AU2017100477A4 - ACUPRESSURE HAND SQUEEZE BALL WITH ACUPRESSURE WRIST EXTENSIONS. The invention relates to an acupressure hand squeeze ball with optional wrist extensions, possibly interchangeable. The acupressure wrist extensions can either wrap around the wrist in a coil manner or slide on around the wrist, similar to a bracelet, to activate wrist acupuncture points. When the hand ball is squeezed, the soft internal contents of the squeeze ball are forced or pressurized into the hollow cavity of the wrist extension creating increased pressure around the wrist to activate acupuncture points. - Google Patents

Abstract

An Acupressure hand squeeze device is provided, which includes a hand held squeeze ball and wrists extensions, possibly interchangeable. In particular, the squeeze ball is placed in palm of hand and when repeatedly squeezed, the compression of the internal soft contents of the ball will move into the internal hollow cavities of the wrist extensions; increasing pressure around wrist and activating acupuncture points on the wrist. The wrist extensions can be in various forms; in the form of a wrap around coil around the wrist or the form of a bracelet. Ia

Description

2017100477 02 May 2017 1

ACUPRESSURE HAND SQUEEZE BALL WITH ACUPRESSURE WRIST EXTENSIONS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an acupressure hand squeeze ball with optional wrist extensions, possibly interchangeable. The acupressure wrist extensions can either wrap around the wrist in a coil manner or slide on around wrist, similar to a bracelet, to activate wrist acupuncture points. When the hand ball is squeezed, the soft internal contents of the squeeze ball are forced or pressurized into the hollow cavity of the wrist extensions creating increased wrist pressure around the wrist to activate acupuncture points situated on the wearer's wrist.

BACKGROUND

[0002] For many people, the use of a hand held squeezable ball has been a strategy used to alleviate stress and anxiety. The squeeze ball is deemed to be therapeutic effective for a number of reasons, including the following three reasons: The rhythmic squeezing of a hand held ball can create a distraction from the stress and anxiety. The rhythmic squeezing of a hand held ball involves large motor neuron stimulation and that large motor neuron stimulation can over ride the emotional reaction of stress and anxiety. The rhythmic squeezing of a hand held ball stimulates acupressure points in the palm and fingers to alleviate stress and anxiety.

[0003] A problem with the squeeze ball is that in Acupressure Therapy and Chinese Medicine, the acupressure points highly recommended to alleviate severe stress and anxiety are located in the wrist area rather than the palm of the hand.

[0004] And such, there is clearly a need to improve the acupressure hand squeeze ball to activate further acupressure points located on the wrist. 2017100477 02 May 2017 2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to hand held acupressure squeeze ball, which may overcome the above mentioned disadvantage and provide the consumer that suffer stress and anxiety with a useful and commercial choice.

[0006] The present invention in one form resides broadly in an acupressure hand held squeeze ball comprising: [0007] Preferably, a soft squeezable ball, that may have a gas, liquid or soft gel like interior, that may be 4-6cm in diameter, and is placed in the palm of the hand.

[0008] Preferably there are various forms of acupressure wrists extensions, possibly interchangeable, attached to the squeeze ball.

[0009] Preferably, the wrist extensions are worn on the wearer's wrist. However, alternate areas of the body may be used to stimulate other acupressure points.

[0010] Preferably, in one form of the wrist extension, the first described wrist extension attached to the squeezable ball is a length of pliable hollow cord-like extension, which may be of 50 cm length, that can wrap around the wrist in a coil format.

[0011] Preferably, in another form of the wrist extension, the second described wrist extension attached to the squeezable ball is a slide on bracelet, that is internally hollow.

[0012] Preferably, both wrists applications described herein are attached to the squeeze ball by a manufactured material that permits the gas, liquid or gel-like contents to move from the squeeze ball into the wrists extensions and return to the squeeze ball.

[0013] Preferably, both wrists applications described herein are manufactured from soft, pliable and malleable material. 2017100477 02 May 2017 3 [0014] Preferably, the squeeze ball and both wrist applications described herein are internally hollow to allow the gas, liquid or soft gel content of the squeeze ball to enter and exit under pressure the hollow cavity of the wrist extensions.

[0015] Preferably, the soft squeezable ball is placed in palm of the hand and squeezed. The wrist extension sections are worn on the wrist; and are hollow in nature.

[0016] Preferably, the forceful compression of the squeeze ball, pressurizes or forces the gas, liquid or gel-like contents of the ball, into the hollow section of the wrist extension increasing the pressure felt at the wrist and activating acupuncture points in the wrist area.

[0017] Preferably, by releasing the compression of the ball; the gas, liquid or soft gel contents move back into the ball, releasing the wrist pressure and the process is repeated.

[0018] Preferably, the appearance of the squeeze ball and wrist extensions may be studded on the surfaces to assist in activating the acupuncture points located on the palm, fingers and wrist.

[0019] Any one of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTORS OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0021] Figure 1 illustrates an overall view of the hand held squeeze ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2017100477 02 May 2017 4 [0022] Figure 2 illustrates drawings of the connector tube, that connects the wrist extension to the squeeze ball, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0023] Figure 3 illustrates an overall view of the wrist bracelet attachment to the squeeze ball of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0024] Figure 4 illustrates a drawing of one form of the wrist extension, the bracelet, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0025] Figure 5 illustrates a drawing of one form of the wrist extension, the wrap around coil, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0026] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates an overall perspective of the squeeze ball. The squeeze ball is round (FRONT VIEW, TOP VIEW). The squeeze ball is hollow, to allow for the insertion of gas, liquid or gel like squeezable material (C). The squeeze ball compromises of an opening, or aperture to permit the exiting of the contents when the ball is squeezed (E).

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective of a connector. The connector is a hollow tube that connects the squeeze ball to the wrist extensions (SECTION A-A). One end of the connector (B) is attached to the squeeze ball in (Figure 1) and the other end of the connector (D) is attached to the wrist extension; being the wrist bracelet in (Figure 4) or wrap around coil in (Figure 5).

[0029] Figure 3 illustrate an overview of the squeeze ball and connector; attached to the wrist bracelet (SECTION A-A) and (SECTION C-C). 2017100477 02 May 2017 5 [0030] Figure 4 illustrates the wrist bracelet extension, without the connector tube and squeeze ball attached. The bracelet includes the aperture to allow the contents of the squeeze ball, being a gas, liquid or gel like material to enter the internal hollow section of the bracelet. In use, the movement of the gas, liquid or gel like material from the squeeze ball into the wrist extension will increase the outwards pressure in the wrist bracelet, pressing upon the wrist of the wearer. To further stimulate the acupressure points, the surface of the wrist bracelet may have studded shapes.

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates the wrap around wrist coil extension, without the connector tube and squeeze ball attached. The wrap around wrist coil is internally hollow to allow the contents of the squeeze ball, being a gas, liquid or gel like material to enter the hollow section of the coil. In use, the movement of the gas, liquid or gel like material from the squeeze ball into the wrist extension will increase the outwards pressure in the wrap around wrist coil, pressing upon the wrist of the wearer. To further stimulate the acupressure points, the surface of the wrist bracelet may have studded shapes.

[0032] The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0033] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (4)

1. A hand held squeezable acupressure device compromising a squeezable ball, and acupressure wrist attachments connected to the squeeze ball, possibly interchangeable, to be used as a method to stimulate acupuncture points in the hand and wrist.

2. The squeezable acupressure device Claim 1, a squeezable ball, is a soft malleable ball that is placed in the palm of the hand and the internal contents squeezed. Upon squeezing the ball, the internal contents, being gas, liquid or gel like material are forced into wrist extensions which are internally hollow, causing increased pressure and resulting in a tightening effect around the wrist to activate acupressure points. When the compression of the ball is released, the internal contents from the wrist extensions move back into the ball and the process is repeated.

3. The squeezable acupressure device Claim 1, a wrist attachment connected to the squeeze ball, is characterised by a hollow cord that can wrap around or coil around the wrist. The cord like length is hollow in the centre to allow the squeezable ball's contents to enter the wrist component and increase pressure on the wrist to activate acupressure points. The surface of the wrist extension may be smooth or studded to stimulate acupressure points in the wrist.

4. The squeezable acupressure device Claim 1, a wrist attachment connected to the squeeze ball, is characterised by a hollow bracelet. The bracelet is internally hollow to allow the squeezable ball's contents to enter the wrist component and increase pressure on the wrist to activate acupressure points. The surface of the wrist extension may be smooth or studded to stimulate acupressure points in the wrist.