Patent Publication Number: US-2022226189-A1

Title: Massage apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/140,033, filed on Jan. 21, 2021. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to exfoliation and massage therapy, and more particularly exfoliation and massage apparatuses. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Feet are the foundation of mobility and are typically overworked and underappreciated. 
     The anatomy of the foot includes 26 bones, 33 joints, 42 muscles, and at least 50 ligaments and tendons, which are utilized to handle hundreds of tons of force every day; e.g., one&#39;s own weight in motion. As such, feet are at risk for injury and muscle fatigue, which can cause the feet and legs to feel sore, achy, and tired. Even more, feet are subjected to more pain from common problems such as bunions, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, and toenail fungus. These problems can develop simply due to neglect and poor hygiene. For these reasons, it is important to practice good foot hygiene every day. This is especially important for individuals that have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, and/or are elderly. 
     Measures for potentially preventing foot problems and managing pain include pedicures and massages. Pedicures are beauty treatments for the feet and toenails and can be done for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes. Pedicures are effective for eliminating dirt, bacteria, and odor from the feet and helping prevent nail diseases and disorders. Pedicures can also provide the opportunity to exfoliate. Exfoliation, e.g., sloughing off dead skin cells, removes the dead skin from the upper layer of the epidermis and reveals the healthy skin underneath. Removing dead skin cells encourages new skin cell growth which can keep the epidermis looking fresh. Other areas of the body, including the legs and feet, also benefit. 
     In addition to pedicures and exfoliation, massaging has many benefits as well. Foot massages have been commonly practiced for centuries and provide benefits that include improved blood flow and circulation. Blood flow can be limited when stress is present. A foot massage can be beneficial as it decreases stress and allows for unimpeded blood flow. In general, massages promote stimulation of the nervous system and enhance circulation. The pressure created by various massage techniques can move blood through congested areas of the body and release of massage pressure can cause new blood to flow into that area. Good circulation allows oxygen rich blood flow to damaged and/or tense muscles thereby promoting the healing process. 
     Although there are many different types of massages, in a basic sense, the term massage generally refers to pressing, rubbing, and/or manipulating the epidermis, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In other words, a massage is the manipulation of the body&#39;s soft tissue generally given for the purpose of treating body stress or pain and resulting in physiological changes in the body through a relaxation response and a mechanical response. The relaxation response is an involuntary, yet predictable response of the nervous system. It is a state in which heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones are reduced and muscles are relaxed. Mechanical responses are physical effects that occur in the body when pressure is applied to soft tissues. As noted above, massages are believed to improve blood and lymph circulation, and improved circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells. 
     Massage techniques are commonly applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, and feet of a massage therapist. With the advancement of technology, many devices or apparatuses have been created for assisting with a massage. Typical hand-held devices made of wood, plastic, or metal can be hard to hold in some circumstances, thereby becoming ineffective as the operator may have dexterity issues. Furthermore, typical hand-held devices can be unyielding to contoured areas of the foot such as high arches and heels. Hand-held devices are usually mechanical and unable to take advantage of the dexterity and flexibility of the human hand. Some hand-held devices may be battery operated costing the user over time as the batteries eventually need to be replaced. Other hand-held devices may have fragile or breakable parts and accessories, which also end up costing the end user over time. 
     In addition to hand-held devices, other foot massaging products can be large, bulky, and stationary. An example includes foot water bath massagers that are filled with water and require the user to place their feet within a tub. The tub can include one or more jets and massaging foot pads. In addition, foot massaging machines have also been utilized, which also require the user to place their feet in the machine and remain stationary. Undesirably, both solutions have been found to be too large and bulky. In addition, these solutions require a user to remain in a stationary and upright sitting position. Undesirably, this can prohibit flexibility and a re-positioning of the user. 
     There is a continuing need for a massage apparatus that can conform to a body of a patient, provide exfoliation, maximize the power of the dexterity and flexibility of the human hand, and increase performance quality to save time and money, which can be used in professional establishments and in personal settings. 
     SUMMARY 
     In concordance with the instant disclosure, a massage apparatus that can conform to a body of a recipient, which can provide exfoliation, and which can maximize the power of dexterity and flexibility of the hand, has been surprisingly discovered. 
     In one embodiment, a massage apparatus includes a main body, a plurality of massage rollers, a textured region, and electronic module. The plurality of massage rollers can be coupled to the main body. The textured region can be disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the main body. The electronic module can be disposed within the main body and can include at least one of a heating mechanism, a cooling mechanism, and a thermoelectric module. The electronic module can be configured to heat, cool, and/or selectively heat and cool the main body and the plurality of massage rollers via the heating mechanism, the cooling mechanism, and the thermoelectric module, respectively. 
     In one example, the main body can include a handle defining a frustoconical shape. The handle can include a first end having a rounded convex surface and the plurality of massage rollers can be coupled to the rounded convex surface. 
     In another example, the main body can include a handle defining a frustoconical shape. The handle can include a first end having a rounded convex surface and a second end having a rounded convex surface, wherein the plurality of massage rollers can be coupled to the rounded convex surface of the first end and the rounded convex surface of the second end can include the textured region. 
     In other various examples, the main body can include a handle defining a flattened spherical shape and a top side having a rounded convex surface, wherein the plurality of massage rollers can be coupled to the rounded convex surface. The main body can include a strap having a first side and a second side, wherein the plurality of massage rollers can be coupled to the first side and the second side can include the textured region. The textured region can include a plurality of bristles, a plurality of abrasive elements, or a plurality of bristles and a plurality of abrasive elements. 
     In another embodiment, a massage apparatus includes a main body, a plurality of massage rollers, and electronic module. The main body can include a palm side, a dorsal side, an inner layer configured to encase a hand of a user, and an outer layer surrounding the inner layer. The plurality of massage rollers can be coupled to the outer layer of the palm side of the main body. The electronic module can be disposed on the palm side of the main body between the inner layer and the outer layer. The electronic module can include a heating element, a power source, and a controller, wherein the heating element follows a path proximate a perimeter of the main body between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the controller can be configured to permit the user to selectively provide power from the power source to the heating element. 
     In one example, the massage apparatus can further include a plurality of bristles and/or a plurality of abrasive elements disposed on at least one of the palm side and the dorsal side of the main body. 
     In a further example, the main body can include a digit portion having a thumb section, an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section, and a pinkie finger section. The heating element can follow the path through each one of the thumb section, the index finger section, the middle finger section, the ring finger section, and the pinkie finger section of the digit portion. 
     In another example, each one of the thumb section, the index finger section, the middle finger section, the ring finger section, and the pinkie finger section of the digit portion can include a distal phalanx portion and a proximal phalanx portion. 
     In another embodiment, a massage apparatus includes a main body, a plurality of massage rollers, a textured region, and electronic module. The main body can include a palm side, a dorsal side, and a digit portion, wherein the digit portion can include a thumb section, an index finger section, a middle finger section, a ring finger section, and a pinkie finger section. The plurality of massage rollers can be coupled to the palm side of the main body, wherein the plurality of massage rollers can include at least one massage roller can be coupled to each one of the thumb section, the index finger section, the middle finger section, the ring finger section, and the pinkie finger section of the digit portion. The textured region can be disposed on the dorsal side of the main body. The electronic module can be disposed in the palm side of the main body. The electronic module can include a power source, a controller, and a thermoelectric module can be configured to selectively heat and cool the main body and the plurality of massage rollers via a heating and cooling element extending throughout the palm side of the main body. The controller can be configured to permit a user to selectively provide power from the power source to the heating and cooling element. 
     In one example, each massage roller of the plurality of massage rollers can include a ball retention member and a ball rotationally secured in the ball retention member, wherein the ball retention member is embedded into the main body such that the ball retention member is not visible. 
     In another example, the palm side of the main body can include a palm area and the plurality of massage rollers can include at least one massage roller coupled to the palm area. The palm area can include three rows of massage rollers. 
     In another example, the plurality of massage rollers can include two massage rollers can be disposed along the thumb section, four massage rollers can be disposed along the index finger section and the pinkie finger section, and five massage rollers can be disposed along the middle finger section and the ring finger section. 
     In another example, textured region can include a plurality of bristles, a plurality of abrasive elements, or a plurality of bristles and a plurality of abrasive elements 
     In another example, the massage apparatus can include a textured region can be disposed on the distal phalanx portion of the thumb section, the index finger section, the middle finger section, the ring finger section, and the pinkie finger section on the palm side of the main body. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. 
     It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is a front plan view of a massage apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting a main body as a glove; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear plan view of the massage apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , depicting a plurality of abrasive elements disposed on a dorsal side of the glove; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a massage roller according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the massage roller of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a finger portion of a massage apparatus depicting massage rollers embedded in the finger portion according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of a finger portion of a massage apparatus depicting massage rollers coupled to a surface of the finger portion according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a front plan view of the massage apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , with an outer layer removed, and further showing an electronic module; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of electronic components of a massage apparatus according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a massage apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting a main body as a handle having a frustoconical shape; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a massage apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting a main body as a handle having a flattened spherical shape; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a massage apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting a main body as an electronic mouse; 
         FIG. 12  is a front plan view of a massage apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting a main body as an elongated strap; and 
         FIG. 13  is a rear plan view of the massage apparatus of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as can be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items can be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that can arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. 
     Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments can alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. 
     Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter can define endpoints for a range of values that can be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X can have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X can have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there can be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below”, or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated  90  degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , a massage apparatus  20  for massaging various portions of a body of a recipient is shown. The massage apparatus  20  can include a main body  22  and one or more massage rollers  24  coupled to the main body  22 . The main body  22  can be configured to be held by a user (e.g., a masseuse, physical therapist, etc.) or fit on a hand of the user to permit the massage apparatus  20  to be used while the recipient (e.g., a patient or the user themselves) is sitting, standing, lying down, or in any other position that benefits the recipient. 
     The main body  22  can be manufactured from various materials or combinations of materials, such as for example, rubber, silicone, spandex, plastic, steel, and wood, among others. However, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can manufacture the main body  22  from materials that can insulate heat and cold, and materials that are flexible enough to bend and conform to the body of the recipient and dexterity of the hand. The material can provide thermal insulation and/or thermal retention, including where the material minimizes the transfer of heat to/from the recipient or where the material can operate as a heat source or heat sink to maximize the transfer of heat to/from the recipient. 
     The massage rollers  24  are coupled to at least a portion of a surface  23  of the main body  22  and can be configured to contact and roll directly on the epidermis of the recipient. Alternatively, the massage rollers  24  can be configured to contact and roll indirectly on the epidermis of the recipient. For example, the epidermis of the recipient can be covered by a material, such as clothing or a towel, in which case, the massage rollers  24  make contact with and roll on the material, and thus the epidermis of the recipient indirectly. The rolling of each massage roller  24 , when combined with the pressure being exerted by the user, can provide localized pressure producing a massaging effect for muscle relaxation for the muscles of the recipient. Action of the massage rollers  24  and/or the pressure by the user may further provide improved circulation for the body of the recipient. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , each massage roller  24  can include a ball retention member  26  and a ball  28  rotationally secured in the ball retention member  26  such that the ball  28  can freely rotate in any direction. In other words, the ball  28  has a 360-degree freedom of rotation when the ball  28  is secured in the ball retention member  26 . The ball retention member  26  can include an upper portion  30  defining an aperture  32  and an inner surface  34  defining a generally hemi-spherical shape corresponding to a shape of an outer surface  36  of the ball  28 . The inner surface  34  can taper inwardly toward the upper portion  30  of the ball retention member  26  to facilitate retention of the ball  28 . The ball  28  can define a diameter D 1  permitting the ball to project through the aperture  32  of the ball retention member  26  while the tapered upper portion  30  of the ball retention member  26  inhibits the ball  28  from fully passing through the aperture  32 . In one example, the diameter D 1  of the ball  28  can be between 0.5 millimeters to 76.2 millimeters. It should be appreciated that a person skilled in the art may scale the diameter of each ball, as desired, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The ball  28  can be manufactured from various materials or combinations of materials, such as, steel, ceramic, glass, plastic, and wood, among others. 
     The ball retention member  26  can further include a bottom portion  38  configured to engage with a surface of the main body  22  to couple the massage roller  24  to the main body  22 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the bottom portion  38  of the ball retention member  26  can be substantially flat to engage with a surface  23  of the main body  22 . However, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can scale the shape and/or size of the ball retention member to conform to a shape and/or size of the main body  22 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1-2 , the main body  22  can include a glove  40 . The glove  40  can be worn on a hand of the user to massage the recipient, e.g., someone other than the user, such as a patient, or the user themselves. Desirably, this permits the user to use the full dexterity of the hand. It is believed that the use of the human hand permits greater control over the movement, direction, and pressure being exerted on the recipient during a massage. 
     The glove  40  can be manufactured from various materials or combinations thereof, including rubber, silicon, latex, spandex, nylon, or any other material suitable for comfortable wear of the user. The glove  40  can come in different sizes and/or be stretchable to conform to different sized hands. In certain examples, the glove  40  is washable, which can permit the glove to be washed and reused, for example, the glove  40  can be washed after use on one patient and reused on the next patient. 
     The glove  40  includes a palm side  42  ( FIG. 1 ), a dorsal side  44  ( FIG. 2 ), a digit portion  46 , and a receiving portion  48  defining an opening configured to receive the hand of the user. In operation, the user inserts a hand into the receiving portion  48  until the hand is enclosed within the glove  40 . When the hand is enclosed within the glove  40 , digit portion  46  encases the fingers of the hand. The digit portion  46  can include a thumb section  52 , an index finger section  54 , a middle finger section  56 , a ring finger section  58 , and a pinkie finger section  60 . Each one of the index finger  54 , middle finger  56 , ring finger  58 , and pinkie finger  60  sections can include a distal phalanx portion  62 , a middle phalanx portion  64 , and a proximal phalanx portion  66 . The thumb section  52  can include the distal phalanx portion  62  and the proximal phalanx portion  66 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the palm side  42  of the glove  40  can include the plurality of massage rollers  24 . The massage rollers  24  can be disposed on at least one of a palm area  68  and at least one section  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  of the digit portion  46 . Desirably, this can allow the user to easily manipulate the massage rollers  24  by moving the hand. In addition, it is believed that disposing the massage rollers  24  on the palm side  42  of the glove  40  permits the user to easily exert pressure on the epidermis of the recipient. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the palm side  42  of the glove  40  includes a plurality of massage rollers  24  disposed on the palm area  68 , the thumb section  52 , the index finger section  54 , the middle finger section  56 , the ring finger section  58 , and the pinkie finger section  60 . 
     More specifically, the palm area  68  can include three rows of massage rollers  24  wherein the top and bottom row each includes three massage rollers  24  and the middle row includes four massage rollers  24 . The thumb section  52  can include two massage rollers  24  disposed along the distal phalanx portion  62  and the proximal phalanx portion  66 . The index finger section  54  and the pinkie finger section  60  can include four massage rollers  24  disposed along the distal phalanx portion  62 , the middle phalanx portion  64 , and the proximal phalanx portion  66 . The middle finger section  56  and the ring finger section  58  can include five massage rollers  24  disposed along the distal phalanx portion  62 , the middle phalanx portion  64 , and the proximal phalanx portion  66 . 
     It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can scale the number, size, and location of the massage rollers  24 , as desired. In nonlimiting examples, the massage rollers  24  can be coupled to the dorsal side  44  as opposed to the palm side  42  or coupled to both the palm side  44  and the dorsal side  44 . Where the massage rollers  24  are disposed on the digit portion  46 , the massage rollers  24  can be disposed along the distal phalanx portion  62 , but not the proximal phalanx portion  66 , or vice-versa. The massage rollers  24  can be disposed along at least two of the distal phalanx portion  62 , the middle phalanx portion  64 , and the proximal phalanx portion  66 . Other nonlimiting examples include:
     (a) massage rollers  24  disposed on the palm area  68 , but not the digit portion  46 ;   (b) massage rollers  24  disposed on the digit portion  46 , but not the palm area  68 ;   (c) massage rollers  24  disposed on at least one of the index finger section  54 , the middle finger section  56 , the ring finger section  58 , and the pinkie finger section  60 , but not the thumb section  52  or the palm area  68 ;   (d) massage rollers  24  disposed on the thumb section  52  and at least one of the index finger section  54 , the middle finger section  56 , the ring finger section  58 , and the pinkie finger section  60 , but not the palm area  68 ;   (e) massage rollers  24  disposed on the palm area  68  and the thumb portion  52 , but not the index finger section  54 , the middle finger section  56 , the ring finger section  58 , or the pinkie finger section  60 ; and   (f) massage rollers  24  disposed on the palm area  68  and at least one of the index finger section  54 , the middle finger section  56 , the ring finger section  58 , and the pinkie finger section  60 , but not the thumb section  52 .   

     Referring to  FIG. 5 , each massage roller  24  can be coupled to the glove  40  such that each massage roller  24  is embedded into the glove  40 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the ball retention member  26  can be disposed within an outer layer  70  on the palm side  42  of the glove  40  such that the ball retention member  26  is not visible and the ball  28  is visible. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the ball retention member  26  can be coupled to the outer layer  70  of the palm side  42  of the glove  40 . In this example, the substantially flat bottom portion  38  of the ball retention member  26  engages with the outer layer  70  such that a portion of or the entire ball retention member  26  is visible. 
     The ball retention member  26  can be coupled to the glove  40  via sewing and/or adhesion. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may employ any coupling method known in the art, as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the glove  40  can include a textured region  72  configured to produce massaging effects to the recipient and/or to exfoliate the epidermis of the recipient. The textured region  72  can be configured to be disposed on at least a portion of a surface  23  of the main body  22 . In various examples, the textured region  72  can be disposed on the palm side  42  of the glove  40 , and more specifically, the textured region  72  can disposed on the distal phalanx portion  62  of each section  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  of the digit portion  46 . Advantageously, with this configuration, the textured region  72  can be manipulated by the fingers of the user. The textured region  72  can be disposed on the palm area  68  of the glove thereby allowing the user to manipulate the textured region  72  by movement of the hand of the user. The textured region  72  can be disposed on the dorsal side  44  of the glove  40 ; e.g., on at least one of a back area  74  and at least one section  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  of the digit portion  46 . Advantageously, with this configuration, the user can simply rotate their hand to use the textured region  72  on the recipient. 
     In one example, the textured region  72  can include a plurality of bristles  76  configured to produce additional massaging effects to the recipient. The size and/or shape of each bristle  76  can be the same over the textured region  72  or can include more than one size and/or shape distributed over the textured region  72 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , each bristle  76  can define an elongated body, and the plurality of bristles  76  can be distributed over a textured region  72  on the distal phalanx portion  62  of each section  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  of the digit portion  46 . Desirably, this permits the bristles  76  to be manipulated by fingers of the user. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may scale the location of the bristles  76 , as desired. 
     The plurality of bristles  76  can be made of a soft elastic material, metal, and/or plastic, among other materials known in the art suitable to provide a massaging effect. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may scale the size, shape, density, and distribution of the bristles  76 , as desired. For example, the dorsal side  44  of the glove  40  can include the plurality of bristles  76  distributed over the entire back area  74 , but not the digit portion  46 , and vice versa. In a further example, the glove  40  can include the plurality of bristles  76  distributed over the back area  74  and entire the digit portion  46 . 
     In another example, the textured region  72  can include a plurality of abrasive elements  78  configured to provide exfoliation by scrapping away dead skin cells of the recipient. The plurality of abrasive elements  78  can be disposed on at least one of the back area  74  of the dorsal side  44  and at least one section  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  of the digit portion  46 . The plurality of abrasive elements  78  can be configured to provide exfoliation by scrapping away dead skin cells of the recipient. Nonlimiting examples of the plurality of abrasive elements  78  can include flexible wet abrasives and/or flexible dry abrasives. The plurality of abrasive elements  78  can have a grit rating, wherein the grit rating can be selected based on the desired rate of skin removal, amount of skin removal, and/or condition of the skin being removed. The plurality of abrasive elements  78  can include a grit rating that is substantially the same across the textured region  72  or can include a grit rating that varies across the textured region  72 . In certain examples, the grit rating can be between 220 grit and 1200 grit. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art can select different grit ratings, as desired. 
     The dorsal side  44  of the glove  40  can include more than one textured region  72 , wherein at least one textured region  72  includes the plurality of bristles and at least one textured region  72  includes the plurality of abrasive elements  78 . In a nonlimiting example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the dorsal side  44  includes the plurality of abrasive elements  78  disposed on the back area  74 , the proximal phalanx portion  66  of each section  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  of the digit portion  46 , and the middle phalanx portion  64  of the index finger section  54 , the middle finger section  56 , the ring finger section  58 , and the pinkie finger section  60 ; and further includes the plurality of bristles disposed on the distal phalanx portion  62 . 
     It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can scale the number and location of the textured region  72 , as desired. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that although the textured region  72  is shown disposed on the dorsal side  44  of the glove  40 , one skilled in the art may provide a glove  40  having a textured region  72  disposed on the palm side  42  or disposed on both the dorsal side  44  and the palm side  42  while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-8 , the massage apparatus  20  can further include an electronic module  80  configured to generate at least one of heat, cold, vibration, and a combination thereof through the main body  22  and/or the massage roller  24 . Advantageously, the heat, the cold, and the vibration can aid in providing muscle relaxation and improve blood circulation in various applications to the recipient. The electronic module  80  can be coupled to the main body  22 . In one example, the electronic module  80  can be disposed within the massage apparatus  20 , which is described in greater detail below. 
     The electronic module  80  can include a power source  82 , a microprocessor  84  electrically connected to the power source  82 , and at least one controller  86 , e.g., a user control. The electronic module  80  further includes at least one of a heating mechanism  90 , a cooling mechanism  91 , a thermoelectric module  92 , and a vibrating mechanism  94  based on which features the massage apparatus  20  provides (e.g., heating, cooling, and/or vibration). The thermoelectric module  92  can be configured to selectively heat and cool the main body  22  and/or the massage rollers  24  of the massage apparatus  20  via a heating and cooling element  105  extending throughout the palm side  42  of the glove  40 . The vibrating mechanism  94  is configured to provide vibration to the massage apparatus  20 . 
     The microprocessor  84  can be configured to activate and deactivate the heating mechanism  90 , the cooling mechanism  91 , the thermoelectric module  92 , and/or the vibrating mechanism  94 . The controller  86  can include one or more user inputs  88  configured to permit the user to selectively control the temperature, vibration and/or power of the massage apparatus  20 . In one example, the one or more user inputs  88  include a button. 
     The power source  82  can be configured to provide power to the various components of the electronic module  80 . In one example, the power source  82  can include a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium polymer battery, disposed in the main body  22 . It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may employ other suitable rechargeable batteries, such as a lead-acid battery or nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery, as desired. The massage apparatus  20  can be configured to recharge the battery using wireless charging capabilities. 
     Furthermore, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may scale the number of power sources or select other suitable power sources while still remaining within the scope of the disclosure. Nonlimiting examples can include a power source  82  that is internal or external to the massage apparatus  20 , such as a battery, an energy-storing microchip, solar energy, an electrical cord plugged into a standard wall socket, and/or a wired connection to a power source  82 . 
     The electronic module  80  can further include a wireless communication protocol  96  adapted to provide communication between the microprocessor  84 , by way of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver, and an external device, such as a mobile phone, computer, tablet, or the like. For example, the microprocessor  84  can be in communication with or have included with it a transceiver such as a Bluetooth radio transceiver for communication to the external device. In a specific example, the massage apparatus  20  communicates with the external device using Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol (BLE). It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may use other wireless communication protocols, such as for example, ANT, Zigbee, LoRa and/or LoRaWAN, while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can employ other features and structures for the electronic module  80 , within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 5-7 , where the main body  22  includes the glove  40 , the electronic module  80  can be disposed between layers of the glove  40 . As such, the glove  40  can include an inner layer  100  configured to encase the hand of the user, an outer layer  102  configured to surround the inner layer  100  and form the outer layer of the glove  40 , and a middle layer  104  disposed between the inner layer  100  and the outer layer  102 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the electronic module  80  can be disposed between the inner layer  100  and outer layer  102  on the palm side  42  of the glove  40 . 
     In one nonlimiting example, the electronic module  80  further includes a housing  108  configured to house components of the electronic module  80 , the heating mechanism  90  and the vibrating mechanism  94 . The heating mechanism  90  can include an elongated heating element  106  formed from an electrically conductive material and electrically coupled to the power source  82 . The heating element  106  can be secured between the inner layer  100  and outer layer  102  of the main body  22  such that the heating element  106  follows a path proximate a perimeter of the main body  22 . The heating element  106  can be secured in the middle layer  104  of the glove  40  and follow a path beginning at the housing  108 , extending towards the digit portion  46 , run through each section  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  of the digit portion  46 , and ending at the housing  108 . With this configuration, the heat generated can be uniformly distributed throughout the glove  40 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , the heating element  106  can be disposed in the glove  40  such that the heating element  106  engages with and heats the massage rollers  24 . The heating element  106  can be configured to engage with and heat some or all the massage rollers  24 . It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may scale the location and path of the heating element  106 , as desired. In operation, the user can selectively provide power from the power source  82  to the heating element  106  via the controller  86 . 
     As discussed above, the main body  22  can be manufactured from materials that provide insulation. Desirably, the insulation can protect the user from the heat or the cold. In some examples, the heat, the cold, and/or the vibration can be adjusted by the user according to the needs of the recipient. In other examples, the heat, the cold, and/or the vibration are set at default values that have been shown to be useful for recipients during a massage. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-10 , the main body  22  of the massage apparatus  20  can include a handle  110 . The handle  110  can define a shape that permits the user to grip the handle  110  while providing ergonomic comfort for the user. In the example shown in  FIG. 9 , the handle  110  defines a frustoconical shape. The handle  110  includes a first end  112  and a second end  114 . Each one of the first end  112  and the second end  114  can include a structure having a metal or metal alloy. The metal or metal alloy can include one or more various bronzes, including alloys of copper and tin, as well as having additional metals such as aluminum, manganese, nickel, and/or zinc. Advantageously, the metal&#39;s alkaline properties are believed to naturally balance pH levels of the epidermis, revitalize, and plump the epidermis, soften fine lines, and facilitate muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation in various applications to the recipient. 
     The first end  112  and the second end  114  can be different sizes, have different surface geometries including different curvatures, texturing, protrusions, and/or recesses. For example, one end  112 ,  114  can be configured to provide a massaging surface without exfoliation and the other end  112 ,  114  can be configured to provide a massaging surface with exfoliation. As such, the respective surface of one end  112 ,  114  can be generally smooth to permit the massage apparatus  20  to slide across the skin, whereas the respective surface of the other end  112 ,  114  can also include the texture region  72  having the bristles  76  and/or the abrasive elements  78  that provides the messaging and/or exfoliating action when the massage apparatus  20  is moved across the epidermis. Alternatively, the first end  112  and the second end  114  can be substantially the same size, have substantially the same surface geometries including substantially the same curvatures, texturing, protrusions, and/or recesses. 
     In one specific example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the first end  112  can define a diameter that is greater than a diameter of a second end  114 . The first end  112  can include a rounded convex surface  116  and the plurality of massage rollers  24  coupled to the rounded convex surface  116 . The ball  28  of each massage roller  24  can be a metal or metal alloy, such as one or more various bronzes, alloys of copper and tin, aluminum, manganese, nickel, and/or zinc. The first end  112  can further include the textured region  72  disposed on the rounded convex surface  116  to produce additional massaging effects and/or to exfoliate the epidermis of the recipient. The second end  114  can include a rounded convex surface  118 . The second end  114  can include the plurality of massage rollers  24  and/or the textured region  72 . However, it should be noted that embodiments also include where both ends are configured with the same or different degrees of smoothness or geometries, as well as where both ends are configured with the same or different degrees of texture or abrasiveness to provide exfoliation. The electronic module  80  can be disposed in the frustoconical shaped handle  110  such that the electronic module  80  can generate at least one of heat, cold, vibration, and a combination thereof at the first end  112  and/or the second end  114 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 10 , the handle  110  defines a flattened spherical shape. The handle  110  can include a top side  120  having a rounded convex surface  122  and the plurality of massage rollers  24  coupled to the rounded convex surface  122 . The handle  110  can include the textured region  72  disposed on the rounded convex surface  122  to produce additional massaging effects and/or to exfoliate the epidermis of the recipient. The electronic module  80  can be disposed in the flattened spherical handle  110  to generate heat, cold, and/or vibration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the main body  22  of the massage apparatus  20  can include a computer mouse shape  124  defining a contour surface  126 . The computer mouse shape can be designed to be held by the user to permit the user to use the full dexterity of the hand. It is believed that the contour surface  126  can provide ergonomic comfort for the user. However, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the contour surface  126  can be formed into different ergonomic designs, within the scope of this disclosure. The computer mouse shape  124  can include the plurality of massage rollers  24  coupled to the contour surface  126 . The computer mouse shape  124  can include the electronic module  80  disposed beneath the contour surface to generate heat, cold, and/or vibration. 
     The computer mouse shape  124  can be comprised of memory foam. In certain examples, at least a portion of the main body  22  can be filled with memory foam. Desirably, the memory foam can conform the main body  22  to the hand of the user. It should be appreciated that the main body  22  can also be comprised of expanded polystyrene (EPS) microbeads. Like the memory foam, the EPS microbeads can permit the main body  22  to be flexible and conform to the body of the user. In certain examples, the EPS microbeads can be disposed on the contour surface  126  in a grid design. This can permit the EPS microbeads to act as a massage element. In particular, the EPS microbeads can actively shape to the body of the recipient, thereby providing reactive support. In other instances, the textured region  72  can be disposed on the contour surface  126 . Desirably, this can permit exfoliation while the user is being massaged. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-13 , the main body  22  of the massage apparatus  20  can include a strap  128 . The strap  128  can be configured to be manipulated by one or both hands of the user. Desirably, the strap  128  can permit the user to use the full dexterity of one or both hands. Pressure can be adjusted by releasing or tightening the users grip on the strap  128 . It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art can employ other types of structures for the main body  22 , as desired. The strap  128  can include a first side  130  and a second side  132 . The first side  130  can include the plurality of massage rollers  24  and/or the textured region  72 . Likewise, the second side  132  can include the plurality of massage rollers  24  and/or the textured region  72 . 
     In one specific example, as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , the first side  130  of the strap  128  includes the plurality of massage rollers  24  and the second side  132  includes the textured region  72 . Advantageously, this configuration provides a massage apparatus that can conform to the body of the recipient and further permit the user to use the strap  128  to roll the massage rollers  24  across the epidermis on the recipient. In addition, like the glove  40 , this location can permit the user to easily exert pressure on the epidermis of the recipient. Furthermore, this configuration permits the user to simply flip the strap  128  to use the textured region  72  on the second side  132  for exfoliation. 
     Advantageously, the massage apparatus  20  can conform to the body of the recipient. The various embodiments of the massage apparatus  20 , including the glove  40 , the handle  110 , the computer mouse shape  124 , and the strap  128  can each conform to the body of the recipient. 
     While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is further described in the following appended claims.