# US 11,896,545 B2 · Vibrating garment assembly

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- Number: US 11,896,545 B2
- Document ID: US11896545B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/678,924
- Filed: 2022-02-23
- Published: 2022-08-25
- Granted: 2024-02-13
- Earliest claimed: 2019-05-07
- Assignees: Therabody, Inc.
- Applicants: Therabody, Inc.
- Inventors: Eduardo Merino; Benjamin Nazarian; Jaime Sanchez Solana
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11896545B2

## CPC

- A61B 5/0048: {Detecting, measuring or recording by applying mechanical forces or stimuli (A61B5/021, A61B5/4884 and A61B9/00 take precedence)}
- A61H 23/0254: {with rotary motor}
- A41D 27/10: Sleeves; Armholes
- A61B 5/01: Measuring temperature of body parts {; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue} (clinical contact thermometers G01K13/20)
- A61B 5/02055: {Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature}
- A61B 5/6804: {Garments; Clothes}
- A61B 5/7267: {involving training the classification device}
- A61H 1/006: {Apparatus for applying pressure or blows for compressive stressing of a part of the skeletal structure, e.g. for preventing or alleviating osteoporosis}
- A61H 15/00: Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
- A61H 15/0085: {hand-held}
- A61H 23/006: {Percussion or tapping massage (hand percussion A61H23/06)}
- A61H 23/0263: {using rotating unbalanced masses}
- D04B 1/22: specially adapted for knitting goods of particular configuration
- G16H 10/20: for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
- G16H 20/30: relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
- G16H 20/60: relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
- G16H 40/63: for local operation
- G16H 40/67: for remote operation
- G16H 50/30: for calculating health indices; for individual health risk assessment
- A41D 2400/322: Massage
- A61B 5/02405: {Determining heart rate variability}
- A61B 5/4806: {Sleep evaluation (A61B5/4821 takes precedence; devices for inducing sleep A61M21/02)}
- A61B 5/4836: {Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods (A61B5/0036 takes precedence)}
- A61B 5/6828: {Leg}
- A61B 5/6831: {Straps, bands or harnesses}
- A61B 5/742: {using visual displays (displays for heart-related electrical signals, e.g. ECG, A61B5/339)}
- A61B 6/4417: {related to combined acquisition of different diagnostic modalities}
- A61B 8/4416: {related to combined acquisition of different diagnostic modalities, e.g. combination of ultrasound and X-ray acquisitions}
- A61H 2015/0042: {Balls or spheres}
- A61H 2023/0272: {multiple masses each rotated by an individual motor}
- A61H 2201/0107: modular
- A61H 2201/0153: hand-held
- A61H 2201/0165: Damping, vibration related features
- A61H 2201/1207: with electric or magnetic drive
- A61H 2201/1215: Rotary drive
- A61H 2201/149: rotation-linear or vice versa
- A61H 2201/1635: Hand or arm, e.g. handle
- A61H 2201/164: Feet or leg, e.g. pedal
- A61H 2201/165: Wearable interfaces
- A61H 2201/1669: moving along the body in a reciprocating manner
- A61H 2201/1685: interchangeable
- A61H 2201/5005: for controlling frequency distribution, modulation or interference of a driving signal
- A61H 2201/5007: computer controlled
- A61H 2201/5025: Activation means
- A61H 2201/5035: Several programs selectable
- A61H 2201/5046: Touch screens
- A61H 2201/5061: Force sensors
- A61H 2201/5064: Position sensors
- A61H 2201/5076: Frequency sensors
- A61H 2201/5082: Temperature sensors
- A61H 2201/5097: wireless
- A61H 2205/06: Arms
- A61H 2205/065: Hands
- A61H 2205/10: Leg
- A61H 2230/065: used as a control parameter for the apparatus
- A61H 2230/505: used as a control parameter for the apparatus
- A61H 2230/805: used as a control parameter for the apparatus
- A61H 2230/825: used as a control parameter for the apparatus
- D10B 2401/18: including electronic components
- D10B 2403/0333: with tubular portions of variable diameter or distinct axial orientation
- D10B 2501/04: Outerwear; Protective garments
- D10B 2501/061: Piped openings (pockets)
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- A61H: PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY (electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, radiation therapy or ultrasound therapy A61N)
- A41D: OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- D04B: KNITTING
- G16H: HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- D10B: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES

## Abstract

A garment assembly includes a sleeve member having outer and inner surfaces, a first vibration assembly associated with the sleeve member, and a control module associated with the sleeve member. The first vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration motors that are arranged in a circle about a center point. An angular distance between each vibration motor of the plurality of vibration motors is approximately the same. The control module includes a battery, and the first vibration assembly is in electrical communication with the control module.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A washable garment assembly, comprising:
a sleeve member, comprising:
an inner surface;
an outer surface; and
a tunnel defined between the inner surface and the outer surface;
a first vibration assembly associated with the sleeve member and permanently sealed between the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein the first vibration assembly includes at least a first vibration motor, wherein the first vibration motor is waterproof enclosed; and
a control module associated with the sleeve member and in electrical communication with the first vibration assembly, wherein the control module comprises:
a battery; and
a docking station that includes a battery portion and a control portion,
wherein the docking station is secured to the inner surface of the sleeve member,
wherein a battery space is defined between the battery portion and the inner surface of the sleeve member,
wherein the sleeve member includes a battery opening defined therethrough that couples the battery space with an exterior of the sleeve member,
wherein the battery is removable from the control module through the battery opening, and
wherein the tunnel fully extends between the first vibration assembly and the control module,
wherein the washable garment assembly is washable after removing the battery through the battery opening.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member comprises a knitted material, wherein the sleeve member includes a first vibration assembly pocket defined within the sleeve member and between the inner and outer surfaces, and
wherein the first vibration motor is disposed in the first vibration assembly pocket.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The washable garment assembly of claim 2, further comprising an electrical communication strip that includes a stretchable fabric member and at least a wire that is secured to the stretchable fabric member,
wherein the wire extends between the control module and the first vibration motor,
wherein the wire is formed in a slack pattern when the stretchable fabric member is in a normal position, and
wherein the stretchable fabric member is configured to stretch in a longitudinal direction and the wire is configured to straighten when the stretchable fabric member is stretched in the longitudinal direction.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The washable garment assembly of claim 3, further comprising a control module pocket that contains the control module, wherein the tunnel fully extends between the first vibration assembly pocket and the control module pocket, and wherein the tunnel contains the electrical communication strip.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The washable garment assembly of claim 4, wherein the first vibration assembly includes a second vibration motor, wherein the first vibration assembly pocket includes first and second pocket fingers, and wherein the first vibration motor is positioned in the first pocket finger and the second vibration motor is positioned in the second pocket finger.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the docking station further includes an outer flange extending therearound, and wherein the outer flange is secured to the inner surface of the sleeve member.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The washable garment assembly of claim 6, wherein an inner layer member is secured to an inner surface of the docking station and the inner surface of the sleeve member to form the control module pocket that houses the control module.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second vibration assembly associated with the sleeve member,
wherein the second vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration motors that are arranged in a circle about a center point,
wherein an angular distance between each vibration motor of the plurality of vibration motors is approximately the same, and
wherein the first vibration assembly is positioned to target a first body part and the second vibration assembly is positioned to target a second body part when the garment assembly is worn by a user.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member includes a distal end and a proximal end, and a sleeve length is defined between the proximal end and the distal end, and wherein the sleeve member includes a first section with a first compression value and a second section with a second compression value.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The washable garment assembly of claim 9, wherein the second section is defined between the first section and the proximal end, and wherein the first compression value is greater than the second compression value.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member defines a sleeve length between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the sleeve member comprises a material that includes a range of compression values that decrease from the distal end to the proximal end.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member comprises a germanium alloy that is configured to emit infrared radiation.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member comprises a biometric sensor.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the docking station includes a first magnet and the battery includes a second magnet, and wherein the first magnet is magnetically attracted to the second magnet when the battery is received in the docking station.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the control module, the battery, and the docking station are removable from the garment assembly prior to washing.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The washable garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member is a sock, and wherein the first vibration assembly and the control module are arranged in a layer of the sock.

### Claim 17

A method of forming a washable garment assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
forming a garment member using a knitting process, wherein the garment member includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein during the knitting process at least a tunnel and at least a vibration assembly pocket are formed within the garment member and between the inner and outer surfaces, and wherein a slit is formed in the inner surface of the garment member;
coupling a control module to the garment member, wherein the tunnel fully extends between the vibration assembly pocket and the control module, wherein the control module comprises a docking station and a battery;
obtaining a vibration assembly that includes at least a vibration motor, wherein the vibration motor is waterproof enclosed, wherein the vibration motor includes at least a wire connected thereto;
inserting the vibration motor and the wire through the slit;
maneuvering the vibration motor into the vibration assembly pocket;
maneuvering the wire into the tunnel; and
sealing the vibration motor between the inner surface and the outer surface, such that the vibration motor is permanently embedded within the washable garment assembly,
wherein the washable garment assembly is washable after removing the battery from the control module.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The method of claim 17, further comprising:
forming a battery opening through the garment member,
wherein the docking station comprises a battery portion and a control portion,
wherein coupling the control module to the garment member comprises securing the docking station to the inner surface of the garment member,
wherein a battery space is defined between the battery portion and the inner surface of the garment member,
wherein the battery opening couples the battery space with an exterior of the garment member, and
wherein the battery is removable through the battery opening.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The method of claim 18, wherein the docking station comprises an outer flange extending therearound, and wherein the securing the docking station to the inner surface of the garment member comprises securing the outer flange to the inner surface of the garment member.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The method of claim 19, further comprising:
obtaining an inner layer member; and
securing the inner layer member to an inner surface of the docking station and the inner surface of the garment member to form a control module pocket that houses the control module,
wherein the tunnel extends between the control module pocket and the vibration assembly pocket, and wherein the wire electronically couples the control module and the vibration motor.

### Claim 21 (depends on 17)

The method of claim 17, further comprising closing the garment member using a single seam to create a sleeve interior through which an arm or a leg is placed.