Massage device with two modules that can be translatably moved between two massage configurations.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a body massage device, in particular of the type comprising at least one module whose outer surface can be applied, for example by manual rolling, to the area of ​​the body to be massaged.

[0002] It applies more particularly to massage devices with at least two possible usage configurations, with different massage properties, in order to allow the user to apply different types of treatments, particularly on different areas of their body, using the same device.

[0003] We know from document CN-1 448 200 of a massage device comprising two modules mounted in relative translation by means of a mechanism allowing their reversible arrangement between a distant position and a close position, each of the modules having a cap whose outer surface is arranged to form a massage surface.

[0004] This massage device allows the two massage surfaces to be moved closer together or further apart, without however providing two massage configurations by means of a specific massage surface respectively.

[0005] Document US10561923 discloses the preamble to claim 1.

[0006] The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing in particular a massage device which is arranged to be able to be selectively arranged in two massage configurations each forming a specific massage surface, and this without requiring the addition of additional modules.

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes a massage device comprising two modules mounted in relative translation by means of a mechanism allowing their reversible arrangement in at least a first - and respectively a second - massage configurations in which the modules are brought closer - respectively moved further apart -, each of said modules having a rear cap whose external geometry is arranged to, in the first massage configuration, form with the cap of the other module a first massage surface, each of the modules having a front extension whose external geometry is arranged to, in the second massage configuration, form with the extension of the other module a second massage surface, said extensions being arranged to be able to interlock with each other when the modules are brought closer together towards the first massage configuration.The extensions comprise an angular succession of fingers spaced by notches of complementary shape, the fingers - respectively the notches - of one module being arranged angularly opposite the notches - respectively the fingers - of the other module to allow their interlocking when the modules are brought together.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description, made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: [ Fig.1a ] And [ Fig.1b ] represent in perspective a massage device according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively in the second ( figure 1a ) and in the first ( figure 1b ) massage configurations; [ Fig.2 ] represents in exploded view the massage device of the figures 1a et 1b ; [ Fig.2a ] representing more specifically the rods and the axis allowing the modules to move between the two massage configurations; ] Fig.3 ] represents, in perspective view from the front, an extension of a module from the previous figures

[0009] In relation to these figures, a body massage device is described below.

[0010] This device can be used, in particular, to help athletes recover their muscles after exertion, thus limiting the risk of injury, micro-trauma, and / or muscle soreness, and allowing them to quickly resume training and / or daily activities. The massage device is therefore especially suitable after engaging in sports activities requiring intense muscular effort, such as triathlon, running (particularly in natural environments such as trail running and cross-country), cycling, cross-training, or weight training.

[0011] The massage device has at least two possible usage configurations, with different massage properties, to allow the user to apply different types of treatments, particularly on different areas of their body, using the same massage device.

[0012] To achieve this, the massage device comprises two modules 1 mounted in relative translation by means of a mechanism allowing their reversible arrangement in at least: a first massage configuration, in which the modules 1 are brought closer together ( figure 1b ) ; and a second massage configuration, in which said modules are separated ( figure 1a ).

[0013] Each of the modules 1 has a rear cap 2 whose external geometry is arranged to, in the first massage configuration, form with the cap 2 of the other module 1 a first massage surface 3, in particular by manually rolling said surface over the area of ​​the body to be massaged.

[0014] To do this, as shown on the figure 2 , each of the modules 1 has a body 4 at the rear of which a shell 5 is attached to form a cap 2.

[0015] In the embodiment shown, the body 4 has a rear part 4a on which the shell 5 is fixed by means of a screw 6. In particular, the rear part comprises an angular succession of radial blades 7 separated in pairs by a space 8, and connected at their rear ends by a platform 9 on which is formed a tapped hole for screwing the shell 5.

[0016] The shell 5 has an angular succession of ribs 10 which extend over the inner wall of the shell 5, said rib cooperating with the blades 7 to prevent any relative rotation of said shell with respect to the body 4, particularly during a massage.

[0017] In the embodiment shown, the caps 2 have an external hemispherical geometry, so as to form a first massage surface 3 with a spherical envelope.

[0018] This first configuration allows for localized massage of several areas of the user's body, including the back, hips, glutes, shoulders, feet, and hamstrings. Furthermore, in this configuration, the massage device is compact, with a diameter of approximately 80 mm, making it easy to store and transport, particularly in a gym bag or travel bag.

[0019] In relation to the figures, each shell 5 has a hemispherical geometry, with an outer surface which is covered by a skin 11 of complementary hemispherical geometry, the first massage surface 3 being formed on the outer surface 3a of said skin.

[0020] The skin 11 is attached to the shell by overmolding or bonding. In particular, the skin 11 has an annular base 12 with angularly spaced ribs 13 to form a gripping area to allow the user to easily manipulate the modules 1, especially to move them between the two massage configurations.

[0021] The outer surface of each skin 11 has a structure adapted for massage, notably with projections 14 of a substantially pyramidal shape distributed regularly over said outer surface. Depending on the type of massage desired, the shape and / or distribution of the projections 14 can be adapted.

[0022] Thus, the first massage surface 3 is suitable for deep massage, particularly for the prevention and / or relief of pain and / or muscle soreness following the practice of a sporting activity.

[0023] Each of the modules 1 also has a front extension 15, formed at the front of the body 4, whose external geometry is arranged to, in the second massage configuration, form with the extension 15 of the other module 1 a second massage surface 16.

[0024] Such an arrangement allows for a more complete massage in the second configuration, and is particularly suitable for other parts of the body, such as the cervical spine and spinal muscles.

[0025] In particular, the first 3 and second 16 massage surfaces have a different geometry, and the second 16 massage surface is formed between the caps 2 in a distant position, so that said second massage surface is surrounded by two massage surfaces 3a formed by the outer geometry of respectively one of said caps.

[0026] Thus, in the second massage configuration, it is possible to simultaneously massage adjacent parts of the body, with massage surfaces 3a, 16 each having a geometry adapted to the shape of respectively a part to be massaged.

[0027] In the embodiment shown, the extensions 15 have a frustoconical external geometry, forming a second massage surface 16 with a conical envelope of revolution. This geometry is particularly suitable for performing a massage on an area of ​​a body part with a protruding bone, in particular a clavicle or the spine.

[0028] The second surface 16 may have a smoother texture than the first surface 3, making it suitable for a more superficial and comfortable massage, particularly for muscle relaxation purposes.

[0029] Advantageously, the first 3 and second 16 surfaces can also be made on layers of materials, for example foams, which have different densities and / or hardnesses.

[0030] Thus, the first massage surface 3 can have greater rigidity in order to apply deeper pressure to the muscles, and therefore more effectively relieve pain and / or soreness due to the practice of a sporting activity.

[0031] Conversely, the second massage surface 16 may have greater flexibility, in order to apply a more superficial and comfortable massage to the area concerned, particularly for the purpose of muscle relaxation.

[0032] The extensions 15 are also arranged so that they can fit together when the modules 1 are brought together towards the first massage configuration, in order to allow the device to be compact in said first configuration.

[0033] For this purpose, the extensions 15 each comprise an angular succession of fingers 17 spaced apart by notches 18 of complementary shape, the fingers 17 - respectively the notches 18 - of one module 1 being arranged angularly opposite the notches 18 - respectively the fingers 17 - of the other module 1 to allow their interlocking when the modules 1 are brought together.

[0034] The second massage surface 16 extends over the outer walls of the fingers 17, which allows the massage function and the interlocking function of the extensions 15 to be axially superimposed, and thus further reduces the bulk of the device in the first configuration.

[0035] Furthermore, in the first massage configuration, the front ends of the fingers 17 of an extension 15 are arranged to be positioned each in a space 8 formed between two adjacent radial blades 7 of the body 4 of the other module 1, that is to say that the notches 18 are extended backwards by respectively a space 8.

[0036] To allow its movement between its two massage configurations, the device includes an axis 19 on either side of which the modules 1 are mounted in translation.

[0037] In addition, the extension 15 of each module 1 has a bore 20 opening into the cap 2, each side of the axis 19 being mounted in translation in a bore 20 respectively.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, each of the bores 20 is equipped with a rod 21 which is mounted in translation in the axis 19, said rods being able to be fixed to the corresponding module 1 by means of the screw 6. In particular, each rod 21 has two diametrically opposed lugs 22 which extend axially, said lugs being mounted each in a translational guide rail 23 formed on the axis 19.

[0039] Advantageously, the legs 22 of one rod 21 are arranged at 90° to the legs 22 of the other rod 21 in order to optimize the amplitude of the relative translation of the modules 1, and thus maximize the extent of the massage surfaces.

[0040] Each of the modules 1 is equipped with at least one means cooperating geometrically with a complementary means of axis 19 to define the relative position of the modules 1 in at least one of the massage configurations.

[0041] To do this, each of the rods 21 and the axis 19 have at least one lug 24 - front stop 25 assembly and / or at least one lug 26 - rear stop 27 assembly defining respectively a massage configuration.

[0042] In particular, as depicted on the figure 2a , each rod 21 has an annular collar 24 formed near its rear end, said collar being arranged to come to a buttress at the front against the corresponding end 25 of the axis 19 when the modules 1 are arranged in the first massage configuration.

[0043] Furthermore, each leg 22 has a lug 26 formed on the outside of its front end, said lug being intended to come against a rear edge 27 of the corresponding guide rail 23 when the modules 1 are arranged in the second massage configuration.

[0044] To prevent any relative displacement of the modules 1 with respect to the axis 19 when using the massage device, each of the modules 1 is further equipped with at least one means cooperating geometrically with a complementary means of the axis 19 to lock the relative position of the modules 1 in at least one of the massage configurations.

[0045] To do this, each of the rods 21 and the axis 19 have at least one projection 28 - front housing 31 assembly and / or at least one projection 29 - rear housing 30 assembly defining respectively a massage configuration.

[0046] In particular, each rod 21 has at least two longitudinal projections 28 spaced angularly near the collar 24, and intended to engage respectively in a front housing 31 formed in the axis 19 near its corresponding end 25, when said collar comes to a front stop against said end, in order to lock the modules 1 in the first massage configuration.

[0047] Similarly, each lug 26 has at least one lateral projection 29 intended to snap into a housing 30 formed in the rear part of the corresponding guide rail 23, in particular when said lug comes to a rear stop against the edge 27 of said rail, in order to lock the modules 1 in the second massage configuration.

Claims

1. Massage device comprising two modules (1) mounted in relative translation to one another by means of a mechanism allowing their reversible arrangement in at least a first - and respectively a second - massage configuration, in which the modules (1) are brought together - respectively moved apart from one another -, each of said modules having a rear cap (2) whoseouter geometry is arranged to, in the first massage configuration, form a first massage surface (3) with the cap (2) of the other module (1), each of the modules (1) having a front extension (15) whose outer geometry is arranged to, in the second massage configuration, form a second massage surface (16) with the extension (15) of the other module (1), said extensions being arranged so as to be able to interlock with each other when the modules (1) are brought together towards the first massage configuration, said massage device being characterised in that the extensions (15) comprise an angular succession of fingers (17) which are spaced apart by slots (18) of complementary form, the fingers (17) - respectively the slots (18) - of a module (1) being arranged at an angle relative to the slots (18) - respectively the fingers (17) - of the other module (1), so as to enable their imbrication when the modules (1) are brought together.

2. Massage device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first (3) and second (16) massage surfaces have a different geometry.

3. Massage device according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the second massage surface (16) is formed between the caps (2) in a spaced apart position, such that said second massage surface is surrounded by two massage surfaces (3a) formed by the outer geometry of respectively one of said caps.

4. Massage device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the caps (2) have an hemispherical outer geometry forming a first massage surface (3) of a spherical casing.

5. Massage device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the extensions (15) have a truncated conical outer geometry forming a second massage surface (16) with a rotary conical casing.

6. Massage device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the second massage surface (16) extends over the outer walls of the fingers (17).

7. Massage device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it comprises a shaft (19) on either side of which the modules (1) are mounted in translation.

8. Massage device according to claim 7, characterised in that the extension (15) of each module (1) has a bore (20) opening into the cap (2), each side of the shaft (19) being mounted in translation in a respective bore (20).

9. Massage device according to claim 8, characterised in that each of the bores (20) is provided with a rod (21), which is mounted in translation in the shaft (19).

10. Massage device according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that each of the modules (1) is provided with at least one means (24, 26) which cooperates geometrically with a complementary means (25, 27) of the shaft (19) so as to define the relative position of the modules (1) in at least one of the massage configurations.

11. Massage device according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that each of the modules (1) is provided with at least one means (28, 29) cooperating geometrically with a complementary means (30, 31) of the shaft (19) so as to lock the relative position of the modules (1) in at least one of the massage configurations.

12. Massage device according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that each of the modules (1) has a body (4) at the front of which the extension (15) is formed, and a shell (5) attached to the rear of said body to form the cap (2).

13. Massage device according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the outer surface of the caps (2) is covered by a skin (11) which has a complementary inner geometry, the first massage surface (3) being formed on the outer surface of said skins.

14. Massage device according to claim 13, characterised in that the outer surface of the skins (11) has a structure (14) which is suitable for massage.