Patent Publication Number: US-2013237888-A1

Title: Portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for back anatomy

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to therapeutic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for a portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus having an extended handle and a cylindrical head, and more particularly to a cylindrical head having opposing semi-cylindrical sections for facilitating either a shallow, less intrusive massage or a robust deep tissue massage when applied to the human back anatomy. 
     2. Background Art 
     Therapeutic devices have been known in the fields of massage and chiropractic for many years. As an example, many modern chiropractic centers include staff personnel licensed to perform chiropractic manipulation utilizing therapeutic devices such as, for example, a hand-held “activator” employed for adjusting and aligning the human spine. Likewise, staff personnel licensed to perform massage therapy are commonly available to perform manipulation on the human muscular system subsequent to a chiropractic adjustment. Much of the massage therapy is performed by hand without the use of therapeutic devices but the use of therapeutic devices during massage therapy is common. 
     The prior art is replete with therapeutic devices that have been developed for use in administering massage to the human muscular system. Many of the massage devices known in the prior art were intended for use in administering massage therapy to the individual patient. Several references discovered by the Applicant will now be briefly discussed to assist in the understanding of the prior art relating to massage devices. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,878,124 issued to Crowe on Apr. 12, 2005, a massage apparatus is disclosed for providing rolling massage of skin zones and reflex zones of the human body. The massage device comprises a handle that defines a blind bore, and a shaft removably mounted to the handle. A plurality of freely rotatable massage rings are mounted on the shaft, each massage ring having spaced teeth distributed uniformly around its circumference with each massage ring to being spaced apart by a smaller diameter massage ring. Spacer washers are positioned at the ends of the aligned massage rings and mounted on the shaft adjacent the handle and the shaft head flat rear surface. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,561 issued to Schweisfurth on Oct. 17, 1995, a massage device for the rolling massage of skin areas and reflex zones of the human body is disclosed which includes a shaft mounted on a handle and massage rings or rolling bodies which are freely rotatably mounted on the shaft. The massage rings or rolling bodies have projections which are uniformly distributed in circumferential direction. Preferably, the projections are needle tips. A connection is provided between the shaft supporting the massage rings or rolling bodies and the handle which is elastically yielding or resilient at least to a limited extent. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 304,974 issued to Helligenstein on Dec. 5, 1989, a Massager is disclosed showing a generally cylindrical construction attached to a handle for manipulating the massager. The cylindrical portion of the Massager appears to have irregularities formed thereon and a mushroom-shaped terminal end. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 376,853 issued to Hsia on Dec. 24, 1996, a Massager is disclosed generally showing a massaging instrument having an elongated head with irregularities formed thereon and a handle for maneuvering the massager. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 414,875 issued to Sirois et al. on Oct. 5, 1999, a Portable Body Massager is disclosed having a massager head including a plurality of oppositely directed irregularities formed thereon. The massage head construction tapers into a handle and appears to have an on-off switch for activating the Body Massager. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. D438,308 S issued to Harris et al. on Feb. 27, 2001, a Hand Held Massager With Rotatable Head is disclosed having a generally triangular-shaped head connected to a curved handle shaped to fit a human hand. The triangular-shaped head appears to have irregularities formed thereon and a switch for activating the Hand Held Massager. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. D531,733 S issued to Burout, III et al. on Nov. 7, 2006, a Massager is disclosed having a massaging head attached to a handle. The massaging head appears to have a mushroom-shaped projection mounted thereon in addition to irregularities formed thereon. The handle has an opening formed therein to facilitate holding the Massager and a switch for activating the Massager. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. D639,974 S issued to Kurosu et al. on Jun. 14, 2011, a Massage Roller is disclosed comprising a rectangular frame positioned at the terminal end of a handle. A set of five rollers having irregularities formed thereon are mounted within the rectangular frame and appear to be arranged to facilitate rotational motion of the five rollers. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. D643,540 S issued to Jian et al. on Aug. 16, 2011, a Roller Massager is disclosed having a spool-like construction including a central cylindrical body and a pair of end caps. Formed on the central cylindrical body is a plurality of small conical-shaped projections. 
     Notwithstanding, the prior art discovered does not disclose a portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for use on the human back anatomy that enables massaging difficult to reach areas of the back anatomy and includes two massaging surfaces formed on a cylindrical head construction that facilitates providing either a shallow, less intensive massage or a deep tissue massage. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for therapeutic devices, particularly a portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for use on the human back anatomy which includes (1) a cylindrical head having a first vertical semi-cylindrical section that is continuously formed with (2) a second vertical semi-cylindrical section, (3) an extended handle connected to the cylindrical head for forming a unitary construction where the handle includes (4) a smooth rounded tip for providing a localized massage, where (5) the first vertical semi-cylindrical section includes a stationary smooth outer surface for providing a shallow, less intensive massage, and (6) the second vertical semi-cylindrical section includes (7) a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances (8) with each protuberance having a flat top for providing a deep tissue massage when applied to a human back anatomy. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a new and improved portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for use in massaging difficult to reach areas of the human back anatomy. The self-massaging apparatus is of unitary construction and can be manipulated by the person being massaged to reach most locations of the human back anatomy. The self-massaging apparatus does not utilize any source of electrical or non-human mechanical power, is conveniently portable, and includes two massage surfaces positioned on a cylindrical head construction that enable a user to administer either a robust deep tissue massage or a more shallow, less intensive massage. The unique design of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention enables a person to utilize the invention as a portable, self-massaging instrument to address deep tissue muscle contractions primarily in the shoulders and the back anatomy. Because of the portable construction of the present invention, it can be maneuvered and manipulated to treat almost any area of the back or shoulder anatomy. 
     The self-massaging apparatus includes a cylindrical head and an extended handle. More particularly, the cylindrical head includes opposing vertical semi-cylindrical sections for massaging the human back anatomy. The extended handle is connected to the cylindrical head by, for example, injection molding for forming a unitary construction. However, the entire self-massaging apparatus including the cylindrical head and the extended handle can be fashioned from, for example, a single piece of wood. Furthermore, the distal free end of the extended handle includes a smooth rounded tip which can be useful for providing a localized massage such as, for example, a trigger point massage. The unique construction of the portable, self-massaging apparatus includes a first vertical semi-cylindrical section having a stationary smooth outer surface which facilitates a shallow, less intrusive massage. In contrast, an opposing second vertical semi-cylindrical section has a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances that facilitate a deep tissue massage when applied to a human anatomy. 
     The wedge-shaped protuberances of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section are formed on the opposite side of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section when viewed from the bottom of the cylindrical head. The wedge-shaped protuberances preferably comprise, for example, six protuberances formed on the outer surface of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section across an invisible plane passing vertically through the cylindrical head and comprising approximately one-hundred and eighty mechanical degrees of the circumference of the cylindrical head. Depending upon the number of protuberances and the size of the angles located between the invisible plane passing vertically through the cylindrical head and the two end protuberances, the average angle between adjacent protuberances is within the range of twenty degrees-to-thirty degrees. The use of a wedge-shape for each of the protuberances is preferred because the wedge-shaped design provides a stiffer more robust deep tissue massage when compared to conical-shaped designs. Further, each of the wedge-shaped protuberances includes a flat top which does not exhibit the sharp edges resulting in a higher comfort level when the wedge-shaped protuberances are pressing on the human back anatomy. 
     Additionally, the plurality of rows of the wedge-shaped protuberances are stationary. This refers to the aspect that the protuberances formed on the second vertical semi-cylindrical section are molded into place and do not move. Consequently, during use of the self-massaging apparatus by the user, the protuberances will remain solid and robust and provide the deep tissue massage as anticipated. During use, the person utilizing the invention employs the extended handle to position the cylindrical head of the self-massaging apparatus at the situs of the back pain. If a deep tissue massage is desired, the wedge-shaped protuberances of the cylindrical head are aligned over the selected area of the back anatomy by utilizing the extended handle. The smooth outer surface of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section can be placed for support against a piece of furniture, a bed or a wall surface. The user can now manipulate her movements and body weight and the extended handle of the self-massaging apparatus to massage the deep tissues located at the selected area of her back anatomy. The cylindrical head can be caused to move horizontally or vertically on the back anatomy approximately three inches in either direction. 
     Thus, after the self-massaging apparatus is positioned on the back anatomy, the user can move in either a forward of backward direction, or move from a right-to-left position (or visa versa) depending upon the position of the cylindrical head. In this manner, the wedge-shaped protuberances are applied to a specific area of the back anatomy. The position of the cylindrical head on the back anatomy must be changed by the user to accommodate a change in the direction of the movement of the cylindrical head (and consequently the direction of the massage). If a more shallow, less intensive massage is desired, the extended handle is employed to rotate the self-massaging apparatus so that the smooth outer surface of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section is positioned against the back anatomy. Under these conditions, the wedge-shaped protuberances of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section are positioned against the furniture or wall surface. Once again, the users body weight in combination with the extended handle can be maneuvered in order to position the self-massaging apparatus to the desired location of the users back anatomy. Direct pressure and suitable movement of the user&#39;s body weight can then be applied so that the back anatomy traps the self-massaging apparatus between the user and a piece of furniture to achieve the desired massaging result. Once again, the self-massaging apparatus must be re-positioned by the user to change the direction of the massage. Note that the movements and maneuvering of the self-massaging apparatus is accomplished by manual operation. Further, the smooth rounded tip on the distal free end of the extended handle is useful to provide a localized massage to pain trigger points located on the back anatomy. This action may require the assistance of a third party. 
     The present invention is generally directed to a portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for use on a human back anatomy. The self-massaging apparatus includes a cylindrical head having a first vertical semi-cylindrical section continuously formed with a second vertical semi-cylindrical section. A handle is connected to the cylindrical head of the self-massaging apparatus for forming a unitary construction. The handle includes a smooth rounded tip for providing a localized massage directly at a pain trigger point. The first vertical semi-cylindrical section includes a stationary smooth outer surface for providing a shallow, less intensive massage. The second vertical semi-cylindrical section includes a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances with each protuberance having a flat top for providing a deep tissue massage when applied to a human back anatomy. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a cylindrical head having opposing vertical surfaces formed on opposite sides of a plane passing vertically through the cylindrical head. As with the preferred embodiment, the opposing surfaces include (1) a first vertical semi-cylindrical section having a stationary smooth outer surface for providing a shallow, less intensive massage, and (2) a second vertical semi-cylindrical section having a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances for providing a more robust deep tissue massage. Further, the cylindrical head is connected, as by injection molding, to an extended handle for providing a unitary construction. In the alternative embodiment, the top surface of the cylindrical head exhibits a smooth upper surface to facilitate massage of the neck and upper back area of the human back anatomy. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention, by way of example. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for back anatomy showing an extended handle connected to a cylindrical head which is positioned to disclose a first vertical semi-cylindrical section which exhibits a stationary smooth outer surface for providing a shallow, less intensive massage to the back anatomy of a human being. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the self-massaging apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing an extended handle connected to a cylindrical head which is positioned to disclose a second vertical semi-cylindrical section which exhibits a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances with each protuberance having a flat top for providing a deep tissue massage to the back anatomy of a human being. 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the cylindrical head of the self-massaging apparatus of  FIG. 1  positioned to show the smooth outer surface of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section. 
         FIG. 4  is yet another perspective view of the cylindrical head of the self-massaging apparatus of  FIG. 1  positioned to show the plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the cylindrical head of the self-massaging apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the stationary smooth outer surface of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section, and the rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the self-massaging apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the unitary construction of the handle and the cylindrical head including the first vertical semi-cylindrical section having the stationary smooth outer surface, and the second vertical semi-cylindrical section having the rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for back anatomy showing an extended handle connected to a cylindrical head having a smooth upper surface and positioned to disclose a second vertical semi-cylindrical section which exhibits a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances. 
         FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the cylindrical head of the self-massaging apparatus of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 7  positioned to show the smooth upper surface of the cylindrical head cooperating with the plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the cylindrical head of the self-massaging apparatus of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 7  positioned to show the smooth upper surface of the cylindrical head cooperating with stationary smooth outer surface of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus  100  for use on the back of a human anatomy as shown in  FIGS. 1-9 . In particular, the portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus  100  is intended for use in massaging difficult to reach areas of the human back anatomy. The self-massaging apparatus  100  is of unitary construction and can be manipulated by the person being massaged to reach most locations of the human back anatomy. The self-massaging apparatus  100  does not utilize any source of electro-mechanical power, is conveniently portable, and includes two massage surfaces positioned on a cylindrical construction that enables a user (not shown) to administer either a robust deep tissue massage or a more shallow, less intensive massage. The unique design of the present invention enables a person to utilize the invention as a portable, self-massaging instrument to address deep tissue muscle contractions primarily in the shoulders and the back anatomy. Because of the portable construction of the present invention, it can be maneuvered and manipulated to treat almost any area of the back or shoulder anatomy. 
     In a preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , the present invention is directed to the self-massaging apparatus  100  which includes a cylindrical head  102  and an extended handle  104  joined in a unitary construction. More particularly, the cylindrical head  102  includes opposing vertical semi-cylindrical sections as shown in  FIGS. 1-6  for massaging the human back anatomy. The extended handle  104  is connected to the cylindrical head  102  by, for example, injection molding for forming the unitary construction. The entire self-massaging apparatus  100  including the cylindrical head  102  and the extended handle  104  can be comprised of any of a suitable class of synthetic materials which may be slightly flexible for shock absorption. However, the entire self-massaging apparatus  100  including the cylindrical head  102  and the extended handle  104  can be fashioned from other materials, for example, a suitable wood. 
     Furthermore, a distal free end of the extended handle  104  includes a smooth rounded tip  106  which can be useful for providing a localized massage such as, for example, a trigger point massage. The unique construction of the portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus  100  includes the cylindrical head  102  which consists of continuously formed but opposing vertical semi-cylindrical sections. By “continuously formed”, it is meant that the opposing vertical semi-cylindrical sections form a complete vertical cylinder having two separate but opposing faces. The semi-cylindrical sections include a first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  having a stationary smooth outer surface  110  for facilitating a shallow, less intrusive massage as is clearly illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  5  and  6 . In contrast, an opposing second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  has a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5  and  6  that facilitate a deep tissue massage when applied to a human anatomy (not shown). 
     A description of each of the main components of the self-massaging apparatus  100  will now be presented. The main components include the cylindrical head  102  and the extended handle  104  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 . The self-massaging apparatus  100  can be fashioned from any suitable material. The primary criteria is that the two components comprise a single member, that is, be of a unitary construction. The construction material should be fashioned from a firm material which may be slightly flexible. The firm material provides the cylindrical head  102  with the firmness necessary to apply adequate pressure to the back anatomy while also providing a slight flexibility to the extended handle  104 . A slight flexibility to the extended handle  104  might be desirable in situations during which the extended handle  104  is utilized to strike the stationary smooth outer surface  110  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  of the cylindrical head  102  against the back anatomy. The slight flexibility in the extended handle  104  allows for shock absorption when the cylindrical head  102  is used to strike the back anatomy of a human being. 
     These fundamental requirements of the suitable material of the self-massaging apparatus  100  can be satisfied by any number of modern plastic materials which are amenable to mass production via injection molding or other similar methods. The requirement of a firm material exists because the self-massaging apparatus  100  is manipulated and positioned on the back anatomy by the extended handle  104  which is typically within the range of 9″-to-12″ in length. Thus, the extended handle  104  must be fashioned from a suitable robust material with sufficient strength to withstand the vigorous massaging of the various difficult to reach body parts of the back anatomy. The extended handle  104  enables the self-massaging apparatus  100  to be maneuvered not only to most areas of the back anatomy but is also utilized to rotate the cylindrical head  102  to change the massage mode. Reference to changing the massage mode refers to, for example, changing from the stationary smooth outer surface  110  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  which provides the less intensive massage to the back anatomy as shown in  FIG. 1 , to the rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  which provides the deep tissue massage to the back anatomy as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this manner, the massage mode can be changed between a smooth, less intense massage to a deep penetrating massage by merely physically rotating the cylindrical head  102  with the extended handle  104 . 
     The extended handle  104  is approximately three-quarters inch in diameter, is approximately 9″-to-12″ in length and includes the smooth rounded tip  106  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . By utilizing the extended handle  104  to control the self-massaging apparatus  100 , the cylindrical head  102  can be employed to “hammer” any muscle or muscle group in the back anatomy to provide direct massage. For example, the cylindrical head  102  can be employed in a “battering manner” by utilizing the smooth outer surface  110  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  to “hammer” a particular muscle. The descriptive terms of “to hammer” or “battering manner” refer to utilizing the extended handle  104  of the self-massaging apparatus  100  to maneuver the smooth outer surface  110  of the cylindrical head  102  to strike the muscle in the back anatomy to relieve pain. This action is accomplished much in the same way that one would strike a nail with a hammer. In the alternative, the smooth rounded tip  106  of the extended handle  104  is useful in addressing back pain caused by so called “trigger points”. In providing so called “trigger point massage”, the smooth rounded tip  106  at the distal free end of the extended handle  104  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is employed to directly apply pressure on a very small area of the back anatomy (typically approximately 0.5″ in diameter) that is in need of massage. This procedure usually involves the smooth rounded tip  106  being forcible applied to the back anatomy in an orthogonal manner (e.g., at right angles) and often requires the assistance of an additional person. 
     Let us turn our attention to the description of the cylindrical head  102  of the self-massaging apparatus  100  of the present invention. As noted, the cylindrical head  102  includes the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  and the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112 . If one imagines an invisible plane  115  passing vertically through the cylindrical head  102 , one is left with the two halves which are illustrated by  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  illustrating the stationary smooth outer surface  110  and which is injection molded to the extended handle  104  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  illustrating the plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  and which is injection molded to the extended handle  104  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  will be addressed first prior to discussing the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 , the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  of the cylindrical head  102  is shown. This first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  exhibits the stationary smooth outer surface  110  which appears as a solid half-cylinder in  FIG. 3 . The smooth outer surface  110  extends (1) the length of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  and (2) for approximately one-hundred eighty mechanical degrees about the circumference of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108 . This half cylindrical geometry is further illustrated by the flat bottom surface  116  located at the bottom of the cylindrical head  102  shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  6 . Further, the top of the stationary smooth outer surface  110  smoothly merges into an upper surface  118  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The upper surface  118  is then fused to the extended handle  104  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  as by, for example, injection molding. The smooth upper surface  118  of the top of the stationary smooth outer surface  110  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  facilitates applying the self-massaging apparatus  100  to the back anatomy without pinching the skin. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 , the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  of the cylindrical head  102  is shown. This second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  exhibits the plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The wedge-shaped protuberances  114  are formed on the opposite side of the smooth outer surface  110  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  as is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In the bottom plan view of the cylindrical head  102  shown in  FIG. 5 , the stationary smooth outer surface  110  is positioned beneath the stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114 . In the prospective view of  FIG. 6 , the stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  are positioned beneath the stationary smooth outer surface  110 . The wedge-shaped protuberances  114  preferably comprise, for example, six protuberances  114  formed on the outer surface of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  across the invisible plane  115  passing vertically through the cylindrical head  102 . As with the stationary smooth outer surface  110 , the wedge-shaped protuberances  114  extend approximately one-hundred eighty mechanical degrees across the circumference of the cylindrical head  102 . Depending upon the total number of protuberances  114  and the size of the angles located between the invisible plane  115  passing vertically through the cylindrical head  102  and the two end protuberances  120  and  122 , the size of the average angle  124  between adjacent protuberances appears to be within the range of twenty degrees-to-thirty degrees. The use of the wedge-shape for each of the protuberances  114  is preferred because the wedge-shaped design provides a stiffer more robust deep tissue massage when compared to conical-shaped designs. Further, each of the wedge-shaped protuberances  114  includes a flat top surface  126  which does not exhibit sharp edges, thus resulting in a higher comfort level when the wedge-shaped protuberances  114  are pressing on the human back anatomy. See Applicant&#39;s  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 . 
     Further explanation directed to the cylindrical head  102  will now be provided. It is noted that the inventive self-massaging apparatus  100  is manually-operated which distinguishes it from other massaging devices of the prior art that utilize any type of electrical or mechanical power source. Further, the two separate surfaces including the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  and the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  are stationary. In this context, the term “stationary” means that the smooth outer surface  110  and the wedge-shaped protuberances  114  are non-moveable. Specifically, as it relates to the wedge-shaped protuberances  114 , the term “stationary” refers to the aspect that the protuberances  114  formed on the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  are molded into place and do not move. Consequently, during use of the self-massaging apparatus  100 , the protuberances  114  will remain solid and robust to provide the deep tissue massage as anticipated. The protuberances  114  are of a “wedge-shaped” design to provide a stiffer, more robust deep tissue massage when compared to the conical-shaped designs of the past. Additionally, the top surface  126  of each wedge-shaped protuberance  114  is “flat” because {a} the flat top surfaces  126  do not include sharp edges to provide discomfort when the user is leaning or laying on the self-massaging apparatus  100  during use, {b} the flat top surfaces  126  of each wedge-shaped protuberance  114  provides deep thrust into the muscle tissue without causing damage like a pointed or sharp surface would cause, and {c} the flat top surfaces  126  cover more surface area on the human back anatomy during the massaging process. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the self-massaging apparatus  100 , six protuberances  114  are shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 . Reference is made to  FIG. 4  which indicates the six protuberances  114  and, in particular, the end protuberances  120  and  122 . In  FIG. 4  (as in  FIG. 3 ), the invisible plane vertically bisecting the cylindrical head  102  is represented by the numeral  115 . There are two angles formed between the end protuberances  120  and  122 , respectively, and the invisible plane  115 . That is to say, a first angle  128  is located between the invisible plane  115  and the first protuberance  120 , and a second angle  130  is located between the invisible plane  115  and the second protuberance  122 . In addition to the first angle  128  and the second angle  130 , there are five additional angles located between the six wedge-shaped protuberances  114  of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . The first angle  128  and the second angle  130  plus the five additional angles formed between the six protuberances  114  sum to a total of seven angles as shown in  FIG. 4 . If each of the angles were of the same size, the average angle would be 180 degrees (e.g., number of degrees in the invisible planar surface) divided by seven equivalent angles equaling 25.7 degrees each. In practice, the six wedge-shaped protuberances  114  having an average angular separation of 25.7 degrees between protuberances  114  is capable of covering a sufficient area when applied to the back muscles for massage. 
     In practice, the first angle  128  and the second angle  130  tend to be smaller than the five additional angles located between adjacent wedge-shaped protuberances  114 . Consequently, depending on the size of the first angle  128  and the second angle  130 , and the number of protuberances  114 , the average size of each angle is typically between twenty degrees and thirty degrees. Further, experimentation has shown that six protuberances are optimal since it has been determined that maximizing the number of protuberances  114  while also ensuring sufficient angular separation between the protuberances  114  of the self-massaging apparatus  100  provides the most beneficial deep tissue massage. However, it is understood that a different number of wedge-shaped protuberances  114  having a different angular separation between the protuberances  114  can provide comparable beneficial effects. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the physical dimensions of the intersection of the cylindrical head  102  and the extended handle  104  are as follows. It is anticipated that the overall diameter of the cylindrical head  102  is two and one-quarter inches (2.25″) and thus the overall radius is one and an eighth inch (1.125″). On the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112 , each of the angles between adjacent wedge-shaped protuberances  114  located at the top of the cylindrical head  102  (on the side opposite to the upper surface  118  of the stationary smooth outer surface  110  shown in  FIG. 1 ) is of the average angle size  124 . Furthermore, each of the wedge-shaped protuberances  114  extends into the diameter of the cylindrical head  102  by three-eights of an inch (⅜″). Additionally, the diameter of the extended handle is three-quarters of an inch (¾″) and thus the radius of the extended handle is three-eights of an inch (⅜″). Thus, the dimension of solid material surrounding the top of the cylindrical head  102  on the side of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  is three-eights of an inch ⅜″). This number was determined by the following simple equation applied to each of the radial dimensions of the cylindrical head  102 : 
       Radius of cylindrical head 102 minus depth of average wedge angle 124 minus radius of extended handle 104 equals dimension of solid material on the side of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section 112.  (1)
 
     Translating this equation (1) into numerical values results in the following calculation. 
       1.125″−⅜″−⅜″= 9/8″−  3 / 8 ″−  3 / 8 ″=  3 / 8 ″  (2)
 
     Thus, equation (2) shows that the dimension of solid material on the side of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  of the cylindrical head  102  is ⅜″. By reviewing  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it is seen that this ⅜″ dimension determined in equation (2) above applies only to the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  which includes the wedge-shaped protuberances  114 . The first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  includes the stationary smooth outer surface  110 , not the wedge-shaped protuberances  114 . Additionally, the extended handle  104  is fused to the cylindrical head  102  in a unitary construction in the preferred embodiment. Consequently, because of the unitary construction, the ⅜″ radius of the extended handle  104  does contribute to structural stability and thus, on the side of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112 , the following structural support dimension applies. 
       Resultant Dimension from Equation (2)+Radius of Extended Handle 104=⅜″+⅜″= 6/8″=¾″  (3)
 
     Furthermore, the calculation shown in equation (2) above does not apply at all to the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  because that section does not include stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114 . Consequently, the full radius of 1.125″ of the cylindrical head  102  on the side of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6  plus the dimension calculated in equation (3) provides structural support (e.g., 1.125″+¾″=1.125″+0.75″=1.875″ of solid material). 
     It is emphasized that the diameter of the cylindrical head  102  must be wide enough to raise the body being massaged sufficiently so that the wedge-shaped protuberances  114  can penetrate the skin and affect the muscle of the person being massaged. If the diameter of the cylindrical head  102  is too small, the self-massaging apparatus  100  will not be effective. Further, the diameter of the cylindrical head  102  cannot be too large since the self-massaging apparatus  100  will cease to be portable and will be ineffective in addressing small areas of the back anatomy. The diameter of the cylindrical head  102  must be at an optimal size to enable the rotating of the extended handle  104  to change the exposure of the cylindrical head  102  between the stationary smooth outer surface  110  and the rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  when applied to the human back anatomy. 
     During use, the person utilizing the self-massaging apparatus  100  employs the extended handle  104  to position the cylindrical head  102  at the situs of the back pain. If a deep tissue massage is desired, the stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  of the cylindrical head  102  are aligned over the selected area of the back anatomy by utilizing the extended handle  104 . The stationary smooth outer surface  110  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  can be placed for support against a piece of furniture, a bed or a wall surface (not shown). The user can now manipulate her movements and body weight and the extended handle  104  of the self-massaging apparatus  100  to massage the deep tissues located at the selected area of her back anatomy. The cylindrical head  102  can be caused to move horizontally or vertically on the back anatomy approximately three inches in either direction. 
     Thus, after the self-massaging apparatus  100  is positioned on the back anatomy, the user can move in either a forward of backward direction, or move from a right-to-left position (or visa versa) depending upon the position of the cylindrical head  102 . In this manner, the stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  are applied to a specific area of the human back anatomy. The position of the cylindrical head  102  on the back anatomy must be changed by the user to accommodate a change in the direction of the movement of the cylindrical head  102  (and consequently the direction of the massage). If a more shallow, less intensive massage is desired, the extended handle  104  is employed to rotate the self-massaging apparatus  100  so that the smooth outer surface  110  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  is positioned against the back anatomy. Under these conditions, the wedge-shaped protuberances  114  of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  are positioned against the furniture or wall surface (not shown). Once again, the user&#39;s body weight in combination with the extended handle  104  can be maneuvered in order to position the self-massaging apparatus  100  to the desired location of the user&#39;s back anatomy. Direct pressure and suitable movement of the user&#39;s body weight can then be applied so that the back anatomy traps the self-massaging apparatus  100  between the user and a piece of furniture to achieve the desired massaging result. Once again, the self-massaging apparatus  100  must be re-positioned by the user to change the direction of the massage. Note that the movements and maneuvering of the self-massaging apparatus  100  is accomplished by manual operation. Further, the smooth rounded tip  106  on the distal free end of the extended handle  104  is useful to provide a localized massage to pain trigger points located on the back anatomy. This action may require the assistance of a third party. 
     An alternative embodiment of the portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for use with the human back anatomy of the present invention identified by the general reference number  200  will now be disclosed. The alternative embodiment of the self-massaging apparatus  200  is shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . Each of the components of the alternative embodiment  200  which are duplicate to and perform the identical function as the corresponding component in the preferred embodiment  100  is identified by the corresponding number of the two-hundred series. 
     It is useful to compare the structure of the alternative embodiment  200  illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9  with the structure of the preferred embodiment  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . This comparison clearly shows that: {a}  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7  are very similar; and {b}  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 8  are very similar; and finally {c}  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 9  are very similar. In fact, much of the structure of the alternative embodiment  200  is similar to the structure of the preferred embodiment  100 . A distinguishing feature of the self-massaging apparatus  200  of the alternative embodiment is that the structure corresponding to the upper surface  118  of the preferred embodiment (shown best in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  6  of the self-massaging apparatus  100 ) has been extended in the self-massaging apparatus  200 . This means that the entire circumference of an upper surface  240  of a cylindrical head  202  of the self-massaging apparatus  200  of the alternative embodiment exhibits a smooth surface. Thus, when comparing the cylindrical head  202  of the self-massaging apparatus  200  with the cylindrical head  102  of the self-massaging apparatus  100 , the smooth upper surface  240  is clearly a distinguishing feature as is shown when comparing  FIG. 2  with  FIG. 7 , and when comparing  FIG. 4  with  FIG. 8 . In contrast, the upper surface  118  of the cylindrical head  102  of the self-massaging apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 3  is very similar to the smooth upper surface  240  of the cylindrical head  202  of the self-massaging apparatus  200  shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     The self-massaging apparatus  200  of the alternative embodiment includes an extended handle  204  having a smooth rounded tip  206  on a distal free end thereof as is shown in  FIG. 7 . The extended handle  204  is connected to the cylindrical head  202  by, for example, injection molding for forming the unitary construction. The primary criteria is that the two components, the cylindrical head  202  and the extended handle  204 , comprise a single member, that is, be of a unitary construction. The entire self-massaging apparatus  200  including the cylindrical head  202  and the extended handle  204  can be comprised of any of a suitable class of synthetic materials such as plastics which may be slightly flexible for shock absorption. The construction material should be fashioned from a firm material which may be slightly flexible. The firm material provides the cylindrical head  202  with the firmness necessary to apply adequate pressure to the back anatomy while also providing a slight flexibility to the extended handle  204 . A slight flexibility to the extended handle  204  might be desirable in situations during which the extended handle  204  is utilized to strike the stationary smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  of the cylindrical head  202  against the back anatomy. The slight flexibility in the extended handle  204  allows for shock absorption when the cylindrical head  202  is used to strike the back anatomy of a human being. 
     These fundamental requirements of the suitable material of the self-massaging apparatus  200  can be satisfied by any number of modern plastic materials which are amenable to mass production via injection molding or other similar methods. The requirement of a firm material exists because the self-massaging apparatus  200  is manipulated and positioned on the back anatomy by the extended handle  204  which is typically within the range of 9″-to-12″ in length. Thus, the extended handle  204  and the cylindrical head  202  must be fashioned from a suitable robust material with sufficient strength to withstand the vigorous massaging of the various difficult to reach body parts of the back anatomy. However, as in the preferred embodiment  100 , the entire self-massaging apparatus  200  including the cylindrical head  202  and the extended handle  204  can be fashioned from other materials, for example, a suitable wood. The extended handle  204  enables the self-massaging apparatus  200  to be maneuvered not only to most areas of the back anatomy but is also utilized to rotate the cylindrical head  202  to change the massage mode. Reference to changing the massage mode refers to, for example, changing from the stationary smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  which provides the less intensive massage to the back anatomy as shown in  FIG. 9 , to the rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  214  of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  which provides the deep tissue massage to the back anatomy as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In this manner, the massage mode can be changed between a smooth, less intense massage to a deep penetrating massage by merely physically rotating the cylindrical head  202  with the extended handle  204 . 
     The extended handle  204  is approximately three-quarter inches in diameter, is approximately 9″-to-12″ in length and includes the smooth rounded tip  206  as shown in  FIG. 7 . By utilizing the extended handle  204  to control the self-massaging apparatus  200 , the cylindrical head  202  can be employed to “hammer” any muscle or muscle group in the back anatomy to provide direct massage. For example, the cylindrical head  202  can be employed in a “battering manner” by utilizing the smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  to “hammer” a particular muscle. The descriptive terms of “to hammer” or “battering manner” refer to utilizing the extended handle  204  of the self-massaging apparatus  200  to maneuver the smooth outer surface  210  of the cylindrical head  202  to strike the muscle in the back anatomy to relieve pain. This action is accomplished much in the same way that one would strike a nail with a hammer. In the alternative, the smooth rounded tip  206  of the extended handle  204  is useful in addressing back pain caused by so called “trigger points”. In providing so called “trigger point massage”, the smooth rounded tip  206  at the distal free end of the extended handle  204  shown in  FIG. 7  is employed to directly apply pressure on a very small area of the back anatomy (typically approximately 0.5″ in diameter) that is in need of massage. This procedure usually involves the smooth rounded tip  206  being forcible applied to the back anatomy in an orthogonal manner (e.g., at right angles) and often requires the assistance of an additional person. 
     The unique construction of the portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus  200  includes the cylindrical head  202  which consists of continuously formed but opposing vertical semi-cylindrical sections. By “continuously formed”, it is meant that the opposing vertical semi-cylindrical sections form a complete vertical cylinder having two separate but opposing faces. The semi-cylindrical sections include a first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  having a stationary smooth outer surface  210  for facilitating a shallow, less intrusive massage as is clearly illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In contrast, an opposing second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  has a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  214  as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  that facilitate a deep tissue massage when applied to a human anatomy (not shown). If one imagines an invisible plane  215  passing vertically through the cylindrical head  202 , one is left with the two halves which are illustrated by  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  illustrating the stationary smooth outer surface  210  and which is injection molded to the extended handle  204  is shown in  FIG. 9 . The second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  illustrating the plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  214  and which is injection molded to the extended handle  204  is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  will be addressed first prior to discussing the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 9 , the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  of the cylindrical head  202  is shown. This first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  exhibits the stationary smooth outer surface  210  which appears as a solid half-cylinder in  FIG. 9 . The smooth outer surface  210  extends (1) the length of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  and (2) for approximately one-hundred eighty mechanical degrees about the circumference of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208 . This half cylindrical geometry is further illustrated by the flat bottom surface  216  located at the bottom of the cylindrical head  202  shown in  FIG. 9 . Further, the top of the stationary smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  smoothly merges into the smooth upper surface  240  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The smooth upper surface  240  is then fused to the extended handle  204  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) as by, for example, injection molding. The smooth upper surface  240  of the top of the stationary smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  facilitates applying the self-massaging apparatus  200  to the back anatomy without pinching the skin. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  of the cylindrical head  202  is shown. This second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  exhibits the plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  214  best shown in  FIG. 8 . The wedge-shaped protuberances  214  are formed on the opposite side of the smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  as is shown in  FIG. 9 . The wedge-shaped protuberances  214  preferably comprise, for example, six protuberances  214  formed on the outer surface of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  across the invisible plane  215  passing vertically through the cylindrical head  202 . As with the stationary smooth outer surface  210 , the wedge-shaped protuberances  214  extend approximately one-hundred eighty mechanical degrees across the circumference of the cylindrical head  202 . Depending upon the total number of protuberances  214  and the size of the angles located between the invisible plane  215  passing vertically through the cylindrical head  202  and the two end protuberances  220  and  222 , the size of the average angle  224  between adjacent protuberances appears to be within the range of twenty degrees-to-thirty degrees. The use of the wedge-shape for each of the protuberances  214  is preferred because the wedge-shaped design provides a stiffer more robust deep tissue massage when compared to conical-shaped designs. Further, each of the wedge-shaped protuberances  214  includes a flat top surface  226  which does not exhibit sharp edges, and thus results in a higher comfort level when the wedge-shaped protuberances  214  are pressing on the human back anatomy. See Applicant&#39;s  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     Further explanation directed to the cylindrical head  202  will now be provided. It is noted that the inventive self-massaging apparatus  200  is manually-operated which distinguishes it from other massaging devices of the prior art that utilize any type of electrical or mechanical power source. Further, the two separate surfaces including the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  and the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  are stationary. In this context, the term “stationary” means that the smooth outer surface  210  and the wedge-shaped protuberances  214  are non-moveable. Specifically, as it relates to the wedge-shaped protuberances  214 , the term “stationary” refers to the aspect that the protuberances  214  formed on the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  are molded into place and do not move. Consequently, during use of the self-massaging apparatus  200 , the protuberances  214  will remain solid and robust to provide the deep tissue massage as anticipated. The protuberances  214  are of a “wedge-shaped” design to provide a stiffer, more robust deep tissue massage when compared to the conical-shaped designs of the past. Additionally, the top surface  226  of each wedge-shaped protuberance  214  is “flat” because {a} the flat top surfaces  226  do not include sharp edges to provide discomfort when the user is leaning or laying on the self-massaging apparatus  200  during use, {b} the flat top surfaces  226  of each wedge-shaped protuberance  214  provides deep thrust into the muscle tissue without causing damage like a pointed or sharp surface would cause, and {c} the flat top surfaces  226  cover more surface area on the human back anatomy during the massaging process. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the self-massaging apparatus  200 , six protuberances  214  are shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Reference is made to  FIG. 8  which indicates the six protuberances  214  and, in particular, the end protuberances  220  and  222 . In  FIG. 8  (as in  FIG. 9 ), the invisible plane vertically bisecting the cylindrical head  202  is represented by the numeral  215 . There are two angles formed between the end protuberances  220  and  222 , respectively, and the invisible plane  215 . That is to say, a first angle  228  is located between the invisible plane  215  and the first protuberance  220 , and a second angle  230  is located between the invisible plane  215  and the second protuberance  222 . In addition to the first angle  228  and the second angle  230 , there are five additional angles located between the six wedge-shaped protuberances  214  of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . The first angle  228  and the second angle  230  plus the five additional angles formed between the six protuberances  214  sum to a total of seven angles as shown in  FIG. 8 . If each of the angles were of the same size, the average angle would be 180 degrees (e.g., number of degrees in the invisible planar surface) divided by seven equivalent angles equaling 25.7 degrees each. In practice, the six wedge-shaped protuberances  214  having an average angular separation of 25.7 degrees between protuberances  214  are capable of covering a sufficient area when applied to the back muscles for massage. 
     In practice, the first angle  228  and the second angle  230  tend to be smaller than the five additional angles formed between adjacent wedge-shaped protuberances  214 . Consequently, depending on the size of the first angle  228  and the second angle  230 , and the number of protuberances  214 , the average size of each angle is typically between twenty degrees and thirty degrees. Further, experimentation has shown that six protuberances are optimal since it has been determined that maximizing the number of protuberances  214  while also ensuring sufficient angular separation between the protuberances  214  of the self-massaging apparatus  200  provides the most beneficial deep tissue massage. However, it is understood that a different number of wedge-shaped protuberances  214  having a different angular separation between the protuberances  214  can provide comparable beneficial effects. 
     In the self-massaging apparatus  200  of the alternative embodiment, the entire upper surface of the cylindrical head  202  comprises the smooth upper surface  240  as is shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . In the preferred embodiment, the self-massaging apparatus  100  includes the upper surface  118  that smoothly transitions with the top of the stationary smooth outer surface  110  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108 . However, the stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  includes the average angle size  124  between the protuberances  114  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Thus, in the preferred embodiment, there is no smooth transition between the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  and the top of the cylindrical head  102 . However, in the alternative embodiment, both  FIGS. 7 and 8  of the self-massaging apparatus  200  clearly show that the top of the cylindrical head  202  includes the smooth upper surface  240 . The smooth upper surface  240  enables both {a} the wedge-shaped protuberances  214  of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and {b} the stationary smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  shown in  FIG. 9 , to smoothly transition into the top surface of the cylindrical head  202 . As a result, a user can utilize the top of the cylindrical head  202 , i.e., the smooth upper surface  240 , to massage the upper back anatomy and the neck region with pinching the skin thereof. 
     The construction shown in  FIG. 9  of the self-massaging apparatus  200  of the alternative embodiment is very similar to the construction shown in  FIG. 3  of the self-massaging apparatus  100  of the preferred embodiment. As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the stationary smooth outer surface  210  smoothly cooperates and curves into the smooth upper surface  240 . Consequently, the radius of the smooth upper surface  240  above the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  plus the radius of the extended handle  204  (which is fused in unitary construction with the cylindrical head  202 ) sums to one and one-eight inches (1.125″). Thus, the entire radius of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  is available for structurally supporting the self-massaging apparatus  200 . 
     The construction of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  of the alternative embodiment  200  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  differs from the construction of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  of the preferred embodiment  100  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . In the cylindrical head  102  of the preferred embodiment  100 , the wedge-shaped protuberances  114  and their corresponding average angle size  124  extend well into the top of the cylindrical head  102 . However, in the cylindrical head  202  of the alternative embodiment  200 , the plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  214  terminate at the underneath surface  242  of the smooth upper surface  240  as is clearly shown in  FIG. 8 . In the exemplary self-massaging apparatus  200 , each of the six wedge-shaped protuberances  214  terminate and are fused, as by injection molding, to the underneath surface  242  of the smooth upper surface  240  (in the same mariner as the extended handle  204  is fused in unitary construction to the cylindrical head  202 ). This construction {a} provides the plurality of wedge-shaped protuberances  214  that are utilized to provide the deep tissue massage on the human back anatomy in the same manner as that described in the preferred embodiment, and {b} provides the smooth upper surface  240  for the entire top of the cylindrical head  202  as is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , and also in  FIG. 8 , the plurality of wedge-shaped protuberances  214  also cooperates with the transition from the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  to the smooth upper surface  240 . There is no interruption caused by angles formed between the wedge-shaped protuberances  214 . Consequently, the radius of the smooth upper surface  240  above the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  plus the radius of the extended handle  204  (which is fused in unitary construction with the cylindrical head  202 ) also sums to one and one-eight inches (1.125″). Thus, as with the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208 , the entire radius of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  is available for structurally supporting the self-massaging apparatus  200 . Therefore, the entire 1.125″ radius of the smooth upper surface  240  positioned above the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  plus the entire 1.125″ radius of the smooth upper surface  240  positioned above the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  sums to a 2.25″ diameter available for structurally supporting the self-messaging apparatus  200  as set forth in equation (4) immediately below. 
       Dimension of Structural Support for Self-Massaging Apparatus 200 Equals the Two Contributions of the Smooth Upper Surface 240 Above 1 st  Vertical Semi-Cylindrical Section 208+2 nd  Vertical Semi-Cylindrical Section 212=One and One-Eighth Inches (1.125″)+One and One-Eighth Inches (1.125″)=Total=Two and One-Quarter Inches (2.25″)  (4)
 
     During use, the person utilizing the self-massaging apparatus  200  employs the extended handle  204  to position the cylindrical head  202  at the situs of the back pain. If a deep tissue massage is desired, the stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  214  of the cylindrical head  202  are aligned over the selected area of the back anatomy by utilizing the extended handle  204 . The stationary smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  can be placed for support against a piece of furniture, a bed or a wall surface (not shown). The user can now manipulate her movements and body weight and the extended handle  204  of the self-massaging apparatus  200  to massage the deep tissues located at the selected area of her back anatomy. The cylindrical head  202  can be caused to move horizontally or vertically on the back anatomy approximately three inches in either direction. 
     Thus, after the self-massaging apparatus  200  is positioned on the back anatomy, the user can move in either a forward of backward direction, or move from a right-to-left position (or visa versa) depending upon the position of the cylindrical head  202 . In this manner, the stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  214  are applied to a specific area of the human back anatomy. The position of the cylindrical head  202  on the back anatomy must be changed by the user to accommodate a change in the direction of the movement of the cylindrical head  202  (and consequently the direction of the massage). If a more shallow, less intensive massage is desired, the extended handle  204  is employed to rotate the self-massaging apparatus  200  so that the smooth outer surface  210  of the first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  is positioned against the back anatomy. Under these conditions, the wedge-shaped protuberances  214  of the second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  are positioned against the furniture or wall surface (not shown). Once again, the user&#39;s body weight in combination with the extended handle  204  can be maneuvered in order to position the self-massaging apparatus  200  to the desired location of the user&#39;s back anatomy. Direct pressure and suitable movement of the user&#39;s body weight can then be applied so that the back anatomy traps the self-massaging apparatus  200  between the user and a piece of furniture to achieve the desired massaging result. Once again, the self-massaging apparatus  200  must be re-positioned by the user to change the direction of the massage. Note that the movements and maneuvering of the self-massaging apparatus  200  is accomplished by manual operation. Further, the smooth rounded tip  206  on the distal free end of the extended handle  204  is useful to provide a localized massage to pain trigger points located on the back anatomy. This action may require the assistance of a third party. 
     Thus, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus  100  for use on a human back anatomy (not shown). The self-massaging apparatus  100  includes a cylindrical head  102  having a first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  continuously formed with a second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112 . An extended handle  104  is connected to the cylindrical head  102  of the self-massaging apparatus  100  for forming a unitary construction. The extended handle  104  includes a smooth rounded tip  106  for providing a localized massage directly at a pain trigger point of the human back anatomy. The first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  includes a stationary smooth outer surface  110  for providing a shallow, less intensive massage. The second vertical semi-cylindrical section  112  includes a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  with each protuberance  114  having a flat top surface  126  for providing a deep tissue massage when applied to a human back anatomy. An alternative embodiment of the self-massaging apparatus  200  includes a cylindrical head  202  having opposing vertical surfaces including a first vertical semi-cylindrical section  208  having a stationary smooth outer surface  210  for providing a shallow, less intensive massage, and a second vertical semi-cylindrical section  212  having a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  214  for providing a more robust deep tissue massage. Further, the cylindrical head  202  is connected, as by injection molding, to an extended handle  204  for providing a unitary construction. In the alternative embodiment, the entire top surface of the cylindrical head  202  exhibits a smooth upper surface  240  to facilitate massage of the neck and upper back area of the human back anatomy without pinching the skin of the user. The wedge-shaped protuberances  214  terminate at an underneath surface  242  of the smooth upper surface  240 . 
     The present invention provides novel advantages over other massaging apparatus designs known in the prior art. A main advantage of the portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus  100  for use on the human back anatomy is (1) the self-massaging apparatus  100  is portable, and (2) it is manually-operated wherein most locations of the human back anatomy can be reached utilizing (3) an extended handle  104  having a length within the range of 9″-12″, and including (4) a smooth rounded tip  106  located at a distal free end for use in providing a “trigger point massage” at an acute pain point. Additionally, the cylindrical head  102  comprises dual semi-cylindrical surfaces including (5) a first vertical semi-cylindrical section  108  having a stationary smooth outer surface  110  for providing a more shallow, less intense massage, and (6) a plurality of rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances  114  where each protuberance  114  includes a flat top surface  126  for providing a robust, deep tissue massage. The self-massaging apparatus  100  is easily employed by (7) using the extended handle  104  to position the cylindrical head  102  to a situs of the pain on the back anatomy and (8) trapping the cylindrical head  102  between the back anatomy and, for example, an article of furniture at which point pressure can be applied to the back anatomy to relieve the pain. If desired, (9) the mode of massage can be changed by rotating the extended handle  104  which rotates the cylindrical head  102  for switching from a deep tissue massage to a less intensive massage or visa versa. Additionally, (10) the extended handle  104  can be used to “batter” or “hammer” a particular muscle in the back anatomy with the cylindrical head  102  to relieve pain. In an alternative embodiment of the self-massaging apparatus  200 , the (11) top surface of the cylindrical head  202  includes a smooth upper surface  240  to enable the massaging of the upper back and neck region without pinching the skin of the user. 
     While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly,