EP3574885A1 - Tragbare massage- und aufbewahrungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Tragbare massage- und aufbewahrungsvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3574885A1
EP3574885A1 EP18174813.8A EP18174813A EP3574885A1 EP 3574885 A1 EP3574885 A1 EP 3574885A1 EP 18174813 A EP18174813 A EP 18174813A EP 3574885 A1 EP3574885 A1 EP 3574885A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
shell
locking elements
shells
closed position
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP18174813.8A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lucian Dietsche
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP18174813.8A priority Critical patent/EP3574885A1/de
Publication of EP3574885A1 publication Critical patent/EP3574885A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL 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
    • A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/005—Hinges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/02—Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
    • A45C5/08—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage of round or oval shape
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C9/00—Purses, Luggage or bags convertible into objects for other use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F4/00—Travelling or camp articles which may be converted into other articles or into objects for other use; Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
    • A45F4/02—Sacks or packs convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL 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
    • A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H15/0092—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains hand-held
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C2011/007—Receptacles for personal medical or care products, e.g. drugs, condoms or patches; Small first-aid kits
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/02—Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles
    • A45C2013/026—Inserts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL 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
    • A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H2015/0007—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL 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
    • A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H2015/0007—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
    • A61H2015/0014—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis cylinder-like, i.e. rollers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0157—Constructive details portable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0161—Size reducing arrangements when not in use, for stowing or transport
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/12—Driving means
    • A61H2201/1253—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven
    • A61H2201/1261—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven combined with active exercising of the patient
    • A61H2201/1284—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven combined with active exercising of the patient using own weight
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1683—Surface of interface
    • A61H2201/169—Physical characteristics of the surface, e.g. material, relief, texture or indicia
    • A61H2201/1695—Enhanced pressure effect, e.g. substantially sharp projections, needles or pyramids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable massage and storage device that allows for therapeutic massage of a body part and for safe storage and transport of personal items.
  • Massage therapy and other types of physical therapy are commonly used to treat fatigued, injured, and sore portions of the body. Such therapy is commonplace for individuals who have discomfort arising from exercise or strenuous activity. This therapy is also useful to provide treatment to muscles, tendons, joints, bones and other tissues of the body that have been injured or strained.
  • SMR self myofascial release
  • STM soft tissue mobilization
  • soft tissue mobilization can provide the benefits of, inter alia, increased circulation of blood, decreased muscle of acute muscle soreness and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), relief from joint stress, decreased neuromuscular hypertonicity, increased joint range motion, extensibility of musculotendinous junctions, increased neuromuscular efficiency, and maintenance of normal functional muscle length.
  • WCS delayed onset muscle soreness
  • STM devices resemble tubular rollers - known as "foam rolls" - that are used to knead the various parts of the body.
  • a body part e.g. an arm, the back or a leg
  • rolling the body part across the device provides a massaging force to the affected tissue.
  • US 2015/0283023 A1 discloses a massage roller including a cylindrical roller core and a generally resilient roller body mounted on the roller core.
  • the roller body includes a plurality of massage zones having various densities. It is used in relieving tender and painful conditions such as muscle or connective tissue conditions and can be used as a core workout or strengthening apparatus.
  • US Patent No. 9,597,254 B1 discloses a roller for manipulating soft tissue.
  • the roller has a cylindrical core with a plurality of protrusions disposed thereon, each protrusion having a height, durometer and radius of curvature and separated axially and circumferentially from nearby protrusions. Spacing between tow protrusions may allow protrusions to contact soft tissue while nearby bony tissue, nerves or wounds are avoided.
  • the roller includes end caps that have generally a smooth, continuous solid surface that allows the roller to roll on a floor, wall or other surface, as well as roll along a muscle such that pressure can be applied evenly along the muscle.
  • US Patent No. 9,345,921 B2 discloses a therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.
  • foam rolls have also become increasingly popular outside sports, e.g. in our daily life in the office to massage shortened muscles after hours of desk work or at home as part as a calm-down routine to relax before going to bed.
  • Smaller sized cylindrical foam rolls may be used to mobilize small soft tissue structures, such as e.g. the foot, plantar fascia, heel or Achilles tendon, these smaller sized cylindrical foam rolls are not optimal for larger muscle groups, e.g. along the spine, quads or glutes. For that reason, although not necessarily heavy in weight, a foam rolls still takes up considerable space when carried around in a sports bag or a trolley. This is a particular issue for people travelling by airplane and having to meet the weight and space limits set for (hand) luggage. Although foam rolling would be a helpful tool to provide relief to stiff joints and muscles after sitting for hours in an airplane, baggage limitations often keep people from including a foam rolls in their hand luggage.
  • the portable massage and storage device of the present invention comprises a rigid container fully enclosing a hollow interior and extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end.
  • the term "rigid" thereby means that the container allows positioning of a body part, e.g. a leg or the back of a person, on the container without deforming or breaking. Even though the outer surface of the container may be covered with a soft, resilient material, the container will in that case also include a more rigid structure underneath to provide the necessary stability to withstand the weight of at least a part of the human body.
  • the container is formed of a top shell and a mating bottom shell, whereby each shell comprises a concave main shell section extending in a peripheral direction from a respective longitudinal front edge to a respective longitudinal rear edge.
  • the two shells thus enclose the hollow interior of the container, which is configured for storage of personal items.
  • the two shells are hingedly connected so that they can be pivoted relative to each other to move from an open position to a closed position, whereby in the latter, the opposing front edges and the rear edges abut against each other.
  • each shell further includes lateral edges that are preferably straight and connect the respective front and rear edges of the pertaining shell, such that opposing lateral edges also abut each other when the container is in the closed position.
  • the container further comprises locking elements that are releasably engageable with one another for securing the container in the closed position.
  • the inventive device combines personal storage as well as stretching and massage function. In addition, it allows safe transportation of the stored items and provides convenient access to the inside of the container.
  • the container is preferably closed at the first and second end by end walls attached to the main shell section of one or both of the top and bottom shell.
  • Said end walls are preferably integrally formed with the main section of at least one, preferably both, of the top shell and bottom shell.
  • the container may also be closed at the first and second end by separate end caps that are removably attachable to the main sections of the top and/or bottom shell when the container is in the closed state.
  • end walls are provided as separate removable end caps, they preferably consist of only one piece. They may be pressed over the open end faces when the container is in the closed position - meaning when the two shells are positioned on top of each other.
  • the end caps may include flanges on the inner or outer side of the cap.
  • the end walls may consist of two or more pieces (i.e. end wall sections or segments) that are joined together when the container is in the closed position.
  • the end wall sections forming together one common end wall are preferably essentially equally sized.
  • a common end wall may be formed of two or more end wall sections of different sizes.
  • the container may include a respective end wall at the first and second end, whereby each end wall consists of a larger end wall section integrally formed with the main section of the top shell and a smaller end wall section integrally formed with the main section of the bottom shell.
  • the closed container is preferably symmetrical about at least one and preferably two planes of symmetry; suitably, the planes of symmetry intersect one another at right angles.
  • One example of a container shape with two planes of symmetry that intersect one another at right angles would be a regular cylinder with a constant cross-section (which cross-section may be circular but may also be ovoid, polygonal or of any other mirror symmetrical shape)
  • the closed container has a circular cross-section. This allows smooth rolling of the container over a surface.
  • the closed container may also have an elliptical or oval cross-sectional shape, or a polygonal cross-sectional shape with rounded edges.
  • the top shell and bottom shell are of identical shape and equally sized.
  • each shell comprises a concave main shell section.
  • the two shells preferably each have an arcuate-shaped cross-sectional profile, most preferably a circular-segment-shaped cross-section or a semi-circular cross-section.
  • each shell is shaped as two mutually opposing half cylinders that form a circular cylindrical hollow body when positioned on top of each other.
  • the closed container includes two circular end walls, one at the first end and one at the second end.
  • each end wall may consist of only one piece or of several pieces (also referred to as segments or sections) that are joined together when the container is in the closed position.
  • each shell preferably comprises a respective semi-circular end wall segment connected to the pertaining main shell section at the first and second end.
  • Said semi-circular end wall segments are preferably essentially equally sized and comprise a lateral edge that extends between and essentially perpendicular to the respective front and rear edges of the pertaining shell.
  • each lateral edge extends preferably along a straight line and has at least approximately the same length as the diameter of the cylindrical closed container.
  • the front edges, rear edges and opposing lateral edges abut each other.
  • top and bottom shells are hingedly connected along their respective rear edge via at least one hinge, such that they can be pivoted about a common axis that runs along the abutting rear edges when the two shells are positioned on top of each other.
  • the hinge may be shaped such that it extends essentially along the full length of two opposing edges of the shells.
  • the shells may also be connected by means of two or more hinges that are longitudinally spaced apart from one another.
  • the two shells can preferably be pivoted about a common hinge axis over at least 180°. This way, the container can be fully opened, which facilitates placement or withdrawal of an item into/from the container.
  • the hinge or each hinge is preferably integrated into the material of the two shells, e.g. embedded in an outer soft covering, such that it does not protrude from the outer surface of the container in the closed position. Thereby, the hinge does not impede the rolling movement of the closed container or protrude into the soft tissue of the body part being massaged with the aid of the device.
  • both shells comprise one or more locking element(s) that can engage with each other to hold the two shells together in the closed, locked state.
  • the container comprises lateral end walls that are formed in preferably equal parts of an end wall section of the top shell and an opposing end wall of the bottom shell.
  • the two opposing end wall sections preferably abut each other along their lateral edges when the container is closed.
  • the locking elements may then also be provided along two opposing lateral edges.
  • the locking elements include at least one a tongue and a pocket, which form a pair of catches.
  • some or all locking elements may also be provided in the form of at least one rib or hook protruding from an edge of either one of the two shells (e.g. the front or a lateral edge of the upper shell) and a depression formed in an opposing edge of the other one of the two shells (e.g. the front or a lateral edge of the lower shell), whereby the rib and the depression are shaped to engage in a snap-fit manner.
  • the two shells may also be securely held together in the closed position of the container by opposing magnets or other types of male and female elements that can reversibly engage with each other.
  • the locking elements can be separated by applying an opening force, preferably by actuating an opening element, such as e.g. a push button.
  • an opening element such as e.g. a push button.
  • the opening element (s) is/are preferably provided at one or both of the first and second end of the container. This ensures that the opening element(s) is/are not accidentally actuated when the device is used to massage a body part - which is generally conducted by positioning a body part on the device and rolling it forth and back over a stable surface.
  • the locking elements can be opened by simultaneously actuating a respective opening element provided in the area of the end walls at the first and second end.
  • the opening elements are preferably localized in the center of the end walls, i.e. positioned on the central longitudinal axis of the container.
  • the end walls may either be (integrally) formed with the main section of only one of the top or bottom shell or in part (preferably as equally sized parts) with the main section of both of the top and bottom shell.
  • opening of the locking elements may also be actuated by pressing on a tap or moving a slider from one position to another.
  • the locking elements may also include a lock that requires entry of a code, number combination or use of mechanical/digital key to allow separation of the locking elements.
  • the lock is preferably designed such that in a locked state it prevents actuation of the opening element(s). Unlocking the lock via a smartphone or other electronic device is also a possibility.
  • the closed container has an essentially constant diameter.
  • the closed container has the shape of a regular cylinder.
  • the two shells are preferably shaped as half cylinders of equal size.
  • the closed container may be formed of any suitable material, for example, metal, synthetic material such as thermoplastic or composite material or wood. A preferred material is polystyrene.
  • the device may be formed by any suitable technique, such as moulding.
  • the closed container is made of a semi rigid polyethylene foam or other semi rigid, yet marginally compressible plastic foam material so as not to be impermissibly uncomfortable to a user lying on the device.
  • the material and wall thickness of the device should thus provide sufficient stability to sustain at least half of the bodyweight of an average adult person.
  • the device should withstand a weight of at least 30 kg, preferably at least 40 kg, more preferably at least 50 kg.
  • the device is able to withstand the weight of an average male person, i.e. about 80 kg.
  • the size of the device is preferably such that an adult person can comfortably lie on the device, and e.g. roll the back muscles over the device.
  • the length of the device should more or less equal the width of an adult person's back.
  • the length of the device will be at least 15 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm, and most preferably within the range of 20 to 40 cm.
  • the diameter of the device will generally be within the range of 8 to 20 cm, preferably within the range of 10 to 15 cm.
  • the outer surface of the container may be formed of a soft resilient material, e.g. rubber, silicone, neoprene or foam, such as a polyethylene foam.
  • a soft resilient material e.g. rubber, silicone, neoprene or foam, such as a polyethylene foam.
  • the outer surface of the container may be textured and/or may have massaging elements protruding therefrom to improve the massaging effect on a person's musculature.
  • the texture and/or massaging elements may cover all or just a portion of the outer surface of the container.
  • the massaging elements may be of various shapes, steepness, angles, and sizes.
  • the outer surface may be roughened, matt, ridged, stepped or grooved to improve contact and friction and/or include massaging knobs, bumps, or protrusions distributed uniformly or non-uniformly about the circumference of the closed container.
  • the outer surface of the container comprises ribs or ridges extending parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the outer surface of the container may also be divided multiple sections that have varying surface textures. For instance, the density and softness of the material and/or the depth of the texture (e.g. the radial height of the massaging elements) on the outer surface can be increased or decreased in a specific section to create different massaging effects.
  • the interior or the container is preferably lined with a soft material to protect the items stored therein from shock.
  • the interior of the container may be cushioned and/or comprise pockets.
  • each of the top and bottom shell forms an inner compartment, wherein the respective volume of one or both compartment(s) may be subdivided into a plurality of smaller volumes by a corresponding number of partition members.
  • a strap or belt attached thereto.
  • a strap or belt is temporarily attachable to one or both end walls of the container.
  • a strap or belt may also be attached to the device by clamping the two end portions of the strap/belt between the two shells when the container is in the closed position.
  • the end portions may be attached to a respective inner end wall portion, i.e. inside of the shells, and extending outwardly over a respective lateral edge, preferably through a matching depression provided in each lateral edge.
  • Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the massage and storage device 10 of the present invention.
  • the device 10 is used in conjunction with the persons own body weight by lying on the device 10 with the affected muscles directly on top of the device 10. By slowly rolling over the target area of the affected body part, the underlying muscles are effectively massaged.
  • the device 10 comprises a rigid outer container 12 that fully encloses a hollow interior and extends along a longitudinal axis L from a first end 14 to a second end 16.
  • the container 12 is formed of a top shell 18 and a mating bottom shell 20, whereby the shells 18, 20 can be positioned relative to each other to form a hollow body.
  • Each shell having a curved cross-sectional, more specifically a semi-circular, profile and a respective longitudinally extending front and rear edge 24/25.
  • the front and rear edges 22/23, 24/25 of each shell 18/20 are connected at the first and second end 14, 16 of the container 12 via lateral edges 26/27 that extend essentially perpendicular to the respective front and rear edge 22/23, 24/25.
  • each shell 18, 20 forms essentially one half of the container 12 and comprises a half-cylindrical main section 28/29 extending in a peripheral direction between the pertaining front and rear edge 22/23, 24/25 and each shell 18, 20 further comprises a respective end wall section 30/31 at the first end 14 and the second end 16.
  • the two end wall sections 30/31 are integrally formed with the main section 28/29 of the pertaining shell 18/20.
  • Two opposing end wall sections 30/31 form a common circular end wall 32 when the container 12 is closed (as shown in Fig. 1 ).
  • each shell 18, 20 encloses an inner compartment 34/35, such that the interior of the container 12 is made up by the combined space of the inner compartment 34 within the top shell 18 and the inner compartment 35 within the bottom shell 20.
  • the two compartments 34, 35 are empty, whereas Fig. 5 shows an example of how these inner compartments 34, 35 can be cushioned and provided with padded pockets 36 to protect the items to be stored within the container 12 (no items shown).
  • the two shells 18, 20 are hingedly connected so that the they can be pivoted relative to each other from a closed position (shown in Fig. 1 ), in which the front edges 22, 23, rear edges 24, 25 and opposing lateral edges 26, 27 abut each other, to an open position (shown e.g. in Fig. 2 ). More specifically, the two shells 18, 20 can be pivoted about a common pivot axis Lp that extends along the connection line of the connected rear edges 24, 25 of the two shells 18, 20.
  • the hinge 38 may be configured as a bridge that extends between and over the full length of the connected rear edges 24, 25 of the shells 18, 20 (see Fig. 2 ).
  • the shells 18, 20 may also be connected by means of two or more hinges 38, e.g. piano-type hinges 38, that are longitudinally spaced apart from one another and connect two opposing portions of the rear edges 24, 25 of the two shells 18, 20 (see Figs. 3 and 5 ).
  • hinges 38 e.g. piano-type hinges 38, that are longitudinally spaced apart from one another and connect two opposing portions of the rear edges 24, 25 of the two shells 18, 20 (see Figs. 3 and 5 ).
  • two opposing lateral edges 26/27 may enclose an opening angle of at least 180°. This allows stable positioning of the open container 12 on a surface, such that items can easily be placed into or removed from the inner compartments 34, 35 of the two shells 18, 20.
  • the two shells 18, 20 are positioned on top of each other and thereby seal the interior of the container 12 from the environment.
  • the locking elements 40 may include a tongue 42 protruding from a central portion of the front edge 22 of the top shell 18.
  • the tongue 42 is configured to reversibly engage in a pocked 44 provided in a central portion of the front edge 23 of the bottom shell 20, whereby the tongue 42 and the pocket 44 form a pair of catches.
  • the engagement of the tongue 42 within the pocket 44 will generate an audible clicking sound when the container 12 is closed.
  • the locking elements 40 further include multiple hooks 46 that are distributed along the lateral edges 27 of the bottom shell 20.
  • the top shell 18 includes mating depressions 48 along its lateral edges 26.
  • the hooks 46 and depressions 48 are positioned such that the hooks 46 protrude into the depressions 48 when the container 12 is in the closed position and each hook 46 comprises a head portion 47 that will snap behind a shoulder provided within each depression 48 (the shoulder is not visible in the figures).
  • the hooks 46 of the bottom shell 20 will engage within the depressions 48 of the top shell 18 in a snap-fit manner upon closing the container 12. For disengaging the hooks 46 (or the rods 51 that will be described in connection with Fig.
  • the container 12 further comprises opening elements in the form of push buttons 50 that are positioned on both sides (i.e. at the first and second end 14, 16) of the container 12, specifically in the center of each common end wall 32.
  • the push buttons 50 are fixedly embedded within the pertaining end wall sections 31 of the bottom shell 20.
  • the tongue 42 could also be configured to include rods 51 that can be retracted, e.g. by pressing on the push buttons 50, against a spring force into a withdrawn position, in which the two rods 51 are hidden inside the tongue 42. the tongue.
  • the rods 51 are also released, such that they are moved by the spring force into a locking position, in which the rods protrude in the longitudinal direction from both sides of the tongue 42 (as shown in Fig. 5 ). If the container 12 is in the closed position, the two rods 51 will protrude into longitudinal holes 52 provided in each side wall of the pocket 44 and therefore hold the two shells safely locked together.
  • Fig. 4 shows an embodiment having several locking elements 40 (rods 51, hooks 46 ...), basically one of the locking elements is sufficient to securely lock the container.
  • the device may thus comprise one or several different locking elements.
  • the container 12 may also include alternative locking means.
  • the two shells 18, 20 may also be lockable in the closed position of the container 12 by moving a slider 53 from a first position 55, in which the slider 53 is only in contact with the pertaining end wall section 30 of the top shell 18, into a second position 56, in which the slider 53 frictionally engages with the opposing end wall section 31 of the bottom shell 20 and thereby holds the two shells 18, 20 together.
  • the locking elements 40 may also include a lock that requires entry of a code, number combination or use of mechanical key to allow actuation of the opening elements and/or separation of the locking elements 40.
  • the inner compartments 34 ,35 of the two shells 18, 20 may further be lined with a soft material or provided with padded pockets 36, e.g. with zippers 45, as exemplified in Fig. 5 .
  • the cushioned interior will therefore protect any stored item from shock and other environmental impact. Thanks to the pockets 36 provided inside the two shells 18, 20 the device 10 may also be used as travel kit or cosmetic case. If the locking elements 40 are provided with a key or number combination lock, the device 10 is also well suited for storing valuable items inside.
  • the outer surface 54 of the container 12 may consist of a softer material than the rigid material of the two shells 18, 20.
  • the outer surface 54 of the main sections 28 of the two shells 18, 20 may be covered with a foam material, e.g. a chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam.
  • the outer surface 54 of the container 12 may also include a texture or projections that provide(s) for different massaging effects when a body part is positioned on the device 10 and rolled back and forth. Such texturing and/or projections are known to the skilled person from conventional massaging rolls, often referred to as "foam rolls".
EP18174813.8A 2018-05-29 2018-05-29 Tragbare massage- und aufbewahrungsvorrichtung Withdrawn EP3574885A1 (de)

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EP18174813.8A EP3574885A1 (de) 2018-05-29 2018-05-29 Tragbare massage- und aufbewahrungsvorrichtung

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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EP3574885A1 true EP3574885A1 (de) 2019-12-04

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4070776A1 (de) 2021-04-09 2022-10-12 Suokas, Arttu Fitness-, übungs- und massagerolle

Citations (6)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003056970A1 (en) * 2002-01-03 2003-07-17 Contour Optik, Inc. Containers with additional functionality
US20140142479A1 (en) * 2012-11-16 2014-05-22 Harjinder Kaur Luggage and bag massager
US20150283023A1 (en) 2009-01-13 2015-10-08 Implus Footcare, Llc Massage roller
US9345921B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2016-05-24 Performance Solutions, Llc Therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device
WO2016153551A1 (en) * 2015-03-20 2016-09-29 Sanchez Michael A Improved massage foam roller apparatus and system
US9597254B1 (en) 2012-07-31 2017-03-21 Mayank Ashish Bhatt Devices and methods for manipulating soft tissue

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003056970A1 (en) * 2002-01-03 2003-07-17 Contour Optik, Inc. Containers with additional functionality
US9345921B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2016-05-24 Performance Solutions, Llc Therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device
US20150283023A1 (en) 2009-01-13 2015-10-08 Implus Footcare, Llc Massage roller
US9597254B1 (en) 2012-07-31 2017-03-21 Mayank Ashish Bhatt Devices and methods for manipulating soft tissue
US20140142479A1 (en) * 2012-11-16 2014-05-22 Harjinder Kaur Luggage and bag massager
WO2016153551A1 (en) * 2015-03-20 2016-09-29 Sanchez Michael A Improved massage foam roller apparatus and system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4070776A1 (de) 2021-04-09 2022-10-12 Suokas, Arttu Fitness-, übungs- und massagerolle

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