Massaging Footwear Device

Abstract

A footwear device for massaging a bottom of a wearer's foot. The footwear device includes a housing disposed within the footwear having a platform with a plurality of massage units extending therefrom. An actuator is operably connected to the platform and can move the platform between a relaxed mode and an application mode. In the application mode, the platform is moved so the massage units extend through a sole and engage the wearers foot. In some embodiments, the massage units vary in height, such that the massage units taper from opposing ends of the platform towards a center thereof to form to an arch of the foot when in the application mode. In some embodiments, a controller is operably connected to the actuator to allow a user to selectively move and control the speed of the platform.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to massaging footwear. The present invention further provides a massage assembly disposed in footwear.

To massage is to repeatedly apply pressure to the body as a therapeutic technique. Massage techniques may be done with hands, fingers, feet, other parts of the body, or a mechanical device. A massage may be applied to various parts of the body. A massage may be useful for treating physical pain, discomfort, and stress. Potential benefits for a recipient may also include reduced anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and heart rates. Some types of massage therapy have been developed to target specific combination of massage points in order to treat specific types or areas of pain.

Unfortunately, a massage usually requires a recipient to maintain a stationary position so that a massage therapist or a machine may massage the recipient. This may require devoting an unsuitable amount of time without being able to complete other tasks simultaneously. A suitable solution is desired.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for massaging footwear devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of foot massaging devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new massaging footwear device wherein the same can be utilized for massaging the foot of a user.

The footwear massaging device comprises a housing disposed within the footwear. The housing comprises a platform with a plurality of massage units extending therefrom. An actuator is operably connected to the platform and configured to move the platform between a relaxed mode and an application mode. In the application mode, the platform is moved so the massage units extend through a sole and engage the wearers foot. In some embodiments, the massage units vary in height, such that the massage units taper from opposing ends of the platform towards a center thereof to form to an arch of the foot when in the application mode. In some embodiments, the footwear device is configured to be worn while the wearer is walking. In other embodiments, the footwear can be worn while the foot is in various positions, such as flat on a surface, vertically, or angled relative to the ground. In some embodiments, a controller is operably connected to the actuator to allow a user to selectively move the platform and control the speed of a motor therein.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved massaging footwear device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the massaging footwear device secured to a user.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a massage unit of a first embodiment of the massaging footwear device.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an upper end of an embodiment of the massaging footwear device.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view an embodiment of the massaging footwear device

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the massaging footwear device.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an upper side of the housing of the massaging footwear device, wherein the massaging units are protruding therethrough.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an actuator of a second embodiment of the massaging footwear device.

FIG. 7B shows a side perspective view of an actuator of a second embodiment of the massaging footwear.

FIG. 8A shows a cross sectional view of an actuator of a second embodiment of the massaging footwear device in the relaxed mode.

FIG. 8B shows a cross sectional view of an actuator of a second embodiment of the massaging footwear device in the application mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the massaging footwear device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for massaging a foot of a user. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “first embodiment”, “second embodiment”, or “third embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the footwear includes a sole with a plurality of massage units extending from the sole. In some embodiments, a controller remotely or adjacent to the footwear is configured to regulate operation of the massage units. The massage units protrude upwardly to engage a foot of a user resting on top of the sole within the footwear. In one embodiment, each massage unit includes a plunger riding within a channel, an actuator beneath the plunger which may retract the plunger away from the user's foot, and a coil spring separating the plunger from the actuator. The coil spring maintains the plunger in a position distal to the actuator. The plunger is limited in its travel and may not pass beyond a stop in the channel. With this structure, repeatedly energizing and deenergizing the actuator of one massage unit may cause the plunger to repeatedly reciprocate in a massaging action against the user's foot while in use. In some embodiments, the controller comprises a program for selecting multiples of the massage units as desired by a user. This may be accomplished by an external device able to customize programs for the controller or may be integral to the controller and the footwear in some embodiments. This may enable a user to target specific regions of the user's foot for specific therapies and applications.

In one embodiment, a software program is operably connected to the footwear and is for use with a mobile device or other computing device. The program includes a user interface for programming and selecting patterns for targeting specific regions of the user's foot or speed of movement while using the footwear. The program is configured to be used with the computing device in wireless communication with the footwear such that the computing device can initiate the massaging action of the footwear in accordance with pre-programmed patterns. In particular, the user interface provides a user with options for specified zone therapies for activating particular regions of the footwear corresponding to regions of the foot. In one example, a zone therapy program may be selected by a user to engage massage units corresponding to the innermost centers of both the left and right feet. In some therapies, this may correspond to a particular therapeutic application, such as reducing pain to the kidneys of the user of the footwear. Additional features engageable by the user interface may include selectable rates of massage unit pulsation or a constant pressure mode. Built-in programs may be based upon in-use reflexology practices, as well as customizable programs in some embodiments. The software program may also include tutorials and other educational features.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the massaging footwear device secured to a user. The massaging footwear device 100 is beneficial for use by a wearer or user 40 to massage a bottom of a foot of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the massaging footwear device 100 comprises a sole 110, an insole 160, a plurality of massage units 120, a controller 130, and a cuff 140. The sole 110 is configured to support an underside 15 of the foot 10 of user 40, with plurality of massage units 120 extending from the sole 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the insole 160 is disposed above the sole 110, such that insole 160 provides cushioning between the foot 10 and the sole 110. The Insole 160 is malleable and configured to cushion the foot 10 of user 40 against plurality of massage units 120. The massage units 120 are adapted to provide pressure via a massaging action to the foot 10 through displacement of the insole 160. In alternative embodiments, the massage units 120 pass through insole 160. The controller 130 is in electrical communication with the massage units 120 and configured to selectively engage one or more of the massage units 120. In some embodiments, the footwear is a boot. However, in alternate embodiments, the footwear is any type such as an athletic shoe, sandal, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of a massage unit of a first embodiment of the massaging footwear device. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the massage units 120 includes a channel 122, a plunger 124, a spring 126, and an actuator 128. The plunger 124 configured to slide within channel 122 and have a shaft 125 terminating in an applicator 127. In some embodiments, the applicator 127 is round and configured to provide pressure to foot 10 (FIG. 1) when actuator 128 is in an application mode. In alternative embodiments, the applicator 127 is flat or have other contours. The spring 126 is configured to maintain the plunger 124 in a contact-position 129, such that contact-position 129 may be distal to spring 126. The spring 126 may be a coil spring able to be compressed between the plunger 124 and the actuator 128. The actuator 128 is configured to draw the plunger 124 against the spring 126 and release the plunger 124 in repetition, thereby resulting in a massaging action when the foot 10 is placed against the plurality of massage units 120 and alternatively the insole 160. The channel 122 of each of massage unit 120 is defined by channel-axis 174, wherein the channel 122 is a cylinder, such that channel 122-axis passes through the center of the channel 122. The channel 122 and the plunger 124 are each cylindrical, such that plunger 124 is nested within the channel 122 and can only travel linearly within channel 122 along the channel-axis 174. The plunger 124 of the massage unit includes a flange 170. The channel 122 of the massage unit includes a constriction 172. The flange 170 is annular and concentric to the plunger 124, while the constriction 172 is annular and concentric to the channel 122. The flange 170 is configured to impinge upon the constriction 172, having dimensions that prevent flange 170 from passing beyond the constriction 172, thereby retaining the plunger 124 within the channel 122. The flange 170 is configured to prevent the plunger 124 from leaving the channel 122 despite forces being enacted upon the plunger 124 by the spring 126 and the actuator 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 128 is an electromagnet configured to draw the plunger 124 against the spring 126 when energized. The channel 122, the plunger 124, the spring 126, and the actuator 128 are all cylindrically shaped and arranged concentrically to one another.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an upper end of an embodiment of the massaging footwear device. In some embodiments, the massaging footwear device comprises a cuff 140 configured to secure the device to a wearer's ankle. The cuff 140 is configured to form an aperture 142 to receive the ankle of the wearer. A cuff-axis 144 passes centrally through the aperture 142. In some embodiments, the massaging footwear device 100 includes an electric resistance heater 150. The electric resistance heater 150 is disposed within the cuff 140 and configured to produce heat when energized. In one embodiment, the cuff 140 is elastic. In another embodiment, the cuff 140 comprises an exterior 146, a strap 148, and a hook-and-loop fastener 149. The hook-and-loop fastener 149 are configured to affix the strap 148 to the exterior 146, such that the strap 148 circumscribes the cuff 140, and constricts cuff 140 about the ankle when the hook-and-loop fastener 149 is engaged.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross sectional view an embodiment of the massaging footwear. In the illustrated embodiment, the massage units 120 are operably connected to a power source 190, a switch 192, and the controller 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 190 selectively engages each of the massage units 120 independently via the controller 130. In alternate embodiments, the power source engages all of the massage units dependently (as seen in FIGS. 5-9). In this way, a specific combination of the massage units 120 are engaged in order to target and massage a particular area of the foot as desired by the wearer 40. In one embodiment, the controller is programmable, such that the wearer may select customizable combination 180 of the massage units 120 to energize while in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 190 is in electric communication with the controller 130 and each of the actuators, such that the power source 190 may selectively engage each of actuators independently via the controller. In alternate embodiments, the controller is remote to the footwear and wirelessly connected to the power source. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 190 is a battery. In other embodiments, the power source is a 12 volt wall plug. The switch 192 allows the wearer to selectively connect the power source 190 to plurality of massage units 120 manually.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the massaging footwear device. In the illustrated embodiment, a housing 200 is disposed within the 210 of the footwear. The sole 210 is defined as a portion of the footwear configured to be positioned beneath the foot of the wearer when worn. In some embodiments, the housing 200 is an interior of the sole, whereas in alternate embodiments, the housing 200 comprises a separate structure positioned within the sole 210. In the illustrated embodiment, a platform 300 is movably disposed within the housing 200, wherein the massage units 400 extend directly from the platform 300 through an upper end of the housing 200. An upper surface of the housing 200 comprises a plurality of apertures 205 configured to receive the massage units therethrough. The size of the apertures 205 is in close tolerance to the size of the massage units. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 300 extends the substantial length of the housing 200, wherein the length is measured between a toe portion 220 to a heel portion 230 of the footwear. In this way, the massage units 400 are supported along almost the entire length of the sole of the footwear.

In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 300 comprises a flat lower side and upper side with the exception of the massage units 400 protruding therefrom. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape along a horizontal plane is rectangular. However, in alternate embodiments, the cross-sectional shape along the horizontal plane is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the footwear. In this way, the platform 300 conforms to the shape of the bottom of a wearer's foot.

In the illustrated embodiment, the massage units 400 are fixed to the platform 300 and move dependently with the platform 300. The massage units 400 vary in height in order to conform to the surface of the bottom of the foot or contact different points of the bottom of the foot, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment shown in both FIGS. 5 and 6, a height of the massage units 400 along the platform 300 taper from opposing ends 410, 420 of the platform 300 towards a center 430 thereof. In this way, the height of each massage unit at an end 410, 420 is shorter than a massage unit 400 toward the center 430 to conform to an arch of the foot. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper end 405 of the massage units 400 are rounded to provide comfort to the user. In some embodiments, the upper end 405 of some of the massage units 400 are angled in order to provide a parallel surface to that of the arch of the foot of the wearer.

In some embodiments, a second sole or second layer 1100 is disposed over a top of the massage units 400. The second layer provides additional cushioning to the wearer while the device is in use. The second layer 1100 moves between the relaxed mode and application mode with the platform 300. In some embodiments, the footwear massaging device is adapted to be worn while a user is walking. The footwear massaging device is adapted to be worn on the user's foot is in various positions, such as oriented horizontally on a flat surface, oriented vertically, or angled relative to the ground. In this way, the footwear massaging device is more comfortable than a single platform massaging device that requires a user to have both feet or even one foot planted flat on the ground having their knees together in order to use the device. Here, a user can wear the device with their legs crossed, having one foot raised, both feet raised, and the like. In some embodiments, the footwear massaging device comprises both a left footwear and a right footwear. In other embodiments, the footwear is configured to receive and simultaneously massage both the left and right foot of the user.

The platform 300 is moved by an actuator between a relaxed mode and an application mode. In the activation mode, the platform 300 is moved via the actuator towards an upper end 240 of the housing 200. All of the massage units are disposed through the upper end 240 of the housing 200 while the platform 300 remains within the housing 200 in close tolerance to the interior upper side thereof. In the relaxed mode, the platform 300 is disposed toward a lower end 250 of the housing 200. In some embodiments, the uppermost end of each massage unit is disposed entirely within the housing 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator comprises a pair of pistons 500 that extends from a lower end of the platform 300, wherein each piston 500 is operably connected to a drive shaft 600 power by a motor 800. In the illustrated embodiment the pistons 500, drive shaft 600, and motor 800 are all disposed within the housing 200. In some embodiments, the motor 800 is a 12V motor. In the illustrated embodiment, a port 900 is disposed along the housing and configured to connect to an external power supply to charge the motor 800. In alternate embodiments, the power supply is internal within the housing 200. In some embodiments, a second port 1000 exists to connect to the handheld controller. In alternate embodiments, the handheld controller is wirelessly connected to a transceiver within the housing that executes the movement program of the massage units. In the illustrated embodiment, the handheld controller controls the speed of the motor 800.

A first end of the drive shaft 600 is connected to the motor 800, wherein an opposing second end is rotatably connected to a support rod 700. The support rod 700 extends from a base of the housing 200 and maintains the drive shaft in a suspended configuration to allow rotation thereof. The opposing ends of the drive shaft are level with each other. The drive shaft 600 forms a pair U-shaped sections 610 that are offset from the opposing ends. Each piston 500 is connected to a center of the U-shaped sections 610, wherein the U-shaped sections 610 are aligned in a side by side configuration. As the drive shaft 600 rotates within the housing 200 via the motor 800, the piston 500 moves up and down to move the platform between the relaxed mode and application mode.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, there is shown a perspective view and a side view of the actuator of a second embodiment of the massaging footwear device. In the illustrated embodiment, a U-shaped bracket 510 is positioned at an upper end of the piston 500. A top surface of the bracket is fixed to the platform, wherein the piston 500 is disposed within the bracket and rotatably secured thereto via a pin that extends through each side of the bracket 510 to rotatably engage the piston 500. In this way, as the piston 500 is configured to move angularly, as well as vertically, relative to the platform 500 as the drive shaft rotates.

In the illustrated embodiment, the piston comprises an outer shaft 520 and an inner shaft 530. A spring 540 is disposed within the outer shaft 520 and extends from a top surface of the inner shaft 530. A lower end of the inner shaft 530 terminates in a sleeve 550 disposed around the U-shaped section 610 of the drive shaft 600. In this way, the sleeve 550 allows the piston 500 to rotate around the drive shaft while in motion.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there are shown cross sectional views of an actuator of a second embodiment of the massaging footwear device in the relaxed mode and in the application mode, respectively. In the relaxed mode, the spring is extended as the drive shaft 600 rotates to position the U-shaped section 610 closest to the base of the housing. In this configuration, the platform is pulled downward thereby moving the massage units downward as well. In the application mode, the inner shaft 530 is moved upward further into the outer shaft 520, thereby compressing the spring 540. This motion is caused by the drive shaft 600 rotating the U-shaped section 610 approximately 180 degrees. As a result, the platform is pushed upwards causing the massage units to extend through the housing.

Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other structural arrangements such as, for example, different footwear structures, additional massage features, alternative arrangements of massage devices, etc., may be sufficient.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A massaging footwear device, comprising: a housing disposed within a footwear, wherein the housing comprises: a platform having a plurality of massage units extending upward therefrom;an actuator operably connected to the platform and configured to move between a relaxed mode and an application mode;wherein in the activation mode the platform is moved via the actuator towards an upper end of the housing and in the relaxed mode the platform is lowered within the housing;the housing disposed within a sole of the footwear;wherein each massage unit of the plurality of massage units are movable from within the housing through an upper end to extend past the sole and engage a foot of a wearer;wherein the footwear is adapted to be secured to a single foot of the wearer.

2) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein the platform extends a length of the housing, the length measured between a toe and heel of the footwear.

3) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein the housing extends the length of the sole of the footwear.

4) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a piston, a motor, and a drive shaft disposed within the housing, wherein the motor is operably connected to the drive shaft that rotates to move the piston between the relaxed and application mode.

5) The massaging footwear device of claim 4, wherein an end of the drive shaft is rotatable connected to a support rod extending from a base of the housing.

6) The massaging footwear device of claim 4, wherein the drive shaft comprises a U-shaped section wherein the piston extends from and as the drive shaft rotates the U-shaped section rotates causing the piston to raise and lower the platform.

7) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of massage units moves dependently with the platform.

8) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of massage units vary in height, such that a height of the massage units taper from opposing distal ends of the platform towards a center thereof, such that the height of each massage unit at the distal end is shorter than a massage unit toward the center.

9) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein the footwear is a boot.

10) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, a port operably connected to the actuator in order to provide power thereto.

11) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to selectively engage the actuator, such that the wearer can select a movement path of the platform.

12) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to selectively engage the motor, such that the wearer can control the speed thereof.

13) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, further comprising a power source operably connected to the actuator to supply power thereto.

14) The massaging footwear device of claim 13, wherein the power source is a battery or 12 volt wall plug.

15) The massaging footwear device of claim 13, further comprising a switch extending from the footwear for activating the actuator and the power supply.

16) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein an upper end of the plurality of massage units are rounded in order to conform to an arch of the foot of the wearer.

17) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein in relaxed mode the plurality of massage units is positioned entirely within the housing.

18) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, further comprising an insole forming a layer above the sole and configured to cushion the foot of the wearer against the plurality of massage units.

19) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein the massaging footwear device is configured to be work while the wearer is walking.

20) The massaging footwear device of claim 1, wherein the footwear comprises a left footwear and a right footwear each configured to be independently worn on a left foot and right foot of a wearer.