Patent Application
20160213564
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a device and method of massaging, and more particularly to a device and method that person may use to massage their muscles.
2. Discussion of the Background
Massage is typically performed by applying pressure to the body of a patient, either manually or using a massage tool. Massage tools typically include some manner of surface or feature that is designed to contact the patient's body for the purpose of manipulating the patient's muscle tissue or connective tissue.
It is common for people to massage their own arms or legs to release tension in the muscles. When massaging one's own body, however, such as by applying pressure to one's own soft tissue, it is difficult to apply pressure to a trigger point (i.e. a muscle knot) without tensing the muscles.
A vast array of massage tools have been used in the past. Many previously-used tools are awkward to hold and thus difficult to use. In addition, such tools do not resolve the problem of the user tensing their own muscles to use the tools, and thus they are not as effective as they might be.
There is a need for a massage tool that is easy to manipulate, comfortable to hold, and which is versatile. There is also a need for a massage tool that a user may use to apply forces more selectively to specific parts of the body by pinpointing pressure and massage target areas with a minimal amount of effort by the user.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing a method that allows a user to accurately apply a force to the body.
Certain aspects provide a method for massaging a user with a device that includes a handle, body including a surface, a strap, and a mechanism for adjusting the length of the strap. The method includes: placing the user between the body of the device and the strap, such that the strap and the body of the device surrounds the user; adjusting the length of the strip such that the surface is held against the user; and moving the handle to increase the force of the surface on the user.
Certain other aspects provide a method for massaging a user with a device that includes a handle, a body including a surface, a strap, and a mechanism for adjusting the length of the strap. The method includes: inserting the user between the surface and the strap, such that the strap and surface surrounds the user; pulling the end of the strap to tighten the strap and surface against the user; and moving the handle in a plane perpendicular to the user, such that the force on the user is adjusted.
These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the method of massaging of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:
Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.
The present invention allows a user to massage a muscle or location on their body with a desired force. A first embodiment of the device 100 is shown in
In one embodiment, device 100 includes a body 110, a bracket 120, and a restraining portion 130. Body 110, which has a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114, includes a plate 111 surrounded by a flange 113, and also includes a handle 117 at the proximal end and a curved surface 119 of the flange at distal end 114, which is best seen in
Bracket 120 includes a flat portion 121, and a pair of flanges 125a, 125b each having corresponding holes 127a, 127b. In general, body 110 and bracket 120 are formed or joined together.
Restraining portion 130 includes a strap 131 having a free end 134, pairs of interlocking rings 137 and 139 that attach the strap to holes 127a and 127b, and a buckle 136 that accepts the free end. Restraining portion 130 is thus attached to bracket 120 and has a length between holes 127a and 127b that may be adjusted by pulling or releasing free end 134.
In one embodiment, flange 113 and plate 111 are formed together by injection molding a plastic, such as Nylon or ABS. Handle 117 may also be injection molded with flange 113 and plate 111, or may be a separate piece that is attached to flange 113 by an adhesive or by otherwise fastening the parts together. In another embodiment, bracket 120 is formed from sheet metal, such as Aluminum or Steel or an injection molded plastic material, such as Nylon, ABS, or Polycarbonate. In other embodiments, strap 131 is formed from lengths of webbing, and buckle 136 is a strap adjuster buckle which is commonly used for adjusting the length of webbing straps.
In one embodiment, the width of the strap and the flange are approximately the same, and are 2 inches. In another embodiment, the length of strap 131 between rings 139 is from 36 inches to 48 inches. In yet another embodiment, the distance between proximal end 112 and distal end 113 of body 110 is from 9 inches to 12 inches.
A method of the use of device 100 is illustrated in
A first step of the method is to encircle strap 131 and body 110 about the user's appendage. Thus, for example and without limitation,
In another embodiment, the step of
As is shown in
Next, as shown in
When the user is done massaging, the steps of
Device 600 of
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.
