Abstract:
A wearable massage apparatus is formed from a main body having a first side. At least one massage head is positioned on the first side of the body. The apparatus further includes an arrangement for securing the main body to a user. A control module is connected to the at least one massage head for controlling movement thereof. The massage head on the first side of the main body is positioned adjacent the user&#39;s body and upon being secured thereto by the securing arrangement, the control module is selectively activated thereby causing the at least one massage head to oscillate and massage the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to massage equipment and, more specifically, to a massage vest having a plurality of mechanical members attached thereto. The massage area is selectively definable by the user. A control module is connected to the vest and provides means to select the region(s) to be activated, along with the type of directional or rotational motion of the balls, and the duration of the session. The vest is secured to the user with upper and lower straps that are affixed to the body of the vest. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   There are other massage devices designed for massage therapy. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 1,147,560 issued to Shurtleff on Jul. 20, 1915. 
   Another patent was issued to Stubbs on Sep. 11, 1962 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,053,250. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 3,310,050 was issued to Goldfarb on Mar. 21, 1967 and still yet another was issued on Jan. 16, 1973 to Taylor as U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,784. 
   Another patent was issued to Warwick et al. on Jun. 13, 1989 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,263. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,502 was issued to Hunt on Dec. 25, 1990. Another was issued to Sagara et al. on Sep. 24, 1991 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,587 and still yet another was issued on Aug. 17, 1993 to Arbisi et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,967. 
   Another patent was issued to Hickman on Aug. 17, 1999 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,627. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,678 was issued to Brannon on (Feb. 27, 2001. Another was issued to Bloodworth on Dec. 11, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,638 and still yet another was issued on Aug. 19, 1981 to Marukawa et al. as U.K. Patent No. GB2068737. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 1,147,560 
   Inventor: Frank Shurtleff et al. 
   Issued: Jul. 20, 1915 
   A message apparatus including a belt said belt comprising a plurality of spaced rows of non-elastic blocks, non-elastic material on which said rows of blocks are bound, non-elastic straps disposed between said rows of blocks, said straps being disposed in a plane spaced from and parallel with the plane with which, the blocks lie, elastic tubes disposed between the straps and against the blocks, said belt adapted to be placed upon the body in such position that the elastic tubes lie against the body, a plurality of air tubes connected each at one end to one of the elastic tubes and at the opposite end being in communication with a source of compressed air, and. means whereby air may be forced into the elastic tubes at desired pressure and, exhausted from said elastic tubes in succession, and at desired speed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,050,250 
   Inventor: Doris C. Stubbs 
   Issued: Sep. 11, 1962 
   A therapeutic device comprising a jacket-like garment component adapted to be suspended from the shoulders and to be secured about the torso of a patient and having a plurality of interconnected pockets formed therein, and a plurality of electro-magnetic vibration imparting devices removably mounted one each in each of said pockets and including a conductor means attachable to a source of alternating current and connected to all of said devices, said devices being operative upon electrical energization thereof to simultaneously apply vibratory treatment to a plurality of areas of the torso of the patient. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,310,050 
   Inventor: Herman Goldfarb 
   Issued: Mar. 21, 1967 
   A therapeutic garment for applying predetermined mechanical pulsations to the pulmonary lobes of the body to dislodge accumulations of mucus in the respiratory system, said garment being dimensioned to overlie the chest and back of a body, said garment carrying a plurality of means for impacting the body, means for securing said impacting means to said garment at locations adapted to directly and selectively overlie the chest and back, said impacting means adapted to impact the body at predetermined successive areas by applying pulsating forces thereto directed substantially perpendicular to the underlying skin with said forces having sufficient strength to dislodge accumulations of mucus in the underlying respiratory system. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,784 
   Inventor: Clarence R. Taylor 
   Issued: Jan. 16, 1973 
   A massaging device comprising a plate adapted when vibrated by any suitable vibrating device and placed into intimate contact with a portion of a body to massage the portion. The plate is preferably flexible, and provided with projections extending from one surface thereof. A heating pad is held in register with the plate surface; the pad having openings through which the projections extend. The plate and pad are preferably provided with a belt or straps having fastening means for releasably securing the massaging device to the body portion with the heating pad and projection ends in engagement with the body portion. Alternatively, the massaging device may be provided with a handle by which the device may be manually placed into intimate contact with the body portion. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,263 
   Inventor: Warren J. Warwick et al. 
   Issued: Jun. 13, 1989 
   Oscillatory chest compression apparatus to aid in loosening and eliminating mucus from the lungs of a cystic fibrosis patient. The apparatus includes a mechanism for applying pressurized air to a bladder covering the chest of a person and a mechanism for venting pressurized air from the bladder. In addition, the apparatus includes a mechanism for supplying the air to the bladder in a regular pattern of pulses. The application of the pressurized pulses and the pulse rate is controllable by the patient. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,502 
   Inventor: Troy T. Hunt 
   Issued: Dec. 25, 1990 
   A vibrator/heating apparatus is adapted to provide selected and variable vibration and/or heat to specific portions of the human body using respective vibrator and heaters and respectively controlled by first and second manually operable controllers and powered by ac/dc converters to apply power to the controllers and the vibrator, heater, controller and power supply are mounted to housing that conforms to a particular part of the human body. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,587 
   Inventor: Shinji Sagara 
   Issued: Sep. 24, 1991 
   Disclosed is a novel vibrator system which comprises an ultrasonic motor; a driver circuit which supplies a forwardly-rotatory and reversely-rotatory signals to the ultrasonic motor; and a switching control circuit which alternately switch the signals. The vibrator system attains a high energy efficiency even when miniaturized, as well as normally working without causing a large operation noise when loaded. The vibrotherapeutic device wherein the vibrator system is assembled can be advantageously used to massage human body. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,967 
   Inventor: Dominic S. Arbisi 
   Issued: Aug. 17, 1993 
   A therapeutic impact massager for massaging a body region of a person. The impact massager includes a frame mounted within a flexible fabric support member. The frame includes a plurality of compartments that movably receive conductive elements. Drive coils are mounted within the compartments adjacent to the conductive elements and produce a first pulsed magnetic field. The first pulsed magnetic field induces a second magnetic field within the conductive elements. The first and second magnetic fields interact to force the conductive elements towards the body region of a person to impact thereupon. A capacitor for storing electrical energy is coupled to the drive coils. A switch is coupled in series with the capacitor and drive coils and is movable between the closed state which allows electrical energy to flow from the capacitor to the drive mechanism, and an open state which prevents the discharge of electrical energy through the drive coils. A microprocessor is coupled to the switch and generates a logic command that shifts the switch between opened and closed states. The microprocessor is configured to energize the drive coils in a periodic and patterned manner to repeatedly force the conductive elements toward the body region which imparts a rhythmic wave massaging effect thereto. The impact massager preferably is in the form of a therapeutic garment that overlies the chest and back of a wearer. The therapeutic garment is designed to be used by persons with cystic fibrosis to alleviate the accumulation of mucus within the lungs. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,627 
   Inventor: Tommie N. Hickman 
   Issued: Aug. 17, 1999 
   A pneumatic massage therapy device 10 for massaging an individual&#39;s torso wherein the device 10 includes a vest member 20 provided with a branched inflatable tubing unit 12 operatively connected to massage disks 30. A pulsating pneumatic force is provided to the branched tubing unit 12 to move the massage disks 30 in a massaging motion relative to the user&#39;s torso. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,678 
   Inventor: Sammy S. Brannon 
   Issued: Feb. 27, 2001 
   A massaging system that includes a mechanism for positioning and holding vibrating and heating units onto the body at user selected locations. The massaging system includes a vest unit including a hook and pile covered interior surface and at least one user-adjustable, massaging and heat unit compression band attached to an exterior of the vest unit; at least one heating pad unit including a heating pad connecting jack, hook and pile fastener strips on a first exterior surface of the heating pad exterior that are companionate with the hook and pile covered interior surface of the vest unit, and a vibration unit hook and pile fastener attaching section provided on a second exterior surface that is the same hook and pile material as the hook and pile covered interior surface of the vest unit; and at least one vibration unit having a vibration unit connecting jack and hook and pile fastener strips on the exterior thereof that are companionate with the hook and pile covered interior surface of the vest unit. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,638 
   Inventor: Vicky W. Bloodworth 
   Issued: Dec. 11, 2001 
   A heat vest system that includes a garment wearable by the user having strategically located vibration and heating elements which is worn by the user such that the heating and vibration elements are correctly positioned for a therapeutic effect. To increase the therapeutic effect, the system includes a control device in connection with the vibration and heating elements of the garment which allows the user to separately adjust the heat and vibration generated by each of the heating and vibration elements. 
   U.S. Patent Number GB 2 068 737 
   Inventor: Toshio Marukawa et al. 
   Issued: Aug. 19, 1981 
   A massager is composed of a linear compressor having a piston which is intermittently attracted by an electromagnet and at other times repelled by a spring to produce compressed air having a safe pressure, i.e. having a relatively low difference between the rated pressure, a distributor for allowing compressed air fed from the compressor to be selectively discharged therefrom, and a bag having a plurality of air-tight sections (not shown) which are successively expanded by receiving the compressed air fed from the distributor, which includes a rotary member and a stationary member formed with passages therethrough for also allowing exhaust of the compressed air from the air-tight sections. 
   While these massage devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to massage equipment and, more specifically, to a massage vest having a plurality of mechanical members attached thereto. The massage area is selectively definable by the user. A control module is connected to the vest and provides means to select the region(s) to be activated, along with the type of directional or rotational motion of the balls, and the duration of the session. The vest is secured to the user with upper and lower straps that are affixed to the body of the vest. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide a massage vest that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a massage vest whereby a user can receive massage therapy. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a massage vest having a plurality of selectively controllable mechanical members. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a massage vest having straps whereby a user can adjust the pressure applied by the mechanical members. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a massage vest having a control module for varying the type of massage therapy. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a massage vest having means for selecting the type of massage therapy and the duration of said therapy. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a massage vest encompassing the back, shoulders, and neck of the wearer. 
   Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
   The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a massage vest having a plurality of mechanical members attached thereto whereby a user can selectively define the area(s) to receive massage therapy. A control module is connected to the vest provides means to select the region(s) to be activated, along with the type of directional or rotational motion of the balls, and the duration of the session. The vest is secured to the user with upper and lower straps that are affix to the body of the vest. 
   The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
   The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the massage vest of the present invention in use; 
       FIG. 2  is a face view of the massage vest of the present invention showing the massaging members; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the massage vest of the present invention taken along line  3 — 3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is cutaway illustrative view of the massage vest of the present invention showing the wired connection of the massage members; 
       FIG. 5  is an illustrative view of vertical massage zones of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is an illustrative view of horizontal massage zones of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the operation of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the control mechanism of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of the control module of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the control module of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of the oscillation controls of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a front view of the control module of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the duration controls of the massage vest of the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  a front view of the control module of the massage vest of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 15  is a flow chart of the operation and control of the massage vest of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the massage vest of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing Figures.
           10  massage vest of the present invention     11  user     12  vest body     13  first side     14  first strap     16  second strap     18  third strap     20  hook and loop fasteners     22  massage members     24  control unit     26  portable power source     28  plug     30  massage head motors     32  wires     34  vertical neck zone     36  upper zone     38  mid-upper zone     40  mid-lower zone     42  lower zone     44  horizontal neck zone     46  left zone     48  left center zone     50  right center zone     52  right zone     54  operation and control method     56  regional control     58  oscillation control     60  duration control     62  vertical regions     64  horizontal regions     66  display screen     68  power switch     70  region selection switch     72  start button     74  pause button     76  end button     78  option selection button     80  up directional arrow     82  down directional arrow     84  single oscillation mode     86  horizontal pivot     88  vertical pivot     90  rotational pivot     92  sequenced oscillation mode     94  first sequence mode     96  second sequence mode     98  massage time     100  first time     102  second time     104  third time     106  fourth time     108  fifth time     110  sixth time     112  alternate sequence     114  every cycle     116  five times     118  ten times     120  twenty times     122  thirty times     124  other       

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 15  illustrate a massage vest of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral  10 . 
     FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the massage vest  10 , hereinafter “vest”, of the present invention in use. A user  11  is shown wearing the vest  10  of the present invention. The vest  10  is formed from a body  12  having a plurality massage members  22  as shown in  FIGS. 2–15 . The massage members oscillate in various controlled directional and rotational movements providing a therapeutic massage to the user  11 . The body  12  has a first strap  14  and a second strap  16  for securing the vest  10  to the shoulders and torso of the user  11 . A third strap  18  is also connected to the body  12  and secured around the lower torso or waist of the user  11 . Preferably, the straps  14 ,  16 ,  18  include hook and loop fasteners as shown in  FIG. 2  for securing to one another. The user  11  is able to selectively control the massage pattern and duration using a control module  24  as shown in  FIGS. 2–15 . 
     FIG. 2  is a face view of the massage vest of the present invention showing the massaging members. The vest  10  includes the vest body  12  having a first side  13  with at least one massage member  22  positioned thereon. Preferably, the vest  10  includes a plurality of massage members  22  positioned thereon for massaging a plurality of zones on the back and neck of the user  11  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The body  12  also preferably extends so as to cover the shoulders of the user  11  so as to provide therapeutic massage to the shoulder area as well. 
   The body  12  of the vest  10  is secured to a user via hook and loop fasteners  20  positioned at an end of each of the straps  14 ,  16  and  18 . The first strap  14  extends outward from a top of the body  12  which is positioned adjacent the shoulder of the user  11 . The second strap  16  is extends outward from the body  12  at an area substantially below the armpit of the user  11 . The second straps  16  are secured to one another via the hook and loop fasteners  20 . The first strap  14  is wrapped around the second strap  16  and secured on itself via the hook and loop fasteners  20 . The third strap  18  also extends from the body  12  of the vest at substantially the waist of the user  11 . The third strap  18  is secured to one another via the hook and loop fasteners  20 . Upon securing each of the straps  14 ,  16 ,  18  to one another, the vest  10  is secured to the body of the user  11 . 
   The user  11  can selectively control the oscillation of the massage members  22  using the control module  24 . The control module  24  is connected via wires  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 4–6  to each respective massage member  22  for control thereof. Operation and use of the control module  24  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 7–14 . 
   The massage vest  10  of the present invention is powered by at least one of a portable power source  26  and a hardwire power source  28  such as a plug. Each of the power sources are selectively connectable to the control module  24  and provide power to the plurality of massage members  22 . The portable power source  26  is preferably a rechargeable battery pack that enables the user  11  to be mobile while wearing the vest  10 . Alternatively, the user may desire to remain stationary and therefore could use the plug  28  to plug into a standard wall outlet. 
     FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the massage vest of the present invention taken along line  3 — 3  in  FIG. 2 . The vest  10  includes the vest body  12  having a first side  13  with at least one massage member  22  positioned thereon. Preferably, the vest  10  includes a plurality of massage members  22  positioned thereon for massaging a plurality of zones on the back and neck of the user  11  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The body  12  also preferably extends so as to cover the shoulders of the user  11  so as to provide therapeutic massage to the shoulder area as well. Each massage member  22  includes a massage motor  30 . The massage motor  30  causes the massage member to oscillate in a plurality of directions. Specifically, the massage motor  30  causes the massage member  22  to pivot about an axis. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the massage motor  30  selectively causes the massage member to pivot in at least one of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a 360 degree rotational pivot. Each of the above pivot directions are shown in phantom in  FIG. 3 . The plurality of pivot directions allows for the user to selectively determine the style and type of massage which is provided by the vest  10  of the present invention. 
   The user  11  can selectively control the oscillation of the massage members  22  using the control module  24 . The control module  24  is connected via wires  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 4–6  to each respective massage member  22  for control thereof. Operation and use of the control module  24  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 7–14 . 
   The massage vest  10  of the present invention is powered by at least one of a portable power source  26  and a hardwire power source  28  such as a plug. Each of the power sources are selectively connectable to the control module  24  and provide power to the plurality of massage members  22 . The portable power source  26  is preferably a rechargeable battery pack that enables the user  11  to be mobile while wearing the vest  10 . Alternatively, the user may desire to remain stationary and therefore could use the plug  28  to plug into a standard wall outlet. 
     FIG. 4  is cutaway illustrative view of the massage vest of the present invention showing the wired connection of the massage members. The vest  10  includes the vest body  12  having a first side  13  with at least one massage member  22  positioned thereon. Preferably, the vest  10  includes a plurality of massage members  22  positioned thereon for massaging a plurality of zones on the back and neck of the user  11  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The body  12  also preferably extends so as to cover the shoulders of the user  11  so as to provide therapeutic massage to the shoulder area as well. Each massage member  22  includes a massage motor  30 . The massage motor  30  causes the massage member to oscillate in a plurality of directions. Specifically, the massage motor  30  causes the massage member  22  to pivot about an axis. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the massage motor  30  selectively causes the massage member to pivot in at least one of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a 360 degree rotational pivot. Each of the above pivot directions are shown in phantom in  FIG. 3 . The plurality of pivot directions allows for the user to selectively determine the style and type of massage which is provided by the vest  10  of the present invention. 
   The user  11  can selectively control the oscillation of the massage members  22  using the control module  24 . The control module  24  is connected via wires  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 4–6  to each respective massage member  22  for control thereof. Operation and use of the control module  24  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 7–14 . The massage members  22  of the present invention massage vest are wired together with wires  32  to provide the user means to activate and deactivate selected massage members  22 . 
   The massage vest  10  of the present invention is powered by at least one of a portable power source  26  and a hardwire power source  28  such as a plug. Each of the power sources are selectively connectable to the control module  24  and provide power to the plurality of massage members  22 . The portable power source  26  is preferably a rechargeable battery pack that enables the user  11  to be mobile while wearing the vest  10 . Alternatively, the user may desire to remain stationary and therefore could use the plug  28  to plug into a standard wall outlet. 
     FIG. 5  is an illustrative view of vertical massage zones of the massage vest of the present invention. The vest  10  includes the vest body  12  having a first side  13  with at least one massage member  22  positioned thereon. Preferably, the vest  10  includes a plurality of massage members  22  positioned thereon for massaging a plurality of zones on the back and neck of the user  11  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The body  12  also preferably extends so as to cover the shoulders of the user  11  so as to provide therapeutic massage to the shoulder area as well. Each massage member  22  includes a massage motor  30 . The massage motor  30  causes the massage member to oscillate in a plurality of directions. Specifically, the massage motor  30  causes the massage member  22  to pivot about an axis. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the massage motor  30  selectively causes the massage member to pivot in at least one of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a 360 degree rotational pivot. Each of the above pivot directions are shown in phantom in  FIG. 3 . The plurality of pivot directions allows for the user to selectively determine the style and type of massage which is provided by the vest  10  of the present invention. 
   The user  11  can selectively control the oscillation of the massage members  22  using the control module  24 . The control module  24  is connected via wires  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 4–6  to each respective massage member  22  for control thereof. Operation and use of the control module  24  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 7–14 . The massage members  22  of the present invention massage vest are wired together with wires  32  to provide the user means to activate and deactivate selected massage members  22 . 
   The massage vest  10  of the present invention is powered by at least one of a portable power source  26  and a hardwire power source  28  such as a plug. Each of the power sources are selectively connectable to the control module  24  and provide power to the plurality of massage members  22 . The portable power source  26  is preferably a rechargeable battery pack that enables the user  11  to be mobile while wearing the vest  10 . Alternatively, the user may desire to remain stationary and therefore could use the plug  28  to plug into a standard wall outlet. 
     FIG. 5  shows the massage members  22  formed as vertical massage groups. There are preferably 5 vertical massage zones that are selectively controlled by the user via the control module  24 . The first zone is a neck zone  34  which allows the user to select the massage members  22  positioned adjacent the neck and shoulders of the user to oscillate in a desired pattern. The second zone positioned below the neck zone  34  is the upper zone  36 . The third zone is the mid-upper zone  38 . The fourth zone is the mid lower zone  40 , and the fifth zone is the lower zone  42 . Each of the zones contains a horizontal band of massage members  22  that the user may selectively control the oscillation thereof. 
     FIG. 6  is an illustrative view of horizontal massage zones of the massage vest of the present invention. The vest  10  includes the vest body  12  having a first side  13  with at least one massage member  22  positioned thereon. Preferably, the vest  10  includes a plurality of massage members  22  positioned thereon for massaging a plurality of zones on the back and neck of the user  11  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The body  12  also preferably extends so as to cover the shoulders of the user  11  so as to provide therapeutic massage to the shoulder area as well. Each massage member  22  includes a massage motor  30 . The massage motor  30  causes the massage member to oscillate in a plurality of directions. Specifically, the massage motor  30  causes the massage member  22  to pivot about an axis. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the massage motor  30  selectively causes the massage member to pivot in at least one of a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a 360 degree rotational pivot. Each of the above pivot directions are shown in phantom in  FIG. 3 . The plurality of pivot directions allows for the user to selectively determine the style and type of massage which is provided by the vest  10  of the present invention. 
   The user  11  can selectively control the oscillation of the massage members  22  using the control module  24 . The control module  24  is connected via wires  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 4–6  to each respective massage member  22  for control thereof. Operation and use of the control module  24  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 7–14 . The massage members  22  of the present invention massage vest are wired together with wires  32  to provide the user means to activate and deactivate selected massage members  22 . 
   The massage vest  10  of the present invention is powered by at least one of a portable power source  26  and a hardwire power source  28  such as a plug. Each of the power sources are selectively connectable to the control module  24  and provide power to the plurality of massage members  22 . The portable power source  26  is preferably a rechargeable battery pack that enables the user  11  to be mobile while wearing the vest  10 . Alternatively, the user may desire to remain stationary and therefore could use the plug  28  to plug into a standard wall outlet. 
     FIG. 6  shows the massage members  22  formed as horizontal massage groups. There are preferably 5 horizontal massage zones that are selectively controlled by the user via the control module  24 . The first zone is a neck zone  44  which allows the user to select the massage members  22  positioned adjacent the neck to oscillate in a desired pattern. The second zone is a left zone  46  which massages the left side of a user. The third zone is a left center zone  48  which massages an area left of center of the vest  10 . The fourth zone is a right center zone  50  which massages an area right of center of the vest  10 , and the fifth zone is a right zone which massages the right side of the user  11 . Each respective zone is formed from a vertical band of massage heads  22  that massage along the length of the band. 
     FIG. 7  is a block diagram of the operation of the massage vest of the present invention. The vest  10  of the present invention is controlled by a processor  54  for operating and controlling the massage therapy provided by the vest  10 . Connected to the processor  54  is regional control  56 , a oscillation control  58  and a duration control  60 . The regional control  56  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 8 . The oscillation control  58  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 11 , and the duration control  60  will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 13 . The processor  54  is controlled directly by the control module  24  of the present invention. The manner in which the module  24  controls the present invention will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  14 . 
     FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the regional control mechanism  56  of the massage vest  10  of the present invention. The regional control mechanism  56  controls a vertical region  62  and a horizontal region  64 . The vertical region  62  includes a neck zone  34  which allows the user to select the massage members  22  positioned adjacent the neck and shoulders of the user to oscillate in a desired pattern. The second zone positioned below the neck zone  34  is the upper zone  36 . The third zone is the mid-upper zone  38 . The fourth zone is the mid lower zone  40 , and the fifth zone is the lower zone  42 . Each of the zones contains a horizontal band of massage members  22  that the user may selectively control the oscillation thereof. The horizontal region  64  includes the neck zone  44  which allows the user to select the massage members  22  positioned adjacent the neck to oscillate in a desired pattern. The second zone is a left zone  46  which massages the left side of a user. The third zone is a left center zone  48  which massages an area left of center of the vest  10 . The fourth zone is a right center zone  50  which massages an area right of center of the vest  10 , and the fifth zone is a right zone which massages the right side of the user  11 . Each respective zone is formed from a vertical band of massage heads  22  that massage along the length of the band. 
     FIG. 9  is a front view of the control module  24  of the massage vest  10  of the present invention. The control module  24  includes a display screen  66  for display a menu of options thereon. Preferably the display screen is an LED display, however, any screen able to digitally display data thereon may be used. A digital pointer  65  is moveable along the list of digital text displayed on the screen  66 . The control module  24  further includes a power switch  68  and a regional selection switch  70 . The user toggles the regional selection switch  70  to determine the area within at least one of the horizontal or vertical regions is to be massaged. The control module  24  also includes a start button  72 , a pause button  74  and an end button  76  for selectively controlling the oscillation pattern of the vest  10 . An up arrow  80  and down arrow  82  allow the user to scroll the pointer  65  through the data listed on the display  66 . A select button  78  allows the user to select an option indicated by the pointer  65 . 
     FIG. 9  depicts the control module with the horizontal region control menu displayed. When the user positions the region control switch in horizontal mode, the horizontal region menu is activated. This menu provides means for the user to enable the massage members  22  of various horizontal zones to oscillate and provide massage therapy to the user. 
     FIG. 10  is a front view of the control module of the massage vest of the present invention. The control module  24  includes the display screen  66  for display a menu of options thereon. Preferably the display screen is an LED display, however, any screen able to digitally display data thereon may be used. The digital pointer  65  is moveable along the list of digital text displayed on the screen  66 . The control module  24  further includes the power switch  68  and the regional selection switch  70 . The user toggles the regional selection switch  70  to determine the area within at least one of the horizontal or vertical regions is to be massaged. The control module  24  also includes the start button  72 , the pause button  74  and the end button  76  for selectively controlling the oscillation pattern of the vest  10 . The up arrow  80  and down arrow  82  allow the user to scroll the pointer  65  through the data listed on the display  66 . The select button  78  allows the user to select an option indicated by the pointer  65 . 
     FIG. 10  depicts the control module with the vertical region control menu displayed. When the user positions the region control switch  70  in vertical mode, the vertical region menu is activated. This menu provides means for the user to cause the massage members  22  in various vertical zones to oscillate. 
     FIG. 11  is a block diagram of the oscillation control mechanism  58  of the massage vest  10  of the present invention. The oscillation control mechanism  58  allows the user to select a single oscillation mode  84  or a sequenced oscillation mode  92 . If a user selects the single oscillation mode  84 , the massage heads  22  will pivot at least one of horizontally, vertically, and rotationally about an axis. If the user selects the sequenced oscillation mode  92 , then the massage heads will oscillate in a first alternating mode wherein the message heads  22  oscillate horizontally and then vertically. The user could select a second alternating mode  96  wherein the massage heads  22  oscillate horizontally, then vertically, and finally rotationally. The varying oscillation modes allow the user complete control over their massage therapy session. 
     FIG. 12  is a front view of the control module of the massage vest of the present invention. The control module  24  includes the display screen  66  for display a menu of options thereon. Preferably the display screen is an LED display, however, any screen able to digitally display data thereon may be used. The digital pointer  65  is moveable along the list of digital text displayed on the screen  66 . The control module  24  further includes the power switch  68  and the regional selection switch  70 . The user toggles the regional selection switch  70  to determine the area within at least one of the horizontal or vertical regions is to be massaged. The control module  24  also includes the start button  72 , the pause button  74  and the end button  76  for selectively controlling the oscillation pattern of the vest  10 . The up arrow  80  and down arrow  82  allow the user to scroll the pointer  65  through the data listed on the display  66 . The select button  78  allows the user to select an option indicated by the pointer  65 . 
     FIG. 12  depicts the control module with the oscillation control menu displayed. The oscillation menu is activated when selected from the display screen. The oscillation menu provides means for the user to define the type(s) of directional and rotational motion of the massage heads  22 . 
     FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the duration controls of the massage vest of the present invention. The duration control mechanism  60  includes a time selector  98  and a cycle selector  112 . The time selector preferably includes 6 time lengths for the user to select. The first length  100  is continuous wherein the massage heads  22  run continuously until manually stopped by the user. The second time length  102  results in the massage heads  22  oscillating for ten minutes. The third time length  104  results in the massage heads  22  oscillating for twenty minutes. The fourth time length results  106  in the massage heads  22  oscillating for thirty minutes. The fifth time length  108  results in the massage heads oscillating for sixty minutes. The sixth time length  110  results in the massage heads oscillating for a user defined period of time. The cycle selector  112  preferably includes 6 cycle selection wherein, the number times the massage heads oscillate during the sequence. The first setting  114  results in the massage heads changing sequence every cycle. The second setting  116  results in the massage heads  22  changing sequences every 5 cycles. The third setting  118  results in the massage heads  22  changing sequences every 10 cycles. The fourth setting  120  results in the massage heads  22  changing sequences every 20 cycles. The fifth setting  122  results in the massage heads  22  changing sequences every 30 cycles. The sixth setting  124  results in the massage heads  22  changing sequences at a user defined number of 10 cycles. 
   The massaging vest  10  provides means for defining the duration and sequence of the movements of the massage heads  22 . The control module allows the user to define the length of the massage therapy. When a combination of directional or rotational motion therapy is selected from the oscillation menu, the user may also define the duration of each alternating segment of movement. 
     FIG. 14  a front view of the control module of the massage vest of the present invention. The control module  24  includes the display screen  66  for display a menu of options thereon. Preferably the display screen is an LED display, however, any screen able to digitally display data thereon may be used. The digital pointer  65  is moveable along the list of digital text displayed on the screen  66 . The control module  24  further includes the power switch  68  and the regional selection switch  70 . The user toggles the regional selection switch  70  to determine the area within at least one of the horizontal or vertical regions is to be massaged. The control module  24  also includes the start button  72 , the pause button  74  and the end button  76  for selectively controlling the oscillation pattern of the vest  10 . The up arrow  80  and down arrow  82  allow the user to scroll the pointer  65  through the data listed on the display  66 . The select button  78  allows the user to select an option indicated by the pointer  65 . 
   The duration menu is activated when selected from the display screen. The duration menu provides means for the user to define the length of time for the massage therapy session. When the user has defined the region, oscillation type, and duration, the massage session is activated by a start button on the control module. When the preset time interval is reach, the massage balls motion stop. Additional keys on the control module provide means for the user pause or end the session prematurely. 
     FIG. 15  is a flow chart of the operation and control of the massage vest of the present invention. In order to activate the massage vest  10  of the present invention, the power switch  68  must be moved from a first off position to a second on position as stated in step S 200 . Thereafter, the user uses the regional selection switch  70  to determine the region to be massaged as in step S 204  and once the position of the switch is determined as in step S 206 , either the horizontal region menu is displayed on the display screen  66  as stated in step S 208  or the vertical region menu is displayed as in step S 210 . Upon having a regional menu displayed on the display screen, step S 212  requires the user depress at least one of the up arrow  80  or the down arrow  82  thereby moving the pointer  65  through the displayed list. When the pointer  65  indicates the desired region, the selection button  84  is depressed as in step S 214 . 
   The user then must determine if an additional region is to be massaged as in step S 216 . If the user desires to have another region massaged then step S 218  requires the use to further depress at least one of the up arrow  80  or the down arrow  82  to cause the pointer  65  to indicate another region. Thereafter, the user depressed the selection button  84  to select the second highlighted region. Should the user not want another region to be massaged, the up arrow  80  or down arrow  82  are further depressed to select the oscillation menu as in step S 222  which is selected by depressing the selection button  84  as in step S 224 . The pattern of oscillation is then chosen in step S 226  and selected using the selection button in step S 228 . The user then selects the duration of the therapy session in step S 230  and the duration mention is displayed by depressing the selection button  84  as in step S 232 . Once the duration menu is displayed on the display screen  66 , the arrow keys  80 , 82  are used to move the pointer  65  to a desired duration as in step S 234 . Once the desired duration is highlighted, the selection button  84  is depressed as in step S 236  and the desired duration is selected. 
   Thereafter, the user determines in step S 238  whether or not alternating oscillation has been selected. If not, then the user depresses the start button  72  thereby initiating the therapy session as in step S 240 . If alternating oscillation has been selected, the arrow keys  80 , 82  are used to scroll the pointer  65  through the alternating oscillation menu as in step S 242 . Step S 244  requires the user to depress the selection button  84  upon the pointer  65  highlighting a desired alternating oscillation pattern. Thereafter, the user depresses the start button  72  to start the therapy session as in step S 246 . The user can selectively pause the therapy session by depressing the pause button  74  or end the session by depressing the end button  76 . 
   It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
   While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
   Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.