Abstract:
A leg massage apparatus is provided which enables the user to easily and comfortable engage the various muscles of the leg, providing the leg muscles with a therapeutic message which helps to loosen and relieve sore or damages muscles. The apparatus may also be used to assist in the removal of cellulite from areas of the leg. The apparatus is basically comprised of a name structure means, a user engagement means, a coupling means, and an optional resistance means. The frame structure means has at least two main support members coupled together in such a manner that the leg of the user may be placed within, with the main support members surrounding a significant portion of the leg. The main support members are adjustably coupled together by the coupling means such that they may alternatively move away and towards one another, as the various leg muscles of the user are being engaged by the user engagement means. The optional resistance means may be used to provide motion resistance.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a leg massage apparatus which has a frame structure composed of at least two support structures, each having a generally arc shaped inner surface, with the support structures being adjustably coupled together. Each support structure has rounded user engagement elements along the arced inner surface of the structure which may be used to engage the thigh and calf of the user, allowing the user to perform body therapy routines on these areas of the lower body. These therapy routines may be performed while the user is in any type of relaxed position by grasping the invention with their hands and moving the invention over the desired thigh or calf area of the lower body. The invention will automatically adjust itself to different thigh and calf contours, since these muscles are typically smaller at the lower ends. The ability of the apparatus to engage any area of the leg muscle with the engagement elements of the support structure, and also its ability to easily adjust itself for the various thickness and contours of the thigh and calf muscles, allows for an easy and comfortable message type therapy for those particular leg muscle groups which are sore or have been traumatized due to an accident or illness. The invention may also be used to assist in the removal of fat tissues and cellulite from any affected leg muscle area. 
         [0002]    It is the object of this invention to provide a therapeutic apparatus which may provide the user an efficient and inexpensive means for messaging the leg muscle groups of the lower body. The main purpose of this application demonstrate an apparatus which performs the stated function, and to demonstrate the many options and configurations this apparatus may take on 
         [0003]    Briefly stated, the apparatus that forms the basis of the present invention comprises a frame structure means, a coupling means, and a user engagement means. The frame structure means may be comprised of at least two main support members, each having an arc shaped inner surface onto winch the user engagement means may mount. The main suppport members may include a hand engagement member so that the user may easly grasp the structure with their hands. The coupling means of the apparatus couples the two main support members together so that they may easily move in a controlled manner away and towards one other as the varying contours of the leg muscles are being engaged by the user engagement means. Movement may be in either along a generally arced path or along a generally linear path, depending upon the design of the apparatus. The apparatus may also utilize a resistance means which provides resistance to the members moving apart from one another, and which may also provide a force against the leo muscles by the user engagement means. 
         [0004]    In order to operate the apparatus, the user will grasp the main support members with their hand, place their leg within the opening created by the main support members, and move the leg therapy apparatus along the thigh and/or calf area of the lower body, in either a linear or circular pattern. As mentioned, the leg of the user will be placed within the apparatus, which has a tin type form when the two main support members are coupled together. As the apparatus moves along an area of the leg, such as the thigh muscles, the main support members will begin to separate, or move opposite one another, as the apparatus moves over the larger areas of the thigh muscles. This separation may be resisted by the hands of the user, or by the optional resistance means, or both. Also, as the apparatus moves back over the smaller areas of the thigh muscles, the main support members will more back towards one another, either by the user pushing the members back together or by the force exerted on the members by the optional resistance means which pulls them back together, or both. The resistance to separation, as provided by either the hands of the user or the optional resistance means, thus allows a force to be applied to the thigh area as the apparatus moves along its various contours. 
         [0005]    Also, other configurations may be possible which allow the apparatus to increase it flexibility. The apparatus may be designed to utilize more than two main support members coupled together to increase the amount of leg muscles area being engaged at any given time. Also, additional resistance components may be added to the apparatus to easily vary the amount of resistance to separation, and thus the amount of force provided by the apparatus against the leg muscle of the user. Also, having a user engagement means which is a completely separate component from the main support member may be preferred. 
         [0006]    The overall basic design of the apparatus is such that the user engagement means may be a component which mounts upon the arced inner surface of the main support member and provides the main contact with the leg muscle of the user. The user engagement means may be a series of user engaging elements which are rounded, nodule-like elements which extend outward from the arced inner surface of the main support members. They may be spaced apart from each other so that maximum contact is provided upon the leg muscle. The user engaging elements may be a molded part of the main support member, individually attached components, or part of a user engagement means which is separately attached. The user engaging elements may also be a type of roller bearing elements which roll as they engage the leg muscle of the user. As mentioned previously, the force exerted on the leg muscles by the user engaging elements may be applied by the hands of the user by an optional resistance component, or both. The user engaging elements will therefore apply a firm force against the leg muscles, and provide a deep therapeutic message. The arc design of the inner surface of the main support members allows numerous engaging elements to simultaneously be in contact with the leg muscles, allowing for a maximum therapeutic effect. The arced inner surface of the main support member also allows the apparatus to be easily moved by the user along the leg muscles not only in a forward and backward linear motion, but also in a circular motion around the leg muscle, either individually or simultaneously. In addition to providing a type of therapeutic exercise of the thigh and calf muscles as described, the apparatus will also assist with the removal of fat tissues and cellulite from affected areas of the leg by breaking the down and allowing the body to naturally dissolve the fat tissue. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of a main support member of the frame structure means and the user engagement means of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of a main support member of the frame structure means and the user engagement means of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2C  is a top view of a main support member of the frame structure means of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of the coupling means of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of the coupling means of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3C  is a top view of the coupling means of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3D  is a side view of the leg massage apparatus demonstrating how the coupling means of together the main support members of the frame structure means. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are front views of the leg massage apparatus demonstrating the automatic adjusting feature of the apparatus which occurs as the apparatus is moved along the various contours of the leg muscles, along with the optional resistance means. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4C  is a side view of the leg massage apparatus demonstrating a cross sectional area of a user leg located within the apparatus, and demonstrating how the user engagement means of the apparatus engages the leg of the user while moving along its contour, and also how the main support members reacts accordingly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  is a front view of the leg massage apparatus having roller bearings as user engagement elements of the user engagement means for making movement of the body therapy apparatus smoother. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the inner surface of the leg massage apparatus demonstrating multiple row series of user engagement elements Which may allow for greater contact with the leg muscle and thus a greater therapeutic message 
           [0021]      FIG. 6A  is a front view of the leg massage apparatus having user engagement means which are separate components pivotally mounted to the inner surface of the main support members. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6B  is a front view of the leg massage apparatus having user engagement means which are separate components pivotally mounted to the inner surface of the main support members, and also demonstrating a cross sectional area a user leg located within the apparatus and demonstrating how the user engagement means and main support members of the apparatus react as the user engagement means engages the leg of the user while moving along its contour. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6C  is a side view of the user engagement means of the muscle therapy apparatus which is pivotally mounted to the inner surface of the main support members. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6D  is a side view of the user engagement means of the muscle therapy apparatus, showing two user engagement means pivotally mounted to the inner surface of the main support members, with each mounted so that they may pivot independent alone another. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7A  is a front view of a second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of a second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7C  is a top view of a second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8A  is a front view of a main support member of the frame structure means, along with the user engagement means, both for the second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of the inner surface of a main support member of the frame structure means along with the user engagement means, both for the second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8C  is a top view of a main support member of the frame structure means, both for the second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8D  is a side view of the outer surface of a main support member of the frame structure means, for the second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9A  is a front view of the coupling means for the second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of the coupling means for the second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9C  is a top view of the coupling mans for the second version of the leg massage apparatus. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9D  is a side view of the coupling means for the second version of the leg massage apparatus, demonstrating the various components of the coupling means. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are side views of the second version of the leg massage apparatus demonstrating a cross sectional area of a user leg located within the apparatus, and demonstrating how the user engagement means of the apparatus engages the leg of the user while moving along its contour, and also how the main support members react accordingly. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 10C and 10D  are front views of the leg massage apparatus demonstrating the automatic adjusting feature of the apparatus which occurs as the apparatus is moved along the various contours of the leg muscles, along with the optional resistance means, 
           [0038]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are front views of the second version of the leg massage apparatus having user engagement means which are separate components pivotally mounted to the inner surface of the main support members, and also demonstrating a cross sectional area of a user leg located within the apparatus, and demonstrating how the user engagement means and main support members of the apparatus react as the user engagement means engages the leg of the user while moving along its contour, 
           [0039]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are front views of the second version of the leg massage apparatus demonstrating the main support members of the apparatus having a larger inner radius of curvature. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 13A,13B, and 13C  are front views of a third version of the leg massage apparatus demonstrating an apparatus with more than two main support members, and how the main support members react as the user engagement means is moved along the leg of the user. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  are front views of the leg massage apparatus with a main support member having a user engagement means which is both pivotally and linearly mounted as a separate component such that the user engagement means may pivot in an arced path and simultaneously move back and forth along a linear path. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0042]    Before explaining in detail the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. 
         [0043]    As best can he seen by references to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1A-1C , the leg massage apparatus that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral  1 , and includes a frame structure means I  0 , coupling means  20 , and user engagement means  30 . The frame structure means  10  may be structured in such a manner that it has a circular form into which the leg of the user may be placed. The components of the frame structure means  10  and the coupling means  20  are mounted together in such a manner that the apparatus may automatically adjust to different leg muscles sizes and contours. 
         [0044]    As may be seen in  FIGS. 2A-2D , the frame structure means  10  may comprise at least two main support members  11 , user handle members  12 , and support coupling members  13  with coupling member openings  14 . The main support member  11  may be a relatively rigid structure having an outer surface and a curved inner surface. The curved inner surface supports user engagement means  30 . The user engagement means  30  may be a series of rounded nodule-like user engagement elements  31  which extend outward from the inner surface of the main support member  11 . They may be a molded part of the main support member  11  or they may be individually attached in some typical manner such as a screw. User handle member  12  may be an open area extending through main support member  11  which allows the user to more easily grasp and hold the main support member  11  with their hand. As further shown, main support member  11  has support coupling members  13  mounted at one end, with the support coupling member  13  having a coupling member opening  14 . Coupling member opening  14  is an elongated shaft-like opening extending from one side of the main support member  11  to its opposite side. 
         [0045]    In the figures, user engagement means  30  has user engaging elements  31  which are rigidly mounted to the inner surface of main support member  11 . As mentioned, they may be individually mounted elements or molded to the inner surface of the main support member. They could also be part of a separate curved user engagement means which rigidly mounts to the inner surface of main support member  11  through a mounting element such as a screw. The figures also show a handle member  12  which extends as a curved opening through the main support member  11 , but the user handle member  12  could also be just an indented space extending a small distance into the main support member  11 . The handle member  12  could also be a separate component mounted at some location on main support member  11 . It is also possible for the user to just grasp each main support member  11  with their respective hand so that the members themselves function as a type of handle member, provided the members are sized to easily grasp. Many variations of this apparatus are thus possible. 
         [0046]    As may be seen in  FIGS. 3A-3D  coupling means  20  comprises a generally elongated shaft member  21  with stop members  22  mounted on each end. Stop members  22  are used to prohibit the main support members  11  from separating completely from one another as they move. The stop members  22  may be a type of locking cap which slide onto shaft member  21  and lock in place. Shaft member  21  and stop members  22  may also be a type of bolt and screw assembly.  FIG. 3D  demonstrates how the coupling means  20  and frame structure means  10  mount together so that the main support members  11  may pivot about shaft member  21 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  demonstrate the basic configuration and operation of the apparatus. As shown, the support coupling members  13  of main support members  11  are coupled together by shaft members  21  and form a generally loop shaped structure. Shaft members  21  extend through the coupling member openings  14  of each support coupling members  13 . As mentioned, stop members  22  re mounted on each end of shaft member  21  to limit the amount of separation possible between the two main support members  11 . The apparatus may include an optional resistance component  40 , such as a resistance band. 
         [0048]    As may be further seen, the user may operate the apparatus by grasping the apparatus with their hands using the user handle members  12 , while placing their leg within the open loop area created by the coupling of the two main support members  11 . Shown in the  FIG. 4C  is a typical cross section of a human leg. Using the handle members  12 , the user may grasp the apparatus and move it over the desired leg muscle, with the leg muscles being engaged by the user engaging members  31  of the user engagement means. As the apparatus moves along the respective leg muscle group, the user engaging members  31  will make contact with the respective muscles, providing a type of therapeutic message. As also shown, as the apparatus moves along the contour of the thigh or calf muscles, the main support structures  11  of the apparatus will pivot apart from one another as larger areas of the leg muscles are being engaged. They will pivot closer to one another as smaller portions of the leg muscles are being engaged. While moving the body therapy apparatus along the thigh or calf muscles of the leg, the user may also simultaneously rotate the apparatus in a circular pattern around the leg to provide an even better therapeutic action. For a smaller area that may need a heavy message, the user may want to rotate the apparatus in a back and forth circular motion only over that area of the leg needing the heavier message. This ability to engage the leg muscle in a linear or circular motion, either individually or simultaneously, makes the apparatus extremely flexible. 
         [0049]    As shown, the main support members  11  are guided as they pivot away and towards one another by shaft member  21 . Optional resistance component  40  may be mounted at either end of main support member  11 , and may be utilized to provide a resistance to the pivoting motion of main support members  11 , while also pushing the main support members  11  back towards one another. When the resistance component  40  utilizes a conventional resistant band, different resistant band with different strengths may be used to provide different amount of resistance. These resistance bands  40  may be convention resistance bands found and used in various fitness equipment and may mount to main support members  11  through a typical securing means ch as a pin or bolt  41 . Multiple resistance bands  40  may be utilized which mount to the main support members  11  at the top and bottom, and on both the front and back sides. When the resistance component  40  is not utilized, the resistance to separation and the pushing motion of the members back together may be accomplished manually by the hands of the user. 
         [0050]    It is also possible to disassemble the leg apparatus so that the individual main support structures  11  are utilized separate from one another. The user may grasp a single main support member  11 , either one at a tune or one in each hand and perform a therapy routine on parts of the body other than the leg muscles. For example, if the user is suffering from a sore arm bleep muscle, the user may grasp one of the main support members  11  with one hand, and move the user engaging elements  31  along the bicep muscle, in either a linear motion, circular motion, or both. This routine may be performed also on other parts or the body such as the stomach, hips, or buttocks. Using an individual main support member  11  may also be performed on the leg muscles, but would not provide as much therapeutic action as the members would when coupled together. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5A  demonstrates the leg massage apparatus using conventional roller bearings  32  as user engaging elements  31 . Roller bearings  32  may be mounted within curved openings  33 , which are semi-spherical in shape and have a larger diameter than do the roller hearings  32 . This is to allow the roller bearings  32  to rotate within in any direction. The roller bearings  32  may be held in place by inner surface support  34 , which may have surface openings  35  which are smaller in diameter than the roller bearings  32 . The inner surface support  34  may be securely mounted to the arced inner surface of the main support member  11  through some common securing means, such as a screw, with the surface openings  35  of the inner surface support  34  being place over the roller bearings  32 . This allows roller bearings  32  to rotate, but keeps them from exiting out of curved openings  33 . In this instance, the user engagement means  30  is comprised of roller bearings  32 , curved openings  33 , inner surface support  34 , and surface openings  35 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  demonstrates the leg massage apparatus utilizing multiple rows of user engaging elements  31  mounted to main support member  11 , instead of only a single row. Multiple rows should allow for a better therapy message since multiple user engaging elements  31  will move over the same area. It may also prove better to have each row staggered from the one next to it, so that more contact is made with the muscles. The figues show three rows of user engaging members  31 , but many versions of the apparatus may be created having four, five, six, or even more rows, depending on what works best for the individual user. It may be possible to connect two or more apparatuses together, so that the number of rows in contact with the user muscles may be selectively varied. As mentioned previously, the user engaging elements  31  may be a molded part of main support member  11 , may be individually attached to main support member, or may be part of a separately attached user engagement means. The best configuration which is that shown, may prove to be a series of rows of roller bearings  32  mounted into curved openings  33  and held in place by inner surface support  34  having surface openings  35 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  demonstrate a leg therapy apparatus having the user engaging elements  31  incorporated into a user engagement means  30  which is a completely separate component from the main support member  11 . The user engaging members  31  may mounted upon or may be part of an engagement support structure  36  which may be pivotally mounted at its approximate center to the inner surface of main support member  11 . The engagement support structure  36  may be an arced structure having an outer and inner arced surface. As shown, the outer arc surface may be pivotally mounted at its proximate center to the the arced inner surface of main support member  11 , while the user engaging members  31  may mount upon the inner arced surface of engagement support structure  36 . The engagement support structure  36  may also be constructed with curved openings so that user engaging members  31  may be roller beatings, as has been discussed previously. As also shown, a alter ate configuration may be the resistance band  40 located near the coupling means  20 , instead of being located on the opposite end of the main support members. This configurational to the use to position the apparatus over the leg muscles, instead of the leg muscles having to be placed within,  FIG. 6B  shows a cross sectional area of a user leg placed with the apparatus, and demonstrates how the user engagement means  30  reacts when it engages the leg of the user. 
         [0054]      FIG. 6C and 6D  show side vies of one type of user engagement means  30  for the muscle therapy apparatus. In this type, there is at least one row of user engaging members  31  mounted to the engagement support structure  36 . As may be seen, it is possible to have more than one, in this case, two engagement support structures  36  pivotally mounted to the inner surface and support member  11  such that they pivot independent of one another. This could prove useful for not only engaging a larger area of the leg of the user, but also allow better adjustment to the varying contours of the leg of the user. Having more than one row of user engaging members  31  may also prove beneficially use with the multiple engagement support structures  36 . 
         [0055]    A second version of the leg massage apparatus I may be seen in  FIGS. 7A-7C . As with the original version, the leg therapy apparatus is designated generally by the reference numeral  1 , and includes a frame structure means  10 , coupling means  20 , and user engagement means  30 . The frame structure means  10  be structured in such a manner that it has, circular far n into which the leg of the user may be placed. The components of the frame structure means  10  and the coupling means  0  are mounted together in such a manner that the apparatus may automatically adjust to different leg muscles sizes. 
         [0056]    As may be seen in  FIGS. 8A-8D , the frame structure m  10  may again comprise at least two main support members  11 , user handle members  12 , and support coupling members  13  with coupling member openings  14 . The main support member  11  may be a relatively rigid structure having an outer surface and a curved inner surface. The curved inner surface supports r engagement means  30 . The user engagement means  30  may he rounded nodule-like user engagement elements  31  which extend outward from the inner surface of the main support member  11 . They may be a molded part of the main support member  11 , or they may be individually attached in some typical manner such as a screw. User handle member  12  may be an open area extending through main support member  11  which allows the user to more easily grasp and hold the main support member  11  with their hand. As further shown, main support member  11  has support coupling members  13  mounted at each end, with each support coupling member  13  having a coupling member opening  14 . Coupling member opening  14  is an elongated shaft-like opening extending from the inner portion of the main support member  11  to its outer portion. 
         [0057]    As may be seen in  FIGS. 9A-9D , coupling means  20  comprises a generally elongated shaft member  21  with stop members  22  mounted on each end. Coupling means  20  may also comprise optional resistance spring members  23 , which are basically conventional coiled spring members located on each end of shaft member  21 , and are held in place by stop members  22 . Stop members  22  are used to prohibit the main support members  11  from separating completely from one another as they move, whether the optional resistance springs  23  are utilized or not. The stop members  22  may be a type of locking cap which slide onto shaft member  21  and lock in place. Shaft member  21  and stop members  22  may also be a type of bolt and screw assembly. 
         [0058]    As with the original version, the components of the frame structure means  10 , the coupling means  20 , and the user engagement means  30 , all function in similar manner and may also take on various configurations. The main difference in this version is that main support members  11  move away and toward one another along a linear path of motion, as opposed to an arced path of motion. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a cross sectional area of a user leg placed within the apparatus. As may be seen, when various parts of the leg which are different in size are engaged by the user engaging members  31  the main support members will move accordingly. When a larger cross sectional area is engaged, the main support members Ii move away from one another. When a small cross sectional area is engaged, the main support members  11  move towards one another. Again, motion is along a linear path. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIGS. 10C and 10D , optional resistance means  40  comprising optional resistant bands  41  may be also utilized with this version of the apparatus. As before, different resistant bands having different resistance strengths may be used to vary the amount of resistance. These resistance bands  40  may be convention resistance bands found and used in various fitness equipment and may mount to support coupling members  13  through a typical securing means such as a pin or bolt  42 . Multiple resistance bands  41  may also be utilized which mount to the support coupling members  13  at the top and bottom of each main support member, and on both the front and back sides. When the resistance component  40  is not utilized, the resistance to separation and the pushing motion of the members hack together may be accomplished manually by the hands of the user. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  demonstrate the second version of the leg massage apparatus having the user engaging elements  31  incorporated into a user engagement means which is a completely separate component from the main support member  11 . The user engaging members  31  may mount upon or may be part of an engagement support structure  36 , which may be pivotally mounted at its approximate center to the inner surface of main support member  11 . The engagement support structure  36  may be at arced structure having an outer and inner arced surface. As shown, the outer arc surface may be pivotally mounted at its proximate center to the the arced inner surface of main support member  11 , while the user engaging members  31  may mount upon the inner arced surface of engagement support structure  36 . The engagement support structure  36  may also be constructed with curved openings so that user engaging members  31  may be roller bearings, as has been discussed previously.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  both demonstrates a cross sectional area of a user leg which has the apparatus placed within.  FIG. 11A and 11B  show a cross sectional area of a user leg placed within the apparatus, and demonstrates how the user engagement means  30  reacts when it engages the leg of the user. 
         [0062]    In any version, having the user engaging member  31  mounted on an engagement support structure  36  which is pivotally mounted as a separate component to the main support member  11  should provide a much more flexible body therapy apparatus. As also shown, the engagement support structure  36  may pivot both towards and away from the inner surface of main support member  11 . Shown in the figures is a cross section of the human leg. When the apparatus is moved along a portion of the leg of the user, the pivoting motion of the engagement support structure  36  allows the user engaging members  31  to remain in better contact with the leg muscle of the user. This concept will make the apparatus more complicated and thus more expensive, but should provide more flexible and a better therapy routine. This concept may be incorporated into any of the versions described previously. As also mentioned previously, a single main support member  11  having this pivoting engagement support structure  36  may be used to provide therapy to other parts of the body, such as the biceps of the arm, the hips, the stomach, and the buttocks. 
         [0063]      FIG. 12A and 12B  demonstrate a different construction feature for the second version of the leg massage apparatus  1 . In this version, the frame structure means  10  forms a more elliptical shape when coupled together by coupling means  20 , as opposed to the more circular shape shown previously. This elliptical shape may prove to provide better contact between user engagement means  30  and leg muscles which are larger in size than normal. This may prove true also for the original pivoting version, and also for the user engagement means when it is a separately attached component. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  demonstrate another version of leg massage apparatus  1  having a frame structure means  10  with more than two main support members coupled together. In this instance, frame structure means  10  has four main support members coupled together by four coupling means  20 . In this version, each of the main support members comprises a quatter-arc shape, with all four quarter-arc shaped main support member creating a closed circular shaped frame structure means  10  when coupled together.  FIG. 13C  demonstrates this version having a separately mounted user engagement means  30 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  demonstrate a leg massage apparatus having an engagement support structure  36  which is both pivotally and linearly coupled to the main support member  11 . The engagement support structure  36  will not only pivot towards and away from the inner surface of the main support member  11 , but also move along a linear path towards and away from its inner surface. The main support member  11  thus serves as a type of guide bearing for guiding the engagement support structure  36  along a linear path of motion. In this case the handle member  12  would more than likely need to be an indented space into the main support member  11  instead of a through space. 
         [0066]    In this version, a spring member  23  may also be used to resist the movement of the engagement support structure  36  towards the inner surface of the main support member  11  will also push the engagement support structure back against the leg muscle of the user. Therefore a spring member or some type of resistance band will not necessarily be used by the coupling means and the support coupling members as previously shown. Instead of two or more main support members, the main structure means may now be constructed of only one arced or circular shaped main member, since the linear movement away and towards the leg muscle of the user is now done by the engagement support member, not the support coupling member and the coupling means. The main disadvantage with this version is that resistance may no longer be applied by the hands of the user. Multiple main support beesmay still be utilized, but may now be rigidly connected together using a bolt and nut. However, an apparatus may still be constructed which has two or more main support members connected together using a coupling means, and also utilize a pivoting and linear moving engagement support structure. Hence the combinations and variations of the body therapy apparatus derived from this capability are numerous. 
         [0067]    Many variations of the leg massage apparatus exist, along with the configurations described above. While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the invention herein disclosed is well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation, and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.