DRY MASSAGE DEVICE

Abstract

A dry massage device includes a main chamber having an inlet configured to enable fluid to enter the main chamber, and an outlet configured to enable fluid to exit the main chamber. The main chamber has a surface for contacting the patient. The device is configured such that the direction of the fluid entering the main chamber, relative to the surface for contacting the patient, is changeable by the user whilst the surface for contacting the patient remains substantially stationary relative to the patient.

Claims

1.-31. (canceled)

32. A dry massage device comprising: a main chamber, wherein the main chamber comprises a fluid inlet configured to enable fluid to enter the main chamber, and a fluid outlet configured to enable fluid to exit the main chamber; the main chamber having a surface for contacting a patient, wherein the device is configured such that a direction of the fluid entering the main chamber, relative to the surface for contacting the patient, is changeable by the user whilst said surface for contacting the patient remains substantially stationary relative to the patient.

33. The device according to claim 32 wherein, in use, the fluid inlet is moveable relative to the surface for contacting the patient, whilst said surface for contacting the patient is in substantially stationary contact with the patient.

34. The device according to claim 32 wherein, in use, the fluid inlet is moveable in a plane that is substantially parallel to the surface for contacting the patient, whilst said surface for contacting the patient is in stationary contact with the patient.

35. The device according to claim 34 wherein the fluid inlet is moveable in a direction tangential to the plane parallel to the surface for contacting the patient.

36. The device according to claim 32 wherein the fluid inlet comprises an inlet nozzle, wherein said inlet nozzle is movable within the main chamber.

37. The device according to claim 36 wherein the fluid inlet is configured such that the distance from the fluid inlet nozzle to the surface for contacting the patient is variable, and wherein the inlet nozzle is coupled to the main chamber by a set of rollers and/or a flexible seal.

38. The device according to claim 32 wherein the main chamber comprises a wall comprising a flexible membrane.

39. The device according to claim 38 wherein, in use, said flexible membrane provides the surface for contacting the patient, and wherein the flexible membrane is conformable to substantially a shape of a portion of the patient with which the flexible membrane is engaged.

40. The device according to claim 32 further comprising a pump system for supplying fluid to the fluid inlet.

41. The device according to claim 40 wherein fluid exiting the main chamber by the fluid outlet is recirculated via the pump system back into the main chamber via the fluid inlet.

42. The device according to claim 32 wherein the main chamber comprises a relatively rigid portion and a relatively flexible portion, wherein the relatively rigid portion comprises the fluid inlet and/or the fluid outlet.

43. The device according to claim 32 further comprising one or more inflatable support members, and wherein the one or more inflatable support members are directly connected to an outer wall of the main chamber, or an inner or outer surface of the main chamber.

44. The device according to claim 43, wherein each inflatable support member is in fluid communication with the main chamber.

45. The device according to claim 44, wherein the one or more inflatable support members comprise a first opening at a first end, and a second opening at a second, distal end, wherein the first opening and second opening are in fluid communication with the main chamber.

46. The device according to claim 43, wherein the one or more inflatable support member comprises a generally tubular member.

47. A method of performing a dry massage comprising the steps of providing the device according to claim 32, placing the device on a portion of the patient to be treated, and massaging the patient.

48. A method of performing a dry massage on a patient, comprising the steps of: a. positioning a dry massage device comprising a main fluid chamber onto an area of the patient to be massaged, b. at least partially filling the main chamber with fluid through an inlet, c. varying a direction of the fluid entering the main chamber in order to massage the patient whilst the surface of the main chamber in contact with the patient remains substantially stationary.

49. The method according to claim 48 further comprising the step of moving the fluid inlet relative to the surface in contact with the patient, whilst said surface remains in substantially stationary contact with the patient.

50. A dry massage device comprising: a main chamber, which comprises an inlet configured to direct fluid entering the main chamber in a direction towards a surface of the main chamber in contact with a patient, and a fluid outlet configured to enable fluid to exit the main chamber, wherein the fluid exiting the main chamber via the fluid outlet is recirculated via a fluid pump system back into the main chamber through the inlet.

51. A method for performing a dry massage comprising the step of using the device according to claim 50 to perform a massage.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0113] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0114] FIG. 1 shows a dry massage device according to the invention.

[0115] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a dry massage device including means to adjust the penetration depth of an inlet nozzle according to the present invention.

[0116] FIG. 3 (a & b) show moving the fluid inlet in relation to the surface for contacting the patient to change the area being massaged, according to the present invention.

[0117] FIG. 4 shows a dry massage device operatively connected to a fluid pump system according to the present invention.

[0118] FIG. 5 shows a dry massage device having a dual-walled main chamber configuration.

[0119] FIG. 6 (a-e) show a dry massage device having one or more inflatable support members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0120] With reference to FIG. 1, the invention provides a dry massage device comprising a main chamber 1. The main chamber 1 comprises an inlet 2 through which fluid can enter the main chamber. The main chamber 1 further comprises an outlet 3 through which fluid can exit the main chamber. The main chamber 1 further comprises a surface for contacting the patient 4, which in the illustrated example is in contact with a patient 5, in particular a portion of the patient's leg. In this example the direction of the fluid entering the main chamber 6 can be varied by the user altering the angle of the fluid inlet nozzle 7 with respect to the surface for contacting the patient. Thus, the direction of the fluid entering the main chamber can be varied, whilst the surface for contacting the patient 4 remains substantially stationary in relation to the patient 5.

[0121] Typically, the fluid is a liquid, typically a liquid comprising water (e.g. an aqueous solution). In embodiments the water may comprise an anti-freeze agent which lowers the freezing point of the aqueous solution. Examples of suitable anti-freeze include methanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0122] The fluid entering the chamber is typically provided under pressure from a pump system in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The pump system typically provides the fluid at a pressure of from about 50 kPa (0.5 bar) to about 150 kPa (1.5 bar). Typically, the pressure of the bulk of the fluid in the chamber is at approximately atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, the rate of fluid (by weight) that exits the main chamber via the fluid outlet is substantially the same as the rate at which water enters the via the fluid inlet.

[0123] Typically, the dry massage system including the pump system is, in use, a closed system. Typically, the fluid exiting the main chamber via the fluid outlet is recycled via the pump system to fluid inlet and back into the chamber. This enables the dry massage system to be used in wider variety of locations. For instance, remote from a water source, on a hospital ward, or even in a patient's home.

[0124] In the illustrated example, the main chamber has a single-walled configuration composed of two portions, a relatively rigid portion 8, which comprise a metallic material and/or a relatively rigid polymer, and a relatively flexible membrane 9. The relatively flexible membrane may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic, a rubber, or an elastomer. Silicone-based elastomeric membranes are particularly preferred. As illustrated, the relatively rigid portion 8 may comprise the fluid inlet 2 and the fluid outlet 3. Typically, the relatively rigid portion is intended to provide structural support to the main chamber and to facilitate variation of the direction the fluid entering the main chamber by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 4 for contacting the patient 5 is located on the outside of the relatively flexible membrane. In use, the fluid jet entering the chamber is directed towards the reverse-side of the portion of the flexible membrane comprising the surface in contact with the patient.

[0125] Typically, the relatively flexible membrane has a thickness of from about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

[0126] In use, the direction of the fluid entering the main chamber 6 can be manipulated by the user. Typically, the fluid is directed towards the reverse side of the wall of the main chamber contacting the patient 4. Thus, the pressure of the fluid jet let leaving the fluid inlet is communicated to the patient 5 in a massaging effect. The direction of the fluid entering the main chamber 6 can be changed by the user in order to vary the region of the surface for contacting the patient 4 that the fluid is directed towards, whilst the surface remains in substantially stationary contact with the patient. Advantageously, this allows a larger area of the patient to be massaged without having to move the main chamber.

[0127] For the purpose of the invention, stationary means that the surface for contacting the patient 4 does not appreciably move in relation to the patient 5.

[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the main chamber 1 has a single-walled configuration and comprises a relatively flexible membrane 9, which when in contact with the patient 5 flexes to conform to the shape of the portion of the patient with which it is in contact. In this example, the depth of the fluid inlet nozzle 7 within the main chamber 1 can be changed by the user, by inserting or retracting the fluid inlet nozzle 7 into/from the main chamber 1 in a longitudinal direction. This action increases or decreases, respectively, the distance between the fluid inlet nozzle and the surface for contacting the patient 4. By changing this distance, the pressure applied by the fluid on the inside surface of the main chamber 1 may be increased or decreased, and hence increases or decreases the vigour of the massage applied to the patient.

[0129] In the exemplified system, an integrated handle 10 is coupled to the main chamber 1. This enables the user to more easily manipulate the position of the main chamber in relation to the patient. The integrated handle 10 comprises the fluid outlet through which fluid may exit the main chamber 1. In some embodiments (not shown), the integrated handle may comprise a plurality of fluid outlets, for example two, positioned at the regions where the integrated handle 10 meets the relatively rigid portion 8, through which fluid may exit the main chamber 1.

[0130] With reference to FIG. 3 (a), the main chamber 1 is positioned on the patient 5. Fluid enters the main chamber 1 through the fluid inlet 2 under pressure from a pump system (not shown). The fluid entering the main chamber 6 is directed towards the internal surface of the portion of the flexible membrane 9, in this instance the surface for contacting the patient 4. The fluid pressure is communicated to the patient via the flexible membrane 7 delivering a massaging effect. The fluid exits the main chamber through the fluid outlet 3 positioned in the rigid portion 8 for recycling via the pump system (not shown). The relatively-rigid portion 8 further comprises an integrated handle 10.

[0131] FIG. 3 (b) shows that the position of the fluid inlet 2 has been moved in direction (C). As the rigid portion moves in direction (C), the flexible membrane 9 rolls across the patient; however, the surface that is in contact with the patient 4 remains in constant contact with the patient 5 and substantially stationary relative to the patient 5. As a result of the repositioning of the fluid inlet 2 relative to the patient, the fluid entering the main chamber 6 is directed towards a different portion of the internal surface of the flexible membrane 9 and thus a different area of the patient 4. Advantageously, this allows the user to change the area of the patient 5 that is being massaged without having to slide the main chamber across the patient's skin.

[0132] FIG. 4 illustrates the main chamber 1 connected to a fluid pump system 13. The fluid enters the main chamber 1 through the fluid inlet 2 in the rigid portion 8 of the main chamber 1. The illustrated system is a closed system when in use, although it may be drained and refilled for transportation and storage purposes. The main chamber, inlet and outlet are those illustrated in FIG. 3(a) and are numbered accordingly.

[0133] After exiting the main chamber 1 through the fluid outlet 3, the fluid is drawn along a first pipe 14 that is connected at one end to the fluid outlet 3 and at a second end to a fluid pump system 13. The fluid is then pumped under pressure by the fluid pump system 13 through a second pipe 15 which is at one end connected to the fluid pump system 13 and at a second end to the fluid inlet nozzle 7. Thus, the fluid is recirculated.

[0134] FIG. 5 illustrates a main chamber 1 with a dual-walled configuration. The main chamber 1 comprises an inner wall 19 that is relatively elastic, substantially surrounded by an outer wall 16 that is relatively inelastic. Both the inner wall (19) and outer wall (16) are flexible. The outer wall 16 comprises attachment means 17, the attachment means 17 having struts 18 connecting to the relatively rigid portion 8 of the device. The attachment means 17 also act as a handle for manipulating the device.

[0135] FIG. 6 (a-e) illustrate various views and embodiments wherein the main chamber 1 comprises inflatable support members 20. In these embodiments the inflatable support members 20 are generally tubular members 21.

[0136] FIG. 6a illustrates a top-down view of a main chamber 1, wherein the inflatable support members 20 comprise four generally tubular members 21. The generally tubular members 21 have a first end adjacent to the pump inlet, and a second end adjacent to the surface for contacting the patient 5. In this embodiment, the fluid entering the main chamber 1 is not directly entering the generally tubular members 21. Accordingly, the inflatable support members are not providing increased structural rigidity to the main chamber 1.

[0137] FIG. 6b shows a side-view of the device of FIG. 6a. It can be seen that the fluid entering the main chamber 1 is not directed into the generally tubular members 21. Accordingly, there is no localised pressure increase in the generally tubular members 21, maximising the surface area of the surface for contacting the patient 5. In this configuration, the user has maximum freedom to manipulate the fluid inlet nozzle 23 to direct the fluid onto the entire area of the surface for contacting the patient 5.

[0138] The fluid inlet nozzle 23 is inserted through a relatively rigid portion 24 of the main chamber 1. The fluid inlet nozzle 23 and/or the entire relatively rigid portion 24 are movable substantially towards and away from the surface for contacting the patient. This is indicated by direction arrow 25. By moving the fluid inlet nozzle 23 and/or the relatively rigid portion 24, the strength of the massage may be varied by the user.

[0139] FIGS. 6c and 6d show the device of FIGS. 6a and 6b, from top-down and side views, wherein fluid is directed into the generally tubular members 21. It can be seen that the fluid entering the generally tubular members 21 creates a localised pressure increase in the inflatable support members 20. This reduces the area of the surface for contacting the patient 22, but makes the device more manually maneuverable for the user.

[0140] The fluid inlet nozzle 23 is inserted through a relatively rigid portion 24 of the main chamber 1. The fluid inlet nozzle 23 and/or the entire relatively rigid portion 24 are movable substantially towards and away from the surface for contacting the patient. By moving the fluid inlet nozzle 23 and/or the relatively rigid portion 24, the strength of the massage may be varied by the user.

[0141] FIG. 6e shows a device comprising inflatable support members 20 with a different configuration of generally tubular members 21. Accordingly, this changes the shape of the main chamber such that it is longer and narrower than those of, for example FIGS. 6a-d. This enables the shape of the device to be tailored to providing massage for a specific region of the body.

[0142] It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims as interpreted under patent law.