Method and apparatus relating to molding apparatus
阅读说明：本技术 关于模塑装置的方法和装置 (Method and apparatus relating to molding apparatus ) 是由 布鲁斯·穆里森 于 2015-07-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于治疗目的的按摩装置通常在具有高可支配收入的有限数量的发达国家进行开发和销售。然而,这只代表了整个潜在人群中的一小部分,因此,提供全球可获得的,低成本、理想情况下极低成本但有效的装置是非常有利的。人们提出了满足这种极低成本制造要求以及提供有限使用或一次性装置等新概念的解决方案,需要利用吹塑技术。(Massage devices for therapeutic purposes are typically developed and sold in a limited number of developed countries with high disposable income. However, this represents only a small portion of the entire potential population, and it would therefore be highly advantageous to provide a globally available, low cost, ideally very low cost, yet effective device. Solutions have been proposed to meet this extremely low cost manufacturing requirement and to provide new concepts of limited use or disposable devices, requiring the use of blow molding techniques.)
1. A massage device comprising:
a threaded portion that mates with a molded outer body that encloses a predetermined area provided with a threaded opening that allows the predetermined area to be filled with fluid and that is reversibly sealed by the threaded portion once the massaging device is attached to the molded outer body;
a body portion for insertion into the molded outer body and being held in place in the molded outer body by the threaded portion when the threaded portion is attached to the molded outer body; and
a second molded outer body enclosing a second predetermined area provided with a threaded opening to allow the second predetermined area to be filled with a second fluid and reversibly sealed;
a vibrator element forming a predetermined portion of the body portion;
an additional threaded region of the threaded portion for mating a second molded outer body with the threaded portion; wherein
The second mold molded outer body provides at least one of the following when the body portion is inserted into the molded outer body:
a handle; and
a second vibrating portion of the massage device, together with the molded outer body, for transmitting mechanical vibrations to a predetermined area of a user of the massage device.
2. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion includes an opening sized to allow insertion of the vibrator element, and the opening is sized to establish mechanical contact at one end between the body portion and the threaded portion between the body portion and a predetermined location of an inner wall of the molded outer body when the body portion is inserted into the molded outer body and the threaded portion is attached to the molded outer body.
3. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The molded outer body is a predetermined commercial product that is initially sold with a threaded cap for sealing the molded outer body, the threaded cap being replaced by the threaded portion upon insertion of the body portion into the opening to reseal the molded outer body, the threaded portion mating with and retaining the body portion in a predetermined position within the molded outer body.
4. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion is attached to the threaded portion and is sized to support the vibrator element inserted into the molded outer body at a distal end of the molded outer body from the opening.
5. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion is dimensioned to support the vibrator element inserted into the molded outer body at a distal end of the molded outer body from the opening such that the predetermined region can be filled with foam with the vibrator element inserted and then the molded outer body is sealed by the threaded portion.
6. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion is dimensioned to allow the predetermined area of the molded outer body to be filled with foam, depending on the vibrator element, with the body portion inserted into the molded outer body, the body portion removed and the vibrator element inserted through the threaded portion and held in place.
7. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion comprises a vibrator element; and
when the massage device is inserted and held in place by the threaded portion, a user may apply mechanical vibration to a predetermined area of the user's body or another user using the massage device alone or in combination with the molded outer body.
8. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion comprises a vibrator element; and
the threaded portion has an outer geometry that is the same as an outer geometry of the molded outer body at the threaded opening.
9. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion is one of a plurality of body portions, each body portion including an inner portion defining an opening sized to mate with the vibrator element and an outer portion including a series of radial elements; wherein
Each body portion having a configured configuration defining a mechanical ring that engages the inner geometry of the molded outer body, and each body portion being deformable to a second configuration that allows the body portion to be inserted through an opening in the molded outer body when the body portion is mounted to the vibrator element; and
in the set up configuration, each body portion transmits mechanical vibrations from the vibrator element to the moulded outer body.
10. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion is one of a plurality of body portions, each body including a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first and second portions defining a size of an opening to mate with the vibrator element, the third portion being located between the first and second portions; wherein
Each body portion having a first mode in which the third portion fits through an opening in the molded outer body to allow the third portion to be inserted into the molded outer body, and a second mode in which the third portion expands to bond to the interior geometry of the molded outer body;
in the second mode, the spacing between the first and second portions along the vibrator element is less than the spacing between the first and second portions in the first mode; and
in the second mode, each body portion transmits mechanical vibrations from the vibrator element to the molded outer body.
11. The massage device of claim 1 further comprising
The molded outer body having the threaded opening with a curved outer geometry at an end distal from the threaded opening; and
a base attached to said molded outer body, said base enabling said molded outer body to be initially placed on a flat surface, but said base being removable from said molded outer body such that in a first configuration said molded outer body can be used as a passive device and in a second configuration said molded outer body can be used as an active device when said body portion of said massaging device is bonded or coupled to said vibrator element.
12. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The threaded portion further includes a second thread that mates with the threaded opening of the molded outer body; wherein
The body portion extends out from the molded outer body when the second thread is affixed to the threaded opening.
13. The massage device of claim 1, wherein
The body portion further includes a vibrator element such that in a first configuration the vibrator element is inserted into the molded outer body and transmits mechanical vibrations through the molded outer body to a user, and in a second configuration the vibrator element may extend to the molded outer body and transmit mechanical vibrations directly to the user.
14. A massage device comprising:
a threaded portion that mates with a molded outer body that encloses a predetermined area provided with a threaded opening that allows the predetermined area to be filled with fluid and that is reversibly sealed by the threaded portion once the massaging device is attached to the molded outer body;
a body portion for insertion into the molded outer body and being held in place in the molded outer body by the threaded portion when the threaded portion is attached to the molded outer body; and
a second molded outer body enclosing a second predetermined area provided with a threaded opening to allow the second predetermined area to be filled with a second fluid and reversibly sealed;
a vibrator element forming a predetermined portion of the body portion; and
a threaded element for mating the second molded outer body to the molded outer body; wherein the content of the first and second substances,
said body portion being inserted into one end of said second molded outer body, said molded outer body being attached to said end by said threaded element;
the vibrator element is fixed by the screw portion of the massage device; and
the molded outer body and the second molded outer body transmit mechanical vibrations to a user externally or with greater penetration into a user's orifice than the molded outer body alone.
15. A massage device comprising:
a threaded portion that mates with a molded outer body that encloses a predetermined area provided with a threaded opening that allows the predetermined area to be filled with fluid and that is reversibly sealed by the threaded portion once the massaging device is attached to the molded outer body;
a body portion for insertion into the molded outer body and being held in place in the molded outer body by the threaded portion when the threaded portion is attached to the molded outer body; wherein
The body portion is one of a plurality of body portions, each body portion including an inner portion defining an opening sized to mate with the vibrator element and an outer portion including a series of radial elements; wherein
Each body portion having a configured configuration defining a mechanical ring that engages the inner geometry of the molded outer body, and each body portion being deformable to a second configuration that allows the body portion to be inserted through an opening in the molded outer body when the body portion is mounted to the vibrator element; and
in the set up configuration, each body portion transmits mechanical vibrations from the vibrator element to the moulded outer body.
16. A massage device comprising:
a threaded portion that mates with a molded outer body that encloses a predetermined area provided with a threaded opening that allows the predetermined area to be filled with fluid and that is reversibly sealed by the threaded portion once the massaging device is attached to the molded outer body;
a body portion for insertion into the molded outer body and being held in place in the molded outer body by the threaded portion when the threaded portion is attached to the molded outer body; wherein
The body portion is one of a plurality of body portions, each body including a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first and second portions defining a size of an opening to mate with the vibrator element, the third portion being located between the first and second portions; wherein
Each body portion having a first mode in which the third portion fits through an opening in the molded outer body to allow the third portion to be inserted into the molded outer body, and a second mode in which the third portion expands to bond to the interior geometry of the molded outer body;
in the second mode, the spacing between the first and second portions along the vibrator element is less than the spacing between the first and second portions in the first mode; and
in the second mode, each body portion transmits mechanical vibrations from the vibrator element to the molded outer body.
17. A massage device comprising:
a threaded portion that mates with a molded outer body that encloses a predetermined area provided with a threaded opening that allows the predetermined area to be filled with fluid and that is reversibly sealed by the threaded portion once the massaging device is attached to the molded outer body;
a body portion held in place by the threaded portion when the threaded portion is attached to the molded outer body; wherein the threaded portion includes a first thread that mates with the threaded opening of the molded outer body such that the body portion is inserted into the molded outer body when the first thread is affixed to the threaded opening; and
the threaded portion further includes a second thread that mates with the threaded opening of the molded outer body such that the body portion extends out of the molded outer body when the second thread is affixed to the threaded opening.
18. The massage device of claim 17 wherein
The body portion further includes a vibrator element such that when the first thread is affixed to the threaded opening, the vibrator element is inserted into the molded outer body and transmits mechanical vibrations to a user via the molded outer body, and when the second thread is affixed to the threaded opening, the vibrator element extends to the molded outer body and transmits mechanical vibrations directly to the user.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to low cost and/or disposable massage devices utilizing blow molding, injection molding, or combinations thereof and/or active element combinations to provide, for example, vibration, stiffness, motion, sensing, user feel, communication, control and power.
Background
Massage devices (massagers) are mainly sold/marketed after being fully assembled and are functional products ranging in price from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars to consumers, aiming to allow users who have economically invested in the products to own and use the products for a long time. However, such products are essentially limited in their design and product cycle. Thus, the current market/design focus is based on the premise that: most consumers who purchase such devices rarely do so and it is important to essentially utilize the "up-sell" method, allowing consumers to purchase a product at a price point that exceeds the price point at which they originally intended to purchase the product. Thus, current devices are manufactured from a range of materials, including but not limited to hard plastics for internal battery housings, casings, etc., and silicone for the outer surface or body of the device.
However, in many cases, consumers may wish to purchase less costly devices due to environmental or personal preferences. In other cases, the consumer may wish to have a device that is disposable or unlike prior art devices. Even today, and despite the financial value of the massage device market, these devices are low in sales and are typically promoted in europe, north america, japan, australia, etc. markets where disposable income supports the actual pricing points of currently purchased devices. However, these markets represent about 15 million of the 70 more million population worldwide, and even most people in these markets cannot afford these devices. It would therefore be advantageous in all of these markets to provide a low cost, ideally extremely low cost, yet effective device.
It would therefore be advantageous to utilize manufacturing techniques such as blow molding techniques to enable the cost of a series of massage devices to support the competing requirements described above and to provide yields that solve the problem of unknown yields in the prior art devices.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Disclosure of Invention
The present invention is directed to reducing the limitations of the prior art, and more particularly to a low cost and/or disposable massage device utilizing blow molding, injection molding, or combinations thereof and/or active element combinations to provide, for example, vibration, stiffness, motion, sensing, user feel, communication, control, and power.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body encompassing a predetermined area provided with an opening, wherein the opening allows the predetermined area to be fluid-fillable and sealed.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body surrounding a predetermined area provided with an opening, wherein the opening allows at least one of the predetermined area to be fluid fillable and sealed, left open and sealed or left open and unsealed.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body encompassing a predetermined area provided with an opening, wherein the opening allows a user to insert the stimulation module at least one of before and after obtaining the blow molded outer body.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: an external body and a plurality of active elements for insertion into the external body, wherein each active element provides a predetermined function (selected from the group consisting of a physical effect, a stimulus, a controller, a power source, and a communication interface), and a user can select a different combination of the plurality of active elements each time the device is used.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body surrounding a predetermined area provided with a threaded opening allowing the predetermined area to be fluid fillable and sealable, wherein said threaded opening is dimensioned for insertion of a vibrator element and a cap for sealing the device, said cap comprising a portion extending into the device, whereby said vibrator element can be gripped at a distal end of said threaded opening.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: blow-molded outer body enclosing a predetermined area provided with an opening of predetermined geometrical configuration, wherein said opening allows the predetermined area to be fluid-fillable and sealable and is dimensioned for insertion of an active element providing a physical effect and for fixation of a sealing element for a sealing device, said sealing element comprising a portion protruding into the device, whereby said active element can be gripped.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body surrounding a predetermined area provided with a threaded opening, wherein the threaded opening allows the predetermined area to be fluid fillable and sealed such that the device can be used through a user's orifice, wherein the threaded opening is sized to be insertable into a vibrator element provided with a threaded portion and to seal the device once the vibrator element is inserted into the threaded opening.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body surrounding a predetermined area provided with an opening, wherein the opening allows the predetermined area to be fluid fillable and sealed, such that the device can be used to stimulate an area of a human body, wherein the opening is sized to allow insertion of an active element provided with a portion for sealing the device once the active element is inserted into the opening.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body surrounding a predetermined area provided with an opening, wherein the opening allows the predetermined area to be filled with foam and sealed, wherein the opening is sized to allow insertion of a vibrator element at least one of before and after filling the device with foam.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body surrounding a predetermined area provided with an opening, wherein the opening allows the first predetermined area to be filled with foam and a second predetermined portion to be unfilled with foam, the opening is sized to allow insertion of a vibrator element and to seal the device once the vibrator element is inserted into the opening, and the second predetermined area is sized to mate with the vibrator element.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body encompassing a predetermined area provided with an opening, wherein the opening allows the predetermined area to be fluid fillable and sealed such that the device is usable through a user's orifice, wherein the device is initially sold with at least one of a snap-fit cap and a threaded cap for sealing the device.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a first predetermined portion providing a vibration function and a second predetermined portion comprising at least one threaded region matching the predetermined thread.
According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method including: there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one blow-moulded outer body filled with a filling enclosing a first predetermined area and a threaded opening, wherein the threaded opening allows for the insertion of a vibrator element provided with a threaded portion for mounting the vibrator element to the blow-moulded outer body, wherein the vibrator element is inserted into the blow-moulded outer body, and the apparatus is provided through standard commercial channels.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for providing a user with a user access device by selling to the user an initial product that uses a blow molded plastic bottle containing at least one of a food product, a beverage product, a cleaning product, and a cosmetic product.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for providing a user with user access by selling an initial product using a blow-molded plastic bottle containing at least one of a food product, a beverage product, a cleaning product, and a cosmetic product to the user.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including: a blow molded outer body enclosing a predetermined area filled with a predetermined material, the blow molded outer body being sealed by crimping at either end, and a vibratory element.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Drawings
Embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are blow molding apparatuses according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 3 and 4 are a series of blow molding apparatus geometries according to embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a typical blow molding process utilizing preforms according to the prior art;
FIG. 6 is a typical blow molding process utilizing direct blow molding from extruded tubing, according to the prior art;
FIG. 7 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 11A and 11B are apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 12A and 12B are apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 13 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a method of a modular arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 16 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18A is an assembly configuration and assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
18B-18D are an assembly configuration and insert for positioning a vibratory element in a device according to embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 19 is an assembly configuration and assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is an assembly configuration and assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a base for a mounting device according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 23 is a blow molding process for an apparatus for utilizing a non-uniform preform to provide a shell with "stiffening" ribs according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 24 is a blow molding apparatus geometry according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
The present invention relates to low cost and/or disposable devices utilizing blow molding, injection molding, or combinations thereof and/or active element combinations to provide, for example, vibration, stiffness, motion, sensing, user feel, communication, control, and power.
The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or system configuration of the invention. Rather, the following description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided to facilitate those skilled in the art in practicing the embodiments of the present invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the examples are merely examples or implementations of the invention and not the only implementations. Different appearances of "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. While various features of the invention are described in the context of only a single embodiment, these features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. On the contrary, the invention is described in the context of separate embodiments for clarity of presentation, but may also be implemented in combination or separately. In addition, it should be apparent that one embodiment may involve one or more methods of manufacturing a device, rather than the actual design of the device; and vice versa, an embodiment of the invention may relate to one or more devices rather than one or more methods of manufacture.
Reference in the specification to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment (but not all embodiments) of the invention. The expressions and terms employed in this document are used for illustration only and are not to be construed as limitations. It should be understood that when the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference should not be taken as limiting the element to only one of the elements. It should be understood that when the specification states that "may," "permit," "can," or "may" include a feature, structure, or characteristic, it is not necessary for the particular feature, structure, or characteristic to be included. In addition, it is to be understood that an embodiment and/or words and/or terms may refer to one or more methods of manufacturing a device rather than the actual design of a device; and vice versa, an embodiment and/or word and/or term may refer to one or more devices rather than one or more methods of manufacture.
The terms "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," and the like are used to refer to aspects of a particular feature, structure, or element in the drawings of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent that such directional terms are not particularly meaningful to the actual use of the device, as the user can use the device in a number of ways.
The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "consisting of," and grammatical variations thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, integers or groups thereof, and the terms are not to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. Likewise, the phrase "consisting essentially of", and grammatical variants thereof, as used herein, should not be construed to exclude the addition of elements, steps, features, integers or groups, but rather the addition of elements, integers, steps, methods, elements or groups does not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions, devices or methods. If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that is meant to not exclude more than one additional element or method.
As used herein and in relation to the specification, "personal electronic device" (PED) refers to a wireless device for communication and/or information transfer, powered by a battery or other independent power source. Such devices include, but are not limited to: cellular phones, smart phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), portable computers, pagers, portable multimedia players, remote controllers, portable game consoles, notebook computers, desktop computers, and electronic readers.
As used herein and in relation to the specification, "fixed electronic device" (FED) refers to a device that requires a wired connection for power. The device is connected to one or more networks through a wired and/or wireless interface. Such devices include, but are not limited to: televisions, computers, laptops, gaming consoles, kiosks, terminals, and interactive displays.
As used herein and in relation to the specification, "server" refers to a physical computer hosting one or more services for the customer needs of other users, PEDs, FEDs, etc. for hosting these other users. Such servers include, but are not limited to: a database server, a file server, a mail server, a print server, a web server, a game server, or a virtual environment server.
As used herein and in relation to the description, "user" refers to an individual using a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As used herein and in relation to the specification, "vibrator" refers to a device that provides a mechanical function of vibration.
As used herein and in relation to the specification, "device" means a massage device intended for use by an individual or user himself or herself, or with another individual or user, wherein the device provides one or more functions. The device may have functionality in conjunction with design features that provide both vibratory and non-vibratory mechanical functionality.
Texture, as used herein and throughout the specification, refers to the feel to the surface of the device, generally described and/or defined in terms of smoothness, roughness, hardness, softness, waviness, and shape. Such a texture may adjust the feel of the device contacting the user and may control and/or adjust the friction between the device and the human skin/tissue. The surface texture may be isotropic or anisotropic. Texture can be, but is not limited to, smooth, rough, ridged, cluttered, granular, and can refer to the visual and/or tactile quality of a surface.
As used herein and throughout the specification, "nubs" refer to projections on the surface of the device that provide additional physical contact. The agglomerates may be permanent parts of the device, or may be replaceable or interchangeable to provide additional changes to the device.
As used herein and throughout the specification, "accessory" refers to one or more items that may be pinned or otherwise added to the device body to enhance and/or adjust the feel provided. The attachment may be passive or active.
As used herein and in relation to the specification, "balloon" refers to an element that regulates the physical volume by injecting a fluid therein. Such balloons can be constructed of a variety of elastic and inelastic materials and have a variety of different unexpanded and expanded shapes including, for example, spherical, elongated, wide, thin, etc. Balloons may also be used to deliver pressure or pressure fluctuations to the device surface and user, where the change in volume of the balloon should be imperceptible or very small.
Fig. 1 and 2 are views illustrating an apparatus using a blow molding concept according to an embodiment of the present invention, and first to third fig. 110 to 130 and fourth to sixth fig. 210 to 230 of fig. 1 and 2 are applied to a bottle-shaped apparatus, respectively, as shown in the drawings:
first drawing 110-perspective view of the blow-molding device with and without additional cover;
second drawing 120-perspective view of the top of the blow molding device with and without additional cover;
third drawing 130-perspective view of the closed end of the blow-moulding device;
fourth drawing 210-perspective view of the open end of the blow-moulding device with the sealing cover;
a
As described herein, embodiments of the present invention provide a low cost disposable device and a way of using the device to address cultural and other related obstacles; in this way the device appears to be a common consumable (e.g. a bottle), which is advantageous compared to prior art solutions. In contrast, a device shaped like a bottle may be larger, less expensive, disposable, etc.
FIG. 3 is a geometric configuration of a series of blow molding apparatuses according to embodiments of the present invention, including a
For example, the neck finish of a container holds a cap, plug, or closure with a protruding thread, and the container and its corresponding cap must have a matching mouth. For example, 24/400 bottles can only fit 24/400 closures. Typically, the size of a thread or continuous thread closure is indicated by two numbers separated by a hyphen or slash. The first number refers to the diameter (in mm) measured outside the threads of the bottle. The second number refers to the thread pattern: the "glass packaging association (GPI)" or "plastic industry association (SPI)" ports. GPI and SPI set forth a uniform standard for glass and plastic container necks. Common GPI/SPI necks include:
400-1 turns of thread
410-1.5 turns of thread
415-2 turns of thread
420-2 turns of thread, high
425-2 turns of narrow thread
430-buttress-like mouth with coarse threads and top flange;
2030-a non-continuously threaded lug; and
2035-lug with discontinuous thread, high.
Other dimensions include:
t size: the outside diameter of the thread. The tolerance range of the "T" dimension determines the match between the bottle and the closure.
I size: the inner diameter of the neck of the bottle. The specification requires a minimum "I" dimension to allow the filler tube to have sufficient clearance. Linerless closures with plugs or solid closures as well as dispensing plugs and fittings require a controllable "I" dimension for proper mating.
S size: a measurement is taken from the mouth top to the first thread top edge. The "S" dimension defines the height of the thread start, thereby determining the amount of thread engagement between the bottle and the cap.
E size; the outer diameter of the neck. The difference between the "E" and "T" dimensions divided by 2 determines the thread depth.
H size: height of the neck opening. Measurements are taken from the top of the neck to the point where the diameter "T" extends downward to intersect the shoulder.
Thus, the "T" dimension may include, for example, 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm and dimensions less than or greater than these dimensions.
The cap or threaded cap may be lined, unlined, ribbed, smooth, domed, slick-ball cap, push-down and pull-up child-resistant caps, tamper-evident caps, and foam-introducing liner caps. Alternatively, the device may utilize other closures including, but not limited to, a kinematic "pop-up/push-down" top, a flip-top, and a hinged lid.
Nowadays, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products such as devices. PET devices are made by two different processes: single stage processes (injection stretch blow molding (ISBM)) and two stage processes (injection molding (IM) and reheat Stretch Blow Molding (SBM)). In a single stage process, both the preform and the device are manufactured within the same machine. These machines have 3 or 4 stations, including injection, optional conditioning, blowing and spraying. The dried PET resin was melted in an extruder and injected into a vertically aligned cavity. Supported by the neck insert when the finished preform is removed from the inject core and cavity. The machine is rotated 90 degrees on a machine with an adjustment function and 120 degrees on a machine without an adjustment function. The preform is then conditioned (optional step), blown and finally peeled from the neck insert. Through this process, there are no parting lines or wrinkles in the body of the preform, visible only at the neck. This over-molding feature for the preform allows for a single same material or different materials to be used for different preform portions.
In a two-stage process, the preform is injection molded, followed by reheating (as shown below in FIG. 5 according to a typical blow molding process of the prior art that utilizes preforms). Thus, fig. 5 illustrates the two-stage Stretch Blow Molding (SBM) forming process. In the SBM process, the plastic is first molded into a "preform" using an injection molding process as described below with respect to fig. 6. These preforms are manufactured with the neck of the device, including a thread ("port") on one end. The preforms are packaged and (after cooling) placed in a reheat stretch blow molding machine. In the SBM process, the preform is heated at a temperature above its glass transition (typically using an infrared heater) and blown into the apparatus using a metal blow mold with high pressure air. This is depicted in the first through sixth blow-molding diagrams 510 through 560, respectively, with preform diagram 570 clearly showing the preform with the threaded cap. As part of this process, the preform is always stretched with a stretch rod. The advantage of this process is that very high throughput can be achieved, there are not much restrictions on device design, and preforms can be sold/purchased as finished products from third parties for later blowing into devices of any desired shape. The disadvantages are generally high cost, high floor space requirements, and better suitability for circular devices than elliptical ones.
FIG. 6 is an extrusion blow molding process (EBM) utilizing direct blow molding from an extruded tube, according to the prior art; as shown, the plastic is melted and extruded into a hollow tube (parison). And then closed in a cooled metal mold to obtain the parison. Air is then blown into the parison, inflating it to form the shape of the device body, container or component. Depending on the application, a blow pin or a blow pin may be used to deliver the air. After the plastic has cooled sufficiently, the mold is opened and the part ejected. "continuous" and "batch" are two variations of extrusion blow molding. In continuous Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM), a parison is continuously extruded and cut into individual parts using a suitable knife. There are two processes in batch EBM: the linear batch type is similar to injection molding in that the screw is rotated and then stopped and the melt is pushed out. This process is known as the reciprocating screw process. With the accumulator method, the accumulator collects the molten plastic and when the previous component has cooled and accumulated a sufficient amount of plastic, the rod pushes the molten plastic and forms the parison. In this case, the screw may be rotated continuously or intermittently. With continuous extrusion, the weight of the parison drives the parison and wall thickness calibration is difficult. The accumulator head or reciprocating screw method uses a hydraulic system to rapidly eject the parison, reduces the effects of weight, and achieves precise wall thickness control by adjusting the mold gap with a parison programming device.
Advantages of EBM include low tool and mold cost, fast production speed, ability to mold complex parts, and the possibility to incorporate handles in the design. The disadvantages are limited to hollow parts and low resistance to gas and vapour ingress and egress. To increase barrier properties, multi-layer profiles of different materials are often used, which poses recycling challenges.
Two different materials can also be injected sequentially: one hard and one soft. This is achieved by two extruders, each extruding the respective material and extruding the material into a specific head from which the material flows out at different times or at different speeds. This process results in a soft segment, one hard segment on each side of the soft segment, not necessarily of equal length. The materials that can be combined are High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or nylon and Triphenyl Phosphate (TPE), but other combinations can be used.
The best multilayer process is two layers: an inner layer of a flexible material such as Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and an outer layer forming a soft touch surface. This can be done on standard machines with a specific "head", that is to say the part that shapes the parison. The head portion allows the mini satellite extruder to feed the outer layer to about 20% of the total amount.
In addition to the EBM and SBM processes, there is Injection Blow Molding (IBM) which injection molds a polymer onto a core pin which is then rotated to a blow molding station for inflation and cooling. Typically this process is the least used of the three blow molding processes and is commonly used to manufacture disposable medical vials. The process comprises three steps: injection, blowing, and spraying.
The IBM machine uses an extrusion barrel and screw assembly to melt the polymer which is then fed into a hot runner plate where it is injected through a nozzle into a heating cavity and core pin. The cavity die is formed into an external shape and clamped around a mandrel, which forms the internal shape of the molded article. The preform orientation is horizontal and there is a parting line along the entire body and neck. The horizontal direction may enable undercutting in the longitudinal direction, which ISBM cannot achieve. Which facilitates the use of direct material in a larger geometrically structured area of the device. The preform consists of a fully formed neck with a thick tube of polymer attached and is used to form the body. The preform mold is opened and the core rod is rotated and clamped into the hollow, cooled blow mold. The end of the core rod is opened and compressed air is admitted to the preform, inflating it to the finished shape. After the cooling period, the blow mold is opened and the mandrel is rotated to the injection position. The finished product is peeled from the mandrel and optionally leak tested prior to packaging.
IBM has advantages including the ability to produce precision injection molded necks. It is only suitable for small volume devices because it is difficult to control the center of the base when blown, it does not increase barrier strength because the material is not biaxially stretched, and it does not incorporate a handle. Advantageously, EBM allows for the weight and wall thickness of parts to be varied without the need for tool changes, in addition to lower tool costs compared to other forms of blow molding. This is achievable because the die gap through which the material flows can be manipulated during production. This makes it customizable to suit the geometry of the container and to suit specific weights and wall thicknesses. Thus, the same mold can be used to make light and highly flexible and stiffer, heavier parts. Moving mold parts are common in EBM for industrial and automotive parts. Typically, it is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder rather than a cam commonly used for injection molding. Moving mold parts does add significant cost to the mold, so it is often a problem to lay down parting lines at the design stage, thereby avoiding the use of any moving mold parts.
For EBM, the method allows for the production of devices using a variety of materials, including but not limited to High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and,
IBM allows the use of a variety of material production facilities including, but not limited to, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC,
Alternatively, the rotational 3D injection molding may form a one-piece component as shown in
By designing the parting line of the blow mold as the right axis, the mold can be designed such that, for example, multiple devices can be implemented using a single piece with only a small number of design changes. This has the advantage that the component itself does not need to be sealed to water. With a standard two-piece lid (referring to a lid with an internal liner), the battery compartment can also be sealed cost effectively. Large openings (typically greater than about 50mm) in EBM manufacture are typically blown with a dome, after which the dome is cut. This is a standard process, wide mouth cutters being ubiquitous. Thus, the battery case can be formed at low cost as part of the molding process, in addition to features such as handles, threads, etc.
Twin sheet thermoforming is another method suitable for producing devices. In this method, two plastic sheets are heated simultaneously and then fused together in a thermoforming process. It may also be filled with foam. They may be of different colors and either side may have different geometric configurations and/or wall thicknesses. Many materials are suitable for use in this process, including High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), polyacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), HDPE, PP, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and PET modified with cyclohexanedimethanol (PETG).
Insert molding is done manually in EBM, while the handle is inserted automatically into the mold in a Stretch Blow Molding (SBM) process. The latter requires hooks around which the material flows to secure the insert. Manual insert molding can increase the cost of the components. But so-called "boat in bottle" parts can be molded in which the motor and other parts, etc. are placed at the bottom of the mold and the parison flows over them.
EBM can also be used for blow molding of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) to form rubber-like articles or rubber-like elements of articles. TPEs are a class of copolymers or physical blends of polymers, usually plastics and rubbers, which are composed of materials with thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. TPEs include styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, and thermoplastic polyamides. Like other EBM materials, such TPEs benefit from coreless, non-flash molding, the ability to form complex shapes, build with sequential materials, and utilize multiple layers. Thus, the single layer TPE EBM process uses a grade of thermoplastic rubber pellets to create a hollow part with small parts continuously extruded from the single layer. Multilayer components are typically manufactured by extruding several materials either batchwise or continuously. This method is very advantageous for applications that require versatility, such as barrier resins that cannot come into contact with the environment or the use of soft, hard material compositions of rubber and plastic properties in different ways. Sequential parts are produced by successive extrusion of two or more materials or different grades of one material.
For example, where mobility and hermeticity are desired in a single element, a hard and soft grade of Santoprene can be usedTMRubber. Or, for example, a hard grade of SantopreneTMRubber may also be used in alternation with polypropylene for applications requiring localized flexibility and stiffness. SantopreneTMThe main advantage of rubber is that it can be processed to essentially all colors by mixing TPE pellets with suitable colorants, or in some cases, pre-colored pellets are available from a variety of sources. For stability, compatibility and dispersibility, solid color concentrates are generally the preferred method of coloring TPEs because they consist of a pigment mixed with a carrier resin, are dust-free, easy to use and can be mixed using rollers or metered precisely.
In addition to these techniques, rotational molding (often referred to as rotational molding) is another method that may be applied to produce devices according to embodiments of the present invention. It is similar to other blow molding processes and can produce hollow containers. But the rotomoulding mould first needs to be filled with plastic in granular, powder or liquid form. The shell mold was then closed and heating was initiated while rotating at a slow speed in both axes. The resin is now adhered to the mold walls, forming a solid layer in the process. The mold is again cooled and the plastic solidifies while the mold is still rotating. When the plastic cools to some extent, the rotation is stopped so that the plastic does not deform when the mold is opened and the part is removed.
Suitable resins are standard and cross-linked polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, elastomers, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyamide and fluorocarbons. Because of the different processes used, rotomolded parts are not as limited by undercuts as other forms of blow molding. An article can be manufactured with very fine bumps and features without weld lines. The mold is inexpensive and can be made with single or multiple cavities.
Referring now to fig. 7, an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes a threaded Blow Molded (BM)
In some embodiments of the invention, the
Fig. 8 now shows an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, which includes a threaded Blow Molded (BM)
Thus, a user may purchase an
Referring now to fig. 10, an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown and includes a threaded Blow Molded (BM)
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that once the
Fig. 11A now shows an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention that includes a threaded Blow Molded (BM)
Fig. 11B illustrates an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention that includes a threaded Blow Molded (BM)
In fig. 11A and 11B and other embodiments of the invention where the vibrator assembly and/or the ends of the vibrator body seal the opening of the BM body, it is clear that alternatively the control and charging contacts of the active vibrating element may be provided on the top surface of the sealing structure, so that when the BM body and the vibrating element are joined, the contacts are accessible from the outside.
Fig. 12A now shows an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, which includes a Blow Molded (BM) body 1210, but here without threads and a suitable cover. In this case, the BM body 1210 has been pre-filled with foam 1220 (as shown in fig. 10 above), wherein the BM body 1210 and
Fig. 12B illustrates an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention that includes a Blow Molded (BM)
Referring now to fig. 13 and 14, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein the outer profile of the
FIG. 15 is a method of a modular arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention. Thus, as shown are
Fig. 16 now illustrates an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention that includes a Blow Molded (BM) body 1610, but here without threads and a suitable cover. In this case, the BM body 1610 has been pre-filled with foam 1620 (as shown in fig. 10 above), wherein the BM body 1210 and
According to one embodiment of the invention, the device 1650 and/or the BM body 1610 with or without foam and the other designs shown in fig. 4,7-15 and 17-20 above may be sold as a stand-alone element without being filled with fluid or other filler material.
In embodiments of the invention, instead of/in the alternative to a substantially blank opening as shown in fig. 16, and a threaded opening in many embodiments of the invention as shown in fig. 4,7-15 and 17-20, the "empty" BM body may be provided with a thickened, smooth-like opening around the lip of the opening. Such thicker lip regions may provide the user with the option of adding a closure element to allow the BM body to fill and then seal. The closure element may be a cork-shaped tapered stopper or a parallel-walled stopper or the like that provides a seal by wedging, locking in or compression fitting with the BM body. Or the opening may be designed to receive a snap-fit cap or a threaded cap. Optionally, the lip/cover may contain active electronics that may generate and/or control at least one of power, electromagnetic, vibration, temperature, texture, motion, and frictional sensations to the user. Optionally, the lip/lid may further comprise one or more sensors for internal use, controlling the device and/or communications associated with the device, etc., and at least one of a remote control, a PED and the internet.
Fig. 17 is an
Alternatively, in other embodiments of the present invention, the openings in
FIG. 18A is an assembly configuration and assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the assembly consists of the
Fig. 18A-18B are an assembly configuration and insert for positioning a vibrating element in a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first and
As usual and as shown upon insertion, the cross-section of the
The
As shown in fig. 18C, a plurality of
As shown in fig. 18D, a plurality of
Fig. 19 illustrates an assembly configuration including a
Fig. 20 now shows the assembly configuration including the
Referring now to fig. 21, a
Alternatively, the
Alternatively, in other embodiments of the present invention, the
Alternatively, the
It will be apparent that by providing a BM body that matches that used as a massager, the profile of one or both ends of many embodiments of the present invention may not generally match that of a BM body that is self-operating in a retail environment or in a customer's home or the like. Thus, as shown in fig. 22, in a retail environment, a
FIG. 23 illustrates a blow molding process utilizing a non-uniform preform according to one embodiment of the present invention to provide a device including a shell having "reinforcing" ribs. Referring to the
It will be apparent that they may alternatively extend radially around the surface as a series of rings along the length of the preform and then the blow-moulded part, or alternatively they may be helical in a similar manner to a multiple start screw, with the multiple spirals being staggered relative to one another (as shown in
FIG. 24 illustrates a geometry of a blow molding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to the geometry shown and described with respect to FIG. 4. Accordingly, the
Referring now to the
Alternatively, embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a collapsible insert (e.g., a bottle) within the body of the BL so that it can be thrown, retrieved or can be attached with a standard screw cap, snap fit device, or the like, matching cartridge. Alternatively, the insert may be a component of the BM body itself, possibly operating inside the body as a pre-mold or over-mold or in one step. Optionally, the vibrator insert may include a light source (e.g., an LED) for the device transparent and colored BM/EBM body.
Alternatively, vibrators or other vibrators may be used in conjunction with BM/EBM bodies according to embodiments of the present invention, and may be combined with other technologies to provide therapeutic stimulation to a user, either alone or in combination. Such techniques may provide electrical stimulation, electromagnetic stimulation (e.g., infrared heat), vibration, temperature (e.g., heating or cooling), variable texture, device movement, device dimensional changes, and/or geometric configuration changes, and friction. The active element comprises a vibrator and can further comprise interfaces of a control interface, a remote controller, a sensor and the like; alternatively, multiple small active elements (e.g., balls) may be used, where different combinations provide different effects to the user and/or the active elements may adjust/change their function based on identification of other locally connected devices, etc.: for example, a user may use three active elements to provide vibration, heat, and visual stimuli. Furthermore, such non-conventional geometries may allow for the replication of active components, etc. Since the active element is here located within the housing, its geometry is now not defined by the geometry of the final product; thus, the active elements may be cuboidal, spherical, elliptical, polygonal, etc., and may be stacked, interlocked, etc.; likewise, a user may use a different number of vibratory elements within the device; similarly, such active elements may be used with other devices formed by manufacturing processes other than the blow molding techniques described above in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
In the embodiments of the invention shown above, the Blow Molded (BM) body may be transparent, white, black, colored, transparent, colored, etc. depending on demographics, marketing, etc.; color and other additives may be sprayed onto one or more BM components once the device has been blow molded, although this may be dangerous or difficult. Generally, BM parts should be burned to improve the adhesion of the coating, which can delaminate when used or washed when used as a device. With regard to washing, only polypropylene (PP) and Polycarbonate (PC) materials are available for the washing machine. Other BM materials should be hand washed in warm water.
In the embodiment of the invention shown in figures 7 to 21 above, the body opening of the device has been substantially considered to be a threaded opening, but figure 21 uses a crimp seal. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other designs of resealable openings include, but are not limited to, screw caps, cork, glass stoppers, snaps on closures, flanges/edges that can be fitted to the top of the opening, reclosable clasps, removable and replaceable moving covers, friction tops, and raised tops.
The device may be made transparent from polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), copolyester, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and may be used for dual purposes (e.g., initially sold and distributed as a consumable, and later used as a device). Or the device may be slightly opaque (i.e. milky) or fully colored. BM components with colored stripes can also be fabricated in the vertical direction.
As described above, some embodiments of the present invention have foam that fills one or more BM body components. While no one has invented a machine that automatically adds foam to a blow molded part, machines for form-fill-seal exist in which the blow molded part is filled with liquid and crimped to avoid contamination. With some "foam" that can be treated as a liquid that foams and hardens once treated.
In embodiments of the invention utilizing a blow molding process having a female mold shape and/or some form of protrusion, it is common for a flash line to be formed along an axis from which one or more protrusions extend. Such workpieces are common, such as Extrusion Blow Molded (EBM) bottles and all parts can be provided at the opposite end of the neck. This flash can be removed by burning (usually by hand). However, the EBM mold opens along a vertical axis and undercuts in the vertical direction, allowing such flash to be eliminated along the major axis of the device.
For some forms of devices, this consideration allows the manufacturing/design methodology to be tailored. For example, for clitoral vibrators, the parting line may not need to be undercut, and the vibrators may be reverse blow molded so that the opening allows space in the blow molded device for placement of a battery pack or insertion of a vibrator as described above in embodiments of the invention.
The embodiments of the invention described above with reference to figures 3 to 20 and this specification have described apparatus for forming bodies and/or components by blow moulding. Each requiring a mold for blow molding. Proper mold design is important for successful extrusion blow molding. Extrusion blow molding dies can be machined or cast because both methods produce similar physical properties. The ability of the cavity to conduct heat away from the component is important. The extrusion blow mold may be made of cast aluminum, machined solid aluminum, or other good heat conducting alloys (e.g., copper bronze).
Cast aluminum molds are typically useful in that they require modeling and can be used to represent a product before the main mold begins to be manufactured. The cut or machined mold may be made by a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model and does not require the use of a physical model. The choice between casting and cutting is typically based on performance requirements. Cast aluminum molds are somewhat less durable than equivalent cut aluminum/alloy molds. For products with very low age requirements or extremely large parts, a mold is usually the best option. The cut or machined mold is generally stronger and easier to modify than the cast mold.
The material grades used for casting are typically unique for each foundry, but common aluminum grades include 6061 and 7075. Although iron and copper alloys are not typically cast for the mold body, steel and copper alloys may be inserted as clamping edges to improve the durability of the cast aluminum mold. Aluminum is the preferred material for the working mold, and grades of 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 are typically used. For molds that may be limited in use or need to resist pinch-off, harder materials may be replaced or inserted. Materials commonly used for this purpose include copper alloys or P-20 tool steels. Proper maintenance of the ferrous alloy is required to avoid oxidation damage.
For non-textured molds, grit blasting is typically used. For the aluminum mold, coarse silica sand may be used. Grit blasted surfaces are rough enough to produce surface porosity but not enough to texture the surface of the BM device. If the surface needs to be textured, then the coarser and deeper patterns are re-set in the mold during the BM process.
BM moulds can also accommodate inserts but for this purpose sockets are required to secure and release the inserts when the part is ejected. The insert placed in the blow mold should allow release of the blow molded part when removed from the mold. If this is not possible, a pneumatic sliding arrangement may be used. It is often necessary to deflate around the insert to ensure consistent packaging. The insert should be securely positioned when the mold is closed. Typical inserts may include mounting tabs, nuts, bolts, ports, and tubing. These may be added to the part by placing the insert into a mold and blow molding a parison around it. Attachment of the components may be achieved by mechanical, adhesive or thermal welding. For mechanical attachment, one option is that the insert requires a large base whose design may allow the parison to be encapsulated.
In some embodiments of the invention, visual effects may be suitably provided to the device. In some cases, this may impart another material appearance to the surface (e.g., leather, wood, stippling, sand, etc.; in other cases, a more uniform, stylistic effect may be imparted to the part, or the glossy appearance may be removed and rendered matte in evidence.
-a pattern comprising a company logo or the appearance of a part;
diffusing light onto a transparent component (e.g. jagged or frosty);
-making the transparent part translucent;
-a visual contrast; by using two different textures on one part or by frosting;
hiding diagonal lines, flow lines, knitting lines, red marks and other molding marks;
-adding part numbers, designs, consumer instructions, etc.;
-removing the two pass process (e.g. hot stamping or label application); and
-tactile improvement.
In a device according to an embodiment of the invention, the fluid in the device may be heated or cooled before filling the device, thereby providing an additional sensation to the user when using the device. Alternatively, the degree of heat or cold applied to the user's skin by the device surface may be varied by varying the thermal conductivity of the body of the device in different regions and/or the thickness of the external device between the fluid and the user's skin. In other embodiments, the dual fluid chamber may alternatively provide both heat and cold in the same device.
As far as the material from which the device is made, various plastic materials can be used, as described above for the blow-moulded element of the device in combination with the fluid and/or foam used to fill the internal volume of the body. It is apparent that other materials may be used including, but not limited to, closed cell foam, open cell foam, polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, phenolic foam, rubber, latex, jelly rubber, silicone rubber, elastomers, stainless steel, Cyberskin, and glass. In embodiments of the invention, the fluid may be a lubricant or household item (e.g., water, vegetable oil, mineral oil) or even a beverage (e.g., milk, juice, carbonated beverage, etc.); in this way, a simple BM body with a lid can be filled to form a solid device. Even initially the BM body may be derived from a domestic consumable. Optionally, the BM body may be filled with a powder and/or paste (e.g. flour, sugar, etc.); optionally, the BM body may be filled with building materials (e.g. silicone sealant (cured), sand, etc.); alternatively, the filling material in the device according to embodiments of the present invention may be food products, beverages, cleaning products, lubricants and cosmetic products. In embodiments of the present invention, the user may thus fill the empty BM body with any suitable material to achieve the desired characteristics. Or the empty BM body may be filled/pressurized with gas (e.g., air) using a small hand pump or other pump (e.g., a bicycle tire pump).
Optionally, in some embodiments of the invention, the BM body may be inserted into a sheath (e.g., a sheath formed of an elastomeric material), examples of which include rubber, latex, silicone rubber, and elastomers. In some embodiments of the invention, the jacket can be permanently applied to the outer surface of the BM body by one or more manufacturing processes including, but not limited to, dipping, spraying, and molding. Further, it is apparent that a single BM body may be formed by manufacturing a single piece component in a single process step. Or a plurality of individual BM bodies may be joined together by thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical properties, adhesives, etc. either directly or via intermediate pipes; or a plurality of individual BM bodies may be linked together by a user so that a single "set" of components may constitute a series of devices. Thus, a single vibrator may be inserted into different BM bodies as shown in fig. 15, either alone or in combination with an expander element.
Although emphasis is made here on a self-contained unit, it is clear that in other embodiments according to the invention the unit may be divided into a plurality of units. Alternatively, it is clear that a device according to an embodiment of the invention can be designed such that: the form of holding when in use; a part of accessories of a kit is used; through accessory configuration; or by suction cups or other mounting means.
In embodiments of the invention involving apparatus and electronic controller, the foregoing description as shown in the drawings illustrates that the power supply for the vibrator element is in a battery-powered form and may be of a standard replaceable (consumable) design: such as alkaline, zinc carbon, lithium iron sulfide (LiFeS2) type cells, or rechargeable designs: such as nickel cadmium (NiCd or Nicad), nickel zinc and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Typically, such batteries are size seven or five batteries, including, but not limited to, type one, two and PP3 batteries. Therefore, such devices should have their own power supply, controller and remote interface within the same body. Obviously, the electrical main connection may alleviate design limitations of power consumption. In the case of a wired interface remote control connected to a power source, the cover may be provided with an opening to allow the threaded cover to be connected to an in-groove cable with rubber/elastomer grommets/edges or the like to reduce fluid leakage at this time.
Alternatively, the device may be designed to contain a battery and a power plug, with a power cord having a small electrical connector to connect the power source to the remote transformer. An apparatus and its electronic controller according to an embodiment of the present invention, the foregoing of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, illustrate the electronic controller within the apparatus. But optionally the controller is remotely connected to the device by a wire or communicates by indirect means such as wireless communication or the like. Additionally, as described above, the electronic controller may provide control signals to one or more active elements of the device. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the electronic controller may receive input from sensors embedded within the device or located outside the device. For example, the sensor may provide an output based on pressure applied by the user to the portion of the device, wherein the controller may adjust one or more aspects of the device.
The foregoing detailed description is provided only to facilitate a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be appreciated that embodiments may be practiced without reference to the specific details. For example, the circuitry may be shown in block diagram form so as not to obscure the embodiment with extraneous content. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may not be shown in insignificant detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
The techniques, modules, steps, and methods described above may be implemented in various ways. For example, these techniques, modules, steps and methods may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. If implemented in hardware, the processing units may be implemented within one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, and/or combinations thereof.
It is also noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may illustrate a sequence of operations that occur sequentially, many of the operations may occur in parallel or concurrently. Further, the order of the operations may be altered. After the operation is completed, the process is ended, but other steps not included in the figure may be included in the process. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, an subroutine, etc.; when a process corresponds to a function, the function returns to the calling function or the main function after completion of the process.
The foregoing is a disclosure of embodiments of the invention directed to the description of the invention. And is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications to the above-described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above disclosure.
Further, in describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, the steps of the method or process are not limited to the particular order of steps set forth in the present invention, as the method or process is not limited to the particular steps set forth in the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these steps may be performed in other sequences as well. Accordingly, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims appended hereto. Furthermore, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of the product in the steps described. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be made in the order of the steps set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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