have a clear width that is slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the profile tubes 86, which allows the latter to be inserted into the interior of the support profile tubes 48 until the stop screws 861 rest on the upper edge of the support profile tubes 48. Figure 3B clearly shows the crocodile-leather-like texture of the massage mat 5. Among other possible textures, this is an excellent solution for an intensive yet painless massage. Furthermore, it illustrates a safety-oriented fastening of the massage mat 5 between clamping strips 89, which run between the profile tubes 86. This allows the massage mat to adjust automatically along with the end of the bed 82, and thus, regardless of the set bed height, the massage mat 5 effectively prevents body parts of the user from becoming trapped in the area between the end of the bed 82 and the massage area V. The lounger 8" with the connection of its frame-side end 83 via the support 88 to the support structure 28 of this embodiment can also be applied to the embodiment of the massage machine T of Figures 2 and vice versa. Reference symbol list 1, T, 1" massage machine 2 frames, frame unit 22 Pulley 23 massage roller 23e Massage roller at the reversal point near lying down 23a Front massage roller on frame front 23b rear massage roller 25 Conveyor chain, massage roller conveyor 28 Support structure for 2 29 lying end of 2 4 Support and holding device 41 Handlebar 41a upper handle 41b lower handle 42 posts 44 inwardly tilting upper post section 45 Crossbar 48 support profile tube 5 front cover, massage mat 51 end furthest from the lying surface of 5 52 lying end of 5 53 sections of 5 through tension plane 8, 8', 8" lounger 80 contact area 82 frame-facing end of 80 83 lying front face of 80 84 far end of 80 85 bolts 86 profile tube 860 screw holes in 86 861 Stopper screw 87 telescopic posts 87' Post 87a frame-side post 87b frame-facing post 88 supports for 83 89 clamping device for 5 L Longitudinal direction H Upward direction Q transverse direction G Roller conveyor speed E top level V, V' Massage effect area A Beginning of special massage effect area B End of special massage effect area X Extreme point S Mirror plane DV vertical offset DH horizontal offset LFG1, 2, 3 degrees of freedom out of 8 LFGT, 2' degrees of freedom of 8'

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