US2526190A - Massaging device - Google Patents

Description

O. J. ALVAREZ MASSAGING DEVICE Oct. 17, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 1'7, 194'? INVEN TOR.

0W3 9m B v -"Q Oct. 17, 1950 o. J. ALVAREZ 2,526,190

MASSAGING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet s Filed July 17, 1947 Ca /e IN VEN TOR. cww-fr Jose Havana/5 Patented Oct. 17, 1950 MASSAGING'VDEVICE Octavio Jose Alvarez, New York, N. Y., assignor to Alvarez Patent Corporation, New York,

Application July l'i, 1947, Serial No. 761,592

My present invention relates to massaging devices and more particularly to massaging devices combined with means for applying a cosmetic fluid or cream to the skin.

It is an object of my present invention to provide'a massaging device constructed so as to create intermittent suction on the surface of the skin and to prevent creation of air pressure at the skin surface.

It is another object of my present invention to provide a massaging device combined with means for creating an intermittent pulsating suction effect uponthe skin while oscillating the device.

It is a further object of my present invention to provide a massaging device which is adapted not only for massaging the skin but also for application of cosmetic fluids or creams thereto.

It is still a further object of my present invention to provide a massaging device which is not only adapted to compress the skin tissues but also adapted to lift the skin and thereby to expand the pores and channels leading to the inner tissue layers of the skin.

Still another object of my present invention consists in a massaging device provided with means for mechanically opening the pores of the skin so as to enable penetration of an ointment into the same during massaging.

Still a further object of my present invention is to combine, with a massaging device of the type proposed by me, means for creating electrical shocks of adjustable strength during the massaging process.

With the above objects in view, my present invention mainly consists in a massaging device comprising in combination a stationary body member, an oscillating massaging member mounted on this stationary body member slidably between inoperative and operative positions, spring means permanently tending to slide this oscillating member from its inoperative into its operative position, a solenoid arrangement mounted on the above mentioned stationary body member and adapted to slide, when energized, said oscillating massaging member from operative into inoperative position, an electric circuit connected with this solenoid arrangement and adapted to be connected with a source of electric current so as to enable energization of the above mentioned solenoid arrangement and sliding of the oscillating massaging member from inoperative into operative position, and switchmeans mounted on' the above mentioned stationary body member and included in the electric circuit in such a manner as to be in closed position while Claims. (Cl. 128---24.1)

the oscillating massaging member is sliding and while it is in operative position and to be automatically opened by this oscillating massaging member when the same reaches its inoperative position. I

An arrangement of the above proposed type is extremely simple and has furthermore the advantage of providing the possibility of including, in the device, mean: for adjusting the switch means for varying the closing and opening times of the switch, thereby adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations of the oscillating massaging member described above.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of my present invention, the switch means include a contact member mounted on the stationary body member and a contact member mounted on the oscillating massaging member, and the adjusting means for the switch consist of a device for adjusting the position of the contact member mounted on the stationary body member so as to vary the closing and opening times of this switch.

My new massaging device is preferabfy equipped with a substantially cup-shaped end member mounted on the stationary body member so as to contact with its rim the skin to be massaged. In case of provision of such an end member, the massaging member is arranged within this end member, oscillatably in a direction normal to the skin to be massaged and the oscillating driving means are mounted within the stationary body member operatively connected with the massaging member.

In order to prevent air pressure within the cup-shaped end member, I provide in the wall of this member outlet valve means which are adapted to decrease the prersure within this end member during oscillation of the massaging member.

I have found it advisable to provide between the stationary body member and the cup-shaped end member a resilient flexible membrane and to pass through this membrane the means connecting the oscillating driving means within the body member with the'massaging member within the cup-shaped end member.

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of m present invention, I use a massaging sponge member and combine the same with a conical stretching member, preferably a conical brush member, surrounding the massaging sponge member so as to contact the skin along the edges of the area contacted by the massaging sponge member when the same is pressed against the skin. Arrangement of this sesame conical stretching member has the purpose of stretching the skin during its contact with the massaging member, thereby opening the pores of the skin and enabling penetration into the same of an ointment applied by the massaging member.

I wish to note in this connection that with a device according to my present invention it is possible to create a reduced pressure, i. e. partial vacuum, at the skin surface and to apply simultaneously, i. e. during creation of such partial vacuum, an ointment to the skin by applying such ointment to the massaging sponge member and to press the same against the skin.

The novel features which I consider as characteristic for my invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top View of a massaging device of the type proposed by me, with the top cover removed;

Fig. 2 is an elevational section through the massaging device shown in Fig. 1, along line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is an elevational section through the massaging sponge and some other details of the massaging device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of some details of the massaging device shown in Figs. 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 is an elevational section through a modified massaging member combined with a conical brush;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the massaging member shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is a longitudinal section through a modified massaging device;

Fig. 8 is an elevational section through still another modification of the massaging device shown in Figs. 1 to 4;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view, partly in section, of a detail of the massaging device shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 1G is a perspective view, partl in section, of a detail of a modification of the massaging device shown in Figs. 8 and 9;

Fig. 11 is an elevational section through still a further modification of the massaging device shown in Figs. 1 to 4; and

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a part of the massaging device shown in Fig. 11.

The massaging device shown in Figs. 1 to 4 includes a stationary cylindrical housing 20, the upper end of which is closed by the insulating disc 25; this disc is held in proper position by means of the substantially hemispherical cover 22, screwed at 23' to the cylindrical housing 20.

The front end of the cylindrical housing is closed by the resilient flexible rubber membrane 23 having a relatively strong spring action. This rubber membrane 23 is held in proper position by the cup-shaped end member 24, as clearly shown in Fig. 2, by means of the screw threading 25.

The insulating disc 2! is provided with a tubular extension 25 about which the solenoid coil is wound.

A core member 29 is slidably arranged within the tubular member 26. This core member consists partly of metal, as indicated by numeral 29, and partly of rubber, as indicated by numeral 30.

At its front end, the metallic portion 29 of the core member 28 is secured to the rubber membrane 23 and to the massaging sponge 3| by means of the attaching member 32.

At its rear end, the rubber portion 30 of the core member 28 is attached to the leaf spring 33 forming together with the contact member 34 a switch included in the circuit 35 adapted to connect the solenoid coil 2! With a source of electric current 38.

It is evident that if circuit 35 is connected with the source of electric current 36, the solenoid 21 will be energized and pull the metallic portion 29 of the slidable core 28 in the direction of arrow 31, thereby moving the massaging sponge 3| from operative into inoperative position. In order to enable return of the sponge by spring action of the flexible rubber membrane 23 into operative position in contact with the skin, it is necessary to interrupt the energizing current the moment the slidable core 28 reaches its uppermost inoperative position in which position the leaf spring 33 assumes the position indicated in Fig. 2 by the dotted line 38.

In this position, the contact between the springshaped contact member 33 and the contact member 34 will be interrupted by the inertia of the sliding core 28 and the solenoid coil 21 will be deenergized. This will enable the resilient rubber membrane 23 to pull the slidable core 28 together with the massaging sponge 3| in the direction opposite to that indicated by arrow 37, into the operative position shown in Fig. 3.

During sliding of the core 28 from operative into inoperative position, the leaf spring contact member 33 will again contact the contact member 34, energizing the solenoid coil 21. Such energization will cause the solenoid coil 21 together with sponge 3| to return into inoperative position as soon as they have reached the operative massaging position shown in Fig. 3.

From above follows that the combined action of the solenoid coil 21 and the flexible rubber membrane 23 will cause the core member 28 together with the applicator massaging sponge 3| to oscillate to and fro in and opposite to the direction of arrow 31, as described above. Such oscillation of the membrane 23 will cause variation of the air space within the massaging chamber formed by the cup-shaped end member 24 at the front end of the cylindrical housing 20. Such variation of the air space within the massaging chamber,in turn, will result in increase and decrease of the air pressure within the massaging chamber, causing a massaging effect upon the skin of the user pressed against the cup-shaped end member 24.

In order to adjust the amplitude and intensity of such oscillations, I provide in accordance with my present invention an adjusting screw 39 arranged, as clearly shown in Fig. 2, and enabling moving of the contact member 34 in the direction of arrow 40. This contact member has a spring action tending to move it permanently in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow 40. In this manner, it is possible to adjust, by turning of screw 39, the position of the contact member 34. This, in turn, enables adjustment of the time of making and breaking of contacts between the two contact members 33 and 34, causing variations of the amplitude and intensity of the oscillations of the core member 28 and the massaging. sponge 3|.

In order toenable 'ointments applied by means of the massaging sponge 3| to penetrate into the poresof the'skin, I provide, in'accordance with my present invention, around the massaging sponge, a preferably conical stretching member 4|, adapted to press along its edge 42 against the skin so as to stretch the same so as to open the pores 44 and enable penetration of the ointment 45111170 the same while the air trapped under the stretching member escapes in the direction of arrow 43. a

Fig. 5 shows a modified stretching member. While the member 4| shown in Fig. 3 consists of rubber, the stretching member shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is composed of bristles and the like and forms a conical brush 46 having simultaneously a stretching and skin activating effect.

It is evident that vibration of themembrane 23 wouldcreate within the space in the cup- "shaped end member 24 a certain airpressure during the periods it is oscillating towards the skin. In order to avoid such air pressure within the member 24, I provide in the wall of the same, outlet valve means consisting of a plurality of holes 41 coveredby a resilient rubber band 48, as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 4. This valve means has the effect of permitting the airto escape during bending of the membrane 23 towards the skin while preventing airfrom entering while the membrane is bending away. from the skin in the direction of the arrow 31. This, in turn, will result indecrease of the air pressure within the end member 24, creating a partial vacuum within the same.. It is evident that such partial vacuum in turn will have a. certain intermittent pulsating pressure-suction effect upon the skin.

It is also evident that during downward movement of the membrane 23, i. e. during bending of the membrane towards the skin, the skin will actually soak in the ointment which has been deposited thereon by the sponge 3|.

The modification shown in Fig. 7 is similar in many respects to the massaging device shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and described above. However, instead of securing to theiront end of the solenoid core 28 a massaging member, the end member has the shape of a closed fluid container 49 provided with a flexible applicator tube 59 having at its end an applicator nozzle 5i.

In the wall of the fluid container 49, I provide an outlet valve 52 pressed by the relatively weak spring 53 in the direction of arrow 54. Action of this spring 53 is supportedby the double armed lever 55 pivoted at 56 to the fluid container 49 and permanently turned by the relatively strong spring 51 in the direction of arrow 58.

Similarly, I provide in the wall of the fluid container 49 also an inlet valve 59 permanently pressed by means of the relatively weak spring 6|] against its seat. Action of this spring 60 is supported by the relatively strong spring 6| acting upon the valve member 59 by means of the operating knob 62 directly engaging the disc-shaped end portion 63 of the valve member 59, as shown.

In order to operate this massaging device, the fluid container 49 and the applicator tube 50 are partly filled with a massaging fluid or ointment 64, as clearly shown in Fig. 7.

When the solenoid 21, forming part of this device, is connected with a source of electric current, the membrane 23 will start to oscillate in the directions of arrow 65. Such oscillation will result in creation of intermittent over pressure and partial vacuum in the air space 66 within the fluid container 49 which, in turn, will result in oscillations of the massaging fluid or ointment e 64. Such oscillations of the fluid or ointment can be transmitted to the skin by holding the applicator nozzle 5| against the same.

If neither the inlet nor the outlet valve is manually operated, the air within the space 66 will be oscillated and both valves will remain closed since the variations-of the air pressure are insuflicient to overcome the action of the relatively strong springs 51 and 6|. 7

If it is desired to force, during massaging, part of the massaging ointment 64 into the skin, it is necessary to press with one finger against the operating knob 52, moving the same downward in the direction of arrow 57 and permitting thereby the valve member 59 to admit air during upward movement of the membrane 23 while closing the valve during downward movement of the membrand. During downstroke of the diaphragm 23 the air within the air space 96 will be compressed, causing increase of the air pressure, forcing the massaging ointment fi loutward through tube 59 and nozzle 5|.

If it is desired to create, during massaging, a

certain, suction effect, it is only necessary to press the lever downward in direction of arrow 68, thereby enabling the valve member 52 to permit escape of air from the air space 65 during downward movement of the membrane 23 while during upward movement of the membrane the valve 52 will remain closed due to action of the spring 53. This will result in partial vacuum within the air space 65 which, in turn, will cause the desired suction effect when membrane 23 moves upwardly.

The massaging device shownv in Fig. 8 is very similar to the one shown in Fig. l. The only difference is that the end member 69 is turnably mounted by means of the screw threaded member '53 to the bottom edge ll of the cylindrical member 12 and that electrical means are provided for regulating the intensity of the oscillations and for simultaneously heating the end member.

'These electrical means consist of a contact member 13 mounted on a disc member, as clearly shown in Fig. 8, and slidably engaging an electrical resistance member 15 provided on the inner surface of the annular rubber member 16 mounted on the inner face of the end member 69 by screw 11. The contact member 13 is connected at 18 with one end of the solenoid coil 19 wound on sleeve 14 while the resistance member 15 is connected by means of the metallic end member 69, the screw threaded member 10 and conductor 8D with the electric circuit 8|.

It is evident that during operation of this massaging device the electric current energizing the solenoid coil 19 will have to pass through the resistance member 15, thereby decreasing the intensity of the current and simultaneously heating this resistance member.

It is possible to adjust the resistance included in the circuit by turning the end member 69 carrying the resistance member 15 and thereby slide the contact 13 mounted on the cylindrical member 12 along the resistance member 15, adjusting the relative position of said contact and said resistance member. In this manner, it is possible'to adjust the temperature to which the end member 69 is heated and to adjust also the intensity of heat to which the skin is subjected.

The embodiment of my new massaging device shown in Fig. 10 is very similar to the one shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the only difference being that the heating spiral 15' is located inside of .the end member 69 andunder the membrane 23; In order 7 to prevent any injury to the skin, I provide between the heating spiral l and the skin a protective screen 23. The intensity of heating by the heating spiral 75 is regulated in the same manner as set forth above in connection with the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

In Figs. 11 and 12 I have shown still another modification of my massaging device. The massaging device shown in these figures consists of an outer stationary sleeve member 82. Within this sleeve member 82, I arrange, freely slidably, a massaging unit consisting '01 a partly metallic and partly insulating core 83 the front end of which is secured to the resilient rubber membrane 84.

This core member 83 is supported at its upper end by the spring member 35' arranged, as clearly shown in Fig. 11.

The rim of the resilient membrane 8 is firm 1y secured to the cup-shaped end member 85 which, in turn, is provided at its upper end with a s-eve 88 of insulating material through which the core 83 passes.

The solenoid coil all is wound about sleeve 8% so as to be adapted to attract the metallic portion 88 of the core 83 and to oscillate the same together with the massaging sponge 89 in the manner described above.

In order to provide for the necessary current interruptions, I arrange instead of a leaf spring serving as contact member as shown in Fig. 2, a contact spring 90 arranged as shown and electrically connected with the spring 85' which, in turn, is included into the electrical circuit 9| serving iorenergization of solenoid 37.

The contact sprin 99 moves during oscillation 'into and out of contact with the stationary contact ring 92 screwed into the screw threaded sleeve 93 mounted on top of the insulating sleeve 86, as clearly shown in Fig. 12. By turning the hemispherical cover 95 together with the contact ring 92 in the screw threaded sleeve 93, it is possible to adjust the length of contact between the contact ring 92 and the contact spring 90 and thereby to adjust the amplitude and intensity of the oscillations of core 83, as explained above.

In order to enable creation of electric shocks of adjustable intensity during massaging, I provide within sleeve 82, a second coil 95 mounted on sleeve es. I furthermore provide the coil spring S'l'arranged so as to permanently tend to move the endmember 85 in the direction of arrow 98. This secondary coil $5 is included into a circuit which includes the following consecutive elements: sponge 89, core 83, the connecting projection loll of the metallic sleve ml which is projecting through the rubber portion I92 of the core 83, the metallic sleeve lill itself, the contact plate H33, the screw Hit, the secondary coil 95, the wire connection 185,:the coil spring 91, the metal contact plate N8, the electric wire till, the metallic holding nut I08, the end member 85, and during use of the device the wet skin of the user contacting simultaneously the end member 85 and sponge 89. In this manner the circuit including the secondary coil 95 is closed during use of the device. It is evident that the secondary coil 95 can be energized by the primary coil'8l only when it surrounds the same at least partially. This occurs when the end member 85 together with the primary coil 5? mounted on the insulating sleeve 86 attached to the .end member 85 is moved against the direction of arrow 98 relative to the sleeve member 82.

.Thus, movement of the end member 85 against tion of the coil 95 and creation of electrical shocks in the skin portion between the massaging sponge 89 and the rim of the end member when the same is pressed against the skin. It is evident that by pressing the end member 85 more or less into the stationary sleeve member 82, it is possible to adjust the degree of energization of coil and the intensity of the electrical shocks created by the same.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of massaging devices, differing from the types described above.

While I have illustrated and described the invention as embodied in skin massaging devices, I do not intend to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way Irom the spirit of my invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of myinvention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention, and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. Massaging device comprising in combination a stationary body member; a substantially cup-shaped end member mounted at the front end or said stationary body member so as to be adapted to contact with its rim the skin to be massaged; a resilient flexible membrane dividing the space within said stationary body member from the space within said substantially cupshaped end member; a recriprocable massaging member arranged within said cup-shaped end member to be movable in a direction normal to the skin to be massaged; reciprocating driving means mounted within said stationary body member and operatively connected through said resilient flexible membrane with said reciprocable massaging member'so as to be adapted to simultaneously reciprocate said resilient flexible membrane and said reciprocable massaging member; and valve means arranged in the Wall of said cup-shaped end member so as to vary the air pressure'within the same'during reciprocations of said resilient flexible membrane.

2. Massaging device comprising in combination stationary body member; a substantially cup-shaped end member mounted at the front end or said stationary body member so as to be adapted to contact with its rim the skin to be massaged; a resilient flexible membrane dividing the space within said stationary body member from the space within said substantially cupshaped end member; a reciprocable massaging member arranged within said cup-shaped end member and movable in a direction normal to the skin to be massaged; reciprocating driving means mounted within said stationary body member and operatively connected through said resilient flexible membrane with said reciprocable massaging member so as to be adapted to simultaneously reciprocate said resilient flexible membrane and said reciprocable massaging member; and outletvalve-means arranged in the wall of said cup-shaped end member so'as to vary'the 1 cup-shaped end member mounted at the front end of said stationarybodymember so as to be adapted to contact with its rim the skin to be massaged; a resilient flexible membrane dividing the space within said stationary body member from the space within said substantially culpshaped end member; a reciprocable massaging member arranged within said cup shaped end member and movable in a direction normal to the skin to be massaged; reciprocating driving means mounted within said stationar body member and operatively connected through said resilient flexible membrane with said reciproca-ble massaging member so as to be adapted to simultaneously reciprocate said resilient flexible membrane and said reciprocable massaging member; and outlet valve means arranged in the wall ofsaid cup-i shaped end member so as to decrease the air pressure within the same during reciprocations of said resilient flexible membrane by saidreciprocating driving means, whenever desired.

4. Massaging device comprising in combination a stationary body member; a substantially cup-shaped end member mounted at the front end of said stationary body member so as to be adapted to contact with its rim the skin to, be massaged; a reciprocable massaging member arranged within said cup-shaped end member to' be reciprocable between inoperative and operative position; a resilient flexible membrane dividing the space within said stationary body member from the space Within said substantially cup-shaped end member and secured to said reciprocable massaging member so as to permanently tend to move thesameinto operative position; a solenoid arrangement mounted within said stationary body member and adapted to slide when energized said massaging member from operative into inoperative position while simultaneously bending said resilient flexible membrane; an electric circuit connected with said sol noid arrangement and adapted to be connected with a source of electric current so as to enable, when connected, energization of said solenoid arrangement and sliding of said recipe rocating massaging member from operative into inoperative position; switch means mounted on said stationary body member and included in said electric circuit in such a manner as to be in closed position while said reciprocating massaging member is in sliding movement and while it is in operative position and to be automatically opened by said reciprocating massaging member When thesame reaches its inoperative position; and outlet valve means arranged in the wall of said cup-shaped end member so as to vary the air pressure within the same during bending of said resilient flexible membrane. v

5. Massaging device comprising in combination a stationary body member; a substantially cup-shaped end member mounted at the front end of said stationary body member so as to be adapted to contact with its rim the skin to be massaged; a massaging member arranged within said cup-shaped end member to be reciprocable between inoperative and operative position; a resilient flexible membrane dividing the space within said stationary body member from the space within said subst nti lly cuph p d end member and secured to said massaging member so as to permanently tend to move the same into operative position; a solenoid arrangement mounted within said stationary body member and adapted to slide when energized said massaging member from operative into inoperative position while simultaneously bending said resilient flexible membrane; an electric circuit connected with said solenoid arrangement and adapted to be connected with a source of electric current so as to enable, when connected, energization of said solenoid arrangement and sliding of said reciprocating massaging member from operative into inoperative position; switch means mounted on'said stationary body member and included in said electric circuit in such a manner as to be in closed position while said reciprocat ing massaging member is in sliding movement and while it is in operative position and to be automatically opened by said reciprocating massaging member when the the same reaches'its inoperative position; and outlet valve means arranged in the wall of said cup-shaped end member so as to decrease the air pressure within the same during bending of said resilient flexible membrane by said oscillating driving means, whenever desired.

6. Massaging device comprising in combination a stationary body member; a substantially cupshaped end member mounted at the front end of said stationary body member so as to be adapted to contact with its rim the skin to be massaged; a reciprocable massaging member arranged within said cup-shaped end member to be reciprocable between inoperative and operative position; resilient flexible membrane dividing the space within said stationary body member from the space within said substan ially cup-shaped end member and secured to said r'eciprocable massagin member so as to permanently tend to move the same into operative position; a solenoid arrangement mounted withinsaid static-nary body member and adapted to slide when energized said massagingmember from operative into inoperative position while simultaneously bending said resilient flexiblemembrane; an electric circuit connected with said solenoid arrangement and adapted to be connected with a source'of electric current so as to enable, when connected, energization of said solenoid arrangement and sliding of said reciprocating massaging member from operaive into inoperative position; switch means including a contact member mounted on said stationary body member and a contact member mounted on said reciprocating massaging member, said contact member being included in said electric circuit in such a manner as to be in closed 7 position while said reciprocating massaging member is in sliding movement and while i is in operative position and tobe automatica ly opened by said reciprocating massaging member when the same reaches'its inoperative position; means for adjusting the position of said contact member mounted on said stationary body member so as to vary the closing and opening times of said switch thereby adjusing the amplitude and fre. 'quency of reciprocation-s of said reciprocating massaging member; and outlet valve means arranged in the wall of said cup-shaped end member so as to decrease the air pressure within the same during bending of said resilient flexible membrane by said reciprocating driving means, whenever desired. I

'7. A massaging device comprising in combination a hollow massaging member forming at its front end a massaging chamber, said massaging member being open at its front end and having a rim around said open front end adapted to be applied to the skin of the user; a resilient flexible membrane within said massaging member extending in transversal direction and spaced from said open front end of the same so as to form a resilient flexible rear wall of said massaging chamber which extends between said membrane and said open front end of said hollow massagin member; and means for reciprocating said resilient flexible membrane so as to intermittently vary the air space within said massaging chamber.

8. A massaging device comprising in combination a hollow massaging member forming at its front end a massaging chamber, said massaging member being open at its front end and having a rim around said open front end adapted to be applied to the skin of the user; a resilient flexible membrane within said massaging member extending in transversal direction and spaced from said open front end of the same so as to form a resilient flexible rear wall of said massaging chamber which extends between said membrane and said open front end of said hollow massaging member; and electrical means for reciprocating said resilient flexible membrane so as to intermittently vary the air space within said massaging chamber.

9. A massaging device comprising in combina nation a hollow massaging member forming at its front end a massaging chamber, said massaging member being open at its front end and having a rim around said open front end adapted to be applied to the skin of the user; a resilient flexible membrane within said massaging member extending in transversal direction and spacedfrom said open front end of the same so as to form a resilient flexible rear wall of said massaging chamber which extends between said membrane and said open front end of said hollow massaging member; means for reciprocating said resilient flexible membrane so as to intermittently vary the air space within said massaging chamber; and outlet valve means arranged in the wall of said hollow massaging member so as to decreas the 12 air pressure within said massaging chamber during vibrations of said resilient flexible membrane by said means for reciprocating the same.

10. A massaging device comprising in combination a hollow massaging member forming at its front end a massaging chamber, said massaging member being open at its front end and having a rim around said open front end adapted to be applied to the skin of the user; a resilient flexible membrane within said massaging member extending in transversal direction and spaced from said open front end of the same so as to form a resilient flexible rear Wall Of said massaging chamber which extends between said membrane and said open front end of said hollow massaging member; electrical means for reciprocating said resilient flexible membrane so as to intermittently vary the air space within said massaging charm ber; and outlet valve means arranged in the wall of said hollow massaging member so as to decrease the air pressure within said massaging chamber during vibrations of said resilient flexible membrane by said electrical means for reciprocating the same.

OCTAVIO JOSE ALVAREZ.-

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 794,003 Gates July 4, 1905 886,984 Jopling May 5, 1903 942,206 Jones Dec. 7, 1 909 1,420,049 Mashek June 20, 1922 1,594,636 Smith Aug. 3, 1926 1,658,278 Bardach et al. Feb. 7, 1928 1,704,960 Ackerman Mar. 12, 1929 1,889,487 Nachies 1 Nov. 29, 1932 1,974,031 Merrill Sept. 18, 1934 2,097,455 Fisher Nov. 12, 1937 2,261,385 Kaminsky et al. Nov. 14, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 63,702 Switzerland Mar. 10, 1913

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