Patent Abstract:
A massage roller includes a cylindrical roller core and a generally resilient roller body mounted on the roller core. The roller body includes a plurality of massage zones having various densities.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/657,111 filed on Jan. 13, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Application No. 61/204,822 filed Jan. 13, 2009, the entire content of both of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is generally directed to massage devices. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a massage roller which has massage zones of various densities and is particularly effective in relieving tender and painful conditions such as muscle or connective tissue conditions and can be used as a core workout or strengthening apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND DISCUSSION 
       [0003]    The art of massage has long been used to relieve various muscle, tendon and other connective tissue ailments. The kneading of muscles, for example, imparts a modification to the muscle tissue that acts beneficially on the nerves, the muscles being controlled by the nerves in both their movement and nourishment, health of the muscle tissue due to improved blood circulation, and effusion of waste material from the muscle and connective tissues. Accordingly, numerous devices are known in the art for massaging muscles or other tissues. 
         [0004]    Tight muscles are a common condition particularly among athletes and other active persons. Tight muscles can be caused by a variety of factors including overuse, in which small micro tears form in the muscles and cause the muscles to tighten. Poor stretching routines, particularly after physical training, may lead to muscle tightness since a muscle may adaptively shorten if it is not regularly stretched to its natural length. Bad posture can also lead to muscle tightness since improper positioning of the head or other body part may increase the work required by the muscles that support the body part. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, a new and improved message device is needed which is particularly effective in massaging and relieving pain and discomfort associated with tight muscles as well as other muscle or connective tissue ailments such as trigger points, foot pain, Achilles tendon ailments, plantar fasciitis, calf and heel pain, and carpel tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, hip pain and thigh pain, for example and without limitation. Furthermore, a massage device is needed which has massage zones of various densities to enable a user to control the level and intensity of massage and which can be used as a core workout or strengthening apparatus. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure is generally directed to a massage roller which is particularly effective in relieving tender and painful conditions such as muscle or connective tissue conditions. An illustrative embodiment of the massage roller includes a generally resilient roller body and a plurality of massage zones having various densities provided on the roller body. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the massage roller may be used as a core workout or strengthening apparatus. Generally, the apparatus may include a generally resilient roller body and a plurality of massage zones having various densities provided on the roller body. A core interior may extend through the roller body. A resilient handle connecting strap may extend through the core interior of the roller body and a pair of handles may be provided on the handle connecting strap. The handles may be gripped and resistance applied to the handle connecting strap to perform various core workout or strength training exercises. In some embodiments, a foot strap may additionally extend through the core interior of the roller body to secure the feet of a user to the roller body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The disclosure will now be made, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a longitudinal sectional view, taken along section lines  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 , of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller being used to massage the lower leg of a user (illustrated in phantom); 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller, with a handle connecting strap extending through the massage roller and handles provided on respective ends of the handle connecting strap; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view, taken along section lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 1 , of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller utilized in a type of full-body workout in which a user lies on the massage roller, grips the handles and exercises the user&#39;s arms by pushing against the handle connecting straps; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller utilized in a type of full-body workout in which a user sits on the massage roller, grips the handles and exercises the user&#39;s arms by pushing against the handle connecting straps; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller utilized in a type of full-body workout in which a user rests on the user&#39;s back, places the massage roller against the bottom of the user&#39;s feet, grips the handles and exercises the user&#39;s legs by pushing against the handle connecting straps; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller utilized in a core workout in which a user places the massage roller on a floor or other support surface, rests his or her upper back on the massage roller, places his or her feet flat on the floor and tensions the upper legs and abdomen; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is an end view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller, with a roller end cap inserted in an end of the massage roller; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of the massage roller illustrated in  FIG. 11 , more particularly illustrating insertion of the roller end caps into the respective ends of the massage roller; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a longitudinal sectional view of the massage roller illustrated in  FIG. 11 , with the roller end caps inserted into the respective ends of the massage roller and a handle connecting strap (illustrated in phantom) stored in the interior of the massage roller; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is an end view of an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller, with an alternative roller end cap inserted in one end of the massage roller; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of the massage roller illustrated in  FIG. 14 , more particularly illustrating insertion of the roller end caps into the respective ends of the massage roller; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a longitudinal sectional view of the massage roller illustrated in  FIG. 14 , with the roller end caps inserted into the respective ends of the massage roller and a handle connecting strap and a foot strap extending through each roller end cap; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a longitudinal sectional view of the massage roller illustrated in  FIG. 14 , with the roller end caps inserted into the respective ends of the massage roller and a handle connecting strap (illustrated in phantom) stored in the interior of the massage roller. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
         [0027]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-3  and  6  of the drawings, an illustrative embodiment of the massage roller is generally indicated by reference numeral  1 . The massage roller  1  may include a roller core  2  which may be PVC (polyvinylchloride), PPE (polyphenylene) or other rigid material and may have a generally elongated, cylindrical shape. A core interior  3  may extend through the roller core  2 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the roller core  2  has an exterior core surface  4 . 
         [0028]    A roller body  8  may be provided on the exterior core surface  4  of the roller core  2 . The roller body  8  may have a generally elongated, cylindrical shape and may be a resilient closed cell foam or other resilient or pliant material. In any given area, the roller body  8  may be about 1˜3 cm in thickness although in some embodiments the roller body  8  may be thinner or thicker. In some embodiments, the roller core  2  and the roller body  8  provided thereon may be about 13-26 inches in length. In some embodiments, the roller core  2  and the roller body  8  may be fabricated separately. The roller body  8  may be glued and/or otherwise attached to the exterior core surface  4  of the roller core  2  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the roller core  2  and the roller body  8  may be molded as one piece according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
         [0029]    Multiple massage zones of various densities are provided in the roller body  8  of the massage roller  1 . In some embodiments, the massage zones may include at least one low-density massage zone  10 ; at least one medium-density massage zone  14 ; and at least one high-density massage zone  18 . Each low-density massage zone  10  may have at least one low-density massage surface  11 ; each medium-density massage zone  14  may have at least one medium-density massage surface  15 ; and each high-density massage zone  18  may have at least one high-density massage surface  19 . Accordingly, the low-density massage surface  11  of each low-density massage zone  10  is lower in density and softer to the touch than the medium-density massage surface  15  of each medium-density massage zone  14 . Likewise, the medium-density massage surface  15  of each medium-density massage zone  14  is lower in density and softer to the touch than the high-density massage surface  19  of each high-density massage zone  18 . In some embodiments, the softness of the low-density massage surface  11  of each low-density massage zone  10  may generally correspond to the softness of the human forearm or palm. The softness of the medium-density massage surfaces  15  of each medium-density massage zone  14  may generally correspond to the softness of the human fingers and thumb. The softness of the high-density massage surface  19  of each high-density massage zone  18  may generally correspond to the softness of human fingertips. 
         [0030]    The low-density massage surface  11  of each low-density massage zone  10 , the medium-density massage surfaces  15  of each medium-density massage zone  14  and the high-density massage surfaces  19  of each high-density massage zone  18  may be any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments, the low-density massage surface  11  of each low-density massage zone  10  may have a surface area which is greater than the surface area of each medium-density massage surface  15  of each medium-density massage zone  14 . The medium-density massage surface  15  of each medium-density massage zone  14  may have a surface area which is greater than the surface area of each high-density massage surface  19  of each high-density massage zone  18 . 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, multiple longitudinal zone channels  22  may extend into the exterior surface of the roller body  8  in generally spaced-apart, parallel relationship with respect to each other and with respect to the longitudinal axis  12  ( FIG. 1 ) of the roller body  8 . Multiple circumferential zone channels  23  may extend into the exterior surface of the roller body  8  around the circumference thereof in intersecting relationship with respect to the longitudinal zone channels  22  and in generally spaced-apart, parallel relationship with respect to each other. The longitudinal zone channels  22  and the circumferential zone channels  23  may separate the low-density massage surfaces  11 , the medium-density massage surfaces  15  and the high-density massage surfaces  19  from each other. 
         [0032]    Each low-density massage zone  10  may have a single, continuous, generally rectangular low-density massage surface  11  which is bounded by a pair of longitudinal zone channels  22  and a pair of circumferential zone channels  23 . Each medium-density massage zone  14  may have multiple, adjacent, parallel and generally elongated and rectangular medium-density massage surfaces  15  each of which is bounded by a pair of longitudinal zone channels  22  and a pair of circumferential zone channels  23 . Each high-density massage zone  18  may have a matrix or grid of multiple, adjacent, generally square-shaped high-density massage surfaces  19  each of which is bounded by a pair of longitudinal zone channels  22  and a pair of intersecting circumferential zone channels  23 . 
         [0033]    The low-density massage zones  10 , the medium-density massage zones  14  and the high-density massage zones  18  may be provided in any desired number and arranged in any suitable locations with respect to each other in the roller body  8 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , in some embodiments, a first set of high-density massage zones  18   a,    18   b  and  18   c  may be provided along the longitudinal axis  12  of the roller body  8  at the center portion and the end portions, respectively, of the roller body  8 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a second set of high-density massage zones  18   d,    18   e  and  18   f  may be provided along the longitudinal axis  12  ( FIG. 1 ) of the roller body  8  generally in diametrically-opposed relationship with respect to the first set of high-density massage zones  18   a,    18   b  and  18   c,  respectively. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the high-density massage surface  19  of each high-density massage zone  18  may have a generally convex cross-section. 
         [0034]    A first pair of longitudinal medium-density massage zones  14   a  and  14   b  may be provided along the longitudinal axis  12  of the roller body  8  between the high-density massage zones  18   a,    18   b  and  18   c  of the first set of high-density massage zones  18 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a second pair of longitudinal medium-density massage zones  14   c  and  14   d  may be provided along the longitudinal axis  12  of the roller body  8  between the high-density massage zones  18   d,    18   e  and  18   f  of the second set of high-density massage zones  18 . The second pair of longitudinal medium-density massage zones  14   c  and  14   d  may be disposed generally in diametrically-opposed relationship with respect to the first pair of longitudinal medium-density massage zones  14   a  and  14   b , respectively, as further illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the medium-density massage surface  15  of each of the first pair of longitudinal medium-density massage zones  14   a  and  14   b  and of each of the second pair of longitudinal medium-density massage zones  14   c  and  14   d  ( FIG. 3 ) may be generally elongated, rectangular and oriented in generally parallel relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis  12  ( FIG. 1 ) of the roller body  8  and may have a generally convex cross-section ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0035]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a first set of semi-circumferential medium-density massage zones  14   e,    14   f  and  14   g  may extend between the first set of high-density massage zones  18   a,    18   b  and  18   c  on one side of the roller body  8  and the second set of high-density massage zones  18   d,    18   e  and  18   f,  respectively, on the opposite side of the roller body  8 . A second set of semi-circumferential medium-density massage zones  14   h,    14   i  and  14   j  may extend between the second set of high-density massage zones  18   d,    18   e  and  18   f  and the first set of high-density massage zones  18   a ,  18   b  and  18   c,  respectively, in generally diametrically-opposed relationship to the first set of semi-circumferential medium-density massage zones  14   e,    14   f  and  14   g.  The medium-density massage surface  15  of each of the first set of semi-circumferential medium-density massage zones  14   e ,  14   f  and  14   g  and the medium-density massage surface  15  of each of the second set of semi-circumferential medium-density massage zones  14   h ,  14   i  and  14   j  may have an elongated, curved and convex shape. 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , a first pair of semi-circumferential low-density massage zones  10   a  and  10   b  may be interspersed among the first set of semi-circumferential medium-density massage zones  14   e,    14   f  and  14   g.  The semi-circumferential low-density massage zone  10   a  may extend between the longitudinal medium-density massage zone  14   a  on one side and the longitudinal medium-density massage zone  14   c  ( FIG. 3 ) on the other side of the roller body  8 . The semi-circumferential low-density massage zone  10   b  may extend between the longitudinal medium-density massage zone  14   b  on one side and the longitudinal medium-density massage zone  14   d  ( FIG. 3 ) on the other side of the roller body  8 . 
         [0037]    A second pair of semi-circumferential low-density massage zones  10   c  and  10   d  may be interspersed among the second set of semi-circumferential medium-density massage zones  14   h,    14   i  and  14   j.  The semi-circumferential low-density massage zone  10   c  may extend between the longitudinal medium-density massage zone  14   c  ( FIG. 3 ) on one side and the longitudinal medium-density massage zone  14   a  on the other side of the roller body  8 . The semi-circumferential low-density massage zone  10   d  may extend between the longitudinal medium-density massage zone  14   d  ( FIG. 3 ) on one side and the longitudinal medium-density massage zone  14   b  on the other side of the roller body  8 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the low-density massage surface  11  of each low-density massage zone  10  may have a generally convex cross-section. 
         [0038]    Referring next to  FIG. 4  of the drawings, an exemplary use of the massage roller  1  is illustrated. The message roller  1  may be used to massage muscles in the lower leg  35  of a user  34 , as illustrated, for the purpose of relieving pain and discomfort associated with tight muscles in the user&#39;s lower leg  35 , for example and without limitation. Accordingly, the massage roller  1  is placed on a floor or other supporting surface (not illustrated). The user  34  sits on the floor or other surface and places his or her lower leg  35  on the massage roller  1 . The user  34  may place his or her lower leg  35  against a low-density massage zone  10 , a medium-density massage zone  14  and/or a high-density massage zone  18  of the massage roller  1 . Next, while applying the lower leg  35  against the massage roller  1  with a selected magnitude of pressure, the user  34  repeatedly moves the lower leg  35  in a back-and-forth motion against the massage roller  1  as the massage roller  1  rolls on the floor or surface. Therefore, the low-density massage zones  10 ; the medium-density massage ones  14 ; and/or the high-density massage zones  18  on the massage roller  1  massage the muscles in the lower leg  35 , relieving the pain and discomfort associated with the tight muscles in the lower leg  35 . 
         [0039]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the variation in densities of the low-density massage zones  10 , the medium-density massage zones  14  and the high-density massage zones  18  on the massage roller  1  enables the user  34  to achieve a high degree of selectivity and control in the level, intensity and location of the massaging action which is imparted by the massage roller  1  against the user&#39;s lower leg  35  or other area of the body. For example, massaging action which would be implemented using the human forearm or palm of a masseuse can be mimicked by rolling the lower leg  35  against one of the low-density massage zones  10  on the massage roller  1 . Massaging action which could be implemented using the human fingers and thumb can be mimicked by rolling the lower leg  35  against one of the medium-density massage zones  14  on the massage roller  1 . Massaging action which could be implemented using human finger tips can be mimicked by rolling the lower leg  35  against one of the high-density massage zones  18 . It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that the massage roller  1  can be used to massage any portion on the body of the user  34  including the upper leg  36 , the torso  37 , the arms  38 , the hands  39  and the feet  40 , for example and without limitation. Moreover, due to the typically closed foam cell construction of the roller body  8 , the massage roller  1  is durable and resistant to breakdown and loss in shape, eliminating the need for costly replacement as a result of day-to-day use. The massage roller  1  can be used as part of a daily massage routine or can be integrated into athletic activities to help support and achieve a comprehensive core workout. 
         [0040]    It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presence of the longitudinal zone channels  22  and the circumferential zone channels  23  in the roller body  8  of the massage roller  1  facilitate channeling of blood and oxygen through the muscles and other connective tissues of the user  34  which are being massaged since the low-density massage zones  10 , the medium-density massage zones  14  and the high-density massage zones  18  force the blood and oxygen from the areas of the tissues against which the massage zones are rolled into the adjacent areas of the tissues which correspond to the locations of the zone channels  22 ,  23 . The channels in the tissues through which the blood and oxygen flow are created by the lines or zone channels  22 ,  23  in the massage zones such that the blood and oxygen can travel in the areas of the tissue which are not compressed by the foam structure of the massage zones. Moreover, conventional massage devices have a low coefficient of friction between the user and the massage device and the massage device and the floor, wall or other supporting surface. Therefore, conventional massage rollers may not be suitable for being rolled against the skin of the user and also may not be capable of compressing body tissues against the bone of the user as effectively as the massage roller  1 . 
         [0041]    Referring next to FIGS.  5  and  7 - 9  of the drawings, in some applications of the massage roller  1 , an elongated, flexible, elastic or resilient handle connecting strap  26  may be extended through the core interior  3  of the roller core  2 . Handles  28  may be provided on respective ends of the handle connecting strap  26 . Each handle  28  may include a handle grip  29  which is attached to the handle connecting strap  26  by a handle attachment strap  30 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 , the massage roller  1  can be implemented in a variety of full-body workout resistance exercises in which a user  44  grips the handles  28  and pushes or pulls against the tension exerted by the handle connecting strap  26 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in one type of full-body workout exercise, the user  44  places the massage roller  1  on the floor  48  or other supporting surface. The user  44  places his or her back  45  on the massage roller  1 , grips the handles  28  with his or her hands  47  and exercises his or her arms  46  by repeatedly pushing against the resistance imparted by the handle connecting straps  26 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in another type of full-body workout exercise, the user  44  places the massage roller  1  on a chair or other elevated support  49 . The user  44  sits on the massage roller  1 , grips the handles  28  with his or her hands  47  and exercises his or her arms  46  and shoulders  50  by moving his or her arms  46  outwardly from the user&#39;s body. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in still another type of full-body workout exercise, the user  44  lies on the floor  49  or other surface and places his or her feet  40  on the massage roller  1  with the handle connecting straps  26  extending between the user&#39;s legs  41 . A foot strap  27  may extend through the core interior  3  of the roller core  2  and placed over the user&#39;s feet  40  to secure the user&#39;s feet  40  to the roller body  8 . The user  44  grips the handles  28  and pushes the massage roller  1  by extending his or her legs  41  against the resistance applied by the handle connecting strap  26 . Numerous other resistance exercises are possible using the massage roller  1  with handle connecting strap  26  and handles  28  to provide the user  44  with a full-body workout in which muscles in all parts of the user&#39;s body can be exercised. 
         [0042]    Referring next to  FIG. 10  of the drawings, in some applications, the massage roller  1  can be placed between a floor or other supporting surface  82  and the feet  75 , lower legs  76 , upper legs  77 , knees  78 , abdomen  79 , upper back  80  or other portion of the body of a user  74 . The massage roller  1  acts as a fulcrum on which the body weight of the user  74  can be balanced or partially balanced and enables the user  74  to perform a variety of core exercises which engage the muscles of the legs, back, abdomen or other parts of the body at various levels of intensity. In the example which is illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the massage roller  1  is placed on the floor or other supporting surface  82  and the upper back  80  of the user  74 . The feet  75  of the user  74  are placed flat on the supporting surface  82 , with the lower legs  76  generally vertical and the upper legs  77  bent at the knees  78 . The upper legs  77  and the abdomen  79  are raised over the supporting surface  82 . Accordingly, the massage roller  1  acts as a fulcrum in which the user can alternately raise and lower the upper legs  77  and the abdomen  79  to exercise abdominal muscles such as the external and internal oblique muscles as well as muscles in the legs and back. During performance of the exercises, the massage zones  10 ,  14  and  18  provide a grip surface between the upper back  80  of the user  74  and the massage roller  1  and also between the massage roller  1  and the supporting surface  82 . Moreover, the massage zones  10 ,  14  and  18  may additionally massage the upper back  80  and/or the other areas on the user  74  which the massage roller  1  contacts. In other applications, the massage roller  1  can be placed against a wall (not illustrated) and the user&#39;s back placed against the massage roller  1  as the user performs squats. Accordingly, as the user raises and lowers the buttocks, the massage roller  1  provides support to the user&#39;s back while massaging the back and providing core work to the legs and other parts of the user&#39;s body. In still other applications, the massage roller  1  can be placed between the support surface  82  and the feet  75 , lower legs  76 , knees  78 , upper legs  77 , abdomen  79  or other area of the user  74  and used as a fulcrum against which the user performs push-ups of various intensity depending on the location of the massage roller  1 . The massage zones  10 ,  14  and  18  provide a grip surface between the user  74  and the massage roller  1  and also between the massage roller  1  and the supporting surface  82  and may additionally massage the area on the user  74  which the massage roller  1  contacts. 
         [0043]    Throughout performance of the core workout exercises, the presence of the longitudinal zone channels  22  and the circumferential zone channels  23  in the roller body  8  of the massage roller  1  facilitate channeling of blood and oxygen through the muscles and other connective tissues of the user  74  which are being massaged since the low-density massage zones  10 , the medium-density massage zones  14  and the high-density massage zones  18  force the blood and oxygen from the areas of the tissues against which the massage zones are rolled into the adjacent areas of the tissues which correspond to the locations of the zone channels  22 ,  23 . The channels in the tissues through which the blood and oxygen flow are created by the lines or zone channels  22 ,  23  in the massage zones such that the blood and oxygen can travel in the areas of the tissue which are not compressed by the foam structure of the massage zones. 
         [0044]    Referring next to  FIGS. 11-17  of the drawings, in some embodiments of the massage roller  1 , a pair of roller end caps  54  may be removably inserted into the respective ends of the roller core  2 . In some embodiments, each roller end cap  54  may include a generally flat or planar cap plate  55 . An annular cap wall  56  may extend from the cap plate  55 . An annular cap flange  57  may extend outwardly from the cap wall  56 . The diameter of the cap wall  56  of each roller end cap  54  may be sized to friction fit into the end of the core interior  3  until the cap flange  57  engages the end of the roller core  2 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . A cap tab  58  may be provided on each roller end cap  54  to provide a grip surface for manual insertion and removal of each roller end cap  54  in the corresponding end of the core interior  3 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , in some applications the handle connecting strap  26  ( FIG. 9 ) to which the handles  28  are normally attached may be inserted and stored in the core interior  3  of the roller core  2  after detachment of the handles  28  from the handle connecting strap  26 . The roller end caps  54  may then be inserted into the respective ends of the roller core  2  to enclose the handle connecting strap  26  in the core interior  3  of the roller core  2 . The foot strap  27  ( FIG. 9 ) may be similarly stored in the core interior  3  of the roller core  2 . It will be recognized and understood that each roller end cap  54  may have any design which is suitable to facilitate removable insertion of the roller end cap  54  into the corresponding end of the roller core  2 . 
         [0045]    Referring next to  FIGS. 14-17  of the drawings, an alternative roller end cap  64  which is suitable for closing the ends of the roller core  2  is illustrated. In some embodiments, each roller end cap  64  may include an annular end cap body  65 . A funnel- shaped middle cap portion  66  may extend from the end cap body  65 . An annular inner cap portion  67  may extend from the middle cap portion  66 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a central cap opening  68  may extend through the end cap body  65 , the middle cap portion  66  and the inner cap portion  67 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the end cap body  65  of each roller end cap  64  may be friction fitted into the corresponding end of the roller core  2  of the massage roller  1  with the middle cap portion  66  and the inner cap portion  67  protruding into the core interior  3 . In application of the massage roller  1  as was heretofore described with respect to  FIGS. 7-9  of the drawings, the handle connecting strap  26  and the foot strap  27  can be extended through the cap opening  68  ( FIG. 14 ) of each roller end cap  64  and through the core interior  3  of the roller core  2 . When the massage roller  1  is not in use, the handles  28  can be detached from the respective ends of the handle connecting strap  26  and the handle connecting strap  26  and the foot strap  27  stored in the core interior  3  of the roller core  2 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0046]    While illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0