US2833276A

US2833276A - Motor operated kinesitherapy device

Info

Publication number: US2833276A
Application number: US450387A
Authority: US
Inventors: Owen K Murphy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1954-08-17
Filing date: 1954-08-17
Publication date: 1958-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 1975-05-06
Also published as: CH349746A; FR1222430A; DE1133858B; BE566061A; GB827513A

Description

y 6, 1958 0. K. MURPHY 2,833,276

MOTOR OPERATED KINESITHERAPY DEVICE Filed Aug. 17, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet l I E J 36 IN V EN TOR.

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y 6, 1958 0. K. MURPHY 2,833,276

MOTOR OPERATED KINESITHERAPY DEVICE Filed Aug. 17, 1954 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 TOR.

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y 6, 1958 0. K. MURPHY 2,833,276

MOTOR OPERATED KINESITHERAPY DEVICE Filed Aug. 17, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

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United States MOTOR OPERATED KINESITHERAPY DEVEQE Owen K. Murphy, Adamsville,Pa.

Application August 17, 1954, Serial No. 456,38?

1:; Claims. (Cl. 123-33 This invention relates to a motor operated kinesitherapy device and more particularly to a simple and durable device having generally the form of a relatively thin pad, cushion or mattress pad equipped with a motorized applicator and a structure for transmitting gyratory mo tion generated by the applicator throughout substantially the entire area of the pad, cushion, mattress or mattress pad so as to impart such motion to a human body resting upon or against which the cushion, pad, mattress or mattress pad is held.

One of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide a simple and effective motion transfer device for transmitting motion from an eccentrically weighted motor driven applicator to the flat surface of a pad, cushion, mattress or mattress pad and which flat surface can be of very substantial extent, and which pad, cushion, mattress or mattress pad can be in the form of a thin, flexible body.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a motion transfer device which will operate without change of characteristics for a long period of time and which has both a pleasing and therapeutical eifect.

Another object is to provide such a device which is composed of simple and low cost parts that can readily be put together.

Another object is to provide such a device in which the motor is mounted at one extremity of the mattresses, pad, cushion or mattress pad so as to be readily accessible for electrical connections and repair and also so that it can readily be cooled by air drawn through the motor casing.

Another object is to provide such a motion transfer device which transmits the motion from such a motor driven applicator at one edge of a mattress, cushion, pad or mattress pad uniformly over substantially the entire area thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following discussion and drawings in which:

Fig. l is a perspective View of a padded massage cushion made in accordance with the present invention and particularly designed for use in an automobile, truck, aeroplane or other conveyance as a backrest for the driver.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, longitudinal section taken generally on line 22, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a laid-out perspective view of the core through which gyratory motion is transmitted from the motor driven applicator to the surface of the cushion.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section taken generally on line 4-4 of Fig. 2, with parts broken away to disclose particular structural features.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of massage cushion, pad, mattress or mattress pad whose body supporting section may be substantially uniform in thickness and of any desired length and breadth dimensions.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross section of the modified from one edge of this cushion or pad.

Patented May 6, 1958 form of pad shown in Fig. 5 as the same would appear when viewed along line 66, Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the motion transmitting member or core which is contained in the pad shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and through which the gyratory motion from the applicator is transmitted throughout the pad; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary cross section of the pad shown in Figs. 5 and 6 as the same would appear when viewed along line 88, Fig. 6, and wherein certain parts have been broken away to disclose structural features.

The form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 through 4 is primarily intended for use as a back cushion for the drivers of automobiles, trucks, aeroplanes and other traveling conveyances to relieve driving fatigue caused by the driver necessarily being substantially in the same seated position for long periods of time. To this end it is shown as being of generally wedge-shaped form and is placed with the small end of the wedge resting on the seat and with the motor driver applicator being located above and close to the top of the back part to the seat. For such use the motor 10 would, of course, be a low voltage direct current motor driven from the battery or generator of the conveyance, a convenient connection in pleasure cars and trucks being through the socket for the readily removable cigarette lighter.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. l-4, the numeral 10 represents an electrical motor having a generally cylindrical casing 11 and a motor shaft 12. A fan 13 is mounted on each end of the motor shaft 12, the blades of these fans being shaped to move the air longitudinally through the casing 11 of the electric motor for the purpose of cooling the same. Each fan includes a hub 14 from which its blades 15 radiate, and screwed into each of the fan hubs 14 is a screw 16 which projects radially and has a head 17 at its outer end. One or more weights 1% are carried by each of the screws 16, these weights being preferably of washer-like form and held against the corresponding screw head 17 by a lock nut 19. The screws 16 may be arranged in substantially the same plane and project in substantially the same direction and it will therefore be seen that these screws 16 and their weights 1? are cumulative in providing an eccentric weight on the motor shaft 12 which tends to gyrate the motor shaft and the motor as a function of its operation.

A pair of spaced rubber rings 20 surround the opposite ends of the motor casing 11. The rubber rings are preferably cemented to the motor casing and provide a resilient radial extension thereof.

The rings 2% are compressed within a cylindrical metal shell 21 which is composed of two bell-shaped halves 21a and 21b arranged in edge-to-edge relation with each other and held in this relation by the rubber rings 20 and the motor casing 11. Each of the halves has an end head 22 provided with holes 23 of sufficient size and number to allow the fan blades 15 to draw an adequate amouht of cooling air axially through shell 21 and the motor contained therein, and through a rheostat 24 housed in one end of the shell 21 and worked by a knob 25 projecting from the corresponding end wall 22.

An important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a core or member 26 to transmit the gymtory action of the shell 21 throughout the cushion or pad It is important that this core or member embrace substantial area to transmit the action of the motor throughout a major part of the area of the cushion or pad. It is alsodesirable that this core be flexible in a direction transverse of this major area, that is, in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions, and also be relatively rigid in a plane parallel to its major area, that is, in the plane of its broad and long dimensions. It is also desirable that this m0- tion transmitting core member include a wrap or loop fixed thereto which snugly embraces the motor shell 21 in compressive relation to this shell. 7

To this end the motion transmitting structure may be made of a piece of wide woven canvas belting impregnated ,with paraffin to impart the necessary stiffness and rigidity in a direction parallel with its major surface area. This piece of paratfin impregnated canvas belting is shown as having generally rectangular enlarged ends or core section 28 connected by a narrower rectangular connecting loop section 29. Along the lines of juncture between the enlarged ends or core section 28 and their narrower connecting loop section 29 the connecting loop section is provided with a series of bolt holes 30, the bolt holes of one series registering with the bolt holes of the other series when the narrow connecting loop section 29 is wrapped around the shell 21 as best shown in Fig. 2. This wrapped around loop section 29 'is drawn and held into compressive relation with the shell 21 by a pair of clamping plates 31 having holes registering with the holes 30 and drawn together by bolts 32. These clamping plates 31 are arranged where the loop section of the paraffin impregnated canvas belting come together after embracing the shell 21.

The wrapped around narrower loop section 29 of the paraffin impregnated canvas belt is shown as surrounded by a padding in the form of a rectangular piece of highly resilientrubber or rubber-like composition 33 of smaller dimensions than the connecting loop section 29. This piece of rubber padding 33 is in turn surrounded by a cylindrical cover 34 of upholstery fabric or synthetic or natural leather which can be beaded, as indicated at 35, around its circular ends and which cover 34 can have its unbeaded extremities 36 interposed and clamped between the clamping plates 31 and the paraflin impregnated belt 26 as best shown in Fig. 2.

The cushion is shown as provided with a handle 38. This handle is preferably made of the same covering material as the cover 34. This handle is shown as being in the form of an elongated strap beaded along its opposite longitudinal edges and secured at its opposite extremities by stitching 39 to the beads 35 of the cover 34.

The enlarged ends 28 of the paraffin impregnated canvas belting are arranged in face-to-face relation and sandwiched between a pair of large rubber pads 40 formed of highly resilient rubber or rubber-like composition which are shown as being of generally rectangular outline. In a direction perpendicular to the axis of the motor these rubber pads are preferably wedge-shaped with the narrow edges located remote from the motor 10 so that the pad or cushion is likewise wedge-shaped, enlarging toward the motor. t I

Therubber pads are enclosed in a casing shown as consisting of aU-shaped panel 41 of the same material as the cover 34 and beaded, as indicated at 42, around its edges, these beads generally conforming to the edges of the rubber pads 40. These beads can be stitched, as indicated at 43, to the cover 34, and these beads can be connected along the remainder of the edges of the rubber pads 40 by narrow edge cover pieces 44.

In the operation of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 through 4 the rotation of the eccentric weights 18 on the motor shaft 12 imparts a gyratory movement to the motor shaft as well as to the casing 11 of the motor. This gyratory movement is transmitted through the rubelliptical form whose major axis of movement extends longitudinally of the core section and whose minor axis of movement extends in a direction perpendicular to the face of the core section. This gyratory motion is transferred through the corresponding rubber pad in gripping engagement with the adjacent face of the core section to the body of a person resting on or against the cushion. Accordingly, when either face of the cushion is held againstthe body of a person, the entire face of the cushion imparts to the body a beneficial therapeutic gyratory movement.

The form of the invention shown in Figs. 5 through 8 is primarily intended for use either as a mattress pad or pad to support the back or abdominal parts of the body thereon or thereagainst. The invention can be used to impart gyratory motion to the full area of a full sized mat tress pad for an adult, and also be used as a seat cushion for an adult or can take any other form suitable for thereapeutic use against the body.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 5 through 8 the motor 10, its shaft 12, the eccentric weights 18, the

rubber rings 20 and two-part cylindrical metal shell 2], together with the rheostat 24 and its knob 25, are identical with the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 through 4, and hence a detailed description is not repeated and the same reference numerals have been employed.

in place of the parafiin impregnated canvas belt 26, a metal strap structure, indicated generally at 50, is employed. This motion transmitting structure includes a core section composed of a plurality of spaced longitudinal, flexible metal bands or straps 51 which are connected together, as through weldments 52, by cross straps 53, similarly made of metal. The cross straps 53 are welded in face-to-face relation to the longitudinal straps 51 and hence it will be seen that, as with the core section 23 of the paraflin impregnated belting in the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 through 4, the metal straps 51, 53 provide a core section which is highly flexible in a direction normal to their common plane but is rigid in a direction parallel to this common plane.

This metal core structure is connected to the shell 21 by a loop section which may comprise a pair of spaced metal straps 54. Each of these straps includes a cylindrical portion 55 whose ends 56 provide adjacent flanges which extend outwardly, as indicated at 58, in a generally radial direction to embrace the endmost cross strap 53.

The paired end flanges 58 can be secured to the adjacent cross strap 53 by weldments 59 and these end flanges 58 are preferably bowed outwardly with reference to each other so that the ends 56 of the cylindrical portion 55 are heldin compressive relation with each other and yieldingly resist being spread apart.

In order to insert the shell 21 these end flanges 58 are spread apart and the shell 21 inserted. Following this, clamping plates 31 are applied to the opposite sides of the end flanges 58 and these clamping plates are drawn tober rings 20 to the sections 21a and 21b of the cylindrical shell or housing 21. This gyratory movement of the housing orshell 21 is transmitted directly to the loop section 29 of the paraffin-impregnated canvas belt 26, which loop section 29 embraces and is tightly clamped to the shell 21 by the clamping plates 31. The gyratory movement ofsthe loop section 29 of the impregnated belt 26 is transmitted to the ends 28 or core section thereof, these ends or core section executing a distinct'gyratory movement as defined by a closed loop path of generally gether by bolts 32. These bolts serve to contract the cylindrical parts 55 tightly about the shell 21.

The longitudinal straps 51 and cross straps 53 are sandwiched between a pair of rubber pads which can be adhesively secured to each other audio the metal straps 51 and 53 to thereby bond the rubber pads 65 to the opposite faces of the motion transmitting section as formed by the

straps

51 and 53 in firm gripping engagement with each other. These rubber pads 65 are formed of a highly resilient rubber or rubber-like composition and are enclosed within a tightly fitting covering 66 as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 to maintain the rubber pads 65 and core section compactly assembled together with the rubber pads 65 in motion transmitting engagement with the core section. The covering envelope 66 may be made from Woven textile fabric or natural or synthetic leather. Connected to the motor isan electrical plug 68, the prongs of which are in series relation with the rheostat 24 and due to inaccuracy in manufacture. noted that resilient cushion members or rings 20 are in motor 10, this plug serving as a convenient means of attaching the mattress pad to a source of electricity.

The motor shell 21 can be covered also and for this purpose can be covered with a piece of cloth 69, this in turn being embraced by a rectangular rubber pad 70 and a cover 71. The opposite ends of this cover 71 can be secured to the main cover 66 in any suitable manner and the circular edges of the cover 71 can be beaded as indicated at 72 in the same manner as with the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 through 4.

The form of the invention shown in Figs. 5 through 8 is particularly useful in providing a mattress pad for supporting the entire body and this mattress can be of a small size for infants or can be of a full size adapted to support adults. In either event, as with the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 through 4, the gyratory motion of the eccentric weights 18 gyrates the motor housing 11 and this gyratory motion is in turn transmitted through the rubber rings 20 to the sections 21a and 21b of the shell 21. the cylindrical portions and end flanges 58 to the core structure composed of longitudinal and

transverse straps

51 and 53. The motion transmitting section as defined by the

straps

51 and 53 executes a gyratory motion as defined by a closed loop path of generally elliptical form whose major axisof motion extends longitudinally of the core or grid section as formed by these

straps

51 and 53 and Whose minor axis of motion extends in a direction perpendicular to the face of the core section. This gyratory motion is transmitted through the rubber pads 65 to the body of the person lying upon or against the pad or mattress.

It will be noted that each form of the invention includes a shell, a motor disposed within the shell in fully spaced relation to the walls thereof and having a relatively stationary part and rotary part and that the rotary part has a predetermined mechanical rotary unbalance of substantial amount well in excess of any accidental unbalance It will further be terposed under stress between the stationary motor casing 11 and the wall of the shell 21 to serve as the sole and floating support for the motor 10, whereby rotation of the unbalanced rotary part of the motor will cause a gyratory bodily movement-of the motor in a relatively small closed loop path which'is transmitted through the cushion members 20 to the shell.

It will further be noted that the movement so transmitted to the shell is transmitted to the relatively thin but broad core structure which is relatively flexible in a direction transverse of the plane of its major faces but is relatively rigid or inflexible in a direction parallel to the plane of its major faces.

It will further be noted that the motion transmitting structure 50 may be connected to the shell 21 by wrapping a loop section of the flexible motion transmitting structure around the motor containing shell.

It will further be noted that in both forms of the invention, the motion transmitting structure is in the form of a thin, relatively broad and long structure which is manually flexible in a direction transversely of its broad and long dimensions and is relatively inflexible in a plane parallel with said broad and long dimensions. In the form shown in Figs. 58, this motion transmitting structure is in the form of a lattice of metal strips preferably welded at their places of juncture and this lattice or grid is provided with a loop section to embrace the motor, with clamping screw means provided for drawing the outboard ends of the loop section together to clamp the motor shell to the motion transmitting structure. In the form shown in Figs. 1-4, this motion transmitting structure is in the form of wax or paraflin impregnated woven fiber cloth and which has a loop section to embrace the motor and with clamping screw means provided for drawing the out- From this shell 21 this motion is transmitted through board ends of the loop section together and thereby to clamp the motor shell in the loop section of the motion transmitting structure.

The term cushion as used in the claims is intended to embrace cushions, pads, mattresses and mattress pads of any desired length, width and thickness dimensions. It will also be evident to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made, and the invention is therefore not to be construed as limited to the particular structures shown but embraces the full range oi equivalents comprehended by the claims.

1 claim:

1. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and a rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure housing said motor, means for supporting the motor in said shell structure and operative to transmit gyratory motion from said motor to said shell structure, a cushion section including motion transmitting means connected to and extending laterally from said shell structure and in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis thereof, resilient cushioning pads formed of highly resilient rubber-like composition extending laterally from one side of said shell structure in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis thereof,-said motion transmitting means being compactly sandwiched between said resilient cushioning pads with the adjacent faces of said resilient cushioning pads covering and gripping the opposite faces of said motion transmitting means and in motion transmitting cont-act engagement therewith, said motion transmitting means embracing an area whichis more than one-half the area of said resilient cushioning pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted from said shell structure to said pads, and a covering envelope enclosing said motion transmitting means, and resilient cushioning pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and motion transmitting means in compactly assembled relation with said cushioning pads in motion transmitting contact engagement with said motion transmitting means during operation of said motor, said cushion section being flexible in directions normal to its broad and long dimensions but relatively rigid in a direction parallel to the plan of its long and broad dimen- 810118.

2. A-therapeutic cushion including in combination, a. motor having a relatively stationary part and a rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure housing said motor, means for supporting the motor in said shell structure and operative to transmit gyratory motion from said motor to said shell structure, a cushion section including flexible motion transmitting means connected to and extending laterally from said shell structure and in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis thereof, resilient cushioning pads formed of highly resilient rubber-like composition extending laterally from one side of said shell structure in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis thereof, said motion transmitting means being compactly sandwiched as a single stratum between said resilient cushioning pads with the adjacent faces of said resilient cushioning pads covering and gripping the opposite faces of said motion transmitting means and in motion transmitting engagement therewith, said motion transmitting means embracing an area which is more than one-half the area of said resilient cushioning pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted from said shell structure to said'pads, and a covering envelope enclosing said motion transmitting means and resilient cushioning pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and motion transmitting means in 1 7 compactly assembled relation with said cushioning pads in motion transmitting contact with said motion transmitting means during operation of said motor, said cushion section being flexible in directions normal to itsbroad and long dimensions. i

3. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and a rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure housing said motor, means for supporting the motor in said shell structure and operative to transmit gyratory motion from said motor to said shell structure, a motor control switch in said shell structure and end closures for saidjshell structure, a cushion section including flexible motion transmitting means connected to and extending laterally from one side of said shell structure in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis thereof, resilient cushioning pads formed of highly resilient rubber-like composition extending laterally from said shell structure in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis thereof, said motion transmitting means being compactly sandwiched as a single stratum between said resilient cushioning pads with the adjacent faces of said resilient cushioning pads covering and gripping the opposite faces of said motion transmitting means and in motion transmitting engagement therewith, said motion transmitting means embracing the greater part of the area of said resilient cushioning pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted from said shell structure to said pads, and a covering envelope enclosing said motion transmitting means and resilient cushioning pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and motion transmitting means in compactly assembled relation with said cushioning pads in motion transmitting contact engagement with said motion transmitting means, said cushion section being flexible. in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions.

4. A therapeutic-cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journal-ed in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure containing said motor, means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell structure serving as the solo support between'said motor and said shell structure and whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to saidwshell structure, motion transmitting means connected toiand extending from one side of said shell structure" in'a direction normal to the axis of said motor and being-flexible in a direction normal of its long and broad dimensions and relatively inflexible in the plane of its broad and' long dimensions, resilient cushioning pads formed of highly resilient rubber-like composition extending longitudinally of and bonded in face-to-face motion transmitting engagement with the opposite faces of said motion transmitting means, said motion trans mitting means embracing the greater part of the area of said resilient cushioning pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted from said shell structure to said pads, anda covering envelope enclosing said motion transmitting means and resilient cushioning I pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and motion transmitting means in compactly assembled rela tion with said cushioning pads in motion transmitting engagement with said motion transmitting means during operation of said motor.

5. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whercby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure containing said motor; means'interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell structure serving as the sole support for said motor and whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from'said motor to said shell structure, a motor cooling fan exterior of said stationary motor part and fixed to said rotary motor part, apertured end closures for said shell structure through which cooling air may circulate. motion transmitting'means connected to and extending from one side ofsaid shell structure in a di-' rection normal to the axis of said motor and being flexible ina direction normal to its long and broad dimensions and relatively. inflexible in the plane of its lo uud'broad dimensions, resilient cushionin pads i-L med of highly resilient rubber-like composition can tending longitudinally of and bonded in face-to-face mo tion transmitting "engagement with the opposite sides of said motion transmitting means and with each other, said motion transmitting means embracing the greater part of the area of said resilient cushioning pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted from said shell structure to said pads, and'a covt ing envelope enclosing said motion transmitting means and resilient cushioning pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and motion transmitting means in compactly assembled relation with said cushioning pads in motion transmitting engagement with said motion transmitting means during operation of saidmotor.

6. A therupeutic cushion presenting a main cushioning part and a roll-shaped cushioning part at one end said main cushioning part, saidroll-shaped cushioning part containing a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part and having its axis extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said main cushioning part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure containing said motor; means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell structure serving as the sole support for said motor whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from, said motor to said shell structure and to said roll-shaped cushioned part embracing said motor containing shell structure, said main cushion ing part including a pair of resilient cushioning pads formed from highly resilient rubber-likecomposition extending from said roll-shaped cushioning part in a direc: tion normal to the axis of the motor contained therein. motion transmitting means connected to and extending from said shell structure and compactly sandwiched between said resilient cushioning pads for the major length thereof and in motion transmitting contact with the ad-- jacent faces of said resilient cushioning pads, and covering envelope enclosing said resilient cushioning pads and motion transmitting means and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and motion transmittingmeans in compactly assembled relation with said cushioning pads in motion transmitting contact with said motion transmitting means, said main cushioning part being flexible in directions normal to its broad and long (1 .nsions.

7. A therapeutic cushion presenting a main cushioning part and a roll-shaped cushioning part at one end of said main cushioning part, said roll-shaped cushioning part containing a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part and having its axis extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said main cushioning; part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacturewhereby gyratory. motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a motor cooling fan fixed to said rotary motor part, a shell structure containing said motor and fan, resilient means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell structure serving as the sole support for said motor whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to said shell structure, apertared end closures for said shell structure through which cooling air may circulate, and a roll-shaped covering embracing said motor containing shell structure, said main cushioning part including apair of resilient cushioning pads formed from resilient rubber-like composition extending from said roll-shaped cushioning part in a direction normal to the axis of the motor contained therein, motion transmitting means connected to andextending from said shell structure and compactly sandwiched between said resilient cushioning pads'for the major length and breadth thereof and in motiontransmitting contact with the adjacent faces of said resilient cushioning pads, and a covering envelope enclosing said resilient cushioning pads and motion transmitting means and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and motion transmitting means in compactly assembled relation with said cushioningpads in motion transmitting contact with. said motion transmitting means, said main cushioning part being flexble in 'directons normal to its broad and long dimensions.

8. A therapeutic cushion presenting a main cushioning part and a roll-shtped cushioning part ex terior to and at one end of said main cushioning part said roll-shaped cushioning part containing a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part and having its axis extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said main cushioning part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure containing said motor, means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell structure serving as the sole support for said motor and whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to said shell structure, a resilient cushioning pad section embracing said motor containing shell structure and a roll shaped covering embracing said cushioning pad section, said main cushioning part including a pair of resilient cushioning pads formed from highly resilient rubber-like composition extending from said r011 shaped cushioning part in a direction normal to the axis of the motor contained therein, motion transmitting means connected to and extending from said shell structure and compactly sandwiched between said resilient cushioning pads for the major length thereof and in direct motion transmitting contact with the adjacent faces of said resilient cushioning pads, and a covering envelope enclosing said resilient cushioning pads andmotion transmitting means and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and motion transmitting means in compactly assembled relation with said cushioning pads in motion transmitting contact with said motion transmitting means, said main cushioning part being flexible in directions normal to its broad and long dimensions.

9. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance Well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell housing said motor, means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell serving as the sole support for said motor and whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said shell, a motion transmitting member having relatively long and broad dimensions extending in a direction laterally from said shell and being flexible in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions and relatively inflexible in the plane of its long and broad dimensions, loop means snugly embracing said motor containing shell and joined in motion transmitting relation to said member, resilient cushioning pads formed from highly resilient rubber-like composition bonded in face to-frlce motion transmitn ,7

,ment with said member compactly sandwiched therebetween. I

10. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and a rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture, a tubular shell housing said motor, means interposed be tween said stationary motor part and said shell serving as the sole support for said motor, a motion transmitting structure including a loop section embracing said shell, means for clamping said loop section in snugly embracing relation around said shell, and a relatively thin core section having relatively long and broad dimensions extending laterally from said loop section and flexible in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions and relatively inflexible in the plane of its long and broad dimensions, a resilient cushioning pad formed from a highly resilient rubber-like composition in face-to-face motion transmitting gripping engagement with at least one broad and long face of said core section, said core section extending centrally over the greater area of the length and breadth of said pad whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted through said loop section and core section and to said resilient cushioning pad, and a covering casing enclosing said core section and cushioning pad and fitted to maintain said cushioning pad and core section in compactly assembled relation'with said cushioning pad in motion transmitting gripping engagement withsaid core section.

11. A therapeuticicushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and a rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary vpart having a predetermined rotary unbalance Well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell housing said motor, means interposed between said stationarymotor part and said shell serving as the sole support for said motor, a motion transmitting structure including a loop section embracing said shell and a relatively thin and compact core section formed of fibrous material having relatively long and broad dimensions extending laterally from said loop sec tion, said core section being manually flexible in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions and relatively inflexible in the plane of its broad and long di mensions, highly resilient cushion pads in face-to-fn-ce motion transmitting engagement'with the opposite broad and long faces of said core section, said core section extending between and centrally over the greater part of the length and breadth of said pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted through said loop section and core section to said pads, and a covering casing enclosing said core section and cushioning pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and core section in compactly assembled relation with said cushioning pads in motion transmitting engagement with said core section. t

12. A therapeutic cushion including incombination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and a rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance Well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture, a tubular shell housing said motor, means interposed between said stationary motor part and said'shell serving as the sole support for said motor, a motion trans t l l mitting structure including a loop section snugly embracing said shell and a relatively thin core section having relatively long and broad dimensions connected to and extending laterally from said loop section, said core section being formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending bands and connected by one or more transverse bands and being manually flexible in directions normal of its broad and long dimensions and relatively inflexible in the plane of its long and broad dimensions, a pair of resilient cushioning pads in face-to-face motion transmitting gripping engagement with the opposite broad and long faces of said core section, said core section extending between and centrally over the greater part of the length and breadth of said pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted through said loop section and core section to said pads, and a covering casing enclosing said core section and cushioning pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads and core section in compactly assembled relation with said cushioncore section.

13. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and a rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalancedue to inccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure housing said motor and having paired flange elements extending therefrom, means for supporting said motor in said shell structure whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to said shell structure, a motion transmitting structure presenting a plurality of thin metal bands connected to said flange elements and extending laterally from said shell structure in a direction normal to the motor axis and connected by one or more transversely extending thin metal bands, said motion transmitting structure being relatively flexible in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions and relatively inflexible in the plane of its broad and long dimensions,,resilient cushioning pads formed from resilient cellular composition in face-to-face motion transmitting contact with the opposite faces of said motion transmitting structure whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted from said shell structure to said pads, and a covering envelope enclosing said motion transmitting structure and resilient cushioning pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads in motion transmitting contact with said motion transmitting structure positioned therebetween.

14. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a

motor having arelatively stationary part and a rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure housing said motor and having paired flange elements extending therefrom, clamp means for drawing said flange elements together, means for supporting said motor in said shell structure whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to said shell structure, a motion transmitting structure presenting a plurality of thin metal bands connected to said flange elements and extending laterally from said shell structure in a direction normal to the motor axis and connected by one or more transversely extending thin metal bands, said motion transmitting structure being relatively flexible in adirection' normal to its broad and long dimensions and relatively inflexible in the plane of its broad and long dimensions,resilient cushioning pads formed from highly resilient rubber-like composition, in

face-to-face motion transmitting contact with the opposite faces of said motion tr'ansmitting'structure' whereby gyra tory motion produced by said motor is transmitted from said shell structure to saidpads, and a covering envelope enclosing said motion transmitting structure and resilient cushioning pads and fitted to maintain said cushioning pads in motion transmitting contact with said motion transmitting structure positioned therebetween.

15. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a shell structure housing said motor, resilient means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell structure whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to said shell structure, a relatively thin motion'transmitting core including a plurality of spaced flat metal strips extending laterally from and secured at one end thereof to said shell structure and one or more flat metal strips extending transversely of and secured to said longitudinal metal strips, said motion transmitting core as formed by said strips having relatively long and broad dimensions and flexible in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions but relatively inflexible in the plane of its broad and long dimensions, a pair of resilient cushioning pads formed from resilient cellular composition adhesively secured to the opposite faces of said motion transmitting core and to each other, said motion transmitting core extending centrally betwen said pads over the greater part of the length and breadth of said pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted through said motion transmitting core to said resilient pads, and a covering envelope snugly encasing said pads and core.

16., A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and ari unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motiontis transmitted to said stationary motor part, a tubular shell housing said motor, resilient means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to saidshell, a motor cooling fan in said tubular shell exterior of and fixed to said rotary motor part, apertured end closures for said shell through which cooling air may circulate, a relatively thin motion transmitting core including a plurality of spaced flat metal strips extending laterally from and secured at one end thereof to said shell and me er more flat metal strips extending transversely of and secured vto said longitudinal metal strips, said motion transmitting core as formed by said strips having relatively long and broad dimensions and flexible in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions but relatively inflexible in the plane of its broad and long dimensions, a pair of resilient cushioning pads formed from resilient cellular composition adhesively secured to the opposite faces of said motion transmitting core and to each other, said motion transmitting core extending centrally between said pads over the greater part of the length and breadth of said pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted through said motion transmitting core to said resilient pads, and a covering envelope snugly encasing said pads and core.

17. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a tubular shell housing said motor, resilient means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to said shell, a motion transmitting structure including one or more metal loops having clamping means for drawing said loops into snug embracing relation around said tubular shell, and a relatively thin motion transmitting core including a plurality of spaced fiat metal bands extending laterally from and secured at one end thereof to said loops and one or more flat metal bands extending transversely of and secured to said longitudinal metal bands, said motion transmitting core as formed by said bands having relatively long and broad dimensions and flexible in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions but relatively inflexible in the plane of its broad and long dimensions, a pair of resilient cushioning pads formed from a highly resilient composition adhesively secured to the opposite faces of said motion transmitting core and to each other, said motion transmitting core extending centrally between said pads over the greater part of the length and breadth of said pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted through said motion transmitting core to said resilient pads, and a covering envelope snugly enclosing said pads and core.

18. A therapeutic cushion including in combination, a motor having a relatively stationary part and an unbalanced rotary part journaled in said stationary part, said rotary part having a predetermined rotary unbalance well in excess of any accidental unbalance due to inaccuracy of manufacture whereby gyratory motion is transmitted to said stationary motor part, a tubular shell housing said motor, means interposed between said stationary motor part and said shell whereby gyratory motion is transmitted from said motor to said shell, a motor cooling fan in said tubular shell exterior of and fixed to said rotary motor part, apertured end closures for said shell through which cooling air may circulate, a motion transmitting structure including one or more metal loops having clamping means for drawing said loops into snug embracing relation around said tubular shell, and a relatively thin motion transmitting core including a plurality of spaced flat metal bands extending laterally from and secured at one end thereof to said loops and one or more flat metal bands extending transversely of and secured to said longitudinal metal bands, said motion transmitting core as formed by said bands having relatively long and broad dimensions and flexible in a direction normal to its broad and long dimensions but relatively inflexible in the plane of its broad and long dimensions, a pair of resilient cushioning pads formed from resilient cellular composition adhesively secured to the opposite faces of said motion transmitting core and to each other, said motion transmitting core extending centrally between said pads over the greater part of the length and breadth of said pads whereby gyratory motion produced by said motor is transmitted through said motion transmitting core to said resilient pads, and a covering envelope snugly enclosing said pads and core.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,345,438 Tompkins Mar. 28, 1944 2,425,655 Tompkins Aug. 12, 1947 2,512,621 Emerson June 27, 1950 2,539,712 Wettlaufer Jan. 30, 1951 2,687,717 Murphy Aug. 31, 1954 2,800,897 Ross July 30, 1957