EP1987807B1

EP1987807B1 - Tool for treating the human body, particularly the foot

Info

Publication number: EP1987807B1
Application number: EP20080155451
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alessandro Mazzocco; Giuseppe Mazzocco; Roberto Paladin; Adriana Titton
Original assignee: MEI Srl
Current assignee: MEI Srl
Priority date: 2007-05-04
Filing date: 2008-04-30
Publication date: 2014-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-30
Also published as: ITTV20070075A1; EP1987807A1

Description

The present invention relates to a tool for treating the human body, particularly the foot.
Currently, the need is strongly felt to alleviate, for the feet, the consequences of posture- and walk-related stresses, inharmonious gaits, unbalanced resting, excess orthostatic stance, pain caused by inappropriate shoes.
Convulsive mobility in fact undermines the morphofunctional balance of the feet and reduces the natural state of podologic well-being that is the basis of the wellness of the entire psychosomatic unit.
It has been observed in this regard that in winter, or in any case in the cold period of the year, the foot is constrained in shoes which are often inappropriate and not studied for the functionality of the foot but only for their aesthetics, creating a state of stress.
Moreover, the cold slows peripheral circulation, creating a state of discomfort.
In summer, or in any case in the warm period of the year, the foot undergoes vasodilation, with states of swelling, feeling of tiredness and a generalized heaviness.
Summer shoes, often created without considering the functional and biomechanical requirements of the foot, often create a state of discomfort.
So far, specific and complete processes devised to achieve well-being of the foot are not known, but only generic massage techniques are known, or specific products, such as creams, gels, sprays, or particular technical means, constituted by vibrating platforms and foot spas are commercially available.
All these known solutions have various drawbacks: they are not intended specifically to create well-being of the foot, since they allow to perform single steps of intervention on the foot without taking into account the specific nature of the products used.
Further, mere massage of the foot performed by the operator with his/her own hands entails massage movements which are visibly affected by tiredness of the fingers or of the hand of the operator; further, any poor hygiene or skin infections present on the foot may be harmful to the operator.
In the document "Massage Tools" from the internet under URL http:/lwww.handsonsupply.com/page3.html there is disclosed a foot-shaped massage tool for use on the black, arms and legs.
The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, eliminating the drawbacks of the cited background art, by providing a tool which is intended to recreate podologic well-being for the various seasons, reactivate peripheral circulation and re-establish a balanced homeostatic condition among the various tissues of the lower limbs.
Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a tool which allows to achieve manual massage movements which are not affected by tiredness of the fingers or of the hand of the operator.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool which amplifies the pressure or traction or vibration of the hand, with a more precise result, which is always the same over time and with the possibility to establish, for example, edgeways, cupping, hollow hemispherical, punch-like, hammer-like, slapping and groove-like contacts with the parts of the foot to be treated.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool which allows to treat without any discomfort regions of the foot which cannot be treated with the hands.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool which has low manufacturing costs and can be provided by means of usual and known machines and equipment.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a tool for massaging the human foot as defined in the appended claims.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a tool for treating the human body, particularly the foot, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: .

Figure 1 is a first side perspective view, taken from the side of the first concave face, of a tool according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a second side perspective view, taken from the side of the first concave face, of the tool;
Figure 3 is a third side perspective view, taken from the side of the first concave face, of the tool;
Figure 4 is a first side perspective view, taken from the side of the second convex face, of the tool;
Figure 5 is a second side perspective view, taken from the side of the second convex face, of the tool;
Figures 6 to 12 are views of various possible ways of holding the tool.

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a tool for treating the human body, particularly the foot, which is constituted by a body 2, which is substantially kidney-shaped and is made of high-density expanded plastic material, a non-toxic, anallergenic, sterilizable material which does not alter over time.
The body 2 of the tool 1 has dimensions which can be compared to those of a cupped hand and its kidney-like shape can be advantageously likened to the shape of a bean split approximately in half, so as to form a first concave face 3 and a second convex face 4.
The body 2 has a perimetric edge 5 which is variously arc-shaped so as to form a first long and non-rounded concave edge 6 and an opposite second long and non-rounded convex edge 7, said edges being mutually blended at a first end 8, also referenced as front end, by protrusions 9 which have rounded end regions, and at a second end 10, also referenced as rear end, by a curved portion 11.
In particular, the protrusions 9 having rounded end regions constitute grip means for the user and means for interaction with the various parts of the foot on which the tool is used.
Further, the protrusions 9 are digit tip-shaped, so as to reproduce the shape of the toes of a foot.
The curved portion 11 replicates the shape of the heel of a foot.
The particular shape of the tool allows it to be gripped by an operator to then achieve various kinds of skin contact in order to achieve very specific effects of a "phytomassopodia®" method.
The tool is gripped, as shown in Figure 6, by the first end 8, provided with the toe-shaped protrusions 9 in order to be able to use, with a simple rotation of the wrist, both the second convex face 4 and the first concave face 3, and both the first 6 and second 7 long non-rounded edges and the curved heel-shaped portion 11.
The first face and the second face, the first and second edges and the curved portion 11 are to be arranged in contact with the skin.
The work technique employs a method which provides for the use of specific phytocosmetic products, in which the use of the tool 1 improves the effectiveness of the well-being of the foot, allowing to provide always the same movement and with the same characteristics.
This phytomassopodia® method produces a state of podologic well-being, which affects the entire psychosomatic unit, by means of a studied and calibrated protocol, and performs three basic functions (skin exfoliation, tissue toning and reactivation of surface microcirculation) and activates a final perception of well-being linked to a feeling of warmth (in winter) or coolness (in summer).
The above-mentioned phytomassopodia® method provides for the steps for preparation, kinesiology, massage, temperature and maintenance.
The step of foot preparation occurs by using a product constituted by an exfoliating plant-based emulsion treated with manipulatory surface actions and with the tool.
The step of kinesiology is the moment of gymnastics of the foot, of passive joint mobilization, with stretching maneuvers and embrittlement actions, and subsequent application of a product constituted by a toning plant-based spray, with circular stroking action of the tool and manual action.
The step of massage is the moment of the manual action performed with the tool 1 and is constituted by carefully dosed stroking and percussion maneuvers, applying a product constituted by refreshing or warming essential massage oils.
The temperature step is managed by creating a pocket of cold or heat, provided by applying a product constituted by reactivating mud, cooled to 10°C or heated to 40°C and contained in a particular type of compress.
The maintenance step is the indispensable closure of the entire treatment, by using a product constituted by refreshing gel or by a warming cream.
The subject to be treated lies flat or partly flat, with the legs advantageously rested (hollow of the knee) on a roll or a rolled-up towel, so as to leave the foot to dangle beyond one half of the leg (the heel is in resting contact), with the operator sitting in front.
The step for preparing the skin of the foot occurs by using a product constituted by an exfoliating plant-based emulsion which is spread uniformly until it forms a film of approximately three mm on the entire foot, including the toes (also in the interdigital spaces), to the distal third of the leg.
This product is dosed by using the concavity that is present in the curved portion 11: there are in fact three pairs of notches, designated by reference numerals 12a and 12b, which start from the first edge 6 and from the second edge 7, in pairs along a same axis, so as to be mutually parallel and appropriately spaced so as to determine levels for adjusting the feed of the products.
The product constituted by an exfoliating plant-based emulsion is massaged in order to allow the microparticles to exfoliate the skin, removing its surface layer, which otherwise it would not be possible to eliminate with normal washing. The massage is continued until the product dries. After gripping the tool 1, at the end with the protrusions 9 which have rounded end regions and with the first concave face 3 in contact with the skin, the product is removed, performing a scraping action.
In the kinesiology step, the tool is gripped by the first front end 8 at the second convex face 4 for treatment, in order to be able to perform circular movements (in both directions and with minimal pressure) starting from the toes, in an ascending direction, until the specific product is absorbed completely.
Massage is the moment of the important manual action and of the calibrated use of the tool 1, both of which are performed with carefully dosed stroking and percussion maneuvers and by using refreshing or warming essential massage oils. When the product constituted by essential oils, after its application, has been fully absorbed, the tool 1 is gripped by the first front end 8 at the second convex face 4; the index and middle fingers of the hand that grips it must rest on the first concave face 3 of the tool, while the thumb (on one side) and the ring finger and the little finger (on the other side) block it for manipulatory treatment.
The forceful stroking action, which is circular (in one direction and the other) with a toe-to-leg direction, is provided with the convex part of the curved portion 11 of the tool, which is held with an inclination of approximately 45° with respect to the portion of the foot to be treated.
To perform treatment of the right heel, the upper metatarsal region of the corresponding foot is held (angle of the ankle at 90°) with the left hand while the tool 1 is gripped by the first front end 8 at the first concave face 3; the index and middle fingers of the hand that holds it must rest on the second convex face 4 of the tool, while the thumb (on one side) and the ring finger and little finger (on the other side) lock it for the manipulatory treatment.
Once the heel has been rested within the first concave face 3 of the tool 1, linear and circular movements are performed on the entire edge of the heel.
In order to treat the individual metatarsal heads, the tool 1 is gripped by the first front end 8 at the second convex face 4, which is placed in contact with an inclination of approximately 45° below the first metatarsal head, providing a dragging oscillation toward the fifth metatarsal head, passing below all the other heads.
With the same grip, but using the curved portion 11 and the first long and non-rounded edge 6 of the tool 1, the skin is subjected to tractions in the submetatarsal region, with partial twisting actions.
A separate treatment is performed only for the toes.
Holding the tool 1 by the first front end 8 at the first concave face 3, the toes are stroked firmly with circular and oscillating actions performed above (interphalangeal joints) and below (tips of the toes).
After the technical action of firm stroking and treatment of the heel and of the metatarsal heads, the step of beating is performed and affects all parts of the foot.
Beating provides for two different grips of the tool 1 for two different actions; the first grip occurs from the first front end 8 at the second convex face 4, with the user's thumb rested at a first region or recess 13 of the tool which is adjacent to the protrusion 9 that corresponds to the stylized big toe, with at least the middle finger, the ring finger and the little finger of the user affecting a second region or recess 14 of the tool 1 which is adjacent to the protrusion 9 that corresponds to the stylized little toe of said tool, as shown in Figure 6.
In the second grip, the index is rested at the level of the first concave face 3, while the ring finger and the little finger stop the tool, resting it on the upper part of the protrusions that form stylized toes, as shown in Figure 7.
This is followed by the scraping technique, which provides, for the upper surface of the foot to be treated, two different massage directions, which are performed by using the first long and non-rounded concave edge 6 and the opposite second long and non-rounded edge 7 of the tool 1.
By way of example, it is noted that Figure 6 illustrates a grip of the tool 1 which can also be used for cupping, wrapping, torsion, waving actions, the first long and non-rounded concave edge 6 and the second long and non-rounded edge 7 being used for spreading, pushing, pulling, cutting, fragmentation, scraping, scoring and fibrolysis actions.
By way of example, it is noted that Figure 7 illustrates a grip of the tool 1 which can also be used for spreading, stroking, rubbing, kneading, percussion, beating, tapping, slapping, rolling, distribution, waving actions, the first concave face 3 being used as a spoon into which the products are poured and dosed, by using as indicators the pairs of notches 12a and 12b, for subsequent application.
By way of example, it is noted that Figure 8 illustrates a grip of the tool 1 for using the protrusions 9, particularly those having a wide base, for acupressure, raking, fragmentation, pushing, pulling, squeezing, tapping actions, and the protrusions 9 having a narrow base for acupressure, combing, fragmentation, fibrolysis, pushing, pulling, separation actions; the first long and non-rounded concave edge 6 and the second long and non-rounded edge 7 are used to spread and flatten the product.
By way of example, it is noted that Figure 9 illustrates a grip of the tool 1 at the curved portion 11 which can also be used for acupressure, combing, fragmentation, fibrolysis, sprocket-like, wing-flapping actions.
By way of example, it is noted that Figure 10 illustrates a grip of the tool 1 at the second long and non-rounded convex edge 7 which provides for the application on the skin of the first long and non-rounded concave edge 6, which can also be used for spreading, scraping, pulling, pushing, fragmentation actions with various angles of use and for the various parts of the body.
By way of example, it is noted that Figure 11 illustrates a grip of the tool 1 at the second long and non-rounded convex edge 7 and at the protrusion 9 that corresponds at least to the big toe of the tool, so as to use the second long and non-rounded convex edge 7 also for spreading, scraping, pulling, pushing, fragmentation actions, with various angles of use and for the various parts of the body.
By way of example, it is noted that Figure 12 illustrates a grip of the tool 1 to use the protrusion 9 that corresponds to the big toe in cutting, grooving, pushing, pulling, hammering and separation actions; it is also possible, after turning the tool 1, to use the protrusion that corresponds to the fifth toe in cutting, grooving, pushing, pulling, hammering and separation actions.
It has thus been found that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a tool having been devised which is aimed at recreating podologic well-being for the various seasons, reactivating peripheral circulation and re-establishing a balanced homeostasis among the various tissues of the lower limbs, the tool allowing to provide manual massage movements which are not affected by tiredness of the fingers or hand of the operator.
Further, the tool amplifies the pressure or traction or vibration of the hand with a more precise result, which is always the same over time and with the possibility to establish, with the parts of the foot to be treated, for example cutting, cupping, hollow hemisphere-like, punch-like, hammer-like, slapping and groove-like contacts, without any discomfort for the operator when he/she acts on regions of the foot which can be treated with his/her hands.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A tool (1) for massaging the human foot, constituted by a body (2) having a perimetric edge (5) constituted by:
a first long concave edge (6) and an opposite second long convex edge (7);

said first long concave edge (6) and said second long convex edge (7) being mutually blended: at a first front end (8) by five protrusions (9) with rounded end regions; and at a second rear end (10) by a curved portion (11), said five protrusions (9) having a digit tip-like shape so as to reproduce the shape of the five toes of a foot, and said curved portion (11) replicating the shape of the heel of a foot;

said body (2) comprising a first concave face (3) extending concavely within said perimetric edge (5) and a second convex face (4) arranged opposite said first concave face (3) and extending convexly within said perimetric edge (5),

said tool (1) having, at said curved portion (11) of said first concave face (3), one or more pairs of notches (12a,12b) which start from said first edge (6) and from said second edge (7) along a same axis, so as to be mutually parallel and suitably spaced in order to determine levels for adjusting the feeding of products for treating the body,

wherein the tool (1) can be used, at said first concave face (3), like a spoon in which the products are poured and dosed, using said at least one pair of notches (12a,12b) as indicators, for subsequent application.
The tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said protrusions (9) with rounded end regions constitute grip means for the user and for interaction with the various parts of the foot.
The tool (1) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said body (2) is made of high-density expanded plastic material, a material which is non-toxic, anallergenic, sterilizable and unchanging over time.
The tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at said second convex face (4) of said first front end (8) there is a first region or recess (13) which is adjacent to the protrusion, of said protrusions (9), that replicates the stylized shape of a big toe, the thumb of the hand of the user being arrangeable at said first region or recess (13).
The tool (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at said second convex face (4) of said first front end (8) there is a second region or recess (14) which is adjacent to the protrusion, of said protrusions (9), that replicates the stylized shape of a little toe, at least the middle finger, the ring finger and the little finger of the user being arrangeable at said second region or recess (14).