US2381922A - Chiropractic adjustment table - Google Patents

Description

fl- 1945- J. G. NORRIS 2,381,922

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT TABLE Filed Dec. 1, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet l lNVENTOR JOHN GNORRIS ATTORNEYS A l- 1945- J. G. NORRIS CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT TABLE Filed Dec. 1, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 R O T N E V N JOHN G.NORR|S BY ATTORNEYS fl- 1945- J. G. NORRIS 2,381,922

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT TABLE Filed Dec. 1, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 73 F 72 i 7 /Z7 I I E 2 z; I za 2'] ex ,51 0

INVENTOR JOHN G.NORRIS ATTORNEYS Aug. 14, 1945. J. G. NORRIS CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT TABLE Filed Dec. 1, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 JOHN G.NORRIS ATTORNEYS Ele- 1945. J. G. NORRIS 2,381,922

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT TABLE Filed Dec. 1, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR JOHN G.NORRIS ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 14, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT TABLE John G. Norris, Bloomer, Wis.

Application December 1, 1941, Serial No. 421,255

Claims.

This invention appertains to adjusting tables for use by chiropractors during the practice of their profession.

One of the primary objects of my invention is to generally improve the construction of chiropractic adjusting tables, whereby to facilitate the various manipulations on the patient and to render thetable comfortable to the patient, and at the same tim allow the table itself to be conveniently operated by the chiropractor.

Another salient object of my invention is to provide an adjusting table for the patients of chiropractors of the type which includes a swinging table fram pivotally mounted on a base, whereby the patients can be moved from an upright position to a prone position and vice versa, with a novel spring balance mechanism automatically adjustable to the particular weight of a patient, whereby patients of different weights can be easily raised or lowered without undue effort on the part of the chiropractor and without the manual setting of any parts.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a footboard carried by the swinging frame upon which the patient initially stands, having an operative connection with the spring balancing mechanism for throwing more or less springs into action according to the weight of the patient.

Another further object of my invention is to provide adjustable bumpers on the base to regulate the inclined position of the swinging table frame, when said frame is in its raised position, with means for adjusting the position of the footboard on .the frame relative to the floor,

I when said frame is in its raised position.

' A further important object of my invention is to provide an automatic adjustable shin support on the frame, whereby when the frame moves to its lower horizontal position, the. support will rise, so that the patients lower back muscles.

will be relaxed, which is desirable when giving certain treatments, with a manual adjustable means for regulating the amount of movement of the shin support.

' A furtherobject of my invention is to provide novel means for raising and lowering the front end of the leg support to adjust the slope thereof relative to the frame and to'the chest and abdominal'support in such a manner that the leg support will move forward as the same is raised, so that the patient'will not be pulled off the chest support as the legsupport is elevated.

A further important object of my invention is the-provision of front auxiliary cushions on the leg support, with means for automatically changing the position thereof on the leg support as the leg support is raised to create a downwardly inclined or rolled surface at th front of the leg support to give additional comfort to the patient. v

A still further important object of my invention is to provide a resiliently mounted self-conforming abdominal support for the patient, whereby said support will instantly position itself to the particular abdominal structure or build of the patient, with manual means independent of the resilient mounting for initially setting the position of the abdominal support to a desired height.

A still further important object of my invention is to provide means for adjusting the chest support, whereby the table can be made comfortable for full-chested as well as hollowchested persons.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of a novel shaped headpiece, with means for adjusting the position of the headpiece relative to the chest support, so as to bring the head and neck of the patient in the correct and desired place.

A still further important object of'my invention is to provide a novel type of sanitary paper clamp for the headpiece, whereby the paper can be quickly changed with a minimum amount of effort on the part of the operator.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a novel concealed locking mechanism for detachably' holding the table frame in its lowered position on the base, said mechanism being so disposed that the top surface of the base will be free from all projections when the table frame is in its raised upright position.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction, ar-

rangement, and formation of parts, as will be hereinafter more specifically described, claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which drawings:

Figure 1 is a side 'elevational 'view of my improved chiropractic adjustment table, showing the table frame in its raised position for receiving a patient.

Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, sectional view through the foot end of my table, the table frame being shown'in its lowered horizontal position.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view'through the foot end of the table.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary, longitudinal, sectional view through the head end of the table.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view through the head end of the table.

Figure 6 is a horizontal, sectional view through the base of my appliance, the section being taken substantially on the line 8-6 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view through the headrest, taken on the line '|'l of Figure 4, looking in the direction of the arrows, the view being on a larger scale than Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a top, plan view of the head rest with only a fragment of one cushion shown so as to illustrate the structural details below the cushions, parts of the frame and operating levers being shown broken away and in section,

Figure 9 is an enlarged, detail, horizontal section taken on the line 3--3 of Figure 4, looking in the direction. of the arrows, illustrating the means for setting the position of the abdominal support. v

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view through the base taken on the line |--|6 of Figure 4, looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating the means employed for locking the front carriage in a selected adjusted position on the table frame,

Figure 11 is a fragmentary, transverse, sectional I view taken on the line of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the connection between the rear or foot carriage and the base. Y

Figure 12 is a fragmentary, longitudinal, sectional view through the base, taken on the line |2|2 of Figure 6, looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating a part of the foot latch mechanism for holding the table frame in its lowered position on the base.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the letter T generally indicates my chiropractic adjustment table, and the same includes a base l and a swinging table frame 25.

The base l5 includes a head pedestal l6 and a foot pedestal l1, and these pedestals have connected thereto a flat top wall or plate l6. The side edges of the top wall II can be bent downwardly to. provide side rails or flanges ii. The head pedestal l6 can include legs 23 having floorengaging feet 2|, and this pedestal can be welded or otherwise secured to the wall l3 and its flanges l3. The foot pedestal II also includes legs 22 and outwardly extending flared feet 23. These outwardly flared feet 23 form means for preventing tilting of the base, and the same insure stability of the entire table. The side less 22 are connected together by an upwardly curved connecting wall or piece 24, and the top wall I6 is welded to said piece or otherwise rigidly connected herewith. The side rails or flanges l3 are also welded or otherwise secured to the pedestal II.

The table frame 25 is rockably mounted to the pedestal I! by means of a cross shaft 26, so that the table frame can be swung to a raised or lowered position upon the base l5.

The frame 25 preferably includes a pair of spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending side rails 21. These rails are braced atspacedpoints by transversely extending crossbars. As illustrated, the forward ends of the side rails 21 are connected by a crossbar 26, which can form a carriage 33.

handle for raising and lowering the table frame, and an intermediate crossbar 23.

The shaft 26 has its ends firmly secured to the sides of the pedestal I1, and the shaft extends through the side rails 21 of the table frame to permit the swinging of said frame. At this point, it is to be noted that the ends of the rails 27 extend forwardly of the shaft 23, for a purpose which will be later set forth. This shaft also has mounted thereon for turning movement side sleeves 33 and an intermediate sleeve 3|. The purpose of these sleeves will also be more fully pointed out.

Slidably mounted upon the side rails 21 for longitudinal movement toward and away from one another are the leg carriage 32 and the body These carriages 32 and 33 carry certain cushions for the legs and body.

The leg carriage 32 includes spaced side bars 34, which are rigidly connected together by end cross rods 35 and 36 and an intermediate crossbar 31. The end crossbars 35 and 36 have reduced terminals 33, which extend through the side bars 34 and into longitudinally extending guide grooves 33 formed in the inner faces of the side rails 21 of the table frame. Guide lugs 36 are carried by the outer faces of the bars 34 and are also slidably mounted in the guide grooves 33. As is clearly shown .in Figures 2 and 3, the side bars 34 are arranged in facing contact with the side rails 21. This allows movement of the leg carriage back and forth, and the leg carriage is held in a selected position by a rack bar 33, the teeth of which are adapted to engage an upstanding lug 43 formed on the intermediate brace bar 23 of the table frame.

The carriage 32 supports the main leg cushion 4| and auxiliary front leg cushions 42. The cushions 4| and 42 can be mounted upon suitable plates 43 and 44, respectively, and the plates are joined together by hinges 45. The front auxiliary cushions 42 are arranged in spaced relation for comfort and are adapted to swing relative to the main leg cushion during the adjustment of said main leg cushion.

Rockably connected at their upper ends to the plate 43 are depending supporting links 46, and these links are rockably mounted for swinging movement upon the cross rod 36. Depending from the plate. 43 adjacent the front end thereof are depending brackets 41, and the lower ends of these brackets are connected by a cross rod 46. This cross rod 43 has rockably mounted thereon forwardly extending links 43, which rock on the cross rod 35. The links 43 are rigidly connected by a cross brace bar 56, and this brace bar, in turn, has formed thereon or secured thereto arms 5|, which are also mounted on the shaft 35 for turning movement. These arms rookably carry -a feed nut 52 into which is threaded a feed screw 53. The outer end of the feed screw 53 carries a hand crank 54 for permitting the rotation of said screw, and the lower end of the screw is rotatably mounted in a bearing 55 carried by the intermediate brace rod 31 of the carriage. The ends of the brace rod 31 are rookably mounted on the side bars 34 of said carriage. By this arrangement, upon the turning of the hand crank 54, the main leg cushion can be raised and lowered, and particular attention is directed to the fact that as the cushion is elevated, the front end thereof moves toward the cushions carried bythe body carriage. This is important, as during adjustment of the leg cushion, the patient will notlbe pulled off the cushions of the chest support;

Attention is now directed to the forwardly extending links 58, which are pivotally connected to the links 48 adjacent their upper ends. The links 58 extend forwardly toward the body carriage and are pivotally connected, as at'l, to

't he plates 44 of the auxiliary cushions 42. By

this arrangement, as the leg cushions are raised, the links 58 will pull down on the forward ends of the auxiliary cushions 42, which gives a desired inclined or rolled edge effect to the front of the leg support. This materially-aids in the comfort of the patient.

Referring back to the latch rack bar 38', it is to be noted that the said latch rack bar can be pivotally connected to one of the links 48 or to any other appropriate part of the sliding carriage 32.

The body carriage 33'is constructed somewhat similar to the leg carriage 32, and, hence, includes side bars 58, which are arranged in facing engagement with the inner faces of the side rails 21 of the swinging table frame. The side bars 58 are connected together by front and rear brace bars 58 and 80. The sides of the side bars 58 have formed thereon or secured thereto laterally projecting slide lugs or shoes 88', which are slidably received within longitudinal guide grooves or tracks 8| formed on the inner facesof the side frame rails 21. The guide grooves or tracks 8l-can extend to the forward ends of said rails, and the handle or crossbar 28 is made removable so as to permit the sliding of the lugs 80 within said grooves or tracks;

.The front end of the carriage can carry a supporting board, or plate 82, whichcan be covered with leather or other material which will add to the appearance of the table.v The sides of the bars 58 carry laterally disposed hand grips 83 of any desired character, and these grips are adaptedto be held by the patient during the raising and lowering of the table frame and while the various adjustments are being made.

The body carriage'isadap'ted to he slid longitudinally of the table frame toward and away from theleg carriage, and the body carriage can be held in a selected position by a slide latch bolt 84'. in any one of a plurality of spaced keeper openings 88 formed in one of the side rails 21. To facilitate operation of the latch bolt, the inner end thereof is secured to a thumbpiece 88, which is slidably mounted upon the rear crossbar 88.

[This thumbpiece is. arranged adjacent a rigid fingerpiece 81 secured to said crossbar 80, and a spring 88 is arranged between said thumbpiece and fingerpiece for normally moving the latch bolt toward a selected keeper opening 85.- By graspi the thumbpiece and flngerpiece, the thu piece can be slid on the crossbar 88 against the tension of the spring 88. to move the latch bolt away from a keeper opening.

I preferably connect the sliding bodycarriage 88 to the frame 25 by means of a longitudinally extending coil spring- 8 8 One end of the coil spring can be secured to the frame handle 28, and the other end of the spring can be secured to the crossbar 8|l.' Consequently, upon release of the latch bolt, thespring 88v functions to automatically move the body carriage toward the front end of the table frame.-

The body carriage carries a main cushion II upon which the abdomen of the patientrests, achest cushion II, and a headrest 12. The

This bolt can be selectively positioned headrest 12 includes independent side cheek cushions I3 and 18', which are normally arranged at an angle to one another. The abdominal cushion 18 can be carried by a suitable plate I4. The chest cushion H can also be carried by a plate I5, and the cheek cushions l3 and 13' of the headrests are mounted upon plates 11. All of these cushions and their plates are carried by or are mounted upon the body carriage in a novel manner, as will be described now.

The support for the abdominal cushion 18 includes a pair of spacedbell crank-shaped side brackets or levers l8, and the upper ends of these levers are pivotally connected, as at 19, to the plate 14 for swinging movement. The side brackets or levers 18 are rigidly connected together for synchronous movement by a crossbar 80. The levers or brackets are connected at their angles by a cross shaft 8|. The forward upper ends of the levers I8 are rockably mounted upon a cross shaft 82, the ends of which are carried by upwardly extending standards 83. These standards are firmly secured to or form a part of the side bars 58 of the sliding body carriage. The plate I4, adjacent its front end, has pivotally connected thereto, as at 84, a link 85, which is, in turn, pivotally connected, as at 88, to a forwardly and downwardly extending lever 81. This lever has its forward end rigidly secured to the rock shaft 8|. Hence, both the front and rear ends of the abdominal cushion are rockably supported.

The weight of the person on the cushion I0 is resisted by relatively heavy coil springs 88. The forward ends of the springs are connected to a crossbar 88, which is carried by side arms 8|. These side arms 8| are pivotally secured, as at 8 on the side frames or bell crank-shaped levers 18. The rearward ends of the springs are connected to a rear crossbar-.82. This crossbar 82 is slidably mounted on guide ribs 83 carried by the inner faces of' the side bars 58 of the carriage 33. By adjusting the crossbar 82 back and forth, the angle of the abdominal cushion can be changed, and the cushion can be raised and lowered. v

To permit the adjustment of the crossbar 82, the same has formed thereon or secured thereto the forwardly extending rack bar 84. The front end of the rack bar is slidably received in a guide bracket 85 secured to the lower face of the carriage board 82. The guide bracket 85 carries a latch 86 for engaging in a selected tooth of the rack bar. I

To facilitate the operation of the latch 88, the same can be pivotally secured to an operating lever 81. The lever, in turn, can be pivotally mounted, as at 88, on the carriage board 82. A light tension spring 88 connects the hand lever 81 with the board, so that the latch 88 will be normally urged toward the rack bar 84.

The raising and lowering and the angular adjustment of the abdominal cushion 10 will be set forth in detail later.

The tension of the springs 88 can be adjusted within certain limits, and this is accomplished by raising and lowering the rear swinging crossbar 88. By referring to Figures 4 and 5, it will be noted that the rock shaft 8| has formed thereon an ear I88, and this ear is connected through the medium of a. toggle IOI with the shaft 82, which.is supported by the standards 88. The toggle |8| includes links I02 and I88. The meeting ends of the links are pivotally connected together, as at I04. The outer ends of the links I02 and I03 are mounted upon the shaft 82 and the ear I00, respectively, for swinging movement. The swinging crossbar 80, which carries the forward ends of the tension springs 08, has pivotally connected thereto a latch rack bar I05, and this latch bar is. adapted to be hooked over a latch pin I08 carried by the link I02 of the toggle. By this construction, the

crossbar 80 can be raised and lowered and held the desired movement of the cushion, so that the cushion can position itself to the particular structure or build of a person.

The forward ends of the springs I01 are connected to the crossbar or shaft 82, and the rear ends of the springs are connected to the upper end of a pivoted finger latch I08. This pivoted finger latch I08 is carried by a slide bracket I08, which is mounted for movement longitudinally of the lever 81. This lever 81 is provided with rack teeth, and the nose of the latch I08 is adapted to engage in any selected tooth of the lever. Consequently, the springs I01 function to normally pull the lever 81 forwardly and to straighten out the toggle connection formed by the link 85 and the lever 81.

When weight is placed on the forward end of the abdominal cushion, the lever 81 is swung downwardly against the tension of the springs I01. These springs also urge the finger latch I into its latching position. By sliding the guide bracket I08 along the length of the lever 81, the angle and, consequently, the tension of the springs I01 can be changed.

The lever'81 adjacent the rock shaft 8| has pivotally connected thereto rearwardly extending arms H0, and these arms are, in turn, pivotally connected to a slide bracket III carried by the rack bar 84, which is utilized for; adjusting the height of the abdominal support. When pressure is placed upon the abdominal support, the swinging bracket, which includes the bell crank-shaped lever 18 and th rock shaft 8|,

is moved forwardly, and the slide bracket travels along the rack bar 84. When it is desired to hold the back of the cushion against swinging movement, a finger latch II2 carried by the slide bar 82 can be hooked over a keeper plate II3 formed on the slide bracket III. Consequently, the slide bracket III will be secured to the slide crossbar 82, and forward movment of the slide bracket will be prevented. This will effectively prevent the downward swinging movement of the back end of the abdominal cushion.

"Referring back tothe raising and lowering of th 'cushion, it can be seen that when the slide bar 82 moves forwardly, the springs 88 will not resist downward swinging movement of the abdominal cushiomand, consequently, the cushion will lower. When the latch 88 is released by the finger lever'81, the abdominal cushion can be raised by an upward'pull' on the back end thereof,and the slide bar will be pushed rearwardly, due to the connection of this bar-with thefrock shaft 81 through the inediumjof the arms III. Fromthis construction, it can be seen that, in effect, I have provided a free-floating abdominal support.

In order to effectively brace the crossbar'82, I provide a supporting bracket H4, and this bracket is connected at its upper end to said crossbar or shaft 82, and at its lower end to the carriage plate 82.

. The chest cushion H and its supporting plate 15 are also carried by the standards 83 for swinging movement. The forward end of the plate 15 carries depending pivot ears H5, and these ears are rockably mounted on a crossbar of shaft II8 carried by the upper ends of said standards. To adjust the angle of the chest cushion, the plate 15 is connected with the bracket II4 by a turnbuckle H1. The outer ends of the screws of the turnbuckle are connected, respectively, with the bracket H4 and pivot ears II8 carried by the lower face of the plate 15. By turning the nut or turnbuckle, the angle of the chest cushion can be raised and lowered, and, thus, full-chested as well as hollow-chested persons can be accommodated and made comfortable.

In order tolimit the downward swinging movement of the abdominal cushion, the same can have a connection with the chest cushion. This connection can consist of a leaf I 20 hingedly connected, as at I2I, with the forward end of the plate 14 of the abdominal cushion. This leaf I20 is, in turn, pivotally connected to the rear end of a swinging lever I22. The forward end of this lever is, in turn, pivotally connected to the plate 15 of the chest support directly at the point of connection of the'turnbuckle therewith.

The headrest 12 includes the cushions 13 and .the independent plates 11 and a rectangularvary the inclination of the entire headrest. This means includes the depending yoke I28. This yoke is pivotally connected, as at I28, to pivot ears I30 carried by said frame. The yoke has formed thereon or attached thereto a rack bar I3I, which slidably extends through a rigid guide bracket I32. This guide bracket I32 can be attached to the carriage board 82 and the rigid bracket H4. The guide bracket I32 carries a latch pin I33, and the rack bar can be placed over th pin at any desired point. The rack bar I3I is held in its selected adjusted position against accidental movement by means of a spring-pressed lever I34, which is rockably mounted on the guide bracket I32. This lever is normally urged toward the rack bar, as can be clearly seen by referring to Figure 4.

The angle of the cushions 13 and 13 relative to one another can be changed to suit the contour of the patients face and to render the table comfortable for the patient. The end bars I25 and I28 of g the frame have secured adjacent thereto similar bars I35, and the end bars with the bars I35 form guide tracks for slide blocks I38. There are two slide blocks foreach cushion, and the cushions adjacent their inner ends are pivotally connected, as at I31, to the inner ends of the ,slide' blocks. The cushions, .at points spaced from their connections with the slide blocks-have pivotally connected thereto links 'I36, and the lower ends ofthese links are, in turn, pivotally connected. as A I23 adjacent its oppositeiides.

at-l39, to the frame To bring about the adjustment of the cushions,

bars of the frame, and oneend of the rock shaft has formed thereon or secured thereto a manipulating hand crank I. I The shaft also has secured thereto, adjacent its opposite ends,

double-armed crank levers I42. The lower arms of the crank levers, which are preferably longer than the upper arms, have connection with the slide blocks of the cushions 13' by means of links I43 and arms I43. These links I43 are pivotally connected tothe lower arms of the crank levers be lowered and moved toward one another.

Ihave provided an exceptionally simple mechanism for permitting the use of a sanitary covering for the cheek or head cushions. This sanitary covering can be paper, and I preferably utilize a roll of paper I46. This roll of paper can be wound upon a mandrel I 41,.the ends of which can be rotatably carried by depending ears I46 formed on the opposite ends of the frame I23. Any

preferred means can be provided for permitting the quick detaching of the mandrel from said ears. One end of. the paper strip is brought over the top of one head cushion (see Figure 7) and is then brought down between the head cushions under the rockshaft I46 and over the other I cushion. A swinging clamp bar I49 is carried by the outer longitudinal edge of the last mentioned cushion, and this clamp bar is normally urged toward the lower face of the cushion by tension springs I56. This clamp bar is adapted to engage and hold the end of the paper strip, and, if

adjacent its opposite ends, angle-shaped supporting arms I56. These arms can be firmly secured together and braced in any desired way. The arms extend under the leg carriage, and

their forward ends are pivotally connected to the side rails 21 of the table frame by means of pivot pins I 51. Depending from the arms I56 adjacent their forward ends is a U-shaped swinging elevating frame I56. This frame is rockably carried by the arms and can be connected to said arms I55 by means'of pivotbolts or the like I59. The

bottom bar of the swinging U-shaped frame has mounted thereon hard rubber rollers-or wheels H a rock shaft I46 has its ends journaled in the end I66, which are adapted to strike wear plates I6I carried by the upper surface of the base I5.

As the. frame 25 is swung down, the rollers I66 willv contact the wear plates and will push up on the U-shaped frame I56, which will elevate the I arms I56 and the cushion I54. The amount of movement of the cushion I54 can be readily regulated by changing the angle of the U-shaped frame I56 relative'to the arms I56. To accomplish this, the swinging'U-shaped framev I56 has pivotally mounted on its lower crossbar an arcuate rack bar I62. This rack bar slidably extends between a pair of guide ears I63 carried by the center sleeve .3I mounted upon the shaft 26, which rockably carries the table frame. The ears-I63 carry a latch pin I64, and the arcuate rack bar I62 is adapted to be latched over the latch pin I64 at a selected point.

As; brought out in the object's, one of the important features of the invention is the provision of the novel means employed for counterbalancing the weight of the table frame and the weight of the patient carried by said frame, in conjunction with the novel mounting of the footboard or platform on the frame forcooperation with said spring balance to automatically adjust the balance according to the weight of the person being handled. The footboard or platform I53 is carried by forwardlyextending arms I65, which are rockably-mounted upon a transversely extending shaft I 66 carried by the rearward ends of the side rails 21 of the table frame 25. By referring to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the shaft I66 is arranged a considerable distance beyond the pivot shaft 26 for the table frame. The footboard or platform can be covered by a suitable pad I61 formed from rubber or any other desired material.

Pivotally secured to the footboard or platform I53 is a forwardly extending link I68, and this link is pivotally connected by means of a pin I69 with the crankarm I63 formed on or carrled'by the center sleeve 3!. This sleeve 3|, it will be recalled, is rotatably carried by the pivot'shaft 26. This sleeve 3I also has formed thereon'or secured thereto a depending crankarm I16, and the lower end of the arm I 16 carries a bearing roller "I, which is adapted to normally engage the outer surface of a link I12. The upper end of this link is pivotally connected, as at I13, to the rear end of the base I5. Hence, when a person stands upon the platform, the weight of the person will tend to swing the platform down and rock the sleeve 3| and move the roller into thrusting engagement with the link I12. The purpose of this will be set forth later.

At this point, it is to be noted that the supporting link I66 for the platformis adjustably connected to the crankarm I63, so that the height of the platform relative to the floor can be regulated when the table frame is in its raised position. This is accomplished by providing a plurality of openings I14 in the forward end of the link I68, and the pivot pin I69 can be placed in any selected one of these openings.

The shaft I 66 carried by the table frame has rockably mounted thereon a pair of spaced bell crank-shaped brackets I 15, and these brackets are connected at their angles by a cross shaft I16. This shaft has loosely mounted thereon a sleeve I11 having formed thereon a plurality of forwardly extending arms I16. The 'outer arms I16 have connected thereto'longitudinally extending side tension springs I19 and I 66. Thesesprings I19 and I66 extend longitudinally of the base under th top wall I8 thereof, and the forward ends of the springs are connected to hooks I8I. These hooks I8I are carried by a cross brace bar I82, which is rigidly secured to the side flanges of 'the top l8 of the base. If desired, the hooks I8I can be adjustably connected to the crossbar I82, so that the tension of these side springs can beregulated. As shown, the hooks I8I are provided with-threaded shanks I83, which extend thro'ugh the crossbar, and these shanks have threaded thereon thumb nuts I84, which bear against said crossbar. Obviously, by turning the nuts, the threaded shanks can be moved back and forth.

From the description so far, it can be seen that the side coil springs I19 and I88 pull back on the shaft I16, and as this shaft is carried by the hanger brackets I15, the springs exert a pull on the rear end of the table and normally tend to move the frame of the table to a raised position. Hence, these springs I19 and I88 tend'to counterbalance the weight of the table frame and its accessories to facilitate the manipulation of said table frame. The upper inner ends of the brackets I can be rigidly secured to the end sleeves 38, which are loosely mounted upon the cross shaft 26. This gives an additional support forthe hanger brackets I15 and insures the correct movement of said brackets during the raising and lowering of the table frame.

It is also to be noted that the arms I18 carried by the sleeve I11, which is loosely mounted on the cross shaft I16, have connected thereto spaced parallel longitudinally extending springs I85, I86, and I 81. These springs also extend under the base, and these springs are selectively thrown into operation automatically by the weight of the erson standing on the platform or footboard I53.

The forward ends of the springs I85, I86, and I81 have secured, respectively, thereto forwardly extending bars I88, I89, and I98. All of these bars slidably extend through guide openings formed in the crossbar I82, and the upper surfaces of said bars have formed therein keeper notches I9I.

I82 has pivotally connected thereto swinging latche or dogs I92, I99, and I94. The dogs are all normally held in a raised elevated position away from the bars I88, I89, and I98 by means of tension springs I95. These springs can be connected to a brace bar I96 secured to the base.

When the table frame is in its raised position,

the shaft I18 swings forwardly and under the base, as is clearly shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, and, consequently, the springs I85, I86, and

I81 and their bars are pushed forwardly, and at this time the keeper notches I9I will be positioned under the dogs I92, I93, and I94.

Slidably mounted upon the crossbar I82 is a frame I91. This frame includes side bars I98 and I99 and an intermediate bar 288. The frame also includes crossbars 28 I which rigidly connect the side and intermediate bars together. Particular attention is directed to the fact that the side bar I98 projects a greater distance forwardly toward the dogs than the bars I99 and 288, and that the bar I99 projects a greater distance forwardly toward the dogs than the intermediate bar 1 288. Thus, when the frame I91 is slid forwardly,

the dog I92 will be depressed against the tension The forward end of the crossbar in: walls of the keeper notch in the spring bar The frame I91 is actuated from the platform or footboard I53 in the following manner. Pivotally connected to the lower end of the link I12, which is engaged by the roller "I, is a forwardly extending thrust rod-282. This thrust rod is, in turn, pivotally connected, as at 283, to a lever 284. The lever 284 is pivotally connected at one end by means of a pin 285 with the base I5. The lever 284 is, in turn, connected with the frame I91 by a 1ink'286. Hence, any movement imparted'to the link I12 by the roller I1I will be transmitted to the frame I91.

Movement of the lever 284 is normally prevented by a coil spring 281, which is connected to said lever and to a crossbar 288 carried by the base.

The tension of the spring 281 can be adjusted in any preferred way, and, as illustrated, the ends of the spring are selectively hooked over teeth formed in the lever 284 and in the brace cross bar 288. By changing the angle of the spring 281, the length of the spring can be shortened, which will vary the tension thereof.

In peration of the table, the table frame is initially moved to an elevated position with the platform I53 off of the floor, so that as a patient steps on the platform, the platform can move down depending upon the weight of the patient. The patient now steps upon the footboard or platform I53 and leans against the cushions of the table. The patient can grasp the handle bars 63. Ifthe patient is comparatively light, the platform I53 will move down a, slight distance, which will swing the crankarm I 18 forwardly against the link I12 and move the thrust bar 282 forwardly against the tension of the spring 281. The movement of the thrust bar will slide the frame I91 apredetermined distance, and if the person is heavy enough, the side bar I98 of the slide frame will engage the dog- I92 and move the same into the keeper notch I9I of the spring bar I88. Consequently, the spring I will be connected with the swinging table frame and the base and will resist downward swinging movement'of the table frame under the weight of the person. Ifthe person is heavy enough, the slide frame I91 will move forwardly a greater distance, and the sidebar I99, of the frame will engage the dog I94 and move the dog into interlocking connection with the spring bar I98, and, consequently, the spring I81 will be connected with the base and the table frame. A heavier person will slide the frame I81 forwardly a greater distance, and, consequently, the intermediate frame bar 288 will depress the dog I93 into interlocking engagement with the spring bar I89. This will connect the intermediate spring I86 with the base and swin i g table.

Thus, it can be seen that I have provided an effective means for automatically counterbalancing the table according to the weight of a, person standing upon the platform or footboard I59.

When the table frame has been swung to its completely lowered position, the pull of the spring bars I88, I89, and I98 will hold the dogs I92, I98, and I94 in engagement with the walls of the keeper notches I9I, and, consequently, the

springs will-still counterbalance the weight of the person when the table frame is swung to its raised position. After the table frame has been swung to its raised position and the patient steps off the footboard or platform, the slide frame I91 will be pulled rearwardly by the spring 281, and all of the dogs will be lifted by their springs moving the same into an operative position, and

out of-locking engagement with the spring bars Ill, ligand I". i

In. order to hold the table frame in its lowered position, 11 provide novel latch mechanism 209.

' ranged on the opposite sides 'of the base. These foot pedals are keyed or otherwise secured to a rock shaft 2, which is carried by the base. A

crankarm 2|5 is keyed or otherwise secured to hook will be in the path of the keeper hook, and,-

consequently, the keeper hook will automatically push the latch hookback out of the way until the latch hook can hook over said keeper hook.

As all of the latch mechanism is disposed be,- low the top wall of the base, the base is left clear, and there are no obstructions on the upper face of the base.

As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the pedestal ll of the base carries adjustable stops 2 l8, and these stops are arranged in the path of the side rails 21 of the table frame. By adjusting the stops, the angular position 'of the table frame on the base can be regulated when the table frame is swung toits raised position. If desired, suitable rubber bumpers can be carried by the side rails for engaging said adjustable stops 2N1.-

From the foregoing description it can be seen that I have provided a chiropractic adjustment table which will be'extremely comfortable for the patient, and which can be adjusted to suit persons of various sizes and structural builds, and one which is provided with automatic means for counterbalancing the weight of a particular person being handled on said table.

Changes in details may be made which do not depart from the spirit and scope of my claims, and what I claim as new is:

1. In a chiropractic adjustment table, a base section, a table section pivoted thereon for move: ment to a raised elevated position or a lowered horizontal position, counterbalancing spring means operatively connecting the table section to the base section for normally urging the table section to a raised position, means detachably latching the table section in a. lowered horizontal position on said base section, a plurality of supplemental counterbalancing springs connected to the table section, a platform rockably carried by the table section, a plurality of dogs carried by the base section for operatively connecting the supplemental springs with said base section, means normally holding the dogs in an inoperative position, a, slide frame carried by the base including push bars of different lengths for engaging the dogs one after the other for means operatively connecting the platform with said slide frame.

2. In a chiropractic adjustment table, a base section, a table section pivoted thereon for movement to a raised elevated position or a lowered horizontal position, counterbalancing spring means operatively connecting the table section to the base section for normally urging the table section to a raised position, means detachably latching the table section in a lowered horizontal position on said base section, a plurality of supplemental counterbalancing springs connected to the table section, a platform rockably carried by the table section, a plurality of dogs carried by the base section for operatively connecting the supplemental springs with said base section, means normally holdingv the dogs in an inoperative position, a slide framecarried by the base including push bars of different lengths for engaging the dogs one after the other for moving the same into an operative position, means operatively connecting the platform withsaid slide frame, spring means normally holding the slide frame away from the dogs, and means for varying the tension of said last-mentioned spring means.

3. In a chiropractic adjustment table, a base section, a table section pivoted thereon, counterbalancing spring means connecting the table section to the base section for counterbalancing the weight of the table section and for normally urging the table section to a raised position, said table section projecting beyond the base section and its pivotal connection therewith, a platform rockably connected to the extended portion of the table section, bell crank-shaped hanger brackets rockably connected to the extended end of the table section and to the base section at the point of the pivotal connection of the table section with said base section, a crossbar carried by the hanger brackets at their angles, a plurality of supplemental counterbalancing springs connected to said crossbar, spring bars connected to the forward ends of said supplemental counterbalancing springs having keeper notches therein, pivoted dogs carried by the base for engaging the walls of the keeper notches when the spring bars are in certain positions, means normally holding the dogs in a raised inoperative position, a slide frame on the base including bars of different lengths for engaging the dogs one after the other for moving the dogs .to an operative position, a push bar operatively connected to the slide frame, a hanger link connecting the push bar with the base, a crankarm carried by the base and table sections at their pivotal connection having a roller for engaging said hanger link, and means operatively connecting the platform with said crankarm.

4. In a chiropractic adjustment table, a base section, a table section pivotally mounted thereon for movement to a loweredhorizontal position and to a raised elevated position, torsosupporting elements on the table section, legsupporting elements on the table section, a foot platform carried by the table section, and a shin-supporting member arranged between the foot platform and the leg-supporting elements means being adjustable, whereby to vary the height of movement of the shin supporting member.

5. In a chiropractic adjustment table, a table section, torso-supporting elements on said table section, leg-supporting. elements on said table section including a main cushion and front auxiliary cushions hingedly connected therewith, means for simultaneously raising the cushions on the table section and moving said cushions toward the torso-supporting elements, and means for automatically swinging the auxiliary cushions downward to forma rolled edge upon the elevating of said main cushion.

6. In a chiropractic adjustment table, a table section including side rails, torso-supporting elements carried by said side rails, a carriage slidably mounted upon said rails movabletoward and away from the torso-supporting elements, releasable means for holding the carriage in a; selected position, a main leg cushion, meansrockably connecting the front and rear ends of the cushion to the carriage, manual means for raising andlowering the cushion, said last named means moving-the cushion automatically toward gg the torso-supporting elements upon the raising of said cushion, a pair of auxiliary cushions hingedly mounted on the main",cushion, and means for automatically swinging said auiriliary cushions upon the raising and lowering of the main cushion.

7. In" a chiropractic adjustment table, a table section including upstanding standards and a cross shaft connecting'said-standards, bell crankshaped hanger brackets rockably connected at one end to said cross shaft, an abdominal cushion hingedly connected to the opposite end of said hanger brackets. for swinging movement, spring means resisting the swinging movement of said hanger brackets, links hingedly connected together and to thaiorward end of the abdominal cushion and to said hangerbrackets, and independent "spring' means for resisting swinging movement of said-links.- v e 8. In a chiropractid'adjustmem table, a table sectionincluding-upstanding standards and a cross shaft connecting said standards, bell crankshaped hanger brackets rockably connected at one end to said cross shaft, an abdominal cushion hingedly connected to the opposite end of said hanger brackets for swinging movement, spring means resisting the swinging movement of said hanger brackets, links hingedly connected together and to the forward end of the abdominal cushion and to said hanger brackets, independent spring means for resisting swinging movement of said links, means for manually adjusting the tension of each of said spring means, a. chest support adjustably carried by the standards, and links hingedly connecting the forward end of the abdominal cushion to the chest support for limiting the swinging movement of said abdominal cushion.

, 9. In a chiropractic adjustment table, a table section including upstanding standards and a cross shaft connecting said standards, bell crank-shapedhanger brackets rockably connected at one end to said cross shaft, an abdominal cushion hingedly connected to the opposite end of said hanger brackets for swinging movement, spring means resisting the swinging movement of saidf-hanger brackets, links hingedly connected together and to the forward end of the abdominal :cushion and to 'said hanger brackets,

' having independentcushions, means for protecting said cushions including a paper strip, a roll for supporting the strip from the head support, a guide bar on said head support below the cushions, the paper strip being adapted to be threaded over one cushion and under said guide bar and over-the other cushion,-and a springpressed hinge clamp bar carried'by said lastmentioned cushion for releasably gripping the free end of the strip.

' JOHN G. NORRIS.

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