Abstract:
A system and method that utilizes a massaging apparatus specifically for a person&#39;s temples with the expressed purpose of providing relaxation and headache relief, is herein disclosed. The apparatus is configured as a headband with battery-powered massagers at the temples. The apparatus is supported both with minimal elasticity from the headband and with ear supports. Power is supplied to the massagers from a rechargeable battery pack that can be worn about the arm or alternately the waist and is electrically tethered to the headband. Each small disc-shaped temple massager is separately powered by a small motor that produces the massaging effect which is intended to reproduce the sensation of rubbing/massaging the temples.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/842,884, filed Sep. 8, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a unique system and massaging apparatus and, more particularly, to a headband to be worn around a person&#39;s head in the temple regions providing relaxation and headache relief by means of battery-powered massagers at the temples. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many people have found that relaxation is greatly enhanced by massaging a person&#39;s head around the temple regions. A direct and firm massage at the temples often reduces stress and strain, and possibly even alleviates headaches. It is difficult for a person to effectively massage their own temples. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to provide an effective invention for massaging a user&#39;s temples in order to alleviate stress and related headaches. U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,551 in the name of D&#39;Haenens discloses a massage device which utilizes the combination of electroneurological stimulation and mechanical massage for medical treatment of pain. The apparatus includes a housing having a massage head formed from a plurality of elongate rollers, connected to the electrical output of a pulse-generating circuit. The rollers form a mechanical massaging head, while the electrical pulses stimulate underlying nerves to block or reduce pain. A second or ground electrode is provided by an expansion band which can be easily slipped on an ankle or wrist and is connected to the main electrical circuit by a flexible electrical cord. The pulse-generating circuit includes a pair of switches for selecting a discrete voltage amplitude over a varying predetermined range, and a light-emitting diode to indicate operation of the pulse-generating circuit. Also included in the case or housing is a ball electrode for massaging and treating particular body points known as acupuncture or trigger points. The ball electrode is in the form of a roller ball installed in a ball socket in the housing, and is also connected to the output of the pulse-generating circuit. Unfortunately, this prior art example is not designed for alleviating the pain and strain caused specifically by headaches. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,156 in the name of Takach discloses a vibrating, form fitting skull cap which is designed to snugly fit a user. The inner portion of the cap presents a smooth continuous surface to the head while at the same time providing the capability of complex and subtle vibration patterns which may vibrate different areas differently. Suitable attachment points are provided on the outer portion of the cap to mount individual forced vibration generator units. Each vibration generator unit is separately controlled as to amplitude and frequency. The user may choose one or many of numerous available attachment points for the generators. Electrical controls are provided to fine tune the individual units. Numerous electrical power input alternatives are provided for flexibility of use. Pneumatic powered units may also be used to eliminate magnetic fields if necessary. Unfortunately, this prior art example is not designed to be discreetly worn in public. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,794 in the name of Burras describes a massaging head gear system that includes a headband with a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration. Also included is a pair of massaging assemblies coupled to ends of the headband. Next provided is a vibrating mechanism for vibrating the massaging assemblies and the headband. Unfortunately, this prior art example does not include a rechargeable battery. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a headband to be worn around a person&#39;s head in the temple regions providing relaxation and headache relief by means of battery-powered massagers at the temples. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means to massage the temple area of the head in a mechanical fashion without the assistance of another person or the use of a person&#39;s own hands. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing a device that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, and designed for providing relaxation and headache relief by means of battery-powered massagers at the temples. The temple massaging device reduces stress, strain and headaches and is designed for convenient use at work, home, or while traveling. The device is both portable and adjustable and includes a rechargeable battery. The present invention is simple to use, inexpensive, and designed for many years of repeated use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a headband to be worn around a person&#39;s head in the temple regions providing relaxation and headache relief by means of battery-powered massagers at the temples. 
     The device is an apparatus to massage the temples of a person&#39;s head. It is intended to aid in relaxation and eliminate some headaches. The invention is of a general “U”-shape and is worn about the rear of the head such that the end of the “U”-shapes is positioned over the temple area of the wearer. Each end contains a small massaging disc that is powered by small individual motors with a set of watch batteries. These batteries along with a controller switch are provided. This massaging action is intended to reproduce the sensation of a temple massage by another individual. The invention is secured to the person&#39;s head with the aid of the headband which is readily adjustable. The use of the innovative apparatus and massaging system provides a relaxing temple massage at virtually any time and at almost any place. 
     A temple massaging device includes a massaging head assembly with a plurality of coextensively shaped flexible headbands positional about user ears respectively and a plurality of massaging units removably coupled to the headbands respectively for emulating a vibratory output signal directly to user temples. Such a massaging head assembly effectively includes an adjustment mechanism provided with a knob directly attached thereto, a plurality of hook portions medially formed along respective longitudinal lengths of the headbands respectively, and a pair of termination ends formed at proximal ends of the headbands respectively. Such a knob is selectively adaptable along clockwise and counter clockwise directions and thereby engages and conveniently disengages the termination ends such that the headbands are statically adapted to alternate positions about the user head. Distal ends of the headbands terminate at the adjustment mechanism and are operably mated thereto respectively. The headbands are centrally connected to each other at a rear base of the user head via the adjustment mechanism in such a manner that a spatial distance between the distal ends of the headbands is slidably adjustable along a longitudinal length of the adjustment mechanism. 
     The device further includes a support strap spaced from the headbands and includes a fastener for advantageously maintaining the support strap removably attached to a selected portion of a user body. Such a support strap includes a pocket formed along a longitudinal length thereof and facing outwardly from an exterior side of the support strap. 
     The device further includes a controller assembly detachabley abutted against the support strap. Such a controller assembly includes a housing, a rechargeable battery pack stored within the housing, and a linearly slidable control switch operably coupled to the housing for effectively supplying direct current to the massaging head assembly. 
     The device further includes an electrical cord electrically connected to the controller assembly and to the massaging head assembly respectively. Such a cord conveniently forms a “Y”-shaped wiring configuration connected directly to respective ones of the headbands for providing a separate electrical output signal to the massaging units respectively. The controller assembly generates and transmits a regulated electrical current to the massaging units via the electrical cord based upon a user input. 
     The method for providing relaxation and headache relief includes the steps of: wrapping a support strap around a selected body portion of the user; placing a controller assembly within a pocket of the support strap; placing a plurality of headbands upon a user head such that a plurality of padded massaging units rest upon left and right temples of the user; placing a plurality of hook portions of the headbands over back peripheries of each user ear so as to cradle a junction of the user ears and the user head respectively; adjusting a spatial distance between the headbands by biasing a knob of an adjustment mechanism between clockwise and counter clockwise directions; and activating the massaging units to a desirable vibratory level by biasing a control switch on a controller assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a temple massaging headband  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a temple massaging headband  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a controller assembly portion  20  of a temple massaging headband  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of a massaging head assembly portion  50  of a temple massaging headband  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a close-up view of an adjustment mechanism portion  56  of a temple massaging headband  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is an environmental view of a temple massaging headband  10  depicting a waist mounted controller module  20  configuration, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  temple massaging headband 
               20  controller assembly 
               21  arm strap 
               22  waist strap 
               23  hook-and-loop strip 
               25  pocket 
               30  controller housing 
               35  control switch 
               36  battery compartment 
               40  electrical cord 
               50  massaging head assembly 
               56  adjustment mechanism 
               55  knob 
               60  first headband portion 
               61  second headband portion 
               64  first hook portion 
               65  second hook portion 
               66  first termination end 
               67  second termination end 
               70  first massaging unit 
               71  second massaging unit 
               80  user 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4   b  and depicted in an alternate embodiment in  FIG. 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a temple massaging headband (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a system and method for massaging a person&#39;s temples providing relaxation and headache relief. The apparatus  10  comprises a headband  60  with battery-powered massaging units  70 ,  71  at the temples. Power is supplied to the massaging units  70 ,  71  from a rechargeable battery pack  36  which can be worn about the arm  21  or alternately the waist  22 , and is electrically tethered  40  to the headband  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is depicted here being worn upon a user&#39;s head and arm portions  80 . The apparatus  10  comprises a massaging head assembly  50  further comprising a flexible first headband portion  60  (only one side illustrated here) which provides a form-fitting design around a user&#39;s ear  80  providing a positioning means to a pair of massaging units  70 ,  71  at a user&#39;s two (2) temple regions  80 . The massaging units  70 ,  71  emulate manual stimulation thereupon said user&#39;s temples  80  providing effective relaxation and headache relief. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises an arm strap  21  shown here comprising a sewn assembly of elastic strapping material and hook-and-loop fasteners  23 . The hook-and-loop fasteners  23  are attached thereto an inward side thereof each end to operably provide an adjustable means for most arm sizes and attached thereto in place by compatibility placing one strap  21  over the other to acquire proper attachment thereof. However, other attachment means for the arm strap  21  may be provided using other type fastening devices such as clips, fasteners, buckles, buttons, latches, or the like without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . The arm strap  21  is envisioned to be provided in a variety of colors and patterns. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a controller assembly  20 , a massaging head assembly  50 , and an electrical cord  40 . The controller assembly  20  further comprises a controller housing  30  which provides an enclosure to electrical and electronic components and devices which provide a regulated electrical current to the “U”-shaped massaging head assembly  50  via the electrical cord  40 . The flexible electric cord  40  travels upwardly thereto the massaging head assembly  50  defining a conduit that resides in interaction with an open back face for operably receiving said cord  40 . The cord  40  travels therethrough said conduit residing within said massaging head assembly  50  to power two (2) massaging units  70 ,  71  being mounted thereat a forward location. The cord  40  is directly connected thereto the massaging assemblies  70 ,  71 , thereby providing electrical power. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of a controller assembly portion  20  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an arm strap  21 , a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners  23 , a pocket  25 , a controller housing  30 , a control switch  35 , a battery compartment  36 , and an electrical cord  40 . 
     The arm strap  21  provides an attachment means thereto a user&#39;s arm  80  being affixed therearound the user&#39;s upper arm region  80 . The arm strap  21  is envisioned to be made using a sewn assembly of common textile materials and further comprising a sewn-in pocket  25  of like materials along an intermediate outer surface extending outwardly and receivably holding the controller housing  30  therein. The controller housing  30  provides a miniature rectangular-shaped protective and self-sealing enclosure to internal electrical and electronic components therein. The controller housing  30  also provides user  80  accessible features including a control switch  35  and a battery compartment  36  along a front surface thereupon. The controller assembly  20  is envisioned to supply and deliver direct current (DC) power to the massaging head assembly  50 , preferably from a rechargeable battery pack therewithin said battery compartment  36  and to be electrically tethered to the massaging head assembly  50  via the electrical cord  40 . The control switch  35  is envisioned to be incorporated therein said controller housing  30  to provide control functionality such as amplitude and frequency variation thereby. It is also envisioned that said control switch  35  integrally regulate and disperse the energization extent in intervals thereto the aforementioned massaging units  70 ,  71  (see  FIG. 4   a ). The control switch  35  is envisioned to be a linear sliding variable voltage device common in the industry providing a digit activated button thereupon in an expected manner. It is also envisioned that the control switch  35  provides a convenient ON/OFF function to the apparatus  10  thereat a particular extent of the control switch  35  sliding motion. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , a perspective and close-up view of a massaging head assembly portion  50  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises an electrical cord  40 , an adjustment mechanism  56 , a knob  55 , a first headband portion  60 , a second headband portion  61 , a pair of hook portions  64 ,  65 , a pair of termination ends  66 ,  67 , and a pair of massaging units  70 ,  71 . The apparatus  10  conducts a regulated DC current to the massaging head assembly  50  being dispersed therethrough the electrical cord  40  comprising a pair of conducting wires being electrically and adaptably connected therewith the headband portions  60 ,  61  forming a “Y”-shaped wiring configuration providing a separate energizing means to each massaging unit  70 ,  71 . The massaging head assembly portion  50  comprises a spring tensioned “U”-shaped device having arcuate tubular headband portions  60 ,  61  having particular features for adjustably engaging one another behind the user&#39;s head  80  via the adjustment mechanism  56  and the knob  55 . 
     The headband portions  60 ,  61  are centrally connected thereto each other at a rear base of the user&#39;s head via a central adjustment mechanism  56 . The headband portions  60 ,  61  are adaptably constructed to operably cooperate with each other in securing the ends together therewithin the adjustment mechanism  56  so as to provide width adjustably providing slidably lengthening properties. The adjustable mechanism  56  comprises a knob  55  providing a clamping means thereupon said headband portions  60 ,  61 . Once said headband portions  60 ,  61  are moved inwardly or outwardly therein the adjustable mechanism  56  to a desired distance, the knob  55  may be turned in a clock-wise direction to secure said headband portions  60 ,  61  in desired positions. 
     The headband portions  60 ,  61  are envisioned to be fabricated of a soft and pliable material such as plastic that is readily adjustable to expand or contract in accordance to the contour of the user&#39;s head  80 . The headband portions  60 ,  61  are envisioned to comprise a pair of opened-loop or hook portions  64 ,  65  being ergonomically tailored inverted “U”-shaped features to cradle the back periphery of the user&#39;s ears  80  along the junction of where the ear convenes therewith the head of a user  80 . Each hook portion  64 ,  65  provides support without significant resilient deformation in a similar manner as common eyeglasses, thereby providing a stabilizing and positioning means to the massaging head assembly  50  upon a user&#39;s head. The hook portions  64 ,  65  are symmetrically located on both sides of the headband portion  60  terminating at the user&#39;s temple thereof and extending forwardly being attached thereto a pair of terminating ends  66 ,  67 . 
     The terminating ends  66 ,  67  of the headbands  60 ,  61  provide an attachment means to accommodatingly mount a pair of massaging units  70 ,  71  one (1) on each headband member  60 ,  61 . The termination ends  66 ,  67  are envisioned to comprise integral press-fit or threaded fastening features thereto the headband portions  60 ,  61  providing easy removal of the massaging units  70 ,  71  for cleaning, replacement, or the like. The massaging units  70 ,  71  are substantially the same each having foam rubber padded outer surfaces resting on the user&#39;s left and right temple  80  thereof. The massaging units  70 ,  71  preferably comprise a mechanical type vibrating device employing a rotary vibrating motor similar to those used in cell phones being common in the industry; however, other types of vibration devices such as electromagnetic devices or the like, may be provided and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . The massaging units  70 ,  71  are envisioned to provide a vertical vibrating amplitude within parallel planes thereto one another and about a common horizontal axis being perpendicular to said terminating ends  66 ,  67 . However, it is further envisioned that said massaging units  70 ,  71  may provide a variety of different vibration effects such as various frequencies, various amplitude ranges, alternate vibration directions, and the like, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 5 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting a waist mounted controller module  20  configuration, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The waist mounted controller module  20  comprises a waist strap  22  being similar in construction and function as the preferred embodiment arm strap  21 ; however, providing an extended length thereof. The waist strap  22  is envisioned to be introduced in a variety of strap lengths corresponding to users having different waistline sizes. The waist strap  22  is further envisioned to be provided in a variety of colors and patterns. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: affixing the apparatus  10  properly by wrapping the arm strap  21  around the user&#39;s arm  80  such that the hook-and-loop fasteners  23  being affixed separately thereto each end of the arm strap  21  to correspondingly attach to each other; positionably placing the headband portions  60 ,  61  thereupon the user&#39;s head  80  such that the padded massaging units  70 ,  71  are rested thereupon the user&#39;s left and right temples  80 ; placing the hook portions  64 ,  65  over the back periphery of each user&#39;s ear  80  so as to cradle the junction of said ears  80  where they convene therewith the head  80 ; adjusting the headband portions  60 ,  61  by utilizing the adjustment mechanism  56 ; adjusting a width therebetween the headband portions  60 ,  61  to a desired position utilizing the knob  55 ; energizing the apparatus  10  to a desirable vibratory level utilizing the control switch  35  to adjustably distribute DC current from the batteries  36  thereto the massaging units  70 ,  71 ; turning off the apparatus  10  when concluding a massage treatment by slidingly moving the control switch  35  to the extreme OFF position; removing the apparatus  10  therefrom the user&#39;s head  80 ; storing the apparatus  10  accordingly; and, benefiting from the portability of the invention  10  while at home, work, or traveling as well as eliminating hand and finger fatigue associated with manually massaging one&#39;s temples  80 . 
     The method of utilizing the alternate waist mounted controller module  20  configuration may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: affixing the controller module portion  20  of the apparatus  10  thereto a user  80  by wrapping the waist strap  22  around the user&#39;s waist region  80  such that the hook-and-loop fasteners  23  being affixed separately thereto each end of the waist strap  21  to correspondingly attach to each other; and, utilizing and benefiting from the apparatus  10  as described above. 
     The headband portions  60 ,  61  are configured to engage the user&#39;s head contour  80 ; provide a hook portion  64 ,  65  to engage the user&#39;s ears  80 ; and to terminate at the temples  80  thereof. The massaging units  70 ,  71  are mounted thereupon the terminating end  66 ,  67  of said headband portions  60 ,  61  so as to rest thereupon the user&#39;s temples  80 . The massaging units  70 ,  71  having a vibrating motor therewithin each respectively, are enclosed therewith a padded foam rubber disc-like cushion to reproduce the sensation of rubbing and massaging the temples and stimulating the skin and nerves throughout the temple region, as well as massaging the muscles in that region, to aid in relaxation and possible relief of headaches. Internal batteries therein the battery compartment  36  eliminate additional tethering to stationary power sources, thereby permitting a user  80  to move about during the massaging experience. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.