Abstract:
The application depicts a therapy device, and also depicts a method of providing therapy that incorporates the inventive therapy device. The device includes a first and second rolling means mounted on a bar. The method includes the steps of using a therapy device that has a first and second rolling means mounted to a bar by moving the device along a selected area, preferably adjacent a spinal column.

Description:
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention is a therapy device for muscles and tissue, and the invention is also a method of providing therapy to a selected area of muscles and tissue. 
       The Therapy Device 
       [0002]    The inventive therapy device includes a first end, a central portion, and a second end, the central portion being aligned with a longitudinal axis. The first end and second end extend symmetrically from the central portion and may be aligned with the longitudinal axis; alternatively, each may angled relative the longitudinal axis. 
         [0003]    The invention also includes a first rolling means positioned on the central portion and rotatable about the longitudinal axis, as well as a second means positioned on the central portion. Each is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and the second rolling means displaced from the first rolling means to allow a void between the first rolling means and second rolling means. Handgrips are positioned adjacent the ends of the device. 
         [0004]    In a preferred embodiment of the inventive therapy device, the first rolling means is at least one wheel rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis. In like manner, the second rolling means may also include at least one wheel rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis. In preferred embodiments, each of the first and second rolling means may include a pair of adjacent wheels. Preferably, each wheel is rotatably mounted about the central portion such that it may be independently rotatable about the central portion such that each wheel may rotate at its own angular speed. 
         [0005]    In a preferred embodiment, the rolling means are each selectively positionable at a chosen locations along the longitudinal axis. In order to accomplish this, each rolling means may be equipped with a bearing that can grip the central portion at a selected location, yet meanwhile allow selective rotation of the rolling means about the central portion. 
       The Therapy Method 
       [0006]    The invention is also a method of giving therapy to muscles and tissue. The method includes the step of providing handlebar having a first end, a central portion, and a second end. The central portion, the first end, and second end each extend from the central portion and are preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the first and second ends may be symmetrically angled relative the longitudinal axis. 
         [0007]    The therapy method also includes the step of positioning a first rolling means on the central portion, and enabling the first rolling means to be rotatable relative the longitudinal axis, and the step of positioning a second rolling on the central portion, and enabling the second rolling means to be rotatable relative the longitudinal axis. 
         [0008]    The inventive method also requires one to position the second rolling means at a location displaced from the first rolling means, thereby maintaining a void between the first rolling means and second rolling means. There is a primary handgrip adjacent the first end of the handlebar, and a secondary handgrip adjacent the second end. Of course, the inventive therapy method also includes the step of engaging the first rolling means and second rolling means with a chosen area of a person, gripping the primary and secondary handgrips, and moving the first and second rolling means back and forth along the muscles and tissue in a direction generally orthogonal the longitudinal axis. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment, the rolling means each comprise a pair of adjacent wheels rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis, and each may be selectively positioned at a chosen location along the central portion. 
         [0010]    The therapy method works well on the tissues adjacent the spinal column of a person. In this embodiment of the therapy method, the invention includes the steps positioning the first rolling means on a first side of the spine and the second rolling means on the second side of the spine. 
         [0011]    In order to accommodate the personal preference of the person receiving the therapy, the method may include the step of providing a choice of first and second rolling means that have varying degrees of hardness. 
         [0012]    Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the therapy device, according to the principles of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the therapy device, shown with the first rolling means spaced apart from a second rolling means. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an exploded and perspective view of the therapy device, according to the principles of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  presents an isolated, perspective and exploded view detailing the wheel, wheel hubs, rod, and spacers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the therapy device  10 , according to the principles of the invention. The therapy device  10  has a first end  16 , a second end  18 , and a central portion  14  coinciding with a longitudinal axis L. The first end  16  and second end  18  are disposed at opposing ends of the central portion  14  of the device  10 . A first handgrip  20  is adjacent the first end  16  and a second handgrip  22  is adjacent the second end  18 . 
         [0018]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the device  10  further includes a first rolling means  24  and a second rolling means  26 . Each rolling means  24 ,  26  is positioned on the central portion  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first rolling means  24  includes a pair of adjacent wheels  28 ; analogously, the second rolling means  26  also includes a pair of adjacent wheels  28 . 
         [0019]    In this embodiment, a rod (viewable in  FIG. 2 ) passes through the central portion  14  and is removably connectable to the first end  16  so that the wheels may be positioned at preselected locations along the central portion  14 . 
         [0020]    One can use the therapy device shown in  FIG. 1  by grabbing the handgrips  20 ,  22  and rolling the device  10  along a selected area using an amount of pressure that suits the personal preference of the person. Although  FIG. 1  depicts all wheels  28  adjacent one another, a preferred embodiment of the device  10  allows the wheels  28  to be spaced apart from one another on the central portion  14  of the device  14  (shown aft). 
         [0021]    Use of the device  10  stimulates endorphin release, which is the body&#39;s natural pain reliever. As such, the use of the device  10  creates the feel-good sensation of overall well-being. While the device  10  is well-suited to be used along the spine of a person, the device  10  has proven an effective tool for providing therapy to other major muscle groups such as quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and traps, etc. And while a preferred method of using the device  10  is by having one provide therapy to another, the device can be used by one person without the assistance of another. For example the device may be anchored to a wall or floor, and a user may engage against the device  10  and move one&#39;s body against the device in order to achieve similar release of myofascial tension. 
         [0022]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the central portion  14  may include a rod that is pliable, allowing some flexion in the central portion  14 . Thus, the central portion  14  may have some give to it that prevents one from using the device in a way that would apply excessive amounts of downward force. Although the figures herein show an embodiment wherein each of the first rolling means  24  and the second rolling means  26  includes a pair of adjacent wheels  28 , one may adjust the device  10  wherein each rolling means  24 , 26  comprises a single wheel  28 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the therapy device  10 , according to the principles of the invention. As in the prior embodiment, the therapy device  10  has a first end  16 , a second end  18 , and a central portion  14  coinciding with a longitudinal axis L. Analogously, the first end  16  and second end  18  are disposed at opposing ends of the central portion  14  of the device  10 . Moreover, first handgrip  20  is adjacent the first end  16  and a second handgrip  22  is adjacent the second end  18 . 
         [0024]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the device  10  further includes a first rolling means  24  and a second rolling means  26 , each positioned on the central portion  14 . As with the previously discussed embodiment, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  includes a pair of adjacent wheels  28  for each of the first rolling means  24  and second rolling means  26 , analogously, the second rolling means  26  also includes a pair of adjacent wheels  28 . 
         [0025]    In this embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , a rod (viewable aft) passes through the central portion  14  and is removably connectable to the first end  16  so that the wheels may be positioned at preselected locations along the central portion  14 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first rolling means  24  may be displaced from the second rolling means  26  by mounting spacers  32  along the rod (viewable aft) between the wheels  28 , thereby creating a void  33  between the first rolling means  24  and the second rolling means  26 . 
         [0026]    Preferably the therapy device shown in  FIG. 2  is used by grabbing the handgrip  20 ,  22  and rolling the device  10  along a selected area using an amount of pressure that suits the personal preference of the person. In this embodiment, one preferably engages the first rolling means  24  along a first side of a person&#39;s spine and engages the second rolling  26  along the opposing side of a person&#39;s spine so that the void  32  is directly above the person&#39;s backbone. 
         [0027]    Once the device  10  shown in  FIG. 2  is positioned as described, then one rolls the device along the spinal column at a desired pressure in order to give soothing release to the myofascial tissue adjacent the person&#39;s spine. 
         [0028]    While the device  10  shown herein is well-suited to be used along the spine of a person, the device  10  has proven an effective tool for providing therapy to other major muscle groups such as quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and traps, etc. And while a preferred method of using the device  10  is by having one provide therapy to another, the device can be used by one person without the assistance of another. 
         [0029]    For example the device may be anchored to a wall or floor, and a user may engage against the device  10  and move one&#39;s body against the device in order to achieve similar release of myofascial tension. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded and perspective view of the device  10 , and details the various component parts. A first handgrip  20  is removably positionable around a hollowed handle  19  positioned at the first end  16 ; in like manner a second handgrip  22  is positionable around the second end  18 . The hollowed handle  19  and the rod  31  are cooperatively formed so that the rod  31  can slide into the interior of the hollowed handle  19  when the device  10  is fully assembled. 
         [0031]    When the components shown in  FIG. 3  are fully assembled (as in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ), the terminus of the rod  31  slides within and becomes adjacent the end of the hollow handle  19 . The hollow handle  19  bears a threaded aperture  40  formed to receive a set screw  42 . When the wheels  28  are positioned along the rod  31  at desired locations, one inserts the rod  31  into the hollowed handle  19 , then inserts and lightens the set screw  42  into the aperture  40  in order to affix the hollowed handle  19  to the rod  31 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the wheels  28  are rotatably mounted to the rod  31  that passes through the therapy device  10 . The rod  31  is preferably pliable so that the device  10  is not rigid in response to increased pressure applied when the therapy device  10  engages a selected area. Each wheel  28  comprises a special wheel hub  34  that enables each wheel  28  to rotate independently of the other wheels. The wheel hub  34  is formed to accommodate bearing  35  that enables rotation relative the rod  31 . The wheel hub  34  also enables one to choose a selected location along the rod  31 . In this way, one may position the wheels  28  adjacent one another (as in  FIG. 1 ), or spaced from one another (as in  FIG. 2 ), in order to meet personal preference. 
         [0033]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , a plurality of spacers  32  may be mounted along the rod  31  between the bearings  35  of the wheel hubs  34 . For example, if one desires wheels  28  to be near one another along rod  31  (as in  FIG. 1 , for example) a user may mount only one spacer  32  between adjacent bearings  35 . However, if a greater amount of space is desired (as in  FIG. 2 , for example), one may mount several spacers  32  on the rod  31  between adjacent bearings  35 . When the desired position of the wheels  28  is achieved, the rod  31  is inserted within the hollow handle  19 , then affixed the hollow handle  19  is affixed to the rod  31  using the set screw  40 . Once the set screw  40  is tightened down to engage the rod  31 , the handgrip  20  slides over the hollow handle  19  and the device  10  is ready for use. 
         [0034]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the adjustability of the spacing of the wheels allows to fit anyone&#39;s width of their spinous process while applying pressure to their “Para-vertebral muscles” that cover the transverse process of the vertebrae. The ends  16 ,  18  include a set screw, which enables one to position the wheels  28  along the rod  31  that passes through central portion  14 . 
         [0035]    In a preferred embodiment, the wheel hub  34  is equipped with wheel SG-5 ball bearings, which enable the wheels  28  to freely rotate about the rod  31  independently from each other so the recipient has no skin abrading during the rolling process. 
         [0036]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the wheels  28  may include a pliable material that can be manufactured of varying hardness. It has been found that urethane of 15 durometer provides proper feel for delicate muscle tissue, and urethane of 30 durometer hardness works well with more dense muscle tissue that would require greater force for myofascial release. The claimed invention is best suited for use of a new urethane polymer created specifically for the wheels  28  of the therapy device, having a degree of hardness that allows manufacture by injection molding. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  presents an isolated and perspective view that details the way the component parts of the central portion  14  (see  FIG. 1 ) are cooperatively formed. The wheel hub  34  is formed to receive bearing  35  adjacent the inner portion of the wheel hub  34 . The pliable (preferably urethane) wheel  28  then snugly envelops the wheel hub  34 . Preferably, the wheel  28  is removable from the wheel hub  14 , enabling a user to selectively replace a wheel  28  having varying differing durometer hardness. Alternatively, the wheel hub  34  and the wheel  28  may be formed as a unitary, monolithic one-piece structure. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the rod  31  passes through each bearing  35  and each spacer  32 . In a preferred embodiment, the rod  31  comprises a 5/16 inch diameter steel axle, and fits within the hollow center of a ⅝ inch aluminum hollow handle  19  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the therapy device  10  being used along the spine of a person. As shown, one grips the therapy device  10  using handgrips  20 ,  22  positioned adjacent opposing ends of wheels  28 . The therapy device  10  is positioned to engage adjacent a person&#39;s spine so that one set of wheels  28  is on a first side of the spine, and another set of wheels  28  is on a second side of the spine, comprising the step of positioning the void adjacent the spine such that the first rolling means engages on a first side of the spine and the second rolling means engages on the second side of the spine. Next, the wheels  28  of the therapy device  10  are rolled up and down along the spine of a person, with pressure applied to the handgrips  20 ,  22  adjusted to suit the person. 
         [0040]    Having described and illustrated the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the above and foregoing is for illustration and demonstration only. The descriptions herein are not intended to limit the breadth of this invention, and the scope of the invention shall be defined and limited by the claims herein.