Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6547809?ie=ISO-8859-1
Timestamp: 2014-03-14 21:16:46
Document Index: 699721276

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n20', 'art 28', 'art 30', 'art 30', 'art 30', 'art 28', 'art 30', 'art 28', 'art 28', 'art 28']

Patent US6547809 - Multi-function chiropractic treatment table - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA rotatable chiropractic treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction and lateral movement of the spine of a patient includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor, and a system support assembly having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to the base, the support assembly including...http://www.google.com/patents/US6547809?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6547809 - Multi-function chiropractic treatment tableAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6547809 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/661,078Publication dateApr 15, 2003Filing dateSep 13, 2000Priority dateSep 14, 1999Fee statusPaidAlso published asWO2004071367A1Publication number09661078, 661078, US 6547809 B1, US 6547809B1, US-B1-6547809, US6547809 B1, US6547809B1InventorsDavid F. CucciaOriginal AssigneeDavid F. CucciaExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (12), Referenced by (6), Classifications (11), Legal Events (7) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMulti-function chiropractic treatment tableUS 6547809 B1Abstract A rotatable chiropractic treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction and lateral movement of the spine of a patient includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor, and a system support assembly having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to the base, the support assembly including a pivot axis proximal to upper end. The treatment table also includes a selectable reciprocal extension element having an upper end and a lower end, one end pivotally attached to the system support assembly, the selectable extension elements providing reciprocal movement of the one end relative to an opposite end. The table further includes a rigid support platform having an upper end and a lower end, the platform pivotally secured to the pivot axis of the support assembly and, further, pivotally secured to the one end of the selectable extension element to provide a resultant rotational motion of the support platform. The treatment table yet further includes a body support assembly adjustably positionable relative to the rigid support platform, the assembly having an upper end and a lower end; and an assembly for enabling the patient to remain on the body support assembly during rotational movement.
I claim: 1. A rotatable treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction, and lateral movement of the spine of a patient, the table comprising:
(a) a base adapted to rest upon a floor; (b) system support means having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to said base, said support means including a pivot axis proximal to said upper end thereof; (c) means for selectable reciprocal extension having an upper end and a lower end, one end pivotally attached to said system support means, said selectable extension means providing reciprocal movement of said one end relative to an opposite end thereof; (d) a rigid support platform having a lower part and an upper part, said platform pivotally secured to said pivot axis of said system support means and, further, pivotally secured to said one end of said selectable extension means, thereby providing a resultant rotational motion of said support platform; (e) a body support assembly adjustably positionable relative to said rigid support platform, said assembly having an upper end and a lower end; and (f) means for enabling said patient to remain on said body support assembly during rotational movement thereof. 2. The system as recited in claim 1 in which said body support assembly further comprises:
a contoured lumbar and buttock support in which a center of gravity of a patient is within a longitudinal dimension of said lower end of said body support assembly. 3. The table as recited in claim 2 further comprising:
means for adjusting a radius of said contoured lumbar and buttock support above a plane of an upper part of said body support assembly to thereby impart a selectable radius to said lumbar support, thereby providing correction of anatomical curvature of the lower back. 4. The table as recited in claim 2 in which:
said body support assembly comprises a torso support assembly and a head support assembly. 5. The table as recited in claim 2 further comprising:
a head assembly mounted to said body support assembly above said lumbar support, and postionally adjustable in a plane normal to said assembly within a range extending above and below a plane thereof. 6. The treatment table as recited in claim 2 further comprising patient gripping means transversely dependent from said rigid support platform.
7. The table as recited in claim 2 further comprising:
a head assembly mounted to said body support assembly above said lumbar support, and postionally adjustable in a plane normal to said assembly within a range extending above and below a plane thereof. 8. The treatment table as recited in claim 2 further comprising patient gripping means transversely dependent from said system support means.
9. The table as recited in claim 1 further comprising:
a lumbar support assembly separated from said body support assembly; and means for independent articulation and movement of said lumbar assembly in a plane either above, or tilted relative to proximal portions of said body support assembly. 10. The table as recited in claim 9 further comprising:
a leg support assembly transversely mounted to said rigid platform, said assembly comprising a cushion positionally adjustable relative to a plane normal to said platform and having a range extending below said plane in which the curvature of the lower body of a patient, beneath the center of gravity thereof, may be thereby regulated, whereby a variety of therapeutic effects upon the spine of a patient may be accomplished through dynamic rotation thereof off of the ground, selectable positional adjustment of said body platform relative to said base, and change in position of either or both said back assembly and said leg support assembly relative to the patient center of gravity. 11. The table as recited in claim 10 further comprising:
means for permitting lateral movement of said leg support assembly relative to a longitudinal axis of said body support platform. 12. The treatment table as recited in claim 9 further comprising:
a transverse overhead gripping bar. 13. The treatment table as recited in claim 9 further comprising:
an adjustable lumbar support assembly tiltable both relative to a primary plane of said body support assembly and relative to said rigid support platform. 14. The table as recited in claim 9 further comprising:
a leg support assembly transversely mounted to said rigid platform, said assembly comprising a cushion positionally adjustable relative to a plane normal to said platform and having a range extending below said plane in which the curvature of the lower body of a patient, beneath the center of gravity thereof, may be thereby regulated, whereby a variety of therapeutic effects upon the spine of a patient may be accomplished through dynamic rotation thereof off of the ground, selectable positional adjustment of said body platform relative to said base, and change in position of either or both said back assembly and said leg support assembly relative to the patient center of gravity. 15. The table as recited in claim 9 further comprising:
a leg support assembly transversely mounted to said rigid platform, said assembly comprising a cushion positionally adjustable relative to a plane normal to said platform and having a range extending below said plane in which the curvature of the lower body of a patient, beneath the center of gravity thereof, may be thereby regulated, whereby a variety of therapeutic effects upon the spine of a patient may be accomplished through dynamic rotation thereof off of the ground, selectable positional adjustment of said body platform relative to said base, and change in position of either or both said back assembly and said leg support assembly relative to the patient center of gravity. 16. The treatment table as recited in claim 1 further comprising:
means for permitting a patient to hold onto the treatment table during a dynamic rotation thereof. 17. The table as recited in claim 1 in which said system support means further comprises extensible elevation means, an upper end thereof including said pivot axis.
18. The table as recited in claim 17 further comprising:
a lumbar support assembly separated from said body support assembly; and means for independent articulation and movement of said lumbar assembly in a plane either above, below, or tilted relative to proximal portions of said body support assembly. 19. The table as recited in claim 1 in which said upper part of said rigid support platform defines a plane tilted convexly relative to plane defined by said lower part.
20. A rotatable treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction, and lateral movement of the spine of a patient, the table comprising:
(a) a base adapted to rest upon a floor; (b) system support means having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to said base, said support means including a pivoted fulcrum proximal to said upper end thereof; (c) means for selectable reciprocal extension having an upper end and a lower end, one end pivotally attached to said system support means, said selectable extension means providing reciprocal movement of said one end relative to an opposite end thereof; (d) a rigid support platform having a lower end and an upper end, said platform rigidly secured to said fulcrum and, further, pivotally secured to said one end of said selectable extension means, thereby providing a resultant rotational motion of said support platform; (e) a body support assembly adjustably positionable relative to said rigid support platform, said assembly having an upper end and a lower end; and (f) means for enabling said patient to remain on said body support assembly during rotational movement thereof, and (g) means for mechanically incrementally rotating said fulcrum and associated support platform. 21. The system as recited in claim 20 in which said body support assembly further comprises:
a contoured lumbar and buttock support in which a center of gravity of a patient is within a longitudinal dimension of said lower end of said body support assembly. Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This case corresponds in part to the subject matter of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/153,690, filed Sep. 14, 1999. The subject matter thereof is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The within invention is an improvement of the inventions of my U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,915,101 (1990) and 5,922,011 (1999).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A rotatable treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction and lateral movement of the spine of a patient is provided. The table more particularly includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor, and system support means having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to said base, said support means including a pivot axis proximal to said upper end thereof. The treatment table also includes means for selectable reciprocal extension having an upper end and a lower end, one end pivotally attached to said system support means, said selectable extension means providing reciprocal movement of said one end relative to an opposite end thereof. The table further includes a rigid support platform having an upper end and a lower end, said platform pivotally secured to said pivot axis of said support means and, further, pivotally secured to said one end of said selectable extension means, thereby providing a resultant rotational motion of the support platform. The treatment table yet further includes a body support assembly adjustably positionable relative to said rigid support platform, said assembly having an upper end and a lower end; and means for enabling said patient to remain on said body support assembly during rotational movement thereof.
Another object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose rotatable traction/treatment table permitting patient rotation and dynamic lifting of a patient while standing, concurrently with selective patient body positionings as may be required in the treatment of disc herniations and other disorders and/or maintenance of proper human posture.
Yet another object of the invention to provide a treatment table having a range of motion from zero to at least ninety degrees and, within that range, which can pivot from zero to at least ninety degrees, thereby providing the ability to achieve spinal positioning including spinal flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and axial spinal positioning and traction in the absence of a lower leg support assembly enabled by inherent torso support and placement of the human body at or near its center of gravity at the lower back support assembly.
It is another object to provide a system than can concurrently or sequentially lift and/or rotate the patient, this providing various treatment options to the physician, including more effective and safer traction of vertebral segments by inducing less stress on articulate vertebral surfaces of patient, and a generally more ergonomic patient interface.
It is a further object to effectuate flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and axial spinal positioning through easily accessed patient activated control switches to allow patient participation in treatment, improved patient safety, and better patient compliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventive chiropractic table.
FIG. 8 is a side plan view of a further embodiment of the invention in which an extensible pneumatic piston is used to provide independent articulation and movement of a lumbar assembly relative to the body support assembly of the treatment table.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to the views of FIGS. 1 through 4, the present chiropractic treatment table for effecting extension, flexion, traction and distraction of the spine of a patient, may be seen to include a base 10 adapted to rest upon a floor 12, in a typical treatment room of a chiropractor, physical therapist, or other health professionals involved in physical medicine. The chiropractic table may be seen to optionally include a pair of extensible elevation means 14 and 16, which may be a part of system support means 24. Means 14 and 16 thereby accommodate patients of various heights and can assist in the positioning of patients on the table.
With reference to FIG. 3, it may be seen that the extensible elevation means 14 and 16 (if they are used) preferably comprise extensible hydraulic pistons, each including an upper end 18 and a lower end 20. Said upper end 18 includes a transverse horizontal pivot axis 22 which thereby connects thru said upper ends 18 of each of the elevation means 14 and 16. As may be appreciated in the views of FIGS. 1 through 3, the lower ends 20 of each of the vertical elevation means are also a part of system support means 24 and may be integrally secured to said base 10 through the use of a diagonal support and/or other means not shown in the drawings.
The instant multi-purpose treatment table further includes a rigid support platform 26 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) having an upper part 28 and a lower part 30. Said lower part 30 of rigid support platform 26 is secured to a pivot block 27 (see FIG. 3) which is rotatable upon pivot axis 22 at the approximate mid-point of lower part 30 of platform 26. As may be further noted, said upper part 28 defines a plane which is preferably tilted convexly (see FIG. 2) and at an angle of about thirty degrees relative to a plane defined by said lower part 30 of the rigid support platform 26. Such an angle is necessary in that it allows the patient's upper body to be ergonomically supported by a body support assembly 32, permitting the back to extend convexly and backward at variable selectable angles relative to base 10. Support assembly 32 is mounted upon said upper part 28 of said rigid support platform 26 includes means 31, 34, and 35 for selectable adjustment of a the angle of an upper area 33 of assembly 32 relative to a plane defined by said upper part 28 of support platform 26. This assembly 32 may include a protractor to more accurately to better measure said angle. Said body support assembly may or may not be divided into, or may or may not include, moveable sections with hydraulic or pneumatic pistons or other means for elevation and de-elevation of the body support assembly 32. Said assembly may contain an integral air bladder for additional immobilization.
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the system may also be seen to optionally include a pair of positionally adjustable arm support means 42 and 44 which are located proximally to the sides of the body support assembly 32. As is set forth below, said arm support means include a selectably adjustable rear portion 46 which is secured to said upper part 28 of the rigid support platform 26. Said arm support means 42 and 44 include (i) a substantially horizontal arm rests 50; (ii) a chest and shoulder support 51 situated posteriorly and angled inwardly in a patient direction from said arm rest; and (iii) a tilted hand grip 52 depending integrally upwardly and inwardly, proximally to said chest and shoulder supports 51. See FIG. 4.
With further reference to the figures, the present treatment table may be seen to optionally include a lumbar and buttock support assembly 40, which may or may not be integral with said body support assembly 32. Assembly 40 is connected to telescoping rods 21 (see FIG. 3) or other means which provide means for elevation and de-elevation thereof. Said assembly may include an internal air cushion in the form of an inflatable air bladder, for added support and tissue mobilization. The same is true of the upper torso support assembly.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the present chiropractic table may be seen to further include means for selectable reciprocal extension, i.e., an electromechanical linear actuator or an extensible hydraulic or pneumatic piston 57, mounted within a frame 59, which enables rotation of said rigid support platform 26 upon said horizontal pivot axis 22 by rotation of pivot block 27 to which platform 26 is secured. Frame 59 may include a protractor to better measure the degree of rotation. It is, accordingly, to be appreciated that extensible piston 57 facilitates a central function of the chiropractic table, i.e., the rotation of all assemblies attached to the rigid support platform 26, including body support assembly 32, the lumbar support assembly 40, and the adjustable arm support means 42, all through the use of a single control assembly, namely, extensible piston 57 of frame 59.
Shown in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a patient making use of shoulder and chest supports 42 and 44 and further showing an embodiment of the invention that includes lower hand grips 52 which, together with the entire assembly, provides safer patient restraint and/or securement while satisfying the patient's instinctive need to hold himself in position.
Shown in FIG. 5 is the rear of arm support assemblies 42 and 44, namely, a rotation assembly 48, selectable adjustment means 46, and guide locking means 55. Also shown is arm support locking means 61. The degrees of freedom effectuated by the assemblies shown in FIG. 5 are indicated by the linear and curved arrows therein.
In FIG. 6 is shown a further use of the invention which includes therein thoracic traction means 72 which is attached to transverse overhead arm gripping means 54. Also shown in FIG. 6 is a harness 73 which may be used secure and stabilize the patient relative to body support assembly 32, particularly during rotational movement thereof.
TBL LFT
TBL LWR
ROT BACK
ROT FWD
ARM DWN
ARM R. UP
ARM R. DOWN
RBK TL
RFW TLW
SAFETY ON AND OFF
A safety on and off button is included
which stops pneumatic/hydraulic
piston and ceases all table movement.
With reference to FIGS. 8 thru 11, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention which, more particularly, includes a base 100 adapted to rest upon a floor 102. Said embodiment of the invention further includes a system support means 104 which, as may be noted in the rear view of FIG. 10, includes two vertical members having a pivot axis 106 secured between upper ends 108 thereof.
The system of FIGS. 8 thru 11 further includes means for selectable reciprocal extension 110 in the nature of an electromechanical linear actuate or a piston 112 and cylinder 113 in which piston 112 thereof is attached at pivot point 114 to a pivot block 116. Associated with reciprocal extension means 110 is a linear rigid member 118 having a lower end 120 which is hinged to a lower end 121 of said reciprocal extension means 110. An upper end 122 of said rigid member 118 is rotationally secured to said pivot axis means 106. See FIG. 11. As may be further noted in the views of FIGS. 8 and 9, there is provided a rigid support platform 124 having an upper end 126 and a lower end 128. Said platform is pivotally secured to said pivot axis 106 thru the connection of pivot block 116 to said lower area 128 of the support platform 124. It is to be appreciated that through the co-action of reciprocal extension means 110 and rigid member 118 relative to pivot axis 106 and pivot block 116 (to which piston 112 of extension means 110 is also secured), the entire rigid support platform 124 may be rotated relative to pivot axis 106. Typically, such a rotation can be effected manually by the chiropractic physician in that, when a patient is positioned upon body support assembly 130, the center of gravity of the present chiropractic table with the patient therein will be located closely enough to pivot axis 106 to permit rotation of support platform 124 and with it, body support assembly 130, with a minimal effort on the part of the physician.
As may be further noted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the body support assembly 130 includes an upper portion 132 and a contoured lumbar and buttock support 134. Therein, upper portion 132 is angularly and translationally adjustable relative to rigid support platform 124 by scissors arms 136. Therein, the distance of upper portion 132 relative to support platform 124 may be altered, as may be the angle of the plane of said portion 132 relative to platform 124.
Yet further shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 thru 11 is the use of airfoil pistons 138 and 139, both of which are secured, at the proximal ends thereof, to pivot block 116 of rigid support platform 124. It is, however, to be noted that lower airfoil piston 138 is pivotally secured to lower portion 128 at a pivot point 140, while upper airfoil piston 139 is rigidly secured to block 116. It is also noted that lumbar and buttock support 134 is pivotally attached to distal ends of airfoil pistons 138 and 139 and points 142 and 44 respectively. As such, lumbar support 134 may be readily tilted relative to pivot point 140 to provide independent articulation, movement, and adjustment of the effective radius of support 134 relative to lower portion 138 of platform 124. Further shown in FIG. 11 are side gripping means 165.
At the upper center of FIG. 11 is shown arm adjustment means 148 (see also FIG. 12) which enables translation movement of arm assemblies change to accommodate patients of different heights. FIG. 11 also indicates that multiple vertical elements, such as vertical members 150 may be employed, in combination with said vertical members 104, to provide a more stable system support means. At the bottom of FIG. 11 is shown a lower support platform extension 152 which may be used to shorten or extend the length of lower portion 128 of the support platform 124. Further shown in FIG. 11 are side gripping means 165.
In the views of FIGS. 12 and 13 is shown a further embodiment of the invention in which a fulcrum axis 206 is fixed relative to a body support assembly 224 and pivot block 216. In this embodiment, the entire support platform is rigidly fixed to the fulcrum 206 such that through the use of an output 250 from a motor or other electromechanical actuator 252, a gear 254, or mechanically equivalent means, may be used to effect a tilting of fulcrum 206 and, therewith, support platform 224 and its associated body assembly 230. In all other respects, the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 follows that of the embodiments of FIGS. 8 through 11, however, shown in FIG. 12 is an optional element, applicable to both assemblies, namely, a leg support assembly 256. Such leg and calf support assemblies affords a variety of therapeutic effects upon the spine of the patient and, particularly, in the context of (i) dynamic rotation of the patient off the ground, (ii) selectable positional adjustment of the body platform relative to the base, and (iii) in the ability to more easily position either or both back assembly 232 and lumbar support 234 relative to a patient's center of gravity.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3568669 *Mar 27, 1969Mar 9, 1971Physicare IncTilting health tableUS4103681 *Sep 10, 1976Aug 1, 1978Shanley Bernard JTilting traction apparatusUS4546764 *Apr 8, 1983Oct 15, 1985Invacare CorporationPostural drainage bedUS4672697 *Oct 25, 1985Jun 16, 1987Schuerch ErnestoTilting exercise bed actuated by a linear electromechanical deviceUS4739749 *Mar 21, 1986Apr 26, 1988Lindley William LOrthospinal chairUS4915101 *Nov 27, 1987Apr 10, 1990Cuccia David FRotatable treatment table having adjustable support assembliesUS5176706 *Sep 6, 1991Jan 5, 1993Lee Jong WSpinal curvature correction deviceUS5512040 *Sep 1, 1994Apr 30, 1996Mathews; Paul K.Spinal traction deviceUS5840001 *Mar 24, 1997Nov 24, 1998Schedel; Robert M.Therapy exercise tableUS5860899 *Oct 7, 1996Jan 19, 1999New Back Technologies, L.L.C.Back manipulating apparatusUS5922011 *Jun 13, 1997Jul 13, 1999Cuccia; David F.Multi-function chiropractic treatment tableUS6298854 *Jan 23, 1996Oct 9, 2001Christer SundstromUrology and gynecology bench* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6905508 *Apr 10, 2003Jun 14, 2005David F. CucciaLumbar support and adjustment assemblyUS7189214Jan 22, 2002Mar 13, 2007The Saunders Group, Inc.Multi-axis cervical and lumbar traction tableUS7309347 *Jul 25, 2005Dec 18, 2007Cuccia David FFoot and calf support and adjustment assemblyUS7341567 *Sep 10, 2003Mar 11, 2008D Amico Anthony TTraction device for physical therapyUS7381214Aug 24, 2005Jun 3, 2008Encore Medical Asset CorporationControl system for lift assembly associated with chiropractic drop mechanismUS8167907Aug 25, 2005May 1, 2012Encore Medical Asset CorporationChiropractic table with continuous passive motion* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification606/242, 606/241, 606/244International ClassificationA61G13/00, A61H1/02Cooperative ClassificationA61H1/0229, A61G13/009, A61H1/0222European ClassificationA61H1/02D12, A61H1/02D1, A61G13/00MLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 14, 2011SULPSurcharge for late paymentYear of fee payment: 7Apr 14, 2011FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Nov 22, 2010REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedNov 14, 2006SULPSurcharge for late paymentNov 14, 2006FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Nov 1, 2006REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedJul 3, 2006ASAssignmentOwner name: ADVANCED BACK TECHNOLOGIES, INC., NEW YORKFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CUCCIA, DAVID F.;REEL/FRAME:018099/0340Effective date: 20060615RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google