CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/175,599, filed April 16, 2021 , which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to percussive therapy. Percussive therapy devices provide rapid bursts of pressure into a body’s muscle tissue as a treatment head oscillates back and forth. Some percussive therapy devices may include interchangeable treatment heads. [0003] Handheld percussive therapy devices include an applicator that can receive an attachment that moves linearly like a jigsaw. Interchangeable attachments are available. Known head attachments include a ball attachment generally suitable for large muscle groups, a cone attachment generally suitable for pinpoints and small muscle groups, a wedge-shaped attachment generally suitable for shoulder blades, IT bands, scraping and flushing, a thumb shaped attachment generally suitable for trigger points and the lower back, and a dampener attachment generally suitable for tender or bony areas and overall use. Two-headed attachments are also known, including a forked attachment with two tips generally suitable for use on the back along the spine, and a two-pronged adapter attachment that can interchangeably mount different heads.

[0004] Though handheld percussive therapy devices can be effective in promoting healing and recovery, more can be done to improve effectiveness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The aforementioned challenges are overcome by a percussive therapy attachment, device, system, accessory pad, and method for percussive therapy of the present invention. [0006] In one embodiment, an attachment for a handheld percussive therapy device is provided and includes a shank having a proximal end configured to interface with a percussive applicator and a distal end, the shank defining a longitudinal axis, and a multi-headed treatment device configured to transfer force provided by the percussive applicator to a patient’s body. [0007] In another embodiment, a handheld percussive therapy device is provided and includes an attachment and a percussive applicator. The handheld percussive therapy device has a housing, a power supply, a motor converting power from the power supply into motion, and an output assembly coupled with the motor. The output assembly includes an attachment connector, the shank of the attachment interfacing with the attachment connector, and an actuator that converts motion provided by the motor into mechanical force for moving the attachment, the actuator configured to move the shank in a movement sequence comprising linear reciprocation along the longitudinal axis and transverse rotation about the axis.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a percussive therapy pad for percussive therapy is provided, and includes a pad base having a skin-facing surface configured to confront the skin of a patient’s body, a device-facing surface configured to be contacted by an attachment of a percussive therapy device, and a texture on the device-facing surface providing a grippable surface for the attachment of the percussive therapy device.

[0009] In still another embodiment, a percussive therapy system is provided and includes an attachment, a handheld percussive applicator, and a protective pad applicable to the skin of a patient’s body, the pad having a skin-facing surface configured to confront the skin of a patient’s body and a device-facing surface configured to be contacted by the attachment.

[0010] These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the entire application including the specification, claims, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a percussive therapy attachment for a percussive therapy device;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the attachment from FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the attachment from FIG. 1 , in contact with the skin of a patient’s body;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a head for the attachment from FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a percussive therapy device comprising a percussive applicator and the attachment from FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIG. 6A-6I are side views showing one embodiment of a movement sequence for the percussive therapy device from FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7A-7I are bottom views of the movement sequence corresponding to FIGS. 6A- 6I, respectively;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a percussive therapy attachment for a percussive therapy device, the attachment in contact with the skin of a patient’s body; [0019] FIG. 9A is a bottom view of yet another embodiment of a percussive therapy attachment for a percussive therapy device;

[0020] FIG. 9B is a side view of still another embodiment of a percussive therapy attachment for a percussive therapy device;

[0021 ] FIG. 9C is a side view of a further embodiment of a percussive therapy attachment for a percussive therapy device;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a side view of a percussive therapy pad, the pad shown in between a percussive therapy attachment and the skin of a patient’s body for protecting the skin during percussive therapy;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of a percussive therapy pad;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a side view of yet another percussive therapy pad; [0025] FIG. 13 is a side view of still another embodiment of a percussive therapy pad;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a top view of an oblong or oval percussive therapy pad;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a top view of a square percussive therapy pad;

[0028] FIG. 16 is a top view of a circular percussive therapy pad; and

[0029] FIG. 17is a top view of a rectangular percussive therapy pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “having,” "including," and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. [0031] While many embodiments are described herein, at least some of the described embodiments provide a percussive therapy attachment, device, system, accessory pad, and method for percussive therapy.

[0032] Referring now to the drawings and to FIGS. 1 -3. 1 in particular, a percussive therapy attachment 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The percussive therapy head attachment includes a treatment device 12 and a shank 14. The percussive therapy attachment 10 can be used as a handheld percussive therapy device with a percussive applicator, one embodiment of which is described below (see FIG. 5).

[0033] The treatment device 12 transfers force provided by a percussive applicator to the body of a patient. As used herein, the term “patient” and variations thereof refers to any person or animal on which percussive therapy is performed. The patient themselves can operate the percussive therapy device for self-treatment, or another operator can use the percussive therapy device to perform treatment on a patient.

[0034] The shank 14 is configured to interface with a percussive applicator. In some embodiments, the shank 14 includes a structure for interfacing with a securing mechanism such that the attachment 10 is securable to the applicator. The shank 14 generally has two ends, a proximal end 16 that connects to the percussive applicator, and a distal end 18 that supports the treatment device 12. As used herein, the term “proximal” and variations thereof refers to that end or portion which is situated away from the patient, patient’s body, or target area for treatment. As used herein, the term “distal” and variations thereof refers to that end or portion which is situated toward the patient, patient’s body, or target area for treatment.

[0035] The shank 14 defines a longitudinal axis X. With various orientations relative to the patient’s body are possible, FIG. 3 shows one typical orientation in which the attachment 10 is positioned against the skin S, with the axis X generally perpendicular to the skin surface S. The skin surface S can therefore define a plane that is generally transverse to the axis X. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the skin surface of a patient’s body may have various contours.

[0036] The shank 14 may reciprocate linearly along the axis X and rotate about the axis X. This produces a linear movement of the treatment device 12 against the body surface and a transverse rotation of the treatment device 12 over the body surface. Linear motion and transverse rotation may occur simultaneously or in any overlapping or non-overlapping sequence. In another embodiment, the shank 14 may reciprocate in a linear motion without rotation. In yet another embodiment, the shank 14 may rotate without linear motion. A percussive applicator provides input to the attachment 10 to move the shank 14, thereby moving the treatment device 12. One embodiment of a percussive applicator that can provide linear reciprocation and transverse rotation input to the attachment 10 is described below with respect to FIG. 5. Other percussive applicators for the attachment 10 are possible, including, but not limited to, a percussive applicator configured to provide linear reciprocation only or a percussive applicator configured to provide transverse rotation only.

[0037] The treatment device 12 includes multiple heads 20 disposed on a head support 22. The head support 22 is coupled with and extends from the distal end 18 of the shank 14. The head support 22 may be permanently or non-removably coupled with the shank 14, or may be removable from the shank 14, such as for interchanging different heads and/or head supports on the shank 14.

[0038] The heads 20 generally have two ends, a proximal end 24 that connects to the head support 22, and a distal end 26 that faces and engages the patient, and can comprise a base 28 at the proximal end 24 and a tip 30 at the distal end 26. The tip 30 forms the therapy end of the head 20, and engages the body/skin of the patient.

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the attachment 10 comprises three heads 20. The three heads 20 are in line with each other when viewed from the below (FIG. 2) or from the side (FIG. 3). As such, all three heads are disposed linearly along a common axis Y. The axis Y may be perpendicular to the axis X of the attachment, and may be parallel to the skin surface S. The heads 20 are preferably disposed such that all of the heads 20 may contact a skin surface, such as surface S shown in FIG. 3, at the same time. With the three-headed embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the attachment 10 has an elongated shape overall. In an alternative embodiment, the heads 20 can be disposed in V-shape or in a circular array, for a more compact shape overall. [0040] In other alternative embodiments, the attachment 10 can have more than three heads 20. For example, the attachment 10 can have four heads. In one four-headed embodiment, the heads can be disposed in line or in a circular array, equidistant from each other.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, the heads 20 include two outer heads 20A, 20B, and a middle head 20C. The middle head 20C can be disposed between the outer heads 20A, 20B, with a small gap 34 between the heads 20A, 20B, 20C. A small gap 34 may be desired because this maximizes the contact area between the heads 20 and the body area to be treated. In the embodiment shown, a center 36A, 36B of the outer heads 20A, 20B can be equidistant from the center 36C of the middle head 20C. In an alternative embodiment, one of the outer heads 20A, 20B can be closer to or further from the middle head 20C than the other outer head 20A, 20B. [0042] The head support 22 couples the multiple heads 20 to a single shank 14. The shape of the head support 22 can allow the individual heads 20 to move in close proximity to each other over the skin. Various head supports 22 are possible. For example, the head support 22 may include first, second, and third legs 38, and the heads 20 extend from distal ends of the legs 38. Proximal ends of the legs 38 may converge and join together with the distal end 18 of the shank 14 at a juncture 44.

[0043] The legs 38 can be straight, angled, or curved, as needed to orient the heads 20 in relation to each other. In the embodiment shown, the middle leg 38C extends straight down along axis X, in line with the shank 14, to position the middle head 20C at a center of the attachment 10 and axially align the middle head 20C with the axis X. The outer legs 38A, 38B extend outwardly and curve downwardly to place the associated heads 20A, 20B beside the middle head 20C, the outer heads 20A, 20B being offset from the axis X and with all of the heads 20 aligned along axis Y. The curved outer legs 38A. 28B can minimize stress concentration at the outer heads 20A, 20B.

[0044] The shank 14 and legs 38 of the head support 22 can have a cylindrical shape. As used herein, the term “cylindrical shape” refers to a columnar shape having a circular cross section (which may be either in the form of a perfect circle or an oval) in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the shank 14 or leg 38, i.e. the direction the shank 14 or leg 38 extends. The cross-section of the shank 14 or leg 38 can remain constant from its proximal end to its distal end, or may change. In an alternative embodiment, the shank 14 and/or leg 38 can have a tapered or frustoconical shape, such as being tapered toward the distal ends thereof. Other columnar shapes for the shank 14 or leg 38 are possible, including triangular, quadratic, hexagonal, octagonal, or other prismatic shapes.

[0045] The heads 20 may have varying sizes. Referring to FIG. 3, in the embodiment shown, the heads 20 have an identical or similar diameter D measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis X of the attachment 10. The heads 20 can have a diameter D of about 1 .5 inches (about 38 mm). In an alternative embodiment, the diameter D of one or more of the heads 20 may be different than the diameter D of one or more of the other heads 20.

[0046] As briefly introduced above, each head 20 includes a base 28 that supports a tip 30 on the lower or distal end of the base 28, the tip 30 forming the therapy end of the head 20. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the tip 30 can be secured with the base 28 in many different ways. In a one embodiment, the tip 30 is molded to the base 28. In other embodiments, the tip 30 can be adhered, glued, welded, snap fit, friction fit, press fit, attached using a hook-and-loop material (e.g., VELCRO®), magnets, or snaps, or otherwise attached or formed with the base 28.

[0047] The base 28 can be conical in shape, and the tips 30 can preferably have a circular shape when viewed from the bottom (FIG. 2) and a rounded or dome-shape when viewed from the side (FIG. 3). This combination of conical base and domed tip 30 can make the overall shape of the head 20 more compact, with a lower profile when compared with other known attachments, such as but not limited to, ball-shaped attachments.

[0048] The bases 28 can have a variety of shapes, and are not limited to the conical geometries illustrated. For example, the bases 28 may be conical, pyramidal, cylindrical, spherical, or have other prismatic shapes. In still other embodiments, the bases 28 may be eliminated, and the tips 30 may couple directly with the legs 38. The bases 28 can be solid or hollow.

[0049] The tips 30 can have a variety of shapes, and are not limited to the spherical geometries illustrated. For example, the tips 30 may be spherical, hemispherical, spheroidal, or ellipsoidal, like a ball or an egg, or have yet other rounded or bulbous shapes. In some embodiments, the tips 30 can have a conical shape, a bullet-like shape, or a non-spherical shape. Still other shapes for the tips 30 are possible. The tips 30 can be solid or hollow.

[0050] Although the tips 30 are not limited to any particular shape, the tips 30 can have a shape that defines a maximum thickness T of the tip 30. As used herein, the term “maximum thickness” refers to the largest measurement of the tip 30 that can be taken along or parallel to the axis X, and defines the overall “height” of the tip 30. For the domed shape tip 30, the tips 30 can have a maximum thickness T at a center 36 of the head 20, and curves from the center 36 to an outer edge 48 that meets a peripheral edge 50 of the base 28. In one embodiment, the tip 30 can have a maximum thickness T of 2 inches (about 51 mm).

[0051] In one embodiment, the dimeter D of the head 20 can be on the order of twice the maximum thickness T. The dimeter D of the head 20 can, in some embodiments such as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, be defined by the tip outer edge 48 and/or the base peripheral edge 50. [0052] The tips 30 have an outer or distally-facing surface 52 that may be smooth or textured. Various textured distally-facing surface 52 are possible. For example, the texture can comprise surface features that enhance the texture of the surface 52. Such surface features can comprise ridges, ribs, protrusions, or other raised features. In another example, the texture can comprise a roughened surface.

[0053] One embodiment of a textured surface 52 is shown in FIG. 1 , and comprises a plurality of ridges 54 that increase the friction with the skin surface S, thereby increasing the gripping of the heads 20 on the skin. The ridges 54 can be elongated, wavy protrusions extending across the tip 30 and providing a wrinkled texture for increasing friction. It is understood that the number, orientation, size, and spacing of the ridges 54 for the textured surface 52 may be disposed in various ways on the tip 30, depending on the application and desired grip and friction against the skin. One embodiment of a head 20 with a smooth distally-facing surface 52 is shown in FIG. 4. [0054] In any of the various embodiments of the attachment 10 disclosed herein, the components of the attachment 10 can be manufactured from suitable materials known in the art using appropriate techniques, such as, but not limited to, molding, extrusion, casting, forming, machining, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and the like.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the shank 14, head support 22, and bases 28 are made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic and the tips 30 are made of made of an elastomeric or compliant material capable of deforming under load (e.g., rubber, foam, silicone). The shank 14, head support 22, and bases 28 can be a one-piece body, and the tips 30 are secured with the base 28. In another embodiment, the shank 14, head support 22, and/or bases 28 can be made of metal or metal composite material.

[0056] Some non-limiting examples of suitable elastomeric or compliant materials for the tip 30 include silicone, polyurethane (PU) foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polyurethane rubber or another plastic or rubber. In other embodiments, the tip 30 can include a rigid or semi rigid material that does not substantially deform under loads typical with percussive therapy. A complaint material may deform in response to contact with the body of a patient and reduce some of the shock load generated by the percussive therapy device. A rigid or semi-rigid material can deliver more percussive force to the body of a patient. In another example, the tips 30 may include polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”), including but not limited to styrenic block copolymers (TPE-s), polyolefin blends (TPE-o), elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamide, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low durometer PVC, or a urethane.

[0057] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of one embodiment of a percussive therapy device 60 comprising a percussive applicator 62 and the attachment 10. The percussive applicator 62 includes a housing 64, a power supply 66, an input control 68, a motor 70, and an output assembly 72. The percussive applicator 62 generates motion at the output assembly 72 for moving the attachment 10.

[0058] The housing 64 supports and/or encloses one of more components of the applicator 62, and includes a handle 74. In the embodiment shown, the handle 74 is a closed loop handle. In other embodiments, the housing 64 may have a pistol-style handle 74. In some embodiments, the housing 64 is compact and the applicator 62 is configured as a handheld device, i.e. a device adapted to be held in one hand.

[0059] The motor 70 can convert power from the power supply 66 into motion, such as but not limited to rotary motion. In some embodiments, the motor 70 is an electric motor. In an alternative embodiment, the motor 70 may include a pneumatic cylinder that reciprocates in response to an input of compressed air. In an alternative embodiment, the motor 70 may include a hydraulic cylinder.

[0060] The output assembly 72 is coupled with the motor 70, and includes an actuator 76 that converts motion provided by the motor 70 into mechanical force for moving the attachment 10. The actuator 76 can comprise any mechanism that manipulates the attachment 10 by moving the shank 14, and thereby moving the treatment device 12, in a sequence including linear reciprocation along the axis X and transverse rotation about the axis X. The actuator 76 of the output assembly 72 can provide mechanical force to the shank 14 resulting in linear motion and transverse rotation occurring simultaneously or in a sequence, including overlapping or non overlapping sequences. Other actuators are possible, including actuators providing linear motion without rotation or actuators providing transverse rotation without linear motion.

[0061] Linear reciprocal motion can comprise moving the heads 20 along axis X, which can provide rapid bursts of pressure into the body of the patient for a percussive or tapping action on the patient’s body. Transverse rotational motion can comprise moving the heads 20 over the skin surface S, which can provide a kneading or rolling action on the patient’s body.

[0062] Various actuators 76 for the output assembly 72 are possible. The actuator 76 can comprise one or more gears, linkages, cranks, shafts, pistons, pulleys, belts, springs, or combinations thereof configured to achieve the desired physical movement of the attachment 10 by converting motion provided by the motor 70 into mechanical force. As described above, a preferred movement of the attachment 10 is a combination of linear reciprocation and transverse rotation. The actuator 76 can, for example, provide linear reciprocation via a reciprocator or push rod, or any other means for linear movement. The actuator 76 can, for example, provide transverse rotation via a worm drive, screw drive, ball screw, or any helical means for rotation, optionally with a spring-assisted return. The actuator 76 may be provide a variable range of movement as described in further detail below.

[0063] The actuator 76 of the output assembly 72 is operated under automated control (e.g. via automatic input in a controlled mechanical fashion), and may be controlled in a variety of manners. The applicator 62 can comprise a suitable control system including one or more of a controller, processor, memory, electronic circuitry, and/or other electronics for transmitting signals to and/or from the power supply 66, input control 68, motor 70, and/or actuator 76 to carry out percussive therapy.

[0064] The output assembly 72 can include a connector 78 for connection of the attachment 10. The shank 14 of the attachment 10 can be configured to interface with the connector 78. The connector 78 can include a connection socket (not shown) for connection of the attachment and a securing mechanism (not shown) for securing the attachment with the connector 78. Such connection sockets and securing mechanisms are known in the art of percussion therapy devices, and may include a latch, pin, threaded connector, magnet, or the like. In some embodiments, the shank 14 includes a structure for interfacing with the securing mechanism such that the attachment 10 is securable to the connection socket.

[0065] The structure of the connector 78 may allow removal of the attachment 10. In some embodiments, the connector 78 may mount other attachments that provide different percussive effects on areas of the body. A variety of interchangeable attachments may be attached to the output assembly 72. The interchangeable attachments can each include a shank and a treatment device. The interchangeable attachments provide user-selectable types of treatment for varying types of therapy and/or for providing therapy to different body areas.

[0066] The power supply 66 may be any type of power supply capable of supplying power to the motor 70. In one embodiment, the power supply 66 is a battery. In one embodiment, the battery is a rechargeable battery. The applicator 62 can comprise a power input 80 on the housing 64 that is configured to receive power from an external power source (not shown) for recharging the battery. The battery may be any type of battery known in the art. For example, the battery may include a rechargeable lithium-ion (Lilon) based battery.

[0067] In some embodiments, the battery is mounted within the housing 64 or is otherwise attachable to the applicator 62 such that the device 60 is portable, removable, and cordless. In an alternative embodiment, the applicator 62 uses an external battery pack. In yet another alternative embodiment, the power supply includes a power cord for a corded applicator 62. [0068] In another embodiment, the power supply 66 is non-electrical. For example, the power supply 66 may receive pressurized air from a pressure vessel, a hydraulic vessel, or a network of pressurized air.

[0069] The input control 68 controls delivery of power to the motor 70. In some embodiments, the input control 68 is button, trigger, or other actuator in electrical communication with the power supply 66 and the motor 70, and selectively provides power from the power supply 66 to the motor 70. The input control 68 is may include an electrical switch configured to allow passage of electric current when activated, and can comprise a binary on/off switch or a variable trigger. A variable trigger controls the amount of power delivered to the motor 70, and can therefore vary the speed of the motor 70, in turn varying the speed of movement the attachment 10. Multiple input controls may be provided to control the operation of the applicator 62.

[0070] FIGS. 6A-7I show one embodiment of a movement sequence for the attachment 10. As described above, the attachment 10 can be driven in a combination of linear translation and transverse rotation. Various movement sequences for the attachment are possible.

[0071 ] In one embodiment, the attachment 10 can begin in a retracted neutral position shown in FIG. 6A and 7A, and the movement sequence comprises: (i) linear translation of the shank 14 downwardly along axis X to an extended neutral position as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B; (ii) rotation of the shank 14 in a first direction by +N degrees to a first rotated position as shown in FIGS. 6C and 7C; (iii) rotation of the shank 14 in a second direction by -N degrees back to the extended neutral position as shown in FIGS. 6D and 7D; and (iv) linear translation of the shank 14 upwardly along axis X back to the retracted neutral position as shown in FIGS. 6E and 7E. This may complete one cycle of the attachment 10, or the movement sequence may be repeated, but with the next downstroke of the attachment 10 including rotation in the opposite direction as that of the previous downstroke

[0072] For example, from the retracted neutral position as shown in FIGS. 6E and 7E, the movement sequence may proceed with: (v) linear translation of the shank 14 downwardly along axis X to the extended neutral position as shown in FIGS. 6F and 7F; (vi) rotation of the shank 14 in the second direction by -N degrees to a second rotated position as shown in FIGS. 6G and 7G; (vi) rotation of the shank 14 in the first direction by +N degrees back to the extended neutral position as shown in FIGS. 6H and 7H; and (viii) linear translation of the shank 14 upwardly along axis X back to the retracted neutral position as shown in FIGS. 6I and 7I.

[0073] The above movement sequence can comprise one cycle of the attachment 10, with the cycle repeating numerous times per minute. For percussive therapy, the movement sequence of FIGS. 6A-7I may cycle 1700-2000 times per minute. It is noted that the first direction may be a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction when looking down at the attachment 10 along axis X, and that the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0074] The attachment 10 may move through a predetermined range of movement during the movement sequence. For example, the attachment 10 may be configured to have an amplitude (e.g., displacement along axis X) of ¼ inch to 1 inch, inclusive, and a rotation (e.g., angle N) of 1 to 45 degrees, inclusive. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the applicator 62 may be configured to provide any amplitude and degree of rotation to the attachment 10 deemed beneficial for percussive therapy.

[0075] In some embodiments, the movement of the attachment 10 is adjustable. For example, the applicator 62 may include one or more input controls to adjust the amplitude of the linear reciprocation and/or the rotation of the shank 14. For example, the amplitude may be adjustable between 0 and 1 inch, inclusive, and the rotation may be adjustable between 0 and 90 degrees, inclusive.

[0076] Other embodiments of a movement sequence for the attachment 10 are possible. In another embodiment, the shank 14 can begin transverse rotation in the first direction on a downstroke, e.g. as the shank 14 translates downwardly along axis X, with the shank 14 reaching full rotation at the bottom of the downstroke. The shank 14 can next rotate in the second direction to the extended neutral position, and then move upwardly along axis X to the retracted neutral position. This can comprise one cycle of the attachment 10, with the cycle repeating numerous times per minute, for example 1700-2000 times per minute. It is noted that the first direction may be a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction when looking down at the attachment 10 along axis X, and that the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0077] Alternatively, after completing the above sequence, the movement sequence may proceed with transverse rotation in the second direction on the next downstroke, e.g. as the shank 14 translates downwardly along axis X, with the shank 14 reaching full rotation at the bottom of the downstroke. The shank 14 can next rotate in the first direction to the extended neutral position, and then move upwardly along axis X to the retracted neutral position. This can comprise one cycle of the attachment 10, with the cycle repeating numerous times per minute, for example 1700-2000 times per minute.

[0078] In FIGS. 1 -7I, the percussive therapy attachment 10 has rigid attachment between the heads 20 and the head support 22. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, each head 20 has at least some degree of independent movement on contact with the skin surface S, to ensure a good grip on a contoured body area allowing the attachment 10 to work well with different contours on various areas of the patient’s body. For example, the heads 20 can have a floating attachment to the head support 22 that provides individual flexibility at the point of contact with the body.

[0079] In one example, the floating attachment can comprise a spring 82 that normally tends to move the head 20 to an extended position outside a sleeve 84 disposed on the leg 38. In the example of FIG. 8, the head 20 includes a shaft 86 received within the sleeve 84, with the spring 82 disposed between an end of the sleeve 84 and an end of the shaft 86. When the head 20 is contact with the patient’s body, the head 20 can move upwardly or downwardly relative to the sleeve 84 as the body’s contour changes. The result is a percussive therapy attachment with heads 20 that float to follow the contour of the body.

[0080] Various other floating, pivoting, and/or tilting attachments between the heads 20 and the head support 22 are possible. In another example, the floating attachment for each head 20 can comprise a ball joint or a universal joint.

[0081] FIG. 9A shows another alternate embodiment of a percussive therapy attachment. Like the previous embodiment, the percussive therapy head attachment includes a treatment device 92 and a shank 94 (indicated in phantom line). A portion of the percussive therapy applicator 62 comprising the output assembly 72 is shown for context in FIG. 9A. The treatment device including multiple heads 96 and a head support 98. In this embodiment, the heads 96 arranged in a circular array, and are disposed approximately 60 degrees to each other relative to an axis X of the attachment 90. The heads 96 are equidistant from the axis X.

[0082] In another example, the heads 96 may be disposed in a V-shape, e.g. with a first pair of the heads disposed linearly along a first axis and a second pair of the heads disposed linearly along a second axis, with the first and second axis defining an angle of less than 180 degrees, alternatively 90 degrees or less, alternatively 60 degrees or less.

[0083] Still other embodiments of percussive therapy attachments are possible. FIGS. 9A and 9B show two other non-limiting examples of percussive therapy attachments 130, 140 for the percussive applicator 62 of FIG. 5. In FIG. 9A, the percussive therapy attachment 130 includes a shank 134 and a treatment device 132 comprising a single head 136 coupled with the shank 134. In FIG. 9B, the percussive therapy attachment 140 includes a shank 144 and a treatment device 142 comprising a two heads 146 on a two-prong head support 148 coupled with the shank 144.

[0084] The heads 136, 146 can have a variety of shapes, and are not limited to the geometries illustrated. For example, the heads 136, 146 can be substantially similar to the heads 20 described above with respect to FIGS. 1 -4. In other examples, the heads 136, 146 may be spherical, hemispherical, spheroidal, or ellipsoidal, like a ball or an egg, or have yet other rounded or bulbous shapes. In some embodiments, the heads 136, 146 an have a conical shape, a bullet like shape, or a non-spherical shape. Still other shapes for the heads are possible.

[0085] The percussive therapy attachments 90, 130, 140 can be coupled with the percussive applicator 62 of FIG. 5 and driven in a combination linear reciprocation and transverse rotation movement as previously described, and according to any movement sequence disclosed herein. In other embodiments, the percussive therapy attachments 90, 130, 140 can be coupled with a percussive applicator configured to provide linear reciprocation only or a percussive applicator configured to provide transverse rotation only.

[0086] The percussive therapy device 60 and attachments 10, 90 have thus far been shown and described as having the heads 20, 96 placed directly against the skin surface during use. With reference to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, a percussive therapy pad 100 for protecting the skin S during percussive therapy is provided. The pad 100 is placed on the skin S in the body area to be treated, and protects the skin against irritation. The percussive therapy attachment, shown for illustration purposes in FIG. 10 as the attachment 10 of FIGS. 1 -3, thereby only comes into contact with the pad 100. The pad 100 can have a textured surface so the heads 20 can grab the pad 100 and manipulate the underlying muscle fibers in the body area to be treated. [0087] The pad 100 comprises a pad base 102 having a skin-facing surface 104 that confronts and/or contacts the skin S and a device-facing surface 106 that is contacted by the attachment 10 of the percussive therapy device 60.

[0088] In some embodiments, the pad 100 can comprise a texture on the device-facing surface 106, the texture working to increase the effect of the percussive therapy by providing a grippable surface for the heads 20, while reducing skin irritation by keeping the heads 20 out of direct contact with the skin S. Various textured device-facing surfaces 104 are possible. For example, the texture can comprise raised surface features or protrusions 108. In another example, the texture can comprise a roughened surface.

[0089] Various examples of protrusions 108 for the percussive therapy pad 100 are shown in FIGS. 10-13. It is understood that the number, orientation, and spacing of the protrusions 108 may be disposed in various ways on the pad 100, depending on the application and desired grip and friction against the skin. The protrusions 108 hollow or solid.

[0090] The shape, size, layout and spacing of the protrusions 108 can vary, such as varying depending on the intended body area or body surface to be treated and/or to best facilitate contact with various body areas and surfaces. FIG. 10 shows rectangular protrusions 108. FIG. 11 shows teardrop shaped protrusions 110. FIG. 12 shows frustoconical protrusions 112. FIG. 13 shows spherical, dome-shaped protrusions 114. Still other shapes are possible. The shape may or may not be uniform across the pad 100. For example, some embodiments of the pad 100 can comprise a variety of shapes.

[0091] The thickness of the pad can vary, such as varying depending on the intended body area or body surface to be treated and/or to best protect against skin irritation in various body areas and surfaces. In one embodiment, the thickness of the pad 100 can comprise 1 mm to 5 mm, inclusive. The thickness of the pad 100 may remain the same for the formed protrusions 108. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the protrusions 108 may comprise discrete areas of vertically-raised surfaces 116 having the same thickness as a pad baseline surface 118 between the protrusions 108. In another embodiment, the thickness of the pad 100 may increase in the areas of the protrusions 108.

[0092] The height of the protrusions 108 from the pad baseline surface 118 (e.g. from the skin-facing surface 104 in contact with the skin S) can vary, such as varying depending on the intended body area or body surface to be treated and/or to best facilitate contact with various body areas and surfaces. In one embodiment, the height FI of each protrusion 108 from the pad baseline surface 118 can be 1 mm to 10 mm, inclusive. The height FI may or may not be uniform across the pad 100. For example, some embodiments of the pad 100 can comprise a variety of protrusions at different heights.

[0093] The spacing (e.g. density) of the protrusions 108 on the pad 100 can vary, such as varying depending on the intended body area or body surface to be treated and/or to best facilitate contact with various body areas and surfaces. In one embodiment, the distance P between adjacent protrusions 108 can be 2 mm to 10 mm, inclusive. The distance P may or may not be uniform across the pad 100. For example, the density of protrusions 108 (e.g. the number of protrusions per square centimeter) may vary over the pad 100.

[0094] In any of the various embodiments of the pad 100 disclosed herein, the pad 100 can be manufactured from suitable materials known in the art using appropriate techniques. The material of the pad is preferably flexible to easily adapt to the surface contour of various body areas. Some non-limiting examples of materials for the pad 100 include woven fabric, plastic (PVC, polyethylene or polyurethane), silicone, or latex. The pad 100 can comprise a single layer or multi-layer construction, including one or more permeable and/or non-permeable layers. [0095] In some embodiments, the pad 100 may apply a substance, such as an oil, gel, cream, ointment, or medication to the skin S. The substance can be incorporated with the pad using appropriate techniques, such as being incorporated on or in a layer or the pad 100, or between layers of the pad 100. In one example, the substance can be applied to a non-permeable layer and covered with a skin-facing layer permeable to the substance. In another example, the substance can provided separately from the pad 100 and is applied to a skin-facing side of the pad 100 prior to application of the pad 100 on the patient. In some embodiments, the pad 100 can provide heat therapy or cold therapy to the patient.

[0096] The skin-facing surface 104 can comprise an adhesive to hold the pad 100 in place on the skin S. As the attachment 10 grips and moves the pad 100 during percussive therapy, the adhesion of the pad to the skin moves the skin and underlying muscle fibers. The adhesive can be skin-safe or skin-friendly, making the pad 100 easy to apply and easy to remove from the skin S when therapy is complete. Some non-limiting examples of suitable adhesives include acrylate, including methacrylates and epoxy diacrylates (e.g., vinyl resins), hydrocolloids, and hydrogels. The pad 100 can comprise a removable backing covering the adhesive until the pad 100 is ready to use. Some non-limiting examples of suitable backings include coated paper and plastic. [0097] In some embodiments of the pad 100, the entire skin-facing surface 104 may be in contact with and/or adhered to the skin S. In other embodiments, an outer edge 120 of the pad base 102 on the skin-facing surface 104 may be in contact with and/or adhered to the skin S around the periphery of the pad 100. In yet other embodiments, areas of the skin-facing surface 104 between the protrusions 108 may be in contact with and/or adhered to the skin S.

[0098] In yet other embodiments, the pad 100 can use a non-adhesive securement, such as a cohesive bandage, kinesiology tape, or a hook-and-loop bandage that wraps around the patient’s body to hold the pad 100 against the skin.

[0099] The surface area of the pad 100 can vary, such as varying depending on the intended body area or body surface to be treated and/or to best facilitate contact with various body areas and surfaces. In one embodiment, the surface area of the pad 100 can comprise 1 cm ² to 750 cm ² , inclusive.

[00100] The shape of the pad 100 can vary, such as varying depending on the intended body area or body surface to be treated and/or to best facilitate contact with various body areas and surfaces. Various examples of shapes for the percussive therapy pad are shown in FIGS. 14-17. FIG. 14 shows an oblong or oval pad 100A. FIG. 15 shows a square pad 100B. FIG. 16 shows a circular pad. FIG. 17 shows a rectangular pad 100D. Still other shapes are possible. The pads shown in FIGS. 14-17 have circular bosses 122 as protrusions on the device-facing surface 106, although it is recognized that the pads may have any embodiment of a textured device-facing surface disclosed herein.

[00101] In certain embodiments, the percussive therapy device 60, or a component of thereof such as the applicator 62, is configured to communicate (via hardwire or wirelessly) with a remote device. Such communication may occur through one or more internal or external USB connections, FIDMI connections, Bluetooth connections, near-field communication (NFC) readers, radio frequency identifier (RFID) readers, and/or Wi-Fi connections. Examples of remote devices include, but are not limited to, other percussive therapy devices, a cloud computing and/or storage device, a computer or network of computers, a server, a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet, a wearable computer such as a smartwatch, a voice-command control device such as a smart speaker, or a dedicated remote-control device.

[00102] It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the percussive therapy device 60 is configured to exchange data with a remote device via a connection to a data network. The network connection may be any suitable type of network connection, such as an Ethernet connection, a Wi-Fi connection to a local Wi-Fi network, 3G, 4G, or 5G connections to a wireless carrier, or other wireless communication methods. It should therefore be appreciated that some or all of the operational functions of the percussive therapy device 60 can be controlled remotely. [00103] In certain embodiments, the percussive therapy device 60, or a component of thereof such as the applicator 62, is configured to send data to and/or receive data from a remote device. For example, in certain embodiments, the device 60 is configured to acquire data related to treatment parameters from other devices. As another example, the device 60, in certain embodiments, is configured to push information about treatment parameters, device usage or history, battery life, servicing or maintenance requirements, and/or errors to a remote device. [00104] In one embodiment, a user can input instructions for operating the percussive therapy device 60 at a selected vertical speed, transverse rotation speed, and/or degree of transverse rotation at a remote device, and such input can be shared with the device 60. For instance, the device 60 can connect to a cloud server, and the cloud server can transfer the instructions data via a global, local, or/or personal area network. Alternatively, the device 60 can connect to a remote device over a wireless personal area network, such as a Bluetooth connection. The remote device can run an application or “app” to facilitate communication between a user and the device 60.

[00105] It is noted that while the embodiments of the pad 100 disclosed herein are discussed in the content of the embodiments of the percussive therapy device 60 and attachment 10 of FIGS. 1-7D, it is understood that the pad 100 is useable with other percussive therapy devices and other attachments, including but not limited to the attachments of FIGS. 8-9.

[00106] It is understood that the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, unless otherwise noted. For example, in the drawings the attachments 10, 90, applicator 62, and/or therapy pads 100 are not necessarily drawn to scale relative to each other. Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

[00107] The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

[00108] Further, any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present invention independently and collectively fall within the scope of the appended claims, and are understood to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly written herein. One of skill in the art readily recognizes that the enumerated ranges and subranges sufficiently describe and enable various embodiments of the present invention, and such ranges and subranges may be further delineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. As just one example, a range “of from 0.1 to 0.9” may be further delineated into a lower third, i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third, i.e., from 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9, which individually and collectively are within the scope of the appended claims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language that defines or modifies a range, such as “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “no more than,” and the like, it is to be understood that such language includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As another example, a range of “at least 10” inherently includes a subrange of from at least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange of from 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a range “of from 1 to 9” includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1 , which may be relied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. [00109] Terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically,” when utilized herein, are not utilized to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure or to emphasize alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00110] For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the terms “substantially,” “about,” and “approximately” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms “substantially,” “about,” and “approximately” are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. [00111] Flaving described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is noted that the various details disclosed herein should not be taken to imply that these details relate to elements that are essential components of the various embodiments described herein, even in cases where a particular element is illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the present description. Rather, the claims appended hereto should be taken as the sole representation of the breadth of the present disclosure and the corresponding scope of the various inventions described herein. Further, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects.