Handheld massage device

Abstract

There is provided a hand-held massage device (100) based on providing a rotor (115) with a plurality of parallel rollers (111) rotatably and 5 peripherally mounted onto the rotor, such that each roller is rotatable about its respective axis. The massage device has at least one handle (140) rotatably connected with the rotor, and a connector unit (120) arranged for connecting to an external drive device for driving the rotation of the rotor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of massage devices, and more particularly to handheld massage device, which provides a controlled massage therapy on animal or human bodies.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A variety of handheld massage devices are available on the market. Many of them are manually operated handheld devices, but there are also handheld motor driven devices which may be used for self-therapy or be used for massage therapy on a subject body by another person performing the massage. Such massage devices are typically used for myofascial stimulation and release, both to prevent and to treat muscle tension on a human or animal. The massage therapy may be performed before and / or after physical activity to release tight muscles and restricted fascia, and to increase blood circulation thereby decreasing the risk of injuries.

[0003] A number of principles may be utilized in the massage devices to create the massaging effect, e.g. vibrational, tapping, frictional and / or rotational properties. The rotational property is an important aspect as it allows the user to apply pressure at specific spots of the body and further allows for rolling along the affected muscles which provides further relief and release.

[0004] While there may be other devices that attempt to achieve, and sometimes successfully achieve, similar pursuits as the present invention, there is a need for at least a complementary solution for a handheld massage device that resolves existing issues like adaptability to individual requirements of each massage therapy session, e.g. need for treatment of different muscles, need for warming up muscles before exercise, need for relaxing muscles after exercise, therapy in different environments etc., and which is relatively simple, economical and reliable.

[0005] Document DE1141746B discloses a massage device comprising all the technical features set out in the preamble of claim 1.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a massage device according to claim 1. Additional features and embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] In view of the above identified problems, an object of the present invention is to at least provide a complementary and improved massage device for massaging of human or animal bodies which is able to cope with working on animal or human bodies out in the field as well as being adaptable to the individual requirements and external conditions of each therapy session. It would further be advantageous to provide a handheld massage device with as few parts as possible which is sturdy, and which is reliable.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a massage device comprising a rotor and a plurality of parallel rollers which are rotatably and peripherally mounted onto said rotor. Each roller is rotatable about its respective axis, and each respective rotation axis of said rollers is parallel with the rotation axis of the rotor, such that the respective lateral surfaces of the rollers advantageously provide a desired massage contact to a human or animal body to which the massage device is applied. The massage device further comprises at least one handle, to which the rotor is rotatably connected, and a connector unit arranged for connecting to an external drive device for setting the rotor in rotation.

[0009] Thereby a sturdy massage device is provided to which an external drive device can be connected to drive the rotor and thereby a hand-held controlled massage therapy can be applied to the subject body by at a selected rotational speed of the rotor, pressing the rotating rotor including the peripherally positioned rollers towards the body, such that the lateral surfaces of the rollers come into contact with the body. As further explained below, a diameter of the rollers, number of rollers, diameter of the peripheral positioning of the rollers, and rotational speed of the rotor can be selected differently according to different embodiments of the invention. The selection of the diameter of and the number of rollers, together with the selected diameter of the peripheral positioning of the rollers, selected rotational speed of the rotor, and applied pressure as the masseur presses the massage device towards the massage area will provide different specific massaging effect to the subject body. Thus, by providing massage devices with different combinations of the number of rollers, diameter of the rollers, diameter of the peripheral positioning of the rollers etc. different massaging effects are achieved, including myofascial release to and / or neurologic myo relax of a majority of the muscles of the subject body. Advantageously, as the therapy sessions may occur out on the field during long hours, e.g. at a racecourse, the drive device may be exchanged for a fully charged one, or the massage device may be exchanged for another one with a desired massaging effect or size.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the device, the connector unit is arranged at an end portion of said rotor. This is advantageous to easily exchange drive device / massage device to fit the current conditions for the massage session. In addition to providing the driving interface between a transmission shaft of the drive unit and the rotor, the connector unit may comprise a quick-connector part or some other applicable mechanical locking interface between the massage device and drive device, to lock the drive unit to the massage device.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the device, at least one handle is arranged to contain said drive device. This is advantageous to provide a one handle massage device with a drive device. However, this is also advantageous to provide a two handle massage device such that the user can use two hands when performing the massage, which improves balance and adaptability to apply controlled pressure to the subject body.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the device, the at least one handle is releasably connected to said rotor. This is advantageous e.g. to enable exchange of the handle itself or when serving or exchanging e.g. the rollers or other parts of the massage device.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the device, the at least one handle is arranged extending in a longitudinal direction of said rotor. This is advantageous to balance the handling of the massage device.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the device, a rotational resistance of said rollers about their rotation axis is controlled by means of at least one adjustment element. Each roller may be provided with a respective adjustment element, or one adjustment device may be used to adjust the rotational resistance of several rollers. Controlling the rotational resistance of the rotation of the rollers about their rotation axis is advantageous to provide different resistance applied by the massage device towards the skin of the subject body. For example, when the rollers are substantially free to rotate the lateral surface of the rollers will roll against the subject body and no oil is needed to perform the massage. Further, if required, massage may be applied outside the clothes of the subject. However, if a rotational resistance is applied to the rollers, where the most extreme value would correspond to the rollers being substantially locked from rotation about their own axis, the rotation of the rotor will still cause the rollers to rotate onto the body, but since there is little (or none) rotation of the rollers themselves, the skin is pushed / stretched by means of the rollers which is desirable to cause an increased blood circulation in the upper layers of the skin.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the device, the at least one adjustment element comprises an adjustment screw or a bushing which is advantageous.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the device, it further comprises handle strap adapted to be connected to at least one of said at least one handle. This is advantageous when performing self-therapy, i.e. when the user uses the massage device on the own body and needs to reach e.g. portions of the back. In a preferred embodiment of the device, when the device is provided with two handles, the handle strap is arranged to be (optionally releasably) connected to opposite end portions of said massage device, i.e. preferably on the outer portions of the handles or the handle and the drive device. This is advantageous to reach hard-to-reach areas when performing self-therapy or when performing massage on some hard-to-reach portion of a large animal.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the device, a lateral surface of said rollers is one of smooth, at least partly provided with an embossed pattern, and at least partly provided with grooves. This is advantageous to provide different massaging effects. Further, different materials of the rollers, e.g. metal, wood, polymeric, leather, velvet etc., or at the lateral surface of the rollers to provide different effects is conceivable within the inventive concept.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the device, it further comprises control unit arranged to control a rotational speed of said rotor. This is advantageous to control the massage effect.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the device, the drive device is one of battery operated, and cord operated, which is advantageous.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the device, the number of rollers is selected is between 2 and 10 rollers, more preferably selected between 3 and 8 rollers, and most preferably between 2 and 6 rollers. This is advantageous to obtain different massaging effects as described above.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the device, the diameter of the rollers is selected between 1 to 5 cm. This is advantageous to obtain different massaging effects as described above.

[0022] As an example of providing a massaging effect which is advantageous e.g. for warming-up the body before sports, the distance between the rollers of a selected diameter and speed of the rotation of the rotor is selected to together provide tapping / taptoment and vibration to the massaged area of the subject body. This massaging effect activates the nervous system and prepares the muscle structure for work. Simultaneously, the rotational movement of the rollers provides increased blood circulation and connective tissue massage. During stretching, providing a massaging effect of neurologic myo relax, release of nerve tensions in the muscles, can help extend the amount of stretching of the muscle. To treat an injury, the rotation of the rollers can help increase the blood flow through the muscles etc.

[0023] Further objective of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of a first exemplifying embodiment of a massage device according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective side view of a second exemplifying embodiment of a massage device according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective top view of the first exemplifying embodiment of a massage device according to the present invention; Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate a side view and a cross sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of an embodiment of a rotor of a massage device according to the present invention, respectively; and Figs. 5a is a side view, Fig. 5b a detail from, and Fig. 5c a cross sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the second exemplifying embodiment of a massage device according to the present invention

[0025] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] For sake of simplicity constructional details have been left out in the following description, which may be considered basic knowledge of the skilled person, and which do not contribute to describing the essence of the inventive concept.

[0027] A first exemplifying embodiment of a massage device 100 is now described with reference to Figs. 1, 3 and 4. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the massage device 100 comprises a massage unit 110 which at a first end 110a thereof is connected to a handle 140, and at a second opposite end 110b comprises a connector unit 120 adapted for connecting to an external drive device. The handle 140 as well as the massage unit 110 are arranged extending along a longitudinal axis of the massage device 100. The massage unit 110 comprises a substantially cylinder shaped elongated rotor unit 115 having a number of rollers 111 connected thereto.

[0028] The number of rollers of a massage device according to the present inventive concept can be selected to match a desired characteristics and application of the massage device, and is preferably selected between 2 and 10 rollers, more preferably selected between 3 and 8 rollers, and most preferably between 2 and 6 rollers. Further, the diameter and length of the rollers are selected to fit the intended application. Generally, when the massage device is intended e.g. for a larger animal, the dimensions are selected accordingly. The diameter of the rollers may be selected e.g. between 1 to 5 cm depending on the size of the intended subject body.

[0029] The lateral surface of the rollers can be selected as being smooth, at least partly provided with an embossed pattern, or at least partly provided with grooves (not shown).

[0030] To continue now with reference to Fig. 3, which illustrates an exploded view of the massage device 100 of Fig. 1, the rotor 115 comprises a central axis 118 extending through the rotor 115, two opposite and distanced end caps 116, 117 fixated to the central axis 118, four rollers 111 which are rotatably connected between the end caps 116, 117, and the connector unit 120.

[0031] The central axis 118 is at a first end 118a rotatably connected to the handle 140. To enable the rotor 115 to rotate about its longitudinal axis, i.e. the rotor rotation axis, the opposite second end 118b of the central axis 118 is provided with a connect portion 121 which is connectable to a drive device, e.g. to an external handheld motor device 250 as shown in connection with a second exemplifying embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, which drive device is arranged for via a suitable transmission hub rotate the central axis 118 and thereby the rotor unit 115 when connected.

[0032] In the first exemplifying embodiment, the central axis 118 extends through an end cap of the connector unit 120 (optional) and thus enters the drive device. Alternatively, the connect portion may be arranged such that a transmission axis of the drive device is inserted in the connector unit. Further, in alternative embodiments the drive device may be a permanently attached motor, be supplied by (rechargeable) batteries, be powered via a flex cord etc.

[0033] With reference again to Fig. 3, in the first exemplifying embodiment the end caps 116, 117 are substantially formed by two respective plates which are perpendicularly arranged with respect to the central axis 118, and which are fixated to the central axis 118. The central axis 118 extends through a center of each end cap 116, 117, see also Fig. 4b which shows a cross-section A-A of the massage device 100. Along a peripheral portion of each respective end cap 116, 117 a plurality of pairs of correspondingly positioned roller axis supports 119 are arranged, see Fig. 3. The roller axis supports 119 are paired to support a respective end portion 122 of a respective roller 111. Here four rollers 111 are kept in position between the distanced end caps 116, 117. The roller axis supports 119 may optionally comprise a respective ball bearing arranged for supporting and facilitating the rotation of the rollers 111 such that they are allowed to rotate about the central axis 118 as the rotor unit 115, and thereby the end caps 116, 117, is rotated, while the rollers at the same time being free to rotate about their own longitudinal axis, i.e. the respective roller rotation axis, if subjected to friction from the subject body. The rollers 111 are arranged to be parallel with the central axis 118. The roller axis supports and corresponding portions on the end of the rollers may be formed by corresponding protruding / receiving (or vice versa) portions or any other applicable manner of rotatably fixating the rollers between the end caps of the rotor.

[0034] To perform a massage session on a subject, an operator simply connects the massage device 100 to a drive means, e.g. engages the connect portion 121 to a handheld motor as described above, and then activates the motor and thereby the massage device 100. The motor drives a rotation of the rotor unit 115 and the rollers 111 about the central axis 118. When the operator applies the rollers 111 of the massage unit 110 to the skin of the subject person, the rollers 111 continues their rotation about the central axis 118 while at the same time the rollers 111 themselves rotate about their respective longitudinal axis when subjected to the friction of the subject body, such that the massaging effect on the subject person is smoothened.

[0035] In the first exemplifying embodiment, the number or rollers are 4, however as previously explained another number of rollers are conceivable within the present inventive concept, e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6 or more rollers. The rollers may be formed like cylinders or be provided with grooves or some other embossed pattern. The handle 140 may be releasably connected to the massage unit 110 by means of a connector 130 e.g. a bayonet coupling or some other applicable connector device, see Fig. 4a.

[0036] Referring now to Fig. 2, a second exemplifying embodiment of a massage device 200 according to the present inventive concept is shown, which has basically a similar construction as the first exemplifying embodiment. The massage device 200 comprises a massage unit 210 which at a first end 210a thereof is connected to a first handle 240, and at a second opposite end 210b connected to a connector unit 220 adapted for connecting to an external drive device 250. The external drive device 250 is here arranged integrated in a second handle 241. The drive device 250 may optionally comprise a control unit arranged to control a rotational speed of the rotor. A power button 251 for the drive device is arranged on the second handle 242. The first handle 240, the second handle 241 and the massage unit 210 are all arranged extending along a longitudinal axis of the massage device 200. The first handle 240 and the second handle 241 provides a two-hand grip for full control of the massage unit 210. The massage unit 210 comprises a substantially cylinder shaped elongated rotor unit 215 having a number of rollers 211 connected thereto.

[0037] As previously explained in all embodiments described herein the number of rollers of a massage device according to the present inventive concept can be selected to match a desired characteristics and application of the massage device, and is preferably selected between 2 and 10 rollers, more preferably selected between 3 and 8 rollers, and most preferably between 2 and 6 rollers. Further, the diameter and length of the rollers are selected to fit the intended application. Generally, when the massage device is intended e.g. for a larger animal, the dimensions are selected accordingly. The diameter of the rollers may be selected e.g. between 1 to 5 cm depending on the size of the animal.

[0038] Referring now to Figs. 5a-5c, a third exemplifying embodiment of a massage device 300 according to the present inventive concept is shown, which has basically a similar construction as the second exemplifying embodiment described with reference to Fig. 2. The massage device 300 comprises a massage unit 310 which is connected to a first handle 340, and to an external drive device 350. The external drive device 350 is arranged integrated in a second handle 341 but may be embodied without being integrated in a second handle, i.e. the massage device thereby forms a one handle massage device. The first handle 340, the second handle 341 and the massage unit 310 are all arranged extending along a longitudinal axis of the massage device 300. The first handle 340 and the second handle 341 provides a two-hand grip for full control of the massage unit 310. The massage unit 310 comprises a substantially cylinder shaped elongated rotor unit 315 having a number of rollers 311 connected thereto. According to the third exemplifying embodiment of the massage device 300, the massage device 300 is configured to allow for the rotational resistance of the rollers 311 about their rotational axis to be controlled. As illustrated in Fig. 5b, which illustrates a close up C of the cross-sectional view of the massage device 300, see Fig. 5c, an adjustment element 330, here in the form of an adjustment screw 330, is arranged at each of the rollers 311. In an outer position of the adjustment screw 330, the roller 311 is free to rotate with an initial resistance caused by the roller axis supports (see. e.g. parts 119, 122 in Fig. 3) when being rotated about the center axis and subjected to e.g. the body of a human or animal. However, as the adjustment screw 330 is tightened, the rotational resistance increases. In an inner position of the adjustment screw, the adjustment screw may be dimensioned to completely lock the rotation of the roller. Alternatively, the at least one adjustment element comprises an adjustment screw and / or a bushing or any other applicable means for controlling the rotational friction of the rollers.

[0039] According to the invention a massage device according to any of the described embodiments herein further comprises a handle strap (not shown) adapted to be connected to at least one of the at least one handles.

[0040] The handle strap is arranged to be releasably connected to opposite end portions of the massage device, and when the massage device is arranged having two handles, each end of the handle strap is (releasably) fixated to a respective handle.

[0041] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A massage device (100, 200, 300) comprising: a rotor (115, 215, 315); a plurality of parallel rollers (111, 211, 311) rotatably and peripherally mounted onto said rotor, wherein each roller is rotatable about its respective longitudinal axis, and wherein each respective roller is parallel with the rotation axis of said rotor; at least one handle (140, 240, 340) rotatably connected with said rotor; and a connector unit (120, 220) arranged for connecting to an external drive device for setting said rotor in rotation, characterised in that the massage device further comprises a handle strap adapted to be connected to at least one of said at least one handle, wherein said handle strap is arranged to be releasably connected to opposite end portions of said massage device.

2. A massage device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein said connector unit (120, 220) is arranged at an end portion of said rotor (115, 215, 315).

3. A massage device (100, 200, 300) according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one handle (140, 240, 340) is releasably connected to said rotor (115, 215, 315).

4. A massage device (100, 200, 300) according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one handle (140, 240, 340) is arranged extending in a longitudinal direction of said rotor (115, 215, 315).

5. A massage device (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein a rotational resistance of said rollers (311) about their longitudinal axis is controlled by means of at least one adjustment element (330).

6. A massage device (300) according to claim 5, wherein said at least one adjustment element comprises an adjustment screw or a bushing.

7. A massage device (100, 200, 300) according to any preceding claim, wherein a lateral surface of said rollers is one of smooth, at least partly provided with an embossed pattern, and at least partly provided with grooves.

8. A massage device (100, 200, 300) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a control unit arranged to control a rotational speed of said rotor (115, 215, 315).

9. A massage device (100, 200, 300) according to any preceding claim, wherein said drive device is one of battery operated, and cord operated.

10. A massage device (100, 200, 300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of rollers is selected is between 2 and 10 rollers, more preferably selected between 3 and 8 rollers, and most preferably between 2 and 6 rollers.

11. A massage device (100, 200, 300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of the rollers (111, 211, 311) is selected between 1 to 5 cm.

Images