Abstract
A tissue treatment stick is disclosed. In an embodiment, the tissue treatment stick includes a treatment section including a vibration generating device, wherein the vibrating generating device is configured to vibrate the treatment section, and wherein the treatment section has at least one edge, the at least one edge extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tissue treatment stick.
Claims
1.-15. (canceled)
16. A tissue treatment stick suitable for treating connective tissue, muscles, muscle fasciae or tendons, the tissue treatment stick comprising: a treatment section comprising means for generating vibrations, wherein the means for generating vibrations causes the treatment section to vibrate, and wherein the treatment section has at least one edge, the at least one edge extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tissue treatment stick.
17. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, further comprising at least two handles, wherein the treatment section is disposed between the two handles.
18. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the means for generating vibrations generate a frequency of less than 100 Hz.
19. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the means for generating vibrations comprise an electrically powered vibration motor.
20. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the means for generating vibrations generate a directed oscillating movement of the treatment section, and wherein a direction of the oscillating movement extends radially from a center point of the treatment section through the at least one edge.
21. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 20, wherein the treatment section comprises a plurality of edges, and wherein the direction of the oscillating movement, starting from the center point of the treatment section, is directeable towards the plurality of edges.
22. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the at least one edge comprises wood.
23. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the at least one edge comprises a rubber elastic material.
24. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the at least one edge has ribs.
25. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the at least one edge is exchangeable.
26. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the handles comprises a receptacle for batteries or accumulators.
27. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 17, further comprising at least one device for detecting forces applied to the treatment section by the two handles.
28. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, further comprising at least one optical or acoustic signal device, which is activated when a predetermined force threshold is exceeded.
29. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the at least one edge has an edge-forming cross-sectional radius smaller by at least a factor of 3 than any radius of two sections directly adjacent to the edge-forming cross-sectional radius.
30. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the at least one edge has an edge-forming cross-sectional radius smaller by at least a factor of 15 than any radius of two sections directly adjacent to the edge-forming cross-sectional radius.
31. The tissue treatment stick according to claim 16, wherein the at least one edge has a cross-sectional radius in a range of 2 mm to 8 mm.
32. A tissue treatment stick suitable for treating connective tissue, muscles, muscle fasciae or tendons, the tissue treatment stick comprising: a treatment section comprising a vibration generating device, wherein the vibrating generating device is configured to vibrate the treatment section, and wherein the treatment section has at least one edge, the at least one edge extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tissue treatment stick.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0063] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a tissue treatment stick according to the invention;
[0064] FIGS. 2 and 3 show various embodiments of the tissue treatment stick according to the invention;
[0065] FIGS. 4-8 show various other alternative embodiments of a tissue treatment stick according to the invention with one cross-section each of a body section of a user to be treated;
[0066] FIGS. 9 and 10 show further embodiments of a treatment stick having a handle;
[0067] FIGS. 11-13 show views of a font side treatment section of a treatment stick according to FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0068] FIGS. 14 and 15 show treatment sticks having sections variable in position relative to each other;
[0069] FIG. 16 shows a detail of a sectional view through a treatment stick;
[0070] FIGS. 17 and 18 show different arrangements of vibrating units within a treatment stick;
[0071] FIGS. 19-21 show in each one an arrangement of a translucent section within a treatment section of the treatment stick;
[0072] FIGS. 22 and 23 show in each one an arrangement of a heating unit within a treatment stick;
[0073] FIG. 24 shows a treatment stick connected to a hand-held device;
[0074] FIG. 25 shows a treatment stick having a wireless communication interface;
[0075] FIG. 26 shows a further treatment a stick having an edge completely rounded on both sides;
[0076] FIG. 27 shows a further treatment stick having an edge rounded on both sides;
[0077] FIG. 28 shows various edge shapes, each in a sectional view;
[0078] FIGS. 29-31 show different cross sections through a treatment stick;
[0079] FIG. 32 shows an exploded view of a treatment stick;
[0080] FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of a treatment stick;
[0081] FIG. 34 shows a sectional view of a treatment stick according to FIG. 33; and
[0082] FIG. 35 shows a sectional view of an alternative treatment stick.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0083] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a tissue treatment stick 10 according to the invention. At its ends, the tissue treatment stick has two handles 12. A treatment section 14 is formed between the handles 12. As indicated by an arrow 16, it is possible to cause the treatment section 14 to vibrate in an oscillating or rotating manner. This vibration is generated by means for generating vibrations 18, which are usually formed as an electric motor with an unbalance. To ensure the energy supply of this electric motor, receptacles 20 for accumulators or batteries are formed in the handles 12.
[0084] The receptacles 20 can be opened and closed using a simple, preferably toollessly mountable and removable cover 22. It is thus possible, similar to an electric torch to replace the batteries in the shortest possible time and put them in a loading station (not shown). During the charging process, a second set of batteries can be inserted into the tissue treatment stick 10 so that it can be operated for an almost infinitely long time.
[0085] It is of course also possible that the batteries are charged while in the receptacles 20 by an external charging cable. The required socket is not shown in FIG. 1.
[0086] The electrical leads from these receptacles 20 to the means for generating vibrations 18 are not shown in the schematic view of FIG. 1. Furthermore, an on/off switch, displays such as a visual warning signal (LED or display), which is output when the force applied on the tissue is too large, are not shown in FIG. 1.
[0087] In FIG. 1 force measuring devices 32 are shown schematically, which detect the forces acting between the handles 12 and the treatment section 14. If a permitted limit is exceeded, then an acoustic and/or optical signal is generated. Alternatively, it is also possible to disable the vibration motor 18 in this case. Thus unacceptably high forces can be effectively prevented and it is avoided, that the patient has bruises or other ailments on the day after treatment.
[0088] In FIG. 2 a cross section along line AA according to FIG. 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the treatment section 14 has two opposed edges 24 and 26 which are connected to each other by a circular arc in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. The edges 24 and 26 are rounded slightly and have no sharp edges, because the tissue to be treated is stroked with the edges 24 and 26 of the treatment section 14. Treatment with an edge that is too sharp would be perceived as painful by the patient and could even cause injury. A radius of 2 mm to 8 mm as the minimum radius of curvature at the edges 24 and 26 has proved to be advantageous. The edges are preferably essentially or completely parallel to a longitudinal axis ii of the tissue treatment stick. At least in the area of edge 24 the treatment section 14 is preferably made of wood, partly because wood is perceived by the patient as comfortable. In addition, wood is a lightweight, highly efficient material that shows no fatigue during extended use, even if it is acted upon hundreds of hours with vibration.
[0089] The edge 26 can be used in the treatment section 14, and consists in a further embodiment preferably of a rubber-elastic material. This rubber-elastic material is much softer than the wood on edge 24. Therefore, edge is 26 particularly suitable for the treatment of regions that have little connective tissue or muscle mass. For example, the Achilles tendon or the region around the knee can be treated well by using the edge 26.
[0090] In FIG. 2, the means for generating vibrations 18 are shown. The curved arrow (unnumbered) is intended to indicate the circumferential unbalance of a vibration motor.
[0091] FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a treatment section 14 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the treatment section 14 is in the manner of a trochoid, and has three edges 24, 26 and 28. The edges 24 and 26 can be formed just as explained with reference to FIG. 2.
[0092] The third edge 28 may, for example, be formed as a exchangeable edge made from a rubber-elastic material and additionally have a plurality of ribs 30, which make the edge 28 even softer and more flexible.
[0093] In FIGS. 2 and 3 an embodiment is indicated by arrows 34, in which the treatment section 14 is brought into oscillating movement, wherein said oscillating movement has a direction which, starting from a center point M of the treatment section 14 is directed radially outward to one or in the case of FIG. 2 toward both edges 24 and 26 respectively.
[0094] If an oscillating motion is imparted on the treatment section 14, then a maximum depth effect of the treatment is achieved with minimal energy input. It is particularly advantageous in this case if two edges 24, 26 are arranged opposite to each other, because then by simply turning the tissue treatment stick 10 according to the invention by 180° the desired edge 24 or 26 can be used. In this case it is not necessary to change the direction of the oscillating movement.
[0095] The situation is different in the embodiment according to FIG. 3. In this embodiment, if a directed oscillating movement 34 is imparted on the treatment section 14, then it is recommended that if this direction, starting from the center M radially outwards, can be directed to either one of the edges 24, 26 or 28. This can easily be achieved by the treatment section 14 being rotated relative to the handles and the means for generating a directed unbalance 18 by 120° when another edge is to be used.
[0096] In FIGS. 4 to 8 various further alternative embodiments of a tissue treatment stick 10 according to the invention are shown, each with a sectional view through a body section 28 to be treated of a user.
[0097] FIG. 4 shows a completely straight stick 10 having two handles 12 and a treatment section 14 extending in between.
[0098] In FIG. 5 the treatment section 14 is located on a central axis 36 except for a central section 30. The handles 12 are also located on the axis 36. The central section 30 is curved and is formed concave with respect to a body section 28, in this case a thigh.
[0099] In FIG. 6 the treatment section 14 is located, except for a central section 30, on two axes 36, which span an angle 38. The handles 12 are also located each on one of the axes 36. The central section 30 is curved and is with respect to a body section 28, in this case a back region, formed convex.
[0100] In FIG. 7 the entirely curved treatment section 14 is no longer on the axis 36 but arches relative to a body section 28.
[0101] In FIG. 8 the symmetrically formed treatment section is curved in a central section curved opposed to the central curved section 30 at both its end sections. The handles 12 are substantially bent with respect to the treatment section 14. This treatment stick is suitable for the treatment of a coccyx or back region shown as body section 28.
[0102] FIGS. 9 and 10 show further embodiments of a treatment stick 10, in this case having only one handle 12. The front side 39 opposite handle 10 is shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 in various configurations, which should not be interpreted as limiting. The treatment stick bends with its end section 40 having a front side 39 in FIG. 9 by an angle 42 of approximately 90 degrees. In FIG. 10 the end section is bent in an angle of 180 degrees. With such treatment sticks, treatment of the back can take place without the treatment stick having to be positioned over across the shoulder. In the straight treatment section adjacent to handle 12 the treatment sticks 2 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 have edges running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the treatment stick, which are not shown here.
[0103] FIGS. 11 to 13 are views on front sides 39 of end sections, as discussed in FIGS. 9 and 10. In Figure ii views A and B each show a side view and view C shows a top view on a front side 39, which in this case is formed as projecting from an oval base.
[0104] FIG. 12 shows a top view with view A and a side view with view B on the frusto-conical end of the end section 40 of a treatment stick according to FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0105] FIG. 13 further shows a part-spherical front side 38 of end section 40 according to FIGS. 9 and 10, wherein view A shows a side view and view B shows a top view of the front side 39.
[0106] In the case of the embodiments of a tissue treatment stick 10 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a rotation function is present, with which parts of the treatment stick 10 can be rotated against each other about a rotational axis 46, in order to achieve via two joints 44 different pitch angles of the treatment section 14 relative to two handles 12 and thereby allow successful treatment for hard to reach places, such as the back region. Furthermore, the treatment stick 10 can be folded by such, particularly lockable in several angles, joints 44 in a compact manner, for example, to allow for easier transport or travel or for small-scale storage of the treatment stick, as shown in FIG. 15 at the bottom.
[0107] FIG. 16 shows a detail of a sectional view through a treatment stick, namely a coating with a plastic material 48 having nano-silver particles on a treatment section 14. As is known, by way of this the adhesion of pathogens, particularly to the treatment section 14, can be made more difficult or prevented entirely.
[0108] FIGS. 17 and 18 show different arrangements of vibrating units in the form of two or three vibration motors 18 within a treatment stick. In FIG. 17 a symmetrical arrangement of the vibration motors 18 is shown and in FIG. 18 a non-symmetrical arrangement of the vibration motors 18 is shown, wherein three vibration motors are located on the side of the tissue treatment stick 10 shown here to the right.
[0109] FIG. 19 shows an arrangement of a translucent section within a treatment section 14 of a treatment stick 10. The translucent section is made of plastic material and extends only over part of the treatment section 14. A light source not shown here emits UV light through the translucent section 50.
[0110] FIGS. 20 and 21 show in different views a further arrangement of a translucent section 50 within a treatment section 14 of a treatment stick 10. The translucent section is formed of glass material and extends almost entirely along the treatment section 14 and forms part of said treatment section. An edge 24 is formed by the glass material used. A light source 52 emits infrared light through the translucent section 50.
[0111] FIGS. 22 and 23 each show an arrangement of a heating unit 54 in the form of a known heat conductor underneath an edge 24 within a treatment stick 10. In FIG. 22, the heat conductor is placed in a designated passage opening and in FIG. 23 an insulation 56 of the heat conductor is located directly on a protective layer 58 of lacquer and forms an edge 24 with said layer.
[0112] FIG. 24 shows a treatment stick 10 which is connected by a USB connector 60 to a hand-held device 62 in the form of a smartphone. The USB connector 60 allows not only for transmission of data but also charging of an accumulator existing in the treatment in stick 10 not shown here.
[0113] In FIG. 25 a treatment stick 10 communicates via a hand-held device 62 with an Internet cloud 164. For this purpose, a communication interface 166 is provided in the form of a WLAN connection.
[0114] FIG. 26 shows a further treatment stick 10 with an on both sides completely rounded edge 24. The edge 24 itself has in the center of the stick (section C-C′) a radius of 7 mm and in an end area (section B-B′) has a smaller radius of about 2 mm and/or has at the end (section A-A′) no edge radius differing from the radius of the treatment stick. The radius reduction is linear on both sides starting from the center (section C-C′).
[0115] FIG. 27 shows another treatment stick 10 with a partially oval cross-section having an on both sides completely rounded edge 24. The edge 24 itself has in the center of the stick (section C-C′) a radius of 25 mm and thus transitions into the basic shape of cross-section of the stick. In one end section (section B-B′) the edge has a smaller radius of about 3 mm. The radius reduction is linear on both sides starting from the center (section C-C′).
[0116] FIG. 28 shows various edge shapes in a sectional view, therein the edge 24 forms a projection in view A, in views B, C and D the edge 24 has a radius of 8, 4 and 2 mm.
[0117] FIGS. 29 to 31 show different cross-sections of a treatment a stick 10.
[0118] In FIG. 29 different radii in a section of a tissue treatment stick are shown in a sectional view, namely two edges-forming radii 64 of 2 mm, a radius 66 of 20 mm, a radius 68 of 9.5 mm and a radius 70 of 100 mm. The treatment stick has a height 72 of 18.2 m and a width 74 of 28.8 mm.
[0119] In FIG. 30 different radii in a section of an alternative tissue treatment stick 10 having disposed therein a vibration motor 18 are shown in a sectional view, namely edge-forming radii 64 of 2 mm, a radius 66 of 35 mm and a radius 70 of 177 mm. The treatment stick has a height 72 of 32 mm and a width 74 of 52 mm.
[0120] In FIG. 31 different radii in a section of a further tissue treatment stick 10 having disposed therein a vibration motor 18 are shown in a sectional view, namely edge-forming radii 64 of 4 mm, a radius 66 of 39 mm and a radius 70 of 194 mm. The treatment stick has a height 72 of 35 mm and a width 74 of 57 mm.
[0121] In general it may be preferred to define an edge or an edge-forming radius as follows:
[0122] An edge-forming radius or an edge has a cross-sectional radius smaller by at least a factor of 3, preferably at least a factor of 5, more preferably at least a factor of 10, more preferably at least a factor of 15, than any radius of two sections directly adjacent to the edge-forming radius or directly adjacent to the edge.
[0123] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29 radius 64 of 6.66 mm is by definition still to be regarded as an edge-forming radius or as an edge 24, because the section adjacent to it has as smallest radius of 20 mm. The definition can yet be limited as follows: The smallest radius of a section adjacent to an edge-forming radius is always greater than 15 mm.
[0124] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a treatment stick 10 having two handles 12 in the form of covers and a treatment section 14. A steel tube 76 is insertable into an opening 78 of the treatment section 14. Into the steel tube 76 are insertable the grips 80, a locking device 82, an eccentric unit 84 for producing the vibration movement, a vibration motor 18, a motor mount 86. On the right side a battery holder 88 with a plug-in contact 90 is also shown, which can be slid into or stuck through the grip 80 shown to the right. On either side of the treatment stick 10 a cover 92 is shown with bracket 94, wherein an actuating device 96 is disposed in one of the covers 92. By means of the actuating device 96, the motor 18 of the treatment stick can be turned on and off. Finally, a power supply unit 98 and a USB connector 60 for power supply or for recharging a battery of the treatment stick 10 is shown.
[0125] FIG. 33 is an isometric view of a treatment stick according to FIG. 33, wherein in addition a USB socket 102 is shown, with which the power supply unit 98 or other devices can be connected.
[0126] FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a treatment stick according to FIG. 33 and FIG. 35 shows a sectional view of an alternative treatment stick 10 which tapers from the outside inwards.
[0127] While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0128] 10 tissue treatment stick [0129] 12 handle [0130] 14 treatment section [0131] 16 arrow [0132] 18 vibrations [0133] 18 vibration motor [0134] 20 receptacles [0135] 22 cover [0136] 24 edge [0137] 26 edge [0138] 28 edge [0139] 30 ribs [0140] 32 force measuring devices [0141] 34 movement [0142] 36 axis [0143] 38 angle [0144] 39 front side [0145] 40 end section [0146] 42 angle [0147] 44 joint [0148] 46 axis of rotation [0149] 48 plastic material [0150] 50 section [0151] 52 light source [0152] 54 heating unit [0153] 56 insulation [0154] 58 protective layer [0155] 60 USB connector [0156] 62 hand-held device [0157] 64-70 radius [0158] 72 height [0159] 74 width [0160] 76 steel tube [0161] 78 opening [0162] 80 grips [0163] 82 locking device [0164] 84 eccentric unit [0165] 86 motor mount [0166] 88 battery holder [0167] 90 plug-in contact [0168] 92 cover [0169] 94 bracket [0170] 96 actuating device [0171] 68 power supply unit [0172] 102 USB socket [0173] 164 internet cloud [0174] 166 communication interface
