FR3097431A1 - IMPROVED MASSAGE HEAD FOR MASSAGE DEVICE AND MASSAGE DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A HEAD - Google Patents

Abstract

Improved massage head for massager and massager equipped with such a head. The invention relates to a head (1) for a massage device, comprising a frame (3), a first massage roller (4) extending along a first axis (A-A ') of rotation relative to the frame (3). ), a second massage roller (5) extending along a second axis (B-B ') of rotation relative to the frame (3), a system for driving the rollers (4, 5) in counter-rotating rotation, and a system for adjusting the relative position of the rollers (4, 5) in response to external forces exerted against the second roller (5) by the skin of a user during the rotation of the second roller (5), the adjustment system being designed and configured to keep the first axis (A-A ') fixed relative to the frame and allow movement of the second axis (B-B') between a first position defining a minimum spacing between the rollers and a second position defining a maximum spacing between the rollers. Massage head, massager. Figure for the abstract: Fig 3.

Description

IMPROVED MASSAGE HEAD FOR MASSAGE APPLIANCE AND MASSAGE APPLIANCE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A HEAD

The present invention relates to the general technical field of skin massage devices, in particular for domestic use, and massage heads intended to equip such massage devices.

The present invention relates more particularly to a massage head for a massage device, as well as a massage device equipped with a massage head, which massage head comprises a frame, as well as a first massage roller and a second roller massage rollers intended to come into contact with the skin of a user, the first massage roller extending longitudinally along a first axis from which the first roller is rotatably mounted relative to the frame, the second roller massage extending longitudinally along a second axis, which is parallel to the first axis, and around which the second roller is rotatably mounted relative to the frame.

Skin massagers intended to be held in the hand are already known, and which generally consist of a body fitted with a motor and a massage head which comprises massage rollers rotated by the motor, through a transmission mechanism. Typically, the massage rollers of these known devices are formed of a pair of parallel massage rollers, the application of which to the skin makes it possible, when they are rotated, to massage the latter.

If such massage heads and devices are generally satisfactory, they are nonetheless perfectible. In fact, they do not always make it possible to perform a mechanical massage of the skin that is as effective as desired. In addition, the massage carried out using these known massage heads and devices can sometimes prove to be unpleasant or even painful, in particular in the case of treatment of an area of skin of the face. Finally, the known massage heads and devices are often of relatively complex design, which tends to make them expensive to manufacture and to negatively impact their reliability and robustness in use.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to propose a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, which allow the realization of an effective and pleasant massage of the skin, while being of particularly simple and robust design.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, which are particularly simple to manufacture.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, which are particularly simple to use, in particular by a user without particular professional skills in the field of skin massage.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, which are particularly ergonomic.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved with the aid of a massage head for a massage device, comprising
- a frame,
- a first massage roller and a second massage roller intended to come into contact with the skin of a user, said first massage roller extending longitudinally along a first axis around which the first roller is mounted for rotation relative to the frame, said second massage roller extending longitudinally along a second axis which is parallel to the first axis and around which the second roller is rotatably mounted relative to the frame,
- a drive system designed to rotate said first and second rollers counter-rotatingly,
- a system for adjusting the relative position of said first and second rollers in response to external forces exerted against at least said second roller by the skin of the user during the rotation of said second roller, said adjustment system being designed and configured to keep said first axis fixed relative to said frame, while allowing said second axis to move between a first position defining a minimum spacing between said first and second rollers, and a second position defining a maximum spacing between said first and second rolls.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a massage device comprising such a massage head.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings, given solely by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, among which:

illustrates, according to a side view, a preferred embodiment of a massage head according to the invention, the axis of the second massage roller of the massage head occupying a first position which defines a minimum distance between the first and second massaging head massage rollers;

illustrates the massage head of Figure 1, in an opposite side view;

illustrates, in a perspective view, the massage head of Figures 1 and 2;

illustrates, in a top view, the massage head of Figures 1 to 3;

illustrates, in a side view, a massage head according to the invention, according to the same preferred embodiment as that of Figures 1 to 4, the axis of the second massage roller of the massage head occupying this time a second position which defines a maximum spacing between the first and second massage rollers of the massage head;

illustrates the massage head of Figure 5, in an opposite side view;

illustrates, in a perspective view, the massage head of Figures 5 and 6;

illustrates, in a top view, the massage head of Figures 5 to 7;

illustrates, schematically and in a front view, a preferred embodiment of a massage device according to the invention;

illustrates, schematically and in a side view, the massage device of Figure 9.

The invention relates to a massage head 1 for a massage device, a preferred non-limiting embodiment of which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, as well as a massage device 2 comprising such a massage head 1, as illustrated as an example in FIGS. 9 and 10. Within the meaning of the invention, it is a head 1 and apparatus 2 for skin massage, intended to mechanically manipulate the skin of a human user. Of course, it is not excluded that this head 1 and/or this device 2 can be implemented by a person to mechanically manipulate the skin of another person, or possibly of an animal. Preferably, the head 1 and/or the massage device 2 according to the invention are intended for use in a domestic setting by a user without specific professional skills in the area of personal care and more specifically in terms of skin massage. Their use is not particularly limited in terms of areas of the body likely to be treated, although the massage head 1 according to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, as well as the massage device 2 illustrated in Figures 9 to 10, are more preferably intended for massaging an area of facial skin.

The massage head 1 according to the invention comprises a frame 3, which preferably forms a casing 3 (or casing), as in the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8. Such a casing 3 can then advantageously define a at least part of the visible outer casing of the massage head 1. As illustrated in the figures, the casing 3 can for example be formed of two half-shells 3A, 3B (for example, made of plastic material) assembled together by screwing , or by any other suitable means (for example, by gluing, welding, snap-fastening, etc.). Alternatively, the box 3 could be formed from a single, monolithic shell. The massage head 1 also comprises a first massage roller 4 and a second massage roller 5, which are intended to come, preferably simultaneously, into contact with the skin of a user. The first massage roller 4 extends longitudinally along a first axis (or first direction) A-A′ around which the first roller 4 is rotatably mounted relative to the frame 3, while the second massage roller 5 extends meanwhile longitudinally along a second axis (or second direction) B-B', which is substantially parallel to the first axis A-A', and around which the second roller 5 is mounted for rotation relative to the frame 3. In d' other words, the first axis A-A' forms an axis of rotation for the first roller 4, while the second axis B-B' forms an axis of rotation for the second roller 5. The frame 3 defines a fixed frame of reference for the head massage 1.

The massage head 1 also comprises a drive system (for example of the gear train type) designed to drive the first and second rollers 4, 5 in rotation around their first and second axes A-A', B-B ' respectively. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the drive system is housed within the housing 3 which advantageously forms the frame 3. The massage head 1 advantageously comprises an application surface 6 intended to be positioned opposite ( and preferably in contact with) the user's skin surface, the first and second massage rollers 4, 5 protruding at least partially outside of (i.e. beyond) said application surface 6. Preferably, the drive system is designed to actively transmit the rotational movement of a motor (and in particular of an on-board motor, as considered below) simultaneously to the two rollers 4, 5 (active drive system). Alternatively, the drive system could however be designed to transmit the rotational movement of one of the rollers 4, 5, caused by the application and movement of said roller on his skin by the user, to the other of said rollers 4, 5, in the absence of a motor.

Advantageously, the massage device 2 according to the invention is a portable, manual device, that is to say intended to be held, used and moved by hand. As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the massage device 2 preferably comprises a main body 7 forming a handle 8 (or handle) for manual gripping, and typically comprising a working end 9 at which is fixed, preferably removably, the massage head 1 according to the invention. Said main body 7 can, for example, be formed of two half-shells 7A, 7B assembled to each other, preferably in a watertight manner, so as to define on the one hand an outer surface forming a zone for gripping the massage device 2 by the user and, on the other hand, an internal space within which can be housed the various functional elements necessary for the proper functioning of the massage device 2 and, in particular , to that of the massage head 1. Alternatively, the main body 7 could be formed of a single, monolithic shell, within which said functional elements would be inserted.

As such, the massage device 2 advantageously comprises motorization means (or motor) on board, and preferably housed within said main body 7, which is intended to be mechanically connected to the drive system of the first and second rollers 4, 5 of the massage head 1 to ensure the rotation of the latter. Preferably, it is a means of motorization with an electric motor (for example, a direct current motor, preferably servo-controlled). However, the motorization means could be of the pneumatic type (for example, an air turbine) or other. Optionally, the motorization means may also comprise a geared motor arranged at the output of the electric motor or of the air turbine to reduce its rotational speed and adapt it to the need for use. The massage device 2 can also optionally comprise a control unit (electromechanical or electronic) for the general operation of the massage device 2 via which the user can start / stop the massage device. 2, adjust the general mode of operation or even adjust certain specific parameters (for example, the speed of rotation of the rollers 4, 5, the direction of rotation of the rollers 4, 5, etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control unit can advantageously be arranged in the main body 7 of the massage device 2 and be accessible to the user via a control panel 10. The massage device 2 can also optionally include a power supply unit. The latter can, for example, comprise a replaceable or rechargeable electric accumulator battery arranged within the main body 7 of the massage device 2 to allow autonomous, nomadic use of the latter, or comprise an electrical transformer, on board or not, and intended to be connected to a conventional electrical outlet via an external power cord (not shown).

According to a variant, the main body 7 and the massage head 1 of the device 2 are integral with each other, so that the massage head 1 cannot, in normal use, be separated from said main body. 7 by the user. According to another, more advantageous variant, the massage device 2 comprises removable means for coupling the massage head 1 to the said main body 7, for example by interlocking, so that the massage head 1 is thus assembled to the body main body 7 temporarily, not permanently, and can thus be separated from the main body 7 by the user, for example for the purposes of maintenance or replacement of the massage head 1.

The massage head drive system 1, mentioned above, is more specifically designed to drive the first and second rollers 4, 5 in rotation in a counter-rotating manner. In other words, the drive system is provided to ensure the simultaneous rotation of the first and second rollers 4, 5, respectively around the first axis A-A' and the second axis of rotation B-B', in opposite, inverted directions of rotation. The drive system advantageously prohibits said first and second rollers 4, 5 from any rotation in the same direction, as well as any free rotation around their respective axes A-A', B-B'. Not illustrated in the figures, the drive system can be designed, by means of any known mechanism of gears, pulleys, belts, etc., so as to mechanically transmit to the first and second rollers 4, 5 the movement of the means motorization of the massage device 2, when the massage head 1 is connected to the main body 7 of the massage device 2.

According to a first variant, the drive system is designed to drive said first and second rollers 4, 5 in rotation, preferably in a synchronized manner, so that, in a plan view perpendicular to said first and second axes A-A' , BB' with the first and second rollers 4, 5 arranged at the top, the part of the roller located on the left which protrudes from said application surface rotates in the anti-trigonometric direction (or clockwise), while the part of the roller located on the right which protrudes from said application surface 6 rotates counterclockwise (or counterclockwise). In this way, in use of the massage head 1, when the first and second rollers 4, 5 are positioned in contact with the skin, their rotational movement causes a wrinkling effect of the skin between the first and second rollers 4, 5. The massage head 1 can then advantageously be used to implement the so-called “ palpate-roll ” massage technique which allows in particular the activation of the venous and lymphatic circulation and the softening of the skin, by stimulation of the fibroblasts and acceleration of the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, by operating a kneading of the skin. According to a second variant, the drive system is designed to drive said first and second rollers 4, 5 in rotation, preferably in a synchronized manner, so that, in a plan view perpendicular to said first and second axes A-A' , BB 'with the first and second rollers 4, 5 arranged at the top, the part of the roller located on the left which protrudes from said application surface 6 rotates in the trigonometric direction (or counterclockwise), while the part of the roller located on the right which protrudes from said application surface 6 rotates anti-trigonometrically (or clockwise). In this way, in use of the massage head 1, when the first and second rollers 4, 5 are positioned in contact with the skin, their rotational movement causes a stretching effect (“ stretching ”) of the skin. It is also possible that, according to a third variant, the drive system is designed to drive said first and second rollers 4, 5 in rotation alternately according to the first (folding) and the second (stretching) variants above, according to the choice of the user (for example, by action of the latter on the control panel 10).

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, each of these first and second massage rollers 4, 5 is of substantially cylindrical general shape with a circular base, so that the space which separates their respective surfaces is constant along the first and second axes A-A', B-B'. However, it could prove interesting, depending on the intended applications, for one and/or the other of said first and second rollers 4, 5 to have a different general shape, for example a convex or concave shape. Depending on the targeted applications and skin areas to be treated, the surface (or outer part) of the first and/or second rollers 4, 5 can have a substantially smooth appearance or, on the contrary, have different shapes or structures, such as, for example, beads, hooks, barbs, paddles or the like, in particular to promote grip of the skin by at least one of the rollers 4, 5. Furthermore, the first and/or second rollers 4, 5 (or at least the part of the latter which defines the surface or external part) can be in a substantially hard material devoid of elasticity, or on the contrary in a material having a certain elasticity (for example in elastomer) to promote grip of the skin by at least one of the rollers 4, 5 and improve the comfort of use.

The massage head 1 according to the invention further comprises a system for adjusting the relative position of the first and second rollers 4, 5 in response to external forces exerted against at least the second roller 5 (and, preferably, against the first and second rollers 4, 5) by the skin of the user during the rotation of the second roller 5. Preferably arranged at least partly within the casing 3 of the massage head 1, the adjustment system is designed and configured to maintain (permanently) the first axis AA' fixed, immobile, relative to the frame 3 of the massage head 1, while on the other hand authorizing a displacement of the second axis BB' in response to the external forces exerted by the skin of the user against at least the second roller 5 (and, preferably, against the first and second rollers 4, 5) during the rotation of the latter, between
- on the one hand, a first position (illustrated in Figures 1 to 4) defining a minimum spacing E _min (non-zero) between the first and second massage rollers 4, 5, and
- Secondly, a second position (illustrated in Figures 5 to 8) defining a maximum spacing E _max between the first and second rollers 4, 5 massage.

By " spacing " is meant here the space, the distance, separating the respective surfaces of the rollers 4, 5. In other words, when the massage head 1 is in operation, and the first and second rollers 4, 5 are driven in counter-rotation by the drive system of the massage head 1 and are brought into contact with the skin of the user, the system for adjusting the relative position of the first and second rollers 4, 5 modifies the spacing of the first and second rollers 4, 5 as a function of the intensity of the external forces exerted against at least the second roller 5 (and preferably, against the first and second rollers 4, 5) by the skin of the user, which efforts generally tend to separate the first and second rollers 4, 5 from each other. In this case, these forces result in particular from the reaction of the skin to the force of application of the massage head 1 to the skin by the user. The distance between the rollers 4, 5 can thus increase depending on the intensity of the force exerted by the skin against at least the second roller 5. This results in the definition of a variable working zone of the skin, the extent of which is defined by the position of the second roller 5 relative to the first roller 4 as a function of the external forces exerted against at least the second roller 5 by the skin of the user. Such an adjustment allows a perfect adaptation of the massage head 1 to the area of skin of the user being treated, thus ensuring a massage that is both effective and pleasant (by limiting the risk of local pain linked to the action rolls 4, 5) of the skin. In particular, the risk of pinching of the skin between the first and second rollers 4, 5, which could possibly be encountered with the massage heads of the prior art, is remarkably limited (not to say eliminated) thanks to said system of 'adjustment of the relative position of the rollers 4, 5. In addition, the fact that, in accordance with the invention only the second axis BB' and therefore the second roller 5 can move relative to the frame 3 of the massage head 1 simplifies particularly the design and manufacture of the latter, while improving its reliability and robustness in use, and without however harming the effectiveness of the massage provided and the comfort of the user of the massage head 1.

Preferably, said minimum E _min and maximum E _{max spacings} are defined, by design of the adjustment system and according to the proper sizing (and in particular, the diameter) of the first and second rollers 4, 5, so that
- when the second axis B-B' occupies its first position, the first and second rollers 4, 5 are separated from each other by a minimum distance d _min of between approximately 2 and 10 mm, more preferably still between 4 and 8 mm, and more preferably still equal to 6 mm,
- when the second axis B-B' occupies its second position, the first and second rollers 4, 5 are separated from each other by a maximum distance d _max of between 8 and 20 mm, more preferably between 10 and 12 mm, and more preferably still equal to 10 mm.

These distances d _min and d _max are to be considered here as corresponding to the minimum and maximum distances which separate two given points from the respective surface of the first and second rollers 4, 5 positioned facing each other, in a plane containing the axes A-A', BB' of the rollers 4, 5, respectively when the second roller 5 occupies its first position and when it occupies its second position. The minimum d _min and maximum d _max distances may advantageously be chosen differently depending in particular on the area of skin of the body to be treated, in order to optimize the effectiveness of the massage and the comfort of use. Thus, for use of the massage head 1 for the treatment of an area of skin of the face, and in particular in the case where the direction of rotation of the rollers 4, 5 is in accordance with the first variant envisaged previously ( ie for the implementation of the so-called “ feel-roll ” technique), the minimum spacing E _min will advantageously be defined so that the minimum distance d _min between the first and second rollers 4, 5 is preferably equal to approximately 6 mm, while the maximum distance E _min will advantageously be defined so that the maximum distance d _max between the first and second rollers 4, 5 is preferably equal to approximately 10 mm.

For use of the massage head 1 for the treatment of an area of skin of the thigh or the buttock, and in particular in the case where the direction of rotation of the rollers 4, 5 is in accordance with the first variant envisaged previously ( ie for the implementation of the so-called " feel-roll " technique), the minimum distance E _min may advantageously be defined so that the minimum distance d _min between the first and second rollers 4, 5 is preferably equal to 10 mm approximately, while the maximum spacing E _min may advantageously be defined so that the maximum distance d _max between the first and second rollers 4, 5 is preferably equal to approximately 15 mm.

For use of the massage head 1 for the treatment of an area of skin on the arm, and in particular in the case where the direction of rotation of the rollers 4, 5 is in accordance with the first variant envisaged previously ( ie for setting implementation of the so-called “ feel-roll ” technique), the minimum spacing E _min may advantageously be defined so that the minimum distance d _min between the first and second rollers 4, 5 is preferably equal to approximately 5 mm, while that the maximum spacing E _min may advantageously be defined so that the maximum distance d _max between the first and second rollers 4, 5 is preferably equal to approximately 10 mm.

Preferably, the system for adjusting the relative position of said first and second rollers 4, 5 is moreover designed to maintain the first and second rollers 4, 5 initially separated from each other in the absence of any external force exerted against at least the second roller 5. In other words, the adjustment system is provided to ensure an initial spacing E _ini (non-zero) of the first and second rollers 4, 5 even though the latter are not not in contact with the user's skin and the massage head is at rest, or even stopped. The existence of such an initial spacing between the first and second rollers 4, 5 advantageously promotes a massage (by pleating or stretching, depending on the direction of rotation of the rollers 4, 5) that is immediate and tones the skin as soon as it is applied. against the latter of the massage head 1. In the case where the massage head 1 is intended for the treatment of an area of skin according to the so-called " palpate-roll " technique, (that is to say with the first and second rollers 4, 5 rotating in the direction corresponding to the first drive variant described above), this initial spacing E _ini also advantageously makes it possible to facilitate the insertion of the skin within the working area as soon as the user applies the rollers 4, 5 in contact with his skin. This insertion is carried out remarkably without pain, without effort and even without particular manipulation on the part of the user. The ease of use and the ergonomics of the massage head 1 are therefore improved.

For example, in the case where the massage head 1 is intended for the treatment of a zone of the face according to the so-called “ palpate-rolling ” technique, the first and second rollers 4, 5 can thus be advantageously kept initially apart the one from the other by an initial distance of at least 2 to 8 mm, and more preferably of at least 5 mm (or even 6 mm).

Even more advantageously, provision may be made for the adjustment system to be designed to maintain the first and second rollers 4, 5 according to an initial spacing E _ini identical to the minimum spacing E _min described above. In other words, even in the absence of force exerted by the skin against at least the second roller 5, the adjustment system then maintains the second axis B-B' in its first position. Said second position of the second axis BB' is therefore a rest position. This contributes to further simplifying the design of the system for adjusting the relative position of the rollers 4, 5, and more generally of the massage head 1.

Preferably, as is the case in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the system for adjusting the relative position of the first and second massage rollers 4, 5 is designed and configured so that the movement of the second axis B-B' between said first and second positions follows an arcuate trajectory, with a center of curvature advantageously positioned towards the inside of the frame 3. Such a configuration advantageously makes it possible to facilitate adjustment of the relative spacing of the first and second rollers 4, 5 under the effect of the pressure exerted by the user, depending on the topography of the area of skin to be treated. Indeed, such an arcuate trajectory proves to be well suited to allow the massage head 1 to follow the contours of the user's skin, insofar as since most of the zones likely to be treated with using the massage head 1 have a relatively rounded shape (face, leg, arm, buttock, etc.). In addition, such a configuration advantageously contributes to the simplicity of design and to a small size of the massage head 1.

As such, the adjustment system preferably comprises, on the one hand, a first support means 11 of the first roller 4, which first support means 11 is stationary with respect to the frame 3 and, on the other hand, a second support means 12 of the second roller 5, separate from said first support means 11, and which is itself pivotally mounted relative to the frame 3 around a third axis (or third direction) C-C' parallel to said first A-A' and second B-B' axes. The first and second support means 11, 12 are respectively designed to support the first and second rollers 4, 5 in rotation about the first and second axes A-A', B-B', for example via a first rigid axis (not visible in the figures) and a second rigid axis 13 (for example, in the form of stainless steel rods) which pass axially respectively through the first and second massage rollers 4, 5, and thus advantageously form rigid axes of rotation of said rollers 4, 5. As illustrated in the figures, said third axis C-C' is advantageously positioned under the application surface 6, so that the center of curvature of the arcuate trajectory of the second axis B-B' is positioned towards the inside of the frame 3. Advantageously, the first support means 11 may be integral with all or part of the frame 3. For example, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, in which the frame 3 forms a box tier 3 formed by two half-shells 3A, 3B, the first support means 11 is itself advantageously formed by two complementary support elements 11A, 11B each forming a single, monolithic piece, with one of the two two-half shells 3A, 3B. Advantageously, the second support means 12 can be formed from a single, monolithic piece, mounted on the one hand to pivot relative to the frame 3 via a third rigid axis (not visible in the figures), according to the principle a pivot connection, and connected on the other hand to the second roller 5 via said second rigid axis 13. The manufacture and assembly of the massage head 1 is thus facilitated, while guaranteeing the mobility of the second support means 12, and therefore of the second roller 5.

As illustrated in the figures, the first and second support means 11, 12 advantageously define the application surface 6 of the massage head 1 mentioned above. The application surface 6 also constitutes a support surface, a sort of guide, allowing the user not to push the rollers 4, 5 too far into the skin, so as to optimize ergonomics and safety of use. of the massage head 1. Preferably, the first and second support means 11, 12 are shaped so as to advantageously limit the risk of pinching the skin or the fingers of the user between the frame 3 and the first and second 4, 5 massage rollers.

Advantageously, the massage head 1 comprises a return member 14 configured and arranged to exert a force tending to return the second axis BB' of extension of the second massage roller 5 towards said first position when it occupies said second position. . The return member 14 thus has the effect of bringing the first and second rollers 4, 5 closer together when the latter are moved away from each other under the effect, in particular of external forces exerted against the less of said second roller 5 by the skin of the user. The implementation of such a return member 14 makes it possible to advantageously confer on the system for adjusting the relative position of the axes A-A', BB' of the rollers 4, 5 a dynamic character, in particular favoring a permanent contact between the first and second rollers 4, 5 and the skin during the treatment of the latter using the massage head 1. Such a return member 14 also advantageously allows the adjustment system to adjust the spacing of the first and second rollers 4, 5 until a balance of forces exerted directly and/or indirectly on these rollers 4, 5 is reached. Indeed, the forces exerted by the skin against at least the second roller 5, when they are greater than the forces exerted by the return member 14, make it possible to counter the return effect of the return member 14 and to separate the rollers 4, 5 by moving the second roller 5 in the direction of its second position . On the contrary, if the forces exerted by the skin against at least the second roller 5 are lower than the forces respectively exerted by the return member 14, the latter returns the second roller 5 to its first position, which thus brings the first and second rollers 4, 5, and this until reaching a position of equilibrium. Obtaining such a balance advantageously makes it possible to control and limit the forces exerted by the massage head 1 on the skin (and in particular the forces of wrinkling the skin in the case of operation according to the " palpate- rolling ”), in order to limit pain in particular by automatically adapting to the characteristics of the skin of the area to be treated (thickness, elasticity, etc.). Thus, the implementation of the return member 14 makes it possible to choose, by design, the maximum admissible force within the working zone, that is to say between the first and second rollers 4, 5, and therefore to not leaving the assessment of this effort (which stems in particular from the pressure applied to the skin) to the user of the massage head 1, as could be the case with the massage heads of the prior art. This thus considerably reinforces the safety and ease of use of the massage head 1 and of the device 2 which are the subject of the invention, in particular allowing their use by an unqualified user (that is to say one who does not have particular knowledge in the field of massage).

The return member 14 may be of any suitable known type, and may for example comprise one or more helical traction or compression springs (" coil " springs), one or more helical torsion springs, one or more blade(s), or a combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures (and in particular in Figures 4 and 8), the return member 14 comprises a single helical torsion spring 15, one of the legs of which is positioned in abutment against a surface of the frame. 3 and the other of the legs is positioned bearing against a surface of the second support means 12 of the second roller 5, and whose turns are wound around the third shaft which connects the second support means 12 to the frame 3. Of course, other arrangements and configurations of the return member 14 may be retained, without departing from the scope of the invention, to obtain the desired return effect.

Advantageously, the tare of the return member 14, and in particular its return force, is chosen, according to the intended application and the skin area to be treated, according to the resistance threshold of the skin. Thus, below the resistance threshold of the skin, when using the massage head 1, the second roller 5 approaches the first roller 4 under the effect of the return member 14. Beyond from this threshold, the return force of the return member 14 is on the contrary less than the resistance force of the skin, so that the second roller 5 tends to move away from the first roller 4, its second axis d 'B-B extension' moving to its second position. This improves both the effectiveness and the comfort of the massage of the skin by the massage head 1, while guaranteeing the safety of use of the massage head 1 by an unskilled user.

Preferably, the return member 14 is calibrated so that it exerts a return force on the second axis B-B', from its second position to its first position, which is between 2 N and 20 N, and more preferably between 4 N and 10 N. For example, in the case where the return member 14 comprises a single helical torsion spring 15, as in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the torsion moment of this spring 15 helicoidal twist may advantageously be between 10 Nmm and 50 Nmm, more advantageously still between 20 and 40 Nmm. Such a calibration is in fact particularly well suited for the treatment, using the massage head 1, of an area of skin of the face according to the so-called “ palpate-roll ” technique mentioned above.

Advantageously, the first and second positions of the second axis BB' of extension and rotation of the second roller 5 are stop positions, so as to mechanically limit, reliably and repeatably, the range of relative spacing of the first and second rollers 4, 5. According to a variant, of particularly simple design, said first and second positions are defined by fixed mechanical stops, defined once and for all during the design of the massage head 1. No particular adjustment is thus required from the user. For example, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second position of the second axis BB' of the second roller 5 is defined by two fixed lateral stops 16A, 16B arranged at the level of the second support means 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2) , and which bear against an outer surface of the housing 3, formed by the frame 3 of the massage head 1, when the second axis BB' occupies its second position (FIGS. 5 and 6). A single fixed stop could alternatively be envisaged. Advantageously, as is apparent from the example of Figures 5 and 6, the stops 16A, 16B are designed and dimensioned to ensure that the surface of the second roller 5 is maintained at a distance from the frame 3, so as to avoid any contact between the latter. when the second axis BB' of rotation of the second roller 5 occupies its second position. The first position of the second axis BB' of the second roller 5 can itself be defined, for example, by at least one fixed stop (and preferably two, not visible in the figures) arranged at the level of the second support means 12, and which bears against a surface of the first support means 11 of the first roller 4 when the second axis BB' occupies its first position. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, this fixed stop also advantageously makes it possible to avoid any interaction between the second support means 12 and the drive system housed within the housing 3. According to another variant (not illustrated), said first and second positions could on the contrary be one and/or the other defined by adjustable mechanical stops (for example, by screw), so that the user can define and adjust the value of the minimum gaps himself E _min and maximum E _max desired.

As illustrated in the figures, the frame or casing 3 can advantageously extend along a fourth axis (or fourth direction) D-D' between
- a distal end 17, at which the massage head 1 is intended to be connected to a manual grip handle of generally elongated shape along a fifth axis (or fifth direction) E-E', such as in particular the handle 8 formed by the main body 7 of the massage device 2 according to the invention, so that the fourth and fifth axes D-D', EE' are parallel or coincident,
- and an opposite proximal end, at or beyond which the application surface 6 of the massage head 1 is preferably positioned.

As illustrated in the figures, the massage head 1 can then be advantageously designed and configured so as to define a contact plane P ₁ of the first and second rollers 4, 5 with the skin which is oriented secantly and not orthogonally to said fourth axis DD' of extension of the frame 3 of the massage head 1, and this, again preferably, whatever the (first or second) position occupied by the second axis BB' of extension and rotation of the second roller 5. Preferably, this plane P ₁ of contact of the first and second rollers 4, 5 with the skin is secant and not orthogonal to the fourth axis D-D′ according to a minimum contact angle α _min of at least 15°, when the second axis BB' occupies its first position, and according to a maximum contact angle α _max of 110° at most when the second axis B-B' respectively occupies its second position. Such an inclination of the plane P ₁ of contact of the rollers 4, 5 with the skin contributes to excellent ergonomics of the head and of the massage device 1, facilitating their grip and their use regardless of the area of skin to be to treat.

Even more preferentially, and in particular in the case where the massage head 1 is intended for the treatment of an area of facial skin, the minimum contact angle α _min may advantageously be chosen equal to 72.5°, while that the maximum contact angle α _max may advantageously be chosen equal to 91.5°.

Advantageously, as in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the third pivot axis CC' of the second support means 12 of the second roller 5 relative to the frame 3 of the massage head 1 may be included in a plane containing the fourth extension axis DD' of said frame 3, which contributes to the simplicity of design and the compactness of the massage head 1. In this case, the system for adjusting the relative position of the first and second rollers 4, 5 may advantageously be designed and configured so as to define between, on the one hand a plane P ₂ comprising the first axis A-A' and the third axis C-C' and, on the other hand a plane P ₃ comprising the second axis BB' and the third axis C-C', a minimum opening angle β _min between 95° and 110° (and preferably equal to 105°) when said second axis BB' occupies its first position, and a maximum opening angle βmax between 135° and 150° (and preferably equal to 143°) when that said second axis B-B' respectively occupies said second position.

Claims (16)

Massage head (1) for a massage device, comprising

• a frame (3),
• a first massage roller (4) and a second massage roller (5) intended to come into contact with the skin of a user, said first massage roller (4) extending longitudinally along a first axis (A-A ') around which the first roller (4) is rotatably mounted relative to the frame (3), said second massage roller (5) extending longitudinally along a second axis (B-B') which is parallel to the first axis (A-A') and around which the second roller (5) is rotatably mounted relative to the frame (3),
• a drive system designed to rotate said first and second rollers (4, 5) counter-rotatingly,
• a system for adjusting the relative position of said first and second rollers (4, 5) in response to external forces exerted against at least said second roller (5) by the skin of the user during the rotation of said second roller (5), said adjustment system being designed and configured to maintain said first axis (A-A') fixed with respect to said frame (3), while allowing movement of said second axis (B-B') between a first position defining a minimum spacing (E _min ) between said first and second rollers (4, 5) and a second position defining a maximum spacing (E _max ) between said first and second rollers (4, 5).

Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said adjustment system is designed to maintain said first and second rollers (4, 5) initially separated from each other in the absence of any external force exerted against at least said second roller (5). Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said first and second rollers (4, 5) are initially kept spaced apart from each other by an initial distance of at least 2 to 8 mm, and preferably at least 5 mm. Massage head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said minimum spacings (E_min) and maximum (E_max) are defined so that:

• when the second axis (B-B') occupies said first position, said first and second rollers (4, 5) are separated from each other by a minimum distance (d _min ) of between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 4 and 8 mm, and more preferably equal to approximately 6 mm;
• when the second axis (B-B') occupies said second position, said first and second rollers (4, 5) are separated from each other by a maximum distance (d _max ) of between 8 and 20 mm, preferably between 10 and 12 mm, and more preferably equal to approximately 10 mm.

Massage head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises an application surface (6) intended to be positioned opposite the surface of the user's skin, said first and second rollers (4, 5) protruding at least partially outside said application surface (6). Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said drive system is designed to drive said first and second rollers (4, 5) in rotation, preferably in a synchronized manner, so that, in a plan view perpendicular to said first and second axes (A-A', B-B') with the first and second rollers (4, 5) arranged at the top, the part of the roller situated on the left which protrudes from the said application surface (6) rotates in the anti-trigonometric direction while the part of the roller located on the right which protrudes from said application surface (6) rotates in the counter-clockwise direction. Massage head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said adjustment system is designed and configured so that the movement of said second axis (B-B') between said first and second positions follows a trajectory in arc. Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said adjustment system comprises a first support means (11) of the first roller (4), which first support means (11) is immobile with respect to the frame (3 ), and a second support means (12) for the second roller (5), which second support means (12) is pivotally mounted relative to the frame (3) about a third axis (C-C') parallel to said first (A-A') and second (B-B') axes. Massage head (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second positions are abutment positions. Massage head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a return member (14) configured and arranged to exert a force tending to return said second axis (B-B') of extension of said second roller of massage (5) to said first position when occupying said second position. Massage head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (3) extends along a fourth axis (D-D') between

• a distal end (17), at which the massage head (1) is intended to be connected to a handle (8) for manual gripping of generally elongated shape along a fifth axis (E-E'), so that the fourth and fifth axes (D-D', E-E') are parallel or coincident,
• and an opposite proximal end,
• said massage head (1) being designed and configured so as to define a plane (P ₁ ) of contact of the first and second rollers (4, 5) with the skin which is oriented secantly and not orthogonally to said fourth axis (D -D'), preferably regardless of the position occupied by said second axis (B-B').

Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said plane (P ₁ ) of contact of the first and second rollers (4, 5) with the skin is secant and not orthogonal to said fourth axis (D-D') according to a minimum contact angle (α _min ) of at least 15°, and preferably equal to 72.5°, when said second axis (B-B') occupies said first position, and according to a maximum contact angle (α _max ) of 110° at most, and preferably equal to 91.5°, when said second axis (B-B') respectively occupies said second position. Massage device (2) comprising a massage head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Apparatus (2) according to the preceding claim, which comprises a main body (7) forming a handle (8) for manual gripping, said massage head (1) being fixed at the level of a working end (9) of said main body (7). Apparatus (2) according to the preceding claim, which comprises removable coupling means of the massage head (1) to said main body (7). Apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, which comprises on-board motorization means, preferably with an electric motor, intended to be mechanically connected to said drive system to ensure the rotation of said first and second rollers massage (5, 6) of the massage head (1).