AU2009238320B2

AU2009238320B2 - A Therapeutic Device

Info

Publication number: AU2009238320B2
Application number: AU2009238320A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sonya Lillian Watts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-18
Filing date: 2009-11-18
Publication date: 2013-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-18
Also published as: AU2009238320A1

Abstract

Abstract A therapeutic device including a therapeutic device adapted to support a body above ground surface, the device having at least a head and a foot portion, each with an upper surface upon which the body lies, a plurality of legs supporting the head 5 and foot portion above the ground surface, and at least one portion movable to form an opening in the upper surface of the device. a4 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: A THERAPEUTIC DEVICE Applicant: Sonya Lillian Watts The invention is described in the following statement: 2 A THERAPEUTIC DEVICE Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to therapeutic devices and particularly to tables and the like for use in massage and other remedial therapies. 5 Background Art. Massage and physiotherapy tables are known. However, difficulties are faced by women in using massage and physiotherapy tables. For example, women who have had a mastectomy and/or reconstructive surgery can find it difficult to lie comfortably on a massage table. Normally, the 10 woman would either lay face down in a lopsided manner or they would organise with the therapists beforehand to have a pillow or towels placed under their chest area for comfort reasons. As well as the physical comfort is the emotional distress in with having to explain the reasons why the pillows or towels are needed. Further, the lady with large breasts finds it difficult to lay comfortably 15 facedown on a normal matter table. This is exacerbated by the level of pressure applied by the masseuse or physiotherapist pushing the woman downward into the table during the therapy. Still further, ladies with breast implants are not able to lay flat on their chests for fear of the possibility of rupturing the implants. Again, this is exacerbated 20 by the level of pressure applied by the masseuse physiotherapist pushing the woman downward into the table during the therapy. Finally, mothers who are breastfeeding may find it difficult to lay flat facedown on a massage or physiotherapy table for comfort reasons. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to 25 herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary of the Invention. The present invention is directed to a therapeutic device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide 30 the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a therapeutic device including a therapeutic device adapted to support a body above ground surface, the device having at least a head and a foot portion, each 3 with an upper surface upon which the body lies, a plurality of legs supporting the head and foot portion above the ground surface, and at least one portion movable to form an opening in the upper surface of the device. The therapeutic device will normally be configured as a massage or 5 therapy table. Using a device according to the present invention means that a woman can utilise a specifically adapted massage or therapeutic table on which they are not subjected to a concentration of pressure in the breast area even during robust massage or therapy which may require large forces to be exerted on a woman's back. The present invention is also adapted for use with pregnant women. 10 The table may have the opening formed in a substantially central area (or just outside a central area) such that by adjusting the position on the table, the opening is adjacent the woman's bosom or belly if pregnant. The opening can be formed by either the removal of a portion, by spreading two portions of the device laterally apart, or through the provision of a 15 raiseable/lowerable portion separate from the head and foot portions. The therapy table of a preferred embodiment will typically be divided into a head portion and a foot portion, each being approximately half the length of the table. In this way, the division of the head and foot portions is typically to adapt the table for folding. Under certain conditions and configurations, a head portion may be 20 provided which is approximately one quarter of the length of the table with the foot portion being approximately one half and an intermediate torso portion being provided which is also approximately one quarter of the length of the table. The upper side of the table will normally be padded for comfort. Typically speaking, a frame will be provided with padding attached to the frame and 25 the padding and frame covered with a cover member in order to provide a substantially planar upper surface for the table. The head and/or foot portion of the table is typically adapted for elevation or depression. Typically only the head portion is provided in this manner. Normally, the head portion is hingedly attached in relation to the plurality of legs in 30 order to be elevated or depressed at an angle in relation to the remainder of the table. The foot portion may be attached in a similar way. There will typically be a mechanism provided to fix the angle of elevation or depression and also releaseably lock the portions in a substantially horizontal configuration.

4 The table is provided with a plurality of legs in order to support the table surface above the ground surface. The legs will typically be associated with a support frame which supports the head/foot and any intermediate portions. Further, the legs, support frame and portions defining the table surface will be adapted to allow 5 the table to be folded. The legs may also be height adjustable in order to adjust the separation distance of the upper surface of the table from the ground. There will normally be at least one opening provided in the head portion of the table in order to at least partially receive the face or head of the person 10 undergoing therapy or massage when lying either prone or supine on the table. The device of the present invention will include at least one portion movable to form an opening in the upper surface of the device. Typically, the opening is formed relative to the upper surface of the table. The opening is normally in addition to the opening provided in the head portion to receive the face or head. 15 As mentioned above, there are three preferred configurations for forming the opening. The first preferred configuration is the provision of a removable portion. Typically, the portion will be provided in the head portion of the table (where the table is divided into two portions) or in the intermediate portion (where the table is divided into three or more portions). 20 The table will normally include a frame onto which the removable portion is mounted. Preferably, the removable portion will be sandwiched between adjacent portions in order to fix its position. Alternatively, the removable portion may be removably attached to the frame and/or to adjacent portions. In use, the removable portion can be removed when a woman is lying prone and be used in place on the 25 table when the woman (or another user) is lying supine or with the head/foot portion inclined or declined. The second preferred configuration is the provision of a mechanism by which adjacent portions of the table can be spread apart leaving an opening therebetween. According to this configuration, the support surface of the table will 30 typically be divided into at least two portions which are mounted for separation longitudinally in order to create the opening. The separable portions will preferably be relatively attachable to one another in the closed condition. The separable portions, or at least one of the separable 5 portions, will typically be mounted on a track and be adapted for movement along the track, between an open and closed condition. Typically, one movable portion will be provided which can be drawn along the track or similar, to separate it from the remainder of the support surface of the table. Therefore, one portion may be movable 5 and the rest of the table will typically be fixed against movement longitudinally. The movable portion will normally be lockable in both the closed and any one of multiple extended positions. The movable portion may be moved either manually or through another mechanism such as a winder or winch or similar. It is recognised that forming an opening either by spreading or 10 removing a portion can be visually intimidating. Therefore, a cover or depending flap portion will preferably be provided from the underside, between the two separable portions. The cover flap will typically be attached to the end of each of the separable portions. The cover flap will normally be attached to an underside of each of the separable portions. Preferably, the flap will be fastened out of sight when the 15 separable portions are together and can be released when the portions are separated. This fastening can be accomplished through any means such as buttons clips or straps to maintain the cover flap adjacent the underside of one of the separable portions. Normally, the flap will be of a similar material to the covering of the table and same colour in order to be not easily distinguishable as this may improve the 20 aesthetics of the table. According to the third preferred configuration, a movable portion may be provided separate from the remainder of the support surface and which is adapted to be moved substantially vertically between a raised condition in which an upper surface thereof is substantially parallel to the remainder of the support surface of the 25 table and one or more lowered conditions. In this form, both the raised and lowered conditions have the movable portion substantially parallel to the upper surface of the table. Normally, the movable portion will be provided in either the head portion if the table is divided into two parts or a shorter head portion may be provided as mentioned above with a longer forked 30 and/or torso portion with the movable portion located in the torso portion. It is preferred that the table is divided into three portions including an intermediate torso portion and the movable portion is provided in the torso portion.

6 The movable portion will typically be located within a surround, the surround being co-planar with the upper surface of the table. In this configuration, the movable portion will preferably be a "cutout" portion. According to a preferred embodiment, a mounting and guiding 5 assembly for moving and guiding the movable portion will be provided and preferably located underneath the table. There will preferably be a number of guide and support rods extending downwardly from an underside of the table along which the movable portion is moved. The mounting and guiding assembly may allow for incremental 10 movement such that the movable portion can be moved to anyone of a plurality of set levels or alternatively, a continuously variable mechanism may be provided for example mounting the movable portion for movement along or utilising one or more threaded members such that the height of the movable portion is infinitely adjustable. A handle or other means may be provided in order to achieve the 15 movement of the movable portion between the raised in any lowered condition. The handle will typically be located beneath the table as well and out of the way to prevent accidental actuation of the movable portion any injury to the therapist, masseuse or user. It is preferred that the handle or other means will be mounted to the support frame of the table. 20 In use, the movable portion is typically lowered to a level to support the weight of a woman's bosom when lying prone but such that the portion does not bear the weight of the entire body, the majority of that weight being borne by the remainder of the support surface of the table. In this manner, the woman will reduce pain from compression of a woman's bosom during the therapy or massage and by having the 25 woman's bosom supported when lying prone will also decrease discomfort. Brief Description of the Drawings. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a therapeutic device according to a 30 preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an end view of the therapeutic device illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a sectional side view of the therapeutic device illustrated in Figure 1 along line A-A, with a female body illustrated thereupon.

7 Figure 4 is a side view of the therapeutic device illustrated in Figure 1 in use. Figure 5 is a detailed view of the working surface of the therapeutic device illustrated in Figure 1. 5 Figure 6 is an isometric view from the head of the therapeutic device illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a side view of the therapeutic device illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an isometric view from the side of the therapeutic device illustrated in Figure 1. 10 Figure 9 is a side view of the therapeutic device illustrated in Figure 1. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a therapeutic device in the form of a massage or therapy table 10 is provided. The massage or therapy table 10 illustrated in the Figures includes an 15 upper support surface 11 adapted to support the body of a patient 12 above ground surface. The table illustrated has three main portions forming the support surface 11, namely a head portion 13, a foot portion 14 and an intermediate portion 15, each with an upper surface upon which the patient 12 lies. The table has a plurality of legs 16 supporting the portions above the ground surface. Importantly, the table includes a 20 moveable portion 17 movable to form an opening 18 in the support surface 11 of the table 10 as best illustrated in Figure 8. Using the table according illustrated means that a woman can utilise a specifically adapted massage or therapeutic table on which they are not subject to a concentration of pressure in the breast area. 25 The therapy table of the illustrated embodiment is divided into a head portion 13, a foot portion 14 and an intermediate portion 15. The foot portion 14 is approximately half the length of the table as is the combined length of the head portion 13 and the intermediate portion 15. This division is typically to adapt the table for folding. 30 The upper side of each of the portions of the table is padded for comfort. A frame is provided with padding attached to the frame and the padding and frame are then covered with a cover member in order to provide a substantially planar upper surface for the table.

8 The table is provided with a plurality of legs 16 in order to support the support 11 surface above the ground surface. The legs 16 of the illustrated embodiment are associated with a support frame 19 which supports the portions forming the support surface. All of the components of the table are adapted to allow 5 folding. The legs 16 are also height adjustable in order to adjust the separation distance of the upper surface of the table from the ground. The head/intermediate portion and/or foot portion of the table are adapted for elevation or depression. The head portion 13 in the elevated condition is illustrated in Figure 5. The head portion 13 is hingedly attached in relation to the 10 support frame 19 in order to be elevated or depressed at an angle in relation to the remainder of the support surface. The foot portion may be attached in a similar way. There is a mechanism (not shown) provided to fix the angle of elevation or depression. The table includes a moveable portion 17 movable to form an opening 15 18 in the support surface. According to the preferred configuration illustrated, the movable portion 17 is provided separate from the remainder of the support surface 11 and which is adapted to be moved substantially vertically between raised condition (illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 in particular) and one or more lowered conditions (one 20 of which conditions is illustrated in Figure 8). In this form, both the raised and lowered conditions have the movable portion 17 substantially parallel to the support surface 11 of the table 10 at all times. As illustrated, the movable portion 17 is provided in the intermediate portion 15 of the table. 25 The movable portion illustrated is located within a surround 20, the surround 20 being co-planar with the support surface 11 of the table. In this configuration, the movable portion is a "cutout" portion. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, a mounting and guiding assembly 21 for moving and guiding the movable portion 17 is provided and 30 located underneath the table 10. There are a number of guide and support rods 22 extending downwardly from an underside of the table 10 along which the movable portion 17 is moved. Stops 23 are provided at a lower end of the rods 22 to limit the movement of the movable portion 17.

9 The mounting and guiding assembly 21 illustrated is configured as a continuously variable mechanism utilising one or more threaded members such that the height of the movable portion 16 is infinitely adjustable. A handle 24 is provided in order to achieve the movement of the 5 movable portion 17 between the raised and any lowered condition. It is preferred that the handle 24 is mounted to the support frame 19 of the table. In use, the movable portion 17 is lowered to a level to support the weight of a woman's bosom 25 when lying prone but such that the portion 17 does not bear the weight of the entire body, the majority of that weight being borne by the 10 remainder of the support surface I1 of the table. In this manner, the woman will reduce pain from compression of a woman's bosom during the therapy or massage and by having the woman's bosom supported when lying prone will also decrease discomfort, both during and after use. In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" 15 and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present 20 invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in 25 language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by 30 those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A massage or therapy table adapted to support a body above ground surface, the table having: a support surface including 5 an upper surface upon which the body lies, and at least a head and a foot portion, each being approximately half the length of the table, wherein at least one of the head or foot portion is hingedly attached in relation to the table in order to be elevated or depressed at an angle in relation to the remainder of the table, 10 at least one portion movable to form an opening in the upper surface of the device, and a plurality of legs supporting the head and foot portion above the ground surface.

2. A massage or therapy table as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support surface 15 supports a body above ground surface.

3. A therapeutic device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support surface is divided into a head portion approximately one quarter of the length of the table with the foot portion being approximately one half the length of the table and an intermediate torso portion which is approximately one quarter of the length of the 20 table.

4. A massage or therapy table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one head opening is provided in order to at least partially receive the face or head of the person undergoing therapy or massage when lying either prone or supine on the device. 25

5. A massage or therapy table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a removable portion is provided to form the opening in the upper surface.

6. A massage or therapy table as claimed in claim 5 wherein the removable portion is removably attached to a frame and/or to adjacent portions of the table.

7. A massage or therapy table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein a 30 mechanism is provided by which adjacent portions of the table can be spread apart leaving an opening therebetween.

8. A massage or therapy table as claimed in claim 5 wherein at least one of the separable portions is a movable portion mounted on a track and adapted for 11 movement along the track, between a closed and any one of multiple open conditions.

9. A massage or therapy table as claimed in claim 8 wherein the movable portion is releasably lockable in both the closed and any one of multiple open positions. 5

10. A massage or therapy table as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein a cover or depending flap portion is provided extending across the opening to minimise visual discomfort.

11. A massage or therapy table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein a movable portion is provided separate from the remainder of the upper surface and 10 which is adapted to be moved substantially vertically between a raised condition in which an upper surface thereof is substantially parallel to the remainder of the upper surface of the device and one or more lowered conditions.

12. A massage or therapy table as claimed in claim 11 wherein both the raised and one or more lowered conditions have the movable portion substantially parallel to 15 the upper surface of the device.

13. A massage or therapy table as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the device is divided into three portions including a head portion, a foot portion and an intermediate torso portion and the movable portion is provided in the intermediate torso portion. 20

14. A massage or therapy table as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the movable portion is provided within a surround, the surround being co-planar with the upper surface of the device.

15. A massage or therapy table as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein a mounting and guiding assembly for moving and guiding the movable portion is 25 provided underneath the upper surface of the device.

16. A massage or therapy table as claimed in claim 15 wherein the mounting and guiding assembly allows incremental movement such that the movable portion can be moved to any one of a plurality of set levels.

17. A massage or therapy table as claimed in claim 15 wherein the mounting and 30 guiding assembly allows infinitely adjustable height of the movable portion.

18. A massage or therapy table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the device is foldable.