Abstract:
A massage device comprising an elongated flexible handle having a resilient ball movably secured to one end of the handle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 10/827,032 filed Apr. 19, 2004, entitled MASSAGE DEVICE. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a massage device and more particularly to a massage device which enables a person to massage an area of back or shoulder pain. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many times a person will experience a muscle spasm or back pain but is unable to reach the area of pain to massage the same. It is believed that prior to the instant invention, the prior art massage devices did not permit an individual to reach the area of pain to massage the same. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A massage device is described comprising an elongated flexible handle having first and second ends with a resilient ball secured to the second end of the handle. The ball is secured to the second end of the handle in such a way that permits the ball to move with respect to the handle. When a person experiences back or shoulder pain, the person grasps the handle and maneuvers the same to position the ball adjacent the area of pain. The person then leans back against the ball so that the ball is positioned between the person&#39;s back and the back of a chair or the like. The person then moves with respect to the chair back so that the ball will roll over the area of back pain, thereby massaging the same. 
         [0007]    It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved massage device. 
         [0008]    A further object of the invention is to provide a massage device which enables a person to massage an area of back or shoulder pain. 
         [0009]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a massage device which is easy to use. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a massage device which may be positioned between a person&#39;s back and a chair so that the person may massage the area of back pain. 
         [0011]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a massage device of the type described which includes a flexible plastic handle and a resilient ball movably mounted at one end thereof. 
         [0012]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a massage device of the type described which is easily carried within a briefcase, purse, etc. 
         [0013]    These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the massage device of this invention; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is plan view of the massage device of this invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The massage device of this invention is generally indicated by the reference numeral  10 . Device  10  includes an elongated flexible handle  12  preferably constructed of a plastic material. Handle  12  includes ends  14  and  16  with end  14  including a hand-gripping portion  18  having an opening  20  formed thereon adapted to receive the fingers of a person utilizing the device. 
         [0017]    The numeral  22  refers to a resilient ball, preferably a tennis ball, which is attached to end  16  in a manner such that the ball may move with respect to handle  12 . In the preferred embodiment, a net material  24  extends around the ball  22  with the net material being secured to end  16  by any convenient means such as by glue or the like. 
         [0018]    In use, if a person experiences back or shoulder pain, the person will first sit in a high-back chair and will grip the hand-gripping portion  18  of the handle  12  so that the device  10  may be maneuvered or manipulated into position wherein the ball  22  is located adjacent the area of back or shoulder pain. The person then leans backwards against the chair back so that the resilient ball  22  is positioned between the chair back and the person&#39;s back or shoulder. The person then moves from side to side and upwardly and downwardly with respect to the chair which causes the person&#39;s shoulder or back to move with respect to the resilient rolling ball, thereby creating a massaging effect to the area of back or shoulder pain. 
         [0019]    The massage device  10  is easily transportable and may be carried in a purse, handbag or briefcase. The device is easy to use and the construction of the same ensures that the device will be comfortable to use. 
         [0020]    Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.