RU2375033C2 - Manual autonomous massage device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: personal demand items.

SUBSTANCE: this invention is related to manual massage devices intended for use to make various movements of Swedish massage for overall body massage. Device for body massage comprises lower section, which represents a grip (4) for hand, which contains multiple rings or channels (2) for fingers, which are arranged serially and are connected to each other, and have sizes that allow for insertion of one hand fingers in them. The lowest section of massage device or hand grip is arranged as convex (4) and additionally comprises bent arched element (1), which is connected to upper surface of all rings. Bent arched element has size suitable for performance of efficient overall stroking and lymph drain and stroking of recipient limbs. The upper part of massage device is arranged as softly narrowing at each end (3) of bent arched element (1). Softly narrowing ends (3) are suitable for focused massage motions, petrissage and rubbing.

EFFECT: expansion of technical means arsenal for body massage.

5 cl, 8 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to manual massage devices intended for use with full body massage.

The body massage instrument uses three standard applications of Swedish massage for general body and limb massage, which are ehlerarage (stroking, tapping), petrissage (kneading) and rubbing (rubbing), in addition to various movements for deep tissue massage and outflow lymphs.

State of the art

As indicated in the introduction, the present invention relates to massage devices that are self-contained and do not require the use of mechanical or electrical moving parts to perform their functions. In particular, a massage device is used to perform certain massage styles, which are "Swedish" massage or massage with "aromatherapy" (the main tool for the body). The movements of the Swedish massage and aromatherapy massage used with the body tool consist of three main types of movement: stroking, kneading and rubbing, in addition to the movements of deep tissue massage and outflow of lymph.

Stroking consists of long, soothing stroking movements that are performed using the palm of one flat brush or two flat brushes, pressed gently but firmly to the skin of the recipient. When massaging the trunk and limbs, a little more pressure is applied when stroking in the direction of the heart (centripetally) to improve the circulation of lymph and blood. It is enough to carry out the corresponding slow and continuous movements. It is important to keep a flat palm gently pressed to the skin, repeating the contours of the massaged area, to obtain a constant uniform pressure. Stroking is always used at the beginning of the massage to soothe and to prepare the area for massage movements. It is also used at the end of the session to obtain a relaxing end to the massage, as well as a connecting movement used before and between more stimulating movements or before or between massage of different parts of the body.

Kneading movements include various kinds of kneading of the skin and muscles. These movements help strengthen muscle structures by stimulating tissue layers, and also help increase the supply of oxygen / nutrient-rich blood to the area and divert lymph (breakdown products) from the area. Kneading movements are used to knead muscle against muscle or muscle about bone, or both of these movements, thus eliminating the tension accumulated in the muscles. Kneading is a denser movement and usually follows after stroking. Light kneading calms the upper muscle layers and is usually used for older people, weak people, or very young ones, while tighter kneading works with deeper muscles, and it is usually used for most healthy adults. Kneading is a deeper massage movement, and therefore it is usually used only for dense areas of the muscles, as it can lead to discomfort or even pain if it is applied too much in the bone area.

For rubbing, also known as connective tissue movements, use the thumbs, fingertips or bones of the joints of the fingers to apply deep directional pressure in one particular place of muscle tension. It is very useful for focusing in certain areas of muscle compression and spasms (in particular, on the back and neck), and it can be used in many different ways. Static pressure (also known as the pressure at the trigger point, and used in the treatment of trigger points) is applied by gradually pressing the point of muscle tension, slowly deepening the pressure without any rotational action, and then releasing it after a few seconds, all this allows you to reduce stress and stimulate blood / lymph flow. Alternatively, you can also apply small “gentle” movements (used in movements across muscle tissue or in parallel rubbing) with tensed index fingers or using tight circular movements with the thumbs (used for circular rubbing). In other forms of rubbing, finger joints are used in a free connecting motion to eliminate tension on the sides of the spine, neck and other areas. Rubbing of any kind directly on the bone area is never used, as this movement is too deep and is likely to lead to discomfort.

Deep tissue massage is used to eliminate the chronic structures of muscle tension using slow movements, directional pressure or rubbing. Often movements are directed across the muscle fibers (across the fibers) using the thumbs or elbows. This allows you to apply more pressure to the deeper layers of the muscles than with Swedish massage, and for this reason it is called deep tissue massage. Such a massage is also more specific, focusing on a specific problem area, after which all layers of muscles that can be affected are treated. Since deep tissue massage itself is more focused, it often requires more controlled effort, which may require a higher level of effort from the person performing the movement.

Movements that are applicable for foot massage include reflexology (point-pressure therapy) and Swedish massage movements, including fist-pounding and vibration.

Vibration is an application used in Swedish massage to shake muscles to reduce tension and tightness. It is believed that it reduces pain to a greater extent, frees the passages for the nerves and represents an “unexpected effect” for the muscles, which helps to reduce their tension. They can be stimulating or relaxing movements, depending on the needs of the recipient. Vibrations may include tapping, tapping, crushing, or cupping. All of them include a certain kind of percussion contact with the recipient's skin and should be jerky and reasonably light (in order to exclude damage or discomfort to the recipient).

Kneading movements include various methods of kneading the skin and muscles, as explained above. Since the feet have a limited surface, most of the kneading is focused kneading, which consists of smaller movements in very localized areas. Such denser movements consist in processing muscle areas using small circular movements through the soft areas of the feet. Light kneading relaxes the upper layers of the muscles, while denser kneading works with deeper muscles.

Fist basting (usually performed using the flat part of the fist that makes up the area between the proximal interflange and metacarpus flank joints, which is the gap between the palm joints and the middle joints of each finger) is a form of tapping that can be successfully applied to small and limited areas.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

the figure 1 shows a manual massage device "kneading device" containing rings or recesses (2) for the fingers and the upper soft-curved arch (1) with tapered sides or edges (3), with a softly convex lower section of the massage device (4);

figure 2 shows a perspective view of a device for the massage of the body;

figure 3 presents a side view of the device in which the notches (2) for the fingers are clearly visible;

figure 4 presents a bottom view of the massage device of the extender, in which the holes (2) for the fingers are visible, and also presents the lower convex handle (4), which forms a perfectly oval shape together with the upper part (1);

figure 5 presents a variant of the kneader, in which the lowest portion (5) of this variant of the device is made concave;

figure 6 presents a perspective view of a kneader with a concave lowermost portion of the device;

figure 7 depicts a side view of such a concave version of the tool, a kneading device for body massage;

figure 8 shows a bottom view of the arch (1), and shows a close to oval shape of the upper portion of the device, due to which the widest section is suitable for stroking and general kneading.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Body massage tool

Regarding a body massage tool, an object of the present invention is to provide a general-purpose universal device that is conveniently used by a user and provides the recipient with the advantage of massage using three Swedish massage techniques. This particular device constituting the present invention (called a “kneader”) is lightweight, does not contain moving or attached parts, and is completely integral and convenient. The device can be used through clothing or can be applied directly to the skin after applying the appropriate lubricants.

The various massage options currently available concentrate almost exclusively on one type of massage movement. This may not necessarily be beneficial for the recipient, and if a tool that has not been developed for this purpose is used for massage, this could potentially lead to discomfort for the recipient or harm him. Similarly, the user may also feel uncomfortable or may be harmed if the instrument is improperly used for this purpose manually. For example, US Patent No. 6,241,696 (“Patent 696”) relates to a manual embodiment having a plurality of balls directed in opposite directions, which can be used to obtain stroking-like movement. The limitation of this device is that it does not allow you to fully stroking, in contrast to the traditional position of the hand with this movement, it is not flat. Stroking is always performed with the palm (s) pressed flat to the contours of the massed area. The purpose of this massage is to increase the flow of blood to the heart and stimulate the outflow of lymph in the body to the corresponding (proximal) lymph node (s). The balls directed in all directions are convex, and therefore their spatial efficiency is limited by the point where the point of each ball comes into contact with the skin and as a result several intervals of lack of contact are formed between each successive balls located next to each other. The spatial limitation of the ball’s movement also limits the applications for kneading in the event of an attempt to perform it, since it does not create a given or stable point, thus limiting the required pressure necessary for successful kneading. As a result of this, the user seeks to compensate for such a deficiency and will try to apply even greater pressure (from the user's hand on the instrument), and this can cause pain if the pressure on one point is too strong for any period of time both for the user and the recipient. The thickening of the device in accordance with 'patent 696' makes it inconvenient for use in small spaces, etc. and does not allow the use of grinding, since it cannot be applied to a small static region. In addition, grinding cannot be used for the device in accordance with this patent, since the balls move too freely, and the intensity of the corresponding grinding cannot be maintained. In addition, it cannot be used with oils or creams, since the residue will accumulate in the nests (recesses), which will impair the movement of the balls in different directions.

WO 92/21310 (“Patent 310”) describes a hand-held device comprising thickened protrusions connected together by means of a connecting frame, which can be used for deep pressure and kneading movements. Stroking cannot be used properly with this device. Its thickenings are not directed in different directions and, thanks to the frame connecting them, they are located too far from each other, which makes any smoothing movements uneven and, possibly, causing pain for the recipient. If too much pressure is applied while trying to smooth out, thickenings (due to the spatial limitations of the points of the spherical surface on the skin) will press uncomfortably to the skin, and the connecting frame will form an edge that scratches the skin. Fully assembled, it forms a square frame with spherical protrusions at each corner. The user is then prompted to insert his index finger and middle finger into the center with a cavity in the form of a square to manipulate the device for performing massage movements. If during insertion of the fingers the palm remains in an inclined (downward) position, the fingers will impede any movement, and therefore, the palm should be turned up (in the palm up), and the areas of the first or second fingers (distal and / or proximal interphalangeal sections) are pressed to the bottom of the frame with the edge of the palm of the hand (tenar and hypotenar protrusions) and abut against the upper part of the frame, which creates rigid, limited movements of the arm / wrist. This position allows you to perform movements according to the type of kneading, limited to the area covered by two connected spherical protrusions and the corresponding part of the frame. For the above reasons (the limited spatial movement of the spherical protrusions and the abrasive edge that the joint forms), only basic and light kneading can be performed, and although patent 310 relates more to small spaces, it does not allow to process large areas. However, it allows disassembled form, in which one spherical thickening is used, to perform effective grinding movements. Here, however, there is no appropriate support for the user's wrist, and only very limited movement can be used with limited pressure. This device, therefore, cannot be used for a thorough massage, and it can create problems with the wrist / finger joints for the user when used for a long time. Finally, since the device is not integral and can be disassembled to use one / two or four spherical protrusions, the user cannot apply sufficient pressure or movement of the device in accordance with Patent 310 because of the fear that the device may separate during movement and cause pain and potentially harm the user or recipient or both of them.

US Pat. No. 6,241,694 ("Patent 694") describes a hand-held device with protrusions and flat elements for performing stroking, kneading, and rubbing movements. This device is solid and can be used with various oils. It has a triangular shape with a central triangular cavity into which the user inserts his palm to capture the device for various uses. It has a straight edge with which to stroke. Although theoretically the straight side has the spatial length necessary to perform stroking, the limited width of the edge (only the width of the finger) and its rectangular shape forms an oversized edge, which when pressed against a flat area of the body (for example, to the back) with any effort creates the effect of curettage, which can lead to discomfort and / or pain to the recipient. The same applies to the second curved edge, which is supposedly intended to be used for stroking round body parts such as arms and shoulders. 'Patent 694' also has a protruding leg element at each corner of the triangle and an elongated third angle for applying kneading and grinding. When using three elements of the legs for the kneading movement, the user must rotate the device in accordance with patent 694 in a flat, leaning (down) position and grab the edges with a twisting movement. This is very inconvenient for the wrist and arm and requires effort and dexterity in the movements, which quickly tires the user, and also threatens overstrain for the wrist when any force is applied during movements. Since the three elements of the legs are made elongated from each corner of the device of a triangular shape, as a result, the only points of contact with the skin are limited by these elements, and there are large areas of lack of contact between them. The elements of the legs are rounded to give a curved shape in the center. Because they are small, they create a too sharp point, and the concave centers create suction, which can lead to discomfort and / or irritation when too much force is applied. Thirdly, the elongated edge is intended for movements of deeper kneading and / or grinding. The fingers are inserted into the triangular cavity, and the wrist is mounted on the upper edge of the triangle, thus creating the weight needed for rubbing. Although this position is theoretically acceptable for rubbing movements, in practice it is ineffective. The elongated point, in turn, is too small and narrow, while two distinct edges are inconvenient for application to deep tissues. In addition, although the position of the hand is acceptable for rotational movements, it is inconvenient for the retaining (sawing) movements necessary for grinding, since the device described in '694 patent' stimulates the wrist tension and, possibly, its overstrain. Although this device can be multifunctional, it is extremely complex, requires dexterous and trained hands for proper use, which is likely to be beyond the patience of the general public. Finally, the central triangular cavity is intended for the intersection (insertion, insertion) of the fingers when using the device for massage movements. This area is small, as a result of which the fingers overlap, which leads to discomfort and limited flow of blood to the fingers, which can lead to spasms. The lack of finger space in the '694 patent also means that the pressure applied during execution, for example, the rubbing movement, will not be evenly distributed and, thus, will result in the massage being ineffective or not pleasant for the recipient.

The present invention is new in that such a new device provides an effective and energetic (invigorating) massage for the recipient, while its design provides maximum comfort for the user in accordance with the present invention. This device can be made of any strong (durable) material, such as plastic, stone, resin, wood or metal. If the device is intended for use with oils or other such lubricants, then it is desirable that the device be made of easily washable material. It is also possible that the device was made of material that can be heated, for example, using hot water or even in a microwave oven, and such material should retain heat for a sufficient period of time (without burning or scalding the user or recipient with a heated device during massage) so that the recipient benefits from the use of heat during the massage. Alternatively, it is possible that the upper quadrant of the device (1) is hollow, and a battery-powered heating and / or infrared device can be inserted to supply heat during massage.

The middle section of the device contains separate rings or recesses (2) for the fingers to accommodate the fingers of the user's hand. The fingers are inserted and then closed over the [round] round sections in the form of a soft but tight grip, thus forming a fist. The lowermost section of the device (4) in accordance with the present invention is designed so that it has a smooth convex shape and follows a substantially natural curve of either tenar or hypotenary protrusions of the arm, that is, the fleshy lower part of the palm of the "back of the arm") which are formed when the palm is compressed into a fist (as shown in Figs. 1-4). The device convex from the lowest part in accordance with the present invention provides the user with a more convenient and “natural” grip when clenching his hand in a fist after the fingers are inserted into the ring sections and the back of the palm is naturally placed over a convex arc. As a result, the device essentially becomes part of the fist, while providing support for the wrist, and the main impulse for effort comes from movements of the shoulder and forearm. This allows the user to apply strong, uniform pressure with minimal effort, and the user can perform these movements for a long period of time, which is useful to the recipient. Alternatively (as shown in FIGS. 5-8), a variant of the device of the machine can be made so that the lowest region of the device of the machine is concave (5). This option can provide greater convenience for the user when using the device, in particular, for those users who have small hands, since the "back" of the hand will naturally be conveniently installed in the concave sections of the lower device (5).

The “edges” or “corners” of the device (3) should also be softly rounded to ensure both comfort for the user and ensure that none of the instrument areas “bites” or “bites” into the body of the recipient during a deeper massage (in particular, in which it is desirable to use the movement of kneading or grinding). The upper part consists of a soft-curved arch (1) made of durable material, approximately 25 mm high and across the width of the entire space that it occupies, which is the area between the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints (approximately 50 mm) and continues across the entire width of a clenched fist. The upper section is made the widest in the middle part, and it gradually tapers towards the edges (3), at a distance of about 10 - 15 mm on both sides of the middle and sides of the arm. The variable width of the upper part of the device is intentional and, essentially, is a property of the present invention. The middle section of the arch (1) should preferably be wide enough for stroking and general kneading, while the thinner side sections (3) are made small enough to carry out focused kneading and grinding movements. The entire upper part of the device is gradually and gently bent or rounded so that there are no edges (nothing scratches or pinches the skin of the recipient), and to ensure maximum smoothness in relation to the movements of the wrist / hand in the treated areas. The uppermost part of the device is made wide enough to provide an almost flat, uniform surface (for even pressure distribution), to make wide strokes with a large coverage of effective stroking and to ensure lymph outflow, while the arch is made small enough to smooth out the lymphatic nodes.

Another advantage of this device is that rotational movements during kneading can be performed easily using both the middle and lateral sections of the upper arch and, since the present device has such a uniform and, in general, wide spatial range, maximum coverage is easily ensured. Due to the fact that the device is made curved, and the proportions are close to round, the present invention can successfully handle difficult areas, such as the occipital part of the neck and forearm, easily and if more concentrated kneading or grinding movements are required, the thinnest part of the device allows for round and keeping movements or even applying static pressure with concentrated pressure. Such versatility in use or ease of use is not available using other massage tools currently available or described in the literature. In addition, its soft, wide arc allows you to provide a well-balanced, adequate emphasis for the wrist, through the upper and lower parts of the device in accordance with the invention, which allows you to apply the increased pressure necessary to achieve deep tissue massage, which can be very useful for the recipient for reduce chronic muscle tension. One of the advantages of the present invention is that, regardless of the pressure intensity, such pressure will be evenly distributed through the device without tiring the user, and it provides a beneficial massage and relaxation for the recipient of such massage. It is also provided that the massage device in accordance with the present invention can be used with massage oils, lotions or other such appropriate lubricants. This design is completely solid and designed to be held in the hand, while it does not have moving parts or removable elements. Arch (1) can be made completely integral or, as a design option and in an additional aspect of the invention (device), it can be made hollow and can be filled with water or oil with different colors. New shapes can be inserted for aesthetic or seasonal purposes. Similarly, the arch can be made hollow and can be filled with air or inert gas, which will make the device easier. The device can have any circuit in accordance with the material used for production.

Although the present massage device has been described in various preferred embodiments, it should be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention. Additional interdependence on the dimensions of all the details of the invention include all variations of size, materials, shapes, functions and operations that are understood and obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, it is envisaged that tools of different sizes can be used for different hand sizes, that is, small, medium, large and very large), and therefore the measurements and sizes given in this description of the invention are presented solely to illustrate the relative distances between different focus points of each from hand tools. All equivalent interdependencies presented in the drawings and described in the description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention, the degree of protection of which is defined by the following claims.

Claims (5)

1. A manual stand-alone massage device for body massage, comprising a lower portion, which is a grip (4) for the hand, containing a plurality of rings or recesses (2) for the fingers, and in which the rings for the fingers are arranged in series and connected to each other, and have dimensions that allow you to install the fingers of one hand in them; in which the lowest portion of the massage device or hand grip is convex (4) and further comprises a curved vaulted element (1) connected to the upper surface of all the rings, in which the curved vaulted element has a size suitable for performing effective general stroking and lymph outflow and stroking the limbs of the recipient; in which the upper part is made gently tapering at each end (3) of the curved vault element (1), and in which such gently tapering ends (3) are suitable for focused massage movements, kneading and rubbing. 2. The massage device according to claim 1, in which the upper part 1 is hollow and filled with air or other inert gas. 3. The massage device according to claim 2, in which the upper part is made hollow and filled with an inert liquid or a heating device, or an infrared heating device operating on battery power. 4. The massage device according to claim 3, in which the hand grip is hollow and filled with an inert liquid or a heating device, or an infrared heating device operating on battery power. 5. The body massage device according to claim 4, in which the hand grip is made concave (5).

Images