Deep tissue massage roller

A deep tissue massage device that includes a compliant cylinder formed of compressible material, the cylinder having an external surface with at least one external ridge pattern formed on the exterior surface of the cylinder. The at least one ridge pattern includes a single ridge circumferentially formed on the exterior surface of the cylinder that has a V-shaped branch portion that extends from one end of the single ridge and joins together at a second end of the single ridge to form two opposing Y-shaped ridges.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to non-invasive therapeutic devices for use on muscles, ligaments, and tendons and, more particularly, to a compliant cylindrical roller having deep tissue massage elements formed on an outer surface for selective application by a user.

2. Description of the Related Art

Massaging of muscles, tendons, and ligaments is known to provide therapeutic benefits in overcoming injuries to soft tissues, as well as addressing muscle tightness, lack of flexibility, soft tissue adhesions, knots, and scar tissues. The use of manual massage is also known to maintain good health of these tissues. Countless tools and massage aids have been developed to provide a mechanical advantage and to relieve stress on the hands of the massage provider.

Recently, large scale devices have been utilized, such as a large tube or a ball, in which the weight of the body is applied to the device. By positioning the body in various orientations with respect to the tube or the ball and rolling the body across the device such that the device rolls on a supporting surface, provides the application of greater force to the affected tissue. For example, one known device is nothing more than a tubular roller formed of foam material on which a user balances their body, typically in a reclining position, either on their back, side, or stomach. The roller has a smooth outer surface and is not supported on the ends. Some of these devices have textured surfaces to improve the effect of compressing soft tissue beneath the skin. One such device known as the RumblerRoller® manufactured and distributed by STI in Baton Rouge, La., incorporates bumps that have a firm yet flexible construction for continuously kneading the body. The closely spaced bumps (less than two inches apart) are designed to reduce area contact with the device while increasing pressure to provide a deeper, more penetrating action. The disadvantage of this design is that users cannot selectively position any one of the bumps over a desired area while not having bumps applied anywhere else on the body. Thus, there is a need for a roller massage device that provides for deep tissue massaging in selectable areas of the body without having surrounding tissue so deeply massaged.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a deep tissue massage device that includes a compliant cylinder formed of compressible material, the cylinder having an external surface with at least one external ridge formed on the exterior surface of the cylinder. The at least one ridge includes a single stem formed on the exterior surface of the cylinder that has a branch portion extending from one end of the stem, the branch portion having two legs.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the two legs of the branch portion join back together at a second end of the stem.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the two legs form a Y-shaped pattern.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ridge is formed of either a continuous ridge or it is formed of ridge segments

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ridge extends 360° circumferentially around the exterior surface of the device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ridge includes a pair of two opposing Y-shaped ridges placed side-by-side on the exterior surface of the device. Ideally, the pair of opposing Y-shaped ridges are in spaced parallel relationship on the exterior surface of the device.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, a pair of end ridges or end caps are formed on each end of the cylinder, the end ridges extending from the exterior surface a distance that is equal to a distance that the at least one ridge extends from the exterior surface of the cylinder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially toFIGS. 1 and 2, shown therein is a representative embodiment of a deep tissue massage device10having a substantially cylindrical shape and consisting of an inner core12that is encased by an outer layer14. The device10has truncated ends16and a smooth exterior surface18on which is formed at least one pattern of ridges20.

Ideally, the ridge pattern20includes a first ridge design22and second ridge design24in spaced parallel relationship around the circumference of the device. Each ridge design includes a single ridge portion26, shown more clearly inFIG. 1, joined to a second ridge portion that consists of spaced apart ridges28branching from a first end of the single ridge portion and joining back together at a second end of single ridge portion, which is shown more clearly inFIG. 2. Alternatively, the second ridge portion can have one ridge branching from the stem to create diverging ridges at an angle, i.e., the diverging branch or second ridge forms an angle with the stem (now the first ridge), and the second ridge then converges back to the stem (or first ridge) to become a single ridge.

FIG. 3illustrates another embodiment of a deep tissue massage device30in which all of the elements in common with the first device10are referred to with the same reference numbers. In this second representative embodiment, the device30includes an end ridge32formed at each truncated end16. Ideally, the end ridge32is a single ridge circumscribing the entire circumference of the device30immediately adjacent the truncated end16. However, other configurations are possible, such as forming the end ridge32as part of an end cap or having the ridge formed of arcuate segments, although this is not preferred due to the increased complexity of construction and cost.

FIG. 4is an enlarged isometric view of the device shown inFIG. 3in which dimensions and other construction features have been noted thereon. More particularly, the device30has a construction that is identical to the device10, with the exception of the end ridge32. Thus, with the exception of the end ridges32, the following discussion will apply to both embodiments of device10,30.

Ideally, the device core12is formed from Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material at a particularly high density for durability and to resist breaking down over time with use. This high density core12is structured to provide a strong support to the outer layer14, which is wrapped around the core12as described more fully below. In addition, the high density EVA foam core is structured to resist compression that is exerted on the outer layer14by a user.

The outer layer14, which contains the ridge pattern20, is made from an elastomer material that is a combination foam/rubber composition. It is very durable and resistant to breaking down over time. In addition, it is a closed cell material, meaning it has a smooth surface that will not capture bacteria and germs as will an open cell foam (which is used for many other types of foam rollers currently on the market).

It is to be understood that the core12and the outer layer14may be made from other materials. The core may be made from variations of the EVA foam, derivatives thereof using foam or rubber material, plastics, wood, or combinations thereof. In addition the core could include noncompressible material, such as liquid, or a compressible material such as air. Similarly, the outer layer may be formed from variations or derivatives of the elastomer material, or from foam, rubber material, plastics, wood, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the outer layer14may include the use of liquid or air bladders. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the entire device12may be inflatable.

In construction, the EVA core12is made from a standard cylinder mold. The outer layer14with the ridge pattern20is made by initially creating a mold. Once both components12,14are complete, the outer layer14of elastomer is wrapped around the inner EVA core12and glued in place using known processes and material that will not be described in detail herein.

Turning next to the ridge pattern20, the particular shape of the pattern is important because it offers a user two options for deep tissue massage. This is possible because of the linear type design of the ridges formed circumferentially around the exterior surface18of the device30. More particularly, the single ridge portion26extends partially around the circumference of the exterior surface18to provide a single linear area for a user to roll on to. This provides an aggressive deep tissue massage in a specifically targeted location. In contrast, the dual ridges formed by the spaced apart parallel ridges28help a user roll two linear areas of soft tissue at the same time. These dual ridges28also provide a stabilizing track on which to roll. This can be beneficial in locating a stable starting point that will enable a user to stay on track to roll onto the single ridge26. The dual ridges28also extend at least partially around the circumference of the exterior surface18.

In the preferred embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-4, the ridge pattern20is formed completely around the exterior surface18, meaning 360°. This is accomplished by having the ridge pattern20formed of two opposing Y-shaped ridge structures in the first and second designs22,24. Each Y-shaped ridge structure28includes the single ridge stem26that branches into the spaced parallel ridges28, which continue around the exterior surface to join with the spaced parallel ridges28of the other Y-shaped design that then merge into the single ridge stem26. Thus, the first and second ridge designs22,24are each composed of opposing Y-shaped ridges joined together around the complete exterior circumference of the exterior surface18of the device30. The first ridge design22is in spaced parallel relationship to the second ridge design24as shown inFIGS. 1-4.

Also shown inFIG. 4are sample dimensions, which include an overall device width of 18 inches with the end ridges26having an overall width of one inch and a height above the exterior surface18of one-half inch. Similarly, each of the first and second ridge designs22,24have a one inch width at the base and a one-half inch height. The width of each of the spaced parallel ridges28is one-half inch at a crown portion34that is formed by beveled sidewalls36. The beveled, or rounded, sidewalls36present a smaller surface area, thus allowing deeper penetration of the ridge into the tissue of the user. The distance between the spaced apart ridges28at their greatest point is approximately two inches.

It is to be noted that the end ridges32have straight or right-angled sidewalls with respect to the exterior surface18. However, it is possible to form the end ridges32to have beveled or rounded sidewalls if desired. These end ridges32are designed and structured to provide stability and prevent the roller from tipping during use. In the embodiment where the end ridges32are used, there is preferably a three and one-half inch spacing between an outside edge of the spaced parallel ridges28and the interior edge of the end ridge32.

Although the particular pattern of ridges shown and described above is one representative embodiment, additional opposing Y-shaped patterns can be added to the device10,30, or different patterns may be used in addition to or in place of the opposing Y-shaped ridge design. This could include a single ridge band partially or completely circumscribing the exterior surface of the device10,30. The ridges may also be formed at angles to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder or in a spiral pattern around the outside of the cylinder, although in the preferred embodiment the ridges are as shown and described above. Alternatively, the ridge may be formed in segments such that the ridge is non-continuous. The spacing of the segments would be at a distance that would still present a substantially smooth facing surface that is applied to the user's body.

Turning next toFIGS. 5A and 5B, shown therein and described are methods of using the deep tissue device10,30of the present disclosure. Referring initially toFIG. 5A, shown there is a user50laying on a support surface52, such as a mat, with the device30positioned under the user's back. Using the legs56to provide force, the user50keeps their back straight and rolls across the device30, which in turn urges the device30to roll on the mat52. The user positions their back on the device30so that the selected ridge pattern20is placed against the tissue the user50desires to have massaged.

In the second illustration ofFIG. 5A, the user50is supporting themselves on the mat52with their hands while the right leg54of the user is supported on the device30. Thus, using both hands for balance, the user50lies on a side with the roller30beneath the hip. The user's IT band is position between the dual ridges28. The user50then slowly rolls onto the single ridge26, emphasizing an area of tightness on the IT band from the hip to just above the outside of the knee.

In another illustration onFIG. 5A, a user50is propped up on their elbows with the upper thighs56positioned between the dual ridges28. The user slowly rolls on to the single ridge26emphasizing areas of tightness. Finally, the last illustration inFIG. 5Ashows the user's calf58supported on the device30in which the heel is placed between the dual ridges28(crossing the legs at the ankle) The user rolls onto the single ridge26, slowly rolling up and down the calf to emphasize areas of tightness.

Turning next toFIG. 5B, in the first illustration, the user50is shown with the set of dual ridges on either side of the user's spine so that as the user slowly rolls from the lower to the upper back and areas of tightness can be emphasized. The dual ridges used only on either side of the spine avoid direct pressure of the single ridge on the spine.

In the second illustration inFIG. 5B, the user's adductors are massaged by placing the roller underneath the inner area of the upper thigh between the dual ridges. The user slowly rolls onto the single ridge from the upper, inside knee to the inner thigh, shifting weight to increase pressure when necessary.

In the third illustration ofFIG. 5B, the user's calf is massaged as described above with respect toFIG. 5A. In the final illustration ofFIG. 5B, the user's hamstring is massage by balancing the back of the upper legs on the roller (between the dual ridges) and slowly rolling onto the single ridge. The user rolls the hamstring up and down on the single ridge to emphasize areas of tightness.

When using the foam roller device10,30of the present disclosure for myofascia release, direct pressure on connective tissues (fascia) relaxes muscles and soft tissue, resulting in greater overall flexibility and body wellness.

In order to clean the device10,30a user need only use a sanitizing wipe to remove dirt, bacteria, and germs.

Although a preferred embodiment has been illustrated and described it is to be understood that various changes may be made therein. For example, the length may vary between 12 inches and 36 inches. The diameter may be anywhere in the range of four inches to seven inches with a preferred diameter of four and three-quarter inches. The range of angles of the sidewalls36can be varied to provide a different width of the crown34on the ridges. In addition, a hand-held version can be constructed to include grips or handles on the truncated ends or extending through the device to enable the user to control the amount of compression through the amount of force they exert with their hands and arms.

It is to be understood that in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ridge is formed of either a continuous ridge or it may be formed of ridge segments in which spaces are formed between the segments. For example, the Y-shaped ridge does not have to be connected to the opposing Y-shaped ridge but instead can be two discrete Y-shaped ridges. In addition, the ridges can be formed of shorter segments arranged to form a single stem ridge as well as a pair of branched ridges, not necessarily linear and not necessarily in a Y shape, but diverging at an angle from each other or at least one diverging at an angel from the stem to create an angled branch. Although the ridges are shown formed tranverse to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, they can be parallel to or at other than a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.