EP1774949A1 - Massage device with deformable arms - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has two massage elements (6) and two branches (3,4), where each branch carries one massage element. The branch takes one configuration when the massage elements are not engaged with the treatment region and branch takes up another configuration when the massage elements engage with the treatment region. The branches are displaced relative to each other while passing from one configuration to another configuration and returns resiliently into previous configuration when the massage elements are no longer engages with the treatment region. An independent claim is included for massage method.

Description

The present invention relates to massage devices for the body, the face and / or the scalp.

We know by the patent US 5,218,955 a skin massage device comprising two rotary massage members at one end of a handle.

Requirement US 2005/0020948 discloses a massage device in which the one or more massage members are mounted on a container containing a product to be applied.

GB 261 902 discloses a device for beating the skin, comprising balls mounted at the end of elastically deformable rods.

US 2,691,978 discloses a massage device comprising a handle formed by a U-shaped rod, forming two branches supporting rotating massage members. The user can bring branches together with the hand.

FR 2,282,855 describes a device comprising two branches pivoting about the same axis.

There is a need to benefit from a massage device suitable for the body or the face, among others.

There is also a need to benefit from a massage device to achieve for example a lymphatic drainage.

• au moins deux organes de massage,
• au moins deux branches portant chacune au moins un organe de massage, ces branches étant dans une première configuration en l'absence d'engagement des organes de massage avec la région à traiter et pouvant prendre une deuxième configuration lors de l'engagement des organes de massage avec la région à traiter, les branches se déplaçant l'une relativement à l'autre lors du passage de la première à la deuxième configuration et pouvant revenir par rappel élastique dans la première configuration lorsque les organes de massage cessent d'être en engagement avec la région à traiter.

According to one of its aspects, the subject of the invention is a massage device comprising:

• at least two massage members,
• at least two branches each carrying at least one massage member, these branches being in a first configuration in the absence of engagement of the massage members with the region to be treated and can take a second configuration during the engagement of the organs of massage. massage with the region to be treated, the branches moving relative to each other during the passage from the first to the second configuration and can return by elastic return in the first configuration when the massage members cease to be in engagement with the region to be treated.

The branches can be elastically deformable along at least two axes and present on at least a portion of their length a non-circular cross section.

The branches may have a width and / or a variable thickness.

Such a non-circular section makes it possible to create at least one preferred direction of deformation of the branch and to control the deformations of the branches during use.

The movement of the branches may allow the device to adapt to different reliefs of the body or face, which can improve the effectiveness of treatment and / or comfort of use.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, at least one of the massage members is rotatable. All the massage members can for example be rotatable.

The deformation may exceed for example 3 mm at the end of the branches, depending on the flexibility thereof, other values being possible.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the branches are connected to a handle. This handle may comprise for example another massage member at an end opposite the branches. This other massage member may be rotatable or not and include reliefs, for example pins. The branches can be made in one piece by molding material with the handle.

The branches can be configured to deform apart when using the massage device on the skin. Thus, the possibility of deformation on approaching the branches can be very limited, or practically nil, for example less than or equal to 5 mm, better 3 mm, even better 1 mm.

When each branch comprises at least one rotary massage member, the axes of rotation of the massage members may make an angle, for example less than 180 ° or alternatively greater than 180 °.

The presence of an angle between the axes of rotation of the massage members may allow to exert on the skin a folded rolled.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the branches are connected to a support for removable attachment to a container, which contains for example a product to be applied before, during or after the massage. The branches can still connect to the container.

The container may comprise, where appropriate, a dispensing member, for example a pump or a valve or a simple dispensing orifice that can be closed by a closure cap, which is for example pivotally mounted on the container.

The massage device may comprise a protective cover for covering the branches in the absence of use.

The branches may have a curvilinear longitudinal axis.

The handle may have a generally flattened shape.

The handle may have a curved shape when viewed from the side, with the longitudinal axes of the branches overlapping.

The handle can be curved about an axis of curvature parallel to a large side of the handle section.

When the massage device comprises several rotary massage members, the axes of rotation of these massage members may be non-coplanar, which may allow for example to facilitate the massage of certain regions of the body or face.

The massage member or members may optionally be mounted on one or more rotary yokes, rotatable relative to the branches. This may allow, for example, an orientation of the massage member or members during use, depending on the movement of the massage device on the skin.

The massage members may be arranged relative to the limbs so that the massage members move toward each other when the device is moved in a first direction over the treated area and away from one another. other when the device is moved in a second direction opposite to the first.

The branches can be arranged to attach around a container. The branches are for example interconnected forming a hoop and the container comprises for example a groove in which the hoop can be housed.

• un récipient,
• un dispositif de massage comportant :
  • deux branches,
  • une portion en forme d'arceau reliant les branches, cette portion étant élastiquement déformable et pouvant se fixer de manière amovible sur le récipient.

The subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, a set comprising:

• a container,
• a massage device comprising:
  • two branches,
  • a portion in the form of an arch connecting the branches, this portion being elastically deformable and removably attachable on the container.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, a massage method, wherein is applied to the skin a massage device as defined above and wherein the branches deform in contact with the skin.

• la figure 1 représente en élévation un exemple de dispositif de massage réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 1A est une section transversale selon 1A-1A de la figure 1,
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté selon II de la figure 1,
• les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues respectivement analogues aux figures 1 et 2 illustrant le déplacement des branches,
• la figure 5 représente en élévation une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 6 est une vue de côté selon la flèche VI de la figure 5,
• les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues éclatées de variantes de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 9 représente isolément une variante de branche et l'organe de massage associé,
• la figure 10 est une vue en élévation d'une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 11 représente isolément des branches comportant chacune plusieurs organes de massage,
• la figure 12 illustre le montage d'un organe de massage sur une chape rotative,
• la figure 13 représente une variante de dispositif de massage,
• la figure 14 représente en élévation un dispositif de massage dans lequel les branches sont solidaires d'un récipient,
• la figure 15 représente isolément un récipient agencé pour recevoir un dispositif de massage,
• la figure 16 représente le récipient de la figure 15 avec un dispositif de massage correspondant en place,
• la figure 17 est une section axiale d'un organe de massage,
• les figures 18, 19, 23 et 24 représentent de face d'autres exemples d'organes de massage,
• la figure 20 est une vue de côté de l'organe de massage de la figure 19,
• les figures 21 et 22 sont des vues analogues à la figure 20 de variantes de réalisation,
• la figure 25 est une vue de côté de l'organe de massage de la figure 24,
• la figure 26 représente isolément une branche munie d'un organe de massage sphérique,
• la figure 27 représente en coupe longitudinale une branche comportant un organe de massage fixe,
• la figure 28 illustre la possibilité de réaliser un organe de massage rotatif avec un axe de rotation excentré,
• la figure 29 illustre la possibilité de réaliser l'organe de massage rotatif avec des flasques, et
• la figure 30 représente de manière schématique un dispositif de massage dans lequel les axes de rotation des organes de massage s'étendent dans un plan sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du manche.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 represents in elevation an example of a massage device produced according to the invention,
• FIG. 1A is a cross-section along 1A-1A of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 2 is a side view along II of FIG. 1,
• FIGS. 3 and 4 are views respectively similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the movement of the branches,
• FIG. 5 represents in elevation an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 6 is a side view along the arrow VI of FIG. 5,
• FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded views of alternative embodiments of the invention,
• FIG. 9 represents, in isolation, a branch variant and the associated massage member;
• FIG. 10 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 11 represents, in isolation, branches each comprising several massage members,
• FIG. 12 illustrates the mounting of a massage member on a rotary clevis,
• FIG. 13 represents a variant of a massage device,
• FIG. 14 represents in elevation a massage device in which the branches are integral with a container,
• FIG. 15 represents, in isolation, a receptacle arranged to receive a massage device,
• Fig. 16 shows the container of Fig. 15 with a corresponding massage device in place,
• FIG. 17 is an axial section of a massage member,
• FIGS. 18, 19, 23 and 24 are front views of other examples of massage members,
• FIG. 20 is a side view of the massage member of FIG. 19,
• FIGS. 21 and 22 are views similar to FIG. 20 of variant embodiments,
• FIG. 25 is a side view of the massage member of FIG. 24,
• FIG. 26 represents, in isolation, a branch provided with a spherical massage member,
• FIG. 27 represents in longitudinal section a branch comprising a fixed massage member,
• FIG. 28 illustrates the possibility of producing a rotary massage member with an eccentric axis of rotation,
• FIG. 29 illustrates the possibility of producing the rotary massage member with flanges, and
• Figure 30 schematically shows a massage device in which the axes of rotation of the massage members extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a massage device 1 comprising a handle 2 having a longitudinal axis X and two branches 3 and 4 each provided at the end with a yoke 5 on which rotates a rotary massage member 6 around a geometric axis of rotation R.

In Figures 1 and 2, the massage device 1 is shown in a first configuration, rest.

In the example under consideration, the axes of rotation R form between them an angle α less than 180 °, for example between 90 ° and 120 °.

The handle 2 has a generally curved shape, as can be seen in FIG. 2, and each of the branches 3 and 4 extends along a curvilinear longitudinal axis Y.

The length l of a branch between the junction with the handle 2 and the corresponding yoke 5 is for example greater than or equal to 40 mm.

The length l will for example be chosen according to the material in which the branches are made, so that they have a certain flexibility and may for example, when the massage members 6 roll on the skin, deform in spaced substantially in their plane and take a second configuration shown in Figure 3 and / or spaced substantially in a perpendicular plane and take a second configuration illustrated on Figure 4.

The deformation of the branches can thus be carried out around several geometric axes, for example one or more axes substantially perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3 and / or that of FIG.

The direction of deformation of the branches may depend on the orientation of the massage members and the direction of movement of the latter on the skin.

If necessary, the massage members can touch at the end of the deformation and / or relative movement of the branches.

The length and shape of the branches 3 and 4 can also be chosen according to the desired ergonomics.

Each branch 3 or 4 may have, on a portion at least of its length, a non-circular cross section, to give the branch at least one preferred direction of deformation.

Each branch may never have a circular cross section.

Each branch may have, for example, a cross section having no central symmetry, for example a cross section of generally rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 1A, for example a long side substantially perpendicular to the flat of the handle, when the device is observed from above as in Figure 1.

In the example, the branches 3 and 4 and the yokes 5 are made in one piece by molding plastic material, for example in a polyolefin. Each massage member 6 is mounted on the corresponding yoke 5 by means of an axis 8 which is for example an insert, fixed at its ends in corresponding housings 9.

The branches 3 and 4 can also be made in one piece with the handle 2, by plastic molding.

The axis 8 is for example made in one piece with the massage member or separately.

Each branch 3 or 4 alone carries the corresponding massage member 6, in the illustrated example.

The massage device 1 shown in Figures 5 and 6 differs from that of Figures 1 and 2 by the presence at the end 10 of the handle 2 opposite the branches 3 and 4 of another massage member 11, rotating around a axis of rotation W which is for example perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the handle 2.

The massage member 11 comprises, for example, pins 13 and may make it possible to perform a treatment similar to acupuncture when moved on the skin.

The branches 3 and 4 can be connected to a handle or, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, to a support 15 intended to be fixed on a container 16.

In the case of the example of FIG. 7, this receptacle comprises, for example, on the side opposite the support 15, a dispensing orifice 17 and a closure cap 18 making it possible to close the dispensing orifice 17 in the absence of 'use.

The container 16 is for example flexible wall and the product is dispensed for example by pressing on its wall.

In the example of Figure 8, the container 16 is provided with a dispensing member 20 which is for example a pump or a valve.

The support 15 may be arranged to cover the dispensing member 20 and may itself receive a protective cover 25 from covering the branches 3 and 4.

The support 15 is for example fixed by snapping on the container 16, the latter comprising for example a relief 19 for this purpose.

The branches 3 and 4 can be given various shapes and for example a corrugated shape as illustrated in FIG. 9, in order to give them greater flexibility, for example.

The orientations of the axes of rotation of the massage members 6 may be various and the angle between the axes is for example greater than 180 °, as illustrated in FIG.

Each branch 3 or 4 may carry several massage members 6, as illustrated in FIG. 11. In this example, each branch 3 or 4 carries two rotary massage members 6.

At least one massage member 6 may be rotatably mounted on a yoke 5 which is itself rotatable about an axis of rotation Z so as to be rotatable relative to the corresponding branch 3 or 4.

The yoke 5 may for example be made in one piece with a shaft end 5 which is snapped into a corresponding hole 36 of the branch. The R and Z axes are for example substantially perpendicular, as illustrated.

In the example of FIG. 13, the massage members 6 are non-rotatably attached to the ends of the branches 3 and 4.

The massage members 6 are for example in the form of pads provided with flexible strips 100, which can flex when the pads 6 are moved in contact with the skin.

The slats 100 are for example parallel to each other, the slats 100 of one of the massage members making an acute angle y, with those of the other massage member.

The strips 100 are for example molded in one piece of elastomeric material with the rest of the pads.

The deformation of the slats 100 can facilitate the sliding of the pads on the skin.

The branches 3 and 4 may be secured to a container 16 which has a dispensing nozzle 39 for dispensing the product contained therein near the massage members 6, as shown in Figure 14.

There is shown in FIG. 15 a container 16 which has at its periphery a groove 40 for receiving an arch-shaped portion 42 connecting the branches 3 and 4, as illustrated in FIG.

It can be seen in this figure that the massage members 6 may comprise two flexible lips 43 and 44 which are for example made of a single piece of elastomer with a central portion 45 traversed by an opening 46 allowing the passage of a shaft 47 fixed on the corresponding branch.

The massage device may comprise very diverse massage members, for example in the form of rollers whose surface is cylindrical of revolution or not and comprises, for example, corrugations 50, as illustrated in FIG.

A massage member 6 may comprise a roller on which ribs 51 and 52 project, these ribs having for example a polygonal contour, for example square, as shown in Figure 20 or triangular, as shown in Figure 21. Two ribs 51 and 52 adjacent can be angularly offset relative to each other.

A massage member 6 may also include longitudinal ribs 54, as shown in Figure 23, which may optionally have a corrugated shape.

A massage member 6 may further comprise, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, a plurality of projecting elements 56, such as pins, which are identical or not and, for example, evenly or uniformly distributed over the outer surface of the body. the massage organ.

In Figure 26, there is illustrated the possibility for the massage member to have a substantially spherical shape.

The massage member 6 may, if necessary, not be rotatable but fixed relative to the branch 3 or 4 which carries it, as shown in FIG. 27. When the massage member is rotatable, it can turn around an eccentric axis of rotation, as shown in FIG. 28. This figure also shows non-identical projecting elements 56.

The massage member 6 may be located between flanges 58 which can facilitate its rotation. These flanges 58 are for example made in one piece by molding plastic material with a shaft 8.

The rotation axes R of the massage members 6 may be coplanar or not.

In the example of FIG. 30, the rotational axes R are coplanar in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the handle 2.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described.

Thus, for example, all the massage devices shown may be provided with any massage member 6 and the device of Figures 1 and 2 may for example comprise massage members other than those shown, for example any of massage members illustrated in Figures 17 to 29.

The angles between the axes of rotation of the massage members may be different.

The massage device may comprise different massage members.

The characteristics of the various exemplary embodiments illustrated can be combined with each other within non-illustrated variants.

The expression "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (24)

Massage device (1) comprising: at least two massage members (6), at least two branches (3, 4) elastically deformable each according to at least two axes, each carrying at least one massage member (6), these branches being in a first configuration in the absence of engagement of the massage members with the region to be treated and can take a second configuration when engaging the massage members with the region to be treated, the branches moving relative to each other during the passage from the first to the second configuration and can return by elastic return in the first configuration when the massage members cease to be in engagement with the region to be treated, the branches having on at least a portion of their length a non-circular cross section. Device according to claim 1, wherein the massage members are identical. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the massage members are arranged relative to the limbs so that the massage members come closer to each other when the device is moved in a first direction over the treated area. and move away from each other when the device is moved in a second direction opposite to the first. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the massage members (6) is rotatable. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the branches are connected to a handle (2). Device according to claim 5, wherein the branches are integrally molded with the handle. Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the handle (2) comprises a massage member (11) at one end (10) opposite the branches (3, 4). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the branches are sufficiently flexible to deform during the application of the massage members (6) on the skin. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the branches are arranged to deform in spacing. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each branch comprises at least one rotary massage member and wherein the axes of rotation (R) of the massage members are at an angle less than 180 °. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each branch comprises at least one rotary massage member and wherein the axes of rotation (R) of the massage members are at an angle greater than 180 °. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the legs (3, 4) are connected to a support (15) for removable attachment to a container (16). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the legs (3, 4) are connected to a container (16). Device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the container comprises a dispensing member. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a cover (25) for covering the branches in the absence of use. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the branches each having a longitudinal axis (Y) curvilinear. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, each branch comprising a rotary massage member, the axes of rotation (R) of at least two massage members being non-coplanar. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one massage member (6) mounted on a rotary yoke (5). Device according to claim 1, the branches being arranged to be fixed around a container. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the branches has a length greater than or equal to 40 mm. Device according to claim 5 or 6, the handle having a generally flattened shape. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, the handle having a curved shape when viewed from the side, with the longitudinal axes (Y) of the branches overlapping. Device according to claims 21 and 22, the handle being curved about an axis of curvature parallel to a large side of the handle. A massage method, in which a massage device as defined in any one of the preceding claims is applied to the skin and wherein the limbs deform in contact with the skin by moving apart.

Images