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(11) | EP 4 442 236 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | MASSAGE DEVICE |
| (57) A massager (1) is provided, comprising a massaging rolling device (2); a support
(3) defining a seat (3a) for engaging to a finger; and a hinge (4) constraining the
massaging rolling device (2) to the support (3) by defining a rotation axis (4a) of
the massaging rolling device (2) with respect to the support (3) and then to the finger.
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[0001] The present invention relates to a massager of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.
[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a facial massager, that is a massager for the face (commonly designated "face massager") capable of reducing the defects of the skin and relieve wrinkles of one's face.
[0003] As it is known the massager has the capability of stimulating the skin and in particular, the face skin by bringing numerous benefits. Among the most important benefits, the increase in the blood flow in the involved area with consequent increase in the microcirculation of the tonicity of the epidermis and its balance; the increase in skin oxygenation; stimulation of the collagen formation; the action of draining the excess liquid with consequent swelling alleviation are mentioned by pure way of example.
[0004] Such advantages are accentuated when the massager is used in combination of creams. In fact, in addition to the above-mentioned benefits, the massager identifies a valid instrument supporting the cream products so as to make them to penetrate deeply, for a deep and long-lasting hydration of the skin. Its use, in fact, allows the creams to be absorbed more effectively thanks to the deep stimulation.
[0005] The known massagers consist of an elongated support defining a handle to be grasped with the hand in use and a massaging rolling device hinged to the support so that the massaging rolling device, when brought in contact with the skin and pressed on it, rotates by sliding on the skin performing the massaging action.
[0006] The massaging rolling device can be hinged idly so as to rotate depending upon the contact friction between skin and rolling device itself. Alternatively, it can be motorized and then provide a motor controlling the rotation of the rolling device. The described known art comprises some important drawbacks.
[0007] In particular, the known massagers have a relatively limited usability. In particular, the gripping position of the known devices results to be not particularly practical upon use by forcing the user to perform complicated motions.
[0008] Such aspect can make difficult to use the massager in some portions of the body. In detail such inconvenient results to be particularly evident in case of facial massager where some areas are difficult to be manipulated and then poorly treated with the massager.
[0009] At last, it is highlighted that such inconveniences are accentuated by the not negligible overall dimensions of the known massagers.
[0010] In this situation the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a massager capable of obviating substantially at least partially the mentioned drawbacks.
[0011] Within said technical task an important object of the invention is to obtain a massager of simple and practical use.
[0012] In particular an important object of the invention is to implement a massager characterized by a simple and practical grip and then by the possibility of being used in any portion of the body and in particular in any portion of the face.
[0013] An additional object of the patent is to create a massager to be used in different moments and places and to be transported easily.
[0014] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a massager as claimed in the enclosed claim 1. Examples of preferred embodiment are described in the depending claims.
[0015] The features and the advantages of the invention are explained hereinafter by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows, in scale, a massager according to the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates, in scale, a second view of the massager according to the invention; and
Figure 3 shows, in scale, a detail of the massager.
[0016] In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometrical references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated to words such as "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially", are to be meant as excluding measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, excluding a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometrical reference thereto it is associated. For example, such terms, if associated to a value, preferably designate a deviation not higher than 10% of the value itself.
[0017] Moreover, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "higher", "lower", "main" and "secondary" do not identify necessarily an order, a relation priority or relative position, but they can be simply used to distinguish more clearly components different from each other.
[0018] Unless otherwise designated, "perpendicular", "transversal", "parallel" or "normal" or other terms of geometric positioning between geometric elements (for example axes, directions and straight lines) are to be meant with reference to their mutual geometric position between the corresponding projections. Said projections are defined on one single plane parallel to the one(s) in which said geometric elements lie.
[0019] The measurements and data reported in the present text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as performed under International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).
[0020] With reference to the Figures, the massager according to the invention is designated as a whole with number 1.
[0021] It is configured to massage at least a body portion. In particular, the massager is a device of facial massage, that is for the face.
[0022] The massager 1 comprises at least a massaging rolling device 2. Preferably it comprises one single rolling device 2.
[0023] The massaging rolling device 2 defines a massaging surface 2a configured to contact the skin.
[0025] In some cases it can be irregular and then define acupressure points on the skin. In particular it can show grooves along one or more directions.
[0026] The massaging rolling device 2 can have a radius substantially lower than 3 cm and in detail is approximately comprised between 1 cm and 2 cm. Said radius can be calculated perpendicularly to the below introduced rotation axis.
[0027] The rolling device 2 can be a roller, for example a barrel roller, or a sphere. In this case the massaging rolling device 2 has a length substantially comprised between 0.5 cm and 3 cm, in detail between 1, cm and 2.5 cm, to be precise between 1.5 cm and 2 cm. Said length is calculated along the below introduced rotation axis.
[0028] The massaging rolling device 2 can be made of silicone by suitably defining a delicate and stimulating massage of the microcirculation, which favours immediate relief from daily stress; or zamak or steel or even opalite, TPE, resin by defining suitably a toning and stimulating action on the microcirculation, perfect to reduce bags and dark circles. Other materials for implementing the rolling device 2 can be jade, amethyst, obsidian or quartz for example rose quartz.
[0030] The support 3 is configured to allow the massager 1 to engage to the user's hand at least at a finger and in detail at only one finger. Then, advantageously it may not define a handle and then a gripping surface that can be grasped by the user upon using the massager 1.
[0031] To this purpose the support 3 defines a seat 3a for engaging the massager 1 to at least a finger of the user's hand.
[0032] The seat 3a can define a longitudinal axis 3b preferably identifying the axis of inserting the finger into the seat 3a.
[0033] Preferably the support 3 can be identified in a ring by allowing the massager 1 to be worn analogously to a ring. Consequently, the seat 3a can be annular and then engaging to only one finger. Said seat 3a can have a section, suitably developing along a direction normal to the longitudinal axis 3b, having maximum overall dimensions approximately lower than 3 cm. Said maximum overall dimensions can be substantially comprised between 1 cm and 3 cm and precisely between 1.3 cm and 2.4 cm. In a not limiting preferred embodiment the seat 3a can be annular and in detail circular with maximum overall dimensions (that is diameter) approximately comprised between 1.5 cm and 2.0 cm and for example substantially equal to 1.85 cm.
[0034] The support 3 can be an open ring. Then, it can comprise two mutually movable ends, for example by plastic and/or elastic deformation of the same support 3, so as to vary the section of the seat 3a by allowing the engagement of the finger support of different diameter.
[0035] The width of the support 3 can be substantially lower than 2 cm and in detail approximately comprised between 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm. Said width can be calculated along the longitudinal axis 3b.
[0037] The support 3 can include a stiff body 31 defining the bearing portion of the support itself; and optionally a deformable body 32 configured to deform when contacting the user by allowing to vary the seat 3a. For example, the stiff body 31 can be a ring and the deformable body 32 can be a ring protruding inside (that is at the seat 3a) the stiff body 31 so as to contact the finger by deforming according to the finger section.
[0038] The support 3 and in detail the stiff body 31 can be annular with thickness calculated normal to the longitudinal axis 3b) suitably lower than 1 cm and in detail than 0.5 cm.
[0039] The support 3 and in detail the stiff body 31 can be suitably made of thermoplastic material and more suitably of amorphous thermoplastic material. For example it can be made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The deformable body 32 can be made of elastomeric material.
[0040] The massager 1 comprises a hinge 4 constraining the massaging rolling device 2 to the support 2 by defining a rotation axis 4a of the rolling device 2 with respect to the support 3.
[0041] The rotation axis 4a can be twisted with respect to the longitudinal axis 3b, in detail defining a cross projection and precisely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3a.
[0042] In case of rolling device 2 identifiable in a roller the hinge 4 can comprise a first arm 41 protruding from the support 3 (in detail from the stiff body 31) and a second arm 42 protruding from the support 3 (in detail from the stiff body 31) arranged on opposite side to the first arm 41 with respect to the massaging rolling device 2 which is then enclosed between the arms 41 and 42.
[0043] The arms 41 and 42 can be suitably made of thermoplastic material and more suitably of amorphous thermoplastic material such as ABS.
[0044] The support 3 (in detail from the stiff body 31) and the arms 41 and 42 can be in one single piece.
[0045] The first arm 41 can comprise a first tooth 41a engaging to the massaging rolling device 2. The first tooth 41a protrudes from the first arm 41 along the rotation axis 4a towards the second arm 42.
[0046] The second arm 42 can comprise a second tooth 42a engaging to massaging rolling device 2. The second tooth 42a protrudes from the second arm 42 along the rotation axis 4a towards the first arm 41.
[0047] The hinge 4 can constrain the massaging rolling device 2 to the support 3 in a detachable way by allowing to detach the massaging rolling device 2 from the support and then to replace the massaging rolling device 2. To this purpose at least one of the teeth 41a and 42a is retractile so as to allow to remove the massaging rolling device 2 from the massager 1. It is highlighted that the retractile tooth is known to a person skilled in the art and then not described for sake of simplicity. The hinge 4 can allow an idle rotation of the massaging rolling device 2 with respect to the support 3. In this case the teeth 41a and 42a can show axis circular section of said rotation axis 4a so as to favour said idle rotation.
[0048] The massaging rolling device 2 has a length substantially comprised between 0.5 cm and 3 cm, in detail between 1, cm and 2.5 cm, to be precise between 1.5 cm and 2 cm. Said length being calculated along the rotation axis 4a.
[0050] First of all the user, instead of grasping it as it occurs in the known massagers, wears the massager 1. In detail the user inserts at least one finger and to be precise only one finger in the seat 3a of the support 3 by wearing the massager 1 as it were substantially a ring. For example the user inserts one finger in the seat 3a by arranging the massaging rolling device 2 on the side of the hand palm.
[0051] At this point the user approaches the hand to the face (or other portion of the body to be treated) by placing the massaging rolling device 2 on the skin. He/she then presses the rolling device 2 against the skin and starts moving the finger (or the whole hand) by making the massaging surface 2a to roll on the skin according to the treatment to be performed.
[0052] Once finished the treatment, the user takes off the massager 1 by removing the finger from the seat 3a.
[0054] Differently from the known massagers, the massager 1 has high usability. Such aspect was introduced thanks to the new "grip". In fact, the massager 1 is not grabbed/grasped, but simply worn like a ring and then it does not prevent any motion of the hand which then it can assume not forced natural poses by allowing to perform practically any motion.
[0055] Or it can be worn, for use, on the second phalanx of the index finger and kept with the middle finger and thumb. Or it can be used as the user prefers.
[0056] Another advantage is then given by the ease of using the massager 1 in any body portion. Such aspect results to be particularly evident in case of facial massager 1 where some areas, previously difficult to be reached, can be effectively treated in a simple and convenient way.
[0057] Moreover, as mentioned the massaging process confers important benefits of aesthetical type for the skin, caused for example by the increase in the blood flow in the involved area with consequent improvement of the microcirculation of the tonicity of the epidermis and its balance; increase in skin oxygenation; stimulation of the collagen formation; action for draining the excess liquid with consequent swelling alleviation.
[0058] The invention may be subject to variants within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.
[0059] For example, the hinge 4 can allow a motorized rotation of the massaging rolling device 2 with respect to the support 3. In this case at least one of the teeth 41a and 42a is configured to constrain integrally to the massaging rolling device 2; and the hinge 4 can comprise a motor kinematically connected to said integral tooth 41a or 42a so as to control the rotation thereof of the rolling device 2; and suitably an interface (for example a button) for controlling the motor.
[0061] It is highlighted that in case of hinge 4 allowing an idle and controlled rotation, the hinge 4 can comprise a clutch kinematically interposed between integral tooth 41a or 42a and motor and suitably said interface allows to control the clutch selectively and kinematically by constraining motor and integral tooth (controlled rotation) or kinematically by releasing motor and integral tooth (idle rotation).
1. Use of a massager (1) to massage the skin in particular of the face, said massager
(1) comprising:
- a massaging rolling device (2);
and characterized in that said massager (1) comprises:- a support (3) defining a seat (3a) for engaging said massager (1) to at least a finger; and
- a hinge (4) constraining said massaging rolling device (2) to said support (3) by defining a rotation axis (4a) of said massaging rolling device (2) with respect to said support (3),
- said massage conferring aesthetic benefits to said skin.
2. The use according to claim 1, wherein said seat (3a) is configured to constrain to
only one of said at least a finger and the user using said massager (1) inserts only
one finger in said seat (3a) while wearing said massager (1).
3. The use according to claim 2, wherein wherein said seat (3a) is annular and it has
a diameter substantially comprised between 1.3 cm and 2.4 cm.
4. The use according to claim 3, wherein wherein said seat (3a) is annular and it has
a diameter substantially comprised between 1.5 cm and 2.0 cm.
5. The use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support (3) is
made of amorphous thermoplastic material.
6. The use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said massaging rolling
device (2) a is a roller; and wherein said hinge (4) comprises a first arm (41) protruding
from said support (3) and a second arm (42) protruding from said support (3) and arranged
on opposite side to said first arm (41) with respect to said massaging rolling device
(2) which is then enclosed between said arms (41, 42).
7. The use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said massaging rolling
device (2) comprises a knurled massaging surface (2a) by forming acupressure points
at least distributed in sequence parallelly to the rotation axis (4a).
8. The massager (1) comprising:
- a massaging rolling device (2);
and characterized in that it comprises- a support (3) defining a seat (3a) for engaging said massager (1) to at least a finger; and
- a hinge (4) constraining said massaging rolling device (2) to said support (3) by defining a rotation axis (4a) of said massaging rolling device (2) with respect to said support (3).
9. The massager (1) according to claim 8, wherein said seat (3a) is configured to constrain
to only one of said at least a finger.
10. The massager (1) according to claim 9, wherein said seat (3a) is annular and it has
a diameter substantially comprised between 1.3 cm and 2.4 cm.
11. The massager (1) according to claim 10, wherein said seat (3a) is annular and it has
a diameter substantially comprised between 1.5 cm and 2.0 cm.
12. The massager (1) according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein said support (3) is
made of amorphous thermoplastic material.
13. The massager (1) according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein said massaging rolling
device (2) a is a roller; and wherein said hinge (4) comprises a first arm (41) protruding
from said support (3) and a second arm (42) protruding from said support (3) and arranged
on opposite side to said first arm (41) with respect to said massaging rolling device
(2) which is then enclosed between said arms (41, 42).
14. The massager (1) according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein said massaging rolling
device (2) comprises a knurled massaging surface (2a) by forming acupressure points
at least distributed in sequence parallelly to the rotation axis (4a).