WO2022269138A1

WO2022269138A1 - Massage roller

Info

Publication number: WO2022269138A1
Application number: PCT/FI2022/050458
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timi HILAKARI
Original assignee: City-Hieronta Oy
Priority date: 2021-06-23
Filing date: 2022-06-22
Publication date: 2022-12-29
Also published as: FI13009Y1

Abstract

The invention relates to a massage roller (1), e. g. for treating the area of the back and the pelvis, the massage roller (1) comprising at least a surface layer (2) to be directed against the point of the body to be treated. The massage roller (1) comprises a plurality of ridges (4), one beside another in the direction of its longitudinal axis, the ridges being essentially perpendicular with respect to the direction of the axis and circulating around the massage roller (1), and also the grooves (4a) between them, the grooves being essentially perpendicular with respect to the direction of the axis, which grooves are formed from the opposite flanks (2d, 2e) of two adjacent ridges.

Description

MASSAGE ROLLER

The object of the invention is a massage roller as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

Pains in the back are very common and almost all adults have them sometimes. In adults, pains in the back area are generally benign. As a person ages, back pains, and particularly typical muscle pains in the back, increase and can also become chronic. An injury might also cause acute back pains. Also physical movements and posture are impaired by back pains.

Breathing exercises and physical exercises that alleviate pain can maintain and improve mobility of the back and can also alleviate muscle tension. Breathing exercises and physical exercises are useful for, inter alia, stimulating the deep muscles of the midriff and also if the pain is associated with tension of the surface muscles. Good mobility of the spinal column and hip joints reduces, inter alia, lower back pain. Good mobility of joints and spine is an element of posture and reduces uneven loading of intervertebral disks. Various massage rollers, such as tubular rollers with smooth or uneven surfaces, can also be used as an aid in self-administered breathing exercises and physical exercises.

Massage rollers, i.e. tubular rollers, are widely used accessories in self-administered methods of mitigating tension and relieving pain in muscles, membranes, tendons and connective tissues by applying suitable pressure on them by rolling. Thus, tensed muscles relax, blood circulation and the circulation of blood in lymphatic vessels improve and the body starts to produce endorphins, which produce a feeling of wellbeing and alleviate pains. A massage roller can also be used for treating soft tissue injuries or after physical exertion e.g. for relaxing muscles.

A typical, widely-used tubular roller according to prior art is fairly hard, e.g. a roller approx. 40 cm long and approx. 10-15 cm in diameter, which is suited to the roller treatment of muscles in almost the entire body and of the tissues associated with them. Also known in the art are so-called Pilates rollers, which are longer and have a softer surface than conventional tubular rollers, and which are also used in a slightly different manner.

A problem with prior-art rollers used for self-administered, massage-type roller treatment is, inter alia, that they lack a specific, perpendicular, sufficiently firm and vertebra- specific shape to be directed at the spine and the pressure brought about by it in the correct place and correct manner. For example, with a conventional, approx. 40 cm long, roller it is not possible to target the roller effect to always the exact points desired, in particular to the joints of the spinal column, because at the point of the thoracic vertebrae a long roller does not fit to move between the shoulder blades, but instead travels on top of them. In such a case, the intended vertebra-specific massaging effect on the thoracic vertebrae is not achieved at this point, because adequate pressure for treating sore tissues is not brought about.

The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide an easy-to-use, reliable and effective massage roller, more particularly for self-administered relief and amelioration of back pains as well as for amelioration of the blood circulation and lymph circulation of the body and the relaxation of muscles. The massage roller according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization part of claim 1. Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is disclosed in the other claims.

The roller type massage roller according to the invention is extremely well suited for self-administered massage-type treatment of the back area, more specifically the area of the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae.

The invention relates to a massage roller, e.g. for treating the area of the back and the pelvis, the massage roller comprising at least a surface layer to be directed against the point of the body to be treated. Preferably the massage roller comprises a plurality of ridges, one beside another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the massage roller, the ridges being essentially perpendicular with respect to the direction of the axis and circulating around the massage roller, and also the grooves between them, the grooves being essentially perpendicular with respect to the direction of the axis, which grooves are formed from the opposite flanks of two adjacent ridges.

One advantage, among others, of the solution according to the invention is that everyone is able to independently treat back disorders at home without necessarily needing to visit professional carers, such as chiropractors, OMT therapists, naprapaths, osteopaths or masseurs. One advantage also is that with the massage roller according to the invention poor posture can be corrected and the best posture can also be restored after back pains. Yet another advantage is that, by virtue of the small diameter of the roller, a user is able to keep their buttocks and hips on the ground, whereby the pressure exerted on the back in the initial phase of treatment sessions is not too great and therefore does not cause unnecessary pain. Another advantage is exertion of precise pressure specific to the vertebra on the vertebrae of the spinal column and also simultaneous exertion of precise and sufficiently powerful pressure to the straight back muscles on both sides of the spinal column. Yet another advantage is that, by means of the solution according to the invention it is possible also to help maintain already achieved treatment results. In the following the invention will be described in more detail by the aid of some examples of its embodiment with reference to the attached simplified drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 presents a simplified view of one massage roller according to the invention, as seen at an inclination from above,

Fig. 2 presents a sectioned top view of one massage roller according to the invention,

Fig. 3 presents a sectioned top view of a second massage roller according to the invention,

Fig. 4 presents a sectioned top view of the massage roller according to Fig. 2 in the manufacturing phase,

Fig. 5 presents a top view of the massage roller according to Fig. 3 with its main dimensions, Fig. 6 presents a sectioned top view of yet another massage roller according to the invention, and Fig. 7 presents a sectioned top view of yet another massage roller according to the invention.

Fig. 1 presents a view of one massage roller 1 according to the invention, as seen at an inclination from above. Preferably the roller 1 comprises an undulating surface layer 2 of a flexible and soft material, and a load-bearing support layer 3 below the surface layer. When viewed from the end, both the surface layer 2 and the support layer 3 are circular, in fact ring-shaped. The massage roller 1 is thus essentially round in cross-section.

Figs. 2-4 present a sectioned top view of a massage roller 1 according to the invention. The massage rollers 1 of Figs. 2 and 3 are otherwise similar, but the massage roller of Fig. 3 is shortened at both ends, so that it would fit between the shoulder blades better than the longer massage roller according to Fig. 2. Fig. 4 presents the manufacturing process of the massage roller according to Fig. 2.

The massage roller 1 according to the invention presented in Figs. 2-4 comprises a load-bearing, essentially unitary tubular support layer 3, on top of which are placed four disciform rings 2a, 2b one beside another in such a way that the massage roller 1 comprises a plurality of ridges 4, one beside another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the massage roller 1, the ridges being essentially perpendicular with respect to the direction of the axis and circulating around the massage roller 1, and also the grooves 4a between them, the grooves being essentially perpendicular with respect to the direction of the axis, which grooves are formed from the opposite flanks 2d, 2e of two adjacent ridges 4. In the cross-section of the massage roller 1 the ridges 4 and grooves 4a form the outer surface of the massage roller 1, which is preferably an undulating surface. Preferably the ridges 4 and grooves 4a are unitary and continuous throughout their whole rim length, i.e. their outer rims. In other words, at each point of cross-section their radius is unchanged for the full length of the outer rim. There are suitably 2-6 units of ridges 4, preferably 4 units.

The first rings 2a are positioned at the ends of the support layer 3 and the second rings 2b are positioned symmetrically in the center of the support layer 3 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the support layer 3. Preferably the rings 2a and 2b are attached to each other at their end surfaces 2c. In cross-section the profile of the outer surface of the rings 2a, 2b and at the same time of the surface layer 2 of the whole roller is asymmetrically undulating in such a way that the first undulating flank 2d of the ridge 4 of a ring 2a, 2b descends at a steeper angle from the peak of the ridge 4, i.e. from the crest of the wave, towards the end surface of the ring than the second flank 2e of the ring, which has a gentler angle of descension.

Furthermore, the rings 2a, 2b are situated on top of the support layer 3 in such a way that the more gently sloping flank of every second ring points towards the first end of the roller 1 and, correspondingly, the more gently sloping flank of every other ring points towards the second end of the roller 1. Preferably the more gently sloping, i.e. second, flank 2e of the outermost rings 2a point towards the end of the roller 1 and the more gently sloping, i.e. second, flanks 2e of the centermost rings 2b point towards each other. In the structure according to Fig. 2 all the rings 2, 2b are preferably of the same width as each other and in the structure according to Fig. 3 the centermost, i.e. the second, rings 2b are as wide as each other and the outermost, i.e. the first, rings 2a are as wide as each other. In the structure according to Fig. 3 the first rings 2a are tapered on the side of the more gently sloping flank 2e, in which case the massage roller 1 is made to be so short that it certainly fits between an adult person's shoulder blades.

Preferably the axial length of the massage roller 1 is the same as the corresponding length of the support layer 3, in which case the end surface 3a of the support layer and the end surface 2c of the outermost rollers 2a on the side of the more gently sloping flank are on essentially the same plane.

Fig. 4 presents a sectioned top view of the massage roller 1 according to Fig. 2 in the manufacturing phase. In the situation presented by Fig. 4 one outermost ring 2a and one centermost ring 2b are already in position on top of the support layer 3, and the second centermost 2b is just being slid into position. The second outermost ring 2a is still detached.

Preferably the internal diameter 5 of the rings 2a, 2b is essentially equal to the external diameter of the pipe that is the support layer 3. In such a case there is no free play in the joint and, by virtue of the flexible material, the rings 2a, 2b are attached sufficiently firmly onto the support layer 3 also without glue. In this way the installed rings 2a, 2b do not rotate and do not move sideways in relation to the support layer 3. To ensure this, glue can be used for fastening the two outermost rings 2a. A glue-free structure is, however, generally more environmentally friendly.

To ensure the integrity of a glue-free fastening, the structure can also be such that the internal diameter 5 of the rings 2a, 2b is suitably smaller, e.g. by the amount of an interference fit, than the external diameter of the pipe that is the support layer 3. Thus, by virtue of the flexible material of the rings 2a, 2b, using slightly more force and perhaps some kind of lubricant, the rings 2a, 2b can be set on the support layer 3 in a fixed and immovable manner.

Fig. 5 presents a top view of the massage roller 1 according to Fig. 3 with its main dimensions. Preferably the total length si of the massage roller in the direction of the longitudinal axis is essentially the length of the support layer 3 and at the same time essentially equal to the combined width of the rings 2a, 2b on top of the support layer 3. In the massage roller 1 according to one preferred embodiment the distance s3 between the peaks of the ridges 4 of the centermost rings 2b is greater than the distance s2 between the peaks of the ridges 4 of an outermost ring 2a and a centermost ring 2b. In this case, therefore, the distance s2 of the peaks of the two outermost ridges 4 is smaller than the horizontal distance s3 of the peaks of the two centermost ridges 4. This is enabled by the gentler slope of the two flanks 2e between the peaks of the ridges 4 of the centermost rings 2b.

The greater distance s3 between the peaks of the ridges 4 of the centermost rings 2b and the distance in the radial direction of the base of the groove 4a between them from the peak of the ridge 4, i.e. the depth hi of the groove 4a, help, inter alia, to make the massage roller 1 easier and safer to focus between the spinous processes of the spinal vertebrae in such a way that the roller does not press on the spinous processes. The distance s3 is preferably dimensioned to be such that the average width of the vertebral body of an adult person's vertebral column is greater than the distance s3. In this case, when using the massage roller, the pressure exerted by the centermost rings 2b is not directed onto the ends of a person's ribs, in which case the rolling does not cause any kind of painful states in the connective tissues connecting the bones of the body.

Correspondingly, the distance s2 between the peaks of the ridges 4 of an outermost ring 2a and a centermost ring 2b is selected in such a way that the first flanks 2d of the rings 2a and 2b effectively treat both edges of the long back muscles when using the roller; the flank 2d of a centermost ridge 2b the inner edge of the muscle, and the flank 2d of an outermost ridge 2a the outer edge of the muscle.

The external diameter dl of the massage roller 1 and simultaneously of the rings 2a, 2b at the point of the peak of a ridge 4 is simultaneously the external diameter of the massage roller. Correspondingly, the diameter d2 of the bases of the grooves 4a are dimensioned, as stated earlier, in such a way that the peaks of the ridges 4 of the massage roller do not apply pressure to the spinous process nor to the connective tissue connecting bones. Preferably the depth hi of the grooves 4a, i.e. dl-d2/2, is the same in all the intervals between rings, but in the outermost intervals the depth hi of the grooves 4a can also be smaller than in the centermost intervals. Preferably at least the depth hi of the groove 4a between the ridges 4 of the two centermost rings 2b is approx. 20 mm ±5 mm.

In the massage roller according to the embodiment presented, the length of the massage roller 1 in the axial direction can be e.g. 160 mm ±20 mm, in which case s3 is e.g. 50 mm ±10 mm and s2 is 40 mm ±10 mm. Correspondingly, the external diameter dl of the massage roller can be e.g. 110 mm ±20 mm and the diameter d2 of the grooves 4a, i.e. the troughs of the waves, can be e.g. 60 mm ±10 mm.

Preferably the hardness of the material of the undulating surface layer 2 of flexible and soft material forming the rings 2a, 2b is approx. 70-90 Shore, e.g. approx. 80 Shore. The material of the rings can be e.g. thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

The massage rollers 1 presented by Figs. 6 and 7 differ from the massage rollers presented above essentially only in that the rollers do not comprise separate rings, but instead the undulating surface layer 2 is unitary. In this case the expression "ridge of a ring", "flank of a ring", and any other expression relating to a ring, corresponds directly to the expression "ridge", "flank" in the massage roller of Figs 6 and 7, and any expression describing the surface layer 2, because these rollers do not have any separate rings. Thus, for example, the expression: "... the distance s2 between the peaks of the ridges 4 of an outermost ring 2a and a centermost ring 2b... " corresponds to the expression in the solutions according to Figs. 6 and 7: "... the distance s2 between the peaks 4 of an outermost and a centermost ridge... " In the solution according to Fig. 6 the massage roller 1 comprises a unitary surface layer 2 and a separate support layer 3, around the cylindrical surface of which the surface layer is fastened in such a way that the surface layer 2 does not move in relation to the support layer 3. The fastening can occur with e.g. a crimped connection comprising an interference fit. Preferably the surface layer 2 is of the same flexible and soft material referred to earlier, e.g. thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that is just as hard as in the rollers according to Figs. 1-5. Correspondingly, the support layer 3 can be e.g. acrylic.

The massage roller 1 presented by Fig. 7 is wholly of a unitary material, in which is e.g. a center hole 3b for the whole length of the roller in the direction of the center axis, the diameter of which hole can be e.g. of essentially the same magnitude as the internal diameter of the aforementioned support layer 3, or smaller. In this case the massage roller 1 does not comprise a separate, separately fastened, support layer 3, but instead the thicker layer of material between the grooves 4a between the ridges 2a, 2b and the external diameter of the center hole 3b functions as a support layer 3. This support layer 3 can, in certain applications, be of a structurally more robust and stronger material than the flexible and soft surface layer 2, although otherwise being of the same material as the surface layer 2. Strengthening of the material between the grooves 2a and the center hole 3b can be brought about by compression, heat treatment or chemically by means of different additives. A massage roller 1 that is wholly of a unitary material can also be completely solid, in which case there is no center hole 3b in it. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited solely to the examples described above, but that it may be varied within the scope of the claims presented below. Thus, for example, the number and the cross-sectional shape of the ridges of the surface layer of flexible and soft material can differ to what is presented above.

It is also obvious to the person skilled in the art that the external diameter of the massage roller can be greater than the maximum diameter of 130 mm presented above.

Claims

1. Massage roller (1), e.g. for treating the area of the back and the pelvis, the massage roller (1) comprising at least a surface layer (2) to be directed against the point of the body to be treated, characterized in that the massage roller (1) comprises a plurality of ridges (4), one beside another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the massage roller (1), the ridges being essentially perpendicular with respect to the direction of the axis and circulating around the massage roller (1), and also the grooves (4a) between them, the grooves being essentially perpendicular with respect to the direction of the axis, which grooves are formed from the opposite flanks (2d, 2e) of two adjacent ridges (4).

2. Massage roller according to claim 1, characterized in that in the cross-section of the massage roller (1) the adjacent ridges (4) and grooves (4a) form the undulating outer surface of the massage roller (1), in which the horizontal distance (s2) of the peaks of the two outermost ridges (4) is smaller than the horizontal distance (s3) of the peaks of the two centermost ridges (4).

3. Massage roller according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length (si) of the massage roller (1) is smaller than the average distance between a person's shoulder blades.

4. Massage roller according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the horizontal distance (s3) of the peaks of the two centermost ridges (4) is smaller than the average width of the vertebral body of an adult person's vertebral column.

5. Massage roller according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal distance (s2) of the peaks of the two outermost ridges (4) is adapted to be such that the first opposing flanks (2d) of the outermost ridges (4) effectively treat each edge of the long back muscles when using the roller; the first flank (2d) of a centermost ridge (4) the inner edge of the muscle, and the first flank (2d) of an outermost ridge (4) the outer edge of the muscle.

6. Massage roller according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth (hi) of the groove (4a) between the two centermost ridges (2b) is preferably 20 mm ±5 mm.

7. Massage roller according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the surface layer (2) is a flexible and soft material, the hardness of which is approx. 70-90 Shore, preferably approx. 80 Shore.

8. Massage roller according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the surface layer (2) is thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

9. Massage roller according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the massage roller (1) comprises a tubular support layer (3) and an essentially unitary surface layer (2) fastened onto the cylindrical surface of the support layer (3), the surface layer comprising a plurality of ridges (4) and the grooves (4a) between them.

10. Massage roller according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the massage roller (1) comprises a unitary piece of the same material, the essentially unitary surface layer (2) of which piece comprises a plurality of ridges (4) and the grooves (4a) between them.

11. Massage roller according to claim 10, characterized in that the massage roller (1) comprises a longitudinal center hole (3b) in the longitudinal direction of the massage roller (1) and an essentially unitary surface layer (2) around it, the surface layer comprising a plurality of ridges (4) and the grooves (4a) between them.

12. Massage roller according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the massage roller (1) comprises a plurality of rings (2a, 2b) side-by-side forming ridges

(4) and the grooves (4a) between them, which rings are situated immovably on top of a tubular support layer (3).