The present invention relates to a device for tickling a human body. The device can be used to allow a per- son to relax through stimulation of the skin. The invention also relates to a method for tickling the body.

Devices for activating the human body, such as for instance massaging devices, are known. Here the user can for instance place a massage belt round the body and acti- vate the device, wherein the massage belt begins to vibrate. Massaging devices are further known on which a user can take up position and wherein the feet are massaged. A massage has a relaxing effect on the person, also when the massage is performed by a device. Another way of allowing a person to relax is by tickling this person. Tickling is perceived by many people as being very pleasant. A person can for instance be tickled by the bare skin being stroked very lightly with fingers. Use can for instance also be made of a feather, such as a pigeon feather, in order to stimulate the skin. A person can tickle him or herself, although most people prefer being tickled. A second person is therefore always necessary here, certainly when spots which are hard to reach, such as the back, must be tickled. A second person is unfortu- nately not always present or willing to tickle another person.

Patent publication US 6,283,929 describes a tickling device for tickling the human body. A tickling member is moved reciprocally over the longitudinal direction of the body. The tickling member comprises a number of bristles and has a length roughly equal to the width of the body. Owing to the predictable reciprocal movement the tickled person will know how the stimulation will take place. The tickling further always takes place over the whole width of the body, which can be perceived as unpleasant.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ticking device with which a person can be tickled, wherein the person has a more pleasant experience than has heretofore been possible.

This object is achieved by a device for tickling a human body, comprising:

- at least one tickling member for making contact with the body;

- a moving member for automatically moving the tickling member so that, at least during use, the body is tickled in different places, wherein the moving member comprises first drive means for automatically moving the tickling member in a first direction, and comprises second drive means for automatically moving the tickling member in a second direction which makes an angle with the first direction.

The user is automatically tickled by the device, need not do anything him/herself and can relax. Through local tickling of the skin of the user, the user will experience a light sensation and be able to relax in a very pleasant way. Because the tickling member can be moved in two directions, it is possible to locally tickle a random part of the body and to cover a determined path. This path can be modified, which can create surprises for the user. The user will perceive this as pleasant and will hereby be able to relax more easily. It is noted that the two directions make an angle with each other, which in one embodi- ment is a right angle. It will be apparent to the skilled person that other (solid) angles are also possible. The moving member is adapted such that the body can as it were be scanned with the tickling member- The first direction preferably lies perpendicularly of the second direction. In an embodiment the tickling member is coupled removably to the moving member. It is hereby possible to use personal preference (s) . In an embodiment the tickling member comprises one or more of the following elements:

- a nylon thread;

- a feather;

- a brush; - a strip of fabric;

- an elongate bristle brush;

- a rubber ball.

The nylon wire for instance is moved over the body at a determined speed by the moving member. Only very gentle contact is made here, whereby the person perceives the contact as tickling.

In an embodiment the moving member comprises a guide member along which the tickling member can move reciprocally in the first direction. The guide member is prefera- bly curved and thus forms an arch over the body. The user can lie under the arch, after which the tickling member can touch the body from different sides. The side of the body can thus also be tickled.

In an embodiment the device comprises two parallel guide members, wherein the guide member is coupled for movement in the second direction to each of the parallel guide members. The tickling member can hereby be moved over a determined area, wherein the whole back of the user can for instance be reached. In an embodiment the device comprises two connecting members which mutually connect the parallel guide members. A framework is hereby created which can be easily placed on for instance a floor and which can also be easily dis- placed. It is also possible to envisage more or fewer than two connecting members.

In an embodiment each of the connecting members comprises a guide mechanism, wherein a transmission is pre- sent between the respective guide mechanism of the two connecting members, this transmission being adapted to transmit a movement of the guide mechanisms to the tickling member. In this embodiment no drive is necessary on the movable, curved guide member. The drive can be ar- ranged at or on the connecting members, which themselves do not move. The transmission can consist of a tensioned cord, wherein the tickling member comprises a loop through which the cord is arranged. The cord can transmit the movement of the guide mechanisms on the connecting members to the tickling member moving along the curved guide member. The advantage of a cord is that it is itself light and thin, whereby the user hardly sees the cord. The whole construction hereby remains light and transparent.

The curved guide member can comprise two curved metal plates arranged at a distance from each other. Between the metal plates is a slot in which the tickling member can be mounted.

In an embodiment the moving member comprises third drive means for automatically moving the tickling member in a third direction which makes an angle with the first and second direction. This creates the possibility of moving the tickling member in a 3D space so that the contours of the human body can be followed.

In an embodiment the device comprises a distance me- ter for measuring a distance between the distance meter and the body, wherein the moving member comprises an approach mechanism adapted to move the tickling member in the third direction, wherein the distance from the tick- ling member to the body is automatically controllable subject to the distance measured by the distance meter. This can prevent contact with the body being lost. Conversely however, it is also possible to prevent contact with the body at determined locations.

In an embodiment the tickling member can rotate. The tickling member can for instance here comprise a brush which rotates. This is a pleasant experience for the user. In an embodiment the device comprises a control unit adapted to control the moving member and the tickling member. The control member is coupled (optionally wirelessly) to the drives of the various components. The speed of the movement of the tickling member can for instance be controlled/changed with the control unit. In an embodiment the control unit is adapted to define determined zones, wherein in a determined zone the movement and/or speed of the tickling member is specific to the zone.

In a further embodiment the control device is adapted to determine a path covered by the tickling member during use. The path can here comprise a random, indefinable route.

In an embodiment the moving member comprises an electric drive for automatically moving the tickling member. In an embodiment the device further comprises a hood for covering the moving member. The hood can be adapted such that it generates signals, such as light and/or sound signals, to the user lying under the hood. The user can thus relax even more. A blanket can be placed over the hood so that the user in the space under the device can as it were be tucked in. This prevents the user cooling off. In an embodiment the device comprises one or more tanning lamps. This results in a device which is a combination of a tickling device and a sunbed.

A communication module can also be present for commu- nication with a remote device such as a computer and/or another tickling device.

The invention also relates to a method for tickling a human body, comprising of providing the above described device and causing the tickling member to move such that the tickling member comes into contact with the body of a user.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be described in more detail hereinbe- low on the basis of several preferred embodiments. Refer- ence is made here to the accompanying figures, in which:

- Figure 1 shows schematically a perspective view of a device for tickling a human body according to a first embodiment;

- Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the device of Figure 1, with the contours of a body of a user;

- Figure 3 shows a more detailed embodiment of a contact member;

- Figure 4 shows the relaxation device with a control unit according to an embodiment; - Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a track/path as seen from the top side of the device;

- Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment;

- Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-section of the guide mechanism in one of the arches;

- Figure 8 shows an embodiment wherein the tickling member is mounted on a telescopic arm; - Figure 9 shows a schematic view of an embodiment wherein the distance sensor is constructed from a compact CMOS black and white camera;

- Figure 10 shows a tickling device connected via a communication network to another tickling device and a computer;

- Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the device wherein a hood is arranged over the moving member.

Figure 1 shows schematically a perspective view of a device 1 for tickling a human body according to a first embodiment of the invention. Device 1, here further referred to as relaxation device 1, comprises a tickling member 2 for making contact with the body. Tickling device 1 further comprises a moving member for moving tickling member 2 such that the body is tickled at different locations. In the embodiment of Figure 1 the moving member consists of a curved guide member 4 which is mounted mova- bly on two parallel rails 5,6. Rails 5,6 are connected to each other at their outer ends via arches 7,8, which are also referred to as connecting members 7,8. Figure 1 shows typical dimensions of device 1. It is noted that device 1 can have many different dimensions.

Arches 7,8 and guide member 4 have dimensions and curvature such that a person can lie under device 1. The person can lie face-down or face-up as desired. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of device 1, with the contours of a body 21 of a user.

The contact with body 21 takes place using contact member 2. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a contact member 2 in more detail. Contact member 2 consists of a coupling piece 33 and a tickling element 34 attached to coupling piece 33. Contact member 2 is coupled removably to a guide block 31 which can slide between two metal arches 4. Pre- sent on guide block 31 is a guide loop 32, the operation of which will be discussed hereinbelow. Examples of tickling element 34 are:

- a piece of nylon thread - a feather

- a brush

- a piece of fabric

- an elongate bristle brush

- a rubber ball. A determined tingling/tickling sensation can now be chosen from one of the above stated elements. By coupling a determined contact member 2 with a specific tickling element 34 to guide block 31 it is very simple for the user to use an element of his/her personal preference. Coupling of contact member 2 to guide block 31 can take place in different ways. One option is to use a magnetic connection so that contact member 2 can be removed rapidly. Other ways known to the skilled person are possible, such as for instance screwing, snapping or sliding. In an embodiment contact member 2 is coupled rotata- bly to guide block 31. In this embodiment a drive (not shown} in guide block 31 is adapted to optionally rotate contact member 2. If for instance a brush is now chosen here as tickling element 34, the users will then enjoy a pleasant tickling by the brush.

In an embodiment the movement of contact member 2 can be adjusted. For this purpose relaxation device 1 comprises a control unit 41, see Figure 4. Control unit 41 comprises a processor and a memory and is adapted to store and execute a number of software instructions. Via an output of control unit 41 control signals are sent to drives 42,43 which are adapted to drive for instance drive chains or drive cables in or on rails 5,6, see Figure 4. In this way the curved guide member 4 can move reciprocally via rails 5,6. Also on guide member 4 in an embodiment is a drive 44 which is adapted to move guide block 31 reciprocally along the curved guide member 4. It will be apparent to the skilled person that with suitable control of drives 42,43 and 44 the contact member 2 can reach any desired location on a curved plane defined by rails 5, 6 and the curved guide member 4.

Contact member 2, and therefore tickling element 34, can be moved such that a determined path is covered at a determined speed. The user can here 'manipulate' his/her body at a personally adjustable speed and via a determined *track' by means of programming the control unit. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a track/path as seen from above de- vice 1. In an embodiment it is possible to follow a random, undefined path by programming control unit 41. The user will now experience tickling with an unexpected pattern.

Through the use of a light and flexible tickling ele- ment such as a nylon thread only a very gentle contact is made with the skin. As already stated above, the movement can be set to a number of preferences. The preferences can also be varied/alternated at each use. In addition, an embodiment has the possibility of defining determined zones, wherein a zone-specific behaviour of contact member 2 can be programmed in each zone, such as for instance high/low speed, more/less tickling per unit area, forms of the path (circles vs. squares) , and other possible variants. If contact member 2 is arranged for rotation, the rotation behaviour of contact member 2 can also be varied per zone.

Device 1 preferably operates at 230V 50Hz (mains electricity) and has a transformer for the internal low- voltage requirements of drives 42,43,44. In an embodiment the drives consist of motors integrated into a power supply unit.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment wherein device 1 has a number of legs 61,62,63,64. Rails 5,6 are hereby moved clear of the ground. In an embodiment the length of legs 61,62,63,64 is adjustable so that the height of the device can be modified to the build of the user.

It can further be seen that a transmission 68 in the form of a cord, such as a nylon cord, is present between connecting members 7,8 (arches). Cord 68 is connected at each outer end to a guide mechanism (not shown) present in each of the arches 7,8. Figure 7 shows schematically a cross-section of the guide mechanism in one of the arches 7,8. Arch 7,8 has an (optionally metal) L-profile in which a plastic profile 71 is arranged. In arch 7,8 the profile 71 runs from the one rail 5 to the other rail 6, see Figure 6. A clamp 72, which can slide in profile 71, is placed at one position in profile 71. The clamp is pref- erably also plastic and has a low friction coefficient with profile 71. Clamp 72 comprises a loop 73 to which a cord 68 is attached. Arranged in profile 71 is a cable 75 which is coupled to a drive such as an electric motor (not shown). Clamp 72 is secured to cable 75 so that, if cable 75 is pulled by drives 45 and 46, clamp 72 will begin to slide in profile 71. In this way cord 68 can be moved reciprocally, wherein cord 68 always remains parallel to the two rails 5,6. Cord 68 runs through loop 32 connected to guide block 31, see also Figure 3. Because cord 68 runs through loop 32 and the guide block is coupled for movement to the two flat rods 4, the movement of the guide mechanism can be transmitted to contact member 2. The advantage of this embodiment is that it is not necessary to mount a drive (i.e. drive 44) on guide member 4, so that no power supply is necessary in the direction of the guide member. This simplifies the construction of device 1. Drive 44 is replaced by drives 45 and 46, which do not co- displace with arch 4 but are fixed to the frame, for instance at legs 61 and 62, see Figure 6. The transmission is further almost invisible due to the use of a relatively thin cord. Guide block 31 can be manufactured from a plastic block with a slot through which rods 4 pass. Cord 68 can easily overcome the friction between guide block 31 and rods 4 through the use of a suitable plastic, such as a plastic with a very low friction coefficient (so-called HPP) . It is noted that other transmissions 68 can be envisaged, such as a metal rod. In an embodiment device 1 comprises one or more tanning lamps. This enables a combination of a tickling device and a sunbed.

In an embodiment the moving member comprises third drive means for automatically moving tickling member 34 in a third direction which makes an angle with the first and second direction. Figure 8 shows such an embodiment, wherein tickling member 34 is attached to a telescopic arm 81 which is extendable and is driven by a drive 82. Other approach mechanisms can be used instead of a telescopic arm. Further present in Figure 8 is a distance meter 83 for measuring a distance between the distance meter and the body. Approach mechanism 81 is used to determine the distance of the tickling member to the body subject to the distance measured by the distance meter. An example of a distance meter is an ultrasonic distance meter. In another embodiment the device comprises a distance sensor, for instance a CMOS camera. The use of a distance sensor can prevent tickling element 34 losing contact with the body. It is on the other hand exciting for some people when tickling element 34, after losing contact with the body, will touch the body again at a different location. For others precisely the reverse is the case, and it is pre- cisely these people who do not want loss of contact between tickling element 34 and the body.

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of an embodiment wherein distance sensor 83 is constructed from a compact CMOS black and white high-performance camera 91 provided with an infrared lighting so that it is also possible to determine in the dark whether or not tickling member 34 is making contact with the body. CMOS camera 91 preferably comprises the following properties: low weight, preferably less than 100 grams, limited installation space, prefera- bly 20x20x15 mm, low energy consumption, for instance less than 100 mW, good resolution and direct connecting options for image processing. Distance sensor 83 further comprises program logic 92, a microcontroller 93 and a memory 94, see Figure 9. Pixel data 95 and control signals 96 are transmitted from camera 91 to logic 92, which passes pixel data 97 to microcontroller 93. This latter returns addressing 98 and control signals 99 to program logic 92.

The invention can be used by any individual who has need of relaxation at a moment and time determined by the individual- This will in principle be at home, although device 1 can in principle be placed anywhere. In the above stated embodiments device 1 is designed such that a person can lie under it. Device 1 can then be placed on for instance a bed or on the floor. On a bed a blanket, sheet or sleeping bag can be laid easily and safely thereover in order to maintain/obtain a comfortable body temperature. A comfortable body temperature is desirable during tickling. Device 1 can optionally also be used in the open air, for instance in the garden or on a balcony. The device is also suitable for use in relaxation centres (fitness clubs, saunas and tanning studios) . It is also possible to envisage use in health resorts, residential care homes, centres for the disabled, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, beauty salons, tanning centres, health centres and the like.

In order to enable treatment of the whole body it is possible to envisage a second frame (read: device) being coupled to a first one. Two movable contact members 2 hereby move simultaneously. One for instance for the upper half of the body, the other for the lower half.

Device 1 is also suitable for use in testing the sensitivity of the skin, for instance during rehabilitation of people. The control unit can then be programmed such that determined zones are treated, wherein recordings are made with for instance a camera for diagnostic purposes. In a particular embodiment the tickling device comprises a communication module 48 connected to control unit 41, see Figure 4, and adapted to communicate with a remote device via a communication network 100, see Figure 10. An example of a communication module is a modem or a network card for connecting to the internet. Control unit 41 can here be adapted to process control signals received via communication module 48 and communication network 100.

Figure 10 shows a possible configuration, wherein a tickling device 1 can communicate with a computer 101 and/or a second tickling device 102. It is also possible to envisage tickling devices 1 and 102 each comprising an audio communication module for reproducing and recording audio. This creates the option of two users being tickled simultaneously and being able to exchange their experiences by talking to each other. A special programme can be loaded onto computer 101 for remote control of one or both tickling devices. It is also possible to envisage a first user under first tickling device 1 choosing a program which is transmitted to second tickling device 102. Computer 101 is therefore not necessary here.

Connecting device 1 to communication network 100, such as internet or a mobile network, creates the option of sharing experiences with another individual. This can strengthen the relationship between two people. Envisage here also married couples where one partner is travelling, or for instance a child in hospital feeling homesick for the parental home. Just as at home, the parents can operate the device remotely and thus influence the emotions of the child, so that it for instance goes to sleep peace- fully. Programs with which tickling device 1 performs the movement can also be shared with other users via the communication network. Programs can be downloaded from internet and loaded into the device.

The invention can also be employed for people where excitement builds up slowly and then suddenly boils over. By measuring the tension in the body using intelligent sensor technology, such as heart rate meters and perspiration meters, the built-up tension can be determined and the effect of the treatment by the device can be immedi- . ately measured.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the device wherein a hood 110 is arranged over the moving member, not visible in figure 11. Hood 110 can be adapted such that it generates signals such as light and/or sound signals to the user lying under the hood. User 21 can thus relax even more. R blanket, not shown, can be placed over hood 110 so that the user in the space below the device can as it were be tucked in. This prevents user 21 cooling off. The hood can be manufactured from diverse materials, such as plastic or glass. Hood 110 optionally comprises a double wall, between which stimulating means such as lights, movable liquids etc. are arranged. In this way a user can also be stimulated visually. In a special variant the hood comprises an optionally curved screen displaying moving images.

It is noted that the invention is not limited to a device which can tickle recumbent persons. The skilled person will appreciate that the person can also be tickled when sitting or standing, and that specific modifications must be made to device 1 for this purpose.

The present invention is described in the foregoing on the basis of several preferred embodiments. Different aspects of different embodiments are deemed described in combination with each other, wherein all combinations which can be made by a skilled person on the basis of this document must be included. These preferred embodiments are not limitative for the scope of protection of this docu- ment. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.