WO1986004809A1

WO1986004809A1 - Vibratory therapeutic applicator

Info

Publication number: WO1986004809A1
Application number: PCT/US1986/000216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Max J. Ruderian
Original assignee: Ruderian Max J
Priority date: 1985-02-14
Filing date: 1986-02-04
Publication date: 1986-08-28
Also published as: AU5357386A; BR8605553A; NO864072L; CN86101310A; FI864043A; KR870700338A; NO864072D0; EP0211867A1; FI864043A0; DK479586D0; DK479586A

Abstract

An improved vibratory applicator for use in vibratory massage therapy to relieve muscular and/or joint discomfort, stress, and the like. The vibratory applicator comprises a lightweight portable casing (214) supporting a vibrator assembly for imparting vibratory motion to one or more massage heads (248). The applicator further includes heating elements (230) for supplying heated air in and around the massage head. Massage heads having a variety of different geometries and interchangeable constructions are also disclosed. A heat concentration hood (108) is optionally provided.

Description

VIBRATORY THERAPEUTIC APPLICATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to therapeutic devices designed primarily for massage therapy to relieve muscular and/or joint discomfort and the like. More particularly, this invention relates to improved designs for relatively lightweight, portable, and inexpensive vibratory applicators.

Vibratory devices in general are known for use in applying vibratory therapy to selected regions of the body. Such devices have typically included a motor-driven vibrator unit for imparting a physically detectable vibratory motion to an externally exposed head which, when placed against the body, can be effective to ease muscular discomfort, stress, and the like.

The present invention relates to improvements in therapeutic vibratory devices to enhance the utility and southing effects thereof. Moreover, the present invention relates to simplified vibratory device constructions adapted for use in a broad variety of therapeutic applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an improved vibratory applicator is provided in the form of a relatively lightweight and highly portable casing supporting a compact vibrator assembly. The vibrator assembly, in operation, imparts a therapeutic vibratory motion to one or more massage heads which can be placed against the body for a soothing therapeutic effect.

In one preferred form of the invention, the vibratory assembly comprises one or more lightweight electric motors or the like each for rotatably driving an output shaft having an eccentric weight thereon. The output shaft is coupled to a mounting bracket to impart vibratory motion thereto, wherein this mounting bracket carries one or more massage heads. The vibratory applicator further includes heating means such as a motor-driven fan and heating elements for supplying a heated air flow in and about the massage heads.

In an alternative form, the vibratory applicator is provided with a single electric-powered motor having an air flow fan and eccentric means on a common shaft, with the applicator further including at least one massage head which can be reusable and interchangeable with a group of different massage heads. In this version, the entire applicator comprises a vibratory structure. Heating elements are desirably provided for controlled heating of air blown by the fan into and around the region of the massage head. This form of the invention is adapted for high compactness and may be used in combination with a body suit sized to fit loosely about the body and to permit use of the applicator within the body suit thereby providing, in effect, a portable sauna for in-home use, travel use, etc.

In another alternative form, the vibratory applicator can be provided with a combination heating/cooling element mounted within a portion of the casing generally at or adjacent the massage head. This heating/cooling element is designed for controlled heating or cooling of the massage head in accordance with the direction of electrical current flow therethrough. Switch means are provided for selecting the direction of such current flow.

In still another form, the applicator casing is provided in the shape of a novelty item or novelty figure including, by way of example, an animal head or caricature thereof forming at least a portion of the massage head. This novelty figure casing is advantageously designed to be self-standing in an upright position when not in use and includes an external skirt draped about the casing and cooperating with the novelty figure to enhance the orna mental aspects thereof. In use, however, the applicator can be inverted, whereupon the skirt similarly inverts and is draped generally about the massage head to concentrate heated air flow in the vicinity of the body region being treated. The skirt can be adapted to provide a convenient bag for receiving the application during transport and/or storage.

Additional features may be provided with the various embodiments of the invention. For example, the casing for the applicator can be molded to have a variety of protrusions shaped to fit with massaging action against various regions of the body. Moreover, the casing can be adapted to support a removable cap providing a storage compartment for salve or the like. Still further, the applicator can be equipped with a rheostat control or the like to control the magnitude of vibratory action and heat flow. In another form, the vibrator assembly can be formed to provide a pulsating reciprocating massage action.

The massage head may take a variety of convenient forms, including, for example, relatively soft or resilient elastomer materials to provide a gentle massaging action, harder materials for a more vigorous massaging action, absorbent cloth-coated structures for use in the application of therapeutic salves, or other conventional forms, all adapted, if desired, for convenient interchangeable mounting onto a vibratory base disk or the like. In some forms, the massage head may be constructed as a roller having a plurality of protrusions for rolling movement with a therapeutic pressure and release action over the surface of a body region. Still further, the massage head may be contoured to include one or more relatively small projections and/or recesses sized to fit within small regions of the body, for example, between fingers or toes.

Other massage head forms may include a roller ball assembly carrying one or more roller balls for rolling movement over a portion of a person's body being treated. This roller ball assembly can be adapted to contain a supply of selected medicant for application to the person's body during a therapy treatment. Smooth or rough-surfaced caps can be provided to fit over the roller ball assembly to modify the massage head configuration. Other heads may be constructed in the form of a nasal inhalation unit for passage of the heated air flow through a removable medicant-containing nasal inhalation tube to vaporize the medicant and carry same to a person's nasal passages.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a therapeutic vibratory applicator embodying one form of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmented perspective view illustratting construction details of the vibratory applicator of FIG. 1;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the vibratory applicator of FIG. 1, with portions broken away to illustrate internal construction details thereof;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view illustrating one alternative form of a vibratory applicator embodying the invention, with portions broken away to illustrate internal construction details thereof;

FIGURE 5 is another perspective view, partially exploded, illustrating a further alternative form of a vibratory applicator embodying the invention; FIGURE 6 illustrates use of the vibratory applicator of the invention in combination with a body suit;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view illustrating a further alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the casing of the vibratory applicator is shaped as a novelty figure;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 7 in an operative position;

FIGURE 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the vibratory applicator generally in accordance with FIG. 4 for use with a massage roller;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmented perspective view illustrating a further alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmented perspective view illustrating a vibratory applicator adapted to provide a pulsating massage action;

FIGURE 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating internal operative components of the embodiments of FIG. 11;

FIGURE 13 is a vertical sectional view taken generally on the line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIGURES 14 and 15 are generally schematic views depicting reciprocatory action of the embodiment of FIG 11;

FIGURE 16 is a fragmented perspective view illustrating a vibratory therapy device embodying another form of the invention;

FIGURE 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrat ing construction details of a preferred massage head for the vibratory therapy device of FIG. 16;

FIGURE 18 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a preferred fan for use in the vibratory device of FIG 16;

FIGURE 19 is a vertical sectional view taken generally on the line 19-19 of FIG 18; FIGURE 20 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating an alternative massage head for use in the vibratory device of FIG. 16;

FIGURE 21 is a top plan view of the massage head of FIG. 20;

FIGURE 22 is a fragmented perspective view illustrating an alternative housing configuration for the vibratory device;

FIGURE 23 is a fragmented exploded perspective view similar to FIG. 16 and illustrating a further alternative form of a massage head;

FIGURE 24 is an enlarged fragmented vertical sectional view taken generally on the line 24-24 of FIG 23;

FIGURE 25 is a horizontal sectional view taken generally on the line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

FIGURE 26 is a fragmented exploded perspective view illustrating a further alternative form of the invention including a nasal inhalator unit;

FIGURE 27 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible carrying bag utilized as a heat flow concentratin hood or skirt; and

FIGURE 28 is a perspective view illustrating the carrying bag with the vibratory device received therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the exemplary drawings, a therapeutic vibratory applicator embodying one preferred form of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10 in FIGURES 1-3. The vibratory applicator 10 includes a vibrator assembly 12 mounted within a lighweight, portable casing 14 to impart vibratory motion to one or more therapeutic massage heads 16, with two massage heads being illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. A motor-driven fan 18 is also provided to generate a flow of air past heating elements 20 and further about the massage heads 16 to enhance the therapeutic effects of the applicator.

More particularly, as shown best in FIG. 1, the improved vibratory applicator 10 comprises the portable casing 14 which is advantageously formed from a lightweight and relatively inexpensive impact resistant molded plastic or the like to include longitudinally mating casing halves

21 and 22. These casing halves 21 and 22 cooperate, when interconnected by any suitable means, to define a generally cylindrical rear casing portion 23 with a downwardly protruding hand grip 24. In addition, the casing halves are shaped to define a forwardly open shroud 25 extending forwardly and angled downwardly from the rear casing portion 23, with a downward angle within the range of about 30 to 60 degrees being preferred.

The vibratory assembly 12 is mounted within the casing 14, with one preferred, mounting position being generally within the shroud 25, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. More specifically, the exemplary vibrator assembly comprise a small electric motor 26 or the like mounted in any convenient manner within the shroud 25 and including a rotatably driven output shaft 28 extending forwardly and downwardly therefrom. An eccentric weight 30 is carried by the output shaft 28 to cause substantial vibration there of when the shaft is rotatably driven by the motor 26. The forwardmost end of the output shaft 28 is coupled in turn by retaining rings 32 or the like to a generally central region of a mounting bracket 34 which extends laterally across the open front end of the shroud 25 in slightly spaced relation therewith. Importantly, the coupling between the output shaft 28 and the bracket 34 links the vibratory motion to the bracket without rotatably driving the bracket, with additional struts 35 being connected between the shroud 25 and the opposite bracket ends to lock the bracket 34 against rotation. The mounting bracket 34 is thus subjected to vibratory motion upon operation of the vibrator assembly 12 and further provides a convenient support frame for carrying the massage heads 16 in a forwardly and downwardly presented orientation. More specifically, the massage heads 16 each include a support post 36 having a radially enlarged flange 38 for abutting the forward face of the mounting bracket 34. Connector screws 40 are provided in pairs to extend through the flange 38 of each massage head and further through one of two laterally elongated slots 42 in the mounting plate for receiving nuts 44 which, when tightened over the screws 40, securely position the massage heads at a selected position of lateral adjustment along the lengths of the associated slots 42. Alternately, the massage heads may be separately mounted and driven in a vibratory manner by separate motors.

The forward ends of the massage head support posts 36 terminate in radially enlarged disks 46 providing convenient mounting structures for massage members 48. These massage members 48 may take any convenient form, such as the generally rounded or ball-shaped members depicted in FIGS. 1-3. These massage members may be constructed from a relatively resilient or soft and pliable elastomer material for providing a gentle massaging action or, in some cases, the members may be constructed from hard-surfaced materials, such as wood or hard plastic or the like, for a more, vigorous massage action. Still further, the massage members may include porous fabric coverings for use with therapeutic salves and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the improved vibratory applicator 10 further includes the motor-driven fan 18 mounted within the rear casing portion 23 in close proximity with a circumferential array of air intake, vents 50. A separate motor 52 is provided for rotatably driving the fan 18 to draw in air via the intake vents 50 for flow past heating elements 20 to increase the air temperature. The air is driven further by the fan 18 through the casing for discharge via an exhaust opening 53 (FIG. 2) defined by the forward shroud 25 and further flow into and about the massage heads 16. Electrical power for the fan motor 52 as well as the motor 26 of the vibrator assembly 12 is conveniently supplied via a power cord 54 attached to the hand grip 24, with a control switch 56 mounted on the hand grip for selective connection and disconnection of the motor to an electrical power source.

In use, the vibratory applicator of FIGS. 1-3 provides dual vibratory action which can be applied, in conjunction with heated air flow, to a selected region of the body. This twin vibratory action is particularly desirable in and about the neck and shoulder region as well as many other parts of the body. Importantly, the two massage heads 16 are capable of independent lateral positional adjustment to increase or decrease the spacing therebetween in accordance with optimizing therapeutic action to the user. Moreover, for enhanced utility if desired, an extension handle 58 (FIG. 1) can be provided with a forward end socket 59 designed for snap-fit attachment or threaded or other suitable removable connection to the rear end of the rear casing portion 23 to permit increased applicator utility, for example, as a back massage device or the like. The downwardly angled configuration of casing shroud 25 enhances applicator utility by orienting the massage heads more conveniently for applying therapeutic massage action.

An alternative form of the vibratory applicator is depicted in FIG. 4, wherein the applicator has a simplified construction including a single electric motor 60, instead of the dual electric motors with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 4, a vibratory applicator 62 is formed from a generally cylindrical casing 64 preferably of a lightweight molded plastic or or the like. A vibrator assembly 65 is mounted within the casing 64 and includes the single electric motor 60 having an output shaft 66 carrying an eccentric weight 68, all in the manner described above with respect to the vibrator assembly 12 of FIGS. 1-3. However, in this embodiment, the output shaft 66 protrudes outwardly in both directions from the motor 60 and carries a fan 70 generally at a vented rear end 72 of the casing for providing a flow of air over heating elements 74 and for discharge of the resultant heated air flow through a vented forward end 75 of the casing. The output shaft 66 projects from the vented forward end 75 and terminates in a massage head 76 having an exemplary construction corresponding with the massage head 16 described with respect to FIGS. 1-3.

In use of the vibratory applicator 62 , an externally exposed switch 78 can be positioned to couple the motor 60 with a power source via an electrical power cord 80 or the like, resulting in rotational driving of the output shaft 66. Such driving rotates the fan 70 simultaneously with the eccentric weight 68, with the heating elements 74 being simultaneously energized. The entire unit thus comprises a. vibratory structure which can be used to apply vibratory motion to a selected body region in combination with the heated air flow in and about the massage head 76.

A further form of the invention is shown in FIG. 5 to include means for selectively heating or cooling a massage head 82 without providing fan-driven air flow. As shown, in this embodiment, a vibratory applicator 84 includes a vibrator assembly 86 with an electric motor 87 mounted within a compact casing 88 and rotatably driving an eccentric weight 89 on an output shaft 90, thereby vibrating the entire casing structure. Electrical power for the motor 87 may be obtained from any convenient source including, for example, a rechargeable power unit 91 mounted within the rear of the casing 88, with an on-off switch 92 controlling motor operation.

The forward end of the casing 88 terminates in the massage head 82 which is conveniently cylindrical in shape for capping by a massage member 93 of any convenient material and geometry. Importantly, a combination heating/cooling element 94 is mounted within the massage head 82 and is adapted to heat or cool the massage head and massage member 93 to enhance the therapeutic effects provided thereby, as desired by the user. In the preferred form, this heating/cooling element 94 comprises a dual plate thermoelectric power module of the type used, for example, by J. C. Whitney Co., Chicago, Illinois, in thermoelectric refrigerator/warmer products, wherein heating or cooling is provided in conjunction with the direction of electrical current through the element 94. The on-off switch 92 may be used to control such current direction as well as operation of the motor 87.

The vibratory applicator is useful in the various embodiments in combination with a body suit or bag 96 to provide, in effect, a portable sauna with vibratory massage therapy, as viewed in FIG. 6. More specifically, the body suit 96 comprises a baglike structure sized to fit relatively loosely about the body of a wearer including a neck opening 98. When the body suit 96 is worn, the user or wearer is provided with sufficient freedom of movement for hands and arms for use of the vibratory applicator 99 in applying therapeutic massage to a selected body region. When the applicator is combined with heated air flow or other heating means, as described hereinabove, the heated air is generally trapped within the body suit to create an effective sauna chamber. In this regard, while various body suit materials can be used, a material or fabric having at least some insulating capacity and resistant to moisture outflow is desirable. A further form of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein a modified vibratory applicator 100 comprises a casing 102 and massage head 104 cooperatively shaped to define the body and head of a novelty figure or some caricature thereof. An externally exposed switch 106 on the casing 102 controls operation of an internal vibratory assembly (not shown) and a heated air source (not shown) such as the components depicted in FIGS. 1-5. A flexible circumferential skirt 108 is mounted on the casing 102 in a normal position forming a skirt for the figurine when the casing is placed in an upright standing position, as viewed in FIG. 7.

In use, the modified vibratory applicator 100 can be inverted as shown in FIG. 8, whereupon the skirt 108 hangs in an inverted position surrounding the massage head 104. In this position, the massage head 104 can be applied to a selected body region for massage therapy purposes, with the skirt 108 acting to concentrate heated air flow to enhance the therapeutic effects. A small protrusion 110 conveniently forming a nose for the figure head may also be provided, wherein this protrusion is contoured to fit within small body regions, such as between fingers or toes, to permit application of vibratory massage action to such small body regions. Moreover, the head 104 may include a cap 111 of any selected material and which may define upper exhaust openings 112 for heated air discharge.

As shown in FIG. 9, the vibratory applicator, such as the applicator 62 described previously with respect to FIG. 4, can be associated with interchangeable massage members, such as a roller unit 120. More particularly, the base disk 121 of the applicator can be separated from other forms of a massage member, as depicted in other drawings herein, and removably seated within a base ring 122 of the roller unit 120. A generally U-shaped inverted frame 124 is carried by the base ring and rotatably supports a massage roller 126 of cylindrical or other selected shape having a discontinuous peripheral surface defined by protrusions 128 and recesses 130. In use, particularly in combination with heated air flow from the applicator 62, the roller provides a highly pleasing acu-pressure action when rolled over selected regions of the body.

As shown in FIG. 10, a further modified form of the vibratory applicator includes a modified vibrator assembly 140 mounted within a casing 142. In this form, the vibrator assembly 140 includes a motor 144 mounted securely within a base member 145 of the casing 142 by means of suitable supports 146. The motor 144 includes an output shaft 147 carrying at one end a fan 148 for drawing air through an intake vent 150 and over heating elements 152. The other end of the output shaft 147 is bent or offset from the shaft rotational axis to provide, in effect, a simplified eccentric weight for obtaining vibratory action when the output shaft is rotatably driven. The magnitude of the vibratory action can be controlled by appropriate selection of the offset shaft mass, with the resultant vibratory action being transmitted via the motor 144 and the supports 146 to the casing 142.

Heated air flowing through the casing 142 is guided to a head member 153 of the casing which is preferably angled relative to the base member at an angle of about thirty degrees to better fit anatomical contours of a patient's body. The air flows further from the head member 153 for discharge through an annular vent 154 defined by a safety screen and further through a vented massage head 156 secured onto the end of the head member by spacer posts 158 or the like. The massage head 156 can be applied to a selected region of the body to provide therapeutic massage, or, since the entire casing is vibrated and the entire head member 153 is warmed by the heated air, additional massage surfaces 160 of protruding shape or the like can be molded directly into the casing for application against selected body regions. The magnitude of vibratory action together with the air flow and temperature can be conveniently controlled in a variable manner by a rheostat 162 in conjunction with an on-off switch 164.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the applicator depicted in FIG. 10 can be provided with a storage compartment within which a salve or the like can be stored for use in conjunction with the massage head or surfaces. More specifically, in the illustrative embodiment, the casing protrudes rearwardly a short distance from the intake vent 150 to define a short, internally threaded flange 166. A storage cup 168 has an externally threaded rim 169 and is sized for removable connection with the flange 166 to define, when connected, a compartment for storing a salve container 170 or the like. The storage cup 168 can be removed quickly and easily from the casing to permit access to the salve when applicator use is desired. Of course, when a massage therapy treatment is concluded, the storage cup can be reinstalled upon the casing.

In another alternative preferred form of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 11 through 15, a further modified vibratory applicator can be provided with a vibratory assembly designed to reciprocate contoured massage surfaces into and out of engagement with a body region receiving therapy. More specifically, a generally cylindrical casing 172 has a vibrator assembly 174 mounted therein, wherein the vibrator assembly comprises a solenoid apparatus having an armature 176 carried within a winding 178. The armature is driven in a pulsating manner in a forward direction to compress a spring 180 between a washer 181 slidable about the armature and fixed within the housing 172 and a second washer 182 secured onto a rear end of the armature.

The armature 176 is secured to a massage head 188 shown in the form of a generally hollow block defining an air flow passage therethrough (FIG. 13) and terminating in a pair of forwardly presented, rounded massage surfaces 184. Accordingly, pulsing operation of the solenoid apparatus advances and then spring-retracts the massage surfaces 184 into and away from engagement with a body region. Importantly, the massage surfaces 184 are disposed with similar casing surfaces 186 on the casing 172 which are brought into massaging impact with a body region receiving therapy when the surfaces 184 are retracted therewithin, as viewed in FIG.15. The therapeutic action is advantageously enhanced further by providing heated air flow through the casing by means of a motor 190 and associated fan 192 and heating elements 194.

Still another alternative form of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 16-19. More specifically, a vibratory device 210 is shown with a combination heater/vibrator assembly 212 mounted within a lightweight, portable housing 214 to impart vibratory motion in conjunction with heated air flow to a massage head 216 of selected configuration. The heater/vibrator assembly 12 is mounted within the housing in any suitable manner and includes a lighweight motor 218 for rotatably driving an output shaft 220. An air flow fan 222 of lightweight molded plastic or the like is securely mounted upon the output shaft 220 for rotation therewith upon appropriate connection of the motor 218 to a source of electrical power. A power cord 224 is shown in FIG. 1 for this purpose and may be appropriately connected to an ac or dc power supply, as required, with an adjustable rheostat 226 being mounted along the power cord 224 to provide a combination on-off switch and to regulate the rotational speed of the motor 18 and fan 22.

Rotational driving of the air flow fan 222 functions to draw air into the housing 214 through a rear- wardly open air intake 228. This air flows through the housing 214 past appropriately mounted heating elements 230 which are also coupled to the power supply through the rheostat 226, whereby the rheostat also regulates heating of the air flow. From the heating elements 230, the air flows further through the housing for discharge therefrom through an air outlet 232 shown in FIG. 16 to include a perforated safety screen 234 upon which the massage head 216 is securely mounted. Accordingly, the heated air flow discharged through the air outlet 232 flows in and around the massage head 216. An additional safety screen 236 of similar design is normally provided over the air intake 228.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, rotation of the fan 222 also functions to impart vibratory action to the entire device including the massage head 216. More particularly, as shown best in FIGS. 18 and 19, the fan 222 includes a plurality of fan blades carried by a central hub 223 which is unbalanced or eccentrically weighted, for example, by forming the hub 223 with significantly different material thickness on opposite sides of a rotational axis. Accordingly, when the fan 222 is rotated, the unbalanced hub 223 causes a significant vibration of the entire device, wherein this vibration is controlled in frequency and magnitude by appropriate adjustment of the rheostat 226.

According to a further feature of the invention, the massage head 216 is rapidly adaptable to provide different massage surface configurations for contact with the skin of a person receiving massage therapy. For example, the preferred massage head construction accommodates both rolling and non-rolling massage surface configurations which can be interchanged rapidly without the use of any special tools. Accordingly, the specific nature of the massage surface can be uniquely tailored as desired or required by the person receiving massage therapy.

More specifically, as shown best in FIG. 17, the exemplary massage head 216 comprises a massage head base 238 of generally cylindrical configuration with a lower end securely mounted by an adhesive or other suitable fastening means onto the air outlet safety screen 234 in a generally centered position. In the preferred form, this base 238 is hollow and extends upwardly from the safety screen 234 with a gradually increasing cross-sectional size. The upper end of the base 238 terminates with an external thread configuration 240 adapted for interchangeable mounting of different massage head elements.

A roller ball assembly 242 is normally mounted onto the upper end of the massage head base 238 and provides at least one rolling massage surface for smooth, non-wrinkling massaging action with the skin of a person receiving therapy. In particular, as viewed in FIG. 1, the roller ball assembly 242 comprises a downwardly open and internally threaded ball case 244 for threaded attachment onto the base 238. A relatively large roller ball 246 is rollingly supported within the ball case 244 and defines the rolling massage surface.

The roller ball assembly 242 is adapted in turn for removable mounting of a massage cap which may be provided in alternative forms with different surface textures. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, one massage cap 248 of generally hemispherical construction has a downwardly open and internally threaded geometry for rapid mounting onto the roller ball assembly 242 by means of external threads 243 on the ball case 244. Alternately, the massage cap 248 can be threaded directly onto the upper end of the massage head base 238. In either case, the massage cap 248 has an upwardly presented and generally hemispherical smooth non-rolling massage surface for the vibratory device. If desired, however, the massage cap 248 can be interchanged with a similar alternative massage cap 250 differing only in the provision of a rough-surfaced external texture to provide still another massage surface configuration. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, an alternate roller ball assembly 252 may also be provided in addition to or in substitution for the roller ball assembly 242 depicted in FIG. 17. More specifically, the alternate roller ball assembly 252 includes a modified ball case 254 which is downwardly open and internally threaded for rapid attachment to the massage head base 238. The upper end of the modified ball case 254 is defined by a transverse platform 256 supporting a plurality of upstanding ball supports 258 secured thereto and each carrying a relatively small roller ball 260, three of which are depicted in the exemplary drawings. These roller balls 260 thus provide still another configuration for a massage surface which is uniquely adapted to provide contoured rolling action around small or hard-to-reach surface areas of the body, for example, in and around fingers and toes. The therapeutic action of these roller balls 260 is greatly enhanced by providing multiple air flow vents 262 in the platform 256 to accommodate air flow passage upwardly through the base 238 in and around the small roller balls 260. In addition, external threads 264 on the modified ball case 254 are desirably provided to accommodate rapid mounting of a selected massage cap, such as a massage cap 248 or 250 depicted in FIG. 17.

If desired, the lightweight housing 214 of the vibratory device 210 can be modified, as viewed in FIG. 22, to provide storage capability for additional massage caps or roller ball assemblies when the device is not in use. For example, a modified cylindrical housing 214' can be provided to include external threads 266 formed about the air intake 228. The size and shape of these threads can be selected to removably retain one of the massage caps or roller ball assemblies depicted in FIGS. 17, 20 and 21, with other massage caps and/or roller ball assemblies normally secured onto the massage head mounting base 238. The device thus supports for storage multiple massage head configurations, with the stored components being removed from the lower end of the housing 214' during use to prevent interference with housing air flow.

A further modified form of the invention is shown in FIGS. 23-25 to include a modified mounting base 238' for removably supporting a roller ball assembly 242 or the like. In this form, the modified mounting base 238' includes a lower wall 268 (FIG. 24) cooperating with an intermediate barrier wall 270 to define a well or chamber 272 within which a supply of a selected medicant 274 can be stored. The barrier wall 270 is interrupted by a vertically open gap 276 which is appropriately threaded to receive a set screw 278 or the like having a protruding head accessible from the exterior of the mounting base 238'. Advancement or retraction of the set screw 278 thus variably opens or closes the gap 276 to regulate medicant flow to the roller ball 246 of the ball assembly 242 during massage action, thereby applying the medicant to the skin of a person receiving massage therapy. Alternately, the set screw 278 can be retracted sufficiently to permit relatively easy refilling of the well 272 with the selected medicant.

In a still further form of the invention, tfie hollow mounting base 238 as described with respect to FIGS. 16 and 17 can be adapted for receiving a nasal inhalator unit 280 in lieu of the above-described massage surface components. As shown in FIG. 26, this nasal inhalator unit comprises an internally threaded cap 282 for receiving a supply of heated air through the mounting base 238. This heated air flows further into a forward support nozzle 284 at a forward end of the cap 282. This support nozzle 284 has a relatively large cross section upstream end and tapers progressively to a small cross section downstream end which in turn is joined to a forwardly extending vented support sleeve 286. A standard medicant-containing inhalation tube 288 is adapted for rapid press-fit reception into the support nozzle 284 and support sleeve 286, whereby the heated air flow is directed into the inhalation tube via intake passages 290 and for discharge from the inhalation tube through an exit port 292. During passage through the inhalation tube, the heated air flow vaporizes and picks up a portion of the medicant which can then be discharged directly into a person's nasal passages. Accordingly, the nasal inhalator unit 280 permits adaptation of the vibratory therapy device for additional use in providing nasal inhalation therapy.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the vibratory device 210 is conveniently provided with a flexible carrying bag 294 adapted for the dual functions of transporting the device and providing a heat concentration hood or skirt. More specifically, as viewed in FIG. 27, the upper end of the bag 294 is open and includes a drawstring 296 or the like for secure mounting about a midportion of the housing 214. In this- position, the bag drapes as a skirt below the massage head and has an open lower end. Heated air flow from the device is thus concentrated in and about the region of the body being treated. However, when treatment is concluded, the bag 294 can be disassembled from the device and the bag lower end closed by means of buttons 298 or the like. The device and any accessories can then be placed into the bag 294 for transport and/or storage, with the drawstring 296 effectively closing the bag upper end.

The improved vibratory therapy application or device of the present invention thus provides a substantial number of rapidly interchangeable massage surface configurations in accordance with the desires and needs of the person receiving massage therapy. The vibratory device 10 is relatively simple in construction and lightweight for high portability.

A variety of further modifications and improvements to the invention described herein are believed to be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, if desired, the non-rolling caps 248 and 250 depicted in FIG. 17 can be mounted within a cap case similar to the ball case 244 for mounting by threads or snap-fit or the like onto the base 238, wherein the cap case supports the non-rolling caps for rotation about a central longitudinal axis of the device. With this arrangement, limited freedom of motion of the caps 248 and 250 is thus permitted. Moreover, if desired, the cap 248 can be transparent to define a hollow internal chamber within which novelty items may be installed. Accordingly, no limitation is intended by way of the description and drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A vibratory applicator, comprising: a casing; a vibrator assembly mounted generally within said casing; at least one massage head disposed outside said casing and coupled to said vibrator assembly, said vibrator assembly being for imparting a vibratory motion to said massage head; and temperature control means mounted generally within said casing for supplying a heated air flow in and around said massage head.

2. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 including a plurality of said massage heads removably and interchangeably supported by said casing and having different physical characteristics for engagement with the body of a person receiving massage therapy.

3. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said vibrator assembly comprises an electric motor having a rotatable output shaft with an eccentric weight means thereon.

4. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said vibrator assembly comprises an electric motor having a rotatable output shaft and said temperature control means includes an unbalanced fan on said shaft and rotatable therewith to vibrate the entire device.

5. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 including a rheostat for controlling operation of said vibrator assembly and said temperature control means.

6. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said vibrator assembly comprises a first electric motor having a rotatable output shaft with an eccentric weight means thereon, and said temperature control means comprises a second electric motor having an output shaft with a fan mounted thereon, said casing further defining air intake vents for drawing in of air by said fan and at least one exhaust opening for outflow of the drawn-in air from said casing, and at least one heating element within said casing for elevating the temperature of air drawn through the casing.

7. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said temperature control means comprises a combination heating/cooling element mounted within said casing at a position generally adjacent said massage head, said element being responsive to the direction of current flow therethrough for respectively heating and cooling said massage head.

8. The vibratory applicator of claim 3 wherein said temperature control means comprises a fan mounted on said output shaft of said vibrator assembly motor, and at least one heating element within said casing, said casing defining intake and exhaust openings for flow-through passage of air and heating of such air by said heating element in response to rotatable driving of said fan.

9. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 further including a body suit having a size and shape to fit relatively loosely about a selected portion of a person's body and to permit manipulation of said applicator within said body suit with said massage head applied against a selected region of the person's body.

10. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said massage head comprises roller means having a discontinuous peripheral surface contour, and means for removably supporting said roller means on said support member.

11. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein one of said massage heads is contoured. to include at least one relatively small projection sized to fit into relatively small regions of a person's body.

12. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 further including a flexible circumferential skirt draped about said casing, said skirt being movable to an operative position draped generally in surrounding relation about said massage head for enhancing temperature control in the vicinity of said massage head.

13. The vibratory applicator of claim 12 wherein said skirt includes means for closing opposite ends thereof to form a carrying bag for said applicator.

14. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said massage head includes a roller ball assembly having a ball case removably mounted upon a mounting base on said casing and a roller ball defining said massage surface for engagement with the body of the person receiving massage therapy.

15. The vibratory applicator of claim 14 wherein said mounting base includes a well for receiving a selected medicant and means for controlling flow of said medicant to said roller ball.

16. The vibratory applicator of claim 14 or 15 further including at least one generally hemispherical cap for removable mounting onto said ball case over said roller ball, said cap defining a further massage surface, said cap being further mountable onto said mounting base.

17. The device of claim 14 wherein said roller ball assembly comprises a ball case for removable mounting onto said mounting base, a vented platform on said ball case, a plurality of upstanding roller ball supports on said platform, and a plurality of roller balls respectively carried by said supports, said roller balls cooperatively defining said massage surface.

18. The device of claim 1 further including a nasal inhalation unit for removable mounting onto said casing, said inhalator unit including means for supporting a nasal inhalation tube containing a selected medicant, and for directing at least a portion of heated air flow through the inhalation tube.

19. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said at least one massage head comprises a pair of laterally spaced massage heads.

20. The vibratory applicator of claim 19 including means for adjusting the lateral spacing between said pair of massage heads.

21. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 further including at least one additional massage surface on said casing.

22. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said casing and said massage head are formed generally in the shape of a novelty figure.

23. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 further including means on said casing defining a storage compartment.

24. The vibratory applicator of claim 1 wherein said, vibrator assembly comprises means for reciprocating said massage head with a pulsating action toward and away from a person's body receiving massage treatment.