(12) United States Patent
`Pivaroff
`
`USOO6682496B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,682,496 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jan. 27, 2004
`
`(54) DEEP MUSCLESTIMULATOR DEVICE
`(76) Inventor: Jake W. Pivaroff, 2711 E. Coast Hwy,
`Suite 206, Corona Del Mar, CA (US)
`92625
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 181 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/473,792
`1-1.
`(22) Filed:
`Dec. 28, 1999
`
`sk -
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`8/1989 Gross et al. .................. 128/65
`
`4,858,600 A
`cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Justine R. Yu
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-James G O'Neill; Klein
`O'Neill & Singh, LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A deep muscle Stimulation device having a titanium hollow
`head with loosely packed granular materials held therein is
`reciprocally mounted in a hollow top and driven by a
`rotating electrical motor held in a hollow handle So as to
`provide deep muscle tissue with kinetic forms of percussion
`
`(51)
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`O
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`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A61H 1100
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`and concussion vibration So as to benefit damaged muscles
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`(52)
`
`O
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`(56)
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 601/108; 601/97; 601/101;
`601/107
`(58) Field of Search .............................. 601/70, 84.97,
`601/101, 107-108, 85, 87, 89, 93, 94, 102,
`103, 109-111, 72, 80; 606/237-239
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1,787.211 A 12/1930 Priest .......................... 60185
`4,088,128 A
`5/1978 Mabuchi ...................... 128/52
`4.513,737 A
`4/1985 Mabuchi ...................... 128/52
`4,827,914 A
`5/1989 Kamazawa .................. 128/34
`4,841.955 A 6/1989 Evans ......................... 128/52
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`:
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`in a patient. The hollow head is connected by a number of
`reciprocating elements to a finger on a rotating cam So as to
`have between a V8 to % inch stroke at a high rate of Speed
`to provide deep penetrating muscle tissue Stimulation. The
`device is easy to handle, and includes an on/off Switch and
`an electrical cable-coupling element. The device is made
`from high Strength materials, Such as Stainless Steel or
`titanium, So as to hold up under heavy use by professionals
`in a number of disciplines. The granular materials fill
`approximately y; the volume of the hollow head and are
`Selected from diamonds, rubies, copper, bloodstone, garnet,
`malachite and carbon.
`
`7 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1007, 0001
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 27, 2004
`Jan. 27, 2004
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`Sheet 1 of 2
`Sheet 1 of 2
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`US 6,682,496 B1
`US 6,682,496 B1
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1007, 0002
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1007, 0002
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 27, 2004
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`Sheet 2 of 2
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`US 6,682,496 B1
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1007, 0003
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`1
`DEEP MUSCLESTIMULATOR DEVICE
`
`US 6,682,496 B1
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates generally to medical devices, and,
`more particularly, to a deep muscle Stimulator device to
`increase muscle metabolism, increase the lactic acid cycle
`and to relieve pain.
`2. Description of Related Art
`Many types of a vibrating massage-type devices are
`known for use on different portions of a perSon's body, to
`help relieve StreSS, or tightened muscles. However, the
`known devices either do not vibrate at high enough speeds
`and/or do not provide Sufficient force to reach deep muscle
`tissues.
`Much of muscle pain Stems from various conditions,
`caused by OverStressing or over using muscles. These
`include Strain, lactic acid build-up, Scar tissue build-up, etc.
`The known prior art devices do not reach deep enough into
`the muscle tissues to provide the necessary relief for many
`perSons. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a deep
`muscle Stimulator, Such as the present invention, which uses
`percussion and mechanical vibrations that reach deep into
`the muscle tissue, to Stimulate proprioceptive functions.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to
`provide an improved muscle Stimulation device. It is a
`particular object of the present invention to provide an
`improved deep muscle Stimulation device, which provides
`deep muscle tissue with kinetic forms of percussion. It is
`another particular object of the present invention to provide
`an improved deep muscle Stimulation device, which pro
`vides deep muscle tissue with concussion vibration to pro
`vide improved benefits for patients. It is yet another par
`ticular object of the present invention to provide an
`improved deep muscle Stimulation device which provides
`increased circulation, increased performance, reduced pain,
`accelerated rehabilitation from injury, breakup of muscular
`Scar tissue, reduced lactic acid build-up, increased
`flexibility, endurance and Speed, and increased lymphatic
`flow. And, it is still another particular object of the present
`invention to provide an improved deep muscle Stimulation
`device, which concentrates on general and/or local muscle
`Spasms, to increase muscle metabolism and thereby increase
`the lactic acid cycle to thereby relieve pain.
`These and other objects of the present invention are
`achieved by providing a deep muscle Stimulation device
`having a body, which includes a holding portion with an
`electric motor held therein, and wherein the electric motor
`includes a rotating central arbor, which is coupled to a
`device for changing the rotational movement of the electric
`motor into reciprocating motion. And, wherein the motion
`converting device is connected via a plurality of elements to
`a hollow movable head having a number of ingredients
`therein to apply preSSure against Selected portions of a
`patient's body, to thereby provide therapeutic results to the
`patient.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The objects and features of the present invention, which
`are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the
`appended claims. The present invention, both as to its
`organization and manner of operation, together with further
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`objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference
`to the following description, taken in connection with the
`accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals
`are used throughout the Several views, and, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view, with a
`portion broken away, of an improved deep muscle Stimula
`tion device of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of an assembled deep
`muscle Stimulation device of the present invention; and
`FIGS. 3-5 are top plan views of the deep muscle stimu
`lation device, with a top plate removed, showing rotation of
`a cam and the reciprocating movement of a linkage and a
`partially broken away hollow head of the improved device
`of the present invention.
`FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the
`improved device of the present invention.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`The following description is provided to enable any
`perSon Skilled in the art to make and use the invention and
`sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of
`carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however,
`will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, Since
`the generic principles of the present invention have been
`defined herein Specifically to provide for an improved deep
`muscle Stimulation device, generally indicated by the
`numeral 10.
`AS shown in the drawings, the deep muscle Stimulation
`device 10 of the present invention includes a body 12
`comprised of an elongated, Substantially hollow handle 14,
`a top element or housing 16, and a hollow head 44.
`The elongated handle 14 is preferably made of metal, such
`as Stainless Steel or titanium, and includes an on/off Switch
`18 and an electric cable connection port 20, preferably
`formed flush with a bottom Surface 22 of the handle 14. An
`electrical motor 24 is mounted within the elongated, hollow
`handle 14, and includes a central rotary arbor or shaft 26,
`driven by the motor. The rotary shaft 26 is coupled by any
`available or desired means, Such as a coupling System 28 to
`an offset cam element or means 30, having an upwardly
`extending offset element or finger 32 connected to a recip
`rocating link 34. The reciprocating link 34 is coupled to a
`connecting element or rod 38, as by means of a pin 36, held
`in one or more openings formed in a first or inner end of the
`connecting element or rod 38. The inner end of rod 38 or an
`outer end or reciprocating link 34 may be bifurcated. The
`other or outer end of the rod 38 includes a recessed opening
`40 formed therein. The recessed opening 40 captures one
`end of a connecting means, Such as a pin 42, as by having
`Screw threads formed therein. The other or outer end of the
`pin 42 is screw threaded or otherwise captured in the hollow
`head 44.
`The hollow head 44 includes a hollow body 46 and a cap
`element 48 held thereon, as by means of threads formed
`there between. The hollow body 46 and cap 48 are prefer
`ably formed from titanium, or other suitable metal. The
`hollow body 46 includes an inner chamber, which contains
`loosely packed granular material 50. The granular material
`is loosely held within the hollow head and only fills between
`4 and /3 of the volume of the inner chamber, and preferably
`about one third. Various granular materials, Such as
`diamond, ruby, copper, bloodstone, garnet, malachite or
`carbon are mixed together and inserted within the head 50.
`It has been found that various mixtures of these granular
`materials produce improved and Superior results. Set forth
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`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1007, 0004
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`

`

`3
`below in tabular form are various preferred mixtures of the
`Same, in grains, which preferably total between approxi
`mately 335 to about 500 grains:
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`4
`cal therapy fields. These professionals may also include
`massage therapists, rehabilitation providers and Sports train
`erS in all athletic disciplines. The deep muscle Stimulation
`
`US 6,682,496 B1
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`DIA RUBY COPPER BLOODSTONE GARNET MALACHITE CARBON TOTAL GRAINS
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`1OO
`2O
`50
`1OO
`50
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`50
`3O
`75
`50
`25
`15
`15
`50
`1O
`25
`2O
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`1OO
`50
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`150
`1OO
`35
`40
`75
`25
`70
`3O
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`1OO
`2OO
`1OO
`150
`130
`2OO
`2OO
`1OO
`2OO
`2OO
`2OO
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`50
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`25
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`25
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`150
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`GOLD 20
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`50
`50
`50
`50
`1OO
`1OO
`1OO
`1OO
`1OO
`1OO
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`350
`350
`475
`500
`38O
`350
`355
`350
`335
`375
`370
`
`In particular, it has been found that improved and extraor
`dinary results are obtained by using a mixture of 10 grains
`of diamond, 25 grains of ruby, 200 grains of copper and 100
`grains of carbon for a total of 335 grains of material.
`Although no explanation can be given for these Surprising
`and unexpected results, it appears that Somehow the move
`ment of the mixed grains of material within the interior
`hollow chamber made from titanium, during reciprocally
`motion thereof, is transferred to a patient's body in an
`affected deep muscle area to produce improved and Superior
`deep muscle relief.
`FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial croSS-Sectional view of the
`improved device of the present invention.
`The top hollow housing 16 of the device 10 of the present
`invention is preferably made from the Same material as the
`elongated handle 14, and includes a removable top plate and
`a truncated, pyramid-shape extending portion 52 which
`Surrounds and provides protection around the reciprocating
`rod 38. In addition, a protective cup 54 is held between cap
`48 of the head 44 and the portion 52 on the top housing 16
`to provide further protection from the reciprocating rod 38.
`In operation, an electrical cable is connected into the
`connection port 20 to provide electricity to the motor 24.
`Upon operation of the on/off Switch 18 the electric motor
`will be operated. Preferably, the electric motor operates at a
`speed of between about 2000 to 3600 RPM, so as to rotate
`the shaft 26 and coupling system 28 at that speed. This
`rotational Speed is transferred to a reciprocating motion, as
`shown by arrow 56 in FIG.3, whereby the head 44 is quickly
`reciprocated back and forth to provide Sufficient percussion
`and mechanical vibrations against a portion of a patient to
`which it is applied by a user, to provide the deep muscle
`tissue within the patient's body with kinetic forms of per
`cussion and concussion vibration. This stimulates the prop
`rioceptive functions and provides relief in increasing
`Strength for a perSon Suffering from chronic pain and
`restricted movement to under conditioned and/or damaged
`muscle tissue. Furthermore, the Selected mixture of granular
`materials in the hollow head 44 provide even further deep
`muscle relief.
`The head 44 moves or reciprocates between approxi
`mately /s and /3 of an inch, preferably about 4 inch to
`provide maximum concussion and percussion, and,
`therefore, maximum muscle relief.
`It, therefore, can been Seen that the deep muscle Simula
`tion device of the present invention has been developed for
`use by professionals in the chiropractic, medical and physi
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`device of the present invention is used for a range of patients
`who suffer chronic pain in both everyday life and profes
`Sional athletes. The device of the present invention produces
`effective and improved management of acute and chronic
`pain, including, but not limited to the following: migraine
`headaches, Sciatica, TMJ, carpal tunnel Syndrome,
`tendinitis, burSitis, edema and frozen joints.
`Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
`adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred
`embodiments can be configured without departing from the
`Scope and Spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be
`understood that, within the Scope of the appended claims,
`the invention may be practiced other than as Specifically
`described herein.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A deep muscle Stimulation device comprising, in com
`bination:
`a body having an elongated hollow handle with an on/off
`Switch, an electrical connection and an electrical motor
`held therein;
`a hollow top housing being connected to the elongated
`hollow handle;
`a cam element having a finger held therein held in the
`hollow top housing;
`the cam element coupled to the electric motor to translate
`rotary motion of a shaft of the electric motor to recip
`rocating motion of a titanium hollow head;
`the titanium hollow head being attached to a linkage
`means coupled to the finger to allow reciprocation of
`the hollow head a predetermined amount, in a rapid
`manner, determined by the Speed of the electrical
`motor,
`the titanium hollow head having a hollow inner chamber
`with granular material held therein and filing between
`/4 and /3 of the volume of the hollow inner chamber;
`and
`the hollow inner chamber having approximately 10 grains
`of granular diamonds, 25 grains of granular rubies, 200
`grains of granular copper and 100 grains of carbon
`therein.
`2. The deep muscle stimulation device of claim 1 wherein
`the hollow head is comprised of a titanium hollow body and
`a titanium cap Secured to the hollow body, and the titanium
`cap is Secured to the linkage means.
`3. The deep muscle stimulation device of claim 2 wherein
`the linkage means includes a rod and a link, Secured together
`by a holding means.
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1007, 0005
`
`

`

`US 6,682,496 B1
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`4. A deep muscle Stimulation device comprising, in com
`bination:
`a body having an elongated hollow handle with an on/off
`Switch, an electrical connection and an electrical motor
`held therein;
`a hollow top housing being connected to the elongated
`hollow handle;
`an offset means held in the hollow top housing and
`coupled to the electric motor to translate rotary motion
`of a shaft of the electric motor to reciprocating motion
`of a titanium hollow head;
`the titanium hollow head being attached to a rod and a link
`coupled to the offset means to allow reciprocation of
`the titanium hollow head a distance of between about
`/s" and /2" in a rapid motion;
`the titanium hollow head having a hollow inner chamber
`with granular material held therein and filing between
`about 4 and /3 of the volume of the hollow inner
`chamber;
`the offset means being a cam element having a finger held
`therein, and the cam element being rotatably Secured to
`the electrical motor by a coupling element whereby the
`finger is rotated, and wherein the finger is coupled to
`the link to reciprocate the rod and attached titanium
`hollow head; and
`the hollow inner chamber contains approximately 335
`grains of a mixture of granular diamonds, rubies,
`copper and carbon.
`5. The deep muscle stimulation device of claim 4 wherein
`there are approximately 10 grains of granular diamonds, 25
`grains of granular rubies, 200 grains of granular copper and
`100 grains of carbon.
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`25
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`6
`6. A deep muscle Stimulation device comprising, in com
`bination:
`a metal body having an elongated hollow handle with an
`on/off Switch, an electrical connection and an electrical
`motor held therein;
`a metal hollow top housing being connected to the elon
`gated hollow handle;
`a cam element held in the hollow top housing and coupled
`to the electric motor to translate rotary motion of a Shaft
`of the electric motor to reciprocating motion of the
`titanium hollow head;
`the titanium hollow head being attached to a pin, a rod and
`a link coupled to the cam element to allow reciproca
`tion of the titanium hollow head in a rapid manner,
`determined by the Speed of the electrical motor;
`the hollow head having a hollow inner chamber with
`granular material held therein and filing approximately
`/3 of the volume of the hollow inner chamber;
`the cam element having a finger held therein, and wherein
`the finger is coupled to the link to reciprocate the
`hollow head through the rod and pin between about /s."
`to about 72"; and
`the hollow inner chamber contains approximately 335
`grains of granular diamonds, rubies, copper and carbon.
`7. The deep muscle stimulation device of claim 6 wherein
`there are approximately 10 grains of granular diamonds, 25
`grains of granular rubies, 200 grains of granular copper and
`100 grains of carbon.
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1007, 0006
`
`