This invention relates to a massage head, intended to be applied to a body surface, comprising a cover supporting at least two massage elements, with at least one of said massage elements being mounted mobile inside a slide between a position close to the other massage element and a position separated from the massage element.

This head is intended in particular to be placed at the end of a sleeve of a massage device grasped by a user, in order to allow the user to carry out a massage of the body surface using at least one massage element.

The massage element is for example a ball or a sphere that is applied on the body surface. The user displaces the massage element over the body surface, possibly after having applied a cosmetic product on the surface.

The cosmetic product is for example, a cosmetic care or makeup product for the body surface. It has the form of a liquid, gel, powder.

More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in EC Regulation N° 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council of November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

Known massage devices generally comprise a linear sleeve, and two rotating massage elements having a separation that is fixed with respect to one another.

These devices are suited for carrying out a massage of a given zone of the human body, for example the oval of the face. To massage another zone of the human body, for example the contour of the eyebrows, it is necessary to have another tool in which the massage elements have a different separation.

FR2998168 and FR2998169 describe massage devices in which the massage elements are driven in translation during the massage, with the separation between the massage elements varying at every instant during the massage. Such devices are not suited to massaging specific zones of the human body, such as the oval of the face, by retaining a constant separation.

FR2664158 describes a massage device in which the angular orientation of the massage element can be modified, but without modifying the separation. Such a device is not suited for massaging different zones of the human body.

A purpose of the invention is to obtain a massage head that is able to carry out massages and/or applications of cosmetic product on several zones of the human body, by adapting to the morphology of the massaged zone.

For this purpose, the invention has for object a massage head of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the massage head comprises a head base, mounted mobile with respect to the cover, with the head base delimiting at least one adjusting groove of the position of the massage element, with the groove being oriented in an oblique manner with respect to the slide and intersecting with said slide in at least one region located next to the slide in which the massage element is mounted mobile, with the displacement of the head base with respect to the cover modifying the position of the massage element in the slide, the head comprising a mechanism that can be released from blocking in position of the head base with respect to the cover, in order to immobilize the massage element in a given separation with respect to the other massage element.

The massage head according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any combination that is technically possible:

- the head base is mounted mobile in rotation with respect to a central axis of the cover;

- the adjusting groove has a curved shape;

- the slide extends radially with respect to the central axis of the cover;

- the massage element comprises a base engaged through the slide and the groove, and an massage protrusion, intended to come into contact with the body surface;

- the massage protrusion is of hemispherical or oval shape, with the massage protrusion being smooth or having reliefs;

- the cover delimits, for each massage element, a slide for radial and/or transversal displacement of the massage element with respect to a central axis of the cover, with the head base having, for each massage element, a corresponding adjusting groove;

- the radial and/or transversal displacement slides of the massage elements are separated, the adjusting grooves of the position of the massage elements being separated;

- at least one massage element has a fixed position with respect to the cover; - two massage elements have a fixed position with respect to the cover, with the mobile massage element being aligned with the massage elements that have a fixed position in the close position, with the mobile massage element defining a triangle with the massage elements that have a fixed position in the remote position.

The invention also has for object a massage element of a body surface, comprising:

- a sleeve, intended to be grasped by the hand of a user, and

- a massage head such as defined hereinabove, mounted on the sleeve.

The massage device according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any combination that is technically possible:

- a set for driving in rotation and/or a set for vibration / oscillation of the head, and

- a reservoir of cosmetic product intended to be distributed through the head; - a set for heating and/or cooling the or each massage element.

Another purpose of the invention is a method for non-therapeutic cosmetic massage of a body surface, comprising the following steps:

- provision of a device such as defined above;

- application of at least one massage element of the head on the body surface;

- displacement of the massage element on the surface of the body;

the method comprising, before the application of the massage element, a displacement of the head base mobile with respect to the head in order to modify the position of the massage element in the slide, then the blocking of the massage element in position in the slide through the blocking mechanism, the massage element maintaining its position in the slide during the application and the displacement of the massage element over the body surface.

The method advantageously comprises, after the application of the massage element, another displacement of the mobile base with respect to the head in order to modify the position of the massage element in the slide, then the blocking of the massage element in position in the slide by the intermediary of the blocking mechanism, with the massage element retaining its position in the slide during the application and the displacement of the massage element over the body surface.

The invention will be easier to understand in view of the following description, provided solely as an example and with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

- figure 1 is a side view of a first device for massaging according to the invention;

- figure 2 is a perspective three-quarters front view of the massage head of the device of figure 1 , with the massage elements close together;

- figure 3 is a bottom view of the cover of the massage head of figure 2;

- figure 4 is a top view of the mobile base of the head of figure 2;

- figure 5 is a view similar to figure 2, with the massage elements being separated;

- figure 6 is a view similar to figure 1 , of a device comprising another massage head according to the invention;

- figures 7 to 10 show variants of massage elements for massage heads according to the invention;

- figures 1 1 to 16 show different forms of massage heads according to the invention.

A first massaging device 10 according to the invention is partially illustrated in figure 1 . The device 10 is intended to carry out a cosmetic and not therapeutic massage, on a body surface of a user. The body surface of the user is for example the skin of the user, in particular on the face, in particular along the oval of the face and/or the contour of the eyes.

The device 10 comprises a sleeve 12 and a massage head 14 according to the invention, removably mounted in a housing 16 of the sleeve 12.

In this example, the device 10 further comprises an assembly 18 for driving in rotation the head 14 about an axis A-A', preferably according to an oscillating movement.

The sleeve 12 extends along an axis B-b1 which here is substantially perpendicular to the axis A-A'. It is able to be grasped by the hand of the user.

It comprises in this example a button 20 for activating the assembly for driving in rotation 18.

The housing 16 is arranged in the vicinity of an end of the sleeve 12. It ends here laterally with respect to the axis B-B'.

According to invention, in reference to figures 1 to 5, the massage head 14 comprises an external cover 22, a plurality of massage elements 24 having an adjustable position on the cover 22, and a head base 26, mounted mobile with respect to the cover 22 in order to adjust the position of the massage elements 24 on the cover 22.

The massage head 14 further comprises a releasable mechanism 28 for blocking the position of the head base 26 with respect to the cover 22, in order to immobilize each massage element 24 in a given position on the cover 22.

The cover 22 extends along the axis A-A' when it is mounted in the housing 16. It comprises an outer wall 30 intended to be placed next to the body surface, on which the massage elements 24 protrude. It further comprises, a lateral skirt 32 and an inner sleeve 34 intended to receive and guide in rotation the mobile head base 26.

The outer wall 30 here has a circular contour centered on the axis A-A'. It extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis A-A'.

The outer wall 30 defines, for each massage element 24, a slide 36 passing through the wall 30 and opening into an inner cavity 38 delimited between the skirt 32 and the outer wall 30.

In this example, each slide 36 is linear. It extends radially with respect to the central axis A-A' between a first end closer to the axis A-A' and a second end farther from the axis A-A'.

The slide 36 defines the possible radial positions of the massage element 24 that it receives, between a position close to another massage element 24 and a position separated from the other massage element 24.

In the example shown in figure 2, the slides 36 are distributed angularly about the axis A-A'. The slides 36 are separated and each receives a single massage element 24. The displacement of each massage element 24 with respect to the slide 36 is controlled by the slide 36.

The skirt 32 has a converging shape from the sleeve 34 to the outer wall 30.

The sleeve 34 here has a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than the diameter of the wall 38.

In reference to figures 2 and 3, the head 14 comprises a plurality of massage elements 24, for example between two and six massage elements 24.

Each massage element 24 comprises a base 40 engaged through the slide 36 and a massage protrusion 42 arranged on the base 40 outside the outer wall 30.

In this example, the base 40 comprises a stud 44 (see figure 2), arranged bearing on an outer surface of the outer wall 30, and a retaining tab 46 (see figure 3), protruding onto an inner surface of the outer wall 30, inside the cavity 38.

As such, each massage element 34 is maintained in axial position in the slide 36, parallel to the axis A-A', between the stud 44 and the retaining tab 46.

The massage protrusion 42 is here formed by a ball with a hemispherical shape. In this example, the diameter of the ball is for example between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 5 and 10 mm. The massage protrusion 42 is for example made of metal or of ceramic when a temperature effect, in particular a cold effect is desired in contact with the body surface. Alternatively, the massage protrusion 42 is formed from plastic rigid or flexible to the touch, if a temperature effect is not desired.

In the example shown in figures 2 to 5, the massage protrusion 42 is smooth. Alternatively, as shown in figures 7 to 10, it has reliefs, for example splines (figure 7), radial protrusions (figure 8), pins (figure 9), or/and facets (figure 10).

As another alternative, the shape of the massage protrusion 42 is not spherical, for example oval or of another shape.

In reference to figure 4, the head base 26 comprises a region of actuation 50, arranged outside the cover 22 in order to be manipulated by the user, and a displacement region 52 of the massage elements 24 inserted into the cover 22.

The region of actuation 50 is able to be grasped by the fingers of the user in order to drive in rotation the head base 26 about the axis A-A' with respect to the cover 22, against the blocking mechanism 28. It protrudes outside the cover 22 opposite the outer wall 30.

The region of displacement 52 comprises an outer surface 54 inserted into the cavity 38. The outer surface 54 is placed next to the inner surface of the outer wall 30.

The head base 26 delimits, in the outer surface 54, for each massage element 24, a groove 56 for adjusting the position of the massage element 24. In the example shown in figure 4, each groove 56 has a curved shape, in particular in the shape of an arc of circle.

Each groove 56 extends between a first end arranged radially closer to the axis A- A' and a second end located radially farther from the axis A-A' and angularly offset about the axis A-A' with respect to the first end. The grooves 56 are separated from one another.

In the example shown in figure 4, each groove 56 substantially has the shape of a C. The first end of each groove 56 is located substantially between the first end and the second end of another groove 56.

Each groove 56 receives in a complementary manner the tab 46 of a massage element 24. As such, the displacement of the tab 46 and of the massage element 24 is controlled by the shape of the adjusting groove 56.

Each groove 56 as such has a region 58 receiving the tab 46, arranged next to a slide 36. The region 58 has a length less than that of the groove 56, substantially equal to the transversal extent of the tab 46.

In projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis A-A', the region 58 corresponds to the intersection between a projection of the slide 36 and the projection of the adjusting groove 56.

In light of the shape of the groove 56, and of the shape of slide 36, the position of the region 58, and therefore of the massage element 24 in the slide 36, varies according to the relative angular position of the head base 26 with respect to the cover 22.

As such, in a first angular position of the head base 26 with respect to the cover 22, the region 58 is located relatively close to the axis A-A', in the vicinity of the first ends of the slide 36 and of the groove 56. Each massage element 24 is then arranged in the vicinity of the axis A-A', as shown in figure 2, in the position close to the other massage elements 24.

On the contrary, in a second angular position of the head base 26 with respect to the cover 22, for example offset by 120° with respect to the first angular position, the region 58 is located relatively far from the axis A-A', in the vicinity of the second ends of the slide 36 and from the groove 56. Each massage element 24 is then arranged separated from the axis A-A', as shown in figure 5, in the position separated from the other massage elements 24.

The releasable blocking mechanism 28 is inserted between the head base 26 and the cover 22. It is for example formed from a ratchet system, and/or from another mechanical system that allows for the blocking at rest of the angular position of the head base 26 in the cover 22 and the release via a manual force of the rotation of the head base 26 with respect to the cover 22 for the adjusting of the position of each massage element 24 in the slide 36.

In this example, the assembly for driving in rotation 18 is able to jointly displace the cover 22 and the mobile head base 26, in rotation about the axis A-A', with respect to the sleeve 12 preferably according to an oscillating movement with a frequency between 5 Hz and 200 Hz, preferably between 75 Hz and 150 Hz.

During this movement, the blocking mechanism 28 prevents the relative rotation of the cover 22 with respect to the head base 26 and maintains the radial position of each massage element 24 constant on the cover 22.

The operation of the massage device 10 according to the invention will now be described.

Initially, the user catches the head 14 arranged outside of the sleeve 12, by grasping with a hand the region of actuation 50 of the head base 26 and with another hand, the cover 22.

It releases the releasable blocking mechanism 28 and drives in rotation the mobile head base 26 with respect to the cover 22 about the axis A-A'.

The displacement in rotation causes the modification of the position of the region 58 of each groove 56 located next to the slide 36 in order to separate or bring together this region 58 of the axis A-A' according to the desired position for the massage elements 24.

It is also possible to adjust the head 14 when it is mounted on the massage device 10. This is facilitated as the head base 26 is maintained fixed and it is easy to rotate the cover 22 in order to carry out the adjusting.

The massage elements 24 are therefore displaced simultaneously in the slides 36 in order to reach the position desired by the user, between a first position wherein they are close to one another, shown in figure 2 and a second position wherein that are a separated from one another, shown in figure 5.

As an example, the distance separating two-by-two the massage elements 24 in the close position is for example between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, which makes it possible for example to massage a precise zone located around the eyes or follow a wrinkle.

The distance separating two-by-two the massage elements 24 in the remote position is for example between 10 mm and 30 mm, which makes it possible for example to massage the oval of the face.

Then, once the suitable distance is chosen, the user releases the head base 26, provoking the actuation of the releasable blocking mechanism 28. The massage elements 24 are then maintained in radial position with respect to the axis A-A' and with respect to one another.

The user replaces the head 14 on the sleeve 12. Using the sleeve 12, the user applies the massage elements 24 on the body surface, by bring the head 14 close to this surface. The user displaces the massage elements 24 on the surface in order to carry out the massage.

The relative position of the massage elements 24 is invariable during the massage.

The massage carried out is a mixture between a pinching of the body surface between two massage elements 24 on either side of the massaged zone, and a palpate- roll by the third massage element 24 rolling on the edge formed as such.

Possibly, the user activates the assembly for driving in rotation 18 in order to provoke a displacement in global rotation of the massage elements 24 about the axis A-A'. This displacement is advantageously oscillating. As hereinabove, the relative position of the massage elements 24 is invariable during the massage.

Then, if the user desires to massage another zone of the body surface, grasps the sleeve 12 and the cover 22 in order to again adjust the distance desired between the massage elements 24.

The massage head 14 is therefore particularly adaptable, since it can carry out massages of varied zones of the body surface using the same device 10.

This makes it possible to obtain a drainage, a deflation of the pockets of a contour of the eye by the actuation of the blood and lymph circulation, a strengthening and a refining of the oval of the face, a relaxing of the muscle tension of the face using the same device 10, with a very simple and inexpensive structure.

In the alternative shown in figure 6, the massage elements 24 have a maximum dimension greater than that of the massage elements 24 of the device 10 of figure 1 . For example, the transversal dimension of the massage protrusions 42 of the device 10 shown in figure 6 is greater than 8 mm and is for example between 8 mm and 30 mm.

The distance between the massage elements in the remote position is between 15 mm and 80 mm.

This device 10 therefore makes it possible to massage the calves and the arms when the massage elements 24 occupy their close position, and the thighs and the hips, when the massage elements 24 occupy their remote position.

According to another embodiment, the head 14 is mounted on a sleeve for maintaining that is not motorized. In an alternative shown in figure 6, the device 10 comprises a reservoir 200 of cosmetic product, connected to the massage head 14. The cosmetic product is able to be distributed through the massage head 14 onto the body surface.

In another alternative, the device 10 comprises a vibration assembly of the head 14, and/or a heating and/or cooling assembly of the massage elements 24.

In the alternative shown in figure 1 1 , the head 14 comprises two opposite massage elements 24. The contour of the outer wall 30 is oval. In this case, the head base 26 advantageously comprises an oval contour. It is advantageously blocked in two opposite positions about the axis A-A', corresponding to the close position and the remote position of the massage elements 24.

In the alternative shown in figure 12, the massage protrusions 42 are of oval shape.

In the alternative shown in figure 13, the massage head 14 has four massage elements 24 distributed angularly about the axis A-A'.

In the alternative shown in figure 14, the contour of the outer wall 30 is polygonal, here square. The head base 26 is advantageously able to be blocked in an angular position with respect to the cover 22 in four predefined angular positions.

In the alternative shown in figure 15, the contour of the outer wall 30 is triangular. The head base 26 is advantageously able to be blocked in an angular position with respect to the cover 22 in three predefined angular positions.

In the alternative shown in figure 16, at least two massage elements 24 have a fixed position with respect to the cover 22. A massage element 24 is mobile with respect to the other massage elements 24.

In the close position, shown as a dotted line in figure 16, the mobile massage element 24 is aligned with the massage elements 24 that have a fixed position. In the remote position, shown as solid lines in figure 16, the mobile massage element 24 forms a triangle with the massage elements 24 that have a fixed position.