Abstract:
A method of massaging is provided that allows a user to use a massage tool to selectively apply pressure to an arm or leg. The massage tool includes a body having a curved surface, a strap and a handle. In the method, the strap is placed around the arm or leg, the strap is tightened, and a handle attached to the tool is moved. As a result of this method, the force of the curved surface of the tool may be accurately adjusted to provide for the release of tension in specific muscles.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a device and method of massaging, and more particularly to a device and method that person may use to massage their muscles. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Background 
         [0004]    Massage is typically performed by applying pressure to the body of a patient, either manually or using a massage tool. Massage tools typically include some manner of surface or feature that is designed to contact the patient&#39;s body for the purpose of manipulating the patient&#39;s muscle tissue or connective tissue. 
         [0005]    It is common for people to massage their own arms or legs to release tension in the muscles. When massaging one&#39;s own body, however, such as by applying pressure to one&#39;s own soft tissue, it is difficult to apply pressure to a trigger point (i.e. a muscle knot) without tensing the muscles. 
         [0006]    A vast array of massage tools have been used in the past. Many previously-used tools are awkward to hold and thus difficult to use. In addition, such tools do not resolve the problem of the user tensing their own muscles to use the tools, and thus they are not as effective as they might be. 
         [0007]    There is a need for a massage tool that is easy to manipulate, comfortable to hold, and which is versatile. There is also a need for a massage tool that a user may use to apply forces more selectively to specific parts of the body by pinpointing pressure and massage target areas with a minimal amount of effort by the user. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing a method that allows a user to accurately apply a force to the body. 
         [0009]    Certain aspects provide a method for massaging a user with a device that includes a handle, body including a surface, a strap, and a mechanism for adjusting the length of the strap. The method includes: placing the user between the body of the device and the strap, such that the strap and the body of the device surrounds the user; adjusting the length of the strip such that the surface is held against the user; and moving the handle to increase the force of the surface on the user. 
         [0010]    Certain other aspects provide a method for massaging a user with a device that includes a handle, a body including a surface, a strap, and a mechanism for adjusting the length of the strap. The method includes: inserting the user between the surface and the strap, such that the strap and surface surrounds the user; pulling the end of the strap to tighten the strap and surface against the user; and moving the handle in a plane perpendicular to the user, such that the force on the user is adjusted. 
         [0011]    These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the method of massaging of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front, side perspective view of a first embodiment device for massaging; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a back, side perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C  are front views of a method of using the device of  FIG. 1 , where  FIG. 5A  illustrates the positioning of the device on the user;  FIG. 5B  illustrates the tightening of the device on the user; and  FIG. 5C  illustrates the user of the device is massaging the user; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a back, side perspective view of a second embodiment device for massaging; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    The present invention allows a user to massage a muscle or location on their body with a desired force. A first embodiment of the device  100  is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , where  FIG. 1  is a front, side perspective view of the device,  FIG. 2  is a back, side perspective view of the device,  FIG. 3  is a side view of the device;  FIG. 4  is a sectional view  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, device  100  includes a body  110 , a bracket  120 , and a restraining portion  130 . Body  110 , which has a proximal end  112  and a distal end  114 , includes a plate  111  surrounded by a flange  113 , and also includes a handle  117  at the proximal end and a curved surface  119  of the flange at distal end  114 , which is best seen in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0022]    Bracket  120  includes a flat portion  121 , and a pair of flanges  125   a,    125   b  each having corresponding holes  127   a,    127   b.  In general, body  110  and bracket  120  are formed or joined together.  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate one method of securing body  110  and bracket  120 , where, as is shown most clearly in  FIG. 4 , the bracket is attached to the body by a bolt  101  that passes through a hole  123  in flat portion  121  and a hole  115  in flange  113 . 
         [0023]    Restraining portion  130  includes a strap  131  having a free end  134 , pairs of interlocking rings  137  and  139  that attach the strap to holes  127   a  and  127   b,  and a buckle  136  that accepts the free end. Restraining portion  130  is thus attached to bracket  120  and has a length between holes  127   a  and  127   b  that may be adjusted by pulling or releasing free end  134 . 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, flange  113  and plate  111  are formed together by injection molding a plastic, such as Nylon or ABS. Handle  117  may also be injection molded with flange  113  and plate  111 , or may be a separate piece that is attached to flange  113  by an adhesive or by otherwise fastening the parts together. In another embodiment, bracket  120  is formed from sheet metal, such as Aluminum or Steel or an injection molded plastic material, such as Nylon, ABS, or Polycarbonate. In other embodiments, strap  131  is formed from lengths of webbing, and buckle  136  is a strap adjuster buckle which is commonly used for adjusting the length of webbing straps. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the width of the strap and the flange are approximately the same, and are 2 inches. In another embodiment, the length of strap  131  between rings  139  is from 36 inches to 48 inches. In yet another embodiment, the distance between proximal end  112  and distal end  113  of body  110  is from 9 inches to 12 inches. 
         [0026]    A method of the use of device  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C , which are front views of the device an appendage A of the user, where  FIG. 5A  illustrates the positioning of the device on the user;  FIG. 5B  illustrates the tightening of the device on the user; and  FIG. 5C  illustrates the user of the device is massaging the user. 
         [0027]    A first step of the method is to encircle strap  131  and body  110  about the user&#39;s appendage. Thus, for example and without limitation,  FIG. 5A  shows that a user may open the length of strap  131 , as necessary, and place strap about an appendage A, such as an arm or a leg. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment, the step of  FIG. 5A  may include first removing the end  134  of strap  131  from the buckle  136 , placing the strap over the appendage, and then inserting the end into the buckle. 
         [0029]    As is shown in  FIG. 5B , flange  113  is then placed against appendage A, and end  134  of strap  131  is pulled to tighten restraining portion  130 , thus forcing the flange against the appendage. Thus, for example, end  134  is pulled until curved surface  119  is snugly held against appendage A. 
         [0030]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 5C , the user may move handle  117 , as shown by arrow B, causing the flange to contact and compress appendage A. Thus, for example, with no slippage of strap  131  or flange  113  on appendage A, the movement B of handle  117  rotates device  100  and results in a compressive force C on the appendage. It is preferred that it is the curved surface  119  of flange  113  that contacts appendage A, thus providing greater leverage of the applied force. The user may also rock handle  117  back and forth to adjust the compressive force C. 
         [0031]    When the user is done massaging, the steps of  FIGS. 5A-5C  may be reversed and device  100  may be taken off of appendage A. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are a back, side perspective view, and a side view, respectively of a second embodiment device  600  for massaging. Device  600  is generally similar to device  100 , except as explicitly stated. 
         [0033]    Device  600  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  includes a pair of brackets  620   a  and  620   b  which support pins  621   a  and  621   b,  respectively. Pins  621   a  and  621   b  support belt  130 , which includes a buckle  136  for adjusting the length of the belt. The operation of device  600  is similar to that of device  100 , where a user places a body part between belt  130  and curved surface  119 . 
         [0034]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. 
         [0035]    Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.