US2127674A - Spade-handle massaging device - Google Patents

Description

D. CLARKE Aug. 23, 1938.

SPADE HANDLE MASS AGING DEVICE Filed July 2, 1957 w wN i [N VEN TOR.

A TTORNEYS.

Patented Aug. 23, 1938 UNITED sTAres rarest OFFICE 4 Claims.

This invention aims to provide a simple means whereby a person can apply massaging pressure to his own back, or, if desired, to the back of another person, although the article is intended.

'.: primarily to be used on the back of the operator.

The invention aims to provide a novel handle structure adjustable to assume different positions on an arm, the construction being such that the operator can attain a secure hold on the handleand vary the pressure without discomfort to his hand. The invention aims, further, to provide novel means for connecting the body-engaging element with the arm.

It is within the province of the disclosure to improve generally and to enhance the utility of.

devices of that type to Which the present invention appertains.

With the above and other objects in View, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, may be made within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows in side elevation, a device constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan;

Fig. 3 is a section taken through the handle block.

In carrying out the invention, there is provided a handle block I provided nearer to its outer end than to its inner end with a transversely elongated opening 2, defining a knuckle rest 3, at the outer end of the block, and a pressure table 4 at the inner end of the block, upon the upper surface thereof.

In the upper surface of the handle block I, at one longitudinal edge of the block, and at one end of the pressure table i there is a thumb seat 5, a. seat ii for the little finger of the operator being disposed opposite to the thumb seat 5.

An outer guide I is mounted on the knuckle rest 3, and an inner guide 8 is secured to the handle block I, on the pressure table 4. The guides "I and 8 are disposed nearer to that longitudinal edge of the block I which has the thumb seat 5 than to the opposite edge.

There is an opening 9 in the inner guide 8, receiving the bend I6 of a spring shim II bearing on the straight part I2 of a resilient arm I4 having a portion I5 which is curved in a direction at an angle to the plane defined by the handle block I. Accidental detachment of the arm I4 from the guides 'I and 8 is prevented by a stop is on the straight part I2 of the arm I4, the stop being adapted to engage the outer guide I.

A securing element H, such as a bolt, passes through the extremity of the curved portion I5 of the arm I6, and through the crown of an arched bracket I8, a wing nut I9 being threaded upon the bolt, and the wing nut being adapted to engage the under surface of the bracket I8. The bracket I8 is terminally secured to the rigid back 2! of a brush 2|, it being understood that the brush 2| shown in the drawing need not necessarily be used. Any suitable body engaging member, used either hot or cold, and fixed or rotatable, may replace the brush 2|.

In practical operation, the block I, which resembles a spade handle, is shifted along the straight part I2 of the arm I4, until the brush 2| or its equivalent is so located that it may be applied to the part of the back of the operator which is to be massaged. The spring shim II holds the handle block I in any position to which it may have been adjusted, longitudinally of the straight part I2 of the arm I4.

The operator inserts his first finger through the opening 22 which exists between the part I2 of the arm I 4 and the adjacent side portion of the handle block I, the second and third fingers of the operator being inserted through the opening 23 which exists between the straight part E2 of the arm I4 and that edge of the handle block which has the seat 6. The first, second and third fingers of the operator are pressed down on the table 4, the little finger of the operator being placed in the seat 6, and the thumb of the operator being placed in the seat 5. When the handle block I is held in this way, the knuckle rest 3 exerts a very light pressure on the knuckles of the operator, even though a strong downward pressure is exerted on the handle block I at its inner end. What little pressure is exerted on the knuckles is relieved by a cushion 24, made of sponge rubber or the like, secured to the handle block I and extended into the opening 2 and along the undersurface of the knuckle rest 3.

The operator does not have to rely on the spring shim II, solely, as a means for preventing relative movement between the handle block I and the arm I4. If desired, the second finger of the hand of the operator may be placed on the straight part I2 of the arm I4, a little in advance of the inner guide 8.

The resilient arm I4 affords a means whereby Ill the brush 2| or its equivalent may be yieldably pressed upon the back of the operator. The brush or its equivalent may be adjusted at any angle with respect to the length of the arm M by loosening the wing nut I9 and turning the bracket E8, along with the brush 2! or its equivalent, on the bolt H, the wing nut I9 being tightened to hold the parts in any positions to which they have been adjusted. l The device is simple in construction, but Wi be found thoroughly advantageous for the ends in View, as set forth in the opening portion of this specification, and as ascertained in practical use.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. In a massaging device, a handle having an opening for the reception of the fingers of an operator, an arm, means? associated with the handle for mounting the arm on the handle for longitudinal adjustment with respect -to the handle, the arm extending" across the opening, and a body engaging member assembled with the arm.

2. In a massaging device, a handle having an opening for the reception of the fingers of an operator, the opening defining a knuckle rest at the outer end of the handle and a pressure table at the inner end of the handle, the handle being provided with thumb and little finger seats located in the longitudinal, outer edges of the handle and leading to the table, an arm, means associated with the handle for mounting the arm on the handle for longitudinal adjustment with respect to the handle, the arm extending across the opening, and a body engaging member assembled with the arm.

3. A massaging device, constructed as set forth in claim 1, in combination with guides on the handle and receiving the arm for longitudinal adjustment, and a spring shim carried by one of respect to the handle, the arm extending across the opening, a knuckle cushion carried by the knuckle rest and located at the opening, and a body engaging member assembled with the arm.

DUMONT CLARKE.

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