DESCRIPTION MASSAGE APPARATUS

Technical Field The present invention is related to a massage apparatus which has a massage effect and particularly, is related to a massage apparatus which can be used as a brush on a person's head.

Furthermore, in detail, in the case of the cleaning of a person' s head, it is related to a massage apparatus which can be used as a brush.

Background Art

Conventionally, in order to acquire a massage effect, various massage apparatuses and massage machines have been used.

As such a massage apparatus or massage machine, for example, a massage rod which has a rubber-like object attached to the end of the rod which strikes the location where a person' s hand does cannot reach or a massage chair which has a built in electric massage device in the back of the chair, etc. are mentioned.

Although many massage apparatuses and massage machines exist today, there are not many massage apparatuses for a

person's head, specifically, the example of the massage apparatus which can be used as a brush in the case of a cleaning of a person's head.

There is a device that can be used as a brush as an example of a massage apparatus at the time of such a cleaning disclosed in the following cited reference 1 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 2002-78761) .

The brush used for massage disclosed in cited reference 1 has the configuration which comprises a brush base 101 having a grip section 102 and a brush hair base 103 having bristle 104 as shown in FIG. 9.

Concerning this brush for massage, while having the installation position of the grip section 102 in the center of brush base 101, by having the upper end part 105 of the grip section 102 in a larger shape than the grip section 102, the brush for massage is very easy for a person to hold.

However, there were the following problems concerning this brush for massage. Namely, in order to use the brush for massage, after a person picks it up by hand, to use this brush, the person actually has to move his or her own hand and arm for use on the head. In addition, this brush has a configuration in which the hair being washed must be brushed in a certain

direction. Therefore, the problem of a person's arm and hand becoming tired arises.

Concerning this problem, if the brush for massage is used by a small child or a child with underdeveloped strength of an arm or hand, or conversely, an old person whose strength of an arm or hand has declined, it can be said as remarkable.

Moreover, in places where people' s heads must be washed many times, such as a beauty parlor or a barber shop, the number of shampoos performed is great. However, although the need for an apparatus which can wash hair without an arm or hand getting tired exists, based on this brush for massage, since it has the configuration of requiring people to actually move their hand or arm, this need is not satisfied.

As an object which can meet the above needs to a certain degree, an electric massage brush massage is known conventionally which is indicated in the following cited reference 2 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. H08- 12329) .

This brush shaped massage tool disclosed in cited reference 2 has the configuration for generating vibration which comprises brush section 201, brush shaped body 202 which brush section 201 is attached to, motor 203 having

eccentric weight 204, and battery 205 used as the power source of motor 203 as shown in FIG. 10.

However, there were the following problems in this brush shaped massage tool. Namely, since the brush shaped massage tool has the configuration of having brush handle section 206 which stores battery 205, the shape of the entire brush becomes large and the problem of becoming obstructive in a shampooing stand or a narrow bathroom in a beauty parlour, etc. occurs.

Moreover, there is also the problem that an excellent massage effect can not be acquired by simply using electricity .

Namely, making small circles with a finger is said to be good for the massaging of the head. However, based on the brush shaped massage tool, since vibration of brush section 201 occurs in the perpendicular direction to the scalp, vibration like making small circles with a finger cannot be produced. Therefore, this brush shaped massage tool cannot be called an object which can perform an excellent massage effect.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention is made in view of the above- stated background. The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a massage apparatus which can be used as a brush on a person' s head while vibration like making small circles with a finger can be produced and to apply proper stimulus to the scalp.

Particularly, in the case of cleaning a person's head, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a massage apparatus that can be used as a brush. Furthermore, in order to heighten the massage effect, the second purpose of the present invention is to provide a massage apparatus composed of special materials.

However, the purposes of the present invention are described as only typical ones (purposes) and are not meant to limit the massage apparatus disclosed below to only- being used on a person's head. It can also be used on other body parts. In addition, it can also be used on non- human things such as animals.

The massage apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a brush body section having bristles, a top cover having a grip section, and a vibration section for producing vibration; wherein said vibration section comprises a motor, and an eccentric weight attached to a rotating shaft of said motor; wherein a shorter side direction surface of

said bristles and a direction of said rotating shaft of said motor make an angle between 10 degrees and 20 degrees is provided.

The massage apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said shorter side direction surface of said bristles and said direction of said rotating shaft of said motor make a 15 degree angle is also provided.

The massage apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said bristles are made from thermoplastic elastomer, rubber or plastic in which germanium was mixed into is also provided.

Furthermore, the massage apparatus according to claim 4 comprising a brush body section having bristles, and a top cover having a grip section; wherein said bristles are made from thermoplastic elastomer, rubber or plastic in which germanium was mixed into is also provided.

Based on the present invention of a massage apparatus comprising a brush body section having bristles, a top cover having a grip section, and a vibration section for producing vibration; wherein said vibration section comprises a motor, and an eccentric weight attached to a rotating shaft of said motor; wherein a shorter side direction surface of said bristles and a direction of said rotating shaft of said motor make an angle between 10

degrees and 20 degrees, the present invention has the following advantageous effects.

1) Since the present invention has the configuration of the shorter side direction surface of the bristles and the direction of said rotating shaft of the motor not being parallel or not approximately concurrent but rather making an angle between 10 degrees to 20 degrees, vibration produced in the massage apparatus can be produced in a ripply shape in a state in which a circle is made not in the long side direction of the bristles but on the short side direction surface of the bristles (when the massage apparatus of the present invention is used on a head, it is approximately the same surface to the scalp) .

2) Since vibration of such a ripply shape can be produced, when the massage apparatus of the present invention is used on a head, dead hair roots in the head can be easily removed.

3) Moreover, since the present invention has the configuration of the shorter side direction surface of the bristles and the direction of said rotating shaft of the motor not being a right angle or an approximate right angle but rather making an angle between 10 degrees and 20 degrees, when the massage apparatus of the present

invention is used on a head, not only is a simple circle made but also proper stimulus can be applied to the scalp.

4) Thus, when the massage apparatus of the present invention is used on a head, since proper stimulus can be applied to the scalp, blood circulation of the head can be improved.

5) Furthermore, when the massage apparatus of the present invention is used on a head, since germanium is mixed into the thermoplastic elastomer which is used as an ingredient of the bristles, in itself that this ingredient is used, the germanium' s advantageous effects can be acquired on a person' s head.

6) Since a vibration section is comprised in the present invention, in spite of the massage apparatus being compact, the germanium's advantageous effects can be spread uniformly across the head (when the massage apparatus of the present invention is used on a head) .

7) Thus, since the present invention is a compact apparatus that can spread the germanium' s advantageous effects over the entire head (when the massage apparatus of the present invention is used on a head) , excellent cost/benefit performance can be obtained.

As mentioned above, although it is stated that the results are based on when the massage apparatus of the

present invention is used on a person' s head, it does not mean to exclude the use of the massage apparatus of the present invention on a person' s body, limbs or other part(s) of the body or on animals such as dogs, cats, etc. When used on a person' s arm, the arm receives the above advantageous effects of 1-7.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the massage apparatus of the present invention/ FIG. 2 is a perspective view when looking at the massage apparatus 1 from the back;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the massage apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the spatial relationship of the motor arranged inside the massage apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an overall perspective view of the second embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective diagram of the second embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the second embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the bristles of the second embodiment of the massage apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional massage apparatus; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a conventional massage apparatus.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Hereafter, with reference to the drawings, the preferred embodiments for carrying out the massage apparatus of the present invention is explained. In addition, concerning these drawings, please note that the elements in the drawings may not necessarily be true to the actual scale. Instead of being drawn to scale, accents for better describing the principle and/or essence of the present invention is present throughout this description. Furthermore, in the figures, it is noted that the same reference numbers are used to indicate the corresponding elements throughout the figures.

A. First Embodiment

A-I. Configuration

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of massage apparatus 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, massage apparatus 1 is generally formed in an approximate circular configuration and/or an approximate elliptical shape.

Massage apparatus 1 comprises a top cover 2 having a grip section 5 and a brush body section 3 (see FIG. 3 concerning the brush body section 3) having bristle 4.

Although the word "bristle" is generally used to mean pig hair or rough hair, in the disclosure of this invention according to the specification, it is only used to describe the teeth of the brush. Therefore, an interpretation in the claims which applies a restriction such as "the hair of a pig", etc. must be avoided.

Although bristle 4 of the present invention may be rubber or plastic, thermoplastic elastomer is preferred. The purpose of selecting such a material is to easily form bristle 4 and in addition, to spread a soft vibration when bristle 4 makes contact with a head.

Furthermore, it is more preferable to add in germanium to the material of bristle 4.

Here, germanium is an atom (Ge) with the atomic number 32. The electrical characteristics of germanium have beneficial advantageous effects on a living body. For example, because germanium (germanium ion) quickly reacts with a hydrogen ion in the blood (H+), an active oxygen generating operation of a hydrogen ion and oxygen in the blood (l/202+H+=OH-+e-) is prevented and therefore an effect that oxygen in the blood is used in the body without being consumed wastefully. In addition, there are many other supposed advantageous effects in germanium.

Although the mixing of germanium is sufficient when disintegration of the germanium ore is carried out and mixed by a method which is generally performed on the entire or part of bristle 4 (it is desirable to mix this with brush body section 3) , it may be mixed by a special method. For example, a method which mixes after the forming of bristle 4 can also be used. Grip section 5 is formed in the eccentric position which is inclined toward the front portion rather than the center of massage apparatus 1 and is also formed so that a smooth arc may be made from grip section lower part 6 to grip section upper part 7.

Thus, by grip section 5 being formed so that a smooth arc is made, the ease of grasping the grip is excellent when holding massage apparatus 1 by hand (Typically, it will be held in a state where grip section 5 is between the index finger and middle finger. In addition, there are no problems regarding the holding of the massage apparatus 1 in the right hand or left hand) .

Small hole 8 is formed in grip section 5. This small hole 8 is formed so that it is possible to hang massage apparatus 1 in the bathroom, etc. by, for example, a string, etc. which passes through this small hole 8.

Changeover switch 9 is provided in the front portion of top cover 2 and is for performing the on/off change of the power supply. FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram when looking at the massage apparatus 1 from the back. As shown in FIG. 2, battery loading slots 10 and 11 are formed on the back of top cover 2 of the massage apparatus 1. When batteries are inserted into these battery loading slots 10 and 11, battery loading slots 10 and 11 can be closed by non- illustrated covers.

In FIG. 2, although the embodiment is shown using two size AA batteries as the power source, when other battery types/sizes or power sources are used as a power source,

the shape of these battery loading slots may naturally differ.

The applicant does not have any particular intention to eliminate an embodiment with such a modification. FIG. 3 shows the diagram which illustrates the internal structure of massage apparatus 1 which is drawn in the state when top cover 2 is removed from massage apparatus 1.

Size AA batteries 12 and 13 are held in place by the non-illustrated proper battery compartment (s) .

Between these size AA batteries 12 and 13 and in the approximate center section of brush body section 3, motor 14 which produces vibration for massage apparatus 1 is formed in a special structure. In addition, an eccentric weight is attached to the end of rotating shaft 15 of motor 14.

Here, motor 14 is arranged on brush body section 3 by the spatial relationship defined by the following angles.

Namely, as shown in FIG. 3, motor 14 is arranged on brush body section 3 through poles 17 and 18 so the shorter side direction surface of the bristles and the rotating shaft 15 of motor 14 make an angle between 10 degrees to 20 degrees. Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange motor 14 so the shorter side direction surface of the bristles and

the rotating shaft 15 of the motor make an angle of 15 degrees.

Concerning the above angle, the defined spatial relationship is better shown in FIG. 4 which shows the view of the massage apparatus of this embodiment from the right side .

In this embodiment, although poles 17 and 18 are used as a means to secure the motor in place, if a different object can secure motor 14 in the above-stated spatial relationship, any kind of object may be used.

Here, motor 14 and eccentric weight 16 configures vibration section 19.

By motor 14 being arranged in the defined spatial relationship in the above-stated angles, since motor 14 is able to produce vibration like making circles with a finger for massage apparatus 1 while applying proper stimulus to the scalp, the massage effect is extremely heightened.

In addition, in FIGs. 3 and 4, although motor 14 faces the front and the bottom, as long as it has the angular relationship (on a curved surface) defined above, it may be facing, for example, the back, top, right or left.

The motor 14 provided in the above-stated spatial relationship is connected with the aforementioned size AA

batteries 12 and 13 via a lead wire which is not illustrated and a changeover switch 9.

A-2. Operation

Below, the operation of the massage apparatus having the above-stated configuration is explained.

As an example, a scenario based on someone shampooing their hair in the bathroom, etc. is explained.

First, shampoo is applied to hair in a wet state. Then, the user situates his or her index finger and middle finger around grip section 5 so the massage apparatus 1 can be held in the hand. Finally, the power supply is turned on by the index finger or middle finger by operating the changeover switch 9.

When the power supply is turned on, because of the special internal structure of the massage apparatus 1, vibration as if a circle is being made is generated.

Namely, in motor 14 inside the massage apparatus 1, since the shorter side direction surface of the bristles and the rotating shaft 15 of motor 14 are situated to make an angle between 10 degrees and 20 degrees, preferably 15 degrees, vibration as if a circle is being made is generated on approximately the same surface as the palm.

Subsequently, massage apparatus 1 which generates such vibration is lightly applied to the hair being washed with shampoo.

In doing so, hair can be washed because of the vibration generated in massage apparatus 1.

Moreover, while shampooing, a preferred scalp massage method of "a massage which makes small circles with a finger" can be performed.

In addition, since vibration occurs not only in a tangential direction but also a perpendicular direction on the scalp, a proper stimulus can be applied to the scalp.

Furthermore, the advantageous effects of the germanium mixed into bristle 4 covers the head uniformly because of the vibration produced in the massage apparatus 1.

B. Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is explained in FIGs. 5 thru 8. This second embodiment improves the method to hold the motor in place, the storage structure of the batteries and the structure of the grip section.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of massage apparatus 21 of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective diagram

illustrating the overall configuration of massage apparatus 21.

In these figures, massage apparatus 21 comprises a grip section 22, top cover 23, inner cover 24, base section 25, lower plate 26 and brush body section 27. These are formed using, for example, resin as a substance. However, a substance other than resin may be used. In addition, bristle 28 (refer to FIG. 5) is provided on brush body section 27. Grip section 22 is a structure which can be attached to top cover 23 and is secured by, for example, inserting lower part 22a of the grip section 22 into slot 23m which is formed in top cover 23. In addition, to the above, a binder may be added on to slot 23m to secure the grip section 22 in place. Furthermore, grip section 22 and top cover 23 could also be formed as one object.

When grip section 22 is secured on the top cover 23, space 22b is formed which lets a person' s index finger pass through (refer to FIG. 5) . Grip section 22 is then gripped by the person' s index finger using this space 22b while other fingers touch other parts of grip section 22 and top cover 23 making the massage apparatus 21 very easy to use.

Inner cover 24 is stored inside top cover 23 and is adhered to and secured on base section 25. For example, it

may be secured using a binding material or it may be secured using other methods. However, it is secured with the consideration of it becoming a waterproof construction. For example, the packing used for waterproofing may be placed around base section 25.

Base section 25 comprises battery housing sections 31 and 32 which are formed in a semicircle tube shape. In addition, it also comprises motor 33 and switch 34. The arrangement structure and function of motor 33 are the same as that of the first embodiment, and the eccentric weight

(not shown) is attached to the end of the rotating shaft of motor 33.

It is also here that motor 33, the eccentric weight (not shown) and vibration section 35 are configured. By this vibration section 35, massage apparatus 21 produces vibration like making circles with a finger while applying a proper stimulus to the scalp.

Motor 33 is secured on base section 25 by plate 36 with screw 37. However, although there is more than one screw, other screws have been omitted (from the figures) as it becomes very cumbersome.

Motor 33 is turned on/off via switch 34 and switch 34 is connected with a manual operation button 39 via rod 38 (although a spring is arranged, it is not shown) . Manual

operation button 39 contains rod 38 inside of it and also has a waterproof construction. The tip of the manual operation button 39 protrudes outside through inner cover 24 and top cover 23 as can be seen in FIG. 1. In addition, although the hole which manual operation button 39 passes through is created in inner cover 24 and top cover 23, it is not displayed in the figures.

When the user passes his or her index finger through space 22b formed in grip section 22, the manual operation button 39 can be easily operated by just the end of the finger which turns on switch 34 of the apparatus. The massage apparatus 21 functions by this procedure. The massage apparatus 21 turns off by the user pushing the manual operation button 39 once again. Moreover, lower plate 26 is secured on base section 25 by screws 41-44 (refer to FIG. 7) and each screw 41-44 is bound tightly by nut 45, 46 and 47 (the other nut is not illustrated) , respectively.

As shown in FIG. 7, packing 49 used for waterproofing is situated between base section 25 and lower plate 26. In addition, batteries 51 and 52 are kept in battery housing sections 31 and 32, respectively, which are formed in a semicircle tube shape in base section 25. Moreover, batteries 51 and/or 52 can be removed. When removing

batteries 51 and/or 52, by loosening screws 41-44 and removing lower plate 26, the changing of batteries 51 and/or 52 can be performed very easily.

Going back to FIG. 6, lower plate 26 is located inside of brush body section 27 which is secured to base section 25. In the brush body section 27 shown in FIG. 8, bristle 28 is formed and is comprised of the same materials as the bristle in the first embodiment.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, bristle 28 includes large main bristle 53 and sub-bristle 54. Main bristle 53 is long in shape while sub-bristle 54 is placed between main bristles 53 in some places. In addition, germanium is mixed into main bristle 53 and sub-bristle 54. The advantageous effect attained by the mixing of germanium is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Moreover, substances (for example: tourmaline, a small amount of radiation source ceramic) used to generate negative ions are mixed into the main bristle 53 and sub- bristle 54 and negative ion advantageous effects are demonstrated.

A plurality of projections 55 are formed on the tip of sub-bristle 54 which can softly and delicately stimulate the skin of the head, etc. Additionally, although many main bristles 53 and sub-bristles 54 exist, for the

convenience of explanation of FIG. 8, numerals are only attached to one respective bristle.

The assembled state of such a massage apparatus 21 is shown in FIG. 5. Next, the operating of the above-mentioned configured massage apparatus 21 will be explained.

Shampoo is applied to hair in a wet state. Then, by the user putting his or her index finger through space 22b which is formed in grip section 22 while other fingers touch other parts of grip section 22 and top cover 23, the massage apparatus 21 can be held in the hand of the user. Then, by the operation of the index finger pushing on manual operation button 39, the power source is turned on.

When the power source is turned on, because of the special internal structure of massage apparatus 21, vibration as if a circle is being made is generated. Subsequently, massage apparatus 21 which generates such vibration is lightly applied to the hair being washed with shampoo. In doing so, hair can be shampooed because of the vibration generated in massage apparatus 21. During this time, like the first embodiment, since vibration occurs not only in a tangential direction but also in a perpendicular direction on the scalp, a proper stimulus can be applied to the scalp.

Moreover, the advantageous effects of the germanium mixed into bristle 28 cover the head uniformly because of the vibration produced in massage apparatus 21.

Furthermore, since tourmaline, etc., is mixed into bristle 28, the advantageous effects of the mixed in tourmaline, etc., into bristle 28 cover the head uniformly.

In addition, although the above is an example for the right hand, the present invention does not exclude the use of the left hand and can be applicable and/or adjusted for the left hand.

Moreover, although tourmaline, etc. is mixed into bristle 28 and the advantageous effects of negative ions are demonstrated in this invention, the substance which demonstrates the negative ion advantageous effect is not restricted to tourmaline, etc. Other substances which can demonstrate the advantageous effects of negative ions can also be mixed into bristle 28.

The above-stated embodiments of the present invention are all only mere examples of all the best embodiments and were stated in order to better understand the principle, structure, etc. of the invention.

Therefore, all of the various modifications and corrections which can be made on the above-stated embodiment of the present invention are included within the

limits of the present invention which this specification discloses and must be understood as being protected by the claims .

Moreover, in the above-stated embodiment, although it is stated that the massage apparatus of the present invention is based on when it is used on a person's head, the massage apparatus of the present invention does not mean to exclude use on a person's body, limbs, another person's body parts or body or other animals such as cats and dogs, etc.

Therefore, in the claims protected by the massage apparatus of the present invention, it must be understood that the instances of use on parts of the body other than the head and use on animals are also included.