Selectable, configurable and interchangeable massage tool head system for percussion massage devices

Abstract

A selectable impact tip system for use with a percussion massager includes multiple flexible and interchangeable massage tips having variable internal geometries. The variable internal geometries of the flexible and interchangeable tips cause different impact forces during use when used with the reciprocating piston and the removable and hollow shaft of the percussion massager.

Claims

1. A percussion massager attachment tool comprising: an enclosure including a reciprocating piston; and a removable and hollow shaft; a first flexible tip having an outer dome shape securely, but removably, connected to a first end of the removable and hollow shaft, wherein when secured to the first end of the removable and hollow shaft, a first inner geometry of the flexible tip forms an air gap having a first height, H.sub.1, between an inside of the flexible tip and the first end of the removable and hollow shaft when a second end of the removable and hollow shaft is secured to the enclosure and the reciprocating piston is in a first state of operation; and further wherein when the reciprocating piston is in a second state of operation the air gap has a second height, H.sub.2, resulting from flexure of the first flexible tip, where H.sub.2<H.sub.1 and air is transferred from the air gap through the removable and hollow shaft and is discharged from the percussion massager attachment tool via one or more channels in the removable and hollow shaft capable of discharging air at a second end of the enclosure, the percussion massager attachment tool with the first flexible tip providing a first impact force range.

2. The percussion massager attachment tool of claim 1, wherein the flexible tip is formed of rubber or an elastomeric material.

3. The percussion massager attachment tool of claim 1, wherein when the reciprocating piston is in a third state of operation the air gap has a third height, H.sub.3=0 and air is transferred from the air gap through the removable and hollow shaft and is discharged from the percussion massager attachment tool via one or more vents at a second end of the enclosure.

4. The percussion massager attachment tool of claim 1, wherein the outer dome shape of the flexible tip flattens during the second and third states of operation responsive to impacting tissue of a user.

5. The percussion massager attachment tool of claim 1, wherein the first flexible tip is removable and replaceable.

6. The percussion massager attachment tool of claim 5, wherein a second flexible tip is secured to the first end of the removable and hollow shaft, the second flexible tip having a predetermined shape and a second inner geometry, and wherein the percussion massager attachment tool with the second flexible tip provides a second impact force range.

7. The percussion massage attachment tool of claim 6, wherein the first flexible tip has a first durometer value and second flexible tip is secured to the first end of the removable and hollow shaft, the second flexible tip having a same predetermined shape and a same first inner geometry as the first flexible tip, but the second flexible tip has a second durometer value wherein the percussion massager attachment tool with the second flexible tip provides a second impact force range.

8. The percussion massage attachment tool of claim 1, wherein the first flexible tip includes a transparent portion, wherein the air gap is visible during use of the percussion massage attachment tool.

9. A percussion massager attachment tool comprising: an enclosure including a reciprocating piston; a removable and hollow shaft; a first flexible tip securely, but removably, connected to a first end of the removable and hollow shaft, wherein when secured to the first end of the removable and hollow shaft, the flexible tip forms an air gap having height H between an inner wall of the flexible tip and the first end of the removable and hollow shaft when a second end of the removable and hollow shaft is secured to the enclosure and the reciprocating piston is in a first state of operation, wherein air is transferred from the air gap through the removable and hollow shaft and is discharged from the percussion massager attachment tool via one or more channels in the removable and hollow shaft capable of discharging air at a second end of the enclosure; and further comprising an adjustable screw passing through the removable and hollow shaft, wherein a user can vary a space S between an end of the screw and the inner wall of the first flexible tip by turning the screw, wherein S can be adjusted from 0≤S≤H.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.

(2) FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate a first low impact tool configuration in accordance with a first embodiment described herein;

(3) FIGS. 1c, 1d and 1e illustrate impact stages of the tip and tissue for the tool configuration of FIGS. 1a and 1b in accordance with a first embodiment described herein;

(4) FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate a second low impact tool configuration in accordance with a first embodiment described herein;

(5) FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate a third low impact tool configuration in accordance with a first embodiment described herein;

(6) FIGS. 3d and 3e illustrate the third low impact tool configuration in a first open spring state (FIG. 3b) and a second closed spring state (FIG. 3c);

(7) FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate a third low impact tool configuration having a roller tip in accordance with a first embodiment described herein;

(8) FIGS. 4d and 4e illustrate the third low impact tool configuration having a roller tip in a first open spring state (FIG. 4b) and a second closed spring state (FIG. 4c);

(9) FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d illustrate an exemplary tool set for use with a percussion massage device, wherein each individual tool is marked to identify impact range to the user;

(10) FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a first low impact tool configuration in accordance with a first embodiment described herein having an alternative tool tip;

(11) FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a third embodiment tool head wherein a first low impact tool configuration in accordance with a first embodiment described herein has an alternative tool tip;

(12) FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate a fourth embodiment tool head wherein a first low impact tool configuration in accordance with a first embodiment described herein has an alternative tool head;

(13) FIGS. 8c, 8d and 8e illustrate a fifth embodiment tool head wherein a second low impact tool configuration in accordance with a first embodiment described herein has the alternative tool head of FIGS. 8a and 8b;

(14) FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c illustrate a fifth embodiment tool head wherein a tool head is inflatable;

(15) FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d illustrate the tool head of the fifth embodiment at various PSI of inflation;

(16) FIG. 11 is an exemplary graph illustrating impact force (Joules) required to achieve tool tip compression (mm) for different tip designs during use with a percussion massage device. wherein the tip durometer is the same across;

(17) FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d illustrate different tool configurations with a cone tip; and

(18) FIGS. 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d illustrate different tool configurations with a paddle tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) A dynamic response analysis in an elastic collision teaches us that objects involved remain separate, where the total kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. This means that the colliding objects bounce off one another with no energy loss as a result of the collision. In the case of percussion massage tips, the interaction with the body is a “nearly elastic collision” because some kinetic energy is lost in heat, sound, and internal energy allowing the body tissue to wave as a result. In the present embodiments, total momentum is conserved and the total kinetic energy is not conserved. The collision is considered to be elastic because the tip, which is deformed during collision, and the body tissue, also deformed during collision, both return to their original state after the collision. Also relevant is the concept of shock loading which refers to a sudden and drastic increase of load similar to a hammering effect. The net force is equal to the derivative of momentum as a function of time defining impact as a change in momentum, represented by the change in the response velocity of the tool head tip of the absorbing device and human tissue.

(20) The typical percussion massager attachment tip uses one or more materials or components which affect the force of impact in two important ways, i.e. through shock absorption and energy absorption. Shock absorption involves the attenuation of harmful impact forces. A percussion massager attachment tip with high shock absorbing and reverberation characteristics thus can provide a more beneficial massager therapy experience, assuming other mechanical aspects are not compromised. Absorption of energy may be considered the general soaking up of both impact and useful propulsive forces. Thus, a percussion massager attachment tip with high energy absorbing and reverberation characteristics has relatively lower resiliency, which generally does not return as much of the energy placed into the tip at soft tissue impact. Furthermore, high absorbing and reverberation tips can also produce a continuation or extended massage stroke length creating a secondary impact. This results in a continuing effect or repercussion. Conversely, a percussion massage tip with low energy absorbing characteristics has relatively higher resiliency, and generally returns more of the energy placed into a tip at soft tissue impact.

(21) Rubber or elastomeric materials are widely used for shock absorbers having elastic and viscous properties such as high inherent damping, deflection capacity, and energy storage. By definition damping properties of rubber is fulfilled for a system with kinematic excitation based on two approaches: using Maxwell and Burgers mechanical models combining of elastic and viscous elements and using Rabotnov's kernel of relaxation for analytical representation of visco-elastic properties of rubber.

(22) The following embodiments illustrate just a few of the different ways that a user can customize their percussion massage experience by either selecting a specific predetermined tip design with set force expectation and/or adjusting force using one or more customization controls available with the tool tip.

(23) A. Low Level Impact

(24) In a first embodiment, an exemplary tool head for use with a percussion massager is intended to provide a user with the lowest impact level experience, or levels, as compared to other tool head configurations in a set of tool heads. Impact level can vary based on a number of factors including tool configuration, tip shape (external and internal) and material, as well as user selectable changes to the tool configuration as will be discussed herein. Use of the terms low, medium and high herein are relative.

(25) A first low impact tool configuration is represented by a tool configuration which includes a tip shape as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b and which includes an air chamber or gap 10 as shown in FIG. 1a. The tip 5A material is formed of a rubber material having a predetermined durometer value, such as 60, on the Shore A durometer scale. The air chamber may be for example, on the order of 0-10 mm. In one particular embodiment, wherein the tip includes a transparent portion, wherein the air chamber is visible during use of the percussion massage attachment tool. In an exemplary configuration, a 5 mm tip deformation results from an impact force of approximately 6.52 Joules.

(26) FIGS. 1c, 1d, 1e show a second exemplary massage tip with air transfer from the air gap as the tip compresses during a stroke of the percussion massager as the tip encounters tissue of the user. As shown in FIG. 1c, the stroke has not closed the air gap 10 and thus there is no compression yet. Whereas in FIG. 1d the air gap narrows and in FIG. 1e there is essentially no gap. In FIG. 1c, a flexible rubber tip 5A in a normal (or resting) state includes an air gap of approximately 4 mm and a dome peak to flat (horizontal) plane measurement of 6.53 mm. Next, during a percussion stroke, as the dome peak of the rubber tip contacts the tissue of the user, the air gap narrows to 2 mm and the dome peak to flat (horizontal) plane measurement reduces to 2.42 mm (FIG. 1d). Finally, at the point of full stroke, the air gap goes to 0 and the dome peak to flat (horizontal) plane measurement reduces to 0.79 mm (FIG. 1e). Air from the air gap may be released during the stroke through one or more channels in the core 14 and out of the tool via one or more vents in the piston 16.

(27) Percussion massager attachment tip system of FIGS. 1c, 1d, 1e show more controlled impact and reverberation. The tips' shape and geometry of the inner cavity is engineered to absorb impact and transfer gas while the lower aspect is designed to partially encapsulate the shaft creating a seal. Furthermore the tip is designed to create reverberation that generates secondary impact as the tip collapses and expands. The gap inside the head tip and the shaft could vary, adding differences in space inside that change reverberation distance. The creation of the space inside the tip allows the tip to collapse and expand, conforming to the tissue of the user and generating a secondary impact. The shaft has one or more channels which allow the tip to discharge gas through the shaft to the piston. The piston has one or more vents to allow air to discharge. Piston encapsulates the shaft and attaches via the elastomeric joint.

(28) On skilled in the art appreciates that in accordance with the teachings herein, the air gap size and shape, dome material (e.g., rubber or elastomeric) and shape, the shaft channels and number of piston vents can all be varied to vary the overall impact experience to the user. In this first low impact configuration, the features of the tool and tip are set and static, i.e., there is no ability for a user to change one or more features of the tool out of the box.

(29) For a user seeking a higher impact level, a different tip could be selected to replace tip 5A on tool shaft 25. Other tips with differing shapes and/or durometer values can be selected to replace tip 5A and with the same internal geometry of the tool will result in a higher (or lower) impact level (see, for example, the tips described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/508,954 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The cone and paddle tips shown in FIGS. 12a, 12b (cone) and FIGS. 13a, 13b (paddle) with the tool configuration described above with respect to FIGS. 1c, 1d, 1e provide for additional examples.

(30) In a second low impact tool configuration shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the user is able to increase the impact level by narrowing the air gap 10 using screw 15. In this configuration, all other features of the tool such as tip shape and durometer value are the same, but by decreasing the air gap 10, less impact is absorbed by the tool, resulting in more impact being felt by the user.

(31) In yet a third low impact tool configuration, an additional impact selection mechanism is included which allows a user to adjust impact, in addition to changing the air gap 10 width. FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate a tool geometry which includes dual compression spring coils (springs) 20a and 20b, which can be adjusted between a fully open configuration (low impact, shown) and a compressed configuration (higher impact). Control screw 15a is used to adjust the air gap 10, while control screw 15b is used to compress/open the springs 20a and 20b. As you squeeze a compression spring, it pushes back to return to its original length. Rate is the amount of force required for every inch of compression or, for metric springs, millimeter of compression. The higher the rate, the harder it is to compress the spring. Springs 20a and 20b handle higher loads than standard fastener-mount compression springs. Springs 20a and 20b are secured by inserting an adjustable fastener 15B through the hole at the base. Recommended springs are a polyester/rubber blend that is wear, oil, and fuel resistant.

(32) The internal geometry of the part directly controls the spring and the deformation of the rubber head to achieve specific results during a massage session. We obtain an s-curve when representing this deformation combined with forces through time.

(33) FIGS. 3d and 3e illustrate the third low impact tool configuration in a first open spring state (FIG. 3d) and a second closed spring state (FIG. 3e). Impact force will be higher when the percussion massager is operating with the tool in the closed spring state.

(34) One skilled in the art will appreciate that when the tip deformation distance changes, the force required changes too. The larger the deformation desired, the larger the required applied force. The nominal case described above was calculated based on 5 mm deformation. To establish a comparison, to deform the rubber tip 5A in the first low impact tool configuration to 7 mm, the force required is 20.84 Joules. This result is not a constant. The main deformation factors in the low level configurations discussed herein are the internal geometry, the mass, tip shape, tip material (durometer level) and the speed.

(35) Additionally, one or more exemplary tips, including the roller tips described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/508,954 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety may be used in conjunction with a tool having the spring internal geometry described herein. Referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c, and exemplary roller tip 5B includes a wheel tire 50, wheel reem 52, strut 54, cup 56, axis elbow 58, spring seat 30, o-ring seal 35, along with dual compression spring coils (springs) 20a and 20b, which can be adjusted between a fully open configuration (low impact) and a compressed configuration (higher impact). Control screw 15 is used to compress/open the springs 20a and 20b. As you squeeze a compression spring, it pushes back to return to its original length. Rate is the amount of force required for every inch of compression or, for metric springs, millimeter of compression. The higher the rate, the harder it is to compress the spring. Springs 20a and 20b handle higher loads than standard fastener-mount compression springs. Springs 20a and 20b are secured by inserting an adjustable fastener 15B through the hole at the base. FIGS. 4d and 4e illustrate the third low impact tool configuration with roller tip 5B in a first open spring state (FIG. 4d) and a second closed spring state (FIG. 4e).

(36) Additionally, the tool having the spring internal geometry described above may also be used with the cone and paddle tips shown in FIGS. 12c, 12d (cone) and FIGS. 13c, 13d (paddle).

(37) FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d illustrate an exemplary tool set for use with a percussion massage device, wherein each individual tool is marked to identify impact range to the user. In the present example, stars represent impact level ranges available for each tool. In FIG. 5a, a single star (*) represents the tool providing the lowest level impact range for the set, e.g., 0-30 lbs/inch. In FIG. 5b, two stars (**) represent the tool providing the medium/low level impact range for the set, e.g., 0-40 lbs/inch. In FIG. 5c, three stars (***) represent the tool providing the medium/high level impact range for the set, e.g., 0-50 lbs/inch. And in FIG. 5d, a four stars (****) represent the tool providing the highest level impact range for the set, e.g., 0-60 lbs/inch. The changes in impact level range can be adjusted from tool to tool by, for example, using springs having different spring rates (K). One skilled in the art recognizes that the impact level indicators need not be limited to stars and could be colors, alphanumeric or other characters that would allow a user to easily distinguish the tools. Further, for embodiments herein where there is a single tool with multiple selectable tips having different impact level ranges, the tips will include the indicator for ease of selection.

(38) B. Medium/Low Level Impact

(39) In a second embodiment, an exemplary tool head for use with a percussion massager is intended to provide a user with a medium/low impact level experience, or levels, as compared to other tool head configurations in a set of tool heads. Impact level can vary based on a number of factors including tool configuration, tip shape and material, as well as user selectable changes to the tool configuration as will be discussed herein. Use of the terms low, medium and high herein are relative.

(40) Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the tip 5B of durometer value 60 as shown will deform 5 mm with an impact force of 16.74 Joules. By way of comparison, to deform tip 5B 7 mm, the force required is 73 Joules. Similar to the first low impact tool configuration of the first embodiment discussed above, this tool of FIGS. 6a and 6b is static, in that there are no adjustable features. But one skilled in the art will recognize that the variations introduced above with respect internal geometries of the second and third low impact tool configurations may also be applied hereto, by simply replacing tip 5A with tip 5B, thus providing a user with additional levels of impact to customize their massage experience.

(41) C. Medium High Level Impact

(42) In a third embodiment, an exemplary tool head for use with a percussion massager is intended to provide a user with a medium/high impact level experience, or levels, as compared to other tool head configurations in a set of tool heads. Impact level can vary based on a number of factors including tool configuration, tip shape and material, as well as user selectable changes to the tool configuration as will be discussed herein. Use of the terms low, medium and high herein are relative.

(43) Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the tip 5C of durometer value 60 as shown will deform 5 mm with an impact force of 31.12 Joules. By way of comparison, to deform tip 5C 7 mm, the force required is 62.5 Joules. Similar to the first low impact tool configuration of the first embodiment discussed above, this tool of FIGS. 7a and 7b is static, in that there are no adjustable features. Note that in comparing the tip configuration between tip 5B and 5C, merely changing the size and shape of the internal air chamber within the tip results in nearly doubling the required force to compress the tip 5 mm. But one skilled in the art will recognize that the variations introduced above with respect internal geometries of the second and third low impact tool configurations may also be applied hereto, by simply replacing tip 5A with tip 5C, thus providing a user with additional levels of impact to customize their massage experience.

(44) D. High Level Impact

(45) In a fourth embodiment, an exemplary tool head for use with a percussion massager is intended to provide a user with a high impact level experience, or levels, as compared to other tool head configurations in a set of tool heads. Impact level can vary based on a number of factors including tool configuration, tip shape and material, as well as user selectable changes to the tool configuration as will be discussed herein. Use of the terms low, medium and high herein are relative.

(46) Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the tip 5D of durometer value 60 as shown will deform 5 mm with an impact force of 127.26 Joules. By way of comparison, to deform tip 5D 7 mm, the force required is 224.99 Joules. Similar to the first low impact tool configuration of the first embodiment discussed above, this tool of FIGS. 8a and 8b is static, in that there are no adjustable features. But one skilled in the art will recognize that the variations introduced above with respect internal geometries of the second and third low impact tool configurations may also be applied hereto, by simply replacing tip 5A with tip 5D, thus providing a user with additional levels of impact to customize their massage experience. FIGS. 8c, 8d and 8e illustrate adjustable variations to the tool of FIGS. 8a and 8b, wherein impact can be adjusted by changing the width of an air gap 10 in the tip. In comparing these three configurations to one another, FIG. 8c with gap at 7 mm would be lowest impact, FIG. 8d with gap at 3 mm would be higher impact than FIG. 8c and FIG. 8e with essentially 0 mm gap would have highest impact.

(47) FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c illustrate yet another tool configuration which includes primary components of a shaft 25, nut 40, an inflatable/deflatable tip 5E and valves 12A and 12B. The inflatable/deflatable tip 5E can be inflated/deflated to achieve a predetermined PSI, which correlates with varying levels of impact force when used with a percussion massager. A user controls inflation and deflation of tip 5E through valves, 12A and 12B. The valves may be needle valves or other appropriate valves as would be recognized by one skilled in the art. In FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, the same tool is shown at different levels of inflation (PSI). One skilled in the art will appreciate that other tip configurations may be provided with the ability to inflate and deflate to adjust impact force during massaging. For example, one or more exemplary tips, including the roller tips described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/508,954 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety may include an inner tube or bladder which may be inflated.

(48) FIG. 11 is an exemplary graph illustrating impact force (Joules) required to achieve tool tip compression (mm) for different tip designs during use with a percussion massage device. In this graph, the only difference between the tested tools is the design of the tip. That is, the tool configuration itself is static and identical and the durometer of each tip is the same. The tip design alone produces the differences in required force illustrated in FIG. 11.

(49) With respect to all embodiments described above, changing the rubber durometer or the attachment tip shape, e.g., dome, cone, spade shaped, paddle shaped, spherical, circular, etc., could expand the impact range that is available to a user. Further, multiple adjustment mechanisms may be included in a single tool configuration, i.e., a single configuration could include an inflatable tip as well as the spring mechanism discussed above with respect to the third low impact tool configuration described with respect to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c.

(50) For those embodiments wherein multiple, exchangeable tips and/or tools are provided with the massager or otherwise available to the user (e.g., for individual purchase), the individual tips and/or tools may be marked by color, alphanumeric or other pictorial indicator which may be used to differentiate the anticipated level of impact force that a user might expect to receive from a particular tip and/or tool combination. For example, the color green may indicate low impact, the color yellow may indicate medium impact, the color orange may indicate medium/high impact and the color red may indicate high impact.

(51) The following applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/223,840 entitled Percussive Massager Rotational Accessory, filed Apr. 6, 2021; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/229,860 entitled Variable Stroke Percussive Massage Device, filed Apr. 13, 2021; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/508,954 entitled Constrained and Repositionable Percussive Massage Device Tool and Tool Receiver, filed Oct. 22, 2021; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/524,732 entitled Percussion Massager Having Variable and Selectable Stroke Length filed Nov. 11, 2021, each of which is commonly owned and list overlapping inventors.

(52) The tools, tips and attachment systems for a percussive massager device described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.