Massage device

Abstract

A massage device 100, in particular a deep tissue or trigger point massage device, including a body 115 and a curved portion 120 extending from a surface of the body, wherein the curved portion defines at least a protrusion 121. It may also define a socket (122, Fig 1b). In one arrangement, the curved portion defines a protrusion when viewed in first direction and a socket when viewed in a second direction opposite the first direction. The socket is configured for receipt of a rolling device, such as a golf ball, and the protrusion is configured for massage of a person. The massage device may further include a hand-held support assembly, which is configured to be coupled to the body of the massage device. The support assembly may comprise a lid (421, Fig 6) and / or a base (435, Fig 6). The massage device may comprise a vibration device (529, Fig 8), a cooling device and / or a heating device.

Description

05 09 24 FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a massage device, in particular to a deep tissue or trigger point massage device. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE A myofascial trigger point is when an area of skeletal muscle or connective tissue is injured, such that it is sensitive and tender to the touch. Trigger point injuries can also cause referred pain in other areas of the body. Trigger points commonly occur from repetitive motions used in work, exercise, or even through muscle tension induced by stress. Treatment used may be in the form of deep tissue massage therapy, which involves the manipulation of the deeper layers of muscles and fascia (i.e. the connective soft tissue which surrounds the muscle). Deep tissue massage therapy is particularly beneficial for chronic muscular pains, muscle tightness and sports injuries. Deep tissue therapy is beneficial for many people; however, it can be expensive, and therefore not accessible to everyone, especially on a regular basis. Further, it may not be possible to have deep tissue therapy at the time it is most needed. Solutions to complement Deep Tissue Therapy have been produced, such as foam rollers and massage balls. Foam rollers have been used to relieve tension in muscles. However, both textured and smooth foam rollers are not beneficial at targeting specific areas of tightness. For more direct targeting of muscular pain, massage balls are commonly used. 05 09 24 Massage balls can prove useful for deep tissue massage therapy. However, due to their nature, it is difficult to position them for maximum benefit. There is also a lack of control of movement of the device, meaning it is difficult to control the location and angle of pressure applied. There is therefore a need to provide a massage device that can provide targeted relief to areas of muscle tightness and pain, and that is easy to use, manipulate and control, whilst being convenient and cost effective. The disclosure is intended to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the problems with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a massage device including a body and a curved portion is, at least in part, spherical and defines a hollow protrusion when viewed in a first direction and a substantially spherical socket when viewed in a second direction opposite to the first direction such that the socket is formed in the hollow of the protrusion, wherein said substantially spherical socket is configured for receipt of a substantially spherical rolling device defining a surface for massaging an area of a user's body, wherein said protrusion defines a surface for massaging an area of a user's body, and wherein the body includes a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first and second surface are substantially parallel and wherein the protrusion extends from the first surface and the socket is located on the second surface. In other words, the curved portion is formed of a hollow protrusion such that a socket is formed in the hollow of the protrusion. 05 09 24 In this way, a simple and effective massage device is provided that can be used in multiple ways to provide effective deep tissue massage therapy, relieve muscle tightness and soreness, and increase the range of motion effectively. For example, one way in which the device can be used is by placing the body of the device against a surface, e.g. the back of a chair, floor or wall, so that the protrusion extends away from the surface. In this way, the user can lean on the protrusion and the protrusion can be directed against the problem area. By placing the body of the device against a surface, the user is able to stabilise the device, which allows the user to better focus the protrusion to the area of interest and better control the amount, depth and angle of pressure applied. When used in another way, the user can grip the body of the device to manually apply the protrusion to massage the area of interest. Manual guiding of the protrusion also allows the user to easily control the amount, depth and angle of pressure applied. The device can also be used by locating a rolling device in the socket. The user can position the rolling device against a surface e.g. the back of a chair, floor or wall, so that the protrusion extends away from the surface. In this way, the user can lean on the protrusion and move the massage device by rolling said rolling device along the surface. This enables the user to move the massage device to or over the problem area as required, allowing the user to easily control the movement of the massage device. When used in another way, a rolling device is located in the socket and the user can grip the massage device, using the rolling device to apply pressure to the problem area, thereby providing an alternative type of deep tissue massage therapy. It will be appreciated that the massage device disclosed herein provides a simple and versatile device, which can be used in a variety of ways depending on the need. It will also 05 09 24 be appreciated that a user can use the device on themselves or others to provide massage therapy. Known foam rollers and massage balls do not achieve the advantages of the invention. Optionally, the protrusion is integral with the first surface and is formed of a solid wall. Optionally, the body is substantially trapezoidal, rectangular, square or oval in shape. Optionally, the body is substantially trapezoidal, rectangular or square in shape. Optionally, the body is substantially trapezoidal in shape. Optionally, the massage device is configured (i.e. shaped and sized) to be handheld, and the body has a length in the range 90mm to 150mm. Optionally, the device further includes a support assembly configured to be coupled to the body. The support assembly facilitates grip of the device by the user, providing a simple device which can be easily manipulated. As used herein, the term "coupled to" will be understood to mean releasably or fixedly coupled. This can be achieved by, for instance, a snap fit connection, a friction fit connection, use of a fastening device, a screw thread coupling, or any other suitable connection means. In accordance with an example there is provided a massage device including a body and a curved portion extending from a surface of the body to define a socket and / or protrusion, wherein said socket is configured for receipt of a rolling device and said protrusion is configured for massage of a person, the massage device further comprising a support assembly configured to be coupled to the body. As described above, when a rolling device is located in the socket, the rolling device can be used to move the massage device to a problem area, and / or the rolling device in the socket can act as a massage tool to apply pressure to a problem area. 05 09 24 Also as described above, the body of the device can be used to grip the device and / or may be used to stabilise the device on a surface. As described above, the protrusion can be directed to a problem area to apply pressure to the area by a user leaning on the protrusion and / or the protrusion can be directed against the problem area manually by a user holding the body of the device. The support assembly facilitates grip of the device by the user, providing enhanced control of the device. Optionally, the support assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to the body. This provides the option of using the device with or without a support assembly, depending on the desired treatment, thereby providing a more versatile massage device. Optionally, the support assembly is configured (e.g. sized and / or shaped) to be hand held. This allows for ease of manipulation by the user, and provides a portable device which can be easily transported, for example on the person, enabling use of the device as and when desired, at any location. Optionally, the support assembly comprises a vibration device and / or cooling device and / or heating device. Optionally, the body and support assembly are arranged to define an internal volume when coupled together. In this way, a lightweight, hollow device is provided. Optionally, the body and / or an internal surface of the curved portion defines an internal volume. 05 09 24 Optionally, the massage device further comprises a vibration device and / or heating device and / or cooling device provided wholly or partially within the internal volume. In some embodiments, the vibration device and / or heating device and / or cooling device may be mounted directly on the body and / or curved portion or in a thickness of the body and / or curved portion (e.g. when the massage device does not comprise an internal volume). A vibration device in combination with the deep tissue action of the massage device enhances the action of the protrusion and / or rolling device when massaging the tissue, and results in an increase in blood flow under the skin. In addition, use of a vibration device is extremely effective in relieving muscle soreness. Action of cold therapy, together with the deep tissue action of the device, reduces blood flow to the injured area, which reduces inflammation and swelling. As such, pain is also reduced. Finally, applying heat, in combination with the deep tissue action of the massage device, results in the blood vessels within the inflamed area dilating, thereby promoting blood flow, and enabling tightened muscles to relax more effectively. Moreover, locating a vibration device and / or heating device and / or cooling device within the internal volume, ensures that said device(s) is (are) protected from and less easily damaged by the external environment. In an embodiment of the invention, the vibration device and / or heating device and / or cooling device is controllable via wireless technology, such as Bluetooth, and is optionally in communication with an external electronic device. In an embodiment of the invention, the massage device, e.g. the vibration device and / or heating device and / or cooling device, is configured for communication with the user via sound, vibration and / or light indicators to indicate a state of the massage device (such as LED lights that signal when a desired temperature is reached, or when a desired vibrational speed is reached). 05 09 24 In use, water may be introduced to the internal volume of the massage device. The device containing the water can then be frozen, thereby providing an alternative or additional cooling means. Optionally, the support assembly comprises a cover configured to cover a portion of the body such that the socket or protrusion remains exposed. A cover portion provides additional comfort when handling the device. Optionally, the support assembly further comprises a side wall portion extending from the cover to meet the body, when the body is coupled to the support assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the body comprises a side wall portion extending from the or a surface of the body towards the support assembly (e.g. to meet the cover of the support assembly or a side wall of the support assembly), when the body is coupled to the support assembly. In exemplary embodiments, the body defines a side wall portion extending from the or a surface of the body to define an internal volume. A side wall portion facilitates handling of the device by providing an area for the user to grip. Optionally, the curved portion defines the protrusion when viewed in the ora first direction and the socket when viewed in the or a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the support assembly comprises a lid comprising the or a cover configured to cover the protrusion, such that the socket remains exposed. Optionally, the curved portion defines the protrusion when viewed in the ora first direction and the socket when viewed in the or a second direction opposite to the first direction, 05 09 24 and the support assembly comprises a lid comprising the or a cover configured to cover the socket, such that the protrusion remains exposed. By having a lid, the user has a simple means of handling and gripping the device to use a rolling device or the protrusion as the massaging means. As such, the device is easier to manipulate. When the curved portion defines both the socket and protrusion, the lid may cover the protrusion / socket to protect said protrusion / socket from the external environment, leaving the socket / protrusion exposed for use. In other words, the lid covers one side of the curved portion. This enables the user to hold the massage device, via the lid, covering the protrusion / socket to perform the massage. In some embodiments where the device includes a socket and protrusion, the lid is configured to cover the protrusion. Optionally, the curved portion defines the protrusion when viewed in the ora first direction and the socket when viewed in the or a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the support assembly comprises a base comprising the or a cover configured to cover the socket, such that the protrusion remains exposed. Optionally, the curved portion defines the protrusion when viewed in the ora first direction and the socket when viewed in the or a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the support assembly comprises a base comprising the or a cover configured to cover the protrusion, such that the socket remains exposed. By having a base, the user has a simple means of handling and gripping the device when in use. As such, the device is easier to manipulate. When the curved portion defines both the socket and protrusion, the base may cover the socket / protrusion to protect said socket / protrusion from the external environment, leaving the protrusion / socket exposed for use. In other words, the base covers one side of the curved portion. This enables the user to hold the massage device, via the base, covering the socket / protrusion to perform 05 09 24 the massage. In some embodiments where the device includes a socket and protrusion, the base is configured to cover the socket. Optionally, the support assembly comprises the lid and the base, wherein the cover of the lid comprises a first cover, and the cover of the base comprises a second cover. Having a lid and a base provides a compact device, where the user can alternate the massage treatment, whilst also having a comfortable grip on the device. Moreover, both the protrusion and socket of the device can be protected when the device is not in use. Further, it will be appreciated that a first internal volume is defined by the lid and the body and / or a second internal volume is defined by the base and the body. Accordingly a vibration device and / or heating device and / or cooling device can be provided in the first and / or second internal volume. Optionally, the curved portion is at least part spherical. Optionally, the protrusion and / or socket is / are at least part spherical. Preferably, the protrusion and / or socket is / are hemispherical. A part spherical protrusion provides better comfort for the user when using the protrusion for massage therapy. In addition, a spherical socket facilitates rolling of a spherical rolling device located therein, which facilitates ease of motion when the rolling device is used to guide the protrusion, and also provides added comfort when the rolling device is used for massage therapy. Optionally, the curved portion comprises a solid wall. This simplifies the manufacturing process, as the curved portion can be made via a simple moulding step. In some embodiments, the curved portion comprises a mesh formation, or other open structure. 05 09 24 Optionally the curved portion is integral with the body. Consequently the body and curved portion can be made via a simple moulding step, which further simplifies the manufacturing process. Further, the curved portion being integral with the body provides a more robust device. Optionally, the curved portion is off-centre with respect to the body. In exemplary embodiments, the body comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the curved portion is positioned towards the first or second end such that it is off centre with respect to the body. The positioning of the curved portion off-centre with respect to the body enables the user to hold the device such that the palm or heel of the user's hand can easily be positioned over the protrusion or socket, which allows for improved application of pressure by either the protrusion or a rolling device located within the socket. Optionally, the curved portion defines said socket, and the socket comprises a diameter in the range of 30 mm to 80 mm, preferably in the range of 40mm to 60mm. This enables a massage device suitable for hand-held use to be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket comprises a diameter configured to receive a golf ball, a golf ball having a diameter of 42.7mm. A curved portion in this size range also provides a massage device which is configured to achieve comparable deep tissue massage therapy through clothing as compared to direct skin contact. Optionally, the socket is configured to receive a rolling device selected from a golf ball, a table tennis ball, a tennis ball, a hockey ball, a lacrosse ball, a cricket ball or any other suitable spherical object or spheroid. It may even be the case that a football could be used. 05 09 24 In this way the massage device can be equipped with rolling devices which are readily available to achieve deep tissue massage therapy. Moreover, sizing the curved portion for use with a golf ball sized rolling device, or similar, provides the precision and sensation of fingertip pressure, both when using the protrusion and rolling device for massage. Accordingly, the massage may be used for the relief of tension headaches and other ailments. Optionally, the massage device comprises the rolling device. Optionally, the socket is configured to support said rolling device for free rotation, e.g. where the rolling device is spherical, to permit movement of the massage device in any direction. Free rotation ensures fluid movement if using the rolling device to guide the protrusion, and also provides more comfort to the user if using the rolling device to massage. Optionally, the massage device is made of plastic. It may also be the case that the device is manufactured from metal (e.g. aluminium), wood, rubbers, cork, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the massage device comprises self-lubricating plastic. Examples of self-lubricating plastics include Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate ABS (PC ABS), Phenolics, Nylon, Teflon™ (PTFE), Polyphenylene, Acetal plastic (polyoxymethylene (POM)), Polybutylene (PBT), or Polyetherimide (PEI), or combinations thereof. Such materials allow for more improved comfort when using the device, and removes the need for any additional creams or ointments to provide lubrication. The device can be used directly on dry skin, without compromising on comfort. In addition, plastics materials are generally water resistant and easy to clean. Moreover, self-lubricating plastics in particular are often lightweight, UV stable (i.e. no discoloration of the material when exposed to UV radiation) and generally operate over a broad temperature range. 05 09 24 Optionally, the massage device has a width in the range of 50 to 120 mm, e.g. 70 to 100mm, e.g. 80mm. Optionally, the massage device has an overall height in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm, e.g. 25 to 40 mm, e.g. 30 mm, wherein the overall height is measured from the lowermost part of the body to the uppermost part of the protrusion / curved portion. Optionally, the body has a length in the range of 90 to 200 mm, e.g. 120 to 150 mm, e.g. 130mm. Such dimensions allow for optimal grip and usability. Optionally, the body comprises a curved profile along a longitudinal and / or transverse direction. Such a configuration allows the device to easily be positioned against the back of a chair. Office environments can be a contributing factor to back pain. Therefore, such a configuration allows the user to target pain while at work, preventing deterioration of any muscular injuries. In accordance with a further example there is provided a massage device including a body and a curved portion extending from a surface of the body, wherein the curved portion defines a protrusion and / or a socket, wherein and said protrusion is configured for massage of a person. In exemplary embodiments, said socket is configured for receipt of a rolling device. In exemplary embodiments, said socket may be configured to receive an alternative device, e.g. a vibration device and / or heating device and / or cooling device. In accordance with a further example there is provided a massage device including a body and a curved portion extending from a surface of the body to define a socket and / or protrusion, wherein said socket is configured for receipt of a rolling device and said protrusion is configured for massage of a person, the massage device further comprising a vibration device and / or heating device and / or cooling device. 05 09 24 It will be appreciated that the optional features described may apply to any aspect disclosed herein. All combinations contemplated are not recited explicitly for the sake of brevity. Further, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the smaller and greater of the alternatives, is itself also disclosed as a possible value for the parameter. In addition, unless otherwise stated, all numerical values appearing in this application are to be understood as being modified by the term "about". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la is a perspective view of a massage device according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure lb is a perspective view of the underside of the massage device of Figure la. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a massage device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a planar view of the underside of the massage device of figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded view of a massage device according to a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the base portion of the massage device of figure 4. 05 09 24 Figure 6 is an exploded view of a massage device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a massage device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 is a side on view of the massage device of figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Figure 1 is a perspective view of a massage device 100. Device 100 includes a body 115. The body 115 comprises an upper surface 116 facing upwards in the orientation shown in Figure 1, and a lower surface 117 facing downwards in the orientation shown in Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces 116, 117 are substantially parallel to each other. The body 115 is approximately trapezoidal in shape with curved corners to provide additional comfort of use and grip. In some embodiments, the body 115 may be rectangular, square, oval, or any other appropriate shape. The body 115 has a curved profile along the longitudinal axis A. The body 115 also has a curved profile along a transverse axis B. In some embodiments, the body has a curved profile along one or other of the longitudinal or transverse axes. Extending from the upper surface 116 of the body 115 is a curved portion 120, which defines an approximately hemispherical protrusion 121 when viewed from above, as shown in Figure la (i.e. a first direction). The hemispherical protrusion 121 is integral with 05 09 24 the upper surface 116 of the body 115 and is formed of a solid wall. In some embodiments, the protrusion may be a mesh as opposed to a solid wall. On the underside of device 100, the curved portion 120 defines a socket 122. In other words, the curved portion defines a socket when viewed from below as shown in Figure lb (i.e. a second direction, opposite the first direction). The protrusion 121 is hollow such that the socket 122 is formed in the hollow of the protrusion. The diameter of the hemispherical protrusion 121 is such that the socket 122 has a depth and diameter to accommodate a golf ball sized rolling device, which has a typical diameter of 42.7mm. For example, the socket may have diameter of 43 mm. In this way, the socket 122 is shaped and sized to receive a golf ball, which can freely rotate within. At the boundary between the socket 122 and the lower surface 117 there is a gentle radii. The gentle radii provides a soft edge to facilitate movement of the device over a surface. The curved portion 121 is positioned off-centre on the body 115. As shown in Figure 1, the body 115 is elongate having a first end 115a and a second end 115b. The curved portion 121 is positioned towards the first end 115a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 115a is wider than the second end 115b. The body 115 has a length of 133 mm, a width of 81 mm at the first end 115a and 61 mm at the second end 115b, and an overall height of 30 mm. The first end 115a and second end 115b can also be used to provide massage therapy, the narrower second end 115b providing more intensity. The size of body 115 is such that it can be handheld. The body 115 itself is formed of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). When in use, the user can place the body 115 of the massage device 100 against a surface, such that the socket faces the surface, and use the protrusion 121 to apply pressure to an area of the user's body to provide deep tissue therapy. Alternatively, the user can grip the 05 09 24 body 115 of the device 100 such that the protrusion 121 extends away from the user's hand to manually use the protrusion 121 to apply pressure to the area of interest. When the device also includes a rolling device located in the socket, the user can use said rolling device to move the massage device 100. The rolling device can roll along a surface, thereby moving the massage device 100, and enabling the user to guide the protrusion 121 over the area of interest. Alternatively, the user can grip the body 115, such that the user's hand covers the protrusion 121, and use the rolling device located in the socket to provide an alternative type of deep tissue massage therapy. Referring to figures 2 and 3, perspective and planar views respectively of a massage device according to a second embodiment are shown at 200. The massage device 200 of the second embodiment is similar to that previously described in relation to the first embodiment, but also includes a support assembly comprising a lid 225. Further, the body 215 comprises a side wall 230 which extends to meet the lid 225. The lid 225 comprises a cover portion 226 and a side wall portion 228 extending from the cover portion 226 towards the body 215. Further, the body 215 has a side wall 230 which extends from the body 215 towards the lid 225. In the illustrated embodiment, a socket 222 is located in the lower surface 217 of the body 215 and the side wall 230 of the body 215 extends upwards (as shown in Figure 2) away from the lower surface 217. The lid 225 and body 215 are configured to be coupled together. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 228 of the lid 225 and the side wall 230 of the body 215 engage 05 09 24 with each other to couple the lid 225 and body 215 together. This may be by means of a releasable or fixed engagement, for example by means of a snap fit engagement. As shown in Figure 2, when the lid 225 is coupled to the body 215, the cover portion 226 covers the protrusion (not shown), such that the socket 222 is exposed. The socket 222 is configured to receive a rolling device (not shown). Once the lid 225 is coupled to the body 215, an internal volume of the massage device 215 is defined. The internal volume is defined by said lid 225, body 215 and the curved portion (i.e. an upper face of the protrusion). In some embodiments, the internal volume can house a vibration, heating and / or cooling device. When in use, the user can grip the support assembly (i.e. lid 225) and / or the side wall portion 230 of the body 215 and use the rolling device to massage the area in question. Referring to figure 4 and 5, exploded and perspective views respectively of a massage device according to a third embodiment of the invention are shown at 300. Massage device 300 is similar to the device of the second embodiment as shown in figures 2 and 3, and previously described above, but differs with respect to way in which the lid is coupled to the body. The massage device 300 comprises a strut 340 extending from an upper surface 316, as shown in Figure 5, towards the a lid 325. The strut 340 is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises an internal screw thread. The lid 325 has an aperture 327 through which a threaded fastener 345 can pass to engage the strut 340. In this way the lid 325 can be coupled to the body 315 by means of screw-thread engagement between the fastener 345 and the strut 340. 05 09 24 Since the strut 340 spans the internal volume 350 of the massage device 300, between the upper surface 316 of the body 315 and the cover portion 326, the strut 340 also serves to provide support to maintain the integrity of device 300 when in use. Referring to figure 6 and 7, exploded and perspective views respectively of a massage device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention are shown at 400. The massage device of the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above and shown in Figure 1, but further comprises a support assembly in the form of a lid 425 and a base 435. The lid 425 has a cover portion 426 which covers the approximately hemispherical protrusion 421, when the lid 425 is coupled to body 415. The lid 425 also comprises a side wall portion 428 extending from the cover portion 426. The lid 425 and body 415 are configured to be coupled together by a snap fit connection, although any other suitable connection means could be used. For example, the side wall 430a of the lid 425 engages the body 415 to couple the lid 425 and body 415 together. When the lid 425 and body 415 are coupled together, a first internal volume of the massage device 400 is defined. The first internal volume is defined by said lid 425, body 415 and the curved portion (i.e. an upper face of the protrusion 421). The base 435 has a cover portion 436 which covers the socket (not shown) when the base 435 is coupled to body 415. The base 435 also comprises a side wall portion 430 extending from the cover portion. The base 435 and body 415 are configured to be coupled together by a snap fit connection, although any other suitable connection means could be used. For example, the side wall 430 of the base 435 engages the body 415 to couple the base 435 and body 415 together. 05 09 24 When the base 435 and body 415 are coupled together, a second internal volume 450 of the massage device 400 is defined. The second internal volume 450 is defined by said base 435, body 415 and the curved portion (i.e. a lower face of the socket). Vibration, heating, cooling devices can be located in either or both of the first and second internal volumes. In use, when only the lid 425 is attached to the body 415 and a socket (not shown) is exposed, which houses a rolling device, the user can grip the lid 425 and the side wall portion 428 of said lid 425 and use the rolling device to massage the area of the user's body in question. When only the base 435 is attached to the body 415, the user can grip the base 435 and side wall portion 430 of said base 435 and use the protrusion 421 to massage the area in question. Both the lid 425 and base 435 can be attached to the body 415, providing a complete housing for the protrusion 421 and / or socket (not shown), providing a compact portable device. Referring to figure 8 and 9, perspective and side views respectively of a massage device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention are shown at 500. Device 500 includes a body 515. The body 515 comprises an upper surface 516 facing upwards in the orientation shown in figure 8. Extending from the upper surface 516 of the body 515 is a curved portion 520, which defines an approximately hemispherical protrusion 521. The hemispherical protrusion 521 is integral with the upper surface 516 of the body 515 and is formed of a solid wall. On the underside of the body 515, the curved portion 520 defines a socket (not shown). 05 09 24 The massage device 500 also includes a support assembly in the form of a vibration device 529. Vibration indicators 560 (in the form of LED lights), which indicate the vibration status of the device, are located on the upper surface 516 of the body 515. Components of the indicators 560 and / or vibration device 529 can be located in the socket. There is also a power switch 565 located on the upper surface 516 of the body 515. The body 515 comprises a side wall 530 which extends in a direction opposite to the direction in which the protrusion 521 extends. In this way, the body 515 and an internal surface of the curved portion 520 define an internal volume which is open at one end. The vibration device 529 occupies the internal volume and is coupled to the body 515 by a friction fit. Alternatively, any other suitable means of engagement can be used. With reference to Figure 9, the vibration device 529 comprises a base 531 and a side wall portion 528 extending from the base 531. When coupled to the body 515, the side wall portion 528 extends into the internal volume and engages an inner surface of the body side wall 530 via friction fit, such that the vibration device 529 at least partially occupies the internal volume. When in use, the user can activate the vibration device 529 by wireless technology, for instance using Bluetooth. Activation and subsequent control of vibration device 529 may be done by use of an external electronic device, such as a mobile phone App, in communication with said vibration device 529. The user may then position the base 531 of the vibration device 529 against a surface, such that the protrusion 521 can be used to apply pressure to an area of the user's body to provide deep tissue therapy. Alternatively, the user can grip the vibration device 529 of the device 500 such that the protrusion 521 extends away from the user's hand to manually use the protrusion 521 to apply pressure to the area of interest. In this way, the vibration device 529 acts as a support assembly of the device. Although the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9 includes a support assembly in the form of a vibration device, in some embodiments, the support assembly may additionally or alternatively be a heating device and / or a cooling device. Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 05 09 24

Claims

05 09 241. A massage device including:a body;a curved portion extending from a surface of the body, wherein the curved portion is, at least in part, spherical and defines a hollow protrusion when viewed in a first direction and a substantially spherical socket when viewed in a second direction opposite to the first direction such that the socket is formed by the hollow of the protrusion, wherein said substantially spherical socket formed by the hollow of the protrusion is configured for receipt of a substantially spherical rolling device defining a surface for massaging an area of a user's body;wherein said protrusion defines a surface for massaging an area of a user's body; andwherein the body includes a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first and second surface are substantially parallel, and wherein the protrusion extends from the first surface and the socket is defined in the second surface.

2. A massage device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is integral with the first surface and is formed of a solid wall.

3. A massage device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body is substantially trapezoidal, rectangular, square or oval in shape.

4. A massage device according to claim 3, wherein the body is substantially trapezoidal, rectangular or square in shape.

5. A massage device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the body is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

6. A massage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the massage device is configured (i.e. shaped and sized) to be handheld, and wherein the body has a length in the range 90mm to 150mm.

7. A massage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a curved profile along a longitudinal and / or transverse direction.05 09 248. A massage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the massage device comprises self-lubricating plastic.

9. A massage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the protrusion and / or socket is hemispherical.

10. A massage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is elongate comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the curved portion is positioned towards the first or second end such that it is off centre with respect to the body.

11. A massage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the curved portion defines said socket, and wherein the socket comprises a diameter in the range of 30 mm to 60 mm.

12. A massage device according to claim 11, wherein the socket is configured to receive a rolling device selected from a golf ball, a table tennis ball, a tennis ball, a hockey ball, a lacrosse ball or a cricket ball.

13. A massage device according to any preceding claim, further including a support assembly configured to be coupled to the body.

14. A massage device according to claim 13, wherein the support assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to the body.

15. A massage device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the support assembly is configured (e.g. sized and / or shaped) to be hand held.

16. A massage device according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the support assembly comprises a vibration device and / or cooling device and / or heating device.

17. A massage device according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the body and / or support assembly and / or an internal surface of the curved portion are arranged to define an internal volume of the massage device.

18. A massage device according to claim 17, wherein the or a vibration device and / or the or a heating device and / or the or a cooling device is / are provided at least partially in the internal volume.05 09 2419. A massage device according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the support assembly comprises a cover configured to cover a portion of the body such that the socket or protrusion remains exposed.

20. A massage device according to claim 19, wherein the support assembly further comprises a side wall portion extending from the cover to meet the body, when the body is coupled to the support assembly.

21. A massage device according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the body comprises a side wall portion extending from the or a surface of the body to meet the support assembly, when the body is coupled to the support assembly.

22. A massage device according to any of claims 19, 20 or 21, wherein the curved portion defines the protrusion when viewed in the or a first direction and the socket when viewed in the or a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the support assembly comprises a lid comprising the or a cover configured to cover the protrusion / socket, such that the socket / protrusion remains exposed.

23. A massage device according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the curved portion defines the protrusion when viewed in the or a first direction and the socket when viewed in the or a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the support assembly comprises a base comprising the or a cover configured to cover the socket / protrusion, such that the protrusion / socket remains exposed.

24. A massage device according to claim 23, wherein the support assembly comprises the lid and the base, wherein the cover of the lid comprises a first cover, and the cover of the base comprises a second cover.

25. A massage device according to any preceding claim, wherein the curved portion defines said socket, wherein the socket is configured to support said rolling device for free rotation.

Images