U.S. patent application number 14/833048 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-17 for rechargeable personal massager.
The applicant listed for this patent is LELO Inc.. Invention is credited to Ethan F. Imboden, Roland J. Wyatt.
Application Number | 20150359704 14/833048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39276050 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150359704 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Imboden; Ethan F. ; et
al. |
December 17, 2015 |
Rechargeable Personal Massager
Abstract
A personal massage device is disclosed. The massage device
includes a housing having an exterior surface defining first and
second oppositely-disposed operative ends and an interior surface
defining a cavity. Each of the operative ends includes a
substantially smooth and continuous surface thereon. The massage
device further includes a first motor disposed within the housing
and adapted for creating vibration and a battery disposed within
the housing and adapted to power the first motor.
Inventors: |
Imboden; Ethan F.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Wyatt; Roland J.; (Bozeman,
MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LELO Inc. |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39276050 |
Appl. No.: |
14/833048 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11971835 |
Jan 9, 2008 |
9132058 |
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14833048 |
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|
11344987 |
Feb 1, 2006 |
7749178 |
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11971835 |
|
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60879440 |
Jan 9, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
601/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/169 20130101;
A61H 2230/425 20130101; A61H 2201/5005 20130101; A61H 23/0263
20130101; A61H 2230/655 20130101; A61H 7/005 20130101; A61H
2201/0153 20130101; A61H 2201/0278 20130101; A61H 2230/505
20130101; H02J 50/12 20160201; A61H 2201/0292 20130101; A61H
2201/5097 20130101; A61H 2201/0111 20130101; A61H 2201/0115
20130101; A61H 2230/255 20130101; A61H 2201/501 20130101; A61H
2230/605 20130101; A61H 19/00 20130101; A61H 39/002 20130101; A61H
2201/0149 20130101; A61H 2201/0221 20130101; A61H 2201/164
20130101; A61H 2205/12 20130101; A61H 2230/06 20130101; A61H 21/00
20130101; H02J 5/005 20130101; A61H 19/40 20130101; H02J 7/025
20130101; A61H 2201/0228 20130101; A61H 2205/04 20130101; A61H
2205/081 20130101; A61H 2201/1609 20130101; A61H 23/006 20130101;
A61H 2201/0207 20130101; A61H 2201/0134 20130101; A61H 2230/065
20130101; H02J 7/0044 20130101; A61H 2201/1623 20130101; A61H
2201/5064 20130101; A61H 2201/5084 20130101; A63B 2225/66 20130101;
A61H 2201/5015 20130101; A61H 2230/105 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61H 23/02 20060101
A61H023/02; A61H 19/00 20060101 A61H019/00 |
Claims
1. A personal massager apparatus, comprising: a vibrator for sexual
stimulation, the vibrator including: a vibrator housing having an
outer form in a configuration that is wearable on a human body and
including a first operative surface and a second operative surface
that are shaped for different types of contact with the body to
provide sexual stimulation, a first electric motive source
contained within the vibrator housing for providing vibratory
stimulation to the body through the first operative surface, a
rechargeable battery contained within the vibrator housing and
connected to the first electric motive source for powering the
first electric motive source, and a first inductive coupler
contained within the vibrator housing at least partially under the
first operative surface, the first inductive coupler adapted to
charge the battery; and a base comprising: a base housing having a
first recess adapted to receive the first operative surface and to
support the vibrator housing for charging at least partially
through the flexible skin covering the first operative surface, and
a second inductive coupler contained within the base housing at the
first recess, the second inductive positioned so as to couple
electromagnetically across a distance between the first inductive
coupler and the second inductive coupler to charge the rechargeable
battery.
2. The personal massager apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibrator
further comprises: a second electric motive source contained within
the vibrator housing and adapted to be positioned on a different
axis from the first electric motive source for providing vibratory
stimulation to the body through the second operative surface; and a
flexible skin covering the outer form of the vibrator housing,
including the first operative surface and the second operative
surface, such that the massager is waterproof.
3. The personal massager apparatus of claim 2 wherein the vibrator
housing is sealed by ultrasonic welding and is further sealed by
the flexible skin covering the outer form of the vibrator housing,
and wherein the flexible skin is made of a bio-compatible silicone
material.
4. The personal massager apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flexible
skin covers at least 90% of the outer form of the vibrator
housing.
5. The personal massager apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flexible
skin covers 100% of the outer form of the vibrator housing.
6. The personal massager apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first
and second electric motive sources are motors positioned at
opposite ends of the vibrator.
7. The personal massager apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vibrator
further comprises: at least one user control under the flexible
skin and operable through the flexible skin for controlling
operation of the vibrator.
8. The personal massager apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least
one user control is a button protruding from the vibrator
underneath the flexible skin that is molded over the vibrator
housing, the button operable by the user pressing the button
through the flexible skin covering the button.
9. The personal massager apparatus of claim 1, further comprising
an enclosure configured to enclose the vibrator within, the
enclosure providing privacy and allowing for travel with the
personal massager apparatus.
10. The personal massager apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
and second inductive couplers are wound inductive coils, and
wherein the first recess of the base is positioned such that the
second inductive coupler is wound around a portion of the first
recess to provide closer alignment between the first and second
inductive couplers when the vibrator is positioned on the base.
11. The personal massager apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
vibrator housing is substantially U-shaped.
12. A personal massage device comprising: a vibrator housing having
an outer form in a configuration that is wearable on a human body
and including a first operative surface and a second operative
surface that are shaped for different types of contact with the
body to provide sexual stimulation; a first electric motive source
contained within the vibrator housing for providing vibratory
stimulation to the body through the first operative surface; a
rechargeable battery contained within the vibrator housing and
connected to the first electric motive source for powering the
first electric motive source; and a first inductive coupler
contained within the vibrator housing at least partially under the
first operative surface, the first inductive coupler adapted to
charge the battery.
13. The personal massager device of claim 12, wherein the vibrator
further comprises: a second electric motive source contained within
the vibrator housing and adapted to be positioned on a different
axis from the first electric motive source for providing vibratory
stimulation to the body through the second operative surface; and a
flexible skin covering the outer form of the vibrator housing,
including the first operative surface and the second operative
surface, such that the massager is waterproof.
14. The personal massager device of claim 13 wherein the vibrator
housing is sealed by ultrasonic welding and is further sealed by
the flexible skin covering the outer form of the vibrator housing,
and wherein the flexible skin is made of a bio-compatible silicone
material.
15. The personal massager device of claim 13, wherein the flexible
skin covers at least 90% of the outer form of the vibrator
housing.
16. The personal massager device of claim 13, wherein the flexible
skin covers 100% of the outer form of the vibrator housing.
17. The personal massager device of claim 13, wherein the first and
second electric motive sources are motors positioned at opposite
ends of the vibrator.
18. The personal massager device of claim 13, wherein the vibrator
further comprises: at least one user control under the flexible
skin and operable through the flexible skin for controlling
operation of the vibrator.
19. The personal massager device of claim 18, wherein the at least
one user control is a button protruding from the vibrator
underneath the flexible skin that is molded over the vibrator
housing, the button operable by the user pressing the button
through the flexible skin covering the button.
20. The personal massager device of claim 12, wherein the vibrator
housing is substantially U-shaped.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/971,835, filed on Jan. 9, 2008, now
allowed, which is a 1) continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/344,987, filed on Feb. 1, 2006, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,749,178, issued Jul. 6, 2010, and which also 2) claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/879,440,
filed on Jan. 9, 2007. All of these are incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to massagers and
more particularly to rechargeable personal massagers, methods, and
apparatuses.
[0003] Personal vibrators, also known variously as vibrators,
massagers, vibrating massagers and by numerous other names, are
well-known in the art. They come in a variety of configurations and
perform a variety of functions, ranging from medical therapy to
erotic stimulation. They typically are battery-powered or run on
conventional alternating current electricity.
[0004] Vibrating massagers powered by internally contained,
disposable batteries operate for a period of time on the battery
power, subsequently requiring some degree of disassembly, battery
replacement, and reassembly. It will be apparent to the reader that
this type of battery operation has drawbacks, including for
example, limited time of operation, the inconvenience, expense, and
environmental impact associated with the necessary battery
replacement, and the difficulty of creating a reliable waterproof
seal around a user operated moving part such as a battery door.
[0005] While some vibrating massagers operate on AC power, for
example U.S. 110V or European 220V power, these massagers tend to
be large and unsafe for internal use or use in damp environments.
They also have the inconvenience of requiring proximity to a wall
plug.
[0006] More recently known in the art are rechargeable massagers.
These massagers are generally connected to the charger using a cord
and male plug connectable to a female jack in the massager. The
metal connectors and their receptacles often collect unsanitary
residue, are difficult to clean and are subject to corrosion.
Further, such jacks are difficult to waterproof reliably. An
alternative implementation of a rechargeable device uses external
metal contacts for charging (such as a cordless phone, etc). Such
devices rely on gravity to provide the force necessary to make the
electrical connection. Further, such devices require care from the
user to ensure proper alignment and contact.
[0007] Many known personal massagers are made so as to be water
proof or water resistant. It may be desirable to be able to use a
vibrating massager in damp conditions; further, it is desirable to
be able to use a vibrating massager fully submerged without fear of
damaging the device or endangering the user. Some manufacturers
waterproof their products (with varying degrees of success) with
o-rings and similar seals around part breaks and user operated
moving parts, such as battery doors, charging plug seals, etc.
Often the resulting product is at best splash-proof, not
submersible. It is desirable for users to be able to clean
massagers thoroughly, particularly before and after they come in
intimate contact with the body, which is made easier by providing a
massager that is waterproof. To further ease of cleaning, some
manufacturers use materials that are have a low porosity and,
therefore, less likely to harbor bacteria or other
contaminants.
[0008] Rechargeable massagers generally use a built-in female plug,
engageable with a male plug for recharging, that is difficult to
waterproof. If water gets into the female plug, and the powered
male plug is then inserted, it's possible that the charger will be
short circuited by as little as a single droplet of water. This can
harm the charger or the massager, and can potentially be hazardous
for the user as well.
[0009] Users often prefer massagers that are at or above body
temperature, or can be warmed to this point. Many users warm
massagers by holding them against less temperature-sensitive areas
of the body, such as the hands, before using them on more sensitive
areas. A few waterproof products on the market can be warmed by
immersing them in hot water, but this can be inconvenient for the
user.
[0010] Each user's particular physiology and preferences are
unique, so the more options presented for the use of the product
the better. Most products available are designed to be used in only
a single orientation (e.g., one end is used for massage, the
opposite end is gripped in the hand) and only a fixed end is
designed for contact with the body.
[0011] As such drawbacks in the art are recognized such as to
require improvements relating to safety, effectiveness, and/or
waterproofing, personal massage devices and related features and
devices are provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] For example, a personal massage device includes a housing
having an exterior surface defining first and second
oppositely-disposed operative ends and an interior surface defining
a cavity. Each of the operative ends can include a substantially
smooth and continuous surface thereon. Each end can be, for
example, distal of a member with each end being operative and
designed for use or physical interaction and the use of either end
can be provided by, for example, gripping the opposing end. In such
embodiments, each end can be configured for operative use in
physical interaction and configured for gripping for application of
the opposing end. The massage device can further include one or
more motors such as a first motor disposed within the housing and
adapted for creating vibration and a battery disposed within the
housing and adapted to power the first motor. In some embodiments,
the operative ends extend toward a central portion of the device
such that the central portion is disposed between the first and
second operative ends. Preferably, the central portion includes a
substantially smooth and continuous surface thereon. Further
preferably, the substantially and continuous surfaces of the first
and second operative ends and the central portion occupy at least
90% of the exterior surface of the device, and more preferably,
about 100% of the exterior surface of the device.
[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the device further includes a
second motor disposed within the housing and adapted for creating
vibration. The first motor can be disposed near the first operative
end, and the second motor can be disposed near the second operative
end. The battery is further adapted to power the second motor.
[0014] The housing can be formed from an inner layer including the
interior surface and an outer layer including the exterior surface.
The inner layer and the outer layer are preferably made of
different materials. For example, the inner layer can be made from
hard plastic and the outer layer can be formed from an elastomeric
material. Preferably, the outer layer includes a first section
adapted to cover a first portion of the inner layer and a second
section adapted to cover a second portion of the inner layer. In
such embodiments, the first section includes the first surface of
the first operative end, and the second section includes the second
surface of the second operative end. The first and second sections
can, for example, include mutually-engaging ends so as to form the
exterior surface such that the exterior surface is substantially
continuous. Alternatively, the outer layer can further include an
annular third section adapted to cover facing ends of the first and
second sections, respectively, so as to substantially seal the
exterior surface of the device. In some embodiments, the device can
further include an electromechanical button adapted for receiving a
control input for the device, wherein the operative end of the
button is integrally formed in the exterior surface.
[0015] A massage device can also be provided that includes a
housing including an exterior surface and an interior surface
defining a cavity, a first motor disposed within the housing and
adapted for causing movement of the device, and a rechargeable
battery disposed within the housing and adapted to power the first
motor. The exterior surface is configured for physical application
to a user and is seamless, whereby every surface is usable to
provide an omnidirectional massage appliance. In various
embodiments, the exterior surface can be substantially U-shaped,
spherical, cubic, triangular, or other shapes.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, at least 90% of the exterior
surface is substantially smooth and continuous. In a further
preferred embodiment, approximately 100% of the exterior surface is
substantially smooth and continuous. The exterior surface includes
a belt or one or more flush mounted articles such as a contact for
a charger. The exterior surfaces preferably comprise an
elastomer.
[0017] In a further preferred embodiment the battery is
rechargeable and the device includes first and second contacts
disposed on the exterior surface in electronic communication with
the battery. Preferably, the external surface further defines a
central portion disposed between the operative ends, and the
contacts are disposed in the central portion. In an embodiment, the
device is arched in a direction between the two operative ends so
as to form an upper convex surface and a lower concave surface and
so as to have an apex near the central portion, and the contacts
are further disposed on the lower concave surface.
[0018] A personal massage assembly can be provided. The assembly
can include a massage device such as one having first and second
operative ends disposed on opposite ends of a central portion, a
motor disposed within the device and adapted to provide vibrating
motion for the device, a rechargeable battery disposed within the
device and adapted to provide power for the motor, and a first pair
of contacts disposed on an external surface of the central portion
and in electronic communication with the battery. The assembly can
further include a base adapted for supporting the massage device
thereon and having a second pair of electrical contacts disposed on
an external surface thereof and arranged, for example, to abut the
second pair of contacts when the massage device is supported by the
base. The abutting of the first and second pairs of contacts
provides an electrical current to the battery to charge the
battery. The base can include a lid that, when placed in position,
applies pressure to the massage device and/or keeps the device
stable. Padding in the lid can provide the pressure.
[0019] In an embodiment, the base includes an upper surface having
a first depression and a second depression formed therein, wherein
the first depression is shaped so as to mate with a portion of the
first operative end, and wherein the second depression is shaped so
as to mate with a portion of the second operative end. Preferably,
the first and second operative ends have different shapes such that
the base can support the device in only one orientation. The
assembly can further include a lid adapted to attach to the base so
as to hold the device in a supported relationship with the
base.
[0020] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a
rechargeable personal massager assembly. The assembly includes a
hand-held massager with at least a first electrical contact
connected to a rechargeable battery disposed therein, a base
comprising a transformer connected to at least a second electrical
contact, a respective magnet in each of the hand-held unit and the
base for securing the first electrical contact to the second
electrical contact when the hand-held massager is placed on the
base. The assembly can further include an additional magnet in the
hand-held massager and a magnetically-operated switch in the base.
In such an embodiment, when the hand-held massager is placed on the
base, the additional magnet operates the switch such that power is
supplied to the charging contacts in the base only when the
massager is in place on the base.
[0021] A still further aspect is the massager providing a
self-contained massager entirely covered by a soft layer except for
a relatively small portion for providing recharging contacts. The
contacts may also be usable by being flush with the elastomer. The
size of the contact area can be less than 1 cm.sup.2 or more
preferably less than 0.5 cm.sup.2. Alternatively, the massager can
be completely covered by the soft layer, having no exposed charging
contacts. In such an embodiment, charging can be carried out using
induction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from a consideration of the following
non-limiting Detailed Description considered in conjunction with
the drawing figures, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a massager in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a base for supporting and
charging the massager of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the various
electronic components of the massager of FIG. 1, with optional
components indicated by a broken line;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electronic circuit used in
the base of FIG. 2;
[0027] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are top, right side, front end and
back end views of the massager of FIG. 1 situated in the base of
FIG. 2, respectively;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the massager of FIG. 1
situated in the base of FIG. 2;
[0029] FIGS. 7A and 7B are front and rear side perspective views of
the massager of FIG. 1, including the electrical contacts for
mating with electrical contacts on the base;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the massager base of FIG. 2,
including the electrical contacts for mating with the electrical
contacts on the massager;
[0031] FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a massager
according to another embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a base for supporting and
charging the massager of FIG. 9 in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the massager of FIG. 9;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the massager of FIG. 9
situated in the base of FIG. 10 with a cover therefor shown
exploded therefrom;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective of an inductively chargeable
vibrating massager on a charging base, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a side view of the vibrating massager of FIG.
13;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a remote control for the
vibrating massager of the present invention, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 16 is an assembly view of the vibrating massager of
FIG. 13;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a block diagram view showing the functional
components of the vibrating massager, inductive charger and remote
control, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 18 is an assembly view of the remote control of FIG.
13; and
[0041] FIG. 19 is an assembly view of the base of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] With reference now to the figures, there is provided herein
illustrative embodiments of rechargeable battery-powered vibrating
massagers (e.g., massager 50) and charging bases (e.g., charging
base 150), which for example have an improved structure for
physical interaction and other/or functional and structural
advantages and features. The massager 50 can be charged via two
metal contacts 6, 15 which are each substantially flush with the
external surface 20 of the massager. In one embodiment (as shown in
FIGS. 9-12), the two charging contacts can be located in close
proximity to one another, and protection from shorting is provided
by physical interaction between features on the charging base and
massager. In such an embodiment, the contacts can be positioned in
close proximity to each other on almost any portion of the outside
of the massager 50, including on either end 64, 68 thereof or near
the central portion 66. In another illustrated embodiment (shown in
FIGS. 1-8), the two charging contacts 6,15 are apart from each
other, and, for example, one of the two contacts on the massager 50
is attracted in particular to one of two contacts on the base 150
through a pair of embedded magnets 7,105.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, massager 50 consists of a
plastic housing 21, which can be hermetically sealed along the
joint formed between the two halves 1,2 using, for example,
ultrasonic welding. Two motors, one preferably large 10 and one
preferably small 11 are included within housing 21. Each motor 10,
11, as shown, can be fitted with an offset weight attached to its
axle to generate vibration. The motors 10, 11 are positioned at
opposite ends of the housing 21 and preferably adjacent to or in a
respective operative end, or lobe, 22, 24 defined by the outside
surface 20 of the massager 50. As shown, a rechargeable battery,
which can be a lithium ion battery 14, is secured within housing 21
and is configured to provide power to motors 10, 11. If desired, a
single motor can be implemented.
[0044] A printed circuit board 16 can be provided within housing 17
in order to carry electronic control components for massager 50.
Such electronic control components preferably include a
microprocessor or microcontroller (FIG. 3, 302) (e.g., an ASIC),
which can control operation, indicators, or other device
functionality or operation (e.g., power or charge management), a
pulse width modulator (FIG. 3, 304) or other driver for one or
motors (e.g., if a motor not requiring PWM is used), momentary
switches or other types of switches for providing user control,
LEDs (FIG. 3, 306; such as, as shown beneath the surface of the
buttons 3 in FIG. 1), and additional supporting circuitry (FIG. 3)
such as battery charger 316, charging contacts 318, and/or other
supporting circuitry. It will be understood that FIG. 3 shows the
electronic circuitry supported on printed circuit board 16 or
otherwise within massager 50, wherein additional components for a
reed-switch embodiment are illustrated using dashed boxes.
Circuitry 308 for the charging base includes for example charging
contacts 312, AC/DC converter 315 (e.g. external or external), a
reed-switch 360 and related circuitry, such as a power protection
circuit 362 (if implemented), and/or other supporting circuitry.
FIG. 4 illustrates, as an example, reed-switch related circuitry
for a reed-switch embodiment for selectively charging the battery.
Other implementations are also contemplated. Operation of and
arrangements and implementations for the circuitry will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Specifically, for
example in connection with the circuitry, it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art in the field of electronics. For
example, in a non-reed switch embodiment involving two open
contacts for charging, those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand circuit design and arrangements for implementing a
circuit to include such functionality in the present context. If
desired, multiple internal batteries can be implemented. Further by
way of example, embodiments can use other forms of charging
arrangements such as using inductive charging or wireless power
transmission.
[0045] In the embodiment of massager 50 shown in FIGS. 1-8,
electrical contact 6, the associated magnet 7, and O-ring seal 8,
together function as part of a first external electrical charging
contact assembly. The metal collar of band 4, 5 along with seals
19, 29 together function as part of a second external electrical
charging contact assembly.
[0046] Magnet 18 interacts with and operates a reed switch in the
base 150 described below with reference to FIGS. 2-4, so as to
activate the charging function of base 150. The result of the
interaction between magnet 18 and the reed switch is such that
charging is only permitted when the massager 50 is in the base 150.
Note if desired, the embodiment of FIG. 1 can be implemented
without a reed-switch and related circuitry or components (e.g.
without a magnet) using, for example, the same contact
arrangement.
[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, a soft outer
layer 20, comprised of a biocompatible material such as silicone or
TPE, substantially covers housing 30. Outer layer 20 can be
overmolded onto the outside of the housing 21 after assembly of the
housing with its internal components. The soft material covers the
part breaks in the underlying plastic housing 21 to form
substantially continuous portions on the exterior surface 17 of
massager 50, reinforcing the waterproof seal of the ultrasonic weld
and making the product more hygienic, easier to clean and more
comfortable for contact with and use on the skin. If desired, other
configurations can be implemented such as to use a housing made of
other materials or one which is not waterproof.
[0048] Also in the illustrated embodiment, the metal band
components 4, 5 are assembled around a circumference of the housing
21. The metal band provides an attractive surface for branding or
personalization of the massager. It can also function as a contact
for charging the battery 14. A second metal part 6 at the tip of
one end of the housing 21 serves as the second charging contact.
Metal band 4, 5 and secondary metal contact 6 also serve a function
in the manufacturing process. To achieve a seamless overmolded skin
for the outer layer 20 of massager 50, which covers the housing 21,
it may be preferable to securely hold onto the underlying substrate
material such that the substrate will not shift in the mold under
the extreme pressures of the overmolding process. To achieve such a
secure hold, a hard, moldable material with the appropriate
properties can be provided. These external metal parts of massager
are designed and positioned such that they can cover and provide a
seal for the anchor points used during the overmolding process.
[0049] Numerous alternative configurations are possible; for
example, the massager can incorporate one or a plurality of
different sources of vibration, such as rotational, solenoidal,
piezoelectric, among others. Different methods can be used for the
assembly or construction the massager. As discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 9-12, the two halves 1, 2 of the inner housing
21 can be attached together using screws, glue, or a combination of
both as an alternative to ultrasonic welding. Additionally, the
outer layer 20 can be formed as a separate part or a plurality of
separate parts, for example two or three, as discussed below, and
assembled to the massager after assembly of the internal components
into the inner housing 21 and assembly of the two halves 1,2. In
such an embodiment, the parts of the outer layer 20 can be slid
over the massager subassembly and secured in place with glue or
using the metal band components 4, 5. Alternatively, massager 50
can be constructed without an outer layer. Further, other
configurations or shapes for outer layer 20 can be provided, while
maintaining the same underlying rigid form, to provide different
aesthetic and functional variations of the massager. Additionally,
alternative shapes can be formed in both housing 21 and outer layer
20.
[0050] Further variations of the massager are possible including
the construction of the massager without cosmetic details, such as
the metal band 4, 5. Additionally, the contacts can be located in
various places on the massager, and can be used for various
cosmetic effects. Other overmolding anchor points can be used.
Similarly, anchor points can be concealed by means other than the
metal contact parts, or other processes which do not require anchor
points, such as casting, can be used instead of overmolding.
[0051] Further, other embodiments of a massager are possible in
which the motors provide a motion other than vibration. Such
motions can include bending, twisting, rotating, contracting,
expanding, etc. In such an embodiment, it can be preferable to form
housing 21 from a pliable material or to include joints, such as
hinges or the like, to facilitate such movement.
[0052] In one embodiment, there are three buttons 3a, 3b, and 3c on
the massager 50 which provide control of the massage functions. Two
of the buttons 3a, 3c each control the speed of a respective motor.
Button 3a controls motor 11, and button 3b controls motor 10.
Button 3b changes the vibration mode or pattern. One exemplary
implementation of the button functions is described herein below.
It is understood that this is only one of many different possible
operational implementations that can involve the use of these,
fewer, or additional buttons. If desired, the massager can be
configured to communicate to the user by using preprogrammed
vibrations such as to briefly vibrate when the massager is turned
on.
[0053] With respect to the functions of button 3a in an exemplary
embodiment, pressing button 3a when motor 11 is off will turn motor
11 on at low speed. Pressing button 3a again will speed up motor 11
to low-medium speed. Pressing button 3a again will speed up motor
11 to medium speed. Pressing button 3a again will speed up motor 11
to medium-high speed. Pressing button 3a again will speed up motor
11 to high speed, and, finally, pressing button 3a a sixth time
will return motor 11 to the off state. It is understood that
variations of this function are possible, including those with more
or fewer speed increments.
[0054] With respect to the functions of button 3c, pressing button
3c when motor 10 is off will turn motor 10 on at low speed.
Pressing Button 3c again will speed up motor 10 to low-medium
speed. Pressing button 3c again will speed up motor 10 to a medium
speed. Pressing button 3c again will speed up motor 10 to a
medium-high speed. Pressing button 3c again will speed up motor 10
to a high speed, and, finally, pressing button 3c a sixth time will
return motor 10 to the off state.
[0055] With respect to the functions of button 3b, pressing Button
3b will cause it to change to the next in a cycle of 6 vibration
patterns incorporating both motor 11 and motor 10. An example of
such vibration patterns are described in International Patent
Application Pub. No. WO2007089638, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. For instance, one mode can be
such that each motor operates on a slow sine curve. The sine curves
for both motors can have the same frequency, but can be 180 degrees
out of phase from each other. Another mode can have one motor on a
fast sine curve (twice the frequency of the slow one, for example)
and the other motor on a slow sine curve. Working with wave forms
that are harmonics of one another can improve the interactions of
the two motors. Additionally, the power levels (the amplitudes of
the wave forms) of the two motors can be adjusted to encourage
interference, as is possible within the variation in motor speed
control that is inherent in most motors. As described above, the
individual speed control functions of buttons 3a and 3c allows for
independent control of vibration motors 10, 11. This allows for a
user to customize the interference pattern between the motors in
addition to the predetermined patterns that are selectable with
button 3b. This can increase the likelihood that a user will be
able to get the massager into a setting where there is desirable
interference between the motors.
[0056] Buttons 3a, 3b, 3c can also be used to implement a
control-lock functionality. For example, pressing and holding any
button 3a, 3b, 3c for 2 seconds can turn off both motors 10, 11 and
can put the massager 50 in an "off" state. Such action can further
"lock" the controls such that, when the massager 50 is off,
pressing any button 3a, 3b, 3c momentarily will not cause the
motors to start, or the vibration pattern to change. Pressing and
holding any button 3a, 3b, 3c for 2 seconds when it the massager 50
is off and the controls are "locked", however, can turn massager 50
on again and cause it to resume function at whatever settings we
being used when massager 50 was turned off Additionally, the
electronic circuitry can be used to automatically implement a
"standby" mode for massager 50 and to automatically turn massager
off after predetermined periods of no use. For example, the
circuitry can be configured to implement the standby mode after the
device is on, but when both motors have been placed in the off
state, for example by cycling through the various stages thereof
using buttons 3a and 3c. After, for example, 5 minutes in the
standby mode, the circuitry automatically turns massager into the
off state, such that momentary pressing of a button 3a, 3b, 3c will
cause no action, and only pressing or holding one of the buttons
for more than 2 seconds, for example, will turn the massager
on.
[0057] One embodiment of a base 150 that can be used to charge
massager 50 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The base 150 consists of a
plastic housing 130 comprising two housing portions 101,102.
Housing 130 encloses charging circuitry 103-111 that includes two
metal charging contacts 103,104. The circuitry can receive an
electronic current from an external transformer 114 for converting
external AC power into DC power of the appropriate characteristics.
In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry is potted in place with
epoxy to waterproof base 150. The housing 130 is preferably made
from a hard plastic material, but can be made of other functional
or aesthetic materials such as fabric, ceramic, glass, metal, wood,
and others. Additionally, the base can incorporate other functions
such as cable management, a storage box, a lockable enclosure,
etc.
[0058] The base 150 has surfaces that support the massager 50 and
guide it into a specific orientation which assists in establishing
proper electrical contact between the two units. See FIGS. 5, 6, 7
and 8 for various views of the assembled massager (FIG. 7), base
(FIG. 8) and the massager and base engaged in a supporting,
charging relationship (FIGS. 5 and 6). A wide variety of
alternative relative orientations between the base and the massager
can be imagined. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, massager 50
includes a magnet 7 and base 150 includes a magnet 107 arranged
within the respective units to attract one another. The mutual
attraction between the magnets assists the user in placing the
massager into the charging base in the correct orientation,
completing the connection with positive feedback to the user, and
assists in holding the massager in good contact. When the massager
50 is placed on the base 150 in the proper position (FIGS. 5 and
6), multiple charging elements interact to initiate the charging
function. The contact portion 5 of the massager 50 engages, in a
cradled relationship, collar contact 103 in the base 150.
Similarly, massager contact 6 engages charger contact 104. An
additional magnet pair can be included in the collar area of
massager 50 and in the collar-contact area of base 150 to further
the attachment and to further guide the massager 50 into the proper
orientation on the base 150. In a preferred embodiment, the magnets
in the base 150 have a different polarity between each other, as to
the magnets in the massager 50, thus preventing the massager 50
from being placed on the base 150 in the wrong orientation.
[0059] In "reed switch" embodiments, the magnet 18 in the massager
50 magnetically activates the reed switch included on printed
circuit board 108 within the base 150, whereby to apply charging
power to electrical contacts 6 and 5 on the massager 50. More
particularly, when the massager 50 is placed on the base in the
correct orientation, the magnet 18 in the massager 50 comes in
close proximity with the reed switch 160 on PCB 108 in the charging
base 150 and causes it to close, thereby completing the charging
circuit and permitting the charging base 150 to apply the
appropriate voltage to the massager 50 via the collar metal contact
103 and the end plug metal contact 104 on the charging base 150, to
charge the battery as described. It will be understood that any
proximity sensing switch may be used for reed switch 160, including
other types of signals such as magnetic, radio frequency,
electronic, or the like.
[0060] LEDs can be included on the massager and can illuminate to
indicate that the contacts in the massager and charging base have
been successfully connected, and that charging is underway.
Alternative or additional means of indicating the coupling or
charging status can be implemented, including audio feedback such
as beeping, tactile feedback such as vibration, or other forms of
visual feedback than LEDs.
[0061] The charging of the massager battery 14 by the base 150 is
controlled by circuitry (FIG. 3: 308 and FIG. 4) that optimizes
charging time and battery life. The charging functionality in the
preferred embodiment is optimized for the use of a single
lithium-ion type battery 14. It will be understood that other types
of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH),
could be used in the massager, and the charging functionality could
be optimized for these types of batteries.
[0062] The massager can for example react intelligently to its
charging status, automatically performing certain functions upon
the initiation and cessation of charging. For example, the
circuitry (FIG. 3) in the massager 50 can indicate its battery
level (e.g. high charge, medium charge, low charge, or fully
discharged) by flashing the LEDs in specific patterns. The
circuitry (FIG. 3) in the massager 50 controls the massager 50 can
for example cease motor operation before the batteries are fully
drained so that it can maintain other basic functions, such as
radio frequency communication or indication of status via the
illumination of LEDs. Further, for example, the circuitry (FIGS. 3
and 4) in the massager and base operate together so the massager 50
cannot be turned on when in the charger 150. If the massager 50 is
vibrating when it is placed on the base 150, the circuitry (FIGS. 3
and 4) in the massager 50 and base 150 operate together so the
massager is automatically shut off. Numerous means of communicating
status to the user, means of reacting to a low battery status,
fully charged status, successful or unsuccessful charging
connection status, etc. have been described. Many alternative means
of communicating or reacting to these functional states are
apparent.
[0063] Additionally, the operation of the massager 50 and the base
150 can cause warming of the massager 50. These operations can
include charging of the massager 50 on the base 50 or operation of
the motors 10, 11. These processes are exothermic, which leads to
the production of heat that is absorbed by housing 21 and outer
layer 20 of massager 50. The components that produce heat can be
placed near surfaces that are desired to benefit from such
warming.
[0064] Alternative embodiments of a massager and a base are shown
in FIGS. 9-12. Many aspects of both the external and internal
components and functions are similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8
with the differences described herein. As shown in FIG. 9, massager
250 includes two contacts 205a,205b at the collar, rather than one
at the collar (FIG. 1, 5) and one (FIG. 1, 6) at the end of the
massager (FIG. 1, 50). This eliminates the interruption at the end
of the second portion 22 of the exterior surface 20 of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-9 due to the charging contact 6. Because the
end of operative end 222 (and 22 in FIG. 1) is a key functional
area, elimination of a charging contact in this area improves the
hygiene of the product. It also improves the tactile qualities of
that end of the massager 250. It further removes a discontinuity on
the surface of the portion of outer layer 220 that covers operative
end 222 of massager 250. This large, useable surface of outer layer
220 compliments the continuous surface found on operative end 224
of massager 250 to increase the overall useability of the massager
250 in the sense that multiple surfaces can be comfortably and
safely used on the body.
[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, massager 250 is between about
150 cm and 200 cm in length and more preferably about 174 cm,
although other lengths are possible. Additionally, in the exemplary
embodiment, operative end 222 can have a width at its widest point
between about 3 cm and 5 cm, and more preferably about 4 cm.
Similarly operative end 224 can have a width at its widest point
between about 2 cm and 4 cm and, more preferably, about 3 cm.
Further, central portion 226 can, by way of example have a width at
its narrowest point of between 2 cm and 3 cm, and more preferably
about 2.2 cm. Other dimensions for massager 250 are possible. For
example, the entire massager can be scaled within the given,
exemplary ranges to form a larger or smaller massager. Further,
alternative shape configurations are possible, including such that
both operative ends are the same shape, such that the large end is
narrower than the small end, such that the central portion is wider
than the ends, or such that the device has a constant width.
Further, many aspects of the embodiments described can be used in a
massager that is substantially U-shaped, spherical, cubic,
triangular, or the like.
[0066] In the exemplary configuration described above, operative
end 222 has a continuous surface of at least 100 cm.sup.2,
preferably between about 120 cm.sup.2 and 150 cm.sup.2, and more
preferably about 130 cm.sup.2. Similarly, operative end 224
preferably has a continuous surface having an area of at least 10
cm.sup.2, preferably between about 20 cm.sup.2 and 30 cm.sup.2 and,
more preferably of about 22 cm.sup.2. Other size ranges for
continuous portions of the outside surface of variations of a
massager having different shapes are possible. In a preferred
embodiment, every surface of the massager can be a usable surface
by having a soft layer such as an elastomer cover the surface
except for a relatively small portion configured for the contacts
that is preferably about 15 cm.sup.2 or less, and more preferably
about 10 cm.sup.2 or less. The contact area can also be a usable
surface by for example having flush mounted contacts. The
respective sizes of the continuous surfaces can be scaled with the
size of the massager, as discussed above or can otherwise vary in
accordance with other possible configurations for the massager. In
an embodiment, the entire outside surface of the massager is
continuous. Dimensions and specifications provided herein are
provided for illustrative purposes.
[0067] The contoured outer surface 217 of massager 250, as shown in
the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B, can include the
formation of an arch-like shape between the outermost ends of the
massager 250. This can result in the massager having an upper
surface 292 having a convex shape and a lower surface 294 having a
concave shape, wherein both shapes are defined along a vertical
plane that bisects the massager 250 through both ends thereof. Both
surfaces, among others present, can be used on the body to impart
various sensations or the like. Further, such an arch-like shape
can define an angle 290 between operative end 222 and operative end
224. As shown in FIG. 9B, the angle 290 can be further defined by
an intersecting pair of lines, one of which is formed between the
center of the endpoint of operative end 222 and the center of
central portion 226, and the other of which if formed between the
endpoint of operative end 224 and the center of central portion
226. Other methods of measurement are possible, including along the
upper surface 292 or the lower surface 294. Angle 290 is preferably
between 90.degree. and 180.degree., and is more preferably at least
120.degree.. In an embodiment, angle is less than 160.degree., and
more preferably about 135.degree., although other angles are
possible.
[0068] The massager 250 includes an outer layer 220 that is not
overmolded. Instead, three sheaths 264,266,268 made from
elastomeric material such as silicone, TPE or the like are molded
separately, and then assembled over the plastic substrate of
housing 30. Sheath 264 fits over operative end 224 of massager 250,
and sheath 268 fits over operative end 222. The sheath 266 is an
annular band which covers the collar area 226, and overlaps both of
the two other sheaths 264,268, thereby helping to seal the unit. In
an alternative embodiment, sheaths 264,268 can be arranged to
overlap or abut each other in the collar area 226 and sheath 266
can be eliminated. In either embodiment, the sheaths 264,266,268
can be glued or otherwise affixed together or can be left
unattached, the tension and interaction between the components
providing an adequate seal for the massager 250. In yet another
embodiment, a single sheath can enclose the entire form. As shown
in FIG. 9, sheath 266 can include a pair of holes 270a, 270b to
allow access between the interior of the housing 221 and the
contacts 205a, 205b. The pressure of contacts 205a, 205b against
sheath 266 can be sufficient to maintain the water-resistant
properties of massager 250. Alternatively, the contacts can be
insert-molded into the hard plastic housing 221. Preferably,
massager 250 is water resistant with an ISO rating of at least IPx
6, and more preferably, massager 250 is rated as fully submersible
in water to a distance of at least about 1 m, for instance as
specified in IPx6.
[0069] The illustrated construction of the outer layer 220 allows
for incorporation of the button 203a, 203b, 203c functionality into
the outer layer 220 (shown as part of sheath 268). This eliminates
three part breaks in the surface of the unit, which further
increases the useable area for operative end 222 and increases the
water-resistance of the unit and the overall hygiene of the
unit.
[0070] The embodiment of base 450 shown in FIGS. 10 and 12
incorporates a physical shape to encourage proper charging, rather
than the electronic and magnetic aspects of charger 150 shown in
FIGS. 2-8. Base 450 includes an upper surface 401 that includes a
pair of depressions 422,424 and a support 426. As shown in FIG. 12
depression 422 is sized to receive operative end 222 of massager
250, and depression 424 is sized to receive operative end 224 of
massager 250. Support 426 is shaped so as to cradle the collar
portion 226 of massager 250. The interaction of support 426 is such
that the upper surface thereof is angled to match the angle of the
collar portion 226 when placed in the collar. Because the shape of
upper surface 401 matches specific portions of massager 250,
massager 250 can only fit in the base 450 in the proper orientation
for charging. Accordingly, because contacts 205a, 205b cannot touch
contacts 403a, 403b, the reed switch and magnets of the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-9 can be eliminated, which can provide a more robust
unit. To prevent shorting between contacts 403a, 403b, which is a
possibility due to the proximity therebetween, a ridge 470 is
positioned between contacts 403a, 403b, which prevents a single
conductive element, such as band 204 from shorting the contacts. A
mating groove 280 can be formed in the massager 250 between
contacts 205a and 205b. Other configurations are possible for base
450 that promote correct charging orientation by shape interaction
with massager 250. For example, a base can be formed with a single
depression that, for example, fits the profile of the lower half of
the massager, with the charging contacts appropriately positioned
for charging. Further, mechanical keying features are possible
between the base and the massager in which a projection or the like
extends from the base to interact with a depression or the like
formed in the massager.
[0071] Base 450 can further incorporate a lid 480 that can be
assembled thereto when massager is held on base 450. This provides
for a closed container for massager 250 that improves the hygiene
and discretion thereof during storage. Further, lid 480 can be
arranged to hold massager 250 against base 450, which is
particularly useful during charging to ensure that proper contact
is maintained. Lid 480 can further incorporate a locking feature to
further enhance the privacy of the unit.
[0072] It is to be understood that neither of the above-described
embodiments is limiting, and that, accordingly, various aspects of
the described embodiments can be interchanged to form additional
embodiments.
[0073] There have thus been provided new and improved methods and
systems for charging a personal appliance such as a personal
massager or vibrator that provide secure and safe charging. The
described embodiment of the invention includes a hand-held massager
50,250 and a base 150,450, the massager including a rechargeable
battery along with vibrating and certain charging functions. The
mating charging base houses certain cooperative charging functions.
In one embodiment, when the massager and base are engaged in a
supporting, charging physical relationship, magnets act to secure
at least one of the electrical charging connections between the
massager and the base. A reed switch can be included in the
charging based that is magnetically operated by a magnet in the
massager to enable electrical charging, which is otherwise safely
disabled while the massager and base are separate, thereby
preventing an electrical shock to a user. In another embodiment, an
interrelated profiles between the massager and the base help to
ensure proper orientation of the massager on the base to facilitate
charging. The charging components can be integrated into the
massager in a manner flush with the surface of the massager housing
such that the massager surface is smooth and pleasant to the user,
cleanable and thus hygienic, and waterproof. Optional skinning can
be used to provide a comfortable outer surface, either by
overmoldeding or additional assembly. Further, the placement of the
electrical components provides tactile, pleasant warmth to the
surface of the massager while it is in operation.
[0074] The complete list of parts in the massager shown in FIG. 1
is given below. The parts for the embodiment of the massager of
FIG. 9 can vary from the listed parts. The parts include: left
substrate; right substrate; button plate; top half of metal collar;
bottom half of metal collar; metal end plug contact; end plug
magnet; end plug rubber o-ring; end plug internal contact; second
motor; first motor; first motor mounting bracket; first motor
mounting bracket screws; battery; collar internal contact; printed
circuit board (PCB) supporting the electrical circuit components
shown in FIG. 3; outer layer; magnet; mono-directional moisture
barrier, for example of Goretex.TM. material; and, collar rubber
o-ring.
[0075] The complete list of parts in the charging base shown in
FIG. 2 is given below. The parts included in the massager of FIG.
11 can vary from the listed parts. The parts include: lid; top
housing; bottom housing; collar metal contact; end plug metal
contact; end plug contact magnet; foam cushion; weight; PCB
supporting the electrical reed switch S1 and other electrical
circuit components shown in FIG. 4; cord strain relief; rubber
feet; screws; label; screw fasteners for securing the PCB; and
Adapter for converting AC current to DC current to power the
charging circuitry on the PCB, the adapter including a cord
connected to cord strain relief.
Alternate Embodiments of the Invention
[0076] There is provided herein a new and improved vibrating
massager assembly including a vibrating massager, a base and a
remote control. The vibrating massager includes an internally
contained rechargeable battery and an induction coil with charging
circuitry. The base is both supportive and includes inductive
coupling equipment for charging the vibrator battery. To take full
advantage of the inductive charging features, the vibrating
massager is sealed, in the illustrated embodiment by both
ultrasonic welding of a plastic housing and skinning with a
relatively thin, bio-compatible skin, whereby to effectively
protect the massager and improve the human user experience. The
remote control of the present invention uses the Z.TM. wireless
communications protocols to control the vibrator and provides
vastly enhanced functionality in comparison to the prior art.
[0077] As used herein, examples and illustrations are exemplary in
nature and not limiting. Like reference numerals between the
various Figures indicate like elements.
Structure of the Invention
[0078] With reference now to FIGS. 13 and 14 there is shown a new
and improved vibrating massager system 1310 including an
inductively chargeable vibrating massager 1312 and a supportive,
inductive charging base 1314. Vibrating massager 1312 is shown in
the shape of a fluid, organic form. The organic form provides a
multitude of different types of surfaces suitable for different
types of contact with the body, thereby offering flexibility of
operation and many varieties of sensation for the user. As shown,
the illustrated form is functional to provide medical massage, such
as for the neck, back, feet, etc. as well as sexual
stimulation.
[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, vibrating massager 1312 is
sealed first by ultrasonic welding, and further by a thin,
bio-compatible `skin` 1313, formed, for example, from silicone or a
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Sealing takes full advantage of the
benefits of inductive charging, i.e. not having to open the unit to
replace batteries or deal with an external cord, preferably making
the vibrating massager secure from external fluids and liquids, as
well as providing a tactility that is smooth and pleasant to the
user. The skin reduces the number of uncomfortable and unsanitary
tangible seams in the surface of the massager. In the described
embodiment, skin 1313 further forms a relatively waterproof,
hermetic seal over the entirety of the vibrating massager 1312,
again enhancing both the functionality of the device and the user
experience. Alternative methods of sealing the device include
sealing of the various plastic components described below, skinning
with other materials, and others that are discussed in further
detail below and/or will now be apparent to the reader.
[0080] Further incorporated within vibrating massager 1312 are two
controls, in the form of buttons 1320, 1322, positioned underneath
of but visible and operable through skin 1313 and extending into
the body of the massager as described below. In the described
embodiment, the buttons 1320, 1322 interact with internal switches
(described below) while the upper surfaces of the buttons include
lights, for example LEDs, indicating their status as described
below. A decorative collar 1318, optionally included either on top
of or underneath of skin 1313, can be used to decorate the
vibrating massager. The decoration can take many forms, including
brand display and/or embellishments common to jewelry design such
as inlay, plating, inset stones, personalized etchings or
engravings, or other customizations. Optionally, collar 1318 may be
used to facilitate the mechanical assembly of the device in the
manner described below.
[0081] Continuing with reference to FIG. 13 and now also FIG. 19,
charging base 1314 is seen to be relatively `brick-shaped` or
rectangular in shape, and to include a lower surface 1314D for
supporting the charger on a flat surface such as a sink, bureau, or
bedside table. The charger further includes an electrical
connection 1316 for receiving power from an external source such as
a 110V or 220V wall plug. An upper surface 1314C of the charging
base includes a pair of ovoid indentations 1314A, 1314B for
receiving the ends of the vibrating massager 1312 in a supportive,
stable relationship. In accordance with features and advantages of
the present invention, base 1314 is shaped to receive vibrating
massager 1312 in engaging relationship, conveniently and stably
supporting the device while it is inductively charged in the manner
described herein below.
[0082] Internal to the charging base 1314 (as visible in FIG. 19)
is seen a circuit board 1319 supporting a power converter 1366 and
inductive coil 1364, the functions of which are described herein
below. Corner feet, for example in the form of self-adhesive rubber
disks, can be used to conceal the screws used to secure top 1314C
to bottom 1314D, the screws being indicated generally at 1315.
[0083] With reference now to FIG. 15, there is shown the external
structure for a remote control device 1330 for controlling the
operation of the vibrating massager 1312. In the described
embodiment, remote control 1330 is seen to comprise generally the
shape of a sectioned ovoid 1337, a flat surface provided by a
membrane switch 1338 supporting a variety of controls, in the form
of button-controlled switches, indicated generally at 1332, 1334
and 1336. The remote control 1330 is constructed of a pair of
mating sides each containing internal structure for supporting
various internal components. This external structure of the remote
control comprises, for example, a material such as acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE), polyethylene, liquid crystal polymer (LCP),
cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), nylon, a polycarbonate and ABS
blend (PC-ABS) or other materials, thermoplastic or otherwise.
[0084] With reference now also to FIG. 18, the internal components
of remote control 1330 are seen to include a battery 1368,
rechargeable or otherwise, and an electronic circuit board 1380
supporting electrical components including a microcontroller, an
antenna, four LEDs, a connector for the wiring to the membrane
switch 1338, and additional supporting circuitry as described
herein below. The electronic components support a variety of
functions including: receiving and processing radio frequency
control signals, receiving and processing signals from user
operated controls such as button switches 1332, 1334 and 1336, and
controlling the illumination of the LEDs. The button switches are
of a "membrane switch" type, the switches incorporated within the
membrane and operable by the button switches. This construction
offers the benefits of being impervious to water and other fluids,
smooth and continuous in form such that the surface is easy to keep
clean, and inexpensive to manufacture. Button switches 1332 and
1336 each provide access to two momentary switches within the
switch membrane. Each of the two buttons can then support a
plus/minus functionality to enable the user to intuitively increase
or decrease the activity of each of the two motors in vibrator
1312. The various functions of these controls are described in
greater detail herein below.
[0085] From FIG. 18, it will be seen that the ovoid shape of remote
control 1330 is derived from a plastic ovoid housing bottom 1337,
with the upper flat surface formed by switch membrane 1338
overlying a plastic housing top 1335. Housing top 1335 includes an
aperture 1335A facilitating the electronic connection of button
switches 1332, 1334, 1336 with the switches on the circuit board
1380. An oval seal, or o-ring, 1333 provides a seal between housing
top 1335 and housing bottom 1337. The various electronic components
are contained within the housing, the housing skin 1331 covering
the plastic housing components while wrapping over the edge
(visible in assembled form in FIG. 15) of switch membrane 1338.
[0086] The flat surface 1338, and the raised planar edge of the
housing skin 1331 enables the remote control device 1330 to rest
"face-down" thereby concealing the controls and giving the device a
unique, clean and appealing aesthetic appearance. As described
above, in the illustrated embodiment, remote control device 1330 is
sealed with a rubber o-ring 1333, and further sealed by a
removable, thin, bio-compatible `skin` 1331, formed, for example,
from silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This sealing
makes the remote control device 1330 secure from external fluids
and liquids, as well as providing a tactility that is smooth and
pleasant to the user. The skin reduces the number of tangible seams
in the remote control, improves the user's grip on the device, and
protects the device from shock when dropped. The remote control
outer skin 1331 can also permit the remote control device 1330 to
attach via suction to a smooth surface, such as glass, tile,
mirror, or the side of a bathtub, providing a useful and unique
means of storing the device when it is not in use. In the described
embodiment, the skin forms a secondary waterproof seal over the
convex portion of the remote control device, again enhancing both
the functionality of the device and the user experience.
Alternative methods of sealing the device include sealing of the
various plastic components such as by ultrasonic welding, skinning
with other materials, and others as will now be apparent to the
reader.
[0087] The electro-mechanical structure and function of system 1310
will now be described with respect to FIGS. 16 and 17, FIG. 16
showing an assembly view of vibrating massager 1312, FIG. 16
showing a block diagram functional view of the massager, base 1314
and remote control 1330.
[0088] With reference first to FIG. 16, there is shown a mechanical
assembly view of vibrating massager 1312, the massager including a
pair of mating sides indicated at 1312A, 1312B each containing
internal structure 12D for supporting various internal components.
This external structure of the massager comprises, for example, a
plastic or thermoplastic as described above.
[0089] The internal components of vibrating massager 1312 are seen
to include an energetic coupler such as an inductive charging coil
1342, a power source such as battery 1348, and a pair of vibrating
motors indicated at 1346A, 1346B. An electronic circuit board 1344
supports electrical components, further described herein below, for
a variety of functions including: supporting the charging of
battery 1348, receiving and processing radio frequency control
signals, receiving and processing signals from user operated
controls such as buttons 1320 and 1322, and controlling the
operation of motors 1346A, 1346B.
[0090] As is apparent from FIG. 16, when assembled, motors 1346A,
1346B are positioned at generally opposite lateral ends of massager
1312, the circuit board 1344, battery 1348 and inductive coil 1342
generally supported towards the center of the device. The switches
1320, 1322 are towards the center of the device. This assembly
provides vibrating massager 1312 with a pleasant balance to the
user and convenient access to the switches when the massager is
held in a user's hand, regardless of the orientation of the device.
It is noted that, in accordance with a feature of the invention,
the motors 1346A, 1346B are arranged at opposite ends of vibrating
massager 1312, enabling the massager to be used at both ends. The
motors are of different sizes and offer different operating
characteristics. Motor 1346A is a large motor with a relatively
larger vibration weight mounted on its axle. This motor is thus
configured to produce very strong, lower frequency vibrations.
Motor 1346B is a smaller motor with a relatively smaller vibration
weight mounted on its axle. This motor is thus configured to
produce higher frequency vibrations, and to be able to respond more
nimbly to intricate control signals. The motors are positioned
non-linearly on different longitudinal axes within vibrating
massager 1312. The massager thus has the advantage of providing
significantly different tactile sensations to the user depending on
the motor(s) operated and surface(s) applied to the body. Further,
when both motors operate simultaneously, the two frequencies of
vibrations generated can interfere or resonate, thereby generating
additional sensations for the user.
[0091] It will be understood that, in different embodiments,
different numbers and types of motors may be operated and different
numbers of controls may be provided directly on the housing of the
vibrating massager 1312.
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, decorative collar 1318 is
seen to include a pair of matching halves, indicated at 1318A,
1318B, the collar halves engaged in a pressure relationship with
one another and keyed into slots 1312C (only one of which is
visible) for supporting the construction of the massager 1312 by
assisting to hold mating halves 1312A, 1312B together.
[0093] A button assembly 1340 is seen to include individual button
switches 1320, and 1322, in the described embodiment the switches
comprising momentary switch, pressure sensitive electronic switches
with light emitting diode (LED) indicators indicative of their
state. The buttons protrude through the surface of massager 1312,
remaining underneath skin 1313 to support the operation of the
massager in the manner described herein below.
[0094] While not illustrated in FIG. 16, as noted above; vibrating
massager 1312 includes a bio-compatible external skin 1313 (see
FIG. 13), comprised for example of silicone, thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU) or another material
with desirable properties such as tactile quality,
bio-compatibility, durability, and ability to bond to the material
of parts 1312A and 1312B. This skin may be of varying thickness,
providing different levels of firmness or softness around the body
of the device, thereby enhancing as well as increasing the number
of tactile properties available from the vibrating massager.
[0095] With reference now to FIG. 17, considering first the
functional operation of vibrating massager 1312, the circuit board
1344 is seen to include a variety of electronic components,
controlled by a microcontroller 1354. Microcontroller 1354
comprises, for example, a low power, 8 bit, 8 MHz microprocessor,
64 Kb of flash memory, 4 Kb of static ram, 2 Kb of EEPROM, and two
pulse width modulation (PWM) channels, many commercial types of
which are well known in the art, for example from suppliers such as
Intel, IBM, AMD, Texas Instruments, EM Microelectronics, Hitachi
and Xemics.
[0096] Inductive coil 1342 is connected to a charging control and
monitoring circuit on circuit board 1344 and positioned so as to
couple electro-magnetically with a corresponding coil 1364 in
charger 1314, thereby inductively generating a current to charge
battery 1348. An A/C-to-D/C converter 1362 operates to convert the
induced current to a D.C. voltage, the voltage supplied to a
battery charger 1360 for charging battery 1348. A battery protector
1358 is connected to battery charger 1360 in a conventional manner
to minimize charge time, maximize battery life, and avoid
overcharging of the battery. A motor driver 1352 is provided for
generating the control signals to drive motors 1346A, 1346B
responsive to the control signals applied and as determined by
microcontroller 1354, the details of which are described below.
[0097] Inductive coil 1342 is a wound coil with a ferrite core,
selected to provide efficient coupling across the precise distance
between the primary and secondary coils in the charger and
vibrator, respectively. In a manner well known in the art, coils
1342 and 1364 may be procured off-the-shelf and/or manufactured to
specifications dependant on their desired relative positions and
performance. Battery 1348 is a conventional high capacity
rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion type battery. Converter
1362 is a conventional AC/DC converter that rectifies the incoming,
inductively coupled 100 KHz AC signal to generate the 6V DC power
required to drive the charger 1360. Battery charger 1360 is a
conventional component designed to handle the complex charging
requirements of a high capacity battery. Battery protector 1358,
another conventional component, protects the battery 1348 from
over-voltage, under voltage, over-current/short circuit, and
over-temperature conditions. Battery charger 1360 and protector
1358 can be in the form of an integrated circuit(s), for example of
the type available from Linear Technology.
[0098] A radio frequency transceiver and antenna 1356 is included
for receiving radio frequency control signals, in the ZigBee.TM.
wireless communications protocol, from remote control device 1330
or other control devices as described below. The received signals
are operative with microcontroller 1354, motor driver 1352 and the
user controls and indicators 1350 for controlling the operation of
the motors 1346A, 1346B. In this described embodiment of the
invention, microcontroller 1354 and the motor driver 1352 operate
to provide pulse width modulation control of the motors 1346A,
1346B, this PWM control providing significant advantages as
described here in below.
[0099] It will be understood that the controls and indicators 1350
include the controls and indicators physically mounted on vibrating
massager 1312 for direct operation by a user of the massager. In
the described embodiment, these controls include buttons 1320 and
1322 that interact with the above-described switches on circuit
board 44. It will be understood that in different embodiments,
numerous other user controls and indicators may be included on the
physical structure of vibrating massager 1312.
[0100] Continuing with reference to FIG. 17, considering now the
functional aspects of charger 1314, the charger is seen to include
an alternating current (A/C) power source 1316, for example a
corded connection to a conventional 110V/220V external power
source. Charger 1314 further includes the power converter 1366 for
converting the frequency of the A/C power, and an inductive coil
1364 for inductively coupling the converted power to inductive coil
1342 whereby to charge battery 1348. Power converter 1366 is
composed of a passive component circuit for converting 50 Hz or 60
Hz AC to DC and an active switching component for converting this
DC voltage to 100 KHz AC. As described above with respect to coil
1342, inductive coil 1364 is comprised of a wound coil with a
ferrite core, selected to provide efficient coupling across the
precise distance between the primary and secondary coils in the
charger and vibrator, respectively.
[0101] In the described embodiment, the various electronic
components within the base 1314 are potted within an epoxy or an
equivalent sealant whereby to provide both a waterproof seal and a
weight sufficient to securely support vibrating massager 1312
during charging and/or non-use. The outer housing of base 1314 is
preferably plastic, but may be manufactured from or further include
other functional or aesthetic materials. The charger 1314 can
incorporate other desirable features or take a multitude of
alternate forms, for example, the charger could incorporate cable
management system for the A/C power cable. Alternatively, the
charger could be incorporated into a box or similar enclosure to
aide privacy, security, and transportation, or into a soft
structure such as a pillow so that it could be stored on a bed and
blended with other pillows. The vibrator could also engage with the
charger in different orientations, for instance, it could stand
vertically in the charger. Further, the charger could be optimized
to be used universally for a variety of compatible vibrators,
remotes, or other powered products.
[0102] In another embodiment, the charger could be used in
conjunction with an external packaging design that incorporated
induction coils within the packaging itself, for example, a bottle
or other container having an induction coil therein. The power
generated by the inductively coupled coils, that is between the
coil in charger 1314 and the coil in the external package, could be
used for the illumination of the package (if the packaging
incorporated an LED or other light source), or for the warming of a
product contained within the packaging. Thus, for example, in
addition to functioning to charge massager 1312, base 1314 could
simultaneously function to warm a receptacle of a liquid medicinal
or oil.
[0103] With reference now to remote control 1330, the functional
components as shown in FIG. 17 are seen to include a
microcontroller 1372 for controlling the various components of the
remote control. The battery 1368 and an optional battery protector
1374 are provided for powering the remote control. An RF
transceiver and antenna 1370, mentioned herein above, are provided
for generating and communicating RF control signals in the
ZigBee.TM. wireless communications protocol to the corresponding
transceiver 1356 in vibrating massager 1312. In one embodiment, the
ZigBee.TM. functionality is provided by firmware residing in the
memory of the microcontrollers 1354 and 1372, and is processed by
the microprocessors. In other embodiments, the ZigBee.TM.
functionality is incorporated into the RF transceivers 1356, 1370
and/or in a ZigBee.TM.-functional integrated circuit coupled to the
microcontrollers and/or the transceivers. Controls and indicators
1376, including the illustrated button switches 1332, 1334 and
1336, are included for enabling a user to remotely control the
operation of vibrating massager 1312 in accordance with the
description herein below.
[0104] The various components of remote control 1330, including a
battery 1368, battery protector 1374, microcontroller 1372, the
various RF transceiver components 1370, and the controls and
indicators 1376, comprise conventional components well known to the
reader. Microcontroller 1372 comprises, for example, an 8 bit, low
power, 8 MHz processor with 64 Kb of flash memory, 4 Kb of static
ram, 2 Kb of EEPROM, of the type generally described above with
respect to microcontroller 1354, and further including an optional,
conventional integrated and/or interconnected analog-to-digital
converter circuit. Battery 1368 is a high capacity, high voltage
battery such as a lithium or lithium ion type battery. The optional
battery protector 1374, for example of the type described with
respect to protector 1358 above, protects the battery 1368 from
over-voltage, under voltage, over-current/short circuit, and
over-temperature conditions. A conventional radio frequency
transceiver and antenna 1370 is included for receiving radio
frequency control signals in the ZigBee.TM. wireless communications
protocol from vibrating massager 1312 or other devices.
[0105] Referring again to FIG. 17, for purposes of illustrating the
vibrator system of the present invention in a network of compatible
wireless devices, two such devices 1702, 1704 are shown connected
with system 1310 in a ZigBee.TM. wireless network 1700
configuration. The reader will understand that devices 1702, 1704
can comprise one or more of the below-described devices, sensors
and/or systems, each ZigBee.TM. wireless compatible and
communicating in the network with each other and/or system 1310
using the wireless protocols as described below.
Construction Of The Invention
[0106] In construction, as described above, the two motors 1346A,
1346B are positioned at opposite ends of the vibrating massager
1312, whereby to apply vibratory motion to either end selectively
and/or the entirety of the massager. In the described embodiment,
motor 1346B is relatively smaller than 1346A, each motor fitted
with an offset weight attached axially whereby to impart vibrations
to the massager. As described above, in the illustrated embodiment,
the motors are positioned offset axially from each other. It will
be appreciated that the relative size, position and function of the
motors and rotating weights are selected to provide the desired
vibratory effects to massager 1312. Different configurations may be
selected to provide different vibratory effects for medical
treatments as well as for adult sexual stimulation.
[0107] In the described embodiment, the two halves of the vibrating
massager 1312, indicated at 1312A, 1312B (see FIG. 16) are
ultrasonically welded together so as to seal the device against
moisture and other outside pollutants. The skin layer 1313 is then
over--molded onto the outside of the sealed housing, providing both
a hygienic effect and reinforcing the waterproof seal of the
ultrasonic weld.
Operation Of The Invention--Inductive Charging
[0108] In operation, as noted above, the charger 1314 includes an
upper surface 1314C that supports the vibrating massager 1312 and
guides it into a specific orientation which optimizes the inductive
coupling between the inductive coils 1342 and 1364 in the two
units.
[0109] When the vibrating massager 1312 is placed on the charging
base 1314 in the proper position, LEDs located beneath buttons 1320
and 1322 on the massager illuminate for one second to indicate that
the inductive coil 1362 in the charger and the inductive coil 1342
in the massager have coupled successfully, and that charging is
underway. This one second illumination is followed by a series of
short flashes, 250 ms in duration, which indicate the current
charge level as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Number of Flashes Charge Level 1 Very Low 2 Low 3
Medium 4 High 5 Full
[0110] Alternatively such feedback may be provided by an audio
device such as a speaker or beeper, or by tactile feedback such as
vibration, or other forms of user-discernable feedback as will be
apparent to the reader.
[0111] The charging of battery 1348 in vibrating massager 1312 is
controlled by circuitry in power converter 1366 that optimizes
charging time and battery life. The charging functionality in the
described embodiment is optimized for the use of a single
lithium-ion type battery 1348. Other types of rechargeable
batteries, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or multiple
batteries and/or battery types could be used in the massager, with
the charging functionality then optimized for those battery
configurations.
[0112] The vibrating massager 1312 reacts intelligently to its
charging status. The massager can indicate its battery level (e.g.
fully discharged, low, medium, high, or fully charged) by flashing
its LEDs in the pattern indicated above. The massager will cease
motor operation before the batteries are fully drained so that it
can maintain other basic functions, such as radio frequency
communication with remote control 1330 or indication of status via
the illumination of the LEDs. In the described embodiment, the
massager cannot be turned on when in the charger and, if the
massager is vibrating when it is placed in or near the charger, it
will automatically shut off.
[0113] In addition to the advantages described above, including no
need to change batteries or deal with electrical cords, inductive
charging provides the significant advantage of generating
exothermic heat, providing vibrating massager 1312 with a palpably
warm, pleasant sensation to the user.
Operation Of The Invention--User-Controlled Operation
[0114] As will be apparent to the reader, at least two methods of
directly operating vibrating massager 1312, are readily available
to the user, the first comprising the operation of the buttons
1320, 1322 directly on the housing of the massager. This operation
is described with respect to Table 1 below, wherein:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Switch 1320 Pressing switch 1320 when motor
1346B is off will turn motor 1346B on at low speed Pressing switch
1320 again will speed up motor 1346B to medium speed Pressing
switch 1320 a third time will speed up motor 1346B to high speed
Pressing switch 1320 a fourth time will return motor 1346B to being
off Switch 1322 Pressing switch 1322 when motor 1346A is off will
turn motor 1346A on at low speed Pressing switch 1322 again will
speed up motor 1346A to medium speed Pressing switch 1322 a third
time will speed up motor 1346A to high speed Pressing switch 1322 a
fourth time will return motor 1346A to being off Control Lock
Pressing and holding either switch 1320 or switch 1322 for 2
seconds will turn off both motors and will put the massager in a
locked state. When the massager is locked, pressing switch 1320 or
switch 1322 momentarily will have no effect. Pressing and holding
either switch 1320 or switch 1322 for 2 seconds when it is in a
locked state will return the massager to an unlocked state. When
switch 1320 or switch 1322 is then released, the LEDs beneath both
switches will flash to indicate current battery level, per the
description above. Pause and If one or more motors are on, pressing
both switch 1320 and Resume switch 1322 will turn off all motors
and will put the massager in a paused state. When the massager is
paused, momentarily pressing switch 1320 or switch 1322, or both
switches simultaneously will cause the massager to return to the
same level of activity prior to being paused. Network Pressing and
holding both switch 1320 and switch 1322 for 5 Formation seconds
will turn off any motor that is on and will cause the massager to
broadcast a request to form a network. The massager will continue
to broadcast the request for 5 seconds after one or more switches
are released. Both LEDs will flash rapidly as long as the request
is being broadcast. If, while broadcasting a request to form a
network, the massager receives an acknowledgement from another
device, it will add the device to the network, and will then
continue to broadcast its request to form a network for an
additional 5 seconds. If, after 5 seconds of broadcasting a request
to form a network, the massager does not receive an acknowledgement
from another device, it will cease to broadcast the request and
will complete the network formation with the devices, if any, that
provided an acknowledgement during the network formation cycle
described above. Special Specific sequences of button presses can
be programmed to access Functions special vibration patterns and
modes that are otherwise inaccessible to the user. This "hidden"
functionality is similar to "cheat codes" embedded in video games.
These specific sequences can be released to users for example as
part of a marketing campaign for the massager.
[0115] It will be understood by the reader that the operation of
controls 1320, 1322 are managed by microcontroller 1354 and that
many different variations of the control functions described may
thus be programmed into the vibrating massager of the present
invention.
[0116] In the described embodiment of the invention, motors 1346A,
1346B are operated by motor driver 1352 using pulse width
modulation (PWM). As is known in the art, PWM uses the duty cycle
of the control signal to control the motor operation. At full
power, the PWM circuit provides power to the motors 100% of the
time. At partial power, the PWM circuit provides power to the
motors the same partial percentage of time. In accordance with this
aspect of the present invention, PWM control of the motors provides
enhanced responsiveness in comparison to conventional amplitude
modulation control. This provides significant advantages, including
the ability to operate the motors at lower speeds, providing low
frequency vibrations, as well as the ability to provide fine
control of the motor operation in accordance with the relatively
complex control signals described below.
Operation Of The Invention--Remote Control Operation
[0117] It will be apparent to the reader that at least the same
functions described above with respect to the user controls 1320,
1322 can be applied remotely using controller 1330. Due to the
inclusion of additional buttons, that is five button switch
functions on remote control 1330 versus two button functions
directly on the massager 1312, further functions of the vibrating
massager are available using the remote control 1330 as
described.
[0118] As described above, there are three button switches 1332,
1334 and 1336 on the remote controller that are used to provide
control of the massager in wireless operation, either individually
or as part of a network. Two of the three button switches, 1332 and
1336, interact with two-each underlying, momentary control switches
(incorporated within the membrane surface 1338, see FIG. 18) to
provide bi-directional control. Such bi-directional control
provides +/-, or `increase/decrease,` functionality to intuitively
increase or decrease the activity of two motors or other
controllable features. The center button switch 1334 is not
bi-directional, but operates a single underlying momentary contact
switch, also incorporated within the membrane surface 1338. When
depressed individually, each of the bi-directional button switches
controls a separate motor. Bi-directional button switch 1332
controls motor 1346B, and bi-directional button switch 1336
controls motor 46A.
[0119] With respect to bi-directional button switch 1336, eight
discrete motor speeds for motor 346B can be accessed by pressing
and releasing the button switch up (36U) or down (36D). More
particularly: [0120] Pressing and releasing button switch 1336U
will increase the speed of motor 1346B to the next higher speed
until it reaches its maximum speed. [0121] Pressing button switch
1336U when motor 1346B is at maximum speed will have no effect.
[0122] Pressing and releasing button switch 1336D will decrease the
speed of motor 1346B to the next lower speed until it turns off.
[0123] Pressing button switch 1336D when motor 1346B is off will
have no effect. [0124] Pressing and holding button switch 1336U
will cause motor 1346B to gradually and linearly increase in speed
until it reaches its maximum speed. When button switch 1336U is
released, motor 1346B will maintain whatever speed it has reached.
[0125] Pressing and holding button switch 1336D will cause motor
1346B to gradually and linearly decrease in speed until it stops.
When button switch 1336D is released, motor 1346B will maintain
whatever speed it has reached. [0126] The operation of
bi-directional button switch 1332 is identical to that of button
switch 1336, but with respect to the control of motor 1346A. [0127]
In contrast to the operation of button switches 1332 and 1336,
button switch 1334 functions to operate preset vibration patterns
and/or combinations of patterns. More particularly: [0128] Pressing
and releasing button switch 1334 causes the massager to cycle
through different vibration combinations according to the following
Table 2. With each press of the button, the vibrator steps to the
next combination. For example, if the massager is following
combination 2 and button 1334 is pressed, it will switch to
combination 3. If button switch 1334 is pressed when the massager
is following combination 5, it will return to combination 0. [0129]
If a button is pressed on the massager, regardless of what
combination the massager is in, the massager switches to
combination 0.
[0130] Pressing and holding button switch 1334 for 3 seconds will
cause the controller to reply to a request to form a network from a
massager or other device by sending the ZigBee.TM. PAN ID (Personal
Area Network Identification) of the controller to the requesting
device. If a network is found, all LEDs will flash in a repeating
sequence from LED 1 to LED 2 to LED 3 to LED 4 while network
formation is occurring. All four LEDs then flash 3 times together
to indicate successful completion of network formation. If no
network is available to join, two of the LEDs will flash, then the
other two LEDs will flash in an alternating pattern that is
repeated 5 times to indicate a network formation error.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Combination Motor 1 Activity Motor 2
Activity 0 Constant vibration Constant vibration 1 0.25 Hz slow
sinusoidal 0.25 Hz slow sinusoidal pattern, pattern +180 degree
phase shift 2 1 Hz fast sinusoidal 0.25 Hz slow sinusoidal pattern,
pattern +180 degree phase shift 3 1 Hz fast sinusoidal 1 Hz fast
sinusoidal pattern, pattern +180 degree phase shift 4 2 Hz fast
square wave 2 Hz fast square wave pattern, pattern 0 degree phase
shift 5 2 Hz fast square wave Constant vibration pattern
[0131] The button switches 1332, 1336 in combination provide other
functions, particularly: [0132] If no motor is on, simultaneously
pressing button switch 1332U or 1332D and button 1336U or 1336D
will have no effect. [0133] If one or more motors are on,
simultaneously pressing button switch 1332U or 1332D and button
switch 1336U or 1326D will turn off all motors and will put the
massager in a paused state. [0134] When the massager is paused,
momentarily pressing button switch 1332U, 1332D, 1336U, or 1336D,
or pressing both button switch 1332U or 1332D and button switch
1336U or 1336D simultaneously will cause the massager to return to
the same level of activity prior to being paused.
[0135] As also discussed below, specific sequences of button switch
presses can be programmed to access special vibration patterns and
modes known to the manufacturer and, unless disclosed, otherwise
inaccessible to the user. This functionality is similar to "cheat
codes" embedded in video games. These specific sequences can be
released to the public periodically as part of a marketing campaign
for the controller.
Operation Of The Invention--Wireless Network & Control Signal
Operation
[0136] The ZigBee.TM. functionality used in the present invention
provides significant advantages over its closest competitor,
BlueTooth.TM., another well-known wireless communications protocol.
As is known in the art, BlueTooth.TM. compatible devices are
relatively high power-consumption devices using frequency-hopping
technology and generally limited to 7 nodes, or devices, in a
picocell. In comparison, ZigBee.TM. compatible devices utilize the
ZigBee.TM. protocol stack, consume relatively less power, use
direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology in the IEEE
802.15.4 standard and enable more devices, in fact a relatively
unlimited number of devices, within each network. ZigBee.TM.
compatible devices further provide a broadcast mode of local
communication to send out data to any compatible device, a
multicast mode of local communication to send out data to one or
more specified devices and the ability to self-organize into a mesh
network, further discussion of which is had below.
[0137] Considering the advantages provided by the ZigBee.TM.
functionality in comparison to BlueTooth.TM., the present invention
provides: i) significantly lower power consumption, ii) concomitant
lower hardware costs, and iii) the ability to more easily and
straightforwardly connect large numbers of compatible devices in
complex network configurations. More particularly, ZigBee.TM.
compatible devices such as those shown here can operate in both a
"many-to-1" configuration, e.g. many controllers controlling a
single device, or a "1-to-many" configuration, e.g. one controller
controlling multiple devices, the latter being a capability
believed to not be offered by BlueTooth.TM.. While ZigBee.TM.
communications protocols can currently be applied in a variety of
frequencies, including 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz signals, in the
described embodiment of the invention, the broader bandwidth 2.4
GHz frequencies are used, providing advantages including more
sensitive controls and international regulatory agency
compatibility. This bandwidth enables transmission and receipt of
complex control signals, with sufficient resolution (250 kilobaud)
to cause a device to respond accurately and contemporaneously to
signals as complex as a musical audio or other complex control
signals.
[0138] In different embodiments, the present invention takes
advantage of the ZigBee.TM. broadcast mode or multicast mode of
operation and/or the ability to straightforwardly assemble
compatible devices into a self-organizing mesh network(s). Using
these capabilities, massager 1312 and/or remote control 1330 can
both transmit their availability for networking with other
compatible devices within communications range, and subsequently
self-organize into networks with available devices. These features
give the present invention the capability to operate in different
modes of operation, for example: as described above, one controller
can control one or many massagers, multiple controllers can control
a single massager and, multiple groupings of controllers and
massagers can operate in the same space without interfering with
one another. It further provides the invention with the ability to
network with many other types of devices and interact with many
different control signals and controller arrangements as described
herein below.
[0139] As noted, all devices that share a compatible implementation
of the ZigBee.TM. protocol, including other types of devices, are
able to inter-operate with one-another. If a user, for example,
tires of a particular vibrating massager's operation, they can
simply purchase a new remote control with different operating
characteristics, and the massager will take on any new
characteristics and capabilities programmed into the new
controller. Conversely, a user can add a new massager with a new
physical form and/or mechanical capabilities and it will be
operable with any ZigBee.TM.-compatible controller that the
consumer already owns.
[0140] Other ZigBee.TM. functional devices can interact with the
vibrating massager. For example, vibrating massager 1312 can
collect data and interpret and respond to this data. The massager
can transmit internally generated and/or externally received data
to other devices and systems within communications range. As
examples, one or more biofeedback sensors can be used to detect one
or more bodily functions such as a level of arousal as indicated by
a heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, galvanic skin
resistance, blood flow, muscular activity, neural activity, etc.,
the bodily function data used to control the operation of the
massager. Location sensors can detect positional data such as
location, orientation, acceleration, etc. Environmental sensors can
detect conditions such as sound, pressure, temperature, light, etc.
All of these conditions, data and information can be transmitted to
and received by remote control 1330 or other controllers, or sensor
devices in the network and/or directly by massager 1312 and be used
alone or in combination with programmed instructions in the
microcontrollers to control the operation of the massager.
[0141] Sophisticated control systems can be implemented to control
the operation of the vibrating massager 1312. Audio-sensing
controllers can generate control signals based on environmental
sounds, music, voices, voice commands, etc. Alternative input
mechanisms such as pressure sensors can be used to generate control
signals based upon pressure. Touch pads, such as those used as a
pointing device on laptop computers, can provide a relatively
simple interface for generating complex control functions. Other
control systems based on other pre-existing forms of human-machine
and human-computer interaction can be used.
[0142] MIDI systems can be used to provide a sophisticated
interface for the generation of complex control signals for
vibrators alone or in a network with other devices. Alternatively,
MIDI signals used for the performance of musical compositions can
be reinterpreted as control signals for vibrators alone or in a
network with other devices, such that the devices would react
synchronously with the composition.
[0143] While the invention has been generally described with
respect to the transmission of control signals from remote control
1330 to massager 1314, the reader will understand that the
ZigBee.TM. protocols provide for bidirectional communications. That
is, massager 1314 can transmit both control and informational data
back to remote control 1330, or to any other device within the
network.
[0144] A ZigBee.TM.-compatible, wireless transceiver can be
attached to a computer such as a personal computer, portable
computer, networked computer or handheld computer, or to a
communications device or other electronic device via a USB,
FireWire.TM., parallel, serial, or other input/output port. This
transceiver can then be used to receive and send signals to and
from the network. Signals generated by a computer or other device
can be based upon, for example: [0145] GUI (graphical user
interface) programs which can provide users with sophisticated
computer interfaces for generating fine GUI-based interaction with
one or more massagers or other devices, [0146] User programmed
signals useable to interact with one or more massagers or other
devices can be created, used and stored; these signals can also be
shared, embedded in devices, or sold online or through other
outlets, [0147] Special media played on a computer or other device
can be encoded with a control track that causes one or more
massagers or other devices to behave in synchronization with the
media being viewed or heard; additionally, the media could itself
be controlled or altered in response to signals received from the
network, [0148] Standard media, without a pre-programmed control
track, played on a computer or other device, could be interpreted
by software, firmware, or hardware and used to cause one or more
massagers or other devices to behave in synchronization with the
media being viewed or heard, [0149] Interactive games played on the
computer, individually or in a networked configuration, can
generate or respond to signals sent to or received from massagers
or other devices, [0150] Online peer-to-peer, remote interaction
with others online, including chat rooms, virtual communities,
dating services, etc. can generate or respond to signals sent to or
received from massagers or other devices, [0151] Online
performer-to-audience multicasts or one-to-one performances can
generate or respond to signals sent to or received from massagers
or other devices, [0152] Online audience-to-performer participation
in broadcast or one-to-one performances can generate or respond to
signals sent to or received from massagers or other devices, and
[0153] Others as will now be apparent to the reader.
[0154] In still other embodiments, commercially available media
such as video game ROMS, audio and/or video CDs and DVDs, and
electronic MP3, MPEG and other electronic media files can be
encoded with a special control signal track that is extracted and
broadcast by a compatible wireless controller connected to the
standard outputs of a playback device. The media control signal
track can thus be transmitted to cause massagers to behave in
synchronization with the games, video or other material being
viewed and/or listened to without requiring a specialized media
player. In one exemplary embodiment, an encoded control signal in
an MPEG or other digital video file can be outputted, for example
through a port such as a headphone connector or other output port,
to a wireless ZigBee.TM.-compatible transmitter for controlling the
massager in a desired synchronization with the media content.
[0155] Pagers, cellular phones and other portable,
ZigBee.TM.-compatible communications devices can be used to
generate control signals, remotely controlling massagers directly
and/or through existing national and international communication
networks. Additionally, where these devices are not
ZigBee.TM.-compatible, a secondary device can be used which would
connect to the portable communications device, wirelessly or
otherwise as supported by the devices, and translate its signals to
a ZigBee.TM.-compatible format.
[0156] While the invention has been described with respect to
certain illustrated and alternate embodiments, yet other
alternative embodiments will now be apparent to the reader. Without
limitation, a wide variety of other relative orientations between
the base and the massager can be used so long as the desired
inductive coupling for charging is obtained. Further, an inductive
coupling solution can be used which does not require a specific
orientation of the massager relative to the charging base.
Different types of energetic coupling, such as capacitive coupling,
may be used to charge the massager power source.
[0157] The massager 1312 can incorporate one or a plurality of
different motive sources, for example using solenoids,
piezo-electric devices, shape-memory alloys, and other sources of
motion, vibratory or otherwise. The motions imparted by these
motive sources can include vibratory motions, rubbing motions,
tapping motions, undulating motions, swelling motions, contracting
motions, bending motions and many others as will now be apparent to
the reader.
[0158] The batteries 1348 and 1368 may take one or more of many
well-known forms, configurations and/or shapes. Multiple batteries
may be used within one or each of the remote control 1330 and
massager 1312. The benefits of the wireless control functionality
may be recognized using a non-rechargeable battery. Similarly, the
benefits of the rechargeable battery systems may be recognized in
the absence of wireless remote control operation.
[0159] Different methods can be used for the assembly or
construction of the vibrator and different types of materials can
be employed in the construction of the vibrator. The outer skin may
be replaced with a localized area of soft material such as a
silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane
(TPU) or another material with desirable properties such as tactile
quality, bio-compatibility, durability, and ability to bond to the
material of parts 1312A and 1312B, or may be omitted
altogether.
[0160] The massager 1312 can take many different aesthetic and/or
functional shapes or forms, for example, forms which are larger or
smaller in scale, forms which incorporate different contours, or
forms which are in configurations which are wearable on the body,
mountable on surfaces, etc. The massager 1312 can incorporate
sensors such as heart rate, galvanic skin response (GSR), or other
types now apparent to the reader to supply information to a network
of devices. The massager 1312 can incorporate LEDs,
electroluminescent panels, or other forms of additional
illumination for practical or aesthetic purposes. The massager 1312
can incorporate rare earth, ferrous, electro- or other types of
magnets, such as those types of magnets that are believed to
stimulate circulation and have a positive therapeutic effect on the
body. In addition to the exothermic heat function described above,
massager 1312 can incorporate a heating functionality by employing
one or more infrared emitters or other electrical or chemical
sources of warmth.
[0161] In other embodiments, the soft over-mold skin 1313 is formed
to be changeable, for example through user removal and replacement
over the underlying plastic form, so as to inexpensively provide
different aesthetic and functional models of the massager for the
user. The massager may or may not incorporate cosmetic details such
as the metal band 1318.
[0162] Numerous alternative configurations of remote control 1330
are possible. For example: [0163] The remote control can
incorporate one or a plurality of different sources of power.
[0164] The remote control can incorporate one or a plurality of
different means of user interaction, including audio speakers,
vibrating motors, or different means of illumination. [0165]
Different methods can be used for the assembly or construction the
remote control. [0166] Different types of materials can be employed
in the construction of the remote control. [0167] The remote
control may or may not incorporate the use of an outer layer or
localized area of soft material such as a silicone, TPE, or other
elastomer. [0168] The soft skin can be changed (while maintaining
the same underlying plastic form) to inexpensively provide
different aesthetic and functional models of the remote control.
[0169] The remote control could be made in a wearable form, for
example, in a form similar to that of a bracelet or a wrist watch.
[0170] Numerous others as will now be apparent to the reader.
[0171] While the invention has been described with respect to
vibrating massagers, many features and advantages of the invention
are applicable to other personal use devices, particularly those
involving direct contact with the human body, including but not
limited to: electronic toothbrushes and other oral hygiene devices,
electronic muscle stimulators such as the Tone-A-Matic.TM. system,
electronic heating pads and blankets, electronically-controlled
reclining and operating chairs, non-massaging erotic stimulators
such as vacuum pumps and electrical stimulators, electronic
acupuncture devices such as the Kodiak Health systems, massaging
pillows cushions and pads and other personal use devices as will
now be apparent to the reader. It will further be apparent that the
invention is not limited to devices that contain an internal power
source such as a battery, many aspects of the invention being
applicable to externally powered devices such as those described
above.
[0172] There has thus been provided a new and improved vibrating
massager. The massager uses inductive charging, avoiding the need
to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant
exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning
make the inventive massager hygienically safe and fluid- and
water-resistant. Sophisticated controls provide the massager with
the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls, wireless
communication controls such as remote controls and a plethora of
other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base
supports the massager for inductive charging in a stable,
aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship. The invention has
application in the fields of medical and personal appliances, for
example in the fields of health care and adult sexual devices.
[0173] While the invention has been shown and described with
respect to particular embodiments, it is not thus limited. Numerous
modifications, changes and improvements, within the scope of the
invention, will now be apparent to the reader.
* * * * *