Self-massaging device

Abstract

 Self-massaging device that may be applied to massage oneself by means of movements and exerting pressure against a determined area of the body, comprising at least one round pressure element (2), incorporated on a bearing structure (3) variable in configuration, being fixed via elastic means (4) which allow for certain movement in any direction, and being arranged in such a way that the user may lean and exert pressure against the same with the part of the body to be treated. The pressure element (2) is a roller (21), a ball (22) or a pivot (23) made of a material that may be soft or not, and the fixing elastic means (4) are elastic straps (41), elastic rails (42) or slabs (44).

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention, a self-massaging device, relates to a device having different configurations as a function of the area to be massaged, but essentially comprises a bearing structure, which provides a surface for supporting and bearing at the same time the other components, at least one pressure element with at least one rounded surface, for example, cylindrical, spherical or hemispherical, and elastic means that link said element to the bearing structure, providing the pressure element with certain freedom of movement relative to the bearing structure. The invention is intended to provide a practical and effective mean so the users can massage themselves by means of movements and exerting pressure on a determined area of their body without having to resort to the help or collaboration of a third person for doing so.

[0002] The application field of the present invention is framed within the industry sector that manufactures devices, apparatuses and machines for physiotherapeutic massages, focusing particularly on the scope of those intended for being used individually for massaging oneself.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As is known, massages are advisable as the human body reacts to pressure, and in this way different functions are stimulated, that is why massages are applied, both to mitigate and to alleviate strains as well as to alleviate pain. In general, there are three methods for carrying out a massage: movements, pressure and gentle taps.

[0004] Nevertheless, normally it is necessary to have the collaboration of a third, usually a physiotherapy professional, to perform the massage, since most body areas are difficult to reach by the concerned individuals when it comes to massaging themselves.

[0005] To solve this, and to massage oneself, it is possible to find on the market either some widgets for specific points and that generally do not allow a suitable massage, or apparatus with complicated structures with mobile systems and mechanisms that make them very expensive and cumbersome instruments.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is, therefore, to supply the market with a device that is easy to use, with the appropriate configuration for each type of area to be treated, that enables the users to apply a pressure massage by themselves and without anyone's help.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Thus, the self-massaging device proposed in the invention is a device for applying oneself a massage or physiotherapy treatment, without the need of a physiotherapist or any other person to apply the massage, according to claim 1.

[0008] Said device comprises a rounded pressure element or with at least one rounded surface, intended to lean and exert pressure against it with the corresponding body part, whereby said element, which may have a cylindrical shape, such as a roller, or spherical, such as a ball, or hemispheric, such as a pivot, is incorporated onto a bearing structure that is configured to fix the element in the most suitable position for each case, depending on the area to be treated. It is important to highlight that said pressure element is connected to the bearing structure of the device through elastic means, for example, straps or belts made of elastic rubber, which provide the pressure element with certain margin to move freely relative to the position thereof on the support structure, whereby, in addition to applying pressure with the body area to be treated, it is possible to apply a movement on the element that contributes to the massaging action sought.

[0009] The pressure element can be made of any material, but preferably of a scarcely or no deformable material, capable of withstanding the pressure of different body parts without a significant deformation, and that on the surface thereof has a soft material so as to provide a more comfortable contact with the body. Likewise, the pressure element may be rigid.

[0010] Furthermore, preferably, the bearing structure may comprise a surface for supporting the user's body, designed to achieve a suitable and comfortable position that enables applying said pressure and movements with the pertinent area on the rounded pressure element or elements.

[0011] Starting from this general configuration, there are different embodiment variants for this device as a function of the different body areas on which it is possible to apply the self-massage.

[0012] Thus, in a first embodiment variant, applicable for self-massaging any region of the back or pelvis, it comprises a bearing structure that is configured as a double guide that is fixed, preferably, to a wall and in which a base is incorporated on which, in turn, a rounded pressure element is arranged, fixed via elastic means. Preferably, the base is connected to the guides, in which it is possible to adjust the height positioning thereof, by means of a hinge that enables collapsing the base to provide a tilted support surface or to modify its tilt, having provided a fixture that is also adjustable. In addition, the elastic means connecting the rounded pressure element to the base have different anchors so as to make it possible varying their positioning, as well as the interchange thereof, in such a way that it is possible to incorporate a roller, a ball or another element, as desired.

[0013] This way, the device in this embodiment variant enables fixing different attack elements to exert pressure, and can be positioned at different heights and angles, thus enabling to work any region of the back or the pelvis of any person, such that anyone may massage themselves by exerting pressure against the rounded element they choose.

[0014] In a second embodiment variant, preferably applicable for applying a massage on the ischiotibial muscles of the legs, comprises a bearing structure shaped approximately as a chair, which has, in what is assumed to be the seat thereof, a rounded pressure element, preferably in the shape of a roller, which is located with its axis oriented longitudinally on said seating area, i.e., with the ends coinciding with the front and rear portions of the seat, this roller being fastened at said ends to the bearing structure via respective elastic means, which allow for a certain lateral movement thereof.

[0015] In this case, the roller is made of a rigid material enveloped in a soft material, since it is intended for being used by a user seated with the leg to be treated placed thereon. In addition, also preferably, the bearing structure incorporates cushioned pads both in the area corresponding to the seat and in the area corresponding to the upper portion of the backrest, in such a way that they provide the user with respective support surfaces.

[0016] Namely, in this device variant, the user may rest an armpit, hands and feet, while the rounded element, in this case a roller substantially thick, which bears the weight thereof, applies pressure on the ischiotibial muscles, especially on the most external muscle, the biceps femoris.

[0017] In a third embodiment variant, applicable for self-massaging the sciatic nerve region, the device of the invention comprises a bearing structure with a platform or base suitable for being arranged preferably on the floor, and has an inclinable base, preferably coupled by means of a hinge so as to be collapsible and adjustable in tilt, between a flat position, at 0°, and a use position, preferably at approximately 45°, although it is possible to reach almost 90°, as the need may be. Upon said inclinable base the rounded pressure element is incorporated, preferably also a roller or cylinder that is fixed with elastics to the same and with its axis parallel to the plane of the inclinable surface.

[0018] In this case the pressure element, a roller, is connected at its respective ends, to the tilted base, which has a square or rectangular shape, by the elastic means located transversely at the upper and lower portions thereof, and being attached to the respective ends of both portions so as to enable the roller to move laterally over said tilted base.

[0019] In addition, the device further contemplates a cushioned mat that is incorporated, as an extension, from the platform of the structure, facing the inclinable base, serving as connecting link for a second support roller that is incorporated at the distal end thereof, at a distance of approximately 25 cm.

[0020] For using thereof, the users place themselves laying down in a prone position, resting one leg on the roller of the tilted base and the other on the additional roller.

[0021] In another embodiment variant, applicable for self-massaging neck and shoulders, the device contemplates a support structure comprising a flat base, intended to be preferably fixed vertically, on which a fixed cylinder is incorporated, integrally and horizontally connected thereto, with its axis parallel to the flat base, said fixed cylinder having a series of anchors, which can be moved from their position, for fixing the elastics fastening the ends of the rounded pressure element, which preferably is a roller with its axis parallel to the fixed cylinder axis. This way, this roller can move over the curved surface of the fixed cylinder, the diameter of which being significantly larger, at least 6 times larger, than the diameter of the pressure element.

[0022] Thus, the described pressure element or roller can be easily used for massaging the neck of the user, as it protrudes over the fixed cylinder of the base, which is wider, and prevents the head and the shoulder from interfering the access thereof to the area. It is also possible to use it for self-massaging the shoulders and the supra spinal region more comfortably, since those regions, already protrude per se.

[0023] In another embodiment variant, applicable for self-massaging the lumbosacral region, the device comprises a bearing structure with a flat base, intended to be located preferably on a horizontal surface, on which a rounded pressure element is incorporated, consisting of a roller, which two ends are fixed to said base via several elastic means and that is located between two stops acting as guides to limit the transverse movement thereof.

[0024] In addition, the base incorporates, on both sides of the aforementioned roller, two supports, shaped as cylindrical bearings, so the users may rest their hands while in use, which consist of the following: The users place themselves on the device accommodating the region to be massaged on the roller with its longitudinal axis coinciding with the axis of the column, i.e., vertically. The pressure element or roller is securely fastened with several elastic means and fitted between the stops serving as a guide, such that placing thereon the lumbosacral region, it may energetically attack the strains and knots that are generated in the sacrum, lumbar vertebrae, iliac crest, gluteus, etc., an area quite prone to suffer from said knots, since it is the area of the body that bends and where the muscular strains are stronger and, often, incapacitating.

[0025] Finally, a last embodiment variant of the device, applicable for self-massaging the shoulder blades, comprises a bearing structure with a flat base to be arranged, preferably, vertically, on which a rounded pressure element is incorporated, consisting of a pivot, ball or another similar element, which can be more or less hard, fixed to said platform through elastic means that, in this case, consist of slabs or rubber blocks, arranged between a series of plates or slabs, at least two, incorporated between said plates and providing said ability to oscillate.

[0026] This way, by resting the shoulder blades against the rounded pressure element, the users will be able to apply themselves a massage by exerting a strong pressure so as to make them bounce. Thus, the shoulder blade itself massages the strained muscles below, which otherwise are not accessible.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] To complete the present description and with the aim of facilitating a better understanding of the invention characteristics, below, as an integral part of the present application, is a set of figures in which, by way of non-limiting examples the following has been represented:

Figure number 1 shows a perspective view of an example of the first embodiment variant of the self-massaging device, object of the invention, applicable for self-massaging the back or pelvis,

Figure number 2 shows a perspective view of an example of the second embodiment variant of the self-massaging device, according to the invention, applicable for applying a massage on the ischiotibial muscles of the legs.

Figure number 3 shows a perspective view of an example of the third variant of the device of the invention, applicable for being applied on the sciatic nerve region.

Figure number 4 shows a perspective view of an example of the fourth embodiment variant of the self-massaging device, applicable for self-massaging the neck and shoulders area.

Figure number 5 shows a perspective view of an example of the fifth variant of the device, according to the invention, in this case for applying a massage on the lumbosacral area.

Figures number 6-A and 6-B show a perspective and an elevation view, respectively, of an example of a sixth embodiment variant of the self-massaging device, according to the invention, applicable for self-massaging the shoulder blades.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In view of the aforementioned figures, several non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below.

[0029] Thus, as can be observed in said figures, the device (1) in question comprises, at least one round pressure element (2), which can be made of a soft material or not, and be shaped as a roller (21), a ball (22), a pivot (23) or another, that is incorporated on a bearing structure (3), being fixed to the same through elastic means (4) that provide certain movement margin in any direction, and this pressure element (2) being arranged on said bearing structure (3) in such a way that the users may lean and exert pressure against the same with the corresponding part of their body.

[0030] In agreement with figure 1, it can be observed a first embodiment variant of the device, applicable for self-massaging the back or pelvis, wherein the bearing structure (3) consists of a double guide (31) that is fixed to the wall and in which a tilted base (32) is incorporated, adjustable in height and tilt, and optionally collapsible by means of a hinge (5) connecting it to a strip (6), on which a interchangeable pressure element (2) is incorporated, fixed by elastics (4) consisting of elastic straps (41) that are fastened to different anchors (7) provided for this purpose in the base (32) and that enable to vary the position thereof, in such a way that said pressure element (2) may be a roller (21), a ball (22) or another element, as desired, and may be made of a soft material or not. In addition, the bearing structure has fastening means, for example a hook, to store interchangeable pressure elements, such as a sphere, which are not being used.

[0031] In figure 2, it can be appreciated a second embodiment variant of the device (1), applicable for massaging the ischiotibial muscles of the legs, wherein the bearing structure (3) is shaped as a chair, on the seat (33) of which it incorporates, by way of pressure element (2) a roller (21), which is located in a longitudinal direction, i.e., with the ends coinciding with the front and rear portions thereof, being fastened at said ends via respective elastic means (4) consisting of straps (41) that allow a certain lateral movement thereof.

[0032] The roller is enveloped in a soft material and in addition, preferably, the bearing structure (3) incorporates cushioned pads (9) by way of supporting structure for the user both on the seat (33) area and on the top portion of the backrest (34).

[0033] In figure 3 can be observed a third variant, applicable for self-massaging the sciatic nerve area, wherein the device (1) has a bearing structure (3) comprising a platform (35) suitable to be arranged on the floor, having an inclinable base (32) between 0° and 90°, preferably 45°, also preferably collapsible by means of a hinge (5). Upon said inclinable base (32) the pressure element (2) is incorporated, consisting of a roller (21), which respective ends are connected by means of the elastics (4) located transversely at the top and lower portion thereof and configured as elastic rails (42) that enable the roller (21) to move laterally over said tilted base (32).

[0034] In addition, the device (1) further contemplates providing a cushioned mat (10) extending from the platform (35) with a second support roller (21'), which is incorporated at the distal end thereof.

[0035] In figure 4 can be appreciated an example of another embodiment variant of the device (1), applicable for self-massaging the neck and shoulders area, wherein the support structure (3) comprises a flat base (32), intended to be fixed vertically, on which, a fixed cylinder (11) is incorporated, integrally and horizontally connected thereto, on which a pressure element (2) is coupled, consisting of a roller (21) with a diameter at least 6 times smaller than that of the fixed cylinder (11), having both ends fastened thereto, by elastic means (4) consisting of elastic straps (41) that are coupled to different anchors (7), which in turn are provided on both ends of the fixed cylinder (11), in such a way that it can move slightly move over the curved surface thereof.

[0036] In another embodiment variant, applicable for self-massaging the lumbosacral region shown in figure 5, the device (1) has a bearing structure (3) formed by a flat base (32), intended to be located on a vertical surface, on which a rounded pressure element (2) is incorporated, consisting of a roller (21), which has its two ends fixed to the base (32) via several elastic means (4) consisting of elastic straps (41) fixed to anchors (7) of the base (32), having both ends fitted between two stops (12) acting as guides to limit the movement thereof in the rolling direction. In addition, the base (32) incorporates, on both sides of the roller (21), two supports (13) for the hands, preferably formed by fixed cylindrical elements, integrally connected to the base (32).

[0037] By means of this device, the users lean their back against the roller (21) and finding support for their hands onto the two fixed lateral supports (13) moves from left to right and vice versa, thus working the sacrum, the lower lumbar vertebrae and the iliac crests.

[0038] Finally, figures 6-A and 6-B show a last embodiment variant of the device, applicable for self-massaging the shoulder blades, wherein the bearing structure (3), formed by a flat base (32) intended to be vertically fixed, incorporates a pressure element (2) preferably consisting of a pivot (23) or a ball (22) that may be made or not of a soft material. In this case, the pressure element (2) is connected to said base (32) through elastic means (4) consisting of, at least, two slabs or damping parts (44) interposed between two slabs (43) generating an oscillating movement between the pressure element (2) and the base (32). In view of the figures, it can be observed that the bearing structure (3) comprises the flat base (32) that is connected to the pressure element (2) through said at least two slabs (43), a lower and an upper one, and being provided with the at least two elastic means (4) interposed between the base (32) and the lower slab (43) and between the lower slab (43) and the upper slab (43), The pressure element (2) is connected to the second slab (43) by the side opposite to that of the elastic means (4). In order to keep the different components connected together, the structure (3) comprises stops (12), located on both sides of the pressure element (2), slabs (43) and elastic means (4) ensuring the positioning between the different components.

[0039] In light of the foregoing, the different components of the present device may be combined in different ways, and not only according to the previous embodiments described by way of example.

[0040] Having described the nature of the present invention in sufficient detail, as well as the way it is put into practice, further explanation is deemed unnecessary in order for those skilled in the art to understand its scope and the advantages arising thereof. Likewise, it is hereby stated that, the present invention can be put into practice in other embodiments that may differ in detail from those indicated by way of example, embodiments to which the protection sought herein shall equally extend, provided its basic principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. A self-massaging device enabling users to massage themselves in a determined area of their body, by means of movements and by exerting pressure, characterised in that it comprises, at least:

- one pressure element (2) with at least one rounded surface;

- one bearing structure (3) variable in configuration, according to the body part to be treated, on which the pressure element (2) is placed;

- elastic means (4) that connect the pressure element (2) to the bearing structure (3) and that provide mobility in any direction to the pressure element (2) relative to the structure (3);

in such a way that the users may lean and exert pressure against the pressure element (2) with the part of the body to be treated.

2. The device, according to claim 1, characterised in that the bearing structure (3) comprises a double guide (31) to which a tilted base (32) that may be regulated in height is incorporated, on which base the pressure element (2) is arranged, connected to the structure (3) by elastic means (4) which are connected at different anchors (7) provided in the base (32).

3. The device, according to claim 2, characterised in that the base (32) is collapsible by means of a hinge (5), which connects it to a strip (6).

4. The device, according to claim 1, characterised in that the bearing structure (3) is shaped like a chair and the pressure element (2) is incorporated onto the seat (33) thereof, fastened via elastic means (4) to the bearing structure (3), allowing said bearing element certain lateral movement.

5. The device, according to claim 1, characterised in that the bearing structure (3) is a platform (35) with an inclinable base (32), on which the pressure element (2) is incorporated and connected to said base (32) by the elastic means (4), which allow the lateral movement of the pressure element (2).

6. The device, according to claim 5, characterised in that the slope of the tilted base (32) is adjustable and the base is collapsible by means of a hinge (5).

7. The device, according to claim 1, characterised in that the support structure (3) comprises a flat base (32) on which a fixed cylinder (11) is incorporated with the axis thereof parallel to the flat base (32) and on which the pressure element (2) is coupled, fastened via elastic means (4) to anchors (7) provided on both ends of the cylinder (11), in such a way that the pressure element (2) is capable of moving slightly over the surface of the fixed cylinder (11).

8. The device, according to claim 1, characterised in that the bearing structure (3) comprises a flat base (32) on which the pressure element (2) is incorporated, fixed to the base (32) via elastic means (4), said pressure element (2) being fitted between two stops (12) acting as guides to limit the movement thereof in one direction.

9. The device, according to claim 8, characterised in that the base (32) incorporates, on both sides of the pressure element (2), two supports (13) for placing the user's hands and that are integrally connected to the base (32).

10. The device, according to claim 1, characterised in that the bearing structure (3) comprises a flat base (32) with a pressure element (2) connected thereto through at least two slabs (43), a lower and an upper one, and with at least two elastic means (4), which are interposed between the base (32) and the lower slab (43) and between the lower slab (43) and the upper slab (43), the pressure element being connected to the second slab by the side opposite to that of the elastic means (4), causing the pressure element (2) to oscillate relative to the base (32).

11. The device, according to claim 10, characterised in that the structure (3) comprises stops (12) located on both sides of the pressure element (2), slabs (43) and elastic means (4) ensuring the connection between the different components.

12. The device, according to claim 1, characterised in that the pressure element (2) is a roller (21).

13. The device, according to claim 1, characterised in that the pressure element (2) is a sphere (22).

14. The device, according to claim 1 characterised in that the pressure element (2) is a pivot (23).

15. The device, according to claim 1 characterised in that the elastic means (4) are elastic straps (41).

16. The device, according to claim 1 characterised in that the elastic means (4) are elastic rails (42).

17. The device, according to claim 1 characterised in that the elastic means (4) are slabs (44).

Drawing