EP2775985A1 - Roller massage system - Google Patents

Roller massage system

Info

Publication number
EP2775985A1
EP2775985A1 EP20120848115 EP12848115A EP2775985A1 EP 2775985 A1 EP2775985 A1 EP 2775985A1 EP 20120848115 EP20120848115 EP 20120848115 EP 12848115 A EP12848115 A EP 12848115A EP 2775985 A1 EP2775985 A1 EP 2775985A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pair
roller
handle
axle
cross member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP20120848115
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2775985B1 (en
EP2775985A4 (en
Inventor
Jeremy J. NELSON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Roll Recovery LLC
Original Assignee
Roll Recovery LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Roll Recovery LLC filed Critical Roll Recovery LLC
Priority claimed from PCT/US2012/063750 external-priority patent/WO2013070632A1/en
Publication of EP2775985A1 publication Critical patent/EP2775985A1/en
Publication of EP2775985A4 publication Critical patent/EP2775985A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2775985B1 publication Critical patent/EP2775985B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H15/00Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H15/0092Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains hand-held
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H15/00Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H2015/0007Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
    • A61H2015/0028Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis disc-like, i.e. diameter substantially greater than width
    • A61H2015/0035Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis disc-like, i.e. diameter substantially greater than width multiple on the same axis
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H15/00Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H2015/0007Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
    • A61H2015/0057Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis the axis being resiliently biased
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/06Arms
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/08Trunk
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/08Trunk
    • A61H2205/086Buttocks
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/10Leg
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/12Feet

Definitions

  • a roller massage system provides a pair of roller massage assemblies in opposed adjustable spaced relation to allow engagement of each one of the pair of roller massage assemblies on a corresponding massageable portion of the body.
  • Conventional massage devices may provide a roller which can be drawn along the surface of the body.
  • the amount of pressure exerted by the roller on the surface of the body depends directly on the amount of force exerted by the user on the massage device. Accordingly, different parts of the body may be treated differently. Additionally, the user may experience fatigue and the amount of force applied may vary to a greater or lesser degree on the massageable portion of the body or the user may not be able to complete the massage of the massageable portion of the body.
  • the instant invention provides a roller massage system and method of massaging which addresses the problems related to conventional massage devices.
  • a broad object of the invention can be to provide a roller massage system having a pair of roller massage assemblies in opposed adjustable spaced relation to allow engagement of each one of the pair of roller massage assemblies on a corresponding massageable portion of the body.
  • Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide a roller massage system having a first and second pair of handle supports which function to allow the pair of roller massage assemblies to travel between a closed condition and an open condition while maintaining a substantially parallel opposed relation useful in engaging each one of the roller assemblies on a corresponding massageable portion of the body.
  • Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide a pair of handles one each coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of roller massage assemblies which allows the pair of roller massage assemblies to travel between the closed condition and the open condition by drawing the pair of handles apart under forcible urging of the user's hands.
  • Figure 1 is an illustration of a method of using an embodiment the inventive roller massage device.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device.
  • Figure 3 is a front view of a particular embodiment the inventive roller massage device in the closed condition.
  • Figure 4 is a front view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device in the open condition.
  • Figure 5 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device.
  • Figure 6 is a top view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device.
  • Figure 7 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device.
  • Figure 8 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device having a pair of linear axels and an elastic member in the form of an extension spring.
  • Figure 9 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device having cross member sufficiently resiliently flexible to allow a pair of handles to be drawn apart.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device having a cross member which includes a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion to allow a pair of handles to be drawn apart.
  • embodiments of the inventive roller massage device (1) provide a pair of roller assemblies (2)(3).
  • Each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can include one or more roller elements (4).
  • each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can have one roller element (4).
  • each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can have a plurality of roller elements (4), such as two, three, four, five, six or more depending upon the application.
  • the one roller element (4) or the plurality of roller elements (4) of each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can be correspondingly rotatably coupled to a pair of axles (5)(6).
  • each of the plurality of roller elements (4) of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can be correspondingly rotatably coupled to the pair of axles (5)(6) in adjacent abutted engagement (7)(as shown in the example of Figure 8) or spaced engagement (8) (as shown in the examples of Figures 3 and 4) along the length of each of the pair of axles (5)(6).
  • the pair of axles (5)(6) can be disposed or maintained in mirror image symmetry a distance apart to correspondingly locate an outer periphery (9) of the one or more roller elements (4) of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) in opposed adjacent relation (10) (as shown in the example of Figure 3) or opposed mirror image symmetry (10) a distance apart (as shown in the example of Figure 4).
  • the pair of axles (5)(6) and the corresponding pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can be adjusted to dispose the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) in various spatial relationship as further described below.
  • Each of the pair of axels (5)(6) can be linear (13) (as shown in the example of Figure 8) having a length disposed between opposed axel ends (11)(12); however, the invention is not so limited, and each of the pair of axels (5)(6) can be arcuate or have an amount of curvature (14) between the opposed axel ends (l l)(12)(as shown in the examples of Figures 3 and 4).
  • the amount of curvature (14) in each of the pair of axels (5)(6) can be a greater or lesser amount of curvature (14) to provide the advantage of engagement of the one or more roller elements (4) with corresponding curvature of a massageable portion (15) of a body (16).
  • the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) may be generally tubular such as the upper portion of the leg (17).
  • the amount of curvature (14) as to particular embodiments can be sufficient to allow a plurality of roller elements (4) to engage the corresponding curvature of the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) with greater uniformity than in embodiments in which the pair of axles (5)(6) are generally linear (13) in configuration.
  • the amount of curvature (14) in each of the pair of axles (5)(6) can define a radius in the range of about 12 inches to about 30 inches; although as to particular embodiments, the radius defined by the amount of curvature (14) of each of the pair of axles (5)(6) can be greater or lesser depending on the application.
  • the one or more roller elements (4) can each be in the form of an annular member (18) which defines an outer periphery (9) and a central aperture element (19).
  • One of the pair of axles (5)(6) passes through the central aperture element (19) allowing adjacent abutted engagement (7) or spaced engagement (8) of the plurality of roller elements (4) along the axle length (20).
  • each of the one or more roller elements (4) can further include a hub element (21) which includes the central aperture element (19).
  • the annular member (18) can be in secured fixed relation to the hub element (21) such that rotation of the hub element (21) about one of the pair of axles (5)(6) generates a corresponding rotation in the annular member (18).
  • the central aperture element (19) can be in the form of one or more roller element bearings (22) having an bearing inner race (23) which defines the central aperture element (19) and an bearing outer race (24) separated by bearing elements (25) which assist to reduce friction in rotation of the one or more roller elements (4) about the corresponding one of the pair of axles (5)(6).
  • the hub element (21) can be made from any substantially rigid material such as a metal, a ceramic, a plastic, a wood, or the like.
  • annular member (18) can also be made from a substantially rigid material, as above described, or as to other embodiments can be made from a resiliently elastic material which to an extent deforms on engagement with the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) such as a plasticized resin, a silicone rubber, a fluoropolymer, a natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane, or the like.
  • the one or more roller elements (4) can define a generally circular outer periphery (9) (as shown in the example of Figure 2); however, the invention is not so limited and each of the roller elements (4) can define an outer periphery (9) useful in massaging a massageable portion (15) of the body (16).
  • the outer periphery (9) can, as illustrative examples, define a circular outer periphery, an oval outer periphery, a hexagonal outer periphery, a septagonal outer periphery, an octagonal outer periphery, or the like, which can be used in various permutations and combinations.
  • roller elements (4) can be rotationally coupled to each of the pair of axels (5)(6) each having a diameter (26) in the range of about one to about three inches (as shown in the example of Figure 5) and a thickness of about three eighths inch to about one inch (as shown in the example of Figure 5) depending upon the application; however, the invention can include embodiments having a greater or lesser diameter (26) depending upon the application.
  • Spaced engagement (8) of the four roller elements (4) as shown can provide an inter-roller space (27) in the range of about one-eighth inch to about one half inch depending on the application; however, certain embodiments may have roller elements (4) having adjacent abutted engagement (7) as above described (as shown in the example of Figure 8).
  • each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can be provided as a one piece roller (28) having a plurality of roller elements (4)(as shown in broken line in the example of Figure 9).
  • Embodiments of the one piece roller (28) can provide a plurality of roller elements (4) discretely formed or fabricated and subsequently interconnected to provide a one piece roller (28), or a plurality of roller elements (4) formed or fabricated in common as a one piece roller (28).
  • the plurality of rollers (4) all rotate about a corresponding one of the pair of axels (5)(6) at the same rate about a linear axle (13) (as shown in the example of Figure 8 with the one piece roller (28) shown in broken line).
  • the one piece roller (28) can provide a medial portion (69) disposed can have a pair of end portions (70).
  • the portion of the plurality of roller elements (4) disposed in the medial portion (69) can have lesser diameter than the portion of the plurality of roller elements (4) disposed in the pair of end portions (70).
  • the roller massage device (1) can further provide a pair of handles (29)(30) each configured for grippable engagement with a corresponding one of a pair of hands (31)(32) of a user (33)(as shown in the example of Figure 1).
  • the pair of handles (29)(30) can be made responsive to the corresponding pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) such that travel (67)(68) of the pair of handles (29)(30) results in corresponding travel of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3).
  • each one of the pair of handles (29)(30) can include a handle grip (34) disposed between a handle first end (35) and a handle second end (36), and a pair of axle supports (37)(38) correspondingly coupled to the handle first end (35) and said handle second end (36).
  • the pair of axle supports (37)(38) correspondingly extend from the handle first end (35) and the handle second end (36) of the handle grip (34) in generally opposed relation to define a pass through (39).
  • the opposed axle ends (1 1)(12) also referred to as the axle first end (1 1) and the axle second end (12)
  • the pass through (39) can further provide sufficient open space between the outer periphery (9) of the one or more roller elements (4) of the corresponding one of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) and the corresponding one of the pair of handles (29)(30) to allow one of the pair of hands (31)(32) of the user (33) to grippingly engage the handle grip (34) of one of the pair of handles (29)(30) without engaging the outer periphery (9) of the corresponding one of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3).
  • the roller massage device (1) can further include a cross member (40) to which the pair of handles (29)(30) can be directly or indirectly coupled to dispose the one or more roller elements (4) of the pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) in substantially opposed adjacent relation (10) (as shown in the example of Figure 3)(also referred to as the "closed condition" (41)).
  • the pair of handles (29)(30) can be correspondingly connected proximate a first cross member end (43) and a second cross member end (44).
  • the cross member (40) can be sufficiently resiliently flexible (45) to allow the pair of handles (29)(30) to be drawn apart under outward forcible urging by the user (33) toward the open condition (42).
  • the cross member (40) and the pair of handles (29)(30) may be produced as a one piece.
  • the cross member (40) can be formed from a first portion (46) and a second portion (47) centrally pivotally joined to allow the pair of handles (29)(30) to be drawn apart under sufficient forcible urging to generate rotation of the pair of handles (29)(30) about a central pivot axis (48) of a cross member pivot element (49) to achieve the open condition (42).
  • the cross member (40) can take the form of a one-piece substantially inflexible cross member (40) to which one of the pair of handles (29)(30) pivotally join proximate the first cross member end (43) and a second cross member end (44). Rotation of each of the pair of handles (29)(30) about a corresponding one of a pair of handle pivots (54) allows the pair of handles (29)(30) to be drawn apart under outward forcible urging by the user (33) to achieve the open condition (42).
  • the roller massage device (1) can further include a first pair of handle supports (50)(51) each having length disposed between a handle support first end (52) and a handle support second end (53).
  • Each of the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) can be pivotally coupled by a handle support first end (52) to a corresponding one of the first cross member end (43) and the second cross member end (44) of the cross member (40).
  • Each the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) can be pivotally coupled by a handle support second end (53) to a corresponding one of the pair of handles (29)(30).
  • Outward forcible urging of the pair of handles (29)(30) by the user (33) toward the open condition (42) generates rotation of the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) about a corresponding pair of handle support first end pivots (54).
  • the pair of handles (29)(30) can be further rotated about a corresponding pair of handle support second end pivots (55) to alter spatial relation of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3).
  • Embodiments which include a first pair of handle supports (50)(51) afford the advantage of allowing the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) to be disposed in opposed bilateral symmetry over a greater range of travel, and further affords the advantage of allowing the user (33) to dispose the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) other spatial relations depending upon the application.
  • the roller massage device (1) can further include a second pair of handle supports (56)(57) each having length disposed between a second handle support first end (58) and a second handle support second end (59).
  • Each of the second pair of handle supports (56)(57) can be pivotally coupled to the cross member (40) a distance inward of the first pair handle supports (50)(51) by the second handle support first ends (58) and pivotally coupled to the handles (29)(30) a distance inward of the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) by the second handle support second ends (59).
  • the second pair of handle supports (56)(57) limits the range of rotation of the pair of handles (29)(30) in relation to the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) to disposing the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) in generally opposed mirror image symmetry over the entire range of travel between the closed condition (41) and the open condition (42) (as shown in the examples of Figures 3 and 4).
  • the roller massage device (1) can further include one or more elastic elements (60) which act on the pair of handles (29)(30) to generate travel of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) toward the closed condition (41).
  • the elastic elements (60) can comprise or be selected from the group consisting of an elastic member, elastic cord, elastic bands, springing element, extension spring, coil spring, torsional spring, or the like, which when stretched or twisted exerts a restoring force which tends to return the elastic element (60) to the original unstretched or untwisted condition.
  • an elastic element first end (61) and an elastic element second end (62) of an elastic element (60) in the form of an elastic band, elastic cord, or extension spring can be correspondingly connected proximate the center of the cross member (40) and each of the corresponding handles (29)(30) to generate travel of the corresponding pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) toward the closed condition (41) (as shown in the example of Figure 8).
  • an elastic element (60) in the form of a torsion spring (69) can wound about the handle support first end pivots (54)(as shown in the examples of Figures 1-7).
  • Each of the spring first ends (63) can be engaged to the cross member (40) and each of the spring second ends (64) can be responsive to movement of a corresponding one of the pair of handles (29)(30).
  • Outward forcible urging of the pair of handles (29)(30) by the user (33) toward the open condition (42) twists the torsion spring (69) about a spring axis (65) coincident with the pivot axis (66) of the handle support first end pivots (54).
  • Figure 1 illustrates a method of massage using the embodiment of a roller massage device (1) shown in Figures 1-7 although the method can be applied to other embodiments including but not limited to Figures 8-10.
  • a user (33) can grippingly engage a pair of handles (29)(30) one each in a corresponding one of a pair of hands (31 )(32).
  • the pair of handles (29)(30) in the closed condition (41) can be drawn a sufficient distance outwardly toward the open condition (42)(as shown in the example Figures 1 and 4) to correspondingly dispose a pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) in opposed relation about a massageable portion (15) of a body (16).
  • the user (33) can allow the pair of handles (29)(30) to return toward the closed condition (42) a sufficient distance to engage each one of the pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) on a massable portion (15) of the body (16).
  • the user (33) can generate travel (67)(68) in the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) by forcibly urging on each of the pair of handles (29)(30) in a first direction (67) on the massageable portion (15) of the body (16).
  • the user (33) can forcibly urge each of the pair of handles (29)(30) in a second direction (69) to correspondingly generate travel in the pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) on the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) in the second direction (68).
  • FIG. 1 shows the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) as the upper portion of a leg (17) of a person; the invention is not so limited, and the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) can be any portion of the body (16) which can be massaged by travel of the pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) on the massageable portion (15) such as the lower leg, upper arm, lower arm, upper body, lower body, buttocks, hands, feet, or the like.
  • the roller massage device (1) is shown massaging a portion of a body (16) of a person, the invention is not so limited, and applications may include a massageable portion of the body of other animals, such as cattle, horses, dogs, cats, or the like.
  • the method can further include resiliently flexing the cross member to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said drawn condition, or as to other particular embodiments as shown in Figure 10, generating rotation of a first portion (46) and a second portion (47) of the cross member (40) about a central pivot axis (48) of cross member pivot element (49).
  • the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways.
  • the invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of multiple flow channel particle analysis system including the best mode of a multiple flow channel particle analysis structure and methods of particle analysis using such multiple flow channel particle analysis structure.
  • each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates.
  • fluid stream should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "streaming a fluid”—whether explicitly discussed or not— and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of "streaming a fluid”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of "a fluid stream” and even a “means for streaming a fluid.”
  • Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
  • common dictionary definitions should be understood to included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) a multiple flow channel particle analysis structure as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

Abstract

A roller massage system provides a pair of roller massage assemblies in opposed adjustable spaced relation to allow engagement of each one of the pair of roller massage assemblies on a corresponding massageable portion of the body.

Description

ROLLER MASSAGE SYSTEM
This International Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application is a continuation of United States Design Patent Application No. 29/435,812, filed October 29, 2012 and claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/628,882, filed November 7, 2011 , each hereby incorporated by reference herein.
I. TECHNICAL FIELD
A roller massage system provides a pair of roller massage assemblies in opposed adjustable spaced relation to allow engagement of each one of the pair of roller massage assemblies on a corresponding massageable portion of the body. II. BACKGROUND
Conventional massage devices may provide a roller which can be drawn along the surface of the body. The amount of pressure exerted by the roller on the surface of the body depends directly on the amount of force exerted by the user on the massage device. Accordingly, different parts of the body may be treated differently. Additionally, the user may experience fatigue and the amount of force applied may vary to a greater or lesser degree on the massageable portion of the body or the user may not be able to complete the massage of the massageable portion of the body.
The instant invention provides a roller massage system and method of massaging which addresses the problems related to conventional massage devices. III. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide a roller massage system having a pair of roller massage assemblies in opposed adjustable spaced relation to allow engagement of each one of the pair of roller massage assemblies on a corresponding massageable portion of the body. Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide a roller massage system having a first and second pair of handle supports which function to allow the pair of roller massage assemblies to travel between a closed condition and an open condition while maintaining a substantially parallel opposed relation useful in engaging each one of the roller assemblies on a corresponding massageable portion of the body. Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide a pair of handles one each coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of roller massage assemblies which allows the pair of roller massage assemblies to travel between the closed condition and the open condition by drawing the pair of handles apart under forcible urging of the user's hands. Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an illustration of a method of using an embodiment the inventive roller massage device. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device.
Figure 3 is a front view of a particular embodiment the inventive roller massage device in the closed condition.
Figure 4 is a front view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device in the open condition.
Figure 5 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device.
Figure 6 is a top view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device. Figure 7 is a bottom view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device.
Figure 8 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device having a pair of linear axels and an elastic member in the form of an extension spring.
Figure 9 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device having cross member sufficiently resiliently flexible to allow a pair of handles to be drawn apart. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the inventive roller massage device having a cross member which includes a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion to allow a pair of handles to be drawn apart.
V. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, referring primarily to Figures 1-10, embodiments of the inventive roller massage device (1) provide a pair of roller assemblies (2)(3). Each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can include one or more roller elements (4). As to particular embodiments, each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can have one roller element (4). As to other embodiments, each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can have a plurality of roller elements (4), such as two, three, four, five, six or more depending upon the application. The one roller element (4) or the plurality of roller elements (4) of each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can be correspondingly rotatably coupled to a pair of axles (5)(6).
As to embodiments having a plurality of roller elements (4), each of the plurality of roller elements (4) of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can be correspondingly rotatably coupled to the pair of axles (5)(6) in adjacent abutted engagement (7)(as shown in the example of Figure 8) or spaced engagement (8) (as shown in the examples of Figures 3 and 4) along the length of each of the pair of axles (5)(6).
As to particular embodiments, the pair of axles (5)(6) can be disposed or maintained in mirror image symmetry a distance apart to correspondingly locate an outer periphery (9) of the one or more roller elements (4) of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) in opposed adjacent relation (10) (as shown in the example of Figure 3) or opposed mirror image symmetry (10) a distance apart (as shown in the example of Figure 4).
As to other embodiments, the pair of axles (5)(6) and the corresponding pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can be adjusted to dispose the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) in various spatial relationship as further described below.
Each of the pair of axels (5)(6) can be linear (13) (as shown in the example of Figure 8) having a length disposed between opposed axel ends (11)(12); however, the invention is not so limited, and each of the pair of axels (5)(6) can be arcuate or have an amount of curvature (14) between the opposed axel ends (l l)(12)(as shown in the examples of Figures 3 and 4). The amount of curvature (14) in each of the pair of axels (5)(6) can be a greater or lesser amount of curvature (14) to provide the advantage of engagement of the one or more roller elements (4) with corresponding curvature of a massageable portion (15) of a body (16).
As shown by the example of Figure 1, the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) may be generally tubular such as the upper portion of the leg (17). The amount of curvature (14) as to particular embodiments can be sufficient to allow a plurality of roller elements (4) to engage the corresponding curvature of the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) with greater uniformity than in embodiments in which the pair of axles (5)(6) are generally linear (13) in configuration. As to particular embodiments, the amount of curvature (14) in each of the pair of axles (5)(6) can define a radius in the range of about 12 inches to about 30 inches; although as to particular embodiments, the radius defined by the amount of curvature (14) of each of the pair of axles (5)(6) can be greater or lesser depending on the application.
Now referring primarily to Figures 1-10, the one or more roller elements (4) can each be in the form of an annular member (18) which defines an outer periphery (9) and a central aperture element (19). One of the pair of axles (5)(6) passes through the central aperture element (19) allowing adjacent abutted engagement (7) or spaced engagement (8) of the plurality of roller elements (4) along the axle length (20). As to certain embodiments, each of the one or more roller elements (4) can further include a hub element (21) which includes the central aperture element (19). The annular member (18) can be in secured fixed relation to the hub element (21) such that rotation of the hub element (21) about one of the pair of axles (5)(6) generates a corresponding rotation in the annular member (18). The central aperture element (19) can be in the form of one or more roller element bearings (22) having an bearing inner race (23) which defines the central aperture element (19) and an bearing outer race (24) separated by bearing elements (25) which assist to reduce friction in rotation of the one or more roller elements (4) about the corresponding one of the pair of axles (5)(6). The hub element (21) can be made from any substantially rigid material such as a metal, a ceramic, a plastic, a wood, or the like. Particular embodiments of the annular member (18) can also be made from a substantially rigid material, as above described, or as to other embodiments can be made from a resiliently elastic material which to an extent deforms on engagement with the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) such as a plasticized resin, a silicone rubber, a fluoropolymer, a natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane, or the like.
Now referring primarily to Figures 2 and 7, the one or more roller elements (4) can define a generally circular outer periphery (9) (as shown in the example of Figure 2); however, the invention is not so limited and each of the roller elements (4) can define an outer periphery (9) useful in massaging a massageable portion (15) of the body (16). The outer periphery (9) can, as illustrative examples, define a circular outer periphery, an oval outer periphery, a hexagonal outer periphery, a septagonal outer periphery, an octagonal outer periphery, or the like, which can be used in various permutations and combinations.
As to the illustrative example shown in Figures 1-10, four roller elements (4) can be rotationally coupled to each of the pair of axels (5)(6) each having a diameter (26) in the range of about one to about three inches (as shown in the example of Figure 5) and a thickness of about three eighths inch to about one inch (as shown in the example of Figure 5) depending upon the application; however, the invention can include embodiments having a greater or lesser diameter (26) depending upon the application. Spaced engagement (8) of the four roller elements (4) as shown can provide an inter-roller space (27) in the range of about one-eighth inch to about one half inch depending on the application; however, certain embodiments may have roller elements (4) having adjacent abutted engagement (7) as above described (as shown in the example of Figure 8).
As to particular embodiments, each of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) can be provided as a one piece roller (28) having a plurality of roller elements (4)(as shown in broken line in the example of Figure 9). Embodiments of the one piece roller (28) can provide a plurality of roller elements (4) discretely formed or fabricated and subsequently interconnected to provide a one piece roller (28), or a plurality of roller elements (4) formed or fabricated in common as a one piece roller (28). In embodiments which provide a one piece roller (28), the plurality of rollers (4) all rotate about a corresponding one of the pair of axels (5)(6) at the same rate about a linear axle (13) (as shown in the example of Figure 8 with the one piece roller (28) shown in broken line). As to particular embodiments, the one piece roller (28) can provide a medial portion (69) disposed can have a pair of end portions (70). The portion of the plurality of roller elements (4) disposed in the medial portion (69) can have lesser diameter than the portion of the plurality of roller elements (4) disposed in the pair of end portions (70).
Now referring primarily to Figures 1 , 3 and 4, the roller massage device (1) can further provide a pair of handles (29)(30) each configured for grippable engagement with a corresponding one of a pair of hands (31)(32) of a user (33)(as shown in the example of Figure 1). The pair of handles (29)(30) can be made responsive to the corresponding pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) such that travel (67)(68) of the pair of handles (29)(30) results in corresponding travel of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3). As one illustrative example, each one of the pair of handles (29)(30) can include a handle grip (34) disposed between a handle first end (35) and a handle second end (36), and a pair of axle supports (37)(38) correspondingly coupled to the handle first end (35) and said handle second end (36). The pair of axle supports (37)(38) correspondingly extend from the handle first end (35) and the handle second end (36) of the handle grip (34) in generally opposed relation to define a pass through (39). The opposed axle ends (1 1)(12) (also referred to as the axle first end (1 1) and the axle second end (12)) correspondingly couple to the pair of axle supports (37)(38) to dispose a corresponding one of the pairs of roller assemblies (2)(3) within the pass through (39). The pass through (39) can further provide sufficient open space between the outer periphery (9) of the one or more roller elements (4) of the corresponding one of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) and the corresponding one of the pair of handles (29)(30) to allow one of the pair of hands (31)(32) of the user (33) to grippingly engage the handle grip (34) of one of the pair of handles (29)(30) without engaging the outer periphery (9) of the corresponding one of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3).
Now referring primarily to Figures 1-10, the roller massage device (1) can further include a cross member (40) to which the pair of handles (29)(30) can be directly or indirectly coupled to dispose the one or more roller elements (4) of the pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) in substantially opposed adjacent relation (10) (as shown in the example of Figure 3)(also referred to as the "closed condition" (41)). The structure of the cross member (40) or the manner in which the pair of handles (29)(30) couple to the cross member (40)(or both) allow the user (33) to draw the pair of handles (29)(30) apart under outward forcible urging to dispose the one or more roller elements (4) a sufficient distance apart to be disposed about the massageable portion (15) of the body (16)(as shown in the example of Figure 4)(also referred to as the "open condition" (42)).
Now referring primarily to Figure 9, as to certain embodiments, the pair of handles (29)(30) can be correspondingly connected proximate a first cross member end (43) and a second cross member end (44). The cross member (40) can be sufficiently resiliently flexible (45) to allow the pair of handles (29)(30) to be drawn apart under outward forcible urging by the user (33) toward the open condition (42). As to these embodiments, the cross member (40) and the pair of handles (29)(30) may be produced as a one piece. Now referring primarily to Figure 10, as to other embodiments, the cross member (40) can be formed from a first portion (46) and a second portion (47) centrally pivotally joined to allow the pair of handles (29)(30) to be drawn apart under sufficient forcible urging to generate rotation of the pair of handles (29)(30) about a central pivot axis (48) of a cross member pivot element (49) to achieve the open condition (42).
Now referring primarily to Figures 1-7, as to other embodiments, the cross member (40) can take the form of a one-piece substantially inflexible cross member (40) to which one of the pair of handles (29)(30) pivotally join proximate the first cross member end (43) and a second cross member end (44). Rotation of each of the pair of handles (29)(30) about a corresponding one of a pair of handle pivots (54) allows the pair of handles (29)(30) to be drawn apart under outward forcible urging by the user (33) to achieve the open condition (42).
Now referring primarily to Figures 1-7, the roller massage device (1) can further include a first pair of handle supports (50)(51) each having length disposed between a handle support first end (52) and a handle support second end (53). Each of the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) can be pivotally coupled by a handle support first end (52) to a corresponding one of the first cross member end (43) and the second cross member end (44) of the cross member (40). Each the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) can be pivotally coupled by a handle support second end (53) to a corresponding one of the pair of handles (29)(30).
Outward forcible urging of the pair of handles (29)(30) by the user (33) toward the open condition (42) generates rotation of the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) about a corresponding pair of handle support first end pivots (54). The pair of handles (29)(30) can be further rotated about a corresponding pair of handle support second end pivots (55) to alter spatial relation of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3).
Embodiments which include a first pair of handle supports (50)(51) afford the advantage of allowing the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) to be disposed in opposed bilateral symmetry over a greater range of travel, and further affords the advantage of allowing the user (33) to dispose the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) other spatial relations depending upon the application.
Again referring primarily to Figures 1-7, the roller massage device (1) can further include a second pair of handle supports (56)(57) each having length disposed between a second handle support first end (58) and a second handle support second end (59). Each of the second pair of handle supports (56)(57) can be pivotally coupled to the cross member (40) a distance inward of the first pair handle supports (50)(51) by the second handle support first ends (58) and pivotally coupled to the handles (29)(30) a distance inward of the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) by the second handle support second ends (59). Outward forcible urging of the pair of handles (29)(30) by the user (33) toward the open condition (41) generates rotation of the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) and the second pair of handle supports (56)(57) about the corresponding pairs of first and second handle support first end pivots (54)(58) and pairs of first and second handle support second end pivots (55)(59) allowing the pair of handles (29)(30) to be drawn apart. However, the second pair of handle supports (56)(57) limits the range of rotation of the pair of handles (29)(30) in relation to the first pair of handle supports (50)(51) to disposing the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) in generally opposed mirror image symmetry over the entire range of travel between the closed condition (41) and the open condition (42) (as shown in the examples of Figures 3 and 4). Again referring primarily to Figures 1-8, the roller massage device (1) can further include one or more elastic elements (60) which act on the pair of handles (29)(30) to generate travel of the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) toward the closed condition (41). The elastic elements (60) can comprise or be selected from the group consisting of an elastic member, elastic cord, elastic bands, springing element, extension spring, coil spring, torsional spring, or the like, which when stretched or twisted exerts a restoring force which tends to return the elastic element (60) to the original unstretched or untwisted condition.
As one illustrative example, an elastic element first end (61) and an elastic element second end (62) of an elastic element (60) in the form of an elastic band, elastic cord, or extension spring can be correspondingly connected proximate the center of the cross member (40) and each of the corresponding handles (29)(30) to generate travel of the corresponding pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) toward the closed condition (41) (as shown in the example of Figure 8).
As another illustrative example, an elastic element (60) in the form of a torsion spring (69) can wound about the handle support first end pivots (54)(as shown in the examples of Figures 1-7). Each of the spring first ends (63) can be engaged to the cross member (40) and each of the spring second ends (64) can be responsive to movement of a corresponding one of the pair of handles (29)(30). Outward forcible urging of the pair of handles (29)(30) by the user (33) toward the open condition (42) twists the torsion spring (69) about a spring axis (65) coincident with the pivot axis (66) of the handle support first end pivots (54). Release of forcible urging of the pair of handles (29)(30) returns the torsion spring (69) toward the untwisted condition urging the pair of handles (29)(30) toward the closed condition (41). Now referring primarily to Figure 1 , which illustrates a method of massage using the embodiment of a roller massage device (1) shown in Figures 1-7 although the method can be applied to other embodiments including but not limited to Figures 8-10. A user (33) can grippingly engage a pair of handles (29)(30) one each in a corresponding one of a pair of hands (31 )(32). The pair of handles (29)(30) in the closed condition (41) (as shown in the example of Figures 2, 3 and 8 through 10) can be drawn a sufficient distance outwardly toward the open condition (42)(as shown in the example Figures 1 and 4) to correspondingly dispose a pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) in opposed relation about a massageable portion (15) of a body (16). The user (33) can allow the pair of handles (29)(30) to return toward the closed condition (42) a sufficient distance to engage each one of the pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) on a massable portion (15) of the body (16). The user (33) can generate travel (67)(68) in the pair of roller assemblies (2)(3) by forcibly urging on each of the pair of handles (29)(30) in a first direction (67) on the massageable portion (15) of the body (16). The user (33) can forcibly urge each of the pair of handles (29)(30) in a second direction (69) to correspondingly generate travel in the pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) on the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) in the second direction (68).
While the illustrative example of Figure 1 shows the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) as the upper portion of a leg (17) of a person; the invention is not so limited, and the massageable portion (15) of the body (16) can be any portion of the body (16) which can be massaged by travel of the pair of roller massage assemblies (2)(3) on the massageable portion (15) such as the lower leg, upper arm, lower arm, upper body, lower body, buttocks, hands, feet, or the like. Additionally, while the roller massage device (1) is shown massaging a portion of a body (16) of a person, the invention is not so limited, and applications may include a massageable portion of the body of other animals, such as cattle, horses, dogs, cats, or the like. Moreover, while the example of Figure 1 shows the user (33) of the roller massage device (1) massaging the user's own massageable portion (15) of the body (16); the invention is not so limited, and the user (33) of the roller massage device (1) can be separate or independent or discrete from the massageable portion (15) of the body (16). Now referring primarily to Figure 9, as to particular embodiments the method can further include resiliently flexing the cross member to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said drawn condition, or as to other particular embodiments as shown in Figure 10, generating rotation of a first portion (46) and a second portion (47) of the cross member (40) about a central pivot axis (48) of cross member pivot element (49).
As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of multiple flow channel particle analysis system including the best mode of a multiple flow channel particle analysis structure and methods of particle analysis using such multiple flow channel particle analysis structure.
As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.
It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of "fluid stream" should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "streaming a fluid"— whether explicitly discussed or not— and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of "streaming a fluid", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of "a fluid stream" and even a "means for streaming a fluid." Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.
All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from "about" one particular value to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
Thus the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) a multiple flow channel particle analysis structure as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed. The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention. The claims set forth in this international PCT patent specification are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

VI. CLAIMS I claim:
1. A method of massage, comprising:
a) drawing a pair of roller assemblies from an closed condition in adjacent relation toward a open condition a distance apart, said roller assemblies responsive to one or more elastic elements which act to return said pair of roller assemblies toward said closed condition; b) disposing said pair of roller assemblies in opposed relation about a massageable portion of a body;
c) returning said pair of roller assemblies toward said closed condition to engage said massageable portion of said body;
d) generating travel in said pair of roller assemblies on said massageable portion of said body; and
e) massaging said massageable portion of said body.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining said pair roller assemblies correspondingly rotatably coupled to a pair of handles, said pair of handles correspondingly pivotally coupled to a cross member proximate a cross member first end and proximate a cross member second end.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said elastic element comprises a resiliently flexible cross member, and further comprising resiliently flexing said cross member to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said open condition.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein said elastic element comprises a pair of extension springs each having a spring first end coupled to said cross member and each having a spring second end responsive to movement of a corresponding one of said pair of handles and further comprising stretching said pair of extension springs to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said open condition.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein said elastic element comprises a pair of torsion springs each having a spring first end coupled to said cross member and each having a spring second end responsive to movement of a corresponding one of said pair of handles and further comprising twisting said torsion spring about a spring axis to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said open condition.
6. The method of claim 2, further comprising grippingly engaging said pair of handles with a corresponding pair of hands.
7. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
a) drawing said pair of roller assemblies toward said open condition;
b) removing said pair of roller assemblies from opposed relation about said massageable portion of said body; and
c) releasing said pair of roller assemblies to return said pair of roller assemblies toward said closed condition.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein releasing said pair of roller assemblies comprises releasing gripped engagement of a pair of handles correspondingly rotatably coupled to said pair of roller assemblies.
9. A massage device, comprising:
a) a cross member having a length disposed between a cross member first end and a cross member second end;
b) a pair of handles correspondingly coupled to said cross member first end and said cross member second end; and
c) a pair of roller assemblies correspondingly rotatably coupled to said pair of handles, said pair of roller assemblies generally disposed in adjacent relation between said pair of handles.
10. The massage device of claim 9, wherein each of said pair of handles comprises:
a) a handle grip disposed between a handle first end and a handle second end; and b) a pair of axle supports correspondingly coupled to said handle first end and said handle second end, said pair of axle supports extending a distance outward of said handle grip.
1 1. The massage device of claim 10, wherein one of said pair of roller assemblies rotatably couples to each of a pair of axles, said pair of axles each having an axle first end and an axle second end which correspondingly couple to said pair of axle supports.
12. The massage device of claim 11, wherein said pair of roller assemblies rotatably coupled to said pair of axles each defines a pass through between an outer periphery of one of said pair of roller assemblies and one of said pair of handles, each said pass through having sufficient dimensional relations to allow a hand to grippingly engage said handle grip of said handle without engaging said outer periphery corresponding one said pair of roller assemblies.
13. The massage device of claim 12, wherein each of said pair of roller assemblies comprises a plurality of roller elements, each of said plurality of roller elements discretely rotatably coupled to a corresponding one of said pair of axles.
14. The massage device of claim 12, wherein each of said pair of axles has a linear configuration, and wherein said pair of roller assemblies each comprise a one piece roller having a plurality of roller elements.
15. The massage device of claim 14, wherein said one piece roller has a medial portion disposed between a pair of end portions, and wherein said plurality of roller elements in said medial portion have a lesser diameter than said plurality of roller elements in each of said pair of end portions.
16. The massage device of claim 13, wherein each of said plurality of roller elements has a diameter of between about one inch and about three inches.
17. The massage device of claim 16, wherein each of said plurality of roller elements has a thickness of between about three-eighths inch and about one half inch.
18. The massage device of claim 13, wherein said plurality of roller elements have spaced engagement along said axle.
19. The massage device of claim 18, wherein spaced engagement comprises an inter-roller space of between about one-eighth inch and about one half inch.
20. The massage device of claim 13, wherein said outer periphery of each of said plurality of roller elements is selected from the group consisting of: a circular outer periphery, an oval outer periphery, a hexagonal outer periphery, a septagonal outer periphery, an octagonal outer periphery.
21. The massage device of claim 13, wherein said plurality of roller elements have adjacent engagement along said axle.
22. The massage device of claim 19, wherein said axle has an amount of curvature between said axle first end and said axle second end.
23. The massage device of claim 22, wherein said amount of curvature between said axle first end and said axle second end defines a radius of between about twelve inches and about 30 inches.
24. The massage device of claim 13, wherein each of said roller elements include an annular member coupled about a hub element rotatably engaged to said axle.
25. The massage device of claim 24, wherein said annular member comprises a substantially rigid annular member.
26. The massage device of claim 24, wherein said annular member comprises a resilient elastic annular member.
27. The massage device of claim 26, wherein said resilient elastic member is formed from a polyurethane elastomer.
28. The massage device of claim 27, wherein said elastomer has a durometer of between about 5 OA and about 90 A.
29. The massage device of claim 13, further comprising a first pair of handle supports, each of said first pair of handle supports having a length disposed between a handle support first end and handle support second end, said handle support first ends correspondingly pivotally coupled proximate said cross member first end and said cross member second end, said handle support second ends correspondingly pivotally coupled proximate said handle first ends.
30. The massage device of claim 29, further comprising a second pair of handle supports, each of said second pair of handle supports having a length disposed between a handle support first end and handle support second end, said handle support first ends correspondingly pivotally coupled to said cross member inward of said first pair of handle supports, said handle support second ends correspondingly pivotally coupled to said pair of axle supports.
31. The massage device of claim 30, further comprising one or more elastic elements, said pair of handles rotatably responsive to said elastic elements to reduce distance between said pair of roller assemblies.
32. The massage device of claim 13, wherein said cross member resiliently flexes upon forcible urging to dispose said pair of roller massage assemblies a greater distance apart.
33. The massage device of claim 31, wherein said one or more elastic elements comprise a pair of extension springs each having a spring first end coupled to said cross member and each a spring second end responsive to movement of a corresponding one of said pair of handles and further comprising stretching said pair of extension springs to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said open condition.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein said one or more elastic elements comprise a pair of torsion springs having a spring first end coupled to said cross member and each a spring second end responsive to movement of a corresponding one of said pair of handles and further comprising twisting said torsion spring about a spring axis to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said drawn condition.
35. A method of producing a massage device, comprising:
a) providing a cross member having a length disposed between a cross member first end and a cross member second end;
b) coupling one of a pair of handles to each of said cross member first end and said cross member second end; and
c) rotatably coupling one of a pair of roller assemblies to each of said pair of handles, said pair of roller assemblies generally disposed in adjacent relation between said pair of handles.
36. The method of claim 35, further comprising providing said cross member with sufficient resilient flexure to allow said cross member upon forcible urging to dispose said pair of roller massage assemblies a greater distance apart.
37. The method of claim 35, further comprising:
a) disposing a handle grip between a handle first end and a handle second end; b) coupling a pair of axle supports one each to said handle first end and said handle second end, said pair of axle supports extending a distance outward of said handle grip, said pair of axle supports;
c) coupling an axle first end and an axle second end of an axle to a corresponding one of said pair of axle supports; and
d) rotatably coupling one of said pair of assemblies to each said axle.
38. The method of claim 37, further comprising coupling one of said pair of roller assemblies to a corresponding one of said pair of handles by said pair of axle supports to define a pair of pass throughs between an outer periphery of said pair of roller assemblies and said pair of handles, said pair of pass throughs each having sufficient dimensional relations to allow a hand to grippingly engage said handle grip of said handle without engaging said outer periphery of a corresponding one said pair of roller assemblies.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising providing each of said pair of roller assemblies as a plurality of roller elements, each of said plurality of roller elements discretely rotatably coupled to a corresponding one of said pair of axles.
40. The method of claim 38, further comprising providing each of said pair of roller assemblies as a one piece roller having a plurality of roller elements, each of said one piece rollers rotatably coupled to a corresponding one of said pair of axles.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein said one piece roller has a medial portion disposed between a pair of end portions, and further comprising providing said plurality of roller elements in said medial portion having a lesser diameter than said plurality of roller elements in each of said pair of end portions.
42. The method of claim 39, further comprising providing each of said plurality roller elements with have a diameter of between about one inch and about three inches.
43. The method of claim 42, further comprising providing each of said plurality of roller elements with a thickness of between about three-eighths inch and about one half inch.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising disposing said plurality of roller elements in spaced engagement along said axle.
45. The method of claim 44, further comprising providing an inter-roller space of between about one-eighth inch and about one half inch.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein said outer periphery of each of said plurality of roller elements is selected from the group consisting of: a circular outer periphery, an oval outer periphery, a hexagonal outer periphery, a septagonal outer periphery, an octagonal outer periphery.
47. The method of claim 39, providing said plurality of roller elements in adjacent engagement along said axle.
48. The method of claim 39, further comprising providing each of said roller elements as an annular member coupled about a hub element; and rotatably engaging said hub element to said axle.
49. The method of claim 39, further comprising curving said axle between said axle first end and said axle second end.
50. The method of claim 49, further comprising providing an amount of curvature between said axle first end and said axle second end which defines a radius of between about twelve inches and about 30 inches.
51. The method of claim 48, further comprising providing said annular member as a substantially rigid annular member.
52. The method of claim 48, further comprising providing said annular member as a resilient elastic annular member.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein said resilient elastic member formed from a polyurethane elastomer.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein said elastomer has a durometer of between about 50A and about 90A.
55. The method of claim 39, further comprising pivotally coupling a first pair of handle supports proximate said cross member first end and said cross member second end by handle support first ends; and pivotally coupling said first pair handle supports proximate said handle first ends b said handle support second ends.
56. The method of claim 55, further comprising pivotally coupling to said cross member inward of said first pair of handle supports a second pair of handle supports by said handle support first ends, said handle support second ends correspondingly pivotally coupled to said pair of axle supports.
57. The method of claim 56, further comprising providing one or more elastic elements, said pair of handles rotatably responsive to said elastic elements to reduce distance between said pair of roller assemblies toward a closed condition.
58. The method of claim 57, further comprising providing said elastic element as a pair of extension springs each having a spring first end coupled to said cross member and each a spring second end responsive to movement of a corresponding one of said pair of handles and further comprising stretching said pair of extension springs to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said open condition.
59. The method of claim 57, further comprising providing said elastic element as a pair of torsion springs having a spring first end coupled to said cross member and each a spring second end responsive to movement of a corresponding one of said pair of handles and further comprising twisting said torsion spring about a spring axis to draw said pair of roller assemblies toward said drawn condition.
EP12848115.7A 2011-11-07 2012-11-06 Roller massage system Active EP2775985B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201161628882P 2011-11-07 2011-11-07
PCT/US2012/063750 WO2013070632A1 (en) 2011-11-07 2012-11-06 Roller massage system

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EP2775985A1 true EP2775985A1 (en) 2014-09-17
EP2775985A4 EP2775985A4 (en) 2015-06-17
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CN111529344A (en) * 2019-02-06 2020-08-14 洛瑞卡微芮有限公司 Roller massage system with adjustable tension
US11576837B2 (en) 2019-10-03 2023-02-14 Jfxd Trx Acq Llc Multi-zonal roller and method of use thereof

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JPH11267167A (en) * 1998-03-19 1999-10-05 Noboru Masako Manual massager
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111529344A (en) * 2019-02-06 2020-08-14 洛瑞卡微芮有限公司 Roller massage system with adjustable tension
EP3920869A4 (en) * 2019-02-06 2022-10-26 Roll Recovery, LLC Adjustably tensioned roller massage system
CN111529344B (en) * 2019-02-06 2024-03-08 洛瑞卡微芮有限公司 Idler wheel massage system capable of adjusting tension
US11576837B2 (en) 2019-10-03 2023-02-14 Jfxd Trx Acq Llc Multi-zonal roller and method of use thereof

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ES2742833T3 (en) 2020-02-17
EP2775985B1 (en) 2019-05-22
EP2775985A4 (en) 2015-06-17

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