Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to headache-relieving devices and methods, and more particularly, to a headache-relieving device which is attached to the hand and can apply pressure to a pressure point on the hand between the thumb and index finger of a user to relieve headaches.

[0002] A headache, or cephalalgia, is pain in the head or neck that can be a symptom of any of various conditions of the head and neck. Headaches can be caused by disturbance of pain-sensitive structures around the brain, due for instance to fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress, the effects of medications and recreational drugs, viral infections, common colds, head injury, rapid ingestion of cold foods or beverages, dental work or sinus issues. Headaches are one of the most commonly experienced of all types of physical discomforts.

[0003] In the medical field, a number of different classification systems for headaches are currently used. For instance, headaches are broadly classified as "primary" or "secondary". Primary headaches are benign, recurrent headaches which are not caused by- underlying disease or structural problems. A migraine headache is a type of primary headache. Primary headaches may cause significant daily pain and disability. Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying disease such as an infection, head injury, vascular disorders, brain bleed or tumors.

[0004] Treatment of headaches commonly involves the use of painkillers. However, many potential users of painkillers may be allergic to the painkillers and thus, unable to use them for relief. Furthermore, long-term use of some painkillers may have deleterious effects on health.

[0005] Accordingly, there is an established need for a headache-relieving device which can be drug-free and is easily and conveniently usable by a person in order to relieve their headache. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is directed to a hand-pressing, headache-relieving device which is worn on a hand of a user and can apply pressure on a pressure point on the hand to relieve headaches. The device provides an effective, convenient, easy-to-use and drug- free way of treating headaches. The headache-relieving device includes a device body having a first side, a second side and, preferably, a connecting portion connecting the second side to the first side. A hand space is formed between the first side and the second side. A pressing element is provided on the second side. The headache-relieving device can be applied to the hand of a user who suffers from headache by inserting the hand of the user in the hand space. The pressing element can be positioned over a pressure point typically between the thumb and index finger on the user's hand and, preferably, can be tightened against the pressure point to relieve the user's headache.

[0007] In a first implementation of the invention, a headache-relieving device includes a device body and a pressing element. The device body has a first side and a second side arranged in a spaced-apart relationship with one another, thereby delimiting a hand space therebetween. The pressing element, in turn, is provided on the second side of the device body and protrudes into the hand space of the device body. The pressing element is configured to apply pressure against a pressure point on a user's hand positioned in the hand space.

[0008] In a second aspect, the device body can be flexible and the hand space is size adjustable, to facilitate lacing the device body on a hand. In some embodiments, the device body can be elasticaliy deformable, such as to recover a more opened position after ceasing a compression force which brings the first and second sides of the device body together to adjust to the hand. In other embodiments, the device body can be plastically deformable, to remain opened or closed as set by the user.

[0009] In another aspect, the device can further include at least one strap connecting the first side and the second side of the device body, to secure the device body to the user's hand. [0010] In another aspect, the connecting strap can include two opposite ends, each end attached to a corresponding one of the first side and second side of the device body. In some embodiments, at least one of the ends is non-disconnectably attached to the corresponding one of the first side and second side of the device body. In other embodiments, at least one of the ends is disconnectably attached to the corresponding one of the first side and second side of the device body.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the at least one strap can extend through registering first and second strap slots in the first side and the second side of the device body, respectively, reducing the footprint of the device on the user's hand.

[0012] In another aspect, the device body can further include a connecting portion connected to the first side and the second side of the device body forming a C-shape, to embrace a side of the user's hand and more snugly adjust to the hand to guarantee pressure is exerted on the pressure point. In some embodiments, the first side, second side and connecting portion are formed into a single-piece unit. At least one length-adjustable connecting member (e.g., a strap) can connect the second side to the first side of the C- shaped device body.

[0013] In another aspect, the pressing element can be adjustable to vary a protrusion depth of the pressing element into the hand space and thus vary the pressure of the pressing element against the pressure point in the user's hand. In some embodiments, the pressing element can be threaded into a pressing element opening on the second side of the device body, and the pressing element can be adjusted by selectively threading or unthreading the pressing element into or from the pressing element opening. Optionally, the pressing element can include a pressing element knob arranged on an outer side of the second side of the device body, and a pressing element shaft extending from the pressing element knob and through the pressing element opening in the second side of the device body. A tip of the pressing element shaft can protrude into the hand space to apply pressure against the pressure point on the user's hand positioned in the hand space. The tip can be rounded.

[0014] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the headache- relieving device in accordance with the invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the headache-relieving device of FIG . 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the headache-relieving device of FIG. I, with the connecting straps removed for brevity;

[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded side elevation view of the headache-relieving device of FIG. 1, with the connecting straps removed for brevity;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the headache-relieving device of FIG. 1, with the connecting straps removed for brevity;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the headache-relieving device of FIG. 1, with the connecting straps removed for brevity, taken along section line 6-6 shown in FIG. 5;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the headache-relieving device of FIG. 1, more particularly illustrating application of the device to the hand (illustrated in phantom) of a user in typical application of the device;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the headache-relieving device of FIG. 1 applied to the hand of the user;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the headache-relieving device of FIG. 1 applied to the hand of the user; and

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative illustrative embodiment of the headache-relieving device according to the invention. [0026] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Description of Embodiments

[0027] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or 'illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "rear", "right", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. I . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0028] Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a headache-relieving device which is attached to a user's hand and can apply pressure to a pressure point on the hand between the thumb and index finger of the user to relieve headaches. The headache-relieving device does not require drugs to relieve a person's headaches and can thus provide a drug-free and risk-free treatment of headaches. In addition, the user can normally operate and function with his hand while treating their headache. [0029] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a headache-relieving device 100 is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The headache- relieving device 100 includes a device body 1 10. The device body 1 10 may be fabricated of neoprene, plastic, rubber and/or other preferably flexible material. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device body 110 may be generally C-shaped in side view and may include a first side 1 12, a second side 114 and a generally curved and flexible or adjustable connecting portion 116 which connects the second side 1 14 to the first side 1 12 thereby forming a C-shape. Preferably, as shown, the first side 112, second side 114 and connecting portion 1 16 are formed into a single-piece unit, such as made of plastic, rubber or the like and manufactured by injection molding. The first side 112 and second side 114 are spaced apart, a hand space 118 being delimited by and formed between the first side 112 and the second side 114. The hand space 118 is adjustable, such as by the connecting portion 116 being flexible and adjustable to allow varying the distance between the first side 112 and the second side 114. Alternatively or additionally, the first side 112 and second side 114 can be flexible and/or flexibly attached to the connecting portion 116. In general, any part of, or the entire C-shaped device body 1 10 can be flexible to allow for an adjustment of the hand space 118 to a user's hand.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one connecting member may further connect the second side 1 14 to the first side 112 of the device body 1 10. The connecting member may include at least one connecting strap 140. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, a pair of connecting straps 140 may connect the second side 114 to the first side 112 on respective sides of the connecting portion 116.

[0031] As best shown in FIG. 2, each connecting strap 140 may have a fixed end portion 142 which is permanently or non-disconnectably attached to one of the first side 112 and second side 114, and an elongated, flexible connecting strap body 144 which extends from the fixed end portion 142. At least one pair of a first strap slot 120 and a second strap slot 122 may extend through the first side 112 and the second side 114, respectively. Accordingly, the fixed end portion 142 of the connecting strap 140 may- extend through the first strap slot 120 in the first side 112 or, in alternative embodiments, through the second strap slot 122 in the second side 114; in the present embodiment, more specifically, the fixed end portion 142 of the connecting strap 140 is looped through the first strap slot 120 and is permanently or non-disconnectably attached to the first side 112. The connecting strap body 144 of the connecting strap 140, in turn, may extend through a remaining, registering second strap slot 122 or first strap slot 120 in the other side, i.e. the second side 114 or first side 112 of the device body 110; for instance, in the present embodiment, the connecting strap body 144 extends through the second strap slot 122 in the second side 114 of the device body 110 on the same side of the C-shaped device body 110 on which the fixed end portion 142 is attached. The connecting strap body 144 may be looped around and attached to the fixed end portion 142 of the connecting strap 140 and/or to the remainder of the connecting strap body 144 via hook and loop fasteners, snaps and/or other disconnectably-attachable attachment mechanism known by those skilled in the art.

[0032] In some embodiments, the connecting strap body 144 of at least one connecting strap 140 may be length-adjustable using buckles, hook and loop fasteners and/or alternative adjusting techniques known by those skilled in the art, to allow the user to adjust the tightness of the connecting strap 140 to his/her desire. In some embodiments, the connecting strap body 144 of at least one connecting strap 140 can be elastic, such as made of or comprising rubber, an elastic fabric, or the like, allowing the connecting strap 140 to automatically adjust to the user's hand.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pressing element 150 may be provided on the second side 114 of the device body 110. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pressing element 150 can protrude from an inner surface 124 into the hand space 1 18. Preferably, the pressing element 150 is movable with respect to the second side 1 14 in order to allow for adjustment of the protruding depth from the inner surface 124. For instance, the pressing element 150 depicted herein is threaded to the second side 1 14 and can be threaded or unthreaded by the user in order to vary the depth of protrusion of the pressing element 150 into the hand space 118.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the pressing element 150 may include a pressing element knob 152. A pressing element shaft 154 may extend from the pressing element knob 152. Pressing element threads 156 may be provided on an exterior surface of the pressing element shaft 154. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9, the distal end of the pressing element shaft 154 may be rounded or blunted. A pressing element opening 126 may extend through the second side 1 14 in communication with the hand space 1 18. In some embodiments, a pressing element collar 128 may protrude from the second side 1 14 in concentric relationship to the pressing element opening 126. Pressing element opening threads 130 may be provided on an interior surface of the pressing element opening 126 and/or the pressing element collar 128. In the present embodiment, both the pressing element opening 126 and the pressing element collar 128 are threaded. Accordingly, the pressing element shaft 154 may threadabiy engage the pressing element opening 126 and the pressing element collar 128. The pressing element knob 152 can be selectively rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to advance the pressing element shaft 154 into the hand space 118 and in an opposite counterclockwise or clockwise direction, respectively, to retract the pressing element shaft 154 from the hand space 118 for purposes which will be hereinafter described.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9, in typical application, the headache- relieving device 100 is placed on the hand 300 of a user who is suffering from a headache. In some embodiments, the flexible device body 110 can be slightly opened to facilitate insertion and fitting onto the hand 300. The connecting strap body 144 of each connecting strap 140 may be selectively length-adjusted to facilitate movement of the second side 114 away from the first side 1 12 and selective enlargement of the hand space 1 18 for placement of the user's hand 300 in the hand space 118. The hand 300 is placed in the hand space 118 between the first side 1 12 and the second side 1 14 of the device body 110, with the tip of the pressing element shaft 154 of the pressing element 150 positioned in registration with a pressure point 310 between the thumb 320 and index finger 330 on the hand 300. In some embodiments, once set place, the device body 110 may be elastically deformable, and allowed to recover a more closed position to snugly but comfortably adjust to the hand 300; in other embodiments, the device body 110 may be plastically deformable and the user may deform the device body 1 10 to a desired adjustment on the hand 300; in further alternative embodiments, the device body 110 may not be flexible or deformable. Once the device body 1 10 is fitted onto the hand 300 so that the tip of the pressing element shaft 154 is positioned in registration with the pressure point 310, the connecting straps 140 may then be tightened and/or fastened typically according to the preference of the user, to secure the C-shaped device body 110 onto the hand 300 and maintain the tip of the pressing element shaft 154 in registration with the pressure point 310, The pressing element knob 152 may then be rotated (typically in a clockwise direction) to advance the pressing element shaft 154 against the pressure point 310 and cause the pressing element shaft 154 to press the pressure point 310 as shown in FIG. 9. The tightness of the pressing element shaft 154 against the pressure point 310 may be selectively varied by rotation of the pressing element knob 152, in accordance with user preference, the magnitude of the headache, or any applicable factor. The headache-relieving device 100 can be maintained in place on the hand 300, or intermittently removed from the hand 300 and re-applied, as necessary, to reduce the magnitude of the headache or eliminate the headache.

[0036] Referring next to FIG. 10, an alternative illustrative embodiment of the headache-relieving device is generally indicated by reference numeral 200. Like features of the headache-relieving device 200 and the headache-relieving device 100 (FIGS. 1 through 9) are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral '2'.

[0037] The headache-relieving device 200 shown in FIG. 10 includes a first connecting strap 240 which is the same as or similar to that of the headache-relieving device 100. The headache-relieving device 200 includes a second connecting strap 260 having a first fixed end portion 262 connected to the corresponding first strap slot 220 which extends through the first side 212 of the device body 210, and an elongated connecting strap body 264 extending from the fixed end portion 262. Unlike the first embodiment, however, the second connecting strap 260 further includes an opposite second fixed end portion 266 which extends through the second strap slot 222 in the second side 214 of the device body 210 and is permanently or fixedly formed in the connecting strap body 264 and permanently affixed to the second side 214, similarly to the first fixed end portion 262. In some embodiments, the connecting strap body 264 of the second connecting strap 260 may ^¬ be selectively length-adjustable and/or elastic. In other embodiments, the length of the connecting strap body 264 may be fixed.

[0038] Further alternative embodiments are contemplated in which both ends of one or both connecting straps are non-permanentiy attached to the device body, and can be disconnected from the device body. In some embodiments, one or both connecting straps are entirely removable from the device body, for instance to facilitate washing the connecting straps and/or the device body, or to allow replacing either one of the connecting straps or the device body.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 10, application of the headache-relieving device 200 may be as was heretofore described with respect to the headache-relieving device 100 of FIGS, 1 -9. The connecting strap body 244 of the first connecting strap 240 may be selectively length-adjustable and/or detachable with respect to the second side 214 to facilitate selective enlargement of the hand space 2 8 for placement of the users hand 300 in the hand space 218. The pressing element 250 is then adjusted onto the pressure point 310 by selective user operation of the pressing element knob 252 with the other hand (not shown), or by a person assisting the user.

[0040] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.