Therapeutic magnet apparatus

Abstract

A reconfigurable magnetic therapy apparatus is formed by multiple magnetic components which are maintained in a stable planar array by either mutual magnetic attraction or mechanical fixtures which may include a ferromagnetic backing plate to which the elements are magnetically attached. The array can be separated and reconfigured by the user to provide different magnetic patterns that favor either high surface strength, or deep penetration, or multiple smaller sub arrays to treat multiple sites.

1 . A magnet apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of discrete magnets formed of ceramic and having a nested configuration, gaps therebetween, and total weight of less than one International pound; and   a securement for retaining said plurality of discrete magnets as an array in proximity to a subject in need of therapy.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said array is a planar array. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of discrete magnets form a concentric array. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a mechanical fastener. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said mechanical fastener is a ferromagnetic backing plate to which said plurality of magnets are attached. 
     
     
         6 . A substantially planar reconfigurable magnetic therapy apparatus comprising:
 a first magnet having a perimeter and being formed of a ceramic;   a second magnet surrounding said first magnet and engaging said first magnet around a majority of the perimeter; and   a securement for retaining said plurality of discrete magnets as an array in proximity to a subject in need of therapy.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said securement is a contact adhesive. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said securement is a magnetically secured retainer to sandwich a garment between said securement and said second and or said first magnet. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said garment is clothing or a bandage. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said first magnet and said second magnet collectively weigh less than 1 International pound. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said first magnet and said second magnet each have a thickness of less than 1 inch. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said securement is embedded in a pad or cushion positions in proximity to the subject in need of therapy. 
     
     
         13 . A substantially planar reconfigurable magnetic therapy apparatus comprising:
 a first circular magnet having a perimeter and being formed of a ceramic;   a second magnet surrounding said first magnet and engaging said first magnet around a majority of the perimeter as a concentric ring; and   a securement for retaining said plurality of discrete magnets as an array in proximity to a subject in need of therapy.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said securement is a contact adhesive. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said securement is a magnetically secured retainer to sandwich a garment between said securement and said second and or said first magnet. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said garment is clothing or a bandage. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said first magnet and said second magnet collectively weigh less than 1 International pound. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said first magnet and said second magnet each have a thickness of less than 1 inch. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said securement is embedded in a pad or cushion positions in proximity to the subject in need of therapy.