Massage device with dual massage units

What is this patent about?

’583 is related to the field of mechanical massage devices, specifically those designed to provide multi-modal therapeutic actions such as kneading and patting. Traditional massagers often rely on simple rotational movements that only provide superficial relief; the context of this invention is to provide a more sophisticated, deep-tissue experience by combining rotational and vertical oscillatory motions within a compact, integrated gear assembly.

The underlying idea behind ’583 is the use of a planetary gear system coupled with an inclined cam surface to transform a single rotational input into two distinct massage motions. By nesting a massage disc on a universal joint above a rotating ring gear that has a sloped top profile, the device can simultaneously spin the massage heads for kneading while forcing them to oscillate vertically as they ride the rise and fall of the rotating incline.

The claims of ’583 focus on a specific mechanical stack-up comprising a driving unit that rotates a planetary gear disc, which in turn manages two output paths: a universal joint that transmits rotation to a massage disc assembly, and a set of planet gears that rotate an inner gear. This inner gear features an inclined surface at its top that serves as a track, physically lifting and lowering the massage members as the gears turn.

In practice, a motor drives a worm shaft and spur gear to spin the central planetary disc. Because the massage disc is mounted via a universal joint, it has the flexibility to tilt and shift vertically even while being actively rotated. As the inner gear rotates at a different rate or simply provides a moving floor, the massage disc is forced to follow the height of the inclined profile, creating a rhythmic patting or percussion effect that occurs alongside the standard circular kneading motion.

This approach differentiates itself from prior art by achieving complex, multi-axis movement without requiring separate motors or bulky linkages for each direction of motion. By integrating the vertical stroke directly into the gear geometry via the inclined surface, the invention provides a deep-tissue treatment that enhances blood circulation through a combination of pressure and vibration, all while maintaining a streamlined internal footprint suitable for portable housing.