EP0058858A1 - Dispositif pour thérapie et massage en chiropraxie - Google Patents

Dispositif pour thérapie et massage en chiropraxie Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0058858A1
EP0058858A1 EP82100869A EP82100869A EP0058858A1 EP 0058858 A1 EP0058858 A1 EP 0058858A1 EP 82100869 A EP82100869 A EP 82100869A EP 82100869 A EP82100869 A EP 82100869A EP 0058858 A1 EP0058858 A1 EP 0058858A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support frame
wire
rollers
chiropractic
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP82100869A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0058858B1 (fr
Inventor
Teruo Masuda
Masayasu Morita
Kazuyuki Yamaguchi
Yoshikazu Harada
Toshio Atsumi
Koichi Oki
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
France Bed Co Ltd
Original Assignee
France Bed Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2106881U external-priority patent/JPS57134036U/ja
Priority claimed from JP17408681U external-priority patent/JPS5880230U/ja
Application filed by France Bed Co Ltd filed Critical France Bed Co Ltd
Priority to AT82100869T priority Critical patent/ATE13387T1/de
Publication of EP0058858A1 publication Critical patent/EP0058858A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0058858B1 publication Critical patent/EP0058858B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H15/0078—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains power-driven
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C19/00—Bedsteads
    • A47C19/04—Extensible bedsteads, e.g. with adjustment of length, width, height
    • A47C19/045—Extensible bedsteads, e.g. with adjustment of length, width, height with entire frame height or inclination adjustments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
    • A61H2015/0007—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
    • A61H2015/0014—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis cylinder-like, i.e. rollers
    • A61H2015/0021—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis cylinder-like, i.e. rollers multiple on the same axis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0119—Support for the device
    • A61H2201/0138—Support for the device incorporated in furniture
    • A61H2201/0142—Beds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
    • A61H2201/0207—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled heated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/02—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes heated or cooled
    • A61H2201/0221—Mechanism for heating or cooling
    • A61H2201/0228—Mechanism for heating or cooling heated by an electric resistance element
    • A61H2201/0235—Thermistors with Positive Temperature Coefficient [PTC]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/12—Driving means
    • A61H2201/1207—Driving means with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H2201/1215—Rotary drive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/14—Special force transmission means, i.e. between the driving means and the interface with the user
    • A61H2201/1418—Cam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/14—Special force transmission means, i.e. between the driving means and the interface with the user
    • A61H2201/1481—Special movement conversion means
    • A61H2201/149—Special movement conversion means rotation-linear or vice versa
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
    • A61H2201/1664—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means linear
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
    • A61H2201/1664—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means linear
    • A61H2201/1669—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means linear moving along the body in a reciprocating manner
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5064—Position sensors
    • A61H2201/5066—Limit switches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • 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
    • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
    • A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
    • A61H2203/0443—Position of the patient substantially horizontal
    • A61H2203/0456—Supine

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an apparatus for chiropractic therapy and massage, and more particularly an apparatus which performs a chiropractic therapy and massage, using pressure rollers which make a reciprocating movement.
  • the apparatus of this sort generally has a construction, which comprises a housing with cover means stretched over an open side thereof and a support frame supporting pressure means carrying a plurality of pressure rollers and mounted for reciprocating movement in the housing.
  • the support frame is driven by a power source such as a reversible motor for reciprocating movement in the housing, whereby a user lying on the cover means is massaged by the pressure rollers of the pressure means.
  • the pressure rollers are in contact with the lower sheet of the cover means so as to perform chiropractic therapy and massage on the user lying on the cover means. Since the cover means supports the weight of the user, a great frictional force acts between the cover means and the pressure rollers due to the weight.
  • the pressure rollers generally comprise elastic members such as rubber and have a number of protuberances. Due to the great frictional force, these protuberances of the pressure rollers may be abraded at an early stage and excellent chiropractic therapy effects may not be maintained over a long period of time.
  • the cover means moreover, may be damaged by the pressure rollers.
  • the invention as claimed is intended to remedy these drawbacks. It solves the problem of how to design an apparatus for chiropractic therapy and massage in which the cover means comprises at least two sheets.
  • the advantages offered by the invention are mainly that the pressure rollers are not strongly urged by the lower sheet of the cover means, thus preventing generation of a great frictional force therebetween. In addition to the fact that abrasion of the protuberances of the pressure rollers is prevented, damage to the cover means is prevented.
  • the chiropractic therapy and massage apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12, which is adapted to support a user lying on it.
  • a support frame 14 is mounted for reciprocating movement in the housing 12.
  • pressure means 16 carrying pressure rollers are mounted in the support frame 14.
  • the support frame 14 supporting the pressure means 16 is disposed on rails 17 provided within the housing 12 and is coupled to a wire 18.
  • the wire 18 is driven by a power source 21 having a reversible motor 20. When the wire 18 is driven the support frame 14 is moved along the rails 17, whereby the user on the housing is given chiropractic therapy and massage by the pressure rollers of the pressure means 16.
  • the support frame 14 When the support frame 14 is moved to cover a predetermined stroke, it causes sliding action of a control bar 22, which constitutes stroke control means 23 and is provided within the housing, to cause switching of a switch 24. With this switching of the switch 24 the reversible motor 20 is exchanged to reverse the direction movement of the support frame 14. When the support frame 14 has been moved in the opposite direction to cover the predetermined stroke, the motor 20 is reversed again to cause reversal of the direction of movement of the support frame. In this way, the support frame 14 is reciprocated with the switch 24 switched every time the stroke is covered. The stroke of the support frame 14 can be changed when the control bar 22 is elastically deformed by stroke selection means 26.
  • the housing 12 is in the form of a box-like shape and is open at its top, and cover means 27 of cloth or the like capable of expansion and contraction is stretched to cover the open side of the housing.
  • the cover means 27 comprises at least two sheets.
  • the cover means has an upper sheet 28 and a lower sheet 29, the peripheries of which are stitched together.
  • At least the lower sheet 29 is made of a material which is capable of expansion and contraction such as knitted fabric.
  • a pair of parallel rails 17 extend within the housing 12 in the longitudinal direction thereof.
  • the support frame 14 is constituted by first support 30 and second support 32 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the first support 30 being positioned on the side of the head of the user and the second support 32 positioned on the side of the legs of the user.
  • a pair of connection plates 34 connect the opposite ends of these supports 30 and 32.
  • the supports 30 and 32 each have a shaft 36, which carries wheels 38 mounted on it at the opposite ends. These wheels 38 run along the rails 17, whereby the support frame 17 is moved along the rails 17.
  • the power source 21 is mounted within the housing 12 at the left hand end thereof, and it includes a reversible motor 20 and a speed change gear 40.
  • a shaft 42 horizontally extends from the speed change gear 40 and carries a drive pulley 44 secured to it.
  • a drive pulley 46 is provided within the housing 12 at the right hand end thereof, and its shaft 47 vertically extends. The wire 18 is stretched between these pulleys 44 and 46.
  • An auxiliary pulley 49 is provided in the neighborhood of the drive pulley 44 for ensuring sufficient contact of the wire 18 with the drive pulley 44.
  • the wire coupling means 50 includes a pair of coupling members 52 and 53, such as pins, respectively coupled to the opposite ends of the wire 18 and a pair of support members 54 and 55 depending from the respective supports 30 and 32. It also includes a pair of interlock bars 56 and 57 made from, for instance, a hard steel wire.
  • the interlock bar 56 is slidable with respect to the coupling member 52 and the support member 54, and the interlock bar 57 is slidable with respect to the coupling member 53 and the support member 55.
  • These interlock bars 56 and 57 respectively have loop portions 58 and 59 formed at their one end.
  • the loop portions 58 and 59 are slidable along the respective coupling members 52 and 53.
  • the interlock bars 56 and 57 also have respective stoppers 60 and 61, such as flanges, which restrict the movement of the loop portions 58 and 59 with respect to the coupling members 52 and 53.
  • the other end portion of each of the interlock bars 56 and 57 is slidably supported in a loop portion of each of the support members 54 and 55, and these other end portions include respective bent retainer portions 62 and 63 for preventing detachment of the interlock bars from the support members so as to act as stoppers.
  • Elongation/contraction absorbing means 68 for absorbing the elongation and contraction of the wire 18 is connected between the coupling members 52 and 53.
  • the elongation/contraction means 68 is in the form of a tension spring, but it is to be understood that any other member having the function of absorbing the elongation and contraction of wire can be used in lieu of the tension spring.
  • the wire 18 When the reversible motor 20 of the power source 21 is rotated in a direction of moving the support frame 14 to the left in Figs. 1 and 2, the wire 18 is driven in the direction of arrow L shown in Fig. 3. At the time, the wire 18 is momentarily driven until a state, in which the stopper 60 is in contact with the loop portion 58 of the interlock bar 56 and the bent retainer 62 thereof is in contact with support member 54. Then, the wire 18 pulls the support 30 with the interlock bar 56, thus moving the support frame 14 to the left. At this time, the support 32 is moved with the support 30, so that no pulling force is transmitted from the support 32 to the coupling member 53 through the interlock bar 57.
  • the support frame 14 can be smoothly moved by the wire 18, and the tension spring 68 will not be damaged by the tension in the wire 18. Further, if the wire 18 undergoes elongation or contraction, this elongation or contraction is absorbed by the urging force of the tension spring 68 connected between the opposite ends of the wire 18. Thus, fluctuation of the wire tension can be prevented and drive pulley 44 is kept constant. In this way, the wire 18 is driven under a constant tension and smooth driving of the support frame 14 can be ensured.
  • the rails 17 have a plurality of cam portions 70 (see Figs. 1 and 2) to cause vertical displacement of the support frame 14 running therealong and vertical displacement of the pressure means 16 supported on the support frame 14. These cam portions 70 are formed at positions corresponding to the neck and legs of the user, when the user is lying on the cover means 27 provided at the open top of the housing 12 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the rails 17 have a profile practically conforming to the profile of the back of the user so that the pressure rollers of the pressure means 16 may apply uniform pressure to the user's back over their entire stroke.
  • a pair of support members 72 are provided on the inner wall of the housing 12, and an elastically deformable control bar 22 for controlling the stroke of the support frame 14 extends in the direction of movement of the support frame 14 and is supported by the support members 72 such that it is slidable relative thereto but is incapable of detachment therefrom.
  • the control bar 22 is made from a hard steel, and it has horizontally projecting bent portions 76 and 77 provided near its opposite ends and also a further horizontally projecting bent portion 78 provided in its intermediate portion.
  • an actuating pin 80 downwardly projects form the second support 32 of the support frame 14, and it is capable of engaging the bent portions 76, 77 and 78 of the control bar 22.
  • the actuating pin 80 comes to engagement with either one of the bent portions 76, 77 and 78, whereby the control bar 22 is moved with the support frame.
  • the control bar 22 has a hair-pin-like left hand end 81, and a switch 24, for instance a microswitch, is provided within the housing 12 such that it co-operates with the hair-pin-like end 81.
  • a switch 24 for instance a microswitch
  • a stroke selection means 26 for changing the stroke of the support frame 14 is provided on one side wall of the housing 12.
  • the stroke selection means 26 comprises an operation box 82 provided on the outer wall surface of the housing 12, and a select lever 84 pivotable about a pin 83 is accommodated within the operation box such that its end portion projects therefrom.
  • the stroke selection means 26 further includes a connecting rod 86 penetrating the wall of the housing 12.
  • the connecting rod 86 is coupled at one end by a pin (not shown) to the other end of the select lever 84, and is coupled at the other end to the control bar 22, which extends through a hole (not shown) formed in the other end of the connecting rod.
  • the rod 86 When the select lever 84 is rotated in the clockwise direction about the pin 83, the rod 86 is outwardly displaced, thus causing deformation of the elastically deformable control lever 22 toward the side wall of the housing as shown by broken lines in Fig. 2. At this time, the displacement of the central portion of the control bar 22 is greater than the displacement of the end portions, and thus the central bent portion 78 is displaced sidewise to a greater extent than the other bent portions 76 and 77 in the end portions. In effect, the control bar 22 is deformed by the connecting rod 86 until the actuating pin 80 of the support 32 (Fig. 5) is no longer capable of engaging the central bent portion 78.
  • the operation box 82 is also provided with a timer 88 for setting the operating period of the power source 21.
  • the rails 17 are provided at their opposite ends with stoppers 90, being four in number, for preventing the detachment of the support frame 14 from them.
  • a pair of elastic protective members 92 of a semi-hard foam material are attached to the bottom wall. These protective members have a thickness greater than the height of the wire 18 from the bottom.
  • the elastic protective members 92 have a thickness greater than the height of the wire 18 from the housing bottom, there is no possibility for the sagging cover means 27 to be rubbed and damaged by the wire.
  • polyethylene foam may be used as an inexpensive and highly elastic material of the elastic protective members 92.
  • a pair of parallel radiation plates 96 (see Fig. 2) of a material which has a relative high thermal conductivity such as aluminum are arranged on the inner bottom surface of the housing 12 so as not to interfere with the movement of the support frame 14.
  • a number of radiation holes 97 are formed on each side of each radiation plate 96 as shown in Fig. 9.
  • a plurality of heat-generating elements 98 comprising positive temperature characteristic thermistors are mounted on the middle portion of the inner surface of each radiation plate 96. Heat generated by these heat-generating elements 98 heats the radiation plates 96. At the same time, the heated air inside the radiation plates 96 flows out through the radiation holes 97 to heat the user lying on the cover means 27.
  • the heat-generating elements 98 are operated by the operation of a switch (not shown) incorporated in the operation box 82.
  • the shaft 36 mounted in the first support 30 of the support frame 14 carries a pair of first sleeves 102 fitted on its central portion.
  • each of these first sleeves 102 has a peripheral annular recess 104, in which a pressure roller of the pressure means 16 is mounted, and also has a plurality of, for instance four, engagement extensions 106 coaxially extending from its one end.
  • the engagement extensions 106 of each sleeve are radially uniformly spaced apart such that the gaps between adjacent extensions are enough to receive the engagement extensions of the other sleeve.
  • the pair sleeves 102 are loosely fitted on the central portion of the shaft 36 such that the engagement extensions 106 of each sleeve lie in the gaps between adjacent engagement extensions of the other sleeve.
  • the sleeves 102 can be rotated with each other on the shaft 36 due to the engagement of their engagement extensions 106, and also they can be independently moved toward or away from each other in the axial direction of the shaft.
  • the chiropractic roller 108 which is the first pressure roller of the pressure means 16 and is mounted in the peripheral annular recess 104 of each sleeve 102, is made of an elastic material such as hard rubber and has a number of partial spherical protuberances 111 projecting from its outer periphery near its inner end.
  • the shaft 36 also carries a pair of second sleeves 112 loosely fitted on its opposite end portions.
  • Each of these second sleeves 112 has an annular recess (not shown), in which a massage roller as the second pressure roller of the pressure means 16 is mounted.
  • Each second sleeve has a well-known sleeve form without any engagement extension.
  • the massage roller 114 has a greater width dimension than the chiropractic therapy roller 108, and it is also made of an elastic material such as hard rubber and has a number of partial cylindrical axial ridges 116 formed on its outer periphery.
  • a compression spring 118 is interposed between each first sleeve 102 and the corresponding second sleeve 112. The compression spring 118 urges the associated first sleeve 102 and second sleeve 112 away from each other, so that the pair first sleeves 102 provided on the central portion of the shaft 36 are urged toward each other (see Fig. 8).
  • second chiropractic rollers 120 which are third pressure rollers of the pressure means 16 are mounted in the respective first sleeves 102
  • second massage rollers 122 of the pressure means 16 are mounted in the respective second sleeves 112.
  • the second chiropractic rollers 120 are each made of an elastic material and has a number of partial spherical protuberances 124.
  • the first chiropractic rollers 108 and second chiropractic rollers 120 are identical rollers except that they are installed on the respective shafts 36 in opposite orientations.
  • first pair chiropractic rollers 108 are installed on their shaft 36 such that their ends, adjacent to which the protuberances are provided, face each other, whereas the second pair chiropractic rollers 120 are installed on their shaft 36 such that their ends remote from the protuberances face each other.
  • the first and second pair massage rollers 119 and 122 are identical rollers and installed in the same way on their respective shafts 36.
  • a control plate 126 in the form of a belt is provided for controlling the operation of the chiropractic rollers of the pressure means 16 within the housing 12 such that extends substantially over the entire length of the housing.
  • the control plate 126 is coupled at one end by a hook-like coupling member 128 to the right hand end of the housing 12 and coupled at the other end by a tension spring 130 to the left hand end of the housing.
  • the control plate 126 extends between each of the supports 30 and 32 of the support frame 14 and each shaft 36.
  • a portion of the control plate 126 extending between the first support 30 and associated shaft 36 is clamped between flanges 132 formed on the respective first pair sleeve 102.
  • a leaf spring 134 is provided on the support 30, and it urges the control plate 126 against the sleeves 102 and thus maintains the clamped state of the control plate between the flanges 132.
  • the width of the control plate 126 suitably varies over its length. More particularly, as shown in Fig. 8, the control plate 126 has such a form that its portion corresponding to the neck of the user laying on the cover means 27 with the head directed on the side of the first support 30 is narrowest and that its width is progressively increased from its portion corresponding to the neck of the user to its portion corresponding to the hip of the user.
  • the first pair chiropractic rollers 108 carried on the first support 30 are moved in the axial direction of the shaft against the restoring forces of the pair springs 118 according to the width dimension of the control plate 126.
  • the portion of the control plate 126 corresponding to the head of the user becomes progressively wider as it goes from a portion corresponding to the neck toward a portion corresponding to the lower part of the body.
  • This variation of the width of the control plate 126 is provided because of the fact that the thickness of the backbone and hence the distance between the opposite side particular physiological spots vary similarly.
  • legs 136 On the longitudinal lower edges of the housing 12 of this construction are mounted legs 136 so that they may be extended or bent for compactness, as shown in Fig. 10.
  • a pair of leg members 137 are coupled by upper and lower coupling rods 138 and 139 at a distance substantially corresponding to the width of the housing 12.
  • Support shafts 140 protrude from the upper ends of the opposing surfaces of the leg members 137.
  • a pair of support members 141 are mounted by screws 142 to both sides of the housing 12 at the longitudinal ends thereof.
  • a bearing part 143 is formed at the joint of the support members 141.
  • a pair of protuberances 151 are formed on the opposing surface of one of these support members 141, and recesses 152 to receive these protuberances are formed in the opposing surface of the other of the support members 141.
  • the support shaft 140 is pivotally supported by the bearing part 143.
  • the upper coupling rod 138 abuts the lower support member 141 so that the leg 136 may be securely held in the upright condition.
  • An engaging plate 145 with a plurality of grooves 144 formed on the outer periphery thereof is mounted on the end face of the support shaft 140 extending from the bearing part 143.
  • each of a pair of engaging rods 146 obtained by bending an elastic material in a crank form, the other end of which is coupled to the upper support member 141, is in elastic engagement with each of the grooves 144 of the engaging plate 145. Therefore, when the leg 136 is pivoted, the engaging rods elastically engage with the grooves 144. When the leg 136 is bent, the engaging rods 146 support the leg 136 at a predetermined bent angle. At the terminal end of the leg member 137 is formed a standing surface 147 for stably supporting the leg member 137 on the floor or the like when the leg 136 is bent.
  • the apparatus when both legs 136 are extended upright as shown in Fig. 10, the apparatus may be used with the housing 12 oriented horizontally, as in the case of the conventional apparatuses of this kind.
  • the apparatus may be used in different postures as shown in Figs. 15 and 16 depending upon the health conditions of the user.
  • the posture shown in Fig. 15 corresponds to the case wherein the apparatus is used for a normal, healthy user.
  • one leg 136 below the head of the user lying horizontally on the housing 12 is bent to incline the housing 12 so that the head of the user may be located at a lower level than the other portions of his body.
  • the posture shown in Fig. 16 corresponds to the case wherein the apparatus is used for the user suffering hypertension. In this case, the legs 136 below the feet of the user are bent so that the feet of the user may be located above his head.
  • the housing 12 can be held inclined depending upon the health condition of the user. Therefore, the blood circulation of the user may be facilitated in addition to the chiropractic effects, so that the health of the user may be recovered from the overall point of view.
  • a normal, healthy user can use the apparatus with his head located below the other portions of his body to facilitate blood circulation throughout the whole body and to thereby recover from the tiredness.
  • a user suffering from hypertension can receive the chiropractic effects with his head resting above the other portions of his body, so that he may receive the treatment without causing a rise in his blood pressure.
  • the operation of the chiropractic therapy and massage apparatus 10 of the above construction will be described.
  • the operation in the case when the control bar 22 is deformed to the form as shown by the broken lines in Fig. 2 by turning the select lever 84 in the clockwise direction will be described.
  • the timer 88 By operating the timer 88, the power source 21 is started to drive the support frame 14. It is assumed that with the rotation of the drive pulley 44 of the power source 21 the support frame 14 is moved toward the power source 21, i.e., to the left.
  • the actuating pin 80 depending from the second support 32 engages with the bent portion 76 and causes sliding of the control bar 22 in the direction of movement of the support frame 14, i.e., to the left.
  • the hair-pin-like left end 81 of the control bar 22 changes the switch 24, thus reversing the direction of rotation of the reversible motor 20 of the power source 21 to reverse the direction of movement of the support frame 14, i.e., to the right.
  • the actuating pin 80 engages with the bent portion 77 and causes sliding of the control bar 22 in the direction of movement of the support frame 14, i.e., to the right.
  • the left end 81 of the control bar 22 is separated from the switch 24 and thus changes the switch 24 again to reverse the direction of rotation of the motor 20 so as to reverse the direction of movement of the support frame 14, i.e., this time to the left.
  • the support frame 14 is reciprocated between a position, at which the actuating pin 80 depending from the second support 32 engages with the left side bent portion 76, and a position, at which the actuating pin 80 engages with the right side bent portion 77, i.e., substantially over the entire length of the housing 12.
  • the whole body of the user lying on the cover means 27 is given chiropractic therapy by the chiropractic rollers 108 and 120 of the pressure means 16 and also with massage by the massage rollers 114 and 122 of the means 16.
  • the connecting rod 86 of the stroke selection means 26 is inwardly displaced by turning the select lever 84 in the counterclockwise direction.
  • the control bar 22 is restored from its deformed state shown by the broken lines in Fig. 1 to its substantially straight state shown by the solid lines.
  • the actuating pin 80 depending from the second support 32 of the support frame 14 is able to engage with the central bent portion 78 as well as the other bent portions 76, 77 of the control bar 22.
  • the support frame 14 is now capable of being reciprocated between a position at which the actuating pin 80 engages with the left side bent portion 76 and a position at which the pin engages with the central bent portion 78 or between a position at which the pin engages with the central bent portion 78 and a position at which the pin engages with the right side bent portion 77, so that the user can obtain chiropractic therapy by the chiropractic rollers 108 and 120 and massage by the massage rollers 114 and 122 on a portion of the body.
  • the support frame 14 When the support frame 14 is reciprocated substantially over the entire length of the housing 12, it is vertically rocked by the cam portions 70 of the rails 17. That is, as seen from Fig. 4, the pressure means 16 supported on the support frame 14 is upwardly displaced to follow the profile of the user's back, so that the chiropractic rollers 108 and 120 and massage rollers 114 and 122 of the pressure means 16 are moved while applying substantially uniform pressure to the back of the user. Thus, the user can receive satisfactory chiropractic therapy and massage over the whole body.
  • the stroke of the support frame 14, which supports the pressure means 16 and is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the housing 12 can be readily changed by the stroke selection means 26, the user can obtain chiropractic therapy and massage either over the whole body or a portion of the body in dependence upon the condition of the body, which is very convenient.
  • the first support 30 is reciprocated over a portion of the user's body from the neck to the hip, so that the first pair chiropractic rollers 108 provided on the central portion of the shaft 36 apply pressure to the particular physiological spots on the opposite sides of the backbone with their protuberances 111 as they slide in the axial direction of the shaft 36 according to the changing width dimension of the control plate 126, while at the same time the first pair massage rollers 114 provided on the outer side of the respective first chiropractic rollers 108 rub the muscle and ligament in a portion of the body extending from the shoulders to the hip with their ridges 116.
  • the second support 32 is reciprocated over a portion of the user's body extending from the hip to the end of the legs, so that the second pair rollers 120 provided on the shaft 36 apply pressure to the particular physiological spots of the legs with their protuberances 124 while at the same time the second pair massage rollers 122 rub the muscle of the whole legs with their ridges 116.
  • the lateral distance between the protuberances 124 of the second pair chiropractic rollers 120 is made greater than the distance between the protuberances 111 of the first pair chiropractic rollers 108.
  • the distance between the protuberances 124 of the second chiropractic rollers 120 and the ridges 116 of the second massage roller 122 is made narrower, each leg of the user is sandwiched between the protuberances 124 and ridges 116, so that it is possible to obtain very satisfactory chiropractic effect and massage effect on the muscle of the legs.
  • the pressure means 16 supported on the support frame 14 includes a pair of first chiropractic roller 108 and second chiropractic roller 120 as the pressure rollers. Since the chiropractic rollers 108 and 120 are provided with the respective protuberances 111 and 124 such that the lateral distance between the opposite protuberances 124 is made greater than that between the opposite protuberances 111, the user lying on the cover means 27 in the natural posture can obtain pressure application to the particular physiological spots on the opposite sides of the backbone and those of the legs in the different space by the protuberances 111 and 124 of the first and second chiropractic rollers 108 and 120, that is, the user can receive satisfactory chiropractic therapy without need of an unnatural posture.
  • the pressure means 16 has not only the chiropractic rollers 108 and 120 but also the pair of first massage rollers 114 and the pair of second massage rollers 122.
  • the user on the cover means 27 can receive not only the chiropractic effect by the chiropractic rollers but also the massage effect by the massage rollers.
  • the cover means 27 covering the upper opening of the housing 12 comprises the upper sheet 28 and the lower sheet 29. Therefore, when the support frame 14 reciprocates in the housing 12, protuberances 111, 116 and 124 of the rollers 108, 114, 120 and 122 of the support frame 14 are brought into contact with the lower sheet 29 of the cover means 27 due to the weight of the user lying on the cover means 27. However, as shown in Fig. 17, the protuberances of each roller, for example, of the chiropractic roller 108 are displaced while dragging the lower sheet 29 alone to the left, by the contact resistance with the lower sheet 29. When the roller 108 rotates counterclockwise in Fig.
  • the weight of the user lying on the cover means 27 does not substantially act thereon. Then, the contact condition of the protuberances 111 and the lower sheet 29 is released, and the lower sheet 29 then contracts to the right to return to its original condition. Therefore, since the rollers rotate while not being brought into contact with the lower sheet 29 of the cover means, the abrasion of the protuberances of the respective rollers at an early stage may be prevented. Damage to the cover means is also prevented. Since the lower sheet 29 is particularly made of a sheet material which is capable of expansion and contraction, the lower sheet can expand and contract freely, so that lower sheet may expand and contract smoothly and damage to the rollers and the cover means may be effectively prevented.
  • the lower sheet 29 alone of the cover means 27 is made of a material which is capable of expansion and contraction.
  • the upper sheet 28 may also be made of such a material.
  • the power source 21 When the user is to receive massage, the power source 21 is activated, and the switch of the heat-generating elements 98 is turned on. Then, heat generated from the heat-generating elements 98 heats the radiation plates 96. The heated air from the radiation plates 96 thus warms the user lying on the cover means 27. Then, the blood circulation of the user is facilitated and the metabolism is activated.
  • the body then receives chiropractic therapy and massage from the rollers 108, 114, 120 and 122 travelling in the housing 12, and the chiropractic therapy and the massage effects are improved.
  • the massage effects are further improved by the warming effects of the heat-generating elements 98. Massage accompanied by such warming is particularly effective for the treatment of rheumatism.
  • the heat-generating elements 98 comprise positive .temperature characteristic thermistors, the heating temperature is kept constant by self-control.
  • Figs. 18 and 19 show a second embodiment of the chiropractic therapy and massage apparatus according to the invention.
  • This chiropractic therapy and massage apparatus 210 is different from the apparatus 10 of the first embodiment in the pressure means. More particularly, in this chiropractic therapy and massage apparatus 210, the construction of pressure means 216 is simplified compared with the means 16 in the apparatus 10.
  • This pressure means 216 has eight pressure rollers 218 with the respective four rollers as a set. These rollers 218 are only provided with ridges and are rotatably mounted.on associated shafts supported in respective supports 30 and 32.
  • the control plate 126 in the first embodiment is omitted, and the pressure rollers 218 are not moved in the axial direction of the shafts.
  • the other construction of the apparatus 210 is the same as in the first embodiment and is thus not described in detail.
  • this chiropractic therapy and massage apparatus 210 is simplified in construction, it can be manufactured at a cheap cost. As shown by broken lines in Fig. 8, it is also possible to provide a separate shaft carrying first chiropractic rollers and massage rollers in the first support 30 and provide a separate shaft carrying second chiropractic rollers and second massage rollers in the second support 32, these rollers being of the same configurations and arrangements as those in the above embodiment. With such a construction, the chiropractic therapy and massage are continuously performed by the number of chiropractic rollers and massage rollers, so that the chiropractic and massage effects can be cumulatively increased.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
EP82100869A 1981-02-17 1982-02-06 Dispositif pour thérapie et massage en chiropraxie Expired EP0058858B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT82100869T ATE13387T1 (de) 1981-02-17 1982-02-06 Apparat fuer die chiropraktische therapie und massage.

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP21068/81U 1981-02-17
JP2106881U JPS57134036U (fr) 1981-02-17 1981-02-17
JP17408681U JPS5880230U (ja) 1981-11-25 1981-11-25 指圧装置
JP174086/81U 1981-11-25

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0058858A1 true EP0058858A1 (fr) 1982-09-01
EP0058858B1 EP0058858B1 (fr) 1985-05-22

Family

ID=26358081

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82100869A Expired EP0058858B1 (fr) 1981-02-17 1982-02-06 Dispositif pour thérapie et massage en chiropraxie

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0058858B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE3263589D1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0121945A2 (fr) * 1983-04-11 1984-10-17 France Bed Company, Limited Appareil de massage
GB2138685A (en) * 1983-04-25 1984-10-31 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Massage apparatus
US4662362A (en) * 1983-04-11 1987-05-05 France Bed Co., Ltd. Massage apparatus
US5330416A (en) * 1991-05-28 1994-07-19 France Bed Co., Ltd. Rolling massage apparatus with vibratory support

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB255077A (en) * 1925-07-09 1926-11-18 Willis Hurl Trumbull Apparatus for massage of the spine
US3405709A (en) * 1966-04-11 1968-10-15 Niagara Therapy Mfg Corp Reciprocating gyratory massage assembly
US3830233A (en) * 1973-04-02 1974-08-20 Hill Labor Co Treatment table
US4159714A (en) * 1977-11-29 1979-07-03 Associated Mills, Inc. Footstool

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB255077A (en) * 1925-07-09 1926-11-18 Willis Hurl Trumbull Apparatus for massage of the spine
US3405709A (en) * 1966-04-11 1968-10-15 Niagara Therapy Mfg Corp Reciprocating gyratory massage assembly
US3830233A (en) * 1973-04-02 1974-08-20 Hill Labor Co Treatment table
US4159714A (en) * 1977-11-29 1979-07-03 Associated Mills, Inc. Footstool

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0121945A2 (fr) * 1983-04-11 1984-10-17 France Bed Company, Limited Appareil de massage
EP0121945A3 (en) * 1983-04-11 1985-12-04 France Bed Company, Limited Massage apparatus
US4662362A (en) * 1983-04-11 1987-05-05 France Bed Co., Ltd. Massage apparatus
GB2138685A (en) * 1983-04-25 1984-10-31 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Massage apparatus
US5330416A (en) * 1991-05-28 1994-07-19 France Bed Co., Ltd. Rolling massage apparatus with vibratory support

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0058858B1 (fr) 1985-05-22
DE3263589D1 (en) 1985-06-27

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