Vibrator apparatus for use in physical treatment

Abstract

A vibrator apparatus includes a moving coil, which is rigidly attached to a member, e.g. a frame or beam, of a vibration device. The moving coil is for an elected vibration mode of the apparatus configured to receiving electric signals, e.g. pulsating and/or sinusoidal electric signals, from a signal unit. The moving coil co-operates with a permanent magnet, which is suspended by springs attached to the member, and the coil and the magnet are mutually linearly and coaxially movable upon application of electric signals to the moving coil. An actual distance of movement being part of a distance between extreme positions and being less than the axial length of the moving coil. The springs are located at a distance from a respective axial end portion of the permanent magnet.

Claims

1. A vibrator apparatus in a vibration device for physical treatment usage comprising: a coil which is configured to rigidly attach to a member of the vibration device, the coil being configured to receive electric signals from a signal unit, and a permanent magnet suspended by springy elements which are configured to attach to said member and is movable relative to the member, wherein the coil and the permanent magnet are co-axially aligned, and wherein the permanent magnet is linearly and coaxially mutually movable relative to the coil between extreme positions being farthest away from the coil and between extreme positions being closest to the coil upon application of said electric signals to the coil, and an actual distance of movement for the permanent magnet, relative to the coil, is less than axial length of the coil, wherein the springy elements which provide tensioning and suspension of the permanent magnet relative to said member are provided by using a pair of springs located at a distance from a respective axial end portion of the permanent magnet, wherein a central part of each spring is configured to be rigidly connected to the member, wherein from each central part there extends a spring material face which at its radially outer edge region is rigidly linked to said respective axial end portion of the permanent magnet, and wherein the spring material face at its outer edge region is fixedly linked to the respective axial end portion of the permanent magnet at least at three locations having a space therebetween by respective spacers.

2. The vibrator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer edge region is made rigid by means of at least one ring which is linked with the respective axial end portion of the permanent magnet via said respective spacers.

3. The vibrator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the central part of each spring is rigidly attached to a shaft which extends through an axial, central channel in the permanent magnet, and axially and centrally through the coil, and wherein the shaft at its ends is configured to rigidly attach to said member of the vibration device.

4. The vibrator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of springs are made from a non-magnetic material.

5. The vibrator apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the non-magnetic material is phosphorous bronze.

6. A vibrator device comprising the vibrator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator apparatus is located inside a housing or cover of the vibration device.

7. The vibrator device according to claim 6, wherein ends of said member of the vibration device comprise a plurality of studs configured to engage a pair of hanging ropes.

8. The vibrator device according to claim 6, wherein an inertia induced by a weight of the permanent magnet is substantially larger than an inertia induced by a combined weight of the coil and the member of the vibration device.

9. The vibrator device according to claim 6, wherein said signal unit is configured to deliver to the coil said electric signals as at least one of pulsating and sinusoidal signals.

10. The vibrator device according to claim 9, wherein said electric signals provided from the signal unit are at least partly of a stochastically selected value or a stochastically varying value.

11. The vibrator device according to claim 6, wherein said member of the vibration device is a frame or beam.

12. A vibrator in a vibration device for physical treatment usage comprising: a coil which is configured to rigidly attach to a member of the vibration device, the coil being configured to receive electric signals from a signal unit, and a permanent magnet suspended by springy elements which are configured to attach to said member and is movable relative to the member, wherein the coil and the permanent magnet are co-axially aligned, and wherein the permanent magnet is linearly and coaxially mutually movable relative to the coil between extreme positions being farthest away from the coil and between extreme positions being closest to the coil upon application of said electric signals to the coil, and an actual distance of movement for the permanent magnet, relative to the coil, is less than axial length of the coil, wherein the springy elements which provide tensioning and suspension of the permanent magnet relative to said member are provided by using a pair of springs located at a distance from a respective axial end portion of the permanent magnet, wherein a central part of each spring is configured to be rigidly connected to the member, wherein from each central part there extends a spring material face which at its radially outer edge region is rigidly linked to said respective axial end portion of the permanent magnet, and wherein the spring material face has wavy regions with circular ridges and valleys alternately in radial direction and being co-axial with a center on the central part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a simplified principle block schematic of a vibration equipment, where the vibrator apparatus, according to the invention, is included.

(2) FIG. 2 shows in a sketch manner a solution for controlling the vibrator apparatus, e.g. when included in vibration equipment, such as a vibration beam or frame which is selectable attachable to a pair of ropes, or such as a vibration frame.

(3) FIGS. 3 and 4 show non-limiting usages of the vibrator apparatus with a vibration device housing or cover suspended by and extending between two depending ropes.

(4) FIG. 5 illustrates remote control option and position shifting of a vibration device which includes the vibrator apparatus, according to the invention.

(5) FIGS. 6a and 6b show known vibration equipment, according to the previous invention by the applicant, as shown inter alia in US 2010/0063426-A1, as seen in front view and from above, respectively.

(6) FIG. 7 is a principle sketch of the novel vibrator apparatus, according to the invention, which is included in the vibration device.

(7) FIG. 8 shows as an example a configuration of a suspension spring which the vibrator apparatus has a pair of, according to the invention.

(8) FIG. 9 shows as an example a configuration of an alternative suspension spring, relative to the spring of FIG. 8, and which the vibrator apparatus has a pair of, according to the invention.

(9) FIG. 10 shows section X-X on FIG. 9.

(10) FIG. 11 illustrates use of a peripheral supportive ring for use with the suspension spring shown on FIG. 9.

(11) FIG. 12 shows an inside view of the vibration device, without a protective housing installed, with the novel vibrator apparatus mounted on a vibration frame or beam, and with the use of suspension springs as shown on either FIG. 8 or FIG. 9.

(12) FIG. 13 shows the vibrator apparatus viewed from one side and with suspension springs of a type shown on FIG. 8.

(13) FIG. 14 shows the vibrator apparatus in perspective view, viewed from the moving coil side of the apparatus, and with suspension springs of the type shown on FIG. 8.

(14) FIG. 15 shows an enlarged view of the vibrator apparatus shown on FIG. 12 and with suspension springs of the type shown on FIG. 8.

(15) FIG. 16 shows the vibrator apparatus viewed from the permanent magnet side of the apparatus and with suspension springs of the type shown on FIG. 8.

(16) FIG. 17 shows the moving coil part of the vibrator apparatus viewed from one side and with a suspension spring of the type shown on FIG. 8 or 9.

(17) FIG. 18 shows the moving coil part of the vibrator apparatus in a perspective view and with a suspension spring of the type shown on FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(18) As mentioned in the introduction, it is through the inventive ideas and testing thereof found that the concept on which the present invention is based and that by using the novel type of vibrator apparatus provides possibility for improved results of treatment of ailments which are not easily cured by means of known medication, surgery and/or traditional physiotherapeutic treatment. As mentioned, some ailments are treatable in a god manner using method and equipment of Redcord Neurac, as inter alia disclosed in US 2010/0063426-A1.

(19) The present invention has as outset been tested with particularly good and from medical view highly interesting and sensational results by using vibration equipment in the form of a vibration device 1 which is suspended between a pair of ropes 2, 3 extending from a training/exercise apparatus 4 known as Redcord Trainer by means of which the length of the ropes depending therefrom is easily adjustable. The ropes 2, 3 may lowermost end in e.g. gripping straps 5, 6 as shown on FIG. 3 or be attached by means of gripping pieces 7 to a sling 8 via sling straps 8, as shown on FIG. 4.

(20) Even though the invention in an embodiment is specifically referred to in using the vibration beam together with a pair of ropes, it will be appreciated that the invention is in no way limited to such a use, and that another type of equipment to transfer vibrations to a human being or an animal using the means which the invention are directed to, will lie within the scope of the invention, and which an expert in the art through guidance from the invention may put to practice. Although the invention is in particular described in connection with the use of a vibration beam, it is of course possible to use the vibrator apparatus in a different manner, e.g. installed in a vibration frame.

(21) The vibration device 1 is attachable to the ropes 2, 3 in releasable manner through use of gripping devices 9, 10. In a currently preferred embodiment of the gripping devices they each consist of three locking studs 9, 9, 9 and 10, 10, 10 which the ropes are passed by in a wavy pattern and thereby attaches the vibration device 1 to the ropes 2, 3. This is shown in a somewhat enlarged view on FIGS. 6a and 6b. In this manner, the vibration beam 1 may be attached at a required location along the length of the ropes, so that there is a specific distance L from a base 11; 11 on which a person 12 rests, e.g. on a bench for treatment. The chosen distance L will also be decisive for the fraction of vibration energy, from the vibration device 1 and transferred to the ropes 2, 3, which will reach the person 12. The larger the value of L, the lesser the energy transfer.

(22) As shown on FIG. 6a, the vibration device 1 has a housing or cover 1 and inside it there is located, as previously known from US 2010/0063426-A1, a vibrator apparatus which consists of three vibrators in the form of electric motors 13, 14, 15 which are configured via their respective rotary drive shaft to move associated rotary, eccentrically supported weights 13, 13; 14, 14; 15, 15. An on/off switch 16 for a cable 17 of power supply is located on the housing or cover 1. The vibration device 1 may e.g. be provided with display panels 18, 20 which in the known embodiment shows e.g. frequency and duration, respectively, and where election options are controlled by selection buttons 19, 21.

(23) Intensity settings can e.g. be controlled by means of a selection button 22 which may also control how many of the vibrators inside the housing of the vibration beam are to operate simultaneously. These display panels and selection buttons are in the context of the present invention only examples, as it is possible to visualize that the display panels instead show the selected operation modes, e.g. selected from the selection options: a1, a2; b1, b2; c1, c2; d1, d2; e1, e2; f1, f2; g; h, and that it will be sufficient with one display panel 24, e.g. of touch screen type, as indicated as an example on FIG. 2. Corresponding display panel may of course be present on a member 1 of the vibration device 1, the member e.g. being a vibration frame or vibration beam 1 (FIG. 12), although not shown on that drawing figure. FIG. 12 shows as an example the vibration frame or vibration beam 1 without a surrounding protective housing or cover 1 (see FIG. 2). However, in practical use and to avoid any body injury to an operator or user, and to protect the vibrator apparatus from damages, such protective housing or cover 1 should be installed on the vibration frame or beam 1.

(24) If the vibration device 1 provides possibility for remote control from a remote control unit 23, the remote control unit may have a display 23 displaying the selected vibration modes. Whether these chosen vibration modes are shown in clear-text, graphics or in codes is immaterial relative to the contents of the invention. Transfer of control signals from the remote control unit 23 to the vibrator in the vibration device 1 will normally take place through use of cable due to a relative large power requirement, but it will also be possible with wireless signal transfer if the vibration device is equipped with sufficient battery capacity.

(25) Alternatively, the remote control 23 may, instead of a customized device, e.g. consist of a PC, a laptop, a network-pad or a smart-phone. The advantage thereof is a simpler up-grading of software which is to control the vibrator apparatus. This aspect will be further described in connection with the attached FIG. 2.

(26) As shown on FIG. 1 there is provided a signal unit 25, e.g. consisting of a signal processor and a power amplifier. A power amplifier is normally required to provide sufficient signal power to the vibrator apparatus, irrespective of whether the vibrator apparatus is of traditional type as shown and explained in connection with FIGS. 6a and 6b, or of a novel type as shown and explained in connection with FIGS. 7-18.

(27) On FIG. 2 there is shown a variant of the solution on FIG. 5, where the vibration device 1 is suspended between a pair of ropes 2, 3 and is supplied with control signals via a signal cable 26 from a signal unit 25 which contains a signal generator, power amplifier and safety electronics, and where the signal unit has a power supply module which is connected to a mains plug 27 via a power cable 28. A smart-phone, an internet-pad or a PC or other data processing equipment serves suitably as a remote control unit 29 and may communicate with the signal unit 25 in wireless 30 fashion (e.g. via Bluetooth) or via cable.

(28) The advantage of the solution on FIG. 5 is that all control of the vibration device 1 is from the remote control unit 29 to the signal unit 25, and without a requirement that there is to be present within the housing 1 (e.g. a cover) of the vibration device 1 other means than the vibrator apparatus 34 of the moving coil type attached to a frame 1 or beam 1 inside the housing 1. It is thus not necessary to have any electronics, display etc. located inside or on the housing 1 of the vibration apparatus, yielding that this device becomes simpler and cheaper, simultaneously with avoiding that such electronic equipment is exposed to frequent vibrations.

(29) There is on FIG. 2 shown a non-limiting example of use for operational mode, where the reference numerals 31, 32 denote single frequencies with indication of signal strength and 33 denotes frequency range of stochastic noise with indication of signal strength.

(30) Frequency spectra can be set by pulling up, by means of a forefinger on a display on the unit 29, desirable frequencies to a required signal strength, 100% being maximum. It will also be possible to select many independent frequencies each having individual signal strength. If the stochastic noise (white noise) is to be superimposed the fixed frequencies, this can be elected by e.g. using two fingers on the display to indicated the frequency range (band-pass filtered) and then pull this field up to required signal strength.

(31) The previously mentioned possible operational modes a1, a2; b1, b2; c1, c2; d1, d2; e1, e2; f1, f2; g; h and combinations thereof will therefore be able to form at least part of the possible applications that may be established on the unit 29.

(32) It will be appreciated that with an intention to offer provision of complex vibration patterns to a vibration equipment, a traditional vibrator apparatus as e.g. known from US 2010/0063426-A1 may have limitations as regards vibration dynamics, and also upon need for vibrations where the strength or intensity is to be varied, while e.g. vibration frequency varies/vibrations frequencies vary. In many cases, such a prior art vibration device may be functional for a selection of desirable of possible operational modes, but not necessarily where multiple or certain operational modes are to be present simultaneously.

(33) Because it is intended with a vibrator apparatus of the present invention to provide vibration of stochastic type with at least one frequency, at least one amplitude and at least one defined vibration cycle as parameters, at least one of the parameters having a parameter value which is selected from one of: stochastically selected value and stochastically varying value, there have to be set strong requirements on the capability of such a vibrator apparatus to handle composite vibration control signals in an efficient, simple and cheap manner, while taking care of vibration dynamics in an excellent manner.

(34) As an example of what requirements that will have to be set to such a vibrator apparatus, it is set as a pre-condition that it inter alia must be able to react in a satisfactory manner to the signal control from the vibration control signal unit 25 to the vibrator apparatus when the signal control exhibits one property feature, i.e. one operational mode, from at least two of the following features a)-c): a) a1) causing current vibration frequency to be elected selectively or arbitrarily from the vibration range 10-150 Hz, or a2) electing at least two mutually different vibration frequencies from the range 10-150 Hz to selectively or arbitrarily appear simultaneously, b) b1) causing duration of the vibration to vary arbitrarily from 0.5 to 10 seconds, preferably 0.5-5 seconds, or b2) causing duration of the vibration to vary arbitrarily in constant intervals of elected duration from 0.5 to 10 seconds, preferably 0.5-5 seconds, c) c1) causing the intervals between the vibrations to vary arbitrarily from 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 1-5 seconds, or c2) causing the intervals between the vibrations to vary in a predetermined manner from 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 1-5 seconds.

(35) When the signal control comprises at least feature a1), the signal unit 25 may in addition, according to an elected, supplementary operational mode d1), cause the vibration delivered by the vibrator apparatus to jump as regards duration or frequency and to be superimposed on or be co-operative with stochastic noise.

(36) When the signal control comprises at least feature a2), the signal unit 25 may in addition, according to an elected, supplementary operational mode d2), cause the vibrations delivered by the vibration apparatus and having different frequencies to jump as regards duration or frequency/frequencies and to be superimposed on or be co-operative with stochastic noise.

(37) When the signal control comprises at least feature a1), the signal unit 25 may in addition, according to an elected, supplementary operational mode e1), cause the vibration strength of selectively or stochastically elected frequency delivered by the vibrator apparatus to be changed from vibration interval to vibration interval.

(38) When the signal control comprises at least feature a2), the signal unit 25 may in addition, according to an elected, supplementary operational mode e2), cause the vibration strength or respective vibration strength of the selectively or stochastically elected frequencies delivered by the vibration apparatus, to be changed from vibration interval to vibration interval.

(39) When the signal control exhibits at least feature a1), the signal unit 25 may in addition, upon an elected, supplementary operational mode f1), cause the vibration strength of selectively or stochastically elected frequency delivered by the vibration apparatus to be changed steadily or stochastically during the course of a vibration interval.

(40) When the signal control exhibits at least feature a2), the signal unit 25 may in addition, upon an elected, supplementary operational mode f2), cause the vibration strength or respective vibration strength of the selectively or stochastically elected frequencies delivered from the vibrator apparatus, to be changed steadily or stochastically during the course of a vibration interval.

(41) Within the scope of the present invention, there is the possibility that the signal unit 25, according to any elected operational mode(s), upon election of another supplementary operational mode g) may cause that the vibration apparatus delivers, stochastically or at predetermined different times, vibration stimuli or vibration stimuli in co-operation with stochastic noise.

(42) There is also a possibility, within the scope and concepts of the invention, to let the signal unit 25, according to any elected operational mode(s), upon election of another supplementary operational mode h), cause the vibration of stochastic type delivered by the vibrator apparatus to co-operate with a vibration having a constant low frequency in the range 5-60 Hz, preferably 10-20 Hz.

(43) Based on these considerations with regard to high requirements to vibration dynamics to be placed on a vibrator apparatus, there is thus provided through the invention a novel, low-cost vibrator apparatus being technically simple and robust in its structure, both mechanically and electrically.

(44) Details of the novel vibrator apparatus are now to be further described with reference to FIGS. 7-18.

(45) FIG. 7 shows a principle sketch of the novel vibrator apparatus 34, shown without being installed on a vibration frame or vibration beam 1 (see FIG. 12). The vibrator apparatus 34 is in principle a moving coil mechanism consisting inter alia of a moving coil 35 in interaction with a permanent magnet 48. The moving coil 35 has connection wires 36 and which may be further connected to a signal cable 26, see FIGS. 1 and 2, or the cable 17 as shown on FIGS. 3-6 serving here as a signal power cable. The moving coil 35 is in the shown embodiment fixedly attached to a shaft 37 which at least at its end regions 37, 37 has threads. The moving coil 35 has an end piece 35 which can be fixedly attached to the shaft 37 by means of nuts 38, 39. The nut 38 could instead possibly be a sleeve which is unitary with the end piece 35.

(46) The shaft 37 extends through an axial, central channel 48 of a permanent magnet 48 and axially through the moving coil 35, and the shaft 37 may at its extreme ends, i.e. at its end regions 37, 37, be fixedly attached to fittings 40, 41 by means of nuts 42, 43 and 44, 45. The fittings 40, 41 are in turn attachable to the frame or beam 1 by means of e.g. screws 46, 47 (see FIG. 12) or rivets.

(47) In addition, the vibrator apparatus consists of the permanent magnet 48 which at its axial end regions 48, 48 is connected to a flat suspension spring 49, 50 with legs (see FIGS. 7, 8 and 12-18) or a substantially flat, circular disc shaped spring 93; 94 (see FIGS. 7 and 9-12). The spring is e.g. made from phosphorus bronze, i.e. a non-magnetic material.

(48) Further details of the springs 49, 50 will appear from FIG. 8. In a currently preferred, but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the spring 49; 50 has an approximately triangular, central portion 51 with an attachment hole 52 for engagement with the shaft 37 through use of attachment nuts 53, 54 at the end region 37 and the nut 39 and a nut 55 at the end region 37. Each of the springs 49, 50 has in the shown embodiment three legs 56, 57, 58 which extend with at least a part of its length from a respective corner region 59, 60, 61 on the central portion 51 and along a respective side 51, 51, 51 of the central, triangular portion 51. It will be noticed that the corner regions have both a curved inside and outside, which is important feature to reduce stress regions which otherwise could result in fractures due to fatigue.

(49) At the free end region of each leg 56, 57, 58 there is provided a respective hole 56, 57, 58 which is configured for engagement with a respective one of rod shaped, threaded spacers 62, 63, 81; 68, 69, 82 being attached in the permanent magnet 48 through use of e.g. attachment nut or adhesive.

(50) On FIG. 7 there is shown how e.g. the legs 57, 58 via the respective hole 57, 58 enter into such engagement with the rod shaped, threaded spacers 62, 63 as regards the spring 49 and are attached onto the spacers by means of nuts 64, 65 and 66, 67, respectively. In a corresponding manner for the spring 50 it is shown how e.g. the legs 57, 58 via the respective hole 57, 58 enter into engagement with rod shaped, threaded spacers 68, 69 and are attached to the spacers by means of nuts 70, 71 and 72, 73, respectively.

(51) It will be appreciated that all three spacers 62, 63, 81 and 68, 69, 82 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) are to be used, and that the hole 56 on the leg 56 of the springs 49, 50 will engage the spacers 81, 82 respectively and be attached thereto by means of nuts. A similar approach applies for the springs 93, 94 and their engagement with said respective spacers via holes 96 on these springs, as will be explained in connection with FIGS. 7 and 9-12.

(52) As mentioned before, the respective spacers 62, 63, 81 and 68, 69, 82 are attached in the permanent magnet 48, and for the spacers 62, 63, 68, 69 shown on e.g. FIG. 7 this preferably takes place in threaded holes 73, 74, 75, 76, respectively. In the currently preferred embodiment there is used tensioning nuts 77, 78, 79, 80 to secure stable thread engagement in these holes. Alternatively there could be used an adhesive to secure thread engagement. Similar approach will of course apply for the spacers 81, 82.

(53) Spacer for engagement with hole 56 on the leg 56, and attachment nuts in this connection are for sake of clarity not shown on FIG. 7, as the shaft 37 and the attachment nuts located thereon have been given priority of illustration. However, the attachment of the springs 49, 50 clearly appears inter alia on FIGS. 13-16 and will be more closely commented on in that context.

(54) It is of course possible to visualize that the springs 49, 50 may have a different appearance, e.g. with differently located legs, or with e.g. four legs instead of three. However, the embodiment on FIG. 8, i.e. with three legs, has according to tests proved to provide a simple and stable structure safeguarding good radial stability, simultaneously with providing intended flexibility in axial direction. It is thereby obtained optimal operational possibilities for the mutual co-operation between the moving coil 35 and the permanent magnet 48 with the purpose to provide both simple and complex vibration patterns. The moving coil 35 obtains, through the permanent magnet 48 using such suspension springs 49, 50, an extremely stable, radial relation to the permanent magnet 48 when there is a mutual reciprocating movement axially between the moving coil 35 which is fixedly attached to the beam or frame 1 and the permanent magnet 48 which is suspended on the beam or frame 1.

(55) There is on FIG. 12 shown how the vibrator apparatus 34 may be installed on the beam or frame 1. The permanent magnet 48 may preferably have larger mass (i.e. weight) than the beam or frame 1, and in order to obtain this the beam or frame should be made as lightweight as possible through choice of suitable material and by removing material which does not affect the rigidity and structural strength of the beam or frame 1,e.g. by using holes 84, 85, 86, 87 therein. Such a configuration will essentially imply that the magnet 48 will have an inertia substantially larger than the combined inertia of the coil 35 and the beam or frame 1, resulting in that upon application of an electric signal to the coil 35, the coil 35 and the frame or beam 1 will move more easily than the much heavier magnet 48.

(56) On FIGS. 13-16 appear inter alia said spacers 81, 82 which can be used to connect the leg 56 on the spring 49, 50 by means of attachment nuts, e.g. 82, 83 for the spring 50, in the same manner as shown and described for the spring legs 57, 58.

(57) A further and brief description of the moving coil 35 will now appear with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

(58) Connecting wires 36 to the moving coil 35 are connected to coil windings 88 via a respective wire terminal 36 and coil wires 88, 88. The moving coil 35 has its end piece 35 fixedly attached to a sleeve 35 about which the coil windings 88 have been wound. Vents 35 are located in the sleeve 35 to ventilate away pressure build-up inside the sleeve 35 when the moving coil 35 moves relative to cavity 48 in the permanent magnet 48.

(59) A spring type being an alternative to that shown on FIGS. 7, 8 and 12-18 is shown on FIGS. 7 and 9-12. An optionally useable stiffening ring 98 for an outer edge region 96 of a spring 93; 94 appears from FIG. 11.

(60) In this alternative solution the spring tensioning of the permanent magnet 48 relative to the frame 1 or beam 1 takes place by using the spring 93; 94 located at a distance from a respective end of the permanent magnet 48. As shown and described in connection with the spring-type 49; 50 as shown on FIG. 8, a central portion 95 of each spring 93; 94 is rigidly attached to the frame in the same manner as shown and explained for the embodiment shown on FIG. 8. This implies that the shaft 37 extends through a centrically located hole 95 in the spring 93; 94. From the central portion 95 there extends a spring material face 96 which at its outer edge region 96 via holes 96 can be rigidly connected with a respective end portion of the permanent magnet 48 via at least three spacers 62, 63, 81 and 68, 69, 82, respectively and associated attachment nuts, as shown and explained in connection with the previously described type of spring 49; 50.

(61) The spring material face 96 has wavy regions 97 with circular ridges 97 and valleys 97 alternately in radial direction and being coaxial with the center hole 95 on the central portion 95.

(62) The outer edge region 96 may optionally be made stiffer using at least one ring 98 which thereby can also be connected with the axial end portions of the permanent magnet 48 via holes 98 on the ring 98 and said spacers 62, 63, 81 and 68, 69, 82, respectively, with associated attachment nuts. Optionally, the outer edge region 96 and the ring 98 may be attached to each other along one surface of the ring, e.g. by using adhesive, soldering or riveting. Although not shown on the drawings there may optionally be located such a ring against either face of the outer edge region 96.

(63) Also for this alternative embodiment of the spring 93; 94, the central portion of each spring is rigidly attached to the shaft 37 in the same manner as described for the spring 49; 50, and where the shaft 37 extends through an axial, central channel 48 in the permanent magnet 48 and axially and centrically through the moving coil 35, the shaft 37 at its ends being rigidly attached to the frame or beam 1, as previously described.

(64) As explained for the spring 49; 50, it is of advantage that the spring 93; 94 is preferably made from a non-magnetic material, e.g. phosphorous bonze, and where the ridges 97 and valleys 97 have been created through use of e.g. a press die process.

(65) The permanent magnet 48 is also movable relative to the beam or frame 1 and is thus configured to co-operate with the moving coil 35 which is non-movable relative to the beam or frame 1, and the permanent magnet 48 which in this manner is supported to be axially movable, and radially non-movable, will thereby move linearly and coaxially relative to the moving coil 35 between extreme positions 89, 90 for the end of the permanent magnet 48 which is farthest away from the moving coil 35 and between extreme positions 91, 92 for the end of the permanent magnet 48 which is closest to the moving coil 35. The distance D1 between the positions 89, 90 and the distance D2 between the positions 91, 92 are equal, which implies that a real distance of movement for the permanent magnet 48, relative to the beam or frame 1 and the coil 35, is part of the distance between the extreme positions 89 and 92, is less than the axial length of the moving coil 88, and in reality D1=D2, i.e. so far as the springs 49, 50; 93, 94 permit axial movements of the permanent magnet 48 relative to the moving coil 35. As indicated above, due to the permanent magnet 48 having much larger weight and thereby much larger inertia than those of the combination of the coil 35 and the beam or frame 1, there is a mutual movement of the magnet 48 and the combination of the coil 35 and the beam or frame 1, however yielding that said combination moves more easily than the permanent magnet 48.

(66) The advantage of this novel embodiment of the vibrator apparatus of the moving coil type, irrespective of electing the spring type as shown on FIG. 8 or the spring type as shown on FIGS. 9 and 10, is that it allows for vibrations having complex wave shapes, e.g. randomized noise. Similarly, it will be simple to superimpose high frequency signal onto low frequency sinusoidal movements, e.g. either regular signal or randomized signals of the type of band filtered white noise. In addition it will be easy to vary intensity (signal strength) without changing the vibration pattern. This implies that for a vibration device which is e.g. to act on a pair of ropes which lowermost are gripped by a user or engage body part(s) of the user, the adjustment of vibration strength or intensity is not dependent on having to move the vibration device up or down along the ropes to a desired location of attachment thereat. In some cases it may, however, due to other or specific reasons be desirable to adjust the distance between the vibration device and the user, as e.g. indicated on FIGS. 3 and 5, although this is not to be construed as a limiting aspect of the invention.

(67) With limited hi-fi quality, the vibrator apparatus is also capable of reproducing music and/or speech in connection with or together with vibrations having complex waveforms or other signals as indicated above.

(68) If the shaft 37 and/or each of the spacers 62, 63, 81; 68, 69, 82 has a rod part and only threads at either end, and where the rod part optionally has a larger diameter than the diameter of the threads, and the diameter of the hole(s) 52; 56, 57, 58 or 95; 96 through which the threaded part is to pass, it may be possible to avoid a fixing nut on the side of the springs which faces the permanent magnet 48.

(69) As shown on FIG. 1, there are present multiple vibration options, all dependent on the type of treatment which is to be performed to obtain a best possible and optimal result of treatment. For a particular patient it may be realistic using not only one type of treatment as regards vibration mode, but rather successive treatments of different type.

(70) As mentioned in the introduction it is important that the vibration equipment, i.e. the vibration beam 1, the ropes 2, 3 and the straps 5, 6 or the sling 8, 8 as in the example, are configured to interact with at least one body part of a human being or animal. When the body part in this manner interacts with the vibration equipment and is subject to vibration, there is present a possibility to stimulate the body function.

(71) As shown and explained in connection with FIG. 5 it is there indicated that the remote control unit 23 may, as an alternative to a customized apparatus, e.g. consist of a PC, a lap-top, an internet pad or a smartphone which communicates with the vibration device/vibration equipment 1. It may be visualized that there may be a direct communication between the remote control unit and the vibrator apparatus in the equipment 1.

(72) The advantage of using said alternatives instead of a customized device is that there may be provided a large number of user applications, so-called app's, where the most actual ones thereof may be present as different, fixed set-ups and which are adapted to different protocols of treatment. Such applications will in a quality control manner be downloadable by the users of the vibrator apparatus via the internet from an applications supplier, e.g. Redcord AS, or be delivered in a different manner.

(73) It will be appreciated that in using a device according to the invention, it is possible to apply to a body part stochastically or at predetermined different times, vibration stimulants or vibration stimulants in co-operation with stochastic noise.

(74) However, the device may also be configured to apply simultaneously to a plurality of body parts stochastically or at predetermined different times, vibration stimulants or vibration stimulants in co-operation with stochastic noise.

(75) Further, it has been uncovered that best treatment effects are obtainable if the device is configured to deliver said application of vibration to the body part(s) in question when the body part(s) being subjected to static or dynamic loading.

(76) Even though the invention has been shown and described in relationship to usage with a vibration equipment or device 1 configured to influence a pair of ropes, it is within the scope of the invention to be able to influence one or more body parts through using the vibrator apparatus with vibration equipment or device of another type than that shown and described here.