WO2019148289A1

WO2019148289A1 - Rehabilitation therapeutic device

Info

Publication number: WO2019148289A1
Application number: PCT/CA2019/050131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xianyu SHI; Guisheng Yang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-01
Filing date: 2019-02-01
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to rehabilitation therapeutic devices, and in particular, individual- or patient-controlled rehabilitation therapeutic devices, such as physiotherapy and massage therapy devices. The rehabilitation therapeutic devices 5 of the present invention comprise a contact magnet suspended within a sleeve having a top opening and a bottom opening, the contact magnet protruding through the top opening and bottom opening, the contact magnet having an S-pole and an N-pole; a driving magnet held within a moving plate in proximity to the contact magnet protruding through the top opening, the driving magnet having an S-pole and an N-pole, arranged 10 so that the same polarity is in proximity to the same polarity of the contact magnet; and a driving mechanism to move the moving plate towards and away from the contact magnet causing magnetic repulsion in the contact magnet, pushing the contact magnet down the sleeve.

Description

REHABILITATION THERAPEUTIC DEVICE

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of health, medicine and rehabilitation. Specifically, the present invention relates to individual- or patient- controlled rehabilitation therapeutic devices, such as, for example, but not limited to, physiotherapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy and/or massage therapy devices.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] Physiotherapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy and/or massage therapy devices and/or machines are known for pressing or stimulating the muscles of parts of the body of a patient to reduce and/or relieve muscle pain and/or stiffness. These devices and/or machines can be divided into hand-held-type, chair-type and bed-type devices and/or machines. With respect to the mode of action on the affected part of the body of the patient, these devices and/or machines may resort to pressure, vibration and/or electrical stimulation to carry out the required tasks. No matter what type or mode utilized by these devices and/or machines, these devices and/or machines are all designed to perform mechanical and/or electrical stimulation.

SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a rehabilitation therapy device that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art rehabilitation therapy devices.

[0004] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rehabilitation therapy device that delivers gentler and more effective manipulation therapies to patients compared to mechanical and/or electrical stimulating devices.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide effective manipulation therapies to patients wherein the patients are in any position.

[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide effective manipulation therapies to patients wherein the therapies are controlled by the patients themselves.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rehabilitation therapy device utilizing the magnetic levitation effect. [0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rehabilitation therapy device utilizing the magnetic levitation effect, rather than mechanical movement, to simulate and/or mimic, such as, for example, but not limited to, a hand, a finger, a thumb, a knuckle, a palm, a fist, an elbow etc., of a real live physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapist to provide various physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapy manipulations, such as, for example, but not limited to, pressing, pushing, rubbing, beating, pounding, patting, flapping, grasping, gripping, rolling, pinching etc., to targeted treatment areas of a patient, which simulations cannot be provided by a mechanical movement device, to reduce pain, soreness, stiffness, fatigue etc. in, and/or to relax, soft tissues, such as, for example, but not limited to, the tendons, ligaments and/or muscles of the patient to, in some cases, to treat and/or provide relief from, soft tissue conditions and/or diseases.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rehabilitation therapy device that utilizes magnetic force instead of a mechanical force to create the driving movement that provides the manipulation.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rehabilitation therapeutic device comprising: a contact magnet suspended within a sleeve having a top opening and a bottom opening, the contact magnet protruding through the top opening and bottom opening, the contact magnet having an S-pole and an N-pole; a driving magnet held within a moving plate in proximity to the contact magnet protruding through the top opening, the driving magnet having an S-pole and an N-pole, arranged so that the same polarity is in proximity to the same polarity of the contact magnet; and a driving mechanism to move the moving plate towards and away from the contact magnet causing magnetic repulsion in the contact magnet, pushing the contact magnet down the sleeve.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve is comprised of a non-magnetic material.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the moving plate is comprised of a non-magnetic material.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a housing to house the contact magnet, sleeve, driving magnet, moving plate, and driving mechanism. [0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing is comprised of a non-magnetic material.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve is arranged in the housing through an aperture such that the contact magnet protrudes through the aperture of the housing.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact magnet is suspended in the sleeve by at least one resilient member.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact magnet is suspended in the sleeve by a plurality of resilient members.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the resilient member is comprised of a non-magnetic material.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the resilient member is a biasing member.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the resilient member is a spring.

[0021 ] In an embodiment of the present invention, the resilient member is a band.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the band is a rubber band.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing is suspended on a free-standing rod.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the driving mechanism is controllable by a control panel accessible to a user.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device is a massage applicator.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device is used in massage therapy treatments.

[0027] These and other features of the present invention are set forth herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The skilled person in this art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the Applicant’s teachings in any way.

[0029] Figure 1 is a front transparent view illustrating the interior of a rehabilitation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2A is a top transparent view illustrating the interior of the plate of the rehabilitation device of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 2B is a front transparent perspective view illustrating the interior of the plate of Figure 2A.

[0032] Figure 3A is a front view illustrating the contact magnet (with resilient members attached thereto) when removed from the sleeve of the rehabilitation device of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3B is a front transparent view illustrating the sleeve (with resilient members attached thereto) of the rehabilitation device of Figure 1 when the contact magnet is removed from the sleeve.

[0034] Figure 3C is a front transparent view illustrating the contact magnet positioned within, and connected via resilient members to, the sleeve of the rehabilitation device of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 4 is a front transparent view of the rehabilitation device of Figure 1 illustrating the internal components thereof while functioning in use.

[0036] Figures 5A and 5B are front transparent views of the rehabilitation device of Figure 1 illustrating the internal components thereof while functioning in use and illustrating the use of an additional magnet when a stronger manipulation is required.

[0037] Figure 6 is a front transparent view illustrating the magnetic homopolar repulsion principle utilized by the rehabilitation device in accordance with the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7A is a front transparent view illustrating a rehabilitation device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. [0039] Figure 7B is a top transparent view of the driving or regulator portion of the rehabilitation device of Figure 7A illustrating the driving magnetic bars, the motor, the driving arm and the moving rail inside the plate.

[0040] Figure 7C is a top transparent view of the driving or regulator portion of the rehabilitation device of Figure 7A illustrating the driving magnetic bars inside the plate.

[0041] Figure 7D is a top transparent view of the applicator portion of the rehabilitation device of Figure 7A illustrating the contact magnets positioned within their respective sleeves via the resilient members.

[0042] Figures 8 and 9 are front transparent views of the rehabilitation device of Figure 7A illustrating how different poles of the contact magnets within the applicator portion respond when different poles of the driving magnetic bars of the driving or regulator portion move relative thereto.

[0043] Figure 10A is a front transparent view illustrating a rehabilitation device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention showing the arrangement of the driving magnet array and the contact magnet array.

[0044] Figure 10B is a side transparent view of the rehabilitation device of Figure 10A illustrating the arrangement of the driving magnet array and the contact magnet array.

[0045] Figure 10C is a side transparent view of the rehabilitation device of Figure 10A illustrating the arrangement of the driving magnet array and the contact magnet array and showing how the contact magnet array responds to the driving magnet array when the driving magnet array moves closer to the contact magnet array.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a top transparent view of view illustrating a rehabilitation device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention showing two driving magnet arrays and two contact magnet arrays arranged in parallel.

[0047] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate rehabilitation machines in accordance with embodiments of the present invention incorporating rehabilitation devices in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate rehabilitation machines in accordance with embodiments of the present invention incorporating rehabilitation devices in accordance with embodiments of the present invention when in use on a patient when the patient is in various positions.

[0049] FIG 14 illustrates a rehabilitation machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention incorporating a rehabilitation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when in use on a patient when the patient is in a prone position and when an extra magnet is added underneath the treatment surface when stronger or heavier manipulations are required.

[0050] In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0051] It should be understood that the phrase“a” or“an” used in conjunction with the applicant’s teachings with reference to various elements encompasses“one or more” or“at least one” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] Reference is first made to Figure 1 which is a front transparent view illustrating the interior of a rehabilitation device, generally referenced by the numeral 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 has a housing 12 and comprises a driving or regulator portion 26 at the top thereof and an applicator portion 28 at the bottom thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention, the regulator or driving portion 26 and the applicator portion 28 are configured as a single integral unit sharing the housing 12 as a continuous common housing. In another embodiment of the present invention, the regulator or driving portion 26 and the applicator portion 28 may be configured as independent separate units comprising their own independent respective housings 12, which portions 26 and 28 with their respective independent housings 12, matingly connect together with each other to form device 10. The housing 12 may be any size, shape and configuration known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the housing 12, i.e., to enclose, either collectively or separately and independently, the regulator or driving portion 26 and the applicator portion 28 of the device 10.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 12 is comprised of a non-magnetic material. The housing 12 may be comprised of any non-magnetic material known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the housing, i.e., sufficiently robust for use as a housing and not interacting or interfering with, magnetic forces. For example, the housing 12 may be comprised of non-magnetic material such as, but not limited to, plastic, wood, rubber, glass, ceramic, non-magnetic metals such as aluminum, austenitic stainless steel, copper, lead, tin, titanium, zinc, alloys such as brass and bronze and precious metals such as gold and silver etc.

[0054] Now referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the regulator or driving portion 26 of the device 10 comprises a driving magnet 14, a moveable plate 16, a rail 16a, a driving arm 16b, a moveable shaft 16c, and a motor 16d. The driving magnet 14 is connected to the moveable shaft 16c via the driving arm 16b. The moveable plate 16 is coupled with the moveable shaft 16c. The motor 16d is coupled with the moveable shaft 16c.

[0055] The driving magnet 14 has a South- or S-pole and a North- or N-pole and is housed within the moveable plate 16. Although in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, the S- and N-poles of the driving magnet 14 are oriented on the top and bottom, respectively, the orientation of the S- and N-poles may be reversed, i.e., the S- and N-poles may be oriented on the bottom and top, respectively, of the driving magnet 14. The driving magnet 14 may be any type of magnet or comprised of any magnetic substance that generates a magnetic field known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended forthe driving magnet 14, i.e., to regulate or drive the movement of the contact magnet 20 to perform the desired function or manipulation, as will be discussed in more detail below. For example, but not limited to, driving magnet 14 may be a permanent magnet that retains its magnetism once magnetized, such as, for example, but not limited to, ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic materials, such as for example, iron, nickel, cobalt, or for example, but not limited to, neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, and ceramic or ferrite magnets, a temporary magnet that performs like a permanent magnet when in the presence of a magnetic field, but loses magnetism when not in a magnetic field, such as, for example, but not limited to, soft iron devices, and an electromagnet, i.e., wound coils of wire around a core of for example, such as, but not limited to, a ferromagnetic material such as iron, that functions as a magnet when an electrical current is passed through and by adjusting the strength and direction of the current, the strength of the magnet is also altered. Although in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, the driving magnet 14 cylindrically shaped, the driving magnet 14 may be any size, shape and/or configuration known to persons skilled in this art to be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the driving magnet 14. Although in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, there is a single driving magnet 14, there may be any number of driving magnets 14 arranged in any configuration relative to one another as would be understood by persons skilled in this art to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the driving magnet 14.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable plate 16 is comprised of a non-magnetic material. The moveable plate 16 may be comprised of any non-magnetic material known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the moveable pate 16, i.e., sufficiently robust to contain, and allow movement of, the driving magnet 14 therein, and not interacting or interfering with, magnetic forces. For example, the moveable pate 16 may be comprised of nonmagnetic material, such as, for example, but not limited to, plastic, wood, rubber, glass, ceramic, non-magnetic metals such as aluminum, austenitic stainless steel, copper, lead, tin, titanium, zinc, alloys such as brass and bronze and precious metals such as gold and silver etc. Although in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, the moveable plate 16 is cylindrically shaped, the moveable plate 16 may be any size, shape and/or configuration known to persons skilled in this art to be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the moveable plate 16.

[0057] In this embodiment, motor 16d and shaft 16c are installed in the center O of the plate 16. The motor 16d rotates the shaft 16c, which in turn, drives the driving magnet 14 to move circularly around the rail 16a via the arm 16b. The motor 16d also moves the shaft 16c vertically up and down, which in turn, moves the plate 16 and the driving magnet 14 contained therein, vertically up and down.

[0058] Motor 16d rotates the moveable shaft 16c, which in turn moves, via the driving arm 16b, the driving magnet 14 within the moveable plate 16, horizontally along the rail 16a around the central axis (designated as“O”) of the moveable plate 16, i.e., circularly. The motor 16d also moves the moveable shaft 16c, and thus the moveable plate 16 coupled thereto, and thus the driving magnet 14 contained within the moveable plate 16, vertically up and down, i.e., linearly. The driving arm 16b may be connected, at one end thereof to the moveable shaft 16c, and at the other end thereof to the driving magnet 14, by any connecting means known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result intended for the driving arm 16b, i.e., to transfer the rotational motion of the moveable shaft 16c to the driving magnet 14 to move the driving magnet 14 within the moveable plate 16, horizontally along the rail 16a around the central axis (designated as“O”) of the moveable plate 16, i.e., circularly. In addition, the moveable shaft 16c may be coupled with the moveable plate 16 by any coupling means known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the moveable shaft 16c, i.e., to move the moveable plate 16 vertically up and down. Furthermore, the motor 16d may be coupled with the moveable shaft 16c by any coupling means known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the motor 16d, i.e. , to rotate, and to move vertically up and down, the moveable shaft 16c.

[0059] The applicator portion 28 of the device 10 comprises a sleeve 18, a contact magnet 20 and resilient members 22. The contact magnet 20 has an N-pole and an S-pole and is contained and suspended within the sleeve 18 by resilient members 22.

[0060] Although in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, the N- and S-poles of the contact magnet 20 are oriented on the top and bottom, respectively, the orientation of the N- and S-poles may be reversed, i.e., the N- and S-poles may be oriented on the bottom and top, respectively, of the contact magnet 20. Persons skilled in this art would understand that, in an embodiment where the N- and S-poles of the contact magnet 20 are oriented on the bottom and top thereof, respectively, the N- and S-poles of the driving magnet 14 are oriented on the top and bottom thereof, respectively (see Figure 5B). The orientation and configuration of the poles of the contact magnet 20 (and of the driving magnet 14) can be changed according to the functions and manipulations desired or required to be performed.

[0061] Like the driving magnet 14, the contact magnet 20 may also be any type of magnet or comprised of any magnetic substance that generates a magnetic field known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the contact magnet 20, i.e., to be moved by the driving magnet 14 to perform the desired function or manipulation, as will be discussed in more detail below. For example, but not limited to, the contact magnet 20 may be a permanent magnet that retains its magnetism once magnetized, such as, for example, but not limited to, ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic materials, such as for example, iron, nickel, cobalt, or for example, but not limited to, neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, and ceramic or ferrite magnets, a temporary magnet that performs like a permanent magnet when in the presence of a magnetic field, but loses magnetism when not in a magnetic field, such as, for example, but not limited to, soft iron devices, and an electromagnet, i.e., wound coils of wire around a core of for example, such as, but not limited to, a ferromagnetic material such as iron, that functions as a magnet when an electrical current is passed through and by adjusting the strength and direction of the current, the strength of the magnet is also altered. Although in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, the contact magnet 20 is oval-shaped, the contact magnet 20 may be any size, shape and/or configuration known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the contact magnet 20. For example, but not limited thereto, the contact magnet 20 may be rhomboid-shaped, rod-shaped, barshaped etc. Although in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, there is a single contact magnet 20, there may be any number of contact magnets 20 arranged in any configuration relative to one another as would be understood by persons skilled in this art to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the contact magnet 20.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, a coating, covering or shell may cover the outside surface of the contact magnet 20 to provide a variety of shapes to the contact magnet 20 and to protect the skin of the target area of the patient from, for example, abrasion as well as to provide a surface that is easy to clean between different targeted treatment areas, different treatment sessions and different patients to maintain hygienic conditions.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve 18 is comprised of a non-magnetic material. The sleeve 18 may be comprised of any non-magnetic material known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the sleeve 18, i.e., sufficiently robust to contain, suspend, and allow movement of, the contact magnet 20 therein, and not interacting or interfering with, magnetic forces. For example, the sleeve 18 may be comprised of non-magnetic material, such as, for example, but not limited to, plastic, wood, rubber, glass, ceramic, non-magnetic metals such as aluminum, austenitic stainless steel, copper, lead, tin, titanium, zinc, alloys such as brass and bronze and precious metals such as gold and silver etc. Although in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, the sleeve 18 is cylindrically shaped, the sleeve 18 may be any size, shape and/or configuration known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the sleeve 18. For example, but not limited thereto, the sleeve 18 may be round, oval, flat etc. In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the sleeve 18 may be based on the length of the contact magnet 20. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the actions of the contact magnet 20 may be controlled by the size, shape and/or configuration of the sleeve 18. For example, by adjusting the diameter and/or shape of the sleeve 18, the range and direction of movement of the contact magnet 20 may be altered.

[0064] An implement (not shown) may be attached to the distal end or functional tip (S-pole or N-pole) of the contact magnet 20, such as, for example, but not limited to, an implement to resemble a hand, a finger, a thumb, a knuckle, a palm, a fist, an elbow etc. Any implement known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve

substantially the same result as the intended implement, i.e., to provide manipulation of the treatment area 24 of the patient resembling the manipulation otherwise provided by a hand, a finger, a thumb, a knuckle, a palm, a fist, an elbow etc., of a real live physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapist. In embodiments of the present invention wherein one contact magnet 20 is used, it can perform the manipulations of the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient such as, for example, but not limited to, a single hand, finger, thumb, knuckle, palm, fist, or elbow etc., depending on the configuration of the implement installed on the distal end or functional tip (S-pole or N-pole) of the contact magnet 20. In embodiments of the present invention wherein two or more contact magnets 20 are used, or a single contact magnet 20 with multiple protrusions on the functional tip thereof, the plurality of contact magnets 20 or multiple protrusions on a single contact magnet 20, may perform the functions of such as, for example, but not limited to, a plurality of hands, fingers, thumbs, knuckles, palms, fists or elbows etc. The movement of the contact magnet 20 against the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient, mimics manipulation and therapy performed by, for example, but not limited to, a real live physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapist such as, for example, but not limited to, pressing, pushing, rubbing, beating, pounding, patting, flapping, grasping, gripping, rolling, pinching etc., depending on the treatment requirement and the configuration and numbers of contact magnets 20.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact magnet 20 is suspended within the sleeve 18 via resilient members 22 such that the contact magnet 20 is free moving and able to move in a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement, such as, for example, but not limited to, six degrees of freedom, within the sleeve 18 such that various functions and manipulations can be performed by the contact magnet 20 when driven by the driving magnet 14. The resilient members 22 allow the contact magnet 20 to, such as, for example, but not limited to, move up and down (elevating/heaving), move left and right (strafing/swaying), move forward and backward (walking/surging), swivel left and right (yawing), tilt forward and backward (pitching), wobble (combination of pitch and yaw), pivot side to side (rolling), etc. and any combination of these, within sleeve 18. The movement of the contact magnet 20 in the afore-mentioned different directions causes a likewise movement of the magnetic field in these directions. The change in the parameters of the magnetic field, i.e., the direction, polarity, magnitude, speed etc., provides an expansion of the technological and therapeutic capabilities of device 10.

[0066] In this embodiment, resilient members 22 are shown in the form of springs but may take the form of any resilient member known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the resilient members 22, i.e., to suspend the contact magnet 20 within the sleeve 18 while providing a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement of the contact magnet 20 within, and relative to, the sleeve 18. In an embodiment of the present invention, the resilient members 22 are composed of a non-magnetic material, such as, for example, non-magnetic metal, plastic, rubber etc., while still being configured to be resilient. In another embodiment of the present invention, resilient members 22 are in the form of any non-magnetic springs known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the resilient members, such as, for example, but not limited to, helical or coiled springs, leaf springs etc. In another embodiment of the present invention, resilient members 22 are in the form of resilient bands, such as, for example, but not limited to, rubber bands.

[0067] Resilient members 22 may, at one end thereof, be attached to the contact magnet 20, and at the other end thereof, be attached to the sleeve 18, by any attaching means known to persons skilled in this art that would be understood to function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as that intended for the resilient members 22, i.e., to suspend the contact magnet 20 within the sleeve 18 while providing a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement of the contact magnet 20 within, and relative to, the sleeve 18. For example, but not limited thereto, the resilient members 22 may be attached to the contact magnet 20 and the sleeve 18 via hooks through holes.

[0068] Figures 1 , 3C, 4 and 5A show, for exemplary purposes, the tip of the S-pole of the contact magnet 20 protruding from sleeve 18 to be used as a functional tip of the device 10. Persons skilled in this art would understand that alternatively, the tip of the N-pole of the contact magnet 20 may protrude from sleeve 18 to be used as a functional tip of the device 10 instead of the S-pole. Driving magnet 14 and contact magnet 20 are arranged in the device 10 such that the same poles thereof are facing each other. For example, in the case illustrated in Figures 1 , 4 and 5A, the N-pole of the driving magnet 14 is nearest to the N-pole of the contact magnet 20.

[0069] Movement of contact magnet 20 is regulated and controlled by driving magnet 14 to carry out all the manipulations, and thus, therapeutic functions, of the device 10. The direction and/or speed of movement of the contact magnet 20 is driven and adjusted by the driving magnet 14 when it moves horizontally along the rail 16a around the central axis (designated as“O”) of the moveable plate 16, i.e., circularly, due to the N-N pole effects. The movement of the contact magnet 20 provides the rehabilitation manipulation to the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient.

[0070] The driving force applied by the driving magnet 14 to the contact magnet 20 is based on the magnetic homopolar repulsion principle and the theoretical basis of contact magnet 20 moving due to the driving magnet 14 and magnetic levitation (“Maglev”) effect, as illustrated in Figure 6. The repulsion of the contact magnet 20 away from the driving magnet 14 occurs when the driving magnet 14 moves closer to the contact magnet 20. The strength of the repulsion may be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the driving magnet 14 and the contact magnet 20.

[0071] Driving magnet 14 does not contact the patient directly, but drives the contact magnet 20 to do the related work. When motor 16d moves shaft 16c vertically downward, moveable plate 16 and thus, driving magnet 14 contained therein, is moved towards, and closer to the contact magnet. When the driving magnet 14, moving vertically downward, nears the contact magnet 20, the contact magnet 20 is repulsed away from the driving magnet 14 due to homopolar repulsion and moves downwards, to contact the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient. When motor 16d rotates shaft 16c, driving magnet 14 is moved, via arm 16b, circularly around the rail 16a within moveable plate 16, the circularly moving driving magnet 14 causes the contact magnet 20 to move in a plurality of directions against the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient and performs the manipulation of the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient that would normally be performed by a real live physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapist with their hands, fingers, elbows etc.

[0072] Between the driving magnet 14 and contact magnet 20, there is a physical space. The physical space between the driving magnet 14 and the contact magnet 20 caused by homopolar repulsion provides a buffer for any strike or pressure exerted by the magnetic repelling force between the driving magnet 14 and the contact magnet 20. This buffer protects the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient from excessive force and/or over-manipulation and possible resultant tissue damage that may otherwise occur with mechanical devices. As discussed above, the resilient members 22 allow the contact magnet 20 to be free moving. Thus, in embodiments of the present invention, the patient receives a gentler therapeutic treatment from the contact magnet 20 than a patient would otherwise receive from prior art mechanical devices. As also discussed above, the strength and/or intensity of the treatment is altered by adjusting the distance between the driving magnet 14 and the contact magnet 20 or in the alternative, the strength of the current applied to the driving magnet 14 if, for example, the driving magnet 14 is an electromagnet.

[0073] The type of manipulation, as well as the strength and frequency of the pressure applied to the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient, can be regulated, in one embodiment, by the dimensions of the driving magnet 14. For example, in one embodiment, the larger the driving magnet 14, or the stronger the current applied to the driving magnet 14, when the driving magnet is an electromagnet, the stronger the repulse of the contact magnet 20 from the driving magnet 14 and the stronger the force applied to the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient. In another embodiment, the shorter the distance between the driving magnet 14 and the contact magnet 20, the stronger the repulsive force against the contact magnet 20 from the driving magnet 14, and the stronger the force applied to the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient.

[0074] The targeted treatment area 24 of the patient is a location on the patient's body, such as, for example, but not limited to, the muscles of the shoulders, arms, back, neck, waist, hips, legs, feet or other parts of the body that may be treated by rehabilitation therapy, such as, for example, but not limited to, by physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapy. The patient himself/herself may direct the contact magnet 20 to contact his/her targeted treatment area 24. In an embodiment of the present invention, all of the repulse press dynamics can be controlled, led and adjusted by the patient himself/herself based on his/her requirements and tolerance.

[0075] In embodiments of the present invention, the poles of the driving magnet 14 and the contact magnet 20 can be altered accordingly for different purposes. In other embodiments of the present invention, a programmable controller (not shown) may be used for these tasks as would be understood by persons skilled in this art.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 3A, 3C, 4, 5A and 5B, the device 10 comprises a single driving magnet 14 and a single contact magnet 20. In other embodiments, as would be understood by persons skilled in this art, device 10 may comprise any number of driving magnets 14 and any number of contact magnets 20. For example, device 10 may be configured with two, three, four or more driving magnets 14 and two, three, four or more contact magnets 20 arranged in various configurations relative to each other, such as, for example, but not limited to, in parallel, in series, orthogonal to each other, at a variety of different angles relative to each other etc., to perform different functions.

[0077] Figures 7A-7D show other embodiments of the device 10 of the present invention using more than one driving magnet 14 and more than one contact magnet 20. In these examples, instead of a single driving magnet 14, device 10 comprises four driving magnets 14 arranged with alternating poles and contained within moveable plate 16 which moves within the housing 12, forming the driving or regulator portion 26. In these embodiments, the device 10 also comprises two sleeves 18 and two contact magnets 20 arranged within the housing 12, forming the applicator portion 28 to be controlled by the driving or regulator portion 26. FIG 7B illustrates the moveable plate 16 containing four driving magnets 14, rail 16a, four driving arms 16b, and motor 16d coupled with moveable shaft 16c (not visible in this view). The motor 16d and the moveable shaft 16c are installed in the center axis (designated as“O”) of the moveable plate 16. The moveable shaft 16c allows the moveable plate 16, and thus the four driving magnets 14 contained therein, to move vertically up and down, and the motor 16d drives the driving magnets 14 to move circularly around the rail 16a, forced by four driving arms 16b. In this embodiment, the driving magnets 14 move along the rail 16a to form the driving or regulator portion 26 while the moveable plate 16, although moving vertically up and down, does not rotate. When the four driving magnets 14 move around the rail 16a, the two contact magnets 20 in the applicator portion 28 underneath the driving or regulator portion 26 receive different forces from the four driving magnets 14 due to the alternating poles. In the alternative, moveable plate 16 does not comprise rail 16a or the four driving arms 16b and motor 16d rotates the moveable shaft 16c to drive and rotate the entire moveable plate 16 circularly to form the driving or regulator portion 26 (see Figure 1C). When either only the driving magnets 14 or the entire moveable plate 16 rotates and the moveable plate 16 moves vertically downward towards, and gets closer to the driving or applicator portion 26 containing the contact magnets 20, the contact magnets 20 are repulsed downwards and away from, the driving magnets 14, forcing the contact magnets 20 to make contact with the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient and the rotation of either the driving magnets 14 within the moveable plate 16 or the entire moveable plate 16 containing the driving magnets 14 contained therein, cause the contact magnets 20 to move in a variety of different directions and press, push, rub, beat, pound, pat, flap, grasp, grip, roll, pinch etc., on the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient. As discussed, these functions are executed by the magnetic levitation effect and the N-N homorepulsion or N-S attracting principle. The force of the contact of the contact magnets 20 against the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient may by adjusted by the frequency and depth of movement of the driving or regulator portion 26 containing the driving magnets 14 towards, or away from, the applicator portion 28 containing the contact magnets 20, which frequency and depth may be regulated by the patients themselves. [0078] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate how different poles of the contact magnets 20 respond when different poles of the driving magnetic bars 14 of the driving or regulator portion 26 of the device 10 shown in Figures 7A-7D, move relative thereto. At the same time, persons skilled in this art would understand how the poles of the opposite ends, or functional tips, of the contact magnets 20 are applying pressure and force against, and manipulating, the targeted treatment area 24 of the patient and mimic the pressing, pushing, rubbing, beating, pounding, patting, flapping, grasping, gripping, rolling, pinching etc., applied by a real live physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapist.

[0079] Figures 10A-10C show another embodiment of the device 10 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, three driving magnets 14 with identical poles are arranged in parallel to form a driving magnet array 14a to drive three contact magnets 20, arranged in parallel to form a contact magnet array 20a, the same way. As the driving magnet array 14a rotates and moves downwards towards the contact magnet array 20a, the three contact magnets 20 within the contact magnet array 20a will be repulsed and move away from the three driving magnets 14 within the driving magnet array 14a. Additionally, as the driving magnet array 14a moves vertically upward away from the contact magnet array 20a, the three contact magnets 20 within the contact magnet array 20a will move back to their original resting positions within their respective sleeves 18. For example, with three contact magnets 20 contained within the contact magnet array 20a, the movement of the contact magnets 20 may be scissor-like.

[0080] As can be seen in Fig 10A, as the driving magnet array 14a moves vertically downwards towards contact magnet array 20a, the S poles of the contact magnets 20 within the contact magnet array 20a will not just move vertically down and away, but will move vertically down and left, down and right, down and to the front, down and to the back, and any combination of these directions, due to the magnetic repulsion and magnetic levitation effect between the contact magnet array 20a and the driving magnet array 14a. For example, as driving magnet array 14a moves left, the contact magnet array 20a will move to the right due to the repulse force. In this way, the movement of contact magnet array 20a can be regulated by the movement of driving magnet array 14a by its rotation and vertical up and down movement.

[0081] Figures 10B and 10C illustrate side views of the driving magnet array 14a and the contact magnet array 20a. It can be seen that when the driving magnet array 14a is moved vertically downward towards, and closer to, the contact magnet array 20a, the position of the contact magnet array 20a changes with the magnetic levitation effecting force of N-N repulse. Persons skilled in this art would understand that the S-poles change as well. These changes provide the manipulation actions of the applicator portion 28 of the device 10. As long as the driving magnetic array 14a rotates and moves vertically up and down, the contact magnet array 20a or contact magnets 20 comprised thereof, perform various different actions according to their size, shape and/or configuration.

[0082] While Figures 10A-10C show a driving magnet array 14a comprising three driving magnets 14 and a contact magnet array 20a comprising three contact magnets 20, the driving magnet array 14a and contact magnet array 20a are not limited to these configurations. For example, any number of driving magnets 14 may be implemented into the driving magnet array 14a and any number of contact magnets 20 may be implemented into the contact magnet array 20a, to produce the desired treatment, as would be understood by persons skilled in this art.

[0083] FIG 1 1 is a top view of the device 10 illustrating two driving magnetic arrays 14a arranged in parallel. Two contact magnetic arrays 20a (not shown) are also arranged in parallel beneath the two driving magnetic arrays 14a. In this embodiment, when the two driving magnetic arrays 14a are rotating and moving vertically up and down, the two contact magnetic arrays 20a provide a scissor-like movement performing various manipulations such as, for example, but not limited to, pressing, pushing, rubbing, beating, pounding, patting, flapping, grasping, gripping, rolling, pinching etc. For example, when the driving magnets 14 in one driving magnet array 14a move towards the left, the corresponding contact magnets 20 in the contact magnet array 20a below will move to the right. By adjusting the position of the driving magnets 14 in the driving magnetic arrays 14a, the contact magnets 20 in the contact magnet arrays 20a, will perform the manipulating functions of for example, such as, but not limited to, grasping, gripping or pinching, on the treatment area 24 of the patient. These manipulations mimic the basic but most used manipulations of physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapists.

[0084] In embodiments of the present invention, housing 12 may have a means for suspending the device 10 from, attaching, connecting or coupling the device 10 to, or installing the device 10 on, a free-standing rod arrangement or mechanical arm, generally indicated by drawing reference numeral 30, as shown in Figures 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 13C and 14. The arm or rod 30 may be for example, but not limited to, robotic, hydraulic, or mechanical and may be adjusted manually or by programming. In an embodiment of the present invention, the arm or rod 30 is free-standing and may be moved easily in three dimensional (3D). In an embodiment of the present invention, the arm or rod 30 may be stable standing on the ground so that a heavy device 10 may be vertically raised up and down safely. In embodiments of the present invention, the arm or rod 30 may be a Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly (PUMA) manipulator or intelligent hands, as would be understood by persons skilled in this art.

[0085] Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C show the applicator 10 in use when attached to a mechanical arm 30. The patient using the device 10 may be lying on a bed or treatment table 34 as shown in Figure 13A. Figure 13B shows a mechanical arm 30 having two devices 10 attached thereto and performing treatment on a patient lying on a bed or treatment table 34. Figure 13C shows a mechanical arm 30 having two devices 10 attached thereto and performing treatment on a patient sitting in a chair 36. In each of the above cases, a control panel (not shown) may be available to the patient so that the patient may control the type, length of time, and intensity of their treatment.

[0086] FIG 14 illustrates a rehabilitation machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention incorporating a device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when in use on a patient when the patient is in a prone position and when an extra magnet 14b is added underneath the treatment table when stronger or heavier manipulations are required. The extra magnet 14b may have its N-pole or S-pole oriented towards the contact magnet 20 accordingly.

[0087] The device 10 of the present invention may be configured in series of different sizes, shapes and/or configurations of models. For example, the device 10 of the present invention may be configured as a smaller model for hand-held and/or personal or family use or a medium-sized model for a physical exercise center, or a larger model for a therapeutic and/or rehabilitation centre or a hospital. For example, for a mini device, instead of being attached to an arm or rod 30, the device 10 could be attached to an embodiment that already exists in the household, such as, for example, an iron for ironing clothes.

[0088] In addition to various sizes, the device 10 may also be designed specifically for various parts and/or areas of the body, for example, but not limited to, the head, neck, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, chest, back, torso, stomach, waist, hips, groin, buttocks, legs, knees, ankles, feet, toes, etc.

[0089] As discussed above, in embodiments of the present invention, all therapeutic actions and intensities of the device 10 may be adjusted by the patients themselves through, for example, a control panel accessible to the patients that directs the device 10, allowing the patients to perform self-directed therapeutic treatment.

[0090] This device 10 of the present invention, in some embodiments, combines Chinese medicine theory, the meridian system, physiotherapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy, massage therapy, and knowledge of the anatomic structure of human body.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention, on or near the functional tip, i.e., the contact magnet 20, of the device 10, a sensor may be installed to measure the patient’s height, length of each bone, and weight of the patient so an exact meridian point of the patient can be determined by the software incorporated into, or associated with, the device. As such, the exact meridian point of the patient may be treated by the contact magnet 20 when a sensor is installed on or near the functional tip thereof. For example, in some conditions or diseases, the correct and exact meridian point is very important for effective treatment of the patient according to the Chinese medicine theory. At the determined exact meridian point, the device 10 may mimic a real live physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapist to perform all of the physical manipulations provided by such a person. The device 10 can fulfill all of the requirements of the patient’s exact meridian point based on the meridian system in Chinese medicine. The exact meridian point may be treated by the contact magnet 20 when a sensor is installed on or near the functional tip of the contact magnet 20. These manipulations may be performed when the device 10 is free standing or is installed on a free moving rod or arm 30. The rod or arm 30 may be adjusted to accommodate all the positions of the patient such as standing, sitting, bending, crouching and laying down in the prone and supine positions. The patient may be in any position as long as he/she feels comfortable. Accordingly, the present invention may identify the exact meridian point of the patient and provide effective treatment of the exact meridian point.

[0092] In embodiments of the present invention, at the exact meridian point of the patient, an acupuncture function can be incorporated into to the device 10 to be performed by the functional tip to, for example, but not limited to, reduce pain, soreness, stiffness, fatigue etc. in, and/or to relax soft tissues, such as, for example, but not limited to, tendons, ligaments and/or muscles.

[0093] As discussed above, all the actions of physio-, physical, rehabilitation and/or massage therapy provided by the device 10 of the present invention, such as, for example, but not limited to, kneading, extruding, squeezing, grasping, pressing, beating, flapping, striking, knocking, hitting, rolling, rocking, thumping, patting, which are normally performed by real live physio-, rehabilitation and/or massage therapists, are performed by the magnetic levitation effect instead of a mechanical movement. As also discussed above, the magnetic levitation effect of the device 10 may be provided by a permanent magnet, a temporary magnet, an electronic magnet etc.

[0094] As also discussed above, when the device 10 is used to perform heavier or stronger functions, an extra magnet 14b could be used under the treatment surface, such as, for example under the performance bed, or on the opposite side of the patient to attract, according to the heteropolar attracting principle or repulse, according to the homopolar repulsion principle, the related contact magnet 20 to increase the performance strength of the device 10 (see Fig. 14).

[0095] In another embodiment of the present invention, the device 10 may be incorporated into an intelligence robot which is designed and developed accordingly.

[0096] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present invention encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in this art, and all such modifications or variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A rehabilitation therapeutic device comprising: a contact magnet suspended within a sleeve having a top opening and a bottom opening, the contact magnet protruding through the top opening and bottom opening, the contact magnet having an S-pole and an N-pole; a driving magnet held within a moving plate in proximity to the contact magnet protruding through the top opening, the driving magnet having an S- pole and an N-pole, arranged so that the same polarity is in proximity to the same polarity of the contact magnet; and a driving mechanism to move the moving plate towards and away from the contact magnet causing magnetic repulsion in the contact magnet, pushing the contact magnet down the sleeve.

2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a housing to house the contact magnet, sleeve, driving magnet, moving plate, and driving mechanism.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the sleeve is arranged in the housing through an aperture such that the contact magnet protrudes through the aperture of the housing.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact magnet is

suspended in the sleeve by springs.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing is suspended on a free-standing rod.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the driving mechanism is controllable by a control panel accessible to a user.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device is a massage applicator.

8. The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device is used in massage therapy treatments.