Patent Publication Number: US-10307326-B2

Title: Multi-density massage ball

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure herein relates to therapeutic body massage devices, such as massage balls, and more particularly, to a multi-density massage ball which substantially mirrors the hardness and deformation characteristics of the human thumb or flesh and is particularly effective in relieving tender and painful conditions such as muscle conditions, including but not limited to trigger points. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The art of massage has long been used to relieve various muscle, tendon and other connective tissue ailments. The kneading of muscles, for example, imparts a modification to the muscle tissue that acts beneficially on the nerves, the muscles being controlled by the nerves in both their movement and nourishment, health of the muscle tissue due to improved blood circulation, and effusion of waste material from the muscle and connective tissues. Accordingly, numerous devices are known in the art for massaging muscles or other tissues. A number of patents of interest in this regard include, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,868,689, 6,093,159, 6,146,343, 6,241,696, and 7,156,817, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Tight muscles are a common condition particularly among athletes and other active persons. Tight muscles can be caused by a variety of factors including overuse, in which small micro tears form in the muscles and cause the muscles to tighten. Poor stretching routines, particularly after physical training, may lead to muscle tightness since a muscle may adaptively shorten if it is not regularly stretched to its natural length. Bad posture can also lead to muscle tightness since improper positioning of the head or other body part may increase the work required by the muscles that support the body part. 
     A “trigger point” is a common type of connective tissue injury which may be caused by conditions including but not limited to long periods of sitting, repetition of movement, poor biomechanics, myofacia accumulation, electrolyte depletion, salt deficiency, or general muscle over-use. A trigger point is a discrete knot or tight, ropy band of muscle that forms when a muscle fails to relax. The knot often can be felt under the skin and may twitch involuntarily when touched. This is known as a “jump sign”. Trigger points can trap or irritate nerves surrounding the affected tissue and cause referred pain-pain which originates in one part of the body and is felt in another (such as pain from a heart attack that is felt in the jaw or arm). Scar tissue, loss of range of motion and muscle weakness may occur over time as a result of a trigger point. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a message device which is particularly effective in relieving pain and discomfort associated with trigger points as well as other muscle or connective tissue ailments. More particularly, it would be desirable to have a massage device such as a massage ball which has massage zones of various densities to enable a user to control the level and intensity of massage, which mirrors the hardness and deformation characteristics of the flesh on the human thumb or palm, and is capable of hands-free use by an individual. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosure herein is directed to a massage ball having a plurality of adjacent foam layers including at least one first density foam layer, at least one second density foam layer and at least one third density foam layer; and a glue layer between each adjacent foam layer thereby adhering together the plurality of foam layers. A density of the first density foam layer is different from a density of the second density foam layer which is different from a density of the third density foam layer. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, a solid core is provided within the center of the massage ball. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       These and other features and advantages of the disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a massage ball according to the disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded cross-sectional view taken generally along a centerline of the massage ball shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the massage ball shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a massage ball according to the disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded cross-sectional view taken generally along a centerline of the massage ball shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the massage ball shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a first exemplary embodiment of a massage ball according to the disclosure herein is shown generally by reference numeral  10 . Massage ball  10  is preferably spherical in shape and includes a spherical core  12 . Massage ball  10  includes at least one first density foam layer  14 , at least one second density foam layer  16 , at least one third density foam layer  18 , and at least one fourth density foam layer  20  forming cross-sectional “slices” of the sphere. A plurality of glue layers  22  holding together the plurality of foam layers  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 . When assembled, the massage ball  10  has a diameter of approximately 2-5 inches in the exemplary embodiment, preferably 2-3 inches and more particularly 2.62 inches. These layers impart compression-resistance and deformation characteristics to the massage ball  10  which mirror the compression-resistance and deformation characteristics of the flesh on a human thumb or palm. These characteristics enable the massage ball  10  to function in the same manner as the fingers or hand of a massage therapist in the treatment of muscular or other connective tissue ailments. The massage ball  10  is effective in relieving pain and discomfort associated with a variety of muscle and connective tissue ailments, and may further be used as a tool for the prevention of trigger points and other muscular and connective tissue ailments. 
     The spherical core  12  of the massage ball  10  may be made from, for example, rubber, wood, foam, solid polyvinylchloride (PVC), or any other known substantially firm, rigid, generally solid material including but not limited to polyurethane, stone, plastic or metal. Typically, in the exemplary embodiment for massage ball  10 , the core  12  has a diameter of about 4 cm. The core  12  mirrors the firm or rigid consistency of the bone in the human thumb. The substantially firm or rigid core  12  further functions as a support base which renders the massage ball  10  capable of supporting a substantial compressive load or pressure without excessive deformation, and imparts weight to the massage ball  10  when desired. 
     Multiple massage zones of various densities are provided in the massage ball  10 . By way of example, massage ball  10  includes opposing ends  14   a ,  14   b  of first density foam layer  14 , intermediate layers  16   a ,  16   b  of second density foam layer  16 , a plurality of central layers  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  of third density foam layer  18  alternating with a plurality of layers  20   a ,  20   b  of a fourth density foam layer  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, the massage zones may include at least one low-density massage zone defined by fourth density foam layer  20 , at least one medium-density massage zone defined by second and/or third density foam layers  16 ,  18 , and at least one high-density massage zone defined by first density foam layer  14 . Accordingly, the low-density massage zone is lower in density and softer to the touch than the medium-density massage zone. Likewise, the medium-density massage zone is lower in density and softer to the touch than the high-density massage zone. 
     In the exemplary embodiment for massage ball  10 , opposing ends  14   a ,  14   b  of first density foam layer  14  have a density of 50+/−3 measured with an Asker C durometer, intermediate layers  16   a ,  16   b  of second density foam layer  16  have a density of 70+/−3 measured with an Asker C durometer, central layers  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  of third density foam layer  18  have a density of 55+/−3 measured with an Asker C durometer, and layers  20   a ,  20   b  of a fourth density foam layer  20  have a density of 65+/−3 measured with an Asker C durometer. A possible foam material forming the foam layers is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), for example, but other foam polymers and materials could of course also be used. 
     The plurality of foam layers,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  are secured together by a layer of glue  22  disposed between the adjacent foam layers. The thickness of the glue layers is chosen such that the glue layers form a rib structure  24  which assists in enhancing circulation during a massage. With reference to  FIG. 3 , the rib structure  24  brings together the layers  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  of the multiple foam densities to create a systematic approach to blood flow. Each end  14   a ,  14   b  of the massage ball  10  represents an acupressure softness for molding into the body part while also using the textured surface for added comfort and stabilization of the ball. The rigidness of the glue layers  22  allows for structural integrity as the user rolls the ball  10  over the surface of the muscles. Even with additional weight added by core  12 , ball  10  will slowly reform back to its original shape. Massage ball  10  is designed to change shape once pressure is applied so that there is continual support to the targeted muscle as the user rolls ball. Contrary to prior massage balls which are ridged and firm and therefor stay on of the muscle, massage ball  10  is absorbed into the muscle. The outer foam surface formed by the plurality of foam layers is designed to feel much like a therapist hand aiding in additional comfort. 
     The number of foam layers and the thickness of each foam layer are illustrated for the exemplary embodiment of massage ball  10 . One skilled in the art will recognize however that fewer layers of foam may be used to achieve satisfactory results in some instances and the thickness of each foam layer may be uniform across massage ball  10  or certain layers may have a greater or lesser thickness depending upon the massage characteristics desired. 
     It will be also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the densities of the foam layers forming the low-density massage zones, the medium-density massage zones and the high density massage zones on the massage ball  10  may be varied as desired so as to enable a user to achieve a high degree of selectivity and control in the level, intensity and location of the massaging action which is imparted by the massage ball  10  against the user&#39;s selected area of the body. 
     Likewise, one skilled in the art will recognize that the overall diameter and size of the massage ball may also be varied to meet various needs of a user. For example, a larger massage ball having a diameter of five inches is also possible, as would be any other diameter. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 4-6 , a second exemplary embodiment of a massage ball according to the disclosure herein is shown generally by reference numeral  100 . Massage ball  100  includes at least one first density foam layer  140 , at least one second density foam layer  160 , at least one third density foam layer  180 , at least one fourth density foam layer  200 , and a plurality of glue layers  220  holding together the plurality of foam layers  140 ,  160 ,  180 ,  200 . When assembled, the massage ball  100  has a diameter of approximately 2-5 inches in the exemplary embodiment, preferably 2-3 inches and more particularly 2.62 inches. These layers impart compression-resistance and deformation characteristics to the massage ball  100  which mirror the compression-resistance and deformation characteristics of the flesh on a human thumb or palm. These characteristics enable the massage ball  100  to function in the same manner as the fingers or hand of a massage therapist in the treatment of muscular or other connective tissue ailments. The massage ball  100  is effective in relieving pain and discomfort associated with a variety of muscle and connective tissue ailments, and may further be used as a tool for the prevention of trigger points and other muscular and connective tissue ailments. 
     Multiple massage zones of various densities are provided in the massage ball  100 . By way of example, massage ball  100  includes opposing ends  140   a ,  140   b  of first density foam layer  140 , intermediate layers  160   a ,  160   b  of second density foam layer  160 , a plurality of central layers  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  of third density foam layer  180  alternating with a plurality of layers  200   a ,  200   b  of a fourth density foam layer  200 . In the exemplary embodiment, the massage zones may include at least one low-density massage zone defined by fourth density foam layer  200 , at least one medium-density massage zone defined by second and/or third density foam layers  160 ,  180 , and at least one high-density massage zone defined by first density foam layer  140 . Accordingly, the low-density massage zone is lower in density and softer to the touch than the medium-density massage zone. Likewise, the medium-density massage zone is lower in density and softer to the touch than the high-density massage zone. 
     In the exemplary embodiment for massage ball  100 , opposing ends  140   a ,  140   b  of first density foam layer  140  have a density of 50+/−3 measured with an Asker C durometer, intermediate layers  160   a ,  160   b  of second density foam layer  160  have a density of 80+/−3 measured with an Asker C durometer, central layers  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  of third density foam layer  180  have a density of 60+/−3 measured with an Asker C durometer, and layers  200   a ,  200   b  of a fourth density foam layer  200  have a density of 70+/−3 measured with an Asker C durometer. A possible foam material forming the foam layers is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), for example, but other foam polymers and materials could of course also be used. 
     The plurality of foam layers,  140 ,  160 ,  180 ,  200  are secured together by a layer of glue  220  disposed between the adjacent foam layers. The thickness of the glue layers is chosen such that the glue layers form a rib structure  240  which assists in enhancing circulation during a massage. With reference to  FIG. 6 , the rib structure  240  brings together the layers  140 ,  160 ,  180 ,  200  of the multiple foam densities to create a systematic approach to blood flow. Each end  140   a ,  140   b  of the massage ball  100  represents an acupressure softness for molding into the body part while also using the textured surface for added comfort and stabilization of the ball. The rigidness of the glue layers  220  allows for structural integrity as the user rolls the ball  100  over the surface of the muscles. Massage ball  100  is designed to change shape once pressure is applied so that there is continual support to the targeted muscle as the user rolls ball. Contrary to prior massage balls which are ridged and firm and therefor stay on of the muscle, massage ball  100  is absorbed into the muscle. The outer foam surface formed by the plurality of foam layers is designed to feel much like a therapist hand aiding in additional comfort. 
     The number of foam layers and the thickness of each foam layer are illustrated for the exemplary embodiment of massage ball  100 . One skilled in the art will recognize however that fewer layers of foam may be used to achieve satisfactory results in some instances and the thickness of each foam layer may be uniform across massage ball  100  or certain layers may have a greater or lesser thickness depending upon the massage characteristics desired. 
     It will be also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the densities of the foam layers forming the low-density massage zones, the medium-density massage zones and the high density massage zones on the massage ball  100  may be varied as desired so as to enable a user to achieve a high degree of selectivity and control in the level, intensity and location of the massaging action which is imparted by the massage ball  100  against the user&#39;s selected area of the body. 
     Likewise, one skilled in the art will recognize that the overall diameter and size, as well as the shape, of the massage ball may also be varied to meet various needs of a user. For example, a larger massage ball having a diameter of five inches is also possible, as would be any other diameter. 
     In a typical application, the massage ball  10 ,  100  is used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with trigger points, spasms and other muscular ailments. Accordingly, in the event that a deltoid muscle of a user is afflicted with pain or discomfort caused by a trigger point and/or muscle spasm, for example, the user initially presses the massage ball  10 ,  100  against the region adjacent to his or her shoulder beneath which the afflicted muscle lies, using his or her hand. After several seconds of continuous and steady pressure, the massage ball  10 ,  100  gradually deforms to change shape and generally conform to the configuration of the surface on the shoulder against which the massage ball  10 ,  100  is pressed. Accordingly, the massage ball  10 ,  100  applies pressure which penetrates the belly of the afflicted muscle without damaging the muscle tissue. As the massage ball  10 ,  100  thus changes shape, the user rolls the ball around on the affected area in a generally circular or back-and-forth motion while continuing to apply pressure against the massage ball  10 ,  100  using the hand. This pressure applied to the affected area by the massage ball  10 ,  100  increases flow of oxygenated blood or blood and oxygen to the muscle afflicted with the trigger point and/or spasms, creating elasticity in the belly of the muscle and relieving the associated pain and discomfort. This procedure is applied as often as is necessary to relieve the pain and discomfort and eliminate the condition. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that repeated use of the massage ball  10 ,  100  in the manner heretofore described is effective not only in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with trigger points, spasms or other muscular afflictions, but also in preventing additional occurrences of the pain or discomfort. It will be further appreciated that the massage ball  10 ,  100  provides a safe and effective way for a person to manipulate muscle or connective tissue on his or her own, without requiring the manual kneading action of a massage therapist. 
     While the disclosure herein has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, this is by way of illustration for purposes of disclosure rather than to confine the invention to any specific arrangement as there are various alterations, changes, deviations, eliminations, substitutions, omissions and departures which may be made in the particular embodiment shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention.