Massage device including at least two rotary annular lips and method using same

• US 20070135741A1
• Filed: 10/12/2006
• Published: 06/14/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Original Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Inventors: Gueret, Jean-Louis
• Granted Patent: US 7,998,097 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/119
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 15/0092 hand-held A61H15/0085 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 15/02 adapted for simultaneous treatment with light, heat or drugs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2015/0028 disc-like, i.e. diameter substantially greater than width
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2015/0035 multiple on the same axis
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/105 with means for delivering media, e.g. drugs or cosmetics
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 7/001 without substantial movement between the skin and the device

Abstract

A massage device may include: at least one support; and one or more massage members rotatably mounted on the support. The or each massage member may include at least one pair of flexible lips. Each lip may extend about an axis of rotation of the massage member, may be configured to come into engagement with a region to be treated, and may be configured to flex when the device is applied to the region to be treated.

Claims

1. A massage device comprising:

at least one support; and

at least one massage member rotatably mounted on the support, the massage member comprising at least one pair of flexible lips, each lip extending about an axis of rotation of the massage member, being configured to come into engagement with a region to be treated, and being configured to flex when the device is applied to the region to be treated.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the two lips are molded as a single part.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the two lips are not a single part.

4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the massage member includes at least one pin portion that is molded together with the lips.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the massage member includes a hub that comprises a material that is different from a material of the lips.

6. A device according to claim 1, further comprising projecting elements between the lips.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the projecting elements comprise a succession of spikes.

8. A device according to claim 6, wherein the projecting elements are monolithic with the lips.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the lips flare apart from each other, going away from an axis of rotation.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the lips includes a circular free edge.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the lips includes a non-circular free edge.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein the lips are substantially symmetrical to each other about a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the lips includes a free edge including axial symmetry about the axis of rotation.

14. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the lips is off-center.

15. A device according to claim 1, wherein a distance, measured along the axis of rotation, between free edges of the two lips of the pair of flexible lips lies in a range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm.

16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the distance lies in a range of about 2 mm to about 10 mm.

17. A device according to claim 1, wherein a length of the flexible lips, measured between a free edge thereof and a zone at which the flexible lips connect with a remainder of the massage member, lies in a range of about 3 mm to about 15 mm.

18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the length lies in a range of about 4 mm to about 10 mm.

19. A device according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of at least one flexible lip is not greater than 1.5 mm over at least half of a length thereof.

20. A device according to claim 1, wherein a maximum radius of at least one flexible lip is not greater than 20 mm.

21. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least first and second massage members, each massage member comprising at least one pair of flexible lips, the first and second massage members being configured to turn about different respective axes of rotation.

22. A device according to claim 21, wherein an angle between the axes of rotation is less than 180°

.

23. A device according to claim 21, wherein an angle between the axes of rotation is greater than 180°

.

24. A device according to claim 1, wherein the support includes two branches, each branch carrying at least one massage member comprising at least one pair of flexible lips.

25. A device according to claim 24, wherein a length of at least one of the branches is not less than 40 mm.

26. A device according to claim 24, wherein at least one of the branches is elastically deformable.

27. A device according to claim 1, wherein the support includes a receptacle.

28. A device according to claim 1, wherein the support is configured to be fastened in a removable manner on a receptacle.

29. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a protective cap that is configured to be fastened in a removable manner on the support.

30. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a dispenser member configured to dispense a composition between the lips.

31. A device according to claim 2, wherein the lips define a groove therebetween, the groove widening in a radial direction.

32. A device according to claim 1, further comprising an additional massage member that is mounted between branches of the support, each massage member being supported by the branches.

33. A device according to claim 1, wherein the support includes a flat handle.

34. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one slotted pin;

and a ring carrying one of the massage members, the ring being snap-fastened on the slotted pin.

35. A device according to claim 34, wherein the pin is fitted on the support.

36. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the lips includes a non-circular edge.

37. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the lips includes openings.

38. A method of massaging skin using a device as defined in claim 1, the method comprising applying the flexible lips to the skin.

39. A method according to claim 38, wherein applying the flexible lips to the skin comprises applying the flexible lips on either side of a wrinkle;

and rolling the massage member over the skin to turn the massage member.

40. A method according to claim 38, further comprising exerting tension by applying the massage device on either side of at least one wrinkle.

41. A device according to claim 40, further comprising displacing the massage device along the wrinkle.

42. A method according to claim 38, further comprising depositing a composition between the flexible lips at least one of prior to and during a displacement of the massage member over the skin.