CA2553131C

CA2553131C - Lie-down massager

Info

Publication number: CA2553131C
Application number: CA002553131A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Hakjin Kim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-05
Filing date: 2004-05-04
Publication date: 2009-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-05-04
Also published as: WO2004098482A2; EP1624842A4; MXPA05011442A; CA2553131A1; WO2004098482A3; EP1624842A2; BRPI0410690A; AU2004236580A1; AU2004236580B2

Abstract

A lie-down massager includes a base frame (12) having an elongated top panel (14), a rider (18) provided below the elongated top panel of the base frame, a guide member (26) movably engaged between the base frame and the rider so as to enable the rider to make a horizontally reciprocal movement relative to the base frame, a lifter (20) having a top plate (120), a bottom plate (122), and a lifting device moving the top plate vertically relative to the bottom plate, and massage bumps (100) attached to the top plate of the lifter and moving vertically and/or hor~izontally along the elongated top opening of the elongated top panel of the base frame. T he lifting device of the lifter adopts direct linear movement. The lifting device includes a screw lifting mechanism, a combination gear mechanism, a rack gear mechanism, a hydraulic lifting mechanism and an air cylinder lifting mechanism.

Description

Description LIE-DOWN NLASSAGER
[1] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] The invention relates generally to a massaging device. More particularty, the present invention relates to an improved lie-down massager capable of efficiently treating bodily malfunctions such as back pain and gastrointestinal weakness by applying a therapeutic massaging treatment along the back and neck of a patient lying down on the massager whose massaging bumps move horizontally and vertically along the patient's spinal cord and neck while the vertical movement of the massaging bumps are actuated by a direct linear vertical movement mechanism.

[3] Conventional bed or mat type massaging devices employ a spring mechanism for vertically moving massaging bumps. As disclosed USP 6,454, 732, a spring mechanism allows the massaging bumps to gently move up and down. However, when it comes to therapeutic effects, the spring mechanism proves too soft to push up the massaging bumps when stronger pressure is required, because tension of springs applies equally to patients lying on the massaging device regardless of patient's requirements.

[4] A demand is to adopt a reliable mechanism demonstrating a steady and robust therapeutic effects while stabilizing the vertical movement of the massaging bumps.

[5] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[61 The present invention is contrived to overcome the conventional disadvantages.
Accordingly, a n object of the invention is to provide a lie-down massager that improves therapeutic effects by adopting a direct linear movement mechanism for a vertical movement of massaging bumps. Such direct linear movement mechanism includes a screw lifting mechanism, a combination gear mechanism, a rack gear mechanism, a hydraulic lifting mechanism, and an air cylinder lifting mechanism.

[7] Another object is to stabilize the vertical movement of the massaging bumps, thereby enabling patients to receive a steady and robust massaging of the massaging bumps applied to and along their backs and necks. A further object is to improve product reliability and customer satisfaction by mechanically stabilizing the vertical movement of the massaging bumps.

181 To achieve these and other objects, the lie-down massager according to the present invention includes a base frame having an elongated top panel, through which an elongated top opening is formed centrally and lengthwise, a rider provided below the elongated top panel of the base frame, a guide metnber movably engaged between the base frame and the rider so as to enable the rider to make a horizontally reciprocal movement relative to the base frame, a lifter having a top plate, a bottom plate, and a lifting device moving the top plate vertically relative to the bottom plate, massage bumps attached to the top plate of the lifter and moving vertically and/or horizontally along the elongated top opening of the elongated top panel of the base frame, and a pad covering the massage bumps and the elongated top opening of the base frame. T
he lifting device of the lifter directly moves the top plate in linear motion.

[91 The massage bumps are partitioned to first and second pairs. The first pair bumps are aligned parallel to the second pair bumps.

[10] The lie-down massager further includes first and second bump holders propping and maintaining the first and second pair bumps above the top plate of the lifter, a first engagement member to rockingly engage the lower ends of the bump holders to the top plate of the lifter, and a second engagement member to rollingly engage the massage bumps thereto. The first and second bump holders are tapered toward each lower end thereof.

[ 11 ] Preferably, the massage bumps are roller balls formed of jade. Each of the massage bumps includes a heater. The heater is a heating lamp generating heat and infrared rays.
[12] Altetnatively, the massage bumps are round projections fixed top plate.

[13] The lie-down may further include a heating member spread in the top panel of the base frame.

[141 The guide member includes one or more roller gear engaged to and powered by a roller gear motor, and one or more side rack gears parallel to each other and provided lengthwise in the base frame. The roller gear motor is fixed to the rider. The roller gears are rollably connected to the rider and rotatably mounted on the side rack gears_ [15] Alternatively, the guide member includes rider guide rollers provided on each side of the rider, and a pair of pulleys linked by a rope and respectively mounted in a front end portion and a rear end portion of the base frame. The rider guide rollers are rollably engaged to the base frame to guide a horizontally reciprocal movement of the rider. A
predetermined portion of the rope is fixedly attached to the rider so that the pulley rotation enables the rider to generate a horizontally reciprocal movement of the rider. The pulleys are relatively twisted by 90 degrees against each other.

[161 The lie-down massager may .further include a pair of roller coasters parallel to each other, and coaster guide rollers formed outwardly extending from each side of the lifter.
The roller coasters are attached to the base frame. Each of the roller coasters has a substantially waved top surface. The coaster guide rollers enable the lifter to make a roller coasting niovement on and along the waved top surfaces of the roller coasters.
Each of the waved top surfaces of the roller coasters substantially forms a curvature of a human spinal cord.

[17] The lifter further includes a plurality of elongated guides extending downward from the bottom plate, and the rider further includes a plurality of guide bushes upwardly formed on the rider to releasably receive the elongated guides so as to stabilize the roller coasting movement of the lifter along the roller coasters. The elongated gnides are shaped in pins.

[1$1 In the first embodiment of ttie present invention, the lifting device includes a first nut, a first screw, and a motor. The top plate has a top upper surface portion and a top lower surface portion. The bottom plate has a bottom upper surface portion and a bottom lower surface portion. The first screw is vertically and rotationally attached to the bottom upper surface portion. The first nut is fixed to the top lower surface portion. The first screw engages with the first nut so that rotation of the first screw lifts the fnst nut or lowers the first nut. The motor rotates the first screw in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[19] The lifter futther includes a second screw vertically and rotationally attached to the bottom upper surface portion, and a second nut fixed to the top lower surface portion.
The second screw engages with the second nut so that rotation of the second screw lifts the second nut or lowers the second nut. The first screw and the second screw are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance. The first screw aud the second screw are connected by a power transmission device so that they rotate together.

[20] The first screw and the second screw are integrated with the top plate of the lifter.
[21] The power transmission device includes a first sprocket that is fixed to the fust screw, a second sprocket that is fixed to the second screw, an a chain that is wound around the first sprocket wheel and the second sprocket wheel.

[22] The lifter further includes a worm wheel fixed to the first screw, and a worm gear fixed to the motor.

[23] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the lifting device includes elongated guides extend marginally from the top plate, a gear unit including a bolt gear downwardly extending from the top plate of the lifter, an elongated nut type gear having a circular outer periphery, a first gear incorporated on and along the circular outer periphery, and a second gear engaged to the first gear and connected to a first motor attached to the bottom plate. The bolt gear is releasably engaged in the nut type gear whose bottom end is rotatably attached to and supported by the bottom plate.
The second gear rotation generates the firat gear rotation and the subsequent rotation of the nut type gear enables the top plate to make a vertically reciprocal movement in accordance with the relmsable engagement of the bolt gear and the nut type gear. T he elongated guides are releasably received by guide bushes formed on top of the bottom plate to stabilize a vertically reciprocal movement of the top plate relative to the bottom plate.

[24] The first and second gears are bevel gears. Alternatively, the second gear is a spirally threaded shaft. Alternatively, the second gear is a spirally threaded shaft and the first gear is radially embayed.

[25] in the third embodiment of the present invention, a lifter opening is formed vertically through the bottom plate to define an inner peripheiy of the bottom plate. The lifting device includes an engagement body downwardly extends from the top plate. A
vertically elongated body opening is formed through the engagenient body to define vertical walls in the engagement body. One of the vertical walls is configured to a vertical rack gear so that a first roller gear is rollably engaged to the vertical rack gear, whereby the roller gear rotation by a first niotor enables the lifter to make a vertically reciprocal movement through the lifter opening while the engagement body is movably propped by the inner periphery of the lifter.

[26] The lie-down massager further includes a support fixedly formed on top of the bottom plate to provide an additional propping to the engagement body. The support substantially surrounds the engagement body to stabilize the vertically reciprocal movement of the engagement body.

[27] A vertical slot is formed through the support. A signal bar horizontally extends from the engagetnent body through the vertical slot to controllingly facilitate the vertically reciprocal movement of the lifter.

[28] The lie-down massager further includes a pair of limit switches respectively formed adjacent to each end of the vertical slot to further facilitate the control of the vertically reciprocal movement of the lifter.

[29] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the lie-down further includes one or more lifter guides extending downward from the top plate, and one or more lifter guide bushes extending upward from the bottom plate to releasably receive the lifter guides.
The lifting device includes a hydraulic actuator fixed to the bottom plate, and a hydraulic controller. The hydraulic controller controls operation of the hydraulic actuator. The top plate has a top upper surface portion and a top lower surface portion. The bottom plate has a bottom upper surface portion and a bottom lower surface portion. The hydraulic actuator has a hollow cylinder, a plunger reciprocating in the cylinder, and a shaft fixed to the plunger and the top plate.

[30] The cylinder of the hydraulic actuator includes a upper hole positioned near one end of the hydraulic actuator that is directed toward the top plate of the lifter, and a lower hole positioned near the other end of the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic controller supplies hydraulic fluid to the cylinder via the lower hole and recovers hydraulic fluid via the upper hole when the hydraulic actuator lifts the top plate, and the hydraulic controller supplies hydraulic fluid to the cylinder via the upper hole and recovers hydraulic fluid via the lower hole when the hydraulic actuator lowers the top plate.

[31] The hydraulic controller includes a pump that pressurizes hydraulic fluid, and a valve assembly that selectively provides hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator.
[32] The valve assembly includes a valve chamber, a first piston, a second piston, a valve conduit and a valve rod. The first piston and the second piston are fixed to the valve rod and inove reciprocally in the valve chamber. The valve chamber includes a first hole, a second hole, a third hole, a fourth hole, a fifth hole, a sixth hole and a first rod hole. The valve rod extends out of the valve chamber through the first rod hole. The valve conduit is positioned outside the valve chamber and connects the fifth hole and the sixth hole.
The hydraulic controller further includes a first conduit that connects the first hole of the valve chamber and the upper hole of the hydraulic actuator, a second conduit that connects the pump and the second hole of the valve chamber, a third conduit that connects the third hole of the valve chamber and the lower hole of the hydraulic actuator, and a fourth conduit that cotmects the fourth hole and the pump. When the top plate is lifted, the first piston and the second piston are moved to a lifting position in which the first piston and the second piston pat-tition the valve chamber such that hydraulic fluid flows from the pump to the lower hole of ttie hydraulic actuator via the second conduit and the third conduit so that the plunger is pushed upward, and hydraulic fluid flows from the upper hole of the hydraulic actuator to the pump via the first conduit, the valve conduit, and the fourth conduit so that hydraulic fluid is recovered. When the top plate is lowered, the first piston and the second piston are moved to a lowering position in which the first piston and the second piston partition the valve chamber such that hydraulic fluid flows from the pump to the upper hole of the hydraulic actuator via the first conduit and the second conduit so that the plunger is pushed downward, and hydraulic fluid flows from the lower hole of the hydraulic actuator to the pump via the third conduit and the fourth conduit so that hydraulic fluid is recovered. When the top plate is neither lifted nor lowered, the first piston and the second piston are moved a neutral position in which the first piston and the second piston block the first hole and the third hole such that hydraulic fluid flow between the hydraulic coutroller and the hydraulic actuator does not occur.

[33] The hydraulic controller further includes a hydraulic fluid accumulator between the pump and the valve assembly. The hydraulic fluid accumulator stores pressurized hydraulic fluid.

[34] The hydraulic controller further includes a first solenoid that applies force to move the valve rod of the valve assembly into or out of the valve chamber such that the first piston and the second piston are moved to the lifting position or the lowering position, and a first spring fixed between the first solenoid and the valve chamber to return the first piston and the second piston to the neutral position when no force is applied by the first solenoid.

[35] The hydraulic controller further includes a link connected between the valve rod and the first solenoid. The link reverses direction of movement of the first solenoid. and the first spring is fixed between the valve chamber and the link.

[36] The hydraulic controller further includes a second solenoid that applies force to move the valve rod of the valve assembly into or out of the valve chamber such that the first piston and the second piston are moved to the lifting position or the lowering position, and a second spring fixed between the second solenoid and the vaive chamber to return the first piston and the second piston to the neutral position when no force is applied by the first solenoid. The valve chamber further includes a second rod hole that is opposite to the first rod hole, and the valve rod extends out of the valve chamber through the second rod hole.

[37] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the lifting device includes a fluid operated cylinder fixed to the bottom plate, and a compressor providing pressurized ituid to the fluid operated cylinder. The fluid operated cylinder has a cylinder shaft that is connected to the top plate. The cylinder shaft moves the top plate up and down.

[38] The lifter further includes a guide shaft fixed between the cylinder shaft and the top plate, and a guide bearing that guides the guide shaft. The guide bearing is fixed to the bottom plate. The guide bearing has a guide hole that receives the guide shaft. The guide shaft has a polygonal cross section, and the guide bole has the same polygonal cross section. Preferably, the guide shaft has a square cross section_ [39] The lifter futther includes a tension spring fixed between the top plate and the bottom plate. The fluid operated cylinder overcomes the force exerted by the tension spring to move the top plate.

[40] The fluid operated cylinder may be actuated by pressurized air or pressurized hydraulic oil.

[41] Advantages of the present inventions include that: (1) the lifting mechanism minimizes parts required for the vertical movement of the massaging, while improving stability in the vertical reciprocation of the lifter carrying the massaging bumps; (2) the lifting mechanism provides smooth and quite operation of the lifter; and (3) the coasting member working with the roller coasters to realize an additional lifting by utilizing the horizontally reciprocal movement of the rider enables the massaging bumps to continue a smooth, steady and robust massaging on the patient, thereby sub- stantially improving massaging effect and subseguently maximizing customer sat- isfaction.
Specifically, (4) the combination gear mechanism employing a bolt gear and an elongated nut type gear for the vertical movement of the massaging bumps sub- stantially alleviates pains resulting from the conventional massager using a pre- determined solid pattem along which the rider follows without a vertically allowed resilience, thereby improving product reliability and customer satisfaction; (5) the vertical rack gear mechanism minimizes parts required for the vertical movement of the massaging bumps by utilizing the vertical opening through the engagement body and vertical walls formed thereby one of whose wall is configured to a rack gear, while improving stability in the vertical reciprocation of the lifter carrying the massaging bumps; (6) the engagement body downwardly extending from the lifter includes the vertical rack gear therein and props the lifter thereupon while optimally cooperating with the support that detachedly props the engagement body, thereby enhancing product reliability; (7) the air cylinder lifting mechanism provides cushioning effect when the massage bumps are moved against a body of a patient; (8) the tension spring prevents abrupt lifting of the massage bumps and provides good controllability of the air cylinder operation; (9) the square guide shaft and the guide bearing provides guid'uig effect eliminating the need of separate guide members such as guide pins and guide bushes.
[42] Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the full understanding of the invention can be obtained by the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

[43] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[44] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[45] FIG.1 is a view showing a lie-down massager with a patient lying thereon according to the present invention;
[46] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the lie-down massager without the patient in FIG. 1;
[47] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing an overall mechanism of the lie-down massager according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[48] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view showing a second embodiment of the present invention;
[49) FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing the meehanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[50] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view showing the rider and the lifter;
1511 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lifter viewed under the lifter;
[52] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lifter;
[53] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the lifter;
(54] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing that the lifter is in its highest position;
[55] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing that the lifter is in its lowest position;
[56] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing different massage bumps;
[57] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing bevel gear operated lifting mechanism;
[58] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the bevel gear operated lifting mechanism;
[59] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing the bevel gear operated lifting mechanism;
[60] FIGS. 16A and 16B are operational views applied from a cross-section taken along XVI-XVI in FIG. 15;
[61] FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view showing a combination gear mechanism;
[62] F1GS. 18A and 18B are operational views applied from a cross-section taken along XVIII-XVIH in FIG. 17; and [63] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view showing a vertical reciprocation of a lifter;
1641 FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view showing a lifting the mechanism;
[65] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the vertical rack mechanism;[66] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in FIG. 21;
[67] FIGS. 23A-23D are views showing the operations of the vertical rack mechanism;
[68] FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view showing the lifting;
[69] FIG. 25 is a partial exploded perspective view showing the rider and the lifter;
[70] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the lifter showing the operation of the hydraulic liftiiig mechanism;
[71] FIG. 27 is a front elevation view showing that the lifter is in its lowest position;
[72] FIG. 28 is a front elevation view showing that the lifter is in its highest position;
[73] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the lifter;
[74] FIG. 30 a cross-sectional view of the lifter taken along the line XXX-XXX
of FIG.
29;
[75] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the lifter with different massage bumps attached thereon;
[76] FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a hydraulic controller that is operating to lift the massage bumps on the lifter;
[77] FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydraulic controller that is operating to stop the vertical motion of the massage bumps;
[78] FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydraulic controller that is operating to lower the massage bumps on the lifter;
[79] FIG. 35 is a partial perspective view showing the lifting mechanism;
[801 FIG. 36 is a partial exploded perspective view showing the rider and the lifter;
[81] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the lifter;
[82] FIG. 38 is a front elevation view showing that the lifter is in its highest position;
[83] FIG. 39 is a front elevation view showing that the lifter is in its lowest position;
[84] FIG. 40 is a plan view of the lifter;
[85] FIG. 41 is a cross sectional view taken along the line XXXXI-XXXXI in FIG. 40, showing the operation of the air cylinder lifting mechanism; and [86] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the lifter with different massage bumps attached thereon-j871 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[88] FIG. 1 shows a brief massaging mechanism of a lie-down massager 10 according to the present invention with a patient lying thereon for a bodily massage, and FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the massager 10 excluding the patient. As shown therein, the lie- down massager 10 includes a base frame 12 in a bed type or a mat type. The base frame 12 includes <tn elongated top panel 14, and an elongated opening 16 is formed centrally and lengthwise through the elongated top panel 14. The massager 10 includes a rider 18 and a lifter 20. The rider 18 is provided below the elongated top panel 14 of the base frame 12.
Heating members 15 are spread in the top panel 14 to further comfort the patient on the massager 10. The heating members 15 are preferably formed around the elongated opening 16 to generate heat rays at a predetermined temperature.

[89] In order to implement the horizontal reciprocation of the rider 18, there is provided a guide member 26 movably engaged between the base frame 12 and the rider 18 so as to enable the rider 18 to make a horizontally reciprocal movement relative to the base frame 12. Here, it is recommended that the guide member 26 be either a rope-pulley application or a rack gear application.

[90] As shown in FIG. 2 together with FIG. 3, the guide mentber 26 according to the rope-pulley application includes a rope 28, a pair of pulleys 30 and a pulley motor 32 that controls one of the pulleys 30. The pulleys 30 are linked by the rope 28 and re- spectively mounted in a front end portion 34 and a rear end portion 36 of the base frame 12. In a preferred version, the pulley motor 32 is provided adjacent to the pulley 30 provided in the rear end portion 36 of the base frame 12. In this construction, a pre-determined portion 29 of the rope 28 is fixedly attached to the rider 18 so that the pulley rotation enables the rider 1.8 to generate a horizontally reciprocal movement of the rider 18. Preferably, the pulleys 30 are relatively twisted by 90 degrees against each other to facilitate the horizontal reciprocation of the rider 18 while improving con-trollability of the rider reciprocation.

[91] Meanwhile, FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate the rack gear application for the horizontal reciprocation of the rider 18. As shown therein, the guide member 26 employing the rack gear application includes a pair of side rack gears 40 parallel to each other and lengthwisely provided in the base frame 12, a roller gear 42 perpendicular to the side rack gears 40, and a roller gear motor 44 fixed to the rider to power the roller gear 42. The roller gear 42 is rollably connected to a rider 18 and rotatably mounted on the side rack gears 40.

[92] To accelerate massaging effect, the massager 10 includes one or more pairs of roller coasters 50 parallel to each other. The roller coasters 50 are attached to the base frame 12 and above the rider guide rollers 52 formed on each side of the rider 18 (refer to FIG. 3).
The rider guide rollers 52 are rollably engaged to the base frame 12 to guide a horizontally reciprocal movement of the rider 18. That is, the roller coasters 50 are formed on each side of the base frame 12. Here, the roller coasters 50 each have a sub-stantially waved top surface 54. It is preferred that the waved top surfaces 54 of the roller coasters 50 each substantially form a curvature of a human spinal cord.

[931 in order to utilize the roller coasters 50, there are provided two coaster guide rollers 90 formed outwardly extending from each side of the lifter 20. The coaster guide rollers 90 enable the lifter 20 to make a roller coasting movement on and along the waved top surfaces 54 of the roller coasters 50.

j941 FIGS. 5-12 shows the first enlbodiment of the invention.

[951 As shown in FiGS. 7-11, the lifter 20 has a top plate 120, a bottom plate 122, a first nut 124, a first screw 126, and a motor 128. The top plate 120 has a top upper surface portion 130 and a top lower surface portion 132. The bottom plate 122 has a bottom upper surface portion 134 and a bottom lower surface portion 136. The first screw 126 is vertically and rotationally attached to the bottom upper surface portion 134 with a bearing 154. The first nut 124 may be fixed to the top lower surface portion 132, or integrated with the top plate 120 as shown in FIG. 8. The first screw 126 engages with the first nut 124 so that rotation of the first screw 126 lifts the first nut 124 or lowers the first nut 124. The motor 128 rotates the first screw 124 in either clockwise or coun-terclockwise direction via a wonn wheel 138 fixed to the first screw 126, and a worm gear 140 fixed to the motor 128.

[96] The lifter further includes a second screw 142 vertically and rotationally attached to the bottom upper surface portion 134 with a bearing 155, and a second nut 144 that may be fixed to the top lower surface portion 132. The second nut 144 is integrated with the top plate 120. The second screw 142 engages with the second nut 144 so that rotation of the second screw 142 lifts the second nut 144 or lowers the second nut 144.
The first screw 126 and the second screw 142 are spaced from each other by a pre-determined distance. The first screw 126 and the second screw 142 are connected by a power transmission device 146 so that they rotate together. The male threads of the first screw 126 and the second screw 142 are the same, and the first nut 124 and the second nut 144 have corresponding female threads.

[97] The thread engagement between the screws 126,142 and the nuts 124,144 provide smooth, fine and silent operation of lifting or lowering the top plate 120 and thus, the massage bunips 98.

[981 Elongated guides 62 downwardly extend from the bottom lower surface portion 136 of the lifter 20, and guide bushes 64 are upwardly formed on the rider 18 to releasably receive the elongated guides 62 so as to stabilize the roller coasting movement of the lifter 20 along the roller coasters 50. Preferably, the elongated guides 62 are shaped in pins.

[99] The power transmission device 146 includes a first sprocket 148 that is fixed to the first screw 126, a second sprocket 150 that is fixed to the second screw 142, an a chain 152 that is wound around the first sprocket wheel 148 and the second sprocket wheel 150.

[100] Since the first screw 126 and the second screw 142 are rotated simultaneously in the same direction by the power transmission device 146, balanced and stabilized lifting and lowering operations of the top plate 120 is provided.

[101] Two side walls 156 extend downward from two opposing ends of the bottom plate 122, and the coaster guide rollers 90 are rotatably attached to the side walls 156.

[102] Four comer guides 158 extend upward from the corners of the rectangular bottom plate 122. The corner guides 158 guide and protect the four corners of the rectangular top plate 120 when it is moved up and down.

[103] In order to finally apply the screw lifting mechanism to a patient lying on the massager 10, there are provided five massage bumps 98 attached to the top upper surface portion 1.30 of the lifter 20 and moving vertically and/or horizontally along the elongated top opening 16 of the elongated top panel 14 of the base frame 12 (refer to FIG. 3). Optionally, a pad 17 may be provided to cover the massage bumps 98 and the elongated top opening 16 of the base frame 12.

[1041 The massage bumps 98 are round projections that are fixed to the top upper surface portion 130 of the lifter 20.

11051 FIG. 10 shows that the top plate 120 is in its uppermost position, that is, the massage bumps 98 are in their topmost position. FIG. 11 shows that the top plate 120 is in its lowermost position, that is, the massage bumps 98 are in their lowermost position.
[106] FIG. 12 shows alternate massage bumps 100. The massage bumps 100 are preferably partitioned to first and second pairs 102,104. Here, the first pair bumps 102 are aligned parallel to the second pair bumps 104. The inassage bumps 100 each include a heater 106 which cau be a heating lamp generating heat and in.frared rays.

[107] To further iniprove massaging effect, there are provided first and second bump holders 108,11.0 propping and maintainuig the first and second pair bumps 102,104 above the top plate 120 of the lifter 20. For a better massaging result, the first and second bump holders 108,110 are tapered toward each lower end 109 thereof, and a first engagement member 112 to rockingly engage the lower ends 109 of the bump holders 108,110 to the top plate 120 of the lifter 20, and a second engagement member 116 to rollingly engage the massage bumps 100 thereto, are provided. The massage bumps 100 may be roller balls formed of precious stone such as jade.

[1081 The engagement members each may be a bolt, a roller, or other engagement tool.
In this bump-holder mechanism, the bump holders flexibly engage the massage bumps to the top plate of the lifter so that the massage bumps rollingly massage the back and neck of the patient lying on the base frame while evenly spreading the massaging power along the bodily portions being pushed up by the massage bumps. That is, the rocking mechanism of the burnp holders enables the massage bumps to smoothly follow the curvature of a spinal cord of the patient lying on the base frame while each of the massage bumps evenly delivers the massaging power to the patient's bodily portions being massaged. Selectively, a center bump may be provided between the massage bumps and on the top surface of the lifter for a solid massage function relative to the rocking massage of the massage bumps.

[109} FIGS. 13-18B shows the second embodiment of the invention.

[110] As shown in FIGS, 13 and 14, a lifter 220 has a top plate 224 and a bottom plate 226.

[i l l] FIGS. 13-16B illustrate a bevel gear application for the bump lifting mechanism.
As shown therein, in order to realize a stabilized lifting mechanisnt of the lifter 220, a gear unit 250 is provided to include a bolt gear 252 downwardly extending from the top plate 224 of the lifter 220. To match with the bolt gear 252, an elongated nut type gear 254 includes a circular outer periphery 256, a first gear 258 incorporated on and along the circular outer periphery 256, and a second gear 260 engaged to the first gear 258 and connected to a first motor 262 attached to the bottom plate 226. lt is preferred that the first and second gears 258,260 are bevel gears engaged to each other in a per-pendicular format so that the first gear 258 becomes perpendicular to the second gear 260. In this construction, the bolt gear 252 is releasably engaged in the nut type gear 254 whose bottom end 264 is rotatably attached to and supported by the bottom plate 226, whereby the second gear rotation generates the first gear rotation and the subsequent rotation of the nut type gear 254 enables the lifter 220 to make a vertically reciprocal movement in accordance with the releasable engagement of the bolt gear 252 and the nut type gear 254.

[112] Alternately, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18A-18B each illustrating a worm gear ap-plication for the bump lifting mechanism, the first gear 258 may be formed in a radial embayment format and the second gear 260 may be formed in a spirally threaded shaft format so as to stabilize the bump lifting mechanism. That is, the second gear 260 is formed in a worm gear and the first gear 258 is formed in a wheel gear with its marginal teeth operatively mesh ed into those of the second gear 260. The combination gear mechanism either in the worm gear application or in the bevel gear application serves to improve efficiency of the lifter-lifting operation.

[113] First elongated guides 228 come to be releasably received by first guide bushes 230 marginally formed on bottoni plate 226 in order to stabilize the vertically reciprocal movement of the top plate 224 of the lifter 220.

[114] An advantage of this embodiment is that the combination gear mechanism employing the bolt gear 252 and the elongated nut type gear 254 for the vertical movement of the massaging bumps 100 substantially alleviates pains resulting from the conventional massager using a predetermined solid pattern along which the rider 18 follows without a. vertically allowable resilience, thereby improving product reliability.
[1151 FIGS. 19-23B show the third embodiment of the invention.

[116] There is provided a roller gear 370 for lifting a top plate 320 engaged to and powered by a motor 374 which is fixed to a bottom plate 356. Here, the top plate 320 has a top portion 376 and a bottom portion 378, and an engagement body 380 downwardly extends 6-om the bottom portion 378 of the lifter 320. A vertically elongated body opening 382 is formed through the engagement body 380 to define vertical walls 384 in the engagement body 380. In this configuration, one of the vertical walls 384 is configured to a vertical rack gear 386 so that the roller gear 370 is rollably engaged to the vertical rack gear 386, whereby the roller gear rotation by the motor 374 enables the lifter 320 to make a vertically reciprocal movement through the lifter opening 322 while the engagement body 380 is movably propped by an inner periphery 324 of the lifter 320.
[117] In order to stabilize the vertical reciprocation of the lifter 320, a support 388 is fixedly formed on top of the bottom plate 356. The support 388 eventually serves to provide an additional propping to the engagement body 380. In preferred version, the support 388 substantially surrounds the engagement body 380 to stabilize the vertically reciprocal movement of the engagement body 380.

[118] To cooperate with the support 388, a vertical slot 392 may be selectively formed through the support 388, and a signal bar 394 horizontally extends from the engagement body 380 through the vertical slot 392 to controllingly facilitate the vertically reciprocal movement of the lifter 320. There may be further provided a pair of limit switches 396 respectively formed adjacent to each end of the vertical slot 392 to further facilitate the control of the vertically reciprocal movement of the lifter 320.

[119} The engagement body 380 downwardly extending from the lifter 320 includes the vertical rack gear 386 therein and props the lifter 320 thereupon while optimally co-operating with khe support 388 that detachedly props the engagement body 380, thereby enhancing product reliability.

[ 1201 FIGS. 24-34 show the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[ 121] A lifter 420 has a top plate 520 and a bottom plate 522, a hydraulic actuator 602 fixed to the bottom plate 522, and a hydraulic controller 604.

[122] The hydraulic controller 604 controls operation of the hydraulic actuator 602. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the top plate 520 has a top upper surface portion 605 and a top lower surface portion 606. The bottom plate 522 has a bottom upper surface portion 608 and a bottom lower surface portion 610.

[123] As shown in FIG. 30, the hydraulic actuator 602 has a hollow cylinder 612, a plunger 614 reciprocating in the cylinder 612, and a shaft 616 fixed to the plunger 614 and the top plate 520. [124] Four lifter guides 618 extend downward from the top lower surface portion 606 of the top plate 520 at the four corners of the top plate 520. Four lifter guide bushes 620 extend upward from the bottom upper surface portion 608 of the bottom plate 522 to releasably receive the lifter guides 618.

[125] The cylinder 612 includes an upper hole 622 positioned near one end of the hydraulic actuator 602 that is directed toward the top plate 520, and a lower hole 624 positioned near the other end of the hydraulic actuator 602. When the hydraulic actuator 602 lifts the top plate 520, the hydraulic controller 604 supplies hydraulic fluid to the cylinder 612 via the lower hole 624 and recovers hydraulic fluid via the upper hole 622.
When the hydraulic actuator 602 lowers the top plate 520, the hydraulic controller 604 supplies hydraulic fluid to the cylinder 612 via the upper hole 622 and recovers hydraulic fluid via the lower hole 624.

[126] FIGS. 32-34 schematically show the hydraulic controiler604. The hydraulic controller 604 includes a pump 626 that pressurizes hydraulic fluid, and a valve assembly 628 that selectively provides hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator 602.

[127] The valve assembly 628 includes a valve chamber 630, a first piston 632, a second piston 634, a valve conduit 636 and a valve rod 638. The first piston 632 and the second piston 634 are fixed to the valve rod 638 and move reciprocally in the valve chamber 630. The valve chamber 630 includes a first hole 640, a second hole 642, a third hole 644, a fourth hole 646, a fifth hole 648, a sixth hole 650 and a first rod hole 652. The valve rod 638 extends out of the valve chamber 630 through the first rod hole 652. The valve conduit 636 is positioned outside the valve chamber 630 and connects the fifth hole 648 and the sixth hole 650. The hydraulic controller 604 fiirther includes a first conduit 654 that connects the first hole 640 of the valve chamber 630 and the upper hole 622 of the hydraulic actuator 602, a second conduit 656 that connects the pump 626 and the second hole 642 of the valve chamber 630, a third conduit 658 that connects the third hole 644 of the valve chamber 630 and the lower hole 624 of the hydraulic actuator 602, a fourth conduit 660 that connects the fourth hole 646 and the pump 626.

[128] The hydraulic controller 604 may fttrther include a hydraulic fluid accumulator 662 between the pump 626 and the valve assembly 628. The hydraulic fluid accumulator 662 stores pressurized hydraulic fluid.

[129] As shown in FIG. 32, when the top plate 520 is lifted, the first piston 632 and the second piston 634 are moved to a lifting position in which the first piston 632 and the second piston 634 partition the valve chamber 630 such that hydraulic fluid flows from the pump 626 to the lower hole 624 of the hydraulic actuator 602 via the second conduit 656 and the third conduit 658 so that the plunger 614 is pushed upward, and hydraulic fluid flows from the upper hole 622 of the hydraulic actuator 602 to the pump 626 via the first conduit 654, the valve conduit 636, and the fourth conduit 660 so that hydraulic fluid is recovered.

11301 As shown in FIG. 34, when the top plate is lowered, the first piston 632 and the second piston 634 are moved to a lowering position in which the first piston 632 and the second piston 634 partition the valve chamber 630 such that hydraulic fluid flows from the punip 626 to the upper hole 622 of the hydraulic actuator 602 via the first conduit 654 and the second conduit 656 so that the plunger 614 is pushed downward, and hydraulic fluid flows from the lower hole 624 of the hydraulic actuator 602 to the pump 626 via the tliird conduit 658 and the fourth conduit 660 so that hydraulic fluid is recovered.

[1311 As shown in FIG. 33, when the top plate is neither lifted nor lowered, the first piston 632 and the second piston 634 are moved a neutral position in which the first piston 632 and the second piston 634 block the first hole 640 and the third hole 644 such that hydraulic fluid flow between the hydraulic controller 604 and the hydraulic actuator 602 does not occur.

[132] The hydraulic controller 604 further includes a first solenoid 664 that applies force to move the valve rod 638 of the valve assembly 628 into or out of the valve chamber 630 such that the first piston 632 and the second piston 634 are moved to the lifting position or the lowering position, and a first spring 666 fixed between the first solenoid 664 and the valve chamber 630 to return the first piston 632 and the second piston 634 to the neutral position when no force is applied by the first solenoid 664.

[133] In this way, the hydraulic controller 604 provides precise control of the vertical motion of the top plate 520 with the hydraulic actuator 602.

[134] The hydraulic controller may further include a link 668 connected between the valve rod 638 and the first solenoid 664. The liiik 668 reverses direction of movement of the first solenoid 664, and the first spring 666 is fixed between the valve chamber 630 and the link 668.

[135] As shown in FIG. 33, The hydraulic controller may further include a second solenoid 670 and a secoud spring 672 that are similar to the first solenoid 664 and the second spring 672 at a position opposite to that of the first solenoid 664.
The valve chamber 630 further includes a second rod hole 674 that is opposite to the first rod hole 652, and the valve rod 638 extends out of the valve chamber 630 through the second rod hole 674. The two solenoids provides balanced movement of the valve rod 638.

[136] FIG. 28 shows that the top plate 520 is in its uppermost position, that is, the - ; ~

]6 massage bumps 100 are in their topmost position. FIG. 27 shows that the top plate 520 is in its lowermost position, that is, the massage bumps 100 are in their lowermost position.
[ 1371 FIG. 31 shows alternate massage bumps 98.

[138] FIGS. 35-42 show the fifth embodiment of the invention.

[139] As shown in FIGS. 37-42, the lifter 720 has a top plate 820 and a bottom plate 822, a fluid operated cylinder 200 fixed to the bottom plate 822, and a compressor providing pressurized fluid to the fluid operated cylinder 900. The fluid operated cylinder 900 has a cylinder shaft 904 that is connected to the top plate 820. The cylinder shaft 904 moves the top plate 820 up and down.

[140] The lifter 720 further includes a guide shaft 906 fixed between the cylinder shaft 904 and the top plate 820, and a guide bearing 908 ttiat guides the guide shaft 906. The guide bearing 908 is fixed to the bottom plate 822. As shown well in FIGS. 40 and 41, the guide bearing 908 has a guide hole 910 that receives the guide shaft 906.
The guide shaft 906 has a polygonal cross section, and the guide hole 910 has the same polygonal cross section. Preferably, the guide shaft 906, and thus the guide hole 910 have a square cross section. In this way, the lifter 720 does not need separate guide elements that guide the vertical movement of the massage bumps 800, since the square guide shaft 906 and the square guide hole 910 allows movement of the top plate 820 only in vertical direction.
Rotation of the top plate 820 cannot occur.

[141] The lifter further includes a tension spring 912 fixed between the top plate 820 and the bottom plate 822. The fluid operated cylinder 900 overcomes the force exerted by the tension spring to move the top plate 820. The fluid operated cylinder 900 may be actuated by pressurized air or pressurized hydraulic oil. The tension spring 912 provides biasing effect to the lifting or lowering motion of the lifter720. Thus, the tension spring 912 prevents abnipt lifting of the top plate 820 by the fluid operated cylinder 900, and facilitates precise movement of the top plate 820. The top plate 820 is moved by the force by the fluid operated cylinder 900 minus the force by the tension spring 912.

[142] Referring FIG. 41, the fluid operated cylinder 900 has a chamber 914 into which pressurized fluid is supplied from the compressor 902 via an inlet tube 916, and the fluid is exhausted via an outlet tube 918. A piston 920 is reciprocated in the chamber 914 by changing the pressure applied by the pressurized fluid. The cylinder shaft 904 is fixed to the piston 920. The tension spring 912 is fixed to the top plate 820 and the bottom plate 822 with a screw 922 and a bracket 924 that presses the ends of the tension spring 912 to the top plate 820 or the bottom plate 822. The guide shaft 906 is fixed on top of the cylinder shaft 904. The guide shaft 906 is connected to the top plate 820 via a flange 926.

- -r -1143] FIG. 38 shows that the top plate 820 is in its uppermost position, that is, the massage bumps 100 are in their topniost position. FIG. 39 shows that the top plate 820 is in its lowermost position, that is, the massage bumps 100 are in their lowermost position.
[1441 FIG. 42 shows altetnate massage bumps 98.

[ 1451 Although the invention has been described in considerable detail, other versions are possible by converting the aforementioned construction. Therefore, the scope of the invention shall not be limited by the specification specified above.

Claims

1. A lie-down massager, comprising:
a base frame having an elongated top panel, wherein an elongated top opening is formed centrally and lengthwise through the elongated top panel;
a rider provided below the elongated top panel of the base frame;
a guide member movably engaged between the base frame and the rider so as to enable the rider to make a horizontally reciprocal movement relative to the base frame;
a lifter, liftedly attached to the rider, such that the lifter can move vertically relative to the rider, the lifter comprises:
a top plate having a top upper surface portion and a top lower surface portion; a bottom plate having a bottom upper surface portion and a bottom lower surface portion; and a lifting device directly moving the top plate in linear motion, vertically relative to the bottom plate, the lifting device comprising: a first nut fixed to the top lower surface portion; a first screw vertically and rotationally attached to the bottom upper surface portion which engages with the first nut so that rotation of the first screw lifts the first nut or lowers the first nut; and a motor which rotates the first screw in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction; and massage bumps attached to the top plate of the lifter and moving at least one of:
vertically and horizontally along the elongated top opening of the elongated top panel of the base frame.

2. The lie-down massager of claim 1 wherein the lifter further comprises a second screw vertically and rotationally attached to the bottom upper surface portion, and a second out fixed to the top lower surface portion, wherein the second screw engages with the second nut so that rotation of the second screw lifts the second nut or lowers the second nut, wherein the first screw and the second screw are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, wherein the first screw and the second screw are connected by a power transmission device so that they rotate together.

3. The lie-down massager of claim 2 wherein the first screw and the second screw are integrated with the top plate of the lifter.

4. The lie-down massager of claim 2 wherein the power transmission device includes a first sprocket that is fixed to the first screw, a second sprocket that is fixed to the second screw, and a chain that is wound around the first sprocket wheel and the second sprocket wheel.

5. The lie-down massager of claim 4 wherein the lifter further comprises a worm wheel fixed to the first screw, and a worm gear fixed to the motor.

6. A lie-down massager, comprising:
a base frame having an elongated top panel, wherein an elongated top opening is formed centrally and lengthwise through the elongated top panel;
a rider provided below the elongated top panel of the base frame;
a guide member movably engaged between the base frame and the rider so as to enable the rider to make a horizontally reciprocal movement relative to the base a lifter, liftedly attached to the rider, such that the lifter can move vertically relative to the rider, the lifter having a top plate, a bottom plate, and a lifting device moving the top plate vertically relative to the bottom plate;
elongated guides extending from the top plate;
a gear unit including a bolt gear downwardly extending from the top plate of the lifter;
an elongated nut type gear having a circular outer periphery;
a first gear incorporated on and along the circular outer periphery;
a second gear engaged to the first gear and connected to a first motor attached to the bottom plate; and massage bumps attached to the top plate of the lifter and moving at least one of:
vertically and horizontally along the elongated top opening of the elongated top panel of the base frame;
wherein the lifting device of the lifter directly moves the top plate in linear motion, wherein the bolt gear is releasably engaged in the nut type gear whose bottom end is rotatably attached to and supported by the bottom plate, and wherein the elongated guides are releasably received by guide bushes formed on top of the bottom plate to stabilize a vertically reciprocal movement of the top plate relative to the bottom plate, whereby the second gear rotation generates the first gear rotation and the subsequent rotation of the nut type gear enables the top plate to make a vertically reciprocal movement in accordance with the releasable engagement of the bolt gear and the nut type gear.

7. The lie-down massager of claim 6 wherein the first and second gears are bevel gears.

8. The lie-down massager of claim 6 wherein the second gear is a spirally breaded shaft.

9. The lie-down massager of claim 6 wherein the second gear is a spirally threaded shaft and the first gear is radially embayed.

10. A lie-down massager, comprising:
a base frame having an elongated top panel, wherein an elongated top opening is formed centrally and lengthwise through the elongated top panel;
a rider provided below the elongated top panel of the base frame;
a guide member movably engaged between the base frame and the rider so as to enable the rider to make a horizontally reciprocal movement relative to the base frame;
a lifter, liftedly engaged to the rider, the lifter having a top plate, a bottom plate, and a lifting device comprising an engagement body downwardly extending from the top plate, the lifting device moving the top plate vertically relative to the bottom plate;
a lifter opening formed vertically through the bottom plate to define an inner periphery of the bottom plate;
massage bumps attached to the top plate of the lifter and moving at least one of vertically and horizontally along the elongated top opening of the elongated top panel of the base frame;
wherein the lifting device of the lifter directly moves the top plate in linear motion, wherein the lifting device comprises an engagement body downwardly extending from the top plate, wherein a vertically elongated body opening is formed through the engagement body to define vertical walls in the engagement body, and wherein one of the vertical walls is configured to a vertical rack gear so that a first roller gear is rollably engaged to the vertical rack gear, whereby the roller gear rotation by a first motor enables the lifter to make a vertically reciprocal movement through the lifter opening while the engagement body is movably propped by the inner periphery of the lifter.

11. The lie-down massager of claim 10 further comprising a support fixedly formed on top of the bottom plate to provide an additional propping to the engagement.

12. The lie-down massager of claim 11 wherein a vertical slot is formed through the support, wherein a signal bar horizontally extends from the engagement body through the vertical slot to controllingly facilitate the vertically reciprocal movement of the lifter.

13. The lie-down massager of claim 12 further comprising a pair of limit switches respectively formed adjacent to each end of the vertical slot to further facilitate the control of the vertically reciprocal movement of the lifter.

14. The lie-down massager of claim 10 further comprising one or more lifter guides extending downward from the top plate, and one or more lifter guide bushes extending upward from the bottom plate to releasably receive the lifter guides, wherein the lifting device comprises a hydraulic actuator fixed to the bottom plate, and a hydraulic controller, wherein the hydraulic controller controls operation of the hydraulic actuator, wherein the top plate has a top upper surface portion and a top lower surface portion, wherein the bottom plate has a bottom upper surface portion and a bottom lower surface portion, wherein the hydraulic actuator has a hollow cylinder, a plunger reciprocating in the cylinder, and a shaft fixed to the plunger and the top plate.

15. The lie-down massager of claim 14 wherein the cylinder of the hydraulic actuator comprises a upper hole positioned near one end of the hydraulic actuator that is directed toward the top plate of the lifter, and a lower hole positioned near the other end of the hydraulic actuator, wherein the hydraulic controller supplies hydraulic fluid to the cylinder via the lower hole and recovers hydraulic fluid via the upper hole when the hydraulic actuator lifts the top plate, and wherein the hydraulic controller supplies hydraulic fluid to the cylinder via the upper hole and recovers hydraulic fluid via the lower hole when the hydraulic actuator lowers the top plate.

16. The lie-down massager of claim 15 wherein the hydraulic controller comprises a pump that pressurizes hydraulic fluid, and a valve assembly that selectively provides hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator.

17. The lie-down massager of claim 16 wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve chamber, a first piston, a second piston, a valve conduit and a valve rod, wherein the first piston and the second piston are fixed to the valve rod and move reciprocally in the valve chamber, wherein the valve chamber comprises a first hole, a second hole, a third hole, a fourth hole, a fifth hole, a sixth hole and a first rod hole, wherein the valve rod extends out of the valve chamber through the first rod hole, wherein the valve conduit is positioned outside the valve chamber and connects the fifth hole and the sixth hole, wherein the hydraulic controller further comprises a first conduit that connects the first hole of the valve chamber and the upper hole of the hydraulic actuator, a second conduit that connects the pump and the second hole of the valve chamber, a third conduit that connects the third hole of the valve chamber and the lower hole of the hydraulic actuator, a fourth conduit that connects the fourth hole and the pump, wherein when the top plate is lifted, the first piston and the second piston are moved to a lifting position in which the first piston and the second piston partition the valve chamber such that hydraulic fluid flows from the pump to the lower hole of the hydraulic actuator via the second conduit and the third conduit so that the plunger is pushed upward, and hydraulic fluid flows from the upper hole of the hydraulic actuator to the pump via the first conduit, the valve conduit, and the fourth conduit so that hydraulic fluid is recovered, wherein when the top plate is lowered, the first piston and the second piston are moved to a lowering position in which the first piston and the second piston partition the valve chamber such that hydraulic fluid flows from the pump to the upper hole of the hydraulic actuator via the first conduit and the second conduit so that the plunger is pushed downward, and hydraulic fluid flows from the lower hole of the hydraulic actuator to the pump via the third conduit and the fourth conduit so that hydraulic fluid is recovered, wherein when the top plate is neither lifted nor lowered, the first piston and the second piston are moved a neutral position in which the first piston and the second piston block the fust hole and the third hole such that hydraulic fluid flow between the hydraulic controller and the hydraulic actuator does not occur.

18. The lie-down massager of claim 17 wherein the hydraulic controller further comprises a hydraulic fluid accumulator between the pump and the valve assembly, wherein the hydraulic fluid accumulator stores pressurized hydraulic fluid.

19. The lie-down massager of claim 17 wherein the hydraulic controller further comprises a first solenoid that applies force to move the valve rod of the valve assembly into or out of the valve chamber such that the first piston and the second piston are moved to the lifting position or the lowering position, and a first spring fixed between the first solenoid and the valve chamber to return the first piston and the second piston to the neutral position when no force is applied by the first solenoid.

20. The lie-down massager of claim 19 wherein the hydraulic controller further comprises a link connected between the valve rod and the first solenoid, wherein.

21. The lie-down massager of claim 19 wherein the hydraulic controller further comprises a second solenoid that applies force to move the valve rod of the valve assembly into or out of the valve chamber such that the first piston and the second piston are moved to the lifting position or the lowering position, and a second spring fixed between the second solenoid and the valve chamber to return the first piston and the second piston to the neutral position when no force is applied by the first solenoid, wherein the valve chamber further includes a second rod hole that is opposite to the first rod hole, and the valve rod extends out of the valve chamber through the second rod hole.

22. The lie-down massager of claim 10 wherein the lifting device comprises a fluid operated cylinder fixed to the bottom plate, and a compressor providing pressurized fluid to the fluid operated cylinder, wherein the fluid operated cylinder has a cylinder shaft that is connected to the top plate, wherein the cylinder shaft moves the top plate up and down.

23. The lie-down massager of claim 22 wherein the lifter further comprises a guide shaft fixed between the cylinder shaft and the top plate, and a guide bearing that guides the guide shaft, wherein the guide bearing is fixed to the bottom plate, wherein the guide bearing has a guide hole that receives the guide shaft, wherein the guide shaft has a polygonal cross section, and the guide hole has the same polygonal cross section.

24. The lie-down massager of claim 23 wherein the guide shaft has a square cross section.

25. The lie-down massager of claim 22 wherein the lifter further comprises a tension spring fixed between the top plate and the bottom plate, wherein the fluid operated cylinder overcomes the force exerted by the tension spring to move the top plate.

26. The lie-down massager of claim 25 wherein the lifter further comprises a guide shaft fixed between the cylinder shaft and the top plate, and a guide bearing that guides the guide shaft, wherein the guide bearing is fixed to the bottom plate, wherein the guide bearing has a guide hole that receives the guide shaft, wherein the guide shaft has a polygonal cross section, and the guide hole has the same polygonal cross section.

27. The lie-down massager of claim 26 wherein the fluid operated cylinder is actuated by pressurized air.

28. The lie-down massager of claim 26 wherein the fluid operated cylinder is actuated by pressurized hydraulic oil.