U.S. patent application number 17/515008 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-17 for portable percussive massage device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Therabody, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eduardo Merino, Benjamin Nazarian, Jaime Sanchez Solana, Jason Wersland.
Application Number | 20220047451 17/515008 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220047451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wersland; Jason ; et
al. |
February 17, 2022 |
PORTABLE PERCUSSIVE MASSAGE DEVICE
Abstract
A percussive massage device that includes a housing that defines
a housing interior, a battery, a motor positioned in the housing, a
switch for activating the motor, and a reciprocating shaft
operatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in
response to activation of the motor. The reciprocating shaft
includes a distal end that defines a reciprocation axis. The
housing includes a first side portion and a second side portion
that cooperate to define the housing interior and are defined on
opposite sides of the reciprocation axis.
Inventors: |
Wersland; Jason; (Manhattan
Beach, CA) ; Nazarian; Benjamin; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Solana; Jaime Sanchez; (Los Angeles, CA)
; Merino; Eduardo; (Los Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Therabody, Inc. |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/515008 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16824328 |
Mar 19, 2020 |
10945915 |
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17515008 |
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17190955 |
Mar 3, 2021 |
11160723 |
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16824328 |
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29708815 |
Oct 9, 2019 |
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16824328 |
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62899098 |
Sep 11, 2019 |
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62844424 |
May 7, 2019 |
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International
Class: |
A61H 23/00 20060101
A61H023/00 |
Claims
1. A percussive massage device comprising: a housing that defines a
housing interior, a thickness, a width and a height, a battery, a
motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor,
and a reciprocating shaft operatively connected to the motor and
configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor,
wherein the reciprocating shaft includes a distal end that defines
a reciprocation axis, wherein the reciprocation axis defines a
thickness reciprocation plane that extends transversely through the
thickness of the housing and divides the housing into first and
second side portions, and wherein the first side portion is
symmetrical to the second side portion except for any openings or
ports defined in the housing.
2. The percussive massage device of claim 1 wherein the motor is
positioned in the first side portion.
3. The percussive massage device of claim 2 wherein the motor
includes a rotatable motor shaft that defines a motor axis, wherein
the motor axis is perpendicular to the reciprocation axis.
4. The percussive massage device of claim 1 wherein the housing
defines a housing axis, and wherein the reciprocation axis and the
housing axis are co-axial.
5. The percussive massage device of claim 1 wherein the
reciprocation axis defines a width reciprocation plane that extends
through the width of the housing to divide the housing into front
and back portions, wherein the width reciprocation plane is
perpendicular to the thickness reciprocation plane, and wherein the
front portion is symmetrical to the back portion except for any
openings or ports defined in the housing.
6. The percussive massage device of claim 1 further comprising a
motor mount bracket that includes a middle member having first and
second opposite sides, wherein the motor is positioned on the first
side of the middle member and the reciprocating shaft is positioned
on the second side of the middle member.
7. The percussive massage device of claim 6 wherein the middle
member includes a shaft opening defined therein, wherein the motor
includes a rotatable motor shaft extending therefrom that extends
from the first side of the middle member, through the shaft opening
and to the second side of the middle member, wherein the
reciprocating shaft is operatively connected to the motor
shaft.
8. The percussive massage device of claim 1 further comprising a
bush assembly through which the reciprocating shaft reciprocates,
wherein the bush assembly includes first and second dampening
halves on opposite sides thereof that are positioned between the
bush assembly and the housing.
9. The percussive massage device of claim 1 wherein the housing
includes opposite finger recesses defined therein.
10. A percussive massage device comprising: a housing that defines
a housing interior, a housing axis, a thickness, a width and a
height, a battery, a motor positioned in the housing, wherein the
motor includes a rotatable motor shaft that defines a motor axis, a
switch for activating the motor, and a reciprocating shaft
operatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in
response to activation of the motor, wherein the reciprocating
shaft includes a distal end that defines a reciprocation axis,
wherein the reciprocation axis and the housing axis are co-axial,
wherein the motor axis is perpendicular to the reciprocation axis,
wherein the reciprocation axis defines a thickness reciprocation
plane that extends transversely through the thickness of the
housing and divides the housing into first and second side
portions, wherein the motor is positioned in the first side
portion, wherein the first side portion is symmetrical to the
second side portion except for any openings or ports defined in the
housing, wherein the reciprocation axis defines a width
reciprocation plane that extends through the width of the housing
to divide the housing into front and back portions, wherein the
width reciprocation plane is perpendicular to the thickness
reciprocation plane, and wherein the front portion is symmetrical
to the back portion except for any openings or ports defined in the
housing.
11. The percussive massage device of claim 10 wherein the front
portion of the housing includes a front finger recess, and wherein
the back portion of the housing includes a back finger recess.
12. A method of using a percussive massage device that includes a
housing that defines a housing interior, a thickness, a width and a
height, a battery, a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for
activating the motor, and a reciprocating shaft operatively
connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to
activation of the motor, wherein the reciprocating shaft includes a
distal end that defines a reciprocation axis, wherein the
reciprocation axis defines a thickness reciprocation plane that
extends transversely through the thickness of the housing and
divides the housing into first and second side portions, and
wherein the first side portion is symmetrical to the second side
portion except for any openings or ports defined in the housing,
wherein the method comprises the steps of: grasping the housing
with a first hand having a palm, fingers and a thumb, positioning
the first hand such that the reciprocation axis extends through the
palm, and massaging a first body part with a massage attachment
connected to the distal end of the reciprocating shaft.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the reciprocation axis defines a
width reciprocation plane that extends through the width of the
housing to divide the housing into front and back portions, wherein
the width reciprocation plane is perpendicular to the thickness
reciprocation plane, and wherein the front portion is symmetrical
to the back portion except for any openings or ports defined in the
housing.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the housing defines a housing
axis, and wherein the reciprocation axis and the housing axis are
co-axial.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the housing includes opposite
first and second finger recesses defined therein, and wherein
during the grasping step includes grasping the housing and placing
the fingers in the first finger recess and the thumb in the second
finger recess.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 17/190,955, filed Mar. 3, 2021, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/824,328, filed
Mar. 19, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,945,915, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/708,815, filed Oct. 9, 2019. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
16/824,328 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/899,098, filed Sep. 11, 2019, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/844,424, filed May 7, 2019.
All applications listed above are incorporated by reference in
their entireties herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a percussive
massage device, and more particularly to a portable percussive
massage device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Percussive massage devices have become increasingly popular
in recent years.
[0004] However, they often can be bulky and difficult to transport
in a gym bag or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a percussive massage device that includes a
housing that defines a housing interior, a battery, a motor
positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, and a
reciprocating shaft operatively connected to the motor and
configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor.
In a preferred embodiment, the reciprocating shaft includes a
distal end that defines a reciprocation axis. The housing includes
a first side portion and a second side portion that cooperate to
define the housing interior and are defined on opposite sides of
the reciprocation axis. The motor is positioned in the first side
portion and the battery is positioned in the second side portion.
Preferably, the first side portion and second side portion are
generally symmetrical. In a preferred embodiment, the housing
defines a housing axis, and the reciprocation axis and the housing
axis are co-axial. In a preferred embodiment, the motor includes a
rotatable motor shaft that defines a motor axis that is
perpendicular to the reciprocation axis and extends through the
battery.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive massage device
includes a motor mount bracket that includes a middle member having
first and second opposite sides. The motor is positioned on the
first side of the middle member and the reciprocating shaft is
positioned on the second side of the middle member. Preferably, the
middle member includes a shaft opening defined therein and the
motors rotatable motor shaft extends from the first side of the
middle member, through the shaft opening and to the second side of
the middle member. The reciprocating shaft is operatively connected
to the motor shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes
first and second housing halves. The motor mount bracket is secured
to both of the first and second housing halves. Preferably, the
motor mount bracket is secured to the first housing half via an
interference fit and to the second housing half via threaded
fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, the interference fit includes
one of a tubular member and a securing post disposed on the housing
and the other of the tubular member and the securing post disposed
on the motor mount bracket, and the securing post is received in
the tubular member.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the percussive massage device
also includes a bush assembly through which the reciprocating shaft
reciprocates. The bush assembly includes first and second dampening
halves on opposite sides thereof that are positioned between the
bush assembly and the housing. Preferably, the first and second
dampening halves include securing protrusions extending outwardly
therefrom that are received in securing opening defined in the
housing.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a percussive massage device that includes a
housing that defines a housing interior and a housing axis, a
battery, a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating
the motor, and a reciprocating shaft operatively connected to the
motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of
the motor. The motor includes a rotatable motor shaft that defines
a motor axis that is perpendicular to the reciprocation axis and
extends through the battery. The reciprocating shaft includes a
distal end that defines a reciprocation axis. The housing includes
a first side portion and a second side portion that cooperate to
define the housing interior and are defined on opposite sides of
the reciprocation axis. The motor is positioned in the first side
portion and the battery is positioned in the second side portion.
The first side portion and second side portion are generally
symmetrical and the reciprocation axis and the housing axis are
co-axial.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of using a percussive massage device
that includes a housing that defines a housing interior, a battery,
a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the
motor, and a reciprocating shaft operatively connected to the motor
and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the
motor. The reciprocating shaft includes a distal end that defines a
reciprocation axis. The method includes grasping the housing with a
first hand having a palm, positioning the first hand such that the
reciprocation axis extends through the palm, and massaging a first
body part with a massage attachment removably connected to the
distal end of the reciprocating shaft.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes a first side
portion and a second side portion that cooperate to define the
housing interior and are defined on opposite sides of the
reciprocation axis and the motor is positioned in the first side
portion and the battery is positioned in the second side
portion.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a
percussive massage device that is more compact than many others
taught in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the device
includes a brushless motor that includes the necessary torque in a
relatively small space. In a preferred embodiment, the device is
shaped to ergonomically fit into a user's palm and the structure of
the device is such that when the device is held in a user's hand,
the user is placing generally linear force from their palm through
the housing and to the massage member. Preferably, the outer
housing tapers from the top toward the opening through which the
reciprocal shaft extends.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a motor mount
that includes threaded fasteners that connect to one side of the
housing. The device includes a bush through which the shaft runs
and a bush holder in which the bush resides. In a preferred
embodiment, the device is small enough to fit in a ski jacket or a
purse. Due to the symmetrical nature of the device, the weight
distribution and compactness makes the device easy to use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable percussive
massage device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the percussive massage
device with one housing half removed;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the percussive
massage device;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the percussive
massage device from the opposite side of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a percussive
massage device with a unitary motor mount bracket and bush holding
structure;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevation taken along line
6-6 of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the percussive massage
device being grasped by a user; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the percussive massage
device being grasped by a user.
[0021] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The following description and drawings are illustrative and
are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are
described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.
However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details
are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can
be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and,
such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
[0023] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by
others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be
requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[0024] The terms used in this specification generally have their
ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure,
and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms
that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or
elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to
the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For
convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using
italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no
influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning
of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is
highlighted.
[0025] It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in
more than one way.
[0026] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used
for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special
significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is
elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are
provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the
use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this
specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is
illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope
and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise,
the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this
specification.
[0027] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure,
examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related
results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are
given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the
examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit
the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present
document, including definitions, will control.
[0028] It will be appreciated that terms such as "front," "back,"
"top," "bottom," "side," "short," "long," "up," "down," "aft,"
"forward," "inboard," "outboard" and "below" used herein are merely
for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the
components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that
any orientation of the components described herein is within the
scope of the present invention.
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes
of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-8 show embodiments of a portable
percussive massage device 10 in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, in a preferred embodiment, the
percussive massage device 10 generally includes a housing 12 that
defines a housing interior 14, a reciprocating shaft 16 and an
attachment member 18 (secured on the distal end 16a of the
reciprocating shaft 16) for securing a massage member or attachment
thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes one of the
attachment members 18 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,557,490 (the
'490 patent), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference. The attachment member 18 is used to attach a treatment
member or massage attachment 19 (see FIG. 8). The male attachment
member 18 shown in the drawings is similar to the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 11-13 in the '490 patent. However, the embodiments shown
in any of FIGS. 1-10 in the '490 patent or any other system for
connecting a massage attachment to a percussive massage device can
also be used. For example, in another embodiment, the reciprocating
shaft 16 can include a female attachment member that mates with a
male attachment member on the massage attachment 19.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the device 10 also includes a battery or
batteries 20 (or other electrical source, such as an AC plug), a
motor 22 positioned in the housing, and a switch 24 for activating
the motor. In a preferred embodiment, the motor 22 is a brushless
direct current (BLDC) motor. The motor 22 and is configured to vary
the speed (i.e., rotational motion) that may be converted to
reciprocal motion, as described below. In other embodiments, the
motor is a brushed DC motor, a brushed AC motor, or a brushless AC
motor. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that
choosing a brushless or brushed motor, or direct current or
alternating current, may vary depending on the application and
intended size, battery power, and use. The battery 20 is positioned
in a battery recess 20a defined in the housing 12 and is
electrically connected or communicated with the PCB 21, which
controls the operation of the device 10. In a preferred embodiment,
the switch 24 is a push button whose operation is controlled to
turn the device on and off, change speeds, change modes, etc. The
housing 12 can also include lights 23 that show status, such as
on/off or which speed or mode the device is set to. A long push of
the button 24 can turn the device on or off and short pushes of the
button 24 can changes speeds or modes. The PCB 21 and associated
controller are communicated with the motor 22. It will be
appreciated that wiring is not shown in the drawings.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in a preferred embodiment, the
percussive massage device 10 includes a motor mount bracket 26
positioned in the housing interior 14. Preferably, the motor mount
bracket 26 includes a middle member 28 having first and second
opposite sides 28a and 28b. The motor 22 is positioned on the first
side 28a and the reciprocating shaft 16 is positioned on the second
side 28b of the middle member 28. The middle member 28 includes a
shaft opening 30 defined therein. The motor 22 includes a rotatable
motor shaft 32 extending therefrom that extends from the first side
28a of the middle member 28, through the shaft opening 30 and to
the second side 28b of the middle member 28. Preferably, the motor
22 is secured to the motor mount bracket 26 via threaded fasteners.
However, other attachments, such as welding, gluing, rivets, bolts
and the like are within the scope of the present invention.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the motor mount bracket 26
includes flanges 44 extending from the middle member 28. The
flanges 44 partially define a motor space 46 where at least a
portion of the motor 22 is housed. The middle member 28 also
includes a plurality of feet 48 extending therefrom that include
tubular members 49 and securing openings 50 defined therein.
Dampening rings 51 and dampening washers are also included. All
dampening components herein are made of rubber, silicone or the
like and are provided to prevent plastic to plastic or plastic to
metal contact and to reduce noise and vibration.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, dampening rings 51 are received in
tubular members 49 on a first side of feet 48 and dampening washers
52 are positioned on the second side of the feet 58. Threaded
fasteners 53 or the like extend through the dampening rings 51,
tubular members 49, securing openings 50, dampening washers 52 and
are received in threaded female securing members 58 on the inner
surface of the second housing half 12b to secure the motor mount
bracket 26 within the housing interior 14. Securing posts 55 (see
FIG. 3) are received in the tubular members 49 and extend into
tubular rings 51 to secure the motor mount 26 to the first housing
half 12a. The securing posts 55 provide an interference fit with
the tubular members 49 to secure the motor mount bracket 26 to the
first housing half 12a. In a preferred embodiment, the securing
posts 55 are tapered from the top or free end thereof (or include
tapered flanges) to provide the interference fit with the tubular
members. A dampening member 57 is positioned between the motor
mount 26 and the second housing half 12b to prevent direct contact
of the motor mount 26 against the second housing half 12b.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation of the motor shaft
32 is converted to reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft
16 via a linkage assembly (or push rod assembly) 34 that includes a
push rod 36 that is pivotably connected to the reciprocating shaft
16 (see pivot pin 37) and an offset member 38 that includes a
counterweight 40. An offset shaft 42 extending from the offset
member 38 is operatively connected (e.g., pivotably connected) to
the push rod 36. It will be appreciated that the axis of the offset
shaft 42 is offset from the axis of rotation of the motor shaft 32.
In a preferred embodiment, the push rod 36 (or at least a majority
thereof), offset member 38 and counterweight 40 are all positioned
on the first side 14a of the housing interior 14 (i.e., on the same
side of the housing interior as the motor.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the reciprocating shaft 16 extends
through and reciprocates within a bush assembly 60, that generally
includes a bush 62, dampening bush cover 64, washer 73 and bush
holding structure 66. Bush 62 is received in the central opening
64a of dampening bush cover 64, which is received in the central
opening 66a of bush holding structure 66. The reciprocating shaft
16 extends through the central opening 62a of bush 62. Dampening
screw guides 70 and dampening halves 72 (which preferably have a
curved shape) help damp the reciprocation of the reciprocating
shaft 16 through the bush assembly 60. To connect the bush assembly
60 to the housing 12, threaded fasteners are extended through
openings in the dampening screw guides, through openings in wings
68 extending from the bush holding structure 66 and into female
securing members 71 (see FIG. 4). Dampening halves 72 are
positioned between the bush assembly 60 and the housing halves 12a
and 12b. Securing protrusions 74 extending from the dampening
halves 72 extend into securing openings 76 defined in the housing
halves 12a and 12b.
[0037] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment, where the motor mount 26
and bush holding structure 66 are part of a unitary mounting
structure 80. The remaining components are the same or similar to
the embodiment discussed herein where the motor mount 26 and bush
holding structure 66 are separate pieces.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, in a preferred embodiment, the
reciprocating shaft 16 includes a distal end that defines a
reciprocation axis A2. The housing defines a housing axis A2. In a
preferred embodiment, the reciprocation axis A2 and the housing
axis A2 are co-axial. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 12 includes a
first side portion 25 and a second side portion 27 that cooperate
to define the housing interior 14 and are defined on opposite sides
of the reciprocation axis A2. Preferably, the motor 22 is
positioned in the first side portion 25 and the battery 20 is
positioned in the second side portion 27. Preferably, the motor and
entire drive train, prior to the reciprocating shaft 16 (with
respect to the drive train), is positioned in the first side
portion 25 (i.e., on the first side of the reciprocation axis A2)
and the battery 20, PCB 21 and associated electronic components
(other than all wires) and the switch 24 are all located in the
second side portion 27 (i.e., on the second side of the
reciprocation axis A2). As shown in FIG. 2, the motor shaft 32
defines a motor axis A3. In a preferred embodiment, the motor axis
A3 is perpendicular to the reciprocation axis A2 and extends
through the battery 20. The motor axis A3 can also be co-axial with
the switch 24.
[0039] In use, a user grasps the device by placing their hand, and,
in particular, their palm against the top 12d of the housing (as
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) at a position wherein the reciprocation
axis A2 extends through their palm. This allows the user to provide
a push force in line with the reciprocation axis A2. The user can
then use the device to massage one or more body parts with the
removably attached massage attachment and to change attachments as
desired. The device can be gripped differently if desired. It will
be appreciated that the device can be paired
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the device 500 is preferably
shaped to ergonomically fit into a user's palm. Preferably, the
outer surface 12c of the housing 12 tapers (front, back, left side
and right side) from the top toward the opening 84 through which
the reciprocal shaft 16 extends. In another embodiment, the
reciprocal shaft 16 may be completely retained within the housing
12 and does not extend through opening 84. In this embodiment, the
reciprocal shaft 16 includes a female attachment member on the
distal end thereof and the massage attachment 19 includes a male
attachment member that extends through opening 84 and mates with
the reciprocal shaft 16.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 12 includes finger
recesses 82 on opposite sides where a user can place their fingers
on one side and thumb on the other side, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
In a preferred embodiment, the percussive massage device 10 and
housing 12 are generally symmetrical both left and right (as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 8) and front and back (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).
As shown in FIG. 2, due to the button 24 and the opening 24a
therefor and the charging port 83, the device is not completely
symmetrical left to right. This meets the definition of "generally
symmetrical." Similar openings and additions fall within the
definition of generally symmetrical.
[0042] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can
be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, shall refer to this application as a
whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where
the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the
Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also
include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or"
in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the
following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the
list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the
items in the list.
[0043] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific
embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above
for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are
possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in
the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers or
dimensions noted herein are only examples: alternative
implementations may employ differing values, measurements,
dimensions or ranges.
[0044] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be
applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described
above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any
measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not
a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be
used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only
examples: alternative implementations may employ differing
materials.
[0045] Any patents and applications and other references noted
above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing
papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ
the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references
described above to provide yet further embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0046] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in
light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred
Embodiments. While the above description describes certain
embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode
contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the
teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may
vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being
encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above,
particular terminology used when describing certain features or
aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure
with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms
used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the
disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification unless the above Detailed Description of the
Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms.
Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not
only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of
practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.
[0047] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention
have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the
terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that
many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *