Massager moves on undulated track

What is this patent about?

’485 is related to the field of automated massage appliances, specifically those designed to follow the anatomical contours of the human spine. Traditional massagers often move along a fixed, straight path, which fails to maintain consistent contact with the natural curves of the neck, back, and waist. The invention addresses the need for a mechanical system that can navigate these varying elevations to provide a more effective and ergonomic massage experience.

The underlying idea behind ’485 is the decoupling of the driving force from the massaging path through a dual-track guidance system. Instead of the entire mechanism following a single rail, the device splits the movement between a stable, linear reference track and a secondary, contoured track. By pivotally connecting the massaging head to a motorized towing unit, the system allows the head to tilt and shift vertically in response to the undulated rail while the drive mechanism remains securely anchored to a straight path.

The claims of ’485 focus on a specific mechanical architecture comprising a base with both a linear track and an undulated track working in tandem. A tow unit translates along the linear track, serving as the primary mover, while a rigid massaging core is pivotably attached to this tow unit. The core is uniquely constrained: one part of its housing is forced to follow the undulating path, while the pivot point follows the linear path, creating a controlled, rocking motion that mimics the human profile.

In practice, the invention utilizes a dual-headed worm motor mounted directly on the massaging core to handle two tasks simultaneously. One end of the motor drives a gear set that meshes with a threaded stationary shank to propel the unit forward or backward. The other end of the motor independently powers the rotation of the massaging heads. This integrated drive approach eliminates the need for complex external cabling or multiple motors to manage both travel and massage functions.

This design differs from prior approaches by replacing rigid, rectilinear movement with a contour-following pivot mechanism. While older massagers often lost contact with the lower back or neck, the undulated track in this system actively pushes the massaging core toward the user's body at specific intervals. By aligning the pivot axis with the transmission gears, the device maintains a constant mechanical connection and power delivery even as the massaging core rises and falls along the steep slopes of the neck and waist.