Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
  • A61G13/009—Physiotherapeutic tables, beds or platforms; Chiropractic or osteopathic tables
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
  • A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
• • 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
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders, bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
  • A47C21/006—Oscillating, balancing or vibrating mechanisms connected to the bedstead
• • 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
  • A61H2201/12—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
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
  • A61H2201/1676—Pivoting
  • A61H2201/1678—Means for angularly oscillating massage elements
• • 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
  • A61H2201/5053—Control means thereof mechanically controlled
• • 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
• • 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
  • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
  • A61H2205/06—Arms
  • A61H2205/062—Shoulders
• • 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
  • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
  • A61H2205/08—Trunk
• • 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
  • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
  • A61H2205/10—Leg

Definitions

• This invention concerns a massage bed, and more specifically an oscillating type massage bed. More specifically, this invention refers to a massage bed with the particular feature being that the support surface for the person being massaged is not fixed to the base but is suspended by means of rigid tie rods, so that it can oscillate 360 degrees in any direction around the suspension vertical and so as to describe a wide trajectory in any direction, with translated, elliptical and circulatory movements, the thrust being imparted during the massaging action of the operator.
• the massage bed according to the invention is therefore calibrated by the action of the operator and indirectly by the body of the person being massaged, and the extent and direction of the oscillation is imparted by a different grip of the operator's hands or by the different pressure exerted by his/her body, and the gravitational movement of the massaged person's body towards/away from the operator produces a highly effective and very pleasant action on the joints, the muscles, the skin anD connective tissues and on the blood and lymph circulation.
• This invention can be applied in the production sector of articles for orthopedic use or articles used in fitness centres, in particular massage beds. BACKGROUND ART
• the work surface is usually the one-piece type, but there are also versions in which the work surface is split to provide horizontal, inclined or anatomical support.
• the work surface can also be bare, without any covering, or padded.
• the basic materials used are metal, wood, plastic, glass or artificial leather.
• Traditional massage beds can comprise various accessories such as:
• the stationary massaged body is in static opposition to the pushing/pulling action of the operator performing the massage, with a certain limitation of the possibilities that could instead be achieved if the massaged body could be freed from its support, as is proposed by the bed according to the invention.
• This invention proposes to provide a massage bed that can eliminate or at least reduce the problems described above.
• the invention also proposes to provide a massage bed whose surface supporting the person during the treatment is disjoined from the base of the bed.
• the massaged body is subjected to the pressing/pulling force of the operator, with the possibility of exploiting a pendulum movement on a double pivot that by inertia keeps it centrifugally and gravitationally resting on the work surface, thus avoiding the unpleasant sensation of a rolling push that would cause a state of instability and insecurity.
• the oscillating work surface could also be divided into several parts, each with its own independent oscillatory movement, to allow diversified movements of the various parts of the body, such as for example shoulders/hips, trunk/legs, etc.
• the oscillation due to gravity could be produced, as an optional accessory, by an electric motor controlled by the masseur.
• the bed according to the invention can be advantageously used in the sector of beauty treatments, therapy, physiotherapy, sports therapy, sport, relaxation, fitness, including holistic and meditation centres, and in general in all applications designed to improve personal appearance and/or well-being, and as a valid aid in psychosomatic therapy, in addition to all interventions on the skeletal and muscular apparatus, on venous and lymph circulation and on connective tissue.
• the bed substantially consists of a base with a platform and a central load-bearing column, made entirely from sturdy joists, for example in wood, with a rigid structure.
• each short side of the central column are two protruding arms, made from sturdy wooden joists and at an appropriate distance from each other.
• protruding joists are attached in suspension to four adjustable-length oscillating arms of the bed to allow faultless calibration of its position and for perfect balancing adjustment.
• the ends of these arms are fitted with stainless steel precision rotating heads, with built-in bearings, specifically modified to carry out wide excursions over 360°.
• the heads are specifically designed and modified to allow a greater transverse oscillation over 360° in addition to the standard oscillation usually foreseen only for longitudinal surfaces and of a minimum extent for the other directions.
• Each head is housed and secured with precision pins with special metal forks, anchored at the top to the two arms described above and at the bottom to the horizontal side of two appropriate "U" shaped structures fixed below the frame on which the work surface rests.
• the height and width of the two "U" shaped structures is such as to obtain the ideal oscillation ranges: circular, if seen from the long side of the bed; elliptical or pseudo-elliptical if seen from the short side, or, on request, a linear horizontal movement obtained by parallel bars.
• the anchoring position of the "U" shaped structures to the frame lies exactly on the vertical of the forks to reduce any undesired transverse force on the "U" shaped structures .
• the rigid adjustable- length oscillating arms on the short sides of the bed, are not parallel to each other but slightly convergent at the top. In the rest position, they correspond to the oblique sides of an isosceles trapezium. There is also a version with linear movement provided by the presence of parallel bars .
• the forks of the bed frame correspond to the ends of the smaller upper base while the forks of the "U" shaped structures correspond to the larger lower base.
• the length of the two bases of the trapezium is determining for the construction of the correct oscillation trajectory of the work surface. It is designed to describe both a horizontal linear trajectory and a pseudo-elliptical curve, making it possible to obtain numerous advantages which will' be described below.
• the rigid arms can be replaced by cords, cables, springs, elastic means or other different but expanding systems which, being within the scope of the invention, permit movements of the work surface other than the main oscillating one.
• figure 1 represents a prospective view of the overall table according to the invention
• figure 2 is a schematic side view of the table seen from the long side
• figure 3 is a schematic and prospective view of the base
• figure 4 is a schematic and prospective view of the frame supporting the work surface, fitted with "U" shaped support structures
• figure 5 is a schematic view of the bed seen from the short front (or rear) side
• figure 6 is a schematic view of one of the rigid tie bars
• - figure 7 shows a diagram of the isosceles trapezium made up of the assembled parts in the suspended position
• figures 8 and 9 are schematic views of the bed according to the invention, showing the oscillation blocking mechanism in the closed and open positions, respectively.
• the bed according to the invention substantially consists of a base 10 with a platform 11 and a central load-bearing column 12, made entirely from sturdy joists, for example in wood, with a rigid structure.
• the platform 11 is positioned on self-blocking wheels 13 which allow the bed to be moved and blocked in position when used.
• the central column 12 of the base 10 presents, on each short side, two protruding arms 14, made from sturdy joists, for example in wood, and at an appropriate distance from each other.
• protruding - joists 14 are attached in suspension to four oscillating arms 15 of the bed, and shown in detail in figure 6. Their length can be adjusted by means of the adjustment device 15', for ideal calibration of the rest position and for perfect balancing adjustment.
• the heads 16 are specifically designed and modified to allow a greater transverse oscillation over 360° in addition to the standard oscillation usually foreseen only for longitudinal surfaces and of a minimum extent for the other directions.
• Each head is housed and secured with precision pins with special metal forks 17, anchored at the top to the two arms 15 described above and at the bottom to additional couplings 18 on the horizontal side 19 of two appropriate "U” shaped structures 20 fixed below the frame 21 supporting the work surface 22 and visible in detail in figure 3.
• the height and width of the two "U” shaped structures 20 is such as to obtain the ideal oscillation ranges: circular, if seen from the long side of the bed; elliptical or pseudo-elliptical if seen from the short side .
• the anchoring position of the "U" shaped structures 20 to the frame lies exactly on the vertical of the forks 17 and 18 to reduce any undesired transverse force on the "U" shaped structures.
• the rigid adjustable-length oscillating arms on the short sides of the bed, are not parallel to each other but slightly convergent at the top. In the rest position, they correspond to the oblique sides of an isosceles trapezium, as shown in the diagram in figure 7.
• the forks 17 of the bed frame correspond to the ends of the smaller upper base while the forks 18 of the "U" shaped structures correspond to the larger lower base.
• the length of the two bases of the trapezium is determining for the construction of the correct oscillation trajectory of the work surface. It is designed to describe an ellipse that makes it possible to obtain numerous advantages which will be described below.
• the bed frame shown in figure 4 is made from joists preferably in wood, and with its "U" shaped components fixed below it at a certain distance from each end it represents the main oscillating structure, the subject of the invention.
• the work surface and the mattress 23 on which the person undergoing the treatment lies are positioned on the frame.
• the work surface can be padded and covered in artificial leather, and can be equipped with an adjustable-angle backrest. On request, this feature can also be extended to the surface supporting the legs.
• a series of accessories can be fitted on the bed, such as for example a practical and easily accessible wooden holder for a reel of paper.
• The- device according to the invention is completed by a mechanism which totally blocks all oscillation, shown in figures 10 and 11, independently controlled from both long sides of the bed by simply turning a handle 24, or another equivalent manual or electrical device, positioned on the sides of the column.
• the mechanism comprises a ratchet 25 which, when activated by a handle, laterally moves the couplings of flexible rods 26.
• the movement of the flexible rods 26 is transferred to rigid vertical rods 27 which pass through holes cut in the fixed joists 14 and into holes 28 cut in the oscillating surface, with the possibility of blocking all movement.
• the blocking mechanism 24 has two main aims: the up and down movements of the bed are made easy and secure and the entire bed is transformed into a traditional rigid structure for treatment according to more conventional designs.
• the bed offers a pleasant feeling of lightness and security, like being rocked on water, with a synergy and symbiosis between the movement of the person being massaged and the operator who, advantageously, can be replaced or flanked by an electrical or electromechanical mechanism.
• an electrical or electromechanical mechanism There is also a considerable reduction in the effort of the operator carrying out the massage and the possibility of maintaining an ideal working position for the operator.
• the suspended structure of the work surface of the bed can be supported from above instead of below, forming a "canopy" type structure, or a swing or hammock type structure.
• the bed presents suspension points above the work surface.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
• Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (4)

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• 2005
  • 2005-09-23 IT IT000112A patent/ITVR20050112A1/it unknown
• 2006
  • 2006-09-22 EP EP06809993A patent/EP1942856A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2006-09-22 WO PCT/IT2006/000678 patent/WO2007034531A1/en active Application Filing

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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