Curved Flexible Massage Roller

Abstract

A curved massage roller is provided allowing for rolling against the body of a user in treatment of body, back-related, muscular or skeletal ailments. The roller is adapted for positioning between the user and a support surface whereupon it is rolled during use. Dual arched segments with a central relief help maintain the roller in place during use and avoid nerve damage when employed on the back of the body.

Claims

1. A massage apparatus, comprising: a first member defining a roller, said first member having an exterior surface defining an exterior circumference extending between a first end and a second end of said roller; said exterior circumference having a first arched segment extending from said first end to a central portion of said first member; said exterior circumference having a second arched segment extending from said second end of said first member to said central portion thereof; a central area of each of said first arched segment and said second arched segment defining a largest diameter of said first member; a recess formed in said central portion of said first member in-between said first arched segment and said second arched segment; and said recess configured to minimize contact of said exterior circumference of said first member with the central area of the back of the user with said roller in an as-used position sandwiched between the back of the user and a support surface.

2. The massage apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising: a plurality of projections extending away from said exterior surface of said first member, said plurality of projections extending from said exterior surface upon said first arched segment and said second arched segment.

3. The massage apparatus of claim 2, additionally comprising: said plurality of projections positioned in rows radially extending from said exterior surface at both said first arched segment and said second arched segment.

4. The massage apparatus of claim 2, wherein said projections have a curved hemispherical shape.

5. The massage apparatus of claim 3, wherein said projections have a curved hemispherical shape.

6. The massage apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising: an axial cavity defined by a sidewall, said axial cavity communicating through said first member from said first end thereof to said second end thereof; a second member positioned within said axial cavity; and an exterior circumference of said second member positioned in contact with said sidewall of said axial cavity.

7. The massage apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising: an axial cavity defined by a sidewall, said axial cavity communicating through said first member from said first end thereof to said second end thereof; a second member positioned within said axial cavity; and an exterior circumference of said second member positioned in contact with said sidewall of said axial cavity.

8. The massage apparatus of claim 4 additionally comprising: an axial cavity defined by a sidewall, said axial cavity communicating through said first member from said first end thereof to said second end thereof; a second member positioned within said axial cavity; and an exterior circumference of said second member positioned in contact with said sidewall of said axial cavity.

9. The massage apparatus of claim 6 additionally comprising: a pair of annular ledges extending inward from said sidewall of said axial cavity, one each of said annular ledges located at each of said first end of said first member and said second end of said second member; and said second member held in position within said axial cavity by positioning in-between said pair of annular ledges.

10. The massage apparatus of claim 7 additionally comprising: a pair of annular ledges extending inward from said sidewall of said axial cavity, one each of said annular ledges located at each of said first end of said first member and said second end of said second member; and said second member held in position within said axial cavity by positioning in-between said pair of annular ledges.

11. The massage apparatus of claim 8 additionally comprising: a pair of annular ledges extending inward from said sidewall of said axial cavity, one each of said annular ledges located at each of said first end of said first member and said second end of said second member; and said second member held in position within said axial cavity by positioning in-between said pair of annular ledges.

12. The massage apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising: said recess defined a first curved wall on a first side which is a portion of said first arched segment; and said recess defined by a second curved wall on an opposite side, by a portion of said second arched segment.

13. The massage apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising: said recess defined a first curved wall on a first side which is a portion of said first arched segment; and said recess defined by a second curved wall on an opposite side, by a portion of said second arched segment.

14. The massage apparatus of claim 6 additionally comprising: said recess defined a first curved wall on a first side which is a portion of said first arched segment; and said recess defined by a second curved wall on an opposite side, by a portion of said second arched segment.

15. The massage apparatus of claim 9 additionally comprising: said recess defined a first curved wall on a first side which is a portion of said first arched segment; and said recess defined by a second curved wall on an opposite side, by a portion of said second arched segment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only nor exclusive examples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting in any fashion.

[0037] In the drawings:

[0038] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of the roller device showing the exterior surface having curved arches and a formed recess in a central portion of the roller in-between the arched exterior surfaces.

[0039] FIG. 2 displays a side view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the two arched segments of the roller and the recesses central area in-between.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows an end view of the device of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and in dotted line depicts the cylindrical member inserted within the axial cavity and the annular ledge extending beyond the inner circumference of the member.

[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a user employing the device in an as-used position sandwiched between the user and a support surface, per one preferred mode.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a user employing the device in an as-used position, per another preferred mode in a vertical direction.

[0043] FIG. 6 displays a user employing the device in an as-used position in another preferred mode while standing and bending at the knees to vertically translate their body and roll the roller sandwiched between the wall surface and their back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-6, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen the device 10 configured as a back pain treatment tool. Per FIGS. 1-3, the device 10 is comprised of a roller 11 defined by an first member 12, and if having an axial cavity 13 running therethrough as in FIGS. 1 and 3, can also include an inner member 14, running axially within the axial cavity 13 formed in the first member 12. However, as noted, the roller 11 may be formed by a first member 12 having a solid core and still provide the benefits of the adjacent first arched segment 15 and second arched segment 17 formed on the exterior circumference of the roller 11 with the recess 19 positioned therebetween.

[0045] The first member 12 defining the roller 11, has an exterior surface 27 extending between a first and a second end, and is preferably symmetrically bisected upon this exterior circumference, to a formed first arched segment 15 and a second arced segment 16, which is best seen when viewed from a side such as in FIG. 2. In each of the first arched segment 15 and second segment 17 formed on the exterior circumference of the roller 11 defined by the first member 12, the diameter and exterior circumference of the device 10, increases to a peak at the central area of each segment 15 and 17, and then decreases from the distal to the proximal edge of each segment.

[0046] As such, the symmetric first segment 15 and second segment 17 formed on the exterior surface 27 of the roller 11 defined by the first member 12, create two curved or arched segments having two peaks which contact the user's back or body. It is preferred that the first segment 15 shape and size be a mirror configuration of the second segment 17 shape and size. This symmetry along with the recess 19 formed at a central area of the roller 11 in between curved walls of both segments, serves to maintain the device 10 in following a straight path when employed such as in FIGS. 4-6, or when used upon an arm or leg which settles into the recess 19. Non symmetrical segment sizes and circumferences would cause the roller 11 to turn when rotating which is not preferred.

[0047] The formed recess 19 is defined by a centrally located groove in the exterior surface 27 of the roller 11 formed by the first member 12. As noted, it is preferred and is adapted to form a low point between the two arched segments 15 and 17, upon the exterior surface 27 of the roller 11 to ensure that little or no pressure is communicated to the spine and nerves and nerve roots adjacent the spine of the user during use, to avoid injury, and to maintain the roller 11 working upon and arm or leg when used therewith. This recess 19, depending into the exterior surface of the roller 11 between the arched segments, also helps maintain the roller 11 with the recess centered over the spine of the user during use. The curved declining side surfaces defining the recess 19 defined by the curve of the arched first segment 15 and second segment 17, have also shown in experimentation to be preferred over a simple rectangular relief as the curved declining sides into the recess 19 worked better to keep the roller 11 centered with the recess 19 protecting the spine and adjacent nerves of the user.

[0048] As noted, the first member 12 having an exterior surface 27 and exterior circumference as described herein forms the roller 11 and can be formed of a unitary structure with no axial cavity 13. However, it has been found that forming an axial cavity 13 will lighten the formed roller 11 and render it easier to use in some instances. Further, forming the axial cavity 13 reduces the amount of material necessary to form the first member 12 defining the roller 11.

[0049] The axial cavity 13 passing through the axis of symmetry of the first member 12 forming the roller 11, when included, allows for temporary or permanent insertion and mating with the inner member 14. Insertion of an intractable or semi-rigid hollow cylindrical inner member 14, encapsulated by an elastic or malleable first member 12 defining the roller 11, provides both a substantially rigid and continuously conforming force against the user's back, for increased treatment efficacy during use.

[0050] The rigidity of the inner member 14 may be greater than the stiffness or rigidity of the first member 12 defining the roller 11. This allows a softer more pliable material forming the roller 11 but insures the roller 11 defined by the first member 12 will maintain an elongated and straight configuration during use. While not shown, the cylindrical second or inner member 14 may be capped at each end for increased distal strength. A handled roller while not shown may also be engaged using the axial passage of the inner member 14.

[0051] As noted, in a preferred mode of the device 10, the inner or second member 14 can be inserted into the axial cavity 13 and can be maintained therein by a flexible annular ledge 21 of polymeric material forming the roller 11 which overhangs the aperture communicating with the axial cavity 13 at each end of the first member 12 forming the roller 11.

[0052] In this mode the inner member 14, which currently is circular with an interior axial cavity such as a pipe or tube, has a length which is equal to or less than the length of the axial cavity 14 for the distance in-between the two ledges 21. This ledge 21 portion is sufficiently flexible and elastic to allow insertion of the inner member 14 such that when inserted through the opening centrally located within each annular ledge 21, the circular inner member 14 will be positioned within the axial cavity 13, with ledge 21 portions abutting both and preventing removal. This is especially preferred because it holds the inner member 14 secure, but allows for it to be replaced easily if bent or broken.

[0053] Alternatively, the inner member 14 and first member 12 forming the roller 11 can be permanently engaged through one or a combination of engagement from a group including shrink-fit, force fits, glue, epoxy, heat shrink or overmolding.

[0054] To accommodate the shape and geography of the human back, experimentation has shown the device 10 should have a diameter at the widest diameter of each segment 15 and 17, of between 2 and 12 inches, and a total length of 8 to 24 inches from end to end where the segments are approximately half of this length each.

[0055] Additionally, the ratio of the minimum to the maximum diameter of each arched segment 15 and 17, on the exterior of the first member 12 defining the roller 11, should be between 5 and 80 percent to ensure sufficient lateral grip against the user's back during use.

[0056] Further, the distance between the peak diameters of each arched segment 15 and 17 on the roller formed by the first member 12, should be between 30 and 90 percent of the length of the device 10 to allow for proper positioning of the recess 19 and function thereof during use.

[0057] Additionally, it is preferable that the first segment 15 and second segment 17, of the roller 11 formed by the first member 12 should contain three or more rows of three or more radially arrayed projections 16, extending from the circumferential surface. These projections 16 have been found to provide increased grip against the body of the user and the stationary surface 18 during use. Further, the projections 16 have been preferred by users as providing a finger like massage during user.

[0058] Each projection 16 should preferably be half globular or hemispherical in shape with a curved shape throughout. This is preferable to avoid points which can harm the user and be uncomfortable during use. The projections 16 can alternatively be formed as a square or round cylinder and should be sized for sufficient grip and massaging capability.

[0059] The first member 12 can be composed of one or a combination of durable flexible materials from a group including polymeric materials, foam, plastic, rubber, silicone, neoprene, polyethylene and polyurethane. The inner member 14 can be formed from one or a combination of durable rigid or semi-rigid materials such as those from a group including metal, polymeric materials, plastic, wood, PVC, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, and polypropylene.

[0060] The protrusions 16 can be formed homogeneously with the material forming the exterior circumference of the roller 11 formed by first member 12 or from any of the alternative flexible materials listed above which may be engaged to the first member 12.

[0061] Employing the device 10 herein in one preferred mode of use herein, as seen in FIG. 4, the user lies down, places the device 10 between his or her back and a horizontal stationary surface 18a, and employs one or both legs to translate their body, and the device 10, in a horizontal direction to repeatedly treat the effected area of the back.

[0062] Alternatively, per FIGS. 5 and 6, the user can similarly place the device 10 between their back and a vertical stationary surface 18b 18c, such as a chair or wall respectively, and repeatedly translate their body and the device in a vertical direction to treat effected area of the back. It is on vertical surfaces that the protrusions 16 help to maintain the first member 12 in a rolling engagement as without them the smooth surface of the first member 12 tends to slide rather than roll.

[0063] Further, while not shown, the roller 12 may also be used to massage legs, arms, and other portions of the body of a user so the depictions of the roller 12 in use are not to be limiting. When used to massage an arm or leg, the recess 19 and downward arched sides of the recess 19 serve to maintain the roller 12 upon the arm or leg being massaged by rolling on a support surface, and also allow the projection 16 to massage the curved contours of the body of the user on the arms or legs.

[0064] As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps in formation of the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.

[0065] Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.