GB2370991A

GB2370991A - Portable massage device

Info

Publication number: GB2370991A
Application number: GB0100581A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sally Alexandra Carmichael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-10
Filing date: 2001-01-10
Publication date: 2002-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-10
Also published as: GB0100581D0; GB2370991B

Abstract

A portable massage device includes a pair of spherical bolsters 1 of equal texture, diameter and density, connecting line 3 and bridging structure 2, so that each section can move independently. The surface texture (5, fig 3), density and diameter may vary. The device can be used to massage either side of a muscle or joint.

Description

ERGONOMIC AID This invention relates to a body-orientated ergonomic product, which includes two connected spherical shapes of equal diameter, texture and density, a lightweight and portable health aid, which may be used anywhere on the body.

Most ergonomic products that are pro-active are of a singular ball design-consisting of one ball to form the unit, the disadvantage of this is the inability to be able to massage around either side of a joint or bony structure simultaneously, (for example, either side of the spine, or working around the hip and gluteal structures).

Any other ergonomic products that aim to release soft tissue tension are passive in nature ; they rely upon the passive participation of the patient in order to relax tense and fibritic muscles, administered by a machine or by another person. Only short-term benefits are achieved as a result of the patient not being actively involved in the process of changing their awareness or movement patterns that are required to make any long-term progress in posture and body awareness.

An object of this invention is to provide an ergonomic product that acts as a stimulus for a therapeutic system involving experiential movement and body mechanic re-education in both a rehabilitative and conditioning context. Such a therapeutic system deals with structural problems ranging from neck and back problems, to focusing on specific joint injuries and postoperative rehab as well as very specific cranial related problems (migraine etc).

The invention re-educates muscles into healthier alignment and function, following the natural logic of the neuromuscular system. Body weight, gravity and movement create pressure similar to massage, trigger pointing, shiatsu and manipulative therapies to stimulate circulation, improve the elasticity of the tissues and help to create space in and around the joint which in turn allows the muscle attached to it to relax and release.

Accordingly, this invention provides an ergonomic portable health aid including a pair of spherical shaped bolsters of equal texture, diameter and density, connected by a bridging structure and connecting line so that each part can move independently. The density, size and surface texture of each unit will vary according to the treatment prescription and the area of the body used.

Preferably the outer skin is made of durable materials like sponge, rubber and plastics, and internally is solid or air filled. However it may instead be made from wood or metal to suit the condition, or from a combination of these materials. The connecting line could be made of a number of materials including leather, wire, twine, steel and rubber.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 shows a view of the whole ergonomic aid. a) shows the aid at rest b) shows aid under compression. c) shows the aid's ability to rotate and move at each segment FIGURE 2 shows the parts of the aid that link the sections together. a) shows all parts separated b) shows it in its integrated form FIGURE 3 shows an example of the variable surface textures of the aid.

As shown in Figure 1 a, the ergonomic aid comprises a pair of spherical bolsters 1 being of the same density, diameter and texture, connected in the middle by a smaller bridging structure 2 and the caps 4 at either end.

Figure lb, shows the flexibility of the bridging structure when under compression as shown by the arrows 6.

Figure 1 c, shows the rotation and movement range of each segment independently of the others.

Figure 2a shows the bridging structure 2 between the two spherical bolsters 1 and the connecting line 3 links each segment together.

Figure 2b, shows the aid integrated and capped 4 to secure the links and to stop the segments coming apart when the aid is being used.

Figure 3 shows an example of a variable surface texture of the bolsters 1 which may have depressions or protruding nodules 5.

This variability accommodates the various treatment prescriptions according to the condition/ injury different areas of the body being treated.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An ergonomic portable health aid including a pair of spherical shaped bolsters of equal texture, diameter and density, linked by a bridging structure and connecting line so that each section can move independently.
2. A health aid as claimed in Claim 1 where the density, size and surface texture of each unit will vary to account for the nature of the injury or condition and the area of the body used.
3. A health aid as claimed in any preceding claim, which is made from sponge, rubber, plastic, wood or metal or from a combination of these materials, and internally is solid or air filled.
4. An ergonomic health aid substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.