Abstract:
A physical therapy apparatus having a padded top surface upon which a patient comfortably reclines in the face up position with the spinal area being placed in contact respective a plurality of massaging members. The massaging members are recessed within the padded top and have a massaging members extending into contact with the patients back while jointly moved along the spine with the members being individually rapidly oscillated in a circular pattern at a selected magnitude of pressure and rate of travel. At the same time, the massaging members are moved a limited length along the entire spine causing each to describe a longitudinally moving circular pattern of a spiral, with each massaging member describing a different size pattern with the member that contacts the uppermost part of the spinal column moving within a relatively small pattern while the massaging members that contact the lower part of the spinal column move within a relatively large pattern with the pattern of movement progressively increasing sequentially from one to the other end of the spinal column. The terminal ends of the massaging members each are elevated into contact with the spine and assume a curve approximating the curvature of the spinal area so that a patient reclining in a supine position will gravitate into proper contact with all of the massaging members.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR: “SPINE-O-VATION” 
   Ser. No. 60/391,765 
   FILED: Jun. 26, 2002 
   FOR INVENTOR: JAMES D. MAHAN 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable 
   REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Many people have discovered that their medical problems often can be solved by obtaining help from trained personnel, such as masseurs, athletic trainers and chiropractors to massage the spinal areas along the length of the spinal column. These trained professionals have knowledge of many manual techniques that can be applied to one&#39;s back, using the hands and fingers. Accordingly, various massage machines have been developed for manipulating and flexing the back muscles on both sides of the spinal column of a person lying in a supine position such as seen, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,175,614. This patent discloses a machine having a plurality of rollers that are each supported by coil springs arranged along each side of a carriage that is movably mounted on tracks arranged to move along the spinal area. The carriage is moved back and forth along its tracks so that the rollers engage and massage the back of the person lying face-up on a hammock suspended above the rollers but with the rollers being in contact with the spinal area. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,577,646, also discloses a massaging machine having a horizontal table that accommodates a person lying face-up on the table with his spine centered over an elongated longitudinal opening in the central portion of the table. A plurality of rollers are rotatably mounted to the edges of parallel endless belts arranged below the surface of the table within the opening. The belts drive the rollers to move along the length of the elongated opening and thereby contact the spine with a rolling action to the spinal area of the person lying on the table. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,272 discloses therapeutic traction applied to the body by carriages supported on rails for cyclic longitudinal movement. 
   Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,862 shows another massaging machine which includes two sets of rollers having ends positioned to provide an upwardly-facing concavity for receiving the back of a person as the rollers are moved along each side of the spinal column of that person. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,738 is a disease testing apparatus for the spine and is cited to show an arrangement of pressure members 64, as seen in FIG. 8 thereof, for example. 
   Another prior-art massaging apparatus arranged to impart upward and downward movements to a massaging device is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 1,638,025. This massaging apparatus includes elongated bars that are operatively journaled at their ends to rotate and move the bars about parallel longitudinal axes, with there being curved portions of the bars transversely aligned and the ends of a plurality of closely-spaced slats are loosely connected to the bars to support a person midway between the bars. As the bars rotate, the slats remain horizontal and move vertically for imparting a rocking and undulating motion to the back of a person lying on the slats. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,628,528 shows a machine with a single horizontal roller mounted on a carriage that is moved to selectively position the roller below a person&#39;s back area that requires a massaging action. The roller is rotatably mounted between spaced vertically-movable members and reciprocated by cranks mounted in an out-of-phase relationship on opposite ends of a rotating shaft, whereupon rotation of the shaft rocks the roller in a vertical plane as the opposed ends alternately move up and down by the members. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,808 applies cyclic thrusting force against the back of a person by the use of thruster members around one or more vertebra of the spinal column, as shown in FIG. 3 at 201, 202 and 203. Fluid cylinder 300 reciprocates the rod 200 longitudinally to engage the back with the round members at 260, 261 and 262. 
   By the present invention, there is made available an improved massaging machine, made in accordance with the present invention, which is capable of imparting a selected massaging action to a multiplicity of areas adjacent the spinal column on the back of a person in a new and different manner. The resultant massaging action provides unexpected beneficial results that would be difficult to manually duplicate by most trained professionals. This desirable massaging treatment is achieved by the provision of an array of massaging thrusters, each having a massaging fixture attached thereto and having a massaging members depending there-from for engaging both sides of the spinal column at the same time with an unusual motion that commences in proximity of the lower spinal column where a relative large circular motion is imparted to the massaging member; and terminates at the head end of the spinal column where a relative small circular motion is imparted to the massaging members contacting the back. At the same time, the array of thrusters are all moved up and down longitudinally of the spinal column at a low rate of travel respective to the rate of rotation imparted into each of the thrusters. Accordingly, the combination of the reciprocating movement and the circular movement provides a resultant motion that describes a spiral pattern commencing with a large diameter spiral in the lower spinal region and progressively diminishes along the spinal column towards the head. 
   The thrusters are resiliently biased into engagement with the spinal area with an adjustable force that include means for selecting the magnitude of the force of the engaging massaging members. 
   An unexpected advantage of this method and apparatus of mechanically massaging a persons back in the area of the spinal column is realized from an apparatus made in accordance with this invention. The geometry of the thrusters together with the supporting structure and the complex pattern of movement described by the thrusters induce a harmonic motion into the resiliently biased thrusters which is translocated to the interface between the skin of the back and the massaging member whereby unexpected low friction engagement is realized while the longitudinal and circular moving massaging members bear against the skin, which is very desirable for it enhances the therapeutic value of the massaging action of the massaging apparatus. 
   Method and apparatus for achieving the above desirable results is made possible by the provision of an apparatus made in accordance with the present invention as will be more fully realized when this disclosure is more fully digested. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In the preferred embodiment of this invention, a table mounted apparatus massages the back of a person in a new and different manner that provides unexpected results. The term “massage” as used herein, is intended to include kneading, tapping and otherwise manipulating the area proximate to the spine. Massaging the area located on each side of the back adjacent the spine induces relaxation and comfort while conditioning a person for further chiropractic treatment. Additionally, the massage treatment provided by this invention is a superior substitute that is available to a skilled chiropractor, and when the advantages of the invention are coupled with the work of the chiropractor, the resultant treatment provides a synergistic system because the chiropractor is relieved of the time consuming massage duties and therefore can conserve and direct all his efforts towards improvement of the patient, while the patient derives a more extensive treatment at a lower cost. 
   This desirable result is achieved by the provision of a massaging table having an upwardly opening chamber or groove, longitudinally disposed respective the table top. Within the opening there are mounted a multiplicity of vertical movable thrusters, typically 8 to 16, that work automatically to adjust to the contour of patient&#39;s back. The pressure of the vertical thrusters can be regulated to control the force exerted on the patient&#39;s back. The thrusters are rapidly moved within a horizontal plane to describe small circles which are relatively small at the head end of the spine and grow progressively larger toward the foot end. At the same time the thrusters are moved more slowly longitudinally of the spinal column, thus this combination of thruster motion provides a unique spiral-like massaging action sequentially changing along the entire spine. The horizontal movement of the thrusters as well as the vibration intensity to the patient&#39;s back can be varied. 
   Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of a method and apparatus for massaging the back with an array of massaging elements that manipulate the muscles of the back with variable intensity commencing with the greatest intensity occurring in proximity of the lower spinal column where a relative large circular motion is imparted to the massaging member; and terminates at the head end of the spinal column where a relative small circular motion is imparted to the massaging members contacting the back, and at the same time, the array of thrusters are all moved up and down longitudinally of the spinal column at a slow rate of travel respective to the rate of circular motion or speed imparted into each of the thrusters. 
   Another object of the present invention is the provision of improvements in massaging apparatus by the provision of a massaging table having an upwardly opening chamber or groove longitudinally disposed respective the table top; within the opening there are mounted multiple pairs of movable vertical thrusters that work automatically to adjust to the contour of patient&#39;s back whereby the pressure of the vertical thrusters can be regulated to reduce or increase the force exerted on the patient&#39;s back. 
   A further object of this invention is the provision of multiple thrusters mounted for rapidly moving within a horizontal plane to describe small circles against the spine and wherein the circles grow larger from the head to the foot end of the spinal column; while at the same time the thrusters are moved longitudinally along the spinal column with the horizontal movement of the paired vertical thrusters being varied in the amount of forward and reverse travel or motions. 
   A still further object of this invention is the provision of an array of back engaging thrusters that are individually mounted on a vibrator bar and can be variably adjusted to increase or decrease the vibration intensity to the patient&#39;s back so that all motions respective the intensity of the massaging action can be selected as desired. 
   Another and still further object of this invention is the provision of massaging apparatus and method by which the geometry of a plurality of thrusters together with the supporting structure thereof are moved while vibrating in a horizontal plane to provide a complex massaging pattern of movement which additionally induces a harmonic motion into the resiliently biased thrusters which enables low friction engagement to be realized at the interface between the massaging members and the back as the members bear against the skin. 
   These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and claims and by referring to the accompanying drawings. 
   The above objects are attained in accordance with the present invention by the provision of an improved method of massage treatment and apparatus fabricated in a manner substantially as described herein. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Three sheets of drawings containing 9 Figures are included in this application, of which are seen: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a massage table made in accordance with this invention, with some parts thereof being removed to disclose the interior; 
       FIG. 2  is a part diagrammatical, part schematical, part cross-sectional side view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2A  is a plan view of the foregoing figures; 
       FIG. 3  is a part diagrammatical, part schematical, part cross-sectional enlarged detailed view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged part cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a fragmentary top view of part of the apparatus seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of part of the apparatus of  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , and 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are schematical representations illustrating the geometry of part of the apparatus of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to the Figures of the drawings and particularly to  FIG. 1 , a massage table  10  is seen illustrated that has a top or uppermost surface  11  of leather or vinyl cover with suitable padding. The uppermost surface  11  of table  10  includes a head portion  12 , a hump portion at  14  to accommodate the small of the back, and a leg portion  16 . An area is referred to as shoulder portion  120 , because with a person  15  lying on table  10 , his shoulder  120  would be about in that area. Also, with a person lying on the table, there may be seen that the small of his back would be on hump  14  while his feet and legs would extend to the portion identified as leg portion  16 . This configuration of surface  11  of table  10  is desired because a person, when reclining on table  10 , will naturally position himself in this most desirable manner to properly orient his spinal column respective to the massaging apparatus  17  associated with table  10 , and described herein, in accordance with this invention. 
   Looking now to  FIG. 2 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 3 , it will be noted that midway between the sides  18 ,  118  of table  10  is a groove, or upwardly opening recess  20 , formed within the top surface  11  of table  10  in communication with the interior. This groove  20  is seen to extend longitudinally along the table from shoulder portion  120 , across hump portion  14 , and terminates beyond a buttocks portion  220  so that the entire spinal area is accessible through the groove  20 . The upwardly opening groove communicates with the interior such that the massaging apparatus  17  has the upper part thereof partially extending through the groove  20  into contact with a person resting face-up on the table surface  11 , as illustrated by numeral  14  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   A main frame  24  supports most all of the elements of this invention  18 , including the table surfaces  11  as well as a vibrating unit  26 , made in accordance with this invention and as disclosed in greater detail in other figures of the drawings. 
   As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , together with other figures of the drawings, a base plate  28  is mounted for horizontal fore and aft movement respective to a pair of opposed base plate bearing slides  30 ,  31 . The bearing slides  30 ,  31  are supported by main frame  24  to permit base plate  28  to slidably move horizontally along its longitudinal axis for a distance of at least 4 inches (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Hence, base plate  28  is slidably captured for limited fore and aft movement whereby it continually reciprocates back and forth along the opposed bearing slides  30 ,  31 , which is along a path parallel to groove  20 . Base plate motor  32  is attached to frame  24  and can take on a number of different forms so long as it is geared or otherwise arranged to rotate a crank that has a crank pin off-set 2 inches to effect longitudinal movement of 4 inches. The radius of 2 inches can be changed to reciprocate base plate  28  other lengths, as desired. The movement of base plate  28  is preferably confined to a range of approximately 6 or 12 reciprocation each minute, which is to say, a cycle that is adjustable within a range of 5 or 10 seconds. 
   In  FIG. 4 , the bearing slides  31 ,  32  are formed within the illustrated main support member  29  and are suitably attached to the main frame  24  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to enable the entire vibrating massage apparatus  26  to be properly supported in a structurally acceptable manner. 
   Hence, base plate  28  is slidably received within slide bearings  31 ,  32  of main support member  29  and is located beneath top  11  of table  10 . The slide bearings  31 ,  32  are in the form of the illustrated confronting inwardly opening slots formed within member  29 , and thereby capture the opposed marginal edges  33 ,  133  of baseplate  28  therewithin, with main support member  29  being positioned within the interior of table  10  and in underlying relationship respective to a person&#39;s back. Main support member  29  is the lowermost member of vibrating unit or apparatus  26  and is rigidly attached to main frame  24 . The motor  32 , having a gear box  132 , rotatably drives a crank at the end of its output shaft. Motor  32  is rigidly mounted respective frame  24  or main support member  29  and is connected to reciprocate base plate  28  so that base plate  28  moves longitudinally respective groove  20 . The length of the crank attached to the output shaft is selected to provide the desired stroke length in the same manner seen illustrated at numerals  52 ,  54 ,  56  of  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , as will be more fully described later on herein. 
   As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , together with other figures of the drawings, elevating member  36  has formed therein perpendicular bores that slidably receive a medial length of several vertical guide members  34 ,  134  therethrough for properly positioning of elevating member  36  respective the vibrating mount assembly  40  that also is supported from the base plate  28  that underlies elevating member  36  as suggested by numeral  236 . A guide bushing fitted within a bore formed perpendicular through each corner of elevating member  36  is provided for proper alignment and weight distribution of the imposed loads and is comprised of return springs  140 ,  240  captured between abutment  138 ,  238  and upper surface  136  of elevating member  36 , along with vibrator mount assembly  40  connected by suitable support  236  as well as the load presented by compressed spring  50 . 
   Base plate  28  supports an elevating member  36  having a spring board  38  rigidly attached thereto and lies in underlying relationship respective a vibrating mount assembly  40 , which will be more fully discussed later on herein. Hence, the vibrator mount assembly  40  is positioned in supported relationship above elevating member  36  and base plate  28  to move the vibrator mount assembly  40  in unison with base plate  28 . 
   Still looking at  FIG. 4 , in conjunction with other figures of the drawings, the vibrator mount assembly  40  includes an elongated vibrating member  42  which supports and guides a multiplicity of spaced thrusters  44 , and, for purposes of illustration, there are thirteen thrusters  44 , each having a splined shaft  46  (shown square in cross-section) received within complementary apertures  48  (shown as square apertures) formed perpendicularly respective the vibrating member  42 . Each of the apertures  48  reciprocatingly receive the splined rectangular shaft  46  of thrusters  44 . The rectangular shaft  46  of thrusters  44  extends through the complimentary apertures  48  so that rectangular shaft  46  remains properly oriented in indexed relationship respective a person&#39;s spinal column. That is, fixture  45  is positioned laterally respective a person&#39;s spine to dispose protrusions  145 ,  245  in a working area on opposite sides of the spine. 
   The thrusters  44  are actuated vertically when pushed upward by biasing means in the form of springs  50 . The lower end of the springs  50  are received in supported relationship by spring board  38 . The member  52  forms a supporting surface for springs  50  along the interior of spring board  38  and is curved as it follows the contour of the upper surface of table  10 , whereby springs  50  are supported to regulate the height of thrusters  44 , and the back engaging fixture  45  closely follow the contour of the table surface, or the person&#39;s back, while at the same time spring board  38  is moved vertically a predetermined amount to concurrently lift all of the massaging elements  145 ,  245  into proper engagement with the spinal column area. 
   Therefore, the protrusions  145  that form the massaging elements are about the level with the table top  11  and follow this level throughout the curvature of the table. Hence, the springs are jointly simultaneously adjustable for selecting the ideal pressure that each of the protrusions  145  exert against the back of the person lying face-up on the table, with the protrusions  145  being separated or spaced apart from one another by a distance equal to the spacing of the illustrated apertures  48  as described above. 
   As seen in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , the vibrator mount  42  is vibrated by a crank  52  that is rotated by motor  154  (see  FIG. 3 ) having a shaft at  54  connected for rotating the crank  52  at a high rate of rotational speed. The foot end of the vibrating rod  42  is connected to a crank journal at  56  in a manner to be rotated approximately 1780 rpm thereby rotating the foot end of the vibrating rod  42  at the speed of the crank, which is a circle equal to the radius of the crank  52 . 
   While crank  52  is vibrating the foot end of the vibrating bar  42  within the 0.2 inch radius circle, the head end of the vibrating bar  42  is reciprocatingly received at  43  within a bearing  70  seen in  FIG. 6  which pivots along axis  76  to allow the 0.4 in stroke or oscillation while concurrently allowing the bearing to pivot within that range. Opposed mounting ears  74 ,  174  are received within members  78 ,  79  connected, for example, to the bearing slide in any reasonable manner. 
   In the illustration of  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , the geometrical pattern described by the protrusions  145  ( FIG. 4 ) of the thrusters shaft  46  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) as they are moved by the vibrating bar  42  can be described as a spiral-like or a moving elliptical or circular figure as the thrusters are vibrated 1780 times a minute and while simultaneously traveling back and forth a total length of four inches in a fore and aft or reciprocating manner. Accordingly, this complex motion will be described as an oscillatory circular path or spiral  60  of  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9  to avoid misdescription. At the foot end  16  of table  10 , shaft  54  of motor  254  is connected to rotate the before mentioned crank  52  which is connected to move the foot end of the vibrating bar in a circle, in a manner as noted in  FIG. 7  in order to reciprocatingly vibrate mount or bar  54 . The crank arm is 0.2 inch in effective length, which describes a 0.4 diameter circle as it is revolved. The other end of vibrating bar  42  is reciprocatingly received within a bearing  70  (seen in  FIG. 6 ) which is mounted to the head end of vibrating member  40  and is free to pivotally move about journals  74 ,  174  having an axis  76  while concurrently being reciprocated within bearing  70  as it moves in a horizontal plane. This universal action will cause the thrusters to reciprocate back and forth 1780 times a minute, which is a total of 3560 strokes/minute, there being two strokes for each cycle of the crank. The springs  50  bias or push the knobs against the flesh of the person receiving the treatment with spring pressure exerting no greater than 6 pounds for each fixture. The pressure exerted on the patient&#39;s back can be increased or decreased by adjustment of the compression of the springs. The spring pressure can each be adjusted individually, by selecting the curvature of the member  52  of  FIG. 4 , or by placing individual spacers between the lower ends of the spring. The spring pressure is adjusted during operation by the controlled movement of the illustrated springboard  38  by means of the pneumatic cylinder  54 . It is preferred that the knobs  45  of the fixture do not press against the flesh of the back with more than 6 pounds applied at each shaft  46 . As knobs  45  are moving against the body they will also be making a complete cycle of the 0.4 inch movement 30 times every second in addition to the longitudinal movement of 2 to 4 inches each 5-10 seconds. It will be remembered that the thruster movement near the legs will be describing a relatively large circle with a 0.20 inch radius, while the adjacent knobs cycle within a sequentially diminishing radius due to the forever changing geometry of the mechanism, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 . 
   The spring board  38  is elevated by air cylinder  54  having piston  56  thereof attached to a regulated source of pressure such as an air compressor (not shown). Spring board  38  is mounted to  36  and is moved vertically by Piston  56  with the vertical displacement being within an adjustable range of 3 or 4 inches in order to bring fixture  45  into proper contact with a person&#39;s flexible flesh. The spring pressure imposed on each fixture at fixture  45  is determined by the pneumatic pressure of the air cylinder  54 , which elevates  36  to move  38  against  50  to thereby resiliently compress  50  and thereby bias shaft  46  with a constant upward force of about 6 pounds or less. As stated above, spring board  38  along with the base plate  28  are moved longitudinally by a crank about 4 inches at a rate of 6-12 reciprocation in one minute. During this time interval, springs  50  maintain all the springs of thrusters  44  simultaneously compressed or relaxed according to the pressure force each asserts against shaft  46 . 
   The rapid vibration of vibrator bar  42  is transmitted into each thruster  44 , causing each spring  50  to induce a harmonic motion therein, depending on how closely the vibrating mount assembly  40  is tuned to the oscillatory motion of the rotating crank. Hence, a maximum of a 6 pound compression between the vibrating shaft end and the stationary spring board  38  together with the horizontal vibration of vibrator bar  42  results in a minute vertical vibration which allows the knobs at  45  to move more freely against the skin with less friction than would otherwise be realized, thus allowing for low frictional contact between the constantly moving knobs  45  and the spinal area of the patient. 
   As described above, the vertical positioning of the spring board is achieved by air cylinder  54 , which is controlled by throttling the flow from an air compressor (not shown). The vertical position of spring board  38  is controlled by vertical piston shaft  56  which extends from base plate  28 , through a an aperture formed in spring board  56 . Rod springs  26  placed around vertical support rods  29  force the spring board down when the pressure at air cylinder  53  is relaxed. 
   In operation, the patient lies on his back with his spinal column area superimposed over the array of knobs. The desired spring pressure is selected, the machine is energized, and the massaging treatment commences and continues for whatever length of time is deemed desired. An appropriate person can terminate the treatment by reducing the pressure when desired by changing the air regulator valve to the  54 .