# US 11,077,010 B2 · Soft tissue mobilization device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,077,010 B2 - Document ID: US11077010B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/184,816 - Filed: 2018-11-08 - Published: 2019-05-16 - Granted: 2021-08-03 - Earliest claimed: 2017-11-10 - Applicants: Marc Robert Heller - Inventors: Marc Robert Heller - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11077010B2 ## CPC - A61H 7/001: {without substantial movement between the skin and the device} - A61H 1/008: {Apparatus for applying pressure or blows almost perpendicular to the body or limb axis, e.g. chiropractic devices for repositioning vertebrae, correcting deformation} - A61H 7/007: {Kneading} - A61H 39/04: Devices for pressing such points, e.g. Shiatsu {or Acupressure}(Massage or pressure on general areas A61H9/00 - A61H23/00) - B25B 5/067: {C-clamps (B25B5/061, B25B5/082, B25B5/101, B25B5/125 take precedence)} - B25B 5/068: {with at least one jaw sliding along a bar (B25B5/061, B25B5/085, B25B5/102, B25B5/127 take precedence)} - B25B 5/163: {Jaws or jaw attachments} - A61H 2201/0173: Means for preventing injuries - A61H 2201/0192: Specific means for adjusting dimensions - A61H 2201/1253: driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven - A61H 2201/1614: Shoulder, e.g. for neck stretching - A61H 2201/1619: Thorax - A61H 2201/1623: Back - A61H 2201/1628: Pelvis - A61H 2201/1635: Hand or arm, e.g. handle - A61H 2201/164: Feet or leg, e.g. pedal - A61H 2201/1645: contoured to fit the user - A61H 2201/1685: interchangeable - A61H 2205/06: Arms - A61H 2205/062: Shoulders - A61H 2205/081: Back - A61H 2205/083: Abdomen - A61H 2205/085: Crotch - A61H 2205/086: Buttocks - A61H 2205/088: Hip - A61H 2205/102: Knee - A61H 2205/108: for the upper legs - A61H: PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY (electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, radiation therapy or ultrasound therapy A61N) - B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING ## Abstract The present soft tissue mobilization device has a quick-release bar clamp and various attachments for its jaws that exert pressure on soft tissue to improve mobility. The bar clamp allows for applying sustained and incremental pressure at various angles. The shape of the attachment surfaces that contact the soft tissue are either complementary toward each other, when they are intended to squeeze the targeted soft tissue between them, or to the body structure against which they are intended to press. Combining a more helpful means of generating and exerting pressure with the right surface contours significantly improves the overall effectiveness of the device, diminishes any associated pain and discomfort, and reduces the time necessary to achieve results. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A soft tissue pressuring apparatus, comprising at least one attachment and at least one additional attachment, the at least one attachment comprising: a substantially rigid base; and a first soft tissue contact surface, coupled to the base, that is configured with a contour to allow it to be pressed into soft tissue of specific parts of the human body, said contour not being substantially deformable in shape with the application of pressure, wherein the at least one additional attachment comprises a second soft tissue contact surface, wherein the at least one attachment and the at least one additional attachment are concurrently attached to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus on opposing sides of the soft tissue in its grasp, and wherein at least one end of the first soft tissue contact surface is offset from the opposing end of the second soft tissue contact surface. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first soft tissue contact surface and the second soft tissue contact surface have contours different from one another. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contour of the first soft tissue contact surface resembles a contour of a portion of a finger holding an object in a pincer grasp, and wherein the contour of the portion of the finger is of variable dimensions that may or may not be in proportion to the finger. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment and the at least one additional attachment comprise different contoured surfaces configured to pinch soft tissue between them in a manner similar to a pincer grasp when both are concurrently attached to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contour of the first soft tissue contact surface resembles a contour of a portion of a part of a mitten containing four fingers of a hand, and wherein the contour of the portion of the part of the mitten is of variable dimensions that may or may not be in proportion to the mitten. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contour of the first soft tissue contact surface resembles a contour of a portion of a tongue sticking out of a mouth, and wherein the contour of the portion of the tongue is of variable dimensions that may or may not be in proportion to the tongue. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises a first contoured surface and the at least one additional attachment comprises a second contoured surface that is configured in shape in relation to the first contoured surface in such a manner that when the at least one attachment and the at least one additional attachment are concurrently attached to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus and properly oriented, either one or both of the following occur: a first end of the first contoured surface protrudes toward a first end of the second contoured surface in tandem with the first end of the second contoured surface drawing back from the first end of the first contoured surface; and a second end of the first contoured surface draws back from a second end of the second contoured surface in tandem with the second end of the second contoured surface protruding toward the second end of the first contoured surface. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is curved along two of its central axes. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by sweeping a convex curve along a concave curve. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface in the shape of a curved mound with a recess formed therein. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking a first curve, comprising a convex segment that is continuous with a concave segment, and sweeping the first curve along a convex second curve. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one attachment comprises: a first round between the top edge of the contoured surface and a first side edge of the contoured surface that is next to the convex segment; a second round between said top edge and a second side edge of the contoured surface that is next to the concave segment, the second round being larger than the first round; a third round between the bottom edge of the contoured surface and said first side edge; and a fourth round between said bottom edge and said second side edge, the fourth round being larger than the third round. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is curved along at least one axis and has a groove formed therein that is of variable width and depth. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is the rounded edge of a substantially triangular wedge. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one attachment comprises a notch in the contoured surface and triangular wedge. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking a construct, comprising either two curves, joined by an intervening notch, or only one curve, and sweeping the construct along a concave curve that substantially complements the convexity of the thoracic spine. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking a first construct on a first plane, comprising an arc with a linear first extension to one end of the arc and a second linear extension to the other end of the arc, which is either the same length as the first extension or longer than the first extension, and then lofting the first construct to a similarly formed second construct that is scaled down in size in comparison to the first construct and that is on a second plane, which is both parallel to the first plane and offset from the first plane, and that is offset from the first construct in the general direction of either the first or second extension. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface approximately resembling the shape of a portion of a Bacillus or Spirillum bacterium. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that substantially has the shape of a twisted, spiraled or coiled convex contour. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking a convex curve and sweeping it along a path, comprising a partial turn of a coil, with the convex curve either maintaining the perpendicular orientation of the midpoint of its convexity to the center of the coil as it progresses along the path or alternatively twisting around the path, with the degree of twisting advancing at a faster rate than if the perpendicular orientation of the midpoint of its convexity to the center of the coil were to be maintained. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one first attachment comprises a first contoured surface that is formed by extruding a substantially parabolic curve. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one second attachment comprises a second contoured surface with a concavity that complements the convexity of a portion of the first contoured surface when both the first and second attachments are concurrently attached to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus and properly oriented. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking either the concave or convex side of the shell of a hemisphere of variable radius and cutting it out in the substantial shape of a rhomboid with or without rounded corners. ### Claim 24 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises one or more mechanical joints. ### Claim 25 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface approximately resembling a portion of a used bar of soap that is bowed with rounded corners. ### Claim 26 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking either a spherical, convex or concave surface and cutting it out in the shape of an oval. ### Claim 27 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a roller and a shaft. ### Claim 28 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface in the substantial shape of a greater portion of a sphere, all of an ovoid, or part of an ovoid. ### Claim 29 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one first attachment comprises a first contoured surface and at least one second attachment comprises a second contoured surface that is substantially complementary in shape to the first contoured surface. ### Claim 30 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment comprises a contoured surface that substantially conforms in shape to a specific contour of the human body. ### Claim 31 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment stands alone with no attachment feature and the base is configured either to be manually graspable or to be used while positioned against a separate surface. ### Claim 32 (depends on 1) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 1, wherein an end of the attachment comprises a stem that terminates in an insert in a shape that allows for it be coupled in any one of multiple possible orientations to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus. ### Claim 33 A soft tissue pressuring apparatus comprising: a slide bar; a first jaw coupled, proximate a first end of the first jaw, to the slide bar in a substantially stationary manner, the first jaw having an aperture through which the slide bar is received, the first jaw having coupled thereto a first attachment, the first attachment comprising: a substantially rigid first base, and a first soft tissue contact surface, coupled to the first base, that is configured with a curved contour to allow it to be pressed into soft tissue of specific parts of the human body, said contour not being substantially deformable in shape with the application of pressure; a handgrip configured with the ability to slide along the slide bar and coupled to the slide bar, the handgrip having a second aperture through which the slide bar is received; and a second jaw coupled, proximate a first end of the second jaw, to the handgrip and movable with the handgrip, the second jaw having coupled thereto a second attachment, the second attachment comprising: a substantially rigid second base, and a second soft tissue contact surface, coupled to the second base, that is configured with a curved contour to allow it to be pressed into soft tissue of specific parts of the human body, said contour not being substantially deformable in shape with the application of pressure, wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are concurrently attached to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus on opposing sides of the soft tissue in its grasp. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first soft tissue contact surface and the second soft tissue contact surface have contours different from one another. ### Claim 35 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein the contour of the first soft tissue contact surface resembles a contour of a portion of a finger holding an object in a pincer grasp, and wherein the contour of the portion of the finger is of variable dimensions that may or may not be in proportion to the finger. ### Claim 36 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first attachment and the second attachment comprise the same or different contoured surfaces configured to pinch soft tissue between them in a manner similar to a pincer grasp when both are concurrently attached to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus. ### Claim 37 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein the contour of the first soft tissue contact surface resembles a contour of a portion of a part of a mitten containing four fingers of a hand, and wherein the contour of the portion of the part of the mitten is of variable dimensions that may or may not be in proportion to the mitten. ### Claim 38 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein the contour of the first soft tissue contact surface resembles a contour of a portion of a tongue sticking out of a mouth, and wherein the contour of the portion of the tongue is of variable dimensions that may or may not be in proportion to the tongue. ### Claim 39 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one end of the first soft tissue contact surface is offset from the opposing end of the second soft tissue contact surface. ### Claim 40 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first attachment comprises a first contoured surface and the second attachment comprises a second contoured surface that is configured in shape in relation to the first contoured surface in such a manner that when the first attachment and the second attachment are concurrently attached to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus and properly oriented, either one or both of the following occur: a first end of the first contoured surface protrudes toward a first end of the second contoured surface in tandem with the first end of the second contoured surface drawing back from the first end of the first contoured surface; and a second end of the first contoured surface draws back from a second end of the second contoured surface in tandem with the second end of the second contoured surface protruding toward the second end of the first contoured surface. ### Claim 41 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is curved along two of its central axes. ### Claim 42 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by sweeping a convex curve along a concave curve. ### Claim 43 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface in the shape of a curved mound with a recess formed therein. ### Claim 44 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking a first curve, comprising a convex segment that is continuous with a concave segment, and sweeping the first curve along a convex second curve. ### Claim 45 (depends on 44) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 44, wherein the at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises: a first round between the top edge of the contoured surface and a first side edge of the contoured surface that is next to the convex segment; a second round between said top edge and a second side edge of the contoured surface that is next to the concave segment, the second round being larger than the first round; a third round between the bottom edge of the contoured surface and said first side edge; and a fourth round between said bottom edge and said second side edge, the fourth round being larger than the third round. ### Claim 46 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is curved along at least one axis and has a groove formed therein that is of variable width and depth. ### Claim 47 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is the rounded edge of a substantially triangular wedge. ### Claim 48 (depends on 47) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 47, wherein the at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a notch in the contoured surface and triangular wedge. ### Claim 49 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking a construct, comprising either two curves, joined by an intervening notch, or only one curve, and sweeping the construct along a concave curve that substantially complements the convexity of the thoracic spine. ### Claim 50 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking a first construct on a first plane, comprising an arc with a linear first extension to one end of the arc and a second linear extension to the other end of the arc, which is either the same length as the first extension or longer than the first extension, and then lofting the first construct to a similarly formed second construct that is scaled down in size in comparison to the first construct and that is on a second plane, which is both parallel to the first plane and offset from the first plane, and that is offset from the first construct in the general direction of either the first or second extension. ### Claim 51 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface approximately resembling the shape of a portion of a Bacillus or Spirillum bacterium. ### Claim 52 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that substantially has the shape of a twisted, spiraled or coiled convex contour. ### Claim 53 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking a convex curve and sweeping it along a path, comprising a partial turn of a coil, with the convex curve either maintaining the perpendicular orientation of the midpoint of its convexity to the center of the coil as it progresses along the path or alternatively twisting around the path, with the degree of twisting advancing at a faster rate than if the perpendicular orientation of the midpoint of its convexity to the center of the coil were to be maintained. ### Claim 54 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a first contoured surface that is formed by extruding a substantially parabolic curve. ### Claim 55 (depends on 54) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 54, wherein the other of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a second contoured surface with a concavity that complements the convexity of a portion of the first contoured surface when both the first and second attachments are concurrently attached to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus and properly oriented. ### Claim 56 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking either the concave or convex side of the shell of a hemisphere of variable radius and cutting it out in the substantial shape of a rhomboid with or without rounded corners. ### Claim 57 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises one or more mechanical joints. ### Claim 58 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface approximately resembling a portion of a used bar of soap that is bowed with rounded corners. ### Claim 59 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that is formed by taking either a spherical, convex or concave surface and cutting it out in the shape of an oval. ### Claim 60 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a roller and a shaft. ### Claim 61 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface in the substantial shape of a greater portion of a sphere, all of an ovoid, or part of an ovoid. ### Claim 62 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first attachment comprises a first contoured surface and the second attachment comprises a second contoured surface that is substantially complementary in shape to the first contoured surface. ### Claim 63 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a contoured surface that substantially conforms in shape to a specific contour of the human body. ### Claim 64 (depends on 33) The soft tissue pressuring apparatus of claim 33, wherein an end of at least one of the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a stem that terminates in an insert in a shape that allows for it be coupled in any one of multiple possible orientations to the soft tissue pressuring apparatus.