Abstract:
A therapeutic massage device, specifically a manual scalp massager that can both provide a soothing sensation to the user and also stimulate the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of a person&#39;s scalp, resulting in a healthier scalp and better looking hair. The device should efficiently, and without harm or discomfort to the user, be able to pinch the tightly drawn scalp of the user, thereby squeezing the sebaceous glands and improving oil production. The device should also be easy to use and should not require an inordinate amount of effort by the operator. In operation, the device can massage one&#39;s scalp by alternating between constricting and releasing the skin.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 12/407,735, filed on Mar. 19, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/070,059 filed on Mar. 20, 2008. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to therapeutic massage devices, and more particularly, to a handheld device for massaging a person&#39;s head. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The art of massage has been used to relieve stress and physical ailments for thousands of years. Although massage often focuses on the muscles and tendons of a person&#39;s back and neck, just about every part of the human body can benefit from some form of massage. In particular, regular physical stimulation of the head and scalp can provide not only psychological therapy, but also increased productivity of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, resulting in a healthier scalp and improved hair quality and appearance. However, it can be tiresome and difficult to massage one&#39;s own scalp, especially for people who have arthritis or other conditions that prevent prolonged use of the hands. Moreover, excess oils and dirt can be transferred from a person&#39;s hands to their own scalp or that of another person. In addition, since the skin on a person&#39;s head is tightly drawn, in contrast with most other parts of the body, it can be difficult to stimulate and squeeze the sebaceous glands with conventional massage methods and devices. 
     Currently, there are several products on the market intended to eliminate the need for direct hand-to-scalp contact when performing massage. However, these devices only glide over the scalp or apply light pressure at certain points, and are thus useful only when a calming effect is desired. For example, the Head Trip Therapeutic Massager from The Happy Company has multiple long metal prongs, the tips of which a user places on her head and lowers and raises to rub against the scalp. While this device may provide an enjoyable sensation for some, it can also be bothersome or inadequate for people looking for more of a rubbing and/or pinching massage. This type of device can also be difficult to use; since its handle is a great distance away from the prong tips, a user must reach high above her head in order to operate the device. Moreover, the prong tips have very little surface area, resulting in little contact with the scalp and inadequate stimulation of the sebaceous glands and/or hair follicles. 
     What is needed is a hand-held device that can be used on one&#39;s own scalp or that of another person, which can both provide mental relaxation and promote healthy oil production from the sebaceous glands of one&#39;s scalp through gentle squeezing of the skin. The device should be designed to gently tug at or pinch the tightly drawn skin on a person&#39;s head without causing pain or discomfort. The device should also be easy to use and clean, lightweight, and portable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A hand-held massage device can comprise two frame elements. Each frame element can comprise a pivotal link member, a support member coupled with the distal end of the pivotal link member, and a set of a plurality of massage members coupled with the support member. Frame elements can be pivotally coupled, such that when the proximal ends of the pivotal link members have a first distance between them, the support members have a second distance between them; and when the proximal ends of the pivotal link members have a third distance between them that is greater than the first distance, the support members have a fourth distance between them that is less than the second distance. In some embodiments, a frame element can further comprise a handle member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of one embodiment of the present device; 
         FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of the present device, in accordance to one embodiment thereof; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of a frame element of the present device; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a side view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts an underside view of one embodiment of the present device; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an underside view of another embodiment of the present device; 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  depict several embodiments of a massage member of the present device; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a pivot restraining means; and 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the device of  FIG. 7  illustrating a repulsion distance or zone. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of a massage device, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention. 
     The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “example embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “example embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of the present device  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 1A  illustrates a top perspective view of the device in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  may comprise at least two frame elements  20  and  30  that can be pivotally coupled via a hinge mechanism  50 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , each frame element  20 ,  30  can comprise a pivotal link member  40  that can have a proximal end  42  and a distal end  44 . The distal end  44  of a pivotal link member  40  can be coupled with a support member  46 , which in turn can be coupled with a set of a plurality of massage members  60 . In some embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 , the proximal end  42  of a pivotal link member  40  can also be coupled with a handle member  48 . A pivotal link member  40  can be constructed of plastic, wood, polymer, metal, or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. The type of material used to form a pivotal link member  40  can be determined based on desired properties, such as preventing hair from damage when the device  10  is in use. A pivotal link member  40  can also have a smooth surface, bumps or protrusions, grooves or indentations, or any other known and/or convenient surface characteristic. By way of non-limiting example, a portion of a pivotal link member can have a rough texture so as to increase the friction between the surface and a user&#39;s hand, thus preventing slippage. The surface of a pivotal link member  40  can also have a coating that can prevent slippage, provide anti-bacterial properties, condition a user&#39;s hair, or serve any other known and/or convenient purpose. A pivotal link member  40  can be any known and/or convenient color or combination of colors. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a pivotal link member  40  may comprise an A-shaped or generally arcuate configuration having both planar and curved surfaces. In alternate embodiments, a pivotal link member  40  can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. A pivotal link member  40  can be formed by injection molding or any other known and/or convenient method of manufacturing. 
     A support member  46  can provide support for and be coupled with a set of a plurality of massage members  60 . A support member  46  can be constructed of plastic, wood, silicone, rubber, metal, ceramic, glass or any other known and/or convenient material. The material used to form a support member can be rigid or semi-rigid. A support member  46  can be constructed of the same material as a pivotal link member  40  and/or a plurality of massage members  60 , or can be comprised of a material different from other components of a device  10 . The type of material used to form a support member  46  can be determined based on desired properties, such as preventing damage to hair while in use. The surface of a support member  46  can be smooth, rough, or have any other known and/or convenient surface characteristic. By way of non-limiting example, a support member  46  can be constructed of polystyrene and can have a smooth surface so as to allow hair to glide along the surface without catching and without being damaged. The surface of a support member  46  can also have antibacterial or conditioning properties, or any other known and/or convenient properties. A support member  46  can be any known and/or convenient color or combination of colors, and can be the same as or different than the color of other components of a device  10 . 
       FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2  depict a plurality of massage members  60 . A set of massage members  60  can be coupled with a support member  46  of a frame element  20 ,  30 . A plurality of massage members  60  can be coupled with a support member  46  via adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, pins, nails, or any other known and/or convenient method of bonding. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a first set of massage members  60   a  coupled with a first support member  46   a  of first frame element  20  can have a different number of massage members  60  than a second set of massage members  60   b  coupled with a second support member  46   b  of second frame element  30 . In other embodiments, each set of massage members  60  on two or more frame elements  20  and  20  can have the same number of massage members  60 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a first set of massage members  60   a  of first frame element  20  may comprise seven (7) massage members  60   a , and a second set of massage members  60   b  of second frame element  30  may comprise six (6) massage members  60   b . Each set of massage members  60  can be positioned such that when their respective support members  46  are brought together, each massage member  60  on a first support member  46  can be staggered with respect to each massage member  60  on a second support member  46 . 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of massage members  60  can comprise polymer, wood, metal, ceramic or any other known and/or convenient rigid material or combination of rigid materials that will not deform upon the application of pressure in normal use of the device  10 . In alternate embodiments, a plurality of massage members  60  coupled with a support member  46  can comprise flexible or semi-flexible material so as to deform to a desired degree when pressed against a user&#39;s scalp  100 , as depicted in  FIG. 6D . A flexible or semi-flexible massage member can be constructed entirely of one material, such as silicone. In other embodiments, a flexible material, such as but not limited to microfiber, velvet, nylon, silk, or natural fabric, can encapsulate another flexible material or combination of materials, such as but not limited to gel, small beads, or silicone. By way of non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 6C , a massage member  60  can comprise a plurality of small rigid beads  64  partially bounded by Neoprene. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the surface of a massage member  60  may comprise small protrusions  62  that can provide a different type of sensation and/or sebaceous gland stimulation as compared with a smooth or rough surface. In other embodiments, the surface of a massage member  60  can have ridges or any other known and/or convenient surface characteristic. The coefficients of friction of the surfaces of massage members  60  are determined by the surface material, which in turn can affect how massage members  60  can glide against a person&#39;s scalp  100 . By way of non-limiting example, a rough rubber surface on a massage member  60  can slightly tug at the scalp  100  when a device  10  is in use, while a smooth plastic surface can easily slide over the scalp  100  and hair (not shown). 
     A massage member  60  can also have anti-bacterial or conditioning properties, either embedded or as a coating, or can have any other known and/or convenient properties. Massage members  60  can be any known and/or convenient color or combination of colors, and at least one massage member  60  can be a different color than another massage member  60 . 
     A plurality of massage members  60  can be spherical, elliptical, or can have any known and/or convenient geometry. The geometry of massage members  60  can affect the massaging effect that is produced by use of the device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , massage members  60  can have a teardrop-like geometry such that in use a large portion of the surface area of a massage member  60  can be in constant contact with a user&#39;s scalp and/or hair. Moreover, a teardrop geometry, as shown in  FIG. 3 , can provide a tugging or pinching effect on the scalp, thereby imparting a different sensation and/or gland stimulating effect when compared with a massage member  60  having less surface area contact with a user&#39;s scalp. As shown in  FIG. 6A , in one embodiment a cross-section of a massage member  60  can be circular. In other embodiments, a massage member  60  can have any other known and/or convenient cross-section. Although  FIG. 1  depicts a plurality of massage members  60  having the same geometry, in other embodiments at least one massage member  60  can have a different geometry than another massage member  60 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 , frame elements  20  and  30  each further comprise a handle member  48  coupled with the proximal end  42  of a pivotal link member  40 . A handle member  48  can be constructed of wood, polymer, metal, or any other known and/or convenient rigid or semi-rigid material suitable for accommodating a user&#39;s grip. A pivotal link member  40  and a handle member  48  can be comprised on the same material or combination of materials. In other embodiments, the materials can be different. A handle member  48  can have a circular, square, or elliptical latitudinal cross-section, or can have any other known and/or convenient cross-section geometry. A handle member  48  can be formed from the same piece of material as a pivotal link member  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 . In other embodiments, a handle member  48  can be manufactured as a separate element that is subsequently bonded with a pivotal link member  40  via adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, nails, screws, or any other known and/or convenient method of bonding. A handle member  48  can also have anti-bacterial properties and/or can be coated with a material that can prevent hand slippage when in use. 
     In reference to  FIGS. 1 and 1A , and in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention, handle member  48  may be covered or partially covered with a pliable gel sleeve  70 . The gel sleeve  70  is preferably encased by a resilient outer surface  72 . The gel sleeve  70  may be filled with a silicon-based gel, thus being readily moldable. 
     A pivotal link member  40 , handle member  48 , support member  46 , and massage members  60  can be formed from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the aforementioned elements can be formed as separate parts and subsequently permanently or temporarily bonded via adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, nails, screws, staples, pins, or any other known and/or convenient method of bonding. Each frame element  20 ,  30  and/or elements thereof can be made by injection molding or any other known and/or convenient method of manufacturing. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 , frame elements  20  and  30  can be pivotally coupled at any convenient point on each pivotal link member  40  via a hinge mechanism  50 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 1A , the pivot points of frame elements  20  and  30  can be proximate to the vertex of an angled segment of each pivotal link member  40 . In  FIG. 4 , a hinge mechanism  50  is a rod  52  extending through each pivot point of framing elements  20  and  30 . In an alternate embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 5 , a hinge mechanism  50  can comprise pins  54  that extend only through the portions of the pivot points of framing elements  20  and  30  that are in direct contact with each other. In yet alternate embodiments, a hinge mechanism  50  can be any other known and/or convenient mechanism that can pivotally couple at least two framing elements  20  and  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , frame elements  20  and  30  can be pivotally coupled with each other such that when the proximal ends  42  of pivotal link members  40  have a first distance  201  between them, support members  46  can have a second distance  202  between them; and when the proximal ends  42  of pivotal link members  40  have a third distance  203  between them that is greater than a first distance  201 , support members  46  can have a fourth distance  204  between them that is less than a second distance  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-8 , in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention, the device  10  comprises means for preventing pivotal movement by support members  46  about a repulsion distance. More specifically, the support member  46  of each frame element  20 ,  30  is axially disposed with a magnet  80 , the magnet  80  preferably being an elongated, permanent magnet. The magnet  80  is encapsulated by support member  46 . Magnets  80  are disposed in respective support members and oriented therein such that support members  46  freely pivot in a converging manner until reaching a repulsion distance, the repulsion distance indicated by dimension D. The magnets  80  are oriented inside respective support members  46 , and comprise (magnetic properties) which cause support members to undergo a repulsion force (repel one another) upon reaching the repulsion distance D, thereby providing the device with an automatic stop against pivotally-converged movement by support members  46  within the repulsion distance D or zone. Repulsion distance D is a distance ranging from about 0.20 inches to 3.25 inches, preferably from about 0.25 inches to inches 1.75 inches, and most preferably from about 0.35 inches to 0.65 inches. 
     In accordance to an alternate embodiment, each frame element  20 ,  30  may be axially disposed with a series of short magnets  80  linearly aligned, the short magnets  80  conjunctively providing a linearly elongated magnetic member. The series of short magnets  80  may also be collectively joined to form the linearly elongated magnetic member. 
     The magnet  80  may comprise a wide variety of permanent magnets including rare earth magnets, alnico magnets, ceramic magnets, and flexible magnets. Other suitable magnets for use as described hereinabove may include rare earth magnets such as Samarium Cobalt and neodymium iron classes. 
     Ceramic or Ferrite magnets are made of a composite of iron oxide and barium or strontium carbonate. These materials are readily available and at a lower cost than other types of materials used in permanent magnets making it desirable due to the lower cost. Ceramic magnets are produced using pressing and sintering, but are brittle and require diamond wheels if grinding is necessary. These magnets are made in different grades. Ceramic grade  1  is an isotropic grade having equal magnetic properties in all directions. Ceramic grades 5 and 8 are anisotropic grades. Anisotropic magnets are magnetized in the direction of pressing. The anisotropic method delivers the highest energy product among ceramic magnets at values up to 3.5 MGOe (Mega Gauss Oersted). Ceramic magnets possess a good balance of magnetic strength, resistance to demagnetization and low cost. 
     Flexible magnets are magnets made of flexible materials that are bonded with a magnetic material. Flexible magnets are advantageous in that they may be bent, coiled, twisted, or otherwise machined into almost any desired shape without depleting their magnetic field. Flexible magnets are corrosion resistant, do not need a coating, are easily machined, and may be bonded with a high magnetic energy material. 
     Rare earth metal magnets are composed of more expensive magnetic material. Rare earth magnets may be coated onto a flexible material, e.g., plastic or nylon, and will provide excellent magnetic strength and flexibility. These magnets can also be manufactured so as to be very thin. 
     Alnico magnets are made primarily from a composite of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt with small amounts of other elements added to enhance the properties of the magnet. Alnico magnets possess excellent temperature stability, good resistance to demagnetization due to shock, but are easily demagnetized. Alnico magnets are produced by two typical methods, namely, casting or sintering. Sintering offers superior mechanical characteristics, whereas casting delivers higher energy products (up to 5.5 MGOe) and allows for the design of intricate shapes. Alnico magnets are made in different grades. Grades 5 and 8, which are anisotropic grades, are two very common grades. Anisotropic grades provide for a preferred direction of magnetic orientation. Alnico magnets have been replaced in many applications by ceramic and rare earth magnets. 
     In use, the operator of a device  10  can be either the person whose scalp is to be massaged or another person. The operator of a device  10 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , can grip handle members  48  of framing elements  20  and  30 . Massage members  60  can then be placed in contact with the scalp of either the operator or another person. The proximal ends  42  of pivotal link members  40  can begin with a close distance  201  between them, and support members  46  can begin with an extended distance  202  between them. The proximal ends  42  of pivotal link members  40  can then be separated to a distance  203  between them by pivoting frame elements  20  and  30  via the hinge mechanism  50 . This action can cause support members  46  to move closer together to a distance  204  between them, gently squeezing the scalp. An operator can then repeat the aforementioned actions at any desired speed and while applying a desired amount of pressure on the device  10 . These actions can cause massage members  60  to move about a person&#39;s scalp, alternating between squeezing and releasing the skin, resulting in a calming sensation. Additionally, the teardrop geometry of massage members  60 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , can allow a large surface area of massage members  60  to be in constant contact with a person&#39;s scalp, thereby facilitating a tugging or pinching effect. 
     Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims when considered with a full range of equivalents, and modifications thereto.