The present invention relates to a ball type massager to alleviate stiffness in the muscles when the ball is pressed against the affected part.

Conventionally, the "portable massager" set forth in Patent Literature 1 is an example known as a ball type massager that alleviates muscle pain by pressing massage balls against the affected part to alleviate stiffness in muscles by promoting an improvement in the circulatory system and the lymph system.

This conventional device is something that links a pair of balls on both ends of a single strand (ball operating components in a strand) in the lengthwise direction. During use, for example, one end of the strand is held while sitting in a chair or standing, and a leg is placed on top of the balls in this state, and the leg is moved to rotate the balls in order to stimulate the pressure points on the sole of the foot.

However, the "portable massager" from Patent Literature 1 is something that links a pair of balls on both ends of a single strand in this manner. As a result, to continuously stimulate one pressure point while gently rolling the balls in the desired direction, the user must move the affected part of their own body.

Therefore, linking (securing) several balls in a row in the middle of a strand in the lengthwise direction has been considered. However, when using this device, even if both ends of the strand were pulled in an alternating manner when the balls were pressed against the pressure point, the balls would not move back and forth, and the balls would only exhibit lateral movement when in the center of the pressure point. Therefore, as the result of extensive research, these inventors have conceived of a strand of a first ball operating component spanning, for example, a top part and a bottom part on the ball, and a strand of a second ball operating component spanning the left end and the right end of the ball to enable the massage ball to gently move back and forth on the pressure point. Therefore, we have found that at the time of use, the ball is pressed against the pressure point, and in this state, if the first and second ball operating components are gently and alternately pulled, the ball only slightly moves laterally, making it possible to roll in the desired direction on the pressure point, and thus this invention has been deemed a success.

This invention has the object of presenting a ball type massager that continuously stimulates a single pressure point while the ball is rolled in the desired direction on the pressure point.

In general, massagers to date, for example a massage chair, have a tremendous effect but it is not portable, and increasing the blood circulation and loosening muscles in the body, particularly those in the back, is extremely difficult in offices, work places, airplanes and such. There are also massagers used on certain parts of the body but a small massager with a wide range of applications that are beneficial to improving one's health has not been available. Furthermore, massagers that already use balls exist but most of them that are for the back involve sleeping on them or selecting a particular location, and cannot be easily used in any location, and lack versatility. Also, there isn't anything available that combines a ball with a magnet that can be easily carried around anywhere.

Naturally, massagers promote healing of the body through the stimulation, pressure and massage of muscles and tissue from the outside of the body. A cooperative action is promoted through respiration and movement from inside the body, which aids in the emotional aspects of treatment by taking into account the movement of the various muscles used for respiration. However, a massager that demonstrates a positive effect on both the physical and emotional aspects has not been available.

The first invention is a ball type massager comprising a massage ball to press against the pressure points in the body, a string-like first ball operating

component on the surface of this ball spanning the pair of first intersections joining with the first ball axis, a string-like second ball operating component on the surface of this ball spanning the pair of second intersections joining with the second ball axis that is perpendicular to the first ball axis. Examples of the ball material include any type of hard plastic, any type of wood, any type of metal, any type of ceramic or the like. The balls can be solid or hollow. The balls can be any size. For example, a tennis ball size can be employed. Or, the size of a volleyball can be used for around the neck. The balls can be any size for the pressure point to be addressed. Examples include the back, neck, sole of the foot, thigh, calf and such. The first ball axis and the second ball axis are straight lines that pass through the center of each ball, and intersect at the center of these balls.

The first intersection of the pair refers to the two points where the surface of the ball crosses along the first axis. Also, the second intersection of the pair refers to the two points where the surface of the ball crosses along the second axis. Any type of cord, any type of strap, rubber belt, rubber band or such can be used as the first ball operating component and the second ball operating component. A strap or cord with ends in the lengthwise direction or a strap or cord without ends can be used as each ball operating component. Also, each ball operating component can be two plies or more to increase the stiffness.

Furthermore, something with an adjustable length can be used as the ball operating component, and something that can be freely removed can be used to enable replacing. If replacing, have various types with differing lengths available.

If using cords or straps with ends in the lengthwise direction, these ball operating components span the corresponding intersections, and appear to be looped. The method for spanning the corresponding intersections with each ball operating component can include locking by, for example, securing in place (including gluing) or using connecting rings. If using connecting rings, they can be used for all of the ball operating components or just on one of the ball operating components.

The second invention is a ball type massager comprising a ball for massaging by pressing against the body, a string-like first ball operating component on the surface of this ball spanning the pair of first intersections joining with the first ball axis, a string-like second ball operating component on the surface of this ball spanning the pair of second intersections joining with the second ball axis that is parallel to said first ball axis.

The term "parallel" is in particular to mean an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction differs from the reference direction in particular by less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

A "ball operating component" is in particular to be understood as a unit configured to operate at least one ball, in particular the ball and/or the further ball, directly and/or indirectly. For example, the ball operating element may in particular be attached to the ball and/or to the further ball and may in particular be handled directly by a user. Alternatively, the ball operating element may in particular be attached to the ball and/or to the further ball and may in particular be handled indirectly by a user, in particular by means of at least one further element, like for example another ball operating element and/or another ball.

The third invention is the ball type massager set forth in Claim 1 or 2, wherein a pair of connecting rings are positioned at each of the first intersections on the surface of the ball to connect both ends in the lengthwise direction of the first ball operating component, and the second ball operating component is looped so the shaft for stringing the ball to freely slide on the second ball operating component is formed on the ball to pass between each of the second intersections.

The material for the connecting rings is not restricted. Examples include any type of fiber, any type of plastic, any type of metal or the like. The shaft can be any size as long as it freely slides into the second ball operating component. The shaft on a hollow ball is a hypothetical opening formed only by the pair of openings on each of the second intersecting parts. The fourth invention is the ball type massager set forth in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein there is a cross-shaped cushioning cover that covers the ball in the state where the four tips are positioned to extend radially in the space between the four adjacent intersections of each of the first intersections and each of the second intersections, there is a first locking component on the inner surface of each tip of this cushioning cover, and there is a second locking component corresponding to each of the first locking components in the area where each of the tips come into contact with the surface of the ball when the ball is covered by the cushioning cover.

Examples of the cushioning cover material include any type of fabric containing felt, any type of hard plastic or the like. The type of first locking component or second locking component is not restricted. For example, a sheet fastener, hook, irregular fitting or such can be employed.

Here, "in the space between the four adjacent intersections of each of the first intersections and each of the second intersections" refers to the space between the intersection and the adjacent intersection when there is a first intersection and a second intersection positioned at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction on the surface of the ball. Here, "the area where each of the tips come into contact when the ball is covered by the cushioning cover" refers to, for example, arranging the center of the cushioning cover at the back of the ball and when the ball is covered by the cushioning cover arranging each tip at the front of the ball through the space between the four intersections, these tips refer to the front edge of the ball in contact with the surface of the ball.

The fifth invention is the ball type massager set forth in any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising at least one further ball which is coupled to the ball by means of the string-like second ball operating component. The string-like second ball operating component in particular connects the ball and the further ball, in particular mechanically, to each other. The ball and the further ball may in particular have different sizes. Preferably, the ball and the further ball have identical sizes and are in particular embodied equally. The sixth invention is the ball type massager set forth in Claim 5, further comprising at least one string-like third ball operating component on the surface of the further ball spanning the pair of third intersections joining with the third ball axis that is parallel to said first ball axis. The third ball axis is in particular perpendicular to the second ball axis. The term "perpendicular" is in particular to mean an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, the direction and the reference direction including, in particular in one plane, an angle of 90° and the angle having a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

The string-like second ball operating component is in particular located on the surface of this further ball and in particular spans the pair of fourth intersections joining with the fourth ball axis that is perpendicular to said third ball axis. The third ball axis and the second ball axis are in particular oriented parallel to each other.

The seventh invention is the ball type massager set forth in any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising at least one bootlace stopping element being arranged at the string-like first ball operating component and configured for adjusting a loop at least partly enclosed by the string-like first ball operating component. The bootlace stopping element is in particular movable along a longitudinal extension direction of the the string-like first ball operatingcomponent. In particular, the bootlace stopping element can in particular be fixed in any position on the first ball operating component, preferably in a cost saving easy manner.

The ball and/or the further ball may in particular be made at least in large parts of foam rubber. Alternatively, the ball and/or the further ball may in particular have at least one surface made at least in large parts of foam rubber and/or have at least one coating made at least in large parts of foam rubber. Alternatively and/or additionally, at least one string-like ball operating component may in particular be made at least in large parts of foam rubber. With the first invention, the ball is pressed against the pressure points in the body, and a first ball operating component on the surface of this ball spanning the pair of first intersections joining with the first ball axis and a second ball operating component on the surface of this ball spanning the pair of second intersections joining with the second ball axis are gently pulled in an alternating manner. At this point the first ball axis and the second ball axis are perpendicular. Therefore, the ball has very little lateral movement, and gently moves back and forth in the desired direction on the pressure point.

As a result, the continuous stimulation of a single pressure point that has not been possible with conventional drawstring and ball type massagers is now possible. Also, by alternately pulling strongly on the first and second ball operating components, the ball pressing on the pressure point gently rolls in the desired direction, and additionally, tremendous lateral movement is possible.

In particular, with the third invention, the first ball operating component spans each of the first intersections on the surface of the ball through the pair of connecting rings, while the circular second ball operating component freely slides into the ball shaft. Thus, the ball consecutively stimulates multiple pressure points, such as those present in the back, while gently moving back and forth.

Therefore, after the looped second ball operating component reaches the shoulder or neck, for example, the second ball operating component can be pulled with one hand so the ball can press on a single pressure point. Next, by maintaining this state, the first ball operating component is appropriately pulled with the other hand, and by twisting the wrist inwardly and outwardly, the ball can be centered on the second ball axis and slightly rolled back and forth. Thus, the ball can massage a single pressure point while rolling back and forth in the desired direction.

Next, while twisting the wrist, slowly pull the first ball operating component in the desired direction so the ball gradually moves (slides) along the second ball operating component. This results in consecutive stimulation of each pressure point on the back or such while massaging an entire section of pressure points affected by the stiffness.

With the second invention, the ball is pressed against the pressure points in the body, and a first ball operating component on the surface of this ball spanning the pair of first intersections joining with the first ball axis and a second ball operating component on the surface of this ball spanning the pair of second intersections joining with the second ball axis are gently pulled in an alternating manner. At this point the first ball axis and the second ball axis are parallel. Therefore, the ball may in particular be used for an optimized massaging, in particular compared to the state of the art.

Also, with the third invention, since the second ball operating component freely slides into the ball shaft, for example, compared to when this is secured to each of the second intersections on the surface of the ball, during use, the pulling force of the second ball operating component activating each of the second

intersecting parts is dispersed. Furthermore, since the second ball operating component is capable of freely sliding along the shaft, it is possible to suitably alter the part in contact with each of the second intersections on the surface of the ball where the pulling force is concentrated. Therefore, this prevents damage to the second operating strap that causes twisting of the ball during use, which enables the life of the product to be extended.

According to the fourth invention, since the ball is configured to be covered by the cushioning cover, this is designed to protect the ball when the ball type massager is transported. Additionally, when the cover is in use, since the ball is pressed on the pressure points by the cushioning cover that has a cushioning effect, this alleviates any irritation of the ball on the pressure points. Also, since a cross- shaped cushioning cover equipped with four tips inserted into the spaces between the first intersection and the second intersection positioned at 90° on the surface of the ball is used as the cushioning cover, this does not hamper movement between the first ball operating component and the second ball operating component that will be the four parts extending from the surface of the ball during use, and as such, the entire ball can be covered with the cushioning cover.

Additionally, the first locking component is positioned on the inner surface of each of the tips of the cushioning cover, so when covering the ball with the cushioning cover, since there is a second locking component situated in the area where each of the tips on the cushioning cover for the surface of the ball touches, it is possible to cover the entire area of the ball surface with the detachable cushioning cover. Furthermore, if this cushioning cover is colorful, this can enhance the design of the ball type massager.

With the fifth invention, since the ball type massager comprises additionally to the ball at least one further ball, which is coupled to the ball by means of the stringlike second ball operating component, a greater area and/or two neighbored pressure points may in particular be massaged in only one massaging step, thereby in particular saving time.

According to the sixth invention, since the ball type massager comprises at least one string-like third ball operating component on the surface of the further ball spanning the pair of third intersections joining with the third ball axis that is parallel to said first ball axis, an optimized handling of the ball type massager may in particular be achieved.

With the seventh invention, since the ball type massager comprises at least one bootlace stopping element being arranged at the string-like first ball operating component and configured for adjusting a length of the string-like first ball operating component, the string-like first ball operating component may in particular be adapted in an easy and/or timesaving manner, thereby in particular achieving a high convenience for a user.

With the present invention, since it is an item where the component operating the ball is easily attached to the ball, this facilitates transporting it anywhere. Also, a special application of the present invention is based on German respiratory therapy and Mittendorf's theory where there is a linked motion between the finger and respiratory muscles, and since fingers on both hands are used while holding the operating strap where a ball is installed to move easily in various directions, the movement of the respiratory muscles in any area changes, and this effect is possible.

This involves securing the ball using the operating strap in a position matching the part of the back for the respiratory muscles for more active functioning and using the selected fingers on both hands to press on a wall or the back of a seat and perform digital compression on the nerves affiliated with the selected fingers. Basically, when pressing, natural breathing causes the breath intake to occur in the areas touched by the ball. Also, digital compression by the ball pressed against a wall or a slight movement of the body pressed against the ball gives a massaging effect and simultaneously coordinates the breathing, and so an effect of alleviating stiffness from muscles is anticipated.

Here, one of the various functions of the ball is that by pressing and massaging the pressure points in the area where there are magnets installed on the ball, more energy and blood flow to that area. It is also possible to attach another of the same type of ball in a location on the strap, and if using with two balls attached, the new effect is one that is more stable. Additionally, by applying to the lower leg and thighs and moving the ball with the strap, blood flow is increased, which makes it possible to have a therapeutic effect on the pressure points on the sole of the foot. In this case, if the magnets are positioned under the targeted pressure points on the sole of the foot, it is possible to have a therapeutic effect on the pressure points of the legs while working. By making the length of the strap 90 to 100cm, it can be shortened by connecting to a ring and can be adjusted to the length of the arm of the user.

It is shown in:

Fig. 1 A perspective view of the ball type massager pertaining to

Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in the blow-up view of the key parts of the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 1 , (a) is a side view and (b) is a front view, a perspective view of the state of use of the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 2 of the present invention where the ball is covered by the cross- shaped cushioning cover, (a) is a blow-up front view of the key parts showing the state immediately before covering the ball and (b) is a blow-up front view of the key parts showing the state when the ball is covered, a perspective view of the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 3 of the present invention where there are three grip tubes in different locations, a perspective view showing the connected state of two ball type massagers pertaining to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, a perspective view showing the state after magnets are installed in the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, a ball type massager according to another embodiment of the present invention, a ball type massager according to another embodiment of the present invention, a ball type massager according to another embodiment of the present invention and a ball type massager according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Next is a description of the specific embodiments for the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the vertical direction, lateral direction and

forward/backward direction in Figure 2 (b) are the directions corresponding to the ball.

In Figure 1 , 10 is the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 1 of this invention, and this ball type massager 10 is equipped with a massage ball 1 1 to press against the pressure points in the body, a first operating strap (a string-like first ball operating component) 12 on the surface of the ball 1 1 spanning the pair of first intersections a joining with the first ball axis X, a second operating strap (a string-like second ball operating component) 13 on the surface of the ball 1 1 spanning the pair of second intersections b joining with the second ball axis Y that is perpendicular to first ball axis X.

Next is a specific description of these components. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, ball 1 1 is a hollow tennis ball sized ball made of hard plastic, and there are multiple ridges with different lengths arranged on the surface at prescribed intervals for digital compression.

Also, there are magnetic balls (ball shaped magnets) 15 separated and secured to the inside with a thin connective cord 15a that act as the left/right pair of magnetic bodies on the front center part of the surface of the ball 1 1 . It is acceptable to use a shape other than spherical, such as a flat disc-shape, for the magnetic bodies. In addition to the magnetic balls (ball shaped magnets) 15 as the left/right pair of magnetic bodies, a single magnetic body shown abbreviated in the figure can be used, and it is also acceptable not to use magnetic bodies

The first ball axis X and the second ball axis Y are imaginary straight lines that intersect at the center of the ball 1 1 . The first ball axis X extends in the horizontal direction, and the two points where it intersects with the surface of the ball 1 1 are called the first intersections a.

The second ball axis Y extends in the vertical direction, and the two points where it intersects with the surface of the ball 1 1 are called the second intersections b. A pair of connecting rings 16 are positioned to link both ends in the lengthwise direction of the first operating strap 12 at each of the first intersections a. This first operating strap 12 is made of cotton.

Also, there is a pair of vertical openings 17a formed at each of the second intersections on the shaft 17 for stringing through the center of the ball 1 1 to freely slide on the second operating strap 13. A connecting ring 16 can be used to connect multiple balls 1 1 .

The first operating strap 12 is a loop 90 cm long and 5 mm thick, and the first operating strap 12 is threaded through the pair of connecting rings 16 so the part threaded through each of the connecting rings 16 acts as a base point for folding over, to make the first operating strap 12 a two-ply strap. On the other hand, the second operating strap 13 is a two-ply loop 100 cm (length looped) and 5 mm thick, threaded into the vertical opening defining the vertical end of a part of the shaft 17. There are grip tubes 18 made of short rubber tubes into which the corresponding operating strap 12, 13 freely slide that are positioned on each tip (center part in the lengthwise direction) of the first operating strap 12 and the second operating strap 13.

Next is a description of the method of using the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, using Figure 1 to 3 as references. As shown in Figure 1 to 3, when using the ball type massager, first, grasp the grip tubes 18 with one hand and use the other hand to grasp the other grip tube 18 and press the ball 1 1 against the pressure points on the affected parts.

While maintaining a prescribed tension on each operating strap 12, 13 to keep this state, gently pull the first operating strap 12 and the second operating strap 13 to twist in the inside and outside direction of both wrists. As a result, the ball 1 1 gently moves back and forth in the desired direction on the pressure points with very little lateral movement. At this point, each finger ridge 14 and each magnetic ball 15 located on the surface of the ball enhances the effect of pressing on the pressure points. Blood flow around the pressure points is stimulated with the magnetic actions, particularly if the magnetic balls 15 are used.

As a result, the continuous stimulation of a single pressure point that has not been possible with the conventional drawstring and ball type massagers is now possible. Also, by alternately pulling strongly on the first operating strap 12 and the second operating strap 13 while twisting both wrists inward and outward, tremendous lateral movement of the ball 1 1 is also possible while rolling the ball 1 1 back in forth in the desired direction. Then, grasp the ball 1 1 to stimulate the pressure points in the sole of the foot, the thigh and the calf.

Furthermore, here the first operating strap 12 spans each of the first intersections a on the surface of the ball 1 1 through the pair of connecting rings 16, while the circular second operating strap 13 freely slides into the ball 1 1 shaft 17 so multiple pressure points existing in the back, for example, can be sequentially stimulated while gently rolling the ball 1 1 back and forth. For example, when massaging from the left side of the lower back to the right shoulder, first draw the looped second operating strap 13 diagonally from the right shoulder to the left lower back and then use the left hand to pull the second operating strap 13 to press the ball 1 1 against the targeted pressure point on the back.

Next, by maintaining this state, the first operating component trap 12 is appropriately pulled with the right hand, and by twisting the right wrist inwardly and outwardly, the ball 1 1 can be centered on the second ball axis Y and gently rolled back and forth. Thus, the ball 1 1 can massage a specific pressure point while gently rolling back and forth in the desired direction. Next, while twisting the left wrist, slowly pull the first operating strap 12 in the desired direction so the ball 1 1 gradually slides up or down along the second operating strap 13. This results in consecutive stimulation of each pressure point on the back while massaging an entire section of pressure points affected by the stiffness.

Also, since the second operating strap 13 freely slides into the ball 1 1 shaft 17, compared to when both ends of the second operating strap 13 are secured to each of the second intersections b on the surface of the ball 1 1 , during use, the pulling force of the second operating strap 13 activating each of the second intersecting parts is dispersed. Furthermore, since the second operating strap 13 is capable of freely sliding along the shaft 17, it is possible to suitably alter the locations in contact with the vertical opening 17a where the pulling force is concentrated. Therefore, this prevents damage to the second operating strap 13 that causes twisting of the ball 1 1 during use, which enables the life of the product to be extended.

Next is a description of the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, using Figure 4 as a reference. As shown in Figure 4, the characteristic of the ball type massager 10A in Embodiment 2 is that the ball 1 1 is covered with a cross-shaped cushioning cover 19 to protect the ball 1 1 when this device is transported and to alleviate any irritation of the ball 1 1 on the affected area.

The cushioning cover 19 is made of felt and has four tips 19a extending in the radial direction. When the cover is used, these four tips 19a are positioned in the spaces between the four adjacent intersections a, b of the two first intersections a and the two second intersections b. Also, there are four female fasteners 20 (first locking component) sewn into the inside of each of the tips 19a. If the surface of the ball 1 1 is covered by the cushioning cover 19, there are rectangular male fasteners 21 (second locking components) adhering to the area where each of the tips 19 touches, specifically, the band at the front center of the surface of the ball 1 1 . There is an exposure opening 21 a for the left/right pair of magnetic balls 15 on the male fasteners 21 . In this manner, since a cross-shaped cushioning cover equipped with four tips 19a inserted into the spaces between the first intersection a and the second intersection b positioned at 90° on the surface of the ball 1 1 is used as the cushioning cover 19, this does not hamper movement between the first operating strap 12 and the second operating strap 13 extending from the surface of the ball

1 1 during use, and as such, the entire ball 1 1 can be covered with the cushioning cover 19. Additionally, the female fastener 20 is positioned on the inner surface of each of the tips 19a of the cushioning cover 19, and since there is a male fastener 21 situated on a band at the front center of the surface of the ball 1 1 , it is possible to cover the entire area of the ball 1 1 surface with the detachable cushioning cover 19. Furthermore, if this cushioning cover 19 is colorful, this can enhance the design of the ball 1 1 and the ball type massager 10A. Since the other configurations, applications and effects are the same as those in

Embodiment 1 , the description is abbreviated. Figure 5 to 7 shows the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 3 of the present invention where there are three grip tubes 18A, 18B, 18C in different locations. By selecting the desired length from the grip tubes 18A, 18B, 18C, the user can easily press the ball 1 1 in their target location.

Figure 6 shows the connected state of the two ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the first operating strap 12 can be tied to easily connect. When connecting two ball type massagers, the figure is abbreviated but in addition to tying the first operating strap 12, it is also possible to substitute with a short cord, or a rubber strap or a cord with strong magnetic force. The magnets in this case connect two balls, and if these magnets are positioned on either side of the pressure points in the ears, it can be used therapeutically.

Figure 7 shows the state after retrofitted magnets 30 are installed with the installation cord 31 to the ball type massager pertaining to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. When installing the retrofitted magnets 30, the figure is abbreviated, but a hand-held cord can be used. This invention is applicable as a massager to loosen muscular tension in the affected area and to alleviate muscle soreness by pressing the ball against the pressure points to stimulate the affected part.

Figures 8 to 1 1 show further exemplary embodiments of the invention. The following description is substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein regarding structural elements, features and functions that remain the same, the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 may be referred to. For distinguishing the exemplary embodiments, the reference numerals in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 have been added by the letters b to e in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of figures 8 to 1 1 Regarding structural elements having the same denomination, in particular regarding structural elements having the same reference numerals, principally the drawing and/or the description of the other exemplary

embodiments, in particular of the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, may be referred to.

Figure 8 shows a ball type massager 10b according to another embodiment of the present invention. The ball type massager 10b comprises a ball 1 1 b for massaging by pressing against the body. The ball type massager 10b comprises a string-like first ball operating component 12b on the surface of this ball 1 1 b. The string-like first ball operating component 12b spans the pair of first intersections a joining with the first ball axis X.

The ball type massager 10b comprises a string-like second ball operating component 13b on the surface of this ball 1 1 b. The string-like second ball operating component 13b spans the pair of second intersections b joining with the second ball axis Y. In the present embodiment, the first ball axis X and the second ball axis Y are parallel to each other. Preferably, the first ball axis X and the second ball axis Y are identical, that means in particular that the first ball axis X and the second ball axis Y can be described by one single axis. The pair of first intersections a and the pair of second intersections b are identical. The ball type massager 10b comprises, in the present embodiment, a first bootlace stopping element 40b. The first bootlace stopping element 40b is arranged at the string-like first ball operating component 12b. In an operating state, the first bootlace stopping element 40b can be used to adjust a loop partly enclosed by the string-like first ball operating component 12b.

The ball type massager 10b comprises, in the present embodiment, a second bootlace stopping element 42b. The second bootlace stopping element 42b is arranged at the string-like second ball operating component 13b. In an operating state, the second bootlace stopping element 42b can be used to adjust a loop partly enclosed by the string-like second ball operating component 13b.

Figure 9 shows a ball type massager 10c according to another embodiment of the present invention. The ball type massager 10c comprises a ball 1 1 c for massaging by pressing against the body. The ball type massager 10c comprises a string-like first ball operating component 12c on the surface of this ball 1 1 c. The string-like first ball operating component 12c spans the pair of first intersections a joining with the first ball axis X.

The ball type massager 10c comprises a string-like second ball operating component 13c on the surface of this ball 1 1 c. The string-like second ball operating component 13c spans the pair of second intersections b joining with the second ball axis Y. In the present embodiment, the first ball axis X and the second ball axis Y are parallel to each other.

The ball type massager 10c comprises a further ball 44c for massaging by pressing against the body. The further ball 44c is coupled to the ball 1 1 c by means of the string-like second ball operating component 13c. The string-like second ball operating component 13c spans the pair of further second intersections c joining with the further second ball axis YY of the further ball 44c.

In the present embodiment, the first ball axis X and the further second ball axis YY are parallel to each other. The second ball axis Y and the further second ball axis YY are parallel to each other. The ball type massager 10c comprises a string-like third ball operating component 46c on the surface of this further ball 44c. The string-like third ball operating component 46c spans the pair of third intersections d joining with the third ball axis Z of the further ball 44c. In the present embodiment, the first ball axis X and the third ball axis Z are parallel to each other.

The ball type massager 10c comprises a first bootlace stopping element 40c. The first bootlace stopping element 40c is arranged at the string-like first ball operating component 12c. In an operating state, the first bootlace stopping element 40c can be used to adjust a loop partly enclosed by the string-like first ball operating component 12c.

The ball type massager 10c comprises, in the present embodiment, a second bootlace stopping element 42c. The second bootlace stopping element 42c is arranged at the string-like third ball operating component 46c. In an operating state, the second bootlace stopping element 42c can be used to adjust a loop partly enclosed by the string-like third ball operating component 46c.

Figure 10 shows a ball type massager 10d according to another embodiment of the present invention. The ball type massager 10d comprises a ball 1 1 d for massaging by pressing against the body. The ball type massager 10d comprises a string-like first ball operating component 12d on the surface of this ball 1 1 d. The string-like first ball operating component 12d spans the pair of first intersections a joining with the first ball axis X.

The ball type massager 10d comprises a string-like second ball operating component 13d on the surface of this ball 1 1 d. The string-like second ball operating component 13d spans the pair of second intersections b joining with the second ball axis Y. In the present embodiment, the first ball axis X and the second ball axis Y are perpendicular to each other.

The string-like first ball operating component 12d and the string-like second ball operating component 13d are connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the string-like first ball operating component 12d and the string-like second ball operating component 13d are made in one piece.

The ball type massager 10d comprises at least one string-like ball operating component connection part 48d. In the present embodiment, the ball type massager 10d comprises two string-like ball operating component connection parts 48d. In the following only one of the string-like ball operating component connection parts 48d will be described.

The string-like ball operating component connection part 48d is located within the ball 1 1 d. The string-like ball operating component connection part 48d connects one of the pair of first intersections a and one of the pair of second intersections b with one another.

Figure 1 1 shows a ball type massager 10e according to another embodiment of the present invention. The ball type massager 10e comprises a ball 1 1 e for massaging by pressing against the body. The ball type massager 10e comprises a string-like first ball operating component 12e on the surface of this ball 1 1 e. The string-like first ball operating component 12e spans the pair of first intersections a joining with the first ball axis X.

The ball type massager 10e comprises a string-like second ball operating component 13e on the surface of this ball 1 1 e. The string-like second ball operating component 13e spans the pair of second intersections b joining with the second ball axis Y. In the present embodiment, the first ball axis X and the second ball axis Y are perpendicular to each other.

The ball type massager 10e comprises a further ball 44e for massaging by pressing against the body. The further ball 44e is coupled to the ball 1 1 e by means of the string-like second ball operating component 13e. The string-like second ball operating component 13e spans the pair of further second intersections c joining with the further second ball axis YY of the further ball 44e. In the present embodiment, the first ball axis X and the further second ball axis YY are parallel to each other. The second ball axis Y and the further second ball axis YY are perpendicular to each other.

The string-like first ball operating component 12e and the string-like second ball operating component 13e are connected to each other. In the present

embodiment, the string-like first ball operating component 12e and the string-like second ball operating component 13e are made in one piece.

The string-like first ball operating component 12e and the string-like second ball operating component 13e are connected to each other by means of two stringlike ball operating component connection parts 48e, which are in particular located within the ball 1 1 e.

The ball type massager 10e comprises a string-like third ball operating

component 46e on the surface of this further ball 44e. The string-like third ball operating component 46e spans the pair of third intersections d joining with the third ball axis Z of the further ball 44e. In the present embodiment, the first ball axis X and the third ball axis Z are perpendicular to each other.

The string-like first ball operating component 12e and the string-like second ball operating component 13e and the string-like third ball operating component 46e are connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the string-like first ball operating component 12e and the string-like second ball operating component 13e and the string-like third ball operating component 46e are made in one piece.

The string-like third ball operating component 46e and the string-like second ball operating component 13e are connected to each other. In the present

embodiment, the string-like third ball operating component 46e and the string-like second ball operating component 13e are made in one piece.

The ball type massager 10e comprises at least one further string-like ball operating component connection part 50e. In the present embodiment, the ball type massager 10e comprises two further string-like ball operating component connection parts 50e. In the following only one of the further string-like ball operating component connection parts 50e will be described.

The further string-like ball operating component connection part 50e is located within the further ball 44e. The further string-like ball operating component connection part 50e connects one of the pair of third intersections d and one of the pair of further second intersections c with one another.

Reference numerals

10, 10A Ball type massager

1 1 Ball

12 First operating strap (first ball operating component)

13 Second operating strap (second ball operating component)

14 Ridges for digital compression

15 Magnetic balls

15a Connective cord

16 Connecting ring

17 Shaft

17a Opening

18, 18A, 18B, 18C Grip tubes

19 Cushioning cover

19a Tips

20 Female fasteners (first locking component)

21 Male fasteners (second locking component)

21 a Exposed opening

30 Magnets

31 Installation cord

40 First bootlace stopping element

42 Second bootlace stopping element

44 Further ball

46 Third ball operating component

48 Ball operating component connection part

50 Further ball operating component connection part

X First ball axis

Y Second ball axis

YY Further second ball axis Z Third ball axis

a First intersection b Second intersection c Further second intersection d Third intersection