GB2554420A

GB2554420A - A massage device

Info

Publication number: GB2554420A
Application number: GB1616335.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Caroline Allanby Angela
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-27
Filing date: 2016-09-27
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-27
Also published as: GB2554420B; GB201616335D0

Abstract

A massage device includes a handheld, hemispherical body and a massage head; the massage head comprises one or more massage portions 3 retained in a socket 5 and able to move with respect to the socket, the body comprises a reservoir 2 for receiving a massage fluid, and at least one fluid channel 6 connects the reservoir to the massage portion(s) so that in use, fluid passes from the reservoir to the massage portion(s). The massage portions may be a plurality of stainless steel spheres. The fluid channel may have a valve. The socket may be formed by adjacent plates 11, 12.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Angela Caroline Allanby 1 Gander Green Crescent, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2FA, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Angela Caroline Allanby (51) INT CL:

A61H 15/00 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2176114 A US 5131384 A

A61M 35/00 (2006.01)

WO 2016/132158 A2 US 4037977 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA61H, A61M

Other: EPODOC, WPI, Patent fulltext (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ipconsult

21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, Dorset, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A massage device

Abstract Title: Roller-ball applicator for applying massage fluid (57) A massage device includes a handheld, hemispherical body and a massage head; the massage head comprises one or more massage portions 3 retained in a socket 5 and able to move with respect to the socket, the body comprises a reservoir 2 for receiving a massage fluid, and at least one fluid channel 6 connects the reservoir to the massage portion(s) so that in use, fluid passes from the reservoir to the massage portion(s). The massage portions may be a plurality of stainless steel spheres. The fluid channel may have a valve. The socket may be formed by adjacent plates 11, 12.

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At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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A MASSAGE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a massage device, in particular a device for massaging with fluid; more particularly but not exclusively a device for massaging a head.

Background

Increasing awareness of health issues and a greater emphasis on the importance of relaxation combine with less available time for many users.

As a result relaxation methods need to be effective. A particularly successful relaxation method is massage. Massage is also helpful for muscular or physical issues, and is often best successfully achieved with lotion or other fluid to enable easier movement.

Massage may be for medical and relaxation purposes. Medical conditions may include of the scalp (eg. dandruff, hair loss, ecsema) and body (eg. nerve damage, torn ligaments).

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Indian patent application IN 2015 CH04 121 (KALAILINGAM) discloses a means for providing oil, evenly and regularly on a person’s head simultaneously with combing the person’s hair.

Korean patent application KR 2013 0 080 156 (LEE) discloses a hair or scalp care product for a human or animal comprising an outer member, a container capable of accommodating functional liquid, and a protruded part set capable of being separated from the container. The contact part is able to rotate in the shape of sphere or ellipsoid.

United States patent US 5 131 384 (OBAGI) discloses a combination applicator/massager device for simultaneous application of a fluid to an area of a person's skin and massage of that area of skin.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a massage device including: a handheld body and a massage head; the massage head comprising one or more massage portions and the body comprising a reservoir for receiving a massage fluid, at least one fluid channel connects the reservoir to the massage portion(s) so that in use, fluid passes to the massage portion(s) characterised in that a massage portion is retained in a socket and is able to move with respect to the socket and transfer massage lotion from a fluid channel to a recipient.

In some embodiments the device comprises a plurality of such portions. In other embodiments the device may have one portion that can be used for back-massage or leg-massage for example with camphor oil for stiff muscles.

Ideally massage portions are arranged to express fluid from the reservoir. The massage portions may be arranged to move past or through the at least one fluid channel such that the fluid is transferred by contact with and/or by way of surface tension.

In some embodiments the portions may be arranged at least in part to move in a plurality of directions past or through the pathway, such that the portions may be moved against a user in a plurality of directions whilst still expressing fluid so as to allow for more effective massage.

Ideally a one way valve is interposed between the massage portion and the fluid pathway so as to prevent back-flow of the massage lotion.

A limiting means is ideally also provided in order to prevent an entire charge of massage lotion leaking from a reservoir, for example if the device is tilted or stored so that liquid or lotion can leak from the reservoir.

In some embodiments the massage portions may comprise substantially deformable portions. For example deformation of the portions may enable fluid to be drawn along and out from the fluid pathway. For example the portions may comprise hollow tubular members shaped such that agitation against these members may create a vacuum or other encouragement along this tube.

In other embodiments the massage portions comprise substantially rigid portions. For example in order to provide fluid distribution such portions may comprise a central fluid pathway and may utilise substantially rigid parts and deformable parts, for example in or on the body, wherein the deformable parts allow the rigid parts to be displaced into or against the deformable parts.

In still further embodiments rigid portions may be displaceable with respect to the body; for example so as to allow the portion to open or operate the fluid pathway.

In other embodiments the substantially rigid portions or parts may be trapped in reference to substantially rigid sockets on the body, and enabled to displace within the sockets or body. For example the substantially rigid portions or parts are able to rotate within sockets so as to contact massage lotion in the pathway.

In some embodiments the reservoir comprises a fill mechanism, so as to permit multiple users or uses. In other embodiments the device may be envisaged as single usage or disposable. Such a fill mechanism may comprise a screw top or cap.

In some embodiments the body may be arranged to easily and comfortably fit into a user's hand so as to effectively allow pressure to be applied and a natural handgrip and usage mode to be available to the user.

In some embodiments, in addition or the alternative, the device may have a shape arranged to accommodate easier application of pressure, from a variety of orientations or angles. For example, the shape may comprise a short tubular section, which may provide a convex top.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a cover over the body, which cover may comprise a textured or non -slip or comfort surface, for example silicone, rubber or elastomeric thermoplastics.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention with its lid removed;

Figures 2 show side and two isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the lid in place;

Figure 3 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment as shown in Figures 2;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric exploded view of the embodiment as shown in Figures 2;

Figures 5 show isometric sectional views of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows a sketch of an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention; and

Figure 9 shows a sketch of an isometric exploded view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures there are shown embodiments of the device according to the present invention comprising a multi-partite body with internal reservoir, with a plurality spherical massage portions 3 trapped at one end of the body 88.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a first embodiment of device 55 according to one aspect of the present invention. The device 55 has a truncated tubular body 88 with a convex upper 57 and planar top 56 parallel with a planar distal end 13. Body 88 is substantially hemispherical in form and has a planar portion 56 on one face which enables the device 88 to be placed on a surface when not in use.

The embodiments shown are for massaging a user’s head.

A plurality of spherical massage portions 3 extend from one face of the opposing or proximal end of the body. Each spherical massage portion sits in an indentation which is connected to the reservoir by the fluid pathway.

The body is arranged to be handheld and is circular in plan. The body is formed in thermoplastics, or in further embodiments may be silver, copper, bamboo, wood.

The body is formed from a plurality of parts comprising a hem outer 10, arranged to clip over and onto an inner 9. The inner has an interior screw thread proximate its top edge. The outer covers part of the inner and may be formed in a different, more resiliently deformable material so as to increase grip possibilities.

A base plate 11 has a depending flange with an exterior screw thread, which screws into the inner.

The base plate 11 has five hemispherical indentations 5. Each indentation includes a fluid pathway at its nadir.

Above the base plate 11 is an annular silicone washer 4.

The washer and spherical massage portions are sandwiched between the base plate Hand a substantially planar top plate 12. The top plate 12 comprises five circular apertures and a downwardly depending outer lip. The outer lip includes a screw thread exterior surface 8, and a screw thread interior surface. The screw thread interior surface allows the base plate to screw into and onto it so as to tightly sandwich the spherical massage portions with the silicone washer acting as a resiliently deformable spacer.

The top plate apertures 81 are smaller in diameter to the diameter of the massage portion spheres 3. The top plate 12 further comprises lips extending upwards and inclining away from the perimeter of the apertures so as to limit spread of fluid at edge of the apertures.

The screw thread exterior surface of the top plate 8 screws into the inner 9 to hold the massage head within the body.

The device further includes a lid 13, which includes an interior thread which screws onto the exterior of the inner 9, which has a plurality of radially extending studs.

The device further includes a gasket 14 which sits between the lid and body in use, so as to aid in sealing the device and when the lid is screwed onto the body.

The body internally holds a reservoir for receipt of fluid; with the fluid pathway or channel 6 extending through the base plate from the reservoir to or adjacent the portions. In this way the massage portions are arranged to distribute fluid when the portions move past the channel.

The spheres are substantially rigid, and held in substantially rigid sockets in the body in use being free to rotate in these sockets through 360 degrees. In some embodiments the spheres may be made of stainless steel, so as to advantageously provide a cool finish and good surface tension for the fluid.

In some embodiments the spheres may be thermoplastics, silver, copper, bamboo, wood or other substantially rigid and impermeable material.

The balls have a continuous surface which comes into contact therefore with the pathway and reservoir contents.

In some embodiments the massage portions may stand out to different heights from the body, for example so as to provide a convex curvature in combination.

The reservoir and pathway are substantially sealed such that the fluid continues to be drawn to the balls as they rotate and carry fluid away from the pathway.

In this way the balls pick up fluid from the pathway and carried onwards, and subsequent fluid pulled behind.

In some embodiments the body comprises a frequently deformable section, which section may need to be situated between the top and the reservoir or massage portions, so as to deform progressively as pressure is applied to the top against the skin, and/or so as to deform to move fluid.

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 8 the body comprises six upstanding sockets 51, having circular apertures from which extend the circular massage portions 53, and the sockets extending from an internal reservoir provided by two parallel substantially planar plates, wherein the bottom of these plates 52 comprises a tray.

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 9 the device includes a tray lid 63. This lid covers six spherical massage portions, which are held in sockets formed by a top plate with circular apertures, and a base plate 66 with substantially hemispherical indentations 69.

The base plate has an outer silicone washer and depending lip, and fits into a reservoir tray 67 having a displaceable bung 68 for filling the reservoir.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A massage device including: a handheld body and a massage head; the massage head comprising one or more massage portions and the body comprising a reservoir for receiving a massage fluid, at least one fluid channel connects the reservoir to the massage portion(s) so that in use, fluid passes to the massage portion(s) characterised in that a massage portion is retained in a socket and is able to move with respect to the socket and transfer massage lotion from a fluid channel to a recipient.

2. A device according to claim 1 comprising plural massage portions.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the one or more massage portions are spherical.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a one way valve is interposed between the massage portion and the fluid pathway.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein a limiting means prevents leakage of massage lotion from the reservoir.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the limiting means is adapted to prevent leakage of massage lotion from the reservoir when the device is tilted or inverted.

7. A device according to any of claims 3 to 6 wherein the one or more massage portions are retained by adjacent plates forming the sockets.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the massage head is substantially rigid.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1616335.4 Examiner: Miss Gabrielle Cowcill

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the plates are spaced by a resiliently deformable spacer.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the massage portions are made of stainless steel.

10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is substantially hemispherical.

11. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a removable lid that covers the massage portions.

12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the massage head is

5 substantially rigid.

13. A device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

14. A device substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 8.

15. A device substantially as described herein with reference to Figure

9.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

Claims

1. A massage device including: a handheld substantially hemispherical body and a massage head; the massage head comprising at least one massage

5 portion, each portion retained in a socket that is defined between two adjacent plates that are spaced apart by a resiliently deformable spacer; the substantially hemispherical body has a reservoir for receiving a massage lotion, at least one fluid pathway connects the reservoir to the massage portion(s) so that in use, massage lotion passes to the massage portion(s)

10 wherein a one way valve is interposed between the massage portion and the fluid pathway; each massage portion is able to move with respect to the socket in which it is retained in order to permit transfer of massage lotion from the at least one fluid pathway to a recipient.

02 02 18

15 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the substantially hemispherical body includes a planar portion to enable the device to be placed on a surface when not in use.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 comprising a plurality of massage portions.

4. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the one or more massage portions are spherical.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the massage portions are

25 formed from stainless steel.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the plates are substantially planar to define a substantially planar massage surface.

30 7. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a removable lid that covers the massage portions when the device is not in use.