WO2002094171A1

WO2002094171A1 - Method and device for applying acoustic waves to the body of a living being, especially a human being

Info

Publication number: WO2002094171A1
Application number: PCT/EP2002/005796
Authority: WO
Inventors: Girolamo Condo
Original assignee: Girolamo Condo
Priority date: 2001-05-25
Filing date: 2002-05-27
Publication date: 2002-11-28

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for applying acoustic waves to the surface of a body or inside the body of a living being, preferably a human being. A separately mounted device produces oscillations which are transmitted to bell-shaped application elements via transmission means. Said application elements are arranged on the body of the living being. When sound waves are produced in the device, the transmission means used are flexible tubes. If, however, a loudspeaker is one of the application elements, the transmission means consist of cables and only oscillations in the form of electrical signals are produced in the device.

Description

Method and device for applying acoustic waves to the body of a living being, in particular a human

The invention relates to a method and a device for applying acoustic waves to the animal or human body according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and of patent claim 14.

For various reasons and causes there is tension or cramping or blockages in at least partial areas of the muscle or nerve tissue and / or the energy-conducting pathways of a living being. A wide variety of methods and aids are known for positively influencing, ie releasing such tension or cramping and / or blockage states. So z. B. the - influencing the relevant part of the body with heat, z. B. by putting on a heat dispenser or by influencing it with stimulation current. However, these known methods do not always achieve the hoped-for success using known auxiliary devices. The relaxing effect of music on people is also known. A device for playing music close to the body is known from US Pat. No. 4,070,553. In this device, a loudspeaker is integrated in a separate collar which can be folded around the neck of a person at the level of the ears on the left and right sides, these speakers having a z. B. portable radio or the like device can be coupled. A further development of this device provides, inter alia, that the areas of the collar in which the loudspeakers are arranged can be swung up in the direction of the ears, but without touching the ears, as is the case, for. B. Do headphones. However, the description of this device does not show that it could be used as an aid in the aforementioned context.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method and a device with which acoustic waves, in particular music, can be applied better than previously to the animal or human body. The object is achieved according to the invention by a method and a device for applying acoustic waves to, at least in some areas of, animal or human bodies with the features of claim 1 and claim 14, respectively. Claims 2 to 13 disclose preferred developments of the method and claims 15 to 34 advantageous developments of the device.

The new method for applying acoustic waves to the animal or human body differs from previous methods in that vibrations generated with one unit by means of at least one application part at any predetermined points or regions of the surface of the body on the body and / or in the same can be applied into it, the vibrations then appearing as acoustic waves, which, however, are not delivered to the body via the ears.

It is preferably provided that the applied acoustic waves can be modulated. It can be advantageous that the applied acoustic waves can be modulated with respect to the amplitude and / or with regard to the frequency. A further development of the method provides that the application of the acoustic waves takes place rhythmically or rhythmically.

It is also preferably provided that the acoustic waves are applied continuously or discontinuously.

Another preferred application is that the angle of incidence of the acoustic waves on the relevant body region is at right angles or not equal to a right angle with respect to the irradiated body surface.

In addition, it can be advantageous for the application of the acoustic waves to be directed with respect to one or more subtle energy pathways of the living being in question or for at least one stimulus point.

The new method and the device are particularly suitable for use in the treatment of humans using Asian methods. Furthermore, the method and the device serve to create or increase the well-being of a living being in question. The invention has the effect that acoustic waves are applied to the body points or body areas on the body of the living being, which are characterized by the characteristic of are the points or areas of the body with which the body enters into an energy exchange with its environment. The inventor has observed that tension or cramping of various muscle areas of the living being's body arise because the areas in question, via which the energy exchange with the environment takes place, are closed.

The application according to the invention of acoustic waves to the body of the living being aims in particular at opening these so-called energy exchange points again.

According to the invention, it is basically provided that the device for generating the acoustic waves is set up separately from the body of the animal or of the human being, and that the acoustic waves are passed on to the body and shielded from the environment with at least one means. It is also advantageous that the application parts, in particular their outlet opening, with respect to the surface, in particular the contact surface, of the body or the body planes of the body can be adjusted in their inclination, so that the direction of propagation of the acoustic waves, which are longitudinal waves, in their Angle of incidence on said Surface or addressed level / levels of the body or in the body can be specifically fixed.

The invention is described in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments and with the aid of the figures. In detail, they show in a schematic view:

1 shows a vertical section through a device for

Generation of acoustic waves;

Figure 2 is a side view of a special chair;

3 shows a longitudinal section through an application part with a hose as a transmission means;

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through an application part with an integrated loudspeaker and with a cable as the transmission means;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention.

In Figure 1 is a device for generating

To see vibrations. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of devices for generating vibrations are arranged in the upper part of the housing 40. In the lower part of the housing there is a so-called sound chamber 43. The devices 42 can be playback devices for music and sounds. This means that it can be a radio, CD player, cassette deck and amplifier. These devices are interconnected via lines 42 '. In addition, these devices are also connected to actuators 41 0 on the top, on the open front of the housing 40 and to speakers 439. The music or the sounds are influenced in the desired manner via these control elements 410. At least one loudspeaker 439 is arranged in the sound chamber 43. The wall with the loudspeaker 439 is therefore also called the “radiating” wall 431. The “illuminated” wall 432 is located opposite it. Further, lateral walls 433 together with the walls already mentioned form the sound chamber 43. In the “illuminated” wall 432 there are a large number of transmission means 41 a ... 41 n which are connected to the interior of the sound chamber 43. A single transmission means can only be seen in FIG. 1 because the further transmission means - viewed perpendicular to the image plane - are behind the first Transfer means 41 a are in this exemplary embodiment, these transfer means 41 a ... 41 n are hoses, each of these hoses initially leading to a shut-off element 40a ... 40n. These shut-off elements 40a ... 40n are preferably ball valves because they are open in their Position a tubular Flow cross section so that they do not oppose the waves W coming from the transmission means 41 a ... 41 n any appreciable resistance to propagation. In their further course, the transmission means 41 a... 41 n are passed on to application parts 5 (not shown here). So that the transmission means 41 a ... 41 n can be guided to the application parts 5 in an orderly manner, it is advantageous if they are surrounded by a flexible enveloping tube 440, which was also shown cut open here in FIG. 1 by at least partially those in it to make arranged hoses visible.

In Figure 1, the sound chamber 43 is drawn in an inclined position. However, this was not done out of constructive necessities, but was only chosen for reasons of clarity.

Under certain conditions, it can be important that the sound chamber 43 is equipped with a pressure relief valve 435, since depending on the energetic design of the loudspeakers 439, their functional impairments may possibly occur. The pressure relief valve 435 consists of a sleeve 436, which is introduced into one of the side walls 433. A plunger 437 seals the sound chamber 43 against the environment. This plunger 437 is loaded with a spring 438.

A special chair 3 can now be seen in FIG. The transmission means 41 a 41 n provide the connection from the

Device 4 for this special chair 3 ago. This special chair 3 consists essentially of a foot 31, a column 32, a plurality of position arms 38, 38 ', 38 "... and a seat 33. The position arms are vertically displaceable on the column 32. In addition, their right-hand extensions allow that Holding application parts 5. The application parts 5 can be secured with their associated locking means 30 both against horizontal displacement and in their desired inclination.

A person is shown on the seat surface 34, on whom a large number of application parts 5 act. In order to also irradiate the medically so-called perineal area with sound waves, the seat 33 has an opening 35. An application part 5 is then located on the underside of the seat 33. In this exemplary embodiment, the seat 33 is located on a support arm 36, but the seat 33 can also be held alternatively by a center column shown here in phantom. An armrest 37 is also attached so that people can sit comfortably on this special chair 3. In addition to its vertical adjustability, this armrest 37 can also be adjusted horizontally by means of the positioning arm 38 '". Furthermore, the armrest 37 has a hand cover 371 and a forearm support 374. The forearm support 374, the hand cover 371 and a foot cover 372 can also be equipped with appliqué parts 5 be equipped.

In order to also provide body regions which are not facing the column 32 by means of application parts 5, it is possible to fasten them to the body surface by means of a fastening means 5 '(in the form of a belt or a belt system). The straps or a belt system are then preferably secured against opening with a Velcro fastener.

A special feature of the special chair 3 is the head cover 60. This head cover 60 is held by means of the cover arm 39. The head cover 60 can also be attached to the head by means of Velcro fasteners. Due to the shape of the hood 60, it completely surrounds it in the hair area. As a result, it also has a corresponding size, so that several application parts 5 can be positioned on the head. So that a person does not experience noise from the environment during sound wave treatment is disturbed, it is advantageous if the hood 60 is shaped in such a way - as shown - because it then simultaneously covers both ears in a completely sound-insulating manner and closes them against unwanted sound influences.

FIGS. 3 and 4 now deal with the structural design of the application parts 5. In Figure 3, the transmission means 41 a ... 41 n is a hose. The sound waves W enter the application part 5 via the input opening 51. The input section 50 is designed as a tubular connecting piece so that the hose can also hold onto it well. In the subsequent transition section 52 - which is funnel-shaped - the sound waves W widen. This is followed by the expansion space 53. An annular bead 55 advantageously connects between the lower end of the wall of the expansion space 53 and the body K. This annular bead 55, since it is designed to be elastic, allows it to adapt to the most varied body contours of the body K. To achieve the desired effect, the sound waves W enter the body K through the outlet opening 54.

In this exemplary embodiment, the application part 5 is held on the body by means of a fastening means 5 '. This fastening means 5 'can be a belt, which by means of a Velcro can be held in its ring tension. The fastening means 5 'can also be a system of several belts - that is, an entire belt system.

It is advantageous if the diameter d of the expansion space 53 and the length L of the expansion space 53 are in a specific relationship to one another. It has been shown that the ratio of d to L in the range from 1: 1.1 to 1:20 is advantageous.

The application part 5 can also have a vacuum connection 57. This has two advantages: Firstly, the blood circulation can be stimulated by suctioning the corresponding skin or body part, so that the sound waves W cause a more intensive stimulation. Secondly, suctioning the application part 5 can also make a fastening means 5 ′ unnecessary, which leads to a cost saving for the special chair 3.

An important aspect of treatment using sound waves W in

Connection with the application part 5 is also in the

Angle α, which is formed between the central axis of the application part 5 and the body surface. Due to the elastic

Ring bead 55, an application part 5 can be placed on the body such that the angle is less than 90 degrees, which leads to a better result in sound treatment under certain circumstances.

Figure 4 corresponds essentially to Figure 3, only that the transmission means 41 a ... 41 n is not made of hoses, but that it is formed from cables 59. These cables 59 are connected to a loudspeaker 58, which is arranged in the upper, inner part of the application part 5.

FIG. 5 now shows a perspective view of the device 1 according to the invention in a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the sound waves W are already generated in the device 4. The devices 42 for generating the initially required vibrations are CD players, radio, cassette deck with corresponding amplifier parts and associated control elements 41 0. In the lower area of the housing 40 of the device 4 there is a sound chamber 43, not shown here Device 4 shows a large number of shut-off elements 40a ... 40n. The transmission means 41 a ... 41 n are surrounded by a flexible sleeve tube 440. The enveloping tube 440 is attached to the column 32 by means of positioning arms 38, 38 ', 38 ".... in connection with locking means 30. At the upper end of the flexible enveloping tube 440 several transmission means 41 a ... 41 n (here tubes) emerge . The Hoses can be coupled by means of lockable couplings 8. Further openings 9 allow the attachment of further couplings 8 and the attachment of further hoses. At the center of the special chair 3 is the seat 33 with its seat 34 and the opening 35 for an application part 5, which cannot be seen here because of the chosen perspective. The seat 33 rests on a foot 31, as is known from desk chairs. The column 32 is connected to this foot 31. The two arm supports 37 are coupled to one another by means of a cross bar 373. A forearm support 374 and a hand cover 371 are attached to each armrest 37. The foot cover 372 is not rigidly connected to the special chair 3 and is also not equipped with an application part 5, which is why it only contributes to the well-being of the person concerned in the case of sound treatment as a warming utensil.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments, but is often variable within the scope of the disclosure.

All new individual and combination features disclosed in the description and / or drawings are regarded as essential to the invention. Reference characters list

1 device

2 floors

3 Special chair

30 locking means (for items 36 to 39 and 5)

31 feet

32 pillar

33 seat

34 seat

35 breakthrough

36 support arm

37 armrest

371 hand cover

372 foot cover

373 crossbar

374 forearm rest

38, 38 ', 38 "... positioning arm (telescopic and lockable)

39 hood arm (telescopic and lockable)

4 Device for generating and influencing acoustic waves

40 housing

40a, ..., 40n shut-off elements

41 a, ..., 41 n transmission means

41 0 control elements 42 Device for generating vibrations

(Radio, CD player or similar device)

42 'lines

43 (sound) chamber in pos. 4 431 radiant wall

432 illuminated wall

433 side wall

435 pressure relief valve

436 sleeve 437 plunger

438 feather

439 speakers

440 flexible sleeve

Application part (hollow body (bell-like))

5 'fasteners

50 entrance section (tubular connecting piece)

51 entrance opening

52 transition section (funnel-shaped)

53 Dispersion area

54 exit opening

55 ring bead

57 Vacuum connection

58 speakers

59 cables 60 hood

7 Demolition line 8 Coupling

9 Opening for further couplings

L Length of item 53 d Diameter of item 53 α impact angle

W acoustic waves K body

Claims

claims

1. A method for applying acoustic waves to the animal or human body (K), in which vibrations are generated with a unit (4) separate from the body (K), which are passed on to the body with at least one means and by means of at least one application part ( 5) are applied to any predetermined points or regions of the surface of the body (K) on the body (K) and / or into it, where the vibrations then appear at the latest as acoustic waves (W), but not are fed to the body (K) via the ears.

2. The method according to claim 1 since it is determined that the applied acoustic waves (W) can be modulated.

3. The method according to claim 2; since you know that the applied acoustic waves (W) can be modulated with regard to the amplitude.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3 d a d u rc h g e ke n n ze i c h n et that the applied acoustic waves (W) with respect to

Frequency can be modulated.

5. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, since you do not know that during the application of the acoustic waves (W) to the body (K) the ears of the animal or of the human being are soundproofed.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, since by means of the fact that the application of the acoustic waves (W) takes place arhythmically.

7. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, since I know that the application of the acoustic waves (W) takes place rhythmically.

8. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, since I do not know that the application of the acoustic waves (W) takes place continuously.

9. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, since ge ke n n ze n n t that the application of the acoustic waves (W) is discontinuous.

10. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, since it is known that the angle of incidence α of the acoustic waves (W) on the relevant body region is at right angles.

11. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, dad rch gekennzeichn et that the angle of incidence α of the acoustic waves (W) is not equal to a right angle with respect to the irradiated body surface.

12. The method according to at least one of the preceding

Claims, because of the fact that the application of the acoustic waves (W) is directed with respect to one or more subtle energy pathways of the living being in question.

13. The method according to at least one of the preceding

Claims 1 to 12, since I am not knowing that the application of the acoustic waves (W) takes place with respect to at least one stimulus point of the living being in question.

14. Device for applying acoustic waves (W) to the animal or human body (K), with a device

(4) for generating vibrations and with at least one means for applying the vibrations to the body, and at the latest when the vibrations hit the body, these vibrations are present as acoustic waves, since I know that the means for application at least one application part

(5) with which the acoustic waves (W) generated by the device (4) are defined in any definable manner

Points or regions of the surface of the body (K) can be applied to and / or into the body (K).

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, since by ge ke i nnze net that a transmission means (41) is provided for - isolated from the environment - forwarding the vibrations from the generating device (4) to the at least one application part (5).

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, since it is known that the transmission means (41) is designed as a hose.

17. The device according to claim 15, since you do not know that the transmission means (41) is designed as a two-pole cable, which is then electrically connected to a loudspeaker (58) arranged in the application part (5).

18. The device according to at least one of claims 14 to 17, since by ge ke nn ze I net that the application part (5) has a propagation space (53) for the propagation of the acoustic waves (W) and an exit opening (54) that is designed to be placed on the surface of the body (K).

19. The apparatus of claim 18, because ge ge I n e t that the expansion space (53) has a diameter (d) and a

Length (L), which preferably in the ratio "d": "L" im

Range from 1: 1.1 to 1:20 are formed.

20. The device according to at least one of claims 14 to 19, since you know that the application part (5) is provided with an annular bead at its end open to the body (K).

21. The device according to at least one of claims 14 to

20, since I am not knowing that the application part (5) is provided with a separate connection (57) for a vacuum line.

22. The device according to at least one of claims 14 to 21, since you know that the application part (5) is provided with a fastening means (5 ').

23. The device according to claim 22, since it is ensured that the fastening means (5 ') is a strap with preferably a Velcro fastener.

24. The device according to at least one of claims 22 or 23, since it is not possible for the fastening means (5 ') to be a belt system which can be put on the body (K) and which has at least one receptacle for at least one application part (5). having.

25. The device according to at least one of claims 22 to

24, since it is ensured that the fastening means (5 ') consists of a hood (60) which has at least one receptacle for at least one

Application part (5).

26. The device according to at least one of claims 22 to 25, since by ke ke n n e e net that the fastening means (5 ¹ ) is a seat (33) having an opening (35), with on its underside in the area of the opening (35) an application part (5) is arranged.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, because by geken nz eich net that the application part (5) is detachably arranged.

28. The device according to claim 26, since it means that the seat (33) is designed as a special chair (3) which has a foot (31) and a column (32) projecting therefrom (31) , An optionally positionable support arm (36) for the seat (33) is provided on the column (32), and at least one positioning arm (38, 38 ', 38 ") and a hood arm (39) are also optionally positioned.

29. The device according to at least one of claims 14 to 28, since you know I know that the device (4) devices (42) for the reproduction of music and / or sounds, adjusting elements (410) for influencing the acoustic waves (W) and shut-off elements (40a ... 40n) for switching the transmission means (41a ... 41n) on and off.

30. The device according to claim 29, since I know that a (sound) chamber (43) with at least one loudspeaker (439) is arranged in the device (4).

31. The device according to claim 30, since it is characterized by the fact that the (sound) chamber (43) is surrounded by a “radiating” wall

(431) (on which the at least one loudspeaker (439) is arranged), an opposite “illuminated” wall

(432) and side walls (433) is formed.

32. Device according to one of claims 30 or 31, as you can see that the (sound) chamber (43) from the "radiating" wall (431) to the "illuminated" wall (432), itself funnel-shaped.

33. Device according to at least one of claims 30 to 32, since by means of that the (sound) chamber (43) is provided with a pressure relief valve (435).

34. Device according to one of claims 30 to 33, since by means of that the (sound) chamber (43) is provided with a negative pressure.