US20070256607A1

US20070256607A1 - Rolling case for massage table

Info

Publication number: US20070256607A1
Application number: US11/118,232
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Friedman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-29
Filing date: 2005-04-29
Publication date: 2007-11-08

Abstract

A rolling case for a massage table comprises a substantially durable storage compartment which is sufficiently large to receive a folded massage table. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage compartment includes a bolster pillow pocket and a main pocket on the front side of the compartment. The storage compartment is affixed to a base member which includes a leg assembly and a rolling mechanism. A telescopic handle mechanism is attached to the base member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of cases and carriers and, in particular, to a rolling case for massage tables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, massage tables and, more specifically, portable massage tables have become popular not only with masseuses and therapists but also with home users and other individuals. Typically, individuals move the tables to various locations as needed. For example, masseuses and therapists often carry portable massage tables to different clients' homes as part of a service; and a home user moves a table between a use location and a storage area.
Existing massage tables typically comprise a sectioned base and handles so that the table may be folded in half and carried to another location. However, the mattress pads, base, and leg systems make the table bulky and/or heavy. Moreover, the exposed cushioned pads may be damaged during transportation.
Despite advances in the materials used in manufacturing massage tables, massage tables are bulky and/or heavy even when folded. As a result, individuals are either unable to quickly move the table or must expend considerable energy moving it. Unfortunately, individuals may succumb to back aches and fatigue even when using portable massage tables. Finally, the exposed sections of the table may be damaged or wear out as a result of frequent transportation. These situations are especially exacerbated in circumstances where masseuses and therapists need to carry the table on several occasions within a short period of time to serve various clients at various locations. Therefore, there is a need for a case which not only stores the massage table and protects it from dirt and damage but also facilitates its transportation.
The present invention discloses a rolling case which solves or at least substantially reduces the impact of these problems associated with existing portable massage tables.
It is one object and advantage of the present invention to provide a case which is capable of storing a massage table and protecting the encased table from dirt and damage.
It is another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a case which is capable of facilitating movement of a massage table from one location to another.
It is yet another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a case which is durable.
It is further another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a case which is capable of simultaneously storing a folded massage table and the table's accessories.
It is an additional object and advantage of the present invention to provide a case which allows an individual to quickly access a head attachment to the massage table.
The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention, a massage table rolling case, comprises a storage compartment large enough to receive a folded massage table. A bottom side of the storage compartment is affixed to a base member with legs and wheels. Finally, a telescopic handle assembly is attached to the base member, wherein the handle assembly may be used to roll the present invention thereby facilitating movement of the massage table. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the front of the compartment further comprises a holster pocket above a main pocket as well as handles to pick up and lift the present invention. Finally, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the compartment is comprised of a plurality of fabric layers with stitching extending through the layers to achieve substantially durable properties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are schematic representations of the invention:
FIG. 1—is a side elevational view illustrating the massage table rolling case;
FIG. 2—is a side elevational view illustrating the base with the handle attachment;
FIG. 3—is a side elevational view illustrating the massage table rolling case with an open compartment and open pockets;
FIG. 4—displays a cross-section of the material comprising the storage compartment; and
FIG. 5—displays a cross-section of the material comprising the pockets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.
Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a rolling case 10 for a massage table. The rolling case 10 is comprised of a storage compartment 15 wherein the bottom of the compartment 15 is affixed to a base member 20. This allows the compartment 15 and the contents of the container 15 to rest on the base member 20 either during transportation or while at rest. The compartment 15 is sufficiently large to receive a substantially folded massage table. As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, an opening mechanism such as a zipper 25 which runs along the top as well as at least parts of the first and second sides of the compartment is used to enclose the opening 30 and the space within the compartment 15. The zipper 25 encloses the compartment and secures the contents, such as the portable massage table, within the compartment. Moreover, the zipper 25 protects the contents from both dirt and from damage due to exposure.
It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other mechanisms may be used to enclose the compartment 15. For example, locks, hook and latch assemblies, Velcro, or other opening mechanisms may be used to allow access to or enclose the compartment 15. Additionally, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the compartment's 15 opening may be of varying size or shape.
Turning to FIG. 5, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the compartment 15 is comprised of a plurality of fabrics generally shown as 35. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fabrics 35 comprise a substantially water resistant fabric as an inner lining fabric 35(a). The inner lining fabric 35(a) and the substantially durable outer fabric 35(c) enclose a middle fabric layer 35(b). The inner liner 35(a), the middle fabric layer 35(b), and the outer layer 35(c) substantially span the front and back sides of the rolling table 10 and comprise stitching 40 which extends through the plurality of layers. The plurality of fabrics 35 are folded along the left, right, top, and bottom sides of the rolling case 10, where extra stitching 40 is used to form a seam which delineates the left, right, top, and bottom sides from the front and back sides of the compartment 15. The left, right, top, and bottom sides of the compartment 15 comprise the inner layer 35(a), a substantially cushioned middle layer. 35(b), and the substantially durable outer layer 35(c) to form a substantially rectangular space for the compartment 15. Preferably, the stitching 40 is sewn through the plurality of fabrics at substantially regular intervals and runs through the middle as well as the edges of the compartment 15 to improve the support and durability of the material. Advantageously, this manner of fabric assembly creates a durable compartment which is difficult to tear or cut. However, it should be noted that any durable material including plastic, metal, wood, or other suitable material may be used in creating the compartment 15.
In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the compartment 15 further comprises a first set of handles 45 adjacent to the opening 30 on the first side of the compartment 15. As shown in FIG. 3 and the corresponding cross-section in FIG. 4, the handles are also secured to the compartment. For example, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the stitching 40 is sewn through the material which comprises the handles and the plurality of fabrics 35. More specifically, outer portions of the handles 36 extend along the back and front side of the compartment 15 wherein such extended portions are secured to the plurality of fabrics 35 of the compartment 15 with stitching 40 that runs along their edges. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, a corresponding internal handle portion 37 is also secured to the plurality of fabrics 35 and the outer portion of the handle 36 via stitching 40 which not only extends through all the layers but also runs along all the edges of the internal portion of the handles 37. These handles allow an individual to lift the rolling case 10 when desired. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the first set of handles may be comprised of the same or different material as the compartment 15 and attached to the compartment by various means.
Moreover, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the compartment 15 further comprises a second set of handles, here embodied as shoulder handles 50. One shoulder handle of the second set is attached to the front of the compartment 15 and the corresponding other shoulder handle is attached to the back side of the compartment 15. Preferably, the second set of shoulder handles 50 is larger than the first set of handles 45. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the second set of handles 50 is sized to allow an individual to sling the rolling case 10 over the individual's shoulder. This provides the individual with another manner in which to carry the rolling case 10. For example, one individual may feel more comfortable bearing the weight of the rolling case on a shoulder rather than in a hand when it is necessary to carry the rolling case 10.
Finally, the compartment 15 has a bolster pocket 55 above a main pocket 60 on the front of the compartment 15. As with the handles, the bolster pocket 55 and main pocket 60 are attached to the compartment. Consequently, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the bolster pocket 55 and main pocket 60 are sewn to the plurality of fabrics 35 using the same stitching 40 used in the compartment. The bolster pocket 55 is shaped to enclose a bolster pillow 65 as shown in FIG. 3. The placement of the bolster pocket 55 advantageously provides an individual with the opportunity to quickly access the bolster pillow and efficiently set-up a massage table and configure the table and pillow for massage activities. The main pocket 60 allows the individual to store other accessories and materials in a convenient, easily accessible place. As a result, the individual can not only store and carry a massage table but also any other accessories that he or she may desire. FIG. 3 shows the rolling case 10 wherein the compartment 15, bolster pocket 55, and main pocket 60 include a folded massage table 70, a bolster pillow 65, and a towel 75, respectively.
Turning back to FIG. 1, the compartment 15 is affixed to a base member 20. The base member 20 is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 2. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the base member 20 comprises a substantially rigid platform 80 with support guards 85 such as, for example, brackets affixed to platform corners. The base member 20 further comprises a leg assembly 85 with two legs substantially near the front of the platform 80 and a rolling mechanism 90 such as wheels near the back of the platform 80, wherein both the legs 85 and the wheels 90 are attached to the bottom of the substantially rigid platform 80. The legs 85 and the wheels 90 are substantially the same height to allow the rolling case 10 to stand in a substantially upright position while the rolling case 10 is at rest. The legs allow the rolling case to stand without tipping. During use, an individual may tilt the rolling case 10 toward the back to allow it to rest solely on the wheels. As a result, the individual may roll the case 10 on the wheels and easily transport the rolling case 10 as well as its contents.
In another exemplary embodiment, the base member 20 may comprise the legs 85 and wheels 90 without a substantially rigid platform. In this embodiment, the legs and wheels may either support a hard compartment or support a soft compartment which includes a substantially rigid bottom side. In this instance, support guards may be attached to the bottom side of the compartment. It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the base member may simply comprise one leg or a stop/support mechanism instead of the two legs. Furthermore, only one wheel or other rolling mechanisms such as rollers or sliders may be used instead of the two wheels in the preferred exemplary embodiment. Finally, both the legs and wheels may be placed at various positions on the base member.
A telescopic handle mechanism 25 is attached to the base member 20. FIG. 2 shows that the telescopic handle mechanism 25 is attached to the base member 20 at a point 21. More specifically, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the telescopic handle mechanism 25 includes a substantially hollow housing member 26 which receives a telescopic handle 27. The telescopic handle 27 further comprises a button or other mechanism 28 which either locks or unlocks the telescopic handle 27 at various positions with respect to the housing member 26. As shown in FIG. 8, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, a user simply pushes the button 28 on the telescopic handle 27 to unlock it from its housed position. Consequently, the user is able to extend the telescopic handle 27 to a desired height and re-lock the handle 27 at a second position corresponding to the desired height. The combination of the base member 20 and telescopic handle mechanism 25 allows an individual to tilt the rolling case 10 and roll it on the wheels 30.
However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may use a non-telescopic handle assembly. For example, the rolling case may comprise a solid member extending from the base member. Any mechanism which allows an individual to tilt the rolling case or move the case on the wheels may be used for this purpose. For example, a single bar handle assembly with multiple telescopic portions may also be utilized.
The specific embodiments discussed in the detailed description are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A rolling case for a massage table comprising, in combination,

a storage compartment sufficiently large to receive a substantially folded massage table;

a base member affixed to a bottom side of said compartment and including a rolling mechanism; and

a telescopic handle mechanism attached to said base member, wherein said handle mechanism extends from said base member along a back side of said compartment to substantially near said top of said compartment.

2. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said storage compartment is comprised of a durable material.

3. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said storage compartment is comprised of a plurality of fabric layers wherein said fabric layers are sewn together with stitching which spans all of said layers.

4. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said storage compartment further includes at least one pocket shaped to enclose a bolster pillow on a front side of said compartment.

5. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said storage compartment further includes a material rigidly attached to said bottom side.

6. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said bottom side includes a support guard along at least one edge.

7. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said base member further includes a support guard along at least one edge.

8. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said base member further includes a leg assembly substantially near a front end of said compartment.

9. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said rolling mechanism is substantially near a back side of said compartment.

10. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said telescopic handle mechanism further comprises a telescopic handle near a top of said compartment.

11. A rolling case for a massage table comprising, in combination,

a storage compartment comprised of a durable material and including an opening mechanism, wherein said storage compartment is sufficiently large to receive a substantially folded massage table;

a base member affixed to a bottom side of said compartment and including a leg assembly and a rolling mechanism; and

a telescopic handle mechanism attached to said base member, wherein said handle mechanism comprises a housing assembly and a telescopic handle housed within the housing assembly.

12. A rolling case for a massage table comprising, in combination,

a storage compartment comprised of a durable material including an outer layer and an inner layer, a durable middle layer interposed therebetween wherein said outer, inner and durable middle layers are sewn together using stitching which spans all of said outer, inner and durable middle layers;

an opening mechanism extending along a top, a left and a right side of said compartment,

wherein said storage compartment is sufficiently large to receive a substantially folded massage table and said durable material further includes at least one cushion layer along said top, left, and right sides of said compartment and a substantially rigid material along a bottom side of said compartment;

a base member affixed to said bottom side of said compartment and including a leg assembly substantially near the front side of said compartment and a rolling mechanism substantially near the back side of said compartment; and

a telescopic handle mechanism attached to said base member, wherein said telescopic handle mechanism comprises a housing assembly extending from said base member along said back side of said compartment and including a telescopic handle housed within the housing assembly substantially near said top of said compartment.

13. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 12 wherein said leg assembly and said rolling mechanism are substantially the same height.

14. The rolling case for a massage table as in claim 12, wherein said compartment further comprises a first set of handles to lift said carrier.

15. The rolling case for a massage table as in claim 14, wherein said compartment further comprises a second set of shoulder handles.

16. The rolling case for a massage table as in claim 12, wherein said stitching runs substantially along the middle and a plurality of edges of said compartment.

17. The rolling case for a massage table as in claim 14, wherein said stitching is sewn through the plurality of layers and said first set of handles and runs along the edges of said compartment and said handles.