WO2010123456A1

WO2010123456A1 - Head massaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2010123456A1
Application number: PCT/SG2009/000149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kia Tong Tan; Zongjin Li; Wai Mun James Wong; Evan Chee
Original assignee: Osim International Ltd
Priority date: 2009-04-22
Filing date: 2009-04-22
Publication date: 2010-10-28
Also published as: TW201038263A; SG175745A1; CN102448419A; SG175775A1

Abstract

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a head massaging device including: a frame securable onto a portion of a person's head; a visor connected to the frame, the visor being pivotally movable between a closing position in which the visor is positioned in proximity to or in contact with the person's eyes and an opening position in which the visor is positioned away from the person's eyes; and a first massager disposed on the visor, wherein the first massager provides a massage to the person's eyes when the visor is pivotally moved to the closing position and the first massager is operated.

Description

Head Massaging Device

Field Of The Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a head massaging device.

Background Of The Invention

[0002] One way to provide relief to headaches and eye fatigue is through massaging the head and the eyes.

[0003] There are known head massaging devices. For instance, international application no. PCT/CN2007/003003 discloses a head massaging device that secures to the crown of a user's head. The width of this head massaging device is adjustable so as to fit different crown sizes. However, this head massaging device only provides a massage to the user's head.

[0004] On the other hand, existing eye massaging devices, which are strapped over a user's eyes, only provide a massage to the user's eyes.

[0005] Thus, to have a head massage or an eye massage, a user would have to swap devices accordingly. With either device, the user does not have the flexibility of having an all-round massage, i.e. to enjoy both an eye massage and a head massage simultaneously.

[0006] It would be advantageous to have a massaging device that is able to simultaneously provide a head and eye massage. A user would have the choice to select one, or both, of these massages to be applied at any instance.

Summary Of The Invention [0007] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a head massaging device including: a frame securable onto a portion of a person's head; a visor connected to the frame, the visor being pivotally movable between a closing position in which the visor is positioned in proximity to or in contact with the person's eyes and an opening position in which the visor is positioned away from the person's eyes; and a first massager disposed on the visor, wherein the first massager provides a massage to the person's eyes when the visor is pivotally moved to the closing position and the first massager is operated.

[0008] The frame may include a band adjustable in length in order to adapt the band to the size of the persons head, the band enclosing a part of the person's head along a horizontal direction, wherein the head massaging device further comprises a band length adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the band, the band length adjustment mechanism including: a seat connected to the band; and a rotating member which engages the band and which can be rotated within the seat, wherein the length of the band is changeable by rotation of the rotating member.

[0009] The frame may further include a semi-hoop adjustable in length in order to adapt the semi-hoop to the size of the persons head, the semi-hoop connected to the band and enclosing a part of the person's head along a vertical direction, wherein the head massaging device further includes a further band length adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the semi-hoop, the further band length adjustment mechanism including: a seat connected to the semi-hoop; and a rotating member which engages the semi-hoop and which can be rotated within the seat, wherein the length of the semi-hoop is changeable by rotation of the rotating member.

[0010] The rotating member may include a first gear and a second gear, the first gear and the second gear being movable with respect to each such that, in an unlocked state, the distance between the first gear and the second gear is small and, in a locking state, the distance between the first gear and the second gear is large, wherein, in the locking state, the first gear engages with the seat. [0011] The rotating member may further include a biasing element adapted to bias the first gear and the second gear with respect to each other such that the first gear and the second gear are naturally in the locking state.

[0012] The biasing element may be a spring.

[0013] The seat may comprise an opening extending through the seat, wherein an inner wall of the opening is provided with a plurality of teeth, and wherein the first gear may include a plurality of teeth to engage with the teeth provided on the inner wall.

[0014] The rotating member may include an engagement portion which engages with the band, the engagement portion including a plurality of teeth engaging with a plurality of teeth provided on the band.

[0015] One of the first gear and the second gear may include an opening into which, when moving the first gear and the second gear into the opening state, the other one of the first gear and the second gear is at least partially moved.

[0016] The band and the semi-hoop may include a first semi-band having a groove; and a second semi-band having a groove, the first semi-band groove arranged to overlap the second semi-band groove, wherein the rotating member engages the first semi-band groove and engages the second semi-band groove.

[0017] A plurality of teeth may be formed on the first semi-band groove; and a plurality of teeth may be formed on the second semi-band groove, wherein the plurality of teeth formed on the first semi-band groove is arranged opposite to the plurality of teeth formed on the second semi-band groove and wherein the plurality of teeth on the engagement portion of the rotating member engages with the plurality of teeth formed on the first semi-band groove and the plurality of teeth formed on the second semi-band groove.

[0018] A second massager may be disposed on the frame for massaging the person's head.

[0019] The first massager may be disposed on an interior surface of the visor so that the first massager is in contact with the person's eyes when the visor is pivotally moved to the closing position and wherein the second massager is in contact with an interior surface of the frame so that the second massager is in contact with the person's head.

[0020] The first massager and the second massager may be inflatable bags.

[0021] The frame may include a first protrusion designed to be adjacent to the person's left cheekbone; and a second protrusion designed to be adjacent to the person's right cheekbone.

[0022] The frame may further include a base portion, wherein the visor is mounted to the base portion via a pivot mechanism, the pivot mechanism adapted to continuously adjust a pivot angle of the visor relative to the frame.

[0023] The pivot mechanism may include: a hinge pivotally connected to the base portion, the visor being coupled to the hinge; and a locking member connected to the base portion.

[0024] The locking member may further include an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion is movable along an axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the hinge and is biased to move towards the hinge. [0025] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a pivot mechanism including a base; a hinge pivotally connected to the base; and a locking member connected to the base so that the locking member is movable relative to the base, the locking member having an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion is movable along an axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the hinge and is biased to move towards the hinge such that the engaging portion frictionally engages the hinge to maintain a pivot angle of the hinge relative to the base.

[0026] The locking member may be connected to a resilient portion of the base.

[0027] A biasing element may couple the locking member to the base.

[0028] The biasing element may be a spring.

[0029] The hinge may include a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each of the first and second pivot arm being pivotally connected to the base, and wherein the engaging portion includes a first engaging element and a second engaging element, wherein the first engaging element being movable along an axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the first pivot arm and is biased to move towards the first pivot arm so that the first engaging element frictionally engages the first pivot arm, and wherein the second engaging element being movable along an axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the second pivot arm and is biased to move towards the second pivot arm so that the second engaging element frictionally engages the second pivot arm.

[0030] Each of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm may include a hinge pin, the longitudinal axes of which coinciding with the pivot axis of the hinge, wherein the hinge pins are rotatably connected to the base.

[0031] The first pivot arm and the second pivot arm may be connected with each other by a connecting member. [0032] The first pivot arm may include a groove adapted to receive the first engaging element, and wherein the second pivot arm may include a groove adapted to receive the second engaging element.

[0033] The pivot mechanism may include a biasing element which forces the first engaging element to frictionally engage with the first pivot arm, and which forces the second engaging element to frictionally engage with the second pivot arm.

[0034] The biasing element may be a spring or a plurality of springs.

[0035] A button may be connected to the biasing element for compressing the biasing element and actuating the locking member.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0036] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure IA is a perspective view of a head massaging device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a closing position.

[0038] Figure IB is a perspective view of a head massaging device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in an opening position.

[0039] Figure 2A is an exploded view of a band length adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0040] Figure 2B shows a portion of a head massaging device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, where a band length adjustment mechanism is connected.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a portion of a head massaging device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, where a band length adjustment mechanism is connected.

[0042] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the head massaging device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, where a band length adjustment mechanism is connected.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the head massaging device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a massager disposed on its frame.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of internal components of a pivot mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of internal components of a pivot m leechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0046] While embodiments of the invention will be shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced. [0047] It will be appreciated that common numerals, used in the relevant drawings, refer to components that serve a similar or the same purpose.

[0048] Figure IA is a perspective view of a head massaging device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The head massaging device 100 has a frame 102 securable onto a portion of a person's head (not shown). A visor 104 is connected to the frame 102, the visor 104 being pivotally movable between a closing position and an opening position (see

Figure IB). In the closing position, the visor 104 is positioned in proximity to or in contact with the person's eyes. In the opening position, the visor is positioned away from the person's eyes.

[0050] A first massager 106 (also see Figure 5) is disposed on the visor 104. The first massager 106 provides a massage to the person's eyes when the visor is pivotally moved to the closing position and the first massager 106 is operated.

[0051] The pivotal function allows the person to move the visor 104 away from the eyes when an eye massage is not needed, so that the visor 104 does not obstruct the person's view. Having a pivotable visor 104 is advantageous especially in a scenario where the user's visual attention is immediately required in the midst of the eye massage. The user would simply need to pivot the visor 104 to its opening position, as opposed to removing the head massaging device 100 if the visor 104 is not pivotable.

[0052] The frame 102 has a band 108 adjustable in length in order to adapt the band 108 to the size of the persons head. The band 108 encloses a part of the person's head along a horizontal direction. From Figure IA, it will be appreciated that this horizontal direction is along the person's crown, so that the band 108 secures unto at least a portion of the person's crown. [0053] The head massaging device 100 has a band length adjustment mechanism 110 for adjusting the length of the band 108. The band length adjustment mechanism 110 has a seat 112 connected to the band 108 and a rotating member 114 which engages the band 108. The rotating member 114 can be rotated within the seat 112, wherein the length of the band 108 is changeable by rotation of the rotating member 114. By changing the length of the band 108, a diameter 122 of the head massaging device 100 will similarly be changed.

[0054] Further, the frame 102 has a semi-hoop 116 adjustable in length in order to adapt the semi-hoop 116 to the size of the person's head. The semi-hoop 116 is connected to the band 108 and encloses a part of the person's head along a vertical direction. The semi-hoop 116 is connected on opposite sides (118 and 120), or along any two portions, of the band 108.

[0055] The head massager device 100 also has a further band length adjustment mechanism 124 for adjusting the length of the semi-hoop 116. The further band length adjustment mechanism 124 has a seat 126 connected to the semi-hoop 116 and a rotating member 128 which engages the semi-hoop 116. The rotating member 128 can be rotated within the seat 126, wherein the length of the semi-hoop 116 is changeable by rotation of the rotating member 128. By changing the length of the semi-hoop 116, a height 130 of the head massaging device 100 will similarly be changed.

[0056] Figure 2A is an exploded view of the band length adjustment mechanisms

110/124 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The rotating member 128/114 has a first gear 202 and a second gear 204.

The first gear 202 and the second gear 204 are movable with respect to each such that, in an unlocked state, the distance 206 between the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 is small. On the other hand, in a locking state, the distance 206 between the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 is large, wherein, in the locking state, the first gear 202 engages with the seat 112/126. Alternatively, in the locking state, the second gear 204 engages with the seat 112/126 instead; or both the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 engage with the seat 112/126.

[0058] The rotating member 128/114 further has a biasing element 208 adapted to bias the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 with respect to each other such that the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 are naturally in the locking state. The biasing element 208 may be a spring.

[0059] The seat 112/126 has an opening 210 extending through the seat 112/126. An inner wall 210a of the opening 210 is provided with a plurality of teeth. The first gear 202 also has a plurality of teeth 202a to engage with the teeth provided on the inner wall 210a. The first gear teeth 202a is shaped to correspond with the teeth provided on the inner wall 210a.

[0060] The rotating member 114 has an engagement portion 212 which engages with the band 108. With reference to Figure 3, the engagement portion 212 has a plurality of teeth 212a engaging with a plurality of teeth (302, 304) provided on the band 108.

[0061] Similarly, , the rotating member 128 has an engagement portion 212 which engages with the semi-hoop 116. The engagement portion 212 has a plurality of teeth 212a engaging with a plurality of teeth (302, 304) provided on the semi-hoop 116.

[0062] Returning to the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the engagement portion 212 is formed on the second gear 204. Alternatively, the engagement portion 212 is instead formed on the first gear 202. [0063] One of the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 has an opening into which, when moving the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 into the opening state, the other one of the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 is at least partially moved (see Figure 2B for clearer illustration). Figure 2A shows that the opening is formed in the second gear 204, into which a portion of the first gear 202 enters.

Alternatively, the opening is formed in the first gear 202, into which a portion of the second gear 204 enters.

[0064] Operation of the band length adjustment mechanisms 110/124 is explained

/ with reference to Figures IA, 2A, 2B and 3.

[0065] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, operating the band length adjustment mechanisms 110/124 requires two actions from a user. For the first action, the user applies a compressive force to move the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 into closer proximity to each other, hi this manner, the plurality of teeth 202a on the first gear 202 is released from the teeth 210a provided on the inner wall of the seat 112/126, thus allowing the rotating member 128/114 to freely rotate within the seat 112/126. For the second action, the user continues applying the compressive force on the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 while rotating the rotating member 128/114.

[0066] Referring to Figure 3, the rotating member 114 is used to adjust the diameter 122 (see Figure IA) of the head massaging device 100. Upon rotating the rotating member 114, the teeth 212a of the engagement portion 212 engages the teeth 302 and 304 of the band 108 to increase or decrease the diameter 122 according to the direction of rotation.

[0067] Again referring to Figure 3, the rotating member 128 is used to adjust the height 130 (see Figure IA) of the head massaging device 100. Upon rotating the rotating member 128, the teeth 212a of the engagement portion 212 engages the teeth 302 and 304 of the semi-hoop 116 to increase or decrease the height 130 according to the direction of rotation.

[0068] Referring to Figures IA and 2B, once the desired diameter 122 and the desired height 130 are reached, the compressive force is removed from the first gear

202 and the second gear 204. The biasing element 208 (see Figure 2A) will push both gears 202 and 204 apart from each other.

[0069] The arrangement of the first gear 202 and the second gear 204 allows for a convenient way to unlock the band length adjustment mechanisms 110/124. This is because when the user grips the rotating member 128/114, a compressive force is already imparted onto the first gear 202 and the second gear 204. Thus, less effort is needed to operate the band length adjustment mechanisms 110/124 as opposed to unlocking a band length adjustment mechanism (not shown) through depressing a rotating member. In the latter case, in addition to gripping the rotating member, the user also has to apply a further force to depress the rotating member.

[0070] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the portion of the head massaging device 100 (see Figure IA) where the band length adjustment mechanism 110 is connected. It will be appreciated that the portion of the head massaging device 100 (see Figure

IA) where the further band length adjustment mechanism 124 is connected also uses similar components as shown in Figure 4.

[0071] Figure 4 shows that the band 108 has the following features:

[0072] The band 108 has a first semi-band 108a having a groove 402; and a second semi-band 108b having a groove 404. The first semi-band groove 402 is arranged to overlap the second semi-band groove 404. The rotating member 128/114 engages the first semi-band groove 402 and engages the second semi-band groove 404. A plurality of teeth 402a is formed on the first semi-band groove 402.

Similarly, a plurality of teeth 404a is formed on the second semi-band groove 404. The plurality of teeth 402a formed on the first semi-band groove 402 is arranged opposite to the plurality of teeth 404a formed on the second semi-band groove 404a. The plurality of teeth 212a on the engaging portion 212 of the rotating member 128/114 engages with the plurality of teeth 402a formed on the first semi-band groove 402. The plurality of teeth 212a on the engaging portion 212 of the rotating member 128/114 also engages with the plurality of teeth 404a formed on the second semi-band groove 404.

[0073] Figure 4 shows that the semi-hoop 116 has the following features:

[0074] The semi-hoop 116 has a first semi-band 116a having a groove 402; and a second semi-band 116b having a groove 404. The first portion groove 402 is arranged to overlap the second portion groove 404. The rotating member 128/114 engages the first portion groove 402 and engages the second portion groove 404. A plurality of teeth 402a is formed on the first portion groove 402. Similarly, a plurality of teeth 404a is formed on the second portion groove 404. The plurality of teeth 402a formed on the first portion groove 402^' is arranged opposite to the plurality of teeth 404a formed on the second portion groove 404a. The plurality of teeth 212a on the engaging portion 212 of the rotating member 128/114 engages with the plurality of teeth 402a formed on the first portion groove 402. The plurality of teeth 212a on the engaging portion 212 of the rotating member 128/114 also engages with the plurality of teeth 404a formed on the second portion groove 404.

[0075] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the head massaging device 100 with a second massager 502 disposed on the frame 102 for massaging the person's head.

From Figure 5, it can be seen that the second massager 502 is connected to the band 108 and the semi-hoop 116. The second massager 502 may also be designed to be in contact with both a right side and a left side of the base of the user's skull.

[0076] The first massager 106 may be disposed on an interior surface of the visor

104 so that the first massager 106 is in contact with the person's eyes when the visor 104 is pivotally moved to the closing position (see Figure IA). The second massager 502 may be in contact with an interior surface of the frame 102 so that the second massager 502 is in contact with the person's head. The first massager 106 and the second massager 502 may be inflatable bags. Further, the first massager 106 and the second massager 502 may be made from a single inflatable bag.

[0077] Alternatively, the first massager 106 may be housed within the visor 104. The second massager 502 may also be housed within the frame 102, where the second massager 502 is located within the band 108 and the semi-hoop 116. In this alternative arrangement, the interior surface of the visor 104 is in contact with the person's eyes when the visor 104 is pivotally moved to the closing position (see Figure IA), while the interior surface of the frame 102 is in contact with the person's head. When the first massager 106 and the second massager 502 are internally housed, the first massager 106 and the second massager 502 are vibration motors, rather than inflatable bags. The internally housed vibration motors deliver a massage through the respective wall separating the vibration motors from the person's head.

[0078] The frame 102 has a first protrusion 506 designed to be adjacent to the person's left cheekbone and a second protrusion 508 designed to be adjacent to the person's right cheekbone. The first protrusion 506 and the second protrusion 508 allow for the second massager 502 to be positioned thereto and provide a massage to the person's left cheek and the person's right cheek.

[0079] With the visor 104 in the closing position (see Figure IA), along with operating the first massager 106 and the second massager 502, an all-round massage is provided to both the head and eyes of a user. The portions of the user's head receiving the massage are as follows: the top (provided by the portion of the second massager 502 located at the semi-hoop 116); the forehead, right temple and left temple (provided by the portion of the second massager 502 located at the band 108); the left cheek and the right cheek (provided by the portion of the second massager

502 located at the first protrusion 506 and the second protrusion 508); and the right and left sides of the base of the user's skull (provided by the portion of the second massager 502 in contact with the base of the user's skull). If the user only wants to experience a head massager, the visor 104 can be pivoted to the opening position so that the first massager 106 is not massaging the user's eyes.

[0080] The frame 102 may further comprise a base/base portion 508, wherein the visor 104 is mounted to the base/base portion 508 via a pivot mechanism 510. Alternatively, the base/base portion 508 is not integral with the frame 102 and is provided as a separate element mounted onto the frame 102. The pivot mechanism 510 is adapted to continuously adjust a pivot angle of the visor 104 relative to the frame 102.

[0081] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the pivot mechanism 510, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The internal components of the pivot mechanism 510 are shown in Figure 6.

[0082] The pivot mechanism 510 has a hinge 602 pivotally connected to the base/base portion 508. The visor 104 is coupled to the hinge 602. A locking member 604 is connected to the base/base portion 508. The locking member 604 is connected to the base/base portion 508 so that the locking member 604 is movable relative to the base/base portion 508.

[0083] The locking member 604 has an engaging portion 604a. The engaging portion 604a is movable along an axis 606 parallel to a pivotal axis 624 of the hinge 602 and is biased to move towards the hinge 602. The engaging portion 604a frictionally engages the hinge 602 to maintain a pivot angle of the hinge 602 relative to the base/base portion 508.

[0084] The locking member 604 may be connected to a resilient portion of the base^ase portion 508. The resilient portion of the base/base portion 508 provides the means to biase the engaging portion 604a towards the hinge 602. [0085] Preferably, a biasing element 612 is used to couple the locking member 604 to the base^ase portion 508. The biasing element 612 provides the means to biase the engaging portion 604a towards the hinge 602. The biasing element 612 may be a spring.

[0086] The biasing element 612 in conjunction with the engaging portion 604a of the locking member 604 provides the means to maintain the pivot angle of the hinge 602 (and in turn the visor 104) relative to the base/base portion 508. When the engaging portion 604a is not engaging the hinge 602, the hinge 602 is allowed to freely pivot about the base/base portion 508. As only two elements (the locking member 604 and the biasing element 612) are used, the pivot mechanism 510 has a simple structure.

[0087] The hinge 602 has a first pivot arm 618 and a second pivot arm 616. Each of the first and second pivot arm (618, 616) is pivotally connected to the base/base portion 508.

[0088] The engaging portion 604a has a first engaging element 620 and a second engaging element 622.

[0089] The first engaging element 620 is movable along an axis 606 parallel to a pivotal axis 624 of the first pivot arm 618 and is biased to move towards the first pivot arm 618. hi this manner, the first engaging element 620 frictionally engages the first pivot arm 618.

[0090] Similarly, the second engaging element 622 is movable along an axis 606 parallel to a pivotal axis 624 of the second pivot arm 616 and is biased to move towards the second pivot arm 616. In this manner, the second engaging element 622 frictionally engages the second pivot arm 616. [0091] It will be appreciated that it is sufficient for the engaging portion 604a to have a single engaging element and for the hinge 602 to have a single pivot arm, wherein the single engaging element is biased to move towards the single pivot arm to frictionally engage the single pivot arm. In this manner, the pivot angle of the hinge 602 relative to the base/base portion 508 is maintained. However, having two pivot arms 618 and 616 allows each of the first pivot arm 618 and the second pivot arm 616 to have frictional engagement with a respective first engaging element 620 and second engaging element 622. Having two frictional engagement points provides a stronger hold compared to having only one frictional engagement point, thereby enhancing the maintenance of the pivot angle of the hinge 602 relative to the base/base portion 508.

[0092] Further, when an airbag is used for the first massager 106 (see Figure 5), inflation of the first massager 106 creates a force seeking to move the visor 104 away from the user's eyes. If only one engaging element is used, there is a possibility that the hinge 602 pivots. Moreover, the side of the hinge 602 not engaged with the engaging element may pivot more than the side of the hinge 602 engaged to the engaging element. The consequence is an unequal massage intensity applied to both of the user's eyes. Using two engaging elements (620 and 622) counterbalances the force applied unto the hinge 602 as the first massager 106 inflates, thereby reducing or eliminating the unequal pivoting of the hinge 602

[0093] Each of the first pivot arm 618 and the second pivot arm 616 has a hinge pin (denoted 610 and 608 respectively), the longitudinal axes of which coincides with the pivot axis 624 of the hinge 602. The hinge pins 608 and 610 are rotatably connected to the base/base portion 508.

[0094] The hinge pins 610 and 608 may be integrally formed with the first pivot arm 618 and the second pivot arm 616 respectively. Alternatively, the hinge pins 608 and 610 may be elements separate from the hinge 602. It will be appreciated that it is sufficient to use only a single hinge pin which connects the first pivot arm 618 and the second pivot arm 616. The longitudinal axis of the single hinge pin would preferably coincide with the pivoting axis of the hinge 602.

[0095] The first pivot arm 618 and the second pivot arm 616 are connected with each other by a connecting member 626. The visor 104 is coupled to the hinge 602 through the connecting member 626.

[0096] The first pivot arm 618 has a groove 626 adapted to receive the first engaging element 620. Similarly, the second pivot arm 616 has a groove 614 adapted to receive the second engaging element 622.

[0097] The grooves 626 and 614 prevent the hinge 602 from pivoting once engaged by the first engaging element 620 and the second engaging element 622 respectively. This occurs when the visor 104 is in its closing position (see Figure IA), thus preventing the visor 104 from being pivoted any further towards the user's eyes. It will be appreciated that only one groove is required to accommodate either the first engaging element 620 or the second engaging element 622.

[0098] The biasing element 612 forces the first engaging element 620 to frictionally engage with the first pivot arm 618. The biasing element 612 also forces the second engaging element 622 to frictionally engage with the second pivot arm

616. The biasing element 612 may be a spring or a plurality of springs. As shown in

Figure 6, the biasing element 612 is formed of two springs, where each spring couples one portion of the locking member 604 to the base/base portion 508. The biasing element 612 provides the means to biase the first engaging element 620 towards the first pivot arm 618 and also the means to biase the second engaging element 622 towards the second pivot arm 616.

[0099] Operation of the pivot mechanism 510 is explained with reference to Figure 7. [00100] Buttons 702, connected to the biasing element 612, are first depressed. The depression causes the biasing element 612 to be compressed and actuates the locking member 604. The engaging portion 604a of the locking member 604 slides away from the hinge 602.

[00101] When the visor 104 is in the closing position (see Figure IA), compressing the biasing element 612 causes the first engaging element 620 to break contact with the groove 626 (of the first pivot arm 618) and the second engaging element 622 to break contact with the groove 614 (of the second pivot arm 616). The hinge 602 is then free to pivot about the base/base portion 508.

[00102] After pivoting the hinge 602, the buttons 702 can be released. The biasing element 612 will then provide the force to return the engaging portion 604a to fiictionally engage the hinge 602. The biasing element 612 then continues to transmit the force, via the engaging portion 604a, to maintain the pivot angle of the hinge 602 relative to the base/base portion 508.

[00103] The following materials can be used to manufacture the head massaging device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 7. Rigid plastic can be used for both the frame 102 and the visor 104. Similarly, rigid plastic can also be used for the base/base portion

508, the locking member 604, the hinge 602 and the buttons 702. The first massager 106 and the second massager 502 may be connected to an electronic controller/processor. The electronic controller/processor may be pre-programmed to have the first massager 106 and the second massager 502 operate in a massaging sequence. The first massager 106, the second massager 502 and the electronic controller/processor may be powered by a power source external to the frame 102.

Claims

1. A head massaging device comprising: a frame securable onto a portion of a person's head; a visor connected to the frame, the visor being pivotally movable between a closing position in which the visor is positioned in proximity to or in contact with the person's eyes and an opening position in which the visor is positioned away from the person's eyes; and a first massager disposed on the visor, wherein the first massager provides a massage to the person's eyes when the visor is pivotally moved to the closing position and the first massager is operated.

2. The head massaging device of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a band adjustable in length in order to adapt the band to the size of the persons head, the band enclosing a part of the person's head along a horizontal direction, wherein the head massaging device further comprises a band length adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the band, the band length adjustment mechanism comprising: a seat connected to the band; and a rotating member which engages the band and which can be rotated within the seat, wherein the length of the band is changeable by rotation of the rotating member.

3. The head massaging device of claim 2, wherein the frame further comprises a semi-hoop adjustable in length in order to adapt the semi-hoop to the size of the persons head, the semi-hoop connected to the band and enclosing a part of the person's head along a vertical direction, wherein the head massaging device further comprises a further band length adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the semi-hoop, the further band length adjustment mechanism comprising: a seat connected to the semi-hoop; and a rotating member which engages the semi-hoop and which can be rotated within the seat, wherein the length of the semi-hoop is changeable by rotation of the rotating member.

4. The head massaging device of claims 2 or 3, wherein the rotating member comprises a first gear and a second gear, the first gear and the second gear being movable with respect to each such that, in an unlocked state, the distance between the first gear and the second gear is small and, in a locking state, the distance between the first gear and the second gear is large, wherein, in the locking state, the first gear engages with the seat.

5. The head massaging device of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rotating member further comprises a biasing element adapted to bias the first gear and the second gear with respect to each other such that the first gear and the second gear are naturally in the locking state.

6. The head massaging device of claim 5, wherein the biasing element is a spring.

7. The head massaging device of claims 4 to 6, wherein the seat comprises an opening extending through the seat, wherein an inner wall of the opening is provided with a plurality of teeth, and wherein the first gear comprises a plurality of teeth to engage with the teeth provided on the inner wall.

8. The head massaging device of claims 2 to 7, wherein the rotating member comprises an engagement portion which engages with the band, the engagement portion comprising a plurality of teeth engaging with a plurality of teeth provided on the band.

9. The head massaging device of claims 4 to 8, wherein one of the first gear and the second gear comprises an opening into which, when moving the first gear and the second gear into the opening state, the other one of the first gear and the second gear is at least partially moved.

10. The head massaging device of claims 8 or 9, wherein the band and the semi-hoop comprise a first semi-band having a groove; and a second semi-band having a groove, the first semi-band groove arranged to overlap the second semi-band groove, wherein the rotating member engages the first semi-band groove and engages the second semi-band groove.

11. The head massaging device of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of teeth formed on the first semi-band groove; and a plurality of teeth formed on the second semi-band groove, wherein the plurality of teeth formed on the first semi-band groove is arranged opposite to the plurality of teeth formed on the second semi-band groove and wherein the plurality of teeth on the engagement portion of the rotating member engages with the plurality of teeth formed on the first semi-band groove and the plurality of teeth formed on the second semi-band groove.

12. The head massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second massager disposed on the frame for massaging the person's head.

13. The head massaging device of claim 12, wherein the first massager is disposed on an interior surface of the visor so that the first massager is in contact with the person's eyes when the visor is pivotally moved to the closing position and wherein the second massager is in contact with an interior surface of the frame so that the second massager is in contact with the person's head.

14. The head massaging device of claims 12 or 13, wherein the first massager and the second massager comprise inflatable bags.

15. The head massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises a first protrusion designed to be adjacent to the person's left cheekbone; and a second protrusion designed to be adjacent to the person's right cheekbone.

16. The head massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame further comprises a base portion, wherein the visor is mounted to the base portion via a pivot mechanism, the pivot mechanism adapted to continuously adjust a pivot angle of the visor relative to the frame.

17. The head massager of claim 16, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises : a hinge pivotally connected to the base portion, the visor being coupled to the hinge; and a locking member connected to the base portion.

18. The head massager of claim 17, wherein the locking member further comprises an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion is movable along an axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the hinge and is biased to move towards the hinge.

19. A pivot mechanism comprising a base; a hinge pivotally connected to the base; and a locking member connected to the base so that the locking member is movable relative to the base, the locking member having an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion is movable along an axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the hinge and is biased to move towards the hinge such that the engaging portion frictionally engages the hinge to maintain a pivot angle of the hinge relative to the base.

20. The pivot mechanism of claim 19, wherein the locking member is connected to a resilient portion of the base.

21. The pivot mechanism of claims 19 or 20, further comprising a biasing element to couple the locking member to the base.

22. The pivot mechanism of claim 21 , wherein the biasing element is a spring.

23. The pivot mechanism of claims 19 to 22, wherein the hinge comprises a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each of the first and second pivot arm being pivotally connected to the base, and wherein the engaging portion comprises a first engaging element and a second engaging element, wherein the first engaging element being movable along an axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the first pivot arm and is biased to move towards the first pivot arm so that the first engaging element frictionally engages the first pivot arm, and wherein the second engaging element being movable along an axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the second pivot arm and is biased to move towards the second pivot arm so that the second engaging element frictionally engages the second pivot arm.

24. The pivot mechanism of claim 23, wherein each of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm comprises a hinge pin, the longitudinal axes of which coinciding with the pivot axis of the hinge, wherein the hinge pins are rotatably connected to the base.

25. The pivot mechanism of claims 23 or 24, wherein the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm are connected with each other by a connecting member.

26. The pivot mechanism of claims 23 to 25, wherein the first pivot arm comprises a groove adapted to receive the first engaging element, and wherein the second pivot arm comprises a groove adapted to receive the second engaging element.

27. The pivot mechanism of claims 23 to 26, further comprising a biasing element which forces the first engaging element to frictionally engage with the first pivot arm, and which forces the second engaging element to frictionally engage with the second pivot arm.

28. The pivot mechanism of claim 27, wherein the biasing element is a spring or a plurality of springs.

29. The pivot mechanism of claims 21 to 28, further comprising a button connected to the biasing element for compressing the biasing element and actuating the locking member.