Patent Publication Number: US-10772789-B2

Title: Massage device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This Application is a 371 National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/US2014/023529, filed on Mar. 11, 2014, published as International Publication No. WO 2014/164808 A1, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/776,419, filed on Mar. 11, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/880,574, filed on Sep. 20, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The discussion below is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The present disclosure relates to a manually operated massage device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a manually operated massage device that is capable of providing massage therapy to the neck region, mid-to-upper back region, and lower back region of an individual. 
     Many people have muscular issues in the one or more of the thoracic, cervical and/or lumbar regions of their backs. For many people a therapeutic massage is recommended to relieve muscular pain issues, decrease muscle and joint stress, assist in decompression, and/or to increase the flexibility and posture of the back and spine. The massage relaxes the muscles and relieves muscular tension, which can cause discomfort, pain and can cause impingement of a nerve extending through the spinal column. 
     However, due to the location of the spinal column relative to a person&#39;s arms, a person typically cannot massage the muscles of their own back. Therefore, people are typically required to visit a massage therapist to receive a back massage. However, many people are not willing to take the time required to visit a massage therapist. Further, many people are not financially able to visit a massage therapist. 
     There is a need for a device that a person could utilize to massage the muscles around the spine and on the back of the person. However, most people do not want large machines in their homes. Therefore, the device would need to be compact, convenient and easy to use, and also easy to assemble and disassemble. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary and the Abstract herein are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary and the Abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background. 
     One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a massage device that can be utilized to massage a person&#39;s back, including the thoracic, cervical and lumbar regions. The device includes left and right arms that are substantially similar in configuration where both the left and right arms have a middle portion. A cross bar can be removably attached to the middle portions of the left and right arms, and when attached, the cross bar spaces the left and right arms apart. Both the left and right arms include a front raised angled portioned extending from a front end of the middle portion and a back angled portion extending from a back end of the middle portion. Each arm includes a front pivot area at the junction of the front end of the middle portion and front angled portion and a back pivot area at the junction of the back end of the middle portion and the back angled portion. The cross bar carries a massage element where the massage elemnt is configured to provide a massaging action to the selected muscles as the left and right arms are pivoted either on the front pivot area or the back pivot area. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the front pivot areas and the back pivot areas being aligned on the left and right arms. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to the first arm and the second arm have the same configuration. A length of the first back angled portion is larger than a length of the first front angled portion and the second back angled portion is larger than the length of the second front angled portion. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an overlay being positioned on the back angled portions. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the massage element being a roller with a first edge and a second edge and a recessed channel positioned between the first and the second edges of the roller. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cover that is removably secured to the roller. The cover can include a plurality of knobs and/or probes. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the massage element comprises a pad. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the arching pad having a rectangular configuration. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the arching pad having a convex upper surface and a concave lower surface. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a massage device having spaced apart first and second arms both arms having aligned first and second pivot areas. A cross bar having a first end and a second end wherein the cross bar is attached to the first arm proximate the first end of the cross bar between the first and second pivot areas and wherein the cross bar is attached to the second arm proximate the second end of the cross bar between the first and second pivot areas. A massage element is carried by the cross bar. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the first and second arms each comprise a middle portion having a first end and a second end and a front angled portion extends from the first end of the middle portion wherein a junction of the front angled portion and the first end of the middle portion forms the first pivot area. A back angled portion extending from the second end of the middle portion wherein a junction of the second end of the middle portion and the back angled portion forms the second pivot area. 
     While the aspects are disclosed separately, it is contemplated that aspects separately can be combined with other aspects in any combination desired. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a massage device. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the massage device. 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the massage device. 
         FIG. 4A  is a top view of a cross bar with a roller and an acupressure wrap. 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view of the cross bar with the roller and the acupressure wrap in a twisted configuration. 
         FIG. 4C  is a top view of the cross bar with an acupressure wrap positioned underneath the roller. 
         FIG. 4D  is a top view of the acupressure wrap secured around the roller. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of cross bars having differently configured massage rollers. 
         FIG. 6  is top view of a cross bar having a single massage roller. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the massage device with an arch pad. 
         FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the massage device with the arch pad. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the massage device with an independent arch pad placed over the roller. 
         FIG. 8B  is a side view of the massage device with the arch pad paced over the roller pivoted on a back pivot portion. 
         FIG. 8C  is a side view of the massage device with the arch pad paced over the roller in a resting position. 
         FIG. 8D  is a side view of the massage device with the arch pad paced over the roller pivoted on a front pivot portion. 
         FIG. 8E  is a side view of the massage device in a resting position with the arch pad placed over the roller. 
         FIG. 9A  is a series view of the pivoting motion of the device. 
         FIG. 9B  is a schematic view of the pivoting motion of the device. 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic view of a use of the device from a seated position for massaging the lumbar region of a person&#39;s back. 
         FIG. 10B  is a schematic view of a use of the device from a prone position for massaging the lumbar region of a person&#39;s back. 
         FIG. 10C  is a schematic view of a use of the device from a seated position for massaging the thoracic or cervical region of a person&#39;s back. 
         FIG. 10D  is a schematic view of a use of the device from a prone position for massaging the thoracic or cervical region of a person&#39;s back. 
         FIG. 10E  is a schematic view of a use of the device from a seated position for massaging as the lower leg, calves and Achilles tendons. 
         FIG. 11A  is another schematic view of a use of the device for muscle-toning exercises such as abdominal crunches. 
         FIG. 11B  is another schematic view of a use of the device for muscle-toning exercises such as such as pushups. 
         FIG. 11C  is another schematic view of a use of the device for muscle-toning exercises such as reverse dips. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of the massage device with a plurality of cross bars and massage pads. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     A massage device is generally illustrated at  10  in  FIG. 1 . The massage device  10  includes spaced apart left and right arms  12  and  14  that are secured together with a cross bar  28  that typically carries a massage roller or a massage pad. The left and right arms  12  and  14  are similarly constructed and are interchangeable with each other. Manual force is placed upon the left and right arms  12  and  14  to move the massage roller or the massage pad upward and/or downward, in an arcing motion, to provide a massage to a selected area on a person&#39;s body. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , each arm  12  and  14  includes a middle portion  16 . A typical configuration of the middle portion includes a substantially straight configuration along a longitudinal axis such that a bottom surface of the middle portion is configured to engage a surface, such as a floor, along the length of the middle portion  16 . However other configurations of the middle portion  16  are also contemplated, including but not limited to a vertically arcuate configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1-4 , each arm  12  and  14  also includes a front portion  18  having a proximal end attached to a front end of the middle portion  16  with a front pivot portion  90 . The front portion  18  is angled upwardly from the middle portion  16  and forms a first interior obtuse angle. An end cap  20  is secured to a distal end of the front portion  18  where the end cap  20  provides a smooth surface and provides protection to the user when moving or utilizing the device  10   
     The back portion  22  extents outwardly from the middle portion  16  and forms a second interior obtuse angle similar to the first angle of the front portion  18  with the middle portion  16 . The front end of the back portion  22  is joined to the back end of the middle portion  16  with a back pivot portion  92 . 
     As illustrated, the back portion  22  is about three times longer than the front portion  18 . However other ratios of the lengths the front portion  18  to the back portion  22  are also contemplated including, but not limited to, a range from a 1 to 1 ratio to a 5 to 1 ratio. 
     The left and right arms  12  and  14  that are typically formed from a single piece of tubular material, such as a metal, typically steel. However, other materials of construction are also contemplated. It is also contemplated that the left and right arms  12  and  14  can be constructed using components that are secured together. 
     A rubberized overlay  24  is positioned over a distal end of the back portion  22  where the rubberized overlay  24  extends down a length of the back portion  22 . The rubberized overlay  24  provides a gripping surface for a person to grip the left and/or right arms when using the device as well as when assembling and disassembling the device  10 . The rubber overlay  24  includes a plurality of grooves  26  that increase the ability of a person to grip the rubberized overlay  24 . However, the overlay  24  is not necessary and also may have different configurations than depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     The cross bar  28  is removable attach proximate a midpoint of the middle portion  16  along both the left and right arms  12  and  14 , respectively. The cross bar  28  is typically attached to the middle portions  16  of the left and right arms  12  and  14  utilizing bolts  40  that are inserted through apertures in the middle portion  16  that align with the apertures  29  approximate the ends of the cross bar  28 . 
     The bolt  40  can threadably engage a surface defining a through bore in the middle portion  16 . Alternatively, nuts  42  can threadably engage the bolts  40  to secure the cross bar  28  to the left and right arms  12  and  14 . It is also contemplated that other securing mechanisms can be utilized including, but not limited a camming mechanism, a clamp and a spring loaded pin. 
     It is also contemplated that the cross bar  28  be permanently attached to the left and right arms. The cross bar  28  can be permanently with attached with an attaching mechanism such as, but not limited to a weld, a rivet, bonding with an epoxy, glue or other adhesive. 
     The cross bar  28  includes at least one massaging element such as a roller  30 , where one configuration of the roller  30  includes left and right protuberances  32  and  34  proximate the edge of the roller  30  and a recessed groove  36  between the protuberances  32  and  34 . The massaging roller  30  with the single recessed groove  36  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4A -D, where the protuberances  32  and  34  are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the spinal column and the recessed groove  36  accepts the spinal column. However, other configurations of the massaging element or roller  30  are also contemplated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , the roller  30  can optionally be covered with a removable cover  110 . The removable cover  110  has a length L and a width W that are sufficient to cover the roller  30 . The removable cover  110  typically includes mating strips  112  and  114  of a hook and look securing mechanism, such as that provided under the VELCRO® trademark. The strips  112  and  114  are typically secured proximate opposite edges  116  and  118  along the width of the cover  110 . While a hook and loop closure mechanism is disclosed, other closure mechanisms are also contemplated including a drawstring, zipper, snaps and buttons and loops and/or buttonholes. 
     The cover  110  can optionally include a plurality of knobs and/or probes  120  that are affixed along various locations in the cover  110 . The plurality of knobs and/or probes  120  protrude from the cover  110  and have a rigidity that is greater than that of the cover  110 . The plurality of knobs or probes  120  knead into the body&#39;s tissues to provide a deeper and more penetrating massage to a selected area. 
     The kneading of the body&#39;s tissues with the knobs and/or probes  120  is referred to as acupressure. The benefits of the acupres sure roller cover  110  include muscle and nerve stimulation, increased tissue flexibility, assisting in relieving muscle stiffness, soreness and spasms, increased blood flow, and enhanced strength and energy to the selected muscles. 
     The plurality of knobs and/or probes  120  can be of any size, shape and/or quantity. The plurality of knobs and/or probes  120  can be of any configuration including, but not limited to, pointed, a partial sphere, a cube or any other geometric configuration. 
     Because the cover  110  increases the diameter of the roller  30 , the area that the can be massaged can be increased relative to an uncovered roller  30  while activating the arms  12  and  14  with manual force. However, it is also contemplated that the cover  110  can also be utilized by laying on top of the roller  30  without moving the roller  30 . Besides being used to massage/knead the back tissues, the roller  30  with the cover  110  can be used to massage/knead other areas of the body. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , an alternative roller is also illustrated where dual rollers  56  and  58  can be utilized. The rollers  56  and  58  include raised edges  60  and an indention  62  such that four pressure points can be massaged at once on a person&#39;s body. The rollers  56  and  58  can be utilized in a synchronized fashion where the rollers  56  and  58  move in the same direction as the arms  12  and  14  are activated. 
     It is also contemplated that that the cross bar  28  include mechanism located between the roller  56  and the roller  58  that can be positioned into an unlocked position where the roller  56  can be activated and moved independently of the roller  58  and vice versa to a locked position where the rollers  56  and  58  are moved in a synchronized movement. One mechanism that is contemplated is a swivel. However other mechanisms are also contemplated. 
     When in the locked position, the mechanism allows for simultaneous or synchronized movement of the rollers  56  and  58  in the same direction. When in the unlocked position, the mechanism allows the independent activation of the rollers  56  and  58  where one roller can be static and the other roller is moved. Similarly one roller  56  can be moved in the forward direction by pushing an arm in the forward direction while the other roller is moved in the rearward direction by pushing the other arm in the opposite direction. As such, a “push and pull” alternating movement can be created with the rollers  56  and  58  when the mechanism is in the unlocked position. It is also contemplated that the rollers  56  and  58  can optionally be covered with an individual cover similar to the cover  110 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the cross bar  28  is illustrated with apertures  29  at the distal ends. However, as illustrated at  FIG. 6 , the cross bar  28  can include a plurality of apertures  29  such that the effective length of the cross bar  28  can be adjusted relative to the left and right arms  12  and  14 . While only one set of apertures  29  is shown at the right end of the cross bar  28 , it is contemplated that the left end could also include a series of apertures  29  such that a width of the device from the left arm  12  to the right arm  14  can be adjusted to a desired width of the person&#39;s body. 
     The cross bar  28  can also optionally include a foam padding  70  that can be positioned on both sides of the massage roller  30  or the pad  50 . The foam padding  70  insures comfort to the person while having also providing a level of massage as a metal tube such as illustrated at  28  can be cold and clammy when touching a person&#39;s body. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , an alternative massage device  150  is illustrated. The device  150  includes left and right arms  152  and  154  and a plurality of cross bars  156 ,  158  and  160 . Each cross bar  156 ,  158  and  160  has a massaging roller  162 ,  164  and  166 , respectively. The rollers  162 ,  164  and  166  can have a configuration such as that of the roller  30  or the rollers  56  and  58  or an arch pad that is discussed later in the application. The rollers  162 ,  164  and  166  can be utilized individually or in any combination thereof to provide the desired massaging of the selected area. By positioning rollers on either side of the mid point between two pivot points  153  and  155  on the arms  152  and  154 , the rollers  162 ,  164  and  166  can be moved on an eccentric meaning the pads moves further when moved on one pivot relative to the other pivot, and thereby provides a more tailored massage to a selected area. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-8E , other massaging pads are also illustrated including a arch pad  50  where the arch pad  50  can be secured over the roller  30 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8E , the rollers  56  and  58  or secured to a cross bar  28  by itself, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The arch pad  50  can be utilized in a similar fashion as the device with the roller  30  where the arms  12  and  14  are activated to pivot and raise the arch pad  50  a selected distance, typically between about three and four inches from the ground level which corresponds to about an 18 degree angle between mid portion and the ground level when in a pivoting position. 
     Alternatively the arch pad  50  can be used as a stand-alone arch pad apart from the massage device  10 . The arch pad  50  includes a convex upper surface  51  and a concave lower surface  49 . The arch pad  50  is configured to engage the back and especially the lower back or the lumbar region. 
     The arch pad  50  is intended to stretch and decompress the spinal vertebrae and elongate the back muscles and thereby provide relief from back pain and improve flexibility. The arch pad  50  covers a greater region of the back relative to the utilizing only the roller  30  attached to the cross bar  28 . When positioned over the roller  30 , the arch pad  50  can be used ‘statically’ as the person lays on top of it motionless, or ‘dynamically’ as the person activates the arms  12  and  14  to set the arch pad  50 , and underlying roller  30 , in motion. The arch pad  50  can be utilized to massage larger portions of the person&#39;s back and/or neck depending on the person&#39;s preference. 
     The arch pad  50  typically has a width of about 8 inches and a nominal length of about 12 inches. However other dimensions are also contemplated. 
     The use of the device  10  having the left and right arms with the middle portion  16  along with the front portion  18  and the back portion  22  is schematically illustrated at  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Referring to  FIG. 9A , a side view of the device is illustrated in use, where the middle portion  16  of the device is flat on the ground and would be considered in a rest position. When the person grips the back portion  22  and pulls the back portion towards the person&#39;s body as indicated by arrow  93 , the device  10  moves on a pivot area  90  such that the roller  30  is raised and rotates in a slight arcuate direction on the cross bar  28  and therefore provides a deeper, more penetrating, wider massage on the person&#39;s back. Alternatively, if the person applies a force in the direction of the arrow  94 , the roller  30  is raised on the pivot area  92  in the opposite direction and therefore another region of a person&#39;s back is being massaged. The same action would occur using the device  10  with the pad  50 . 
     The distance of vertical movement of the roller  30  is indicated at arrow  96 . As illustrated the amount of vertical movement ranges from between about 3 to 4 inches. However, other distances of vertical movement are also contemplated where the amount of vertical movement could be affected by increasing or decreasing the distance between of the pivot portions  90  and  92 , or moving the roller  30  or pad  50  closer to one of the pivot areas  90  or  92 , such at an eccentric motion is formed and one pivot area  90  or  92  will raise the roller more than the other pivot area  90  or  92 , or the dimensions of the device  10  including the arms  12  and  14 , the cross bar  28 , the roller  30  and/or the pad  50  are increased. 
     The movement of the roller  30  is illustrated in  FIG. 9B  and illustrates a movement from a relaxed state to where the device is pivoted on the pivot area  90  and on the pivot area  92 . The same motion would occur with the pad  50  attached to the cross bar  28 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the bottom surfaces of the arms  12  and  14  can optionally include anti-slipping pads  17  located at the pivot areas  90  and  92  and below the connection to the cross bar  28 . The anti-slip pads  17  minimize the movement of the device  10  across the floor and stabilize the device  10  when utilized to massage the back that can be caused by to the back and forth rocking motion. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10E , the device is illustrated being used in numerous positions. Referring to  FIG. 10A , the device  10  illustrated with a person seated in a chair  100  and where the device  10  is being pivoted on the pivot area  92  to massage the muscles of the lumbar region of a person&#39;s back. Referring to  FIG. 10B , the device  10  is being shown utilized on the lumbar region of a person&#39;s back in a prone position. In this position the roller  30  can be manipulated on the pivot areas  90  and  92  to massage the persons back. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10C , the device  10  is shown illustrated with a person seated in a chair  100  and massaging the thoracic or cervical region of the back, where the roller  30  engages the upper regions of the back. The device can be pivoted on the pivot areas  90  and  92  to provide the desired range of motion. Referring to  FIG. 10D , the device is shown being utilized with a person in a prone position, where the person is massaging the cervical and thoracic regions of the back, where both the pivot  92  and  90  can utilized to effectuate movement of the roller  30  along the persons back. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10E , the device  10  can be utilized for numerous other purposes besides massaging the persons back including massaging the person&#39; lower legs, calves and/or Achilles tendons utilizing the roller  30  by moving the device on the pivot areas  92  and  90 , while seated in a chair or alternatively sitting on the floor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11A , the device  10  can be utilized when a person is conducting an abdominal crunch or sit-up. The device  10  can be utilized with the roller  30  to either support or massage the users neck or head region while the hands secure the arm bars for support and technical guidance while conducting abdominal exercises. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11B , because the arms  12  and  14  have the raised portions  18  and  22 , when the ends of the arms  18  and  22  are positioned on the floor, the middle portion  16  and the cross bar  28  is raised. Because middle portion  16  the cross bar  28  is raised, a person can exercise using the arms  18  and  22  or utilizing the raised portion to do a push up which exercises the arms, chest, shoulder and back muscles. Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 11C , a person can utilize the device  10  to exercise the arms, chest, shoulder and back muscles from a different angle by doing arm dips due to the fact that the arms  12  and  14  have raised portions relative to the floor surface as well as the cross bar  28  elevated above the floor surface. 
     While many exercises have been depicted it is also conceivable to use the device  10  for other exercises that are not illustrated herein. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.