Massage tools

Abstract

To provide a massage tool which can be inexpensively manufactured with a simple configuration and can effectively massage stiffness of a fascicle of a body.SOLUTION: A massage tool includes: a main shaft 11; an actuation part 12 arranged on a distal end side of the main shaft 11 so as to be put on an affected part of a body; a bottom shaft 20 arranged on a proximal end side of the main shaft 11 so as to extend toward both sides in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the main shaft 11; and a handle 30 arranged in a middle part between a distal end and a proximal end of the main shaft 11 so as to extend toward both sides in parallel with the bottom shaft 20 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the main shaft 11. The actuation part 12 is formed in a gradually tapered shape inclined from both opposing sides of the main shaft 11 orthogonal to an extending direction of the bottom shaft 20 and the handle 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massaging tool for holding in the hand to relieve muscle stiffness in the body.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various massaging tools for easily obtaining a massage effect have been proposed. For example, as a palm-sized massaging tool, there is known a muscle adjustment tool by acupressure configured by combining a standard acupressure bar, a detailed acupressure bar, and a wide-part acupressure bar on a grip body made of a cylindrical body (see Patent Document 1). According to this adjustment tool, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of managing and storing a plurality of types of adjustment tools.

[0003] Also, as a rod-shaped massaging tool, there is known one including a spherical body pressed against the user's skin, a housing portion that rotatably houses the spherical body in a state where a part thereof is exposed, and a main body portion having a plurality of constricted portions formed over the entire circumference (see Patent Document 2). According to this massaging tool, by using the plurality of constricted portions in the main body portion, it is possible to make it easier to apply force and perform a massage.

[0004] Furthermore, as another massaging tool, there is known a rotary acupoint pressing health device that presses an acupoint with a protruding portion at the tip of a cylindrical body by using a convex or concave spiral portion provided on the surface of a thin cylindrical body (see Patent Document 3). According to this health device, it is possible to stimulate an acupoint while rotating the spiral portion of the main body with a finger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0006] However, while conventional massage tools are handheld and easy to use, they all apply pressure to the affected area in a small, point- or surface-level manner. Therefore, they could not be used to insert themselves between stiff muscle bundles to create gaps and improve blood flow. In other words, they were insufficient in terms of effectively loosening stiff muscle bundles by inserting them between severely stiff muscle bundles. Furthermore, all of these massage tools had relatively complex designs, resulting in high manufacturing costs.

[0007] This invention was made in view of the problems of the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a massage tool that can be manufactured inexpensively with a simple structure and that can effectively relieve muscle stiffness by improving blood flow, which is the cause of muscle stiffness in the body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The applicant is a resin compound manufacturer, primarily producing a wide variety of resin compounds in small batches. Therefore, there is little routine production, and much of the production relies on manual labor. Furthermore, some products, which are produced over long periods, involve physically demanding work, often causing pain (such as elbow pain) and discomfort among employees.

[0009] Therefore, I have been using my fingernails to create gaps between the tense muscle bundles and massaging the muscle bundles themselves to return the tense muscles to a near-normal state and alleviate the pain. However, massaging with only fingernails requires considerable grip strength, so it was often difficult to massage enough to alleviate the pain. On the other hand, it also put a strain on the hand doing the massaging, and there was a risk of developing new areas of pain.

[0010] In light of the above circumstances, the applicant has diligently developed the present invention, which, after repeated trial and error while producing several prototypes of massage tools, can more effectively massage tense muscles with the same force as a fingernail.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is as follows: In a massage tool held in the hand to relieve muscle stiffness in the body, The main shaft, The main shaft is provided at the tip end and has an action part that is applied to the affected area of ​​the body, A base shaft is provided on the base end side of the main shaft and extends on both sides perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft, The main shaft is provided with handles located midway between its tip and base, extending on both sides perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft and parallel to the base shaft, The working portion is characterized by being formed in a tapered shape that slopes to a narrower position from opposite sides of the main shaft, which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the base shaft and the handle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The massage device according to the present invention simplifies the overall structure and reduces manufacturing costs, while improving blood flow, which is the cause of muscle stiffness in the body, and effectively relieving muscle stiffness. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a bottom view showing a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of a first use embodiment of the massage device according to the present invention. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram of the second usage mode of the massager according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram of the third usage mode of the massager according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram of the fourth usage mode of the massager according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, representative embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The massager 10 according to the present embodiment is for holding in the hand to relieve muscle stiffness in the body. Note that the components, shapes, materials, dimensions, etc. shown in the embodiments described below are all examples of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. Also, for convenience in the following description, regarding the main shaft 11 of the massager 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper side on the paper surface will be described as the "base end side" and the lower side on the paper surface will be described as the "tip end side".

[0015] <Overview of the Massager 10> As shown in FIG. 1, the massager 10 according to the present embodiment includes a main shaft 11, an acting portion 12 provided on the tip end side of the main shaft 11 and adapted to be applied to an affected part of the body, a bottom shaft 20 provided on the base end side of the main shaft 11 and extending on both sides orthogonally to the axial direction of the main shaft, and a handle 30 provided midway between the tip end and the base end of the main shaft 11 and extending on both sides orthogonally to the axial direction of the main shaft and parallel to the bottom shaft 20. The massager 10 is generally the size of a palm, and its main shaft 11, bottom shaft 20, and handle 30 can be held in the hand by grasping them in various ways.

[0016] <Main Shaft 11> As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the main shaft 11 is cylindrical in shape, extending linearly from its base to its tip, and is formed from, for example, a round metal bar. The total length of the main shaft 11 can be set to a length that fits in the palm of the hand. The main shaft 11 is manufactured from a metal such as stainless steel, iron, or aluminum. By using a heavy metal for the main shaft 11 in this way, it becomes possible to perform massages for extended periods with less effort, and the massage effect is more easily obtained.

[0017] In particular, the main shaft 11 is best made of stainless steel containing a certain amount or more of chromium. Stainless steel generally has excellent corrosion resistance, so even when used for long periods in environments exposed to wind and rain, such as in on-site work, or during bathing where massage is effective, it hardly rusts and does not deteriorate easily, which is a significant advantage. The same applies to the materials of the base shaft 20 and handle 30, which are assembled separately from the main shaft 11.

[0018] <<Action part 12>> The tip of the main shaft 11 is provided with an action part 12 that is applied to the affected area of ​​the body. As shown in Figure 3, the action part 12 has a shape that tapers to a point on both sides perpendicular to the axis S (axial direction) of the main shaft 11. That is, in a side view, the action part 12 is formed in a tapered shape with tapered surfaces 12a, 12a that are inclined at the same gradient. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the part where the tips of the tapered surfaces 12a, 12a meet is formed as a blade 12b, similar to the tip of a flathead screwdriver.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the width of the blade 12b is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the main shaft 11. In each figure, the leading edge of the blade 12b appears to have an acute cross-sectional shape in a side view, but in reality, it is not a sharp edge but has a rounded shape. Also, the corners at both ends of the leading edge of the blade 12b appear to be right angles in a front view, but in reality, they have a rounded shape.

[0020] With this type of blade 12b, compared to the tip of a conventional massage tool, the blade is narrow at the front and back but wide from side to side, making it easy to apply linear pressure to the affected area of ​​the body where stiffness is most severe. It is also possible to press the corners of the blade 12b precisely into the affected area of ​​the body. Here, the affected area of ​​the body refers to the space between bundles of stiff (stiff) muscles, or the space between bundles of stiff (stiff) muscles and bones, etc.

[0021] The blade 12b of the working part 12 can be pressed into the spaces between various muscle bundles, or between muscle bundles and bones, thereby improving blood flow to the muscle bundles and effectively relieving muscle stiffness. In other words, the working part 12, while mimicking the thinness of a human fingernail (fingertip), has a wide blade 12b, giving it versatility to fit into the spaces between muscle bundles of various shapes, or between muscles and bones.

[0022] <Bottom axis 20> As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the base shaft 20 is integrally provided on the base end side of the main shaft 11. In this embodiment, the base shaft 20 extends on both sides perpendicular to the axis S (axial direction) at the base end side of the main shaft 11, and the main shaft 11 and the base shaft 20 form a roughly T-shape when viewed from the front. The base shaft 20, like the main shaft 11, is formed from, for example, a round metal bar. Here, the outer diameter of the base shaft 20 is approximately the same as that of the main shaft 11, but the length of the base shaft 20 is set to be shorter, about half the total length of the main shaft 11.

[0023] The base shaft 20 is integrally assembled with the main shaft 11. More specifically, the base shaft 20 is integrally fixed to the outer circumference of the center of the longitudinal direction of the base shaft 20 by welding or the like, with the base end of the main shaft 11 abutting against it. The base shaft 20 is rounded to prevent pain in the palm of the hand when the working part 12 is strongly pressed against the affected area (such as a stiff muscle bundle), and is set to a length that is easy to hold in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0024] <Handle 30> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the handle 30 is integrally provided midway between the tip and the base end of the main shaft 11. The handle 30 of the present embodiment extends on both sides so as to be orthogonal to the axis S (axial direction) of the main shaft 11 and parallel to the bottom shaft 20. The handle 30 is formed from a round bar with a smaller diameter compared to the main shaft 11 and the bottom shaft 20. Here, the total length of the handle 30 linearly connected left and right is set to be longer than the bottom shaft 20. As a result, the main shaft 11, the bottom shaft 20, and the handle 30 form the character shape of "士 (samurai)" in a front view.

[0025] The handle 30 is also integrally combined with the main shaft 11 in the same manner as the bottom shaft 20. Specifically, the handle 30 is integrally fixed by welding or the like at a position midway in the axial direction of the main shaft 11 in a state orthogonal to the axis S. Here, the left and right handles 30 extending on both sides of the main shaft 11 are set to the same length to which two fingers can be attached to each. With such a configuration, two fingers can be attached to each of the handles 30 on both sides of the main shaft 11, and a total of four fingers can be hooked on the handle 30, enabling the massage tool 10 to be held stably.

[0026] <Others> As shown in FIG. 2, by appropriately maintaining the distance (operating distance) from the handle 30 to the tip of the working part 12, which is the blade 12b, when using it on some affected areas (for example, tennis elbow affected areas, etc.), with the palm as a fulcrum (installed on the arm of the affected area), it is possible to accurately press the affected area so that the blade 12b of the working part 12 is applied. Also, by setting the distance (handle distance) from the handle 30 to the bottom shaft 20 to be about the same as that of a commercially available grip strength meter, it is possible to make it easier to apply force.

[0027] In addition, since hand sizes vary among individuals and differ for each user, it is advisable to prepare in advance a plurality of types (for example, three types of L (large), M (medium), and S (small)) of different sizes that are similar in shape to the illustrated massage tool 10. Furthermore, if the left and right tips of the handle 30 are polished and processed into two types of left and right conical shapes (changing the sharpness of the apex), it is also conceivable to configure it as a massage tool having three types of working parts, including the working part 12 of the main shaft 11 (for example, a three-blade flow).

[0028] <Manufacturing of massage device 10> To manufacture this massage tool 10, first, a working part 12 (tapered surfaces 12a, 12a, blade 12b) is formed at the tip of the main shaft 11 by machining or the like. Then, the handle 30 is fixed integrally with the main shaft 11 by welding or the like at a position midway along the axial direction of the main shaft 11 so that it appears to pass through it. Furthermore, the base end of the main shaft 11 is fixed integrally with the outer circumference of the center of the longitudinal direction of the base shaft 20 by welding or the like, with the base end abutting against it.

[0029] Finally, the entire massage tool 10 is polished to remove any sharp edges. It is preferable to polish most of the massage tool 10 so that it becomes rounded. For example, welded areas should be smoothed, and any burrs or sharp edges should be polished to make them rounded. Thus, the massage tool 10 has a simple structure and can be manufactured inexpensively. It goes without saying that the above is just one example of a manufacturing method, and other manufacturing methods are also acceptable.

[0030] <How to use massage tool 10> To use this massage tool 10, hold the massage tool 10 in your hand and apply pressure by pressing the working part 12 (blade 12b) into the space between the stiffened muscle bundles or between the stiffened muscle bundles and the bone. Then, while keeping the working part 12 (blade 12b) inserted in the affected area, move the working part (blade 12b) in a manner that creates a gap of about 1-5 mm between the muscle bundles or between the muscle bundles and the bone, as if peeling them apart.

[0031] The force applied when inserting the working part (blade 12b) into the affected area and the force used when moving it should be adjusted to a level that feels pleasantly painful. If it feels painful, you should either release the pressure or move it to another location to find a spot that feels pleasantly painful. By using this massage tool 10 in this way, gaps can be created between stiff muscle bundles, promoting blood flow and effectively relieving muscle stiffness. In particular, it can alleviate body pain such as tennis elbow, calf pain, shin pain, and lower back pain.

[0032] Since the handle 30 is thinner in diameter than the main shaft 11 and the base shaft 20, any finger can easily grip the handle 30, allowing the massager 10 to be held stably in the hand. For example, by gripping the handle 30 with a finger and the thumb on the base shaft 20, or by pressing the palm of the hand against the base shaft 20, pressure can be easily applied to the massager 10.

[0033] Furthermore, when using this massage tool 10, using it over clothing of a certain thickness, such as a sweatshirt, can prevent injury to the skin and muscles and enhance safety. When not in use, for safety reasons, this massage tool 10 should not be placed on shelves or other elevated surfaces, but rather stored in a drawer or similar location.

[0034] <<First Usage Mode>> Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of a first mode of use of the massage tool 10 according to this embodiment. This first mode of use is the most typical mode of use. In this first mode of use, the center of the base shaft 20 is placed on the second joint of the index finger, the middle finger is placed on the tapered portion 12a, the right side of the handle 30 is gripped with the ring finger and little finger, and the left side of the handle 30 is supported with the thumb, and the massage tool 10 is held, and the base shaft 20 is pressed with the inside of the index finger, using the palm as a fulcrum near the affected area, thereby pressing the blade 12b of the working portion 12 against the affected area of ​​the body. This improves blood flow to the stiff muscle bundles and relieves stiffness.

[0035] <<Second Usage Scenario>> Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of a second mode of use of the massage tool 10 according to this embodiment. In this second mode of use, the base shaft 20 is placed at the base of the thumb, the index finger and middle finger are placed on the right side (viewed from the base end) of the handle 30, and the ring finger and little finger are placed on the left side of the handle 30. In other words, two fingers are placed on the right side and two on the left side of the handle 30. Then, holding the massage tool 10 in the hand in a stable position, the blade 12b of the working part 12 is pressed against the affected area of ​​the body. This improves blood flow to the tense muscle bundles and relieves stiffness.

[0036] <<Third Usage Mode>> Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of a third mode of use of the massage tool 10 according to this embodiment. This third mode of use is a mode in which the massage tool 10 is used to give a massage to another person (the person being massaged). The person holding the massage tool 10 grips the handle 30 with the fingers of their right hand and presses the blade 12b (not shown in Figure 8) of the working part 12 against the vicinity of the left shoulder of the person being massaged. This improves blood flow to the muscle bundles in the stiff area of ​​the left shoulder of the person being massaged, thereby relieving stiffness.

[0037] <<Fourth Mode of Use>> Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth mode of use of the massage tool 10 according to this embodiment. This fourth mode of use also involves using the massage tool 10 to massage another person (the person being massaged). The person holding the massage tool 10 places their thumb (not shown) on the base shaft 20 and their other fingers on the handle 30, and presses the blade 12b (not shown in Figure 9) of the working part 12 against the vicinity of the left thigh of the person being massaged. This improves blood flow to the stiff muscle bundles near the thigh of the person being massaged, thereby relieving stiffness.

[0038] It should be noted that the first to fourth modes of use are merely examples. There are many other ways to hold the massage tool 10, and many other ways to use the massage tool 10 to loosen tense muscle bundles, etc.

[0039] <Construction and Effects of the Invention> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present invention derived from the embodiments described above will be described below.

[0040] <<Configuration 1>> First, the present invention relates to a massage tool 10 that is held in the hand to relieve muscle stiffness in the body, Main shaft 11 and, The main shaft 11 is provided at the tip end and has an action part 12 that is applied to the affected area of ​​the body, A base shaft 20 is provided on the base end side of the main shaft 11 and extends on both sides perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft 11, The main shaft 11 is provided with a handle 30 located midway between its tip and base, extending on both sides perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft 11 and parallel to the base shaft 20, The working portion 12 is characterized by being formed in a tapered shape that slopes to a narrower position from opposite sides of the main shaft 11, which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the base shaft 20 and the handle 30.

[0041] With this configuration, the base shaft 20 and handle 30 can be held in the hand in various ways, and the working part 12 can be applied to the affected area of ​​the body and pressed in between muscle bundles or between muscle bundles and bones. As a result, gaps can be created between stiffened muscle bundles, improving blood flow and effectively relieving muscle stiffness. This makes it possible to reduce the number of massages using the massage tool 10. Furthermore, the massage tool 10 has a simple structure and can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0042] <<Configuration 2>> Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the main shaft 11 and the bottom shaft 20 are each formed from a round bar material of the same diameter. With this configuration, the main shaft 11 and the base shaft 20 can be formed from the same material, resulting in a simpler structure and contributing to lower manufacturing costs.

[0043] <<Configuration 3>> In addition, in the present invention, the handle 30 is characterized in that it is formed from a round bar having a smaller diameter than the main shaft 11 and the bottom shaft 20. According to such a configuration, for example, it becomes easy to hook any finger on the handle 30, and it becomes easy to stably hold the massager 10 by hooking a finger on it.

[0044] <<Configuration 4>> In addition, in the present invention, the handle 30 is characterized in that it is formed longer than the bottom shaft 20. According to such a configuration, not only is it easy to hold the massager 10, but when viewed from the front as a whole, it forms the shape of the Chinese character "shi", and it can be made into a characteristic and novel design. Here, for example, the massager 10 can be named "Samurai" based on its shape.

[0045] <<Configuration 5>> In addition, in the present invention, the materials of the main shaft 11, the bottom shaft 20, and the handle 30 are each made of stainless steel. According to such a configuration, since the massager 10 is manufactured from stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance, even when the massager 10 is used in a harsh environment such as being exposed to outdoor wind and rain, or during bathing when massage is generally considered effective, there are advantages such as hardly rusting.

[0046] Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. For example, through holes can be formed at appropriate positions of the massager 10, a string can be inserted through them, and both ends of the inserted string can be tied to hang the massager 10 on a belt or the neck, etc., so that the massager 10 can always be carried.

Industrial Applicability

[0047] The present invention can be widely used as a simple and familiar massager.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0048] 10…Massage tools 11...Spindle 12...Action part 12a... Tapered surface 12b...Blade 20…Bottom axis 30...Handle

Claims

1. In a massage tool held in the hand to relieve muscle stiffness in the body, The main shaft, The main shaft is provided at the tip end and has an action part that is applied to the affected area of ​​the body, A base shaft is provided on the base end side of the main shaft and extends on both sides perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft, The main shaft is provided with handles located midway between its tip and base, extending on both sides perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft and parallel to the base shaft, The massage tool is characterized in that the working portion is formed in a tapered shape that slopes to a narrower position from both sides of the main shaft that are perpendicular to the extension direction of the base shaft and the handle.

2. The massage tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the main shaft and the bottom shaft are each formed from a round bar material of the same diameter.

3. The massage tool according to claim 2, characterized in that the handle is formed from a round bar material with a smaller diameter than the main shaft and the bottom shaft.

4. The massage device according to claim 3, characterized in that the handle is formed to be longer than the base shaft.

5. The massage tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the main shaft, the base shaft, and the handle are each made of stainless steel.

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