Itching relieving device

Abstract

The utility model relates to an itching relieving device which comprises a spherical roller and a shell, the spherical roller is provided with an insertion piece and an outer layer formed on the insertion piece in a wrapping mode, and the insertion piece is heavier than the outer layer. The shell further comprises a cavity, the cavity is used for holding the spherical roller, and the shape of the cavity is configured to prevent the spherical roller from displacing in the shell; and an aperture having a maximum dimension smaller than the outer diameter of the spherical roller through which a portion of the spherical roller protrudes to contact the skin of the user, where the outer layer comprises a plurality of regularly spaced protrusions extending outwardly away from the insert, and where contact with the skin causes the spherical roller to roll as the housing moves over the skin, therefore, continuous protrusions of the protrusions abut against the skin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model generally relates to an anti-itch device. In particular, this utility model relates to an anti-itch device including a spherical roller having multiple protrusions for use on the skin to promote anti-itch relief without causing skin damage. Background Technology

[0002] Itching is an irritating sensation on the skin that triggers a scratching reflex to relieve the sensation. Itching (also known as pruritus) can be caused by a variety of factors, including skin conditions, neurological disorders, allergic reactions, mental illnesses, and internal diseases. Repeated scratching can lead to swelling of the affected area, which may then result in bleeding or infection.

[0003] Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, rough, and cracked skin. In most cases, symptoms recur and vary in severity. An flare-up refers to a period when symptoms worsen, while remission is a period when symptoms improve or disappear. The appearance of skin affected by eczema will also depend on the extent of scratching the rash.

[0004] Adult eczema rashes may be more scaly and persistently itchy. Medications for treating eczema symptoms include topical and oral anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. However, due to the risk of side effects, such medications are generally used only for short periods.

[0005] Scratching with fingernails or typical scratching tools to relieve itching involves the physical act of vigorously rubbing or scraping the skin's surface. Excessive scratching can damage the delicate skin barrier, leading to broken sores and oozing. Scratching also increases the risk of infection and inflammation, which can in turn cause eczema flare-ups to be more severe and last longer. The persistent itching and damaged appearance of the skin can have a psychological impact, causing individuals with eczema to experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life.

[0006] It is desirable to overcome or alleviate at least one of the aforementioned problems by providing a tool or device that can promote relief of itching without damaging the delicate skin barrier, or by providing at least one useful alternative. Utility Model Content

[0007] This document discloses an anti-itch device intended to alleviate the aforementioned problems in prior art anti-itch treatments, or to provide an alternative mechanism for anti-itch treatment. The device includes a spherical roller having an insert and an outer layer overmolded on the insert. The insert is heavier than the outer layer and is generally denser. The device also includes a housing comprising a cavity for retaining the spherical roller, the cavity being shaped to prevent displacement of the spherical roller within the housing. The housing includes an orifice, the maximum size of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the spherical roller, wherein a portion of the spherical roller protrudes through the orifice to contact the user's skin. The outer layer includes a plurality of regularly spaced protrusions extending outward away from the insert, and as the housing moves across the skin, contact with the skin causes the spherical roller to roll, thereby causing successive protrusions of these protrusions to adhere to the skin.

[0008] As used herein, “preventing displacement of the spherical rollers” essentially means preventing positioning / location (i.e., translational or linear) displacement—acceptably, during manufacturing, a degree of tolerance is provided to ensure the spherical rollers have room to roll within the housing, but this tolerance is not large enough to cause the spherical rollers to jiggle around within the housing. However, “preventing displacement” does not include rotational or angular displacement. In fact, the spherical rollers are designed to be able to rotate relative to the housing within the housing.

[0009] The term "overmolding" refers to applying a layer onto the entire preformed part through molding. Currently, the outer layer is molded onto the preformed insert.

[0010] Advantageously, the outer surface of the device is made of a stable and non-reactive material.

[0011] Preferably, the cavity allows the spherical roller to rotate freely about any axis of rotation passing through the center of the spherical roller (i.e., each axis of rotation passes through the center).

[0012] Advantageously, the outer surface of the device is made of one of polyoxymethylene (POM), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethersulfone (PES), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC-ABS), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS).

[0013] Advantageously, the insert is made of one of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or nickel.

[0014] Preferably, the outer surface of the spherical roller is made of a material capable of elastically deforming with the expansion and contraction of the insert. Therefore, the tolerance between the inner surface of the housing and the outer diameter of the spherical roller is sufficient to allow the spherical roller to roll even when the insert expands. It is anticipated that the expansion is generally small compared to the outer diameter of the spherical roller, so the tolerance is still insufficient to cause significant positioning displacement of the spherical roller relative to the housing within the housing during use.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the insert is selected to have a predetermined weight, thereby applying a predetermined force to the skin when the orifice is facing down and the spherical roller is pressed against the skin.

[0016] Preferably, the total weight of the device is between 40g and 70g.

[0017] Advantageously, the diameter of the device is between 30 mm and 40 mm.

[0018] In another embodiment, the protrusion comprises a polygonal cross-section and a flat top, wherein the edges of the flat top are well-defined. As used herein, the term "well-defined" means that the edges are sharp (not sharp enough to cut, but sharp enough, regardless of the force applied to the skin by the device (though still within the range of the expected force by which the device will be used), to apply force on or along well-defined lines to interrupt the itch path), rather than rounded. This ensures that pressure is applied along well-defined lines and areas to interrupt the itch path. This differs from a rounded-edge surface that is pushed deeper into the skin, i.e., applies pressure over a larger area with greater force.

[0019] Advantageously, the spacing between the bases of each lateral protrusion is between 1.0 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0020] Preferably, the spacing between the bases of each protrusion along the diagonal direction of the span is between 1.5 mm and 4.0 mm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the spherical roller consists of two hemispheres connected by an attachment mechanism.

[0022] Preferably, the attachment mechanism is used to attach or separate the two hemispheres so that the insert can be replaced with a replacement insert.

[0023] Advantageously, by overmolding a lighter outer layer onto a heavier insert, the insert can provide downward pressure during use, while the outer layer deforms in a predetermined manner, thereby relieving itching without damaging the skin.

[0024] Advantageously, the cavity is shaped to retain the spherical roller and facilitate its contact with the skin, while also preventing the roller from accidentally falling out of the housing. This is achieved by a cavity whose shape (including its size) is configured to receive most of the roller, while a portion of the roller protrudes through an opening in the housing to contact the skin. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A front view of the spherical roller according to an embodiment of the present invention and a cross-sectional view of the housing (which may be interchangeably referred to as the "retainer") are shown.

[0027] Figure 2 A front view of a spherical roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the roller having a transparent outer layer to allow the insertion inside the roller to be seen.

[0028] Figure 3 The upper hemisphere of a spherical roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a plurality of protrusions or ridges are provided on the roller.

[0029] Figure 4 The upper half of the metal insert according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 The upper hemisphere of a spherical roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a plurality of protrusions or ridges are arranged on the roller, and the outer layer is transparent to allow the insertion inside the roller to be seen.

[0031] Figure 6 An antipruritic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This invention generally relates to an anti-itch device. In particular, it relates to a spherical roller with multiple protrusions for use on the skin to promote anti-itch relief without causing skin damage.

[0033] As used herein, the term "spherical roller" includes "generally spherical roller," or roller otherwise shaped to roll freely about any axis of rotation. A spherical roller has multiple protrusions extending outwards from the insert—these protrusions may be part of or extend from the outer layer. Although the protrusions cause variations in distance from the center of the spherical roller to its outermost surface, the roller is still described as "spherical" because the roller can roll with the same force about any axis of rotation passing through its center while occupying the same space.

[0034] In the following text, reference will be made to the preferred embodiments. Figures 1 to 6 The system and method according to this utility model are described in detail. It should be understood that the description is limited to the preferred embodiments of this utility model merely for the purpose of discussion. Various modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0035] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the antipruritic device 100 of this utility model is shown and disclosed. According to... Figure 1The anti-itch device 100 includes a generally spherical roller or ball 102 with an insert, and an outer layer 105 overmolded on the insert. For illustrative purposes, the insert is made of metal. The anti-itch device 100 also includes a housing 104 for the spherical roller or ball 102. The outer layer has a plurality of protrusions or ridges 106 regularly spaced on the surface of the spherical roller 102. The spacing may be generally uniform, such that the spacing between adjacent or nearest protrusions remains as uniform as possible. This uniform spacing ensures a continuous amount of relief from itching. During use, the protrusions extend away from the insert (i.e., outward from the roller 102) to contact the user's skin.

[0036] When the device is used by moving the housing 104 over the user's skin (not shown), the protrusions contact the skin, and the ball roller relieves the itch. This action causes the ball roller 102 to roll over the itchy skin surface and can provide a massage sensation. Multiple protrusions or ridges 106 press in and interrupt itch pathways or nerve pathways to provide a scratch-like sensation. The rolling mechanism ensures that no physical action of friction or scratching is applied to the skin surface, no matter how forcefully the device is used.

[0037] The housing or retainer 104 of the spherical roller is characterized by a design that does not completely enclose the spherical roller or ball 102. Instead, the housing 104 includes a cavity defined in an inner surface 108 for retaining the spherical roller 102. The shape of this cavity is designed to prevent displacement of the spherical roller 102 within the housing 104. The shape of the cavity is defined by the inner surface 108 and at least partially conforms to the outer diameter d of the spherical roller 102. As used herein, “partially conforms” means that at least a portion of the inner surface 108 contacts a protrusion such that the spherical roller 102 cannot be displaced within the housing 104, or cannot be displaced to any extent that would degrade the function of the device 100, but with a small tolerance (i.e., the diameter of the inner surface 108 is slightly larger than the diameter d) to allow the spherical roller 102 to rotate freely. This free rotation prevents the spherical roller 102 from being scratched or dragged on the skin.

[0038] The housing 104 also includes an aperture 110, the maximum size of which, w, is less than the diameter, d. The aperture 110 is large enough to allow a portion of the spherical roller 102 to extend out of the aperture 110 to contact the skin—this portion of the roller 102 is located within a frame generally indicated by 112.

[0039] The device 100 provides targeted itch relief, allowing the user to apply a precise and easy rolling motion when needed. Additionally, the housing or retainer 104 is rotatably supported and allows the ball to roll freely in any direction—that is, around any axis of rotation passing through the center of the roller 102. Specifically, as the housing 104 (which is gripped by the user during use) moves across the skin, contact between the skin and the portion of the roller 102 protruding from the orifice 110 into the frame 112 at any given time causes the spherical roller 102 to roll, thereby causing the successive protrusions of these protrusions 106 to press against the skin.

[0040] The housing 104 may be a single or integral component that permanently seals around the roller 102 (e.g., by ultrasonically welding the portions of the housing together). In other embodiments, the housing 104 is formed of two or more components that are releasably engaged, allowing the housing 104 and roller 102 to be formed separately, with the roller 102 subsequently inserted into the housing 104. The components of the housing may be connected by threaded engagement, friction engagement, or any other suitable means.

[0041] The housing can be designed to resemble or be identical to the roller. For example, the housing could be a truncated sphere with a larger diameter than the roller, wherein the truncated portion is formed by an orifice. Alternatively, the housing can be designed to be gripped by the user's hand. To this end, housings of different sizes can be provided so that the user can choose the optimal housing for holding in their hand.

[0042] The outer layer 105 of the device may be made of a stable material (relative to the ambient temperature range, humidity, and other conditions in which the device will be used), such as plastics, including polyoxymethylene (POM), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethersulfone (PES), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC-ABS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), silicone, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the material forming the outer layer 105 is non-reactive, for example, it does not react with bodily fluids or topical creams or topical steroids, even after prolonged contact.

[0043] The material used to manufacture the outer layer 105 is elastically deformable, thus changing in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the insert. When the insert is made of, for example, metal or other materials with a relatively high thermal mass compared to the outer layer, the insert may contract upon cooling (e.g., in a freezer or refrigerator), and because the material forming the outer layer is elastic, the outer layer 105 will contract along with the insert. This allows the device 100 to be used when cold, thereby enhancing the relief of itching. Furthermore, certain engineering plastics with improved thermal conductivity can also be used for the outer layer 105 to enhance heat conduction from the skin to the insert, causing the insert to expand. Due to the high thermal mass of the insert, it can also be heated, where the heat will provide relief to the user.

[0044] Similarly, the cavity should be large enough to hold the spherical roller 102 at standard operating temperatures (e.g., room temperature or 25°C). If the cavity is large enough for the user at room temperature, it will also be sufficient when the roller cools down—the roller will contract rather than expand when it cools.

[0045] The aforementioned plastic is known to have high moldability, allowing the protrusions or ridges 106 of the spherical roller or ball 102 to be molded into rigid polygonal shapes with flat tops and clearly defined edges. For illustrative purposes, the flat top 304 is shaded. The shape of the protrusion or ridge 106 is an important feature for maintaining the shape of the clearly defined edges—the edges should provide a concentrated force similar to a scratching sensation by pressing in and interrupting the itch path. To this extent, the protrusion 106 should be rigid enough not to deform significantly during use—i.e., deform to the extent that it weakens the effective delivery of itch relief—but in some embodiments, not so rigid as to scratch the skin.

[0046] Figure 2 A visual representation of the spherical roller 202 of the anti-itch device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an insert 203 within the roller, is shown. While some non-metallic alternatives may be used, for illustrative purposes, the insert 203, formed of metal, will now be described as heavier than the outer layer 105. Therefore, the metal insert 203 ensures that the roller has sufficient weight—for example, between 40g and 70g, where the diameter of the device 100 is between 30mm and 40mm—to apply pressure effectively and efficiently during rolling. Consequently, less downward pressure is required for the user to increase or maintain effectiveness during use. This weight also reduces wobbling within the support, thereby allowing for smooth rolling.

[0047] The thickness and design of the internal metal insert 203 can be adjusted to provide the ideal weight of the spherical ball bearings, and thus the ideal pressure on the skin surface. A thicker metal insert can be used for greater downward pressure, while a thinner metal insert can be used for less pressure on a more sensitive skin surface. This thickness is the wall thickness of the insert, so the insert can be hollow, having an internal cavity (not shown)—the weight of the insert is defined by determining the volume of the internal cavity. Thus, by changing the volume of the internal cavity, inserts of the same external dimensions can have different weights. Therefore, the “thickness” of the metal insert refers to the wall thickness around the internal cavity. According to a preferred embodiment, the insert 203 is selected to have a predetermined weight so as to apply a predetermined force or downward pressure to the skin when the orifice 110 rests directly downward against the skin.

[0048] The insert disposed within the spherical body is made of one of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, or alloys thereof. For additional weight, the insert itself may comprise multiple materials, one of which is formed around another. For example, the insert may comprise a lead core surrounded by a spherical steel shell.

[0049] The anti-itch device 200 can be cooled in a refrigerator or any other household appliance with low-temperature storage capabilities to provide a cooling effect to the user's skin through the outer layer 105 during use. The thickness of the outer layer 205, which is overmolded onto the metal insert 203, can be reduced to allow for better thermal conductivity, i.e., the ability of the outer layer 205 to transfer the cooling sensation from the inner metal insert 203 to the skin after the device 200 has been cooled in a refrigerator. Certain engineering plastics (such as polymer composites) with improved thermal conductivity can also be used to manufacture the outer layer.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, and in Figure 4As can be seen more clearly, the attachment device or mechanism 207 is disposed within the metal insert 203. The spherical roller 202 (and thus the outer layer 205 and the insert 203) can be formed as multiple parts—in this case, two parts. Both parts are hemispheres. The attachment device or mechanism 207 is configured to hold the two hemispheres together to form an assembled roller 202. In some embodiments, the roller 202 cannot be disassembled once assembled. In other embodiments, the roller 202 can be disassembled (and reassembled) by releasing the attachment device or mechanism 207 to allow for cleaning, replacement with a heavier or lighter insert, etc. The attachment device or mechanism may include a friction fit to hold the hemispheres together; or may include mating threaded members, each located within one hemisphere of each hemisphere, such that relative rotation between the hemispheres allows the hemispheres to attach and disengage; or may include other connecting means. It is worth noting that friction fit may even be suitable for heavier inserts, as housing the insert in a housing (where there is virtually no space for relative movement between the assembled roller components) prevents the two halves from separating during use.

[0051] Figure 3 The upper hemisphere 300 of a spherical roller 302 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a plurality of protrusions or ridges 306 disposed on the spherical roller are shown. The spherical roller 302 consists of two hemispheres (i.e., an upper hemisphere 300 and a lower hemisphere [not shown]), which are defined by a reference... Figure 2 The attachment mechanism 207 is described. The protrusions or ridges 306 on the spherical rollers or balls 302 are polygonal in shape, having a flat top (in the form of a truncated cone) and well-defined edges. Preferably, the polygonal shape is hexagonal, but triangles, squares, pentagons, octagons, and other cross-sectional shapes may also be used. In some embodiments, combinations of protrusions of different shapes are provided—for example, protrusions with larger flat tops (e.g., octagonal protrusions) to interrupt itch pathways in the nervous system, and protrusions with smaller flat tops (e.g., triangular protrusions) to provide direct itch relief. The protrusions may be irregularly spaced, but are generally regularly spaced. The protrusions may be arranged in rows. The distance between the bases of regularly spaced adjacent protrusions (i.e., the protrusions closest to each other) defines the spacing between the two protrusions, and can be between 0.5 mm and 4.0 mm laterally (i.e., within a row), and preferably between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm, and more preferably between 1.0 mm and 2.5 mm. A row of protrusions may be offset relative to the adjacent row (i.e., the nearest row) of protrusions. The spacing between a row of protrusions and the adjacent row of protrusions may be between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm, preferably between 1.0 mm and 4.5 mm, and more preferably between 1.5 mm and 4.0 mm. The protrusions may be spaced as evenly as possible to ensure that the ball 302 rolls consistently and smoothly within the housing or retainer 104.

[0052] Figure 4 The upper half of a metal insert 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Dashed lines visually indicate hidden elements. An attachment mechanism 407 is provided along the central axis of the spherical roller. The attachment mechanism 407 is used to attach or separate the two hemispheres (the upper and lower hemispheres of the spherical roller or ball). In a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism 407 can be used to attach or separate the two hemispheres to alter the internal counterweight insert 400, thereby changing the downward pressure applied during use. By design choice, a cavity 408 exists within the metal insert. This cavity can be filled with material to increase the weight of the insert, or it can be enlarged to reduce the weight.

[0053] Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the upper hemisphere 300, in which an internal metal insert 400 is disposed in the upper hemisphere.

[0054] Figure 6 A perspective view of an anti-itch device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The housing 600 includes two portions 602 and 604, which are permanently connected or connected in a manner that allows for disassembly and reassembly. This connection can be a friction fit, a threaded connection, or other connection methods. This allows a ball roller 606 to be inserted into the housing 600, and the housing 600 to be closed or assembled around the ball roller 606 to hold the ball roller 606 in the use position.

[0055] It should be understood that numerous further modifications and substitutions to various aspects of the described embodiments are possible. Furthermore, the described aspects are intended to include all such substitutions, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0056] In this specification and the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “containing”, shall be understood to imply inclusion of the stated whole or step, or group of whole or steps, but not to exclude any other whole or step or group of whole or steps.

[0057] References to any existing publications (or information derived therefrom) or any known content in this specification are not (and should not be construed as) an endorsement or acknowledgment or, in any way, imply that existing publications (or information derived therefrom) or known content constitute part of the general knowledge in the field covered by this specification.

Claims

1. An itch relief device, characterized by, Comprising: a spherical roller having an insert and an outer layer overmolded on the insert, the insert being heavier than the outer layer; and a housing comprising: a cavity for holding the spherical roller, and the cavity being shaped to prevent displacement of the position of the spherical roller within the housing; and an aperture having a maximum dimension smaller than the outer diameter of the spherical roller, a portion of the spherical roller protruding through the aperture to contact the skin of a user, wherein the outer layer comprises a plurality of regularly spaced protrusions extending outwardly away from the insert; and wherein contact of the housing with the skin when moved over the skin causes the spherical roller to roll, thereby causing successive ones of the protrusions to abut against the skin. The outer surface of the device is made of a stable and non-reactive material.

2. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The cavity allows the spherical roller to rotate freely about any rotational axis passing through the center of the spherical roller.

3. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the device is made of one of polyoxymethylene (POM), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethersulfone (PES), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC-ABS), silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

4. The anti-itch device of claim 2, wherein, The insert is made of one of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel.

5. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the spherical roller is made of a material that can elastically deform with expansion and contraction of the insert.

6. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The insert is selected to have a predetermined weight to exert a predetermined force against the skin when the aperture is pointed downward and the spherical roller abuts against the skin.

7. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The total weight of the device is between 40 g and 70 g.

8. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the device is between 30 mm and 40 mm.

9. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The protrusions comprise a polygonal cross-section and a flat top, wherein the edges of the flat top are well-defined.

10. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The spacing between the bases of each protrusion is between 1.0 mm and 2.5 mm along the lateral direction.

11. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The spacing between the bases of each protrusion is between 1.5 mm and 4.0 mm across the row along the diagonal direction.

12. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The spherical roller is composed of two hemispheres connected by an attachment mechanism.

13. The anti-itch device of claim 1, wherein, The attachment mechanism is used to attach or detach the two hemispheres, enabling replacement of the insert with an alternative insert.

14. The anti-itch device of claim 13, wherein, ​

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