Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H7/00—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for
  • A61H7/002—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for by rubbing or brushing
  • A61H7/003—Hand-held or hand-driven devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
  • A61H2201/0207—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled heated
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
  • A61H2201/0221—Mechanism for heating or cooling
  • A61H2201/0257—Mechanism for heating or cooling by a heat accumulator, e.g. a sand or liquid reservoir
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
  • A61H2201/0221—Mechanism for heating or cooling
  • A61H2201/0292—Mechanism for heating or cooling with microwaves
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1683—Surface of interface
  • A61H2201/169—Physical characteristics of the surface, e.g. material, relief, texture or indicia
  • A61H2201/1692—Enhanced rubbing effect

Definitions

• This invention relates to a ball, or section of a ball, preferably a therapeutic ball, which may be used in treating various human conditions. More particularly, the therapeutic ball is used as a massage apparatus, and has as one of its principal uses the facilitation of muscle relief and tension, as well as reduction of pain in the back, neck, shoulder, hip, legs, feet, or such other part of the body, of a person being treated.
• a therapeutic ball comprising: an outer surface having a plurality of projections thereon; and an inner portion comprising a material selected for its ability to retain heat.
• the outer surface has one portion thereof which has a plurality of projections having a first size, and another portion having a plurality of projections thereon having a second size.
• At least one of the plurality of projections may comprise a projection of generally conical shape, and/ or of generally hemi- spherical shape.
• At least one of the projections may comprise a base portion on the outer surface of the therapeutic ball, and a shaped portion mounted on the base portion.
• the therapeutic ball further comprises at least one projection on the outer surface of the therapeutic ball having a third size.
• the inner portion comprises a central cavity, at least a part of which contains the material selected for its ability to retain heat.
• the inner portion may comprise a plurality of cavities formed beneath the outer surface, at least one of the plurality of cavities having a portion thereof which contains the material selected for its ability to retain heat.
• the material selected for its ability to retain heat may comprise a mixture of silica and flax seed.
• the silica and flax seed may be present in relative proportions representing 50%-85% of the total, preferably about 25% silica and about 75% flax seed.
• the first size projections may be larger than the second size projections, and present in numbers of about 6-16 per square inch, and the second size projections are present in numbers between about 20-40 projections per square inch.
• the therapeutic ball comprises a substantially half ball.
• the half ball may be mounted on a base.
• a method of forming a therapeutic ball for massage comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of projections on an outer surface of the ball; locating a material selected for its ability to retain heat below the outer surface of the therapeutic ball; and providing heat to the material selected for its ability to retain heat.
• a therapeutic massage device comprising: a massage application portion having an outer surface and a plurality of projections thereon; and a base portion upon which the massage application portion is mounted.
• the therapeutic massage device further comprises an inner portion comprising a material selected for its ability to retain heat.
• the massage application portion may be of substantially hemispherical shape.
• the base portion may be configured so as to form a gripping member by means of which the therapeutic massage device can be held so that the massage application portion can be applied to a person. Further, the base portion may have a flat base surface upon which the therapeutic massage device can be mounted.
• the therapeutic ball of the invention is utilized by applying the therapeutic ball to a specific area being treated, or laying the body part in need of muscle, or other treatment, on the therapeutic ball.
• the weight or force applied to the ball, or the weight of the body lying on the ball, has a massaging and/or therapeutic effect to help provide relief against tension and pain as described above.
• ball is intended to include within its ambit a portion of ball, such as for example a half ball, which may optionally be mounted on a base or other structure to support it or provide it with better holding capability.
• An important aspect of the therapeutic ball comprises a plurality of projections or nib-like extensions formed on the outer surface of the ball, the projections being shaped and configured for optimal effect.
• a further aspect of the ball is a circumferential "belt" like region around or near the mid- section of the ball which accommodates the spinous processes of a user's vertebrae allowing a user to lie on his or her back directly on the ball.
• Another important aspect of the invention relates to the fact that the core, center or other portion of the ball is filled with, or contains, a substance and/or material which is able to retain heat for a period of time after it has been heated, so that the retained heat remains present for a period of time in order that at least a portion of the massage or application of the therapeutic ball occurs with the retained heat.
• the ball is heated, preferably by boiling it or by placing it in a microwave oven, prior to use, and the heated ball together with the optimally configured projections and/or circumferential belt area thereon, when applied with pressure to various body parts, has been found to provide an advantageous benefit by relieving muscular and/or skeletal tension and/or pain.
• the projections or pointed nibs on the surface of the ball, and the heat and pressure therefrom have been found to produce an acupressure-like effect in the tissue on which it is being worked and a releasing effect on the adjacent skeletal structures.
• beneficial effects have been found as a result of this combination.
• the massaging effect of the therapeutic ball, using pressure and heat is likely to increase blood flow to the point at which it is applied, which may have the effect of flushing out built-up waste products that may have accumulated in tight muscle tissues over time. The removal of these waste products allows the muscle to return to its substantially normal relaxed lengthened state, as opposed to being in a shortened and tightened condition.
• Another possible effect relates to the fact that the heated and pressured ball on the tissue may send messages to the central nervous system that a tight muscle condition is occurring, which in turn may result in a reciprocal message sent back to the muscle to relax and loosen it.
• Another potential effect relates to the decrease in central nervous system irritability which may follow the relaxation of tight muscle segments, and opening between adjacent vertebrae and between the skull and vertebrae, which may be locked in spasm or habitually tightened states.
• the ball's circumferential belt area where present, allows the spinous processes of the vertebrae to fit into the ball while adjacent paraspinal muscles receive an acupressure like effect from the ball's projections. This may create an intersegmental vertebral and occipito- vertebral loosening effect which may in turn decrease joint irritation and the concomitant central nervous system irritation which follows this.
• the therapeutic ball of the invention may be of any desired diameter, according to the nature and location of the tissue which is being treated. However, a diameter size of between 2 and 4 inches has been found to work well, and especially well when the diameter is between about 2.5 and 3.5 inches. An optimal diameter size may be considered at about 3 inches, which may provide the best configuration for effective loosening of many different body parts.
• the surface of the therapeutic ball has projections thereon which are of different sizes and configurations.
• “dual zones” are provided, one of these zones having larger projections arranged adjacent to each other, with the second zone having smaller such projections.
• This dual zone nature of the projections and the different sizes thereof preferably allows stimulation of thin muscles, such as those located in the temples at the side of the head, as well as thick muscles, such as those found in the lower back and at the bottom of the feet.
• the specific dimensions and shapes of the projections in these two zones preferably provide maximum effect at releasing and stimulating thin and thick muscle groups.
• the larger projections are preferably modeled on the tip of a human finger, so as to provide a similar effect to that of a fingertip massage, since the fingertip has long been recognized as a "champion of muscle healing".
• a hollowed-out interior of the therapeutic ball is filled with a substance, mixture or composition which can be heated, preferably in a microwave oven or by boiling, and will retain the heat for significant or longer periods of time while the therapeutic ball is used for massaging.
• a substance, mixture or composition which can be heated, preferably in a microwave oven or by boiling, and will retain the heat for significant or longer periods of time while the therapeutic ball is used for massaging.
• a mixture of water and a boiling point heightener substance provides a good fill material for the present purposes.
• a mixture of about 25% silica and about 75% flaxseed is used, although the relative proportions of these two components may vary so that each may be present in a small amount, such as about 5%, to significantly more amounts which could exceed 50-85% or more of the total.
• the mix which is heated is preferably one that, upon about 60 seconds of heating in a microwave oven or 15 minutes of boiling, retains its heat for a significant period of time, sometimes for 30 minutes or more.
• any material which tends to prolong the heat retention capabilities of the therapeutic ball beyond that provided by the normal material from which the ball is constructed may be used.
• the therapeutic ball of the invention can be used without a special fill material and be heated for use in a massage.
• no material and/or different materials used will affect the length of time for which ball retains the heat.
• the therapeutic ball of the invention has two sizes of projections.
• One size of these projections is such that they are present in numbers of about 6-16 per square inch, or in one preferred embodiment, about 7-8 per square inch. In the zone where the projections of smaller size are located, these are formed at densities of between about 20-40 such projections per square inch, although in one preferred form, a density of 25-30 projections per square inch is provided.
• the projections or nibs may be of various different sizes and shapes, as will be discussed briefly below with respect to the drawings.
• the projections may have a conical end, a spherical end, or variations between these particular shapes.
• these shaped portions are mounted on a raised bevel or pedestal, which forms between the projection and the surface of the ball.
• a half ball may be mounted on a holder, base or handle, the half ball having on its outer diameter the various projections of the type, configuration, duality and size discussed above.
• the half ball may be attached to a base of desired and selected shape to provide a good grip and manoeuverability to the therapeutic ball of the invention.
• the projections are spherical in shape.
• the projections have a diameter of approximately 0.35 inches, while the smaller projections have a diameter of about 0.15 inches.
• a part of the surface of the ball may have no projections formed thereon.
• This part of the surface may comprise about one quarter of the total surface area, although wide variations may be made according to the intended use of the ball.
• the portion of the surface of the ball which has no projections thereon may be used, for example, for more sensitive children's treatment, such as when a parent presses on a sore spot on a child's arm.
• the portion of the surface on which there are no projections may typically range between about 4- 18% of the total, and about 15% of the total has been found to comprise a good area for the absence of such projections.
• the small projections will occupy approximately 8-50% of the therapeutic ball surface, but in one preferred embodiment, will occupy about 15%.
• a preferred range may be between about 5-30%.
• the large projections these may be formed over about 30-100% of the ball surface area, although a preferred range may be between 50-90%. It has been found that an area of about 70% works well, especially when used in combination with about 15% coverage of the small projection coverage.
• the surface of the ball may also be configured so as to have a single size projection only over all or a portion of the surface. Small and large projections may exist together side by side covering the entire ball, although a preferred embodiment features an area covering the middle two thirds of the ball.
• the projections may be of any suitable shapes, such as conical, rounded, as described above, or otherwise, and sizes.
• the large nibs in one preferred embodiment, have a height of about 0.21 inches each, and a radius of about 0.131 inches each.
• the small nibs or projections in one preferred embodiment only have a height of about 0.105 inches each, and a radius of about 0.053 inches each.
• the circumferential belt running around the equator of the ball may have a diameter between about 0.05 to 2.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the belt may be about 0.130 inches in diameter.
• the cavity is preferably about 95% filled, although a range of fill of between 50-100% may be suitably be used. However, the preferred embodiment is that 95% fill will occur.
• the therapeutic ball is heated, usually about 60 seconds in a microwave oven, preferably at a medium heat setting, or with about 15 minutes of boiling, so it will be between about 3-10°F higher than body temperature.
• the ball may be heated to between 1-15 0 F higher than the body temperature.
• the fill material which is used to prolong heat retention may be in a central chamber in the ball. Alternately, or in addition, the material may be in one or a plurality of chambers or spaces, whether centrally located or at or near the surface of the ball.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a therapeutic ball in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 2 is a top view of the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 1 of the drawings
• Figure 3 is a side view of the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 1 of the drawings;
• Figure 4 is a front view of the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 1 of the drawings;
• Figure 5 is a rear view of the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 1 of the drawings;
• Figure 6 shows a cross-section through the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 1 of the drawings;
• Figure 7 shows a detail, in cross-section, of one section along the outer surface of the therapeutic ball
• Figure 8 shows, in part, a partial top view of a therapeutic ball in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention
• Figure 9 show a side view of the therapeutic ball as illustrated in Figure 8 of the drawings.
• Figure 10 shows a cross-section through the therapeutic ball shown in figure 9 of the drawings.
• Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a small projection which may be used with the therapeutic ball of the invention.
• Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of another small projection which may be used with the therapeutic ball of the invention.
• Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a larger projection which may be used with the therapeutic ball of the invention;
• Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of another larger projection which may be used with the therapeutic ball of the invention.
• Figure 15 is a perspective view of the therapeutic ball in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 16 shows a top view of the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 15 of the drawings.
• Figure 17 shows a side view of the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 15 of the drawings.
• Figure 18 shows a front view of the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 15 of the drawings.
• Figure 19 shows a rear view of the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 15 of the drawings
• Figure 20 shows a cross-section through the therapeutic ball shown in Figure 15 of the drawings
• Figure 21 shows a detail of circle A of Figure 20 of the drawings.
• Figure 22 shows a detail of circle B of Figure 20 of the drawings.
• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a therapeutic ball 10 having an outer surface 12.
• the outer surface 12 is covered with a plurality of larger projections 14 in one area, and smaller projections 16 in another.
• a demarcation line 18 is provided between the small and large projections.
• the end 20 has no projections at all.
• Figure 2 shows a top view of the therapeutic ball 10 shown in Figure 1 of the drawings
• Figure 3 shows a side view of the therapeutic ball 10 in Figure 1 of the drawings.
• FIG 4 shows a front view of the therapeutic ball 10 shown in Figure 1, clearly illustrating a portion of the surface area with an absence of projections, described as end 20 above, whether of the smaller type 16 or larger type 14.
• Figure 5 shows a rear view of the therapeutic ball 10 shown in Figure 1, in which only the large projections can be seen.
• An end area 21 is shown at the polar position of the therapeutic ball 10.
• Figure 6 shows a cross-section through the therapeutic ball 10 of the invention, including the fill space 22.
• the fill space 22 shown in Figure 6 of the drawings is represented as a large central cavity which is just below the outer surface of the therapeutic ball 10.
• the fill space 22 may be of any size or shape.
• the fill space 22 may be of any size or shape.
• fill spaces 22 may be smaller than that which is shown in Figure 6 and need not necessarily be of spherical shape. Furthermore, there may be a plurality of fill spaces 22 located at various positions within the therapeutic ball 10. These may, in one embodiment of the invention, comprise a plurality of cavities or spaces located beneath the surface of the therapeutic ball 10. The cavities may be optimally or selectively positioned to provide a residue of heat retained under certain selected portions of the therapeutic ball 10.
• Figure 7 shows a detail of one section along the outer surface of the therapeutic ball 10, including the larger projections 14 and the smaller projections 16, and the transition from the one to the other.
• Figures 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings show another embodiment of the therapeutic ball of the present invention.
• Figure 8 shows a partial top view
• Figure 9 shows a side view
• Figure 10 shows a cross-section through the therapeutic ball according to this embodiment.
• the interior of the therapeutic ball may also be heated for heat retention, and may contain a substance which is selected so as to retain heat for a prolonged period of time, as described above with reference to some of the preceding figures.
• FIGS 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a generally half ball 32 of the invention mounted on a base 24.
• the base 24 comprises a lower section 26 and a beveled area 28.
• An upper surface 30 of the base 24 forms the surface upon which the half ball 32 of the therapeutic ball is mounted.
• the base 24 can either be held by the user, or placed on a surface.
• the half ball 32 can be pushed on the tissue or muscles of the person to be treated.
• the lower section 26 is placed on a surface for use of the therapeutic ball in the stationary position, the person's body may then be placed over the half ball 32 so that the weight of the person's body provides the necessary pressure.
• Figure 10 shows a cross-section through the ball and base of Figure 9, with the various components.
• Figures 11 to 14 of the drawings A detail of selected various projections is shown in Figures 11 to 14 of the drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to projections of the configuration and dimension illustrated in these figures.
• Figure 11 shows a small projection having a conical shape, mounted on a bevel which is intermediate the projection and the surface of the ball.
• Figure 12 also shows a small projection, but this time having a hemi-spherical or circular shape, including the bevel.
• Figures 13 and 14 are substantially similar to those shown in Figures 1 1 and 12, but represent a larger projection, where the dimensions are simply bigger than those in Figures 1 1 and 12. Relatively smaller or larger projections than those shown may be constructed on to the outer surface of the ball.
• FIGS 15 to 22 illustrate a further embodiment of the intention, somewhat similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 7 of drawings.
• Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a therapeutic ball 50 having an outer surface 52.
• the outer surface 52 is covered with a plurality of larger projections 54 in one area, and smaller projections 56 in another.
• larger projections 54 there are interspersed at predetermined locations a plurality of secondary projections 57, which may be of the same size, larger, or smaller than the small projections 56.
• the projections 56 and 57 may also have the same or different shapes and/or configurations.
• a demarcation line 58 is provided between the small and large projections 56 and 54 respectively.
• the end 60 has no projections at all.
• Figure 16 shows a top view of the therapeutic ball 50 shown in Figure 15 of the drawings
• Figure 17 shows a side view of the ball 50 in Figure 15 of the drawings
• Figure 18 shows a front view of the ball shown in Figure 15, clearly illustrating a portion of the surface area with an absence of projections, having reference numeral 60, whether of the smaller type 56 or larger type 54.
• Figure 19 shows a rear view of the ball 50 shown in Figure 15, in which all of the different sized projections 54, 56 and 57 can be seen.
• Figure 20 shows a cross-section through the therapeutic ball of the invention 50, including the fill space 62.
• Figures 21 and 22 show different details of the outer surface at two different locations thereof, indicated by the presence of the circles A and B in Figure 20 of the drawings. These Figures 21 and 22 show the larger 54, smaller 56 and secondary projections 57, as appropriate, and the transition and interrelationship from the one to the other.
• Figures 15 to 22 include certain preferred dimensions of the therapeutic ball 50 of the invention, although it must be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these specific forms.
• the invention is not limited to the precise details described herein, and may vary to provide the same effect.
• the invention may be made of various thermoplastics or other materials including rubber and/or poly vinyl chloride
• One embodiment utilizes solely poly vinyl chloride

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Dermatology (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
• Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
• Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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• 2004
  • 2004-07-22 AT AT04778971T patent/ATE526062T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2004-07-22 WO PCT/US2004/023708 patent/WO2006022622A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2004-07-22 EP EP04778971A patent/EP1824573B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime

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