Patent Application
20220031558
Massage pads come in many forms. One example is a foam cylinder that is placed on the ground so that a user may roll over the foam cylinder to massage a muscle. For such products, a user identifies a sore or tight area of the user's muscle, then positions their body so that the sore area is positioned atop the foam cylinder. The user then rolls the muscle back and forth over the foam cylinder as it rolls on the floor, and may hold the muscle on the foam cylinder at a point of discomfort to focus pressure on the muscle. By placing more bodyweight on the targeted muscle, a user can apply additional pressure to the massaged area. Such motions are used to massage large muscles, such as the quadricep, calf, hamstring, gluteus maximus, and latissimi dorsi (lat) muscles.
A mountable massage device is configured to have an adjustable length and be secured in a frame, such as a door frame, or other appropriate structure. In one disclosed embodiment, the device comprises a threaded rod, a center tube, first and second extension tubes, and first and second braces configured to support the device when secured in a frame. Handles are coupled to the center tube and allow a user to rotate the tube, thereby extending or retracting the extension tubes. This allows a user to match the length of the device to the width of a door frame. Massage pads are coupled to the center tube and may be used to massage a user's muscles.
The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying figures wherein:
The figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the principles disclosed herein. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the principles disclosed herein and do not limit the scope of the principles disclosed herein. Other objects, features, and characteristics will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.
A detailed illustration is disclosed herein. However, techniques, methods, processes, systems and operating structures in accordance with the principles disclosed herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those disclosed herein. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative.
None of the terms used herein, including “brace,” “collar,” “handle,” “tube,” and “rod” are meant to limit the application of the principles disclosed herein. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like may refer to different or identical objects. The foregoing terms are used to illustrate the principles disclosed herein and are not intended to be limiting. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.
With reference to
With reference to
When assembled, threaded rod 200 is placed through the middle of center tube 202 so that threaded rod pin holes 228 align with center tube pin holes 230. Center pins 204 are then placed through threaded rod pin holes 228 align with center tube pin holes 230 and secured. First extension tube 210A is screwed onto threaded rod 200 by engaging first threaded interior 238A with first threads 232A. Second extension tube 210B is screwed onto threaded rod 200 by engaging second threaded interior 238B with second threads 232B. In this position, first extension tube 210A and second extension tube 210B are both engaged with threaded rod 200 and extending out from the interior of center tube 202.
In some embodiments, threaded rod 200 is threaded across its entire length instead of at the ends as shown in
Once the mountable massage device has been assembled, the length may be extended by rotating the center tube 202 (which is affixed to threaded rod 200) with respect to first extension tube 210A and/or second extension tube 210B. When first threads 232A of threaded rod 200 are rotated relative to first threaded interior 238A of first extension tube 210A, threaded rod 200 and first extension tube 210A either extend or contract, depending on the direction of rotation. Likewise, when second threads 232B of threaded rod 200 are rotated relative to second threaded interior 238B of second extension tube 210B, threaded rod 200 and second extension tube 210B either extend or contract, depending on the direction of rotation. Preferably, first threads 232A and first threaded interior 238A are oriented in a complementary direction with second threads 232B and second threaded interior 238B. That way, when first extension tube 210A and second extension tube 210B are rotationally fixed, and threaded rod 200 is rotated, then first extension tube 210A and second extension tube 210B simultaneously extend outward or simultaneously contract inward, depending on the direction that threaded rod 200 is rotated. This configuration enables the center of the mountable massage device to remain centered while the first brace 222A and second brace 222B are extended outward.
With respect to
In some embodiments, an additional locking collar is disposed on an extension tube. The locking collar engages with the handle and locks it in place so that the center tube can no longer rotate with respect to the extension tube. The locking collar may have a clasp or handle that allows a user to secure the collar in position or release the collar and enable the handle to freely rotate again.
In some embodiments, a mountable massage device comprises only one massage pad. The massage pad may be configured to be an appropriate length, and may extend across the length of the center tube or may be longer or shorter as desired. In some embodiments, plastic bushings are disposed on each side of a roller formed by a top support and a bottom support. In some embodiments, one or more spacers are disposed between a pair of rollers. The spacers are preferably comprised of rubber, but other appropriate materials may be selected. The use of plastic bushings and/or a spacer(s) may improve the ability of the massage pad(s) to spin smoothly and quietly.
In some embodiments, alternative massage accessories may be coupled to a cam lock (such as cam lock 110 shown in
In some embodiments, a mountable massage device is configured with one or zero braces. Instead, an attachment is secured to an extension tube whereby the attachment is configured to be secured to a wall or rack or other appropriate structure. By sufficiently securing one end, the mountable massage device may operate in a cantilever position. An exemplary attachment comprises a collar to lock to an extension tube and one or more prongs which can be placed into holes in a rack or frame such as those commonly found in gyms or weight rooms. The prong(s) is/are inserted into the rack or frame, thereby securing the mountable massage device in place.
In some embodiments, a mountable massage device is provided with a frame. For example, a mountable massage device may be provided with a frame that can stand independently and support the mountable massage device at a desired height for a user to massage their muscles. The frame is preferably height-adjustable so that the user may raise or lower the massage pads to a desired height.
In some embodiments, a mountable massage device comprises one or more massage pads that are freely rotatable when the mountable massage device is secured in place. In some embodiments, one or more massage pads may be held in place and prevented from rotating while the user massages a muscle. The massage pad(s) may be secured, for example, by a collar or handle or switch or screw.
In some embodiments, a massage pad may be changed by a user and replaced with an alternate massage pad. Such embodiments allow a user to switch the type of massage pad according to the user's desire. Interchangeable massage pads may vary in their size, shape, texture, firmness, surface smoothness, material composition, or other qualities.
The detailed description is not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of the principles disclosed herein. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit of the principles disclosed herein.
