1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to an electric acupuncture electrode and an electric
acupuncture apparatus, and more particularly to an electric acupuncture electrode
with multiple contact points and an electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric
acupuncture electrodes.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] In general, acupuncture is a traditional medical science based on ancestral knowledge
and experience in three oriental countries (Korea, China and Japan). Traditional acupuncture
techniques are not used as extensively in today's modern society. Recently, acupuncture
therapy has begun using magnetic needles and electronic signals, as well as traditional
acupuncture needles.
[0003] As is well known to those skilled in the art, electric acupuncture is the prevalent
means of practicing acupuncture today. Electric acupuncture apparatus uses an electric
acupuncture electrode. A protruding contact extends from one end of the electric acupuncture
electrode. The electric acupuncture apparatus passes a weak electric current through
the protruding contacts on the electric acupuncture electrode to the exact acupuncture
point. The electric current stimulates the acupuncture point on the human body and
cures the malady. Conventional electric acupuncture apparatus is connected an electric
acupuncture electrode and a wire to input electricity. The weak electric current is
applied to the human acupuncture point by the protruding contacts of the electric
acupuncture apparatus to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
[0004] However, the conventional electric acupuncture electrode has only one protruding
contact. Consequently, the doctor must precisely locate the correct acupuncture point
on the human body and then put the protruding contact of the electric acupuncture
electrode on the exact acupuncture point of the human body. If the protruding contact
of the electric acupuncture electrode is not placed exactly on the acupuncture point,
the acupuncture treatment will not be effective. In conclusion, the operation of finding
the precise acupuncture point and applying the protruding contact on the electric
acupuncture electrode to the exact acupuncture point is difficult.
[0005] Furthermore, the electric acupuncture electrode can be mounted in a layer of material.
When using the electric acupuncture apparatus, the layer of material is wrapped on
the head or the body of the human so the protruding contacts of the electric acupuncture
electrodes are on the exact acupuncture point. Then the acupuncture apparatus can
perform effectual electric acupuncture therapy. However, the head or body shape of
each person is different, so there is a small distant different in the location of
the exact acupuncture point of each person. In general, the difference is about 0.2
cm. The location of the contact protruding from electric acupuncture electrode is
fixed, so the electric acupuncture protruding contact is not likely to be on the exact
acupuncture point. Since the layer of material must be positioned uniquely on each
person, the effectiveness of the electric acupuncture apparatus will often be less
than optimum.
[0006] In addition, the conventional electric acupuncture electrode has only one protruding
contact, so the protruding contact must be placed exactly on the desired acupuncture
point. The external energy only passes through the one point to stimulate the body.
With only one point, the stimulant through the point to the body must be larger so
the stimulant to the exact acupuncture point is adequate. Therefore the actual stimulation
of the body will be uncomfortable. Another disadvantage is that the single protruding
contact of the conventional electric acupuncture apparatus has a smaller area to make
contact with the human body, so the likelihood of the protruding contact making actual
contact with the exact acupuncture point is minimal. Furthermore, a single protruding
contact is likely to slip when contact is made with the skin especially when the protruding
contact of the electric acupuncture apparatus is inclined.
[0007] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a means of quickly and
effectively making contact with an exact desired acupuncture point with an electric
acupuncture electrode and an electric acupuncture apparatus. The other objective of
the present invention is to provide means to administer heat therapy.
[0008] To achieve the main objective, an electric acupuncture electrode in accordance with
the present invention has multiple protruding contacts that make contact with the
skin to ensure one is touching the actual acupuncture point. The multiple protruding
contacts of the electric acupuncture electrode provide the electrical stimulation
for the electric acupuncture therapy.
[0009] Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after
a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying
drawings.
IN THE DRAWINGS:
[0010]
Fig. 1 is a side plan view in partial section of a body of an electric acupuncture
electrode in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a side plan view in partial section of the body and a magnet of the electric
acupuncture electrode in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view in partial section of the body and the magnet
of the electric acupuncture electrode in Fig.2;
Fig. 4 is a side plan view in partial section of a first embodiment of an electric
acupuncture electrode in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of an electric acupuncture apparatus
in accordance with the present invention with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes
in Fig.4;
Fig. 6 is an operational perspective view of the electric acupuncture apparatus in
Fig. 5 used on a person's head;
Fig. 7 is a side plan view in partial section of a second embodiment of an electric
acupuncture electrode in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view in partial section of the second embodiment of the electric
acupuncture electrode in Fig.7;
Fig. 9 is an operational rear plan view of a second embodiment of the electric acupuncture
apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the neck and upper back;
Fig. 10 is an operational rear plan view of a third embodiment of the electric acupuncture
apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the shoulder;
Fig. 11 is an operational rear plan view of a fourth embodiment of the electric acupuncture
apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the lower back;
Fig. 12 is an operational front plan view of a fifth embodiment of the electric acupuncture
apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on an elbow;
Fig. 13 is an operational front plan view of the fifth embodiment of the electric
acupuncture apparatus in Fig. 12 used on a knee;
Fig. 14 is an operational front plan view of a sixth embodiment of the electric acupuncture
apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the upper torso.
Fig. 15 is an operational front plan view of an seventh embodiment of the electric
acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on the hips;
Fig. 16 is an operational front plan view of a eighth embodiment of the electric acupuncture
apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on a hand; and
Fig. 17 is an operational perspective plan view of a ninth embodiment of the electric
acupuncture apparatus in accordance with the present invention used on a foot.
[0011] With reference to Fig.1 to 4, a first embodiment of an electric acupuncture electrode
(10) in accordance with the present invention comprises a body (11), multiple protruding
contacts (12), a first magnet (20), an electric conductor (40), a circumferential
wire (42), a radial wire (43) and a cover (30). Insulation is formed around the circumferential
wire (42), the radial wire (43). The body (11) is cylindrical and has a closed end
(110), an open end (112) and an internal chamber (13). The closed end (110) and the
open end (112) of the body (11) have a center and a periphery.
[0012] Each protruding contact (12) has a distal end (120) and a proximal end (122). The
proximal end (122) is formed integrally with and extends perpendicularly out from
the closed end (110) of the body. The distal end (120) of each multiple protruding
contact (12) is spherical. The spherical distal end (120) of each multiple protruding
contact (12) has a top (not numbered), and a point (124) is formed on the top of each
protruding contact (12). The multiple protruding contacts (12) are arranged with one
protruding contact (12) in the center of the closed end (110) of the body (11) and
six protruding contacts (12) equally spaced around the center and between the center
and the periphery of the closed end (110) of the body (11). The length of the protruding
contacts (12) is less than 10 cm.
[0013] The first magnet (20) is cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis, and a first channel
(21) is formed along the longitudinal axis of the first magnet (20). The first magnet
(20) is mounted in the internal chamber (13) in the body (11). The electric conductor
(40) has a first end (45) and a second end (44). The electric conductor (40) is mounted
in the first channel (21) in the first magnet (20). The first end (45) of the electric
conductor (40) abuts the body (11). The second end (44) of the electric conductor
(40) is connected to a connector (41). The connector (41) has a V-shape cutting edge
(411). The cutting edge (411) forms a blade (412).
[0014] The body (11), the first magnet (20) and the electric conductor (40) are mounted
in the cover (30). The cover (30) is cylindrical and has a sidewall (not numbered)
and an open end (32) with multiple slots (31) formed in the sidewall. The circumferential
wire (42) and the radial wire (43) are mounted in the multiple slots (31). With further
reference to Fig. 5, the circumferential wires (42) and the radial wires (43) intersect
at nodes (not numbered) and form a net with an electric acupuncture electrode (10)
at each node. The blade (412) on the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40)
cuts through the insulation on the appropriate wire (42, 43) to input electricity.
The electric acupuncture electrode (10) passes a weak electric current through the
protruding contacts (12) to the exact acupuncture point. The multiple points (124)
of the protruding contacts (12) form an effective area to ensure contact with the
acupuncture point.
[0015] With reference to Fig.5 and 6, a first embodiment of an electric acupuncture apparatus
in accordance with the present invention comprises multiple electric acupuncture electrodes
(10), multiple circumferential wires (42) and radial wires (43). The electric acupuncture
electrodes (10) are positioned at acupuncture points on the head of human. The circumferential
wires (42) and the radial wires (43) are configured as a net to connect multiple electric
acupuncture electrodes (10). When the electric acupuncture apparatus is used to carry
out acupuncture therapy on a user's head, the electric acupuncture electrodes (10)
are put on the exact acupuncture points. The multiple protruding contacts (12) of
the electric acupuncture electrode (10) cover a large area in the vicinity of the
acupuncture points on the head of the human and carry out precise and convenient therapy.
Because the electric acupuncture electrodes (10) connect to nodes of the wires (42,
43), the electric acupuncture apparatus has large empty areas and is light weight.
This structure has better pliability and is airy so the head does not have to be covered
with a hood-like device. The electric current stimulates the acupuncture points on
the human body. A weak electric current is applied to the human acupuncture points
by the protruding contact (12) of the electric acupuncture apparatus to carry out
the electric acupuncture therapy.
[0016] With reference to Fig.7 and Fig.8, a second embodiment of an electric acupuncture
electrode (10') in accordance with the present invention comprises a body (11), multiple
protruding contacts (12), a first magnet (20), a second magnet (61), an electric conductor
(60), an insulator (62), a wire (53), a heater (52), a bottom layer (50) and a top
layer (51). The body (11), multiple protruding contacts (12) and the first magnet
(20) are the same as the first embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrode and
are mounted on the bottom layer (50). The bottom layer (50) has a hole (500). The
bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are mounted on each other. The second magnet
(61) is cylindrical and has a central axis. A second channel (611) is formed along
the central axis of the second magnet (61). The second magnet (61) is mounted between
the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) and attracts and holds the first magnet
(20). The insulator (62) has a middle, and a third channel (620) is formed through
the middle of the insulator (62). The insulator (62) is mounted between the second
magnet (61) and the top layer (51). The wire (53) is mounted between the insulator
(62) and the top layer (51). The electric conductor (60) has a first end (600) and
a second end (602). The electric conductor (60) is mounted in the third channel (620)
through the insulator (62), the second channel (611) through the second magnet (61),
the hole (500) in the bottom layer (50) and the first channel (21) through the first
magnet (20). The first end (600) of the electric conductor (60) attaches to the body
(11). The second end of the electric conductor (60) attaches to the wire (53). The
wire (53) passes the electric current through the electric conductor (60) to the electric
acupuncture electrode (10') to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy. Furthermore,
the heater (52) is mounted between the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) beside
the electric acupuncture electrode (10') to provide the heat therapy.
[0017] With reference to Fig. 9, a second embodiment of an electric acupuncture apparatus
is a vest (70) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes
(10') on the neck and the upper back. The electric acupuncture electrode (10') can
be put on the exact acupuncture points on the neck and the upper back. The electric
acupuncture apparatus can made in different site of the human to carry out the electric
acupuncture therapy.
[0018] With reference to Fig. 10, a third embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus
is a shoulder belt (71) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes
(10') on the shoulder. The electric acupuncture electrodes (10') can be put on the
exact acupuncture points on the shoulder to carry out the electric acupuncture therapy.
[0019] With reference to Fig. 11, a fourth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus
is a lower back belt (72) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture
electrodes (10') on the lower back. The electric acupuncture electrodes (10') can
be put on the exact acupuncture points on the lower back to carry out the electric
acupuncture therapy.
[0020] With reference to Fig.12 and Fig.13, a fifth embodiment of the electric acupuncture
apparatus is a joint belt (73) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture
electrodes (10') on the elbow or the knee. The electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
can be put on the exact acupuncture points on the elbow and the knee to carry out
the electric acupuncture therapy.
[0021] With reference to Fig.14, a sixth embodiment of the electric acupuncture apparatus
is an upper torso belt (74) to put the second embodiment of the electric acupuncture
electrodes (10') on the upper torso or the shoulders. The electric acupuncture electrodes
(10') can be put on the exact acupuncture points on the upper torso to carry out the
electric acupuncture therapy.
[0022] With reference to Fig. 15, 16 and 17, seventh, eighth and ninth embodiments of the
electric acupuncture apparatus are a pant (75) type, a glove (76) type and a sock
(77) type to apply acupuncture therapy to the hips, the hand and the foot with the
second embodiment of the electric acupuncture electrodes (10').
[0023] Besides the electric acupuncture therapy, the heater provides heat therapy in each
of the embodiments. In addition, the multiple protruding contacts to provide a larger
area to put on the exact acupuncture points on the curved and bent surface of the
body. The multiple protruding contacts can overcome the uncomfortable sensations that
result from excessive stimulation associated with conventional single-electrode electric
acupuncture devices. The multiple protruding contacts can apply a minimum electric
current to an exact acupuncture points precisely.
[0024] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment,
it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
1. An electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) comprising:
a cylindrical body (11) having a closed end (110), an open end (112) and an internal
chamber (13) where the closed end (110) and the open end (112) have a center and a
periphery;
multiple protruding contacts (12) each having a distal end (120) and a proximal end
(122) formed integrally with and extending perpendicularly up from the closed end
(110) of the body (11);
a first cylindrical magnet (20) with a longitudinal axis mounted in the internal chamber
(13) in the body (11) and having a first channel (21) formed along the longitudinal
axis of the first magnet (20);
an electric conductor (40) mounted in the first channel (21) of the first magnet (20)
and having a first end (45) and a second end (44), and the first end (45) of the electric
conductor (40) abutting the body (11);
a radial wire (43) with insulation around the radial wire (43) electrically connected
to the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40); and
a circumferential wire (42) with insulation around the circumferential wire (42) electrically
connected to the second end (44) of the electric conductor (40).
2. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 1 further comprising a cylindrical cover (30) having a sidewall and an open
end (32) and mounted around the body (11), the first magnet (20) and the electric
conductor (40).
3. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 2, wherein the cover (30) has multiple slots (31) formed in the sidewall.
4. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 3, wherein the radial and circumferential wires (42, 43) are mounted in the
multiple slots (31).
5. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 1, wherein a connector (41) is attached to the second end (44) of the electric
conductor (40).
6. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 5, wherein the connector (41) has a V-shaped cutting edge (411).
7. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 6, wherein the cutting edge (411) forms a blade (412).
8. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 1, wherein one protruding contact (12) is in the center of the closed end
(110) of the body (11), and six protruding contacts (12) are equally spaced around
the center and between the center and the periphery of the closed end (110) of the
body (11).
9. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the distal end (120) of each protruding contacts (12) is spherical.
10. The electric acupuncture electrode (10) with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 9, wherein each protruding contact (12) has a top and a point (124) formed
on the top of each protruding contact (12).
11. An electric acupuncture electrode (10') with multiple contact points (124) comprising:
a bottom layer (50) having a hole (500);
a top layer (51) mounted on the bottom layer (50);
a cylindrical body (11) having a closed end (110), an open end (112) and an internal
chamber (13) mounted on the bottom layer (50) where the closed end (110) and the open
end (112) have a center and a periphery;
multiple protruding contacts (12) each having a distal end (120) and a proximal end
(122) formed integrally with and extending perpendicularly up from the closed end
(110) of the body (11);
a first cylindrical magnet (20) with a longitudinal axis mounted in the internal chamber
(13) in the body (11) having a first channel (21) formed along the longitudinal axis
of the first magnet (20);
a second cylindrical magnet (61) with a longitudinal axis mounted between the bottom
layer (50) and the top layer (51) abutting and holding the first magnet (20) and having
a second channel (611) formed along the longitudinal axis of the second magnet (61);
a wire (53) mounted between the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51);
an insulator (62) mounted between the second magnet (61) and the top layer (51) having
a middle and a third channel (620) formed through the middle of the insulator (62);
an electric conductor (60) mounted in the third channel (620) of the insulator (62),
the second channel (611) of the second magnet (61), the hole (500) of the bottom layer
(50) and the first channel (21) of the first magnet (20) having a first end (600)
and a second end (602), and the first end (600) of the electric conductor (60) attached
to the body (11), and the second end (602) attached to the wire (53).
12. The electric acupuncture electrode (10') with multiple contact points (124) as claimed
in claim 11 further comprising a heater (52) mounted between the bottom layer (50)
and the top layer (51) beside the electric acupuncture electrode (10').
13. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured
as a vest (70).
14. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured
as a shoulder belt (71).
15. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured
as a lower back belt (72).
16. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured
as a joint belt (73).
17. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured
as an upper torso belt (74).
18. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured
as a pant (75).
19. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured
as a glove (76).
20. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10')
as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom layer (50) and the top layer (51) are configured
as a sock (77).
21. An electric acupuncture apparatus with multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10)
comprising:
multiple electric acupuncture electrodes (10) each comprising;
a cylindrical body (11) having a closed end (110), an open end (112) and an internal
chamber (13) where the closed end (110) and the open end (112) have a center and a
periphery;
multiple protruding contacts (12) each having a distal end (120) and a proximal end
(122) formed integrally with and extending perpendicularly up from the closed end
(110) of the body (11);
a first cylindrical magnet (20) with a longitudinal axis mounted in the internal chamber
(13) in the body (11) and having a first channel (21) formed along the longitudinal
axis of the first magnet (20);
an electric conductor (40) mounted in the first channel (21) of the first magnet (20)
and having a first end (45) and a second end (44), and the first end (45) of the electric
conductor (40) abutting the body (11); and
a cylindrical cover (30) having a sidewall and an open end (32) and mounted around
the body (11), the first magnet (20) and the electric conductor (40) and the cover
(30) having multiple slots (31) formed in the sidewall;
multiple radial wires (43) with insulation around each radial wire (43) mounted in
the slot (31) and electrically connected to the second end (44) of the electric conductor
(40) of each electric acupuncture electrode (10); and
multiple circumferential wires (42) with insulation around each circumferential wire
(42) mounted in the slot (31) and electrically connected to the second end (44) of
the electric conductor (40) of each electric acupuncture electrode (10) and intersecting
with the radial wires (43) at nodes and forming a net configuration with each electric
acupuncture electrode (10) at each node.