WO2006070175A1

WO2006070175A1 - Messaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2006070175A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/004924
Authority: WO
Inventors: Una Tucker
Original assignee: Kneads Must Limited
Priority date: 2004-12-29
Filing date: 2005-12-20
Publication date: 2006-07-06
Also published as: EP1835880A1; GB0428449D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hand-held massaging device suitable for use in performing several massage movements on the body. The device is designed such that a user can self-massage or a user can assist or perform a massage on a person in need of massage treatment.

Description

MASSAGING DEVICE

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a hand-held massaging device for use in providing an all-over massage application to the body (the "Device"). The device provides specific massage movements that can be applied to the fleshy areas of the body.

The tool employs the standard Swedish massage applications of local and focused Petrissage and Frictions, with the addition of ¹Du Poing" Effleurage movements and Trigger Point therapy pressure point techniques to be applied to the smaller and more contoured corners and curves of the body such as the nape of the neck and the peripheral and/or perpendicular areas of the body such as the joints, limbs and palms of the hands, etc.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a massage device that is hand-held and requires no mechanical or electrical moving parts to fulfil its function. The present tool may be fashioned from any durable material such as plastic, stone, resin, wood or metal. It is also envisaged that the massage device of the present invention can be used with massage oils, lotions or other such suitable lubricants or not if the use of lubricants is not a necessity, i.e. when used on top of clothing. However, if the tool were to be used with oils or other such lubricating agents, then it would be desirable to have the device made from an easily washable material. It is also possible for the device to be made of a material that can be heated, for example, by using hot water or even a microwave and such material should hold the heat for a sufficient period of time (without scalding or burning either the user or the recipient with the heated device during massage), so that the recipient receives the benefit of the use of heat during a massage. The design is completely self-contained, with no moving parts or detachable elements, although it is possible for the larger end to be hollow and a battery-operated heating and/or infrared device to be inserted for heat application during massage in order to increase the enjoyment of the experience. The tool can be completely solid or, as a design variation and as a further aspect of the device, can be hollow and filled with water or oil of varying colours. Novelty shapes can be inserted to suit aesthetic or seasonal tastes. Likewise, the tool can be hollow and filled with air or inert gas to make the device lighter. The device can be any colour, according to the manufacturing material used. In particular, the massage device is useful for the implementation of a range of massage techniques mainly associated with "Swedish" or "Aromatherapy" massages - those being Petrissage and Frictions, in addition to ¹Du Poing¹ movements and Trigger Point therapy pressure point techniques.

Petrissage movements involve various ways of kneading the muscles in localised areas. These movements help in strengthening the muscle structures by stimulating the deeper layers of tissue and also help in increasing the supply of oxygen/nutrient-rich blood to the area and decreasing lymph (i.e. moving waste products away from the area). Kneading motions are employed to work muscle against muscle or muscle against bone or both, thus breaking down tension build-up within the muscles. Petrissage is generally a firmer massage movement. Light kneading eases the top muscle layers and is usually used for the elderly, the infirm or the very young, while firmer kneading works on the deeper muscles and is usually employed for most healthy adults. Being a deeper massage movement, Petrissage should be generally used on dense muscle (fleshy) areas only as it can cause discomfort or even pain when applied to bony areas.

Frictions, also known as connective tissue movements, use the thumb, fingertips or knuckles, to apply deep and direct pressure to one particular site of muscular tension. It is very useful for focusing on specific areas of tightness and muscle spasms (i.e. the back and neck or shoulder areas) and can be employed in a number of ways. Small "sawing motions" (employed in cross-fibre or parallel Frictions) can be used with stiffened forefingers or tight circular motions using the thumbs (employed in circular Frictions) can be applied. Another form of friction uses the knuckles in a circular motion (with a loosely clenched fist) and can be applied to release tension up the sides of the spine, neck, shoulders and in other areas. Alternatively, static pressure can be applied by leaning gradually into the muscle and slowly deepening the pressure without any rotating action in order to release tension and encourage blood/lymph flow. The user presses down on the affected muscles for a few seconds and then gradually releases the pressure (also known as trigger point pressure and used in Trigger Point Therapy). One never applies any sort of friction directly to a bony area as the movement is too deep and will likely result in discomfort or even injury to the recipient.

'Du poing¹ (usually performed with the flat part of the fist comprising the area between the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpo-phalangeal joints, i.e. the space between the main knuckles and the first digit of the fingers when a fist is formed) is a form of

Effleurage that can be successfully applied to small and contoured areas and helps increase the circulation of blood and lymph while also providing a relaxing movement that helps break down tension in the areas of application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the Figures:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a front view of the massage device wherein a large near mushroom-shaped (or dome-shaped) top section (1) having an uppermost gentle centre point (or pivot point or "nipple") for circular Petrissage (5). This centre point or nipple gently graduates downward to the outer lipped edge or rim (4) of the top section and wherein said rim is circular about the base of the upper head (1). The area from the centre point or nipple (5) to the circular edged rim of the top section of the tool is the same distance from any given point measuring from (5) to (4). The outer lipped edge or rim of the top section of the tool then (4) gradually rounds inwards and then graduates upwards into a depression (6a) circumnavigating around the cylindrical middle section

(2) which thereby connects the upper head (1) and the cylindrical middle section (2) of the tool. This (6a) also creates a gripping/resting point for the user's fingers. Additionally, there is a similar depression (6b) for the user's fingers connecting the cylindrical middle/central core (2) and the smaller orb-like end (3), said orb-like end being used in focused, circular Petrissage, frictions and static Trigger Point Therapy.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the tool slightly tilted from the side and viewing underneath the large dome-shaped portion of the device. The gripping/resting points of both (6a) and (6b) clearly in view and going around the full circumference of their respective ends of the cylindrical middle section (2)

FIGURE 3 illustrates an underlying bottom view wherein the diameter and circumference of the bottom orb-like end (3) is smaller in proportion to the diameter and circumference of the larger mushroom shaped top section (1).

OBJECTSANDSTATEMENTOFTHEINVENTION

The whole of the tool has been designed to be used for several different massage applications on the face, neck, feet, hands, torso, arms and legs by either an individual for themselves or to be applied by one individual (the user) providing massage to another (the recipient). The proposed device is hand-held and self-contained and made of durable non-porous material and comprises three portions: a large bulbous end joined to a smaller bulbous end by a short, thick cylindrical middle.

The massage tool of the present invention is approximately 100mm in length measuring from the centre point or nipple of the large bulbous end (5) to the middle/centre point (7) of the smaller bulbous end (3). It will be obvious for the skilled in the art of massage that these hand held tools can be made to different size specifications in order to be comfortable for gripping and performing the various massage motions with this tool.

The smaller bulbous end (3) is smooth and orb-shaped and is approximately 170mm in circumference (about 55mm in diameter). A cylindrical middle (2) connects the opposing bulbous ends of the tool and is itself approximately 30mm in length. Again, these measurements are for illustrative purposes as different tool sizes can be made in order to fit different hand sizes. The relative proportions should however be used as a guide by one skilled in the art to make larger or smaller sized tools such as described in the present inventions. The cylindrical middle connects to the bottom of the smaller orb and then graduates upward until connecting with the underside part of the larger, more bulbous portion of the tool (1). The largest portion of the tool is semi-spherical in shape (nearly mushroom-shaped), graduating upwards from a wide base to a fine, uppermost point and is approximately 80mm in diameter (1) and its circumference (at its widest (base) point) is approximately 220mm (4). The portion of this part of the tool that connects with the central cylindrical core has a rounded outer lipped edge (4) and then said outer lip dips inward at gentle gradient towards the central core (2) that results in a depression or dip (6a) that will accommodate a resting place or gripping point for fingers. There is also a similar depression or dip (6b) present when said cylindrical core naturally connects with the smaller orb base, although it is more gentle in its depression. The first portion coming into contact with the recipient's skin (i.e. the uppermost or topside part of the largest part of the tool (1)), is largely dome-shaped or indeed mushroom-like in appearance, graduating upwards into a gentle centre point (5) - suggesting the outline of a spinning top or dradle and mainly serves as a pivot point for circular rotations. The second portion of the tool coming into contact with the recipient's skin is the flattened space created by the downward graduation from the highest central point (5) to any given point of circular base (4). This flattened space (which should be, at any given point, half the overall diameter of (1)) is used with point (5) in larger Petrissage circles and on its own as a flattened Effleurage surface during the employment of Du Poing Effleurage moves. The third portion of the tool coming into contact with the recipient's skin (i.e. the bottom-most or underside part of the smaller orb of the tool (7)) is also bulbous in appearance and nature and is used in more focused Petrissage on small surface areas (i.e. the arms) or for larger areas of dense muscle for deeper pressure, for Frictions and/or for the static pressure employed in Trigger Point Therapy. Sizes are clearly provided to give relative size dimensions between different segments of the present device and are not to be seen in any way to be mandatory or essential to the working of the present invention.

The tool is multi-functional, depending on which "end" of the tool the user is employing. The larger, more bulbous part of the tool (1) has two main functions: the wider, circular movements of generalised Petrissage and the localised but sweeping/scraping Du Poing movements while the smaller, orb-shaped part of the tool (3) also has three functions: that being focused Petrissage on small surface areas (i.e. the arms) or for larger areas of dense muscle for deeper pressure, the small, sawing and/or circular movements of Frictions and the static compressions of Trigger and/or Pressure Point Therapy. There are also multiple functions with regard to the middle part of the device (2). It provides a means to interconnect the upper and lower portions of the device and allows the user an area to grip and apply downward pressure when carrying out the massage manoeuvres. Additionally, it provides an elongated section helping to transfer the pressure and graduate the circular movements of the hand/wrist upon one head of the tool to the circular (spinning top) movements of the head in contact with the skin. Due to its near orb-like design, there are no sharp edges or corners to the device. The device is gently rounded to provide both comfort to the user and to ensure that no area of the tool will "dig" or "gouge" into the recipient during a vigorous massage (especially a massage using deeper Petrissage or friction movements).

There are four hand positions for carrying out massage movements when utilising either the top (1 ) or bottom (3) portion of the tool and are relatively similar for both employments. The first hand position is the more intense as it involves more momentum and pressure as it utilises hand, wrist and shoulder pressure whilst the second hand position is a gentler version of the desired movement as the hand is in closer proximity to the body and only utilises hand and wrist momentum. Either positioning affords a firm grip over the tool, thus making the device a virtual extension of the hand and allowing the wrist to be supported and move freely in order to manipulate the desired part of the tool in carrying out the intended massage application of over the chosen body area. The first hand position entails approaching the tool from above with the hand in the prone position (palm facing downwards). The middle of palm of the hand then rests on top of the uppermost point of the tool (depending which way it is being held) and the hand closes over the uppermost part with the fingers pointing downward in a backward grip-like motion, as in a loose fist. The middle portion of the present device (2) affords the user space (depressions) (6) on either distal side of the middle tool that the fingers of the hand will fit naturally into (for instance, the forefinger and middle finger on one side and the 'ring' finger and 'pinkie' on the other or the forefinger on one side and the remaining fingers on the other side, etc depending on the preference of the user) which results in a comfortable grip once the hand is contracted into a loose fist (depending on the personal comfort and strength of the user). The user can now employ a wide range of momentum from the hand, wrist and arm in applying as much pressure and speed as the desired movement warrants (again, depending on the recipient's taste and comfort) in a rotational movement from the wrist and/or shoulder area, if using the larger head, or more static or friction movements if using the smaller end.

The second hand position sees the hand placed in the prone position as mentioned in the paragraph above, however, instead of grasping the tool and a loose fist that closes around the uppermost head (depending on which way the tool is facing towards the recipient) and the fingers closing either side of the middle portion at its point of connection with the uppermost part of the tool (6) (again, depending on which way the tool is being employed will dictate which part of the tool is facing upward (either (1) or (3)), the hand remains fairly rigid and the uppermost point (depending which end is now facing downward and in contact with the skin) is in direct contact with the middle of the prone but rigid palm. Employing loose circular motions from the wrist and, to a lesser degree, the elbow, a circular momentum is created in the hand that translates, through the open space of the rigid palm, to the tool and the tool heads, being circular in nature, thus loosely rotate upon the recipient's skin.

The third position sees the palm still in a prone position but instead of the hand placed above the uppermost portion of the tool, the user approaches the lower middle portion of the tool. The palm remains flat and the fingers extended (but not rigid) or slightly curled downward (depending the individual's comfort) whereby they are placed either side of the central core (2) (that being the middle portion of the tool and the fingers resting as suggested above, i.e. the forefinger and middle finger on one side and the 'ring' finger and 'pinkie' on the other or the forefinger on one side and the remaining fingers on the other side, depending on the preference of the user) and rest on the underside of the head being used, now facing upwards (i.e., that being the part of the tool that is being applied to the recipient's skin) at or near to the point the head connects with the central core, that being (6). The tool is held in place by the downward pressure of the lower part of the tool against the recipient's skin and is guided and further steadied by the pressure of the fingers pushing inward against the tool's central core and downward against the upper portion of the bottom of the tool (again, depending on how it is being held/utilised). The lower portion of the tool is then pressed gently upon the recipient's skin and guided along its course through the gentler, slower movements of the hand/wrist of the user.

The fourth hand position is solely for the use of Du Poing Effleurage movements and to be carried out only on fleshy areas. The hand is still in the prone position and the hand positions described in hand position one and three above can still be employed. However, with this movement, only the larger head (1 ) should be used due to spatial proportions. In this hand position, instead of rotating the head on its central axis point (5) as with circular Petrissage movements, the axis point (5) remains relatively static in that it is laid upon the skin and the head (1 ) is angled so that the flatter area of the dome (that being the space between points (5) and (4)) is laying upon the recipient's skin. The person operating the tool can either position the hand in a downward pressure on the uppermost portion of the smaller orb (3) or the innermost lip portion of the larger head (6) (now facing upward) as described above. Likewise, the user can also (depending upon the user's preference) grasp the middle portion of the tool (2) between the thumb and fingers (again, depending upon the user's preference) to employ a downward leaning momentum that will result in the flatter portion of the tool (that being the space between points (5) and (4)) gliding across the skin in a Du Poing Effleurage move.

Various massage implements currently available almost invariably concentrate on only one type of massage movement. This will not necessarily be as beneficial to the recipient and, if a tool is used for a massage application that it was not designed, this could potentially result in the recipient experiencing discomfort or injury. Likewise, the user could also experience discomfort or injury by inappropriately using the wrong tool for the task at hand. Such versatility, in application or ease of use, as is provided in the present invention, is not available through other massage tools currently available or described in literature. In addition, its many purposes are achieved through its upper and bottom-most parts, both designed to provide adequate support to the wrist and allowing for the application of the increased pressure needed to achieve deep Petrissage, Effleurage or pressure points as well as friction massage, which can be of great benefit to the recipient in relieving tension in the muscles. One of the benefits of this invention is that regardless of the intensity of the pressure, such pressure will be evenly distributed through the device without exhausting the user while providing relaxation to the recipient of such a massage.

A further advantage is that the rotating motions of Petrissage can be performed easily with both the middle and side portions of the upper portion of the present tool. Moreover, since the present device has such an even and generous spatial range, a maximum coverage with each sweeping movement made by the user of the device can easily be achieved, if so required. Due to the device's arched and varying circular proportions, the present invention can successfully negotiate difficult areas such as the nape of the neck, shoulder joint, palm of the hand etc. with ease and, if more concentrated Petrissage or friction movements are required, the smaller part of the device (that being the smaller orb (3)) allows concentrated circular and sawing motions or even static pressure with even the most concentrated pressure. Such versatility, in application or ease of use, is not available through other massage tools currently available or described in literature.

In addition, the present invention's gentle, arched and rounded features result in adequate support being provided to the wrist, through the upper and lower portions of the invention. The tool's thick, cylindrical middle (2) is designed to also maximise and even out applied pressure, allowing for the application of increased pressure required to achieve deep massage. Deeper tissue massage may be of great benefit to the recipient in relieving muscular tension and improving blood flow. One of the benefits of this invention is that regardless of the intensity of the pressure, such pressure will be evenly distributed through the device without exhausting the user and it provides beneficial massage and relaxation to the recipient.

As stated above, the present tool may be fashioned from any durable material such as plastic, stone, resin, wood or metal. The device requires no use of lubricants, although such lubricants can be used if desired (for instance if Du Poing Effleurage or sawing friction movements are required and especially if the tool is used directly onto bare skin). If the tool were used with oils or other such lubricating agents, then it would be desirable for the tool to be made of a washable material. For instance, the tool can be made from polyurethane and then dip-coated in PVC, soft polyurethane or silicone rubber. The polyurethane core is thus effectively encased in a thin layer of rubber (approximately 1- 2mm or even thicker if desired). It is also envisaged that the present tool can be heated, for example by using hot water or even a microwave and such material should hold the heat for a sufficient period of time (without scalding or burning either the user or the recipient with the heated device during massage), so that the recipient receives the benefit of the use of heat during a massage. In addition, the tool may be solid or as a further embodiment can be hollow and filled with water or oil(s). Novelty shapes or characters may be inserted to suit aesthetic or seasonal tastes. Likewise, the tool can be hollow and filled with air or inert gas to make the tool light in weight. The tool may be any colour according to the manufacturing material used.

While the present massaging device has been described with various preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention. The optional dimensional relationships for all parts of the invention are to include all variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and operation, which are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art. For instance, it is envisaged that different size tools may be utilised for various hand sizes (i.e. small, medium, large and extra large) and therefore the measurements and dimensions stated within this description of the invention are presented solely to illustrate relative distances between different focal points of the tool. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the figures and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed in this invention and what is desired to be protected is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A hand-held and completely self-contained tool or device for use in performing the applications of Petrissage, Du Poing Effleurage, Frictions and pressure point massage applications, wherein said a tool comprises a larger dome-shaped end (1 ) and a smaller orbed-shaped end (3) that is smooth and near spherical in shape and a cylindrical middle (2) connecting the smaller orb (3) and the larger dome-shaped ends of the tool (1 ).

2. The message device of claim 1, wherein the larger dome-shaped end (1) further comprises in the centre of said dome a gentle point or nipple (5) and from said point or nipple said dome-shaped end graduates outward and downward to an outer-rimmed edge (4) and wherein the distance from said centre point (5) to the outer-rimmed edge (4) of the dome is the same distance from (5) to any given point on the rimmed edge (4) said rimmed-edge circumnavigating fully around the dome-shaped end of the device and wherein said rimmed edge (4) then gradually rounds inwards on itself to form a depression (6a) around the circumference of the cylindrical middle (2) thereby creating a finger rest or grip area between the larger dome-shaped head (1) and the cylindrical middle (2) and wherein a similar depression (6b) is present at the opposite end of the cylindrical middle (2) from (6a) also for use as a finger rest or grip.

3. The massage device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the smaller orb-like end of the device is used for the sawing movements of Frictions and static compressions of Trigger and/or Pressure Point Therapy.

4. The massaging device of claim 1 , wherein either of the larger bulbous dome top end (1 ) or smaller orbed end (3) of the device is hollow and filled with air or another inert gas.

5. The massaging device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein either the larger dome top end (1 ) or the smaller orbed end (3) is hollow and filled with an inert liquid or a battery-operated heating device or an infrared heating device.