Mobile automatic massage apparatus

• US 10,034,814 B2
• Filed: 03/30/2015
• Issued: 07/31/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yizhong Zhang
• Original Assignee: Yizhong Zhang
• Inventors: Zhang, Yizhong
• Primary Examiner(s): STANIS, TIMOTHY A
• Application Number:
  US15/309,034
• Publication Number:
  US 20170079871A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,219 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2023/002 having a percussion element combined with a passive spacer element for bearing against the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/501 connected to external computer devices or networks
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5028 Contact activation, i.e. activated at contact with a surface of the user to be treated
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5061 Force sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/04 neck
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/062 Shoulders
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/081 Back
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2209/00 Devices for avoiding blood stagnation, e.g. Deep Vein Thrombosis [DVT] devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/004 With mechanical drive, e.g. spring mechanism or vibrating unit being hit for starting vibration and then applied to the body of a patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 39/007 Stimulation by mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 39/04 Devices for pressing such points, e.g. Shiatsu or AcupressureMassage or pressure on general areas A61H9/00 - A61H23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 7/004 power-driven, e.g. electrical
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation

Abstract

A mobile automatic massage apparatus which includes a base of an automatic guided vehicle and a few robotic arms attached above it. A 3D scanner on the pole behind the touch screen monitor takes images of the surrounding environment and guides the movement of the vehicle and positioning of the arms. The hands attached to the robotic arms perform the massage according to the programs of a central computer. This massage apparatus can perform similar professional massage provided by the physicians or therapists to improve the blood circulation of the patients and reduce the pain.

Claims

1. A mobile automatic massage apparatus for improving peripheral vascular blood circulation and reducing soreness or pain of a human body, the mobile automatic massage apparatus comprising:

an automatic guided vehicle as a mobile base configured to move without assistance of tracks to approach the human body;

a three-dimensional (3D) scanner configured to obtain 3D data of the human body and surrounding objects, to guide the mobile automatic massage apparatus, and to monitor treatment;

a touch screen monitor configured to provide an input and output interface;

a remote central computer configured to operate massage programs and send instructions to the mobile automatic massage apparatus through a wireless connection;

one or more robotic arms configured to move freely in any direction;

a forearm operatively attached to a distal end of each robotic arm and configured to directly massage targeted positions;

a hand operatively attached to the forearm and configured to directly massage the targeted positions;

soft pads with a three layer structure including a soft material layer, a pressure sensor layer and a thermal heater layer;

artificial hands covered by the soft pads which are configured to perform different techniques of massage;

a communication unit configured to transfer the 3D data between the mobile automatic massage apparatus and the remote central computer;

a remote control configured to allow a patient to perform simple adjustments including stopping the massage or reducing a strength of the massage for safety purposes;

a power stopper configured to stop a supply of power immediately when force exerted on the human body exceeds a safety level; and

a charging bay configured to allow the mobile automatic massage apparatus to return to the charging bay to charge itself when it is not performing a massage.

2. The mobile automatic massage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power stopper includes a pressure sensor configured to measure force passed to the hand by the one or more robotic arms.

3. The mobile automatic massage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power stopper is positioned between the hand and the forearm.

4. The mobile automatic massage apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power stopper includes a pressure sensor configured to measure force passed to the hand by the corresponding robotic arm.

5. The mobile automatic massage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the forearm is configured to directly massage the targeted positions.

6. The mobile automatic massage apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the lower portion of the forearm is covered by a soft pad.