EP0794748B1 - A device for passive-motion treatment of the human body - Google Patents

A device for passive-motion treatment of the human body Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0794748B1
EP0794748B1 EP95907183A EP95907183A EP0794748B1 EP 0794748 B1 EP0794748 B1 EP 0794748B1 EP 95907183 A EP95907183 A EP 95907183A EP 95907183 A EP95907183 A EP 95907183A EP 0794748 B1 EP0794748 B1 EP 0794748B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
subsection
back support
section
support section
vibrator
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95907183A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0794748A1 (en
Inventor
Stephan Tomac
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0794748A1 publication Critical patent/EP0794748A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0794748B1 publication Critical patent/EP0794748B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/005—Moveable platforms, e.g. vibrating or oscillating platforms for standing, sitting, laying or leaning
    • 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
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0218—Drawing-out devices
    • A61H1/0222—Traction tables
    • 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
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H23/0254—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor
    • A61H23/0263—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor using rotating unbalanced masses
    • A61H2023/0272—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor using rotating unbalanced masses multiple masses each rotated by an individual motor
    • 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
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H23/0254—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor
    • A61H23/0263—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor using rotating unbalanced masses
    • A61H2023/0281—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor using rotating unbalanced masses multiple masses driven by the same motor
    • 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
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1623—Back
    • 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
    • A61H2201/5002—Means for controlling a set of similar massage devices acting in sequence at different locations on a patient
    • 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
    • A61H2201/5023—Interfaces to the user
    • A61H2201/5035—Several programs selectable
    • 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
    • A61H2203/0481—Hanging
    • A61H2203/0493—Hanging by hanging the patient upside down or inclined downwardly

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for passive-motion treatment of the human body, that is a device for treating the body of a person without the person having to take an active part in the treatment.
  • the treatment may be therapeutic or curative in nature but may also be carried out to improve the fitness of the person.
  • the invention relates to a device comprising: a body support platform having a base section and a back support section which is movable relative to the support platform, and a power-operated vibrator mechanism mechanically connected with the back support section.
  • a device of this kind is disclosed in DE-A-2 919 312.
  • JP-A-2 185 250 reveals a device of the kind defined in the preamble of present claim 1.
  • DE-A-2 919 312 reveals a similar device having means for varying the vibration parameters of one vibrator relative to another.
  • An object of the invention is to provide an improved passive-motion treatment device of the kind described above.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide undulating and twisting motion of the back support section of the device.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an improved device of the kind described above in which traction of the spine of the patient can be combined with an angular and/or undulating motion of the spine.
  • Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are respectively a side view and a plan view similar to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and show a second embodiment.
  • the passive-motion treatment device is of the kind which is adapted for a combined traction and vibratory treatment of the upper portion of the body of a person, hereinafter referred to as a patient.
  • the device is sometimes referred to below as a traction device.
  • the traction device comprises a base or pedestal 11 supporting an elongate patient body support platform 12 which is tiltable on the base about a transverse horizontal axis 13 and can be locked in selected inclined positions by means of an arresting mechanism (not shown).
  • an arresting mechanism not shown.
  • the patient lies on his back on the body support platform with his spine oriented along the longitudinal axis L of the body support platform; this axis is contained in a vertical plane M, hereinafter referred to as the median plane, which extends between the foot end and the head end of the platform.
  • Patient body support platform 12 comprises a base section 14 which, disregarding its movability about the tilting axis 13, is stationary with respect to the base 11. Adjacent the foot end of the body support platform, base section 14 carries a retaining device 15 for restraining the patient's feet against downward movement in the longitudinal direction of the body support platform.
  • body support platform 12 comprises a generally rectangular and flat back support section, generally designated by 16, which supports the upper portion of the patient's body during the treatment.
  • back support section 16 When relieved from the weight of the patient's body, the upper surface of back support section 16 lies in a plane S, here referred to as the back plane, which is perpendicular to median plane M and contains longitudinal axis L.
  • Back support section 16, or at least a subsection or subsections of it, can move in the direction of the longitudinal axis L over a short distance.
  • the present invention is primarily directed to the back support section.
  • back support section 16 of body support platform 12, or at least one portion or subsection thereof, is resiliently movable with respect to base section 14 of body support platform 12.
  • this movability exists not only in the longitudinal direction of body support platform 12, i.e. along axis L, but also in other directions, such as generally transversely of back plane S and/or angularly about a line parallel to tilting axis 13 and/or about axis L or a line generally parallel to axis L.
  • back support section 16 is subdivided longitudinally into five slightly spaced rectangular subsections 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21, all of which are resiliently mounted on base section 14 of body support platform 12 so that they are individually and omnidirectionally movable relative to it.
  • resilient mounting members 22 are interposed between base section 14 of body support platform 12 and each subsection 17-21.
  • Mounting members 22 may be of any suitable type and design. For example, they may be all-rubber springs, all-metal springs or composite metal-rubber springs. If desired, abutments (not shown) may be mounted separately or integrated in mounting members 22 to limit movements of subsections 17-22 relative to base section 14 and thereby prevent excessive stress on mounting members 22.
  • Subsections 17-21 can be vibrated independently of one another by means of individual vibrators which are diagrammatically indicated at 23-29 in Fig. 2.
  • each vibrator 23-29 may take the shape of unbalanced rotating masses 30 secured to opposite ends of a common shaft 31 which is driven by an electric motor 32 and which is supported in bearings 33 on the associated subsection 17-21 and oriented generally horizontally and perpendicularly to median plane M. They may also take the shape of electric reciprocatory linear motors (not shown) the reciprocating driven members of which are connected with the respective subsection 17-21 at positions corresponding to the positions of bearings 33 in Fig. 3.
  • the vibratable subsections can be vibrated in different vibration modes.
  • the unbalanced rotating masses 30 arranged to operate in phase opposition or push-pull fashion on opposite sides of longitudinal axis L of body support platform 12, the subsections will vibrate angularly about axis L and thus move in a seesaw fashion about axis L.
  • the vibrators are arranged to vibrate synchronously but with progressively increasing ampli tude from subsection 17 to subsection 21 or in the opposite direction, the vertebrae of the patient's spine can be angularly moved back and forth through an angle that increases in one direction or the other along the length of the spine.
  • each subsection will vibrate such that their orientation or attitude relative to planes M and S remains the same throughout each cycle of vibration.
  • each subsection will perform a translational motion in a manner known per se.
  • the vibrator or vibrators of each subsection can be controlled to vibrate with a phase shift relative to the vibrator or vibrators of the adjacent subsection in a manner such that back support section 16 performs an undulating motion progressing longitudinally from one end thereof to the other and imparts a corresponding undulating motion to the spine of the patient.
  • this undulating motion can be modified by combining it with a an angular motion of subsections 17-21 about longitudinal axis L as described above and a resulting angular motion of the vertebrae as described above.
  • One or more of the vibratable subsections may be provided with more than one vibrator so that composite vibrations may be applied to one and the same subsection.
  • subsections 17 and 21 are provided with two vibrators 26, 27 and 28, 29 each.
  • subsections 17 and 20 can be made to swing about one or the other, or both, of longitudinal axis L and a transverse axis T which is generally horizontal, i.e., generally parallel to back plane S.
  • the vibration parameters such as the mode of vibration, the vibration frequency or frequencies, the vibration amplitude or amplitudes and vibration phase shift from one subsection or part of back support section 16, are selected from case to case in accordance with the needs of the patient.
  • the vibrations contribute to bringing about a relaxation of the muscles of the patient and, in conjunction with the traction applied by the force of gravity, a separation of the vertebra, not only in the longitudinal direction of the patient's spine but also angularly.
  • the vibrators are controlled by means of an electronic control device (not shown) on which the vibration parameters are selected.
  • each vibratable subsection 17-21 of back support section 16 is provided with its own vibrator, it is within the scope of the invention to vibrate two or more subsections by means of a common vibrator assembly. Naturally it is also possible, if desired, to vibrate all subsections synchronously by operating all vibrators in synchronism.
  • one or more subsections may be constrained for movement with only one degree of freedom, e.g. only along longitudinal axis L.
  • all subsections need not necessarily be movable and vibratable.
  • One or more of the vibratable subsections 17-21 may be provided on their upper side with separate upstanding abutment members, preferably adjustable or readily replaceable which are adapted to engage a single vertebra or a group of vertebrae during the traction treatment and apply a separate, purposely directed load to that vertebra or group of vertebra.
  • abutment members are indicated diagrammatically at 34 in Fig. 2.
  • an essential feature of the invention is that the back support section, or one or more portions or subsections thereof, can be vibrated asymmetrically with respect to the stationary portion of the body support platform, i.e. the base section of the body support platform, such that the back support section or each vibratable portion or subsection changes its attitude to the base section, and thereby its attitude to one or both of median plane M and back plane S, in accordance with a predetermined selected pattern.
  • back support section 16 is not subdivided into subsections as in Figs. 1-3. Instead, back support section 16 is a single flat section supported by resilient mounting members 22 such that it can be moved linearly along back plane S, angularly about longitudinal axis L or transverse axis T (the location of which may vary along the of the section) or both axis L and axis T, or up and down relative to back plane S without changing its attitude or angular position relative to planes M and S.
  • the motions of back support section 16 are produced by four electrically powered vibrators 41-44 positioned near the corners.
  • a control box for electronically controlling the vibrators and selecting the vibration parameters is indicated at 45.
  • Back support section 16 in Figs. 4 and 5 has to possess some degree of flexibility such that it can be warped or twisted slightly and flex to provide the combined undulating and twisting motion described above with reference to back support section 16 of the embodiment of Figs. 1-3.
  • the undulating motion is a result of an interplay of the vibration parameters with the elastic and other parameters of the back support section and it may be necessary to carry out some testing to arrive at the combination of parameters which provides the desired vibration and motion pattern.
  • body support platform or table 12 is shown in full lines in horizontal position.
  • a phantom line indicates a selected inclined position of body support platform 12, which is held in this position by a strut 46 pivotally mounted on base 11.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
EP95907183A 1994-01-19 1995-01-19 A device for passive-motion treatment of the human body Expired - Lifetime EP0794748B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9400135A SE9400135D0 (sv) 1994-01-19 1994-01-19 Ryggbänk
SE9400135 1994-01-19
PCT/SE1995/000045 WO1995019744A1 (en) 1994-01-19 1995-01-19 A device for passive-motion treatment of the human body

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0794748A1 EP0794748A1 (en) 1997-09-17
EP0794748B1 true EP0794748B1 (en) 2001-08-29

Family

ID=20392607

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95907183A Expired - Lifetime EP0794748B1 (en) 1994-01-19 1995-01-19 A device for passive-motion treatment of the human body

Country Status (10)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0794748B1 (sv)
AT (1) ATE204730T1 (sv)
AU (1) AU679611B2 (sv)
CA (1) CA2180938A1 (sv)
DE (1) DE69522466T2 (sv)
FI (1) FI962893A0 (sv)
NO (1) NO962873L (sv)
NZ (1) NZ278997A (sv)
SE (1) SE9400135D0 (sv)
WO (1) WO1995019744A1 (sv)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2552494C (en) * 2004-01-13 2009-03-31 Gerry Cook Therapeutic vibration apparatus
EP1649845A1 (de) * 2004-10-25 2006-04-26 Heat-Wave AG Gerät zur Stimulation des menschlichen Körpers mittels Vibrationen
DE102005020667A1 (de) * 2005-03-31 2006-10-05 Gundolf, Ferdinand, Dr.med. Streckgerät für Heilgymnastik
DE102011117680A1 (de) * 2011-11-04 2013-05-08 Hagen Katterfeld Therapievorrichtung
ITRM20120596A1 (it) 2012-11-27 2014-05-28 Bios Project Srl Macchina per massaggi con letto inclinabile provvisto di seduta
CN103315879B (zh) * 2013-07-12 2015-02-25 四川大学 一种改变重心位置实现摆动的健身装置
AT521174B1 (de) * 2018-05-29 2019-11-15 Stieglbauer Walter Vorrichtung zur Übertragung von Streckkräften auf einen Körper einer Person
CN115135391A (zh) * 2020-02-27 2022-09-30 索尼集团公司 振动呈现装置

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2919312A1 (de) * 1979-05-14 1980-11-27 Rudolf Christ Lagerungstisch
IT1174500B (it) * 1984-02-28 1987-07-01 Ofmec Off Mecc Mantovane Spa Lettino per rieducazione motoria passiva, autopassiva o contro resistenza del paziente, dotato di dispositivi comandabili meccanicamente ed azionabili da componenti eletronici, programmabili e contollabili
AT392899B (de) * 1988-02-18 1991-06-25 Klampfer Franz Vorrichtung zur massage und entspannung
JPH02185250A (ja) * 1989-01-10 1990-07-19 Nagase Iron Works Co Ltd 健康器具

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0794748A1 (en) 1997-09-17
ATE204730T1 (de) 2001-09-15
NO962873D0 (no) 1996-07-08
NZ278997A (en) 1998-06-26
FI962893A (sv) 1996-07-18
DE69522466T2 (de) 2002-05-02
NO962873L (no) 1996-08-27
AU679611B2 (en) 1997-07-03
AU1549395A (en) 1995-08-08
WO1995019744A1 (en) 1995-07-27
FI962893A0 (sv) 1996-07-18
SE9400135D0 (sv) 1994-01-19
DE69522466D1 (de) 2001-10-04
CA2180938A1 (en) 1995-07-27

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