Abstract
The present invention provides a massaging device having two opposite massaging surfaces for massaging human body. A heating unit is encapsulated inside a casing, and the casing includes two parts that are releasably connected to each other, each part having a truncated shape of oblate spheroid. The invention exhibits numerous technical merits such as simpler but robust structure, improved manufacturability, and capability of maintaining warm temperature for longer period of time, among others.
Claims
1. A massaging device having two opposite massaging surfaces for massaging human body, comprising a casing and a heating unit encapsulated inside the casing, wherein the casing comprising a first part including a truncated shape of a first oblate spheroid and a second part including a truncated shape of a second oblate spheroid, wherein the truncated shape of the first oblate spheroid is formed by cutting away a portion of the first oblate spheroid along a plane perpendicular to a minor axis of the first oblate spheroid, and wherein the truncated shape of the second oblate spheroid is formed by cutting away a portion of the second oblate spheroid along a plane perpendicular to a minor axis of the second oblate spheroid.
2. The massaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first oblate spheroid and the second oblate spheroid are the same.
3. The massaging device according to claim 2, wherein for both the first oblate spheroid and the second oblate spheroid, the length along their major axis is at least 2 times longer than the length along their minor axis.
4. The massaging device according to claim 3, wherein the portion of the first oblate spheroid that has been cut away is less than half of the first oblate spheroid, and wherein the portion of the second oblate spheroid that has been cut away is less than half of the first oblate spheroid.
5. The massaging device according to claim 4, wherein the portion of the first oblate spheroid that has been cut away equals to the portion of the second oblate spheroid that has been cut away.
6. The massaging device according to claim 5 wherein the casing further comprises a middle part located between said first part and said second part, and wherein said first part connects to said second part through the middle part.
7. The massaging device according to claim 6, wherein the middle part has a shape of right circular cylinder
8. The massaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first part has a top central recess for enclosing the heating unit, and a female circular threaded wall at an upper portion of said top central recess, wherein said upper portion is proximal to the plane along which the first oblate spheroid is cut; wherein the second part has a bottom central recess for enclosing the heating unit, and a male circular threaded embankment extending around said bottom central recess, wherein said male circular threaded embankment is screwed into said female circular threaded wall, and wherein a groove is built transversely across a wall of the bottom central recess and said male circular threaded embankment.
9. The massaging device according to claim 8, wherein the heating unit is a water bag, and the massaging device further comprises a connecting double-canal water tube, a one-way water pump, and a precision temperature hot water reservoir equipped with a thermostat; wherein the groove admits the water tube; wherein said water bag is stored inside said top central recess and bottom central recess; wherein said connecting double-canal water tube connects to said water bag at one end and one free end to be merged into said precision temperature hot water reservoir; and wherein said water pump is installed in a middle portion of said double-canal water tube.
10. The massaging device according to claim 8, wherein the heating unit is an electric heating pad, and the massaging device further comprises one electric cord, one thermostat, and one plug; wherein the groove admits the electric cord; wherein said electric heating pad is stored inside said'top central recess and bottom central recess; wherein said electric cord connects said electric heating pad at one end and connects said plug at the other end; and wherein said thermostat is installed at a middle portion of said electric cord
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements in the same figure. All the figures are schematic and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures and discussed below have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Well-known structures and devices are shown in simplified form, omitted, or merely suggested, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal central section of a massage and heat applicator containing a removable heating unit in the prior art.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a similar longitudinal section on a line at right angles to that of FIG. 1 in the prior art.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the removable heating unit detached from the massage and heat applicator in the prior art.
[0022] FIG. 4 a fragmentary sectional view of the massage and heat applicator provided with a combined heating coil and thermostat in the prior art.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the thermal pillow apparatus in the prior art.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an isolated schematic view of a pillow element of the thermal pillow apparatus of FIG. 5 in the prior art.
[0025] FIG. 7A is a sectional view of a pillow element of the thermal pillow apparatus of FIG. 5 in the prior art.
[0026] FIG. 7B is a sectional view of another pillow element of the thermal pillow apparatus of FIG. 5 in the prior art.
[0027] FIG. 8 shows an axial section of a stroking-massage apparatus in the prior art on a plane.
[0028] FIG. 9 shows an axial section of the stroking-massage apparatus in FIG. 8 on a plane perpendicular to that in FIG. 8 in the prior art.
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates some massaging devices in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
[0030] FIG. 11 demonstrates the definition of a truncated shape of oblate spheroid in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a constant hot temperature flat massage ball which is heated by a hot water bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of components of constant hot temperature flat massage ball which is heated by a hot water bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of constant hot temperature flat massage ball which is heated by an electric heating pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of components of constant hot temperature flat massage ball which is heated by an electric heating pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement.
[0036] Where a numerical range is disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified, such range is continuous, inclusive of both the minimum and maximum values of the range as well as every value between such minimum and maximum values. Still further, where a range refers to integers, only the integers from the minimum value to and including the maximum value of such range are included. In addition, where multiple ranges are provided to describe a feature or characteristic, such ranges can be combined.
[0037] The massaging devices in FIG. 10 include two opposite massaging surfaces (a first massaging surface and a second massaging surface) for massaging a human body. When one of the two massaging surfaces is not as warm as desired, the user can flip the massaging device and use the other massaging surface on the human body. The user can keep flipping the massaging device as shown in FIG. 10 back and forth as many times as he/she wants.
[0038] The massaging devices in FIG. 10 include a casing and a heating unit encapsulated inside the casing The casing comprising a first part, a second part, and an optional middle part. A portion of or the entire, first part has a truncated shape of a first oblate spheroid. A portion of, or the entire, second part has a truncated shape of a second oblate spheroid.
[0039] The so-called truncated shape is explained with reference to FIG. 11 A spheroid, or ellipsoid of revolution, is a quadric surface obtained by rotating an ellipse about one of its principal axes. If the ellipse is rotated about its major axis, the result is a prolate (elongated) spheroid, shaped like an American football or rugby ball. If the ellipse is rotated about its minor axis, the result is an oblate (flattened) spheroid, shaped like a lentil, such as the first/second oblate spheroid as shown in FIG. 11. The truncated shape of the first oblate spheroid is formed by cutting away a portion of the first oblate spheroid along a plane perpendicular to a minor axis of the first oblate spheroid. The truncated shape of the second oblate spheroid is formed by cutting away a portion of the second oblate spheroid along a plane perpendicular to a minor axis of the second oblate spheroid.
[0040] The first oblate spheroid and the second oblate spheroid may have same size and shape (i.e. they are identical); alternatively they may have different size and shape. There is no specific limitation on the aspect ratio of the two oblate spheroids. For both the first oblate spheroid and the second oblate spheroid, the length along their major axis may be independently of each other at least 2 times longer than the length along their minor axis, for example 2-10 times longer or 3-8 times longer. Referring back to FIG. 11, the portion of the first oblate spheroid that has been cut away may be 5-95% (e.g. 45%, 50% or 55%) of the first oblate spheroid by volume. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the first oblate spheroid that has been cut away is less than half (<50%) of the first oblate spheroid by volume. The portion of the second oblate spheroid that has been cut away may be 5-95% (e.g. 45%, 50% or 55%) of the second oblate spheroid by volume. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the second oblate spheroid that has been cut away is less than half (<50%) of the second oblate spheroid by volume.
[0041] In an embodiment, the first oblate spheroid and the second oblate spheroid have the same size and shape (i.e they are identical), and the portion of the first oblate spheroid that has been cut away equals to the portion of the second oblate spheroid that has been cut away
[0042] Referring back to FIG. 10, the casing may further comprise a middle part located between the first part and the second part. There is no specific restriction on the size and shape of middle part, for example, the middle part may have a shape of right circular cylinder. For example, when (1) the first oblate spheroid and the second oblate spheroid have the same size and shape (i.e. they are identical), and (2) the portion of the first oblate spheroid that has been cut away equals to the portion of the second oblate spheroid that has been cut away, the middle part may have a shape of right circular cylinder with a diameter that equals to the diameter of the cross sectional circular face formed after a portion of the first/second oblate spheroid has been cut away. There are no specific limitations on the height of the right circular cylinder (or thickness of the middle part). The height may be for example 1-10 mm.
[0043] In exemplary embodiments as shown in FIGS. 12-15, the first part 15 of the massaging device has a top central recess 18 for enclosing the heating unit 19/31, and a female circular threaded wall 30 at an upper portion of the top central recess 18. The upper portion is proximal to the plane along which the first oblate spheroid is cut. The second part 16 of the massaging device has a bottom central recess 17 for enclosing the heating unit 19/31, and a male circular threaded embankment 29 extending around the bottom central recess 17. The male circular threaded embankment 29 is screwed into the female circular threaded wall 30. An opening or a groove 28 is built transversely across a wall of the bottom central recess 17 and the male circular threaded embankment 29.
[0044] In specific embodiments, the heating unit 19/31 may be a water bag 19, and the massaging device further comprises a connecting double-canal water tube, a one-way water pump, and a precision temperature hot water reservoir equipped with a thermostat. The groove 28 admits the water tube, and the water bag is stored inside the top central recess 18 and bottom central recess 17. The connecting double-canal water tube connects to the water bag at one end and one free end to be merged into the precision temperature hot water reservoir The water pump is installed in a middle portion of the double-canal water tube. Alternatively, the heating unit 19/31 may be an electric heating pad 31, and the massaging device further comprises one electric cord, one thermostat, and one plug. Similarly, the groove 28 admits the electric cord, and the electric heating pad is stored inside the top central recess 18 and bottom central recess 17 The electric cord connects the electric heating pad at one end and connects the plug at the other end. The thermostat is installed at a middle portion of the electric cord.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 12-15 for more details, the massaging device 11 in FIG. 12 includes a first part and a second part, both of which together constitute a constant hot temperature flat massage ball which shapes like a massage stone. The device 11 is heated by a heating unit such as a hot water bag, and device 11 is abbreviated as flat massage ball-HWB hereinafter. Components with reference number 12 of FIG. 13 are some components of flat massage ball-HWB 11. Similarly, the massaging device 13 in FIG. 14 is a constant hot temperature flat massage ball which shapes like a massage stone and is heated by an electric heating pad, and device 13 is abbreviate as flat massage ball-EHP hereinafter Components with reference number 14 of FIG. 15 are some components of flat massage ball-EHP 13.
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 12-15 for more details, the first part 15 (or top shell-shaped receptacle 15) in FIGS. 12-15 includes a top shell-shaped receptacle of flat massager ball-HWB 11 and flat massage ball-EHP 13. The second part 16 (or bottom shell-shaped receptacle 16) in FIGS. 12-15 includes a bottom shell-shaped receptacle of massage flat ball-WHB and massage flat ball-EHP 13. Top shell-shaped receptacle 15 and bottom shell-shaped receptacle 16 can be made of gold or silver or copper or steel or aluminum or ceramic materials.
[0047] Component with reference number 17 in FIGS. 13 and 15 refers to a central recess of bottom shell-shaped receptacle 16. Component with reference number 18 is central recess of top shell-shaped receptacle 15. Component with reference number 19 of FIG. 13 is hot water bag. Hot water bag 19 is stored inside central recess 18 and central recess 17. Component with reference number 20 of FIGS. 12 and 13 is a water tube. Component with reference number 21 of FIGS. 12 and 13 is inward water tube of water tube 20. Component with reference number 22 of FIGS. 12 and 13 is outward water tube of water tube 20. Water tube 20 contains inward water tube 21 and outward water tube 22. Component with reference number 23 of FIG. 13 is canal of inward water tube 21. Component with reference number 24 of FIG. 13 is canal of outward water tube 22. Component with reference number 25 in FIGS. 12 and 13 is one-way water pump. Component with reference number 26 in FIG. 12 is precision temperature water reservoir. Component with reference number 27 in FIG. 12 is thermostat which is preferably adjusted at 100 to 104 degree Fahrenheit. Component with reference number 28 in FIGS. 12-15 is a groove of bottom shell-shaped receptacle 16. Groove 28 can admit water tube 20. Component with reference number 29 in FIGS. 13 and 15 is male threaded circular embankment of bottom shell-shaped receptacle 16. Male threaded circular embankment 29 is built around the central recess 17 as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15. Component with reference number 30 of in FIGS. 13 and 15 is female threaded circular wall. Female threaded circular wall 30 is built at upper portion of central recess 18. Male threaded circular embankment 29 can screw snugly and tightly into female threaded circular wall 30. When water pump 25 is turned on, it pumps hot water from precision temperature water reservoir 26 trough inward water tube 21 into hot water bag 19 rand then the cooler water returns from water bag 19 through outward water tube 22 into precision temperature hot water reservoir 26 to be reheated. Hot water bag 19 transmits heat to top shell-shaped receptacle 15 and bottom shell-shaped receptacle 16 to keep them at a constant hot temperature. The thermostat 25 is preferably adjusted at 100 to 104 degree Fahrenheit If hotter water temperature or lower temperature is desired the thermostat 27 of precision temperature water reservoir 26 can be adjusted to a desired higher temperature or lower temperature. Number 31 of FIG. 15 is an electric heating pad. Number 32 in FIGS. 14 and 15 is an electric cord. Number 33 in FIGS. 14 and 15 is a thermostat. Number 34 in FIGS. 14 and 15 is an electric plug. Electric heating pad 31 is stored inside central recess 17 and central recess 18. Electric cord 32 can pass through groove 28. After electric plug 34 is plugged in wall socket and the thermostat 33 is set at e.g. 100 degree Fahrenheit, the electric heating pad 31 starts to heat to reach a temperature of 100 degree Fahrenheit and transmits heat to top shell-shaped receptacle 15 and bottom shell-shaped receptacle 16 to keep them at a constant hot temperature at around 100 degree Fahrenheit.
[0048] The embodiments as shown in FIGS. 12-15 provide a constant hot temperature flat massage ball. The ball includes one top shell-shaped receptacle, one bottom shell-shaped receptacle and a central heating unit which is either a hot water bag, or an electric heating pad. The constant hot temperature flat massage ball is constantly heated by hat water bag or heating pad. Therefore, it can be used for continuously massage with massage body cream or lotion without interruption.
[0049] In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 12-15, the top shell-shaped receptacle has a central recess to store the heating unit and a circular female threaded wall at the upper portion of central recess. The bottom shell-shaped receptacle also has a central recess to store the heating unit, a circular male threaded embankment above the central recess to screw into the above-mentioned circular female threaded wall and a groove which is built transversely across its wall and the above-mentioned male threaded embankment to admit the above mentioned circulating water tube and electric cord. The water bag of the above-mentioned central heating unit is heated by hot water, which is pre-heated to 100 to 104 degree Fahrenheit controlled by a thermostat in precision temperature hot water reservoir, through the circulating water tube pumped by a water pump. The central electric heating pad has a thermostat which is preferably adjusted at 100 to 104 degree Fahrenheit. The constant hot temperature flat massage ball is constantly heated by hat water bag or heating pad. Therefore, it can be used for continuously massage with massage body cream or lotion without interruption.
[0050] The presently invented constant hot temperature flat massage ball is kept at a constantly hot temperature either by a hot water bag or an electric heating pad at a fixed hot temperature, about 100 to 104 degree Fahrenheit. The conventional massage stones have to be removed after cooling off in two minutes and replaced by other heated massage stones.
[0051] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicant to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.
