Patent Publication Number: US-2018049940-A1

Title: Thermal Massage Roller

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to personal massage, and more particularly, to a temperature controlled massage aid. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Several designs for massage aids have been designed in the past. None of them, however, includes a rigid cylinder that contains selectively hot or cold thermal material and a covering that allows efficient thermal transfer between the device and the tissue being massaged. 
     Applicant believes that the closest reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 9,320,679 issued to Lee. However, it differs from the present invention because the Lee device utilizes a moving roller with a handle to introduce heat during moxibustion therapy. Lee is not adaptable to selectively allow cold delivery and by nature of moxibustion does not use a protective cover. Further, Lee does not disclose the use of hot or cold rechargeable thermal material. 
     Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide an extremely durable massage roller that can selectively be heated or cooled in an internal chamber. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an effective and compact massage device that is adaptable to different massage objectives and styles. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of introducing heat or massage at any point during a massage therapy session. 
     Another object of the present invention is to utilize rechargeable thermal retention material to reduce waste, costs and the related environmental impact. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. 
     Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a thermal massage roller that is partially disassembled. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a thermal massage roller that is assembled. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of a thermal massage roller. 
         FIG. 4  is shows a perspective view of alternate components of a thermal massage roller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The subject device and method of use is sometimes referred to as the device, the invention, the roller, the massager, machine or other similar terms. These terms may be used interchangeably as context requires and from use the intent becomes apparent. The masculine can sometimes refer to the feminine and neuter and vice versa. The plural may include the singular and singular the plural as appropriate from a fair and reasonable interpretation in the situation. 
     Massage typically involves a therapist or practitioner using their hands to manipulate, soothe and treat a patient. In many situations hand massage is sufficient. However, some advanced techniques benefit from the use of tools or equipment to get a particular result. Other benefits can be realized by the introduction of heat or cold to the tissue treated to improve massage efficacy. 
     A rigid tube with a soft and clean covering that can easily supply ample heat or cold to the patient during massage therapy has been developed to provide the masseuse and the patient the most effective treatment tools and related methods of use. 
     Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral  10 , it can be observed that it basically includes a tube  12 , a slit  14 , a rim  16 , a mesh  18 , a cover  20 , a closure  22 , an opening  23 , a cap  24  and a thermal pack  26 . 
       FIG. 1  demonstrates the primary components of a version of the massage roller. In a basic form, the massage roller has a rigid tube  12 . The tube  12  has a plurality of slits  14 . A thermal pack  26  contained by the tube  12  can allow the transfer of heat or cold from the interior of the tube  12  through the slits  14  so that the patient can experience the heat or cold during a massage. 
     During assembly of the device prior to use a mesh  18  layer is placed over the tube  12 . The mesh  18  generally is adapted to permit transfer of heat or cold provided by the thermal pack  26  from inside the tube  12  to the patient. In an important version of the device the mesh  18  is comprised of a pliable mesh or screen-like material with many spaced openings to allow temperature transfer. A thermally conductive material may also be suitable for use as the mesh  18 . 
     The mesh  18  layer may tend to smooth out the texture of the slits  14  in the tube  12  so that the slits  14  are generally not felt by the practitioner or the patient. Use of the mesh  18  layer will typically result in the tube  12  feeling solid as if the slits  14  were not present. 
     The mesh  18  layer and the cover  20  are best constructed of a durable and flexible material that is readily washable to maintain the sanitary nature of the device. The mesh  18  and cover  20  may be supplied in duplicate to allow for replacement, also maintaining the sanitary condition of the device. 
     The cover  20  should allow thermal transfer from inside the tube  12 , through all of the other layers, into the patient tissue. This can be achieved by a degree of thermal passivity or conductivity. In one version of the device, the cover  20  is thin, flexible, washable and resists moisture passing through. The thin nature allows thermal transmission even if the material is not highly thermally conductive. The cover  20  optionally having moisture barrier characteristics can, for example, aid in preventing condensation formed inside the tube  12  and the thermal pack  26  from wetting the patient. 
       FIG. 2  is an example of a massage roller that is ready for use. The cover  20  is secured onto the tube  12  with a closure  22 . In this example, the closure  22  is a string tie. Other closure means are readily substituted and could be, for example, a clip, a zipper, buttons, snaps or other similar suitable closure that prevents the cover  20  from unintentionally coming free of the device during normal use. 
       FIG. 3  shows a version of a massage roller removed from the mesh  18  and cover  20  as it might be configured during installation of a thermal pack  26 . The thermal pack  26  is dimensioned to fit inside of the tube  12 . A cap  24  is optionally provided to affix to the rim  16  and enclose the opening  23 . The cap  24  can be friction fit, threaded or otherwise affixed to the rim  16  of the tube  12 . If a cap  24  is not used then the cover  20  can actively ensure the thermal pack  26  is retained on the interior of the tube  12  during normal operation of the device. 
     The thermal pack  26  includes any device or assembly that can retain heat or cold for dispensation through the layers of the device to be felt on the patient&#39;s body. The thermal pack  26  can be a reusable pack or can be single use. For a cooling thermal pack  26  a means as simple as a bag with ice would be effective. A reusable hot-or-cold pack would also be an effective choice because the thermal pack could be easily chilled or heated prior to insertion into the tube  12 . 
     Chemical based thermal pack  26  could be utilized effectively. For example, an ammonium nitrate or urea sac can be broken inside a water sac for rapid onset cooling. This type of cool pack is commonly used in sports medicine and first aid as a one use cooling bag. This bag can be rolled to fit inside the tube  12 . 
     Other cooling devices can be adapted to fit inside the tube  12  that are similar to a re-useable freezer pack that is used in many portable coolers. This style of device is frequently blue in color and is comprised of a plastic shaped device containing compounds such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Other chemistries of thermal packs  26  could be utilized if they are safe and fit inside the tube  12 . 
     The thermal pack  26  may also provide heat. A thermal pack  26  may be made of a substance that retains heat that can be transferred to the patient. A microwaved bag of rice, a boiled bag of water, heated metal, glass or other solids may each be effective. Chemical thermal packs may also be effective. For example, iron powder and salts or catalysts in a sealed package with liquid can produce heat. Sodium acetate in solution triggered by flexing a metal disk can produce heat. Alternatively calcium chloride solutions can safely work. Electrically heated assemblies could also be effective in producing a safe and steady flow of heat to the patient during a massage. 
     Looking now at  FIG. 4  where some alternate features are exemplified and include, among other things, a tube  28 , an opening  30 , apertures  32  and a cap  32 . The apertures  34  in the tube  28  are used as an alternative to the slits  14  in other versions to facilitate thermal transfer from inside the tube  28  to the patient. 
     Similar to other versions of the device, a cap  34  (or cap  24 ) on one or both ends may be provided to secure a thermal pack  26  inside the tube  28 . If a cap  34  is not used then the cover  20  can retain the thermal pack  26  inside the tube  28 . 
     The apertures  32  in  FIG. 4  are shown to be cylindrical bores but could be any shape or geometry to allow the heat or cold contained inside the tube  28  to transfer out so that the massaged receives the benefit of the heat or cold. For example, slots oriented in several directions, rectangular apertures or other shapes may be effective at containing the thermal pack  26  and yet allowing the heat or cold to pass through the tube  28  into the patient. 
     During typical use a massage therapist would remove the cap  24  to insert an activated thermal pack  26 . Depending on the application, the thermal pack  26  could provide heat or cold. The cap  24  is replaced to enclose the end of the tube  12  and retain the thermal pack  26 . The mesh layer  18  is placed over the tube  12  to provide a cushion to the patient so the slits  14  are not felt yet to allow thermal passivity from the thermal pack  26  to the patient. An optional soft protective cover  20  is placed over the balance of the components to ensure that the patient&#39;s body only contacts the cover  20 . 
     The therapist then can use the massage roller to manually manipulate the patient by pressing and rolling the massage roller over the patient&#39;s body. A therapist might roll the heated or cooled tube over tender muscles in similar fashion that a baker might use a rolling pin on dough. The massaging action combined with the thermal component provides massage and relief to the patient. 
     A patient may also be able to use the massage roller without a second person therapist. A person may be able to roll the massage roller under their feet, on their own arms, legs, neck or other location on the body in need of thermal massage manipulation. 
     A successful version of the inventive concept can be fairly described as a massage roller comprised of a tube, a mesh, a cover and a thermal pack. The tube has rigid exterior and an open interior, essentially a hollow cylinder. The rigid exterior has a plurality of apertures completely penetrating the rigid exterior. The thermal pack provides either a heat or a cold. The thermal pack contains a thermally productive material, possibly similar to the reusable blue packs used in many coolers. The open interior fits the thermal pack entirely within the tube to protect it. The thermal pack is removable from the open interior so it can be replaced or serviced. The tube prevents any pressure applied to the thermal pack avoiding a rupture. A mesh encloses the rigid exterior for padding yet allowing thermal conductivity. The mesh allows the heat or cold provided by the thermal pack to transfer into the cover. A cover covers the mesh. The cover allows the heat or cold provided by the thermal pack to transfer out of the massage roller. 
     The inventive concept also includes a method of thermal massage comprised of rolling a massage roller over a patient in a predetermined pattern. The massage roller is comprised of a tube, a mesh, a cover and a thermal pack. The tube has rigid exterior and an open interior. The rigid exterior has a plurality of apertures completely penetrating the rigid exterior. The thermal pack provides either a heat or a cold. The open interior fits the thermal pack entirely within the tube. The tube prevents any pressure applied to the thermal pack. A mesh encloses the rigid exterior. The mesh allows the heat or cold provided by the thermal pack to transfer into the cover. A cover covers the mesh. The cover allows the heat or cold provided by the thermal pack to transfer out of the massage roller into the patient. 
     The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.