AU2021107216A4 - Massage tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A massage tool comprising two ends joined by a longitudinal spine, a protrusion being configured on one handle while corrugations being configured on the other handle, wherein both the handles and the spine are ergonomically adapted to be engaged by one hand individually. The tool is an integrated one piece, and the spine comprises an upwardly curvedly ridge. Typically, the two handles extend upwardly.

Description

MASSAGE TOOL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage tool.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Many work environments such as truck drivers and long-haul semi-drivers

experience chronic back pain. Other occupations also may result in pain including simply working at home. Generally, there are a lot of health hazards that come from sitting in a

fixed position for a long time, for example shortened leg muscles, backaches, neck strain, shoulder discomfort. The reason for that is because a fixed working position squeezes the

blood vessels in the muscles, reducing the blood supply to the working muscles just when

they need it the most. An insufficient blood supply accelerates fatigue and makes the muscles prone to injury. Massage therapy can help with such sort of uncomfortable and

pain. However, it is difficult to receive a massage therapy during a long road trip or even at home.

[0003] Various massage tools are capable of being used to massage body are provided in the prior art, including portable ones. Many problems arise from those tools, such as

complicated structures which causes difficulties in manufacturing and assembly which therefore increases the cost of its production. Further still, some massage tools require and

externa power source that is often not available.

[0004] The object of this invention is to provide a massage tool to address the above shortcomings or at least to provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In a first aspect the invention comprises a massage tool comprising two ends

joined by a longitudinal spine, a protrusion being configured on one handle while corrugations being configured on the other handle, wherein both the handles and the spine

are ergonomically adapted to be engaged by one hand individually.

[0006] In preference the tool is an integrated one piece.

[0007] In preference the spine has an upwardly curvedly ridge.

[0008] In preference the two handles extend upwardly.

[0009] In preference there are two pads respectively attached to the back of the handles.

[0010] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the

features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] 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. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a massage tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic bottom view of the massage tool according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic right-side view of the massage tool according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic left side view of the massage tool according to the

preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic first end view of the massage tool according to the

preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic opposite end view of the massage tool according to the

preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 7 is a schematic close upside view of the first end of the massage tool

according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] Figure 8 is a schematic close upside view of the opposite end of the massage

tool according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the

drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the

purposes of clarity or illustration.

[0021] Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 4, a massage tool 10 provided by a preferred

embodiment of the present invention comprises two ends/handles 12, 20 joined by a longitudinal spine/web 16. A hemisphere 14 is configured on one handle 12 while

corrugations 22 are configured on the other and opposite handle 20. Both the handles 12

and 20 and the spine 16 are ergonomically adapted to be griped by one hand individually.

[0022] Specifically, the massage tool 10 comprises two handles 12, 20 which are

connected via the longitudinal spine 16. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the longitudinal spine 16 is substantially parallel but not in contact with the ground as the massage tool 10 is laid

down. Whereas the two handles 12, 20 preferably extend upwardly with the ends of them bending upwardly away from the ground.

[0023] Turning to Figures 6 and 8, the hemisphere 14 is formed on one handle 12. The size of it is designed to be an adaptive massaging head which suits for pressing or kneading

on the body. Of course, other shapes may veery well be used and it is not intended to limit

the invention just to a hemispherical shape or indeed only one such protrusion.

[0024] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the corrugations 22 are transversely formed along

and cover the top side of the other and opposite handle 20, which also suits for pressing or kneading on the body. Importantly, both the handles 12,20 and the spine 16 are

ergonomically adapted to be engaged and/or griped by one hand individually. As such, people can grip the massage tool 10 to knead any part of the body easily and comfortably.

For example, a person may position the massage tool with the corrugations end under their bottom and press down on the other handle to move the corrugations up and down and

thus massage the muscles.

[0025] Preferably, the tool 10 is an integrated one piece. It may be moulded by using

suitable plastic material although it may equally be made from other materials. Running through the tool may be a metal skeleton that is 4ncased in foam and the foam then encased in an outer skin.

[0026] Preferably, the spine 16 has an upwardly curvedly ridge 18 as shown in Figures 3

and 4.

[0027] Preferably, the tool 10 is of a slight concave shape with the handles bending

upwards from the spine 16. The shape of the handle 12, 20 consists of smooth curves on its top and bottom surfaces making it suitable to be placed against a human body for the

purposes of providing a massage.

[0028] Further, there are two pads 24, 26 respectively attached to the back of the

handles of the tool 10 as shown in Figure4 2. They can be used to increase the friction which

keeps the tool in place in a moving or shaking environment or to protect the surface that they are placed against.

[0029] In an implementation example, the length of the tool 10 may vary but is typically of the order of some 40 to 50 cm with the handles 12, 20 being wider than the spine 16.

[0030] The invention generally provides a massage tool 10 comprised of a single piece which is easily portable and can be used to massage different parts of the body. Its

ergonomic design makes it is easy to grip or engage at either handle or even anywhere located at intermediate between the two handles. The handles may also include a slight

indent on their sides to accommodate grabbing by a hand. Moreover, it features a relatively

small size and suits to be placed anywhere inside a vehicle.

[0031] The reader will now appreciate the present invention which provides a single

piece massage tool.

LIST OF COMPONENTS

[0032] The drawings include the following integers: massage tool

12,20 handles

14 hemisphere

16 spine

18 ridge

22 corrugation

24,26 pad

[0033] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present

invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is

recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope

of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission

that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this

field.

[0034] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its

derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Claims (5)

1. A massage tool comprising two ends joined by a longitudinal spine, a protrusion being configured on one handle while corrugations being configured on the other

handle, wherein both the handles and the spine are ergonomically adapted to be engaged by one hand individually.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is an integrated one piece.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the spine has an upwardly curvedly ridge.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the two handles extend upwardly.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein there are two pads respectively attached to the back of

the handles.