Handheld massage device

Abstract

A massage device and method of massaging a user utilizes a surface which defines an internal cavity. A plurality of pressure point protrusions are formed on at least a part of the surface of the massage device. The internal cavity is filled with a medium in the form of water. The massage device and the water contained in the internal cavity are heated so that the temperature of the heated massage device in combination with the pressure point protrusions provide an enhanced therapeutic benefit.

Claims

1. A massage device comprising: a housing having a surface and an internal cavity; a plurality of rounded upwardly projecting pressure point protrusions formed on at least a part of the surface of the housing; an elongate linear recess having no protrusions over a surface of the elongate linear recess, the recess being formed in the part of the surface having the protrusions and having a width which enables it to receive the spine of a person; a first and second lateral wall on first and second sides of the recess respectively, the lateral walls having a top edge and being spaced from each other by a distance sufficient to straddle the spine of the person, and wherein the protrusions are adapted to contact the back of the person on each side of the spine; a plurality of rounded top edge protrusions arranged linearly on a part of the top edge of the lateral walls and undulations on a second part of the top edge of the later walls; a fill material in the form of water contained within the internal cavity, the water being heatable to a selected temperature so that the water temperature and the pressure of the pressure point protrusions in combination provide an enhanced therapeutic effect.

2. A massage device as claimed in claim 1 configured in the form of an elongate roller, and wherein the pressure point protrusions are in the form of radially outwardly projecting ribs extending in circular rows outwardly from the elongate linear recess toward outer ends of the roller.

3. A massage device as claimed in claim 2 wherein one of the row of ribs project outwardly and differ in size and orientation from at least one other of the row of ribs.

4. A massage device as claimed in claim 2 wherein one of the row of ribs project outwardly and differ in size and orientation from at least one other of the row of ribs.

5. A method of massaging a user comprising: providing a massage device having a surface which defines an internal cavity; forming a plurality of rounded upwardly projecting pressure point protrusions on at least a part of the surface of the massage device; providing an elongate linear recess with no protrusions over a surface of the elongate linear recess, the recess being formed in the part of the surface having the protrusions and having a width which enables it to receive the spine of a person; locating a first and second lateral wall on first and second sides of the recess respectively, the lateral walls being spaced from each other to straddle the spine of the person, and wherein the protrusions contact the back of the person on each side of the spine; forming a plurality of rounded top edge protrusion arranged linearly on a part of a top edge of the lateral walls and undulations on a second part of the top edge of the lateral walls filling the internal cavity with a medium in the form of water; and heating the massage device and the water contained in the internal cavity so that the temperature of the heated massage device in combination with the pressure point protrusions provide an enhanced therapeutic benefit, and applying the massage device to the user.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the internal cavity is filled with approximately 375 g of water and heated in a 1000 W microwave for about two minutes for generating about 130 minutes of constant and substantial heating creating a temperature of about 101.3 degrees F. on the user's body surface.

7. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the internal cavity is filled with approximately 375 g of water and heated by boiling for about 15 minutes for generating about 130 minutes of constant and substantial heating creating a temperature of about 101.3 degrees F. on the user's body surface.

8. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the massage device is formed as a roller with the plurality of pressure point protrusions formed in circular rows about the roller.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the internal cavity is filled with approximately 300 g of water and heated in a 1000 W microwave for about 90 seconds for generating about 105 minutes of constant and substantial heating creating a temperature of about 101.3 degrees F. on the user's body surface.

10. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the internal cavity is filled with approximately 300 g of water and heated by boiling for about 12 minutes for generating about 105 minutes of constant and substantial heating creating a temperature of about 101.3 degrees F. on the user's body surface.

11. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the combination of heat and pressure facilitates release of tight areas in spinal joints, connective tissues, and muscles without application of active force.

12. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the pressure point protrusions are formed as ribs extending outwardly from the surface of the massage device.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the ribs are configured with different shapes and sizes over the surface of the massage device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a back view of a device of the invention in accordance with one aspect thereof, showing the central spine groove, nibs and other contours of the heatable massage roller and posture aid of the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a front view of a device of the invention in accordance with one aspect thereof, showing the central spine groove, nibs and other contours of the heatable massage roller and posture aid of the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is an isometric or perspective view of a device of the invention in accordance with one aspect thereof, showing the central spine groove, nibs and other contours of the heatable massage roller and posture aid of the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross section through a device of the invention in accordance with one aspect thereof, showing the central spine groove, nibs and other contours of the heatable massage roller and posture aid of the invention on the outer surface thereof, and a hollow space in the interior which may receive and contain a substance which can be heated;

(6) FIG. 5 is a top view of a device of the invention in accordance with one aspect thereof, showing the central spine groove, nibs and other contours of the heatable massage roller and posture aid of the invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a further view of a device of the invention in accordance with one aspect thereof, showing the central spine groove, nibs and other contours of the heatable massage roller and posture aid of the invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a detail view of a device of the invention in accordance with one aspect thereof, showing detailed features of the nibs and arrangement thereof;

(9) FIG. 8 is a further detail view of a device of the invention in accordance with one aspect thereof, showing detailed features of the nibs and arrangement thereof;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a massage device in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is a top view of the massage device as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings;

(12) FIG. 11 is an end view of the massage device as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings;

(13) FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the massage device shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings; and

(14) FIG. 13 is a side view of the massage device as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(15) Reference is now made to the various drawings showing embodiments of the present invention.

(16) In FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a back view of a massage roller 10 in accordance with one aspect of the invention. The massage roller 10 is generally concentric about an axis 12 (see, for example, FIG. 4 of the drawings) and rotates about the axis 12 in use, as will be described below.

(17) The massage roller 10 has a central spinal groove 14 bordered on each side thereof by a circular wall 16 and 18. On the backside of the circular walls 16 and 18 there is a series of undulations 20, as seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings. From the front view, as illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the circular walls 16 and 18 are generally smooth, without the undulations 20. It will be seen that the circular walls 16 and 18 taper from a rounded narrow portion 22 to a wider base portion 24. The central spinal groove 14 is generally a flat band, as illustrated, but may also have contour and shape in other embodiments of the invention.

(18) The massage roller 10 further comprises generally cylindrical outer portions 26 and 28 extending outwardly on each side of each of the circular walls 16 and 18. In the embodiment illustrated, the cylindrical outer portions 26 and 28 are not entirely cylindrical, but taper inwardly so that they are widest at or near their outermost point, and generally narrower at or near where they meet the circular walls 16 and 18. The cylindrical outer portions 26 and 28 each have a plurality of rows of ribs, each row of ribs being generally linearly and circumferentially arranged on the cylindrical outer portions 26 and 28.

(19) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, there are two rows of ribs 30 of a larger dimension located near the circular walls 16 and 18 respectively. Adjacent the rows of larger ribs 30, there are a further two rows of ribs 32 of intermediate dimension, and adjacent the rows of ribs 32 of intermediate dimension, there are five rows of ribs 34 of smaller dimension. It must be appreciated that a particular massage roller 10 may have ribs formed thereon in any configuration or style, and of different sizes and contour, as may be selected. Therefore, the massage roller 10 of the invention should not in any way be construed as being limited with respect to the specific arrangement of ribs as they are illustrated in any one or more of the figures.

(20) The massage roller 10 has end walls 40 and 42, which are slightly arcuate in shape. At least one of the end walls 40 and 42 has a sealable opening 44, to be described in further detail below. In some of the embodiments shown of the drawings, the end walls 40 and 42 are configured such that one end wall 40 has a generally smooth surface, while the other end wall 42 has a plurality of groups thereon. These ribs on the end wall 42 may be arranged concentrically, and maybe of one particular size and shape, or the ribs may have multiple sizes and shapes. Further, it should be noted that the invention is for a massage roller 10 where both of the end walls are generally smooth, or both of the end walls are generally ribbed. The number of ribs on an end wall may vary, and anyone of the end walls may have both smooth portions and ribbed portions.

(21) Each rib 50 may be sized, contoured and configured to provide different massage rollers 10 in accordance with the invention. As one example only, a rib 50 may comprise a base portion 52 and a round portion 54, as many of the ribs 50 in the figures will show. However, the invention is not limited to a rib of such a configuration, and variations in structure, form and size are fully within the scope of the present invention. Thus, ribs may be generally hemispherical shape, ovoid, cylindrical, to provide some examples of the scope of the invention only.

(22) Some areas on the outer portions 26 and 28 may be without ribs, such as smooth areas 60 and 62. Further, these smooth areas may be located on the outer portions 26 and 28 so that they are completely surrounded by ribs, which may be of different size or shape.

(23) FIG. 4 of the drawings shows a cross-section through a massage roller 10 of one embodiment of the invention. From this drawing, it will be seen that the massage roller 10 comprises an outer layer 66 formed of the various parts and elements discussed above, the outer layer 66 defining a cavity 68. The cavity 68 may be a single continuous cavity as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, or it may be a pair of cavities formed generally on each side of the central spinal groove 14. The opening 44 is shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings as being formed in the end wall 42, but the opening may also be in the end wall 40, or, indeed, in both of the end walls 40 and 42. The single or the multiple openings 44 communicate with a channel 72 which provides access to the cavity 68. In this way, desired material or materials as discussed herein may be introduced into and removed from the cavity 68, or the plurality of cavities if these are present, through the opening 44 and associated channels. The opening 44 is of course closable by means of a plug 74 or other device which can be inserted and removed. Any form of closure of the channel 72 may be provided to achieve this purpose. The plug 74 illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawings is inserted at the opening of the channel 72, which may have a wider portion near its end so as to accommodate a plug of slightly larger dimension, which may assist in the ease with which the plug 74 may be inserted or removed.

(24) With reference to FIG. 4 of the drawings, it will be seen that each end wall 40 and 42 has an added thickness or and internal projection or reinforcement section 80 and 82. The channel extends through this reinforcement section 80 and 82 (when channels are present at both ends of the massage roller 10) which gives additional strength and support to the end walls 40 and 42 and the channel 72 running through them, so as to provide more resilience and endurance for inserting and removing any material into the cavity 68.

(25) FIG. 5 of the drawings shows a massage roller 100 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. This massage roller 100 is in many respects very similar to that described in the previous figures. The massage roller 100 includes a line or row of projections 102 along one side of the circular walls 16 and 18, which in a previous embodiment was generally of smooth texture. FIG. 6 shows a slightly rotated massage roller 100 including projections 102. These projections 102 are preferably located at the apex or top of the circular walls 16 and 18 so as to provide additional but optional therapeutic structure on the massage roller 100 as they traverse the back on either side of the spine, and embodiment which may be beneficial in certain contexts or applications.

(26) FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings show more detailed illustrations of the structure of the massage roller of the invention, including detailed views of some of the ribs and projections on the surface of the massage roller, including their contours and configuration. FIG. 7 illustrates the central area of the massage roller including the defined recess 14 intended to receive the spine of the user, as well as the ribs 102 mounted at the top or outer edge of the ribs 102. FIG. 7 also illustrates more clearly the different size and configuration of ribs that may be used, highlighting the smaller rib on the circular walls 16 and 18, and the slightly larger ribs which are located near the circular walls 16 and 18 on the outer portions 26 and 28.

(27) FIG. 8 of the drawings shows an even more enlarged and detailed section of the massage roller of the invention, showing several of the smaller ribs on the circular outer wall, and most of a larger rib located on the outer portion of the massage roller.

(28) As mentioned above, the outer portions 26 and 28 may be referred to as generally cylindrical in shape. However, a preferred aspect of the invention is that these outer portions 26 and 28 are not in fact completely cylindrical, but extend outwardly from a generally narrower portion adjacent the circular walls 16 and 18 to a slightly flared or expanded outer end near the end walls 40 and 42. Preferably, the narrower parts or sections of the outer portions 26 and 28 have a diameter which is substantially the same as the central spinal groove 14, although it may be just slightly smaller or slightly larger in diameter from one embodiment of the invention to another. The flared or out of part of the outer portions 26 and 28 have a diameter which is larger then the central spinal groove 14, and may approximate the diameter of the circular walls 16 and 18. The structure may, at least in certain applications of the massage roller of the invention, be advantageous in that the outer portions 26 and 28, by virtue of their somewhat increased diameter, make better contact with the back on each side of the spine, bearing in mind the natural contours of the human back.

(29) Reference is now made to FIGS. 9 to 13 of the drawings which show a further embodiment of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, there is shown a massage device 200 which generally has a flat bottom surface 202 and a rounded or curved upper surface 204. The rounded curvature of the upper surface is the active surface of the massage device 200 and is used for massage purposes.

(30) The upper surface 204 is generally elliptical or oval in shape, having opposing ends 206 and 208. Further, the upper surface 204 has a generally convex curvature, ascending upwardly from the edge 210 of the massage device 200. The peak 212 will typically be at about the center point of the upper surface 204, descending downwardly therefrom to each of the ends 206 and 208, and to the sides 214 and 216.

(31) The upper surface 204 of the massage device 200 includes a generally located central groove 220 which extends from one side 214 to the other side 216, in a configuration generally transverse to the massage device 200. In other words, the central groove 220 extends across the shorter with of the massage device 200, as opposed to the length thereof. The central groove 220 has a rounded base 222.

(32) A plurality of ribs having different sizes, shapes and configurations extends over substantially all of the upper surface 204 of the massage device 10. Adjacent the central groove 220, and on each side thereof, there is a row of inwardly facing ribs or nibs 220. Each row of the inwardly facing ribs 224 extends substantially from the edge of the massage device 200 from one side 214 to the other side 216. Each inwardly rib 224 has a base member 226 of generally tubular or cylindrical shape, and a rounded portion 228 on top of the base member 226. The rounded portions 228 of the inwardly facing ribs 224 are positioned so as to be directed inwardly and to at least partially extend into the central groove 220.

(33) Adjacent the row of inwardly facing ribs 224, there is a plurality of rows of upwardly facing ribs or nibs 230. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, there are ten such rows of upwardly facing ribs, but he will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a configuration. Each row of upwardly facing ribs 230 comprises a series of ribs 232, each having a base 234 of generally cylindrical shape, and on top thereof a rounded portion 236. In the embodiment shown, all of the various ribs 232 are generally the same shape and size. However, it is within the scope of the invention that these ribs may be differently sized and shaped over the upper surface 204 of the massage device 200.

(34) Each of the ribs 232 is mounted on the upper surface 204, and since the upper surface 204 has a rounded or curved shape, and since each of the ribs 232 is substantially the same height from the upper surface 204 to the end of the rounded portions 236, the ends of all the rounded portions 236 will also present a curved shape corresponding substantially to that of the upper surface. This curved shape comprises the massaging surface of the massage device 200, in accordance with the invention.

(35) Adjacent the upwardly facing ribs 230, on the side thereof opposite the inwardly facing ribs 224, are a series of rows of end ribs or nibs 240. The rows of end ribs 240 extend from the upwardly facing ribs 232 substantially the ends 206 and 208 respectively of the massage device 200. The rows of end ribs 240 are made up of individual ribs 242 which extend from one side 214 of the massage device 200 to the other side 216 thereof. The rows nearer the ends 206 and 208 have fewer individual ribs 242 than the rows which are nearer the upwardly facing ribs 230. Each of the individual ribs 242 is of generally rectangular shape in cross-section, having opposing walls 244 and 246, and a rounded top end 248.

(36) The massage roller device 200 has according to one embodiment of the invention an internal cavity, of the type described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 of the drawings. The internal cavity may be accessible from the outside of the device, and may contain a fill material. In one embodiment, this fill material is water. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 375 g of water may be contained within the cavity. The massage roller or pad device 200 is heatable as described below, and the water in the cavity may reach a selected and designated temperature so that the combined effect of the heat provided as a result of the heating process, and the pressure points comprised of the various ribs and outer surface configuration, provide advantageous and beneficial therapeutic result when in use. It is to be noted that the massage roller described in previous embodiments may also contain water in the internal cavity, and in a preferred embodiment, the cavity will contain about 300 g of water. Both the massage roller and massage pad of the invention may be heated for time periods as will be described below to provide optimal therapeutic effects of the device.

(37) The massage device 200 in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in these figures has a number of important features and benefits. The elliptical shape of the massage device 200 allows multiple areas of the body to anatomically accept the massage device 200, including the buttocks, back, feet, legs, abdomen and chest. Furthermore, the curvature of the upper surface constitutes a shape which allows optimal or maximum penetration of the ribs or nibs extending upwardly from the surface into muscle and connective tissue for greater therapeutic benefit.

(38) The inwardly facing ribs or nibs on the massage device comprises an orientation which creates two notable effects. The first of these is that it allows deeper penetration of the paraspinal muscles when used throughout the back. A second such effect is a cervical spine self traction like effect when used under the suboccipital region of the neck as muscle and joint tissue in the suboccipital region are held by the points while the remainder of the neck elongate off the end of the massage device 200.

(39) The massage device 200 may be heated, and may contain in one embodiment an inner chamber. The inner chamber may have material or constituents to facilitate and maintain the heating process, as is being described above with respect to other embodiments. In one form, the massage device of the invention may be heated for two minutes in a 1000 W microwave oven, and this may create sufficient heat to enable the massage device 200 the invention to be used for about 2 hours.

(40) As described above, the ends or the end zone of the massage device has on the upper surface thereof ribs or nibs 242 in generally perpendicular formations. When the massage device 200 is used on longer muscles, for example on muscles in the back or legs, these end formations penetrate perpendicularly holding tissue at either end of the massage device 200. This allows ribs or nibs in the remainder of the massage device, between the ribs 242, or the main portion thereof, to more accurately maintain contact on needed areas.

(41) The invention thus comprises a massage roller or device comprising an outer surface which may have a cavity, the outer surface being contoured and configured so as to define a center or spinal groove, shaped walls or inward facing ribs formed on each side of the spinal groove, outer portions extending from each of the shaped walls or inward facing ribs outwardly therefrom, the outer portions having a plurality of ribs located thereon, and an end section at the end of the outer portions on the side thereof remote from the shaped walls or inward facing ribs walls. In one embodiment, the outer portions extend outwardly from the circular walls such that the diameter thereof gradually increases towards the end thereof, and that the diameters of the outer portions are substantially the same as and exceed the diameter of the spinal groove as the outer portion extends away from the spinal groove. In another embodiment, the massage device has an upper surface which is the active surface, and which has a curvature which peaks generally at the center of the massage device 200, and descends downwardly therefrom towards the edge of the massage device 200.

(42) The massage roller and the massage pad, as described and illustrated in this application, provide substantial advantages in that they are able to be heated and provide a pressure which enhance the therapeutic benefits of the device to the end-user. For example, providing a device heated to about 101 degrees F. on the skin of the user stimulates the user's parasympathetic nervous system, rendering him or her more able to relax and accept external pressure. The heated device also expands blood vessel diameter and both muscle and connective tissue elements which are commonly contracted in individuals who may have pain syndromes.

(43) In one embodiment of the heatable roller device described and illustrated herein, approximately 300 g of water are contained within the central cavity 68. The heatable roller device is then placed in either a 1000 W microwave oven for about 90 seconds, or boiled for about 12 minutes. The heatable roller device so heated generates about 105 minutes of constant and substantial heat, creating a temperature of 101.3 degrees F. on the user's body surface.

(44) In one embodiment of the heatable pad device described and illustrated herein, approximately 375 g of water are contained within the central cavity of the device. The heatable pad device is then placed in either a 1000 W microwave oven for about two minutes, or boiled for about 15 minutes. The heatable pad device so heated generates about 130 minutes of constant and substantial heat, creating a temperature of 101.3 degrees F. on the user's body surface.

(45) The heat effect of the heatable roller or pad device is combined with the device's pressure points design so as to greatly enhance the therapeutic benefit which occurs for the end-user. The combination of the heat and pressure allows tight muscles, joints and connective tissue to release from body weights alone in about 3 to 5 minutes. Zero active force is required, and only passive body weight is in fact needed to create this release effect.

(46) It will thus be appreciated that the combination of heat and pressure, as described above, is a unique and key aspect of the device and which provides considerable therapeutic benefit to the end-user. Notably, tight areas in spinal joints, connective tissue and or muscles anywhere on the body may be released with minimal effort. It is also important to note that this beneficial therapeutic effect produced by the combined presence of the heat is device and the pressure point design would not occur if only heat or pressure were used individually or separately from the other. On the other hand, the ability of the device to combine heat, for relatively long periods of time based on the structure and configuration of the device, with the pressure has been found to significantly enhance the therapeutic benefit and effects imparted to the user by the device.

(47) Preferably, the spinal groove is substantially centrally located along the massage device and together with the inwardly facing ribs forms a spinal channel in which the spine of the user may be accommodated. The inwardly facing ribs have a wide base portion and extend or taper towards their remote outer ends or apexes which are somewhat rounded.

(48) In one of the embodiments, the outer edge of the circular walls may have a series of alternating humps and projections along at least a portion of the outer edge of the circular wall. That part of the outer edge of the circular wall without humps and projections may simply be smooth, or they may be some other type of configuration, such as a series of small linearly arranged protrusions. These protrusions or ribs may themselves be all they single size only, or ribs of multiple size and configuration may be arranged around the outer edge of the circular walls.

(49) The outer portions extending from the circular walls are, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, narrowest along the line at or near where the outer portions meet the circular walls, and increase in diameter, albeit to a small extent in a preferred embodiment, as the outer portion approaches the end wall. The extent to which the diameter of the outer portions increase at a distance thereof remote from the circular walls can vary in different embodiments of the invention. The increased need not be linear. Thus, the increase in diameter may be mild or small near the circular wall, but get greater as the distance from the circular wall increases. Of course, a steady and linear increase in diameter may also be provided within the scope of the present invention.

(50) Moreover, it is possible that the outer wall may even have a slight decrease in its diameter toward the end thereof at the point where it becomes the end wall 40 or 42. However, for the most part, the outer portion will at all times have a diameter which exceeds that of the central spinal belt portion.

(51) In one preferred embodiment, the plurality of ribs are arranged in circular rows, each row extending outwardly from the circular wall. Each row of ribs may be comprised of ribs of the same general format, and different rows may have ribs of different size and configuration. However, the invention is not to be so limited, and any arrangement of ribs may be provided.

(52) In one embodiment, one or both of the in walls has an inwardly extending reinforcement portion, which may have a channel and opening to provide access for inserting and removing materials from the cavity.

(53) The massage device may comprise a single cavity. In another embodiment, the massage device may have two cavities, and these may correspond to one under each of the side cavities located beneath the circular wall and outer portion of the massage roller. In yet further embodiments, more than two cavities may be provided, and each may have its own access opening for inserting and removing material. The material in each one of the cavities, where there is more than one cavity, need not be the same. The material may be any combination as described above, or it may simply comprise air. The material may be heated or unheated depending upon the requirements in any particular circumstance or application.

(54) The outer surface of the device may have a specified thickness, and this may be varied, both with respect to any particular massage roller, as well as with respect to different parts of the outer surface on a specific massage device.

(55) The invention also relates to a method of treatment of the human body using the massage device of the invention. A further aspect of the invention relates to the method of making a massage device in accordance with the invention.

(56) The invention is not to be construed as limiting to the embodiments and illustrations as seen in the drawings. Variations in the dimensions of the massage roller itself, as well as the different components of which it is comprised, fall within the scope of the invention.