Patent Publication Number: US-11376185-B2

Title: Massage apparatus and method of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a National Stage Entry of PCT/IB2017/056169, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as part of the present application. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to massage apparatus and a method of its use for massage of the human body. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A significant body of prior art exists in relation to devices and apparatus for massaging limbs and areas of the human body. U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,708 to Sprott discloses apparatus having splayed bars hingedly connected and having a massage pad on each. The pads are fixed to the bar against rotation and lateral movement and are applied to provide a rubbing or kneading action. They are demountable for cleaning or replacement. 
     US Patent Application Publication 2011/0137218 discloses massage apparatus having a pair of opposing rollers mounted on opposed respective sprung arms that extend upwardly from a base plate to define a massage gap between them. The constantly tensioned sprung arms impart force to the body portion received into the gap. Separate adjustment means adjust the width of the gap when the gap is not occupied or can be used to exert increased force once a body portion is operatively located within it. 
     US Patent Application Publication 2014/0228722 similarly discloses massage apparatus having opposing sets of rollers mounted on opposed respective spring-biased arms that are brought either side against a limb to be massaged. In the case of a self-administered massage of the back of the thigh while in a sitting position, the user is obliged to push generally upwardly with their one arm, suffering the inconvenience of the position risking trauma to other muscle groups in the process. 
     The above examples are of apparatus with a limited range of implementation and that rely for success on the physical strength of the person administering the massage. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     According to a first aspect, there is provided a massage apparatus including:
         a. An openable and closeable frame supporting opposingly-located first and second massage tools mounted thereon to define between them a massage gap, wherein a body portion is receivable for massaging, and   b. Gap adjusting means whereby the gap is adjustable while the apparatus is in use, for said massage tools in use to exert therapeutically effective force substantially continuously on a massage-receiving body portion received in the gap.   The magnitude of the force that the tool exerts on the body portion in the gap is independent of force applied by a human tool user, due to the gap being adjustable during use by such user.       

     In a one embodiment, the gap is adjustable while therapeutic force is being applied to the body portion of a massage receiver. 
     In a further embodiment, the gap and the frame are located in different planes. 
     The first massage tool may include a roller. The roller desirably has a pliant outer surface. 
     The second massage tool may be configured to provide a predetermined massage effect. The tool may be stationary or moveable in relation to the frame. In an embodiment, the tool is rotatable in relation to the frame to apply rolling pressure to the body portion in the gap. 
     In a further embodiment, the frame has a pair of crossbars defining opposite frame sides, to each of which is mounted one of the massage tools, and a side element extending between the crossbars, the side element being adjustable in length for causing adjustment of the gap. 
     In a still further embodiment, the frame is separable into first and second subassemblies, each bearing one of said tools, said subassemblies being detachably connected by said gap adjusting means. 
     Each subassembly may include a pair of side elements linked by a crossbar and mounting means for said respective tools. 
     The second massage tool may be mounted to a structure mounted to the side elements. 
     In an embodiment, the second massage tool is selectable from a set of two or more removably mountable and interchangeable tools. 
     In a further embodiment, the set of second tools may include a tool that, in relation to the frame, is fixable in a desired stationary orientation, or is rotatably mountable. 
     In a still further embodiment, the gap adjusting means includes connector means operable for connecting and separating the subassemblies. 
     The connector means, by acting on the pairs of side elements, may connect a side element from one subassembly to a side element of the other. 
     In an embodiment, the side elements include a screw-threaded bar, engageable with the connector means of the adjusting means. The connector means includes a complementally threaded tube having opposite ends configured respectively to receive one of the side elements. 
     In a further embodiment, the connector means includes a reinforcing bar connector mechanism. The mechanism may include co-operating screw-threaded formations. 
     In a yet further embodiment, the adjusting means includes locking means for locking the connector means against uncontrolled release of at least one of the side elements. 
     The locking means may be engageable to prevent relative rotation between the connector means and said at least one frame element in a gap-widening direction. In an embodiment, the locking means includes a ratchet mechanism. 
     The crossbar of the first subassembly may be pivotally attached to the side elements of said subassembly. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the first massage tool is mounted on a shaft connected to be parallel with the crossbar. In an embodiment, the shaft is spaced from the frame. 
     In a further embodiment, the shaft is mounted to depend from the crossbar. 
     The frame may include mounting means for mounting an axle for supporting the second tool in spaced relationship to the frame. The second tool may include stabilising means for engaging with the axle and with the frame. 
     The second massage tool, in an embodiment, may be supportively engaged with the crossbar when mounted. 
     According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus including:
         a. First and second detachably connectable subassemblies bearing respective first and second massage tools, the first massage tool being for supporting a body portion to be massaged against the second tool, the second tool being adapted for providing a predetermined massage effect to a massage-receiving human body portion, and   b. Connector means operable to:
           i. connect the subassemblies together to define a closed frame, thereby to establish between the tools an adjustable gap, into which the body portion is receivable, and   ii. control the gap size while massage therapy is being applied to the body portion.   
               

     The controlling of the gap, to provide therapeutically effective force to the body portion, is achieved independently of any action applied by the person using the tool either to give or receive the massage. They are required to cause the tool to traverse the skin of the recipient, but need not apply pressure of their own to the muscle in the body portion. 
     In one embodiment, the closed frame includes opposed first and second crossbars, connected to axially extensible side elements including said connector means. 
     The connector means may be independently operable. 
     In a further embodiment, the connector means are operable to cause elongation and shortening of the side elements, thereby causing controllable adjustment of the gap. 
     The connector means may be screw-threadedly attached to the subassemblies. 
     Each connector means may include releasable engagement means engageable with at least one of said subassemblies, engagement preventing rotation of the connector means in one predetermined direction relative to said at least one subassembly. 
     Still further, in an embodiment, the first tool is mounted to the first crossbar. 
     In such embodiment, the first tool may be rotatably mounted on a shaft spaced from the crossbar. 
     The first tool may include a roller. The roller may be provided to function as a support for an opposite side of the limb to the side receiving therapeutic or other predetermined form of massage. The roller may have a pliantly resilient surface. 
     In another embodiment, the second tool is mounted from the side elements. The second element may be mounted to a shaft connected to both side elements, the shaft being spaced from the second crossbar. 
     The shaft may be generally parallel with the second crossbar. 
     In a further embodiment, the second massage tool is adapted for being stationary in relation to the second crossbar the massage apparatus. In this embodiment, the second tool may be supported by the second crossbar. 
     The second tool may engage with the second crossbar to inhibit relative movement between them. 
     In a still further but alternative embodiment, the second tool is rotatably mounted on the shaft. 
     In a yet further embodiment, the gap and the frame are located in different planes. 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a set of two or more removably mountable and interchangeable second massage tools having shapes adapted for providing respectively different massage effects. 
     According to a third aspect of the apparatus of this disclosure, there is provided a method of therapeutic massage including the steps of:
         a. providing massage-giving apparatus comprising:
           i. First and second detachably connectable subassemblies bearing respective first and second massage tools, in combination being capable of imparting a therapeutic massage effect to a body part of a massage recipient requiring massage; and   ii. Connector means connectable between the subassemblies to form a frame defining a gap between the tools for receiving the body part for massage;   
           b. Operating the connector means to connect the subassemblies together to form said frame and define said gap between the tools;   c. Causing placement of the body part to be massaged in the gap; and   d. Operating the connector means for adjusting the gap during massage-giving, for the tools to apply a controllable therapeutic pressure to whichever portion of the body part is located temporarily within the gap.       

     The method, in an embodiment, extends to causing relative massaging movement between at least one of the tools and the body part. The step of causing the movement may entail causing at least one of the tools to traverse a surface of the body part opposite to the body part surface receiving massage. 
     In an embodiment, the method includes applying the first massage tool to support the body part and the second to apply massaging pressure to the supported part. 
     The method may further include operating the connector means repeatedly during massage, whereby the gap is adjusted to apply a selected degree of pressure to a different part of the body reached as a result of movement of the second tool in relation to the body. 
     The method may also include the step of providing the connector means in the form of a reinforcing bar connector for connecting reinforcing bar elements of the first and second subassemblies, wherein rotation of the connector causes adjustment of the length of the frame sides by adjusting the spacing between the subassemblies. 
     Operating the connector means to adjust the gap may include releasing a locking mechanism that prevents uncontrolled increasing of the gap. 
     In an embodiment, the locking means includes a ratchet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the disclosure may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus: 
         FIG. 1  shows in front perspective view, one embodiment of the apparatus, but with only one of the massage tools fitted. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a second tool operatively mounted. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with an alternative second tool operatively mounted and with one of the hand grips removed. 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  with both hand grips in position. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view and front perspective view of the apparatus according to a further embodiment. 
     
    
    
     In the drawings, like parts are denoted by like numbers according to context throughout. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the massage apparatus is generally denoted by the number  10  and shown in perspective view with only one tool  12  of two massage tools operatively mounted. The apparatus has a generally rectangular frame  14  surrounding an opening  16 . Frame  14  is made up of two main detachable and reconnectable subassemblies,  18  and  20 . For ease of reference below, subassembly  18  will be referred to as the lower frame portion and subassembly  20  as the upper subassembly or frame portion. Each subassembly includes a pair of reinforcing bars (‘rebars’), each connected to an opposite end of a crossbar. Connection may be fixed, not permitting relative movement between connected elements, or permissive of relative movement, such as by pivotal links, including hinges. 
     In the description that follows, the terms ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ are used for convenience to distinguish between features of the apparatus as depicted in the drawings. They are not intended to limit the use and application of the apparatus to the shown orientations. 
     In the case of upper subassembly  20 , crossbar  22  is pivotally connected to its rebars  24   a ,  24   b  by bolts  28   a ,  28   b  passing through elbows  30   a ,  30   b . The pivotal connection allows the angle subtended between each rebar and the crossbar to be adjusted. 
     The lower subassembly  18  includes a crossbar  32  and elbows  34   a ,  34   b  connecting it at fixed right angles to upwardly extending rebars  38   a ,  38   b.    
     The rebars are provided in the form of lengths of circular metal bars having a spiral groove thread, as will be elaborated on below. It will be appreciated that instead of bars, tubing of metal or of other materials of comparable stiffness and yield strength may be used. The bars may have a brushed aluminium, stainless steel or similar finish suitable for the intended service. 
     When a second massage tool  36  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is operatively mounted to lower subassembly  18 , a therapeutic massaging gap  26  is defined in space  16 , wherein a portion of a massage receiver&#39;s body to be massaged (not shown) is receivable. The body portion may be a limb or torso, abdomen or even the head and neck, and is rendered receivable by adjusting the width of the gap as discussed below. 
     Massage tool  12  is rotatably suspended below a top frame element  28 , by means of a pair of screw-threaded locating shafts  20 , which pass through suspending brackets  40   a ,  40   b , which extend from a mounting sleeve  42  secured about the crossbar. Rotation directions are denoted by directional arrow A in  FIG. 1 . Sleeve  42  is fitted to surround crossbar  22 . 
     Massage tool  12  has a shallow recess  31  in its round cylindrical surface, to provide space for branding or the like. Other than having this feature, the tool has a constant round cylindrical surface, which serves for it to act as a supporting brace or stabilizer when the second tool  36 , selected to provide a planned therapeutic benefit, is brought to bear on the side of the patient&#39;s limb requiring therapy. It is the second tool that may include discontinuities such as recesses, protrusions, bulges and saddles according to therapeutic designs, as will be discussed in further paragraphs below. Its surface may be imbued with selected properties of varying effect when pressed against or rolled along the skin of a massage recipient. 
     The massage tool of  FIG. 1 , as shown in the shape of a roller in this embodiment, is made from solid rubber. It will be appreciated that the tool may be provided in a broad range of materials, upholstery and surface textures within the scope of this disclosure. In another embodiment, it may be made from self-skinning foam. 
       FIG. 2  shows the second massaging tool  36 , here in the form of a rotatable resilient roller of varying diameter along its length, operatively mounted to subassembly  18  on an axle  48 , which is clamped to rest within expanding sockets  50 , located in receiving brackets  52 , which in turn are secured to opposing side rebars  34   a ,  34   b  of lower subassembly  18 . Tool  36  is used for performing a primary therapeutic function and will have a shape and surface texture intended in the massage art for producing a predetermined therapeutic effect, or to activate a trigger point or provide other sensory stimulation. The tool is made of a polymeric foam, rubber or similar materials having a therapeutically suitable density and resilience, its composition not being essential to the disclosure. 
     The therapeutic second tool may be provided in any suitable overall general shape, such as a truncated cone, or a cylinder of non-circular profile, for example elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular or hexagonal and the like. 
     Applying tools of different shapes to the person of the receiver provides different therapeutic effects in use. The receiver may withdraw the body portion being massaged, invert the apparatus and then re-insert the portion to apply massage using thus the previously opposite tool to vary the massage effect or stimulation achieved. The tools shown and numbered  12  and  36  should not be construed as limiting of the scope of this disclosure Alternative tools are illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 . 
     The axis of roller  36  is not located in the plane of the frame, but is slightly offset from it. This can provide an angular advantage in certain massage routines. For example, when both tools are in the form of rollers and are applied to the front and back of a receiver&#39;s thigh to treat a hamstring ailment, the offset can be used to advantage to apply the therapeutic tool  36  to the full extent along the back of the patient&#39;s thigh to the origin of the hamstring, while the supporting roller of tool  12  can only traverse from the knee to the lower part of the groin on the patient&#39;s front. 
     Detachably connecting rebars  24   a  to  34   a  and  24   b  to  38   b  is a pair of rebar connectors externally shaped as hand grips  54   a ,  54   b . These are located adjacent to massage gap  26  and axially orthogonal to lower crossbar  18 . The hand grips may be of a rubberised or polymeric material as is known for use on therapeutic or exercise-related apparatus. Within each hand grip is a hollow tube having oppositely directed internal threaded surface portions for receiving the oppositely threaded free ends of rebars  24   a  and  38   a , and  24   b  and  38   b . The rebars  24   a ,  24   b  of the upper subassembly have axially parallel ratcheting grooves and ridges  56 , rendering them engageable with connector  54   a ,  54   b  according to known mechanisms. The ratchet mechanism allows the user to rotate the handgrip about its axis and elevate it towards the upper crossbar, without relinquishing the position progressively attained relative to the rebar about which it is twisting. To disengage the ratchet lock, portion  66  of the handle connector  54   a ,  54   b  is rotated counter to the rotational direction that caused the connector to lock, as the case requires. 
     The action of rotating the connectors, individually or together, causes the sides of the frame between opposing crossbars  32 ,  22  to be lengthened or shortened selectively and individually at the operator&#39;s discretion, depending on the direction of rotation. Relative axial displacement of the rebars is accomplished from a configuration of minimum displacement and hence minimum frame side length, to one of maximum extension until separation of the upper and lower rebar portions is achieved. 
     When putting the apparatus to clinical use, the operator places the frame so that it encompasses the limb to receive massage therapy and ensures the upper and lower subassemblies are operatively connected. The operator then rotates connector portions  54   a ,  54   b  along their respectively connected rebar portions in the direction required to cause gap  26  to close, so that the massage tools press against the limb from opposite sides. When the operator causes the tools to move along the limb, they will reach thicker or thinner portions, where resistance to further travel will increase or pressure will reduce and contact with the limb may be lost. To avoid these outcomes, the operator rotates connector handle portions  54   a ,  54   b  in the opposite direction, to release the gripping pressure on the limb and loosen contact, or further in the same direction to narrow the gap and substantially maintain the therapeutic pressure against the limb. When the gap is narrowed, the ratchet mechanism locks the connector against unwanted release. Release is then accomplished by twisting disengagement portion  66 . The operator may conveniently rotate the connector portion  54   a ,  54   b  using their palm and fingers, while rotating locking part  66  with their thumb. 
     By allowing release of the connector on one side of the frame and maintaining the position of the connector by not rotating disengagement portion  66  on the other, a reorientation of the gap can be achieved so that the directions from which the forces are exerted by the tools are not necessarily coaxial. 
     It will be appreciated that equivalent other means of allowing relative displacement of the tools may be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a frame may be constructed using a pair of flat bars having bolt holes at corresponding positions and a pair of threaded bracing rods. The frame may be formed by passing the bars through the holes and spacing the bars from each other by securing them to the rods in a desired spacing by means of nuts or other spacers. A pair of massage tools may be fixed to the inner sides of the flat bars to create a massage gap. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the apparatus of the disclosure, wherein the left-hand side of the frame is shown extended to the extent that handgrip and connector  54   b  from  FIG. 1  has been screwed off and removed completely, to expose the threaded shaft portions  58  of rebars  24   b  and  38   b.    
     Removal of the connector opens the frame between the rebars for receiving a portion of the body that may be unable to fit through the frame when the opening is closed, for example an upper limb portion. By also removing the opposite hand grip and connector  54   a , the entire frame is separable into the two subassemblies  18  and  29  that may then be placed around a massage receiver before being reconnected for operative use. The reader should appreciate too that each of the separated subassemblies may be used individually if appropriate. In such an instance, the masseur may wish to reconnect the handgrips to the subassembly that is intended for use, to provide for optimum control of the tool on the receiver&#39;s body. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of this disclosure, crossbar  22  from  FIG. 1  is provided in telescopic portions housed with sleeve  42 , allowing its length to be adjusted to accommodate differential adjustment of the lengths of the sides to which it is connected. Because of pivotal connections  28   a ,  28   b  and the capacity to lengthen and shorten upper crossbar  22  by virtue of its telescopic nature, differential adjustment of the lengths of the frame sides defined by the rebars is achievable, and the upper and lower crossbars are able to be displaced from parallel axial orientation. This allows the massage tools to be orientated at selectable angles and thereby to apply load to the receiver&#39;s body at different therapeutically selectable angles. 
     A further embodiment is described with reference to  FIG. 1 , but is not separately illustrated. In this embodiment, elbow  34   a  of lower assembly  14  is replaced with a pivotal connector of the type numbered  28   a ,  28   b  in upper subassembly  20 , giving a further degree of freedom to the operative configuration of the apparatus. In this embodiment, upper crossbar  22  may be of fixed or variable length. With the additional pivotal connector fitted, rotating the ratchet connector  54   a , to increase the length of the frame side it defines together with rebars  24   a  and  38   a , causes that side to pivot inwardly and crossbar  22  to pivot outwardly and upwardly to compensate. This adjustment will change the position of the gap and the angle at which the massage giving tool is oriented toward the support tool. 
     In the embodiment being described, an alternative second tool  46  replaces tool  36  shown in  FIG. 2 . Tool  46  is stationary, relative to frame  14 , and is in the form of a moulded bridge  60  mounted to axle  48  and stabilised against rotation and lateral displacement by locking formations in the form of hooks  62  that locate around axle  48  and a cradle  64  that locates over bottom frame side  18  in twin grooves  68 . 
     Tool  46  is designed to have trigger point-accessing solid parts that can be brought to press against relevant zones of the body for relief of symptoms such as stiffness and knots in muscle tissue. 
     The configuration of the apparatus and the presence of axle  48  displaced from but parallel to lower crossbar  18  enables a variety of massage tools of different shapes and functions to be fitted—either for stationary use for point massage, or for rolling application. Tool  12  may also in other embodiments be substituted by tools of a variety of shapes chosen to complement the primary massage tool ( 36  or  46 ) and thereby provide targeted therapies. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a further embodiment of the disclosed apparatus is illustrated, in which like parts from the other embodiments carry like numbering.  FIG. 5( a )  is a side elevational view and  FIG. 5( b )  and front perspective view. In this embodiment, the lower cross bar element  32  is connected by doubled elbow connectors  34   c ,  34   d  to the side elements  38   a ,  38   b  respectively, resulting in the longitudinal axis of bar element  32  not sharing the plane of axes of elements  38   a  and  38   b , nor of the plane of the remainder of frame  14 . This configuration is advantageous in enhancedly supporting the therapeutic tool when strong contact is required with the flesh of a limb being massaged. 
     In this embodiment, a stationary tool  146  is supportively braced against bar  32  to prevent pivotal rotation about axle bar  48 , about which it is mounted on recesses  74  in a body portion  76 . A sprung plate  78  connects the body portion to a therapeutically rounded cylindrical head portion  80 . In this way it presents a therapeutic head portion that is stably mounted to the frame, but has a permissible degree of resilience, by virtue of the sprung plate, when applied to the limb to be massaged. 
     There are two mounting slots  82 ,  84  in support bracket  86 , for receiving axle bar  48 . The mounting slots are located on either side of the plane defined by the side elements  38   a ,  38   b . Providing dual slots increases the massage options available to a masseur and the range of tools that may be fitted for therapeutic function. 
     The upper subassembly  20  of the frame has a mounting bracket assembly with side brackets  140   a ,  140   b  supported from upper crossbar  22  by way of cowl  142  which extends along it virtually from end to end. A rubber support tool  12  is mounted on axial shaft stubs  144 , extending from either end into receiving slot  92 , located at the distal portion of bracket  140   a ,  140   b . A second slot  94  is located closer to cross bar  22  and cowl  142 , but on the opposite side of the plane of side elements  24   a ,  24   b , to provide an alternative, more distant mounting option for tool  12  via its axle stubs  144  in relation to lower support axle  48 . A greater range of tools in respect of shape, size and function can thus be accommodated in operative orientation and in a range of differing orientations and distances, by making use of the frame mounting options. 
     An advantage of the apparatus of this disclosure is that the tool configuration is such that the user giving the massage is not required to rely on their own force and strength to administer a therapy. It is the tool that applies the selected pressure according to the gap set by the masseur. Once the spacing is set, the gap and the force exerted by the primary tool against the limb being supported by the secondary tool is constant. The masseur&#39;s role is then to cause the tool to traverse the limb under treatment while adjusting the gap by rotation and counter-rotation of the connector and its locking portion to maintain the pressure the masseur finds or considers necessary for the therapy. This enables substantial constancy to be achieved throughout a treatment, irrespective of the person providing it. In instances where the body part being massaged changes girth significantly, the gap is able to be adjusted without need for withdrawing the part from the gap. 
     These embodiments merely illustrate selected examples of the massage method and apparatus of the disclosure. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the subject of this disclosure into practice.