Massage equipment

Abstract

The device for use in massage includes an enlarged structural support element, at least one massage member, and two gripping members disposed laterally on the structural support element relative to one another. The device is configured such that a user standing with arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members when the support structure is disposed behind the user and manipulate the device to massage predetermined locations on the user's back. The device allows a user to independently massage their back to relieve pain and / or tension or to relax, while maintaining a neutral body position and without overexerting or twisting any area of ​​the body to exert a massage force on the back.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of massage devices, and more particularly to a self-care back massage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Many people experience mechanical pain or tightness in the back as a result of excessive exertion, such as from continuous or repetitive exercise or movement. In these cases, active or latent myofascial trigger points are often located within muscle fibers and / or the fascial tissue of the back. In other cases, many people experience inflammatory pain or tightness in the back.

[0003] People who regularly suffer from back pain or tension require massage to alleviate or relieve their symptoms, and similarly, people who do not suffer from back pain or tension simply enjoy massage and find it relaxing.

[0004] Many people who need or want to receive regular back massages do not have access to a masseuse due to time, travel, convenience and / or constraints. As a result, several back massage devices have been developed to allow users to perform back massages independently at home or at work.

[0005] Known do-it-yourself back massage devices suffer from several drawbacks, including, among other things, that the user of such devices must hold / grasp the device in an unnatural, twisted, and / or non-neutral position, that the device necessarily strains other areas of the body in order to provide a massaging effect on the back, and / or that the device may not selectively target discontinuous areas of the back (e.g., myofascial trigger points).

[0006] The present invention has found a solution to the above-mentioned shortcomings in back massage devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved back massage device that allows a user to independently massage their back to relieve mechanical or inflammatory back pain or tension and / or to relax. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in massage, comprising an enlarged structural support element, at least one massage member disposed at a first end of the structural support element, and two gripping members disposed laterally on the structural support element relative to each other at a second end distal to the first end, the apparatus being configured so that a user standing with arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members and manipulate the apparatus to massage predetermined locations on the user's back when the support structure is positioned behind the user.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of massaging using the device of the first aspect, the method comprising a user positioning the device behind them and grasping the two gripping members so that the user's spine and arms are in a neutral position, and resting the user's mid to upper back (or optionally the back) against the massage members of the device which is supported on a wall, and adjusting the pressure on the back by the user leaning back while maintaining a neutral spinal position and / or adjusting the position of contact with the massage members for optimal massage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The device and method of the present invention allows a user to independently massage their back to relieve pain and / or tension or to relax, while maintaining a neutral body position and without overexerting or twisting any area of ​​the body to exert a massaging force on the back. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a massage device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a massage device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to a device for use in massage, comprising an enlarged structural support element. At least one massage member is disposed on a first end of the structural support element. Two gripping members, disposed laterally on the structural support element relative to each other, are disposed on a second end distal to the first end. The device is configured so that a user standing with arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members and manipulate the device to massage predetermined locations on the user's back when the support structure is positioned on the user's back (e.g., the user's upper back).

[0013] Preferably, at least a portion (e.g., up to all) of the at least one massaging member (e.g., excluding interchangeable massage head(s) as defined below) and / or at least a portion of each of the two gripping members (e.g., the two gripping members) are fixedly coupled (e.g., integrally) to the enlarged structural support element. More preferably, the enlarged structural support element is integral with the two gripping members and at least one massaging member (e.g., excluding interchangeable massage head(s) as defined below).

[0014] The enlarged structural support element may be any suitable shape. Preferably, the enlarged structural support element has at least one mirrored surface for improved balance of the massage device. More preferably, the at least one mirrored surface extends from the first end to the second end. For example, the enlarged structural support element may be trapezoidal, such as isosceles, rectangular, or square.

[0015] Preferably, the enlarged structural support element is widest at the second end and narrows towards the first end. More preferably, the shape of the enlarged structural support element is substantially triangular (with the second end proximate the base of the triangle) so that the weight and size of the massage device are minimized for improved ease of use.

[0016] The second end may be understood to be located at or near the bottom of the massage device, and the first end may be understood to be located at or near the top of the massage device.

[0017] Preferably, the structural support element is configured to be supported on a flat surface (such as a wall) so that when holding the device behind the user can lean their back against the supported massage device and / or at least one neutrally standing massage member.

[0018] Preferably, the structural support element is configured such that, when supported, it is stable relative to the plane, e.g., the structural support element cannot pivot relative to the plane. More preferably, when supported, it can move in only one dimension relative to the plane, e.g., by sliding across the plane.

[0019] In one embodiment, the structural support element is configured to be supported on a flat surface with at least two points of contact between the massage device and the flat surface, and preferably at least three points of contact for improved stability.

[0020] In the same or further embodiments, the enlarged structural support element preferably comprises a frame, such as a perimeter frame, that defines the shape of the enlarged structural support element. The frame preferably comprises one or more scaffolding or rod pieces. More preferably, the one or more scaffolding or rod pieces may be a single, integral piece or an arrangement of pieces joined by at least one attachment means. Such attachment means may include, for example, joints, brackets, and / or adhesives. The enlarged structural support element may comprise, for example, three scaffolding pieces and three corner joints to form an enlarged isosceles triangle shape. In a further example, the enlarged structural support element may comprise a single, integral piece with at least three bends / corners.

[0021] Preferably, the enlarged structural support element comprises a planar body configured to abut a flat surface, such as a wall. More preferably, the planar body has a planar back surface configured to abut the flat surface. In embodiments of the massage device comprising a planar body and / or a planar back surface, at least one contact point is required between the massage device and the flat surface, with the first contact point having a planar contact area large enough to affect the stability of the device relative to the flat surface when supported.

[0022] Preferably, the locations where the at least one massaging member is disposed on the structural support element and the locations where the at least two gripping members are disposed on the structural element together define a plane.

[0023] Optionally, a roller arrangement and / or low-friction material may be disposed on the rear side of the planar surface and / or on the extended structural support around the rear surface. For example, at least one roller ball bearing arrangement may be disposed on the rear side of the planar surface and / or on the extended structural support around the rear surface. In a further example, one or more materials having a low coefficient of kinetic friction (pk) may be disposed on the rear side of the planar surface and / or on the extended structural support around the rear surface. Suitable materials having a low coefficient of kinetic friction (pk) include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), nylon, acetal, and polyester. Preferably, the roller arrangement and / or low-friction material may be configured to minimize any damage and / or wear and tear on the planar surface on which the device is supported during use. For example, the back side and / or back surface of the planar surface may further comprise cushioning and / or resilient elements that help minimize any damage and / or wear and tear on the surface on which the device is supported during use.

[0024] Preferably, the enlarged structural support element has a height of at least 20 cm, more preferably at least 30 cm, even more preferably at least 35 cm, and most preferably at least 40 cm, such as, for example, 45 cm to 100 cm.

[0025] Preferably, the enlarged structural support element has a width of at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 35 cm, most preferably at least 40 cm, such as, for example, 45 cm to 75 cm.

[0026] The enlarged structural support element may be formed from any one or combination of suitable material(s). Preferably, the enlarged structural support element is made of one or more materials of sufficient strength and rigidity so that the massage device is durable. More preferably, the enlarged structural support element is formed from any one or combination of wood, metal, or hard / rigid polymer / plastic.

[0027] Preferably, the two gripping members are configured to be held from the planar front side of the enlarged structural support element. The two gripping members may have any suitable arrangement that allows a user to support the weight of the massage device and / or manipulate the position of the massage device along the planar surface. For example, the surface may be a flat surface, such as a wall. More preferably, the two gripping members are positioned on the front surface of the enlarged structural support element and / or in front of the planar body. For example, the two gripping members may be recessed in front of the front surface of the enlarged structural support element and / or in front of the planar body, or may be cut-out handles in front of the front surface of the enlarged structural support element and / or in front of the planar body. Most preferably, the two gripping members each include a handle that protrudes away from the front surface of the enlarged structural support element and / or in front of the planar body. Optionally, the two gripping members together include a single adjacent handle that protrudes away from the front surface of the enlarged structural support element and / or in front of the planar body.

[0028] Preferably, the handle or a single adjacent handle includes a gripping portion configured to allow a user to grasp the massage device in a neutral gripping position with their hand. The gripping portion is preferably linear and / or has a linear longitudinal axis. A neutral gripping position is understood to mean that the user's hand grasps the massage device in a position substantially similar to the position of the hand and / or wrist resting at the side of the body. More preferably, the gripping portion is positioned relative to the front side of the plane of the enlarged structural support element at an acute angle of 75° to 90°. More preferably, the gripping portion extends perpendicularly away from the front side of the plane of the enlarged structural support element.

[0029] Preferably, the handle extends from the front side of the plane a distance of at least 8 cm perpendicular to the plane, more preferably at least 10 cm, such as up to 20 cm or up to 16 cm, and most preferably at least 12 cm, for example about 13 cm, so that when gripping the handle in a neutral position, the user can massage their back without having to position their body in an unnatural, twisted and / or non-neutral position to provide an improved massage experience.

[0030] Preferably, the locations at which the two gripping members are disposed on the structural support element define a first axis.

[0031] The distance between the two gripping members may be adjustable or may be fixed. In embodiments in which the two gripping members are adjustable, the distance between the two gripping members is preferably adjustable along a first axis. More preferably, the two gripping members are adjusted in concert such that the position of the center point between the two gripping members remains unchanged before and after any adjustment.

[0032] Preferably, the distance between the two gripping members is at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 35 cm, and most preferably at least 40 cm. In one example, the distance between the two gripping members is between 32.5 cm and 80 cm, or in a second example, between 45 cm and 70 cm.

[0033] The two gripping members may be formed from any one or combination of suitable material(s). Preferably, the two gripping members are made of one or more sturdy materials. Most preferably, the extended structural support element is made of any one or combination of wood, metal, or hard / rigid polymer / plastic.

[0034] Optionally, the two gripping members comprise cushioned and / or padded gripping surfaces. For example, the surfaces of the two gripping members may comprise a resilient foam material; alternatively, in a further example, the surfaces may comprise a gel padding. In yet a further example, the gripping members may comprise a resilient polymer surface configured to mold to the shape of a user's hand when gripped.

[0035] Optionally, the two gripping members are preferably configured such that the massage device can support itself in an upright position on the floor with the second end position and / or the bottom of the massage device in contact with the floor. A massage device that is freestanding on the floor may preferably have improved ease of access when in use and / or improved ease of storage.

[0036] Preferably, at least one massage member is used to massage a predetermined location on the user's back. More preferably, the at least one massage member is configured to massage a separate location on the user's back. For example, the at least one massage member may be configured to massage an active or latent myofascial trigger point located on the user's back.

[0037] In one embodiment, the massaging members protrude from the front side of a plane defined by the positions where the at least one massaging member and the at least two gripping members are disposed on the structural support element.

[0038] Preferably, the massaging members are positioned internally on the structural support element, and more preferably, at least one massaging member is positioned on a second axis that is perpendicular to and intersects internally with a first axis defined by the positions at which the two gripping members are positioned on the structural support element.

[0039] Optionally, the distance between the at least one massaging member and the first axis is adjustable (or may be fixed). Preferably, optionally, the distance between the at least one massaging member and the first axis is adjustable along the second axis.

[0040] Preferably, the distance between the at least one massage member and the first shaft is at least 15 cm, more preferably at least 25 cm, even more preferably at least 30 cm, most preferably at least 35 cm, and preferably at most 55 cm. For example, the distance between the at least one massage member and the first shaft may be in the range of 37.5 cm to 50 cm.

[0041] Preferably, in any embodiment, at least one massaging member comprises a replaceable massaging head.

[0042] Optionally, at least one massaging member comprises a vibration, heat, or mechanical massage function. For example, at least one massaging member may comprise a mechanical acupressure massager and / or a chemical / electrical heat pad and / or an electric vibration function.

[0043] In one embodiment, the device comprises a single massaging member to allow a user to selectively massage different areas of the back. Optionally, the single massaging member comprises interchangeable massage heads.

[0044] Optionally, the massage device is provided in a kit, and the kit further includes one or more interchangeable massage heads. Preferably, the one or more interchangeable massage heads can have massage heads of varying shapes, stiffness, resilience, and / or functions. For example, the heads can be hemispherical, have enlarged protrusions, angled, raised, or textured surfaces, or the heads can include multiple balls or bearings, or a rack of balls or bearings, or can have a cushioned surface.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the locations where the at least one massaging member is disposed on the structural support element and the locations where the at least two gripping members are disposed on the structural support element together define a plane, and the at least one massaging member protrudes from a front side of the plane. More preferably, the at least one massaging member protrudes from a front side of the plane, and the gripping members are configured to be gripped from the front side of the plane.

[0046] In a second preferred embodiment, a device for use in massage is provided, comprising an enlarged structural support element. A single massage member is disposed at a first end of the structural support element, and two gripping members are disposed at a second end distal to the first end, the gripping members being disposed laterally on the structural support element relative to each other. The device is configured so that a user standing with arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members and manipulate the device to massage a predetermined location on the user's back when the support structure is positioned behind the user. Preferably, the location where the single massage member is disposed on the structural support element and the location where the at least two gripping members are disposed on the structural support element together define a plane. Preferably, the massage member protrudes from a front side of the plane, and the gripping members are configured to be gripped from the front side of the plane. Preferably, the enlarged structural support element comprises a planar body having a planar back surface, and the enlarged structural support element, the planar body, and / or the planar back surface are configured to abut a flat surface, such as a wall. Preferably, the positions at which the two gripping members are positioned on the structural support element define a first axis, and the at least one massage member is positioned on a second axis that is perpendicular to and intersects the first axis inwardly.

[0047] Optionally, the distance between the two gripping members and the distance between the at least one massaging member and the first shaft are adjustable.

[0048] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of massaging (e.g., a non-therapeutic method) using the provided device, the method comprising a user positioning the device behind them and grasping the two gripping members so that the user's spine and arms are in a neutral position, resting the user's mid to upper back (and / or optionally lower back) against the massage members of the device supported against a wall, and adjusting the pressure on the back and / or the position of contact with the massage members for an optimal massage by leaning back while maintaining a neutral spinal position. Preferably, by grasping the two gripping members, the user can adjust the position of contact with the massage members by manipulating the position of the massage device along the wall.

[0049] The invention will now be described in more detail, without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the massage device (1) includes an enlarged structural support element (3). A single massaging member (7) configured to massage discrete areas of a user's back, such as active or latent myofascial trigger points, is positioned at a first end (5) of the structural support element (3). Two gripping members (11) are positioned laterally on the structural support element (3) relative to one another so that a user can position their body / hips / waist between the two gripping members (11). The enlarged structural support element (3) is generally triangular, with the second end (9) proximate the base of the triangle. The locations at which the two gripping members (11) are positioned on the structural support element (3) define a first axis (17), and the single massaging member (7) is positioned on a second axis (19) that is perpendicular to and intersects the first axis (17) internally. The device (1) is configured so that a user standing with their arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members (11) and manipulate the device to massage predetermined locations on the user's back when the support structure (3) is positioned behind the user. The enlarged structural support element (3) further comprises a planar body (13) having a planar back surface (15, not shown) configured to be supported on a flat surface such as a wall.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the massage device (1) includes an enlarged structural support element (3). A single massaging member (7) configured to massage discrete areas of a user's back, such as active or latent myofascial trigger points, is disposed at a first end (5) of the structural support element (3). Two gripping members (11, the second of which is not shown) are disposed at a second end (9) distal to the first end (5) and are positioned laterally on the structural support element (3) relative to one another so that a user can position their body / hips / waist between the two gripping members (11). The gripping members (11) include cushioned gripping surfaces (12) to improve user comfort when gripping the device (1). The device (1) is configured so that a user standing with their arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members (11) and manipulate the device to massage predetermined locations on the user's back when the enlarged structural support element (3) is positioned behind the user. The enlarged structural support element (3) further comprises a planar body (13) having a planar back surface (15) configured to be supported on a flat surface such as a wall.

[0052] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] Further aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention are described in the following clauses. Clause 1 1. A device for use in massage, comprising an enlarged structural support element, at least one massage member disposed at a first end of the structural support element, and two gripping members disposed at a second end distal to the first end and positioned laterally on the structural support element relative to each other; The device is configured so that a user standing with arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members when the support structure is positioned behind the user and manipulate the device to massage predetermined locations on the user's back.

[0054] Clause 2 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the structural support element is configured to be supported on a flat surface, such as a wall.

[0055] Clause 3 The device defined in clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the position at which the at least one massage member is disposed on the structural support element and the position at which the at least two gripping members are disposed on the structural support element together define a plane, the massage members protruding from a front side of the plane, and the gripping members configured to be gripped from the front side of the plane.

[0056] Clause 4 4. The apparatus of clause 3, wherein the enlarged structural support element comprises a planar body having a planar back surface configured to abut a flat surface, such as a wall.

[0057] Clause 5 Equipment as defined in clause 3 or clause 4 in which a roller arrangement or low friction material is placed on an extended structural support around or on the rear side of the planar surface.

[0058] Clause 6 10. A device as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the massaging member is positioned inside a structural support element.

[0059] Clause 7 7. The device defined in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the positions at which the two gripping members are positioned on the structural support element define a first axis, and the at least one massage member is positioned on a second axis that is perpendicular to and intersects the first axis inwardly.

[0060] Article 8 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the distance between the at least one massage member and the first axis is adjustable.

[0061] Article 9 10. A device as defined in clause 7 or clause 8, wherein the distance between the at least one massage member and the first axis is at least 15 cm.

[0062] Article 10 10. A device as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the device comprises a single massaging member to enable a user to selectively massage different areas of the back.

[0063] Article 11 11. A device as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein at least one massaging member comprises a replaceable massage head.

[0064] Article 12 12. A device as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein at least one massaging member has a vibration, heat, or mechanical massage function.

[0065] Article 13 13. The device defined in any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the distance between the two gripping members is adjustable.

[0066] Article 14 14. A device as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the distance between the two gripping members is at least 35 cm, preferably at least 40 cm, such as 40 cm to 49 cm.

[0067] Article 15 15. A device as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the two gripping members have cushioned gripping surfaces.

[0068] Article 16 A method of massaging using the device according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, The user positions the device behind him / her and holds the two gripping members at his / her sides so that the user's spine and arms are in a neutral position; a user resting their mid to upper back against a massaging member of a device supported on a wall; and adjusting the pressure on the back by the user leaning back while maintaining a neutral spinal position and / or adjusting the position of contact with the massage members for optimal massage.

[0069] Each of the embodiments defined by the above clauses may, where the context permits, be incorporated into an apparatus for use in massage and / or a method of massage using the apparatus according to the above-described aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for use in massage, the apparatus comprising a rigid structural support element, at least one massage member disposed on a first end of the structural support element and positioned transversely on the structural support element relative to one another, and two gripping members disposed on a second end distal to the first end; the device is configured so that a user standing with their arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members when a support structure is positioned behind the user and manipulate the device to massage specific locations on the user's back; 1. An apparatus, wherein the rigid structural support element is configured to be supported on a flat surface, such as a wall, and the rigid structural support element comprises a planar body having a planar back surface configured to abut the flat surface, such as a wall.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the two gripping members comprises a handle that projects away from a front surface of the rigid structural element.

3. 3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the positions at which the at least one massage member is positioned on the structural support element and the positions at which the at least two gripping members are positioned on the structural support element together define a plane, the massage members protruding from a front side of the plane, and the gripping members configured to be gripped from a front side of the plane.

4. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the positions at which the at least one massage member is positioned on the structural support element and the positions at which the at least two gripping members are positioned on the structural support element together define a plane, the massage member protruding from a front side of the plane, the gripping members being configured to be gripped from the front side of the plane, and each of the two gripping members comprising a handle protruding away from a front surface of the rigid structural element.

5. 5. The device of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein a roller arrangement or low friction material is disposed on the rigid structural support around the rear side of the planar surface or on the rear surface of the planar surface.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the massaging members are positioned inside the structural support element.

7. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the positions at which the two gripping members are positioned on the structural support element define a first axis, and the at least one massage member is positioned on a second axis that is perpendicular to and intersects the first axis inwardly.

8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the distance between the at least one massaging member and the first axis is at least 15 cm.

9. 9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device comprises a single massaging member to enable a user to selectively massage different areas of the back.

10. 10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one massaging member comprises an interchangeable massaging head.

11. The device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one massaging member is provided with vibration, heat, or mechanical massaging functionality.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the distance between the two gripping members is at least 35 cm.

13. The device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the two gripping members comprise cushioned gripping surfaces.

14. 14. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, configured so that a user standing with their arms at their sides can grasp the two gripping members when the entire support structure is positioned behind the user and can manipulate the device to massage specific locations on the user's back.

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