EXTENDED HANDLE MECHANISM FOR PERCUSSIVE MASSAGE DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

An extended handle for securely holding reciprocating massage devices. The handle includes a handle section and a mounting section, the mounting section providing a channel designed to hold conventional reciprocating massage devices of differing geometries from various manufacturers and the handle section oriented to distribute the weight of an attached reciprocating massage device while allowing a user to easily position the attached massage device relative to various parts of the user's body.

Claims

1. An extended handle for a personal massage device, comprising: an elongated rigid structure comprising: a working end; and a handling end; wherein said working end comprises a mounting mechanism configured to secure a handle portion of a reciprocating massage gun.

2. The extended handle of claim 1, wherein said mounting mechanism comprises: an angular channel comprising a channel surface facing said handling end and an exterior surface, a padding material affixed to said channel surface; and a clamping mechanism attached to said exterior surface.

3. The extended handle of claim 2, wherein said clamping mechanism comprises: a buckle affixed to said exterior surface; and a strap affixed to said exterior surface; wherein said buckle is configured to engage said strap to secure an object placed in said angular channel.

4. The extended handle of claim 3, wherein said object placed in said angular channel is said handle portion of said reciprocating massage gun, wherein said reciprocating massage gun further comprises an axis of reciprocation, and said working end is positioned a distance of between 21 and 37 inches from the bottom of said angular channel, said distance measured along said axis of reciprocation of said reciprocating massage gun.

5. The extended handle of claim 3, wherein said elongated rigid structure further comprises a first curved portion, a second curved portion; and a third curved portion.

6. The extended handle of claim 5, wherein said first curved portion is located proximal to said working end and has an arc angle of approximately 119 degrees; said third curved portion is located proximal to said handling end and has an arc angle of approximately 78 degrees; and said second curved portion is located between said first curved portion and said third curved portion and has an arc angle of −18 degrees.

7. The extended handle of claim 5, wherein the sum of the arc angles of the first, second, and third curved portions is approximately 180 degrees.

8. The extended handle of claim 6, wherein said working end further comprises a flat surface opposite said angular channel, said flat surface attached to said working end at said exterior surface.

9. The extended handle of claim 8, wherein said elongated rigid structure comprises three telescoping sections.

10. The extended handle of claim 9 wherein each of said telescoping sections are secured to adjacent telescoping sections utilizing a spring button and an O-ring.

11. An extended handle for a personal massage device, comprising: an elongated rigid structure comprising: a working end; and a handling end; wherein said working end comprises: a flattened portion of said elongated rigid structure comprising a first flat side and a second flat side; and a mounting mechanism configured to secure a handle portion of a handheld massage device.

12. The extended handle of claim 11, wherein said mounting mechanism comprises: a buckle flange, a strap flange, a buckle, and a strap; wherein said buckle flange comprises a first angled face, a buckle face, and a first tube mating face; wherein said first angled face is adjacent to said buckle face and said first tube mating face, said first angled face is disposed at a 135 degree angle to said first tube mating face, and said first angled face is further disposed at a 45 degree angle to said buckle face; wherein said first tube mating face is attached to said first flat side of said flattened portion of said elongated rigid structure; wherein said buckle is attached to said buckle face; said strap flange comprises a second angled face, a strap face, and a second tube mating face; wherein said second angled face is adjacent to said strap face and said second tube mating face, said second angled face is disposed at a 135 degree angle to said second tube mating face, and said second angled face is further disposed at a 45 degree angle to said strap face; wherein said second tube mating face is attached to said second flat side of said flattened portion of said elongated rigid structure; and wherein said strap is attached to said strap face.

13. The extended handle of claim 12, wherein said elongated rigid structure further comprises a first curved portion, a second curved portion; and a third curved portion.

14. The extended handle of claim 13, wherein said first curved portion is located proximal to said working end, said third curved portion is located proximal to said handling end, and said second curved portion is located between said first curved portion and said third curved portion, and wherein the sum of the arc angles of said first, second, and third curved portions is approximately 180 degrees.

15. The extended handle of claim 14, wherein said first curved portion has an arc angle of approximately 119 degrees; said third curved portion has an arc angle of approximately 78 degrees; and said second curved portion has an arc angle of approximately −18 degrees.

16. The extended handle of claim 15, further comprising: a flat surface, said flat surface being attached to said working end, perpendicular to the plane of said buckle face and said strap face, and nonadjacent to said first angled face and said second angled face.

17. The extended handle of claim 16, wherein said elongated rigid structure comprises three telescoping sections.

18. The extended handle of claim 17 wherein each of said telescoping sections are secured to one another utilizing a spring button.

19. The extended handle of claim 18, further comprising a first O-ring and second O-ring, wherein said first O-ring is positioned between said first curved portion and said second curved portion, and wherein said second O-ring is positioned between said second curved portion and said third curved portion.

20. A method for utilizing an extended handle for a reciprocating massage device, the method comprising: placing said reciprocating massage device in an angular channel of said extended handle mechanism, said extended handle mechanism comprising a working end, a handling end, and multiple curved portions, wherein said angular channel is disposed at said working end of said extended handle mechanism, wherein said working end further comprises a fastening mechanism, and wherein the sum of the arc angles of said multiple curved portions is approximately 180 degrees, securing said reciprocating massage device to said handle mechanism using said fastening mechanism; activating said reciprocating massage device; holding said reciprocating massage device with at least one hand at said handling end; positioning said reciprocating massage device at a desired position on a user's body by applying force to said extended handle mechanism; and applying force to said handling end to engage said reciprocating massage device with said user's body at said desired position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] To ensure that the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] FIG. 1a shows various aspects of the extended handle mechanism in accordance with one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 1b shows various aspects of the extended handle mechanism in accordance with one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows various aspects of the extended handle mechanism in accordance with one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows various aspects of a buckle mount in accordance with one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows various aspects of a strap mount in accordance with one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows various aspects of the extended handle mechanism in accordance with one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows various aspects of the extended handle mechanism while in use by a user.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram of a method for using the extended handle mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] As depicted in FIG. 1a, a handle mechanism 100 for interfacing with a reciprocating massage device is provided. Curved metal tube 102 is depicted with a flattened end 104 and a distal end 106. In one embodiment, curved metal tube 102 comprises three major curves 108, 110, and 112. Curved metal tube 102 may be comprised of aluminum, carbon steel, or other rigid material, including plastic instead of metal. Curved metal tube 102 need not be hollow but could be any rigid material that could be grasped by a user's hand, and is of sufficient diameter to allow for easy grasping. In one embodiment, curved metal tube 102 is 32 mm in outside diameter, but other sizes may be acceptable. In one embodiment, metal tube 102 comprises a single tube. In another embodiment, metal tube 102 comprises multiple tube pieces which may be fit together to enable disassembly of handle mechanism 100 for convenient storage. In another embodiment, metal tube 102 is comprised of multiple hinged members so that the handle mechanism 100 may be folded for convenient storage.

[0032] Buckle mount 114 and strap mount 116 are attached to flattened end 104. Buckle mount 114 and strap mount 116 are designed with angled portions such that by arranging buckle mount 114 and strap mount 116 so that their angled portions face opposite one another, massage gun cavity 120 is created with an approximate 90 degree angle to allow for holding a reciprocating massage device (reciprocating massage device not pictured). In another embodiment, for example when curved metal tube is instead made from molded plastic, buckle mount 114 and strap mount 116 are bodily incorporated into flatted end 104.

[0033] In one embodiment, flattened end 104 is formed by crimping curved metal tube 102. Other methods for creating a flattened end of metal tube 102 may be used as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, flattened end 104 comprises a flattened portion of approximately 120 mm so that buckle mount 114 and strap mount 116 can accommodate multiple straps and buckles, although differing sizes would be appreciable to one of skill in the art.

[0034] In one embodiment, buckle mount 114 and strap mount 116 are attached to flattened end 104 by way of affixing screws. Other methods of attaching buckle mount and strap mount are possible. For example, in one embodiment, buckle mount and strap mount may be affixed to flattened end 104 by welding.

[0035] In one embodiment, a user will place a reciprocating massage device in massage gun cavity 120 and, using straps 118 and corresponding buckles 126, secure the reciprocating massage device to handle mechanism 100. Handle mechanism 100 is designed to be held by a user's hands in two positions, pivot grip 122 and distal grip 124. The reciprocating massage device is placed in massage gun cavity 120 in an orientation in which the reciprocating tip of the reciprocating massage device generally faces distal grip 124. In one embodiment, buckles 126 are commercially available snowboard ratchet buckles, such as model PRB-081S, manufactured by T.J. & Grace Industrial Corp. and straps are corresponding strap model LS-08, also manufactured by T.J. & Grace Industrial Corp. However, one of skill in the art may recognize that other fastening means may be used in order to securely fasten a reciprocating massage device in place while in operation. In particular, given the forces created by a conventional reciprocating massage device, buckles and straps are preferably constructed of sufficient quality to prevent a conventional reciprocating massage device from rotating or shifting once it is secured in place in massage gun cavity 120.

[0036] In one embodiment major curve 108 (also called a shoulder curve), located proximal to flattened end 104, is intended to provide space above a user's shoulder. Major curve 110 (also called a grip curve) is intended to assist in angling the device above the shoulder of a user who is using the reciprocating massage device. Major curve 112 (also called a handle curve) is intended to provide a handle to aid a user in providing a force perpendicular to the frontal plane of the user's body, however the handle need not be precisely perpendicular with the frontal plane of the user's body or with the axis of reciprocation of the reciprocating massage device. With a reciprocating massage device secured in massage gun cavity 120, when a user provides a force perpendicular to the frontal plane of the user's body, the user transfers a force using massage handle 100 that drives the reciprocating tip of the reciprocating massage device onto the back of the user's body.

[0037] In one embodiment distal end 106 comprises a rounded end cap made of a hard material such as a hard plastic. In this embodiment, distal end 106 may be additionally utilized by a user as a point massage device. In another embodiment, distal end 106 comprises a flat end made of a hard material such as a hard metal like aluminum or carbon steel.

[0038] FIG. 1b depicts another embodiment of the handle mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1b, handle mechanism 150 comprises multiple sections 160, 170, and 180 of metal tube (or other suitably rigid material). As depicted, grip section 170 has an end with a smaller diameter to be able to fit within handle section 160 (sometimes referred to distal section). Similarly, mounting section 180 has an end with a smaller diameter so that it may fit within grip section 170. As would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, other ways of configuring the telescoping nature of these sections are possible (e.g., providing narrower sections on each end of grip section 170, etc.). Handle section 160 is connected to grip section 170 using a spring button 194. O-ring 192 is placed between handle section 160 and grip section 170 to dampen vibration between sections. Similarly, grip section 170 is connected to mounting section 180 using a spring button 194 and O-ring 192. Through the use of separate sections, handle mechanism 150 may be dissembled and stored in a more convenient manner. Additionally, handle mechanism 150 may be equipped with back box 190 with flat surface 196 which attaches to the mounting end of mounting section 180. In one embodiment, back box 190 is secured using the same fasteners which are used to attach straps 158 and buckles 156. Back box 190 has a substantially flat surface 196 which is normal to the plane of actuation of an attached reciprocating massage device. In this configuration, a user may place the flat surface 196 of back box 190 against a wall or other surface to allow the user to easily engage the wall as an additional source of force for pressing an attached reciprocating massage device into the user's back.

[0039] FIG. 2 depicts certain aspects of one embodiment of the handle mechanism. As shown in FIG. 2, handle mechanism 200 is depicted as having three major curve angles, shoulder angle 208, grip angle 210, and handle angle 212. In one embodiment, shoulder angle 208 is approximately 119 degrees (i.e., the angle measure of the arc is approximately 119 degrees), grip angle 210 is approximately 18 degrees (i.e., the angle measure of the arc is approximately 18 degrees), and handle angle 212 is approximately 78 degrees (i.e. the angle measure of the arc is approximately 78 degrees). As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, different curvature may be employed to ensure that handle mechanism 200 may comfortably fit around a user's body and enable a user to apply force to maneuver and direct a percussive massage device once it is attached. Generally, however, the sum of (shoulder angle) plus (handle angle) minus (grip angle) should approximate 180 degrees. However, in alternative embodiments not shown, the total sum of the curves could be between 150 and 210 degrees. As one of skill in the art would appreciate, handle angle should not exceed a curvature by which a user would not be able to apply force along the axis of reciprocation of an attached reciprocating massage device without losing the ability to maintain grip strength on distal grip 224. In another embodiment, rather than relying on three curves, the handle mechanism may comprise any number of curves or angles, provided that the distal end is located along the axis of reciprocation and distal grip 224 is located between 21 and 37 inches from the bottom of the angled channel which houses the handle of a reciprocating massage device.

[0040] In one embodiment, distal grip 224 (defined as the length of the segment between the end of handle mechanism 200 and the beginning of handle angle curve 212) is approximately 99 mm, pivot grip 222 (defined as the length of the segment between the ends of curves 212 and 210) is approximately 132 mm, and shoulder extension 226 (defined as the length of the segment between curves 210 and 208) is approximately 311 mm. However, one of skill in the art would recognize that different lengths may be desirable in order to provide accommodation for bodies of different sizes.

[0041] In one embodiment, lengths of distal grip, pivot grip, or shoulder extension may each (individually or in combination) be made adjustable through known means. For example, shoulder extension and pivot grip may comprise multiple telescoping members and a locking device such as a snap button or a set screw.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, buckle mount 300 comprises a piece of carbon steel, bent to create three faces, buckle face 302, massage gun face 304, and handle face 306. In one embodiment, buckle face 302 contains apertures 308 to receive rivet nuts to allow for a buckle to be affixed to buckle mount 300. As may be appreciated by one of skill in the art, other apertures may be included on buckle face 302 to ensure that the buckle is adequately secured to buckle face or to allow access to other portions of buckle mount for fastening to handle mechanism 100. In an alternative embodiment, buckle may be affixed to buckle mount through other means such as an adhesive, screw, welding, or other process. Further, as depicted, handle face 306 contains apertures 310 to be used in affixing buckle mount 300 to handle mechanism 100 at flattened end 104. Additionally, in one embodiment, adhesive pad 312 is affixed to massage gun face 304. Adhesive pad 312 is comprised of natural rubber to reduce vibrational effects of a reciprocating massage device but other materials may be used. While other non-slip pads may be used in place of rubber, because the clamping forces on the handle of the reciprocating massage device are high, natural rubber provides a soft surface to prevent damage to reciprocating massage device and aids in preventing the reciprocating massage device from rotating when secured by straps. In one embodiment, adhesive pad 312 is approximately 5 mm thick. As depicted, the plane of massage gun face 304 is oriented such that the plane of massage gun face 304 and the plane of buckle face 302 intersect at a 45-degree angle.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, strap mount 400 comprises a piece of carbon steel, bent to create three faces, strap face 402, massage gun face 404, and handle face 406. In one embodiment, strap face 402 contains apertures 408 to receive rivet nuts to allow for straps to be affixed to strap mount 400. As may be appreciated by one of skill in the art, other apertures may be included on buckle face 402 to ensure that the straps are adequately secured to strap face or to allow access to other portions of strap mount for fastening to handle mechanism 100. In an alternative embodiment, straps may be affixed to strap mount through other means such as an adhesive, screws, welding, or other process. Further, as depicted, handle face 406 contains apertures 410 to be used in affixing strap mount 400 to handle mechanism 100 at flattened end 104. Additionally, in one embodiment, adhesive pad 412 is affixed to massage gun face 404. Adhesive pad 412 is comprised of natural rubber to reduce vibrational effects of a reciprocating massage device but other materials may be used. In one embodiment, adhesive pad 412 is approximately 5 mm thick. In one embodiment, the plane of massage gun face 404 is oriented such that the plane of massage gun face 404 and the plane of strap face 402 intersect at a 45-degree angle. When both buckle mount 300 and strap mount 400 are attached to flattened end 104, massage gun face 404 and massage gun face 304 together form massage gun cavity 120, which is an angled channel with an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0044] As depicted in FIG. 5, handle mechanism 500 may be assembled so that two straps 518 correspond to two buckles 526. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, two buckles and two straps are used to assist in preventing rotation of reciprocating massage device, however in alternative embodiments, additional or fewer buckles and straps may be employed. Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 5, adhesive pads 532 and 542 are attached to the corresponding massage gun face of buckle mount 514 and strap mount 516. In one embodiment, two buckles 526 are used in order to prevent rotation of an attached percussive massage device.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6 a user holding handle mechanism 600 with attached reciprocating massage device 601 may use handle mechanism 600 to direct reciprocating massage device 601 to desired areas of the user's body. By applying a force directed perpendicularly away from the frontal plane of the user's body through distal grip 624 and pivot grip 622, the reciprocating tip of reciprocating massage device 601 is pressed into the muscle tissue of the user. Additionally, by applying forces to pivot grip 624 in directions parallel to the user's frontal plane, the user is able to direct the location of the reciprocating tip of reciprocating massage device 601. Further, a user may direct the massage gun to different portions of the user's back by keeping the pivot hand substantially stationary and moving the user's distal hand. In this manner, the user bears the weight of the handle and massage gun on the user's locked pivot arm. As depicted, distal grip 624 is on the same axis as the reciprocating massage head, permitting the user to apply force to the massage gun without creating torque. In other embodiments, handle mechanism may take another shape, but pivot grip 622 is positioned in space relative to distal grip 624 so that a user may with one arm hold pivot grip 622 while the elbow is bent, and with the user's other arm, hold distal grip 624 with the elbow generally extended, thus encouraging a substantial portion of the weight of the device to be transferred to the user's body via the arm holding pivot grip 622.

[0046] FIG. 7 depicts a method of using a handle mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In Step 701, a user places a reciprocating massage device in the massage gun cavity 120 with the reciprocating head of the reciprocating massage device facing toward distal grip 124. In Step 702, the user then secures the reciprocating massage device to the mounting portion of handle mechanism 100 by inserting straps 118 into buckles 126. In an alternative embodiment, a user may invert the order of steps 701 and 702, first inserting the straps 118 into buckles 126, creating a quasi-cylindrical cavity to insert the handle of reciprocating massage device into. In either scenario, in optional Step 703 user may further secure the reciprocating massage device into handle mechanism by tightening buckles 126 for example, by actuating a ratchet mechanism. In Step 704, user activates reciprocating massage device by pressing its power button or otherwise activating a switch. In Step 705, user lifts handle mechanism with reciprocating massage device now attached and directs the reciprocating massage device to the user's back by applying force to pivot grip 122 and distal grip 124. Particularly by applying force perpendicular to the user's frontal plane at distal grip 124, the user is able to press the massage device into the user's back without having to otherwise reach around the user's body. Handle mechanism 100 effectively allows a direct pulling force on the reciprocating massage device while avoiding the obstacle that is the user's body. Additionally, the user may utilize the geometry of handle mechanism 100 to provide assistance in massaging other parts of the body. For example, rather than only have a single hand to hold a reciprocating massage device, a user may use the handle mechanism to distribute the weight of the reciprocating massage device while massaging the neck, glutes, quads, IT band, lower back, or other areas of the body.

[0047] In another embodiment, not depicted here, handle mechanism 100 may be equipped with electronic controls. Electronic controls may be placed at distal grip 124 or pivot grip 122 to aid a user in turning on or turning off the device while holding handle mechanism with both hands. In another embodiment, metal tube 102 may be bodily incorporated into a reciprocating massage device, such that buckles and straps may not be necessary. In another embodiment, handle mechanism 100 may be comprised of other materials, enabling additional geometric configurations. For example, handle mechanism 100 may be comprised of a single piece of molded plastic and may be a solid shape or hollow. Additionally, for example, handle mechanism 100 may be comprised of several pieces of molded or formed plastic parts that may be attached together. In another embodiment, massage gun 601 may be replaced by non-percussive static massage tips. In this embodiment, various tips with different contours may be used in order to provide varying contact points with the user's body. Each static massage tip may be designed to be mounted in the same position as a powered reciprocating massage device.

[0048] In another embodiment, at least one additional handle may be attached to handle mechanism 100. In this embodiment, the additional handle may be adjustable in position so that it may be moved along the length of handle mechanism 100 and may provide a grip for the user's hand that may be at a different angle and position than the metal tube. The at least one additional handle may be fixed in place through various means, e.g., a cam lever clamping mechanism.

[0049] The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitation should be understood therefrom. While the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments and several alternative embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention therefore shall be defined solely by the claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.