Athletic massage device

An athletic massage device is described with improved pressure absorption and distribution, along with methods for using the same. The athletic massage device may comprise one or more massage rollers covered by one or more layers of pliant material, which allow a user improved control over how to adjust applied pressure. In some embodiments, devices are provided with a deep core construction with a pliant outer perimeter. A hard spine may house a motor and rechargeable battery to create vibrations, which may be adjustable. An inner core layer of a pliant material may overlay the spine. An outer surface layer of a more pliant material may overlay the inner core. Protrusions from the spine may extend into the inner core layer to improve pressure or energy transmission. Embodiments may be provided in the form of balls, massage sticks, rolling pins, or dumbbells. A docking station may provide a recharge connection and storage for the massage rollers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to configurations of a massage device to enhance muscle recovery after athletic exertion.

2. Description of the Related Art

When training or competing in sports, athletes undergo strenuous muscle exertions. Vigorous muscular activity results in buildup of lactic acid and other metabolites in muscle fibers. In addition, repetitive active contraction and passive stretching of muscle fibers during vigorous exercise may result in micro-trauma to the muscle fibers. Metabolic overload and micro-trauma result in tightening and contraction of muscles. This, in turn, impedes athletic performance.

Massage therapy expedites muscle recovery after vigorous exercise by activating certain vascular and neuromuscular pathways. Injured and exhausted muscles send pain messages to the spinal cord via small unmyelinated nerve fibers. Spinal reflexes further perpetuate and maintain this unwanted muscle contraction through motor efferents as a protective mechanism against further trauma. In accordance with the gate control theory of pain (See Jessell T M, Kelly D D: Pain and Analgesia, in Kandel E R, Schwartz J H, Jessell T M (eds): Principles of Neural Science, Third Edition, New York, Elsevier, 1991, pp 385-399, incorporated by reference herein), somatosensory stimulation and vibration during massage activate large myelinated nerve fibers that interrupt these unwanted reflexes by virtue of modulating the neurotransmitters in the spinal cord. As the motor commands from the spinal cord are suppressed, the contracted muscles are allowed to relax. This muscular relaxation improves vascular flow, which in turn allows better delivery of oxygen and nutrients and better washout of metabolites, thus expediting muscular recovery.

They key to the efficacy of athletic massage is sensory stimulation that is not perceived as painful by sensory receptors, thus preferentially activating the large myelinated nerve fibers that suppress the motor input to the muscles. While skilled massage therapists continuously adjust massage pressure to achieve this end, athletic massage equipment lacks the feedback mechanisms that would allow for such adjustments.

Existing massage equipment is typically made of a single material, such as wood or plastic, applying fixed pressure through a single hard surface at the point where the equipment contacts the skin. Furthermore, although some massage devices incorporate vibration stimulation, the vibration energy that is transferred through this single hard interface cannot be readily modulated. As such, the effectiveness of such equipment is limited.

Accordingly, there is a need for massage equipment that allows for easily adjusting the amount of pressure that is put on the body. There is further a need for a tool that athletes can use by themselves. Additionally, there is a need for massage equipment that better distributes energy and pressure to various body parts and that may be easily adjustable. Moreover, there is a need for massage tools that allow greater versatility of use within a single device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein generally provide for athletic massage devices, with improved pressure absorption and distribution, and methods for using the same. The athletic massage devices may comprise one or more layers of pliant material, which allow a user improved control over how to adjust applied pressure or vibration energy. In some embodiments, devices are provided with a deep core construction with a pliant outer perimeter. The core may comprise a spine that houses a motor and rechargeable battery to create vibrations. Vibrations may also be adjustable. The spine may be made from a hard, light weight material such as aluminum or plastic or composites. One or more layers of one or more types of pliable material may substantially surround a portion of the spine. Layers may vary in pliability or in hardness. The spine(s) may have extensions such as fins or spokes which protrude through at least one of the pliable layers.

For example, there may be an outer surface layer of soft foam for making contact with the skin. Memory foam is a preferred material for the outer surface layer. The outer surface layer may substantially surround an inner core layer of a denser foam or rubbery material, which in turn may surround a hard spine. The spine may house an adjustable motor which allows a user to create adjustable vibrations. The spine may also have protrusions that extend radially from the spine into the inner core layer, so that the inner core may absorb and distribute vibration energy. Protrusions may be provided in different embodiments, such as fins or spokes.

Accordingly, the outer surface layer may be applied softly to the skin over a muscle with light pressure or light vibration. By applying additional pressure to the device, a user may apply pressure to the muscle from denser foam beneath the outer layer. Applying additional pressure to the device may allow for firmer pressure to be applied from the hard spine, while at the same time cushioning the muscle with one or more of the more pliant layers. The amount of cushioning may also be adjusted, such as by applying pressure to regions where one or more protrusions extend from the spine into the dense inner core. Thus, embodiments allow a user to have a large amount of control over pressure and/or vibration energy. Further, adjustable pressure may be applied over a wider range of areas with much more control than was previously available with other devices. Additionally, embodiments may be made in various configurations, such as balls, sticks, rolling pins or dumbbells and the like.

In one embodiment, an athletic massage device is provided for applying adjustable pressure, the device comprising: a spine made from a hard material, wherein the spine at least partially surrounds an interior space; an inner core layer made from a material that is more pliant than the spine, wherein the inner core layer at least partially surrounds the spine; and an outer surface layer made from a material that is more pliant than the inner core layer, wherein the outer surface layer at least partially surrounds the inner core layer. The athletic massage device may further comprise: at least one rechargeable battery; at least one vibrating motor, housed at least partially within the interior space of the spine; and at least one electrical connection. The electrical connection may be a female receptor adapted for electrical connection with a charging station. The athletic massage may further comprise a control interface to vary the level of vibration.

Additionally, the athletic massage device may comprise protrusions that extend radially from the spine into the inner core layer. The protrusions may also extend substantially through the inner core layer. Moreover, the pliant material of the inner core layer may comprise either a dense foam or rubbery material, and the pliant material of the outer surface layer may comprise soft memory foam.

Embodiments of the athletic massage device may be provided in various shapes. In some embodiments, the device may be substantially shaped like a ball, or a dumbbell, or a massage stick. The massage stick may also be configured as a rolling pin. For example, the athletic massage device may comprise a plurality of hand grips, wherein at least a portion of the massage stick is adapted to roll between the hand grips.

In another embodiment, an athletic massage device is provided for applying adjustable pressure, the device comprising: a first hand grip for a user to hold near a first end of the device; a second hand grip for a user to hold near a second end of the device; and a plurality of substantially cylindrical massage rollers or knuckles positioned between the first and second hand grips, each knuckle comprising: a spine made from a hard material, wherein the spine at least partially surrounds an interior space; and at least a first layer of pliant material that at least partially surrounds the spine. Additionally, each of the plurality of knuckles may rotate. Moreover, the spines of each of the plurality of knuckles may be connected to form a single piece that serves as a common spine for the plurality of knuckles. Further, each of the plurality of knuckles further may comprise a second layer of pliant material that at least partially surrounds the first layer of pliant material and that is more pliant that the first layer of pliant material. Each of the plurality of knuckles may also comprise protrusions that extend radially from the spine into at least the first layer of pliant material.

In additional embodiments, the athletic massage device for applying adjustable pressure may also comprise at least one rechargeable battery; at least one vibrating motor, housed at least partially within the interior space of one or more of the spines; and at least one electrical connection. The rechargeable battery may be housed at least partially within the second hand grip, and/or the electrical connection may be a female receptor in the second hand grip adapted for electrical connection with a charging station. Further, the athletic massage device may comprise a second vibrating motor, and/or a control interface to adjust the vibration level provided to the device from the combination of the first and second vibrating motors.

A method is also provided for applying adjustable pressure from an athletic massage device, the method comprising: providing an athletic massage device comprising a hard spine, a pliant inner core layer overlaying the spine, an outer surface layer overlaying the inner core layer that is more pliant than the inner core layer, and at least one vibrating motor within the device; applying the athletic massage device to a muscle; applying light pressure or light vibration to the muscle from the more pliant outer core layer; applying increased pressure or vibration to the muscle from the pliant inner core layer; and adjusting the vibration energy applied to the muscle from the vibrating motor. The method may further comprise distributing vibration energy evenly to the pliant inner core layer through protrusions from the spine that extend radially through at least a portion of the inner core layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention discussed herein generally provide athletic massage devices, with one or more layers of pliant material, and methods for using the same. Embodiments provide for massage devices with improved pressure absorption and distribution, which may also allow a user improved control over how to adjust applied pressure. In some embodiments, devices are provided with a deep core construction with a pliant outer perimeter. The term “athletic” as used herein is not meant to limit users of the described massage device to athletes in competitive sports but is used generally by way of an example of a user that may benefit from massage therapy. Any user desiring massage therapy may benefit from using a massage device described herein.

Referring first toFIG. 1, a section view of a massage device10is shown. The massage device10may define a spherical or ball configuration.FIGS. 2-4provide cross-sectional views of components that may be incorporated in the massage device10. It is to be understood that embodiments discussed herein may be applied in other configurations, such as in massage sticks or rolling pins or dumbbells or other configurations.

InFIG. 1, athletic massage device10comprises a deep core construction with layers of varying pliability. At the core of the device is a substantially spherical hollow core40, which preferably comprises a hard, light weight material such as aluminum or plastic or composites. Core40may surround an interior space50, which may serve as a housing for components that perform desired mechanical or electrical operations. For example, core40may house one more batteries, motors, wiring systems or controls for creating vibrations. Vibrations may be variable.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, an inner layer30of resilient material overlays the core40. The layer30may comprise a dense foam or rubbery material or the like. An outer surface layer20of pliant material overlays the inner layer30, and comprises a material more pliable than the inner layer30. For example, outer layer20may comprise a soft material such as memory foam for soft contact with skin.

Core40may also have protrusions45, such as fins or spokes, which extend into one or more surrounding layers of resilient materials. Protrusions45may allow vibration energy to be transferred more efficiently or more evenly from the core40into the inner layer30and the softer outer layer20surrounding it. InFIG. 1, the protrusions45are pictured as extending through the inner layer30and contacting the inner surface of the outer layer20. Other embodiments may provide protrusions45extending through and/or partially into one or more layers of pliable resilient material overlaying the inner layer30. Protrusions45may also be used to determine or adjust how much vibration energy is transferred to different layers. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the number and the length of protrusions45may determine how much energy is transferred into the inner layer30. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the protrusions45may contact the outer surface layer20without extending into it so that less vibration energy is transferred to the layer20. Accordingly, a user may apply more or less vibration energy for a given setting by applying more or less pressure to the device10. Protrusions45may be made from the same material as the core40, with the same hardness, or from different materials as desired. Protrusions45may also serve other purposes, such as anchoring the surrounding layers20,30of the pliable resilient materials in position, and providing additional firmness and structural stability to the device10.

FIGS. 2-4illustrate cross-sections of components that may be incorporated in the massage device10, viewed separately.FIG. 2illustrates outer surface layer20as a continuous layer of pliable material overlaying the inner layer30.FIG. 3illustrates the inner layer30as a continuous layer overlaying the core40. The thickness of the inner layer30may be greater than the thickness of the outer layer20.FIG. 4illustrates core40with protrusions45that may extend partially into one or more of the surrounding layers20,30. Other embodiments may provide layers of pliant resilient material that are not continuous. For example, inFIG. 1, if protrusions45comprise fins, the inner layer30may comprise strips of resilient material fixed on the core40between the respective fins45. Further, even thoughFIG. 1illustrates eight protrusions45evenly spaced in a cross-sectional view, there may be more or less protrusions45provided over the surface of core40, and the protrusions45may be spaced in other desired configurations. Other embodiments may employ more or fewer layers of resilient material, or alternatively, may employ one or more layers of resilient material having different densities and pliability.

Embodiments in round shapes, such as a ball, may be used on areas of a user's body that are curved, for example, shoulders or knees, to help release the tissue or to help muscles get blood flow moving more freely. Balls may be designed in various sizes. Some preferred sizes may have a diameter of about 4-inches, 6-inches, 8-inches or 10-inches for use on various body types and various places. The outer surface layer20may have a thickness less than that of the inner layer30as depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the inner layer30may have a thickness of about 2.5 to 3 inches. The outer surface layer20may have a thickness less than about 1 inch, such as about 0.25 inches.

Additionally, the massage device10may include wire connectors or ports for connecting a rechargeable battery in the device10to a power source. For example, a female receptor may be provided in the device10, or on its surface, for connection to a charging station. One embodiment of a charging station100is shown inFIG. 5. The charging station100may have a base110with an upper surface120adapted to receive the device10. Connectors130may be adapted to provide an electrical connection to device10. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, connectors130are depicted as male connectors for insertion into device10. Charging station100may also be designed as an electrical plug without the base110, for plugging into a wall outlet.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide improved pressure absorption and distribution over a large surface area. A user is also afforded greater control over how to adjust applied pressure and energy. For example, when device10is used to massage a muscle, a user may initially apply soft pressure so that the softer outer layer20of pliable material applies pressure to the skin. Accordingly, the muscle may initially be massaged more gently with light pressure or light vibration. Further, outer layer20may provide a softer contact surface for comfort. As the muscle begins to relax, the user may apply additional pressure so that pressure is exerted on the muscle from denser or harder material deeper within device10. For example, the user may apply greater pressure on the massage device10so that pressure and/or more vibration energy is transmitted from the inner layer30to the massaged muscle or body tissue. Additionally, the user may apply even greater pressure on the massage device10so that pressure and/or vibration energy from the hard core40or the protrusions45may be transmitted to the massaged muscle or body tissue. Alternatively, the user may start by applying more energy to move a muscle or muscle group that is tighter, and adjust applied pressure or energy as desired or depending on the muscle's response. Outer layer20may also provide cushioning to the muscle while firmer pressure is applied. The amount of cushioning may also be adjusted, such as by applying pressure to regions where one or more fins or protrusions45protrude through the dense foam inner layer30. Thus, embodiments allow a user to have a large amount of control over pressure and/or vibration energy. Moreover, the thicknesses and pliability of the different layers of resilient material in device10may be selected for a desired level of applied pressure, energy transfer or comfort.

FIG. 6shows an embodiment of a message device in the form of a massage stick200. Massage stick200may also be configured as a rolling pin device, such as with rotatable components. The massage stick200may have hand grips210and215removeably connected to opposite ends of a shaft216. A docking station220may be adapted to receive the device, in this case, on the side of hand grip210. One or more sections of pliant material referred to as a knuckle230may be provided between hand grips210and215. Knuckles230may also be referred to as rollers, rings, joints or bushings. Knuckles230may be configured, such as described above forFIG. 1, with one or more layers of pliant material over a hard spine.FIG. 7shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a knuckle230. InFIG. 7, a layer of pliant material250overlays a spine240. As discussed previously in connection withFIG. 1, there may be one or more layers of pliant material250overlaying the spine240, and the layers may vary in pliability. The layer of pliant material250may also comprise thin memory foam that serves as a bumper between the knuckle230and a person's skin.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, multiple knuckles230are mounted on the shaft216. If a rolling pin arrangement is used, a single roller may be mounted on the shaft216that extends between the hand grips210and215. The knuckles230may individually rotate about the shaft216. AlthoughFIG. 6illustrates a portion of the shaft216without knuckles230, it is to be understood that knuckles230may cover the shaft216from end-to-end between the hand grips210and215. Knuckles230may also be spaced apart slightly by a gap232.

Additionally, one or more motors (not shown) may be placed inside the device, such as underneath the handgrips210and/or215. One or more motors could also be placed inside the shaft216or knuckles230. Handgrips210and215, the shaft216and/or knuckles230may provide a housing for other components as well. The one or more vibration motors may allow for adjustable levels of vibration, or for turning vibration features on and off. Control features may be provided on either one or both of handgrips210and/or215. Motor vibration may be controlled by a rotary feature on handgrip210and/or215. For example, vibration levels may be changed by rotating the handgrip or a portion of the handgrip. Buttons or switches may also be provided, such as a thumb engagement switch. Docking station220may also serve as a charging station.FIG. 8depicts a charging station220adapted to receive the massage stick200. Charging station220comprises a base260and connectors270for electrical connection to rechargeable batteries housed inside the massage stick200.

FIG. 9provides an internal, cross-section view of components that may be housed in the massage stick200, according to some embodiments. A motor housing310may comprise the shaft216and/or portions of handgrips210and215, as discussed above. At one end, electrical connections320are provided to one or more rechargeable batteries330. Rechargeable battery330is electrically connected by wires335to one or more motor vibrators340and345and a control unit350. Control unit350may comprise an off-on switch, a speed control or vibration control, or other desired functions. Motor vibrators340and345have impellers341and346, respectively, which upon rotation create vibrations.

In one embodiment, motor vibrators340and345may comprise 25-volt motors. One or more motors may be used in the embodiments discussed herein. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, fins360are provided to redistribute energy more evenly through the pliant layers of the massage stick200. As discussed above forFIG. 1, fins360may distribute energy to a relatively firm foam layer or inner core, which may be overlaid with a soft memory foam outer surface layer. When more than one motor vibrator is used, the different motors may be set to different layers of vibration. For example, a first motor may be set for a deep vibration, and a second motor may be set for a mild vibration. Preferably, the motor with milder vibration may be positioned closer to the center of the device for better energy distribution.

FIG. 10illustrates a barbell configuration of a massage device400. Massage balls410and420may be provided according to the embodiments discussed herein. The massage balls410and420may be mounted on opposite ends of a shaft430and may be adjustable from an outward position shown inFIG. 10to an inward position shown inFIG. 11. The shaft430may also contain a motor housing460for components that create vibrations in the massage device400. The shaft430may also serve as a handle or have user controls. Ports and/or charging connections may also be provided in the shaft430. Vibrations may be created in massage ball410and/or massage ball420. Connectors440and450provide electrical connections. Alternatively, vibrations may be transmitted mechanically from the shaft430to the massage balls410and420through connectors440and450, respectively. Massage balls410and420and the shaft430may also be constructed out of a dense foam. The dense foam may surround a spine. Similar to other embodiments, components may be housed in the dense foam spine. Additionally, the massage balls410and420may include a rigid spine for transmitting vibration energy from the connectors440and450, respectively. If components such as motors are housed in the shaft430, the massage balls410and420may include a solid inner core instead of a hollow interior. Alternatively, components, such as motors, may be housed inside the dense foam without a spine. Such embodiments may be made by pouring material into a mold. Other embodiments discussed herein may similarly be made. The dense foam may also be layered with softer memory foam if desirable. Protrusions from the spine, such as fins or spokes, may also be utilized in massage balls410and/or420for energy or pressure transmission or adjustment.

The barbell configuration of massage device depicted inFIG. 10may be especially useful in doing pressure-point work down a human spine. Having a barbell configuration may allow a person to do self-therapy laying on the floor by doing pressure-point work right down their spine. Thus, it may be preferable to configure the device so that it does not roll or to use the device in a manner so that it does not roll excessively.

Referring now toFIGS. 12-14, collectively, a massage device500is shown. The massage device500comprises a foam covered roller about 36 inches long and 6 inches in diameter. Such a device may be especially useful for working on a large muscle, such as a pulled hamstring, which may require a lot of pressure and/or energy to help release it when it is retracted. The need for assistance is even greater when a trainer is working on an athlete that may be very large, such as a football lineman. In such situations, the massage device500may be used to roll out the muscle. Further, adjustable vibrations may be applied to stimulate the muscle and to permit it to relax with less energy.

The massage device500may comprise a rigid elongate hollow shaft502and a removeable roller504keyed in concentric relationship to the shaft502. The shaft502may include a longitudinal key slot506extending the length thereof. The roller504may include a hollow spine508covered by one or more layers of resilient material. In the embodiment of the massage roller500shown inFIGS. 12-14, the roller504includes an inner layer510of relatively dense resilient material covered by an outer layer512of more pliant resilient material. The hollow spine508may include an inwardly projecting longitudinal rib514extending the length thereof. The rib514is sized for receipt in the key slot506of the shaft502. A plurality of protrusions, similar to the protrusions45and fins360discussed above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 9, respectively, may project from the spine508into the layer510of resilient material.

Multiple interchangeable rollers504may be provided for assembly on the shaft502. The rollers504may include various combinations of resilient layers having different densities and pliability. A user may select a roller504having the desired resilience and pliability, align the rib514of the roller504with the key slot506of the shaft502and slide the shaft502into the roller504. Alternatively, a roller504may be used without the shaft502and battery vibration pack to provide massage therapy.

The shaft502may house a battery vibrator pack similar to the battery pack described above with reference toFIG. 9. A vibration control switch515, such as an on-off switch or a multi-speed control switch, operatively connected to the battery vibrator pack may be mounted on an end plate or cap516of the shaft502. The shaft502may also house heating/cooling elements that may be controlled by a heating/cooling control switch518mounted on the end516of the shaft502.

The massage device500may be recharged by connecting the shaft502to a recharge docking station520. The docking station520, shown inFIG. 15, may include a base522and an upstanding charge post524connected to a power source. The shaft502may include a port526or other suitable connector at an end thereof sized to receive the charge post524.

An alternative docking station530is shown inFIG. 16. The docking station530may include a base532and an upstanding charge post534connected to a power source. The docking station may further include one or more docking posts536for holding and storing rollers504. The rollers504may be arranged according to their resilience/pliability and texture. Additionally, the rollers504may be color coded to designate different resilience/pliability combinations for a user's quick and convenient selection.

Referring now toFIGS. 17 and 18, alternative docking stations are shown for the ball configuration massage device10described above with reference toFIG. 1. InFIG. 17, a docking station600may include a base602supported on a plurality of feet604. The base602may include a concave inner surface606defining a bowl-like shape and an upstanding charge post608connected to a power source. The massage ball10may include a hole610sized to receive the charge post608and establish an electrical connection to recharge a battery vibration pack housed within the massage ball10.

InFIG. 18, a docking station700may store and charge multiple massage balls10. The docking station700may include a base702adapted to rest upon a substantially planar surface. A substantially vertically post704extends upward from the base702and supports one or more shelves vertically spaced above the base702. InFIG. 18three shelves706,708and710are supported on the post704. The shelves706,708and710are oriented substantially parallel to each other and to the base702. The docking station700may include multiple charge posts (not shown in the drawings) similar to the charge post608described above for establishing electrical connections to recharge a battery vibration pack that may be housed within the balls10.

Referring now toFIG. 19, a deep tissue massage device800includes a substantially cylindrical body802. The body802may house a motor and a shaft operatively connected to a motor. One or more massage pads804may be connected to the motor shaft. One or more of the massage pads804may include rigid fins of the type previously described herein aiding the transmission of vibration energy to the massaged tissue. A battery vibration pack806may be removeably attached to the housing802. Upon attachment of the battery vibration pack806, an electrical connection is established with the motor housed within the massage device800. Actuation of the motor rotates the massage pads804in a substantially orbital manner to provide a deep tissue massage. Dual handles808mounted on the body802extending radially outwardly therefrom may be conveniently grasped by a user to control the pressure applied to the massaged tissue. Control switches810operatively connected to the battery vibration pack806may be mounted in the handles808for convenient access by a user.

InFIG. 20, an exploded view of the massage stick200is shown. As previously described above, the components of the massage stick200may be separated to facilitate convenient removal of the rollers230from the shaft216and replacing them with rollers230that have a different pliability formed by alternative combinations of pliant material layers. The arrangement of the rollers230on the shaft216may include rollers230having the same pliability or a combination of rollers230having different pliabilities. For example, the rollers230may be arranged so that the pliabilities of alternate rollers230are different. Likewise, the rollers230may be arranged on the shaft216in groups of two or more, each group of rollers230having different pliabilities.An alternative docking station900is shown inFIG. 21. The docking station900may include a base902and a charge port904connected to a power source. The charge port904may include a bore906sized to receive the charging hand grip210. The docking station900may further include one or more docking posts908for holding and storing rollers230on multiple shafts216. The rollers230may be arranged according to their resilience/pliability and texture and/or various combinations thereof. Additionally, the rollers230may be color coded to designate different resilience/pliability combinations for a user's quick and convenient selection.