Massage instrument and spatula, and cosmetic container including same

Abstract

Provided is a massage instrument comprising a sphere and a grip member that rotatably holds the sphere with portions of the sphere exposed, wherein the grip member has a first hole part for exposing a portion of the sphere in a first direction and a second hole part for exposing another portion of the sphere in a second direction, which is different from the first direction.

Description

Massage tool and spatula, and cosmetic container equipped with same

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage tool and a spatula, and a cosmetic container equipped with the same.

[0002] Massage devices that massage the skin surface of the human body by moving them in contact with it are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a facial beauty device that has a pearl holder that rotatably holds a pearl with part of the spherical surface of the pearl exposed on a pressing surface, and a gripping part that connects to the pearl holder.

[0003] A massage device in which a part of a pearl or other member is brought into contact with the skin surface with the pearl or other member exposed, such as the facial massage device disclosed in Patent Document 1, is used by bringing the pearl or other member into contact with the skin surface, and therefore it is preferable that the pearl or other member be washable. Also, when the pearl or other member is brought into contact with the skin surface after applying cream or the like to the skin, it is preferable that the cream or the like adhering to the pearl or other member be easily wiped off after use.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-6057

[0005] In the facial beauty device disclosed in Patent Document 1, only a portion of the pearl or other component is exposed through a hole provided to allow the component to contact the skin surface. Therefore, when the component is cleaned while being held, moisture on the component surface is difficult to evaporate. In addition, it is difficult to wipe off moisture or cream that has adhered to the component.

[0006] The facial beauty device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a removable pearl holder that holds the pearls, making it easy to wash the pearls. However, if the holder that holds the pearls or other components that come into contact with the skin surface of the human body is removable and the holder is removed during washing, the washing process, including wiping off creams and the like, becomes complicated, and there is also a risk that the removed holder may be lost.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems of the conventional technology as described above, and aims to provide a massage tool and spatula, as well as a cosmetic container equipped with the same, which can improve workability during cleaning.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a massage device comprising a sphere and a gripping member that rotatably holds the sphere with a portion of the sphere exposed, the gripping member having a first hole portion that exposes a portion of the sphere in a first direction, and a second hole portion that exposes another portion of the sphere in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0009] In the present invention configured as described above, a massage is performed by moving a portion of the sphere exposed through the first hole of the gripping member while it is in contact with the skin surface. At this time, a portion of the sphere is exposed in a first direction through the first hole, and another portion is exposed in a second direction different from the first direction through the second hole of the gripping member. Therefore, other portions of the sphere are also exposed in addition to the portion exposed to contact the skin surface, making it easier for moisture adhering to the sphere to evaporate during cleaning. Furthermore, since the sphere can be contacted not only through the first hole but also through the second hole, it is easier to wipe off moisture, cream, etc., adhering to the sphere.

[0010] The first hole may be provided on a first surface of the gripping member, and the second hole may be provided on a second surface of the gripping member opposite the first surface. In this configuration, moisture, cream, etc. adhering to the sphere can be wiped off by pinching the gripping members.

[0011] Furthermore, the second hole may have a shape that includes a perpendicular line drawn from the center of the sphere when the massage tool is placed on a horizontal surface with the second surface facing downward. In this configuration, when the massage tool is placed on a horizontal surface with the second surface facing downward, moisture adhering to the sphere flows downward due to gravity and is discharged to the outside through the second hole.

[0012] The gripping member may have a longitudinal shape, hold the sphere at one end in the longitudinal direction, and cover the sphere at the other end. In this configuration, if the massage device is dropped on a floor or the like, the weight of the sphere will likely cause it to fall with the other end facing downwards, and the part of the gripping member covering the sphere will be the first to come into contact with the floor or the like. This makes it less likely that the sphere will come into contact with the floor or the like initially, preventing the sphere from falling off the gripping member due to the impact of contact with the floor or the like.

[0013] The gripping member may have a spatula portion at the other end in the longitudinal direction. In this configuration, it is possible to perform massage and also to scoop up cream or the like.

[0014] The gripping member may have a protrusion protruding from the second surface near the second hole, which prevents a finger from accidentally entering the second hole and causing the sphere to fall out.

[0015] The gripping member may have a shape having a longitudinal direction, hold the sphere at one end in the longitudinal direction, and have a spatula at the other end in the longitudinal direction. In this configuration, it is possible to perform massage while also scooping up cream or the like.

[0016] The gripping member may also cover the sphere at the one end. In this configuration, if the massage device is dropped on a floor or the like, the weight of the sphere will likely cause it to fall with the one end facing downwards, and the part of the gripping member covering the sphere will be the first to come into contact with the floor or the like. This makes it less likely that the sphere will come into contact with the floor or the like initially, preventing the sphere from falling off the gripping member due to the impact of contact with the floor or the like.

[0017] The gripping member may have an acupressure portion that covers the sphere over a certain area between the one end and the edge of the second hole portion on the one end side. In this configuration, the gripping member may also have an acupressure function.

[0018] The acupressure point pressing portion may have a curved surface. In this configuration, it is possible to prevent excessive pain when the acupressure point pressing portion is pressed against the skin.

[0019] The opening surface of the first hole may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the gripping member. In this configuration, the gripping member can be grasped and the part of the sphere exposed through the first hole can be easily moved while being brought into contact with the skin surface.

[0020] In such a configuration, it is preferable that the angle formed between the opening surface and the axis is 5° to 45°.

[0021] The gripping member may be configured such that at least the periphery of the first hole is made of an elastic material, and the first hole is larger than the second hole. In this configuration, the sphere can be removed and replaced through the first hole.

[0022] The gripping member may also be configured so that the holding surface that holds the sphere has a protrusion that protrudes toward the sphere. In this configuration, a gap is created between the sphere and the holding surface, reducing the contact area between the sphere and the holding surface, allowing the sphere to remain easily rotated even if cream or the like adheres to the sphere, and making it easier for moisture adhering to the sphere to be discharged or volatilized.

[0023] The spatula may also have a spatula portion at one end for scooping up cosmetics, and a sphere at the other end, and a holding portion for rotatably holding the sphere with a portion of the sphere exposed, wherein the holding portion has a first hole portion for exposing a portion of the sphere in a first direction, and a second hole portion for exposing another portion of the sphere in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0024] The cosmetic container may also be provided with the massage tool or the spatula in a detachable manner.

[0025] According to the present invention, the workability when cleaning spheres is improved.

[0026] It is a top view showing a first embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention. It is a side view showing a first embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention. It is a bottom view showing a first embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 1a. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 1b. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 1c. It is a view for explaining the shape of the hole portions shown in Figs. 1a to 1c and Figs. 2a to 2c. It is a view for explaining the action by the hole portions of the massage tool shown in Figs. 1a to 1c. It is a view for explaining the action when the massage tool shown in Figs. 1a to 1c is dropped onto the floor or the like. It is a view for explaining the action due to the provision of a protruding portion on the massage tool shown in Figs. 1a to 1c. It is a view for explaining the action due to the inclination of the opening surface of the hole portion in the massage tool shown in Figs. 1a to 1c. It is a view showing how to remove the sphere from the gripping member in the massage tool shown in Figs. 1a to 1c. It is a view showing an example of the supply form of the massage tool shown in Figs. 1a to 1c. It is a top view showing a second embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention. It is a side view showing a second embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention. It is a bottom view showing a second embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 10a. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 10b. It is a view showing a configuration in which the sphere is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 10c. It is a top view showing a third embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 12. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 12. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 12. It is a view showing a configuration in which the massage ball is removed from the massage tool shown in Fig. 12. It is a partial cross-sectional view of one end side of the massage tool shown in Figs. 12 and 13a to 13d.

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] 1a to 1c show a first embodiment of the massage device of the present invention, with 1a being a top view, 1b being a side view, and 1c being a bottom view. 2a to 2c show a configuration of the massage tool 1 shown in 1a to 1c with the massage balls 20 removed, with 2a being a top view, 2b being a side view, and 2c being a bottom view.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2a to 2c, this embodiment is a massage tool 1 in which a massage ball 20 is held by a gripping member 10.

[0030] The gripping member 10 has a shape having a longitudinal direction, and one end 11 a side in the longitudinal direction forms a holding portion 12 .

[0031] Two holes 15a and 15b are provided in the holding portion 12. The hole 15a is an example of a first hole in the present invention, and is provided in the surface 14a, which is the first surface of the gripping member 10. The hole 15a has a substantially circular shape with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the massage ball 20 held by the gripping member 10.

[0032] Hole 15b is an example of a second hole in the present invention, and is provided on back surface 14b, which is the second surface of gripping member 10. Hole 15b is smaller in size than hole 15a, and has a generally trapezoidal shape with both ends of gripping member 10 in the longitudinal direction as the upper and lower bases.

[0033] When viewed from the front surface 14a toward the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10, the holes 15a and 15b are offset from each other so that a portion of each hole 15a faces the end 11a. As a result, on the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10, there is an area with a certain area between the end 11a of the gripping member 10 and the edge of the hole 15b on the end 11a side. This area forms an acupressure portion 16 whose surface curves outward from the gripping member 10. The gripping member 10 also has a spatula portion 13 at the other end 11b.

[0034] The holding portion 12 is provided with two hooks 19 that are used when attaching the massage tool 1 to a cosmetic container and supplying it, as will be described later. Each of the two hooks 19 has an end 11a that protrudes outward.

[0035] The gripping member 10 configured in this manner is made of resin such as polypropylene, and can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer.

[0036] The massage ball 20 is an example of a sphere in the present invention, and is held by the holding portion 12 of the gripping member 10. That is, the gripping member 10 holds the massage ball 20 at one longitudinal end 11a and has a spatula portion 13 at the other longitudinal end 11b.

[0037] The massage balls 20 are, for example, metal spheres with a diameter of approximately 9 to 10 mm, and are held in the holding part 12 with portions of them protruding from the holes 15a and 15b of the gripping member 10. The massage balls 20 are rotatably held between the curved surface of the back surface of the acupressure part 16 and the periphery of the hole 15a, with a fitting margin of approximately 0.4 mm. Note that the hole 15a has a substantially circular shape with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the massage balls 20, allowing the massage balls 20 to be incorporated into the gripping member 10 via the hole 15a.

[0038] The hole 15a is provided on the surface 14a of the gripping member 10, and the hole 15b is provided on the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10, so that the gripping member 10 covers the massage ball 20 at the end 11a.

[0039] The holes 15a are provided on the surface 14a of the gripping member 10. Therefore, a portion of the massage balls 20 is exposed through the holes 15a in the first direction, that is, toward the surface 14a of the gripping member 10. The massage balls 20 are exposed in a state where they partially protrude from the holes 15a, and the protrusion margin may be about 2.5 mm.

[0040] On the other hand, the hole 15b is provided on the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10. Therefore, a portion of the massage ball 20 is exposed through the hole 15b in the second direction, that is, toward the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10. The massage ball 20 does not protrude from the hole 15b, but is exposed at a position recessed from the opening of the hole 15b. Furthermore, the holding part 12 has a raised edge region on the end 11b side of the hole 15b, thereby forming a protrusion 17 protruding from the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10 near the hole 15b.

[0041] As described above, in the massage tool 1 of this embodiment, a portion of the massage ball 20 rotatably held in the holding portion 12 of the gripping member 10 protrudes through the hole 15a. The massage tool 1 is used by rotating the portion of the massage ball 20 exposed through the hole 15a while it is in contact with the skin surface, thereby performing a massage or applying cream or the like attached to the massage ball 20 to the skin. After use, it is preferable to wash the massage ball 20 or wipe off any cream or the like attached to the massage ball 20.

[0042] <<Action of Massage Tool 1>> The action of the massage tool 1 described above will be described below.

[0043] <Ease of Cleaning and Volatilization> As described above, the massage tool 1 of this embodiment is used by rotating a portion of the massage ball 20 rotatably held by the gripping member 10 while it is in contact with the skin surface, thereby performing a massage or applying cream or the like attached to the massage ball 20 to the skin. For this reason, the gripping member 10 is provided with a hole 15a that exposes a portion of the massage ball 20, and after use, the massage ball 20 can be cleaned or cream or the like attached to the massage ball 20 can be wiped off through the hole 15a.

[0044] In the massage tool 1 of this embodiment, the gripping member 10 is provided with holes 15b in addition to the holes 15a for exposing portions of the massage balls 20 for massage or for applying cream or the like to the skin. Therefore, the massage balls 20 can be washed through the holes 15b. After that, since portions of the massage balls 20 are exposed not only through the holes 15a but also through the holes 15b, moisture adhering to the surfaces of the massage balls 20 can be easily evaporated by washing.

[0045] Here, the specific effects of the shape of the hole 15b will be described.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the shape of the hole 15b shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2a to 2c.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the hole portion 15b has a shape that includes a perpendicular line 22 extending from the center 21 of the massage ball 20 when the massage tool 1 is placed on a horizontal floor surface 3 with the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10 facing downward.

[0048] Therefore, when the massage tool 1 is placed on the floor surface 3 with the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10 facing downward, the moisture adhering to the massage ball 20 flows downward due to gravity and is discharged to the outside through the hole portion 15b.

[0049] <Ease of Wiping> FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the holes 15a and 15b of the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c.

[0050] As described above, in the massage tool 1 of this embodiment, two holes 15a, 15b are provided in the gripping member 10, with one hole 15a being provided on the surface 14a of the gripping member 10 and the other hole 15b being provided on the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10.

[0051] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, moisture, cream, etc. adhering to the massage ball 20 can be wiped off by pinching the gripping member 10 between the cloths 2a, 2b, etc.

[0052] <Prevention of Massage Balls 20 from Falling Off When Dropped> FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the action when the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c is dropped on the floor or the like.

[0053] If the massage tool 1 shown in Figures 1a to 1c is dropped onto the floor or the like, the weight of the massage ball 20 will likely cause the end 11a of the gripping member 10 to fall downwards, and if the massage ball 20 comes into direct contact with the floor or the like, there is a risk that the massage ball 20 will fall off the gripping member 10 due to the impact of the contact.

[0054] However, in the massage tool 1 of this embodiment, the hole portion 15a is provided on the surface 14a of the gripping member 10, and the hole portion 15b is provided on the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10, so that the gripping member 10 covers the massage ball 20 at the end 11a.

[0055] 5, when the massage tool 1 is dropped onto the floor 3, the weight of the massage balls 20 causes the end 11a of the gripping member 10 to fall downward in the direction A in the figure, but the massage balls 20 are less likely to initially come into contact with the floor 3. This prevents the massage balls 20 from falling off the gripping member 10 due to the impact of contact with the floor 3.

[0056] <Avoidance of Accidental Drop-Off of Massage Balls 20> FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the effect of providing the protrusions 17 on the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c.

[0057] As described above, in the massage tool 1 of this embodiment, the front surface 14a of the gripping member 10 is provided with the hole 15a through which a portion of the massage ball 20 is exposed, and the rear surface 14b of the gripping member 10 is also provided with the hole 15b through which a portion of the massage ball 20 is exposed. Here, as described above, when cleaning the massage ball 20 or wiping off cream or the like attached to the surface of the massage ball 20, the massage ball 20 is sandwiched between the front and back surfaces of the gripping member 10, so that the massage ball 20 is unlikely to fall out of the hole 15a, 15b. However, if the massage ball 20 is inadvertently pushed through the hole 15a or 15b, depending on the magnitude of the force, the massage ball 20 may fall out of the opposite hole 15a, 15b.

[0058] In the massage tool 1 of this embodiment, the edge region on the end 11b side of the hole 15b is raised, so that a protrusion 17 protruding from the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10 is formed near the hole 15b.

[0059] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, it is difficult for the fingers 4 to come into direct contact with the massage balls 20 through the holes 15b, thereby preventing the fingers from accidentally entering the holes 15b and causing the massage balls 20 to fall off.

[0060] On the other hand, the size of the hole 15b is smaller than that of the hole 15a, and the hole 15b is substantially trapezoidal in shape with the upper and lower bases at both longitudinal ends of the gripping member 10. Therefore, even if the massage ball 20 is pushed through the hole 15a, the massage ball 20 will not fall out through the hole 15b.

[0061] <Spatula 13> As described above, the massage tool 1 of this embodiment is used by rotating a portion of the massage ball 20 rotatably held by the gripping member 10 while it is in contact with the skin surface, to perform a massage or to apply cream or the like attached to the massage ball 20 to the skin. Furthermore, the massage tool 1 of this embodiment has a spatula 13 at the end 11b of the gripping member 10 opposite the end 11a that holds the massage ball 20.

[0062] Therefore, while massaging can be performed, the spatula portion 13 can also be used to scoop cream or the like.

[0063] 1a to 1c, the massage tool 1 has an area of ​​a certain area on the back surface 14b of the gripping member 10 between the end 11a and the edge of the hole 15b on the end 11a side, which constitutes the acupoint pressing portion 16. This provides an acupoint pressing function, and the acupoint pressing portion 16 can be used by pressing it against an acupoint. In this case, the surface of the acupoint pressing portion 16 is curved toward the outside of the gripping member 10, which prevents excessive pain when the acupoint pressing portion 16 is pressed against the skin.

[0064] <Effect of Inclined Opening Surfaces of Holes 15a> FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the effect of inclined opening surfaces of the holes 15a in the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c.

[0065] In the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c, the opening plane X1 of the hole 15a is inclined at an angle Θ1 with respect to the axis X2 in the longitudinal direction of the gripping member 10, as shown in FIG.

[0066] Therefore, when gripping the gripping member 10 and moving the massage balls 20 exposed through the holes 15a while bringing the portions of the massage balls 20 into contact with the surface of the skin 5, a gap D1 is created between the portion of the gripping member 10 held in the hand and the surface of the skin 5, making it difficult for the hand to come into contact with the skin 5. This makes it easier to grip the gripping member 10 in the hand and move the massage balls 20 exposed through the holes 15a while bringing the portions of the massage balls 20 into contact with the surface of the skin 5.

[0067] In order to make it easier to hold the gripping member 10 in the hand and move the portion of the massage ball 20 exposed through the hole 15a while bringing it into contact with the surface of the skin 5, it is preferable that the angle Θ1 between the opening surface X1 of the hole 15a and the axis X2 in the longitudinal direction of the gripping member 10 be 5° to 45°.

[0068] <Removing the Massage Balls 20> In the massage tool 1 of this embodiment, the massage balls 20 can also be removed from the gripping member 10.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how to remove the massage balls 20 from the gripping member 10 of the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c.

[0070] As described above, in the massage tool 1 of this embodiment, the hole 15a has a substantially circular shape with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the massage ball 20. Therefore, by making the gripping member 10 from a stretchable material, the massage ball 20 can be removed and replaced through the hole 15a, as shown in Fig. 8. Note that instead of making the entire gripping member 10 from a stretchable material, only the periphery of the hole 15a of the gripping member 10 may be made from a stretchable material.

[0071] On the other hand, hole 15b is smaller than hole 15a and has a generally trapezoidal shape with the upper and lower bases at both longitudinal ends of gripping member 10. Therefore, massage ball 20 held in holding portion 12 cannot be removed through hole 15b.

[0072] <<Supply Form of Massage Tool 1>> The massage tool 1 described above may be supplied attached to a cosmetic container.

[0073] FIG. 9 shows an example of a supply form of the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 9, the massage tool 1 shown in Figs. 1a to 1c may be attached to a cosmetic container 30 before supply. The cosmetic container 30 may be cylindrical and include a container body 31 and a lid 32. The container body 31 has an opening 33 through which the cosmetic is inserted and removed. The lid 32 is attached to the container body 31 so that the opening 33 can be freely opened and closed. The container body 31 has a storage compartment 34 that is open at the top in an area adjacent to the opening 33, i.e., on the side surface of the container body 31. The storage compartment 34 is configured to allow the massage tool 1 to be stored from the upper surface of the side surface of the container body 31.

[0075] The massage tool 1 shown in Figures 1a to 1c is inserted into the storage compartment 34 with the holding portion 12 facing upward. As described above, the holding portion 12 is provided with two hooks 19, each of which has an end 11a that protrudes outward. Therefore, when the massage tool 1 is inserted into the storage compartment 34 with the holding portion 12 facing upward, the hooks 19 are hooked onto the edge of the storage compartment 34, allowing the massage tool 1 to be easily removed from the storage compartment 34. Because the gripping member 10 is linear with a longitudinal direction, the massage tool 1 can be stored in the storage compartment 34 regardless of whether the front surface 14a or the back surface 14b of the massage tool 1 faces upward.

[0076] The supply form of the massage tool 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 9 , and it may be supplied separately from the cosmetic container. Furthermore, the spatula portion 13 may be made separable by, for example, making the gripping member 10 separable into the holding portion 12 and the other area, and the spatula portion 13 may be supplied in a separated state and then attached with a screw or the like when used. Massage is performed by gripping the gripping member 10, and it is conceivable that cream or the like may be attached to the spatula portion 13. Therefore, a detachable holder covering the spatula portion 13 may be provided, and the holder may be attached to the spatula portion 13 when performing a massage.

[0077] 10a to 10c show a second embodiment of the massage tool of the present invention, with 10a being a top view, 10b being a side view, and 10c being a bottom view. 11a to 11c show a configuration of the massage tool 101 shown in 10a to 10c with the massage balls 20 removed, with 11a being a top view, 11b being a side view, and 11c being a bottom view.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 10a to 10c and 11a to 11c, this embodiment is a massage tool 101 in which the shape of the gripping member 110 is different from that of the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c.

[0079] The gripping member 110 in this embodiment has a shape having a longitudinal direction, and one end 111 a side in the longitudinal direction forms a holding portion 112 .

[0080] Two holes 115a and 115b are provided in the holding portion 112. The hole 115a is an example of a first hole in the present invention, and is provided in the surface 114a, which is the first surface of the gripping member 110. The hole 115a has a substantially circular shape with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the massage ball 20 held by the gripping member 110.

[0081] Hole 115b is an example of a second hole in the present invention, and is provided on back surface 114b, which is the second surface of gripping member 110. Hole 115b is larger than massage ball 20. Support 118, which extends in the longitudinal direction of gripping member 110, is suspended over hole 115b, thereby dividing hole 115b into two openings. The size of the two openings into which hole 115b is divided by support 118 is smaller than that of massage ball 20.

[0082] The gripping member 110 has a spatula portion 113 at the other end 111b. As a result, the gripping member 110 holds the massage ball 20 at one end 111a in the longitudinal direction, and has the spatula portion 113 at the other end 111b in the longitudinal direction.

[0083] The gripping member 110 configured in this manner is made of resin such as polypropylene, and can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer.

[0084] The massage ball 20 is rotatably held by being sandwiched between the support portion 118 and the periphery of the hole portion 115a, and the fitting margin may be about 0.4 mm.

[0085] In addition, hole portion 115a is provided on surface 114a of gripping member 110, and hole portion 115b is provided on back surface 114b of gripping member 110, so that gripping member 110 covers massage ball 20 at end 111a.

[0086] The hole 115a is provided on the surface 114a of the gripping member 110. Therefore, a portion of the massage ball 20 is exposed through the hole 115a in the first direction, that is, toward the surface 114a of the gripping member 110. The massage ball 20 is exposed in a state where a portion of it protrudes from the hole 115a, and the protrusion margin may be about 2.5 mm.

[0087] On the other hand, the hole 115b is provided on the back surface 114b of the gripping member 110. Therefore, a portion of the massage ball 20 is exposed through the hole 115b in the second direction, that is, toward the back surface 114b of the gripping member 110. Although a portion of the massage ball 20 protrudes from the hole 115b, the support 118 supports the massage ball 20 so that it does not fall off the gripping member 110.

[0088] As described above, in the massage tool 101 of this embodiment, a portion of the massage ball 20 rotatably held in the holding portion 112 of the gripping member 110 is exposed through the hole 115a in a protruding state. The massage tool 101 is used by rotating the portion of the massage ball 20 exposed through the hole 115a while bringing it into contact with the skin surface, thereby performing a massage or applying cream or the like attached to the massage ball 20 to the skin.

[0089] Furthermore, in the massage tool 101 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a portion of the massage ball 20 is exposed not only through the hole portion 115a but also through the hole portion 115b, so that after the massage ball 20 is washed, the moisture that has adhered to the surface of the massage ball 20 due to the washing can easily evaporate.

[0090] Furthermore, one of the holes 115a provided in the gripping member 110 is provided on the surface 114a of the gripping member 110, and the other hole 115b is provided on the back surface 114b of the gripping member 110, so that moisture, cream, etc. adhering to the massage ball 20 can be wiped off by pinching the gripping member 110.

[0091] Furthermore, by having a spatula portion 113 at the end 111b opposite to the end 111a of the gripping member 110 that holds the massage ball 20, it is possible to perform a massage while also using the spatula portion 113 to scoop up cream or the like.

[0092] Furthermore, since the gripping member 110 covers the massage ball 20 at the end 111a, when the massage tool 101 is dropped onto the floor or the like, the massage ball 20 is less likely to come into contact with the floor or the like initially, and it is possible to prevent the massage ball 20 from falling off the gripping member 110 due to the impact of contact with the floor or the like.

[0093] Furthermore, similar to that shown in the first embodiment, if the opening surface of the hole portion 115a is configured to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the gripping member 110, it becomes easier to grip the gripping member 110 and move the part of the massage ball 20 exposed through the hole portion 115a while bringing it into contact with the skin surface.

[0094] Furthermore, since the hole 115a is substantially circular with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the massage ball 20, if at least the periphery of the gripping member 110 is made of a stretchable material, the massage ball 20 can be removed and replaced through the hole 115a. On the other hand, the support part 118 is hung across the hole 115b, so the massage ball 20 cannot be removed through the hole 115b.

[0095] (Third embodiment) Fig. 12 is a top view showing a third embodiment of the massage device of the present invention. Figs. 13a to 13d are views showing the configuration of the massage tool 201 shown in Fig. 12 with the massage balls 20 removed, where Fig. 13a is a top view, Fig. 13b is a view from the right front side shown in Fig. 13a, Fig. 13c is a view from the lower front side shown in Fig. 13a, and Fig. 13d is a view from the right front side shown in Fig. 13a.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 12 and FIGS. 13a to 13d, this embodiment is a massage tool 201 in which the shape of a gripping member 210 is different from that of the massage tool 1 shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c.

[0097] In the gripping member 210 of this embodiment, the back surface of the region between the end 11a of the gripping member 210 and the edge of the hole 15b on the end 11a side is curved to form a holding surface 218 that holds the massage ball 20, and four protrusions 219a to 219d are provided on this holding surface 218. Note that the holding surface 218 is also formed by the back surface of the curved acupressure portion 16 in the massage tool 1 shown in Figures 1a to 1c. Furthermore, the gripping member 210 of this embodiment does not have the hook portion 19 of the massage tool 1 shown in Figures 1a to 1c.

[0098] Protrusion 219a is provided near hole 15b in the center of the gripping member 210 in the short direction. Protrusion 219b is provided on the back surface of end 11a in the center of the gripping member 210 in the short direction. Protrusion 219c is provided on the back surface of one end of gripping member 210 in the short direction. Protrusion 219d is provided on the back surface of the other end of gripping member 210 in the short direction. In this case, the distance between protrusion 219a and protrusions 219b to 219d, and the distance between protrusion 219b and protrusions 219c and 219d may all be approximately equal. These protrusions 219a to 219d are provided to protrude from holding surface 218 toward massage ball 20, and the protrusion height may be, for example, approximately 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0099] The effect of providing the protrusions 219a to 219d on the massage tool 201 shown in Figures 12 and 13a to 13d will be described below.

[0100] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end 11a side of the massage tool 201 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13a to 13d.

[0101] 12 and 13a to 13d, as described above, the holding surface 218 that holds the massage balls 20 has four protrusions 219a to 219d. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 14, when the massage balls 20 are held by the holding part 212, the massage balls 20 come into contact with the protrusions 219a to 219d. This creates a gap D2 between the massage balls 20 and the holding surface 218, reducing the contact area between the massage balls 20 and the holding surface 218.

[0102] In this way, the contact area between the massage ball 20 and the holding surface 218 is reduced, so that the massage ball 20 can remain in a state where it can easily rotate, even if cream or the like adheres to the massage ball 20 while using the massage tool 201. Furthermore, the gap D2 formed between the massage ball 20 and the holding surface 218 makes it easier for moisture adhering to the massage ball 20 to be discharged through the holes 15a, 15b or to evaporate.

[0103] In this embodiment, four protrusions 219a to 219d are provided on the holding surface 218 that holds the massage ball 20. However, the number of protrusions is not limited to four. However, providing multiple protrusions makes it easier to achieve the above-mentioned effect. Furthermore, when providing multiple protrusions, arranging the multiple protrusions to form a triangle, square, or the like rather than arranging them in a straight line makes it easier to hold the massage ball 20 stably. Furthermore, in this case, by making the spacing between the multiple protrusions equal, the stability of holding the massage ball 20 can be further improved.

[0104] The above-described embodiment has been described as the massage tool 1, 101 being an example of a massage device. However, it may also be applied to a spatula.

[0105] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-143777, filed on September 5, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0106] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 101, 201 Massage tool 2a, 2b Cloth 3 Floor surface 4 Finger 5 Skin 10, 110, 210 Gripping member 11a, 11b, 111a, 111b End 12, 112, 212 Holding portion 13, 113 Spatula portion 14a, 114a Surface 14b, 114b Back surface 15a, 15b, 115a, 115b Hole portion 16, 116 Acupressure portion 17 Protrusion 19 Hook portion 20 Massage ball 21 Center 22 Perpendicular line 30 Cosmetic container 31 Container body 32 Lid 33 Opening 34 Storage portion 118 Support portion 218 Holding surface 219a to 219d Protrusions D1, D2 Gap

Claims

1. A massage device comprising: a sphere; and a gripping member that rotatably holds the sphere with a portion of the sphere exposed, the gripping member having a first hole that exposes a portion of the sphere in a first direction, and a second hole that exposes another portion of the sphere in a second direction different from the first direction.

2. The massage tool of claim 1, wherein the first hole portion is provided on a first surface of the gripping member, and the second hole portion is provided on a second surface of the gripping member opposite the first surface.

3. The massage device as described in claim 2, wherein the second hole portion has a shape that includes a perpendicular line drawn from the center of the sphere when the massage device is placed on a horizontal surface with the second surface facing downwards.

4. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping member has a shape having a longitudinal direction, holds the sphere at one end side in the longitudinal direction, and covers the sphere at the one end.

5. The massage tool according to claim 4, wherein said gripping member has a spatula portion at the other end in said longitudinal direction.

6. The massage tool according to claim 2, wherein said gripping member has a protrusion protruding from said second surface in the vicinity of said second hole.

7. The massage tool according to claim 4, wherein the gripping member has an acupressure portion covering the sphere over a certain area between the one end and the edge of the second hole portion on the one end side.

8. The massage tool according to claim 7, wherein the acupressure portion has a curved surface.

9. The massage tool according to claim 4, wherein an opening surface of said first hole portion is inclined with respect to an axis line in said longitudinal direction of said gripping member.

10. The massage device according to claim 9, wherein the angle between the opening surface and the axis is between 5° and 45°.

11. The massage device of claim 1, wherein the gripping member is made of a stretchable material at least around the periphery of the first hole, and the first hole is larger than the second hole.

12. The massage tool according to claim 1, wherein the gripping member has a holding surface for holding the sphere, the holding surface having a protrusion protruding toward the sphere.

13. A spatula having a spatula portion at one end for scooping up cosmetics, and having a sphere and a holding portion at the other end for rotatably holding the sphere with a portion of the sphere exposed, the holding portion having a first hole portion for exposing a portion of the sphere in a first direction, and a second hole portion for exposing another portion of the sphere in a second direction different from the first direction.

14. A cosmetic container detachably equipped with the massage tool according to claim 1 or the spatula according to claim 13.

Images