Kneading Or Deep Pressure Patents (Class 601/134)
  • Publication number: 20040092850
    Abstract: A myofascial rehabilitation device, including a board defining a handle and bores therein, the bores being of predetermined diameter ranging between ¼″ to 1½″, the bores being of a predetermined orientation, ranging from 30° 90° relative to a surface of the board; projections having ends, a first end of each projection being selectively engageable with the bores, the projections being of predetermined diameters ranging in from ¼″ to 1½″ and ranging in length from one inch to four inches; tips being sized to snugly receive a second end of the projections; and mechanism for retaining the projections when the projections are disengaged from the board and a method of use including the steps of stretching tissue to be treated to the point of discomfort; arranging at least one projection on a myofascial rehabilitation board; relaxing against the board such that the projection applies pressure on a trigger point, such pressure to be applied until there is t
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory Charles Fors
  • Patent number: 6730050
    Abstract: A massager has a motor with a motor shaft extending out from opposite ends of the motor, a pair of linkages each rotatably and eccentrically connected to opposite ends of the motor shaft, a bridge securely attached to the linkages with a pair of flexible arms and a pair of massage nodes securely mounted on the bridge. The bridge is pivotal relative to the housing so that the movement of the linkages caused by the rotation of the motor shaft drives the massage nodes on opposite sides of the bridge to pivotally reciprocate laterally, providing a rubbing massage effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: HoMedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Ming Huang
  • Publication number: 20040082890
    Abstract: A foot kneading rug includes a base panel having a number of bulges and swellings extended upwardly from the upper portion of the base panel. The swellings may include a height greater than that of the bulges, and may include a hardness greater than that of the bulges for resiliently supporting users' feet before the users' feet contacting with the bulges. An anti-slippery device includes a sheet member secured to the bottom portion of the base panel, and a number of suction cups attached to the sheet member for anti-slippery purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Chun Fu Kuo
  • Publication number: 20040073146
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable device and method for enhancing blood flow in a limb and for reducing the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) formation by applying periodic squeezing forces on a limb, in particular a lower limb. The device comprises a flask-like casing box and a strap connected to opposite sides of said casing such as to form a closed loop around the limb. Said box contains machinery for actuating periodical change in the circumference of said closed loop between a contracted and a relaxed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: David Weintraub, Yuval Avni
  • Patent number: 6712779
    Abstract: A hoop device for aerobic exercise and massage that includes a rigid weighted core that is preferably constructed of a steel rod or tube that is configured into an annular shape and a sleeve constructed of a soft foam material that surrounds the core forming a hoop. The hoop is placed around a waist or other body part of a user to travel around the body part upon rotation providing exercise with the foam sleeve to cushion the effect of the core against the body. The sleeve can also have circumferential ribs separated by circumferential troughs to provide knob-like undulations to massage the user while rotating the device around his or her body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Wendy I. Iverson
  • Patent number: 6711750
    Abstract: An elastic textile belt for acupressure, includes securing elements at opposite ends of the belt for securing the belt around the waist of a user; an abdominal acupressure element having a plurality of metal protrusions on the inner surface of the belt and a pouch for holding heat generating elements on an outer surface of the belt; a movable lumbar acupressure element having a plurality of metal protrusions on the inner surface, a plurality of hooks on the outer surface and a pouch for holding heat generating elements between the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Dong-hoon Yoo
  • Patent number: 6700031
    Abstract: A therapeutic bandage including a therapeutic surface having massage projections for contacting and massaging the body part to be treated. The therapeutic bandage is removably secured to the wearer by way of a closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Matthias Hahn
  • Patent number: 6689077
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for alleviating excessive pressure development on a body area includes a cushion having bottom and top surfaces which are spaced apart. The top surface has a plurality of channels formed therethrough. A compressible inner layer is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of elongate, inflexible members are supported by the inner layer and are disposed at least partially within the channels. The members have first ends that extend through the channels to project beyond the top surface. Pressure applied to the first ends causes the members to be displaced axially along the channels toward the bottom surface without deformation. Pressure produced by body contact creates point pressures on the body area, and displacement of the members maintains the plurality of point pressures on the body area, alleviating excessive pressure. The apparatus includes a enclosure cover and the members have large, tapered ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Reza R. Dabir
  • Publication number: 20040015109
    Abstract: A device for compressing a breast. The device includes a harness able to be releasably secured to a body of a user and a compression member adjustably connected to the harness for receiving the breast of the user. A control module is releasably secured to the harness for providing a pressure to the compression member for applying an equal compression force to the breast. The compression member includes a first compressing element positioned on a first side of the breast; a second compression element positioned on a second side of the breast opposite the first compressing element; and a structural member extending between the first and second compressing elements for retaining the first and second compressing elements on respective sides of the breast whereby an aperture defined by the structural member and first and second compressing elements for receiving the breast therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Maria Villani
  • Publication number: 20040006292
    Abstract: A new mechanical device for applying therapeutic precisely placed pressure to the neck, back, and spine is described, where the device comprises: a main body of cylindrical shape comprised of an inner elastic sleeve and an outer sleeve, said inner and outer sleeves being integrally secured together to form the main body, said main body having a diameter of from 2 to 15 cm.; and 1 to 12 balls having a diameter equal to or slightly larger than said opening in said main body. One or both ends of the device may be open to allow the user to add or remove balls inside the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Robert A. Joseph, Teo L. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20040006293
    Abstract: A bathing massage device comprises massage balls, an elastic body, and a knitted body. A groove is annularly disposed on each of the massage balls. The elastic body can be cut into a specific shape. Several circular holes can be freely disposed in the elastic body. After the massage balls are fixedly assembled in the circular holes with the grooves, the knitted body sheathes the elastic body and is then sewed closed. The shape of the knitted body corresponds to that of the elastic body. The bathing massage device has the advantages of simple assembly, diversified shapes, and convenient use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Chu-Chau Huang
  • Patent number: 6669657
    Abstract: A massage and tactile stimulation device in the nature of a hand covering such as a mitt, mitten, or glove (10, 20)) to be worn on the hand of a masseur, therapist, or user (recipient) preferably in the embodiment of a glove (10). The device having one or more predetermined prominent projections (12, 18, 22, 24) with or without friction areas (14, 16). Both projections (12, 18, 22, 24) and friction areas (14, 16) may be of various shapes, sizes, colors, forms, and textures including smooth or pimpled. Both projections (12, 18, 22, 24) and friction areas (14, 14′) are secured to effective working areas of glove (10, 20) to impart to a subject or patient a variety of distinct and improved manipulations such as deep pressure, grasping, and frictional rubbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Deanna Thurman Ongwela
  • Publication number: 20030225349
    Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying graded compression to the hand to remedy the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The device is a passive therapy device which receives the palm of the hand and applies graduated pressure to the top of the hand to relieve carpal tunnel region of the hand by spreading the area of the carpal tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: George R. Hepburn, Russell Vedeloff, Terry A. Meharry
  • Patent number: 6656141
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising: a first sleeve comprising a multiplicity of pressure-applying resilient protrusions configured to apply a therapeutic pressure to a surface of the body part of a patient; and a second sleeve slidably received over the first sleeve, the second sleeve configured to apply a pressure to the first sleeve, thereby increasing the therapeutic pressure applied by the first sleeve on the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Tony Reid
  • Publication number: 20030199796
    Abstract: The portable massaging apparatus has a pair of driving shafts, 11 and 12, each of which is placed opposite and slant each other so that the distance between center axes of the driving shafts increases along with the distance from the root position to the top position of each driving shaft. A pair of slant shafts, 5 and 6, are extended from the top position of the each driving shaft keeping each angle between the center axis of the slant shaft and the center axis of the driving shaft to an approximately same constant value. A pair of massaging balls, 3 and 4, are attached to the tops of the slant shafts so that each massaging ball rotates freely around the center axis of each slant shaft. A driving mechanism rotates the pair of driving shafts at the same speed in the opposite direction so that each of the slant shafts moves synchronously and mirror symmetrically each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: MARUTAKA CO., LTD
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Yamazaki, Takafumi Mito
  • Publication number: 20030195440
    Abstract: A device for foot therapy has a central, generally spherical dome with a rim about a generally circular, generally planar base of the dome. Preferably, the dome is resilient to foot pressure. A system of foot therapy including the device supports the device on its base and presses a selected portion of the bottom of a foot against the dome. Preferably, the base of the dome is supported on a floor and the selected portion of the foot is pressed against the dome from a standing or chair-sitting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Yamuna Zake
  • Patent number: 6632187
    Abstract: A pulsator assembly for massaging the plantar and transverse arch regions of a foot. An array of spring loaded pistons extending upward through holes in an upper shell structure forms a topology conforming to the plantar and arch regions of a human foot. The piston tips that making contact with the foot has shapes selected from a choice of nipple shaped ends or inserts made from a permanent magnetic. The pistons are urged up and down in concert with the opposing forces imposed by a walking action, thereafter, massaging while stimulating the plantar arch region of the soles without exerting excessive forces to the transverse arch region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Rotol (Singapore) Ltd.
    Inventor: Tan Khee Bak
  • Publication number: 20030191417
    Abstract: There is provided a gum massager, which includes an elongate handle member having a first free end portion and a second end portion. The gum massager also includes a massaging head member formed together with the second end portion of the elongate handle member. The massager head member includes a resilient massaging element formed so as to generally adapt to the contours of a gum portion being massaged, when pushed thereagainst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Verifresh Ltd.
    Inventors: Theodore Welt, Jonathan H. Weisberg
  • Publication number: 20030187372
    Abstract: The space for putting round the toes 5 surrounded by the opposed edges 11 of the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 and the cord for putting round the toes having contraction and expansion properties 4 is formed by linking between the upper ends of the opposed edges 11 of the pair of horizontal band pieces 1, 2 for right and left sides using the cord for putting round the toes having contraction and expansion properties 4 and by linking the lower ends of the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 for right and left sides by the fasteners 3 or the like. Moreover, the section for putting round an ankle 12 is formed by linking the idler ends 10 and 10 of both the horizontal band pieces 1 and 2 each other by given means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Kazuo Iwata
  • Publication number: 20030176821
    Abstract: A desk chairmat includes a substantially planar member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge; the planar member having at least one foot massage area in a selected part thereof; and a foot massage panel secured within the selected area, the foot massage insert having a base and a plurality of upwardly projecting foot massage nodules. The foot massage panel may also be in the form of a peel and stick pad that is adhesively secured to the upper surface of the desk chairmat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Edward S. Robbins, Bobby Keith Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20030176820
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for alleviating excessive pressure development on a body area includes a cushion having bottom and top surfaces which are spaced apart. The top surface has a plurality of channels formed therethrough. A compressible inner layer is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of elongate, inflexible members are supported by the inner layer and are disposed at least partially within the channels. The members have first ends that extend through the charnels to project beyond the top surface. Pressure applied to the first ends causes the members to be displaced axially along the channels toward the bottom surface without deformation. Pressure produced by body contact creates point pressures on the body area, and displacement of the members maintains the plurality of point pressures on the body area, alleviating excessive pressure. The apparatus includes a enclosure cover and the members have large, tapered ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Reza R. Dabir
  • Publication number: 20030158505
    Abstract: A massage device to be used pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively. The device that includes a housing with a base portion and a handle portion, a drive unit contained in the base portion of the housing; and a massage node operably connected to the drive unit by coupling means such that operation of the drive unit causes the massage node to provide a massage effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Jay Wynn Calvert
  • Publication number: 20030144692
    Abstract: The present invention provides an orthotic appliance for the carpus of a human hand for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome using co-dynamic, rather than traditional static or dynamic, techniques. The appliance may apply a 2 pound dorsally directed force about the region of the pisiform bone in the neutral carpal position of a human hand upon co-contraction of the hand and up to 8 pounds dorsally directed during arc of motion in carpal flexion, as the wrist and hand is encouraged to actively move in all planes of motion without negatively affecting the normal activities of daily living. The appliance may comprise a biasing structure for applying the dorsally directed force and a base structure for maintaining the biasing structure in its proper configuration during normal hand motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: George Roger Williams
  • Publication number: 20030144617
    Abstract: The invention involves a massage device with moving massage cams. In order to achieve an especially good massaging kneading action of the cams, it is proposed here to provide the massage cams on the ends of oscillating rockers, which are arranged in at least one pair and next to each other, and which can be driven offset in phase from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Oliver Scheib
  • Patent number: 6599261
    Abstract: A massaging device is designed for use in conjunction with a leg frame of the massaging chair. The massaging device includes a plurality of clamp boards and massaging wheels. The clamp boards are mounted slantingly to effect a tilting motion for massaging the shank of leg and the sole of foot. The massaging wheels are eccentrically mounted to bring about an eccentric motion for rubbing the shank of leg and the sole of foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hsin Hao Health Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Chuen Chen
  • Publication number: 20030130690
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Humberto Luis Porrata, Alejandro Alberto Porrata
  • Publication number: 20030130692
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. A first embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a housing for receiving the patient's hand with pressure elements in contact with the hypothenar, thenar and central longitudinal dorsal portions of the patient's hand. Active pressure sources are provided for the pressure elements and connected to an automatic control unit. The control unit causes the inventive apparatus to delivered therapeutic treatment to the hand by selectively activating the active pressure sources causing the thenar and hypothenar regions of the hand to be pulled apart and upward around the dorsally positioned pressure element in accordance with program instructions indicative of a treatment plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Humberto Luis Porrata, Alejandro Alberto Porrata
  • Publication number: 20030130691
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. A first embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a housing for receiving the patient's hand with a bottom portion having a first pressure element positioned to contact the hypothenar region of the patient's hand and a second pressure element positioned to contact the thenar region of the patient's hand, and a top portion having a central longitudinal pressure element positioned to contact the central longitudinal dorsal region of the patient's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Humberto Luis Porrata, Alejandro Alberto Porrata
  • Patent number: 6589192
    Abstract: The machine includes a platform for floor placement with the platform defining an open area for access to machine components. In place on the platform is a gearhead motor for driving a shaft journaled on the platform and provided with massage fingers for rotation about the shaft axis. The number and configuration of massage fingers may be selected for the massage task at hand. A pliable elastic sheet of material overlies the fingers and is attached to the platform in a removable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventors: King Yiu Chan, Si Ming Du
  • Patent number: 6585668
    Abstract: A massage machine for massaging a person's body comprising: a robot hand comprising a first digit and at least one second digit that is opposable to the first digit, wherein the first digit and at least one second digit are moveable towards and away from each other; and at least one digit actuator for moving the first digit towards and away from the at least one second digit to massage a region of the person's body to which at least one of the digits is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Elias Nissim
  • Patent number: 6540702
    Abstract: A device for compressing a breast. The device includes a harness able to be releasably secured to a body of a user and a compression member adjustably connected to the harness for receiving the breast of the user. A control module is releasably secured to the harness for providing a pressure to the compression member for applying an equal compression force to the breast. The compression member includes a first compressing element positioned on a first side of the breast; a second compression element positioned on a second side of the breast opposite the first compressing element; and a structural member extending between the first and second compressing elements for retaining the first and second compressing elements on respective sides of the breast whereby an aperture defined by the structural member and first and second compressing elements for receiving the breast therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Maria Sarango
  • Publication number: 20030040689
    Abstract: The machine includes a platform for floor placement with the platform defining an open area for access to machine components. In place on the platform is a gearhead motor for driving a shaft journaled on the platform and provided with massage fingers for rotation about the shaft axis. The number and configuration of massage fingers may be selected for the massage task at hand. A pliable elastic sheet of material overlies the fingers and is attached to the platform in a removable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: King Yiu Chan, Si Ming Du
  • Patent number: 6506173
    Abstract: The purpose of my invention of the foot massaging pad is massaging pressure point device. When used on a standard enamel, acrylic plastic fiberglass and heavy porcelain tub a person massaging their pressure points may sit comfortably in a warm bath placing their feet either the left foot or right foot or both which has pressure points distributed over substantially entire front of the pad. The foot massaging pad's holding means are in the form of integral suction cups formed on the back face to maintain the position of the device in use. My invention can be placed and removed after each use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Sharon E. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20030009117
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kneading head of massage machine that consists of a connecting rod and a set of spherical heads. One set of the spherical heads includes two and more; all the spherical heads located on ends of the connecting rod in different heights, or all the spherical heads can be integrated with the connecting rod into a whole body. When the massage machine adapting the kneading head is used on the human body, the stepped spherical heads will effort a great pushing force and a great pressing force on surface and deeper skin of the muscle of the human body simultaneously at different heights and positions so as to carry on massage in kneading method with a better effect for meeting the necessaries of the customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jian-Han Zou
  • Publication number: 20030004446
    Abstract: A back pain reliever has a linear alignment support with at least two bi-pad supports mounted thereon. The linear alignment support runs along the spine of a person with least two bi-pad supports mounted thereon, so each of the two pads of the bi-pad support are on opposite sides of the spine of a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Walter J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6499485
    Abstract: A theraputic device for treating foot pathologies. The device includes a generally-cylindrical body having a first end section, a spherical center section, a first intermediate section extending axially between the first end section and the center section, a second end section, and a second intermediate section extending axially between the second end section and the center section. The center section defines a convex working surface. The first intermediate section cooperates with the first end section and the center section to define a first concave working surface. The second intermediate section cooperates with the second end section and the center section to define a second concave working surface. The device can be filled with a gel adapted for exposure to heat and cold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Jane M. Pepera
  • Publication number: 20020193715
    Abstract: This is a device to aid in self-massage of the regions of the back, which are inaccessible through self-massage using hands alone. This invention is comprised of a hardwood ball, which locks along a vertical plane to allow precise positioning for accurate, pressure massage. While previous devices designed for self-massage demanded use of the hands and muscles of the shoulders and back, this device allows hands-free self-massage. The device is wall-mounted at a height optimal to the user, enabling him or her to stand or sit and press their back against the ball, thereby, applying therapeutic pressure to relieve tension in the back, shoulders and neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Brian G. Slack
  • Patent number: 6494851
    Abstract: A relaxation station for inducing user relaxation includes a couch having a frame and a reclining surface attached to said frame for accommodating a user in a reclining position. The frame has a plurality of preferably pairs of massage grippers connected to and extending generally upward therefrom. These massage gripper pairs are elongated members projecting generally upward from the frame and the gripper pairs are capable of moving reciprocally between an open and a closed position to simulate finger manipulated massage. In a closed position, they cradle and contact the body or a portion thereof of a user. These massage gripper pairs having motive actuators for producing movement between said open and said closed positions, such as scissors extenders or flexible cables The massage gripper elongated members produce massage motions in at least one massage contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: James Becher
  • Publication number: 20020169400
    Abstract: A percussive massager is provided having a housing including a massage head portion and a handle portion, and a motor support unit affixable within the massage head portion. A motor is supported by the motor support unit, and an output shaft rotatably driven by the motor protrudes from the motor on either side thereof. The massager further includes a pair of vertical connecting rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends are operably connected to the output shaft such that rotation of the output shaft causes the connecting rods to reciprocate axially in an asynchronous manner. A rocker arm is attachable to the motor support unit at a central pivot axis thereof, wherein the rocker arm is operably connected to the second ends of the connecting rods and is moved about the central pivot axis by rotation of the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: HoMedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Huang
  • Patent number: 6478756
    Abstract: A device to clean and rub the foot includes a main body and an auxiliary massage member. The main body is provided in the underside with a plurality of suction cups, and in the upper side with a cleaning area for cleaning the foot, a rubbing area for massaging the foot, and a receiving slot for retaining the auxiliary massage member different from the rubbing area in the massaging effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Chyau Feng Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Hsi Chen
  • Publication number: 20020133105
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for alleviating excessive pressure development on a body area includes a cushion having bottom and top surfaces which are spaced apart. The top surface has a plurality of channels formed therethrough. A compressible inner layer is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of elongate, inflexible members are supported by the inner layer and are disposed at least partially within the channels. The members have first ends that extend through the channels to project beyond the top surface. Pressure applied to the first ends causes the members to be displaced axially along the channels toward the bottom surface without deformation. Pressure produced by body contact creates point pressures on the body area, and displacement of the members maintains the plurality of point pressures on the body area, alleviating excessive pressure. The apparatus includes a enclosure cover and the members have large, tapered ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Reza R. Dabir
  • Publication number: 20020133104
    Abstract: Self massage devices are provided. A representative self massage device includes a base, at least one massage member fixed to the base and extending therefrom, and a mounting member fixed to the base and extending therefrom opposing the massage member. Methods of effectuating self massage and other devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas H. Bedgood
  • Patent number: 6432071
    Abstract: A Spherical massager composed of two semispherical bodies. Each of the semispherical bodies has a soft facial layer on the surface. The soft facial layer is formed with multiple outward projecting contact sections. The mating faces of the two semispherical bodies are respectively disposed with a power supply section and an oscillation generating section. The power supply section has a recessed female connecting section formed on the connecting face of one of the semispherical bodies. The oscillation generating section including a male connecting section outward projecting from the mating face of the other semispherical body. The male connecting section is formed with a central hole for receiving a vibrating motor. An eccentric wheel is disposed at a front end of a rotary shaft of the vibrating motor to achieve a vibrating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Wen Sen Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20020091342
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a base, a neck-holding seat and two resilient elements. The base is U-shaped, and each of two side walls thereof has an arched slide at the inner side thereof. An elongated slot is disposed at either side of the front end of a bottom surface. The neck-holding seat includes a neck-holding portion corresponding to the figure of the human neck, a guide roll disposed at each of outer sides thereof and at the corresponding position to the arched slide of the base, a positioning hook at either side of the front end of a bottom portion and at the corresponding position to the elongated slots of the base. The resilient elements is interposed between the base and the neck-holding seat and is positioned by a projecting member at either inner side of the side walls of the base and a guide roll shaft inside the neck-holding seat. Accordingly, the neck-holding seat is constantly supported at a prearranged height before the neck-holding seat presses down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Spencer Tsai
  • Publication number: 20020068888
    Abstract: A back massage device having spaced mounts on one side of a base and a fastening means, e.g. adhesive tapes or the hook-strips of the VELCRO, on the other side. The device has no moving parts, is small, and can be used at home, in office, or in a car. The user just installs the device on a generally vertical surface, like a wall or a chair back, and rubs his/her back against the mounts while sitting or standing to achieve the massaging effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Rong-Shuang Wang, Chung-Shing Wang
  • Patent number: 6398694
    Abstract: A portable, multi-faceted exercising and massaging device with adjustable turning resistance, having a stationary handle affixed to one end of the main shaft and a pressure adjusting handle with an orifice and axial screw threading affixed to the other end of the main shaft with a safety nut and two systems for receiving pressure between the inner rims of the bail bearings and handles. Around the main shaft are attached two external tubes with the mentioned ball bearings within the remote ends and joined at the adjacent ends through the central core, which is comprised of a tubular shaft with a central sleeve and connecting ring firmly attached at its middle onto the shaft, of two resistance sleeves and of two pairs of washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Charalabos A. Bountourakis
  • Patent number: 6383153
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for alleviating excessive pressure development on a body area includes a cushion having bottom and top surfaces which are spaced apart. The top surface has a plurality of channels formed therethrough. A compressible inner layer is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of elongate, inflexible members are supported by the inner layer and are disposed at least partially within the channels. The members have first ends that extend through the channels to project beyond the top surface. Pressure applied to the first ends causes the members to be displaced axially along the channels toward the bottom surface without deformation. Pressure produced by body contact creates point pressures on the body area, and displacement of the members maintains the plurality of point pressures on the body area, alleviating excessive pressure. The apparatus includes a enclosure cover and the members have large, tapered ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Reza R. Dabir
  • Publication number: 20020013542
    Abstract: An exsanguinator (1) for exsanguinating a limb such as an arm (2) comprises a substantially tubular sleeve (5) which is axially back on itself and twisted to define an outer sleeve section (11) and an inner twisted sleeve section (12). The inner sleeve section (12) defines a lumen (25) of reduced cross section which sealingly engages a limb. As the sleeve (5) is passed up along a limb it is inflated to an exsanguinating pressure. When the sleeve (5) has reached the top of the limb a tourniquer pressure is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Frank Bonadio, Ronan Bernard McManus, Derek William Young, Alan Reid, Aoibheann Gill
  • Publication number: 20020007131
    Abstract: The Healthy Body Ball is a multifunction device to aid trigger-point therapy. It is a spherical ball-shaped device with an array of pliable, radius-end nodes that project in an axial manner outward from the exterior surface of the ball. It can be manipulated by hand of the user or second person administrator. Effective manipulation to the user's back and neck are achieved with the device placed on a floor surface. The user applies supine body pressure on the device to roll it to an affected trigger-point location. The Healthy Body Ball, is a totally portable device, that can be self-administered or second-person administered to locate and reduce irritated trigger-points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Cheryl E. Zemont
  • Patent number: 6332873
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus including a head unit, a pair of housings and a pair of arms. The head unit is configured to massage a body of a user. The pair of housings are connected to opposite sides of the head unit respectively and extend in opposite directions from the head unit. The pair of arms are configured to be held by the user and provided to the pair of housings respectively. The pair of arms are flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Naruse, Koichi Hashimoto